Major corridor upgrades coming to the neighborhood
Fiona Ng
is LAist's deputy managing editor and leads a team of reporters who explore food, culture, history, events and more.
Published July 7, 2024 7:30 AM
The community of El Sereno is getting a street makeover.
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Fiona Ng
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LAist
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Topline:
Starting this fall, a major thoroughfare of the Eastside community of El Sereno will get a makeover to bring better bike paths, safer sidewalks, and ways to reduce traffic speed on Eastern Ave.
Why it matters: The project is one of three road improvement schemes in the works that could transform this 4.1 sq mile neighborhood at the border of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
The backstory: The plan to overhaul the three arteries — Eastern Ave., along with Huntington Dr., and Valley Blvd. — started several years back, and they are made possible by the defunct 710 freeway extension project, which left hundreds of millions in unused funding.
Starting this fall, a major thoroughfare of the Eastside community of El Sereno will get a makeover to bring better bike paths, safer sidewalks, more trees, and ways to reduce traffic speed on Eastern Ave. The project is one of three road improvement schemes in the works that could transform the face of this 4.1 sq mile neighborhood at the border of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley.
All of that is thanks to the defunct 710 freeway extension project, which left hundreds of millions in unused funding.
"Most of the money is for the El Sereno area because that was where obviously the freeway was going to be," said Nate Hayward, Deputy Chief of Staff for Councilmember Kevin de Leon who represents Council District 14 that encompasses the neighborhood. "So the thought was, let's re-invest in infrastructure improvements for biking, walking, transit, etc, on the major corridors in El Sereno."
The plan to overhaul the three arteries — Eastern Ave., along with Huntington Dr., and Valley Blvd. — started several years back. The City of Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering, in partnership with Councilmember de Leon, are leading the projects and have held community meetings seeking feedback since 2021.
Eastern Ave.
Work on Eastern Ave. will begin as early as this fall, according to Hayward, with construction projected to take 18 months. The 1.5-mile stretch will see a variety of improvements, including new street trees, painted bike lanes, and repaired sidewalks for easier accessibility. One particular concern was pedestrian safety, as two schools sit on the busy street.
"A lot of the community engagement on that project was, 'Okay, how do we slow things down with a school?'" said Hayward.
Dedicated bus lane in front of one of two schools along Eastern Ave.
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Courtesy LA Council City 14
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One solution is to install a dedicated school bus drop-off lane.
"The whole point is, how do you reconfigure all that to maximize it for people walking, biking, and taking transit, right? That's sort of the very essence of it," said Hayward.
The plan is part of a greater effort to connect these upgrades to Valley Blvd. and Huntington Dr., the two corridors that bookend Eastern.
Valley Blvd.
Under the proposed project, a 5-mile stretch of Valley Blvd. between the end of the 710 and Union Station will see improvements, with a peak hour bus lane reserved for bus usage during morning and afternoon rush hours.
"The goal of Valley was how do we connect Cal State L.A., L.A. General County Hospital/USC and Union Station, and then how do we make it so it's easier to get between all those, because you have a lot of people who commute in," said Hayward.
Another highlight of the plan is the expansion of Lincoln Park to create a more unified green space.
Aerial shot of Valley Blvd., with Lincoln Park at the top of the photo.
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Courtesy of L.A. City Council District 14
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Rendering of the planned Valley Blvd. improvements, with more trees, a bike path and an expansion of Lincoln Park so it's connected to the small green island at the center.
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Courtesy L.A. City Council District 14
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"We're shifting the park into the street," said Hayward.
About half the funding for the project has been secured, said Hayward. The district is awaiting word on a state grant for the remainder $60 or so millions.
Huntington Dr.
A new round of community meetings on the Huntington Dr. plan started in June. The project, said Hayward, is at a more initial phase, with a fraction of the projected funding currently secured.
What Huntington Dr. North at Hilldale Dr. looks like now.
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Courtesy of L.A. City Council District 14
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Proposed concept of turning the street into a pedestrian and bike path.
