I don't really understand why the author is dumping on LA's toilets so much while praising how Parisian toilets are so useful for everyday people like commuters. The LA Metro program, which is expanding and seems to be very successful, has very different goals and challenges than the skid row public bathrooms.

Public restrooms are a sign of advanced civilizations. It's a pity that they have to be built to withstand damage from hooligans.