California

Guaranteeing You Won't Get Stranded By Transit

An often cited reason for not using alternative transportation is the unpredictable: what if I need a car for something unexpected? A non-profit is now offering guaranteed rides to those who ride transit, bike, or walk, up to $100 per year.

September 15, 2009 - San Jose Mercury News

Bank Executive Blasted for Beachfront Foreclosure Parties

A Wells Fargo executive involved in foreclosures has reportedly been using a foreclosed Malibu, California, estate for personal parties on the weekends.

September 14, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Remaking Market St.

San Francisco's Market St. is the main street in town, but has had mixed success as a public space and a history of accidents involving pedestrians and bikes. Mayor Newsom has announced a new effort to improve safety and the public realm.

September 13, 2009 - Streetsblog

The Geography of Pot in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Times has mapped the city's medical marijuana dispensaries, and found many that fall within a proposed buffer that would keep the outlets away from schools, parks and libraries.

September 12, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

Palm Springs' Forgotten Historic District

Palm Springs has rediscovered a historic district that's been on the books for 23 years, but has been somehow forgotten until this week. Preservationists see this as a huge win, a way to protect the unique neighborhood and showcase its architecture.

September 12, 2009 - The Desert Sun

Partial Closure Planned on San Francisco's Market Street

San Francisco's notoriously congested Market Street will soon see a lighter load of traffic, as officials roll out a pilot project that will ban private vehicles from the roadway.

September 11, 2009 - San Francisco Chronicle

LA's Wilshire Blvd. Bus-Only Lane Moves Forward

In an important step toward a bus-only lane on LA's busy Wilshire Blvd., the city council approved beginning an Environmental Impact Report for the project, to only minimal skepticism from the councilmember from the wealthier part of the area.

September 11, 2009 - LA Streetsblog

Wikiplanning a City

As part of their Envision 2040 process, the City of San José is soliciting user input through a web-based wiki.

September 10, 2009 - Government Technology

Could Old Bay Bridge Span Become a Park?

Architect Ronald Rael proposes preserving the discarded span of the San Francisco Bay Bridge and turning it into a park and mixed-use development, in the spirit of NY's High Line.

September 10, 2009 - Streetsblog SF

Pavement to Parks Sees Progress in San Francisco

The city of San Francisco has barricaded two new large swatches of land to be used as part of its Pavement to Parks projects, and is enjoying a flood of support from residents, businesses, politicians, and local educational institutions.

September 9, 2009 - SF Streetsblog

San Francisco Upgrading Railway Safety Standards

Coming off the heels of two high-profile crashes with dozens of injuries, the San Francisco Municipal Railway is working to ensure operators are trained and accidents can be avoided.

September 8, 2009 - San Francisco Chronicle

Blight into Beauty in San Francisco

At a time when developers are having trouble getting loans to build, San Francisco is taking steps to improve empty lots with art, retail, and other temporary investments in neighborhood vitality until construction can resume.

September 7, 2009 - San Francisco Chronicle

Ticket to Ride Now Needed in L.A.

Turnstiles are coming to the Los Angeles subway. Some say the move will help raise revenue for the city's transit authority, given its recent increases in ridership.

September 7, 2009 - Next American City

San Francisco Goes Public

Chris Carlsson at Streetsblog looks back at how people have used San Francisco's public space, from the hippie uprising of the 1960s to streetclosures and farmer's markets today.

September 4, 2009 - Streetsblog SF

Results Of California Court Ruling On High-Speed Rail Debated

A California judge rules that the California High Speed Rail Authority's environmental impact report was inadequate. Plaintiffs celebrate ruling as a victory, but the Authority doesn't see it as a setback.

September 4, 2009 - Streetsblog Los Angeles

Cities Facing Turf Questions

Water saver or environmental hazard? Questions are compounding about artificial turf as more homeowners ditch their grass for fake lawns. Contradicting city policies muddy the issue in the arid Southwest.

September 4, 2009 - Miller-McCune

Heart of California's Agriculture on Life-Support

Water restrictions on farms in the state have atrophied jobs in the fertile Central Valley, giving communities some of the highest rates of unemployment in the state. As jobs dry up, the need for aid is surpassing what's there to give.

September 3, 2009 - The Wall Street Journal

Berkeley's New Plan May Face Voter Approval

After a 7-2 approval by the City Council, Berkeley's new zoning plan may face a public vote. A signature drive by the two dissenting council members has gathered enough signatures to force the vote and is in the validation process.

September 2, 2009 - The Architect's Newspaper

Balancing Rail Passengers, Freight, and Sustainability

Caltrain, the California passenger rail train, intends to electrify its rail system by the time high-speed rail comes online. This is at odds with freight railroads, however, and may lead to an increase in trucks on the road.

August 31, 2009 - San Jose Mercury News

Donut Architecture

Randy's Donuts in Los Angeles is one of a dying breed of donut shops sporting enormous donut rings on their roofs, examples of a dying style called "mimic architecture".

August 31, 2009 - Los Angeles Times

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.