California Sees a Big Drop in Unemployment Rate to 10.2 Percent | KPCC California’s unemployment rate dropped to 10.2 percent in September, according the Labor Department. That’s a big dip — the August rate was 10.6 percent and had been falling relatively slowly. With the state now in striking distance of single-digit unemployment for the first time in years, it is clear that the recovery is gaining steam here. California has added 262,000 jobs since the beginning of the year, second only to Texas, which has added 700 more (it’s neck and neck).  Californians Stop Routines for Earthquake Drill | LA Times In the east portal lobby of Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Lucy Jones and Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member Richard Katz ducked and covered under a large red table set up for the event. “Hope doesn’t save lives, preparation does,” Villaraigosa said.  League of American Cyclists Awards Los Angeles Bronze Medal for Bicycle Friendliness | LA Streetsblog  Over the last two and a half years, Los Angeles turned a corner. While the city has a long way to go to be a safe and welcoming city for pedestrians and cyclists, things are getting better. The change in attitude has also changed the debate from, “What can the city do to make things better?” to “Is it doing all that it can?” Earlier today, the League of American Cyclists stepped into the discussion by awarding the city a “Bronze Medal” for bicycle-friendliness. Los Angeles Street Vendors Cooking Up a Challenge to the Sidewalk Ban | KPCC If you’ve ever stumbled out of a bar on Hollywood Boulevard at closing time, you know the smell: Bacon wrapped hot dogs. They’re very tasty, but are they legal? Right now, street vendors can be fined up to $1,000 and face jail time for selling food on L.A. sidewalks. The carts are generally operated by immigrant vendors who make a living selling quick late-night snacks to concert, club and bar-goers. As Downtowners Get a Park, So Do Their Dogs | Downtown News Thanks to pet friendly policies in most residential buildings, Downtown has attracted thousands of dog owners. This month, they got a new destination for their canine companions at Grand Park. A small, fenced-in zone dubbed a dog “run” is tucked into the parcel across from City Hall.
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California Sees a Big Drop in Unemployment Rate to 10.2 Percent | KPCC

California’s unemployment rate dropped to 10.2 percent in September, according the Labor Department. That’s a big dip — the August rate was 10.6 percent and had been falling relatively slowly. With the state now in striking distance of single-digit unemployment for the first time in years, it is clear that the recovery is gaining steam here. California has added 262,000 jobs since the beginning of the year, second only to Texas, which has added 700 more (it’s neck and neck). 

Californians Stop Routines for Earthquake Drill | LA Times

In the east portal lobby of Union Station in downtown Los Angeles, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, U.S. Geological Survey seismologist Lucy Jones and Metropolitan Transportation Authority board member Richard Katz ducked and covered under a large red table set up for the event. “Hope doesn’t save lives, preparation does,” Villaraigosa said. 

League of American Cyclists Awards Los Angeles Bronze Medal for Bicycle Friendliness | LA Streetsblog 

Over the last two and a half years, Los Angeles turned a corner. While the city has a long way to go to be a safe and welcoming city for pedestrians and cyclists, things are getting better. The change in attitude has also changed the debate from, “What can the city do to make things better?” to “Is it doing all that it can?” Earlier today, the League of American Cyclists stepped into the discussion by awarding the city a “Bronze Medal” for bicycle-friendliness.

Los Angeles Street Vendors Cooking Up a Challenge to the Sidewalk Ban | KPCC

If you’ve ever stumbled out of a bar on Hollywood Boulevard at closing time, you know the smell: Bacon wrapped hot dogs. They’re very tasty, but are they legal? Right now, street vendors can be fined up to $1,000 and face jail time for selling food on L.A. sidewalks. The carts are generally operated by immigrant vendors who make a living selling quick late-night snacks to concert, club and bar-goers.

As Downtowners Get a Park, So Do Their Dogs | Downtown News

Thanks to pet friendly policies in most residential buildings, Downtown has attracted thousands of dog owners. This month, they got a new destination for their canine companions at Grand Park. A small, fenced-in zone dubbed a dog “run” is tucked into the parcel across from City Hall.

The Reality of What’s Happening with California Gas Prices | Sac Bee When California gasoline prices suddenly spiked upward this month, the state’s motorists, media – and politicians – characteristically overreacted. 7 Proposals for Turning LA Parking Spaces into Parks | Curbed LA Parklets (mini parks built in street parking spots, as seen every year on Park[ing] Day) are already in place in Long Beach and on their way in Los Angeles, so parklet fans are gearing up to make sure they are here to stay. Recently, the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Complete Streets Initiative released a tool kit for designing and creating parklets. LA Schools to “Shake it Up” With the Rest of California | KPCC As millions of Californians participate in the “Great California ShakeOut” Thursday, so will students at L.A. Unified. The district uses the day for an annual full-scale emergency drill and an opportunity to teach kids about earthquakes. Los Angeles, Long Beach Port Imports Up in September | LA Biz Inbound traffic at the Port of Los Angeles rose 3.4 percent in September from a year ago, but inched up only 0.7 perent at the Port of Long Beach. A Turn of The Page | Daily Beast  We are announcing this morning an important development at Newsweek and The Daily Beast. Newsweek will transition to an all-digital format in early 2013. As part of this transition, the last print edition in the United States will be our Dec. 31 issue.
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The Reality of What’s Happening with California Gas Prices | Sac Bee

When California gasoline prices suddenly spiked upward this month, the state’s motorists, media – and politicians – characteristically overreacted.

7 Proposals for Turning LA Parking Spaces into Parks | Curbed LA

Parklets (mini parks built in street parking spots, as seen every year on Park[ing] Day) are already in place in Long Beach and on their way in Los Angeles, so parklet fans are gearing up to make sure they are here to stay. Recently, the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs Complete Streets Initiative released a tool kit for designing and creating parklets.

LA Schools to “Shake it Up” With the Rest of California | KPCC

As millions of Californians participate in the “Great California ShakeOut” Thursday, so will students at L.A. Unified. The district uses the day for an annual full-scale emergency drill and an opportunity to teach kids about earthquakes.

Los Angeles, Long Beach Port Imports Up in September | LA Biz

Inbound traffic at the Port of Los Angeles rose 3.4 percent in September from a year ago, but inched up only 0.7 perent at the Port of Long Beach.

A Turn of The Page | Daily Beast 

We are announcing this morning an important development at Newsweek and The Daily Beast. Newsweek will transition to an all-digital format in early 2013. As part of this transition, the last print edition in the United States will be our Dec. 31 issue.

Endeavour Arrives at California Science Center | LA Times fter a dramatic three-day parade through city streets, Endeavour arrived at its new home at the California Science Center shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday amid cheers from thousands gathered to witness a piece of history. “Mission 26 — Mission Accomplished,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said at a news conference at Exposition Park, the shuttle rising behind him as a backdrop. Times Endorsements: Yes on Measure J | LA Times Extending the tax increase approved by voters in 2008 would be a win for transit, the economy and the future of L.A. County. Second Chance for high School Dropouts in South LA | Intersections South LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa unveiled 13 new YouthSource Centers on Friday with four of them located in South Los Angeles, and tasked with the goal of getting high school dropouts to finish their education. Los Angeles District Attorney Race Between Alan Jackson, Jackie Lacey | Daily News Los Angeles County will have a new chief prosecutor for the first time in more than a decade, at a time when the District Attorney’s Office is grappling with increased responsibilities and shrunken budgets. The choice is between retiring DA Steve Cooley’s second-in-command, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey, or prosecutor Alan Jackson, assistant head deputy of the Major Crimes Division. CA Gas Prices Continue Slow, Steady Fall After Record Rise | KPCC Gasoline prices in Southern California are dropping slowly since hitting a record high in early October. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County on Monday is hovering near $4.65. City Target Rolls Out Red Carpet for DTLA Opening | BlogDowntown Downtown’s new 73,000-square-foot City Target opens to the public Wednesday morning and the new location kicked off their opening with a sneak peek of the store Tuesday night. The 250 new employees along with their friends and family, the media and city officials were invited to check out the 7th and Figueroa location in an event that could only be described as “all-out.”
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Endeavour Arrives at California Science Center | LA Times

