Today, Damien talks with Romel Pascual, the new executive director of CicLAvia, the non-profit that programs arguably the most popular Open Streets program in America.
Pascual comes to the new position with a strong background in Los Angeles' Open Streets Movement. He served as Deputy Mayor to Antonio Villaraigosa when the first CicLAvia was planned five years ago and has served on its Board of Directors.
For people that believe in the power of Ciclovía-style events to bring change, this is the interview for you.Pascual discusses how CicLAvia helped change the complexion of the streets in Downtown Los Angeles and other communities from both the perspective of an advocate and the perspective of a former high-ranking city official.
Pascual also answers the growing urban legend that "we got CicLAvia because Mayor Villaraigosa got bike religion after he was forced off his bike."
We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.
Thanks for listening. You can download the episode at the Damien Talks homepage on Libsyn.
Today, #DamienTalks with Melanie Curry, the editor of a boutique news website known as Streetsblog California. Melanie has been covering the legislature for two full sessions, with a focus on transportation, urban design, and public health.
Not surprisingly, we're talking about the just completed legislative session, the legislation passed, and the inability of the legislature to come together over a funding plan to fix the state's transportation funding crisis.
We also have a couple of side bars. Some are goofy. Some are serious. It is a fun and informative interview, what you would expect when two friends get together to talk politics.
We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.
This week, with the legislative session moving faster than my ability to cover them in a podcast, we're taking a little break from the legislative sessions.
#DamienTalks with Chris and Melissa Bruntlett of Modacity. Modacity is a Vancouver based consulting team run by this husband and wife team push back against Bikelash in their home city and throughout North America. They do this by telling the stories of how road safety projects have improved communities, business receipts, travel to school and more.
Chris even tells teh story of a restaurant owner who was scared that a road diet project would cost him his business. Now, with bike lanes replacing car parking in front of his establishment, he has more customers than ever.
Modacity will be presenting what they've learned during a trip to Los Angeles in October. On October 8, they'll be at the Echo Park Film Center. On October 11, they'll be at Santa Monica. You can get more information for these events here: Los Angeles, Santa Monica.
We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.
Maybe you've seen the mailers, or the insanse websites or have heard a rant on talk radio. The petroleum industry is coming for S.B. 350, legislation that would set standards to help the State of California reduce its petroleum use by 50% in the coming decades.
Today, #DamienTalks with Tim O'Connor, an analyst with Environmental Defense, who explains how reducing dependency on petroleum isn't just good for the environment, but will be great for the state's economy. Despite the scare tactics of opponents of the legislation, S.B. 350 is a win for California, for the environment and for pretty much anyone reading these words.
The legislation has been moving quickly, but only has a week left to pass the Assembly before it can head to the Governor's desk for a final signature. It has already passed the Senate and all needed Assembly committees.
We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.
Thanks for listening. You can download the episode at the Damien Talks homepage on Libsyn.