Urbanism
The Vincent Thomas Bridge: A Symbol of Connection and Resilience
Vincent Thomas Bridge: Iconic LA landmark uniting San Pedro and Terminal Island since 1963.
Last Updated on July 8, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Vincent Thomas Bridge
The Vincent Thomas Bridge stands tall as an iconic landmark in Los Angeles, California, connecting San Pedro with Terminal Island. As the only suspension bridge in the Greater Los Angeles area, it holds a significant place in the region’s history and infrastructure. Named after California Assemblyman Vincent Thomas, this engineering marvel has not only served as a vital link between communities but also witnessed remarkable stories of determination and tragedy.
A Bridge Born from Persistence:
The bridge’s construction was the result of Assemblyman Vincent Thomas’s unwavering dedication. Over a span of 19 years, Thomas tirelessly advocated for the necessary legislation to bring the bridge to life. Despite facing skepticism and being mockingly referred to as “The bridge to nowhere,” his perseverance paid off. In 1961, the California State Legislature passed a resolution naming the bridge after Thomas, recognizing his long-standing service.
Engineering Marvel and Notable Features:
The Vincent Thomas Bridge, completed in 1963, stands as a testament to innovative engineering. It was the first welded suspension bridge in the United States, showcasing the pioneering work of chief engineer William (Jim) Jurkovich. With a length of 1,500 feet (460 m), it spans Los Angeles Harbor and is supported entirely on piles, making it a unique structure in the world of suspension bridges. The bridge’s navigation channel boasts an impressive clearance height of approximately 185 feet (56 m), allowing ships to pass freely beneath it.
Connecting Communities and Boosting Commerce:
Before the bridge’s construction, ferry services played a crucial role in transporting workers to and from Terminal Island, supporting the cannery and shipyard industries. However, with the completion of the Vincent Thomas Bridge, a direct connection was established, revolutionizing transportation in the region. It not only facilitated the movement of people but also played a vital role in the success of the Port of Los Angeles, enabling the efficient transport of cargo. The bridge’s integration with the Harbor Freeway and Terminal Island Freeway further enhanced connectivity and economic growth.
Symbol of Remembrance and Resilience:
Over the years, the Vincent Thomas Bridge has witnessed both celebration and tragedy. In 1988, on its 25th anniversary, efforts were made to install permanent decorative lights, illuminating the bridge’s cables. In 2005, the illumination was upgraded to 160 blue LED lamps, powered by solar panels, giving the bridge a mesmerizing nighttime appearance. However, the bridge has also been the site of heartbreaking incidents. In 1990, Olympic diver Larry Andreasen lost his life attempting a record-breaking jump from the bridge’s west tower. Similarly, in 2012, acclaimed film director Tony Scott tragically took his own life by leaping from the bridge. These incidents serve as reminders of the bridge’s significance and the need for mental health awareness.
Future Upgrades and Preservation:
As time marches on, infrastructure needs to evolve. In 2023, the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) proposed a substantial plan to replace the bridge’s road decking. This multimillion-dollar project, scheduled for construction between 2025 and 2027, aims to enhance the bridge’s functionality and ensure its longevity, preserving its status as a vital transportation artery.
The Vincent Thomas Bridge stands as an enduring symbol of connectivity, resilience, and progress. From its humble beginnings as a legislative dream to its status as a cherished landmark, the bridge continues to serve as a lifeline for communities and a testament to human ingenuity. As we look to the future, let us celebrate the bridge’s storied past while striving to preserve and enhance this remarkable feat of engineering for generations to come.
Fun and Notable Facts:
The Vincent Thomas Bridge has not only left its mark on the physical landscape of Los Angeles but has also made appearances in popular culture. The bridge has played a supporting role in numerous films, including the original 1974 “Gone in 60 Seconds” and its 2000 remake, “Lethal Weapon 2,” “To Live and Die in L.A.,” “City of Angels,” “Charlie’s Angels,” “Inception,” and “Den of Thieves.”
In the 1995 film “Heat,” Robert De Niro’s character mistakenly refers to the bridge as the “St. Vincent Thomas Bridge,” highlighting its recognition even in cinematic dialogue.
The bridge has also made notable appearances on television. In the CBS legal drama “Perry Mason,” the newly completed bridge is featured in a warehouse fire scene. It is also showcased in an episode of the original series “Mission: Impossible,” where the toll plaza takes center stage. Additionally, the bridge was featured in an episode of the crime series “CHiPs,” titled “Taking Its Toll,” and in the NBC show “Columbo.”
The Vincent Thomas Bridge has even made its way into the world of music videos, such as Jessica Simpson’s “I Think I’m in Love with You.”
In the gaming realm, the bridge has appeared in popular video games, including “Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas” as the Ocean Docks Bridge and “Grand Theft Auto V” as the Miriam Turner Overpass. It is also featured in “Need for Speed: Most Wanted,” “The Crew 2,” and “Need for Speed” as the South Port Bridge.
These appearances in films, television shows, music videos, and video games have cemented the Vincent Thomas Bridge’s cultural significance and made it an iconic symbol of Los Angeles.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_Thomas_Bridge
https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism
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Blog
The Dodger Gondola Project: A High-Flying Transit Idea Facing Heavy Headwinds
The Dodger Gondola Project, a proposed aerial transit line between Union Station and Dodger Stadium, faces major political, legal, and community opposition in 2025. Here’s where the controversial project stands now.
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.
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
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Urbanism
Celebrating World Urbanism Day: Building Livable Communities
World Urbanism Day: Celebrating livable communities and the role of urban planning. #WorldUrbanismDay Celebrating World Urbanism Day
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/
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Watts Towers: A Landmark of Art, History, and Resilience in Los Angeles
Discover the Watts Towers in Los Angeles, a National Historic Landmark built by Sabato Rodia. Learn about their history, cultural impact, and significance in art, film, and literature.”
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.
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
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