California
Just Don't Call it a 'McMansion'
This article discusses an architect's attempt to classify his homes as "McMansions" and the city's unwillingness to accept the "McMansion" label as an acceptable way to categorize the architecture of proposed homes.
Extreme Train Commuting: San Francisco To Sacramento
The San Francisco Chronicle Magazine profiles several "extreme" commuters from San Francisco to Sacramento aboard the Amtrak Capital Corridor train. Complete with great photos and anecdotes, it portrays the Amtrak bus and train ride quite accurately.
California May Close Parks to Cut Budget
As part of an effort to reduce the state's budget expenses, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a plan that would close 48 state parks.
Man Sued For Reducing Waste
A California man reduced his waste to zero, so he canceled his garbage collection. But garbage collection is required in his city, so the local government is suing.
Judge Orders $409 Million Restored To California Transit Account
The settlement comes after a group sued to have $1.2 billion restored to the transit fund after the state shifted funds to balance the budget, paying for transportation-related programs that normally would have been paid from the general fund.
Time for Toll Lanes in L.A.
Los Angeles needs to change its carpool lanes to high-occupancy toll lanes, according to this editorial.
Smaller Cities Make Plans for Sustainability
Sustainability is catching on in more cities than New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Ventura City Manager Rick Cole explains how his city's land use practice can impact California's climate change efforts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority
