Alissa Walker
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awalkerinla.bsky.social
Alissa Walker
@awalkerinla.bsky.social
25K followers 500 following 1.6K posts
I'm a writer and a walker in LA. Tracking the city's megaevent progress at Torched. Co-host LA Podcast, new episodes drop every Monday. LAUSD mom. @awalkerinla everywhere else. Sign up for my newsletter at torched.la 🔥
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awalkerinla.bsky.social
What an incredible night! Thanks to @thewaroncars.bsky.social @brooklynspoke.bsky.social @sarahgoodyear.bsky.social for inviting me, @streetsforall.org for hosting, and everyone who showed up in the torrential rain 🚲

And special thanks to everyone who noticed I was wearing my crosswalk dress 🚸
A group of us (Sarah Goodyear, Doug Gordon, me, Bill Wolkoff, Hugo Soto Martinez, Michael Schneider) are standing on a stage for the war on cars book event. I’m wearing a black and white striped dress The same group seated on this stage with the audience in the front, I’m holding the microphone and animatedly talking about reducing car dependency Now we’re backstage with the same group of people and I’m holding a book that says: life after cars I’m holding the same book backstage with a neon sign behind me and the authors of the book Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear are standing next to me
November 22, 2025 at 6:03 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
It showed up for me at midnight
November 22, 2025 at 2:02 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Fair Games statement on the new MAGA appointees: "If LA28 truly stands for Los Angeles, Wasserman and any board members who believe in basic human dignity and fairness must speak up or step down. This is a moment for Mayor Bass and the City of LA to step forward and demand accountability from LA28"
Fair Games Coalition Statement on Trump MAGA Stacking LA28 Olympic & Paralympics Board Los Angeles, CA: The Los Angeles 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games are at a critical crossroads. LA28 announced yesterday that they have placed Trump allies on its board. The influence of Trump on LA28 has cast serious doubt on whether these Games can truly reflect the values of inclusion, fairness, and community that they promise. Companies with ties to Trump including sponsors such as Airbnb, Delta and others- are exerting outside control over LA28. At the same time, Casey Wasserman, a billionaire and the head of LA28, kowtowed to Trump on security and undermined confidence in the Games' independence and integrity. Most importantly, it puts the safety and security of Angelenos and visitors at risk. LA28 cannot credibly claim to represent the working people of Los Angeles or stand with immigrant communities while letting MAGA enthusiasts sit at the table. If LA28 truly stands for Los Angeles, Wasserman and any board members who believe in basic human dignity and fairness must speak up or step down. This is a moment for Mayor Bass and the City of Los Angeles to step forward and demand accountability from LA28. Our Fair Games coalition- unions, community organizations, faith leaders, and housing advocates— has been clear and unwavering: LA28 must commit to keeping ICE and all other immigration enforcement agencies away from the Games and out of the region. The safety and dignity of immigrant communities must not be compromised Los Angeles deserves Olympic and Paralympic Games that uplift the people who make this city strong. It is time for LA28 to make choices that reflect that responsibility.
November 21, 2025 at 11:59 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Went out to clear my storm drains and was thrilled to see city crews out there already working on it 🙌🏼

Neither of us could get the one on the right to flow so they’re calling for backup 💪🏻
It’s a very rainy day on a busy LA street and a work truck is parked on the curb, filled with lots of tools, palm fronds and trash bags with workers wearing reflective vest sitting in the cab Another corner that’s not as clear with a giant lake formed around the storm drain and palm trees reflecting in the water
November 21, 2025 at 4:54 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Intuit Dome will keep its name in 2028, the latest Olympics venue to retain naming rights in what’s honestly a smart way for LA28 to raise some cash
INTUIT 000 TEAM USA INTUIT ANNOUNCES MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH TEAM USA AND BECOMES A FOUNDING PARTNER OF THE LA28 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES Intuit becomes one of the first companies to retain naming rights for an Olympic Games Venue; Intuit Dome will be the home of five-on-five Olympic basketball during LA28 Intuit will be one of the first companies to retain the naming rights for Olympic Games venues with Intuit Dome as part of its multi-year, domestic partnership with Team USA and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Intuit Dome will host five-on-five men and women's basketball competitions during the LA28 Olympic Games. This will be the first time in Olympic history that Games venues have the opportunity to retain their commercial venue names. Intuit has deep ties to Los Angeles given its 23-year partnership with the LA Clippers and its naming rights to Intuit Dome, one of the most technologically advanced stadiums in the world, located in Inglewood, Calif.
November 21, 2025 at 2:46 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
At lunch one day, Melanie gave me the Unpave LA platform, describing it as her "guiding star." It was written over 30 years ago but could have been written yesterday.

