Campus Affairs

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Written by Director of Campus Affairs | 04 October 2010
Posted in Gpss Committee - Committees

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Committee Chair: Yohey Tokumitsu (Director of Campus Affairs)
Email:

gpsscamp@gmail.com / gsgcamp@usc.edu
Office Hours: Mondays 1:00 pm - 5:30 pm and by appointment
Committee Members:

Alicia Martinez (Social Work)

Jason Lipeles (Social Work)

Sally Kikuchi (Public Administration)

Adrian Allen (Engineering)

Agnus-Dei Farrant (Communications)

Dmitry Galkin (Policy, Planning, and Development)

Anna Gaidaenko (Public Relations)

Riddhi Ray (Engineering)

Elise Law (Business)

If you are interested in joining the Campus Affairs Committee, please contact me.  Thank you.  

MISSION STATEMENT

Going green, organic products on the USC campus, graduate student housing, these are just some of the advocacy issues that concern the Campus Affairs Committee. The cultivation of a strong human mind and spirit begins with a student body that is aware of the larger issues that concern our diverse societies. Through working on student matters and concerns we gain awareness of the challenges and struggles that affect our surrounding communities and our world.

NEXT GENERAL MEETING

Date: January 24, 2012

Time: 12:00pm - 1:30pm

Location: Please e-mail me at gpsscamp@gmail.com if you can attend.  

Lunch Provided   

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CAMPUS AFFAIRS 

SENATORS OF THE MONTH

October: Agnus-Dei Farrant

September: Dmitry Galkin (Dima)

 

OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

USC Campus Community,

As you are hopefully already aware, there are two major events happening on campus this weekend: the grand opening of the new Expo Line and the “March of Dimes – March for Babies” event.  Both will result in various street closures on April 27th and April 28th.  On Saturday, April 28th, LADOT will also close the Exposition Freeway off-ramp from the 110 (Southbound) freeway for the March of Dimes – March for Babies event.  Additionally, the Expo Line events on Pardee Way and the closure of Exposition Boulevard on Sunday, April 29th, have been cancelled.  For a complete list of all street closures this weekend, please visit our website at www.usc.edu/parking.

Due to the long-awaited grand opening of the Expo Line, this Saturday will also be the last day we will be providing service to downtown via the LA Live shuttle.  Faculty, Staff and students will now be able to take the Expo Line to LA Live.  Remember you can test ride the Expo Line for free this weekend!  For more information on the new rail system, including stops near LA Live, please visit the LA Metro website at www.metro.net.

Finally, if you are taking advantage of the free rail service this weekend and are heading to LA Live, were you aware that AAA has extended their offer of two FREE Regal Cinema movie tickets to all new members (in addition to a $20 membership discount)?   If you were thinking about joining Southern California’s largest and oldest auto club, now is the perfect time.  Visit our website at www.usc.edu/parking and click on the “AAA MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT” link on the left to learn more.

Thank you for your continued support.

Fight on!

Sincerely,

USCTransportation.

620 West 35th Street, PSXLA, CA 90089213-740-3575213-740-2625 - fax

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Last Friday Mayor Villaraigosa announced the “public” opening date for the Expo Line to be for Saturday, April 28th.  However, there will also be a “VIP” celebration held the day before on Friday, April 27th.  Here’s some background on the 2 major events planned for that weekend.

Expo Light Rail Line VIP Opening Celebration:

  • Friday, April 27th in the morning…10 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • 1,000 attendees expected including:

1.            Mayor

2.            Metro Board Members (13 members including 5 County Board of Supervisors)

3.            Federal, State and Local Elected Officials (perhaps U.S. Senators Feinstein and/or Boxer, Congressmembers, State Senators, State Assemblymembers, Los Angeles City Councilmembers, Mayors from Culver City and Santa Monica)

4.            Local business leaders and transportation advocacy groups

5.            USC Local Government Relations also forwarded a list:

A. Exposition Park Stakeholders (board members and staff from museums, Expo Center and Coliseum)

B. USC Senior Administration and Deans from affiliated fields of study (Price School of Public Policy, Dornsife College, etc.)

