Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Damien Goodmon

Closing Argument: Damien Goodmon Talks Expo Safety at Farmdale Station

As part of a collaboration with Intersections, South L.A. I had a chance to speak with Damien Goodmon, the head of the Citizen's Campaign to Fix the Expo Line.  While I jokingly refer to Goodmon as "my evil twin," a reference to both some people getting us confused and his no-holds barred style of advocacy; I've come to respect him for relentlessly pushing his causes even though I don't agree with him all the time. Of course, I've never been on the receiving end of one of his attacks.

On Monday, we were joined by Intersections' film maker Molly Gray and we chatted about the campaign, lessons learned, the Crenshaw Suhway, and what are the next steps for the Citizens' Campaign.  At one point (not included on the film) he stresses that it's the Citizen's Campaign to FIX the Expo Line, not defeat it.  In their view, there are still crossings that need to be improved before they can rest.

When asked about Farmdale Station, Ground Zero for the battle over grade crossings and safety, and whether he was happy with it, Goodmon gave a complicated answer, "Absolutely not. But it's hard not to claim victory when you see what they were going to do at this intersection and others ... I want to believe the kids are safer than they would have been. Safe would have been grade separating it."

Intersections posted the video as well, feel free to join the conversation there as well.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

What’s Next for Measure HLA, in the Face of Metro Opposition?

This is probably something a judge would need to decide at some point

March 21, 2025

Metro Lawyers Up Against Measure HLA, Tells L.A. City that Metro Projects Don’t Require Planned Bus/Bike/Walk Improvements

Metro: "any attempt to enforce [Measure HLA] against Metro is beyond the City's legal authority, and Metro will challenge any such attempt."

March 19, 2025

Metro Tests Foothill A Line Extension, Authority Prepares to Construct Next Segment

Emergency drills are being practiced and vital systems double checked while a final price tag and start date are being worked out for Pomona to Montclair.

March 19, 2025
See all posts