James Brasuell, AICP is the former editorial director of Planetizen and is now a senior public affairs specialist at the Southern California Association of Governments. James managed all editorial content and direction for Planetizen from 2014 to 2023, and was promoted from manging editor to editorial director in 2021. After a first career as a class five white water river guide in Trinity County in Northern California, James started his career in Los Angeles as a volunteer at a risk reduction center in Skid Row. Prior to joining Planetizen, James worked at the Cal Poly Pomona College of Environmental Design, as an editor at Curbed LA, as editor of The Planning Report, and as a freelance contributor for The Architect’s Newspaper, the Urban Land Institute – Los Angeles Chapter, FORM, KCET, and the California Planning & Development Report.

Biden Signs Legislation Ending Covid 19 National Emergency
The Covid 19 national emergency enacted by then-President Donald Trump in March 2020 was officially ended on Monday by President Joe Biden.

Walmart to Expand EV Charging Facilities to Thousands of U.S. Locations
A private effort will make a major contribution to the domestic capacity for electric vehicles.

Center-Running Bike Lane Pilot Project Approved on Dangerous S.F. Street
A plan to reconfigure Valencia Street between 15th and 23rd streets in San Francisco has been approved despite stiff opposition from community members and bike advocates.

Events on Rural ‘Ranchos’ Cause Zoning Controversy in the Coachella Valley
Large events featuring live music have become popular on Coachella Valley ranchos. Some locals want to create a new land use category to clarify the rules about noise generated from the events.

Charlotte Area Transit System Gets an Ultimatum: Fill Staffing Gaps or Cease Operations
The Charlotte Area Transit System must fully staff its Rail Operating Control Center or else. It’s only the latest challenge for the city’s troubled light rail transit system.