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01 January 2010

In The Know: Los Angeles Blog Roll



Blogs about the Los Angeles area and scene.

GENERAL LOS ANGELES BLOGS
LAist — Los Angeles area news, arts, events, food.
Curbed LA — Los Angeles area news, events, culture, real estate, architecture.
Hidden Los Angeles — Discover and explore the hidden gems of Los Angeles.
LA Observed — LA media, politics, business, culture, sense of place.
Militant Angeleno — Angeleno pride from one of LA's defenders and boosters.
KCET — Your neighborhood and communities; local news, politics and opinion; world-class arts & culture; Southern California history and sense of place.
Going LA — Concerts, festivals and other events in Los Angeles.
Experience LA — What to do and how to get there in Los Angeles.
LA Bizarro — Insider's guide to the obscure, absurd and perverse in Los Angeles.
LA .com — Travel, food, entertainment and events in LA.
IlluminateLA — Culture, community and the ride that takes you there.
Losanjealous — A great blog on the Los Angeles music scene.
Eater LA — Food and beverage scene of Los Angeles.
Eating L.A. — "It's your city, you might as well taste it."
Racked LA — Shopping and style intelligence.
Not For Tourists — The places and things natives should go and be doing.
Los Angeles Magazine — LA news, food, culture, events.
Blogging LA — Original content on all things cool in LA.
LA Streetsblog —  Life in post-car Los Angeles.
Franklin Avenue — Mike and Maria eat, drink, shop and live in Los Angeles.
History, Los Angeles County — LA's unique history reflected in the buildings, parks and public spaces of the city and county.
City Watch — An insider's look at City Hall.
L.A. Daily Blog — "News, pop culture & parody" by Zuma Dog-- a loud critic of City politicians and politics.
I Love Los Angeles, But... — Celebrating out beautifully flawed city.
Mayor Sam — Keeping an eye on LA politics and politicians, whistle-in-hand!
City Hall Insider — Los Angeles City Hall politics from an insider's point of view.
Pershing Square's Blog — Questioning and calling out city leadership--or lack thereof.
Your Daily Thread — A modern guide for the eco-curious and social do-gooder.
LA Can't Drive — Caught on film! Calling out LA's worst drivers!
The Source — Official blog of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority
The Bus Bench — A seriously satirical approach to alt transit, public transport and social ecology in Los Angeles.
LA Metro Mole — A critique of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority's management and operations.
The Metro Duo — Your guide to Los Angeles by rail.
The Hollywood Reporter — Entertainment Industry news.
Variety — Entertainment Industry news.
Fishbowl LA — LA media news, unspooled.
LA Snark — A pop culture blog based in Los Angeles.

