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Alissa Walker

@awalkerinla.bsky.social

25K followers 480 following 1.4K 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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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · Jun 16

Thanks to John Oliver for quoting my highly scientific analysis proving we don’t need federal troops in LA

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Reposted by Alissa Walker

Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 6h

Also the "breaking news" is actually from September and the very first place to publish Katy Yaroslavsky's remarks was Torched!

Subscribe today to know what Rick Caruso will be mad about next month

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 6h

Also the "breaking news" is actually from September and the very first place to publish Katy Yaroslavsky's remarks was Torched!

Subscribe today to know what Rick Caruso will be mad about next month

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 6h

As many people are pointing out he previously criticized the city for not moving fast enough on the convention center expansion and he knew people "from the private sector begging to step in and help"

Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · Feb 10

Now Caruso's seeing a window to expand his "rebuilding" nonprofit far beyond fire-affected areas — although it should be noted this project is not technically for the Olympics — promising accelerated progress on the city's convention center expansion as a way to leverage his power and influence

Rick J. Caruso
@RickCarusoLA
It’s unconscionable that the city is now saying they have to delay critical construction for the Olympics. We don’t choose between rebuilding from the fires OR preparing for the Olympics—we do both. I have leaders from across the private sector begging to step in and help.

We know this is going to be hard work—but that’s what leadership is. Bringing people together and getting things done. What happened to “we’re going to cut through the bureaucracy?” https://latimes.com/california/story/2025-02-04/fire-recovery-convention-center-expansion-in-doubt

@RickCarusoLA
·
2h
This is exactly why we have to stay vigilant. City leaders can’t keep making these decisions without transparency. Starting now, there needs to be real accountability for every decision.

Rick J. Caruso
@RickCarusoLA
·
2h
The worst thing this city can do is use the fires as an excuse to stall other critical work. Los Angeles has the people and resources to do all of it—as long as we don’t let the bureaucracy take over.

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 6h

Is... Rick Caruso coming out against the convention center expansion?

Or does his social media team just pick random videos that are about the convention center and use them out of context to criticize the way the city is being run

An instagram screengrab from @rickcarusola

"If you think city services are bad now, and I think all of us would agree that they suck, and you thought maybe one day we would have funding to restore service. I have bad news. It's going to
get worse."
- Katy Yaroslavsky, LA City
Councilmember

rickcarusola * • Follow
rickcarusola * Breaking news from City Hall: "More horrible management," Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky said the city is "gambling with billions of taxpayer dollars" and "city services suck." These funds should be used for better parks, public safety, and cleaner streets. The Mayor and City Council are literally mortgaging the City Hall building and Police Headquarters. Time for better
leadership.
2h
903 likes
2 hours ago

Another instagram screengrab from @rickcarusola showing a video of Kenneth Mejia the city's controller sitting in a room at city hall with the LA flag behind him and the caption "this is gonna have a price tag to taxpayers of 5.5 BILLION"

rickcarusola * • Follow
Original audio rickcarusola * $5.5 billion! Fiscal mismanagement continues, city services are reduced, and we all pay the price. Our city controller says he is "fearful" of the city's financial
situation. What a mess.
2w hbmamagram I'm curious what businesses mayor bass ran in the past that qualified her to be mayor of one of the biggest cities

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 10h

“If I thought LA was not going to be prepared properly, I would move it to another location if I had to,” he said. “On that one I’d probably have to get a different kind of a permission, but we would do that."

Funny how FIFA has said he has no jurisdiction to move events but the IOC has not 🤔

Trump threatens removal of World Cup games from Boston, Olympics from LA

Blaming Boston street takeovers and LA wildfires, the US president said both global sporting events could be moved for supposed safety reasons

www.theguardian.com

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 22h

They just don't come. I tried doing a pre-emptive request once that was also not successful. There's so much trash in my neighborhood we'd need monthly clean-outs, not even kidding

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

Anyway, the first step for the city is finding an estimated $2M+ to fence MacArthur Park because, as Torched readers know, the parks department doesn't have the money.

Also, when I published this story I got so many questions from readers asking which lovely LA park this was.

It's MacArthur Park

Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · Sep 3

Over the last eight months, a supergroup team led by the landscape designers at OLIN has attempted to envision an entirely different LA — where public space is a priority.

I spoke with the team about its 496-page draft recommendations for how the city's overworked parks system can get there

Confronting LA's park crisis

LA's Park Needs Assessment provides a roadmap — or perhaps a well-shaded, native-planted pathmap? — for a department that's been asked to do more and more with less

www.torched.la

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

Funny too that one councilmember who represents a park just 1.5 miles away campaigned on taking the fence down around a very similar public space. It even has a lake.