fter a dramatic three-day parade through city streets, Endeavour arrived at its new home at the California Science Center shortly after 1 p.m. Sunday amid cheers from thousands gathered to witness a piece of history. “Mission 26 — Mission Accomplished,” Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa said at a news conference at Exposition Park, the shuttle rising behind him as a backdrop.

Times Endorsements: Yes on Measure J | LA Times

Extending the tax increase approved by voters in 2008 would be a win for transit, the economy and the future of L.A. County.

Second Chance for high School Dropouts in South LA | Intersections South LA

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa unveiled 13 new YouthSource Centers on Friday with four of them located in South Los Angeles, and tasked with the goal of getting high school dropouts to finish their education.

Los Angeles District Attorney Race Between Alan Jackson, Jackie Lacey | Daily News

Los Angeles County will have a new chief prosecutor for the first time in more than a decade, at a time when the District Attorney’s Office is grappling with increased responsibilities and shrunken budgets. The choice is between retiring DA Steve Cooley’s second-in-command, Chief Deputy District Attorney Jackie Lacey, or prosecutor Alan Jackson, assistant head deputy of the Major Crimes Division.

CA Gas Prices Continue Slow, Steady Fall After Record Rise | KPCC

Gasoline prices in Southern California are dropping slowly since hitting a record high in early October. The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Los Angeles County on Monday is hovering near $4.65.

City Target Rolls Out Red Carpet for DTLA Opening | BlogDowntown

Downtown’s new 73,000-square-foot City Target opens to the public Wednesday morning and the new location kicked off their opening with a sneak peek of the store Tuesday night. The 250 new employees along with their friends and family, the media and city officials were invited to check out the 7th and Figueroa location in an event that could only be described as “all-out.”

What to Watch for in Tonight’s VP Debate | Daily Beast Biden needs to attack, but not get out over his skis. Ryan needs to bash Obama without splitting with Romney. Ace debate coach Brett O’Donnell’s viewers’ guide to the veep showdown. $1 Billion Village at USC Approved by LA Council Panel | LA Times A $1-billion project at USC that would bring thousands of new student beds, a multi-use retail complex and needed academic facilities to its south Los Angeles campus, won approval from a key city committee Wednesday. Villaraigosa, Huizar and More VPs Cut the Ribbon at DTLA City Target | Curbed LA After months of anticipation, the doors to CityTarget at FIGat7th swung open for business this morning at 7am. Press were able to preview the store last night at a blowout event that included remarks by LA’s mayor (who likes to refer to Target as Tar-jay), councilman Jose Huizar and senior vp of Target LA Carmen Moch. A grand opening party is planned for October 14th. Road Closures for Endeavour’s Journey | Daily News Los Angeles and Inglewood police are advising the public about these major street closures for the space shuttle Endeavour’s move from LAX to the California Science Center. The closures start late today and continue into Friday and Saturday
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What to Watch for in Tonight’s VP Debate | Daily Beast

Biden needs to attack, but not get out over his skis. Ryan needs to bash Obama without splitting with Romney. Ace debate coach Brett O’Donnell’s viewers’ guide to the veep showdown.

$1 Billion Village at USC Approved by LA Council Panel | LA Times

A $1-billion project at USC that would bring thousands of new student beds, a multi-use retail complex and needed academic facilities to its south Los Angeles campus, won approval from a key city committee Wednesday.

