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Streetsblog LA
Breaking News: Rosendahl, Koretz to Assume Transportation Committee Leadership
Tucked away in his story on the removal of the Reseda Boulevard Bike Lane Ted Rogers broke the news on the new leadership of the City Council Transportation Committee. As of September 1st, Bill Rosendahl will take over the Chairmanship and new Councilman Paul Koretz will serve as Vice Chair. After reading Rogers' article, I confirmed the future appointment with Rosendahl's office.
August 11, 2009
Is It Time for California to Adopt the “3-Feet-Law?”
More and more states are adopting laws that protect cyclists from passing cars by requiring that cyclists receive a three foot buffer on their left before any vehicle can pass them. According to a recent USA Today article, fourteen states and the District of Columbia have adopted the three-foot-law and it has already passed one legislative body in New Jersey.
August 6, 2009
Want to Add 30,000 Cars to the I-210? Then Dig the 710 Tunnel
A traffic analysis published by the City of Glendale projects that the "completion" of the I-710 by building a tunnel under South Pasadena would cause an increase of 30,000 vehicles daily on the I-210 north of SR-134. The report was included as part of a packet to Glendale City Council Members with a resolution affirming the town's traditional opposition to the project. In one of the non-surprises of the year, the Council, which includes Metro Board Chair Ara Najarian, voted to oppose the project.
July 31, 2009
Poll: Californians Don’t Like Gas Prices, Want Better Transit
A new survey released yesterday by the Public Policy Institute of
California has been getting a lot of play in the press because of the
strong support Californians are showing for Greenhouse Gas reduction
programs, even in the midst of the current recession and budget crisis.
July 30, 2009
McCain & Coburn: Let’s Make Roads Safer — by Slashing Safety Money
A report released today [PDF] by Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Tom Coburn (R-OK), timed to coincide with debate on a $7 billion highway trust fund fix, accuses their fellow lawmakers of “raiding” the fund for transportation “pet projects.” Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) (Photo: City-Data.com) What wasteful projects have drawn such scorn from the duo? … Continued
July 30, 2009
City Gas Tax Revenue Saved in State Budget Deal: What Does That Mean?
Now that the Governor and legislature have finally reached an agreement on the state budget, city transportation staff can breate a sigh of relief. The deal announced by Mayor Villaraigosa and Council President Garcetti that ended Schwarzenegger's plan to "borrow" against local gas taxes that were, of course, dedicated towards transportation.
July 28, 2009
Oberstar to White House: On Emissions, Back Up Your Words With Action
Appearing this morning at the release of a new report
on transportation's role in fighting climate change, House
transportation committee chairman Jim Oberstar (D-MN) challenged the
Obama administration to back up their emissions rhetoric with action
and pass his six-year, $450 billion infrastructure bill.
July 28, 2009
From the Dept. of Mixed Messages: LaHood Touts ‘Cash for Clunkers’
Two weeks ago, Ray LaHood candidly addressed
the need to reduce the nation's vehicle miles traveled in order to halt
the devastating effects of climate change. But the Transportation
Secretary had a decidedly different message today.
July 27, 2009
Ad Nauseam: What “Cash for Clunkers” Hath Wrought
The government's Cash for Clunkers program officially begins today,
but car dealers have been running ads like this one for a while
already. They have to keep the public informed: Now you can trade in
your old car and buy a brand-new SUV or pick-up truck with a hefty
assist from Uncle Sam.
July 24, 2009
Schwarzenegger Serious about Reducing Car Fleet. Whither Villaraigosa?
Anyone that has been reading LA Streetsblog for any period of time knows that we haven't been shy about criticizing Governor Schwarzenegger for talking a good game about the environment but never asking Californians, including himself, to make any changes in their lives when it comes to transportation.
July 20, 2009