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

Streetscast: Audio from Our July Interview with Mayor Villaraigosa

Last month, L.A. Streetsblog Editor Damien Newton and Streetsblog LITE editor Veronica Hernandez sat down for a wide-ranging 45 minute interview with Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Deputy Mayor for Transportation Borja Leon and Communications Deputy Barb Solish.

Our two-part series shows a Mayor's office that had a long-term plan for transportation planning when Villaraigosa took office seven years ago. Despite jeers from many quarters, including this one, it's undeniable that the city has made long strides this year. You can read Streetblog's coverage of the interview here and here.

One of the great things about working in this medium is the ability to do more than just write articles. Streetsblog is proud to present the audio from the interview below. We broke the interview up as best we could so that people can find topics that they are most interested in hearing more. Sometimes Villaraigosa jumped between topics too fast to do a clean editing job.

The Mayor kicks off the interview by telling the story of how his son, ie the next generation, "lives" more environmentally sustainably than the current one.

Villaraigosa discusses the politics of his first, unsuccessful, run for mayor and how it impacted his thinking on planning strategy.

Early years as Metro Board Chair

The Battle of Measure R

More on the Battle of Measure R

Once Measure R was passed, there were a host of new challenges. These included passing a Long Term Transportation Plan and finding ways to "speed up" construction.

Maybe you've heard, but the Mayor's Office has been involved in work with CicLAvia and expanding the bike network.

Of course, this is still Los Angeles. Villaraigosa also discussed ways to improve and modernize the local freeway system, including a battle over congestion pricing.

The Mayor makes the case for acceleration, and not just of transit projects. When he says "those guys," he's referring to the media in general and the Times' editorial board in particular.

Towards the end of the interview, Villaraigosa spoke more generally of things we, as a society, we need to commit to.

Wrap Up: Villaraigosa declines to say he wants Ray LaHood's Job

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Friday Bikeway Briefs: Pacoima Wash Path Open, Downtown Protection Extended

San Fernando's Pacoima Wash walk/bike path is open - and the city installed more modular curb-protection along downtown L.A.'s Main Street parking-protected bike lanes

December 13, 2024

Do You Love Our San Gabriel Valley Coverage? Then Consider a Donation to our EOY Fundraising Drive

SGV Connect podcast, newsletter and news coverage gets better every year. Help us continue to grow by making a donation today.

December 12, 2024

Metro to Strengthen Station Fare Gates

Metro is installing taller stronger fare gates at ten existing station. New stations - starting with LAX - will also the feature them

December 12, 2024
See all posts