NEIGHBORHOOD BLOGS
Blogdowntown — Everything Downtown Los Angeles.
DTLA411 — A resource for DTLA.
DTLA Resident — A resource for those that live downtown.
Little Tokyo Guide — What's going on in Little Tokyo.
atKoreatown — All things Koreatown.
South of Downtown — From DTLA, south-- or "SoDo."
Leimert Park Beat —  Brotherhood. Sisterhood. Neighborhood. For Leimert Park Village, Crenshaw, South L.A., West Adams, Baldwin Hills, Jefferson Park.
Silver Lake: Los Angeles' Urban Village — News links about Silver Lake.
Silver Lake daVine — Local art, architecture, food, library, park, reservior, weather, -- events, politics, staris -- to stars above.
Open Silver Lake — Neighborhood social network to keep Silver Lake residents informed and connected.
Echo Park Patch —  Echo Park news, events and deals.
Los Feliz Daily — Serving the Los Feliz district of Los Angeles.
Griffith Park Wayist — The way to the true Griffith Park.
Atwater Village Newbie — News from Atwater Village.
Atwater Village News — News and events from Atwater Village.
90042 — All about Highland Park.
Highland Park Patch —  Highland Park-Mount Washington news, events and deals.
York Blvd — News and events from Highland Park and Northeast LA.
Eagle Rock Patch — Eagle Rock news, events and deals.
Monty Heights — The view from the neighborhood above the city.
NELA Live — A convergent blogging community of residents, activists, entreprenuers, educators, and artisians that live in and care deeply about Northeast LA.
Arroyo Seco Journal — News and events from Northeast LA.
LA Eastside —  Views on LA and the Eastside from Angelenos who live "on the other side of the river."
The Eastsider — News and events from East LA and Northeast LA.
Hollywood Unbound — Hollywood community news and info.
Hollywood Patch — Hollywood news, events and deals.
The Boulevard Blog — Hollywood--or what's left of it.
WeHo Daily — Info from West Hollywood.
Beverly Hills Patch — Beverly Hills news, events and deals.
Westwood-Century City Patch —  Westwood-Century City news, events and deals.
Rancho Park Online —  serves the neighborhood of Rancho Park, nestled between Cheviot Hills and Sawtelle, Palms and Westwood.
Brentwood Patch —  Brentwood news, events and deals.
Pacific Palisades Patch — Pacific Palisades news, events and deals.
I Love Santa Monica — All things Santa Monica
Open Santa Monica —  Neighborhood social network to keep Santa Monica residents informed and connected.
Del Rey — Neighborhood social network to keep Del Rey residents informed and connected.
Mar Vista Patch — Mar Vista news, events and deals.
Open Mar Vista — Neighborhood social network to keep Mar Vista residents informed and connected.
Yo Venice! — News, arts, food, music, events from Venice.
Venice Patch — Venice news, events and deals.
Open Venice —  Neighborhood social network to keep Venice residents informed and connected.
Culver City Times — The news and social network for the heart of screenland, Culver City.
Open Culver City — Neighborhood social network to keep Culver City residents informed and connected.
Marina Del Rey Patch — Marina del Rey news, events and deals.
We Are MdR — Save the Marina from overdevelopment.
Hermosa Beach Patch — Hermosa Beach news, events and deals.
Manhattan Beach Patch — Manhattan Beach news, events and deals.
Redondo Beach Patch — Redondo Beach news, events and deals.
Rancho Palos Verdes Patch — Rancho Palos Verdes news, events and deals.
The SFV Scoop —  THE local blog for the San Fernando Valley.
North Hollywood Patch — North Hollywood-Toluca Lake news, events and deals. 
Studio City Patch — Studio City news, events and deals.
I Am San Fernando — Covering the City of San Fernando and the northeast San Fernando Valley
The Nuys — Covering news, events, and happenings in the Nuys.
Here in Van Nuys — About, but not limited to Van Nuys.
Come on Feel the Nuys — About Van Nuys and the SFV.
Encino Patch — Encino news, events and deals.
Chatsworth Patch — Chatsworth news, events and deals.
Altadena Blog — News and events from the City of Altadena and vicinity.
Altadena — Altadena news, events and deals.
South Pasadena Patch —  South Pasadena news, events and deals.
Alhambra Source — Alhambra community news and voices.


– R. Nelson  |  Updated 00:24 Wed 25 May 2011.
0 comments Posted by The LA Informant at 12:00 AM
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Running The Show: City of Los Angeles – Elected Officials

Elected officials of the City of Los Angeles.


The Seal of the City of Los Angeles.


