One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
After Obama Traffic Hell, Some Residents Want an Investigation
Olympic Boulevard was free and clear of traffic, causing traffic throughout the Westside | Photo by jsteel2005 via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
Olympic Boulevard was free and clear of traffic, causing traffic throughout the Westside | Photo by jsteel2005 via LAist Featured Photos on Flickr
The LA Times says some residents want an investigation into last night's epic rush hour traffic mess, but one LAist commenter might be jokingly on to something. "Somehow, I think [L.A. Mayor Antonio] Villaraigosa is behind this; to illustrate how badly we need federal funding for the 30/10 subway projects." 30/10, which is dependent on multi-billion dollar bridge loan from the feds, would bring the region 12 transit projects in 10 years. The White House, in fact has already signaled support.
That same commenter, named meltdowntown, however, highlighted how bad traffic really got. "Left work at 3, wasn't able to board a bus till 4:45, & got home at 9 THANKS TO OBAMA IN LA." If it's too early to do the math, that's a six hour commute.
But on a day when Villaraigosa held his bicycle summit, one cyclist commenting on LAist's Facebook page didn't see the big deal. "Was riding my bicycle to work, passing a whole lot of traffic, when I got stopped at Olympic and San Vicente. Pulled over, saw the motorcade pass by," he said. "It was so exciting to see the president's huge entourage. Lame having to hear all the whiners. Traffic in LA? What's new?"
Many were angry because the traffic was not caused by U.S. business, but for a fundraiser (it raised $1 million, by the way). Others suggested going east of La Cienega was really the problem.
And reports from readers indicate traffic was also pretty bad this morning. Obama reportedly arrived at LAX shortly before 9 a.m. (last month Vice President Joe Biden's stop in L.A. to appear on Jay Leno caused delays a the airport). He now heads to Seattle.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