  • Local and National Media (TV, radio, newspaper) expected to cover
  • Event will be held between Exposition Park Rose Garden and Exposition Park/USC Station
  • Exposition Boulevard between Figueroa and Vermont will be closed for event
  • USC involvement:
    1. USC President Nikias asked to make remarks (not yet confirmed)
    2. USC Trojan Band and Traveller/Tommy Trojan will be asked to participate

Public Opening:

  • Saturday, April 28th (All Day)
  • 75,000-100,000 attendees expected (projection based upon previous openings of Gold Line in Pasadena and East LA, subway, etc.)
  • “free” rides offered to public
  • Community celebrations to be held adjacent to 4 Expo Line stations—7th/Figueroa (downtown), Exposition Park/USC, Crenshaw and La Cienega
  • Conflict with March of Dimes “Walk for Babies” event scheduled from 8-11 a.m. in Exposition Park (street closures along Figueroa, Adams, Hoover, Jefferson); 10,000 participants expected
  • Metro had originally planned to hold community event in Jesse Brewer Park; however that site will be unavailable due to “Walk for Babies”
  • USC Request from Metro:
    1. Hold “community” event on USC Campus
    2. Preferred location is open plaza adjacent to Mudd Hall and the flagpoles near Trousdale and Exposition Boulevard
    3. USC Community Booths/USC Athletics/others

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On Saturday, March 3, 2012, GSG partnered with Spirits in Action to celebrate students with disabilities from the surrounding community at their annual event.  It was a huge success as children enjoyed the athletic events and the GSG train around McCarthy Quad.  

Student-created and student-run by USC students, Spirits in Action strives to create meaningful bonds between the current Trojan family and Los Angeles disabled youth. Each year, the University hosts Spirits In Action Day, USC's version of the Special Olympics, held every year in McCarthy Quad since 1989. 

The USC Marching Band and Spirit Leaders performed for the event.  Then the children enjoyed the bounce house, train, face painting, card making, carnival games, and athletic activities.  Traveler made an appearance as well!!

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GSG Booth

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GSG Train

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USC Spirit Leaders and Band

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Green Office Certification Program

 Announces New Training Dates

The USC Office of Sustainability has updated the Green Office Certification program and will be holding certification workshops in February, March, and April.

 

The USC Green Office Certification Program gives students, staff and faculty a framework for creating a more sustainable workspace. The Office of Sustainability has designed a Green Office Calculator to help offices keep track of their environmental impact and highlight areas for improvement.

 

There are more than 20,000 staff and faculty members at USC and roughly 35,000 students. The university has an opportunity to make significant environmental impacts in areas such as office supplies, recycling, and energy management.

 

Any USC office can become certified!

 

Upcoming Certification Sessions:

  

Wednesday, February 22, 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM, WPH B36

Wednesday, March 21, 10:00 AM - 11:50 AM, WPH B36

Wednesday, April 11, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Levey Library LRB

 

Please register at http://green.usc.edu/content/register-green-office-certification-program-training-session

 

Like us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

GREEN.usc.edu

USC Alumni Association

Dear Fellow Trojan:

One of the most frequent questions I get when I am visiting with USC alumni and friends has to do with the status of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. As the Coliseum Commission is at a critical moment in deciding the future of this historical landmark we all treasure, I wanted to take this opportunity to bring you up to speed on where things stand.

USC has been a tenant of the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for close to 90 years. In recent years, the Coliseum Commission has been unable to fulfill its obligations under the current lease to make much-needed repairs to the aging facility. As such, USC is seeking to amend its lease. Under the proposed new lease agreement, USC would manage daily operations of the Coliseum, allow continued community access and make the necessary investments to repair and restore the historic stadium.

