Eyes on the Street: City Moves Fast to Fix Daylighting Mistake

Earlier this week, Next reported that the city made a mistake when repainting curbs after completing storm drain repairs. Instead of red painted curbs near intersections as required by the state’s daylighting laws, the city accidentally repainted them white, as was custom in 2024. Red painted curbs remind drivers where it is legal to park, and the change in laws was to create safer intersections with greater visibility between drivers and pedestrians.

Mistakes happen. It’s how municipalities respond to them that defines them.

Well, the city is nothing if not punctual. Yesterday, SMDOT’s Jason Kligier sent pictures (I received copies from Eli Gill and Councilmember Dan Hall) of the city repainting the white then red then white and now red again curbs. If you spot any curbs with the wrong paint, let us know at damien@santamonicanext.org and we’ll pass it on to SMDOT…without the accompanying articles at least until the curbs are repainted.

About The Author

Damien Newton

Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

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