California
L.A.'s Biggest Development Blunders
Los Angeles Downtown News picks the 10 Biggest Problem Projects of the Decade, including the still empty Hall of Justice and the languishing Angel's Flight.
Worst-Case Tsunami Scenario Mapped
The event of a huge earthquake off the Aleutian Islands could send a devastating tsunami towards the West coast of the U.S. Researchers have released maps of what a worst-case scenario might look like for coastal communities.
San Francisco Claims Treasure Island
The City of San Francisco has secured a deal with the U.S. Navy to purchase Treasure Island, a man-made island in the middle of San Francisco Bay. The city has broad plans to redevelop the site.
So Cal's Infrastructure A Mess, Says New Report
A new report from The Road Information Program, a D.C.-area nonprofit, documents the growing number of highway, bridge and transit systems in need of repair in Southern California and lacking the necessary funding.
Will Carpools Be Tolled in San Francisco?
The Bay Area Toll Authority is recommending carpools on the Bay Bridge be tolled, along with several other changes like different rates for off-peak hours and a steep increase on truck tolls.
Watching Water Loss Via Satellite
NASA satellites have tracked the loss of water in California's Central Valley over the past few years, and finds that drought coupled with over-irrigation are stressing the state's supplies.
Land Use and Medical Marijuana
Like many cities in California, San Diego is struggling to form a policy around the booming medical marijuana dispensaries that have popped up around the city. The first place they're starting is with land use restrictions.
People Mover to Link BART and Airport
Oakland International Airport will link directly with a nearby BART station through a driver-less people mover, according to a decision made recently by BART directors.
Is Marketing the Key to Transit Success?
Los Angeles County's transit agency has increased its marketing efforts in recent years. This piece from The City Fix suggests the push has been an effective tool and that other transit agencies should take note.
New Retail Space Faces Challenges in San Francisco
A developer who hopes to put a new shopping center on a stretch of Market Street will face challenges from local groups who take issue with the accompanying parking structure and modern design.
New CEQA Guidelines for Greenhouse Gases
The Bay Area's air pollution regulatory agency may approve in January the nation's first guidelines to limit greenhouse gas emissions for new developments, but it would be up to local governments to enforce them.
Two Options for L.A. High Speed Rail Station
High speed rail is slowly transitioning from idea to reality in California, and one of its major stops will be in Los Angeles. But exactly where in Los Angeles remains an unanswered question.
Major Setback for CA High Speed Rail
At its Dec. 3 meeting, the CA HSR Authority board members unanimously voted to 'decertify' the program EIR to comply with a judge's order in a suit brought by Peninsula cities and rail and environmental nonprofits over the corridor to the Bay Area.
Cycling and Road Rage in Los Angeles
This report from NPR's All Things Considered examines some of the dangers of cycling in Los Angeles, with special attention given to the case of the doctor who nearly killed two cyclists.
Can Homeowners "Save the Dream"?
Andy Kroll wanders through the rubble of California's subprime crisis and finds homeowners waiting 10-12 hours in lines for mortgage relief, plummeting property values, and what may be the seeds of more foreclosures to come.
Affordable Housing Laws At Risk in CA
The California Supreme Court has refused to re-hear a decision made by a lower court on affordable housing requirements, which may make such requirements throughout the state invalid.
One Step Towards Orange County's Great Park
The Orange Country Great Park has received the official go-ahead, with a dedication of $65 million for the first phase of construction.
Scars of a Subdivision That Wasn't To Be
This post from BLDGBLOG looks at the ghost of a planned but never realized subdivision on the outskirts of a Southern California exurb where only faint lines of unfinished roads remain.
Historic Preservation? No Thanks
Homeowners in Palm Springs are turning the Palm Desert Cultural Preservation Committee down cold, saying they can't afford and don't want the designation.
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.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