This proposed modified lease is an opportunity to restore a historic gem that is part of the fabric of the city. USC is willing and able to take on the financial responsibility of improving the Coliseum for future generations of Angelenos and Californians. USC will remain a tenant, but with greater ability to make improvements for the benefit of all.

USC has a proven track record of opening up its campus facilities to its surrounding neighbors, as well as the general public. Currently, the Coliseum only hosts a few public events a year. Under the proposed new lease, the number of public events would increase significantly.

As a member of the Trojan Family, your support of the proposed amended lease for USC is crucial. Please take a moment to e-mail the Coliseum Commission and let them know that you support the amended lease. You can e-mail the Commission at comments@lacoliseum.com.

A suggested message of support is: 


"I am a resident of California and proud alum of the University of Southern California. I am writing to express my support for a modified lease for USC that would allow the university to make the needed improvements to preserve the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for the community and region for generations to come."

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Trojans,

You can help DPS and yourself by taking a few steps.  Go to our website and review the video “Trojan Safety 101” at http://capsnet.usc.edu/dps/CrimePrevention/index.cfm. It’s nine minutes of information on how to protect your property and yourself.   We also urge you to view the “Lock It or Lose It” video on the same webpage – it’s an additional 45 more seconds.

The USC Libraries has also joined efforts with DPS to improve property security by providing free laptop cable locks that are available for check out at the circulation desk.

Additionally, Free Tools are available to track your laptop, iPad or cell phone if stolen. Here are websites to find the tool that is right for you to install on your device:

FREE SOFTWARE

Prey Project:  preyproject.com

Adeona:  adeona.cs.washington.edu/

LocateMyLaptop: http://www.locatemylaptop.com/

Apple Products: Find My iPhone App in Itunes (iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac)

Android Products: https://www.mylookout.com/

SOFTWARE FOR PURCHASE (with more advanced tools):

Absolute Software (LoJack for Laptops): www.absolute.com/en/lojackforlaptops/home.aspx

Undercover for Mac: www.orbicule.com/undercover/mac/index.html

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VOLUNTEER ON TUESDAY MORNINGS AT THE COMMUNITY GARDEN IN SOUTH LA 

Community Services Unlimited has Weekly Volunteer Opportunities http://csuinc.org/volunteer/
Every Tuesday from 9am to Noon 
CSU/EXPO Mini Urban Farm 
3990 Menlo Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90037
(Our garden entrance is on Menlo and MLK in front of the Senior Center) Contact Jason at jalipeles@gmail.com.

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ESPN's Eco Challenge to Universities features USC's Sustainability Achievements

 

USC hosted ESPN's College Game Day last 

October which featured ESPN's ECO  

CHALLENGE to universities.  As part of the   

ECO  CHALLENGE, ESPN sent its Senior  

Manager of Global Sustainability to tour the  

USC Campus and remark on its performance.

Highlights of ESPN's tour (9 photos) are

posted on the ESPN website and are a

tributeto USC's Sustainability achievements. 

 

http://proxy.espn.go.com/ncf/feature/video/_/id/6961544/cgd-eco-challenge.

 

Review the site at your leisure and send us an e-mail at sustainability@caps.usc.eduif you wish to comment.

 

    Results are in: 
   " Waste Diversion Event " 
                a success!

 

USC Office of Sustainability partners with GLAD to reduce waste and increase recycling at USC tailgate before the Stanford football game on Saturday, October 29, 2011.

 

The USC Office of Sustainability, Athletics, and Facilities Management Services hosted a waste diversion event during the USC-Stanford pre-game tailgates. This event raised awareness about waste diversion practices, campus recycling efforts, and diverted over one ton of waste from going to a landfill.

 

USC partnered with GLAD for the event, setting up 25 recycling and compost stations around the USC campus and the Fan Fest area of the Coliseum. Over 60 volunteers participated in the program, going from tailgate to tailgate, educating fans about the initiative and ultimately preventing 415 pounds of compostable material and 2,210 pounds of recyclables from entering a landfill.  The volunteers each earned $50 dollars to be donated to a USC organization of their choice - funding courtesy of GLAD®.