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Courtesy L.A. City Council District 14
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One of main focus of the proposal is to introduce more green space along the route, be it in the median of the wide main drag, or to convert a segment of Huntington Dr. into a pedestrian and bike friendly open area.
"The goal is just walkable, bikeable, transit friendly communities that are good for the communities that live there now," he said.
Nick Gerda
is an accountability reporter who has covered local government in Southern California for more than a decade.
Published December 2, 2025 5:21 PM
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on April 15.
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Samanta Helou Hernandez
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LAist
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Topline:
L.A. County leaders on Tuesday greenlit public transparency about payouts to county executives in response to LAist revealing a secretive $2 million settlement with the county’s CEO.
The action: County supervisors unanimously approved a proposal by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to have the county proactively tell the public about such settlements once they’re finalized, and to look into creating a public website describing them.
The backstory: The directive cited coverage by LAist’s coverage revealing that two months earlier, county CEO Fesia Davenport had quietly gotten a $2 million settlement payment from the county. As reported by LAist, Davenport’s settlement deal was labeled “confidential” and was not publicly reported out by the county.
Read on ... for more on what led to the board's move for transparency.
L.A. County leaders on Tuesday greenlit public transparency about payouts to county executives in response to LAist revealing a secretive $2 million settlement with the county’s CEO.
County supervisors unanimously approved a proposal by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath to have the county proactively inform the public about such settlements once they’re finalized and to look into creating a public website to describe them.
Among other things, the approved motion requires that all future settlements with county executives include language making it clear the agreement will be proactively disclosed to the public.
The backstory
The directive cited coverage by LAist revealing that two months ago, county CEO Fesia Davenport had quietly gotten a $2 million settlement payment from the county. As reported by LAist, Davenport’s settlement deal was labeled “confidential” and was not publicly reported out by the county.
The settlement was in response to her claims the supervisors harmed her reputation and caused her distress by putting a measure before voters — which was approved — that will create an elected county executive position. It’s among multiple reforms to restructure county government under last year’s voter-approved proposition, known as Measure G.
Davenport did not return a message for comment.
‘Public trust’ cited
“Transparency is central to strengthening public trust, without exception,” Horvath said in a statement after Tuesday’s vote. “Since joining the board, I have actively taken steps to ensure the public is included in the work of the county, especially concerning the use of public funds.
“Creating a clear process for department executive settlements is a commonsense action fundamental to good governance.”
David Loy, legal director of the First Amendment Coalition, commented on the decision, calling transparency the "oxygen of accountability in government."
“There is no reason why the county should not be proactive about posting and disclosing settlements that have been reached, especially with former executives or staff,” Loy said.
Davenport was one of several county executives to receive sizable settlement payouts over the past few years. Four additional county executives received payouts, according to Davenport’s claims that led to her settlement.
Costco is now one of the largest companies to sue the Trump administration over tariffs, hoping to secure a refund if the Supreme Court declares the new import duties illegal.
The Supreme Court is weighing the future of President Donald Trump's tariffs on nearly all imports. Justices seemed skeptical about their legality during last month's oral arguments. Lower courts had previously found that Trump had improperly used emergency economic powers to set most of the new levies.
The backstory: Dozens of companies across industries have filed lawsuits to seek refunds in the event that the Supreme Court finds Trump's tariffs illegal. The list includes makeup giant Revlon, the canned-foods maker Bumble Bee and Kawasaki, which makes motorcycles and more. Now Costco has joined the queue.
Costco lawsuit: In its suit filed with the U.S. Court of International Trade, Costco did not specify how much it's already paid in tariffs. But the retail giant worries that even if the Supreme Court eventually unravels Trump's tariff regime, it may not recoup the total costs.
Costco now is one of the largest companies to sue the Trump administration over tariffs, hoping to secure a refund if the Supreme Court declares the new import duties illegal.
The Supreme Court is weighing the future of President Donald Trump's tariffs on nearly all imports. Justices seemed skeptical about their legality during last month's oral arguments. Lower courts previously had found Trump improperly used emergency economic powers to set most of the new levies.
