California
California is Out of Drought for First Time in 25 Years
The state’s reservoirs are reaching capacity for the first time in decades, but more rain could prompt flooding in downstream communities.
San Francisco Cut Traffic Deaths Almost in Half in 2025
The city credits its Vision Zero strategy and new traffic cameras for reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on its roads.
Trump Administration Sues to Stop Gas Appliance Bans in California Cities, Citing ‘Crushing’ Costs
Some California cities have already retracted gas appliance bans after a judge ruled against Berkeley’s ordinance limiting gas-powered appliances in new buildings.
The Overlooked Spaces That Can Prevent the Spread of Fire
The space between homes can as much as double a chance’s home of survival during a fire.
California’s Largest Reservoir Rose to 77% Capacity After Recent Rains
Almost all of the state’s reservoirs are nearing capacity after significant storms passed across the state.
Palo Alto Councilors Propose Law to Curb Billionaire Buy-ups Amid Uproar Over Zuckerberg Compound
Mark Zuckerberg has bought 11 homes, building a massive compound with a private school and heavy security patrols.
Waymo Sues Santa Monica Over Attempt to Ban Them From Overnight Charging Stations
The robotaxi operator and the city are embroiled in competing lawsuits over an overnight charging facility that residents say causes disruption in the neighborhood.
Santa Cruz’s Surf Breaks Under Threat From Climate Change and Coastal Erosion
The Northern California surf haven could lose its iconic waves as projects designed to protect coastal infrastructure alter its coastline.
California Delays Licensing for Immigrant Truck Drivers, Ignoring Federal Deadline
USDOT is threatening the state with the loss of $160 million in federal funding if migrant truck drivers retain their licenses after January 5.
Waymo is Paying Humans to Close its Doors
The company is using an app to notify Los Angeles tow operators when robotaxis need human assistance.
San Diego School District Backtracks on Teacher Housing Proposal
After receiving more than a dozen proposals from developers, the district’s board failed to reach a decision or issue further guidance to potential builders.
If Robotaxis Can’t Handle a Blackout, What Would Happen During an Earthquake?
The chaos that ensued when San Francisco traffic lights went dark reveals autonomous cars’ lack of preparation for serious disasters and emergencies.
San Diego Trolley Cuts Late Trips in Half With New Copper Line Service
A new extension adds a transfer for some riders, but has vastly improved the system’s overall performance.
California Law Bars Cities From Punishing Homelessness Outreach Workers
A state law seeks to protect workers who provide services to unhoused residents, regardless of where they live.
One Year After the LA Fires, Just 13% of Damaged Homes Have a Rebuilding Permit
After a slow start, permitting is starting to pick up.
California Abandons Lawsuit Over Federal High-Speed Rail Funds
The state is taking a new approach to its high-speed rail project, saying the federal government is not a “reliable, constructive, or trustworthy partner.”
2025 Brought Seismic Changes to California Housing Laws
New state laws and policies created in reaction to devastating wildfires could spell massive changes for Southern California’s housing landscape.
California Threatens to Suspend Tesla Sales Over ‘Deceptive’ Sales Language
The company says it won’t comply with an order to change its marketing of ‘self-driving’ features, which could lead to a 30 day sales ban and a possible manufacturing ban in the state.
San Francisco Power Outage Leaves Waymos Stranded at Intersections
The company says its vehicles are trained to treat non-functional traffic lights as four-way stops, but videos show Waymos stopped on city streets during a major outage on Saturday.
San Francisco Affordable Housing can Cost $1 Milllion per Unit. One Developer Says He can Slash the Cost by 65%
An expansion of a federal tax credit is prompting for-profit developers to get into the affordable housing market.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Thousand Oaks
City of Wisconsin Rapids
Harvard University Graduate School of Design
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA)
The Pocatello Development Authority
The Urban Renewal Agency of the City of Pocatello
