STM Blog

That year LA declared it was at “Peak Car!”

Published

5 months ago

November 23, 2024

Rod Washington

Was there a time it was considered that “The City of Angeles,” had reached “Peak Car?”

I recently came across an article posted by the Metro Digital Resources Librarian on the Dorothy Peyton Gray Transportation Library and Archive web site run by Metro Los Angeles. The article talked about LA’s new obsession with the automobile and how it gained popularity, in the early 1920s.

Peak Car Era

Library researchers pointed out that notable resources concurred with this, including Scott L. Bottles’ Los Angeles and the Automobile: The Making of the Modern City, and Ashleigh Brilliant’s The Great Car Craze, How Southern California Collided with the Automobile in the 1920s.

The automobile was new and fresh, and also offered freedom to its owners, who realized that they could become more mobile and not rely solely on the massive LA street car network at the time. The number of vehicle registrations in Los Angeles had quadrupled in just an eight-year period from 1914-1922.

“Automobile use exploded as the passenger vehicle transitioned from a hobbyist’s pursuit to a relatively affordable means of getting around the sprawling region and beyond.”

Metro Librarian found out what was happening on the public transit side of the story when they found an article published in Electric Railway Journal titled “California and Her Tractions, Part II .“

MetroDigital Resource Librarian:

As one of several features titled “A Series of Articles on Salient Phases of the Electric Railway Situation,” author Edward Hungerford details the then current state of public transit in the Los Angeles area.

And within that overview, he interviews Paul Shoup, Pacific Electric Railways president and vice-president of Southern Pacific Company.

Hungerford documents Pacific Electric’s earnings in a recent six-month period, and asks Shoup “for the real translation of these figures.”

Shoup responds by stating:

“They mean that the peak of the competition of the automobile, publicly or privately owned or operated, has been reached out here — and passed. Not only is the rapidly rising cost of cars and tires and gasoline and oil beginning to deter the overenthusiastic motorists, but I think that the novelty of excessive motor riding also is rather wearing off. The hazards of driving on crowded highways are becoming more apparent and parking spaces in towns and cities more a question of doubt.
In addition to our great numbers of motor stage routes in every direction, we now have some 500,000 automobiles in California licensed for pleasure purposes, to which should be added the cars owned and operated by the 100,000 Easterners who come out here every winter. The competitive effect of all these cars has been, and still is, vast indeed. But we already can see in it a declining curve.“

Yes, you read that right, Shoup declared that personal vehicle usage had peaked and that it was on the decline.

Shoup explains that Los Angeles Railway profits were consistent with those of Pacific Electric, but acknowledges that “increases in both operating cost and taxes had gone ahead a little more than proportionately.” But he intimates that the rising cost of automobile operation (gas, tires) means that cars will cease their encroachment into transit’s share of mobility.

MetroDigital Resource Librarian:

This statement was part of an interview published in a national journal. Was he telling industry professionals what they wanted to hear? Did he want to assuage fears of rail employees that their jobs were going to disappear as more people purchased and used automobiles? Was he hoping that his perspective would turn into a self-fulfilling prophecy so he could remain atop Pacific Electric and Southern Pacific?

You can read the full article here: https://metroprimaryresources.info/when-los-angeles-was-declared-to-have-hit-peak-car-in-1920/15665/

https://stmdailynews.com/blog

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Author

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Consumer Corner

Zelle Shuts Down Standalone App: Transitioning Users to Bank Platforms

Zelle’s standalone app ceased money transfers on April 1, 2025, requiring users to access the service via participating banks, enhancing security amid rising digital fraud.

Published

2 days ago

April 10, 2025

Rod Washington

On April 1, 2025, Zelle, one of the most widely used digital payment services in the United States, officially shut down the money transferring services available on its standalone mobile app. While the service itself is not disappearing, many users will need to adapt to a new way of accessing this popular tool for peer-to-peer payments.

