Bus service returns in Malibu, Irvine to connect Great Park with Metrolink, and more

After a $2.7-million restoration, the Wilmington Clock Tower is now good as new at Berth 153 of the Port of Los Angeles. 

“The Wilmington Clock Tower is one of many iconic structures at the Port of Los Angeles that showcases our storied history and legacy in the region,” said Port of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka in a news release. “Now restored, the tower will once again be able to serve as a beacon for residents, visitors and ships coming through our Port each year.” 

New exterior lighting will be able to change colors to coincide with Port and City events. The tower, built in the 1950s, stands 100 feet in height and is visible from the Vincent Thomas Bridge, the Battleship Iowa, and the West Harbor.

Here's what we're reading this week:

Metro Updates: Ridership Keeps Growing, Construction, and More "Metro ridership has grown for 26 consecutive months, plus brief updates on Metro projects: 5 Freeway widening, 57/60 Freeway widening, 105 Freeway widening, G Line, Union Station, Southeast Gateway line, East SFV, and more" (Streetsblog LA)

Electric scooter thefts skyrocket across Los Angeles "Mobile devices with cheap locks prove easy pickings for thieves, who often target college students" (Crosstown)

Bass Appoints Councilmember Imelda Padilla to Metro Board "Mayor Karen Bass anticipates San Fernando Valley Councilmember Padilla will champion Valley Metro rail expansion" (Streetsblog LA)

Metro to expand its weapons detection pilot program "The weapons detection technology was tested at Union Station and the APU/Citrus College station from September to December 2024. Pillars were used to detect concealed weapons, while CCTV was used to assess whether these weapons were used to threaten anyone at the station. According to Metro, this pilot was conducted at no cost to the agency." (LAist)

Irvine Looks to Connect Great Park With Public Transit Through Land Swap "FivePoint Holdings – the city’s developer at the Great Park – is set to receive two different parcels of land near the Great Park, totaling about 27 acres, while the city is set to receive about 60 acres of land right next to the Irvine train station." (Voice of OC)

LA Metro partially restores bus line through Malibu and Santa Monica (KCAL)

LA moves forward with plan to implement sweeping street safety enhancements "The plan, which still needs to be adopted by the full City Council, outlines the agencies responsible for street improvement projects, establishes public reporting requirements and reaffirms L.A. residents’ ability to sue the city for noncompliance." (LAist)

More stations get restrooms and behold our exciting system restroom map! Little Tokyo/Arts District, Highland Park, Harbor Freeway, Soto, and Downtown Santa Monica are new additions (The Source)

‘Experiential’ retail surges as landlords try to lure customers back to the mall "The conversion of stores where customers were passive consumers to places where they participate in the action reflects changes in shopping habits brought on by the internet and a growing desire among many young people for shared experiences." (LA Times)

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