viewfromaloft

Got to like this. Street Art Staycation.

 

In the pit that will someday be a downtown federal courthouse, a set of found -- or borrowed -- mannequins were made into a family sunning poolside. The staycation was brief, but in only a few hours made several commentaries:

A: Recreational options on unused public space.

B: Fashion District economy is laying off retail display resources and forced to pass the time.

C: Occupy LA is farming out protests.

Whichever version you choose, you have to admit that the scale of the one-block pit at First, Broadway, Hill, and Second made this installation above average for your everyday random downtown guerrilla art.

More at LAO's 'Urban seaside in the Civic Center' [view]

LAWeekly gets the low down on the artist. It's a new guy in town, a Calder Greenwood.

Downtown Vid Pick: "About LA Express Park"

 

Using a cast of good-looking downtowners, LA Express Park came out with a better then average video explaining the new program that will help drivers scout for available parking in downtown LA.  Street sensors monitor information that can be accessed by smartphone GPS or calling a number, which will be posted soon. One goal is to help lower the amount of cars circling blocks looking for a spot, adding congestion to busy streets.

Yet, if you are driving alone, and do not want to get a ticket for operating a phone while moving, do you pull over?  California has a ban on texting or talking on a hand held phone, after all.

According to the website, it's not like texting while driving:

The Parker service acts like a map app, similar to in vehicle navigation systems. The app does not involve texting or interacting with the device while the car is in motion.  The app can be used at the start of one’s trip and by passengers…and, all of the interactive features – such as paying for parking, setting a timer to remind you when your meter has expired, or noting a pin on the map to remind you where you’ve parked – are functions used once a motorist has parked.

If you have someone riding APP-gun, they can get up-to-date information while you are on the move. If you are solo in the car, how often would you find a parking spot via the APP, and have it be gone by the time you get there? Like, all the time, I would think.