Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Streetsblog LA

SGV Connect 73 – The Nature for All Leadership Academy and the End of Walktober

If you're looking for a distraction from the deluge of election-related messaging and media, this week's SGV Connect is for you. If you're looking for more news, views, and insights into the election, you should check out our last episode, which covers the Streetsblog L.A. endorsements.

In our first interview this week, Kris talked with Araceli Hernandez, a program organizer with Nature For All, about its leadership academy, a five-month training program to develop the next generation of environmental stewards. The program is intentional in recruiting folks that come from Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color, but it is open to all. "The goals are that you just have a real big passion for making change, for protecting our environment, for making your community better," Hernandez said. The leadership academy was established 2011, and is in its 18th cohort.

Then, Damien talks with Topher Mathers of the Pasadena Complete Streets Coalition about Walktober. While it is true that Walktober is nearly over, there are still a few events remaining. The Walktober events page provides a great resource for anyone looking to plan some socially distanced walking fun, with guided tours, social media-driven events, and some walks that are just for the sake of walking.

Damien and Topher also briefly touch on Halloween and some ways to stay safe and have fun on the holiday.

SGV Connect is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. “Foothill Transit. Going Good Places.”

Sign-up for our SGV Connect Newsletter, coming to your inbox on Fridays.

Catch past episodes of SGV Connect and #DamienTalks on LibSyn, iTunes, Google Play, or Overcast.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

Thursday’s Headlines

Smart move by Lime, great news for Bike L.A.

December 18, 2025

Study: More Protected Bike Lanes = More Micromobility Users

This ought to silence doubters who claim that no one's using that shiny new cycle track.

December 17, 2025

LAPD Shuts Down Volunteers Repainting Nadir Gavarrete Memorial at Koreatown Intersection

At the deadly 4th/New Hampshire intersection, LAPD shut down Crosswalks Collective L.A.'s unpermitted safe streets work.

December 17, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines

Man, that e-bike program cancellation story is the story that just keeps giving (to the headlines stack that is...)

December 17, 2025

Update: AC Transit Closes Investigation of Bus Operator Assault on a Bicyclist

Bus driver used the bike lane, tailgated cyclist, honked at him, and then nearly ran him over, all captured on video. AC Transit closes its short investigation without announcing any steps against the driver.

December 16, 2025
See all posts