Students Pen An Appreciation Letter To Their School Crossing Guard
The month of October is known as "Walk-tober" in school districts around the country as it is the month in which we celebrate National Walk and Bike to School Day. A key ingredient to securing the safety of students who whalk to school is our LADOT Crossing Guard program.
Recently, students at Gateway Charter Elementary School had a chance to speak to their local crossing guard, Gail Smith-Richards which moved them to write a letter of appreciation.
A Crossing guard is often the first person LA students meet on their way to school becoming not just a protector, but a friendly face to greet them in the morning.
Three young elementary students recognized the hard work of crossing guard Smith-Richards and wrote this report about their "hero behind the scenes."
A crossing guard's job is to keep the community safe. New crossing guard Gail is working hard to make sure people at our school cross safely. Gail wakes up at 5:00 A.M. She takes a 20 minute drive to come to school and crosses parents and/or kids to cross the street safely. Gail has said "the crosswalk is very important and the reason being because people are crossing and they need to cross safely." Gail has two shifts, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Gail's career before being a crossing guard was in the Department of Corrections where she was part of the custody and control for misbehaving imprisoned population. Now she's keeping our school safe.
Gail cares about our school. But most of all she cares about safety. In half the answers we got to are questions she brought safety up. Then there were the questions like what's your favorite ice cream flavor and you know pizza toppings. Those were not about safety. Those answers were strawberry and veggies. There are many many amazing things about being a crossing guard. Going from just holding up a sign to helping people not get crushed.
We all felt as if we were talking to the hero behind the scenes. The person that was the missing puzzle piece in our community... That was our Crossing guard.
We are all so grateful for you Gail.
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CicLAvia In The Heart Of LA
On Sunday Angelenos returned to the ‘Heart of LA’ in downtown Los Angeles to enjoy 7 miles of open streets for CicLAvia. This was the first time the event would include the 6th Street Bridge for participants to walk, bike, run and roll through. The event brought out thousands of people to enjoy the scenic views and explore the city. Various organizations, live music, and activities we’re also present making CicLAvia a great place to bring the family. Mark your calendars, because the next CicLAvia will be in South LA Sunday, December 4th.
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A Reminder To Stay Safe Around The New Metro K-Line
Last week LA Metro opened the new K-Line light rail in South L.A. LADOT would like to echo Metro’s message that safety begins with you. We implore you to follow all safety guidelines at all times and at all rail intersections. Motorists and pedestrians should stop, look, and listen when walking, rolling or driving near the k-line to help keep everyone safe pedestrians, drivers, and train riders alike.
Metro urges everyone to follow these key safety guidelines around K Line train tracks and stations:
- Strictly obey warning signs and signals around the tracks, such as the "Keep Clear" and "Wait Here" markings painted on the streets. Slow down and make sure to stop behind the Limit Line.
- Look for the flashing "Train" signal and listen for trains as they approach intersections.
- Never attempt to cross the train tracks when a train is approaching. Always give trains the right-of-way.
- Look both ways before crossing the train tracks, as K-line trains operate in both directions.
- Always obey the "No Left Turn on Red" signals installed at street intersections.
- Keep clear of closed crossing gates.
- Don’t speed.
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Traffic Safety Reminder During Dodgers Playoffs
Playoffs have begun for the Dodgers this week. Yesterday our boys in blue hit the field at Dodger Stadium. We want to remind you to remain safe and stay alert when traveling. Drivers should be aware of detours, street closures, and pedestrians crossing at intersections. Pedestrians should remain alert, use the sidewalk and marked crosswalks. Attendees of the games can also take a fare-free ride to Dodger Stadium on the Dodger Stadium Express from Union Station.
Go Dodgers!
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Mobility Wallet Applications Open To Qualified Residents In South L.A.
As part of LADOT's South LA Universal Basic Mobility pilot program, the City Of Los Angeles and Metro are offering South L.A residents a chance to receive $150 per month for transportation costs. The Mobility Wallet Pilot Program is now accepting applications for the program which will ultimately provide subsidies for 1000 people that meet the eligibility criteria. Program participants will receive a prepaid debit card to be used to buy fare on public transit (bus or train) and other shared transit options including e-scooters, bikes, carshare, ride-hailing and taxis.
To be eligible you must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Live in the South Los Angeles area outlined by the program
- Meet the program’s household annual income requirement.
Applications will be accepted until Nov 1, 2022. Metro will complete a randomized selection if the program receives a surplus of applicants.
Visit the Mobility Wallet Pilot Program to learn more.
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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.
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Reseda Boulevard Complete Streets Project
As part of the Complete Streets Program, the City is reconstructing Reseda Blvd to improve safety and accessibility for all. Give your feedback on the upcoming improvement and receive updates and more information on the project here.
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Watts Central Avenue Great Streets And Safety Project
StreetsLA and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation are making improvements to Central Avenue that will improve safety and accessibility for all on Central Ave. Take the survey to add your feedback about needed safety improvements.
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Transportation Photos of the Week
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