 

All in all, the Tailgate Waste Diversion Event was a huge success. The efforts of the USC Office of Sustainability and the USC volunteers diverted over one ton of waste from a landfill and left tailgaters instilled with the idea of decreasing waste. GLAD® has also donated $50,000 to Athletics to fund an EnviroRider™ -- an environmentally-conscious production handbook that gives eco-friendly options and actions for the venue -- with the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.  The EnviroRider™ will outline in-stadium sustainability practices to be implemented during games for the 2012-13 football season, GLAD® is also providing eight permanent recycling bins for use on campus grounds.

 

In the future, The Office of Sustainability, Athletics and Facilities Management Services hope to collaborate to put on more waste diversion events and continue to increase awareness about waste diversion at tailgate events.

 

Ink and Toner Cartridge Recycling Program

GPSS will soon be removing the Ink Cartridge Recycling Bin, which is currently located beside the Bookstore and join forces with USC Purchasing Services, Mailing & Material Management Services, and We Care, Inc. to offer a convenient option for recycling used ink and toner cartridges.  

 

Convenient Recycling through Intercampus Mail

To recycle empty cartridges through intercampus mail, simply download and print the preformatted address labels below. Place small cartridges in an envelope. Larger cartridges can be recycled either in the new cartridge box or in any sturdy envelope or box. We Care will pick up the University's cartridges from Mailing & Material Management Services for recycling.

These labels are preformatted to fit on the following Avery labels:

5164 5264 5524
8164 8254 8464
48464 55164 58164

As an alternative, labels can be printed on plain paper, cut to size and taped to an envelope or box. Please note that Mailing & Material Management Services cannot accept cartridges that are not in a box or envelope.

Questions?

Questions regarding this cartridge recycling program can be directed to:

Kerry Etheridge
Senior Manager, Communications and Training
Sustainable Sourcing Specialist
USC Business Services
kerry.etheridge@usc.edu

IMPORTANT EXPO RAIL LINE INFORMATION

REMEMBER: Expect train movement at ANYTIME. Train movement is dynamic and subject to change.

Please ALWAYS follow these important Safety Tips:

§         Be alert at all times when near train tracks.

§         Please obey ALL warning signs and traffic signals when crossing the tracks.

§         Watch for trains from both directions.

§         NEVER walk, sit or stand on railroad tracks.

§         Remember to push the pedestrian crossing button to activate the “Walk” signal.

§         Use the crosswalks. Never jaywalk across the tracks or use the tracks as a shortcut.

§         Always look both ways before crossing the street.

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Who We Are

NANDC is a self-governed, self-directed and independent organization empowered by the Los Angeles City Charter. This charter offers neighborhood councils a role in the City's decision-making process. We as citizens are given the opportunity and obligation to stay involved with developments in our area that affect us.  Come get involved!  After all, it's your community!

What We Do

We promote public participation in city governance and decision making processes, to make government more responsive to our local needs and requests,  creating more opportunities to build partnerships with government and private entities to create more opportunities for our neighborhood.  We work with stakeholders to make a difference in the community with such projects as I Hablo U, the Pet Park Project, and the Community Involvement Program.

Our Name

The early Eighth District Empowerment Congress, created by now Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas was a community-based education and mobilization program. It has been acknowledged as the model for the Los Angeles citywide neighborhood council system created by the change City Charter.

We still proudly carry the early moniker in our name as the 'Empowerment Congress North Area Neighborhood Development Council'.  You may call us NANDC for short!

 

Our Community

 

NANDC is located in West Adams, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Los Angeles, with most of its buildings erected between 1880 and 1925. It was once the wealthiest district in the city, with its Victorian mansions and sturdy Craftsman bungalows home to Downtown businessmen and professors and academicians at USC. In the 1990s, three areas of West Adams were designated as Historic Preservation Overlay Zones by the city of Los Angeles, in recognition of their outstanding architectural heritage.

