While it addresses urban planning and takes place in a defiantly liberal city, the battle over Measure S – also known as the “Neighborhood Integrity Initiative” – nonetheless echoes many of the frustrations and fears that sent Donald Trump to the White House and ejected the United Kingdom from the European Union.
2016 Year-in-Review
Everyone who pays rent in California knows that the housing crisis truly came to fruition this year. It influenced nearly every story I wrote. Very close to home, we opened a Phase 2 of the …
Richard Florida’s Reckoning: Review of The New Urban Crisis
Richard Florida’s forthcoming book, The New Urban Crisis, will likely elicit one of two responses.
Richard Florida’s Reckoning: Review of ‘The New Urban Crisis
Today, many cities, and perhaps Florida himself, have become victims of their own success.
2016 Year in Review
For me, it was another busy year here at the intersection of journalism and urbanism. Those of you who pay rent in California know that the housing crisis truly came to fruition this year. It influenced nearly …
California’s Nastiest Urban-Rural Rivalry
Nasty as it sounds, Green Acres ‘Farm’ in Kern County is an apt symbol of the symbiosis between rural and urban areas.
How CEQA Helped Elect Trump
This year, while NIMBY’s were tittering about LULU’s, the “drill baby drill” crowd was marshaling its forces.
Dispute over Gas Station Erupts into Legal Battle in Sacramento
A permit for gas pumps at mixed use project in Sacramento has led to a protracted legal battle and a rare lawsuit against a city.
College Essays: Where (Not) to Begin
The first sentence of a college essay isn’t the “answer” to the question. The “answer” is the entire essay.
Cities Zero In On Road Road Safety
Ambitious, Rapidly Expanding Vision Zero Movement Seeks to End Vehicular Deaths
Planetizen’s Top Planning Books for 2017
Planetizen is pleased to release its list of the best books published in 2016 on the subjects of planning, design, and development.
Revamp of Fresno Plans, Zoning Code Aims to Create “Next Great American Downtown”
Last month, the Fresno City Council approved a package of plans and regulations for greater downtown Fresno, including the urban core and surrounding neighborhoods.
Calexit in Reverse
If Donald Trump threatens to pull the nation back into the past, I suggest that California remains — as ever — its future.
A Plea For Politics In The Classroom
Teachers who are honest about their opinions can encourage productive, respectful debates.
Especially in California, Greens Have Missed the Party
While the Green Party nominates a presidential candidate every four years as a publicity stunt, other politicians—Democrats and Republicans alike—have been steadily pursuing a green agenda in California. California cities are better off for it.
College Essay Prompt Pet Peeves
I feel little solicitude for the Common Application prompts, contrivances that they are. I do, however, respect institutions’ right to define their curiosity and probe students accordingly. Here are some, though, that deserve a second thought.
California Voters Face Bumper Crop of Land Use Ballot Measures
While the presidential race has put the charms of federalism on full display, direct democracy has never been more robust than it is in California this election cycle. In jurisdictions of all sizes, Californians face the biggest crop of land-use ballot measures in years.