In July the Department of Public Works released the results of its protected bike/rollway study (the full report can be downloaded here, or viewed above). Of 46 miles of existing Class II bike/rollways in unincorporated LA County, staff determined that 6.4 miles could be feasibly converted to Class IV protected bike/rollways at this time. A number of other lane miles were identified as requiring further study due to existing parking and driveways, or not having sufficient space for a buffer. None of the recommended conversions included a parking-protected lane at this time, a potential opportunity for further review and analysis given the widespread adoption and use of this treatment in other cities across the United States and world. 

If you would like to see the County advance protected bike/rollways and safer streets, we strongly encourage you to contact your County Supervisor and let them know. Unsure what district you live in? Find out here.

Contact Information for LA County Board of Supervisors
District 1 - Supervisor Hilda Solis

• 213-974-4111 
• firstdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov

District 2 - Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas

• 213-974-2222 
• seconddistrict@bos.lacounty.gov

District 3 - Supervisor Sheila Kuehl

• 213-974-3333 
• sheila@bos.lacounty.gov

District 4 - Supervisor Janice Hahn

• 213-974-4444 
• fourthdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov

District 5 - Supervisor Kathryn Barger

• 213-974-5555 
• kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov

We at ActiveSGV are fortunate to have worked alongside two amazing interns this summer! With their internships completed, we wish nothing but the best for them (and, of course, hope they'll come visit us soon!). Learn more about Emily Zheng here.

1. Tell us about yourself and how you heard about ActiveSGV.
Hi everyone! My name is Emily, and I’m an incoming Junior at Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts. I’m a Studio Art major and a Justice & Law and Urban Studies concentrator. I’m originally from a small town in Indiana called Shelbyville (yup, like from the Simpsons!) where the corn to people ratio is probably something like 55000000:1 (rough estimate, feel free to quote me @USDA).

I first heard about ActiveSGV through the grapevine while internship-hunting at school this past Spring. Wes, the former executive director at ActiveSGV, also went to Williams (#GOEPHS), so ActiveSGV on the Environmental Center's internship list. A classmate knew I was interested in Urban Planning and Transportation and referred me, then before I knew it, I was on ActiveSGV's website filling out an application.

 2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?
I LOVE getting to be around the people who work at ActiveSGV. Day 1 of my internship blew me away with the fact that there are so many cool and interesting people with deep hearts for their community working together under one roof, and every day since has only impressed me more. Every single person who works at ActiveSGV is a role model for what it looks like to be an engaged citizen, enthusiastic public servant, and better friend and human being in general. The environment at ActiveSGV is truly special and the energy here is something I will carry with me long after this Summer.

3. What are you learning from your internship so far?
I’ve spent the summer trying to dabble in as many programs ActiveSGV works on as I can, and have gotten a much better understanding of the relationship between productive activism and community because of it. I’ve gotten to see all the big and little steps that go into creating meaningful change, and how the greater hopes and aspirations we have for our communities are made up of small, tedious office tasks as well as long days of meetings and huge, fun events. Everything goes into the bigger picture!

4. What are your future plans and how has your work with ActiveSGV impacted you?
I’m open to a ton of things right now! I’ve become interested in sustainable planning and architecture in recent years, but I’ve always been the “artsy kid” and a huge Disney fan, so one of my dreams is to become an animator. Interning with ActiveSGV is part of my exploration into what kinds of post-grad jobs I might pursue, and also an experiment to see whether West Coast really is the Best Coast…

5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now:
One of my favorite things to do is watch BAD movies and spend the entire time roasting them. It's so much fun and takes all the pressure off having to focus on a movie while hanging out with your friends.

One of my favorites to laugh at and trash is Country Crush on Netflix - definitely consider it next time you want a low-key and fun evening; I promise you won't regret it!

Instagram: @ama_zheng

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 Andrew Fung Yip. 

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
I met Javier Hernandez, who was the former Executive Director of ActiveSGV, in 2011. I volunteered as a ride marshal and quickly moved on to other tasks such as tabling and graphic design. At the time, I was still at Mt. San Antonio College and often took transit to school. When I transferred to Azusa Pacific University, I rode my bike every other day to school from my home in Hacienda Heights. I realized how horrible our streets were for transportation modes other than driving. I wanted to do more and found ActiveSGV's Facebook page.

