California

Wood Burning Ban Saves Lives

Five years ago, the Central Valley became the first area of California to ban indoor wood burning when an 'alert' was called by the air district; other air districts followed in 2008. This study, released in Nov. shows that "no burn" days save lives.

December 31, 2008 - The Fresno Bee

Congestion Pricing No Sure Thing in Liberal San Francisco

The political climate in San Francisco might seem likely to approve the city's congestion pricing plan, but opposition is strong.

December 31, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

Federal Funding Seems Likely for California High Speed Rail

California transportation officials are confident that federal support will back up $10 billion in recently approved bond sales to fund the state's proposed high speed rail system.

December 30, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

Foreclosures Become Illegal Skate Parks

The New York Times reports that skateboarders are coming from as far away as Germany to skate empty swimming pools throughout foreclosed neighborhoods in cities like Fresno, where boarders have set up shop.

December 29, 2008 - The New York Times

CEQA–Exemption: Schwarzenegger’s Bargaining Chip

Gov. Schwarzenegger wants the California Environmental Quality Act- a requirement for major transportation projects- waived if he is to sign the $18 billion Democratic package that balances the budget and is crafted to circumvent Republican approval.

December 29, 2008 - Sacramento Bee

Pain at the Pump, Suburban Blues and the Resurgence of Compact Growth

A paradigm shift is occurring in the development patterns of American cities -- even the inner cities that have struggled for decades with decay and abandonment, writes Kofi Sefa-Boakye of the Compton Community Redevelopment Agency.

December 29, 2008 - Kofi Sefa-Boakye

Budget And Credit Crises Halt California Infrastructure Projects

Infrastructure funding in California is grinding to a halt as two crises hit simultaneously: a political impasse unable to resolve a budget gap of $42 billion and a credit crisis leaving the state unable to sell its bonds.

December 27, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

Sea Ranch Still Fascinates

Journalist Patricia Leigh Brown pays a visit to Sea Ranch, the legendary early attempt at ecological community design.

December 25, 2008 - New York Times

Save a City, Win a Prize

A California state arm called the Bay Conservation and Development Commission has announced plans for a $125,000 contest to come up with ideas for cities to deal with climate change in the San Francisco Bay Area.

December 25, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

The Case Against San Francisco's Congestion Pricing Plan

In this op-ed, "San Francisco is not London", Steve Falk, the CEO of the S.F. Chamber of Commerce, explains why London-style congestion pricing is inappropriate for the downtown core - that it would only hurt businesses without reducing congestion.

December 24, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

Remade as a Retail Mecca, Emeryville Falters

Emeryville, CA is a success story of redevelopment. City leaders transformed a decaying industrial area into a booming retail landscape. But with the economic downturn, locals are questioning the wisdom of basing the city on retail.

December 23, 2008 - The New York Times

Proposed Road Through Park Blocked

The federal government has blocked plans to build a 16-mile road through a Southern California state park, mainly over environmental concerns.

December 23, 2008 - San Francisco Chronicle

Zero-Emissions Bus in Sight

In spring of next year, Burbank, CA will debut the nation's first lightweight, zero-emissions bus.

December 22, 2008 - Mass Transit

The Environmental Impact of Cement Plants

Cement is everywhere, and the building material makes a huge impact on the environment in terms of emissions, according to the San Francisco Sentinel. This article outlines the cement-making process.

December 21, 2008 - San Francisco Sentinel

Schwarzenegger: Decaying Infrastructure Is Hurting Economy

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger writes that the failure of the U.S. to invest in infrastructure is hurting the economy, and a massive investment is necessary.

December 19, 2008 - Newsweek

Housing for the Mentally Ill

Last week, a Santa Barbara apartment community, The Garden Center, opened to 38 new residents. The apartments were specifically designed to combat homelessness through housing and mental health care all at once.

December 19, 2008 - Miller-McCune

OC City May Snatch Up Foreclosed Properties

Huntington Beach is one of a few cities that is weighing the option to purchase its own foreclosed properties, and eventually making them affordable housing.

December 18, 2008 - Orange County Register

Locals Oppose Jewish Developments

Around already-overdeveloped parts of Los Angeles, large developments planned by Chabad and other Jewish organizations have been facing some strong local opposition.

December 18, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

Homogeneity Prevails in East LA

Although Southern Californian suburbs are more ethnically integrated than ever, the census shows that East LA is 98% Latino--a decline in diversity.

December 17, 2008 - Los Angeles Times

An Architectural Beacon of Hope in Skid Row

On the edge of Los Angeles' Skid Row, a gleaming white arts complex opens. A "stubborn declaration of hope," the center is intended to show architecture's power to create community.

December 17, 2008 - 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.