California

Recycling Center Stirs Controversy In Changing Neighborhood

The long-standing recycling center adjacent to Kezar Stadium at the edge of Golden Gate Park is seen by many neighbors to be an attraction for the homeless who raid their recycling bins.

February 1, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Reaffirming Los Angeles' Industrial Land Use Policy

To the chagrin of some local developers and politicians, the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency and the city Planning Department have released a joint policy directive that limits the conversion of industrial land to residential uses.

January 31, 2008 - The Planning Report

A Limit On Driving In California?

Is a statewide cap on driving in the works? Bill Fulton says a regional driving limit may be the only way that California is able to reach its self-imposed mandates for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

January 31, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Car 'Feebate' Under Consideration in California

The California Assembly is considering a bill that would create the nation's first "feebate" -- a charge or rebate California drivers would pay or receive depending on how much greenhouse gas their cars emit.

January 30, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Rent Control Under Fire In California

A California ballot initiative heading to voters in June could bring an end to the state's rent control laws.

January 30, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Land Use Planning: Essential To Climate Protection

In this op-ed, regional planner and California American Planning Association officer Hing Wong emphasizes the importance of land use planning in meeting climate protection goals, citing examples of APA award-winning projects in the Bay Area.

January 30, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

San Francisco Bails on Free Transit Idea

An independent report has found that San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's idea to make transit free in the city would greatly increase delays, overcrowding and costs. Newsom has backed away from the idea.

January 29, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Oakland to Open Eco-Friendly Homeless Shelter

Crossroads, a 125-bed homeless facility, incorporates green building concepts to better serve its clients. Many homeless people have respiratory-related health problems and a green building will be healthier for them.

January 29, 2008 - The New York Times

Facelift in Works For L.A.'s Broadway

City officials in Los Angeles are planning to announce a proposal to revitalize the city's historic theater district in downtown's Broadway corridor, likely replacing the working class retail that has occupied the area for years.

January 28, 2008 - The Los Angeles Times

Bringing San Francisco's Sixth Street Back to Life

San Francisco's Sixth Street has been decidedly run-down for years. But redevelopment efforts -- including the likely seizure of a vacant and historic hotel building -- may be changing the face of the street for the better.

January 28, 2008 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Proposal To 'Unbundle' Parking Heads To San Francisco Supervisors

A San Francisco supervisor has proposed several changes in parking regulations that will result in reduced new housing costs, and potentially reduced car ownership and operation. It requires the approval of the Board of Supervisors.

January 25, 2008 - San Francisco Examiner

L.A. Looks To Go Zero Waste By 2030

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has announced plans to bring the city to a zero-waste policy by 2030.

January 23, 2008 - The Daily Breeze

A Test for Walkability

The city of Pasadena, California has enlisted a groups of more than 100 volunteers to walks and evaluate its streets to rate the city's walkability.

January 22, 2008 - Pasadena Star-News

Baby Steps to Downtown Living

Downtown L.A. is redeveloping into a residential neighborhood. But is it baby-friendly?

January 22, 2008 - L.A. Downtown News

Dry Dry West

This article from National Geographic looks at the increasing strain on the water supplying the western U.S.

January 21, 2008 - National Geographic

Funding Proposal May Halt California's High-Speed Rail Plans

California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger wanted lawmakers to pull a nearly $10 billion bill from the November ballot that would fund a long-sought high-speed rail system, but he now wants the legislation to require private funding partnerships.

January 19, 2008 - Associated Press via San Francisco Chronicle

L.A.'s 'Ecosystem' Beginning to Crack Under Hollywood Strike

The Hollywood writer's strike is beginning to have ripple effects throughout the Los Angeles economy, and has already cost the city $1.4 billion in lost wages.

January 18, 2008 - Observer (UK)

Hot Air: Jerry Brown Becomes Climate Change Warrior

Former California Governor Jerry Brown, now the state's attorney general, is vowing to sue cities and counties that do not take climate change into consideration during general plan updates.

January 18, 2008 - California Planning & Development Report

Lessons From Below Sea Level

Global warming is exacerbating the threat of flooding in low-lying areas such as Holland and California's Sacramento Delta. Politicians in California are looking to Holland for examples of how to prevent flooding from happening.

January 16, 2008 - NPR

Train Funding Lowers Ridership in L.A.

Funding for L.A.'s rail projects is lowering transit ridership, according to this op-ed based on an analysis of transportation spending, subsidies and boarding statistics.

January 16, 2008 - The 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.

Associate/Senior Planner

Gallatin County Department of Planning & Community Development

Senior Planner

Heyer Gruel & Associates PA

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