Meeting about Parking in Little Tokyo

As anyone who lives, works, or plays in Little Tokyo knows, we've got a pretty wacky problem with parking in the neighborhood. Since the onslaught of new building developments and nearby civic center expansions, finding available and reasonably-priced parking in Little Tokyo is a joke. This problem impacts local businesses, community groups, and cultural events.

The Little Tokyo Community Advisory Committee, in collaboration with Little Tokyo Community Council, is conducting a parking needs study. The meeting will be open to the community, and any/all are welcomed to attend to provide input to the parking plan. Come to find out about existing parking conditions data, occupancy/turnover information, and develop/recommend parking management strategies.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30, 2009
Japanese American National Museum
369 E. FIRST STREET
REGISTRATION: 4:00 PM (come early to review data/maps)
PROGRAM 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
(Japanese language translation will be provided)

For more information contact Kumamoto Associates at (323) 223-6473

The Train in J-town

I was surprised to see a train coming down the First Street Bridge heading west on First Street in front of Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple about 8:35 am today. It was surreal, knowing that it's been decades since trains have run in Little Tokyo. I remember the old train tracks back in the early 70s when I was a child. This is the 2nd one I've seen, so it must be getting close to being ready, huh?