Our Mayor, the Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa


Los Angeles City Hall.
Los Angeles City Hall Information (213) 473-3231

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS

For special accommodations at any meeting, please contact the Department on Disability at (213) 202-2764 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting you wish to attend.
TTY (213) 202-2755


Session of the Los Angeles City Council.
Los Angeles City Council
City Council Calendar  
City Council Live Webcast and On-demand Video

COUNCIL PHONE —A dial-up system which allows the public to listen to live coverage of the Los Angeles City Public Meetings from any phone. The numbers below may be used from any location, not just in Los Angeles. Dial up and listen in.  Use the numbers below:
Downtown (213) 621-CITY
San Pedro (310) 547-CITY
West Los Angeles (310) 471-CITY
Van Nuys (818) 904-9450

Map of District Boundaries


City Hall Office (213)-473-7001
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 410
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213)-473-7002
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 425
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213)-473-7003
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 450
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213)-473-7004
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 480
Los Angeles, CA 90012


City Hall Office (213)-473-7005
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 440
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213) -473-7006
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 455
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213)-473-7007
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 470
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213)-473-7008
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 460
Los Angeles, CA 90012


City Hall Office (213)-473-7009
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 420
Los Angeles, CA 90012

City Hall Office (213)-473-7010
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 430
Los Angeles, CA 90012


City Hall Office (213)-473-7011
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 415
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213)-473-7012
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 405
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 
City Hall Office (213)-473-7013
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 475
Los Angeles, CA 90012


City Hall Office (213)-473-7014
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 465
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 

City Hall Office (213)-473-7015
200 N. Spring Street, Rm 435
Los Angeles, CA 90012




Neighborhood council map.

Neighborhood Councils
The Department Of Neighborhood Empowerment (DONE) administers the Neighborhood Councils in Los Angeles. To learn more about Neighborhood Councils, including locations, meeting times and members, visit the DONE website.

– R. Nelson  |  Updated 02:18 Mon 23 May 2011
0 comments Posted by The LA Informant at 12:00 AM
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To And Fro: Taxi Cab Info For Greater Los Angeles




All Hail—
A cab!

Okay, okay, so hailing a cab in Los Angeles isn't quite so easy.  Cabbies in Los Angeles don't just drive around lookin' for fares.  Unless you're at an airport, the Walk of Fame, downtown on a weekday or in an area heavily populated by bars/clubs after last call, you best call a cab rather than hailing one.

Most cabs will be at your doorstep (or footstep) within 10 - 15 minutes of your call.  If you're on the streets, be sure to give them an actual street address–they hate just being told an intersection.

Cab companies and co-ops accept credit cards, but most require a minimum charge $10 or $15.  If you plan on using a credit card for your fare be sure to tell the dispatcher when you call AND the driver at the start of your trip.

The note posted inside cabs reads that the driver carries only $5 in change.  They always have more change than that but if you look or act shady, they say they only have $5 in change–hey, can you blame them?  If you're picked up within the Los Angeles city limits, the city has a set rate (see below) so you don't have to worry about paying more or less depending on which company you choose.

Don't forget to tip your driver.




Find the approximate cost of your fare using one of these fare calculators:





Taxis in the City of Los Angeles: 

The Los Angeles  Department of Transportation (LADOT) currently regulates the taxi  services of nine companies authorized to operate in the City*:

• Bell Cab
• Beverly Hills Cab
• City Cab
• Independent Taxi
• LA Checker Cab
• United Checker Cab
• United Independent Taxi Drivers (UITD)
• United Taxi of San Fernando Valley (UTSFV)
• Yellow Cab

Cabs authorized to pick up fares within the LA city limits will have this seal on their door.
The City of Los Angeles has set rates for all taxi cabs that pick up fares within the city limits**:


All Passengers Ride for Price of One

1. $2.85 flag drop (first 1/9th mile).
2. $0.30 for each additional 1/9th mile ($2.70 per mile).
3. $0.30 for each 37 seconds waiting/delay ($29.19 per hour).
4. $46.50 flat fare for trips between LAX and downtown. (Area bounded by Alameda St., Santa Monica     Fwy., Harbor Fwy., Cesar E. Chavez, Union Station and Chinatown.)
5. $4.00 surcharge for all trips originating at LAX.
6. $15.00 minimum fare for trips originating at LAX (In addition to the $4.00 surcharge).



BELL CAB >> http://www.bellcab.com/
Call  1-888-481-2345 for service in Los Angeles, LAX, South Bay cities, City  of Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and other communities within the County  of Los Angeles.