Will the candidates for the CD 1 race be campaigning on getting the MacArthur Park fence *up*?

Controversial fence surrounding Echo Park Lake starts coming down after 2 years

Crews began tearing down the fence surrounding Echo Park Lake Monday morning-- a campaign promise by Councilmember Hugo Soto-Martinez.

abc7.com

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

I would hope that any effort to fence the park would also include a plan to reopen these pedways under Wilshire which have been locked for at least 5 years, making it a huge pain in the butt to move from one side of the park to another. A fence will only make it worse

A pedestrian walkway under Wilshire Boulevard in MacArthur Park that's locked up as people walk above on Wilshire. It's a peaceful morning in the park and there are lots of puffy clouds and palm trees and green grass

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

The timing of any fencing conversations is interesting as people were out at CicLAvia doing surveys for the Reconnecting MacArthur Park initiative that would remove barriers in and around the park, including, ostensibly, any fences that are erected along Wilshire in addition to Wilshire itself

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

LA's parks department is proposing fencing MacArthur Park with "a green wrought iron fence around both the northern and southern sections of the park. The proposed fence would fully enclose the historical Wilshire Boulevard sides and the eight historically prominent cornered ingress/egress points"

PROJECT SCOPE Over the years, MacArthur Park has remained a vital community gathering place, but it has also experienced ongoing public safety and quality-of-life challenges that pose challenges to perform maintenance and sustain park investments. In recent years, the Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) has been working collaboratively with the Mayor's Office, Council District 1, and the Los Angeles Police Department to develop strategies that balance safety, accessibility, and
preservation of the park's historic character. The proposed wrought iron perimeter fencing reflects this balanced approach. The intent of the fencing is not to limit access, but rather to create a safer, more welcoming, and better-managed environment for park visitors and nearby residents. Similar approaches have been implemented successfully at other parks where perimeter fencing has helped improve conditions while
maintaining public access and programming. By installing perimeter fencing, RAP aims to provide greater flexibility in managing park hours, improve oversight during off-hours, and support long-term stewardship of this important public space. The proposed MacArthur Park Perimeter Fencing Project (Project) would install a green wrought iron fence around both the northern and southern sections of the park. The proposed fence would fully enclose the historical Wilshire Boulevard sides and the eight historically prominent cornered ingress/egress points. The fence would include gates at all ingress/egress points. The design of the perimeter fencing will need to comply with all applicable Los Angeles
Building Code requirements for egress, fire/emergency services, and accessibility. Upon approval of this Report, RAP staff would prepare and release a Task Order Solicitation to RAP's Pre-Qualified On-Call As Needed Park Facilities - Land Surveying, Civil Engineering, and Environmental Specialty Studies Consultant Services List to seek consultant support services for Project. The select…

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Reposted by Alissa Walker

glennmrobinson.bsky.social @glennmrobinson.bsky.social · 1d

LA 🤝 NYC

Leaving storm drains to clog so residents have to volunteer to unclog themselves despite being the richest cities in the history of the world.

Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

Out here participating in LA’s most wholesome and satisfying rainy day activity ☔️

A storm drain completely flooded with water all the way up to the curb and some palm trees reflected in the water

The same storm drain after I’ve cleared a big pile of trash from the drain that’s on the curb and water is now slow slowly going into the storm drain

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

It’s like fishing except you never know what you’ll catch

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

Out here participating in LA’s most wholesome and satisfying rainy day activity ☔️

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

Why aren't we sending people to this actually very useful city page that has a lot of information about this particular storm with detailed maps? emergency.lacity.gov/rain

This page needs translation and a text-only version but these graphics actually help people assess the risk to their home

Rain Impacts and Preparation
There's a big map of the LA region showing heavy rain coming
Tonight-Tue: Storm Details
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles/Oxnard, CA
Issued Oct 13, 2025 11:01 AM PDT
Storm Total Rain
Through Tue Night (Oct 13-14, 2025). Short burst of heavy rain possible.
1.05*
Iso Robles
on (in)
1.11"
Santa Maria
1.02"
Lal
Lompoc
1.04
Santa Yaz
05-
-0.25*
0.1"
• NWSLosAngeles
Weather Forecast Office
Los Angeles, CA
Monday, October 13
Continue to monitor forecasts
Rapidly evolving severe weather situation.
Potential Impacts:
• Flood Watches for recent burn scars • INCREASING confidence of debris
flows
• 1.5-2.0 X USGS THRESHOLDS POSSIBLE
• High risk of shallow debris flows
• Low-moderate risk of SIGNIFICANT
0.92
SECT flash flooding/debris flows across
recent burn scars • High risk for rockslides/mudslides and
urban roadway flooding
3.54andascr
• Rapid rise of small streams/rivers-swift
Man Seir
water rescues
teles
0.84
Rain Details:
• 4-6 hours of rain likely
: 0055/5/Mount:75: 250-4.00 inches
Additional Details:
• South wind gusts 30-55 mph
• Chance of thunderstorms
weather.cow/lox
• Mountain snow (elevations 6000+ ff)

