Los Angeles Times

L.A. Times architecture critic Christopher Hawthorne and transportation reporter Steve Hymon look at a proposal to raise the sales tax in L.A. to fund public transit. They call it a good opportunity for the city's urbanism, but also a tough sell.

To keep its gaming rights which will in turn preserve its property value, The Queen of Hearts casino must open for eight hours every two years.

Preservation of iconic buildings is important for historical reasons as well as environmental one, according to actress and preservationist Diane Keaton.

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is planning to propose a $5 billion housing plan for the city that focuses on mixed-income development and locations near transit. Some applaud the move, but others worry it may not be feasible.

Once a week, car-flooded streets convert into bike- and pedestrian-flooded public parks in crowded Mexico City.

After being signed by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, a half-cent sales tax increase will appear on the November ballot in Los Angeles County, where it would create a fund for public transit projects.

Officials in Los Angeles are hoping to turn a former brownfield site into the centerpiece of a new downtown green industrial district.

An obscure law in Texas outlawing buildings on public beachfront could be invoked to seize hundreds of properties. Hurricane Ike has pushed the tide line closer to many homes, making them subject to the law even if they weren't damaged.

The Sept. 12 crash of a Metrolink commuter train with a U.P. freight train resulting in 25 deaths has brought attention to Southern California's regional rail system, revealing that it is a weak 'stepchild' to the larger, better funded LA MTA.

Devastated train commuters in Southern California rode the rails again today, comforting friends after last week's accident that left 25 dead.

Los Angeles has 12,309 blocks of alleys, which make the streets pedestrian-friendly but creates a no-man's-land in the back that breeds trash-dumping and crime. Planners see opportunity in those alleys for a green future.