 

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NANDC
                                THE COMMUNITY VOICE 
 
Welcome to NANDC

Dear Yohey, 

There are so many large issues in discussion NOW that will affect you and your neighbors for years to come.  Don't let others be the deciding voice.  Speak up!  Now is the time.  We couldn't have made it any easier.  From a draft letter on our website for you to send to USC and the Council office about inclusion in the impending community benefits, to the the link for the Mayor's Budget Survey to tell the Mayor what is important to you and your community.  Meet with LAPD to help end the prostitution on Western Ave.  Go on the record about redistricting.  Don't sit back.  Now is the time to speak your mind.

 
 LIVE WEST OF VERMONT?  
STAND UP FOR YOUR COMMUNITY!
   

The USC Specific Plan will bring many needed updates to our community but currently the draft plan negotiated by our City Council representatives call for number of community benefits to END at VERMONT, thereby cutting our natural neighborhood nearly in half!

 

Don't let this happen!  Make your voice heard!  Please contact these representatives and let them know that you are a part of the USC Community:Bernard Parks, Purvi Doshi, Ed Reyes, Kristina Raspe, and Tom Sayles.  Write them directly or use our draft (which will be posted on ourwebsite.) 

Come and voice your opinion.  After all, it's your community!
 
$$$$$   MAYOR'S BUDGET SURVEY   $$$$$ 
                        TELL HIM WHAT YOU THINK... 
 
CHECK OUT THIS
budgetPSA.mov
 PSA
PRODUCED BY THE NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL BUDGET ADVOCATES!  GO TO THE SURVEY BY CLICKING HERE!
 
             TAKE BACK WESTERN AVENUE
                               city seal

LAPD Southwest Division invites you to join
NANDC and the West Adams Neighborhood Watch to create a neighborhood solution to the prostitution on Western Ave.

Speakers from the LAPD, City Attorney and Council Office.

                     FEBRUARY 21, 2012
                              6:30 pm
                  1968 W. Adams Blvd
            (Corner of Adams and Western)

            for more information contact:
Senior Lead Officer Hauter 323.387.9617 
 
Issue: 22 
 
community plan
USC SPECIFIC 
PLAN

Take a minute to 
familiarize yourself 
with the USC Specific
Plan prior to Thursday's meeting.  Just click 
on this link!
REDISTRICTING!
YOU
DRAW THE LINES.
 

Last Chance for Written Testimony
Submit your written comments to the Redistricting Commission before it's too late! We will be
accepting written testimony with your feedback on the draft City Council district boundaries
until Monday, February 13, 2012 at 5:00PM.

To make sure your suggestions and concerns become part of the public record by this deadline,
email your testimony toredistricting.LAcity@LAcity.org, or you can  
NEW WEBISTE!
nandclogo
Did you check out our newwebsite yet?
Join Our Mailing List
DON'T FORGET OUR
NANDC'S NEXT FULL BOARD MEETING ON THURSDAY MARCH 1st 
 at 6:30pm at  MLK PARK on Western and 39th st.   We look forward to seeing you then!

 

 

Having trouble seeing this e-mail? View it as a webpage.

 

Get Noticed with Mobility 21

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California Transportation Commission Receptions
5:30 - 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22
Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel, Academy Ballroom 2
Register | Sponsor | Event Flyer
Co-Hosts: Metro, FAST

5:30 - 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24
Orange County, location TBD
Co-Hosts: OCTA, OCMoves and WTS-OC

The who’s who of transportation throughout California will gather to honor members of the California Transportation Commission. Join directors and executives from local transportation authorities at two upcoming receptions. Get your business noticed by key clients and teaming partners by sponsoring one or both receptions.

Sponsorships are available for $500 for either reception. Sign up to sponsor both receptions and we’ll give you a $50 discount!
Sponsorships include: Logo on all pre-event marketing materials and dedicated event web registration page, logo on event signage at event, sponsors will be listed in a future e-news article about events and acknowledged from the podium during the reception.

