Celebrating Latino Heritage Month

This week marks the beginning of Latino Heritage Month – a time when we acknowledge and celebrate the wide diversity of Latino communities here in Los Angeles. Remembering that the Los Angeles we know and love is unimaginable without the historic and ongoing contributions of Latinos seems particularly important given the times we are in. I look forward to acknowledging and celebrating the history, diversity, and contributions of Los Angeles’ Latino community and highlighting how this rich community helps keep Los Angeles moving.

Transportation is an essential part of this history. Latinos in Los Angeles have long influenced the way Angelenos move across our city, whether by designing our streets, operating our transit systems, managing traffic, or safely crossing our kids to school. Transportation is an important component of economic opportunities for all, and can be a lifeline connecting Latino families to jobs, schools, health care, and cultural life. Latinos make up a significant number of the essential workers who depend on a reliable public transportation network to keep this city running, as well as the advocates pushing for safer streets, more accessible transit, and stronger connections across neighborhoods, ensuring that transportation reflects the needs of the people it serves.

At LADOT, we are proud to honor this legacy and reaffirm our commitment to serving the needs of all Los Angeles communities. This Latino Heritage Month, we’ll recognize just a few of the many LADOT staff who support our mission as well as some of the essential community partnerships that keep our city moving forward.

New Pedestrian Signal Activated in Boyle Heights

Last week, LADOT, the Bureau of Engineering, and CD 14 celebrated the activation of a new pedestrian signal at the intersection of Whittier Blvd and Fresno St in Boyle Heights. Previously, this location featured only a crosswalk and pedestrian sign, making it more difficult and dangerous for residents to cross the street on foot. The new RRFB (Rapid Rectangular Flashing Beacon) pedestrian signal, along with curb ramps and additional improvements, will improve safety for pedestrians and make it easier to access businesses and schools in the area.

LADOT would like to thank CD 14 and the Bureau of Engineering for their partnership on this project. 

Latino Heritage Month Employee Spotlight

Each week during Latino Heritage Month, LADOT will spotlight staff members with Hispanic roots. Each has a unique story to tell and plays an integral part in the operations of LADOT to keep our City moving.

Albert Raez

Albert is a Transportation Engineering Associate II with ATSAC Operations & Signal Timing, where he works to improve daily travel across Los Angeles. Albert's role focuses on traffic signal coordination and timing, work that impacts all modes of transportation and helps residents and visitors alike move safely and efficiently through the City. I am proud of the work that I do as it does have an impact on the lives of Angelenos daily, Albert says.

Born in Peru, Albert moved to California with his family after turning one. After spending a few years in the Bay Area, the family relocated to Southern California, where Los Angeles became home. Being a first-generation resident here in Los Angeles is something that I am proud of and will continue to embrace, Albert shares. The opportunity to both live and work in Los Angeles has been amazing.

Outside of work, Albert recommends experiencing LA through community events and sports culture. Whether enjoying CicLAvia or cheering on teams like the Dodgers, Lakers, Kings, or LAFC, he believes these events capture the energy and unity that define Los Angeles.

When asked what he loves most about the City, Albert highlights the people and cultural richness. I love the diversity and people that make the city a culture hub that brings out the best of our communities.

Andy Machic

Andy Machic serves as a Transportation Engineering Associate II within ATSAC Operations & Signal Timing. His role focuses on the upkeep of City signals through redesigned timing plans and daily oversight, ensuring smoother commutes and safer streets. For Andy, the most rewarding part of his job at LADOT is solving the traffic challenges residents face every day. Whether someone is on their way to work, school, or home, Andy knows that well-timed signals can make a real difference. It is very possible to make someone's day by just helping their commute, he says.

A proud Los Angeles native, Andy draws inspiration from his parents, who emigrated from Latin America and have lived in the city for over 30 years. The family’s resilience and commitment to community instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility to give back. Serving the public, helping my community and City, are values that have been long rooted in my family history, he shares.

