The Impact of Private Companies on Our City Streets: A Call SMa.r.t.

Deputy City Manager Takes the Helm to Lead City’s Transportation Initiatives

As someone who’s always out and about, whether walking, biking, or driving, this writer has noticed a worrying trend that affects how we use our public spaces. Private companies are taking up more and more of our streets and sidewalks, seemingly only caring about their own interests and not considering the people who actually use these spaces. This puts pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists at risk, leading to some dangerous situations. These companies are often pushing the limits of what’s legal and safe.

What’s particularly disheartening is the lack of action from our city authorities. They seem to disregard these activities, making them more common over time. As a result, our streets have become less safe, and we no longer feel as secure when moving around our city.

Before things worsen, our city needs to acknowledge the problem and take decisive action. We have to identify the specific issues caused by private companies using our public spaces and establish policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents.

One primary concern is the reckless way in which some of these companies use our sidewalks and streets. For example, those electric rental scooters are often scattered all over the sidewalks, making it difficult for pedestrians to move around and even posing tripping hazards. And let’s remember the remote-controlled motorized food-delivery vehicles that too often ignore traffic rules both on the sidewalks and the streets, putting pedestrians and drivers in danger.

The introduction of self-driving vehicles brings a whole new set of challenges. We must consider who is liable if something goes wrong and how to ensure that any data gathered is secure and ethical dilemmas are properly handled. We can’t just brush these issues aside; we must carefully consider them and take proactive measures to ensure the responsible integration of self-driving vehicles on our city streets.

To tackle these challenges, our city needs to take immediate steps. We should push for clear and comprehensive rules that clearly define what private companies can and cannot do when using public spaces. These regulations should cover different types of vehicles and specify speed limits, designated parking zones, and operating areas.

Implementing a permitting system would also help us have better oversight and control over the number of companies operating on our streets. We should have a thorough application review process, compliance checks, and safety standards to make sure that only responsible and accountable companies receive permits.

It’s particularly crucial for the city to actively enforce the regulations that are already in place. Strengthening enforcement will send a clear message to private companies that they must follow the rules. Without consistent enforcement, these regulations are just words on paper and won’t effectively ensure the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.

The city needs to show its commitment to maintaining the safety and order of our streets and make it clear that noncompliance won’t be tolerated. This proactive approach will create a safer environment and establish a culture of accountability, where private companies are held responsible for their actions, and our streets regain the sense of security and organization we deserve.

In addition to regulations and permits, we should enforce those rules that require private companies to share data. Analyzing anonymized data can provide valuable insights for urban planning and infrastructure development. By studying this data, we can identify areas with high demand and potential safety concerns, enabling us to take proactive measures to address these issues. But of course, we need that data in the first place.

Public awareness campaigns are also crucial. We need to educate pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers on how to safely interact with these new mobility solutions. We should promote responsible and considerate behavior among users, fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the proper use of our public spaces.

As someone who relies on walking, biking, and driving around town, I urge our city to address the safety concerns caused by private companies using our public spaces. Let’s make sure that the city establishes and enforces policies that prioritize the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and, yes, even drivers while still allowing room for innovation and progress. Our city streets should be places where we can all move around safely and confidently, fostering a sense of community and enjoyment for everyone. The city must take the necessary steps to preserve the integrity of our public spaces and ensure that our streets remain safe and accessible for all.

Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow: Thane Roberts, Architect. Robert H. Taylor AIA. Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and FireLife Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner. Mario Fonda-Bonardi, AIA & Planning Commissioner. Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

By Daniel Jansenson,

Architect, Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission.

FILE NUMBER: 2023147284 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES ON 07/06/2023. The following person (persons) is (are) doing business as 1. Elizabeth Idlehart. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: Elizabeth Moser, 13970 Pana Way, Ste. 210., Los Angeles, Ca. 90292. This business is conducted by An Individual. The registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above on 07/1/2023. I declare that all information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true information which he or she knows to be false is guilty of a crime). Signed Elizabeth Moser. This Statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on July 07, 2023. NOTICE: IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUBDIVISION (a) OF SECTION 17920, A FICTITIOUS NAME STATEMENT GENERALLY EXPIRES AT THE END OF FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE ON WHICH IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK, EXCEPT, AS PROVIDED IN SUBDIVISION (b) OF SECTION 17920, WHERE IT EXPIRES 40 DAYS AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). SANTA MONICA MIRROR to publish 07/07/23, 07/14/23, 07/21/23 and 07/28/2023

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

Case No. 23SMCP00350

Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles 1725 Main St. | Santa Monica, CA 90401

Petition of: Jennifer Bowie McCarthy , by and through Jennifer Bowie McCarthy for change of name. ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE FOR CHANGE OF NAME

To all interested persons: Isabelle Patricia McCarthy

Petitioner: filed a petition with this court for a decree changing names as follows: a. Isabelle Patricia McCarthy to Cameron James Reese McCarthy

AFTER ANY CHANGE IN THE FACTS SET FORTH IN THE STATEMENT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 17913 OTHER THAN A CHANGE IN THE RESIDENCE ADDRESS OF A REGISTERED OWNER. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED BEFORE THE EXPIRATION. THE FILING OF THIS STATEMENT DOES NOT OF ITSELF AUTHORIZE THE USE IN THIS STATE OF A FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME IN VIOLATION OF THE RIGHTS OF ANOTHER UNDER FEDERAL, STATE, OR COMMON LAW (SEE SECTION 14411 ET SEQ., BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS CODE). SANTA MONICA MIRROR to publish 06/23/23, 06/30/23, 07/07/23 and 07/14/2023

The court orders that all persons interested in this matter appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted. Any person objecting to the name changes described above must file a written objection that includes the reasons for the objection at least two court days before the matter is scheduled to be heard and must appear at the hearing to show cause why the petition should not be granted. If no written objection is timely filed, the court may grant the petition without a hearing.

NOTICE OF HEARING:

Date: 08/25/23 | Time: 8:30AM | Dept: K A copy of this ORDER to SHOW CAUSE shall be published at least once a week for four successive weeks prior to the date set for hearing on the petition in the following newspaper of general circulation, printed in this county: SANTA MONICA MIRROR | Dated: July 6, 2023 Judge Lawrence Cho

Published: 07/07/2023, 07/14/23, 07/21/2023, and 07/28/2023