Villaraigosa, Huizar and More VPs Cut the Ribbon at DTLA City Target | Curbed LA

After months of anticipation, the doors to CityTarget at FIGat7th swung open for business this morning at 7am. Press were able to preview the store last night at a blowout event that included remarks by LA’s mayor (who likes to refer to Target as Tar-jay), councilman Jose Huizar and senior vp of Target LA Carmen Moch. A grand opening party is planned for October 14th.

Road Closures for Endeavour’s Journey | Daily News

Los Angeles and Inglewood police are advising the public about these major street closures for the space shuttle Endeavour’s move from LAX to the California Science Center. The closures start late today and continue into Friday and Saturday

Mayors Voices: Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa — C40 Cities

Los Angeles: home of the freeway and land of the Range Rover. But look a little closer, and you’ll quickly see that LA is undergoing a transit revolution that’s fundamentally changing how we connect our communities. We’re laying the foundation to get Angelenos out of their cars, into public transportation and onto green space.

Last weekend, for the second time in 15 months, we closed down a 10 mile stretch of one of the most congested freeways in the country for an entire weekend. Despite predictions of “Carmaggeddon,” Angelenos stayed off the roads and instead walked, used public transit, or rode their bikes all around the city.

I believe that Carmageddon became “Carma Heaven” not only because we feared an apocalyptic traffic jam, but because Angelenos are aching for a day without a car. They’ll get another chance this Sunday when we shut down another 10 miles of streets, not for construction, but for the LA’s fifth “CicLAvia.” From Chinatown to South LA, from Mid-city to Boyle Heights, hundreds of thousands of Angelenos will set out for what has become a veritable bike block party.

Eastsider Carlos Morales will jump on the bike he lost 200 pounds on by riding along new bike lanes with his friends. Westsider Claire Atkins will put her dog Mumford in the basket of her beach cruiser and take a tour of Chinatown. Newlyweds DJ and Roee will rollerblade over to Boyle Heights to get those famous tamales they’ve been meaning to try, and the Brady Family will take their twin boys on their first train ride: the light rail Expo line from Culver City to Staples Center. It’s the magic of CicLAvia. Angelenos can leave their cars and home and head to the intersection of community, of health, of play, and, of course, bikes.

The magic doesn’t have to be temporary, however. That’s why we are working to reducing our carbon emissions by making it easier for Angelenos to get from point A to point B without a car. 

During my time as Mayor, Los Angeles has opened four major transit lines, and we have or will break ground on four more. Once complete, this unprecedented investment in our infrastructure will create a rail network that has doubled in size. But we’re not just focusing on our trains – we’re looking long-term to build over 1,600 miles of bikeways over the next 30 years. And we’re looking towards innovative models of transportation as well. Just a few months ago Los Angeles launched an extension of our Orange Line Busway. It’s of note because it’s the only dedicated busway in Southern California and is lined with bikepaths to provide a better quality of life to residents in the San Fernando Valley.

Together, we’re placing a premium on our people and making sure Angelenos have the choices need to get around town without leaving a carbon footprint behind. It’s what we want, and what we deserve.

This Piece originally appeared in C-40 Cities Blog

Federal Government Approves Half-Billion Dollar Loan for Crenshaw Corridor Light Rail Project | KPCC The federal government today announced final approval of a half-billion dollar loan to Los Angeles County’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The money paves the way for construction of a new light rail line that will connect two existing lines. LA Mayor Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck Announce Domestic Violence Awareness Month | Daily News Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and police Chief Charlie Beck today kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month by announcing that grants totaling nearly $1 million will be used to expand the LAPD’s Domestic Abuse Response Team program. Toll Lanes Coming Soon to 110 Freeway; First in LA County | Blog Downtown Stretching from Adams Boulevard to the 91 freeway, these pay lanes will cost anywhere from 25 cents a mile to $1.40 a mile, depending on traffic. As more cars enter the ExpressLanes the cost will increase and electronic freeway signs will display the changes in price. Hollywood Sign’s Appearance Will Once Again be Letter-Quality | LA Times It wouldn’t be a true celebrity without a face-lift. The Hollywood sign is set to undergo its most extensive refurbishing in nearly 35 years starting Tuesday, when crews will begin repainting the iconic white letters overlooking Los Angeles.
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Federal Government Approves Half-Billion Dollar Loan for Crenshaw Corridor Light Rail Project | KPCC

The federal government today announced final approval of a half-billion dollar loan to Los Angeles County’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The money paves the way for construction of a new light rail line that will connect two existing lines.

