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Los Angeles Scoop · Aug 21, 2026

Los Angeles Scoop — photo status

Bass and Raman Clash Over Forest Lawn Drive Bike Lane Plan Near Jewish Cemetery A dispute is growing between Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman over a controversial plan to reduce traffic lanes and install protected bike lanes along Forest Lawn Drive, the roadway serving Mount Sinai Memorial Park and Mortuary, a major Jewish cemetery used by families throughout Los Angeles. Raman is criticizing Bass for stepping in and delaying the project, which would reduce portions of Forest Lawn Drive from two traffic lanes in each direction to one. Raman argues the changes are necessary for safety following years of serious crashes along the corridor. Bass ordered the project paused and asked city agencies to develop an alternative that would keep all existing traffic lanes while still improving bicycle safety. Her campaign says the current proposal is opposed by local businesses, faith leaders and community members and could interfere with people attending funerals and religious services. The issue is particularly significant to the Jewish community because Mount Sinai Memorial Park sits directly along the affected stretch. State lawmakers have also raised concerns after hearing from Jewish and Armenian communities, warning that reducing lanes could seriously affect access to Mount Sinai and Forest Lawn during large funerals. The disagreement has now become part of the political battle between Bass and Raman, who are facing each other in the Los Angeles mayoral race.

*Bass and Raman Clash Over Forest Lawn Drive Bike Lane Plan Near Jewish Cemetery* A dispute is growing between Mayor Karen Bass and Councilmember Nithya Raman over a controversial plan to reduce traffic lanes and install protected bike lanes along Forest Lawn Drive, the roadway serving Mount Sinai Memorial Park and Mortuary, a major Jewish cemetery used by families throughout Los Angeles. Raman is criticizing Bass for stepping in and delaying the project, which would reduce portions of Forest Lawn Drive from two traffic lanes in each direction to one. Raman argues the changes are necessary for safety following years of serious crashes along the corridor. Bass ordered the project paused and asked city agencies to develop an alternative that would keep all existing traffic lanes while still improving bicycle safety. Her campaign says the current proposal is opposed by local businesses, faith leaders and community members and could interfere with people attending funerals and religious services. The issue is particularly significant to the Jewish community because Mount Sinai Memorial Park sits directly along the affected stretch. State lawmakers have also raised concerns after hearing from Jewish and Armenian communities, warning that reducing lanes could seriously affect access to Mount Sinai and Forest Lawn during large funerals. The disagreement has now become part of the political battle between Bass and Raman, who are facing each other in the Los Angeles mayoral race.

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