LADOT is Proud to Honor AAPI Heritage Month

Each May, the City of Los Angeles is proud to recognize Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month. The contributions and history of AAPI communities and cultures are inseparable from the broader history of our City and LA’s AAPI neighborhoods–including Chinatown, Historic Filipinotown, Koreatown, and Little Tokyo–are some of our most popular and vibrant destinations for both locals and visitors.

At LADOT, we recognize this month is a time for celebration. However, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the challenges and discrimination AAPI communities continue to face. AAPI Heritage month is a chance to stand in solidarity with these communities and work toward building a City where everyone is safe, valued, and protected.

Throughout the month, we’ll be using this newsletter to highlight the stories and perspectives of some of LADOT’s AAPI staff. I want to thank these employees for sharing their unique experiences and telling their stories. LADOT’s diverse workforce truly reflects the City we all love to serve.

LADOT Launches New DASH Pacoima Route

Last week, LADOT joined with Councilmember Monica Rodriguez, Councilmember Imelda Padilla, Pacoima Beautiful, and the Strategic Growth Council to celebrate the launch of our latest DASH Route: DASH Pacoima!

Launched last Saturday, May 3, this new route will provide improved connections to key destinations in the Pacoima community, including schools, grocery stores, and popular recreation areas like the Hansen Dam and the San Fernando Bike Path. DASH Pacoima will operate in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions every 30 minutes from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM on weekends.

This project was made possible through a partnership with Greening Together Collaborative and Pacoima Beautiful, reflecting a shared commitment to clean mobility and environmental equity. As part of a broader effort to expand transit access and reduce emissions, DASH Pacoima will be fully served by 100% battery-electric buses, helping improve air quality in the neighborhood. Funding for these electric buses and new charging infrastructure was made possible through a Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) grant.

To celebrate the launch, the new DASH Pacoima route will be fare-free for the entire month of May. To view a map of the new route and learn more about LADOT Transit services, visit ladottransit.com.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Banner

Andrew Shin, Transportation Engineer

Andrew Shin

Andrew Shin is a Transportation Engineer working in the Project Development Bureau, where he oversees engineering feasibility assessments, traffic impact studies, and big data providers, while also supporting the upcoming automated speed enforcement program. Andrew and his family moved to Los Angeles from Dallas, TX when he was in middle school. Initially, Andrew wasn’t happy with the move and hated the City’s traffic, though he later came to fall in love with LA. “It’s a bit ironic that the traffic is now my work and responsibility,” he shares.

Andrew is proud of his work serving the public in their traffic and safety needs. “I earnestly believe one of the markers of a great society is in its transportation system,” he reflects. “Although there is much room for improvement, I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute and work towards making this corner of the world a better place.” In particular, Andrew is proud of his contributions on the Signal Timing & ATSAC team, where he supported signal repair efforts, responded to emergencies, attended to constituent requests, and much more.

When asked what he loves most about LA, Andrew highlighted the variety of options the City provides. “Whether it’s music, food, or activities, it just feels like LA has everything you could possibly want!” he says. “There’s very little for me to complain about–now that I’ve matured.”

LADOT Celebrates Employees at Pin Ceremony

Last week, LADOT honored some of our longest serving employees at a service pin ceremony. 76 employees reached a milestone of at least 25 years of service, including 41 employees with 25 years of service, 15 employees with 30 years of service, 18 employees with 35 years of service, and two employees with a remarkable 40 years of service.

Congratulations to all who received their pins and thank you for your years of dedication to moving Los Angeles forward!

CicLAmini Comes to Pico Union

CicLAmini Comes to Pico-Union May 18

CicLAmini is back on May 18! Unlike regular CicLAvias, CicLAmini routes are shorter, pedestrian-oriented experiences featuring activities, street games, local business engagements, and art and cultural activities along the whole route. This time, we’re opening up 1.4 miles of Pico Blvd from Normandie to Union for CicLAmini: Pico Union!

Join us from 10-3 on Sunday, May 18 for the 60th CicLAvia Open Streets event and get ready to explore by foot, bike, skateboard–however you choose! CicLAmini is free for all and family-friendly. View the route and learn more information at ciclavia.org.