I remember volunteering at the Emerald Necklace rides and moved on to plan some small rides myself. I was certified as a League Instructor in 2013 and helped coordinate and teach over 50 classes throughout the San Gabriel Valley. In 2013, I graduated from the San Gabriel Mountains Leadership Academy and was brought on ActiveSGV as the first part-time staff of the organization. My primary role was to help do outreach and advocate for a National Monument designation for the San Gabriel Mountains. I went to Washington D.C. to lobby with the San Gabriel Mountains Forever Coalition on behalf of ActiveSGV and by October 2014, I attended the National Monument designation by President Barack Obama at San Dimas' Frank G. Bonelli Park. It was a huge honor to be a guest of the White House and that cemented my passion for advocating for not only active transportation but for open space in our communities (read an article in The Guardian Andrew was quoted in).

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 top of the Puente Hills on a clear day to show them how vast Los Angeles County is since the hills offer 360 views. You can see the San Gabriel Mountains, Downtown Los Angeles, and even Catalina Island on a clear day. Even though the region is so large, we can see how our communities are interconnected. There are no visible borders except for our freeways.

5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now:
I'm currently reading "The Changs Next Door to the Díazes" by Wendy Cheng (KPCC interview here). The book talks about how racial identity is shaped by place with its focus on the San Gabriel Valley. Funnily enough, I found the book while browsing The Strand Bookstore in New York. I'm currently listening to "decolonized: a love story" playlist on Spotify. Give it a listen!

On Thursday June 27th the Metro Board of Directors formally adopted a "First/Last Mile Plan" for the Foothill Gold Line Extension Phase 2B.🛹🛴🚲 😀

Covering future stations in the Cities of Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, and Claremont, the plan is the product of over 12 months of study and incorporates the feedback and input of over 1500 local residents. It is broken into five primary chapters, one for each station city. Each chapter includes detailed station plans, summaries of public feedback, and recommendations for improving access to the future stations.

For your viewing pleasure, the team at ActiveSGV has included highlights from one station chapter below, including images, maps, and project renderings. You can view/download the full plan here.

However before we dive in, a quick review of some of the high-level takeaways from the 5 community walk audits and public input process (image below). Across the five cities local residents strongly favored crosswalk and lighting improvements, shared/multi-use paths, pedestrian plazas, as well as secure bicycle parking and bike share. There was also a recognition that safe roll/bikeways should connect beyond a 1-mile radius of the station, as 3-5 miles was considered a distance that could reasonably be covered by rolling modes within 30 minutes.  

A summary of public input within the plan also highlights a number of other opportunities to create a vibrant walkshed around the City's new station. Examples include new bus stops adjacent to the station to facilitate transit transfers, retail/food service at the depot, wider sidewalks on Garey Ave. south of the tracks, and new street trees to provide shade for people on foot.  

Teamwork makes the dream work. Here at ActiveSGV, we are fortunate and grateful to work alongside some amazing folks! Learn more about our ActiveSGV team through our new series, Staff Spotlight. This month's spotlight is Danielle Zamora. Today is also her 3-year work anniversary!

1. How did you get started working at ActiveSGV?
I discovered ActiveSGV years ago at an Earth Day event held near my home in North Whittier. It was cool to meet people who were friendly and inviting of others to ride bikes with them, especially since I didn’t feel comfortable biking on the street alone. I followed ActiveSGV on social media for a long time before I made it out to a Bicycle Safety Class held at the Jeff Seymour Family Center and then to a Bike Train. My first Bike Train was the Lunar New Year Bike Train in February 2016 where we rode from Peck Park along the Rio Hondo River Path to Whittier Narrows and Hai Nam Temple. I really appreciated the organizational culture and the types of programs they offered the community, so I selected ActiveSGV for my year long field work and research study for the completion of my Master’s in Community Psychology.

I began volunteering with Women on Wheels and on Bicycle and Pedestrian Data Counts, completed a 3 day training with some of my colleagues to become a League Certified bicycle safety Instructor, and was hired in Summer 2017 to work on the SGV Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan.  

2. What do you like most about ActiveSGV?
What I like most about ActiveSGV is being a part of an organization that is actively working to improve the health and sustainability of our neighborhoods. I enjoy organizing and taking part in free community events that get people moving and connect them with their local open spaces and hidden SGV treasures. It’s great to see new and familiar faces when you meet up for rides in different SGV cities.

3. Favorite and/or memorable ActiveSGV experience:
My favorite memory is our 2018 retreat in Death Valley National Park. On our second day of riding we biked up an intense hill to Artist's Palette. It was worth the climb for the sense of accomplishment and to explore the colorful rocks. During a rest break at our destination, we played a game of Sardines (it's like Hide and Seek, but only one person hides while everyone else seeks and then has to hide with them). It wasn’t easy searching for someone hiding in a National Park, but it was a lot of fun. We work hard, but we’re also a playful bunch. 

