Los Angeles neighborhoods choked by pollution need California to extend clean transportation program

In neglected areas such as South Los Angeles, the freeways that crisscross neighborhoods are choking residents with harmful pollution. A bill on Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk would extend a clean transportation program that can aid these communities.

Guest Commentary written by Prisma Alvarez

Prisma Alvarez is a middle school office coordinator in South Los Angeles.

It’s impossible to be carless in Los Angeles. When you have to get up at 4 a.m. to catch a bus to catch a train just to get to work on time, our public transportation system – at least the one that services northeast to South Los Angeles – fails to meet commuter needs.

Now that I own a car, I’m part of the congestion and contributing to the pollution that permeates the neighborhoods where I live and work. The impact of that pollution – among many other factors – is making me sick and holding our community back.My experience with our bad air started with what felt like a bad cold. It was a virus (no, not COVID) from which I […]

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