1. Given the current climate of economic crisis, governmental turmoil, and a general sense of stasis in the community, how can the city of eternal optimism take advantage of such a historic moment?

At a moment like this you need to be realistic about the challenges facing the City, but we also cannot afford to be overtaken by a sense of pessimism because of the particular moment we find ourselves in. Times like this are exactly the moments when planning, forward thinking, and progressive ideas can and should be proposed. By putting our energy into comprehensive, visionary proposals; we can challenge the static ways that we think about the city in its current form and begin envisioning the City of our future. Not only for ourselves but for successive generations. (more…)

1. Given the current climate of economic crisis, governmental turmoil, and a general sense of stasis in the community, how can the city of eternal optimism take advantage of such a historic moment?

The city can take advantage of the moment by rethinking, reinventing, and redefining perception of a place and understand what makes for a rich city experience. Acknowledging that this Los Angeles is an unconventional place where people thrive in a special setting. The mountains, the ocean, and the vast blue sky is the stage for multiple villages that thrive amidst the economic turmoil. Food, music, and artistic pursuits generate an extremely lively milieu. Amidst the multiple crises the younger generations are resourceful, less materialistic, more civically engaged, and ready to make a difference. (more…)

1. Given the current climate of economic crisis, governmental turmoil, and a general sense of stasis in the community, how can the city of eternal optimism take advantage of such a historic moment?

The scarcity of resources should encourage us to be more efficient of course, but also more essential, looking for fundamental opportunities and results, especially those that are synergetic, multivalent, and allow (or force) diverse groups to collaborate, combine their efforts to accomplish something greater than their own specialized agenda. The Piggyback Yard project is such an opportunity. (more…)

1. Given the current climate of economic crisis, governmental turmoil, and a general sense of stasis in the community, how can the city of eternal optimism take advantage of such a historic moment?

The current economic down turn presents a valuable moment of pause for Los Angeles to reflect on how to best serve our citizens, redirect the economy, and repair our environment. It is imperative to embrace this opportunity to holistically plan for the future. Rethinking development patterns and government priorities with respect to critical urban resources such as water, open space, and wildlife habitat should be a priority. (more…)

Our vision for the Piggyback Yards is founded on four major principles; restore the Los Angeles River at the heart of the city while providing access to people and promoting sound water management; create significant public open space with a wealth of activities; connect to adjacent neighborhoods and bridge between east and west while maintaining all major existing railroads; build a diverse, vibrant community where people live, work, learn and play. (more…)