As excitement builds towards the 626, the mamoth car-free festival spanning six cities on, you guessed it, June 26; #DamienTalks with Michael Cacciotti. Cacciotti is the Mayor Pro-Temp of South Pasadena and has been a critical figure in the effort to create the 626 and organize the half-dozen cities that are taking part as well as officials with the County, Metro, and the Air Quality Management District.

Want to know more about the 626? Click here.

I'll be honest, this is one of the more fun interviews I did. Cacciotti wasn't just one of the driving forces behind the 626, he was also a Board Member for the Gold Line Foothill Construction Authority. I conducted our phone interview while he was doing his evening commute home, and as a bonus he talked about how the Gold Line extension is working and how packed his rail car was. It was 9 p.m. at night. On a Wednesday.

New Gold Line extensions. The 626. Things are changing in the San Gabriel Valley, and they're changing for the better.

#DamienTalks is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”

Welcome to this week's episode of #DamienTalksSGV, where we talk with Glendale Mayor and Metro Boardmember Ara Najarian and Bike SGV Executive Director Wes Reutimann about the proposed sales tax measure that Metro unveiled last week.

The measure extends the current county-wide half cent sales tax passed eight years ago and adds another half cent to the tax. If passed, there will be a full cent on the county sales tax dedicated towards transportation.

But it is not the tax itself that is interesting, but how it will be spent. Read more about the proposal at Streetsblog Los Angeles or visit Metro's webpage dedicated to the proposal to learn more. Also, we interviewed Najarian about what he would like to see in the proposal in January. You can here his answers, here.

In this broadcast, we see two different points of view that could dominate the discussion over the next few months as Metro and the L.A. County Board of Supervisors debate whether or not to put this proposal on the fall ballot. Najarian is effusive in his praise for the work Metro staff did. He is happy that his favorite project, the second phase of the Gold Line Foothill Extension, is included in the project list and that his least favorite project, the extension of the I-710, is not.

On the other hand, Reutimann is worried that such a long-term sales tax includes such a small slice for bicycle and pedestrian safety projects. While recognizing how the projects, especially more trains and buses running through the valley, could change regional transportation; Reutimann stopped short of endorsing the measure as it is.

#DamienTalks is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”

Last week, activists from around California and the rest of the country gathered in Washington, D.C. for the national bike summit. During the summit, the Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) was honored for the "best winning campaign" of the past year for its work on getting the City of Los Angeles to pass and approve a progressive mobility plan.

Today, #DamienTalks with the LACBC's Executive Director, Tamika Butler, and Planning and Policy Director, Eric Bruins, about the campaign. The two discuss not just why it's important to have a plan that emphasizes creating safe places for people to walk, bicycle, take transit or just be outside; but also the importance of lasting coalition building.

To paraphrase a point that Bruins makes, it's not just about building a coalition for the plan; but creating meaningful dialogue with community partners about a shared vision of a more mobile, equitable, clean and just pleasant city. 

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.

Today, #DamienTalks to Habib Balian, the CEO of the Gold Line Foothills Construction Authority and Amy Wong with Women on Wheels.

This weekend, the long-awaited extension of the Gold Line to the San Gabriel Valley Foothills will finally open. Balian discusses the advocacy and work that led to the extension and the excitement that the line will be open soon. It is likely that any sales tax on the fall ballot will include another extension of the Gold Line, so Balian and his team are preparing in the eventuality that funding becomes available in 2017 for an extension all the way to Montclair.

Our second segment features an interview with Amy Wong of Women on Wheels (WoW.) WoW works to create safe spaces and events for female bicycle riders to meet, have fun, and improve their bicycle skills. Wow has a couple of events coming up, a social on Sunday, March 13, and the LA to SGV: Sister Cities Ride & Mechanics Class with the Ovarian Psycos on Saturday, March 19.

#DamienTalks is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”

Two for the price of one!

Today #DamienTalks with a pair of Southern California bicycle advocates, BikeSD's Samantha Ollinger and the Bicycle Cultural Institute's Nona Vornado.

First, #DamienTalks with Ollinger about the exciting plans for Downtown San Diego. The City Council will vote next week on a plan to add 9.3 miles of protected bikeways and 5.5 miles of pedestrian greenways to the two square miles that make up Downtown San Diego. Once implemented, San Diego would leap past pretty much everyone for safe streets planning in the urban core.

However, it's not a done deal. If you live, work, or play in San Diego, you can click here to get your voice heard. If you want to read more, here's last week's story on San Diego's plans in Streetsblog USA, based on research in Next City.

Next #DamienTalks with Nona Vornado about the upcoming Los Angeles Bicycle Festival. Tickets are on sale now:$10 for individuals and $15 for families. There are lots of goodies for people who buy their ticket *in March*. For more information click here for the Festival's webpage, here for the Facebook page or, ya know, just LISTEN TO THE PODCAST.

Today, #DamienTalks with Jeannie Ward-Waller, the Streetsie-Award-Winning activist with CalBike about a proposal to provide rebates for people purchasing bicycles for their commute. The Air Resources Board already provides rebates to those purchasing hybrid, low-emission and zero emission vehicles. So why not provide the same benefit to those purchasing bicycles, the ultimate zero emission vehicle?

CalBike presented it's proposal to ARB earlier this year, and Ward-Waller reports that discussions with staff have been positive. However, ultimately the decision will be made by the Governor-appointed Board and there's many chances to get involved.

First, if the ARB is coming to your town for a public hearing, go to the meeting and let them know how you feel. Also, you can write to them via this action alert at the Fix California Roads website.

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.

Welcome to episode 4 of #DamienTalks, an episode that focuses primarily on two projects in El Monte. We didn't plan it that way, but sometimes these things happen.

First, #DamienTalks with David Diaz Avelar about Historia de los Monteros, a collaborative effort between a handful of groups to explore the lost history of El Monte's mural culture. Day One, East of East, and the El Monte Arts Posse have programmed six events featuring discussions, bike rides, and lectures around this topic. The next event is March 5. Get more event detail at the Historia's webpage or the event poster.

If David's name (or voice) sound familiar, that's because he is the same person we interviewed in the last #DamienTalks for one of his other projects, advocacy for the Las Tunas complete streets project in Temple City for Bike SGV.

Speaking of whom, our second guest is Jose Jimenez, who runs Bike SGV's bicycle education center in El Monte. Jose discusses the brief history of the center, upcoming programs and invites everyone to come visit to learn how to ride, fix or improve their bicycle. The Education Center's schedule can be found at the Bike SGV website.

#DamienTalks is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”

Welcome to episode 3 of #DamienTalksSGV, a public affairs podcast interviewing people that create and advocate for sustainable transportation in the San Gabriel Valley.

Which way will Temple City go?

Today, #DamienTalks with livable streets advocates in Pasadena and Temple City about chances to get involved with efforts to bring parklets to the Pasadena Playhouse District and a complete streets plan for Las Tunas Drive in Temple City.

First, #DamienTalks with Greg Gunther, a resident and activist from Pasadena. Gunther has been working for years to bring parklets to Colorado Boulevard in the Pasadena Playhouse District. After years of work, Pasadena seems close to approving the plan for two parklets on each end of the Boulevard in the Playhouse District. If you want to get involved, join the Facebook Group here or the mailing list, here.

Second, #DamienTalks with David Diaz Avelar, a program manager with Bike SGV. On Thursday, the Temple City Council is scheduled to vote on one of three plans for Las Tunas Boulevard. Despite its history with progressive transportation, community pushback is causing some to worry that the Council won’t go for the more progressive plans.

Bike SGV has a good rundown on both the meeting and the politics here. More details are also available in the actual podast.

#DamienTalks is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”

This week, #DamienTalks with Albert Ho of the Gold Line Foothill Extension Construction Authority. Albert has been a booster of the project dating back to the mid aughts, helping to found the IWillRide campaign as an interested college student, managing the website early in his career and then working for the Construction Authority.

Albert talks about his experiences advocating for the project, touches on some of the highlights of the line extension, scheduled to open on March 5. Towards the end, we reminisce about our days of yore, sitting in the back of Metro Board meetings together, trying to come up with the wittiest tweet.

Next, #DamienTalks with Wes Reutimann, the executive director of Bike SGV. Reutimann discusses the upcoming scoping meeting for the Puente Hills Landfill Park. The park promises to be one of the largest tracts of open space on the Southland. There will be an environmental scoping meeting this Wednesday, January 27 (for more information on the hearing and the park click here.)

Bike SGV is hoping that there we be a safe network of bicycle lanes leading to the park and a network of bike facilities within the park to create the largest bike park in California. If you can't make the scoping meeting, click here to read and sign Bike SGV's petition.

If, like me, you are unfamiliar with what a bike park is, here are examples in Marin County and Fresno County.

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 #DamienTalks homepage on Libsyn.

#DamienTalks is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”

Today, #DamienTalks with Hasan Ikharta, the executive director of the Southern California Association of Governments about the pilot program that could be the second step in replacing the state's gas tax with a vehicle miles traveled tax.

Last week, the state announced it was looking for 5,000 drivers to participate in a pilot program to analyze different methods for replacing the state's gas tax. Tax receipts have fallen in recent years as cars become more fuel efficient. While cleaner cars are a good thing, the state can't keep up with the backlog of road repair projects that are needed to keep the state's transportation network functioning.

If you prefer your information in written form, and missed last week's story on Streetsblog California, click here. If you'd like to sign up for the pilot program, click here. 

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 #DamienTalks with Jessica Meaney, a longtime friend of Streetsblog and the founder of the Los Angeles based Investing In Place. Meaney has been a leading fighter for equity in transportation planning and funding by mode, by geographic need and by economic need. 

Today we focus on Meaney’s efforts to insure that any future sales tax passed for transportation infrastructure is used to create stronger communities that serve the people who live there and address regional mobility needs. Tomorrow, Los Angeles County Metro will unveil the results of a needs analysis for active transportation needs in the county which could go a long way in determining what a future sales tax will look like.

The interview also touches on best practices for advocates around the state who are facing sales tax measures on the ballot this fall. How do you build a coalition for active transportation? How do you judge whether a measure can successfully address the mobility needs of all residents?

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.

Welcome back to #DamienTalks! Today we're broadcasting our first episode for 2016 on Streetsblog California (we posted a local episode on Streetsblog Los Angeles yesterday). Today, Damien Talks to the most familiar of faces and voices, SBCAL editor Melanie Curry. Anyone that missed last week's report on Governor Brown's proposed state budget must listen to this episode, as Curry breaks down how the proposal deals with transportation funding.

Fans of the popular Active Transportation Program might be disappointed, as will anyone expecting any dramatic results from the Paris Climate Change Talks last year.

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 #DamienTalks homepage on Libsyn.

Welcome to the first #DamienTalks of 2016, a public affairs podcast focused on interviewing the people that create and advocate for sustainable transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. For those of you just joining us, #DamienTalks has been broadcast on Streetsblog California for over a year, but we've received advertising support to do a bi-weekly podcast focused on the San Gabriel Valley right here on Streetsblog L.A.

See an archive of past #DamienTalks from Streetsblog California by clicking here.

This week, we're talking with Glendale Mayor and Metro Board Member Ara Najarian about what are the big stories that will change transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. Najarian points to two stories that will dominate 2016: the opening of Phase I of the Gold Line Foothill Extension and the debate around and campaign for a new transportation sales tax in L.A. County.

Every episode of #DamienTalks - SGV will also feature regular check-ins with Bike SGV, the super group that is pushing the boundaries of bike advocacy and planning throughout the San Gabriel Valley. Andrew Yip. Yip is excited about a lot of programs and changes coming in 2016, especially the 20 mile open streets event "626".

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 #DamienTalks homepage on Libsyn.

It's the end of the year, so we're doing a special #DamienTalks. As announced on Streetsblog California, today I'm taking your questions...errr, your question...

The questions we received were variations on where transportation is headed, and how are things will change going forward. I see two big ways that things are going to be different: at the policy level things will change because of Vision Zero, and in the advocacy world we'll see a shift as we all figure out how to best address equity issues in our planning and programming.

Given that this podcast is occurring during our pledge drive, I would be remiss if I didn’t post the links to the donation pages for Streetsblog San Francisco , Streetsblog Los Angeles and Streetsblog California.

We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me atdamien@streetsblog.org, at twitter@damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.

Thanks for listening. You can download the episode at the #DamienTalks homepage on Libsyn.

Today, #DamienTalks with Roger Rudick, a long-time contributor to various Streetsblogs and the incoming editor of Streetsblog San Francisco.

In the interview we cover varied ground including how Rudick's world travels inform his writing at Streetsblog and elsewhere, his views on some of the major stories breaking in the Bay Area, and some get-to-know-you questions including "have you ever ridden Critical Mass?"

If you're just dying to learn more about Roger, read our "Welcome, Roger" post and yesterday's "Hi, I'm Roger" post at Streetsblog San Francisco.

Given that this [delete "is"] podcast is occurring during our pledge drive, I would be remiss if I didn't post the links to the donation pages for Streetsblog San Francisco and Streetsblog California.

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 #DamienTalks homepage on Libsyn.

Hello, welcome back to #DamienTalks! It’s been awhile.

Today Damien talks with SFCTA executive director Tilly Chang (read Streetsblog coverage of Chang, here) about whether or not ride share companies are good for transit and good for urban transportation. SFCTA has been studying these issues and Chang has a wealth of information at her fingertips and even some advice for cities that are attempting to figure out the best ways to work with and regulate rideshare companies.

Our conversation mirrors an article at City Lab by Laura Bliss entitled, “Is Uber Transit’s Enemy or Its Friend?”

Our answer, it’s too soon to say, but with the right partnerships and planning Uber, Lyft and all their friends can definitely be transit’s friends.

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 Ryan Price, Campaigns Director for CalBike, about CalBike's recently released legislative report card. 

Look up how your legislator did, here. Don't know who represents you in Sacramento? Click here.

In addition to scoring the candidates, CalBike produced some meme-friendly pictures with every legislator's score. In the interview we cover a couple of topics:

• Why there appears to be a partisan divide on scoring, despite the reality that bicycling-friendly legislation seems to be gaining bi-partisan support.
• CalBike's goals for the current "special session" on transportation going on right now.
• And last, what to do if your legislator's meme-picture is a boring headshot instead of a cool bikeshot.

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 Sue Minter, a candidate for Governor of Vermont. This kicks off an irregular series where I'll be talking with elected and government officials either just before or just after they make a trip to California.We'll discuss best practices in bicycle and pedestrian planning, and give our interviewees a chance to talk about their impressions of the Golden State. 

Minter is a more natural choice than it might first appear. As the head of Vermont's transportation agency, she's had to handle the aftermath of flooded roads and highways after a tropical storm in 2011.

She also recently visited Los Angeles as a member of President Obama's Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience chaired by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti. Minter understands the connection between these issues and transportation planning and urban design.

As a candidate for Governor of Vermont, she's hosting a couple of events in Los Angeles on November 16 and Pasadena on November 17.

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, we're broadcasting part 2 of the #DamienTalks discussing the best, and worst, news out of Sacramento. Yesterday, I talked to a trio of advocates around the state. Today, I'm talking with Melanie Curry, the editor of Streetsblog California.

Curry talks about some of the bills we didn't touch on yesterday, including many of the ones she has covered at Streetsblog California over the past year. As always, the conversation with Melanie is a little more relaxed than our regular interviews as Melanie and I have been having these conversations without a microphone for months.

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.

Welcome to the first two-part #DamienTalks. Today, I talk with Meea Kang with the Council of Infill Developers, Gloria Ohland of Move L.A. and Colin Parent of Circulate San Diego. The topic of the day is the recently concluded legislative session in Sacramento.

Governor Jerry Brown signed a lot of legislation, much of it moved the ball forward on issues such as bicycle safety, active transportation funding, and clean air. But the most popular legislation was AB 744, legislation that impacts parking requirements for Transit Oriented Development.

Ohland focused on the legislative package of Senator Senator Kevin de León, who authored and backed the popular clean air legislation SB 350 and legislation that will allow Los Angeles County MTA to put a new transportation sales tax on the ballot.

A separate interview with Streetsblog Calfiornia's Melanie Curry will air tomorrow.

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 Jim Beal and Elly Blue with Microcosm Publishing. The duo is producing the eight-part Groundswell Movies focused on community-based bicycle advocacy (as opposed to activist-based bike advocacy) and how it's worked in cities throughout the country.

Streetsblog has helped roll out the series, although we aren't officially part of the project. Streetsblog USA profiled Groundswell last month. Streetsblog L.A. debuted Building Stories: City Planning with James Rojas earlier today.

If you haven't watched any of the movies yet, you're in for a treat. I've found them fascinating. A League of Their Own, the first film in the series, is really must-see for anyone interested in the history of bicycle advocacy.

And, for anyone listening just because they know me, you will enjoy listening to me totally flub a question asked of me about 5 minutes into the podcast.

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.

This week, #DamienTalks with Damian Kevitt, the man who went from hit and run victim to survivor to hero.

In the wake of his crash, Kevitt dedicated himself to using his story to create a new movement to fix California's mess of hit and run laws. First came Finish the Ride, an event spearheaded by Kevitt and his friends to raise funds for organizations fighting for policy change and helping crash victims rehabilitate. Then Kevitt was the force behind Streets Are for Everyone (SAFE) which pushes to change policy at the state level.

Following the successful passage and signing of Assembly Bill 8 last week, SAFE is weighing its own next steps.

Finish the Ride's next event will be a "ride, walk and roll" in the San Fernando Valley this December. For more information, click here.

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, 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.