First Amendment Rights
Los Angeles is a diverse city that recognizes and celebrates the contributions and perspectives of all its residents. At LADOT, we know that this diversity is our strength.
Last weekend, we saw crowds celebrating at the LA Pride Parade, at the same time as many Angelenos began voicing their dissent against Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations within the City of Los Angeles, and surrounding areas. Our ability to express our views peaceably is not only core to this country, it is fundamental to the character and promise of our city. LADOT respects the rights of people to assemble, and is committed to providing safe spaces to engage in constitutionally protected activities and demonstrations. We do not condone violence directed either by or against people demonstrating or those charged with protecting public safety.
We are all stronger when we recognize our shared responsibility to protect each other and respect the rights of our neighbors and communities. Whether you participate in first amendment activities this weekend or not, please remember the safety and dignity of your fellow Angelenos.
For more information about immigration enforcement, please consult the City’s “Know Your Rights” resource page.
LAnow Expands to South LA on June 16
LAnow, LADOT Transit’s on-demand transportation service currently operating on the Westside, is expanding to South LA on June 16! LAnow is designed to help commuters bridge the gap between the first and last mile of their journey. Anyone can reserve a ride using the LAnow app, and pick-up and drop-off points are never more than a few blocks away.
The boundaries of the new service zone are Figueroa St to the west, Washington Blvd to the north, Long Beach Ave to the east, and Slauson Ave to the south. Within the service zone are several schools and recreation centers, as well as stops on the Metro A, E, and J lines, Exposition Park, BMO Stadium, and the Junipero Serra Branch Library:
The service expansion was made possible by a Sustainable Transportation Equity Project grant from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) intended to increase transportation equity by bringing clean transportation services to low-income and disadvantaged communities. In keeping with the grant's requirement and the City’s commitment to clean fuel, LADOT purchased new electric vans to use in this new service expansion.
To celebrate the new service area, rides on LAnow in South LA will be free until June 30, 2026.
Help Shape a Safer Culver City E Line Station Area
Join Metro Los Angeles and LADOT on Tuesday, June 24, from 5:30–6:30 pm for a virtual meeting recapping the Culver City First/Last Mile planning process, part of Metro’s Active Transport (MAT) Program.
The Culver City FLM Project focuses on improving pedestrian and bike safety within a half-mile of the Culver City E Line (Expo) Station. The goal is to make it easier and safer for transit riders to access nearby destinations while supporting projects like the Venice Boulevard Safety and Mobility Project.
This meeting will include a recap of the First/Last Mile planning process, a summary of community engagement and feedback, and the final list of priority projects. These include:
- Landscape and shade
- Curb ramps
- Wayfinding signage
- High-visibility crosswalks
- Bus stop improvements
- Bicycle treatments for Venice Boulevard and National Boulevard
- Signalized crossings
Join the Zoom meeting
Spanish interpretation will be provided.
For more information, email mat@metro.net or visit LADOT Livable Streets.
Mexican Hollywood Square Dedicated in San Pedro
Last week, LADOT sign crews helped dedicate the new Mexican Hollywood Square on O’Farrell Street and Harbor Boulevard in San Pedro. In the 1920s, a five-acre area on the north end of the waterfront, between First Street and where the Vincent Thomas Bridge now stands, was informally known as “Mexican Hollywood.” Residents of Mexican Hollywood worked at the fish canneries in Terminal Island, lumber yards, shipyards, Harbor Belt Railroad Line, and as waterfront dock workers. The Mexican community in the area showed great love and pride for their culture with music, dance, theater productions, and community outreach services. Mexican Hollywood also became one of the focal points of competitive baseball and softball for both women and men.
Mexican Hollywood endured and thrived until 1952, when families were evicted due to the proposed construction of the Vincent Thomas Bridge. It is unknown if the families received any compensation for their displacement. The newly-dedicated square celebrates the legacy of Mexican Hollywood and its impact on the local community and the history of Los Angeles.
Join LADOT at CicLAvia: Historic South Central Meets Watts
Get ready for a day of fun on Sunday, June 22, from 9am to 4pm! Over 6 miles of open streets will connect Historic South Central, Florence-Firestone, and Watts.
Walk, bike, skate, roll, or dance through the heart of South LA at CicLAvia. Whether you’re coming solo or with friends and family, CicLAvia is the perfect way to explore the streets in a car-free, people-powered way.
Visit ciclavia.org to learn more and see the route map.
Metro D Line Service Interruption Continues through July 25
Metro Los Angeles has announced that the Metro D (Purple) Line will be temporarily closed from the beginning of service on May 17 until the end of service on July 25. The closure is part of Phase I of the D Line Extension Project that will connect DTLA with the Westside.
During the closure, riders may use the following alternative routes:
- From Wilshire/Vermont to Union Station: Stations are also served by the Metro B (Red) Line. During the closure, B line trains will run every 8 minutes from 6:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. on weekends. B Line trains will run every 12 minutes beginning at 7:00 p.m. and every 20 minutes beginning at 9:00 p.m.
- Wilshire/Normandie and Wilshire/Western: A Metro shuttle bus (Line 855) will connect riders between Wilshire/Vermont, Wilshire/Normandie, and Wilshire/Western. The shuttle bus will align with the B Line schedule and operate from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, and from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weeknights. Lines 720 and 20, which run along Wilshire Blvd, will continue their usual routes and may be used to travel between the D Line stations along Wilshire and to and from downtown LA (use 5th St heading westbound, and 6th St heading eastbound).
Both Metro B and D Line trains will resume regular schedules at the start of service on July 26. Learn more at Metro's The Source blog.
Transportation Photos of the Week
Top row: Hollywood Mexican Plaza dedication (l) and sign installation (r)
Bottom row: Completed Ave 64 Safety and Mobility Project