BEVERLY HILLS CAB >> http://www.beverlyhillscabco.com/
Call  1-800-518-0205 for service in Los Angeles, Mid-Wilshire, Beverly Hills,  Westwood, Bel Air, Brentwood, Century City, Culver City, Santa Monica,  LAX, Hollywood and West Hollywood.








CITY CAB >> http://www.sgtransit.com/taxi_service.php

1-800-340-8294 for service in Los Angeles








INDEPENDENT CAB CO. >> http://www.lataxi.com/
Call 1-800-521-8294 for service in Hollywood, Downtown LA, Beverly Hills, Culver City, Westwood, Brentwood, West Los Angeles.



LA CHECKER CAB CO. >> http://ineedtaxi.com/
Call  1-800-300-5007 for service in Agoura Hills, Athens, West Hollywood,  Baldwin Hills, Lennox, Los Angeles, Florence, Malibu, San Fernando, LAX,  Calabasas, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Universal City, Inglewood.





UNITED CHECKER CAB  >> http://www.unitedcheckercab.com/index.html
Call  1-877-201-8294 for service in Carson, Dominguez, East Rancho Dominguez,  Harbor City, Habor Gateway, Lomita, Miraleste, Rancho Dominguez,  Terminal Island, Wilmington.
Or text your address w/ city and zip to: 777222


UNITED INDEPENDENT CAB >>  http://www.unitedtaxi.com/
Call 1-800-822-8294 for service in Los Angeles, Hollywood, Santa Monica, Venice, Marina Del Rey, LAX.
Call 1-800-600-0005 for service in Culver City.
Call 1-800-308-0700 for service in Beverly Hills or West Hollywood.
Call 1-800-411-0303 for service in the South Bay.
Call 1-800-892-8294 for service in Burbank.
Call 1-888-414-8294 for service in Pasadena.



UNITED TAXI – SAN FERNANDO VALLEY   >> http://www.unitedtaxi.com/
Call 1-800-290-5600 for service in the Los Angeles city limits of the San Fernando Valley.




YELLOW CAB CO.  >>  http://www.layellowcab.com/contact/index.asp
Call  1-877-733-3305 for service in Agoura Hills, Athens, West Hollywood,  Baldwin Hills, Lennox, Los Angeles, Florence, Malibu, San Fernando, LAX,  Calabasas, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Universal City, Inglewood.




To reach LADOT customer service regarding complaints or commendations, please call 1-800-501-0999




City Of Long Beach (and vicinity):

L. B. Yellow Cab Taxi Cabs rates for Cerritos,Hawaiian Gardens, Long  Beach, Los Alamitos, Rossmore, Seal Beach, and Signal Hill, CA.

Taxicab  rates are always posted in vehicles.  Rates are set by city or county  regulation.  As of this posting, current rates are as follows:


$2.85 - Initial Flag-drop, includes first 1/7th mile, or
30 seconds or fraction thereof

$0.30 - Each additional 1/9th mile or part

$0.30 - Each 37 seconds waiting time and/or traffic delay
($29.19 / hour wait)

All  passengers ride for the price of one. Driver carries only $5.00 in  change. Credit cards are welcomed, but with a $10.00 minimum charge.  Please notify the driver at the start of the trip if you plan on using a  credit card.



LONG BEACH YELLOW CAB >> http://www.lbyellowcab.com/
Call  1-800-529-3556 for service in Long Beach, including Long Beach Airport,  Belmont Shores, Lakewood, Signal Hill, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Rossmore and Seal Beach.


         


*http://www.ladot.lacity.org/tf_Taxicab_and_Vehicle_Regulations.htm

**http://www.taxicabsla.org/ – Fares (ordinances 177843 & 178050 , and Board Order No. 055, effective 10/01/06, 12/25/06 and 8/14/08). The following taxicab rates became effective on 8/14/08 as authorized by the Board of Taxicab Commissioners in B.O. 055.  On 3/29/11 the Los Angeles City Council approved the surcharge for trips originating at LAX to be increased from $2.50 to $4.00 beginning on 1 April 2011.



