California

Warner Bros. Wants to Build a Tram to the Hollywood Sign
That's not all folks….The studio says they'll pay for the project too.

Plan Released for Largest Dam Removal Project in U.S. History
A plan to remove four dams on the Klamath River took a crucial step forward at the end of June. Planners hope the dam removals will improve water quality, revive fisheries, create local jobs, and boost tourism and recreation.

With $768 Million in June, California Continues EV Infrastructure Investment
CPUC Commissioner Carla Peterman explains the state's investment plan for building out electric vehicle charging stations in public spaces and homes.

Bird, Lime Now Valued Over $3 Billion
The fast-rising scooter companies recently hauled in big investment dollars. Lime's investment comes by way of Uber.
CEQA and the California Dream: No Marriage, Except for Attorneys
A Habitat for Humanity Project in Silicon Valley is stymied by an effective, CEQA-wielding attorney who doesn't want his home office views obstructed and more traffic in his neighborhood.

California's Great Transportation Divide—Between Two Key Governmental Agencies
Two powerful governmental bodies that deal with very different aspects of transportation—one with meeting mobility needs, the other with its impact on health and the environment—met formally for the first time on June 27.

What Do Affordable Housing Developers Think of California's Potential Rent Control Initiative?
A California November 2018 ballot initiative seeking to repeal the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act could have unintended consequences, according to Related California's Bill Witte.

SF Chronicle Editorial Board: Build More Homes to Help the Homeless
And stop changing the subject, adds the Editorial Board of the San Francisco Chronicle.

Los Angeles to Consider Public Bank for Housing and Cannabis
Voters will decide in November on the creation of a cannabis-friendly, publicly owned bank to invest in affordable housing.

Big Public-Private Partnership to Reset Internet Infrastructure in San Jose
The city of San Jose's Broadband and Digital Inclusion Strategy is leveraging the private sector to ensure broad inclusion of new Internet technology.
Seattle Beats San Francisco to Plastic Straw and Utensil Ban
Seattle's ban took effect Sunday, while San Franciso's proposed legislation, if successful, would begin July 1, 2019. Other cities have plastic straw restrictions, but Seattle's is the first outright ban. Compostable alternatives are permitted.
No Parking Minimums and Also No Housing Development
Los Angeles is hoping that changes to the Cornfield Arroyo Seco Specific Plan will finally yield new residential developments.

Making the Case for Small, Shared, Electric Transport Modes
Tony Dutzik, senior policy analyst with the Frontier Group, presents three environmental reasons to support shared bikes and scooters, and why cities that have adopted climate plans should accommodate these small, clean, shared vehicles.

Speeding Up Trains and Improving Traffic Safety in San Jose
At-grade light rail has a hard time safely and efficiently traversing Downtown San Jose on Second Street. A new pilot project will look to improve the situation.

L.A. Wants to Be the Epicenter of New Transportation Technology
Gabe Klein of CityFi outlines how Los Angeles is planning on implementing the Urban Mobility in a Digital Age report.

$2 Billion Bond Measure on California Ballot to House the Mentally Ill Homeless
The revenue bonds would be funded from a millionaires' surtax, approved by voters in 2004, to pay for health programs, but not housing, for the mentally ill. Also on ballot: a $4 billion general obligation bond measure to fund housing for veterans.

Electrifying Maritime Transport – San Francisco Bay to Show the Way
While battery-power doesn't appear practical, electricity from fuel cells does. The nation's first fuel cell-powered ferry will be operating in San Francisco Bay next year thanks in part to a $3 million grant from the California Air Resources Board.

Nine Highway Expansions Identified as Worst Boondoggles of 2018
In a new report, U.S. PIRG and the Frontier Group describe nine costly highway projects amounting to $30 billion in their fourth annual "Highway Boondoggles" report. All share the theme of induced travel demand.

Light Rail Proposal for L.A.'s San Fernando Valley Wins Key Approval
Light rail could come to "The Valley" for the first time, under a plan approved this week by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Board of Directors.

Google Tax to Appear on November Ballot in Mountain View, California
If a majority of the city's voters approve the city-sponsored ballot measure, business license fees will change from a flat $30 annual fee to a new tax based on the number of employees, with the largest employer, Google, to pay $3.3 million.
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