Project Recommendations1. Remove a minimum of (25) proposed bike racks from park and other locations with limited demand and/or existing, underutilized bicycle parking. Staff’s current plan proposes installing 75% of new bike parking in areas that do not directly serve local businesses (map). ActiveSGV recommends that at least 50% of new bike parking be placed adjacent to businesses, given strong community preference for bike parking in these areas.    

1. Arroyo Seco Trail (remove 8) - 5 Hitch racks are located at this location less than 20’ from the 8 proposed new racks. Existing racks are rarely, if ever, used. This location does NOT necessitate additional bicycle parking, let alone 2 parking shelters.
2. Garfield Park (4) - The 8 existing Hitch racks at this location are very lightly used. Staff proposes adding 4 more racks. Additional bicycle parking is not needed at this location. 
3. Eddie Park (2) - 4 racks proposed. Based on use at other parks, the small size of this park, and limited park usership, no more than 2 new racks needed.  
4. Orange Grove Park (2) - 4 racks proposed. Based on use at other parks, we suggest installing 2 new racks at this location. 
5. Library (5) - 10 racks proposed. Based on current use, we recommend only installing 5 racks.
6. SPUSD Building (2) - 5 racks proposed. Location does not serve many local destinations, suggest reducing to 3 racks. 
7. Marengo Elementary (2) - 4 racks proposed. Bike parking located off of school grounds is most suitable for parents/guardians, not student use, given higher risk of theft when located off school grounds. We suggest reducing to 2 racks.
8. Arroyo Vista Elementary (1) - 3 racks proposed. Recommend reducing by 1 to provide more parking in business districts.
   
   

2. Relocate racks to the City’s key business districts along Mission St., Fair Oaks Ave., and Huntington Dr., including spaces near the following business locations:

1. Fair Oaks Ave.
   1. Baskin Robbins / Winchells / Twoheys
   2. Starbucks / Jersey Mikes
   3. Shakers
   4. Bristol Farms
   5. The Coffee Bean
   6. The Canoe House
   7. Verizon / Gus’
   8. Mamma’s Brick Oven
   9. Ai Japanese
2. Mission Street 
   1. On-Street Bicycle Corral
   2. Minimum 1 rack per block, per side
      
      

3. Relocate (2) shelters from the Arroyo Seco Trail. There is no documented demand for bicycle parking by the Arroyo Seco Trail. These shelters should be placed where they can provide co-benefits, such as shade to transit users. Business-adjacent locations that upon cursory review have sufficient space for a shelter include in front of KFC on Huntington Drive and South Pasadena Middle School on Fair Oaks Avenue. These locations would benefit from bike parking and currently provide no shade for adjacent transit stops.

Wednesday’s meeting may be the final opportunity to encourage the City to address these issues. As always, public input is critical. There are two primary ways you can weigh in. 

1) GREATEST IMPACT: Attend the meeting Wednesday 11/20 and provide public comment directly. There are only two Action/Discussion items currently on the City’s agenda, Item #21 - Adoption of the City Green Action Plan and Item #22 - Bicycle Parking. We are hopeful the item will be discussed by 8:30pm.

• What: South Pasadena City Council Meeting, Agenda Item #22
• Meeting Agenda and Staff Report: See Item #22 - Link
• Where: Council Chambers, 1414 Mission Street, South Pasadena 91030
• When: Wednesday, November 20, 2019 (7:30pm start)
• Who: Anyone who would like to see better bike/micro-mobility parking in South Pasadena

2) ALSO HELPFUL: Email the South Pasadena City Council and let them know you support secure, convenient, and accessible bicycle parking. Short, personal emails are generally most effective. A sample email can be found below. Emails should be sent to the City Council: ​​

• cco@southpasadenaca.gov 
• mcacciotti@southpasadenaca.gov
• dmahmud@southpasadenaca.gov
• rjoe@southpasadenaca.gov
• mKhubesrian@southpasadenaca.gov 
• Rdschneider0@yahoo.com

Sample Email (please personalize)
Dear Members of the South Pasadena City Council,


As a local [resident/stakeholder/shopper] who supports a more sustainable, multimodal South Pasadena, I am writing today to encourage the City to improve the latest draft proposal for citywide bicycle parking. 


Downtown South Pasadena continues to lack bicycle parking, an overlooked barrier to using a bicycle or scooter as a means of healthy, active mobility for short trips around town. The City’s current proposal for new bicycle parking would only partially address this issue by focusing most new bicycle parking in parks and other sites not conveniently located by businesses. 


This oversight could be easily addressed by shifting some proposed bike parking from areas where ample parking already exists -- such as Garfield Park and the Arroyo Seco Trail -- to the City’s key downtown corridors, especially Fair Oaks Avenue and Mission Street.

