What happens on your way home?

Students traveling home use different modes of transportation; some take the bus; others the trolley; some walk and some get car rides. When a group of teens talked about their transportation experiences, an array obstacles arose in their stories — bullying, confrontations, encounters with gangs, and anonymous threats. “These experiences shape the way young people see the world around […]

Neighborhood council approves controversial development

While transportation board members were almost unanimous in their approval of the Lorena Plaza mixed-use development project, the low-income apartment building is still controversial among some Boyle Heights residents. The developer has said that half of the apartments will be reserved for veterans with special needs — mental or physical disabilities or a history of homelessness. Those who oppose it say the occupants will introduce […]

The youth movement for ‘free opportunity passes’

The fight continues to fund the “free opportunity pass,” a program that gives youth in San Diego free public transport. “Everything young people want to do in life – school, work, education, extracurricular activities – they should be able to access that with public transportation.” Coverage of the issue comes from Media Arts Center San Diego.

Bus ads are not ‘too political’

South Fresno residents are engaged in an ongoing campaign to balance the number of public green spaces between the north and south sections of the city, the latter consisting of areas of highly concentrated poverty. So when the city of Fresno announced a $5.8 million plan to renovate city parks, the campaign posted bus advertisements depicting the disparity in parks; but Mayor Ashley Swearengin rejected […]

Confronting Operation Lemon Drop: police tactics gone too far?

This video focuses on Operation Lemon Drop, which the San Diego Sheriff says prevents crime by checking up on people on probation or parole. Officers converge on the Lemon Grove trolley station, asking passengers to present a valid ticket and, if they have none, taking them aside for further questioning. Is this an effective way to “stop crime before it starts,” or is […]

Students raise questions about transit project

Students from the Land Use Planning Awareness project and Coachella Unincorporated youth reporters held a discussion about the CV Link project, a proposed 50-mile active transportation trail. Students voiced concerns about safety, privacy, and the $100 million price tag despite a lack of input from East Valley communities. “My family is not going to get on the CV Link at any time, […]

Time to think about drowsy driving

Most teens know – or at least have heard – about the dangers of driving drunk or stoned. Texting and driving is another big problem. What about draws driving? “Three of my friends totaled their car, coming home from a football game, when one of them fell asleep at the wheel… It made me think.” Listen to […]

Unlimited transit pass for students ending soon

A pilot program in San Diego high schools gives students unlimited access to public transit – but only through June. Students support the program, which saves them and their parents money and gives them more independence, but it’s not clear whether the city or county will fund the passes through the next school year. “Decision makers are a little bit […]

Uber and Lyft force taxi drivers to make a change

Uber and Lyft drivers are offering people in Long Beach quicker service and often cheaper fares than traditional taxis. Uber has become a multinational, multibillion dollar company. Meanwhile, the costs of business for taxi drivers are higher than the personal costs for the companies’ drivers. As the new services take over the ridership of the city, taxi drivers are being forced to strategize to keep their […]

Youth share concerns about CV Link access

CVLink is a proposed 50-mile path that would stretch from Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs to Coachella, making a safe, walkable connection between areas currently only connected by a highway. The pathway would allow pedestrians, bikers, and low-speed electric vehicles to travel the area’s busiest corridor safely and enjoyably. But some local students are giving an early assessment of the […]