Livability issues in South Park
Drag racing and e-scooters are two issues the Livability Committee of Downtown Los Angeles Neighborhood Council (DLANC) has submitted requests for action to Council Districts 14 and 9 and LADOT. As one of the Resident Directors representing South Park on DLANC, I chair the Livability Committee, which covers all topics pertaining to quality of life and the delivery of city services – including but not limited to public spaces, public safety, emergency preparedness, mobility, public works, beautification, and sustainability. In the first quarter of 2022, we’ve acted on issues that impact South Park.
● In February, we requested that LADOT create a Special Operations Zone (SOZ) for e-scooters and other dockless mobility devices, similar to one implemented in Venice. Since their introduction into Downtown, e-scooters have become extremely popular as an alternative form of transport, however we also recognize the nuisances caused by sidewalk riding, improper vehicle parking, and obstruction in the public right-of-way. The proposed SOZ would provide rules around when and where e-scooter operators can deploy their devices, as well as limits on the number of e-scooters operating within the Downtown zone boundaries.
● In March, we wrote to both Council District14 and Council District 9 regarding the street racing takeovers that have been occurring regularly at major intersections across Downtown. We recognize that a combination of police enforcement and physical deterrents would be most successful in combating street racing, and as such requested for increased overtime funding to LAPD, as well as for LADOT to explore installing traffic control devices as a long-term solution.
● In addition to official letters to City agencies, we’ve submitted numerous Community Impact Statements (CIS) stating our position on relevant legislation and policy pending before the City Council. DLANC supported recent City efforts to combat illegal street racing via traffic calming measures and discouragement of spectator gatherings and also supported the City’s ongoing initiative to eliminate oil and gas production and extraction in Los Angeles. You can find the full historical list of CIS’ that DLANC has submitted here.
My Committee is currently collaborating with the South Park Business Improvement District (SPBID) to activate the Pico/Olive bus stop triangle. Some preliminary ideas for improving the public space include implementing shaded seating, movable planters, and public art. We’re excited to move forward with this project and encourage residents to reach out to Councilmember Kevin de Leon’s representatives to express your support for our efforts. You can write to his field directors,
Adriana Velazquez and Christopher Antonelli, at adriana.velazquez@lacity.org and christopher.antonelli@lacity.org, and include me in your correspondence (debby.zhou@dlanc.com).
DLANC is an advisory governmental body of the City of Los Angeles. In 1999, as part of larger reforms of City governments, voters created the Neighborhood Council system as a separate and semi-autonomous branch of city government giving a local voice and perspective in city governance at a neighborhood scale. Consisting of 24 elected Board of Directors, we are your most direct communication channel to the Mayor, City Council, and City Departments. We advocate for the community on land-use development, quality of life, public safety, homelessness resources, and various other issues that impact living and working in Downtown LA.
If any community members are interested in getting involved with DLANC, the Livability Committee, or just want to express any general ideas or concerns, please join our monthly meetings every second Thursday at 7 pm. The meeting agenda is posted on the online calendar. And of course, don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email, at debby.zhou@dlanc.com.
By Debby Zhou