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Every month #ActiveSGV staff shares at least one thing you can do to support a more sustainable, healthy, and equitable San Gabriel Valley. Our February 2020 action opportunities revolve around actions to support Clean Air.  SGV Cities to Select SCAQMD Board Member February 6th SCAQMD Board Member Cacciotti This may be the first time you’ve ever heard of it, but the “South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)” oversees the quality of the air you breathe each and every day. The board has a lot of influence over what, if anything, is done to address air pollution in southern California, which remains among the most polluted air basins in the United States (and world!). Unfortunately after decades of consistent improvements our air quality has been on the decline the last several years. In 2018 we all suffered from the longest streak of unhealthy air in decades -- 87 consecutive days of smoggy air. The local effects of climate change -- hotter weather, less rainfall -- are expected to make things even worse unless we redouble efforts to reduce local sources of air pollution. The SCAQMD board is composed of 12 members, one of whom represents the San Gabriel Valley - Michael Cacciotti. A long-time champion of zero-emission technology, public transit, and active transportation, Mr. Cacciotti is a clean air advocate who not only talks the talk, but walks the walk. He remains one of the only AQMD representatives (or public officials at any level in the SGV) to actually use public transit on a regular basis, commuting to work and events across the SGV via Metro and Foothill Transit. He also regularly walks and/or uses a bike to get to transit. Other members of the board are not as supportive, a troubling reality at a time when prioritizing cleaner forms of mobility (the #1 source of emissions in our region and state) are critical to reaching our climate and air quality. Over the past decade the AQMD board has also been very divided insofar as how to address air pollution, with a single vote often deciding whether to promote unfunded voluntary efforts to reduce air pollution, or require the biggest polluters to clean up their act. Industry groups supported by major polluters (including oil refineries and petroleum manufacturers) are largely responsible for this state of affairs. These groups have worked quietly behind the scenes to remove AQMD board members that support science-based regulatory actions to clean our air. Every four years 34 Mayors in the SGV get to select our representative to the board. The selection process for 2020 has been scheduled for Thursday, February 6th at El Monte City Hall. You can speak up for clean air by either emailing your City’s Mayor and encouraging them to support clean air and board incumbent Michael Cacciotti, or attending the meeting in person and doing so via public comment. Attend the Meeting
 Better Buses: Metro to Host NextGen Meetings in the SGVMaking buses more comfortable, convenient, and frequent is critical to making public transit more appealing and accessible in Los Angeles County. In 2018, Metro began taking a step in that direction by reimagining its bus system to better meet the needs of current and future riders through the NextGen Bus Study. After nearly 300 meetings, events, presentations, and workshops, the Draft Plan has been released for review. If implemented, the NextGen Plan would be the most comprehensive overhaul of Metro bus service in decades. Over the course of 2020 the public with have an opportunity to help shape and refine the final plan. Your first opportunity to do so is in February-March, when Metro will host a series of public input meetings across the County. Each meeting will cover the same material, so attend whichever is most convenient for you. Here's the list of SGV-area meetings:
 Gold Line Eastside ExtensionAs construction is underway to extend the Gold Line to Pomona, planning continues for an east-side extension from the southern terminus at Atlantic Blvd in Monterey Park. Two route options are still under consideration:
Which do you prefer? Metro is conducting a round of community meetings to share the latest information on the project. Learn more and share your feedback at one of these meetings.
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  In our February edition of Staff Spotlight, we are highlighting Amy Wong, one of our amazing Program Specialists and co-founders of ActiveSGV's Women on Wheels-WoW. Amy has worked with us on some of our biggest projects and is a passionate and creative leader. She always brings a smile to the office--and to think, her path to us started with a just Google search! Find out more about Amy below!
