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Streetsblog LA
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
Phil Washington’s Metro Re-Org Imports Denver Leadership
In a July 23 memo [PDF] to Metro staff, new CEO Phil Washington outlined his initial foray into Metro restructuring, including leadership changes at many key posts. In May, Washington left his post as head of Denver RTD to lead Metro. Washington now brings former Denver colleagues to staff three high-level Metro leadership positions.
August 6, 2015
Opinion: Climate Change Leaves No Room for Phonies: The Westwood Bike Lane Represents the Future–or Failure–of Los Angeles
Recently, Los Angeles City Councilmember Paul Koretz joined Mayor Eric Garcetti and others at a preview of the Expo Line Phase II, which extends that light rail line from its current terminus in Culver City, all the way to downtown Santa Monica. Afterwards, a press conference for this long-overdue project was held at the nearly-completed Palms Station, where they gave speeches and celebrated this milestone toward providing better mobility and lowering greenhouse gas emissions.
July 27, 2015
Reps Pelosi and Lieu Tout ‘Grow America’ Transportation Bill
Elected officials, labor leaders, and Metro's CEO assembled this morning to call on Congress to pass a long-term transportation bill. In order to highlight the ways that transportation infrastructure funding benefits communities, the press event showcased the bluff-top construction site of the city of Santa Monica's California Incline retrofit project.
July 17, 2015
Great Streets, Tactical Urbanism, and the Challenge of Flipping the Traditional Planning Process on its Head
When, in mid-May, the Mayor’s Office put out a call for proposals offering up to $20,000 in Great Streets Challenge Grants for applicants seeking to foster community via imaginative uses of public space, I’ll admit my heart sank.
July 9, 2015
Editorial: My Unsolicited Advice for City Councilmember David Ryu
It's July. That means a new budget year for government agencies, where there is some turnover: some new faces, new officers, and new committees.
July 2, 2015
Transportation Committee Questions LAPD’s 8,000+ Annual Ped Tickets
This afternoon the Los Angeles City Council Transportation Committee discussed a motion questioning the effectiveness of LAPD's "jaywalking" enforcement. The pedestrian enforcement motion, 15-0546, was authored by City Councilmember Mike Bonin, who chairs the committee.
June 24, 2015