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 West Fork of the San Gabriel Mountains to walk or bike along the scenic road that leads to Cogswell Dam. We would pick wild blackberries and cool off in the river. I would also take them to see James Turrell Skyspace at Pomona College. It’s a whimsical outdoor art installation with a lighted canopy that frames the sky. The canopy is illuminated with changing colors every hour from sunset to sunrise.  

5. What you're listening to/ reading/ watching/ digging right now:
I can't stop listening to Mitski's album Be the Cowboy. I'm about half way through Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy series currently reading Life, the Universe, and Everything. 

Social Media Handles:
Check out my band! @rubbishhousegoons
https://rubbishhousegoons.bandcamp.com/ ​

YOUR input is needed! As always, public support and input is key to make streets safer for everyone. There are two simple ways you can do so.

1. GREATEST IMPACT: Attend the meeting Tuesday June 25th and provide public comment directly to the City Council.

• What: Pico Rivera City Council Meeting - Regional Bikeway Project
• Where: Pico Rivera City Hall, 6615 Passons Blvd., Pico Rivera, CA 90660
• When: Tuesday 6/25  (6:00pm)
• Item is not agendized for this meeting, but comments can be made at the start of the meeting during the period for Items Not on the Agenda. Just fill out a green comment card and give it to staff at the back

​
2. ALSO HELPFUL: Send written comments to the City Council via email here: zcaltitla@pico-rivera.org

• Emails can be very simple, just a few short sentences on why you support safe, protected bike/rollways and improved connections to the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River Paths. We all recommend sharing any relevant experiences biking/walking/scooting on local streets. A sample email and more project information can be found below.

Template Letter of Support (please personalize!)
Pico Rivera City Council
6615 Passons Blvd.
Pico Rivera, CA 90660

Re: I Support the Pico Rivera Regional Bike/Rollway Project

Dear Council Members,

As a [local resident, student, employee, customer, etc], I am pleased to support the City’s efforts to make streets safer for everyone.

Please personalize. Why do you support safer streets for walking/biking/skating/scooting?

The Pico Rivera Regional Bike/Rollway Project would provide safe, separated space for children and people of all ages to walk, bike, skate, scoot, and roll to the Rio Hondo and San Gabriel River paths. The project would also provide local and regional benefits, encouraging healthier, active lifestyles and taking a significant step towards realizing a network of safer, more sustainable streets in the City.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
​

The City of Alhambra will consider a major mobility and land-use item at its regularly scheduled meeting on Monday March 11, 2019 (5:30pm).

Agenda Item #2: State Route 710 Corridor focuses on the potential transformation of the 710 "stub" between I-10 and Valley Blvd. In November 2018 the Metro Board of Directors approved a $100 million allocation of Measure R funds to the City of Alhambra to support the transformation of this very large piece of land that was originally envisioned to become a surface highway through the communities of El Sereno, Alhambra, South Pasadena, and Pasadena. In 2017 the Metro Board of Directors tabled that idea, and directed staff to allocate the approximately $1 billion in Measure R sales tax funding set-aside for the 710 corridor to be used for "Transportation Demand Management and Transportation Systems Management" projects, setting off a local mobility project "wish list" process that we covered here. 

The shape and form of a transformed stub in Alhambra is still very much up in the air. Potential uses include a regional park, affordable housing, student housing, a transit center for CSULA, or a combination thereof. Any of these options might also include highway access to/from Valley Boulevard, or even a new, more direct connection to Cal State LA. However all of these ideas remain very much ideas at this point in time.

The concept of transforming a stub is not singular to the City of Alhambra. On the other side of the long debated project corridor, residents of the City of Pasadena hosted a series of community design meetings in 2014 to revision uses for their "ditch". At that time it was assumed no public dollars would be available to remediate the site, so most concepts called for a mix of housing, commercial space, green space, and multi-modal boulevards to stitch the neighborhood back together via private funding, while still allowing traffic to enter and exit the I-134 and I-210 freeways. The "Connecting Pasadena Project" community planning process received some coverage by San Gabriel Valley Tribune editor Larry Wilson. In Alhambra's case, $100 million in Measure R Sales Tax funding for the 710 has already been allocated to the project, making it far more feasible for public/civic uses such a proposed regional park or transit center to be included in a potential redesign. ​

ActiveSGV has not taken a formal stance on reuse of the Alhambra 710-stub. However given the size, scale, and impact of the project, and Metro's initial $100 million set-aside for it, we encourage that any formal action be informed by robust public engagement and participation, as well as greater analysis of the many options. 