As of ~7 PM, October 13, the National Weather Service-Los Angeles holds these near-term projections, as they apply to LA City and nearby County areas:

"A rare-for-October storm system will bring widespread rain tonight through Tuesday, with a threat for pockets of heavy rain and thunderstorms. Significant risks exist for debris flows, road flooding, and isolated wind damage. Temperatures will remain well below normal through Wednesday, with steady warming to follow through the weekend."

Flood Watch - Recent Burn Scars
Mon 8pm to 3pm Tue. Risk for debris flows. Heed any advice from emergency officials.
Weather Forecast Offce
Los Angeles/Oxnard, CA €
Issued Oct 13, 2025 11:52 AM PDT Peak Rain Timing
for the Burn Scars
※bispo
Gilford Sca HIGHEST RISK FOR EATON, PALISADES,
AND BRIDGE BURN SCARS)
CUTEE
วินสเร
lurlu
ApisheSeur
Lonipos
Sunta fred
Luneüster
Palmtiale
iOSNSSCar
MountainSeur
Hurst San Luis Obispo County &
Santa Barbara:
8 PM Tonight - 3 PM Tuesday
Ventura County:
Midnight - 10 AM Tuesday
LA County:
2 AM Tuesday - Noon Tuesday

THE POWER OF CITY SERVICES IS =IN THE PALM OF
YOUR HAND.
myla311.lacity.org
Report Storm Impacts Angelenos should contact 9-1-1 for possible life-threatening
storm-related emergencies. Call 3-1-1 for other impacts, such as mudslides and street flooding or
fallen trees.
SAVE TIME and access most LA
City services online, OR
download the cellphone app for
MyLA311

FLOOD AFTER FIRE
Did you know that wildfires dramatically alter the terrain and increase the risk of
floods? During normal conditions, vegetation
helps absorb rainwater. But after an intense wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil form a water repellent layer, blocking water
absorption.
To learn more about
Increased Flood Risks After Fires, please visit the FEMA
website.
During normal conditions, vegetation
helps absorb rainwater.
But after an intense wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil form a water repellent layer, blocking water
absorption.
During the next rainfall, water bounces off of
the soil.
But after an intense wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil form a water repellent layer, blocking water
absorption.
Degree of Land Slope Higher degrees of land slope speed up water flow
and increase flood risk.
Flash Floods Intense rainfall can flood low-lying areas in less than six hours. Flash floods roll boulders, tear out trees
and destroy buildings and bridges.
Mudflows Rivers of liquid and flowing mud are caused by a
combination of brush loss and subsequent heavy rains.
Rapid snowmelt can also trigger mudflows.

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

Clicking the link takes you to this wall of text: evb.gg/n#bxraagl6ta...

That's a lot to read and way too many steps for a supposed "emergency" alert.

The link to the forecast is broken and so is the link to the city's own page with the latest information about the storm

City of Los Angeles Emergency Alert: The National Weather Service has forecast that a major storm will impact the City of Los Angeles beginning tonight, Monday, October 13th, through early Wednesday morning, October 15th. Parts of Los Angeles may receive up to 0.75 - 1 inch of rain, with 2 - 4 inches possible in the foothills. There is a moderate risk of significant flash flooding and debris flow across recent burn scars. Get ready and take extra precautions. Impacts in the area could include power outages, debris flows, isolated waterspouts/tornadoes and flooding in rapidly rising waterways, as well as in roads and freeways.