Thank you,

Behind every great team is a dedicated and hard working leader who guides and inspires their team to achieve big things. At ActiveSGV, David Diaz, does that! As Executive Director he works every day to continue realizing the Active mission and inspires our team to work the hardest we can to create a more equitable and healthier San Gabriel Valley. As an involved community member and leader, he actively participates in building more resilient communities and is constantly thinking of ways we can better serve our community members. This month, he shares how he got started at ActiveSGV, what he loves most about it and what he's digging these days. 

Stay connected with him on Instagram: @daveed_diaz

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?

After failing to show up for my first scheduled interview at Day One (El Monte Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Coordinator position) I was fortunate enough to be given a second opportunity to interview by Christy Zamani. This time around I showed up and was fortunate enough to be offered the position! Shout out to Christy Zamani. I really wanted to work at Day One because it aligned with my passion and interests of serving the communities I grew up in, El Monte and South El Monte. I was born in Ensenada, Mexico, however I grew up in El Monte/South El Monte where I made some of my best friends, met my wife, and still live now. While in college I learned about how systemic racism impacts underserved communities, how zip codes determine life expectancies, how displacement and redlining have led to the toxic environments communities of color live in today. During my time at Day One I was able to connect with a lot of great people, including the all volunteer staff of "BikeSGV" Javier Hernandez, Andrew Yip, and Wesley Reutimann. I am fortunate enough to be one of the folks that made the transition from volunteer (since Jan 2014) to full time staff as of April 2018.

2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?

Purpose and mission driven work. I wake up everyday thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the SGV. The climate crisis is real, the planet is on fire and we must take action everyday to change the outcome. I firmly believe the work we're doing is making a difference today and for future generations. Other cool perks: - I get to my ride my bike to work everyday - Awesome colleagues - Flexible schedule

3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience?

626 Golden Streets, March 5th, 2017! After years of anticipation, it was great to finally see this event come true. Wes R came up to me and nearly tackled me with joy, it was the best! Post event folks surprised me with a birthday cake too, which was super cool. (Love good surprises**)
4. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?

An #Active day in the SGV (pretend it's a Saturday): -8:30am-9:30am: Run/workout at Legg Lake -9:30am-11am: Breakfast at Ajos y Cebollas -11:30am: Visit the only mural in SEM (10930 Central Ave) -12:00pm-4:00pm: Bike tour around the Emerald Necklace (with stops at Burritos La Palma, Progress Brewing, and the Jeff Seymour Family Center). -4:00pm-7:00pm- Rest (Visitors need rest time too) -7:00pm- ? : Gold line station tour starting from Azusa Station toward Union Station

5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now?

Currently vibing with a few things: Quiet by Susan Cain (Learning about the less known Ambiverts. Google it!), A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway, and the MLS Playoffs (Go LAFC)!

The ActiveSGV team is made up of many unique individuals, but the most unique of us all is also the most elusive... our dear friend and Mayor of the San Gabriel Mountains: Gabe the Sasquatch! He only ventures from his beautiful mountain home about two times a year (shout out #626GoldenStreets!) but he remains a motivated leader and inspiration for our organization! This month, in honor of 626 Golden Streets, we sat down with the legend to find more about him! 

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
I didn’t. ActiveSGV works for me. I’m currently Mayor of the San Gabriel Mountains, a position I’ve held for the past four decades (we don’t have term limits, and the average life expectancy of a sasquatch is 137 -- #FunFact #Science). Needless to say, when the inaugural 626 Golden Streets was announced way back in 2015 the organizing team needed a lot of help getting the word out, and sought out a big name with a strong connection to the SGV. Some people say I’m kind of a big deal. And I’m 6’9”!
2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?
They tend to lean toward a very vegan-friendly lifestyle, which I appreciate greatly. Sasquatchi tend to get a bad rap (people always say we're gonna eat them??!) but we're vegan! And the amazing, multi-city, all-species-friendly open streets events, obviously!  
3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience
This is a tough one as there are so many. I once wrestled the Mayor of Duarte and temporarily assumed his position presiding over a Council meeting. I’ve also driven an electric Foothill Transit Bus in a holiday parade, led an award winning marching band, and saved a kitten from a reckless driver during my time as official spokesperson for 626 Golden Streets.
4. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why?
This is a rhetorical question, right? My home, aka the SAN GABRIEL MOUNTAINS NATIONAL MONUMENT!
5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now:
A life changing book called the High Cost of Free Parking, by UCLA Professor Donald Shoup. If you don’t have time to read the full book, at least check out this video on the issue from Vox.

More about Gabe: www.626goldenstreets.com/gabe-the-sasquatch.html
Public Facebook page: www.facebook.com/GabetheSasquatch/

There are a few ways you can take action to support a more #Sustainable710!

