Calvin Hollis is the managing executive officer for countywide planning and development at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Agency. Before he participated in a panel discussion about city transportation’s effects on housing costs, he talked in the Zócalo green room about his habit of interrupting people, the Avengers, and why archers are cool.
Skiing or snowboarding?
Neither. I don’t like cold environments.
Do you have a favorite website?
I tend to go to travel websites. Sometimes blogs, sometimes critiques of travel places.
If you could compete in one Olympic sport, which would it be?
I’d like to be an archer. You have to be so consistent.
What transportation system from another city most inspires you?
I think the London system. You can go anywhere once you figure it out.
What is the last habit you tried to kick?
Interrupting people.
What do you act like while you’re stuck in traffic?
I’m usually pretty calm. I have the radio going. I don’t really mind it, because it’s one of those rare personal times.
If you could travel in time, what year, past or future, would you visit?
Probably 1776, to see the conflict that was going on among the people who lived here. We always think of the revolutionaries, but it would be interesting to see more of the Tory side.
What’s hanging on your refrigerator?
Magnetic outlines of state shapes we’ve been to. And the flag of Romania.
What was the last movie you watched in a theater?
It was the latest Avengers movie. The guy sitting next to me asked if I’d seen many superhero movies, and I said, “Oh yes.” That surprised him, because I don’t look like the type of person you’d expect to watch a lot of them.
When was the last time you sang in front of at least one other person?
Two days ago, we sang happy to birthday to some co-workers.
Where do you come up with your best ideas?
Wherever I am, it’s usually when I’m thinking about something else.