Mobility 21 Summit Sponsorship
Friday, Sept. 28

Join us for the largest one-day transportation conference in the state. It's the only place where you can mix and mingle with every transportation CEO in Southern California, policy makers and nationally-known transportation experts. It's the best investment for your transportation marketing dollar. Sponsorships are now open to last year’s sponsors and will be available to the general public in March.

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Rail~Volution Welcome Reception Sponsorship
Sunday, Oct. 14

Join more than 800 transportation practitioners from around the nation who are passionate about creating livable communities at Mobility 21’s reception during the annual Rail~Volution conference. Click here to view the sponsorship packages.

Interested? Contact Marnie O’Brien Primmer atmprimmer@mobility21.com or 949.288.6884 for more details.

TRANSPORTATION EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY

Wednesday, Feb. 15
ACEC: Los Angeles World Airports - Capital Program Updates
more info | register

Wednesday, Feb. 15
WTS-OC: TCA, SR-241 Extension News 
more info | register

Thursday, Feb. 16
CMAA: Design Management for the Design-Build Environment
more info | register

Wednesday, Feb. 22
WTS-LA: From the Boardroom: Insights from LAWA, Metro and POLA Board Members
more info | register

Wednesday, Feb. 22
Metro, Mobility 21 & FAST: Los Angeles CTC Reception
sponsor | register

Thursday, Feb. 23
WTS-SD: Business Mixer 
more info | register

Friday, Feb. 24
Move LA: LA on the Verge of a Transit Breakthrough
more info | register

Wednesday, Feb. 29
ASCE: Release of 2012 Infrastructure Report Card 
more info

Friday, March 2
UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Complete Streets Initiative: Complete Streets for California 2012
more info

March 5-7
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce:
Access Washington, D.C. Advocacy Trip
more info | register

Friday, March 9
Southern California Transportation & Logistics Summit 
more info | register

Thursday, March 15
Washington, D.C. California Transportation Reception
register

Wednesday, March 28
WTS-IE: SR-91 Corridor Improvement Project Update
more info | register

Tuesday, April 24
OCTA, Mobility 21, OC Moves, WTS-OC: Orange County CTC Reception

May 14-17
ACEC: 2012 California Annual Conference, The Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa

Have a transportation-related event you want people to know about? E-mail Kristin Slocum or call949.288.6884 to have your event listed in our next ForwardMotion. 

Mobility 21 Partners: 
Automobile Club of Southern California • Chambers of Commerce Alliance of Ventura & Santa Barbara Counties • Greater Riverside Chambers of Commerce • Inland Empire Economic Partnership • Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce • Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority • Orange County Business Council • Orange County Transportation Authority • Riverside County Transportation Commission • San Bernardino Associated Governments • San Diego Association of Governments • Southern California Association of Governments • Ventura County Transportation Commission 

Mobility 21 Associate Partners: 
AQMD • AECOM • Anaheim Transportation Network • CH2M HILL • HDR • HNTB • Imperial County Transportation Commission • Metrolink • Port of Long Beach • Port of Los Angeles • RBF Consulting, a Company of Michael Baker Corporation • San Diego Association of Governments • Transportation Corridor Agencies • Sensys Networks • Skanska USA Civil West • UPS • Willdan
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Federal Transportation Bill Heating Up on the Hill

Federal legislation to replace the existing expired transportation bill is moving quickly as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee marked up its $260 billion transportation bill last week. The House bill, called the American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act, funds transportation over the next five years, consolidates existing programs, provides greater flexibility to transportation planners and cuts federal red tape blocking projects from breaking ground.

The Senate Banking Committee’s two-year transit funding bill was also approved last week for incorporation in the Senate bill. Late last year, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee unanimously approved Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century, a two-year, $109 billion surface transportation bill.