May we all use it to guide us in her memory
UNPAVE_L Al The Coalition to Restore Our Watershed Co-Chairs: LewisMacAdamss Friends of the Los Angeies River P. O. Box 292134 Los Angeles, CA 90029 Dorothy Green Heal the Bay Santa Mosica, CA 90401 Coslition Members: American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter American Ocess Campaign Arroyo Seco Council Campaign to Save California Wetlands Cilens loe & bewer Environgient CoalitionforCleanAir Friends of the Baliona Lagoca knead st the Los Angeles River tea. the bay LAROSA Long Deach Area Citizens Los Angeles Eco-Cities Moso Lake Commitice North East Trees Natural Resources Deferae Sions Club Small Wildemess Arca PLATFORM UNPAVE LA: A COALITION TO RESTORE THE WATERSHED was formed to promote a comprehensive and multi-purpose approach to the problem of flood control, storm water pollution, ground water re-charge and the lack of urban park land and riparian wildlife habitat in Los Angeles County. All of these issues are intertwined, and should be addressed by (L) using natural processes to hold, store and cleanse storm waters so as to reduce their volume, velocity and toxicity, and (2) expanding open space and park land for people and wildlife to provide more recreational opportunities, improve air and water quality, and increase property values. Methods to achieve these objectives include: a) Treating the Los Angeles River and its tributaries as a living ecosystem; b) Widening and enhancing tne Los Angeles River and its tributaries wherever possible, restoring riparian habitat, and creating bike and hiking trails along the river corridor; c) Removing as much concrete and other impermeable paving materials as possible from the urban landscape; d) Capturing as much storm water flow as possible for ground water recharge, for future irrigation purposes, and for fish and wildlife; e) Opposing the Los Angeles County Drainage Area (LACDA) project, endorsed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works, which would erect 2 t…
November 20, 2025 at 4:20 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Somehow, it was only after she died, when I was looking through all the photos being shared of her, that I realized Melanie always wore blue. The last time I saw her, the look was completed with blue-tinted glasses, her hyper-focused lens on life. Water was her way of seeing the world
We're at a party celebrating Torched at a bar. I'm in a hot pink dress laughing with my hand on Melanie Winter's shoulder. She is wearing a blue button down shirt and chambray pants with glasses and blue lenses and a shock of bright blonde hair, and is smiling. Edith de Guzman is facing us in an orange dress, her hands clapsed.
November 20, 2025 at 4:17 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Why is this a legal matter? Why can’t someone tell us if it works or not?
"LINXS continues to assure us the train will be ready for the FIFA World Cup, but we have back up plans in place to ensure an outstanding experience for all fans who visit Los Angeles," the statement added. "ILos Angeles World Airports] does not comment on pending legal matters."
November 20, 2025 at 1:22 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
There's so much going on here:

- Trump plans to launch strikes on World Cup co-host Mexico due to drug trafficking (???)

- And invade Seattle and LA if they don't "behave" (???)

- FIFA's Gianni Infantino then agrees Trump can take matches away from cities (???)

