California

Building Small to Make California Homes More Affordable
A Santa Ana small lot development could be an example of how California could become more affordable by building more dense urban-style homes throughout the state.
Michigan the Latest to Preempt Municipalities from Banning Plastic Bags
Michigan has joined a small but growing list of states that have passed laws prohibiting municipalities from banning single-use plastic bags or charging for bags, as is done in California. Critics assail it as an 'attack on local control.'
Report: California Should Treat Housing Crisis like Climate Change
The California Apartment Association released a report on what it will take to solve the state's chronic housing shortage. Cities that are loath to permit new residential developments, both affordable and market rate, will not be pleased.
Fear of Low-Income Housing Blocks Veterans' Housing Project Near San Diego
In November, the city of Poway, California rejected a veterans' housing project. The story is informative for the way communities rally to obstruct the addition of low-income housing.

San Francisco's Red Carpet Transit Lanes to Continue Through March Evaluation
San Francisco's red, transit-only lanes are a demonstration project. The lanes first appeared in 2013 and were supposed to last two years, with state and federal regulators to determine whether they would continue. The state evaluation began Dec. 6.

Feds Put $75 Million Toward San Francisco BRT Project
The $223 million Van Ness Bus Rapid Transit project in San Francisco received a major cash infusion from the federal government this week.

Oakland Stadium Deal Gains Support
The Raiders are threatening to move to Las Vegas, but the city of Oakland intends to offer a land and infrastructure deal to convince the team to stay.
San Luis Obispo County Leaders Ponder What's Next After Transportation Measure Fails
The November 8 sales tax measure fell 0.37 percent short, but there's new hope from Sacramento with the reintroduction of a gas tax measure. Democrats now hold the bare supermajority in both the Assembly and Senate needed to pass tax increases.

Stakeouts and 'Private Eyes': Monitoring Short-Term Rentals for Tenants' Rights
The constantly moving legal lines between regulators and short-term rental companies like Airbnb have taken on some distinctly noir activities.
Auto Companies Prepare for Decline of Car Ownership
It's no longer just transit agencies that are trying to meet the first mile-last mile challenge—auto companies have also jumped in by offering "mobility services." And it's more profitable than selling cars!
Uber's Self-Driving Cars Leave Hometown for Warmer, and Friendlier Climates
California's loss is Arizona's gain. That's how Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey see's Uber's decision on Thursday to haul their fleet of self-driving Volvos from San Francisco to Arizona after the company refused to secure the necessary operating permits.
Wanted: High-Speed Rail Operator for California
The California High-Speed Rail Authority has taken the first official step to find a train operator for the initial operating segment of the 800-mile project: connecting the Central Valley to the Silicon Valley, with estimated completion by 2024.
The Anaheim Streetcar Project Is Officially Off the Table
A new City Council has ushered in a new agenda for the city of Anaheim. Not on that agenda is a controversial proposal for a streetcar connecting Disneyland, the city's convention center, and the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center.

Benefits Harder to Recognize as Costs to Widen the I-405 Rise
Was the I-405 widening project worth it for Los Angeles? Depends on whom you ask.

Bill Would End Tax Breaks for Second Homes in California
AB 71, originating from the California Assembly, would raise funding for low-income housing construction by ending an existing tax break for second homes.

California's Birth Rate Drops to Lowest in Recorded History
Fewer babies are being born in the nation's most populous state, now estimated at 39.4 million residents, according to new data by the California Department of Finance. The state grew by .75 percent, adding 295,000 people in the year ending July 1.
Uber Hemorrhaging Money in 2016
The future of transportation network companies is far from settled. While influential in the popular consciousness, companies like Uber haven't figured out how to make money.

Another Attempt at California's By-Right Affordable Housing Proposal
The new streamlining bill for affordable housing will not have the governor's name, but that of freshman Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, who made a name for himself as a tenacious housing advocate while San Francisco County Supervisor.

Bay Area Voters May Be Asked to Hike Bridge Tolls 60 Percent
Before the ballot measure would go to voters, state legislation needs to be written, passed, and signed by Gov. Brown. The first step was taken Dec. 14, when the region's planning agency discussed the option. Tolls are $5, last raised $1 in 2010.
Gentrification the Killer in Oakland Fire
Already, the Ghost Ship tragedy is being used as a justification for code enforcement crackdowns that will likely further gentrification. But how can we combat gentrification and displacement and improve safety at the same time?
Pagination
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