California

California Dreaming: Why The Golden State Still Lures Newcomers

Even with high real estate prices, traffic congestion, wildfires, and the possibility of a major earthquake, people from around the world and across the nation, continue to relocate to California. Why?

June 27, 2006 - Abhijeet Chavan

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Bloggers

Northern California's Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) is the subject of a wide variety of blogs, which chronicle the good, the bad, and the, well, ugly.

June 27, 2006 - The Contra Costa Times

Stockton Leaves Its Crime-Ridden Past Behind

Once rife with crime, Stockton is taking baby steps towards reducing the crime rate and attracting development to one of the Central Valley's burgeoning population centers.

June 27, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Environmental Law Halts Bike Plan In San Francisco

A 1970 environmental law, the California Environmental Quality Act, was used to temporarily halt San Francisco's bike plan from being implemented. The law ensures environmental review of projects that plaintiff's felt was inadequate for the plan.

June 26, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Understanding Gentrification In San Francisco

Randy Shaw counters the San Francisco Chronicle's analysis of gentrification in San Francisco.

June 26, 2006 - BeyondChron

Developing The Un-Park In San Francisco's Presidio

A stream of high-dollar developments have been popping up in San Francisco's Presidio, a former Army base and currently the only park in the National Park Service's collection that is operated privately. Some feel the developments don't fit the site.

June 23, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Urban Gentrification Typifies Growing Economic Polarization

A snapshot of urban gentrification in San Francisco shows what is happening throughout the U.S., according to a new Brookings Report. The middle class is not only losing ground, but entire neighborhoods, and the consequences are far-reaching.

June 23, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

How The Automobile Changed Southern California

Los Angeles Times Special Commemorative Edition looks at how cars have defined the culture and identity of Southern California.

June 22, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Radio Report Looks At Improving L.A. River

From increasing riverside parks to removing the concrete riverbed, many ideas for improving the Los Angeles River have been simmering for years. This radio report introduces many in the city who are calling on planners to revive the forgotten river.

June 22, 2006 - Living on Earth

Building Industry Blames Onerous Regulations For Housing Shortage

In the second of two reports, the California Building Industry Association asserts that "red tape and regulations", primarily the California Environmental Quality Act, prevent builders from meeting housing demand and boosting the state's economy.

June 20, 2006 - The Contra Costa Times

Mountain House, A New City, Builds Up

Eventually, 44,000 residents will call Mountain House home. Currently, about 4,000 people live in the much-fretted-over planned development.

June 20, 2006 - The Contra Costa Times

Comparing A Manhattan Landmark With L.A.'s Grand Avenue Project

The Frank Gehry-designed Grand Avenue project in downtown Los Angeles looks to a well-known Manhattan urban landmark for inspiration. Will it work?

June 19, 2006 - Abhijeet Chavan

Top L.A. Building Official Brought To Court In Orange County

A controversial home remodel has generated a difficult situation for Andrew Adelman, general manager of the L.A. Department of Building and Safety, who approved a project later found by a judge to violate the city's own zoning laws.

June 18, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Why High Speed Rail Shouldn't Ride In California

Wendell Cox weighs the true costs over the reported costs of creating a high speed train system for cities between San Diego and Sacramento. He offers opposition to a very expensive and likely underused project.

June 16, 2006 - Orange County Register

Rincon Hill Towers To Change San Francisco's Skyline

San Francisco's skyline is on the verge of a transformation. Long known for landmarks such as the Transamerica Pyramid and Coit Tower, Rincon Hill, near the base of the Bay Bridge, will add a new dimension and a new neighborhood.

June 16, 2006 - The San Francisco Chronicle

Did Landlords Force Out Tenants To Gentrify Apartments?

A lawsuit alleges that landlords harassed tenants and forced them out from rent-controlled buildings in gentrifying neighborhoods.

June 15, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Arnold's 'Mean Green Machine'

The contest for California governor may hinge on who is perceived to be the greenest candidate. Schwarzenegger is rolling out a new, green image, but an environmental initiative on the ballot could undermine his message.

June 15, 2006 - Newsweek

The Two Faces Of Gentrification

Hollywood celebrities and gangs, million-dollar luxury homes and the homeless, all live side-by-side in the Oakwood neighborhood of Venice.

June 14, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Downtown L.A. To Get Convention Center Hotel

At 54 stories, the $750-million project would feature a five-star hotel, nearly 1,000 rooms, and luxury condominiums. It would be one of the largest buildings in LA.

June 14, 2006 - The Los Angeles Times

Police Bulldoze L.A. Urban Farm, Arrest 40

Police arrest protesters, including celebrities, and forcibly shut down one of the nation's largest urban farms, a 14-acre community garden in South Central Los Angeles.

June 14, 2006 - 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

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.