1) Attend the Metro Board Meeting on 9/26 and provide Public Comment in person

• What: Metro Board of Directors Meeting: Meeting agenda (Item #9)
• When: Thursday, September 26 (10am) 
• Where: One Gateway Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012, 3rd Floor, Metro Board Room
• How: Sign in via the computers in the entryway upon arrival, and request to speak on Item #9 on the agenda. Each speaker receives 1 minute of time.
• Board Report - includes City submitted project lists and project descriptions.  
• Please note it is unclear when Item 9 will be heard, but the Board Room does offer free wifi and there's a cafeteria across the hall! 

2) Email Metro Board Member Kathryn Barger 
Due to the provincial nature of Los Angeles County transportation politics, Metro Board Members are largely deferential to colleagues who represent areas where sub-regional projects will take place. In this particular case, Board Member and LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger is the primary representative for the SGV cities, and thus is in the proverbial driving seat with regards to project selection. You can reach her and her transportation staff at the below addresses. A sample email can also be found below. 

• kbarger@lacbos.org
• DPerry@bos.lacounty.gov

Template Email (please personalize)

Dear Supervisor Barger and staff,

As a constituent concerned about [the health of my neighborhood; the safety of our streets for people of all ages; reducing the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions in California -- vehicle emissions; etc), I urge you to support more sustainable mobility projects for the San Gabriel Valley. 

The reallocation of another $500 million in SR-710 North funding is a historic opportunity to move our region towards a more healthy, sustainable future. For the past six decades we have focused almost all our transportation spending and investment on moving more vehicles faster, to the detriment of public health, public safety, and our environment. 

Given this historic opportunity to fund multi-benefit projects, I ask you to please provide San Gabriel Valley cities eligible for SR-710 funding additional time to submit sustainable mobility projects for consideration, and direct Metro staff to select a more balanced portfolio of mobility projects. San Gabriel Valley residents deserve a chance to benefit from multi-modal improvements similar to the ones recommended for LA City and LA County.

Sincerely,

NAME

EXAMPLES OF UNFUNDED, MULTI-MODAL PROJECTS FOR SGV CITIES

• Alhambra
  • Metro Gold Line Shuttle - $750,000
  • Bike Plan Implementation Project [Citywide] - $650,000
• San Gabriel
  • Transit Service to Light Rail - $500,000 
  • Local Circulator Bus Service - $1,000,000 
  • First-mile/last mile improvements - $2,000,000
  • Valley Boulevard Corridor Bus Rapid Transit [BRT]-  $59,100,000
  • Multimodal Transit Center and Parking Structure - $24,000,000
  • Citywide Bicycle Facilities - $35,000,000
• South Pasadena
  • Regional Traffic Corridor Improvements (supporting bicycle and pedestrian safety components) - $10,000,000 
  • Neighborhood Traffic Safety Program - $5,000,000
• Pasadena
  
  • Pasadena Avenue/St. Johns Avenue Complete Streets - $15,000,000
    
  • Allen Avenue Complete Streets - $1,500,000 
    
  • Hill Avenue Complete Streets - $1,500,000
    
  • Avenue 64 Complete Streets - $2,000,000
    
  • Rapid Bus Improvements - $10,000,000
    
  • Student Transit Passes - $200,000
    
  • Electric Transit Vehicles - $28,000,000
    
  • Bicycle Transportation Action Plan Projects - $5,000,000
    
  • The Arroyo Link - Multi-Use Path - $2,000,000
    
  • Mobility Hubs - $10,000,000
    

3) Encourage Board Member Barger to Support a More #Sustainable710 on Social Media 
​You can reach her via the below platforms. Please include #Sustainable710

• Twitter - @kathrynbarger
• Facebook - Supervisor Kathryn Barger (@supervisorbarger)
• Instagram - Supervisor Kathryn Barger

In Spring 2017 the Metro Board of Directors unanimously voted to shelve its support for tunnel option for the 710-N corridor project. The landmark vote was the latest chapter in over 40 years of struggle over the proposed freeway extension through the communities of El Sereno, Alhambra, South Pasadena, and Pasadena. The motion by Directors Fasana, Barger, Solis, Garcetti, and Najarian encouraged Metro, Caltrans, and the corridor cities to:

 “pursue policies and actions that would promote smart and functional land use, reduce automobile dependency, encourage multi-modal trips, improve traffic operations, and maximize the use of the latest available technologies to enhance performance of the existing transportation system to minimize impacts of the regional traffic on the communities along the SR-710 corridor.” 

