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The article reports on the adoption of new infill strategies by activists, advocates, and architects to address the affordable housing crisis in the San Francisco Bay Area. Infill is the urban planning term for the rededication of land in an urban environment to new construction. Many urban planners are supporting infrastructure projects designed to lessen the number of automobiles, as well as the elimination of sprawl.

The article features urban planner Andy Yan who is part of the staff of the architectural firm of Bing Thom. It points to Thom, who, aside from designing Vancouver's landmarks such as Chan Centre, Aberdeen Mall and Surrey Centre tower also burst the bubble of Vancounver's downtown condominium frenzy. It describes Yan as an embodiment of civic passion who is valued as a unique contributor from a new Asian-American generation in New York and San Francisco. It cites his dream of creating a just city after his bout with a health problem.

The article offers information on the importance of water in urban planning desires. It mentions that city planners will claim they factored in the water needs of their proposed empires, but it's hard to believe when these discussions tend to center on chasing pipe dreams that have nothing to do with conveying water. It also mentions that California officials approved a significant water project in the state when John F. Kennedy was president.

The article presents a corporate profile of BlokHaus LLC, a community development firm in San Diego, California. BlokHaus was established in 1998 by architect Graham Downes whose primary objective is to focus on urban infill, adaptive reuse near downtown areas and transform the neighborhood into a more practical and creative space. The company has successfully proven its worth and excellence through various projects in the local area and the neighboring states.

The article reports that Encinitas city planning commissioner in California, has sent back the proposed Pacific Station commercial and residential project to address concerns about the project's parking garage exit lanes. Planning commissioners held up the project at their last meeting held on April 3, 2008. The proposed project is expected to cost $20 million.

The article reports that the city planning department of Santee, California has received a proposal for an office building that would be built at 8069 Mission Gorge Road. According to city planners, the building would be occupied by a heating and air-conditioning business and possibly other businesses. The proposed construction will measure 8,750 square feet.

The article reports on the projects and plans of the Centre City Development Corp. (CCDC) for San Diego, California in 2007. Nancy Graham, CCDC president, emphasizes the vision of CCDC to develop parks, the North Embarcadero, and quality of life projects. CCDC major achievements in downtown San Diego include the approval of the Community Plan Update and the landmark 99-year lease agreement between the U.S. Navy and Manchester Financial Group for the redevelopment of the Navy Broadway Complex.

Reflects on downtown Los Angeles, California. Description of the area; Establishments found in the area; Comparison of the area with San Francisco and Boston, Massachusetts; View of urban planner William Fulton on Los Angeles.

Comments on the involvement of government officials in a decision to create a regional airport in California. Issues in the relocation of John Wayne Airport to the former Marine Corps base; Strategy of city planners to eliminate local airports; Laws governing the development of 84-year-old air base.

Focuses on the issue of inclusionary housing in San Diego, California. Discussion of the issue by the San Diego City Council in August 2002; Aim of ensuring the development of a certain percentage of below-market-rate homes in more expensive developments; Funding for the housing; Arguments for and against inclusionary housing.

Profiles Gail Goldberg, planning director, chairwoman of the San Diego/Tijuana chapter of the Urban Land Institute. Educational attainment; Career background; Achievements in the field of urban studies and planning; Involvements in planning and advocacy duties.

Reports that the planning commission in San Diego, California has initiated environmental studies and project proposals in connection with the request by SeaWorld to build taller structures. Possible amendment to guidelines in the Mission Bay Park Master Plan; Voters' exemption of SeaWorld from height limit proposal on coastline construction.

Reports that the Fresno Planning Commission in California is planning to consider the construction of two shopping malls in the city. Developers of the proposed projects; Similarities between the plans for the proposed projects; Escalation in the number of national retailers looking to lease spaces in the area; Concerns over the possible traffic congestion as a result of the developments.

The article announces awards given to public agencies from Central Section of the American Planning Association California Chapter (APACA) including Comprehensive Planning Award - Small Jurisdiction to the City of Porterville Community Development Department, Outstanding Planning Award - Best Practices to the City of Firebaugh and Collins & Schoettler Planning Consultants.

The author comments on the restoration of the Crissy Field airfield by Hargreaves Associates in San Francisco, California. He notes that the public has varied opinions on the success of the renovation. He believes that planners and landscape architects involved in the restoration have developed logical alterations such as broadening of pedestrian paths and planting of perennials at dunes, estuary shoreline and slopes. He stresses that the erosion at the park is minimal and its progression will be the responsibility of the park maintenance department.

Focuses on the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court on a development moratorium placed on a vacation property in Lake Tahoe, California. Implications of the move for local planners; Possibility of a Fifth Amendment clause requiring just compensation for property owners; Basis of the ruling. INSET: Quick Facts About Land Use and 'Takings'.

The article focuses on the multimedia magazine "On the Ground," published in Berkeley, California, which attempts to bridge the ideological gap between urbanists and environmentalists. It is stated that the magazine's debut issue in the fall of 1994 dealt with rethinking infill development. The second issue explored the ecosystems and the built environment, whereas the third issue focused on aspects of urban travel. Editor Ann Thrope says the magazine has a scope for different disciplines.