Regional Planning Committee
LA Counties (Source: Inspire Tutoring)
The County of Los Angeles covers 4,083 square miles with a population of 9.5 million people.
The County is geographically located 75 miles of the Pacific Ocean and bordered by Orange and San Bernardino Counties in the east and the Kern County by the north. The expected population by 2020 will increase 2% to 11.5 million individuals. The unincorporated areas represent approximately the two-thirds or 65% of
the County’s land with 2,600 square miles of land. While some of the unincorporated lands are gaps surrounded by cities, some are small centers comprised of 150,000 residents.
These unincorporated areas of the county is culturally and socially diverse, some are wealthy neighborhoods while some communities and individuals seek financial assistance to afford cost of living in LA.
The Regional Planning Commission is divided up into five Commissioners of five districts who are appointed to four-year terms within their respective districts. Also, there are four advisory members: the Forester and Fire Warden, Director of Public Works, Superintendent of Parks and Recreation, and Agricultural Commissioner. The Planning Commission act as the body to the Board of Supervisors regarding all planning issues and therefore has
executive, legislative, and quasi-judicial roles. The Board has the power to appoint the department heads excluding
district attorneys and sheriffs which are elected positions. In addition, the Commission administers provisions of the State Planning Law, the State Subdivision Map Act, CEQA, and the LA County Ordinances. The County of LA holds Public Hearing every Wednesday to revise and create new planning policies.
The Regional Planning Commissioners in each district are as follows:
District 1: Esther L. Valadex, Vice Chair
District 2: David W. Louie, Chair
District 3: Harold V. Helsley
District 4: Curt Pedersen
District 5: Pat Modugno
In summary, the Regional Planning Department continues to further improve the existing long range plan as well as the existing ordinances regarding issues pertaining to environmental issues, citizen housing, parking, etc… At the same time, the department works on updating the required Los Angeles General Plan elements including land use, circulation, conservation, open space, housing, safety, noise, and other community-related plans for unincorporated areas.
There are several community planning efforts which are currently underway to either update and/or build new plans.
The East LA 3rd Street Specific Plan plans to foster a transit-friendly area near the Metro Gold line stations and to improve the surrounding residential neighborhoods. The Florence-Firestone Community Plan, Hacienda Height Community Plan, and Antelope Valley Area Plan are all initiatives that seek to create a comprehensive plan for the community based on the area’s needs. The Santa Monica Local Coastal Programs aims to manage conservation and
development of the coastal cities, counties, as well as the environment.
The Countywide Planning Efforts includes plans that hope to improve the quality of life by employing Green programs and Housing Initiatives. In 2008, the LA County first adopted the Green Building program which consists of Drought-Tolerant Landscaping, Green Building, and Low Impact Development Ordinances. Recent revision and amendments of the document has been shaped by the CALGreen (California Green Building Standards Code) in 2010. The main focus of this program is to ensure sustainable building and educate individuals on ways to decrease resource consumptions. Another important countywide plan is the update to the Housing Element to create affordable housing based on individual income limits. Other Planning Efforts that applies to the general County of LA are the Oak Woodlands Conservation Management Plan and Technical Update to Title 22 which is the Planning and Zoning Ordinances (1).
Sustainable Development in LA
Despite the fact that LA is one of the most exciting cities in California, the city is often negatively associated with congested traffic problems along with poor air quality. In fact, LA is a model city that is far away from sustainability. However, Mayor Villaraigosa continues to work hard with an important goal in mind: to
transform the city into a “greenest big city in America.” The Deputy Mayor for Energy and Environment for city of Los Angeles, Nancy Sutley, aims to utilize environmental policies to guide the city towards a sustainable development. This much needed transformation requires the analysis of wide range of current issues along with upcoming environmental initiatives. This section focuses on the topics of energy conservation, water resources, transportation, and future community projects (2).
transform the city into a “greenest big city in America.” The Deputy Mayor for Energy and Environment for city of Los Angeles, Nancy Sutley, aims to utilize environmental policies to guide the city towards a sustainable development. This much needed transformation requires the analysis of wide range of current issues along with upcoming environmental initiatives. This section focuses on the topics of energy conservation, water resources, transportation, and future community projects (2).
Energy
The major contributor that adds environmental stress to the city is the significant energy consumption. According to the California State Energy Profile, less than 6% of the city’s power is renewable which derives from the wind power from the San Francisco Bay area. Mayor Villaraigosa’s goal is to increase the usage of renewable resources up to 20% (1). A project that will be able to increase the usage of renewable resources is the ongoing building of a large
solar farm in the Mojave desert. Current trend to push for sustainable energy encourages faster advancements in technology, making installment of solar power more affordable and pragmatic. The New York Times claims that this new power plant (which will be complete end of 2013) has the potential to provide high-quality electricity for 140,000 homes in California and it will become the “largest plant in the world” (3).
