Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez in collaboration with Tia Chucha’s Centro Cultural on Monday, March 13, unveiled the first installation of the “Moving Beauty Pathway,” with a culturally decorated crosswalk in Sylmar.
“This morning, in collaboration with members from our Sylmar community, we unveiled Phase One of the improvements slated for San Fernando Road,” said Rodriguez. Dubbed the “Moving Beauty Pathway,” a series of pedestrian improvements aims to improve safety while enhancing the local culture of our communities.
The intersection of Paddock Street, Oro Grande Street and Astoria Street along San Fernando Road now has the high visibility symbols “Xochitl,” meaning flower and “Ollin,” meaning movement. These symbols painted between the lines of the existing crosswalk are intended to grab the attention of drivers and enhance pedestrian safety. At the same time, said the organizers of the project, the symbols “celebrate community history and culture through public art.”
Additional phases will include art installation along the bike path and additional lighting.
“The Moving Beauty Pathway” plan was funded by the Great Streets Initiative, a program created by the mayor’s Office. The Tia Chuchas’s plan received a $500,000 build grant to implement the improvements and the decorative crosswalks were funded by an additional $250,000 secured by Councilwoman Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, Council District 7, Micheal Centeno, executive director, Tia Chucha’s Cultural Center, Connie Llanos, general manager, Los Angeles Transportation Department and Deborah Weintraub, chief deputy city engineer, Bureau of Engineering attended the unveiling.
I can inly wonder how much the DOT is spending on this ephemera. While initially the color difference may alert drivers to the crosswalk, the patterns may also distract. And depending upon the amount of traffic, such paint work has an anticipated length of durability of 15-20 years. These crosswalks might be better served by Trompe L’oeil three dimensional painting to make the white appear to be floating above the road surface.
This is great news! Anything that can make the streets better and clearer. As photographers and photobooth attendants, Sylmar has been a growing hot spot for new families and we always had to pass through these streets to reach our client’s parties. This will be an amazing change in the area!
Wow I wish she would spend money on removing this apt building they turned into housing because we have nothing but problems