– R. Nelson  |  Updated 01:11 23 May 2011
1 comments Posted by The LA Informant at 12:00 AM
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To And Fro: Passenger Train Service and Commuter Rail in Los Angeles

RIDIN' THE RAILS
Not just for hobos and train robbers anymore!

Union Station, Los Angeles (LAX).


UNION STATION
The last of the great train stations, Union Station is located at the northern end of downtown Los Angeles.  It was completed in 1939 and was built in a blend of styles: Art Deco, Spanish Revival and Streamline Moderne.  Today it is a major transportation hub for the city.  Buses, subways, light rail, commuter rail and passenger trains all service the station from all parts of Los Angeles County and neighboring counties.

Main waiting room looking toward Alameda entrance.
 The station houses various vendors including a 24-hour Famima!! convenience store and the famous Traxx Restaurant.  Across Alameda Street is El Pueblo de Los Angeles State Historic Park (Olvera Street), if you're in the mood for some good Mexican food.  If your layover is a little longer, both Chinatown and Little Tokyo are just one stop away on the GOLD Line in either direction.  There is also a Denny's Restaurant across Vignes Street outside Patsoauras Transit Plaza on the east side of the station.

Amtrak tickets can be purchased in the mainwaiting room on the western end of the station.  Metrolink tickets, Metro Rail/Subway tickets, Metro TAP cards and bus passes can be purchased at the eastern end of the station.  Union Station offers both short and long term parking.

Union Station is located at 800 N. Alameda Street, Los Angeles 90012.


METROLINK
Metrolink is a commuter rail system that links downtown Los Angeles with outlying cities and adjacent counties.  All lines serve Union Station in downtown except the Inland Empire-Orange County Line.  From Union Station, commuters can connect to AMTRAK rail service, the GOLD, RED or PURPLE light-rail/subway lines or bus service from the Patsoauras Transit Plaza outside the east portal of Union Station or from the streets around the station.  Lines operate Monday-Friday, with some lines running limited service on weekends.  Check out the How To Ride guide.

91 Line — Serving Union Station, Norwalk/SFS, Buena Park, Fullerton, Placancia (planned), W. Corona, N. Main Corona, Riverside-La Sierra, Riverside-Downtown, San Bernadino.

Antelope Valley Line —Serving Union Station, Glendale, Burbank, Sun Valley, Symar/San Fernando, Santa Clarita, Via Princessa, Vincent Grade/Acton, Palmdale, Lancaster.

Bob Hope Airport Line — Union Station, Glendale, Burbank, Bob Hope Airport

Inland Empire-Orange County Line — San Bernadino, Riverside-Downtown, Riverside-La Sierra, N. Main Corona, W. Corona, Anaheim Canyon, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, San Clemente Pier, Oceanside.

Orange County Line — Union Station, Commerce, Norwalk/SFS, Buena Park, Fullerton, Anaheim, Orange, Santa Ana, Tustin, Irvine, Laguna Niguel/Mission Viejo, San Juan Capistrano, San Clemente, San Clemente Pier, Oceanside.

Riverside Line —  Union Station, Montebello/Commerce, Industry, Downtown Pamona, East Ontario, Pedley, Riverside-Downtown.

San Bernadino Line — Union Station, Cal State LA, El Monte, Baldwin Park, Covina, North Pomona, Claremont, Montclair, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, San Bernadino.

Fares vary, based on distance traveled.  Purchase tickets here.  Follow @metrolink on twitter for service updates.

AMTRAK
Amtrak is the nation's passenger train service.  Amtrak operates out of Union Station in downtown Los Angeles.  You can get to and from Union Station via Metrolink, the GOLD, RED or PURPLE light-rail/subway lines or bus service via the Patsoauras Transit Plaza outside the east portal of Union Station or from the streets around the station.

