California

Two firefighters in a forest fore looking at tablet.

California Using AI to Get Ahead of Wildfires

The state is pioneering the use of technology to identify wildfire risks and alert firefighters before blazes get out of control.

July 2, 2024 - Governing

Passengers boarding a Petaluma Transit bus.

Petaluma Transit Eliminates Fares

The agency is offering free bus rides for one year as part of an effort to boost ridership and encourage residents to choose transit over cars.

July 2, 2024 - KTVU

Rendering of station for California High-Speed Rail train

California High-Speed Rail Gains Final Approval

The last segment between Palmdale and Burbank will be one of the most challenging to build.

July 2, 2024 - Sfist

Extreme heat warning sign outdoors with red desert rock cliff in background.

California Faces Intense Heat Wave, Power Shutoffs

The state is bracing for a heat dome that will bring temperatures into the 120s and little nighttime relief.

July 2, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Close-up of green and white sign for 1 hour EV charging station outdoors with tall palm trees in background against blue sky.

LA’s EV Chargers Unevenly Distributed, Resulting in ‘Charging Deserts’

Even in the nation’s third-largest EV market, a charger can be hard to find.

July 1, 2024 - Axios

Four oil wells sillhouetted against the sunset.

Oil Industry Withdraws Ballot Measure, Shifts to Legal Fight Over California Well Restrictions

California's oil industry has withdrawn its ballot measure challenging a law that restricts oil and gas wells near homes and schools, opting to contest the law in court.

June 30, 2024 - Cal Matters

Two young women hiking at golden hour.

LA County Parks Celebrates 80 Years with Free Summer Programs

The department has launched the ‘Let’s Play Outside’ campaign as part of its celebration of eight decades of fostering connections between LA County residents and the great outdoors.

June 30, 2024 - MyNewsLA

View of green oil wells in a residential neighborhood in California.

Repurposing Oil Fields Into Parks: Advancing Just Transition and Community Well-being

The concept of a "just transition" extends beyond workers to encompass broader social and environmental dimensions, including the restoration and regeneration of land and communities affected by oil extraction activities.

June 28, 2024 - National Recreation and Park Association Open Space Blog

View of Puente Hills landfill site in Los Angeles County.

California Allocates $12.5 Million for Landfill-to-Park Transformation

The grant will help to convert a 142-acre site, a portion of the former Puente Hills Landfill, into Los Angeles County's first new regional park in over 30 years.

June 27, 2024 - Waste Today

California's State Library Park Pass Program Renewed Amid Budget Challenges

Californians can continue to access state parks for free by borrowing passes from their local libraries, thanks to the renewal of a state program.

June 26, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

Burned car sits in front of burned house in forest in Paradise, California after the Camp Fire.

Paradise Lost: Long-Time Residents Priced out of Fire-Devastated Town

The California community lost 85 lives and tens of thousands of homes. Now, high housing and rebuilding costs are forcing many former residents out.

June 26, 2024 - SF Gate

Overhead view of black asphalt parking lot with white lined parking spots with EV charging logos.

Study Highlights Equity Gaps in California's EV Incentives

A UCLA research team identifies gaps in incentive uptake and electric vehicle registration rates in disadvantaged communities.

June 25, 2024 - UCLA Luskin Center for Innovation

White pelican with black wings flying low over water at Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve in Van Nuys, California.

Revitalizing Sepulveda Basin: A Green Vision for An Urban Oasis

Developed through the input of thousands of community members, this is the first comprehensive plan by the City of Los Angeles for the 2,000-acre basin.

June 25, 2024 - ABC7 Eyewitness News

Archer Aviation Midnight eVTOL aircraft on display at Dubai Airshow November 13th 2023, dark colors, bright background, indoors. Electric aircraft, electric helicopter.

FAA Approves Air Taxis

Two Bay Area companies are planning to develop autonomous commuter flight services between San Francisco and local cities.

June 24, 2024 - Smart Cities Dive

Close-up of mountain lion in the Santa Monica Mountains, California.

Cougar Death Highlights Urgent Need for Wildlife Crossing

A mountain lion was found dead on the 101 Freeway, less than half a mile from the steel and concrete endoskeleton of the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing.

June 24, 2024 - The Acorn

Close-up of two children sitting on edge of swimming pool with their feet in the water.

Beating the Heat: Expanding Access to Swimming Pools

The swim season for Los Angles County public pools has been extended, with swim facilities open for five months to provide relief from the hot weather.

June 24, 2024 - ABC7 Eyewitness News

Wildfire burning at night on hillsides next to Lake Elsinore, California.

California Faces Early Surge in Wildfires

Summer is just beginning, but wildfires in California have already burned more than 90,000 acres.

June 24, 2024 - Los Angeles Times

View of Palos Verdes Drive along Pacific Ocean in Palos Verdes, California at sunset.

Erosion Threatens SoCal Road, Lloyd Wright Icon

The city of Palos Verdes is closing parts of a roadway to cyclists, citing safety concerns as the land underneath moves between 7 and 12 inches per week.

June 23, 2024 - Daily Breeze

Small backyard cottage with gabled roof in San Diego, California.

San Diego Sees Continued Growth in ADU Permits

Recent changes to regulations have made it easier and more affordable for homeowners to build ‘granny flats,’ and San Diego’s housing stock is benefiting.

June 20, 2024 - Axios San Diego

Close-up of top of California state capitol dome with U.S. and California flags flying and blue sky in background.

California is Updating its Climate Adaptation Strategy

The 2024 draft plan outlines the state's key climate resilience priorities, includes specific and measurable actions, and serves as a framework for collective efforts across sectors and regions in California.

June 20, 2024 - California Natural Resources Agency

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.

Top Books

An annual review of books related to planning.

Top Schools

The definitive ranking of graduate planning programs.

100 Most Influential Urbanists

The who's who of urbanism, according to Planetizen readers.

Urban Planning Creators You Should Know

A short list of voices on social, video, and podcasting platforms.