Governor Newsom Considers Bill Impacting Controversial Forest Lawn Drive Project in Los Angeles
California Governor Gavin Newsom is currently reviewing a bill, SB 194, that includes a last-minute provision specifically targeting a controversial street safety project on Forest Lawn Drive in Los Angeles. This provision would impose new requirements for reducing vehicle travel lanes on streets that provide the sole access to two or more adjacent cemeteries in cities with populations exceeding 2 million. Los Angeles is the only city in California that meets this population criterion. The proposed traffic-calming measure on Forest Lawn Drive, which involves reducing traffic lanes and adding a protected bike lane, has been a point of contention. Councilmember Nithya Raman supported the project, while Mayor Karen Bass paused it for redesign due to community opposition. Street safety advocates are urging Governor Newsom to veto the bill, highlighting the unusual nature of the Legislature intervening in such a granular local issue.