Amtrak operates five lines through Union Station:

Coast Starlight — Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, Oakland, Sacramento, Eugene-Springfield, Portland, Seattle.
Pacific Surfliner — San Diego, Anaheim, Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo
Southwest Chief — Los Angeles, Albuquerque, Topeka, Kansas City, Chicago
Sunset Limited — Los Angeles, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Houston, New Orleans
Texas Eagle — Los Angeles, Tucson, El Paso, San Antonio, Dallas, Little Rock, St. Louis, Chicago.

Book your trip online or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TDD/TTY (1-800-523-6590).

– R. Nelson  |  Updated 00:28 23 May 2011
0 comments Posted by The LA Informant at 12:00 AM
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To And Fro: Public Transit In Los Angeles – LA's Bus, Subway & Light Rail System

GO METRO!
Seriously, LA's got a subway.  No, for reals!  I swear!

It may not go everywhere you wanna go, but the suwbay'll get you places (don't worry, we're workin' on it). The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority—a mouthful, right?  That's why we just say "Metro."  Anyways, Metro's got tons of bus lines to get you everywhere else.

LA's light rail outlook based on the plan of borrowing federal money to complete rail projects in 10 years instead of 30.
METRO
The easiest way to use Metro, whether you're going by bus or rail, is to use its Trip Planner.  Simply input your starting and ending points, date and times.  The trip planner will give you multiple route options and times.  If your trip requires service from another transit agency or requires rail service, it will give you all the info.

Not at your computer? No prob, you can access the Metro site with the new Metro app for iPhone or call 1-800-COMMUTE (266-6883).  Metro information may also be obtained by calling  5-1-1 from any phone.

If you prefer to research on your own, look at the System Map [PDF] and then the timetable(s) for your route(s).

Metro Rapid bus passing City Hall.
Metro Fare and TAP card info
Base fare for Local, Limited and Rapid buses, the ORANGE Line and all subway/light rail lines is $1.50 per boarding ($0.35 extra for Metro-to-municipal agency transfer) or $6.00 for a day pass.  There are no transfers offered between Metro buses or rail.  Express buses and the SILVER Line have higher fares.  Weekly and monthly passes are also available.   Reduced fare exists for seniors, disabled and those using Medicare.  For up to date and full fare information see the Metro site.

Transit Access Pass (TAP) cards are credit card sized, re-loadable passes which maybe used on Metro buses and rail and some other municipal transit agencies as well.  If you already have a TAP, card you may load it with a day pass at any Metro Rail station or on any Metro bus.  TAP cards may be loaded with a weekly or monthly pass at any Metro Rail station, Metro vendor or online.  If you do not already have a TAP card you may still purchase a paper day pass at any Metro station, but you may not purchase a day pass on board any bus.  TAP cards cost $2.  They may be re-loaded as often as needed.  TAP cards can be purchased at Union Station, other Metro Customer Centers, (coming soon at select Metro Rail/ORANGE Line stations), a great number of check cashing vendors and select Ralphs supermarkets or online at taptogo.net.  To find the place nearest you to purchase a TAP card click here for an interactive map or here for a simple list.
LA subway.

NOTE: TAP cards may be loaded with a day pass beginning at midnight and will remain valid through 3:00AM of the following morning.  TAP cards loaded with weekly or monthly passes are based on calendar weeks/months--NOT necessarily 7 or 30 days from purchase (unless you actually purchase it on a Sunday or on the first of the month).

WARNING: Failure to pay the proper fare is violation of Section 640 Penal Code and may result in a fine up to $250 and 48 hours community service.  Los Angeles County Sherriff's Department has jurisdiction over Metro vehicles and facilities.

LADOT
In addition to LA County's Metro, the City of Los Angeles' Department of Transportation (LADOT) offers transit services as well.  Below are the three most used.  For a full list of services, visit the LADOT site.