How did you get started working at ActiveSGV? It all started with a simple Google search. Fresh out of college, I was driven by a passion to advance environmental justice, but didn't know exactly how I would go about doing so. After months of jobhunting and testing out various volunteer positions, through a Google search, I came across Day One, a public health non-profit based in Pasadena. I started volunteering there and eventually was hired as part of the team. It was during my time at Day One that I was introduced to ActiveSGV (formerly BikeSGV) and also, Nature for All (formerly the San Gabriel Mountains Forever coalition). I am fortunate to be continuously working towards environmental equity and justice in the San Gabriel Valley. What do you like most about ActiveSGV? We're all passionate about creating sustainable communities here in the SGV. Since almost all of us are from the SGV, we live and breathe the issues we're trying to solve. That authenticity inspires and fuels me, and gives me hope. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience I have a lot of great memories at ActiveSGV. I enjoy the moments spent outdoors. One experience that was really fun was our Women on Wheels bikepacking trip. I'd never gone bikepacking before, and we biked southwards to camp overnight at a beach. Funnily enough, we rescued a turtle that was lying on its back in the middle of the street, and it ended up coming with us back to the SGV via Metrolink. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why? We'd start with a beginner-friendly hike in the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument- either at the East Fork or West Fork of the San Gabriel River. I grew up thinking these mountains were far away, when in actuality they are only 30, 40 minutes away by car. Then we would eat lunch at Thien Tam, a vegan Vietnamese restaurant in El Monte (love their bun rieu). Finally we would hang out at a local park, such as Peck Road Park, to picnic w/ burritos from La Palma and watch the sunset, enjoying the view of the lake and mountains. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now: At the moment I'm reading Slaughterhouse-5 by Kurt Vonnegut. I want to read The Changs Next to the Diazes next, it's also our Book Club book for ActiveSGV this year. Follow Amy on Instagram (@sunlightleak) and Twitter (@amyjwong)!  Single-use plastic littered in Pasadena AB 1080 / SB 54 - the California Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction Act - would set our state on a path to reduce single-use, non-recyclable plastics by 75% by 2030. Less than 9% of plastics currently produced are “downcycled” (plastics cannot be “recycled” in the same manner metal or glass can). Decreasing our reliance on single-use plastics made from fossil fuels will also help reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, and remove plastic pollution from our rivers and open spaces. This legislation is strongly endorsed by hundreds of community organizations across the state, including ActiveSGV, and has already passed the State Assembly. Now it needs to clear the State Senate in order to move forward! #GetActiveSGV - Call Your State Senator! Calls only take a minute, and we have a sample call script below. Just be sure to call during business hours, for most offices M-F 9am-5pm. It only takes a minute, so a lunch or other break is ideal if you're a 9-5 employee. We also recommend saving your State Senators phone number for future reference! Unsure who your rep is? See below or check online here.
*Senator Rubio has not supported the legislation to date. **Senator Archuleta has not voted on the measure to date. **Senator Portantino supported the bill in 2019. Sample call script: "Hello my name is___________ and I'm calling today as a local constituent from the City of _______ to urge my Senator to support AB 1080 - the CA Plastic Pollution Reduction Act. [Staff may ask you for your home address / zip code to verify you live in the District.] And you’re done! Super easy!  SGV residents and AB-1080 supporters - January 2020!  1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV/In this field?
When I was a kid bicycling gave me the freedom to go anywhere I wanted and allowed me to enjoy the world at my leisure. I grew up in Highland Park and always enjoyed the endless summer nights of riding. To this day I can still recall the joy I got when I received my first bike. Prior to working at Active SGV I had the privilege of working for a variety of different bicycle shops and was able to witness, as others were able to experience the same joy. I began volunteering for Active SGV prior to working at Active because I saw the need and enjoyed helping others learn how to complete basic maintenance on their bicycles to give them the freedom to ride. I look forward to continuing to work with individuals who want to get out and safely enjoy the beautiful San Gabriel Valley in a car free way. 2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV? Active SGV is a resource for the community and gives opportunities to individuals to explore their city in a safe and healthy manner. Additionally, I appreciate that Active SGV has given me the opportunity to connect to other individuals who connect and value the San Gabriel Valley and are passionate about safe streets and accessibility for all. 3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience My favorite memory of Active SGV has been the 626 Open Streets. It has been great to see people enjoy their community out of their vehicles while enjoying the streets without the stress of vehicle hazards. I look forward to our future 626 Open Streets where we will be giving people the opportunity to ride down the 110 Freeway. Additionally I enjoyed leading the Bike Trains because I was able to explore different parts of the city that I was not aware of before such as different museums and cultural landmarks. 4. If a friend from out of town were to visit, which place in the SGV would you take them to and why? I would take them down the Emerald Necklace and stop by Cyber Yogurt. This would give them an opportunity to experience the city without the hustle and bustle of traffic and have a delicious zero waste treat since Cyber Yogurt encourages that you bring your own container. Afterwards, we would get back on the Emerald Necklace bike trail and stop at one of its many beautiful parks to enjoy the sunset. 5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now: You can find me listening to the Meat Eater Podcast or delving into any historical book. I just completed The Labyrinth of Ice and I highly recommend it. I enjoy reading and learning about historical figures and events. Social media handles? If you are interested in helping fight climate crisis check out @zerowastegracias for some easy Zero Waste Tips you can implement in your every day life!  We all found our way to Active through different avenues, but Gabriel found his way here completely by chance (and ended up becoming our youngest staff member)! He works in the BEC helping out with all things bicycles and was the 2018 recipient of the Brian Velez Memorial Award for his outstanding work as a volunteer! Thanks for everything you do Gabriel! We love having you as part of our team!
