Laura J. Nelson

Staff Writer

Laura J. Nelson covers transportation and mobility issues across Southern California. She was part of the team of reporters awarded the Pulitzer Prize in breaking news for coverage of the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino. Before joining The Times in 2012, Nelson wrote for the Boston Globe, the Tampa Bay Times and the Los Angeles Daily News. She grew up in suburban Kansas City in a family of journalists and graduated from the University of Southern California.

Latest From This Author

California

Should cars be banned on Broadway in downtown L.A.?

California

Should cars be banned on Broadway in downtown L.A.?

If Councilman Jose Huizar’s idea is approved, Broadway would be the first major street in Los Angeles to go car free.
California

L.A. wins appeal in fight with Uber over scooter and bike data

California

L.A. wins appeal in fight with Uber over scooter and bike data

Uber says it will appeal the decision, which said L.A. had “properly suspended” the company’s permit in dispute over real-time trip data.
California

Metro secures $1.3 billion to finish the Purple Line subway to West L.A.

California

Metro secures $1.3 billion to finish the Purple Line subway to West L.A.

The subway is scheduled to reach the Westside by 2027, one year ahead of the Summer Olympics being held in Los Angeles.
California

As L.A. traffic deaths stay high, officials plead with drivers to stop texting

California

As L.A. traffic deaths stay high, officials plead with drivers to stop texting

Traffic deaths in Los Angeles remained stubbornly high last year, with distracted driving a prime culprit, officials say.
California

L.A. considers bold makeover for Hollywood Boulevard: Fewer cars, bike lanes, wider sidewalks

California

L.A. considers bold makeover for Hollywood Boulevard: Fewer cars, bike lanes, wider sidewalks

Plans unveiled for a proposed major makeover of Hollywood Boulevard would limit auto traffic and create a less gritty experience for visitors.
California

L.A. Metro’s plan to fix plummeting ridership: More buses and fewer stops on major streets

California

L.A. Metro’s plan to fix plummeting ridership: More buses and fewer stops on major streets

L.A. County’s transit agency proposes the first overhaul of the region’s bus network in more than 25 years. Riders would see changes on the street by the end of next year, officials say.
California

Taxi drivers picket at LAX, asking city officials to reinstate curbside pickups

California

Taxi drivers picket at LAX, asking city officials to reinstate curbside pickups

Taxi ridership has plummeted in L.A. since 2013, as Uber and Lyft have surged. “This is our last chance to survive,” one cab driver says.
California

Cliff Hall, an inventor who photographed Los Angeles high society, dies at 94

California

Cliff Hall, an inventor who photographed Los Angeles high society, dies at 94

He dreamed of a factory that would produce a car of his own design, “made by black hands in the black community.”
California

Three dead in shootings in Compton, Huntington Park and Lake Forest

California

Three dead in shootings in Compton, Huntington Park and Lake Forest

A mother of two in Compton is among those shot dead in separate incidents across Southern California.
California

Rose Parade 2020: Skies were blue, spirits high as parade worked to broaden outreach

California

Rose Parade 2020: Skies were blue, spirits high as parade worked to broaden outreach

The 131st Rose Parade is a wrap. Here are some snapshots from the New Year’s Day spectacle, including the glitz and the less glamorous chores, such as volunteers cleaning up after the horses.

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Scenes from the parade

The magic of the Rose Parade? All the volunteers coming together to make the floats happen.