California's Mystery Land Benefactor

The LA Times identifies retired mathemetician David Gelbaum, who has quietly given at least $250 million to preserve California's wildlife corridors.

1 minute read

October 28, 2004, 5:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen


David Gelbaum, 55 and retired from the "rarefied world of Wall Street hedge funds" has given more money "to conservation causes in California than anyone else. His gifts have helped protect 1,179 square miles of mountain and desert landscapes, an area the size of Yosemite National Park.

...One conservation deal, land trust experts say, is the largest single purchase of private land ever handed over to the U.S. government for one purpose: to leave it alone."

Thanks to Chris Steins

Wednesday, October 27, 2004 in The Los Angeles Times

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 7, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Person in yellow safety suit and white helmet kneels to examine water samples outdoors on a lake shore.

USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure

If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.

May 1, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Wide suburban road with landscaped median and light pole banners advertising local amphitheater.

End Human Sacrifices to the Demanding Gods of Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

The U.S. has much higher traffic fatality rates than peer countries due to automobile dependency and sprawl. Better planning can reduce these human sacrifices.

April 29, 2025 - Todd Litman

Bird's eye view of Salesforce Park in San Francisco, CA.

San Francisco Enhances Urban Planning Initiatives with Green Infrastructure

San Francisco incorporates green infrastructure in its city development initiatives, elevating the importance of sustainability in urban planning.

45 minutes ago - The Daily Californian

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

1 hour ago - CBS News Chicago

Electric car charging area in a parking lot at a Costco in Clermont, Florida.

House Committee Proposes $250 EV Tax

The fee is higher than the average tax paid by gas-powered vehicle owners.

2 hours ago - The Washington Post

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.

Comprehensive Bikeway Design Workshop

Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University

Early Bird Deadline – save on your tuition fee!🚨

Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)