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
In an extraordinary conference alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino in the Oval Office, in which the World Cup trophy took pride of place, Trump also said he would be prepared to launch "strikes" in 2026 World Cup co-hosts Mexico due to concerns about drug trafficking. Trump and Infantino were joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The event was principally called to announce the new FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA Pass) but Trump press conferences inevitably end up in different places and this one also encompassed the Epstein files and U.S.-Venezuela relations. Trump was asked about the new mayor-elect of Seattle, Katie Wilson, who is a democratic socialist. He was asked how closely he will be watching crime in the city. Trump said: "If we think - and I will have to speak to Gianni about this - the Mayor of L.A. is incompetent, everyone knows it...If we didn't go in early on, not only would you have had the fires but you would have had total insurrection in Los Angeles. If we didn't go in, (the police) said we could not have done it without the federal government. "The governors and mayors are going to have to behave," he replied. "In California, you have a problem. You have high crime and a place that just suffered great fires...so here is the story, I love Los Angeles. If they want help during this, I would love to send in the National Guard or whoever is necessary. I want it to be great. I love Los Angeles. I love the place. "If we think there is going to be crime, if we are obstructed by the Governor (Gavin Newsom) - maybe he won't obstruct us - I would love for him to call and say we would like help. If there is even a hint of a problem, we want to get in there before a problem occurs. We want it totally safe for Gianni and FIFA. I would be honored to help California. We can be there in 24 hours and do a great job." "We did a great job. If we think there is going to be a sign of any trouble, I would ask Gianni to move that to a different city. We have a lot of cities who would love to have it and would do it very safely. If we think there is a problem in Seattle, where there is a liberal, communist mayor... I watched her over the weekend, wow that is another 'beauty' we have got there. Gianni, can I say we will move the event to some place it will be appreciated and safe?" Infantino answered: "Safety and security is the number one security for a succesful World Cup. We can see people have trust in the United States because we have record-breaking ticket sales. Tickets are almost two million sold already. People know they will be coming here to experience a safe and secure World Cup. This of course is the responsibility of the government and obviously we will discuss, we are working together, we must ensure all fans coming from abroad can experience a celebration of coming together of the sport and with 100 percent safety."
November 18, 2025 at 6:54 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Actually this one-pager from the LAEDC is better and has more specifics
REBUILDING CONFIDENCE. REVITALIZING LA. Background Lusios recovery in los Angeles caming the devaste ing winteres in anua, 2oalize tourism, and support small Led by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation in collaboration with the LA County Department of Foundation (Caid region pAthers he campaign is designe do othe wed know: Los Angeles i ready nity open for business, tourism, and community life. LA is Open Will... • Rebuild confidence in LA as a safe, thriving destination. • Drive Consumer Spending through the #ShopLA, #DineLA, #RecoverLocal and #DiscoverLA initiatives. • NBA All-Star Game 2026 • Olympics & Paralympics 2028 • FIFA World Cup 2026 • US Open 2031 • NFL Super Bowl 2027 Why LA is Open Matters LA is an economic powerhouse with global influence: • $1.8 trillion regional economy • $913 billion county Gross Domestic Product • Hech at sadie, bidstinse logistics, and more • 10 million residents, 8,000+ startups, and nearly 200 higher education institutions Tourism, small business, and community vibrancy are essential to sustaining this growth and they need bold support now more than ever. Stay Engaged • Share the Message: Promote "LA is Open" across your channels using the following hashtags: #LAisOpen #Explore LA, #ShopLA #DineLA, #RecoverLocal, #DiscoverLA #LARising • Call to Action: Promote the campaign through your networks, newsletters, and events • Engage Your Community: Encourage participation in local events and recovery efforts • Support Local Business: Direct your dollars and influence to small and fire-affected businesses #ShopLA) • Use the Campaign Tools: Access ready-made content and visuals at [laedc.org] Join The Movement LA is Open" is more than a statement, it's a shared commitment to rebuilding stronger, together. Whether you're a local, a visitor, or a partner, your support helps power LA's next chapter. Let's show the world what it means to rise, rebuild, and reopen: LA is Open!
November 17, 2025 at 10:37 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Anyway here's more information if you're able to get past the logo
Mayor Bass Marks Launch of "LA is Open" Campaign to Boost Los Angeles' Economy and Tourism Industry LOS ANGELES - Today, Mayor Karen Bass joined state and regional leaders to launch "LA is Open," a bold recovery campaign to boost Los Angeles' local economy by increasing business confidence, promoting the tourism industry and supporting small businesses impacted by the January wildfires. By showcasing LA's small businesses, creative industries and cultural institutions, the campaign will invite Angelenos, international travelers and regional residents to rediscover LA's diversity and vibrancy through Shop LA, Dine LA, and Discover LA initiatives. "Through this bold new campaign, we are sending a clear message that Los Angeles is open for business and ready to welcome everyone back to LA to explore all that our vibrant city has to offer," said Mayor Bass. "From neighborhood gems like Olvera Street, Grand Central Market, Little Ethiopia and more to our museums, beaches, parks and beyond - come visit LA and see why our city is second to none." Facilitated by LAEDC in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), the City of Los Angeles Economic & Workforce Development Department (EWDD), the California Community Foundation, and regional stakeholders, "LA is Open" signals that Los Angeles is open for business, resilient and ready to welcome visitors from around the world. A collaborative campaign between state, county and city partners, Mayor Bass was joined by Senior Advisor and Director of the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development Dee Dee Myers, Director of the LA County Department of Economic Opportunity Kelly LoBianco and Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC) President and CEO Stephen Cheung. "LA is Open reflects the collective determination of our region to rise stronger than ever. This campaign is not just about recovery; it's about renewal," said Stephen Cheung, President and CEO of the LAED…
November 17, 2025 at 10:34 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
It's not even the right palm tree, but leaving the negative space for the A there like a little antenna-ish appendage is going to drive me insane
A zoom in closer on the A of the logo showing how the negative space of the A looks like it's part of the palm tree
November 17, 2025 at 10:32 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
The new LA is Open campaign announced by Mayor Karen Bass today with the goal of "welcoming the world for the biggest events ahead" is trying to troll me, personally

