PLANNING WATCH / PLAN-IT LOS ANGELES

Jane Usher Slams Gail Goldberg A former commission president slams L.A.'s planning director as a developer sellout By Steven Leigh Morris published: April 30, 2009 * Kevin Scanlon Planning director Gail Goldberg Planning director Gail Goldberg It’s been a bad season for L.A.’s City Planning department. Recently, big sections of a city law to encourage density and affordable housing were struck down by Superior Court Judge Thomas McKnew. And now a leading civic figure is alleging that City Planning Director Gail Goldberg, who pushed the pro-developer law, is little more than a handmaiden to developers. The judge tossed out provisions of a controversial “bonus density” rule that lets developers build far bigger and taller projects than allowed by zoning if they agree to include a small number of cheap rental units. That ordinance “masquerades as an affordable-housing act, when it’s really a densification act that facilitates sprawl,” says departed City Hall insi...

When was the last time, you heard public officials even mention this aspect of public health -- the worse air of any urban area in the entire United States -- in any landuse decision. Even now, when there is the possibility of use Recovery Act money for less polluting infrastructure, their reflexive response is public investment for roads, highways, and bridges. What a lost opportunity to not just improve alternative transportation modes, but also address high levels of ozone pollution and particulate matter. America's Most Polluted Cities Rebecca Ruiz, Forbes Magazine, 04.29.09, 3:01 AM ET This time of year, many Americans are concerned with sunburns. In some areas, they should pay more attention to smog. The reason? Though it's often invisible, air pollution is a threat to 186 million Americans, according to a new report released by the American Lung Association. The annual report--State of the Air 2009--found that six in 10 Americans live in counties where ozone o...