California

The Unintended Consequences Of Stormwater Regulation

California water quality regulators continue to levy ever-tougher standards for stormwater runoff. But the standards could impact development and cities in a way that is not best for the environment at large.

April 11, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Residents Sue Over State Density Bonus Law

Upset about the effect of California State Bill 1818's override of local zoning restrictions, a Los Angeles resident has sued the city to overturn its density bonus ordinance. Others may soon follow.

April 10, 2008 - Los Angeles Daily News

Reclaiming L.A. as a Cycling City

Over 100 years ago, a wooden bicycle highway linked Pasadena to Los Angeles. Now cycling activists are hoping that, by closing the Arroyo Seco Parkway to automobiles for "ArroyoFest," Angelinos can once again imagine a cycling future for LA.

April 10, 2008 - Sierra

Hollywood, Reborn and Transformed

By nearly any measure, the Los Angeles neighborhood of Hollywood has been radically transformed in the last 10 years, becoming a bar-hopper’s dream, a gourmet’s destination, and a rising shopping and housing district.

April 10, 2008 - The Slatin Report

Can Los Angeles Plan Its Way To Mobility?

With a growing population, a sprawling urban landscape, and uncertain public funding, Los Angeles seems to be hoping for a miracle with its latest transportation planning effort.

April 9, 2008 - Wired Magazine

Crime Cameras Move Crime, Not Deter It

In San Francisco, "crime cameras" intended to ward of crime and record any illegal activity that occurs have been shown by a recent report to do little to prevent crimes from taking place.

April 9, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Californians Say 'Make Gas Guzzlers Pay'

A new poll shows that many of the state's residents support new ideas for funding transportation improvements, including charging higher fees to drivers of SUVs and other fuel inefficient vehicles.

April 8, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Court Blocks City from Razing Historic Downtown Hotels

In response to the City of Stockton's attempts to block a lawsuit by citizens' group Save Old Stockton concerning demolition of several historic hotels, a California judge granted a temporary injunction to allow time for the lawsuit to proceed.

April 8, 2008 - The Stockton Record

When Redevelopment Plans Work

Once considered a backwater near Los Angeles' westside, Culver City has experienced a resurgence. Residents like the new restaurants, but aren't prepared to cope with all the effects of the successful redevelopment.

April 8, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Parking Violations Could Generate $100 Million for San Francisco

San Francisco is considering a plan to boost its fees for parking violations -- a move that could end up bringing in a total of $100 million in revenues from the pockets of illegal parkers.

April 7, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Maligned Redevelopment Agencies Asked To Solve Foreclosure Crisis

California's redevelopment agencies are feeling pressure on numerous fronts these days. Some may go out of business next year. Still, state lawmakers are considering giving the agencies authority to buy out subprime mortgages.

April 6, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Slow Adoption For SF's Pay-By-Phone Parking Meters

The city has outfitted more than 1,000 parking meters with new technology to allow motorists to pay over the phone. Yet most of them haven't noticed.

April 5, 2008 - The Examiner

California Needs Rail, Not Roads

The recent vote against a new toll freeway in Orange County signals that California's don't want more roads. Instead, transportation dollars should go to building the state's high-speed rail system.

April 5, 2008 - The Sacramento Bee

A Look at L.A.'s Density Bonus

This segment from Which Way, L.A.? discusses Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's density bonus plans.

April 5, 2008 - Which Way, L.A.?

Port of L.A.'s Clean Trucks Plan Draws Private Sector Critique

Differences between the clean trucks programs at the ports of Long Beach and L.A. may bring months of litigation, derailing clean air efforts at the nation's largest port complex.

April 4, 2008 - The Planning Report

Using Fees On Motorists To Fund Public Transit

A bill introduced in Sacramento could pave the way for Los Angeles County to raise $400 million dollars a year for public transit from motorists -- who'd pay more for gas or vehicle registration.

April 2, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Building in the Danger Zone

This article from Next American City looks at the new land use ideas that are guiding development in disaster-prone areas.

April 1, 2008 - The Next American City

Los Angeles' Brawl With Sprawl

Officials in Los Angeles were successful in implementing high-density growth policies to curb sprawl. However, a disconnect between culture, transportation policy, and the real estate market may have disastrous consequences.

March 31, 2008 - The Economist

Embracing Alleys in San Francisco

Alleys are a major part of the character of San Francisco, and many parts of the city are trying to embrace these unique aspects of the urban makeup.

March 31, 2008 - The New York Times

Funding Bureaucracy Highlights L.A.'s Parks Deficit

The city of Los Angeles is currently sitting on more than $130 million dollars intended to build parks. But those funds are tied to council districts high in development, leaving districts with little development high and dry.

March 30, 2008 - LA Weekly

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.