laedc.org/laisopen
A logo reading "LA is open" showing a palm tree at the center of the A. The tagline is RISE, REBUILD, REIMAGINE. The logo and colors, sherbet-y orange, yellow and purple, seems to evoke a sunset
November 17, 2025 at 10:28 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
📣 TONIGHT! @thewaroncars.bsky.social is coming to LA! I'm joining them onstage for a live show with @streetsforall.org to promote their new book.

🌧️ WE MUST SHOW THESE NEW YORKERS THAT A LITTLE RAIN DOES NOT SCARE LA AWAY!

🎟️ Tickets are available here: www.dynastytypewriter.com/calendar-squ...
A bright yellow flyer for the War on Cars event presented by Streets for All with the multimodal icon logo up top: Book Event with hosts authors Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear. There are photos of Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear shown with the book Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile which shows a traffic signal with vines growing over it.
November 17, 2025 at 6:40 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Also can't even spell "Angelenos" the proper Angeleno way
Is protecting Angelinos from ICE raids and standing up for our community Do you think that describes Rick Caruso very well, pretty well, not too well, or not well at all? Very well Pretty well Not too well • Not well at all Not sure
November 17, 2025 at 6:16 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Ok buddy
A poll from McGuire Research Which comes closer to your point of view? Caruso may not be liberal enough for you, but you will consider supporting him because he has the skills we need in a mayor to better manage the city and improve the lives of Angelenos. Caruso may have the skills we need in a mayor to improve the lives of Angelenos but it will be hard for you to support Caruso because people say he is not a true liberal or real Democrat. Not sure
November 17, 2025 at 6:06 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Someone's running for mayor
A poll from McGuire Research Will make life better in Los Angeles Do you think that describes Rick Caruso very well, pretty well, not too well, or not well at all? Very well Pretty well Not too well Not well at all Not sure A poll from McGuire Research Too close to Republicans like Elon Musk and Donald Trump Do you think that describes Rick Caruso very well, pretty well, not too well, or not well at all? Very well Pretty well Not too well • Not well at all • Not sure
November 17, 2025 at 6:02 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Also this isn’t an acceptable answer from Sanitation? Look at the sidewalk situation I pointed out. Why would the largest 90-gallon bin be delivered by default? Where are apartment-dwellers supposed to store even a 30-gallon bin? There’s a much bigger problem going on here
November 16, 2025 at 2:14 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Only my best Bluesky observations get published in the newspaper
Despite those serious intentions, Angelenos have been poking fun at the "Great Green Bin Apocalypse of 2025," as journalist and podcaster Alissa Walker framed the situation on Bluesky. Walker recently shared a photo showing what appeared to be 20 green bins in front of one property, right next to a discarded sofa. "This one is probably my favorite," she wrote. "I like how they lined them all up neatly in a row and then left the couch."
November 16, 2025 at 2:05 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Selling LA's Olympics broadcast rights to ABC in 1984 was not just a financial success, but also a technological and creative triumph, from a production perspective. I loved learning about the electric vehicles that were invented by ABC to cover the road races. Look at all the spectators on bikes!
Motorcycles with cameras are driving down a roadway along the beach as runners trail behind and spectators watch from either side. There are also a lot of people riding bikes. The caption is: ABC used newly developed electric motorcycles to cover the road races Another road race perspective showing a boxy vehicle with cameras out the back as a woman runs in a road race with several spectators to the side. The caption is: Environmentally friendly and gentle on the lungs: ABC's electric car drove silently in front of Joan Benoit (USA), who was the first woman to win the Olympic marathon in 1984.
November 15, 2025 at 7:45 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
In 1979 LA's organizing committee staged a bidding war for Olympics broadcast rights, getting ABC to sign on for $225 million. This was part of the strategy to shift expenditures onto commercial interests that helped LA's committee turn a profit.

