Red Curb Resolution

different , several emails, and a meeting with Aturo Pina from City Councilman Bill Rosendahl's office, I got this response from the Los Angeles Department of Transportation:
 
"Dear Mr. Suchecki,

"I conducted a field investigation of this segment of Pacific Ave.  As you had indicated in your article, my field investigation confirmed your observation of extensive red curb on the west side of Pacific Av south of 29th Pl.  Normally, we install 15 to 20 feet of red curb at the corners of an intersection on the major street, where visibility is limited for traffic exiting from the minor street.  The field investigation revealed that there is a 20-foot red curb zone on the west side of Pacific Av north of 29th Pl, and a 54-foot red curb zone on the west side of Pacific Av south of 29th Pl.  

"Unfortunately, our Department does not have an accurate record for the official red curb zones in the City of Los Angeles.  A check of our study files for the most updated 5-year period did not show any red curb investigation by our Department at this intersection.  Therefore, our office did not issue any work orders to install, extend, or cover red curb zones for this period at this location. 

"My field investigation revealed that the red curb zone at the southwest corner of Pacific Av at 29th Pl is excessive and I could not find any justification to retain this much red curb.  Therefore, I issued a work order to our Yard to cover 38 feet of red curb (2 parking spaces) zone at this location. 

"Sincerely,

"Mo Blorfroshan
Transportation Engineer
DOT, West LA Development Review Section"

(Email excerpted, emphasis added.)

Although this work order will fix the problem near my home, it leaves other red curbs in Venice untouched. I was unable to get a comprehensive reassessment of all the curbs on Pacific between Washington and Venice Boulevards.

Since the city , it should do the same for excessive red curb use. If  you see that restricted parking near you is in 15-20 ft segments, don't waste your time with a call or e-mail.  That paint will stay. However if you see substantially longer segments, like the one I highlighted, let the city know.

Blorfroshan told me that all requests for investigation of excessive red curbs in the Venice area should be sent to LADOT.WesternDistrict@lacity.org. 

Unfortunately, Blorfroshan has been reassigned. Michael May is now the new transportation engineer at LADOT's Western District Office. His e-mail is Michael.May@lacity.org, and his phone is  (310) 642-1624. I was told that due to budget cuts we should expect that any investigations will be delayed.  I'd e-mail LADOT first, then follow up in a few days with a call to May if you haven't heard back.

Maybe if enough of us complain, we'll restore a bit of sanity to Venice's parking situation.