Mobility 21 is carefully reviewing the newly-released bill and its fiscal impacts on regions like Southern California. As expected, the House and Senate have significantly different views on structuring our nation’s transportation programs, and how the programs should be funded. Each bill contains provisions of the Breaking Down Barriers and America Fast Forward initiatives, both bills expand the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loan program and both bills give freight movement its rightful place in a national surface transportation bill — legislative reforms Mobility 21 has been pushing for the past 18 months.

READ MORE

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Assemblymember Lowenthal Leading Charge 
for California’s Transportation Future

M21: What’s going to happen this year in transportation? What's on tap for the Assembly Transportation Committee in the coming months?

BL: High-speed rail is a top priority. We really are at a pivotal point. Federal money starts to melt away if we haven’t used it by 2017. That may sound like a long way off, but it’s not.

Naturally, I still have questions about the 2012 Draft Business Plan published by the High-Speed Rail Authority. I know the Governor and his advisors are working hard on the program. I hope with a bit more nudging, the Authority can deliver a plan that is cost-effective, stays true to the wishes of the voters, minimizes financial risk to the state, encourages private investment sooner than later and provides immediate relief to our ever-increasing transportation demands.

Beyond high-speed rail, we have got to figure out how we're going to provide adequate, reliable funding for transportation. We need to seriously address how we maintain and protect our existing infrastructure. It is degrading at an alarming rate. There are several ideas floating around about how we might approach this. I am anxious to learn more about these and would encourage folks to come share their solutions with me.

M21: What will be your Committee’s role with high-speed rail this year? What are your views on the project, the new business plan and the peer review committee’s recommendations?
 
BL: As I said, I am a fan of high-speed rail. I want it built. I want to buy a ticket. But my desire to climb aboard is tempered by my determination to proceed in a judicious manner so we can deliver a rail line worthy of the name California.

There are legitimate criticisms about the High-Speed Rail Authority's current approach. So I am hopeful that the word “draft” in Draft Business Plan means we will see significant improvements to the final product.

The decision about funding for the project rests first with the legislative budget committees and not my committee, the Assembly Transportation Committee. Naturally, however, my colleagues and I work closely together on this and other issues and we will no doubt be a part of that decision-making process. Beyond that, of course, there will be ample opportunity to guide, direct and oversee policies affecting the project for years to come. These discussions will generally be within the purview of my committee.

READ MORE

Planning for First Segment 
of 241 Toll Road Extension Underway

With approval from the Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA) Board of Directors in late 2011 to extend the SR-241 toll road in segments, TCA staff continued analysis to determine the terminus location of the first four-mile extension. The first segment will extend to an interim terminus at Cow Camp Road, a major east-west arterial roadway planned in the San Juan Capistrano area. When the adjacent local transportation system is complete in the unincorporated area north of Ortega Highway and east of Antonio Parkway, a permanent SR-241 interchange will be built at future G Street.

The engineering, environmental, traffic and financial analysis is scheduled to be complete in October 2012 and construction could begin shortly thereafter. One of the design features included in the $200 million 4.8-mile project is the construction of three wildlife crossings to protect wildlife movement through the area.

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The governor’s proposed budget for FY 2012-13 forecasts a $9.2 billion shortfall, a sharp drop from the $27 billion deficit the legislature faced last year. Going forward, the budget forecasts a structural shortfall of $5 billion, down from $20 billion a year ago.
Photo Credit: Associated Press

Governor Brown’s Budget Proposes 
Consolidated Transportation Agency

Released earlier this year, Governor Jerry Brown’s FY 2012-13 budget proposes several changes to the structure of transportation planning at the state level, provides funding continuity during late budgets and continues the Proposition 1B program.

One measure proposed by the governor is the transfer of non-transportation departments in the Business, Transportation & Housing Agency to other existing agencies, while creating a Transportation Agency. The new agency would include Caltrans, DMV, CHP, the Board of Pilot Commissioners and the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

Read an overview of the proposed budget’s transportation provisions from the Metropolitan Transportation Commission here:http://bit.ly/xr4ciE

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Senator Boxer Touts Transportation 
Investment in Inland Empire

Sen. Barbara Boxer paid a visit to Riverside’s Magnolia Avenue Grade Separation Project during a press conference to call on Congress to pass a long-term transportation bill to create jobs and get the economy moving.

“This is an example of what America should be doing now,” said Boxer. “Jobs, jobs, jobs are our No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 priorities. Goods movement — If you can’t move goods, the economy loses money. The Magnolia Avenue Grade Separation Project to me symbolizes exactly the right thing to be doing these days.”

Boxer urged Congress to focus on projects like the Magnolia underpass to help keep freight moving quickly without adding delays to commuters. Once complete, the Magnolia Avenue Grade Separation Project will separate train traffic from the roadway and increase safety, reduce congestion and create more than 500 local jobs.

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California Transportation Foundation 
Conference Draws Hundreds to Sacramento

Over two hundred transportation leaders and industry professionals gathered in Sacramento for the annual California Transportation Foundation (CTF) conference.

“CTF is dedicated to informing, motivating and inspiring Californians to support transportation,” said Will Kempton, OCTA CEO, Mobility 21 Board Member and CTF Chair. “We need your help to build a transportation system that will carry this state and nation into the 21st century.”

Assemblymember Bonnie Lowenthal, Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee, addressed high-speed rail and her enthusiasm to get the project going on the right track. “To the high-speed rail critics — thank you. Thank you for forcing us to bring our ‘A’ game to this project. A project of this magnitude deserves no less.”

Mobility 21 Board Members Anne Mayer and Lucy Dunn also gave presentations at the conference. Mayer, Riverside County Transportation Commission Executive Director, shared her insights on public-private partnerships from the local agency perspective. While not every project is a good candidate for this project delivery method, Mayer expressed the importance of protecting public-private partnerships as a viable option to building transportation projects. Dunn, Orange County Business Council’s President and CEO, discussed the Southern California Association of Governments’ Regional Transportation Plan (RTP). Dunn explained the need for an RTP and Sustainable Communities Strategy to keep up with California’s growing population.

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Metrolink’s New Website Makes Trip Planning Easier

Metrolink recently launched its newly designed website, which features a fresh new look and feel and a host of new features. The site’s homepage now welcomes visitors with a clean, uncluttered design that is focused on the Metrolink riders’ needs with easier access to improved travel planning tools. In redesigning the website, the focus was to create a site easy to use for a new rider unfamiliar with the Metrolink system.
 
The new train schedule page offers schedule information by line, by station, station to station and downloadable timetables in pdf format. The new “My Metrolink” section allows visitors to create a personal account to customize their experiences, subscribe to e-newsletters, set preferences for favorite station pairs and track lost items. 

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ASCE Unveils California's Infrastructure Report Card

Mark your calendars for the release of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) 2012 Infrastructure Report Card.

9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 29
State Capitol Building, Sacramento
More info

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CTF Transportation Awards Nominees

Nominations for the 2012 Transportation Awards are due by 4 p.m. on March 1. Click here to download the nomination form.

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Southern California Transportation & Logistics Summit

Join 500 transportation and logistics industry leaders at the Southern California Transportation & Logistics Summit. Hear from Phillip Sandahl, Co-Founder of Team Coaching International, Steve Carter, Transportation Director for Target Corp. and Christopher Lytle, Executive Director of the Port of Long Beach.

Workshops include:

  • Coping with CARB Regulations
  • Making Lean Six Sigma Pay-off for Your Organization
  • Bottom-line Improving Transportation and Logistics Technologies
  • CTA Leadership Seminar
  • Transportation Infrastructure Projects in the Pipeline

Friday, March 9
Ontario Airport Double Tree Hotel 
More info | Register

For news on transportation-related issues, visitwww.mobility21.com.

Mobility 21 wants to hear from you 
If you have ideas for future Mobility 21 Forward Motion articles, send them to Kristin Slocum at kslocum@mobility21.com.