Commuter Express — Cross-city bus routes that make very few stops. The coaches are clean and comfortable.  Lines from Sylmar, Chatsworth, Thousand Oaks, Westwood, Venice, Redondo Beach and  Rancho Palos Verdes all have termini in downtown Los Angeles.  Other routes service the Harbor area, LAX, Hollywood, South LA, the San Fernando Valley, Thousand Oaks, Pasadena, Burbank and Glendale.

DASH — Neighborhood shuttles that make loops though the community.  There are several serving the downtown area which come in handy during lunch breaks from work or jury duty.  Most routes operate Monday though Saturday. Fare is only $0.35. 

CITYRIDE — Cityride is a transportation assistance program for individuals age 65 or older and qualified disabled persons in the City of Los Angeles and select areas of Los Angeles County. The program offers Cityride participants reduced costs for the purchase of City of Los Angeles permitted taxi rides or Cityride Dial-A-Ride services.  Once registered, you are eligible to receive $42 in fare value each quarter for a payment of $21 or $9 for low-income participants. The fare value may be used for City of LA permitted taxi or Cityride Dial-A-Ride trips.

Blue line leaving Pico Station.
Some other municipal transit agencies in the county:
Antelope Valley Transit Authority
Beach Cities Transit
Burbank Bus
Culver City Bus
Gardena Municipal Bus Lines
Glendale Beeline
Long Beach Transit
Montebello Bus Lines
Orange County Transportation Authority
Pasadena Area Rapid Transit System
Santa Clarita Transit
Santa Monica's Big Blue Bus Lines
Torrance Transit
West Hollywood City Line


Official Twitter accounts and Metro blog for service and news updates.
@metrolaalerts — system alerts for bus and rail.
@metrolosangeles —system alerts plus Metro news.
@ExpoLine — updates concerning the new EXPO Line from DTLA to Culver City.
@WestsideSubway — updates concerning the extension of the PURPLE Line to Westwood.
@dashdowntown — alerts about Downtown DASH shuttles.
@ladottransit — alerts about all LADOT transit.
The Source — the official blog of LA County Metropolitan Transit Authority.

Metro riders and deriders who blog/tweet:
The Bus Bench — A seriously satirical approach to alt transit, public transport and social ecology in Los Angeles.
@thebusbench — Notes from the alternatively mobile in Los Angeles.
LA Streetsblog —  Life in post-car Los Angeles.
@lastreetsblog — The Los Angeles vanguard of the Streetsblog publishing empire.
LA Street Car — On track for a transportation revolution in DTLA.
@lastreetcar — Bringing a streetcar to DTLA by 2014!
Go Metro LA — Promoting public transit ridership in the greater Los Angeles area.
@gometrola — Promoting public transit ridership in the greater Los Angeles area.
LA Metro Mole — A critique of Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority's management and operations.

– R. Nelson  |  Updated 00:20 23 May 2011
0 comments Posted by The LA Informant at 12:00 AM
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To And Fro: Bicycling in Los Angeles

ROLLIN' THROUGH TOWN 
A vicious cycle? Nah! Biking in LA can be safe and fun!

Los Angeles County has hundreds of miles of bike paths and trails.  In the city, paths are classified in to three categories:


  • CLASS I — Safe and separate from virtually all motor traffic. These paths are usually along beaches, along or in parks, along rivers and creeks.  The Orange Line bike-way, the Culver Blvd path and the Expo Line bike-way (under construction) are also Class I. Descriptions of Class I paths.
  • CLASS II — Designated paths on city streets.  Marked with white lines and "BIKE LANE" on the right shoulder and with "BIKE PATH" signs posted along the route. Learn how to make traffic lights work for you by reading about "loop detectors."
  • CLASS III — A more controversial classification.  Class III paths are roads that are supposedly only relatively lightly traveled by autos, connect to other Class I or Class II paths, have "SHARE THE ROAD" signs posted but do not have lines painted on the street denoting a separate bike lane.  Los Angeles recommends drivers give cyclists three feet of space between each other.
Most buses have bike racks and bikes are now allowed on light rail trains and subways without station and rush hour restrictions.  Bike racks dot the streets of the city.  Businesses may request a bike rack to be installed on sidewalk in front of their establishment here free of charge.  There are also bike lock sleeves being installed on parking meters in select areas.  Bike lockers are available at many Metro Rail stations and at Union Station.  VIEW MAP OF ALL PATHS, LOCKERS, METRO ROUTES.