LA Mayor Villaraigosa, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck Announce Domestic Violence Awareness Month | Daily News

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and police Chief Charlie Beck today kicked off Domestic Violence Awareness Month by announcing that grants totaling nearly $1 million will be used to expand the LAPD’s Domestic Abuse Response Team program.

Toll Lanes Coming Soon to 110 Freeway; First in LA County | Blog Downtown

Stretching from Adams Boulevard to the 91 freeway, these pay lanes will cost anywhere from 25 cents a mile to $1.40 a mile, depending on traffic. As more cars enter the ExpressLanes the cost will increase and electronic freeway signs will display the changes in price.

Hollywood Sign’s Appearance Will Once Again be Letter-Quality | LA Times

It wouldn’t be a true celebrity without a face-lift. The Hollywood sign is set to undergo its most extensive refurbishing in nearly 35 years starting Tuesday, when crews will begin repainting the iconic white letters overlooking Los Angeles.

Mayor Villaraigosa Kicks Off Farewell Tour | Daily News With only nine months remaining in his term, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Thursday kicked off a farewell tour highlighting the achievements of his years as mayor as well as what he learned from San Fernando Valley voters. UCLA Researchers Say Last Year’s Carmageddon Improved Air Quality | LA Times Air quality near the closed 10-mile portion of the 405 Freeway reached levels 83% better than typical weekends, according to a team at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability. SoCal to Prep for Earthquakes, Terrorism with $61M DHS Grant | CBS LA Law enforcement and public officials said Thursday that funds from a newly-received $61 million federal grant would be used to help the region prepare for disasters. Free Healthcare Clinic at LA Sports Arena Draws 4,800 | LA Times In addition to receiving medical treatment, patients were enrolled in a free coverage program to prepare for the federal healthcare overhaul that takes effect in 2014. LAUSD, Charters Win $98 Million in Grants to Boost Teacher, Administrator Pay | Daily News Los Angeles Unified and three local charter school networks were among 35 recipients of $290 million in federal grants awarded to boost the pay of effective teachers and administrators, officials said today.
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Mayor Villaraigosa Kicks Off Farewell Tour | Daily News

With only nine months remaining in his term, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa on Thursday kicked off a farewell tour highlighting the achievements of his years as mayor as well as what he learned from San Fernando Valley voters.

UCLA Researchers Say Last Year’s Carmageddon Improved Air Quality | LA Times

Air quality near the closed 10-mile portion of the 405 Freeway reached levels 83% better than typical weekends, according to a team at UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.

SoCal to Prep for Earthquakes, Terrorism with $61M DHS Grant | CBS LA

Law enforcement and public officials said Thursday that funds from a newly-received $61 million federal grant would be used to help the region prepare for disasters.

Free Healthcare Clinic at LA Sports Arena Draws 4,800 | LA Times

In addition to receiving medical treatment, patients were enrolled in a free coverage program to prepare for the federal healthcare overhaul that takes effect in 2014.

LAUSD, Charters Win $98 Million in Grants to Boost Teacher, Administrator Pay | Daily News

Los Angeles Unified and three local charter school networks were among 35 recipients of $290 million in federal grants awarded to boost the pay of effective teachers and administrators, officials said today.