The major contributor that adds environmental stress to the city is the significant energy consumption. According to the California State Energy Profile, less than 6% of the city’s power is renewable which derives from the wind power from the San Francisco Bay area. Mayor Villaraigosa’s goal is to increase the usage of renewable resources up to 20% (1). A project that will be able to increase the usage of renewable resources is the ongoing building of a large
solar farm in the Mojave desert. Current trend to push for sustainable energy encourages faster advancements in technology, making installment of solar power more affordable and pragmatic. The New York Times claims that this new power plant (which will be complete end of 2013) has the potential to provide high-quality electricity for 140,000 homes in California and it will become the “largest plant in the world” (3).
Converstion of Biosolids (Source: City of LA)
LA is a leading pioneer in demonstrating the conversion of biosolids from sewage treatment plants to clean energy. The mechanism at which this occurs is by taking advantage of waste products of methane which can provide clean electricity. The project hopes to inject 400 tons of biosolids per day into soft, highly porous sands for a period of five years. The material will eventually undergo anaerobic biodegradation in which deep geological formation will convert the biosolids to methane, carbon dioxide, and other non-hazardous residues. Lastly, LA aims to decrease the need for energy by employing green building practices. For example, all new buildings in the city need to meet the LEED (Leadership in Energy and
Environmental Design) delineated by the US Green Building council. This requirement mandates that 1) building is made from reusable and sustainable materials designed for recycling, 2) employ renewable energy, 3) use energy and water efficiently while keeping social responsibilities. LA is currently working on seven LEED approved projects, one of which is a public library located in Lake View Terrace Branch. The city is known to have over 59 registered LEED projects, working with public and private developers to bring green in the area (4).
Water
Having safe water free of contaminant is critical in maintaining the health of the residents in LA.
The challenge confronted by the city is that the supply and delivery of water is not efficient. Majority of the energy is spent on treating and transporting water that makes the city the highest consumption of electricity in California.
However, the consumption of water itself has been steady for the past two years even with a 15% increase in population. In 1990, the city required the residents to change to low flow toilets and showerheads. The local nonprofit organization went around neighborhoods to deliver and install the toilets for free. This action has been valuable in saving the city’s water as well as it mandating residents to participate in water conservation. The city has several future plans to employ citizen-initiated urban renewal on water usage for landscaping.
Environmental Design) delineated by the US Green Building council. This requirement mandates that 1) building is made from reusable and sustainable materials designed for recycling, 2) employ renewable energy, 3) use energy and water efficiently while keeping social responsibilities. LA is currently working on seven LEED approved projects, one of which is a public library located in Lake View Terrace Branch. The city is known to have over 59 registered LEED projects, working with public and private developers to bring green in the area (4).
Water
Having safe water free of contaminant is critical in maintaining the health of the residents in LA.
The challenge confronted by the city is that the supply and delivery of water is not efficient. Majority of the energy is spent on treating and transporting water that makes the city the highest consumption of electricity in California.
However, the consumption of water itself has been steady for the past two years even with a 15% increase in population. In 1990, the city required the residents to change to low flow toilets and showerheads. The local nonprofit organization went around neighborhoods to deliver and install the toilets for free. This action has been valuable in saving the city’s water as well as it mandating residents to participate in water conservation. The city has several future plans to employ citizen-initiated urban renewal on water usage for landscaping.
Recent Community Projects
Fallen Fruit Collage Source: fallenfruit.org
Recent LA projects have been developed to inspire people on urban green projects which include Fallen Fruit and Edible Estates. An art professor Matias Viegener recovered the city law that fruit growing on a branch that extends into public property is free for taking even if the tree itself is planted by a private domain. Viegener created a manifesto to not only encourage people to pick fruits landing in appropriate spaces but also plant new trees in public areas. Art was incorporated into this manifesto, using photography and digital
mapping system to mark specific locations of fruit trees in LA neighborhoods. Many community members became inspired to join attracted by the adventurousness and trendy art while incorporating the real mission to utilize all the resources available in the city (6). In addition, the mission of Edible Estates is to transform the pesticide containing water in the neighborhood's front yards into functional space, planting fruits and vegetables. In an effort to eradicate the environmental toxicants existing in LA area, the founder of Edible Estates, Fritz Haeg, seeks to replace the entire front lawn by an “edible landscape.” Replacing the lawn with an edible garden enables a large supply of food and educates people regarding the organic gardening, seasonal crop cycles, and biodiversity. These two recent projects will improve environment by decreasing the usage of water on lawns while promoting health lifestyle by consuming organic crops (5).
There are several community projects underway to improve the environmental conditions of LA and help the city thrive. As discussed previously, the LA River is currently undergoing revitalization, a 20 year plan proposed to remove the concrete to promote vegetation and incorporate bike paths, parks, and a favorable place for new real
estate development. The ultimate goal of this plan is to renovate the river as a public space for people of
LA. In 2007, the LA River Revitalization Master Plan was proposed which calls for nearly new 6,200 housing
units along the river and 4,665 units near Chinatown. The project is projected to cost over 2 million dollars and is funded by public and private sources. Progress is gradually evident in the area by the river with the eight new
parks established near the river. These parks provide a nice open area for the poor neighborhoods by the river (1).
mapping system to mark specific locations of fruit trees in LA neighborhoods. Many community members became inspired to join attracted by the adventurousness and trendy art while incorporating the real mission to utilize all the resources available in the city (6). In addition, the mission of Edible Estates is to transform the pesticide containing water in the neighborhood's front yards into functional space, planting fruits and vegetables. In an effort to eradicate the environmental toxicants existing in LA area, the founder of Edible Estates, Fritz Haeg, seeks to replace the entire front lawn by an “edible landscape.” Replacing the lawn with an edible garden enables a large supply of food and educates people regarding the organic gardening, seasonal crop cycles, and biodiversity. These two recent projects will improve environment by decreasing the usage of water on lawns while promoting health lifestyle by consuming organic crops (5).
