People

(As we speak, the Metro Board of Directors is deciding whether or not to seek the funds and support to "accelerate" the I-710 Big Dig. Earlier this year, the Board voted to seek acceleration for every highway project accept the Dig thanks to a motion by Glendale City Council Member and Metro Board Member Ara Najarian. The following is written testimony by Jan Soo-Hoo of the No-710 Action Committee. A copy of the testimony, with supporting letters from leaders in surrounding communities, can be found, here. - DN)

"The rank and file has lost confidence in our general manager," thundered Mike Hunt, an LADOT engineer and "proud" SEIU Union Steward. "He doesn't listen to us. He ridicules us every chance he gets. He puts the blame on us for doing our job, and implementing the policies he put forth for us."

Yesterday's announcement that a planned pedestrian bridge for most of the corners of Lankershim Boulevard and Universal Hollywood Drive would cost $27 million, instead of the originally announced $19 million, was more bad news for those striving to make Los Angeles' streets a better place. When Streetsblog last reported on this project, the cost was only $19 million, which seemed an expensive alternative to improving the intersection to facilitate pedestrian traffic.

Last week's media-friendly launch of the Great Streets Program overshadowed another announcement that could have a far greater impact on how Los Angeles thinks about streets and public space. The city also announced the launch of People St (as in People Street), a program that will allow residents, business owners and non-profits to ask for and plan projects that convert portions of the street to bike corrals, parklets or plazas.

Update: A copy of the executive directive is available after the jump.

Garcetti layed out his own transportation agenda in our interview series during the primaries.

Garcetti,  LaBonge and O'Farrell promote the  redesign and ask for public comment.

Yesterday, Council Member Tom LaBonge called to follow-up on our bicycle licensing story from Monday.

By the time I hit Spring Street, I was in a bad mood.