Alissa Walker
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awalkerinla.bsky.social
Alissa Walker
@awalkerinla.bsky.social
25K followers 510 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
”Casey Wasserman must resign from LA28 and get out of here,” says Unite Here co-president Kurt Petersen. “If we don’t get what we want, we’re going to take it to the streets and strike the Olympics for the first time in history”
December 3, 2025 at 6:17 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Pastor Eddie Anderson condemns Casey Wasserman’s butt-kissing Trump visit and the creation of the LA28 White House task force that includes ICE architects Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem. He also calls out LA28’s silence as immigration raids terrorized the region
December 3, 2025 at 6:01 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Building security threatened to call LAPD so everyone went outside. But here’s the letter from the coalition, which includes the largest unions in LA. Fair Games is demanding an end to ICE enforcement and “safe and dignified treatment of immigrant communities” as a condition of hosting megaevents
A poster board propped up in front of an office building, surrounded by a dozen of people wearing shirts that say Unite Here. The letter says Dear LA28, ICE has detained thousands of community members in LA over the pest few months. But to this day, LA28 has not publidy taken a stand in defence of LA's immigrant communities. This October we saw ICE'S funding nearly triple under Trump - the same administration leading security for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Yet reports on meetings between LA28'S head Casey Wasserman and Trump have not shown Wasserman mention the raids on Angelenos or advocate measures to protect us during the Games, Instead, Wasserman has publicly praised Trump's increased involvement even as Trump entertains deploying the Miitary and National Guard during the Games. LA28 must do better. LA28's Vice President of Impact wrote that the Games will "celebrate the rich cuitures that define our city and communities." To do so, they must ensure protections for inmigrant communities. We need LA28 to demand that ICE and all other immigration enforcement agencies be excluded from the Games and from the region as a whole. KIWA EPIC S CCARECEN APALAC OUTWATE 1 THE ROWLA JOSSTO ANCE laane™ 9 PACIFIC UNITARIAN UNWERSALIST CHURCH
December 3, 2025 at 5:49 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Over 100 members of the Fair Games Coalition are in the lobby of LA28’s HQ calling for chair Casey Wasserman to resign after the organizing committee appointed a half-dozen MAGA board members last month. They’re asking to be let upstairs to personally deliver a letter of demands
December 3, 2025 at 5:38 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
This is a great point though — Friday's draw will determine which of LA's neighborhoods are going to get the most action this summer
And for Schloessman and her team, it will make a huge difference if South Korea and England are chosen to play here over Senegal or Uzbekistan. “There’ll be interest from different parts of the city depending on what country is coming and what [fans] do if they’re here,” she said. “We have planned, right after the final draw, a call with the consulates who are here to dig in and understand what the opportunities are for their constituency to engage and participate.”
December 3, 2025 at 5:24 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Looking for the *perfect* LA gift? I created a special Torched tier that includes a 4-hour public transportation tour led and coordinated by me and completely customized for your group.

Subscribe today: www.torched.la#/portal/
A subscriber page for Torched showing the $300 per year level that includes a public transportation tour - Stickers - Annual subscriber party invite - Early access to tours and events - One 4-hour public transportation tour led by Alissa and curated to your needs (for up to four people) - The warm feeling of knowing that you helped keep Torched lit
November 28, 2025 at 2:02 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
LA County — which has no official role in the upcoming Olympics and Paralympics — now has a website for 2028.

You know who still doesn't have one?

THE CITY THAT HOLDS THE HOST CONTRACT AND IS FINANCIALLY ON THE HOOK FOR THE SUCCESS OF THE GAMES

LA County's website is here: lacounty.gov/olympics/
A county of Los Angeles webste LA 2028 Olympic & Paralympic Games The Olympic and Paralympic Games are coming to Los Angeles region in 2028. LA County cities, communities, and businesses can refer to this information hub to help prepare for the upcoming Games. For any questions or inquiries, please contact sporting.events.planning@ceo.lacounty.gov. There's a photo of SoFi Stadium, its silver roof glinting in the sun, and fringed with greenery from the park surrounding the space 88 for 28 LA County has begun its collaboration with the 88 cities within the County of Los Angeles for the Olympic & Paralympic Games. Click here to view a list of city officials. October 2025 Presentation 囚 July 2025 Presentation 囚 March 2025 Presentation Board Actions Relevant Board actions related to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games. June 3, 2025 November 6, 2024 May 21, 2024 May 7, 2024 July 11, 2023 May 2, 2023 December 15, 2015
November 26, 2025 at 12:58 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
I will complain that the “critics” are not actually quoted in this story and I would say the concerns are much bigger and more nuanced than these throwaway asides
Critics dispute air taxi company claims that their services could ease congestion as passengers will still have to take a car to and from the takeoff and landing points. Critics and community advocates are already pushing back with worries about noise, safety and affordability.
November 25, 2025 at 10:13 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
I thought the vintage Gatorade was a nice touch
A table with a Gatorade, branded tablecloth for Stranger Things and vintage Gatorade, coolers in bright orange stacked on the table people serving them at an open streets event with a bunch of Home Depot branded trash cans
November 24, 2025 at 1:43 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
Angelenos, what did you think about today’s Netflix-sponsored Stranger Things CicLAvia? Would you be okay with more branded activations if it meant we’d have more open streets events? Share your photos!
People posing in front of a Netflix Stranger Things branded background at CicLAvia, an open streets event where people are biking by Signage that says pedestrian zone and booths that say first aid all branded in the Stranger Things branding A group of girls dressed like cheerleaders for the Hawkins high school cheerleading team is shown at an open street event outside Paramount studio gates A photo of me dressed in 80s clothes with my hair in a high side ponytail and a scrunchie standing in front of a branded environment at the open streets event that says Starcourt Mall
November 24, 2025 at 1:36 AM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
The event included a native plant talk planned months ago with the hope that Melanie could be celebrated while she was alive. But she was still there: in the soft glow of the November sun, in the cling-to-your-clothes scent of the California sagebrush, in the urgent whispers of the cottonwoods 💙
November 23, 2025 at 3:17 PM
awalkerinla.bsky.social
The skies cleared just in time for a beautiful remembrance of Melanie Winter’s life at Rio de Los Angeles State Park, a 247-acre public space she fought to create so Angelenos could have access to their river. A mosaic bench by artist Suzanne Siegel will be restored in Melanie’s honor
an illustration of Melanie with her signature blue glasses sits on the table with the blue tablecloth as people talk and embrace in the background of a beautiful day Dozens of people are seated at blue table-clothed tables under the shade of cottonwood, oak, and sycamore trees in the park’s amphitheater Another photo of Melanie in canoe with her dog Maisie (wearing a life jacket of course) on the LA River. The photo sits on a blue tablecloth and has several willow branches laid upon it A beautiful mosaic bench in shades of blue is set among giant boulders in the LA River floodplain surrounded by cottonwood trees backlit by the sun
November 23, 2025 at 2:51 PM
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