You're Invited to the Last CicLAvia of 2024!
As we wrap up 2024, I’m excited to invite you to the year’s final CicLAvia this Sunday, December 8th! This time, we are converting over 5 miles of Sherman Way, connecting Canoga Park, Winnetka, and Reseda for a day of car-free fun. Whether you’re biking, walking, skating, or simply strolling, it’s a chance to explore and enjoy the Valley at your own pace.
When traveling to or from the event you may consider taking a detour along Reseda Boulevard which intersects the route and where we’ve recently installed 6 miles of protected bike lanes along with transit and pedestrian improvements! That’s just one example of how LADOT has been working hard to make our streets safer and more enjoyable for everyone and there’s no better time to check it out than during CicLAvia.
Open streets events like this remind us of what’s possible when we put people first—bringing neighbors together, clearing the air (literally!), and creating a sense of community. So grab your friends and family, and join us for this unforgettable day. See you in the Valley!
LADOT Honors Outstanding Performers
Every month, LADOT celebrates excellence among members of its staff by identifying Outstanding Performers. These are team members who exemplify LADOT values by performing their duties with diligence, professionalism, and distinction. These individuals are then recognized before the Los Angeles City Council Transportation Committee. Here are LADOT’s Outstanding Performers for November:
Lameese Chang, Supervising Transportation Planner, Vision Zero Team
Lameese embodies all values of LADOT and brings her whole self to the work of the Vision Zero team. She embraces challenges with grace and drives the Vision Zero team and beyond to implement projects that better serve Angelenos and provide safer streets for all.
In her work with the Vision Zero team on roadway reconfigurations and other safety improvements, Lameese uses her empathy and deep listening skills to uncover aspects of a project that might be overlooked or are not responding to community needs. She is skilled in navigating disagreements and discussions, knowing these difficult conversations will eventually lead to a better and safer project. As a leader in her department, Lameese embraces new opportunities with an open mind, overseeing a changing team without skipping a beat. A consummate professional, Lameese never wavers from the goal of creating safer spaces and places for all.
Vicente Cordero, Transportation Engineer, Valley Planning and Development Review Division
During his 22 years of public service with LADOT, Vicente has played a pivotal role in numerous land use development and multimodal transportation projects that advance transportation safety and accessibility. Vicente oversees the Warner Center and Ventura Specific Plan areas, managing a combined $18 million in transportation trust funds for project implementation.
Vicente’s exceptional leadership skills are evident in his ability to manage and organize multiple project functions, implement solution-based practices, and provide timely deliverables. His dedication and diverse experience in transportation management and disaster response, including during Tropical Storm Hilary and the I-10 freeway fire closure, have been invaluable to the department. Vicente’s strong work ethic and communication skills create a positive work environment that significantly aligns with our department’s core values and objectives. His unwavering commitment to excellence and professionalism is a testament to his passion for serving the City with pride.
Beverly Flynn, Senior Management Analyst I, Transit Bureau
After 12 years with LADOT and 34 with the City, Beverly is retiring from her position as a Senior Management Analyst. In 1989, Beverly began her City career with the LAPD as a Clerk Typist, Property Officer, and Senior Property Officer before transitioning to the management series, ultimately leading her to work for LADOT.
Beverly’s exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills have been invaluable in the contracting process. In her time with the department, she created a centralized database for all contracts related to transit, provided all project managers with a detailed email containing a step-by-step guide of the contract process, and managed the procurement process diligently and comprehensively.
LADOT wishes Beverly the best in her retirement and thanks her for her remarkable contributions to the department and the City.
Kevin Lee, Transportation Engineering Associate III, Metro Programs Division
In his 22 years of service at LADOT, Kevin has gained extensive experience in transportation engineering. Kevin started with LADOT in August 2002 in the ATSAC Design office, working to help the department complete the conversion of the City traffic management system to ATSAC as well as completing several Transit Priority System projects in support of Metro’s Rapid Bus network. For the last 12 years, Kevin has worked on the Regional Connector subway project, using his knowledge and experience to host training classes with new staff to teach Metro project plan review and coordination.
Kevin demonstrates LADOT’s core values through his timely, detail-oriented work, creative problem solving, and outstanding support of his division. He is a committed employee that upholds safety and fairness with every aspect of his job.
LADOT Hosts Yerevan Mayor and Armenian Delegation
Last week, LADOT had the honor of welcoming the mayor of Armenia's capital city of Yerevan, Tigran Avinyan, for a special tour along with an Armenian delegation. This visit was a unique opportunity for LADOT staff of Armenian heritage to connect with the mayor and share the work the department is doing in LA. Topics of discussion included ATSAC, bus priority infrastructure, pedestrian-friendly streets, and the complexities of project development and implementation. The delegation also explored LADOT’s preparations for the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games, exchanging ideas on how global events can transform city infrastructure. Thank you to Mayor Avinyan and his team for visiting LADOT!
Join LADOT at the Forest Lawn Drive Safety and Mobility Project Open House
All are invited to join CD4 and LADOT at an Open House on Wednesday, December 4, from 6pm to 8pm, to hear about updates about the Forest Lawn Drive Safety & Mobility Project. City of Los Angeles staff will also be on hand to provide updates on other projects in the immediate area, including the work to complete the LA River pathway in the Valley, the LA River Ecological Restoration, and traffic safety improvements in Griffith Park. We look forward to seeing you there!
When:
Wednesday, December 4th, 6-8pm
Where:
Junior Achievement of SoCal Center
6250 Forest Lawn Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90068
CicLAvia Returns to the Valley December 8
CicLAvia is returning to the Valley for the last open streets event of 2024! On Sunday, December 8, from 9am-3pm, CicLAvia and LADOT will open five miles of Sherman Way, connecting Canoga Park to Reseda for a day of biking, walking, skating, jogging, dancing, and community connection. Don’t miss out on your last chance of the year to discover why CicLAvia is LA’s favorite event. Visit ciclavia.org to view the route map and learn more.
City Departments to Provide Al Fresco Application Support
Are you a restaurant owner needing assistance to navigate the transition to LA’s permanent Al Fresco program? The City will be hosting an in-person Al Fresco Application Support event in Koreatown on Tuesday, December 10 from 1pm-5pm at the Korean American Federation of Los Angeles. Meet with City departments to start, troubleshoot, or ask questions about how to obtain your permanent Al Fresco permit before temporary permits expire at the end of the year.
Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are encouraged. Make an appointment at bit.ly/alfresco121024
Date: Tuesday, December 10
Time: 1pm-5pm
Location: 981 S Western Ave #100, Los Angeles, CA 90006
Participate in our Community Surveys:
You are the ultimate expert for your community. LADOT wants your input as we plan projects to improve the safety, sustainability, and livability of Los Angeles communities.
BlueLA Crowdsourcing Survey
Your input drives BlueLA powered by Blink Mobility forward. Share your dream destinations & station locations in this quick survey. Let's shape the future of car sharing together!
EV Chargers in South LA
Where do you want to see more EV chargers in South LA? As part of LADOT's UBM pilot, we're installing 100+ EV chargers. Help us determine where chargers are most needed by taking our brief survey.
Transportation Photos of the Week
Delegation from Armenia, including Yerevan Mayor Tigran Avinyan, tours ATSAC on November 25, 2024
