Last Updated on November 7, 2025 by Rod Washington

Celebrating World Urbanism Day

On November 8th, we commemorate World Urbanism Day, a moment to acknowledge and advocate for the significance of urban planning in shaping livable communities. Also known as World Town Planning Day, this occasion highlights the interaction between inhabitants and their built environments in urban areas.

Urban planning focuses on creating healthy and vibrant communities that offer a high quality of life. By ensuring orderly development and preserving the economy and environment, planners strive to enhance the well-being of residents. The key elements of a livable city include plentiful opportunities for a high quality of life, diverse housing options, accessible public transportation, ample green spaces, and essential amenities like schools, grocery stores, and recreational facilities.

Cities such as Osaka, Tokyo, and Zurich exemplify healthy and livable communities, while Tripoli, Algiers, and Lagos face challenges in this regard. It is essential for us to engage in urban planning discussions, attend local council meetings, and explore ways to improve our communities. Let’s celebrate World Urbanism Day by spreading awareness, connecting with public health networks, and championing the creation of livable cities through #WorldUrbanismDay.

Check out our articles about urbanism: https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism/

Last Updated on September 12, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Watts Towers. (2023, August 13). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_Towers

Watts Towers: A Landmark of Art, History, and Resilience in Los Angeles

The Watts Towers in Los Angeles are one of the most remarkable examples of outsider art in the United States. Built singlehandedly by Italian immigrant Sabato (Simon) Rodia over a span of 33 years (1921–1954), the towers stand as a testament to perseverance, creativity, and cultural expression.

Rodia, working without formal training or blueprints, constructed 17 interconnected towers and sculptural structures, the tallest reaching 99.5 feet. Using steel, mortar, and found objects such as glass, tile, pottery shards, and seashells, he created a visionary masterpiece that has since become an iconic symbol of Los Angeles art and heritage.

Recognition and Historic Significance

The Watts Towers are more than an architectural wonder—they are a recognized cultural landmark:

• National Historic Landmark (1990)

• California Historical Landmark

• Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument

• Listed in the National Register of Historic Places as one of only nine folk art sites in Los Angeles

Their enduring legacy highlights the resilience of both Rodia’s vision and the Watts community, which fought to preserve the towers when demolition was once proposed.

Influence on Culture, Film, and Literature

The influence of the Watts Towers extends far beyond architecture. They have been celebrated and referenced across multiple art forms:

• In music, legendary jazz musician Charles Mingus mentioned them in his autobiography.

• In literature, they appear in Don DeLillo’s novel Underworld.

• On film, the towers have been featured in iconic movies such as La La Land and Ricochet.

These references reflect the towers’ place in both local identity and global culture.

Community and Public Space

The site is also home to the Watts Towers Crescent Greenway, a 0.2-mile rail-with-trail pedestrian and bike path. This space allows visitors to experience the towers while enjoying outdoor recreation, blending community engagement with cultural preservation.

Why the Watts Towers Matter

The Watts Towers are more than sculptures—they are a story of human determination, creativity, and cultural pride. They remind us that art can rise from unlikely places and stand the test of time, inspiring generations.

Watts Towers. (2023, August 13). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watts_Towers

Explore More About South Los Angeles

For those interested in learning more about the rich history of South Los Angeles, we recommend checking out The South LA Recap by Eric Craig on YouTube. The channel dives into fascinating hidden details of the region’s past and offers valuable insights into the cultural landscape surrounding the Watts Towers.

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You can also visit Eric Craig’s website for additional resources: South LA Recap

Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter.  https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/

At STM Daily News, we’re passionate about uncovering the stories that shaped Los Angeles. Visit our YouTube channelto explore more history, culture, and hidden gems of the city—from landmarks like the Watts Towers to the people and events that defined LA’s past. Subscribe today and discover the history of Los Angeles, one story at a time. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEhXBupt8tVyhnfS344AWOC6s7sDNHHKG

Last Updated on September 6, 2025 by Daily News Staff

A Personal Perspective:

Hey there, I’m Rod. On my YouTube channel, I go by Railfan Rod because I’ve always been fascinated by transportation—especially trains, but also planes and automobiles. Growing up in Los Angeles, I witnessed both the decline and the rebirth of Los Angeles public transportation.

Today, I’m launching a new podcast series and a dedicated urbanism section on Daily News to share stories, reflections, and interviews about the challenges and resistance to mass transit in America. Through these conversations, I hope to highlight how transportation shapes our cities, our environment, and our daily lives.

A Growing Mass Transit Consciousness

In recent years, public sentiment has started to shift in favor of mass transit. More Angelenos—and Americans in general—are realizing that cars alone cannot solve our transportation problems. With worsening congestion, rising fuel prices, and environmental concerns, the demand for sustainable and efficient alternatives is stronger than ever.

Los Angeles public transportation is expanding to meet that need. Every new rail line, bus rapid transit project, and infrastructure investment brings us closer to a city where mobility is cleaner, more efficient, and more equitable.

👉 Learn more from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) about the benefits of public transit.

Looking Back: The Push for LA Metro in the 1970s

I vividly remember the debate in the 1970s about reintroducing rail transit to Los Angeles. At the time, the city was struggling with gridlocked freeways and dangerous levels of smog. Visionary leadership came from Mayor Tom Bradley, Los Angeles’ first African-American mayor, who championed plans to create a modern LA Metro system.

His vision was bold: revitalize downtown Los Angeles while building a transit network of light rail, subways, and improved bus service. These ideas laid the foundation for what would eventually become LA Metro history.

In 1990, the opening of the Metro Blue Line marked a turning point. It was the first rail line of the modern Metro system and symbolized Los Angeles’ commitment to mass transit after decades of car-centered planning.

👉 Watch the 1990 Metro Blue Line Grand Opening and Mobility Promo

Opposition and the Freeway Mentality

Not everyone embraced this vision. Many argued that the solution was simply to keep building more freeways. But decades of freeway expansion proved ineffective—traffic congestion only grew worse.

For a deeper look at L.A.’s forgotten streetcars, check out the Electric Railway Historical Association of Southern California.

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Mass transit, by contrast, offers lasting solutions:

• Reduced traffic on overcrowded roads

• Cleaner air and reduced emissions

• Greater accessibility for all residents

• Stronger, more connected communities

To move forward, Los Angeles must continue challenging misconceptions and expanding its commitment to sustainable public transportation.

A Lifelong Passion for Transit

My passion for transit began when I was a kid. I’d spend hours playing with toy cars and model trains, imagining a city where trains, buses, and planes worked together seamlessly. Growing up near the rail lines that served the Port of Los Angeles only deepened my love for transportation.

Though Los Angeles dismantled its once world-class streetcar network in favor of buses and freeways, the remnants remind us of what was lost—and what can still be rebuilt. A stronger, greener, more connected Los Angeles public transportation system is within our reach, and it’s a future worth fighting for.

Visit https://stmdailynews.com/the-bridge/urbanism/ for the latest articles and videos.