This Week In Livable Streets

West Santa Ana Branch, L.A. City complete streets, Metro Public Safety Advisory Committee, Taco Ride, and more:

Varies – L.A. County Public Health’s 2 p.m. COVID-19 briefings are now generally on Mondays and Wednesdays. Watch at the County Channel, Channel 94 on most cable systems, or via the County of Los Angeles Facebook page, where broadcast briefings are archived.
Starting Monday 8/16 – today – Metro will host community input meetings on its West Santa Ana Branch rail project. Metro recently released the project’s draft Environmental Impact Report and is accepting EIR comments through Tuesday 9/28. Details at The Source or Metro project webpage. Virtual meetings will take place:
– Monday 8/16 from 5-7 p.m. via Zoom or call-in (213)338-8477, meeting ID: 833 4506 4455
– Thursday 8/19 from 6-8 p.m. via Zoom or call in (213)338-8477, meeting ID: 980 0887 2988
– Saturday 8/21 from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom or call-in (213)338-8477, meeting ID: 996 2656 0726
– Tuesday 8/24 from noon to 2 p.m. via Zoom or call-in (213)338-8477, meeting ID: 986 2612 6175
– Thursday 8/26 from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom or call-in (213)338-8477, meeting ID: 872 5853 7996
– Saturday 8/28 from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom or call-in (213)338-8477, meeting ID: 986 4545 5706
Tuesday 8/17 – The L.A. City Council Transportation Committee will meet to vote on several items, including the city’s Complete Streets Program revamps of portions of Culver Boulevard, La Brea Avenue, and Highland Avenues. Streets for All is urging public comment in support of including the Mobility Plan-approved bus lanes on La Brea. The meeting will take place starting at 2 p.m. at City Hall. Access details and staff reports via the meeting agenda.
Wednesday 8/18 – The L.A. City Council Public Safety Committee will meet to vote on several items, including a motion (council file 20-1267) that would determine ways the city can limit the use of modified mufflers, especially in noise-sensitive areas – and another (council file 21-0870) that would encourage traffic calming measures to curb street racing. Streets for All is urging public comment in support of both motions. The meeting will start at 3:30 p.m. Access details and staff reports via the meeting agenda.
Wednesday 8/18 – Metro will host the next meeting of its Public Safety Advisory Committee from 5 – 6:30 p.m. Details at Metro PSAC webpage.
Wednesday 8/18 and Saturday 8/21 – Metro will hold two virtual public hearings for the planned Metrolink Antelope Valley Line Capacity and Service Improvements. Metro released the project’s draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) in late July and is taking EIR comments through September 10. Antelope Valley Line (AVL) Capacity and Service Improvements would improve service frequency and reliability along the 76.6-mile AVL passenger rail corridor between Lancaster and downtown Los Angeles. Per Metro, around 66 percent of the AVL rail corridor is single track, which limits the ability to run more frequent service and to keep trains on schedule. Three capital improvements currently being studied include: Balboa Double Track Extension located in the city of Los Angeles, Canyon Siding Extension located in the city of Santa Clarita, and Lancaster Terminal Improvements located in the city of Lancaster. AVL line improvements are part of the $10 billion Southern California Optimized Rail Expansion (SCORE) program. Public hearings will be:
– Wednesday 8/18 from 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom or call-in (213) 338-8477, meeting ID: 948 3461 0205
– Saturday 8/21 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. via Zoom or call-in (213) 338-8477, meeting ID: 998 8162 7606
Further details, including how to submit DEIR comments, at Metro’s project webpage.
Saturday 8/21 – Stan’s Bike Shop will host its second Summer Taco Ride. Starting at the shop in Azusa, the eight-mile-total ride is for biking families and individuals who enjoy a slow summer evening cruise for the best authentic street tacos. Details at Facebook event.
Sunday 8/22 – One day, the Streetsblog L.A. summer fundraiser will end!