California
Years before there was e-scooter-share, there was electric (Vespa-like) scooter-share in San Francisco by start-up Scoot. Now that they are ready to launch electric bikeshare, the city won't let them, unlike Barcelona, Spain where it began service.
San Francisco Chronicle
San Diego has the fewest number of beds for homeless per capita in the nation and must directly intervene to increase the stock of both temporary and permanent beds, according to planning activist Murtaza Baxamusa.
UrbDeZine
The "Loop" is the latest manifestation of Elon Musk's transportation fantasies, offering "personal rapid transit" to and from anywhere in Los Angeles without any congestion or cost.
Los Angeles Times
A few pioneering fire departments are making room for safety (while demanding less space) on city streets.
Streetsblog USA
The city attorney vows to bring order to the streets (and sidewalks) of San Francisco by requiring electric scooter share companies to apply for permits. First step: all e-scooters must be removed by June 4, or risk a $100 fine per day per scooter.
San Francisco Chronicle
A coalition of researchers have identified one area near the 101 and other near I-15 that would help keep the big cats alive and healthy.
Los Angeles Times
California State Sen. Ben Allen has authored SB 961 to finance optional neighborhood infill TOD districts, with support from fellow legislators. Redondo Beach Mayor Bill Brand is considering an initiative to protect local zoning.
The Planning Report
By building a diesel-powered train line for the 9.2-mile extension to Antioch in East Contra Costa County, BART saved almost $500 million and began service earlier than had it extended the existing line, though a transfer is required between trains.
East Bay Times
A controversial vote sets a "fix it first" agenda for regional transit planning—the implications of this decision could potentially reach far beyond the scope of this single project.
The San Francisco Chronicle
A "floating village" has been proposed for a San Jose neighborhood, with building riding on pontoons as a safeguard against repeated flooding.
San Jose Mercury News
It's not looking good for transportation advocates who want to retain over $5 billion in annual transportation funding made possible the passage of a bill last year that enabled the first gas tax increase in California since 1994.
Los Angeles Times
LADOT is rehearsing now for the day it has to manage autonomous vehicles alongside delivery drones and air taxis.
The Planning Report
From clean drinking supply to sinking infrastructure, California has a lot to worry about when it comes to water. Two upcoming bonds could make a dent in the work ahead.
The Planning Report
Only one of the five propositions on California's June primary ballot is a general obligation bond measure. Prop. 68 authorizes $4 billion for projects benefiting parks and water quality. Opponents prefer a pay-as-you-go approach using general funds.
The Mercury News
To end traffic fatalities while still enabling urban mobility, cars will have to slow down and people will have to travel by other modes.
Medium
Voters looking for a reason to vote against Prop 72, which provides a tax break for homeowners who install rainwater capture systems, won't find one. None were submitted. Proponents of measures for parks, climate, and transportation are not so lucky.
KQED Science
Even with tons of building permits already issued this year, the outlook for the state’s affordability crisis is pretty grim.
The Mercury News
San Francisco Chronicle energy reporter David R. Baker sheds some light on the nation's first state building code requiring that solar panels be included in new home construction, adopted by the California Energy Commission on May 9.
San Francisco Chronicle
One of the main forces behind Measure S spills her thoughts on Hollywood, homelessness and what’s wrong with planning in Los Angeles.
Curbed Los Angeles
A bustling economy and a worsening housing crisis isn't enough to inspire a building boom in San Francisco—quite the opposite in fact.
SocketSite
