California

The Legacy of L.A.'s Former Planning Director

Gail Goldberg recently left the helm of the City of Los Angeles' City Planning Department. AIA Los Angeles takes a look back at her four-year tenure and the positive impacts she made.

August 29, 2010 - AIA Los Angeles

The Tangibility and Viability of L.A.'s 30/10 Plan

The Brookings Institution's Robert Puentes reports back on a recent discussion about Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 30/10 plan -- the idea to cram 30 years worth of transit investments into 10.

August 28, 2010 - The New Republic

With $46 Million Price Tag, MTA Turnstiles Remain Unlocked

As Los Angeles MTA's plan to fully implement its TAP card program stalls, so does the plan to lock the turnstiles that the agency had installed to deter riders from not paying.

August 27, 2010 - LA Daily News

Bridge's Congestion Pricing May Extend to Entire City

Peak period pricing on the Bay Bridge, enacted by the regional Bay Area Toll Authority on July 1, is the first application of congestion pricing for driving in the Bay Area. Officials in San Francisco feel the outcome is favorable for their project.

August 26, 2010 - San Francisco Bay Guardian

Interactive Map Documents Road Quality

A new interactive map shows wear-and-tear on city roads, color-coding where work needs to be done and where smooth rides can be found.

August 25, 2010 - Treehugger

L.A. To Test Variable Parking Prices

Los Angeles is planning to undertake a year-long experiment in demand-based pricing on parking in its downtown. The dynamic parking system will be put in place next summer.

August 24, 2010 - Los Angeles Times

How The Golden Gate Bridge Got Into Transit

Unlike the nearby Bay Bridge that was built to accommodate the Key System streetcars, the Golden Gate displaced existing ferry service. Carl Nolte, the Chronicle's historian, provides the background for the 40th anniversary of its ferry service.

August 22, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle

Creating Smart Cities and Replicating Silicon Valley

Google CEO Eric Schmidt discusses what makes a city smart and successful in this interview with Foreign Policy.

August 21, 2010 - Foreign Policy

Boosting Car-Sharing in San Francisco

By expanding its car-sharing requirements on new non-residential buildings, the city of San Francisco is looking to make car-sharing more viable and accessible in the transit-friendly city.

August 19, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle

L.A. Reforms Postwar Zoning Codes

The City of Los Angeles Planning Commission has reintroduced sweeping reform of the zoning codes in an effort to streamline planning processes. "This marks the first overhaul of codes since their last revision in 1946," said City Planner Alan Bell.

August 19, 2010 - Architects Newspaper

Solar Farm Has Ideal Location But Environmental Impacts

A renewable energy company wants to build a major solar power farm on former ranchland in rural California. But environmental concerns over habitat and scenic beauty could stall the process.

August 18, 2010 - NPR

Paying the Bill for High Speed Rail in California

The prospect of a high speed rail line connecting California's major cities has been appealing to many in the state. But with less than a quarter of the money needed for the project, the risks are hard to ignore.

August 18, 2010 - San Jose Mercury News

The Congestion of Good Intentions in L.A.

The addition of a 10-mile carpool lane to one of Los Angeles' busiest freeways is creating a huge stress on the region's transportation system.

August 17, 2010 - The New York Times

Solar Power Moves Ahead in The California Desert

"Nine projects in California are making their way through the Bureau of Land Management's fast-track program which, if completed, will bring over 4,500 megawatts worth of generating capacity onto the grid."

August 16, 2010 - CNET News

The "Monumental Folly" of California City

Created by Nathan Mendelsohn, California City is the state's thrid largest in size but exists mostly in his imagination. Home to 14000 people who inhabit one end of the massive tract, just a corner next to over 185 square miles of empty development.

August 16, 2010 - Los Angeles Times

Congestion Pricing, Carpool Charging And Driver Behavior

KALW's transportation reporter takes a ride across the Bay Bridge during the peak period to experience the new travel patterns brought on by the Bay Area's first experience with congestion pricing - she interviews a UC specialist in human behavior.

August 14, 2010 - KALW News via SF Gate

Bay Area High Speed Rail Debate: City Vs. Suburb?

The San Francisco Peninsula stretch of the LA-SF high speed rail line appears to be stirring up as a classic debate between suburban San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

August 13, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle - Business Report

Berkeley's BART Tunnel Should Be Model For Peninsula Rail Opponents

San Mateo County, hotbed of opposition to high speed rail, including numerous lawsuits, might be better served by following the 1960s Berkeley example in passing a bond to tunnel the train through the impacted cities, suggests local editor.

August 12, 2010 - San Mateo Daily Journal

After Years of Delays, San Francisco's Bike Plan Hits the Street

Delayed from implementation for four years, San Francisco's bicycle plan has been legally ruled into action. The first lanes are being painted.

August 12, 2010 - San Francisco Chronicle

Food Farms Become Solar Farms

Decommissioned farms and fields in California are being scouted as possible sited for renewable energy production.

August 12, 2010 - The New York Times

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.

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.