That's what some guy said to me late last night as I waited for my tacos at a typically busy taco truck. He was talking about our Los Angeles neighborhood, Echo Park, which was recently named by the American Planning Association as one of the "10 Great Neighborhoods of 2008". It's a nice honor for the 'hood -- and I think they're right -- but I'm with that random taco dude: don't tell my landlord.
Los Angeles
Pain at the Pump, Suburban Blues and the Resurgence of Compact Growth
A paradigm shift is occurring in the development patterns of American cities -- even the inner cities that have struggled for decades with decay and abandonment, writes Kofi Sefa-Boakye of the Compton Community Redevelopment Agency.
One Victory for the City in Billboard Battle
A federal court has knocked down a previous ruling that Los Angeles' billboard ban is unconstitutional.
Los Angeles Times
'Instant Cab Culture' Unlikely in L.A.
The city of Los Angeles has instituted an experimental program encouraging people to hail taxi cabs rather than call ahead, an effort the city hopes will create a "cab culture". This column is skeptical about how much impact the plan can have.
Los Angeles Times
Locals Oppose Jewish Developments
Around already-overdeveloped parts of Los Angeles, large developments planned by Chabad and other Jewish organizations have been facing some strong local opposition.
Los Angeles Times
An Architectural Beacon of Hope in Skid Row
On the edge of Los Angeles' Skid Row, a gleaming white arts complex opens. A "stubborn declaration of hope," the center is intended to show architecture's power to create community.
Los Angeles Times
Teamsters And Enviros Unite
The Los Angeles and Long Beach Ports’ new Clean Trucks program is the object of a legal battle pitting Teamsters, environmental and public health groups, the NAACP, and community groups demanding clean air against trucking companies and shippers.
Los Angeles Times
The Budget and Billy the Elephant
Los Angeles' budget shortfall could mean sending its zoo's only elephant to a Northern California sanctuary. Over time, funding for city services are also predicted to get slashed.
The Wall Street Journal
The Urban Shortcomings of 'L.A. Live'
L.A. Live, the city's new megadevelopment, does little to engage the growing downtown area and ends up being little more than another separate commercial enclave in a city desperately needing closely-knit urbanism, according to Christopher Hawthorne.
Los Angeles Times
New Rail Brings Opportunities and Fears to East L.A.
As rail expands into East L.A., residents are both excited about economic opportunities and worried about gentrification and the possible loss of the area's distinct Latino character.
Los Angeles Times
Can L.A. Go Solar?
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa has an ambitious plan to get L.A. to go solar. Still, without a proper financial analysis, skeptics find it too lofty to be true.
Los Angeles Times
L.A. Freeway Cap Park Edges Towards Feasibility
For years, citizens have been calling for a freeway cap and park in Hollywood. Now, a preliminary design has been released and advocates say work could begin as soon as 2012 -- if funding comes through.
Los Angeles Times
Traffic Hackers
Two traffic engineers in Los Angeles hacked into a traffic light control system with the intent to influence upcoming contract negotiations.
Los Angeles Times
Wasting Resources and Destroying History
Preservation of iconic buildings is important for historical reasons as well as environmental one, according to actress and preservationist Diane Keaton.
Los Angeles Times
'Don't Tell My Landlord'
9 October 2008 - 9:11am
Incomes to Mix in New L.A. Housing Plan
Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa is planning to propose a $5 billion housing plan for the city that focuses on mixed-income development and locations near transit. Some applaud the move, but others worry it may not be feasible.
Los Angeles Times
Industrial Land Eyed For Green Future in L.A.
Officials in Los Angeles are hoping to turn a former brownfield site into the centerpiece of a new downtown green industrial district.
Los Angeles Times
The Unseen City Icons
This piece from Discover looks at the iconic "invisible" things that define cities -- like Seattle's clouds, Houston's air conditioning, and L.A.'s Botox.
Discover
L.A. Taco Trucks Can Park Again - For Now
An ordinance passed in L.A. that limited the amount of time taco trucks could be parked in one location has been overturned. However, many expect it to come back in a different form.
The Los Angeles Times
Behind the Scenes at the L.A. Subway
Josh Stephens illuminates the debate on subway expansion plans in Los Angeles and the forces on all sides.
InTransition Magazine
Five Cities Fighting Abandonment
This article from Developer looks at five cities that are dealing creatively with their foreclosure and abandonment problems.
Developer
Travel and Cars – Fun with Numbers for 2008 -- Steven Polzin
Beijing's Grey Shade of Red -- Josh Stephens
A Semester in Review, New Year Resolutions, Building Blocks and Toy Cars -- Tamika Camille Gauvin
Sweet Spot Density for Livable Neighborhoods -- Diana DeRubertis
A few feet -- Michael Lewyn
- Miami's Highway Shoe Mystery Remains Unsolved
- One Victory for the City in Billboard Battle
- Oregon UGB Expanded
- Canada on Verge of Wind Energy "Breakthrough"
- For Amish, Building Code and Religion Don't Jibe
- Obama Knows Jane Jacobs
- Cities and Cognitive Burnout
- Young, Japanese, and Car-Free
- More Signage, More Business
- Are We Resuscitating a Dinosaur?
How Can Your Community Support Small Businesses in Tough Economic Times?
International Economic Development Council
Jan 07, 2009
Jan. 25th: Reading/Book Signing of Planetizen's Book for Kids
Planetizen
Jan 07, 2009
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro)
Metro
Jan 06, 2009
New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Kicks Off 2009 in the Land of Enchantment
Local Government Commission
Jan 05, 2009
APA Technology Division Elections-Nominations Due Jan. 16th
Technology Division of the American Planning Association
Jan 05, 2009
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