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Streetsblog LA
Is Bikelash Spreading to Some of the More Progressive Neighborhood Councils?
Last night, the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council voted to "reconsider" its support of the recently-passed Mobility Plan for the City of Los Angeles. The plan, which places safety at the center of all transportation decisions instead of vehicle travel speed, has been a favorite target for conservative talk radio hosts, "Fix the City," and now some Neighborhood Councils who favor the reverse.
September 3, 2015
First Round of Great Streets Improvements Continue on Cesar Chavez; City Says Community Engagement on Horizon
Tracking the Great Streets program as it has begun to unfold around town has, at times, been a bit of an exercise in frustration. Which never fails to strike me as odd, given Mayor Eric Garcetti's declaration that the transformation of the 15 chosen streets into gathering places would happen via a "bottom-up and community-based process" in which the city "[worked] with neighborhood stakeholders to develop a vision for each corridor."
September 2, 2015
Rest in Peace, Howard Krepack
I first met Howard Krepack in the late fall of 2010. After a brief hiatus, Streetsblog Los Angeles had just "re-launched," backed by a new non-profit and with a budget so small that I was working full-time on a part-time contract that we couldn't even afford.
August 31, 2015
#DamienTalks Episode 15: LADOT General Manager Seleta Reynolds on Vision Zero
Today, #DamienTalks with Seleta Reynolds, the General Manager of the Los Angeles Department of Transportation about the City of Los Angeles' recent announcement that L.A. will be a Vision Zero City.
August 26, 2015
Garcetti Signs Vision Zero Directive to End L.A. Traffic Deaths by 2025
Today, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti signed a directive [PDF] that commits city departments to Vision Zero. Specifically, the City of Los Angeles is committed to reducing traffic fatalities to zero by the year 2025.
August 24, 2015
Highlights From Metro CEO Phil Washington Speaking At Zócalo
Last night, Zócalo hosted a conversation with Metro CEO Phil Washington, just over three months into his new post. Washington was interviewed by Conan Nolan of NBC television, and responded to questions from the audience. Video, audio, and a recap of the event are available at Zócalo.
August 20, 2015
Scramble Crosswalks Ready for Their Star Turn in Hollywood
Responding to community concerns that the high volume of pedestrian traffic at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue was creating an unsafe crossing, City Councilmember Mitch O'Farrell and the Department of Transportation recently announced that a "pedestrian scramble" will be installed by the end of the year.
August 18, 2015
Garcetti Livable Streets Report Card Open Thread
Last week the Los Angeles Times ran an editorial evaluating Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti at two years into his initial term of office. The article includes a report card, with various letter grades, including Leadership: C-, Vision: B+, and an overall grade of C.
August 14, 2015
Venice Great Streets Phase 1: Road Diet, Protected Bike Lanes, Mid-Block Crossings
(Update: While I have the term "phase 1" in my notes, I was corrected that there are no formal "phases" to the project. Right now there is only a firm plan for the transportation improvements, but will be implemented as opportunities arise, such as partnerships with community groups or businesses. They could happen before, or after, the transportation improvements. - DN)
August 13, 2015
With CicLAvia in the Rearview Mirror, Mar Vista Plans for a Pop-Up Great Street
Despite Great Streets being a signature transportation project of Mayor Eric Garcetti, throughout the city the vision, outreach, and implementation are driven by the enthusiasm of the local City Council offices. Staff in the Mayor's Office is working closely with each of the fifteen Councilmembers to create a Great Streets program that is locally-driven and Council-approved.
August 12, 2015