Dozens of companies across industries have filed lawsuits to seek refunds in the event the Supreme Court finds Trump's tariffs illegal. The list includes makeup giant Revlon, the canned foods maker Bumble Bee and Kawasaki, which makes motorcycles and more. Now Costco has joined the queue.
"This is the first time we're seeing big companies take their heads out of the sand publicly," said Marc Busch, a trade law expert at Georgetown University. For the most part, small companies have been leading the legal action against tariffs, he said, adding, "It's nice to finally see some heavyweights joining in the fray."
In its suit filed with the U.S. Court of International Trade, Costco did not specify how much it's already paid in tariffs, but the retail giant worries that even if the Supreme Court eventually unravels Trump's tariff regime, it may not be able to recoup all that money.
Costco executives in May had said that about a third of what is sold in the U.S. comes from abroad, predominantly non-food items.
NPR's Scott Horsley contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 NPR
Yusra Farzan
has been reporting on lawsuits against LAPD's use of force at protests.
Published December 2, 2025 4:27 PM
LAPD officers form a perimeter during an anti-ICE protest downtown in June.
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Carlin Stiehl
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Getty Images
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Topline:
The L.A. City Council voted 8-4 on Tuesday to continue allowing the Los Angeles Police Department to be armed with 40 mm foam bullet launchers and tear gas.
Why it matters: Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez — who asked city leaders to ban the LAPD’s use of 40 mm foam bullet launchers and tear gas — said the police department has deployed the weapons “in ways that should make everyone here on this body pause.” He cited examples of weapons used against journalists and protesters during this summer’s protests against federal immigration activity in L.A.
LAPD responds: Chief Jim McDonnell said taking these weapons away from the officers “puts us in a very bad position relative to city liability and relative to protecting our officers and the public that we serve.”
Read on ... for more about the City Council's decision.
The L.A. City Council voted 8-4 on Tuesday to continue allowing the Los Angeles Police Department to be armed with 40 mm foam bullet launchers and tear gas.
California law enforcement agencies are required to track and publicly document how they use military equipment, including less-lethal bean bag shotgun rounds, drones and armored vehicles, under state law AB 481 passed in 2022. The law also requires city leaders to approve or disapprove military equipment use annually. That vote came in front of the council Tuesday.
Another law passed after the George Floyd protests of 2020 restricted the use of crowd-control weapons, including tear gas and foam bullets, unless specific criteria are met. In 2020, a federal judge also imposed an injunction restricting LAPD’s use of force at protests, citing the “unfortunate history of civil rights violations by LAPD officers.”
Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez — who introduced an amendment asking city leaders to ban the LAPD’s use of 40 mm foam bullet launchers and tear gas — said military equipment use is allowed only in specific instances but that the police department has deployed the weapons “in ways that should make everyone here on this body pause.” He cited examples of weapons used against journalists and protesters during this summer’s protests against federal immigration activity in L.A.
“In recent months, we’ve watched this equipment deployed in ways that echo the same intimidation tactics we condemn in ICE raids — tactics that erode trust and violate basic legal protections,” he said. “Our residents should be able to exercise their rights without being met with [foam] bullets or tear gas.”
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell countered that such weapons are "a de-escalation tool, short of using deadly force. The last thing we want to use is deadly force."
He continued: "Taking a tool like this away from us puts us in a very bad position relative to city liability and relative to protecting our officers and the public that we serve.”
”Rather than be swayed by emotion or swayed by the loud voices of a relative few," McDonnell said Tuesday, "we're here to protect 4 million residents of Los Angeles and all the visitors who come here."
How we got here
After this summer’s anti-ICE protests, the LAPD once again came under scrutiny for its use of foam bullet launchers and tear gas.
