Commuters Addicted to Texting

When the freeways turn into parking lots, LA commuters turn to their phone and break the law.  Southern California traffic seldom gives commuters a break.  In a recent commuter survey conducted by AT&T teens weren’t the only ones behaving badly behind the wheel; instead it was those commuting to and from work. The findings found:

·         Nearly half of commuters (49 %) admitted to texting while driving, a higher rate than reported by teens (43 %).

·         They are doing so more than they used to. Six in 10 commuters said they never texted while driving three years ago.

·         Texting while driving despite knowing the risks. 98% said sending a text or email while driving isn’t safe.

·         For many, it has become a habit. More than 40% of those who admitted to texting while driving called it a habit.

AT&T recognized the problem and created their own initiative—It Can Wait. The It Can Wait movement focuses on educating the public–especially teens–on the dangers of texting and driving in order to save lives.  If you would like to learn more about the It Can Waitmovement and these recent findings, I’d be happy to connect you to an AT&T representative.

Moscow's First-Ever Integrated Mixed-Use Destination Under Construction

The first-ever, integrated mixed-use destination in Russia designed by the Jerde Partnership, a Los Angeles-based architecture firm renowned for creating experiential destinations, is under construction in central Moscow.   Kuntsevo Plaza – a vibrant new live, work, shopping and entertainment village occupying a full city block – will deliver a modern community gathering place rooted in art, nature, and urbanity. Providing a stage for lifestyle, the pedestrian-oriented center is made up of geometric buildings that vary in size and shape, and topped with terraces and undulating glass features, to create a new landmark for the city.

The project provides a vital connection to the nearby transit line through the grand exterior plaza, multiple entryways and various street connections.  Intentionally designed to allow the community to naturally flow through it, the development will seamlessly connect commuters and visitors arriving from the nearby subway to the neighborhoods and urban areas surrounding the development. 

Kuntsevo Plaza recently was awarded the Future Retail Project Award at the Cityscape Conference for Emerging Markets held in Dubai.  The first phase of the project is scheduled to open to the public in April 2014. 

Renderings courtesy of The Jerde Partnership

Model photos by Erich Koyama

 

RELATED CALIFORNIA BREAKS GROUND ON $120 MILLION, 19-STORY APARTMENT TOWER

Related California started construction on a $120 million, 19-story apartment building at 225 N. Grand Avenue between 2nd and 3^rd Streets, the first residential phase of its Grand Avenue Project.  With 271 residences, including 20 percent affordable apartments, the building will bring the first apartments to Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles in more than a decade and add 500+ new residents.  The project will create 417 construction jobs over the next two years. 


Located next door to The Broad, the new contemporary art museum now under construction and set to open in 2014, the apartment tower will front on Grand Avenue in the heart of downtown’s cultural core.  It is within walking distance of the Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Music Center, MOCA and the Colburn School’s Zipper Hall as well as Grand Park, the new park between Grand Avenue and City Hall financed by a $50 million contribution from Related.  


Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, City Council Members Jan Perry and Jose Huizar, and Supervisor Molina joined Related California President and CEO Bill Witte at the official groundbreaking ceremony.  The building is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2014.   

Pictures of yesterday's ceremony: 

Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa

Council Member Jan Perry

Related California President and CEO Bill Witte, City Council Member Jan Perry, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Jose Huizar

Supervisor Molina, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, and Jan Perry

Related California President and CEO Bill Witte,
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and Eli Broad

Photos Courtesy of Laura Escudero ©

WEINGART EAST LA YMCA’s 5th ANNUAL COMMUNITY TOY GIVEAWAY SPONSORED BY AT&T

HOLIDAY CHEER COMES TO THOUSANDS OF EAST L.A. KIDS AT THE WEINGART EAST LOS ANGELES YMCA THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 AT 5 P.M.

AT&T  teamed up with the Weingart East Los Angeles YMCA on Thursday, December 20 at 5 p.m. to ensure thousands of children in Boyle Heights have gifts and stuffed stockings to open.  More than 3,000 kids from six months to 13 opened gifts, enjoyed hot chocolate/treats, a personal visit from Santa, and a DJ playing holiday favorites.
AT&T also presented a check of $25,000 to YMCA.