1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV? I met Monica Curiel in Baldwin Park while she was passing out bike lights. She and I got to talking and I told her how much I love working on bikes. She asked if I had ever visited the BEC in El Monte (I had not!) and that I should go check it out. When I finally went to check it out, I met Ernest, who was working there at the time and he told me I could volunteer there on the weekends. I thought it was super cool so I i started volunteering on Saturday’s… and then the next Saturday…. And then the next! Until I ended up going every weekend for a year! After that year, Ernest told me that I was getting an award for all the help I had done at the BEC! I was honored and the awards ceremony was really fun. That day, they offered me a job at the BEC and, of course, I said yes! I’ve been a part of the ActiveSGV family ever since! 2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV? I like all the projects and ways that ActiveSGV helps out within the community. I know they work very hard and I’m very happy to be a part of it all. 3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience One of my favorite Active SGV experiences was the day we where we participated in the LA County Fair Parade 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? I would take them to the Santa Fe Dam to ride the bike routes. Then I would take up the the beautiful mountains to see the beautiful views of San Gabriel Valley! 5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now: At the moment I’m listening to corrdios and I am watching Disenchantment (which is on Netflix). Catch Gabriel on Instagram: @gabriel_5637 and Snapchat: @golvera503!  Existing "Hitch" Style Bicycle Racks at Garfield Park in South Pasadena Wednesday, November 20, 2019 the South Pasadena City Council will vote on a $200,000+ contract to install new bicycle parking citywide. The good news is this grant-funded project -- first awarded to the City back in 2012 -- is finally moving forward after years of extensions and delays. The not so good news is that several important public requests are not in the latest implementation plan. These include focusing new bicycle parking in the downtown business districts (rather than parks or recreational trails with limited demand for bike parking) and making inverted U-style racks the program default (rather than the less functional "hitch" style racks pictured above). In advance of the meeting City staff has issued an updated Staff Report, which includes photographs of every proposed location for new bike parking in the City. In a nutshell, staff is recommending that the City move forward with the grant as originally envisioned, utilizing 100 Hitch-style racks (rather than inverted-U racks) and placing most bicycle parking outside of the City’s central business districts. To help sift through all this information, ActiveSGV staff put together a Google Map of the locations where the City currently proposes bike parking be installed (green icons), where bike parking currently exists (orange icons), and where bike parking was requested by the public over the past few years (purple icons). Click here to view the map.  Interactive Map of Proposed (Green), Existing (Red), and Public Requests for (Purple) Bike Parking 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.
4. Install a “Cycle Corral” on Mission Street near the Gold Line. Multiple businesses on the block of Mission Street between Meridian and Diamond have requested but not received bicycle parking over the past two years, including Jones Coffee, Munch Company, Oculus Optometry, Mission Ten Eleven, and Rosebuds and Rosestuds. Since sidewalk space is limited, we strongly recommend converting red curb and/or a space of street parking to a bicycle parking corral.  Bike corral with street mural (image via Google Maps) 5. Purchase generic, easier-to-use “Hitch” racks in a higher-visibility color, if there is no way to purchase inverted-U racks. While far less accessible for users, a Hitch rack without a complex design in the center would be easier to lock to. It would also cost an estimated $100-$200 less per unit to fabricate, saving the City limited grant funds. We recommend the use of a brighter, city-consistent color such as orange to make it easier to identify new bicycle parking.  “Hitch” rack without custom design (Image courtesy of School Outfitters.com) Take Action!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.
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:
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, ActiveSGV Comment Letters Potential Pasadena to NoHo BRT route corridors (Source: Metro) Metro Los Angeles is (still) studying options for a new, high-quality, "Bus Rapid Transit" line connecting the communities of Pasadena, EagleRock, Glendale, Burbank, and North Hollywood. Implementation of the new service is fully-funded and planned to be high-frequency (i.e. buses at least every 10 minutes). You can see a video about the project below and map of potential route options above. Unlike the Metro 501 bus service, which largely traverses the 134 freeway (and misses many destinations along the corridor), the proposed project would mainly run along City streets in order to connect each community's downtown district. At this stage in the process public input and support is critical if the new line is to be convenient and comfortable. HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? 1) ATTEND A MEETING and provide comment in person! Meetings include a presentation by staff and opportunities to share feedback in person or via comment card. You may attend any meeting to provide comment on the entire project. Register here.
