Bureau of Street Services’ Street Talk

September 30, 2015: From the desk of Nazario Sauceda, Director of the Bureau of Street Services

BSS Continues Historic Pavement Preservation Program

During one of the hottest summers on record in the history of Los Angeles, the Pavement Preservation Program reached a new milestone of approximately 1,000 lane miles completed from July 1st to September 30th. This total surpassed last year’s first quarter Summer Fiesta, and BSS continues to work at a record pace, laying down additional lane miles in preparation for the anticipated “El Nino” winter storms.

BSS Teams Up With the LA Dodgers!

On September 13, 2015, BSS Investigators staffed the New Balance Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation 5K & 10K Run and Kids Fun Run presented by your SoCal Honda Dealers, benefiting the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation that promotes Sports, Recreation, Education, Literacy, Health and Wellness for the residents of Los Angeles. The event included a 5k and 10k race and a scenic run through Elysian Park. BSS secured the routes and made sure the event went off without a hitch!

Exceptional Work Continues Despite Emergency Drought Plan

On August 20th, 2010 the City of Los Angeles enacted the Emergency Water Conservation Plan (Ord. 181,288) placing restrictions on water use. The Bureau has been in compliance and since then, implemented design and installation of drought resistant plants in the funded construction of their landscaped median islands to help reduce water consumption. Currently, the Bureau is completing the construction of five new median islands totaling 5,047 square feet. The medians were designed using drought tolerant trees, plant material, and an irrigation system using sub surface irrigation design. The newly constructed medians have improved the aesthetic appearance of the corridor while enhancing the urban environment.

Pulling Weeds

Who among us is excited about pulling weeds? Not many would raise their hands. Yet, we all can see what a huge difference eliminating weeds from our public right of way can make regarding the overall appearance of the infrastructure. Weed abatement is one of many back to basics services provided by BSS staff, which may not be noticed by the general public that nevertheless has a positive effect on our communities, making them cleaner, safer, and more livable. The pictures to the left were taken along Wilbur Avenue in the San Fernando Valley.

The Department of Public Works is the City’s third largest department and is responsible for the design, construction, renovation, operation, and/or maintenance of public facilities and infrastructure including: municipal buildings, water treatment facilities, streets, bridges, sidewalks, street lights, and the urban forest. To learn more about the Department of Public Works, visit www.bpw.lacity.org