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Streetsblog LA
The Mica Bill: Good for 30/10, Bad for Everyone Else. How Will Boxer Respond?
Much has been made of the proposal to reauthorize the Federal Transportation Trust Fund that was submitted by Republican Congressman John Mica last week. The Mica Bill has been criticized by Democrats who feel left out of the proposal, advocates for green transportation options who bristle at the proposed elimination of the bicycle and pedestrian programs and the construction industry shocked by dramatic cuts to an industry that is already seeing higher-than-average unemployment in an era where the unemployment rate is beyond average.
July 12, 2011
Next Up for the Streetsblog Reader Questionnaire: Zev Yaroslavsky
If there's one politician we've given a hard time to here at Streetsblog, it's County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Zev Yaroslavsky. Yesterday while we were IM'ing on Facebook (really!) I asked if he would join LADOT General Manager LADOT General Manager Jaime De La Vega and LAPD Sgt. David Krumer in answering a Streetsblog reader questionnaire.
July 7, 2011
More Expo Delays? Fight Between Expo Board, Culver City Could Delay Final Phase I Station
In November of 2007, the Expo Construction Authority and Culver City agreed that instead of building a "temporary" station at the terminus of Phase I of the Expo Project, that the Authority would build the permanent aerial station in time for the grand opening of Phase I. As part of that agreement, Culver City agreed to pay the Authority $7 million to cover some of the construction costs.
July 6, 2011
Crenshaw Update: Ridley-Thomas Pushes Community Benefits, Community Weighs Options for Subway/Leimert Station
When Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas' motions to make the Crenshaw Light Rail project run entirely below-grade and to construct a station at Leimert Park both failed, the Board Member promised he would be back with a new motion to improve the project in a different way. At last week's Metro Board Meeting, Ridley-Thomas introduced a motion calling for community benefits during construction of the Expo Line.
June 30, 2011
LADOT GM De La Vega on Better Data, Multi-Modalism and, Yes, Pedi-Cabs
We're two for two in getting strong, substantial responses to a Streetsblog reader questionaire. First Sargent David Krumer talked about the improved relationship between cyclists and the LAPD and now the new LADOT General Manager takes time to answer your questions on multi-modalism, data collection, budget issues and more.
June 29, 2011
Meet the New Metro Board Chair, Same As the Old Metro Board Chair
Three years ago, Antonio Villaraigosa took over as Chair of the Metro Board of Directors and used the influence of the Chair to guide the legislation that would lead to the creation of Measure R. The Mayor of Los Angeles chairs the Metro Board once every three years, and Villaraigosa will hold the seat from July 1 until June 30, 2012. When you consider that the Mayor just took over the presidency of the Conference of Mayors, you can see he certainly has his hands full these days.
June 24, 2011
Traffic Light Construction Begins at Deadly Intersection in North Hollywood
The past week has been a dismal one for pedestrian safety issues. One week ago, the K-Town Riders were probably peacefully planning out their ride, checking their tires, or otherwise going about their business with no idea the carnage that would be unleashed on them. One week ago the fate of our city's red light camera program was still uncertain. But one week ago, one of the deadliest intersection in the city still didn't have a traffic light.
June 22, 2011
Next Tuesday’s City Council: Jaime De La Vega and Wilshire Bus Only Lanes
(While we initially reported the Bus Only Lanes hearing would be on Wednesday, it was moved to Tuesday at the request of one of the Councilmen who couldn't make the Wednesday hearing. - DN)
June 10, 2011
A Third Greuel Parking Audit Shows DOT in Dissaray
It is doubtful that the media will give the same attention to today's report, "Audit of the City’s Parking Meter Collection Process" by City Comptroller Wendy Greuel as it did the "Gold Card" report a couple of weeks ago or the "Parking Cops Taking Part in a Porn Video" report on NBC from earlier this year, but the most recent report might be the most damning. The city really doesn't know how many parking meters it has? Among the findings:
June 9, 2011
South L.A. Still Fuming Over Metro Leimert Park/Crenshaw Subway Vote
Leimert Park from Mark Ridley-Thomas on Vimeo.
June 7, 2011