Q. I was confused looking at the 405 Freeway’s new landscaping in Orange County. In the middle of the on- and off-ramps, green grass is being planted. With all the news about the need for drought-tolerant landscape, and then Caltrans plants grass?
– Brian Donnell, Westminster
A. Well, Brian, the ol’ Honkinator rounded up some info, but he is not so sure it will assuage you.
That greenery is part of the $2.16 billion widening and general improvement project of the 405, which added a couple of lanes in both directions between Costa Mesa and the Long Beach border and was overseen by the Orange County Transportation Authority.
“The landscaping at the Euclid, Magnolia and Brookhurst streets on- and off-ramps includes trees, ground cover and low shrubs,” said Megan Abba, an OCTA spokeswoman, in an email. “Each of these interchanges includes detention ponds, which are installed to provide a temporary holding basin for rainwater. Within the basins, there are plants typically composed of native grasses. Throughout the project, this includes a native, low-growing grass blend and irrigation. …
“In general, the selection of plant species (was) based on Caltrans or city requirements, depending on which agency will maintain the area,” she said. “All the plant species that were selected are low maintenance and are either native or adapted species that are drought tolerant.”
Caltrans added its thoughts.
“Wherever possible, native vegetation is selected,” Nathan Abler, a spokesman for the agency in Orange County, told Honk in an email. “The vegetation in the retention basins serves two purposes, the first is to provide stabilization of the retention basins to prevent erosion, and the second is for aesthetics.”
Q. Can a veteran with a Disabled Veteran license plate drive, by himself, in a regular carpool lane? I am aware of the procedure to go through in order to drive free in express/toll lanes with the plate.
– Jerry L. Shultz, Long Beach
A. Sadly, no.
Honk would be a big-time supporter of veterans with specialized veteran plates – such as the one you mentioned, Jerry, and those for drivers who are former prisoners or war or the recipients of a Purple Heart – getting more perks.
But the law isn’t so benevolent.
“He must have a passenger,” said Angelia Gonzales, an officer and spokeswoman for the California Highway Patrol’s South Los Angeles station house that patrols freeways in your town. “The law says the carpool lane is for high-occupancy vehicles.”
HONKIN’ FACT: The U.S. Federal Highway Administration has no sense of humor – and no clue. By 2026, it will outlaw humorous freeway signs, saying the messages should be clear and not distracting, according to The Associated Press. Well, Honk thinks the suits are aiming for boring signs that won’t get you thinking. Some fun ones from the past: “Use Yah Blinkah” (Massachusetts), “Visiting in-laws? Slow down, get there late” (Ohio), “Don’t drive Star Spangled Hammered” (Pennsylvania), and “Hands on the wheel, not your meal” (Arizona).
To ask Honk questions, reach him at honk@ocregister.com. He only answers those that are published. To see Honk online: ocregister.com/tag/honk. Twitter: @OCRegisterHonk