Why It Matters

Zelle has established itself as a key player in the peer-to-peer payment market. It facilitates instantaneous transfers without fees between bank accounts, making it a foundational tool for consumers and small businesses alike. The change primarily affects those who previously used the Zelle app independently of their bank’s app or website. Users will now need to re-enroll with one of the 2,200 participating banks or credit unions that offer Zelle via their digital banking platforms.

What Is Happening to the App?

Though the standalone Zelle app has closed its money transfer services, users will still be able to access it. The app now provides a directory of the over 2,200 banks and credit unions that support Zelle. A recent press release indicates that the app will shift its focus to consumer education, particularly around scams and fraud prevention. According to an in-app alert accessed on April 4, users can continue to log into the app until August 11, 2025.

Why Is Zelle Shutting Down the App?

Zelle announced the decision to shut down its standalone app back in October 2024, noting that a significant majority of its users already access the service through their bank’s apps or websites. Since the announcement, the company has been phasing out enrollment and transaction capabilities within the standalone app. Late last year, Zelle communicated again via in-app alerts and emails, urging users to migrate to their bank or credit union’s platform to continue using the service.

In a statement regarding the shift, Zelle highlighted its remarkable growth, reporting that consumers and small businesses moved nearly half a trillion dollars on the platform in the first half of 2024, a 28% year-over-year increase. Initially launched in 2017 primarily for users whose financial institutions had not yet joined the network, Zelle has experienced widespread adoption across almost all major banks and credit unions.

Zelle’s decision may also be motivated by security concerns. With an uptick in fraud targeting digital payment apps, directing users through regulated financial institutions may afford them additional protection and oversight.

When Did the App Shut Down?

The standalone Zelle app ceased processing transactions on April 1, 2025. Users can no longer send or receive money via the app, and those who wish to continue using Zelle must re-enroll through a compatible bank or credit union’s mobile app or website.

How Will My Payments Be Affected?

Individuals who previously used the standalone Zelle app need to take action. They can no longer send or receive money via the app and must migrate to a bank or credit union that offers Zelle. Users who do not re-enroll through a partner institution should inform their senders accordingly.

To check if a specific bank supports Zelle, visit enroll.zellepay.com. Once logged into a bank’s mobile app or website, users can usually locate Zelle in the “Payments” or “Transfers” section. The transition may require users to verify their email address or phone number associated with their former Zelle account.

Fortunately, those using Zelle through their mobile banking app will not experience any changes and do not need to take further action.

How Many People Use Zelle?

As of June 2024, Zelle boasted 143 million consumer and small business accounts, with users executing money transfers 1.7 billion times in the previous year. The integration of Zelle into nearly all major U.S. banks indicates that it will likely retain its dominance in the digital payment space, despite the changes to its standalone application.

While the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone app marks a significant transition, the underlying service remains robust and widely utilized. By directing users to bank platforms, Zelle aims to enhance security and further solidify its position in the competitive landscape of digital payments. As users adapt to this change, Zelle continues to play a vital role in simplifying and securing money transfers across the country.

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Movie and television Reviews

Adam-12: The Groundbreaking Police Procedural That Set the Standard for Realism and Detail in TV Crime Dramas

Adam-12 is a classic American television police procedural crime drama series created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb.

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2025

Rod Washington

Adam-12 is a classic American television police procedural crime drama series created by Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb. The show follows two Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officers, Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, as they patrol the streets of Los Angeles in their police cruiser, designated as “1-Adam-12.” The series was produced in cooperation with the real department it was based on, the LAPD, and aimed to be realistic in its depiction of police procedures and jargon.

Martin Milner and Kent McCord starred as Pete Malloy and Jim Reed, respectively, in the iconic police drama Adam-12, which became a cultural touchstone of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The show also featured many recurring co-stars, with the most frequent being William Boyett and Gary Crosby, who added depth and intrigue to various episodes, portraying a wide range of characters that enriched the series’ narratives. Throughout its impressive run of seven seasons, from September 21, 1968, to May 20, 1975, Adam-12 aired a total of 174 episodes, captivating audiences with its realistic portrayal of police work, the challenges faced by officers, and the importance of community relations. The series not only entertained viewers but also aimed to educate the public about law enforcement practices, making it a significant part of television history.

