Lots of dust & grime on the dirty streets of LA!  The whole LA area is like a bowl, with the rim being the foothills on to the San Gabriel Mountains.  That causes the marine air to be 'stuck'- with the smog that was such an iconic (sad) symbol of poor air quality one of the big drivers for SCAQMD to be formed and for the decades of legislation to develop alternative means of transportation and higher standards for vehicle exhaust & fuel efficiency. 

And yea- like so many other cities- gotta get revenue one way or another!  Caleb- how about a bicycle or skateboard?  Moped or scooter?  O- don't forget to wear a helmet! (its the law!)