A greener and pedestrian-friendly Los Angeles? City plots a path to sustainability

Los Angeles may be known for cars, air pollution and sprawl. But the city wants a future of solar panels, electric car charging stations and bike paths.

Mayor Eric Garcetti was set to unveil an ambitious plan to make LA the most sustainable big city in the nation, where residents ride bikes, take trains and even walk to get around. Drinking water would come from local sources instead of faraway imports. Solar panels would glimmer from rooftops.

The notion of a pedestrian-friendly LA may seem far-fetched, but the city is moving in that direction. It's expanding its public rail network and investing in solar energy.

Some of the money to fund projects will come from annual budget requests and the city is also looking at partnerships with the private sector.