Officials Caution Drivers on Carmageddon II | LA Times It all starts after rush hour Friday night, when the California Highway Patrol shuts down a 10-mile stretch of the nation’s busiest freeway for the second time in 14 months, crossing fingers that hundreds of thousands of motorists will stay home this weekend or at least avoid creating mayhem trolling surrounding streets and freeways. NFL Reaches Agreement with Officials to End Lockout | ESPN After two days of marathon negotiations — and mounting frustration throughout the league — the NFL and the officials’ union announced at midnight Thursday that a tentative eight-year agreement had been reached to end a lockout that began in June. Chicago Plans to Make City a Hub for High-Speed Internet Service | LA Times Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveils the ambitious Chicago Broadband Challenge, which includes the goal of providing free Internet access in public spaces. Californians Flock to Online Voter Registration | KPCC In the first week of online registration in California, some 110,000 people used Registertovote.ca.gov to register or update their registrations, according to the Secretary of State’s office. Carmageddon 2 (The Sequel) FAQ | KPCC Both sides of the 405 freeway will be closed through the Sepulveda Pass from the 101 to the 10 Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, 2012. 
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Officials Caution Drivers on Carmageddon II | LA Times

It all starts after rush hour Friday night, when the California Highway Patrol shuts down a 10-mile stretch of the nation’s busiest freeway for the second time in 14 months, crossing fingers that hundreds of thousands of motorists will stay home this weekend or at least avoid creating mayhem trolling surrounding streets and freeways.

NFL Reaches Agreement with Officials to End Lockout | ESPN

After two days of marathon negotiations — and mounting frustration throughout the league — the NFL and the officials’ union announced at midnight Thursday that a tentative eight-year agreement had been reached to end a lockout that began in June.

Chicago Plans to Make City a Hub for High-Speed Internet Service | LA Times

Mayor Rahm Emanuel unveils the ambitious Chicago Broadband Challenge, which includes the goal of providing free Internet access in public spaces.

Californians Flock to Online Voter Registration | KPCC

In the first week of online registration in California, some 110,000 people used Registertovote.ca.gov to register or update their registrations, according to the Secretary of State’s office.

Carmageddon 2 (The Sequel) FAQ | KPCC

Both sides of the 405 freeway will be closed through the Sepulveda Pass from the 101 to the 10 Saturday, September 29 and Sunday, September 30, 2012. 

LA Officials Vow to Protect City’s Interest in NFL Deal | LA Times Los Angeles officials promised Monday to take new steps to protect the city’s interests in pending agreements for a new downtown NFL stadium now that the company looking to develop the project has been put up for sale. Schwarzenegger: “Meaningful Changes Takes Balls” | Neon Tommy The former California governor kicked off the first symposium for USC’s new think tank with a panel discussion featuring power players from Washington. About 750 people attended the Tutor Campus Center Ballroom event, while a couple hundred had to be turned away due to limited seating. A seperate panel featuring Hollywood household names like director James Cameron was conducted during the afternoon. NFL Refs Lockout: A $10 Billion League vs. $16 Million in Labor Demands | KPCC Had enough yet? NFL players, coaches, and fans seem pretty fed up, after a controversial conclusion to Monday night’s game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packer. Touchdown? Interception? “Simultaneous catch?”  Campaign for DTLA Streetcar Ramps Up, Needs Residents’ Votes | Blog Downtown A campaign in support of the DTLA streetcar project is ramping up this fall with outreach and community events in an effort to garner votes for a crucial November vote, which will ask Downtown property owners to fund a portion of the the project’s $125-billion budget.
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LA Officials Vow to Protect City’s Interest in NFL Deal | LA Times

Los Angeles officials promised Monday to take new steps to protect the city’s interests in pending agreements for a new downtown NFL stadium now that the company looking to develop the project has been put up for sale.

Schwarzenegger: “Meaningful Changes Takes Balls” | Neon Tommy

The former California governor kicked off the first symposium for USC’s new think tank with a panel discussion featuring power players from Washington. About 750 people attended the Tutor Campus Center Ballroom event, while a couple hundred had to be turned away due to limited seating. A seperate panel featuring Hollywood household names like director James Cameron was conducted during the afternoon.

