Well, you guys, we made it to 2. And I'm taking a brief pause from my Paris potty posting to announce Torched's second birthday party — a full week commemorating the two-year anniversary of this very newsletter. Last year's celebrations were so fun — here's the photo proof — that I ended up adding some very cool new subscriber tiers. Who knows what I'll come up with this year!
Just like Torched's first birthday week, the date is meant to coincide with the release of the LA city budget. Just like Torched's first birthday week, the release of the LA city budget is not expected to be great! Which is why you'll want to seek comfort in the companionship of your fellow Torched subscribers and/or let me regale you with tales of Paris's bike infrastructure. You can join for one event or meet up with me every single day for five days in a row. But what you should really do is become a paid subscriber, so you find out about events like these first in the future! Thanks for all your support, and hope to see you out there. 🔥
Changing Lanes screening
Monday, April 20 7 p.m. Monica Film Center 1332 2nd Street Santa Monica, CA 90401 Buy tickets here; be sure you choose the April 20 7 p.m. screening at Monica Film Center
I'm so excited to host a screening of Changing Lanes, the new documentary about the struggle to redesign Brooklyn's deadly McGuinness Boulevard, with lessons for transportation advocates in every city. After the film I'll lead a discussion with filmmaker Ben Wolf and special guest Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis, who has led a major push to improve the city's walking and biking infrastructure. Imagine that, leadership!
Torched Talks with Investing in Place's Jessica Meaney
For two decades Jessica Meaney's work has focused on how to plan, fund, and maintain public infrastructure. Her nonprofit, Investing in Place, has highlighted a core truth about LA: the reason we can't fix our sidewalks is because we have to fix the whole system. Last year, Investing in Place's Public Space Leadership Council put forth 16 specific recommendations for charter reform, many of which were included in the final approved language that will go to voters. We'll talk about LA's budget woes, transforming the public works department, and the status of the city's all-important capital infrastructure program. (Say it with me: C-I-P! C-I-P!) Be sure to also read Jessica's latest: "What It Means to Care for a City."
Data + Donuts with LADOT's Jillian Gallard and Nataly Rios Gutierrez
Wednesday, April 22 8 to 10 a.m. LACI 525 S. Hewitt Street Los Angeles, CA 90013 Details and RSVP
An annual Torched crossover favorite! Data + Donuts is a monthly breakfast speaker series put together by the great people at Compiler. I'll be moderating a morning conversation with LADOT's Jillian Gallard and Nataly Rios Gutierrez about the city's universal basic mobility program. And, yes, there will be very specialdonuts.
Torched LA Live at frank.radio
Thursday, April 23 Doors 7 p.m., show 7:30 p.m. frank.radio 7151 Beverly Boulevard Los Angeles, CA 90036
Join me, Rick Cole, Rachel Reyes, Chris Torres, and Michelle Barton for a live and lively conversation as we attempt to answer all your questions about what exactly we've gotten ourselves into here in the city of LA. Torched readers will remember frank.news for the wonderful interview they did with me earlier this year.
2 Torched 2 Years picnic happy hour
Friday, April 24 3 to 6 p.m. Los Angeles State Historic Park 1245 N. Spring Street (but on the south end, closer to the Chinatown Metro station) Los Angeles, CA 90012
Join fellow Torched fans for a family-friendly picnic happy hour celebrating LA's parks and public spaces. I'll have some treats, but bring your own blankets, chairs, games, food, and drink. If you need provisions, grab something to go from Cargo Snack Shack located in the park — we'll be gathered in the lawn near here — or Highland Park Brewery across the street. No need to RSVP — just show up using the transportation mode of your choice! Unlike the annual paid subscriber-only party, this happy hour is open to anyone and you don't have to be a paid subscriber to attend — but shouldn't you really become one?
🥖 More French dispatches coming as soon as I can put down this baguette! In the meantime, catch up with my latest story on Paris's elegant street furniture system
🎫 Enjoying hearing all your stories about buying LA28 tickets. Please send me your experiences, comments, questions, concerns by replying to this email, or share them on Bluesky or LinkedIn. LAist's Libby Rainey attempts to answer a key question: are there any $28 tickets left?
Alissa Walker