The motion also directed staff to redirect almost $1 BILLION in Measure R and other funding originally set-aside for the freeway to local mobility projects within the project corridor, to be split up and redirected as follows:

• $105 million for “Transportation Systems Management / Transportation Demand  Management (TSM/TDM)” projects
• $900+ million in remaining funding for to-be-determined local transportation improvements

This directive set off a process we wrote about in Fall 2017 in which project area communities were asked to submit local project ideas of two primary types:

1. Projects to increase automobile traffic throughput (e.g. signal optimization, turn lanes, wider streets)
2. Projects to reduce driving or replace car trips (e.g. increased/improved transit service, new pedestrian/bicycle facilities, alternative travel incentives)

 
Project Area Vehicle Traffic 
Ostensibly all this funding for local mobility improvements would be geared at mitigating regional traffic. However, per Metro's own detailed analysis, only 13.7% of peak PM traffic in the project area is regional (i.e. moves between the I-10 and I-210/I-134 freeways). Over 86% of auto trips along major arterials such as Atlantic, Rosemead, and Garfield in the corridor are thus local in nature (Source: DEIR Transportation Technical Report, Table 4-9, page 4-18). Many of these trips are also less than 3 miles long, distances which can be covered by transit and active modes with relative ease, conditions permitting. According to the Southern California Association of Governments, approximately 20% of work trips, and 40% of non-work trips, in southern California are under 3 miles.

Round 1 Funding (December 2018)
At its December 6, 2018 meeting, the Metro Board approved over $500+ million in funding for projects that will increase automobile dependency, discourage multi-modal trips, and further entrench auto-centric land-use. With the exception of the $100 million allocated for stub redesign in the City of Alhambra, the selected projects focused on moving vehicles faster, an approach that will result in more vehicle miles traveled (VMT), more localized air pollution, more greenhouse gas emissions, and more preventable traffic collisions and deaths. See StreetsblogLA coverage of that decision here. At the time, Metro staff and board members stated Round 2 funds would be focused on multi-modal projects. ​

Many of us lead busy lives, and it's tough to keep up with all the decision-making being made in our names. The team at ActiveSGV is thus committed to making SGV residents aware of opportunities to support a more sustainable San Gabriel Valley.

One of the most impactful and time-efficient ways you can make your voice heard is by calling your state legislators. These calls generally take 2 minutes or less, as legislative staff only want to tally community support/opposition to bills, and confirm your residency within the district. 

To be adopted, bills must be approved by both houses of the legislature, and then be signed by the Governor. 

If you've never called your State Senator or Assembly Member before, we have included a sample script below, as well as a brief summary of each bill ActiveSGV has taken a formal stance on.

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us for more info!

[AWAITING GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE]
​Call the Governor's office at 916-445-2841 to help carry these bills over the line! 

• SUPPORT - SB 400 - E-bike Eligibility - Would make e-bikes eligible for state zero-emission vehicle rebates. As of 8/26/19, SB 400 has unanimously passed the Senate and passed the Assembly floor. Awaiting Governor's signature. Bill info here. ​​

[ADOPTED BILLS]

• PASSED! - SB 307 - Protect Desert Wildlife from Cadiz Water Project - Would protect sensitive wildlife habitat in the high desert from an unsustainable water project. Strongly supported by our environmental partners including the Nature for All Coalition. SB 307 passed both the Senate and Assembly, and was signed by the Governor on 7/31/19! Bill info here.​

[PUNTED to 2020]
Sometimes legislative authors elect to put their bills on a two-year track, to buy themselves more time to garner support.

• SUPPORT - SB 347 - Soda Warning Labels - Would require science-based labeling underlining the link between sugary-sweetened beverages and diabetes, obesity, and other chronic illnesses. Strongly supported by our public health partners including American Heart Association, American Diabetes Association. As of 8/26/19, SB 347 passed the Senate and is now on a two-year track, due to significant soda industry opposition. Bill info here. 

Teamwork makes the dream work. Here at ActiveSGV, we are fortunate and grateful to work alongside some amazing folks! This month's Staff Spotlight is Carly Curiel. 

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
I met Diane Velez (my work wife) through People’s Yoga Teacher Training and we became friends because we shared a lot of similar interests (hip-hop, podcasts, environmental justice, funny memes).

​I started to follow Active (then BikeSGV) through her and attended some events including the first 626 Golden Streets. I had just moved back to the SGV after living in San Francisco for 7 years and was missing the Bay Area and its efficient public transportation system and access to parks and open spaces. I was so happy that there was an organization working to make the SGV more sustainable, equitable, and livable! I knew I had to be a part of this organization.

2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?
I love that our entire team is made up of a diverse group of people who are from or who currently live in the SGV. We are not outsiders coming in; we ARE the SGV and we’re passionate about these communities and the issues that burden them. It also helps that I love each one of my coworkers like family. They are all so unique and talented and I’m grateful to be able to work alongside them.