The following article appeared on Streetsblog LA on January 11, 2016. To listen to the interview segment directly, click here.

#Damien Talks SGV 1: Ara Najarian, Bike SGV, and a Look Ahead – Streetsblog LA

By Damien Newton

January 11, 2016

Welcome to the first #DamienTalks of 2016, a public affairs podcast focused on interviewing the people that create and advocate for sustainable transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. For those of you just joining us, #DamienTalks has been broadcast on Streetsblog California for over a year, but we’ve received advertising support to do a bi-weekly podcast focused on the San Gabriel Valley right here on Streetsblog L.A.

This week, we’re talking with Glendale Mayor and Metro Board Member Ara Najarian about the big stories that will change transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. Najarian points to two stories that will dominate 2016: the opening of Phase I of the Gold Line Foothill Extension and the debate around and campaign for a new transportation sales tax in L.A. County.

Every episode of #DamienTalks – SGV will also feature regular check-ins with Bike SGV, the super group that is pushing the boundaries of bike advocacy and planning throughout the San Gabriel Valley. This week we talked with program manager Andrew Yip. Yip is excited about a lot of programs and changes coming in 2016, especially the 20 mile open streets event “626“.

We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.

Thanks for listening. You can download the episode at the #DamienTalks homepage on Libsyn.

#DamienTalks is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of Downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit foothilltransit.org. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”