NFL Refs Lockout: A $10 Billion League vs. $16 Million in Labor Demands | KPCC

Had enough yet? NFL players, coaches, and fans seem pretty fed up, after a controversial conclusion to Monday night’s game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packer. Touchdown? Interception? “Simultaneous catch?” 

Campaign for DTLA Streetcar Ramps Up, Needs Residents’ Votes | Blog Downtown

A campaign in support of the DTLA streetcar project is ramping up this fall with outreach and community events in an effort to garner votes for a crucial November vote, which will ask Downtown property owners to fund a portion of the the project’s $125-billion budget.

INSIDE THE HALLS — HOME SWEET HOME The first time I saw the space shuttle streak across the Southern California sky, I was just a kid of probably seven years squinting up at the bright blue sky above the high desert north of Los Angeles.The shuttle was scheduled to land there due to bad weather at its usual landing spot in Florida, so my mother jumped at the opportunity to take my brother – now a pilot (go figure) – and me to see shuttle descend back to Earth.We clambered into our minivan in the pre-dawn chilly darkness to make the hundred-mile trek up to Edwards Airforce Base. My memory of that morning is a little fuzzy. But I remember us all staring up at that sky, for what seemed like hours, trying to find that speck of shuttle in the sky. And then finally, an onlooker’s arm shot out. Squinting, I picked it up in my sights and watched it grow larger and larger until the full weight of it was overhead gliding quietly onto its salt-flat landing bed.With those memories bubbling up again, I once again squinted into the bright blue LA sky – this time from the sweltering, shadeless roof of City Hall East – to see a familiar site in a whole new context.The Boeing 747 carrying Endeavour on its back and the shuttle’s fighter jet body guards swooped up towards downtown from the south, making a broad 270-degree circuit around City Hall, out over the Los Angeles River and back around Bunker Hill before heading back out over the L.A. basin. All the while, a sweaty crowd of city workers – yours truly included – looked on, cheered and gawked at the wild sight.The shuttle is back home in Southern California again. But instead of culminating another successful mission, it was the victory lap for the entire shuttle program. A thrilling and bittersweet homecoming. — Carter Rubin Office of LA Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa
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INSIDE THE HALLS — HOME SWEET HOME

The first time I saw the space shuttle streak across the Southern California sky, I was just a kid of probably seven years squinting up at the bright blue sky above the high desert north of Los Angeles.

The shuttle was scheduled to land there due to bad weather at its usual landing spot in Florida, so my mother jumped at the opportunity to take my brother – now a pilot (go figure) – and me to see shuttle descend back to Earth.

We clambered into our minivan in the pre-dawn chilly darkness to make the hundred-mile trek up to Edwards Airforce Base.

My memory of that morning is a little fuzzy. But I remember us all staring up at that sky, for what seemed like hours, trying to find that speck of shuttle in the sky. And then finally, an onlooker’s arm shot out. Squinting, I picked it up in my sights and watched it grow larger and larger until the full weight of it was overhead gliding quietly onto its salt-flat landing bed.

With those memories bubbling up again, I once again squinted into the bright blue LA sky – this time from the sweltering, shadeless roof of City Hall East – to see a familiar site in a whole new context.

The Boeing 747 carrying Endeavour on its back and the shuttle’s fighter jet body guards swooped up towards downtown from the south, making a broad 270-degree circuit around City Hall, out over the Los Angeles River and back around Bunker Hill before heading back out over the L.A. basin.

All the while, a sweaty crowd of city workers – yours truly included – looked on, cheered and gawked at the wild sight.

The shuttle is back home in Southern California again. But instead of culminating another successful mission, it was the victory lap for the entire shuttle program. A thrilling and bittersweet homecoming.

— Carter Rubin

Office of LA Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa