Local News in Brief : Planning Panelist Leaving

Sam Botwin, one of five Los Angeles planning commissioners, has asked Mayor Tom Bradley not to reappoint him now that his four-year term is up.

Botwin, 73, has not formally announced that he is leaving, but he said in an interview Wednesday that he is tired of fighting heavy traffic on the trip from his home in San Pedro to Van Nuys, where the commission’s weekly meetings are often held. In addition, Botwin said his workload has become heavier recently, with the commission sometimes holding two meetings a week instead of one.

The commission makes recommendations to the City Council on land use and development. Botwin’s term technically expires today, when the commission is scheduled to act on a controversial plan to rezone the Port of Los Angeles. However, Botwin said he has told his fellow commissioners he will stay until Bradley appoints his replacement.

Botwin has provided a link between city government and harbor-area residents, who often complain that they are ignored by far-off City Hall. Early in his tenure, Botwin persuaded the Planning Commission to hold regular meetings in San Pedro.