California

Tunnel System Sparks Interest, Rumors

The re-discovery of tunnels beneath Fresno, California's Chinatown have sparked interest -- and elaborate rumors -- amongst historic preservationists and residents alike. But some say the rumors exaggerate the real purpose of the tunnels.

November 26, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Power Plant Meets Opposition From Hunters, Environmentalists

Environmentalists and hunters have teamed up to fight against developers of a geothermal power plant who want to use the water from a California aquifer that sustains a large swath of vegetation and an active hunting ground.

November 24, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

San Franciscans Not Too Open To Public Art

The dedication of a piece of public art in San Francisco inspires this reflection on the not-so-welcoming arms of the city's progressive population to public art projects in the past.

November 22, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Fighting Wildfires With Land Use Laws

More than controlled burns or flying water tankers, zoning could be the firefighters most powerful tool.

November 21, 2007 - The Huffington Post

L.A. Is King Of Traffic Congestion, Dumb Growth

People who drive in L.A. have a lot of time to think about the urban form while they sit in traffic. Specifically, they wonder why everything in Southern California requires a trip in the car.

November 21, 2007 - California Planning & Development Report

"Foreclosure Clusters" Bring Inner-City Crime to the Suburbs

The burgeoning increase in foreclosures is leaving some suburban California neighborhoods with multiple abandoned and unguarded homes, which become tempting targets for looters, vandals and thieves.

November 21, 2007 - Modesto Bee

L.A. Set To Become Next Big City To Mandate Green Development

The L.A. planning commission approved regulations requiring that major new developments meet U.S. Green Building Council LEED standards, with the goal of reducing energy use in new building by 15%.

November 18, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Big Vision For Little Saigon

Orange County, California's Little Saigon is not the tourist and cultural center it should be, according to the Urban Land Institute, which has completed a study of the area and released recommendations for revitalization.

November 18, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Citywide Green Building Rules Under Consideration

San Jose, California is considering a plan to require all new private developments to follow strict environmental standards. Builders and developers are opposed and claim the move will be bad for the city as it tries to encourage business growth.

November 17, 2007 - San Jose Mercury News

Double Decker Bus To Be Tested In San Francisco

San Francisco plans to test out a double-decker bus for possible adoption into its public transit fleet.

November 17, 2007 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Land Use Planning And Climate Change May Be Linked In Lawsuits

While Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has received fame for making global warming a priority, he has studiously avoided the land use connection. Not so for California's attorney general, who is tackling the issue head on, even warning of litigation.

November 16, 2007 - The Oakland Tribune

A 'Broader Renaissance' For L.A.'s Broadway

Long neglected, the Broadway theater district of Los Angeles is a far cry from New York's thriving theater district. But renewed interest in L.A.'s old theaters may bring about an arts renaissance.

November 16, 2007 - The Wall Street Journal

Is Eminent Domain Being Abused?

Comedian Drew Carey takes a straight-faced look at eminent domain and how the land acquisition practice has gone from beneficial to abusive in National City, California in this video from Reason.

November 16, 2007 - Reason

Small Town Uneasy About Chain Invasion

Plans to bring chain outlets such as Starbucks and Subway to a small California town have locals up in arms over what they see as a threat to their town's historic character.

November 15, 2007 - Telegraph

Automakers Announce Hydrogen Fuel Cell Cars

Honda, Ford, and GM will put hydrogen fuel cell cars on the road in Southern California.

November 15, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

Green Condos in Downtown L.A. Defy the Cooling Housing Market

Developers plan to continue with a major project in downtown L.A. despite a slowing market, confident in demand for environmentally-friendly homes and walkable, urban neighborhoods.

November 15, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

When the Museum of Tolerance Loses Neighborhood Tolerance

West Los Angeles neighbors of the Museum of Tolerance are opposing a planned addition to the popular Holocaust education center due to increased traffic and noise, and late-night private functions.

November 15, 2007 - The Los Angeles Times

San Jose: 'Not For Sale By Owner'

Economist Peter Gordon reflects on a recent tour of San Jose, California -- where the so-called "revitalized" downtown is dead and nearly one-third of the city is blighted.

November 14, 2007 - Peter Gordon's Blog

Congress Members May Oppose Funding For California High Speed Rail

A dispute over two possible routes for California's high-speed rail line has elevated to members of Congress formally opposing federal funding for a route that does not include their districts.

November 14, 2007 - San Jose Mercury News

Sacramento To Decide Fate Of Downtown Railyards

The fate of Developer Richard Rich's vision for 240 acres of downtown Sacramento will be decided by the city's planning commission upcoming vote.

November 13, 2007 - The Sacramento Bee

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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