During the storm, take the following actions:

Avoid driving if at all possible. Dangerous road conditions are anticipated throughout the region. Do not attempt to drive through flooded roads
Bring pets inside during the storm to keep them safe from falling debris
Call 911 for life-threatening situations, such as people trapped by flooding or damaged trees, and debris flows threatening buildings
If you see flooding, fallen trees, or other significant damage that isn’t immediately life threatening, report it by calling 311, or visit https://lacity.gov/myla311
Assume all downed power lines are electrified and dangerous. Report power issues to the Department of Water and Power by calling 1-800-342-5397
Do not operate generators indoors or in garages. Generator operation tips can be found here: https://www.fema.gov/fact-sheet/use-generators-safely-home
Monitor https://Emergency.LACity.gov/Rain for information on the latest storm updates and City response

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 1d

We have a perfect example tonight of how LA's emergency alerts are not written in a way that actually helps people to understand risk or take immediate action.

Who thought it was a good idea to cut off the message mid-phrase?

And why take up characters to ask people to confirm receipt?

LA City Alert: Major storm expected late Mon- Wed. Prepare for heavy rain, high wi... https://
evb.gg/n#bxraag|6tau/OhSg8Q91 or
Reply with YES to confirm receipt.

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 2d

Yes! Festival Chapin was rescheduled from June but it would have been pretty great to extend the route a few blocks and officially include them

Reposted by Alissa Walker

UCLA Emmett Institute @uclalawemmett.bsky.social · 2d

"Angeles Ashes" is an important deep dive on rebuilding LA. Our Julia Stein spoke w/ @awalkerinla.bsky.social about the UCLA Blue-Ribbon Commission's evidence-based case for a Resilient Rebuilding Authority, to centralize accountability and work for the people of Altadena.

nyra.nyc/articles/ang...

Angeles Ashes

Postfire redevelopment could help long-term Altadena residents regain their footing—or hasten their exit.

nyra.nyc

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 2d

During CicLAvia yesterday I saw a bunch of people wearing medals and was surprised to learn that a 5K/rave hosted by Diplo was happening simultaneously in LASHP. All these streets were open to people — look at Broadway! — and it was fine.

Shouldn't we try doing this at least every Sunday?

A flyer for CicLAvia's Heart of LA event on Sunday October 12, 2025 from 9am to 4pm showing a map of the 7-mile route from MacArthur Park to Mariachi Plaza with a long spur up to Chinatown along Broadway in downtown LA

A map of the Diplo Run Club 5K course showing streets closed along Los Angeles State Historic Park and up into Elysian Park

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Reposted by Alissa Walker

The War on Cars @thewaroncars.bsky.social · 2d

News! Tickets for our Life After Cars live show at Dynasty Typewriter in Los Angeles on November 17th with special guests @awalkerinla.bsky.social, @billwearsties.bsky.social, and more TBA are now on sale to the general public. Thanks @streetsforall.org for hosting!

www.squadup.com/events/the-w...

The War On Cars: Life After Cars

Join the hosts of The War on Cars podcast - Sarah Goodyear & Doug Gordon - and Streets For All for a live, in-person conversation on the future of urban life. This special event will feature a li...

www.squadup.com

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 2d

I was so thrilled to publish a very wonky story about fire recovery in LARA #2.

Alejandra Guerrero: “I’m wary of putting all of our hopes for a better city on people that are going through this and their good intentions in lieu of actual policy that allows it."

Read here: nyra.nyc/articles/ang...

A screengrab from Los Angeles Review of Architecture
The text reads Angeles Ashes
Postfire redevelopment could help long-term Altadena residents regain their footing — or hasten their exit. Alissa Walker
The illustration shows a burned home with a for sale sign plastered over with a SOLD sign

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Reposted by Alissa Walker

Elizabeth Chou @reporterliz.bsky.social · 4d

What appears to be happening is there have been rumors and now this seems to help confirm them.

Businessman Austin Beutner, also a former LAUSD superintendent and one time LA Times publisher, might be throwing his hat into the ring to challenge LA Mayor Karen Bass.

Elizabeth Chou @reporterliz.bsky.social · 4d

Hmm? What's happening here?

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Alissa Walker @awalkerinla.bsky.social · 4d

Two after-action fire reports point to severe lapses in communications, including failures to properly issue emergency alerts and evacuation orders.

As we welcome more megaevent visitors to the region in the coming years, who is responsible for sounding the alarms about fire risk and extreme heat?

Red flag warning

What happens if disaster strikes when millions of tourists are in town?

www.torched.la

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Reposted by Alissa Walker

David Daniel @daviddaniel.bsky.social · 4d

❤️ this from @awalkerinla.bsky.social: “Maybe when people land at LAX, we have them scan a QR code that introduces them to their local forecast communicator, checks if they need emergency translation services, signs them up for NotifyLA, and automatically installs the Watch Duty app on their phone.”

Red flag warning

What happens when disaster strikes as millions of tourists are in town?

www.torched.la

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