An LAist investigation found LAPD used crowd-dispersal tools on people who did not appear to pose a threat and, in some cases, did not appear to be protesting at all. LAist reporters witnessed LAPD officers firing less-lethal munitions into crowds and at protestors running away from police. They did not hear clear warnings about the use of crowd-dispersal weapons during some of the protests and could not locate evidence that adequate warning was provided during subsequent protests.
But at Tuesday’s council meeting, McDonnell said, these weapons are deployed as “a last resort to be able to restore order” and after people have been given time to leave.
The Los Angeles Press Club sued the LAPD after June’s protests, citing violations of journalists’ rights while covering protests. After a judge issued an injunction in that case prohibiting the use of force against journalists, the LAPD filed an emergency motion asking the judge to lift the injunction, stating it required “operationally impracticable standards.” The judge denied the LAPD’s request.
How to watchdog your police department
One of the best things you can do to hold officials accountable is pay attention.
AB 481 requires police departments — including those at transit agencies, school districts and university campuses, sheriff’s departments, district attorney’s offices and probation departments — to provide reports about the use of military equipment.
So how do you know if they're in compliance? It’s simple. Search for the law enforcement agency name and "AB 481" on any search engine, and a public page should pop up. Here’s the LAPD’s.
Frank Stoltze
is a veteran reporter who covers local politics and examines how democracy is and, at times, is not working.
Published December 2, 2025 3:45 PM
L.A. City Hall on April 21.
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Carlin Stiehl
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Getty Images
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Topline
The city of Los Angeles has been working on major changes to its charter, which is basically the city’s constitution. The changes could bring sweeping reform to how the city works.
The backstory: The L.A. City Council created a Charter Reform Commission last year after a series of scandals rocked City Hall.
The details: The commission has been meeting for several months on a wide range of topics, including City Council expansion, ranked-choice voting systems and land-use planning changes.
“It is weedy. It is academic. But the charter touches Angelenos’ everyday lives,” said Raymond Meza, who chairs the commission.
Town hall: On Saturday, the commission will hold a town hall meeting in Echo Park in an effort to get more people involved in the process. It will take place outside on the northeast lawn of the park — weather permitting. It's scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
How to get involved: For a list of all upcoming meetings, go here.
There’s also a survey on the commission’s website at reformlacharter.lacity.gov.
The city of Los Angeles has been working on major changes to its charter, which is basically the city’s constitution. The changes could bring sweeping reform to how the city works.
The Los Angeles City Charter Reform Commission has been meeting for several months on a wide range of topics, including City Council expansion, ranked-choice voting systems and land-use planning changes.
“It is weedy. It is academic. But the charter touches Angelenos’ everyday lives,” said Raymond Meza, who chairs the commission.
This week, the commission will host a town hall meeting in Echo Park in an effort to get more people involved in the process. It will take place outside on the northeast lawn of the park — weather permitting.
Despite getting a slow start, the commission is hosting multiple meetings in an effort to meet an April 2 deadline to submit proposals to the City Council. It’ll be up to the council to decide whether to place reform proposals on the ballot next November.
The commission has broken reform down into four subject areas, with committees for each.
They are:
planning and infrastructure
government structure
better government
personnel and budget
“We’re in an exciting moment,” said David Levitus of L.A. Forward, an advocacy group.
“Looking at the charter for reform is long overdue”
Reform Commission
The L.A. City Council created the commission last year after a series of scandals rocked City Hall. Former Councilmember Jose Huizar went to prison on federal corruption charges and secret audio tapes revealed backroom dealing on redistricting.
The panel is made up of four appointees by Mayor Karen Bass, two by the council president and two by the president pro tempore. Those eight selected an additional five through an open application process.
On Thursday, the full commission is expected to take up proposals for a two-year budget cycle and an expedited city hiring process. Advocates of the changes say extending budget planning from one to two years will allow city leaders to better anticipate spending and revenue.
They say the city hiring process is slow and byzantine.
Meza said the Echo Park meeting Saturday is an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the process and speak at length with commissioners.
“We absolutely want to hear from people what is important to them as residents of the city of Los Angeles when it comes to their expectations of their city government," he said.
