Move LA’s Denny Zane

Sunday Afternoons at the Third Street Promenade

Denny Zane is executive director of transportation advocacy group Move LA. Before participating in a panel on whether the bicycle will kill the car in Southern California, he offered commuting advice, recommended the best times to hang out at the Third Street Promenade, and hated on UFC mixed martial arts in the Zócalo green room.

Q:

What keeps you up at night?


A:

Sore back.


Q:

When are you at your most creative?


A:

Probably Sunday afternoons. I’m anticipating the week, and late Sunday afternoon, whatever play I’ve needed, I’ve done. Now I’ve gotta start thinking about the week. I do confess, though, some of my most creative times are when I’m driving on the freeway and get stuck in traffic. Other than keeping you and your neighbors out of trouble, there’s nothing to do.


Q:

What salad dressing best describes you?


A:

Raspberry vinaigrette.


Q:

What do you love to hate?


A:

UFC mixed martial arts.


Q:

What’s your biggest weakness?


A:

I talk too much.


Q:

What’s your happiest childhood memory?


A:

Playing Little League baseball and being the substitute catcher for the all-star game in Colton, California.


Q:

What profession would you like to practice in your next life?


A:

Same one I’m doing now. Freelance advocate.


Q:

When you turn on the television at your house, what channel is more likely to be on?


A:

The Dodgers. It’s probably 50-50: the Dodgers or Rachel Maddow. So, Fox Sports or MSNBC.


Q:

How often do you find yourself on the Third Street Promenade?


A:

Several times a week. I love the promenade. I especially love the promenade on Sunday afternoons when it is so sweet with families and children and older people, and it’s not as noisy as on Saturday night. On Sunday afternoon, it’s the sweetest place in the world.


Q:

If you had to go from Santa Monica to South Pasadena during afternoon rush hour, what route would you take?


A:

Go to Culver City, drive my little Prius, park at the Culver parking lot, catch Expo, and get off at the stop at South Pasadena.