California Planning and Development Report's Morris Newman looks at the land use issue that caused the break-up of Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and former TV news reporter Mirthala Salinas.
"What exactly happened during the Greatest Romance of the 21st Century, (keeping in mind that it's still a very young century)? A certain fly on the wall was able to listen in on the final conservation between two of the most scintillating and intriguing personalities of recent times - and the hitherto unheard story about the way their romance foundered on an important land-use decision in the San Fernando Valley. Readers should keep in mind that NBC Studios and Thomas Properties of Los Angeles have announced plans to build a $3 billion broadcast facility for the national television network, and that the City of Los Angeles (insert picture here of Mayor Villaraigosa smiling winsomely) has jurisdiction. Without further ado, our telenovela de amor:"
"Antonio: You seem unusually quiet tonight, mi corazon. A penny for sus pensamientos?
Mirthala: Oh, nothing, caro, just thinking (She looks north out the window, toward the future home of NBC's West Coast televisions studios.)
Antonio (apprehensive): Oh no, I've told you not to waste that pretty little head with thinking.
Mirthala (Suddenly, decisively): Tony, I want to get back into television.
Antonio (Cautiously, not knowing yet where the conversation is heading): Of course, of course, television is nice
Mirthala (turning her head sharply toward him): Antonio! You will have something to do with the approval of the new NBC studios at Universal, que no?"
FULL STORY: Antonio Y Mirthala: The Real (Land Use) Story
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.
LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
Paris Voters Approve More Car-Free Streets
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo says the city will develop a plan to close 500 streets to car traffic and add new bike and pedestrian infrastructure after a referendum on the proposal passed with 66 percent of the vote.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service