Dodger Gondola Project Faces Major Setbacks as L.A. Leaders and Residents Push Back

For years, the Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART) — better known as the Dodger Gondola Project — has been pitched as a bold, futuristic connection between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, whisking riders above traffic in a six-minute aerial trip. Supporters call it L.A.’s chance to build a cleaner, faster, iconic transit link. But as 2025 winds toward its close, the project faces more turbulence than ever.

A Quick Refresher: What the Gondola Would Be

The proposed gondola line would travel about 1.2 miles, with stations at Union Station, a stop near L.A. State Historic Park, and Dodger Stadium. Private backers connected to former Dodgers owner Frank McCourt have promoted it as a zero-emission way to move more than 5,000 passengers per hour on game days — and potentially daily for tourists, residents, and park visitors.

Why the Dream Is Stalling

In November 2025, the Los Angeles City Council voted 12–1 to formally oppose the project, urging Metro to abandon it. While the vote isn’t legally binding, it signaled a major political shift. Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez, who introduced the resolution, cited environmental and community concerns — especially the impact on Chinatown, Solano Canyon, and L.A. State Historic Park.

A California Court of Appeals ruling earlier in the year also struck down Metro’s original environmental review, forcing a supplemental EIR that reopened debates about tree removal, tower placement, noise, and neighborhood impacts. The city has additionally ordered a comprehensive traffic study, pausing key permits until it’s complete.

Communities Speak Out

Local opposition has been strong and well-organized. Residents warn the gondola would remove mature trees, alter the character of the State Historic Park, and intrude over communities that have already shouldered decades of infrastructure burdens. Advocacy groups say the project favors private interests over public need, pointing to the lack of a clear long-term funding or maintenance plan.

Not Dead — But Deeply Uncertain

Despite mounting challenges, the gondola isn’t entirely grounded. Metro is still reviewing public comments on the supplemental environmental report, and state lawmakers are debating legislation that could streamline some project requirements. Whether those efforts succeed — or whether political pressure ultimately stalls the gondola indefinitely — remains to be seen.

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The Big Picture

The Dodger Gondola Project sits at the intersection of transit innovation, environmental justice, and the future of Los Angeles mobility. For supporters, it represents a chance to modernize travel to one of the nation’s most visited stadiums. For opponents, it’s an unnecessary experiment that risks community space and public resources.

Either way, the next year will be pivotal — and L.A.’s debate over the gondola is far from over.

Sources and links for further information

Associated Press: “Los Angeles officials seek to halt proposed Dodger Stadium gondola” — apnews.com 

Los Angeles Times: “Los Angeles City Council votes 12-1 to urge Metro to halt Dodgers gondola project” — latimes.com 

NBC Los Angeles: “Dodger Stadium gondola should be a no-go, LA City Council says” — nbclosangeles.com 

PR Newswire (project press release): “LA ART Gondola Project Takes Next Step Forward … with Release of Draft Supplemental Environmental Report” — prnewswire.com 

LAist: “Controversial Dodger Stadium gondola project gets new environmental report. Here’s how you can weigh in” — laist.com 

Official Metro page: “Los Angeles Aerial Rapid Transit (LA ART)” — metro.net 

Site for public comment: “Stop The Gondola – Public Comment” — stopthegondola.org 

CEQA Notice of Availability: “Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Report – LA ART Project” — ceqanet.lci.ca.gov 

A blazing interstellar object streaks across the night sky as a telescope looks on, highlighting the growing mystery surrounding 3I/ATLAS.

Astronomers are keeping a close eye on 3I/ATLAS, the third known interstellar comet to pass through our Solar System — and it’s turning out to be one of the most intriguing cosmic visitors yet. New observations reveal that the comet glows a faint green hue and displays several active jets, including one that oddly points toward the Sun, forming a rare “anti-tail” structure.

According to data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope, 3I/ATLAS contains an unusually high ratio of carbon dioxide to water vapor, indicating it may have formed in a much colder and more distant environment than our Solar System. Currently drifting through the constellation Virgo, the comet continues to brighten rapidly as it nears its closest approach to Earth in December 2025, though it will remain safely millions of miles away. Scientists say studying 3I/ATLAS could offer valuable clues about how comets form around other stars — and what materials might exist beyond our solar neighborhood.

(Sources: Live Science, Orbital Today, NASA Science)

Sinking Cities: Why Parts of Phoenix—and Much of Urban America—Are Slowly Dropping

Sinking Cities: Why Parts of Phoenix—and Much of Urban America—Are Slowly Dropping

https://stmdailynews.com/science/

Last Updated on November 14, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Easy and Delicious Sides to Spruce Up Holiday Weeknights

(Family Features) Holiday feasts may get a lot of attention, but there’s no reason to overlook regular weeknight meals – or save your favorite sides for the main event – during the busy holiday season. These easy, go-to sides can spruce up your dinner routine, even on hectic weeknights.

Try these Cheesy Baked Little Potatoes for an easy, delicious side that brings a little holiday happiness to regular family mealtimes. Halved Little Potatoes are seasoned and roasted to perfection, creating a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner during this busy season, it’s a versatile, easy-to-prepare complement to an array of main courses.

Mashed potatoes are a familiar sight at the table this time of year, but you can spruce them up with these Goat Cheese and Thyme Mashed Potatoes. A classic dish that’s quick and easy to prepare, they make getting dinner on the table a breeze and bring a little calm during an otherwise busy season.

Sustainably grown on family farms, Little Potatoes from The Little Potato Company simplify weekday mealtimes during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. They come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough they don’t need to be cut, allowing for less time in the kitchen and more time at the table enjoying moments with family and friends.

Plus, they’re a fresh whole food packed with nutrients you can feel good about serving – balancing the rich, decadent indulgences of the holidays. They cook in as little as 5 minutes as a weeknight go-to solution to make the whole family happy. Available in the produce section, their convenience adds a bit of peace to the kitchen and brings little moments of happiness during the holiday season.

To find additional quick, delicious recipes for serving to your loved ones, visit littlepotatoes.com.

Cheesy Baked Little Potatoes

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4

• 1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes (any variety)
• 1 1/3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated small
• 1/2 cup cream
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 5 sprigs thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.
2. Pierce potatoes with fork and microwave for 7 minutes. Cut in half and place cut side up in parchment-lined 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
3. In a bowl, mix cheese, cream, garlic powder, thyme, salt and pepper. Pour over potatoes, spreading cheese evenly.
4. Bake for 10 minutes then broil 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Goat Cheese and Thyme Mashed Potatoes

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6

• 1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes
• water
• 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon butter
• pepper, to taste
• 2/3 cup goat cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme

1. Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender.
2. In a small saucepot over low heat, heat milk and butter until butter is melted and milk is steaming.
3. Once potatoes are cooked, strain and transfer to a medium mixing bowl.
4. Using potato masher, smash potatoes with milk and butter mixture and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
5. Remove thyme from stems and lightly chop.
6. Once potatoes are mashed, stir in goat cheese and fresh thyme.

SOURCE:

The Little Potato Company

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Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.

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