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Map of the Day: Pothole Activism at Your Fingertips
View Los Angeles Potholes in a larger map
There are lots of bumps in the road of life, and a lot of those literal bumps are thanks to persistent potholes on the streets of our travels here in Los Angeles. Much like the LA Bike map, mapping is to citizen activism as the proverbial rubber is to the road. Susanna Schick has created a Google map aimed to aid the Department of Public Works track pothole spots. Schick explains in an email:
I think it's a great way to make their job easier (they actually do respond to road maintenance requests, I've experienced this firsthand) and it also makes it easier for us to accurately "pinpoint" the location of the pothole or bump.
The true value of the map will come from residents who are thoughtful about what they contribute to the map; to get a pothole fixed Angelenos should first call 311 and request a repair, but consider using the map for potholes that persist or return after being filled. Of course, you can always take advantage of a pothole and turn it into a piece of art...
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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.
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