There are several community projects underway to improve the environmental conditions of LA and help the city thrive. As discussed previously, the LA River is currently undergoing revitalization, a 20 year plan proposed to remove the concrete to promote vegetation and incorporate bike paths, parks, and a favorable place for new real
estate development. The ultimate goal of this plan is to renovate the river as a public space for people of
LA. In 2007, the LA River Revitalization Master Plan was proposed which calls for nearly new 6,200 housing
units along the river and 4,665 units near Chinatown. The project is projected to cost over 2 million dollars and is funded by public and private sources. Progress is gradually evident in the area by the river with the eight new
parks established near the river. These parks provide a nice open area for the poor neighborhoods by the river (1).
Tree Canopy Analysis (Source: Million Trees LA)
Similar to that of Edible Estates, Million Trees LA is an
initiative embarked by the Mayor who encourages individuals to join as a community in planting new trees on public areas. The program is ran mostly by volunteers, community groups, businesses, as well as community groups. The main goal is to create a greener LA for advising and educating the residents the benefits in adopting a tree. Working with USDA Forest Service and PSW Research Station, the initiative creates a tree canopy analysis to identify area that needs more trees to be planted. Million Trees LA reports that the city currently has a tree canopy of 21%
wheras the national average is 27%. It is shown that there are multiple regions in the city that are target
areas for tree planting. The priority sites for planting are given to areas near the LA River as wells as
poor and underserved communities (7).
The last community project that helps LA sustain healthy and lively environment is the Large Cities Climate Group. This organization was founded in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative which consists of a group of cities that work together to decrease carbon emission and take actions against global warming. The group consists of cities that consume 75% of the world’s energy as the main contributor of greenhouse gas emission. Mayor of LA states that this initiative allow cities to collaborate to create standard for other cities. The group aims to take leadership of the large cities by sharing ideas on improving the climate change and execute productive and radical steps (3).
All in all, the city is working hard to improve the quality of life for residents of LA to repair any disparate neighborhoods by taking environmental-friendly actions. The statistics regarding energy and water consumption still bring out the
flaws of the beautiful city. However, community projects such as the Fallen Fruit, LA River Revitalization, and Large Cities Climate Group will help the communities come together for a greener LA. In the future, the city will become a paradigm of sustainability for other large cities by creating a green identity.
initiative embarked by the Mayor who encourages individuals to join as a community in planting new trees on public areas. The program is ran mostly by volunteers, community groups, businesses, as well as community groups. The main goal is to create a greener LA for advising and educating the residents the benefits in adopting a tree. Working with USDA Forest Service and PSW Research Station, the initiative creates a tree canopy analysis to identify area that needs more trees to be planted. Million Trees LA reports that the city currently has a tree canopy of 21%
wheras the national average is 27%. It is shown that there are multiple regions in the city that are target
areas for tree planting. The priority sites for planting are given to areas near the LA River as wells as
poor and underserved communities (7).
The last community project that helps LA sustain healthy and lively environment is the Large Cities Climate Group. This organization was founded in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative which consists of a group of cities that work together to decrease carbon emission and take actions against global warming. The group consists of cities that consume 75% of the world’s energy as the main contributor of greenhouse gas emission. Mayor of LA states that this initiative allow cities to collaborate to create standard for other cities. The group aims to take leadership of the large cities by sharing ideas on improving the climate change and execute productive and radical steps (3).
All in all, the city is working hard to improve the quality of life for residents of LA to repair any disparate neighborhoods by taking environmental-friendly actions. The statistics regarding energy and water consumption still bring out the
flaws of the beautiful city. However, community projects such as the Fallen Fruit, LA River Revitalization, and Large Cities Climate Group will help the communities come together for a greener LA. In the future, the city will become a paradigm of sustainability for other large cities by creating a green identity.
References
(1) http://planning.lacounty.gov/
(2) http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/006049.html
(3) http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/06/17/magazine/the-largest-solar-farm-in-the-world.html
(4) http://greenlacoalition.org/initiatives/sustainability/
(5) http://green.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/green/residents
(6) http://fallenfruit.org/
(7) http://www.milliontreesla.org/mtabout1.htm
(1) http://planning.lacounty.gov/
(2) http://www.worldchanging.com/archives/006049.html
(3) http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2012/06/17/magazine/the-largest-solar-farm-in-the-world.html
(4) http://greenlacoalition.org/initiatives/sustainability/
(5) http://green.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/green/residents
(6) http://fallenfruit.org/
(7) http://www.milliontreesla.org/mtabout1.htm