If you would like to weigh in on this issue, you can do so by providing public comment in person at the meeting (details below), or by emailing the Council via the City Clerk: lmyles@cityofalhambra.org

• What: Alhambra City Council Meeting | State Route 710 Corridor - Agenda Item 2
• Where: City Hall, City Council Chambers, 111 South First Street, Alhambra
• When: Monday 3/11/19 (5:30pm)
• Meeting Agenda: State Route 710 Corridor - Agenda Item 2
• Agenda Item #2 - See below

Agenda Item 2. STATE ROUTE 710 CORRIDOR – F2M19-32
On May 25, 2017, the Metro Board voted not to move forward with the State Route 710 tunnel option between Interstate 10 and Interstate 210. In January 2019, Senator Portantino introduced legislation (SB7) that prohibits a surface freeway or tunnel between Interstate 10 and Interstate 210, and Assemblymember Holden has introduced legislation (AB29) removing the area from Interstate 10 to Interstate 210 from the State expressway system. Both bills leave unanswered questions on what would happen to the area between Interstate 10 and Valley Boulevard, the “stub”. Therefore, staff is requesting direction from the City Council on the City’s preferred use of the State Route 710 stub from Interstate 10 to Valley Boulevard if it is removed from the State Highway System per legislation, i.e. leave the de facto freeway, or explore housing and/or green space options, etc. Staff is also requesting that the City Council create a two-person subcommittee to work with staff and both Senator Portantino and Assemblymember Holden on the proposed legislation as it evolves, and periodically report back to the entire City Council.

Recommended Action: City Council take the following actions: 

1. Provide direction on the two pending pieces of legislation regarding removal of the State Highway Route 710 north of Interstate 10 from the State Highway System. Specifically, a) whether the existing stub to Valley Boulevard should remain; b) if not, what jurisdiction the 710 right-of-way north of the 10 should be transferred to if it is removed; and c) what purpose the former right-of-way should serve if it is returned to the City.
2.  Create a two-person subcommittee to address the 710 Project as it evolves and periodically report back to the entire City Council on the status; and,
3. Direct staff to undertake the steps necessary to finalize Council’s action.

Wheel-grabbing cracks and potholes, uplifted sidewalks, faded crosswalks. These are just a few of the conditions people who bike, walk, skate, or scoot have to deal with on a daily basis while getting around town. Poor road and sidewalk conditions are also the cause of many preventable crashes and falls.

With recent rains and more rain on the way, the number of new potholes on SGV streets is on the rise, making an active commute even more challenging. You can help speed the pace of repairs and save others from serious injury or death by reporting unsafe street conditions when you see them. It’s an easy way to be a good neighbor and save others from harm.

Most cities allow reporting to be done via phone, email, and in some cases even mobile app. Whichever mode you choose you’ll want to be sure to provide as much detail as possible, including nearest cross street. Sharing a photo of the condition can help too.

Reporting Damaged Roads, Sidewalks, or Bicycle Facilities

• Alhambra - Call Public Works at (626) 570-5067
• Arcadia - Call Public Works at (626) 254-2700 or email publicworks@ArcadiaCA.gov
• Azusa - Call Public Works at (626) 812-5254
• Baldwin Park - Call Public Works at (626) 813-5255
• Claremont - Call Public Works at (909) 399-5465
• Covina - Call Public Works at (626) 384-5520 or email pw@covinaca.gov
• Glendora - Call Public Works at (626) or email public_works@glendora.ci.ca.us
• La Verne - Call Public Works at (909) 596-8741 or submit a service request here.
• Monterey Park - Call Public Works at  626-307-1320 or email PublicWorks@montereypark.ca.gov
• Pasadena - Call (626) 744-7311, or use the City’s mobile Citizen Services App for IOS or Android.
• Pomona - Call Public Works at 909-620-2261.
• Rosemead - Call Public Works at (626) 569-2100
• San Gabriel - Call Public Works at (626) 308-2825
• San Dimas - Call Public Works at (909) 394-6270 or email publicworks@ci.san-dimas.ca.us
• San Marino - Call Public Works at 626-300-0787
• South El Monte - Call Public Works at (626) 579-6540 Ext. 3040 or email rsalas@soelmonte.org  
• South Pasadena - Call Public Works at (626) 403-7240
• Temple City - Call Public Works at 626-285-7187 or use the City’s Request Tracker
• West Covina - Call Public Works at (626) 939-8425
• Unincorporated communities of Los Angeles County (e.g., Altadena, Bassett, Avocado Heights) - Call (626) 458-5100 or use the County's online request portal.

​
Reporting a Hit-and-Run
Call 911.