What set Adam-12 apart from other Cop shows?

Adam-12 was a groundbreaking show that aimed to showcase the reality of police work, and it helped to introduce police procedures and jargon to the general public in the United States. The show’s attention to detail and realism made it an instant hit, and it quickly became a fan favorite. Through its authentic depiction of daily police activities and the challenges faced by officers, Adam-12 not only entertained viewers but also educated them about the complexities of law enforcement. The characters, portrayed with depth and nuance, resonated with audiences, making them invest in the lives and struggles of the officers. Additionally, the series tackled various social issues of the time, shedding light on the relationship between the police and the communities they served. Its pioneering approach to storytelling set a standard for future police dramas, solidifying its legacy in television history.

The show’s creators, Robert A. Cinader and Jack Webb, also created other popular shows, such as Dragnet and Emergency!. Like Adam-12, these shows were produced in cooperation with the real departments they were based on, and they aimed to be as realistic as possible in their depictions of police and emergency services.

Despite its age, Adam-12 still holds up today as a classic of the police procedural genre. The show’s attention to detail, realism, and strong performances by its cast make it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and police procedurals.

Adam-12 is a classic American television series that helped introduce police procedures and jargon to the general public in the United States. The show’s realistic portrayal of police work and attention to detail makes it a fan favorite and a must-watch for fans of the police procedural genre.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam-12

https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/

Author

Rod Washington

Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

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Urbanism

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project: A Step Towards Safer and Smoother Travel

Published

5 days ago

April 8, 2025

Rod Washington

Los Angeles: Exciting developments are underway for Southern California drivers as the Metro initiates the I-105 ExpressLanes Project, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing roadway safety. As one of the region’s major arteries, the I-105 has long been burdened by heavy traffic, and Metro’s innovative approach promises to transform the existing landscape for the better.

What’s Happening?

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project is set to convert the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lane, commonly known as the carpool lane, into not one, but two Metro ExpressLanes in each direction along the I-105. This enhancement is part of Phase 1 of the project, specifically Segment 1, which stretches between Sepulveda Boulevard and Central Avenue. This phase is anticipated to last approximately three years, during which significant improvements will be made.

As part of the construction process, crews will be actively engaged in demolishing and reconstructing several sound walls, as well as performing crucial roadway pavement construction along the corridor in Segment 1. These sound wall adjustments are needed to facilitate the necessary roadway upgrades and ensure a smoother driving experience.

Where Is All This Happening?

The primary work will take place along the existing sound wall area on Westbound I-105, specifically located between Domingues Channel and the Crenshaw Boulevard on-ramp. This location is critical, as it serves as a vital section of the highway that many rely on daily.

What Can You Expect During Construction?

Navigating through construction zones can sometimes be tricky, but here’s what you can expect during this project:

Access Points: Crews will enter the work area primarily from the freeway, meaning minimal disruptions to side streets.
Daytime Work Hours: Most of the construction activities will occur during daytime hours, making it easier for commuters to plan their travel. However, keep in mind that intermittent nighttime work may be necessary to perform certain activities safely, particularly those related to roadway pavement construction.
Landscape Restoration: Once the construction wraps up and improvements are complete, landscaping and any trees that have been removed will be restored, allowing the area to flourish once again.

Important Note on Scheduling

As with any large construction project, it’s crucial to understand that work activity is subject to change based on various factors, primarily weather conditions. Because construction can be dynamic, schedules may be adjusted according to the team’s assessments on-site.

In Conclusion

The I-105 ExpressLanes Project represents a forward-thinking solution to Southern California’s persistent traffic challenges. By converting the existing HOV lane into ExpressLanes, Metro is aiming not just to alleviate congestion, but to provide a safer and more efficient roadway experience for all. Keep an eye out for updates, stay informed, and plan your travel accordingly—we can look forward to a smoother ride on the I-105 in the years to come!