To find bike trails in local mountains, parks and recreation areas, see trails.com. Remember to respect the environment and your safety by staying on designated trails.

BIKES AND THE LAW
Laws very from city to city.  For instance it is legal to ride on sidewalks in the City of Los Angeles (as long as it's not with wanton disregard for pedestrians or property) but not in the City of Santa Monica. See municipal codes for some LA County cities below.

Beverly Hills
Culver City
Long Beach
Los Angeles
Pasadena
Santa Clarita
West Hollywood

Highlights of California law regarding bicycles (see the actual California Vehicle Code for details and full text):
  • Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities of vehicle drivers.  
  • Bicyclists and passengers under age 18 must wear an ANSI or Snell approved helmet when a passenger or riding upon a bicycle.
  • Motorized bicycles are not allowed on bike trails, paths or lanes.
  • No stopping or parking on a bike path.
  • Cyclists may not wear earplugs or headset in BOTH ears.
  • Bicycles must have a working brake.
  • Handle bars may not be higher than the rider's shoulders.
  • At night bicycles must be equipped with a white headlight or white light attached to the rider and visible from the front. 
  • Bicycles must also have a rear red reflector and white or yellow pedal reflectors. There must be a white or yellow reflector on the front of the bicycle visible from the side, and a red or white reflector on the rear of the bicycle visible from the side. 
  • All riders must have a permanent, regular seat. Bicycle passengers under 40 lbs. must have a seat which retains them in place and protects them from moving parts.
AWESOME STORIES
  •  What's that you say? A bike valet?!  Bike valets are popping up at farmers markets, festivals, parades and other events all around LA.   
  • Making Fourth Street a "Bicycle Boulevard?"  Yes, please!  See how they do it in Berkeley, CA.  We can do it here too!
  • Taking back the streets on foot and pedal?  Heck yeah!  Check out CicLAvia!  It is based on Ciclovia in Bogotá, Columbia where streets are closed to autos for a day. 
  • In 2009, Occidental College's Urban & Environmental Policy Institute (UEPI) worked with numerous community partners to convene more than 300 bike activists, students, public officials, researchers, and various other bike supporters at Los Angeles Trade Technical College for the first ever L.A. Bike Summit. Again in 2010, UEPI worked with bike, pedestrian and street advocates to re-form the L.A. Bike Summit as the 2010 LA StreetSummit: Biking, Walking and Beyond. On March 20th, 2010, once again at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, this year's Summit broadened its agenda to include a focus on making our streets more accessible and more friendly for everyone --cyclists, pedestrians, children, seniors, all Angelenos!
Great links:
LADOT Bicycle Services
LADOT Bike Blog
LA Bike Paths
LA County Bicycle Coalition
LA County Bicycle Coalition Blog
bike metro
C.I.C.L.E.
cicLAvia
Streetsblog LA
Departures: Biking Along the LA River
Midnight Ridazz
Los Angeles Wheelmen
La Grange Velo Club
Bike Boom Events Calendar
Wolfpack Hustle
Bikeside LA
Dockriders



Sweet tweets from those who ride:
@bikinginla
@Bikeside
@BikeMetro
@BikeLongBeach
@BikeWriters
@lacbc
@CycleSM
@cicLAvia
@SoapBoxLA
@LosAngelesCM
@lastreetsblog

– R. Nelson | updated 00:08 23 May 2011
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