Previous Bureau News Highlights

For over a decade, the LADWP Water Distribution Division and the Bureau of Street Services (BSS) have partnered to deliver seamless and efficient street construction services to improve the quality of life for the residents of Los Angeles. A few weeks ago and as part of this cooperative agreement, BSS reconstructed a portion of Roscoe Bl. from Nagel Ave. to Allott Ave. in support of a LADWP trunk line project. In return, LADWP repaved the east side of Sycamore Ave. at the intersection of Willoughby Ave., which suffered from severe drainage issues. This intersection had been an eyesore and was difficult for pedestrians and motorists to cross. Monthly meetings to coordinate efforts of this type enable both agencies to work across department boundaries to deliver quality street services that minimize neighborhood disruption.

The City’s new Bus Bench Program (BBP) is moving and the first new benches are now appearing at numerous bus stops. The program will provide and service 6,000 new bus benches City-wide with waste receptacles at fifty percent of the bus bench sites. The benches are made of recycled steel and they are coated with a paint that is very easy to clean. While the benches provide bus riders with a comfortable place to sit and wait for their bus, the receptacles are a key component of the Bureau’s efforts to keep our streets clean and to stop trash from getting into the city’s storm drain system.

In July, Investigators from our Bureau were featured in "Trashopolis," a History Channel, Canada, television show. Without a doubt, Investigators Gerardo Rodriguez and Aaron Harris were the "stars" in the first part of an ongoing series. The show focuses on trash disposal and illegal dumping; not only in modern times but also throughout ancient history. Trashopolis has filmed in cities worldwide including, London, Rome, Paris, New York and now, Los Angeles.

On Friday, June 17th, Adelia Clerk, John Plunkett, Keith Mozee, and Tobias Cristales visited La Salle Avenue Elementary School to share with young students a delightful conversation about career opportunities in the BSS (Bureau of Street Services) and the City. Students were mesmerized to hear our professionals talking about major engineering projects designed and built by the Bureau. Also, the children enjoyed an exposition of equipment used to maintain and preserve the city's infrastructure. Without a doubt, their hearts and minds were inspired by these four Bureau managers.

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council Member Paul Koretz, Dr. Robert Cohen, and Jules Feir held a press conference with the Bureau of Street Services (BSS) to announce the completion of 57 miles of street resurfacing as part of the American Recovery Relief Act (ARRA) economic stimulus funds for the East and West Valley regions. The BSS overall goal is to resurface 100 miles city wide in a 3 year period using ARRA funds. These portions of the Valley were completed ahead of schedule. The economic stimulus funding was a major influx of dollars that enabled BSS to keep 48 workers employed that had been targeted for layoff. In addition to keeping workers employed the stimulus funds filled in a major budget shortfall that allowed the City of Los Angeles to keep up with much needed maintenance and repair of the country's largest street system.

After one of the worst wind events in the City’s history, the Street Maintenance Division aided the Urban Forestry Division in emergency calls and recovery efforts. During one weekend period, crews from this division closed out over 900 service requests and removed over 2,900 cubic yards of debris. This debris consisted of trees and fallen palm fronds. Shown are crews working in Council District 14.

On October 18, 2011 Bureau of Street Services (BSS) employees attended the CD 3 meeting. CD 3 hosted the POSSE volunteer group (People Organizing Safe, Secure Environments). The meeting featured representatives from many City and Volunteer groups. Will Cadena, Tim Tyson, and Brian Davis represented the BSS during the event.

The crowd was large and engaged. The question and answer period lasted well into the night. All Division representatives were courteous, calm and strong. The meeting was successful and informative for all of the community members.