Day: November 8, 2011
Streetsblog LA
Mayor, Garcetti, and Englander Call for Exempting Auto Dealers from City’s Business Tax
Picture this. One day one of the most important political figures in the city stands in front of a major Downtown attraction and announces that train service to this attraction will be increased dramatically in the coming weeks. The next day, a major political figure, flanked by an up-and-coming political star and the City Council President, stands with the head of the local automotive dealer lobbying group and announces a political proposal to end business taxes for car dealerships.
November 8, 2011
Streetsbloggers Respond to the Times’ Buy Here Pay Here Series
First, let's state for the record that Ken Bensinger and the Los Angeles Times did a public service by shining a harsh light on the largely unregulated "Buy Here Pay Here" used car dealership industry. Too many dealers in this industry and preying on poor people desperate for a car by intentionally driving up their debt so that in the end the "dealership" ends up with the shoppers money and gets a chance to sell the car all over again.
November 8, 2011
Saving the Farm: The Fight to Keep Sprawl From Engulfing Rural America
On Streetsblog we talk a lot about the effect of sprawl on cities and suburbs. It forces people to drive everywhere, to the detriment of their physical and financial health. It pollutes the air and drains city budgets.
November 8, 2011
Thank You Joel and Karen, Now Mark Your Calendar for December 8
Last weekend, Joel Epstein and Karen Sarachik hosted a fundraiser to benefit L.A. Streetsblog. Nearly twenty people, representing organizations including Bikerowave, Bikeside, Friends for Expo Transit, the Sierra Club and the Southern California Transit Advocates, were in attendance joining writers for The Source, Huffington Post and California Planning and Development Report. A great evening with friends and supporters and we raised well over $1,000 to support Streetsblog's operations.
November 8, 2011
Senate’s Draft Transpo Bill Ends Earmarks But Weakens Bike-Ped Programs
Last Friday, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee released its draft transportation reauthorization bill. With the GOP-controlled House contemplating a national transportation policy designed for maximum fossil fuel consumption, the best opportunities for reform reside in the Senate.
November 8, 2011