Traffic Enforcement

In an effort to control drivers who speed along one of Long Beach’s most at-risk stretches of asphalt—East Wardlow Road—the City has installed an innovative speed detection system that will halt those going too fast. Dubbed “Operation Rest in Red,” the 6,000-foot stretch of Wardlow between Studebaker Road and Claremore Avenue now has a traffic … Continued

On Tuesday, I was honored to be featured on a panel at the Pro Walk Pro Bike Conference entitled, "Crash Reduction through Advocacy, Enforcement, and Support Programs." In addition to myself, I was joined by Peter Flucke and Rebecca Resman. Since we know most Streetsblog readers don't get to go to conferences such as Pro Walk Pro Bike, Flucke, Resman and I thought we would do our best to bring our small part of this conference to you.

After months of Dennis Zine free reporting on Streetsblog, the Valley Councilman and Candidate for Comptroller is suddenly a hot topic.  Yesterday, we quoted Zine urging 4th of July revelers to use the Orange Line while lightly mocking those who drove to his fireworks spectacular.  Today, the former police officer captured a larger spotlight, for helping to detain a recklessly driving Justin Bieber on the 101.  The Daily News reports:

(This is the second part in a series on how police actions can make people feel unsafe in their own communities.  After all, if one can't be outside in their own space without fear of harassment, be it from the police or gangs, then how can a street be Livable?  Read part one, here. - DN)

It's been two weeks since the LAPD closed their investigation into the April 6th bicycle crash that left Susanna Schick hospitalized with broken ribs, concussions and other  injuries.  Schick claims that the driver of a white Lexus ran her down from behind in the late night crash.  The LAPD claims she fell off her bicycle.  The police basically refused to investigate the crash, despite press reports promising a thorough investigation, and because Schick claims a hit and run, there will likely never be true resolution to the crash.

Earlier today, AEG announced the completion of the first draft of environmental documents for Farmers Field, the proposed football stadium for Downtown Los Angeles.  The document, available on City Planning's website, is a mammoth 10,000 pages and the ceremonial handing over of the documents to the city at today's event involved 13 overflowing three ring binders.

An article in today's Los Angeles Times looks at the fatal crash that killed 25 year old Devin Petelski, a counselor for troubled children.   What makes this story more interesting than most is that the car that smashed into Petelski's BMW Sedan was a Crown Victoria with flashing lights driven by Officer James Eldridge, a 20 year veteran of the LAPD.

As the year draws to a close, the a debate is popping up between LAPD leadership and the Los Angeles Police Protective League over how to handle unlicensed drivers.  Yesterday, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck announced that the City of Los Angeles would allow unlicensed drivers pulled over by the police to call a friend or family member to pick up their car rather than have it be impounded.  Beck explained the decision to the Times: