Industrials Sector

L.A. Is Dog-Bite Capital For Postal Workers

Among our many fine distinctions, smog capital, traffic capital, douche capital, is a new one: The U.S. Postal Service this week ranked Los Angeles number one among big cities where carriers are attacked by dogs. The USPS released the list of top dog-attack cities, based on the number of incidents, ... More >>

Toxic Train or Green Railway? L.A. Harbor Neighbors, Environmentalists and Long Beach Officials Fight Los Angeles

By Christina Schoellkopf The job-creating $500 million Burlington Northern Santa Fe railway plan is heading to the Los Angeles City Council for a vote on the Environmental Impact Report even as a top environmental group says working-class families and children in polluted Wilmington will be subject ... More >>

Daniel Villasenor: Postal Worker Chokes 11-Year-Old Girl At Eastside Park, Cops Say

Updated at the bottom with the U.S. Postal Service launching it's own investigation. Also, charges have been filed. First posted at 6:09 a.m. Vying to prove that postal workers are well-adjusted, mellow human beings, a mailman in Commerce was unsuccessful. Allegedly. Cops say 55-year-old Daniel Vi ... More >>

Lyft's Ridesharing Program Takes Off in Los Angeles. What Does It Mean for the Taxi Industry?

For anyone who has ever fretted about what driving long distances without passengers during rush hour is doing to the environment and to your wallet, there's Lyft. Launched in San Francisco in 2012, the mobile-app based ride-sharing program allows members to find drivers in their areas who will sh ... More >>

Environmental Clean-Up Firms to Wipe Up After Carmen Trutanich's Broken Campaign Pledge

Remember Carmen Trutanich's "pledge to serve"? This is a story that refuses to die. Back in 2008, when he was first running for city attorney, Trutanich vowed to serve two terms and not to seek higher office. If he ever broke his word, he said, he would give $100,000 to the L.A.'s Best after-school ... More >>

AIDS Walk Makes Big Deal of Big Blue Bus Ad Ban, Wrongly Cries 'Discrimination'

Organizers of AIDS Walk Los Angeles took aim today at the Santa Monica Big Blue Bus system, saying the organization is banning its ads as part of a "discriminatory policy." Craig Miller, founder of AIDS Walk and a Santa Monica resident, said in a statement: All these years later, to be dealing wit ... More >>

California Bullet Train to Nowhere Gets $6 Billion Via State Lawmakers

California's bullet train dreams have had a nightmare of a year, including lagging public support and a need for billions in a bad economy. But supporters eked out a dreamy victory today: The state Senate approved an $8 billion package to fund the first leg of the train (from nowhere to nowhere):

Jitney

California Bullet Train's Promise of Jobs is Overstated, Says UCLA

That $100 billion publicly financed bullet train that would connect Angelenos to the Bay Area for the low, low one-way price of $120 (more, in some cases, than airfare) has more problems than Jay-Z. We reported recently that Golden State voters no longer support the thing: You seem to think buildin ... More >>

DesertXpress: High-Speed Train Will Run From Vegas to Palmdale, Serve Booze

A high-speed rail from SoCal to Vegas is every party girl and businessman's dream, obviously. But up until now, DesertXpress Enterprises' proposed route, nicknamed the "bridge to nowhere," has been laughable. That's because it ended in freaking Victorville -- a creepy desert trucker-stop of a city ... More >>

[Updated:] Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive: This Saturday

Update: 5/14 3:52 p.m. Did opportunistic thieves help themselves to some of the Stamp Out Hunger donations in Los Angeles? Unfortunately, yes. There were isolated reports on Saturday of unofficial vehicles driving down streets and taking off with the food bags, which were intended to be donations fo ... More >>

I Wish Review

Hirokazu Koreeda's latest

Amtrak's Ancestors: The Huntington's Exhibit on the History of the Transcontinental Railroad

Long before studios, hippies, method actors and reality-show wannabes headed out west, the Pacific Coast was a destination for farmers, miners, prospectors and other wagon-wheeling homesteaders who were looking for a new way of life. Two years after California struck gold in 1848, it became a part o ... More >>

California's $100B Bullet Train 'Not Feasible' at This Time, Says Peer Review Group for the High-Speed Rail (Surprise, Surprise)

The Bullet Train: Even more expensive a pipe dream than the L.A. mayor's "Subway to the Sea."​How many more warnings will it take for starry-eyed California politicians to realize the voter-approved $100 billion Bullet Train is a budget disaster waiting to implode? On top of skepticism from t ... More >>

Occupy L.A. Port Protest Causes "Minimal" Disruption

​Several hundred Occupy L.A. demonstrators picketed this morning outside the Port of Long Beach, as part of a coordinated effort to shut down the West Coast ports.At least two people were arrested near the south entrance to Pier J. The Port of Long Beach diverted traffic to another gate."It was a ... More >>

Occupy L.A. Does Not Expect to Shut Down Port of L.A. on Dec. 12

​After getting evicted from City Hall, Occupy L.A. is searching for a second act. This week, there were protests at foreclosed homes. On Monday, occupiers plan to rally at the Port of L.A., as part of a coordinated "blockade" of West Coast ports.The Ports of L.A. and Long Beach make up the biggest ... More >>

Occupy Ports: L.A. Occupiers to Halt Sea Commerce for 'Day Without Goldman Sachs'

Though they've arguably got bigger things to worry about right now -- like where in the world they're going to live, come LAPD eviction -- Occupy L.A. organizers are chattering about another big day of action on December 12: Occupy Ports. (And they'll have to recuperate by January 2, when they plan ... More >>

Skydive Porn Performers Won't be Charged: Sex in the Skies is Legal, Apparently

KGETGetting down up in the air.​Remember that couple who "performed" sex while in mid-air, parachutes dangling from their backs? Turns out they didn't do anything wrong. (If that's the case, we see a potential business model here: Sex-skydive tourism; mile-high for a day). The stunt happen ... More >>

Venice Residents Still Fuming Over Santa Monica Airport's Self-Serving Flight Pattern

New York Times, circa 2007Still annoying.​Update: L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl says he has some tricks up his sleeve to possibly take down the airport before 2015. Also, he calls it "a health emergency for the lungs of my people." More drama below. Originally posted October 18 at 12:50 ... More >>

Villaraigosa's 'Clean Truck' Plan for Port of Los Angeles Fails in 9th District Court of Appeals: Greenwashing Failed to Impress

Sparkling clean truck: Los Angeles greenwashing almost worked.​Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's controversial "clean trucks" plan to squeeze independent truckers out of the Port of Los Angeles as a favor to the Teamsters -- a green-washing plan he sold as merely a wholesome effort to r ... More >>

Federal Court Rules California Council of the Blind Can't Sue JetBlue

... unless you're blind​Blind people just can't seem to get a break. First of all, they're blind, which is never easy. And now, thanks to a California federal court ruling, they won't be able to book a flight on JetBlue's website. Where's the humanity.

Palmdale Seeks Injunction Against California High Speed Rail Authority To Stop I-5 Study

​The city of Palmdale came out swinging on Tuesday, filing a motion in federal court that seeks a temporary injunction to keep the California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) from spending certain funds for a study of a rail line along Interstate 5. "Again we're asking why are we wasting ta ... More >>

405 Closure Got You Down? Check Out the Five Craziest Design Ideas for Saving Our Transportation System

Courtesy Van Alen Institute.​ Without harping too much on that inconvenient thing happening on a big road somewhere in West L.A. this weekend, let us begin this modest post by agreeing that transit in L.A., in California, and in the vast majority of the US, could stand a few more efficient alt ... More >>

Gary Moreno, L.A. Homicide No. 31: Man Killed After Being Stabbed and Run Over Near Port of L.A.

foxnews.comPort of Los Angeles​By Ryan Deto 30-year-old Latino Gary Moreno was found dead on February 5 in the 200 block of Avalon Boulevard, less than a mile from the Port of Los Angeles. LAPD officers discovered Moreno lying in an alley with a severe stab wound to his chest and abrasions o ... More >>

A Father's Day Event That's Free (Parking: $150)

Jesse Marquez: Thorn of Industry

Who Replaces Jane Harman?

Hahn, Bowen and a cast of SoCal characters slug it out for Congress

Statue of Liberty on U.S. Postage Stamp Is Actually Newer, Hotter Vegas Version From 'New York-New York'

​​Everything's sexier in Vegas! Even New York's world-famous Statue of Liberty, apparently. Her likeness stands over the Las Vegas strip, torch raised...

SF Giants Fans Behind 'Beat L.A.' Banner Say They've Paid a Plane Company to Fly Giant Diss Over Dodger Stadium on Opening Day

freshnessmag.comWe know, wrong sport. But she's got the right spirit, and looks damn good doin' it.​Updated after the jump: Revenge banner reading "GIANTS SUCK" flies over Dodger Stadium! Plus, a shot of the "Beat L.A." original. Update: Will the banner-flyers remember to adhere to the post-9 ... More >>

$9 Billion California High Speed Rail Route: The Planning is So Inept That it's Souring Residents from North to South

California bullet train: little rooting for the route​Investigative reporter Tracy Wood writes today about the inept, cloaked, and somewhat creepy PR strategy followed by the California High Speed Rail engineers and Parsons Brinckerhoff, who have not followed basic transparency and outreach ru ... More >>

High-Speed Train to Vegas From Victorville

Just one hitch: You have to drive to Victorville

L.A. Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa Blames City's Crap Street Conditions on Ailing Bus System

When in doubt, blame it on the bus​We knew City Hall and the Metropolitan Transit System favored rail over wheel when it came to public transportation, but Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's unabashed bus diss on KNX news radio this morning almost made us choke on our flamin' hot Cheetos ... More >>

Judge Gives Go-Ahead To Expo Phase 2 To Santa Monica

Expo Phase 2​The second phase of the Expo Line cleared a major hurdle today, as a judge threw out an environmental lawsuit from neighbors who allege the line will cause gridlock on West L.A. surface streets.The final ruling, which is in line with a tentative ruling issued in December, allows the E ... More >>

Kobe Bryant to Celebrate Controversial Turkish Airlines Endorsement at Paramount Studios Next Month

Kobe has an Armenian problem.​L.A.'s sizable Armenian American community hasn't been too happy with Kobe Bryant's endorsement of Turkish Airlines. Something about the Armenian Genocide and not turning off one of the most influential ethnic demographics in town. Well, if they have a bone to pi ... More >>

Janice Hahn Withdraws Support For Gambol Shipyard

Janice Hahn​The battle over whether to build a new shipyard at the Port of L.A. is over, as Councilwoman Janice Hahn withdrew her support today.The council voted 13-0 today in favor of the Harbor Commission's decision to cut off talks with Gambol Industries, which has been lobbying to build a ship ... More >>

MTA Staff Wants to Cut 10 More L.A. Bus Lines by June, Shrink 16 Others

So much fuglier than a subway​The cuts just keep coming for the lurchy, unglamorous Los Angeles bus system. In fact, if Metropolitan Transit Authority officials keep goin' like they're goin', we're unlikely to have any bus system at all a few years out. Then again, maybe that's the point. Of ... More >>

Dana Rohrabacher Gets Involved In Gambol Shipyard Plan For Port Of Los Angeles

Dana Rohrabacher​L.A. Councilwoman Janice Hahn voted today to overrule the Harbor Commission, siding with Gambol Industries in their long-running battle to build a new shipyard at the Port of L.A.Hahn was the only council member who showed up to today's hearing at the Trade, Commerce and Tourism C ... More >>

Is the Essential Character of L.A.'s Landmark Union Station in Some Kind of Danger?

Union Station in downtown Los Angeles​Nothing is certain yet, but we can already see a major brouhaha brewing over the future plans for Union Station if it's sold to the California High-Speed Rail Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The much-beloved Union Station is actu ... More >>

Van Lines Say More People (Who Can Afford Movers) Coming To California

Welcome to California, Oklahomans.​If you agree that California knows how to party, perhaps you're not alone. America's major moving van lines, United, Atlas and Allied, report that the Golden State, despite its subprime-housing crisis, a state government that's billions underwater and a rece ... More >>

Battle Between Port And L.A. Council Escalates, As Council Claims Authority Over Shipyard Plan

Janice Hahn​The L.A. City Council voted today to wade into a controversy over a proposed shipyard at the Port of L.A., escalating a battle with port staffers who have already rejected the plan.Led by Councilwoman Janice Hahn, the council voted unanimously to review the port's decision to kill the ... More >>

Dennis Zine's Fling With Lobbyist Forces Recusal On LAX Contract

Dennis Zine​Councilman Dennis Zine has decided to recuse himself from the debate over a $271 million contract for a utility plant at LAX, after it was reported that he is dating the lobbyist for a losing bidder.In a statement issued today, Zine said he had consulted with the city attorney's office ... More >>

Expo Line Phase 2 Gets Judge's Blessing, But Neighbors Vow To Appeal

Expo Phase 2​A judge gave a go-ahead today to the second phase of the Expo Line, ruling against neighbors who have argued the project will snarl traffic on surface streets.In a tentative ruling, Judge Thomas McKnew found that Expo officials had acted appropriately in approving the project's enviro ... More >>

Dennis Zine Dating Lobbyist For Losing LAX Bidder [Updated]

Dennis Zine​Councilman Dennis Zine is dating a lobbyist for a firm that is protesting a $271 million contract before the City Council.In an interview, Veronica Becerra confirmed that she is working for Tutor-Perini, which is seeking to build a new utility plant at Los Angeles International Airport ... More >>

California Bullet Train To Los Angeles Via Bakersfield: Real Or A $43 Billion Mirage?

Money is so tight, the new leg doesn't actually go into Bakersfield as pictured.​The California High-Speed Rail Authority, ridiculed for its secrecy, mismanagement, conflicts of interest and crazy overspending -- and for choosing as the California bullet train's first leg a "route to nowhere" ... More >>

Three Victims, Possibly Taggers, Dead After Amtrak Train Hits Them In Commerce

Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner.​Updated throughout. Third man confirmed dead. First posted at 11:02 p.m. Monday. Three males were dead after an Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train struck them in Commerce Monday night, according to reports. The pair might have been suspected taggers, and the area wher ... More >>

L.A.'s Light-Rail Fiasco

How rail service to the Westside jumped the track

LAX Concession Aftermath: Alan Rothenberg Resigns From L.A. Airport Commission

Alan Rothenberg​Alan Rothenberg resigned today from the Los Angeles Airport Commission, in a move that should make it easier for the commission to award airport concession contracts.Rothenberg was the source of a conflict of interest that forced the commission to recuse itself on the first round o ... More >>

Former Valley State Assemblyman Richard Katz Bails From California High-Speed Rail Board

No. 1 with a bullet: California's high-speed rail project.​After we reported that former state Assemblyman Richard Katz might have been breaking the law by sitting on two government boards -- L.A.'s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and California's High Speed Rail Authority -- Katz caved ... More >>

Are The Carnival Cruise Victims The Next Chilean Miners?

Carnival Cruise LinesLuxury cruise ship? More like luxury hardship​The nation's finest yellow journalists were rabid to pin down as many Splendor passengers as possible for an interview this morning, just after the cruise liner was docked (hours ahead of schedule, thanks to six trusty tugboats ... More >>

Are 19 L.A. communities losing their U.S. Post Offices?

By Donna BarstowThe U.S. Postal Service, hammered just like government postal services throughout Europe and North America by a massive drop-off in snail mail caused by the Internet and email, is deciding the future of 19 Post Office branches in Los Angeles. No word which ones will get shuttered. Bu ... More >>