2) SUBMIT COMMENTS VIA EMAIL. Your comments can have an impact. A sample email is below for your reference. Just be sure to submit by 11/20!
3) SIGN A PETITION supporting Bus Rapid Transit on Colorado Boulevard 4) SHARE WITH FRIENDS. Amplify your impact by letting others know about this project. SAMPLE EMAIL (Please personalize) As someone who shops, dines, and visits communities along the project corridor including [Eagle Rock, Glendale, Burbank, etc], I support the development of high-quality transit service connecting the San Gabriel and San Fernando Valleys. [Please personalize: why does better transit service matter to you?] Frequent service (every ten minutes or less), shaded stations, and dedicated bus lanes along city streets are key components to making "Bus Rapid Transit" convenient and comfortable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The use of all of these components - in tandem - is critical for the proposed line to be successful. Cities around the United States including Boston, Seattle, and Las Vegas have realized successful BRT projects over the past decade, and witnessed the benefits of better buses firsthand. Many of these cities have also done so at low-cost, trying out bus-only lanes with cones and paint, measuring their impacts, and modifying them as needed. This project is an opportunity for Los Angeles County to learn from others as well as act on its commitment to sustainable mobility, clean air, and public health. I urge you to give BRT a chance to succeed with convenient service, a great user experience, and dedicated bus lanes on City streets. Sincerely,  More Resources/Information
 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/  At its regularly scheduled meeting on Thursday, September 26th, the Metro Board of Directors will consider authorizing over half-a-billion in funding to local roadway projects. Over a dozen community organizations, neighborhood groups, and other key stakeholders have submitted a joint comment letter (also viewable below) urging the Metro board to support more sustainable, multi-modal transportation projects for the San Gabriel Valley cities within the SR-710 corridor. With $500 MILLION in very flexible funding on the table, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for local communities to fund 21st century mobility improvements. Take Action!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
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.
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
3) Encourage Board Member Barger to Support a More #Sustainable710 on Social Media You can reach her via the below platforms. Please include #Sustainable710
Project BackgroundIn 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:
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.  Source: Southern CA Association of Governments 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. Round 2 Funding - Staff RecommendationsFor LA City and County project area residents, the draft project list includes a variety of transit, active transit, and multi-modal projects designed to reduce vehicle trips. This is laudable and the direction Los Angeles County needs to move in to successfully address existing health, environmental, and equity issues. These projects are also largely consistent with board adopted Complete Streets, Equity, and Sustainability policies.  Yet for San Gabriel Valley residents, staff recommendations do not include a single transit, active transportation, or other demand management project to support reducing vehicle trips. Recommended projects for the San Gabriel Valley are singularly focused on enhancing vehicle capacity, to the detriment of public health, public safety, greenhouse gas emissions, and the region’s worst-in-nation air quality.
No longer a highway project, the SR 710-N reallocation must consider the needs and safety of all roadway users, including older adults, children, and mobility-impaired residents who walk along and walk across streets selected for auto improvements -- not for recreation, but transportation -- to access local schools, community sites, and businesses. The vast majority of Round 1 and 2 San Gabriel Valley projects are designed to move cars versus people via “improvements” that will make streets more difficult to cross by foot. Unless mitigated with best practices in safe design, this will result in more serious injuries and deaths at a time when such preventable collisions are on the rise across Los Angeles County; traffic crashes are the number one cause of premature death in Los Angeles County for children aged 5-14, and number two cause for children 1-4, young adults 15-24, and adults 25-44 (Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Mortality in Los Angeles County). At the Metro Planning and Programming Committee meeting on September 18th, 2019, Metro staff stated that eligible cities were invited to submit a wide range of project types, including transit, active transportation, and rehab/safety projects. Yet over the past nine months city staff from multiple San Gabriel Valley communities have shared that Metro staff members declined requests to integrate safety measures and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit improvements to corridor projects, even in cases when the latter would have no impact on vehicle throughput. Due to the inconsistency between the original board motion, project submission directions, and project selection process, the Cities of Alhambra, Pasadena, and South Pasadena submitted a joint letter to Metro on March 26, 2019 requesting clarification on this matter. Six months later every San Gabriel Valley request for multi-modal project funding -- including but not limited to Bus Rapid Transit, first/last mile improvements, and Gold Line shuttle service -- was unjustifiably rejected by Metro staff.  #Sustainable710 Group Letter |
ActiveLabWant to learn more? Check out ActiveSGV's new podcast, ActiveLab
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ActiveSGV is a project of Community Partners, a non-profit public charity exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code.
All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.
All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.