The IOC said nope, we want that money instead 🙃
The whole plan was so successful, in fact, that the IOC immediately took the control of broadcast rights away from host cities. Before LA's 1984 games even happened, the IOC was busy brokering the deals for the 1988 games. (Remember, both the Summer and Winter Olympics used to be held in the same year.) Funnily enough, broadcast rights then went to NBC, albeit for a much less lucrative deal, and that's where the Summer Olympics have had a home ever since.
November 15, 2025 at 7:39 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
You don’t even have to activate your entertainment zone every weekend like Santa Monica does. You can just create it and only turn it on for special occasions. What in the world is the city of LA waiting for?
What's the occasion? "It's going to be for our special events only," O'Brien said. "Certainly during the World Cup and throughout the Olympics." Other city events listed in the motion include the Summer Concert Series, Independence Day Drone Show and the downtown Tree Lighting ceremony scheduled for Dec. 4. "That would be an ideal opportunity to activate for the entertainment zone," O'Brien said. "But I do not know if we will have everything in place to do so by then."
November 15, 2025 at 3:50 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Archer's LA28 sponsorship with "access to storytelling" has already included a Tonight Show segment
The blurring of the lines has already begun. It's not unusual for NBC to break the news of Olympics-related announcements on its own networks; see: LA28's Uber partnership or naming Universal Studios as a venue. But in May, NBC's The Tonight Show basically produced a promotional for Archer, the "air taxi" "company" that's an LA28 sponsor, with Archer's co-founder Adam Goldstein joining Fallon on the couch for to announce the LA28 deal as if he had a movie to promote. There's plenty to ask Archer about: perhaps the connection between its Palantir partnership and this week's purchase of the Hawthorne airport ground lease as an "Al testbed" for 2028. But Archer's LA28 sponsorship - billed as "access to storytelling" — is clearly going to be using NBC properties to manufacture consent for federal approvals. My bet is on the jet-pack slot at the opening ceremonies.
November 15, 2025 at 5:33 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Earlier this week, Archer purchased the ground lease for the Hawthorne airport to use as a "strategic air taxi network hub and AI testbed" ahead of LA megaevents 😬
Acquisition Of Hawthorne Airport As Strategic Hub for Archer's Planned LA Air Taxi Network and Testbed For Al-Powered Technologies Under Development Archer has signed a series of definitive agreements to acquire control of a one-of-a- kind Los Angeles asset, Hawthorne Airport for $126M* in cash. The airport is located in the heart of L.A., sits on an 80-acre site and includes approximately 190,000 square feet of terminal, office and hangar facilities. The historic Hawthorne Airport was built in the 1920s and once helped shape Southern California's aerospace legacy and is also known as Jack Northrop Field. It is strategically located less than three miles from LAX, and is the closest airport to some of the city's biggest attractions — SoFi Stadium, The Forum, Intuit Dome, and Downtown L.A. Archer plans for the airport to serve as its operational hub for its planned L.A. air taxi network operations, including serving a key role in the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games. Archer also plans to utilize the airport as an innovation testbed for the next- generation Al-powered aviation technologies that it is developing and planning to deploy with its airline and technology partners. This includes Al-powered air traffic and ground operations management, in addition to other key technologies.
November 15, 2025 at 5:24 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Lol of course: Archer, the "air taxi" "company" and LA28 sponsor that I wrote about just today has now been added as an LA World Cup sponsor
Archer Named Official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter Archer has been named the exclusive Air Taxi Partner for the Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission and will serve as an Official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter. In conjunction with the Host Committee, Archer plans to engage with community leaders and millions of Southern California residents as it lays the foundation for its planned air taxi flights ahead of the LA28 Olympic Games. With so many iconic events on the horizon, this partnership will highlight the future of urban air mobility. The Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC) today announced Archer (NYSE: ACHR) as its exclusive Air Taxi Partner. As part of this designation, Archer will serve as an Official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host City Supporter and an Official Super Bowl LXI Host Committee Partner. This partnership actively expands Archer's presence in Los Angeles by allowing the company to leverage upcoming global events to build excitement for the arrival of air taxis to the region. In conjunction with LASEC, Archer plans to engage with community leaders, elected officials and millions of Southern California residents as it lays the foundation for its planned air taxi flights ahead of the LA28 Olympic Games. Archer's partnership with LASEC builds on the company's broader efforts to launch an air taxi network in Los Angeles, connecting key transportation corridors ahead of 2028 and beyond. With vertiports planned across the region and strong partnerships with leading airlines and infrastructure providers, Archer goal is to make air taxis a reality for Los Angeles residents and visitors in the coming years. In the lead-up to the FIFA World Cup ™ in Los Angeles, Archer will support the Host Committee's programs to connect with local communities. Adam Goldstein, Archer's Founder and CEO, will become a member of the ChampionLA Core Leadership Group, and Miles Rogers, Archer's Chief Marketing Officer, will join the LASEC Advisory Board to provide LASEC with additional strategic support.
November 15, 2025 at 5:20 AM