Outside of work, he finds joy and connection in the Eastside, especially Mariachi Plaza. From the amazing food to the talkative people to the colorful art to the monumental history to the global influence to the home feeling. It is all over.

What he loves most about Los Angeles is its diversity: We are a melting pot. We embrace all kinds of people, while appreciating their background and celebrating their cultures. You meet people from all walks of life and if you just step outside, it is guaranteed that you will learn something about someone somewhere somehow. It feels like travelling without having to leave your backyard.

September is SoCal Transit Month

September is SoCal Transit Month, a month-long celebration presented by Metro. Events like Bus Fest, Metro art tours, group bike rides, and much more are happening across the region all month long.

Whether you’re an avid transit rider, a pro cyclist, an experienced public advocate, a transit-dependent student, or just a community member trying to learn more, Transit Month allows all of us to come together to support and celebrate public transit, the essential resource that keeps us moving, our economies growing, and our environment healthier.

This weekend, don’t miss Train Festival 2025 at Los Angeles’s historic Union Station! On Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21, from 10am-6pm, this free, open-to-the-public event will offer visitors railroad equipment tours and displays, model train exhibits, live entertainment, and more. Learn more about Union Station Train Festival.

With lots of events, festivities, and contests, Transit Month is an excellent opportunity to celebrate public transit and find community. We hope to see you on board! Check out the calendar of events. 

CicLAvia Rolls Through Historic South Central and Watts

Last weekend, we explored over six miles of open streets connecting several iconic South LA neighborhoods at CicLAvia–Historic South Central Meets Watts! Cyclists, joggers, walkers, roller skaters, and more enjoyed a beautiful day at the car-free pop-up park. LADOT outreach teams were there to spread the word about our South LA LAnow and Cityride programs, as well as our Pico-Union Safety and Mobility Project and other safety improvements coming to the area.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the next CicLAvia event on Sunday, October 12! This event marks the return of the classic Heart of LA route, connecting the neighborhoods of DTLA, MacArthur Park, Little Tokyo, Chinatown, and Boyle Heights. See you there! Learn more about CicLAvia. 

Job Opportunity: LADOT Ambassador Program

LADOT is looking for Ambassadors in the SF Valley and Central LA to support LADOT’s local projects. This is a paid, part-time role ($30/hour) for trusted community leaders who want to build skills and lead outreach. Ambassadors commit about ten hours a week over six months, starting with a month-long training on storytelling, transportation equity, and community engagement strategies.

After training, you’ll put your skills into action by attending community events, sharing LADOT project information, and gathering feedback from residents. Flexible schedule, transportation support, and materials provided.

Apply now and help shape the future of your community. Bilingual ambassadors are especially encouraged to apply.  

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month

September is National Emergency Preparedness Month! As we have seen this year, different kinds of emergencies can occur at any time, and being prepared is essential. LADOT reminds all Angelenos to be prepared for emergencies at home, at work, and in the car. Have a kit, have a plan, be informed.

For information on how to make a family emergency plan, including templates and checklists, visit the City of Los Angeles Emergency Management Department. 

Take Our Community Surveys

LADOT wants to hear from you! Share your feedback to help us prioritize safety and mobility improvements in your community.

Koreatown Pico-Union Neighborhood Connect Community Survey

LADOT is planning safety and mobility improvements between Koreatown and Pico-Union. Take the Pico-Union survey before Wednesday, October 15.

Third Street Bike Lane Concrete Barrier Survey

LADOT is installing new concrete bike lane barriers to replace the existing plastic bollards along 3rd Street between Main and Spring. Share your feedback before Friday, October 31.

Caltrans U.S. 101 Amestoy Avenue Pedestrian Bridge Online Survey

Caltrans plans to enhance pedestrian access across U.S. 101 and is seeking input from the community regarding the pedestrian bridge at Amestoy Avenue. This survey is intended to gather preliminary feedback. Take the Amestoy Avenue survey.

Transportation Photos of the Week

LADOT Employee Chili Cook-Off, Talent Show, and Ice Cream Social on September 17, 2025