Healthy Places Coalition Digest - January 2012

PRINT VIEW AS WEB PAGE TELL A FRIEND January 30th, 2012 The Healthy Places Coalition advances public health involvement in land use and transportation planning to ensure that all neighborhoods in California promote the opportunity to live a healthy life. Opportunities for Action Funding: Sustainable Communities Planning Grants The Strategic Growth Council (SGC) has released the RFP for approximately $18 million of round two Proposition 84 funds to support development, adoption, and implementation of Sustainable Community planning elements throughout the state.  Grants will be made in amounts of $100,000 - $1,000,000 and proposals are due February 15, 2012.  More information can be found here  and the FAAST application system can be accessed here.  For more information contact the DOC Planning Grant and Incentive Program. California Safe Routes to School Funding Available: California’s Department of Transportation (Caltrans) recently announced a call for Safe Routes to School projects, applications due March 30th, 2012. $45 million in funds for is available from federal and state sources.  Eligible awards will include infrastructure projects, with up to 10% of costs going to non-infrastructure work; cities and counties across California can apply. Learn more and apply here. Comment on the Southern California Sustainable Communities Strategy: The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) has released its draft Regional Transportation Plan and Sustainable Communities Strategy (RTP/SCS) that will guide the region’s growth and transportation systems.  This plan could help improve air quality, transportation resources, and public health in the region.  Comments are being accepted through February 14th, and a series of public hearings have been scheduled. Learn more here.   Sign On: All Communities Deserve Safes Places to Play and Be Active Safe Places to Play and Be Active, developed by the Joint Use Statewide Task Force and the Strategic Alliance, articulates a vision for equal and accessible physical activity opportunities. Safe Places to Play and Be Active will be presented to local, state, and federal policymakers to garner support for effective health and equity promoting policies and practices. Join other supporters including CPEHN, Safe Routes to School Partnership, CANFIT, and The City Project. Sign on today as an organization or individual endorser by contacting Sandra Viera at Prevention Institute. Events New Partners for Smart Growth Conference Date: February 2-4, 2012 Location: San Diego, CA Registration is open for the New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, February 2-4, 2012. Learn more here. Conference Sessions Featuring HPC Partners: Advancing an Agenda for Healthy, Equitable, and Sustainable Environments in California Date/Time: Thursday, February 2, 2:00-5:15pm Organization: Prevention Institute  Building a Powerful Regional Equity Coalition to Deliver on Sustainable Communities Date/Time: Friday, February 3 ,10:00-11:30am Organization: PolicyLink  Housing and Freeways: How Close is Too Close Date/Time: Friday, February 3, 3:30-5:30pm Organization: CA Air Quality Districts, Sacramento Housing Alliance, and others The Evolving Story of SB 375: California's Landmark Sustainable Communities and Climate Protection Law Date/Time: Friday, February 3, 3:30-5:30pm Organization: ClimatePlan  Public Health, Transportation, & Land Use: Institutionalizing Partnerships & Practices to Create Healthier Communities Date/Time: Saturday, February 4, 10:15am-12:15pm Organization: Prevention Institute Community Schools - The Case for Joint Use Date/Time: Saturday, February 4, 10:15am-12:15pm Organization: LA County Department of Public Health Complete Streets for California 2012 Conference Dates: March 2, 2012 Location: Kyoto Hotel, Downtown Los Angeles The second annual UCLA Complete Streets conference will look back at past accomplishments and will concretely analyze the most recent evolution of complete streets through research and examples of implementation. This gathering of interdisciplinary professionals and researchers will look at ways that streets can be vibrant community spaces and safe for all users. Register here. Resources Roadmap for Healthier General Plans: Public Health Law and Policy has released a new guide to updating local plans and creating healthier communities. Access this step-by-step guide for your local community here. Model Design Manual for Living Streets: This new manual helps cities update current practices to achieve balanced street design for all users and all modes, focusing on ensuring that pedestrians, cyclists and transit users can travel safely and comfortably, as well as incorporating features to makes treets beautiful, vibrant, and sustainable.  This collaboration between the LA County Department of Public Health and the UCLA Luskin Center for innovation is available here. Transportation Health Impact Assessment Toolkit: The Transportation HIA Toolkit, recently released by the CDC, provides a framework for public health departments, city planners, project managers, and other stakeholders to conduct HIAs on proposed transportation projects, plans, and policies. Access it here.  Designing Healthy Communities: Dr. Richard Jackson, MD, MPH, in partnership with the Media Policy Center, has produced a 4-part PBS miniseries that looks at the impact our built environment has on public health. Dr. Jackson connects bad community design with burgeoning health costs, then analyzes and illustrates what citizens are doing about this urgent crisis by looking upstream for innovative solutions. The series and companion book are available here.  To contribute to the Healthy Places Coalition Digest e-mail Sandra Viera.  Bay Area Regional Health Inequities Initiative California Convergence California Department of Public Health, Center for Physical Activity California Pan Ethnic Health Network California Park and Recreation Society Center for Civic Partnerships County of San Diego, Chronic Disease and Health Disparities Human Impact Partners Local Government Commission PolicyLink Prevention Institute Public Health Law and Policy Samuels and Associates San Francisco Department of Public Health, Program on Health Equity and Sustainability Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency, Public Health Stay Connected Visit our website: www.preventioninstitute.org Prevention Institute 221 Oak Street Oakland, CA 94607 t 510-444-7738 | email: prevent@preventioninstitute.org Support Us About Us Unsubscribe

The AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT - January 27, 2012

The AIA|LA ADVOCACY REPORT

January 27, 2012

from the desk of Will Wright , Hon. AIA|LA

Director, Government & Public Affairs

This report is written in effort to keep the AIA|LA membership updated on the various efforts I've been involved with on behalf of the organization.  It's a call to action to inspire more architects to provide the leadership to improve the built environment.  

+ The AIA|LA Mayoral Candidates Forums 

With the support of Christopher Hawthorne, Bill Roschen, Tanner Blackman, Stuart Magruder, Jim Favaro and Chava Danielson, I've coordinated a series of forums with prospective mayoral candidates.  The AIA|LA Board and membership is encouraged to attend each session and to help shape the discussion.  We've collated a set of questions to get the conversation flowing.  [See attached]

For more information on each forum and to register, please CLICK HERE.

http://www.aialosangeles.org/article/the-aia-la-mayoral-candidate-forums-2012

+ The Hollywood Community Plan

On Wednesday, January 18th, with support from the AIA|LA Urban Design Committee, I coordinated a community roundtable discussion about the proposed Hollywood Community Plan.  City Planner Kevin Keller shared a brief presentation to a group of architects, urban designers and community members.  The forum served as an opportunity to vet various community concerns so that more emphasis could be directed towards key urban design issues such as better pedestrian access and safety, enhanced design and economic vitality.

The Hollywood Community Plan will be calendared at an upcoming LA City Council Planning & Land Use Management committee meeting.  As soon as I have a date, I will keep the AIA|LA community updated.  

+ S.C.A.G.'s Regional Transportation Plan

On Tuesday, January 26th, with the support of Gwynne Pugh and John Kaliski, I coordinated a roundtable discussion about how AIA|LA can most effectively provide specific recommendations to help improve SCAG's Regional Transportation Plan.   The Task Force devised a framework for how AIA|LA provide comments and at the same time expand the role of the architect in the ongoing discussion about the future of our region's transportation system. Public comments to SCAG are due by February 14, 2012

+ CEQA Reform

Over the past several months, along with Mark Christian, I've been coordinating a series of conference calls with various land-use experts about ideas for how to reform CEQA to streamline urban infill development.  This has led to strengthening the connection between AIA|CC and the Governor's Office of Planning & Research.  On January 25th, the Governor released his draft performance guidelines for what types of urban infill projects will may qualify under SB 226 (Simitian) for streamlined review.   The deadline for comments on this draft is February 24, 2012. Comments can be e-mailed to CEQA.Guidelines@ceres.ca.gov and public workshops will be held in early February 2012.

+ The Mayor's Budget Survey

In effort to help shape the direction of the City, I encourage more architects and designers to participate in the Mayor's Budget Survey so that we're able to help influence the city's priorities.  What should our core services be?

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2012LABudgetSurvey

+ The City Controller's Business and City Improvement Survey

Similarly, City Controller Wendy Greuel has issued a survey to solicit input so that she can develop a comprehensive evaluation of city services.  As architects and designers, your opinion matters - your voice can help shape the response that will be needed to improve the performance and efficiency of city government.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/lacontrollersurvey

+ Development Reform with LADBS and Department of City Planning (DCP)

For the past year, along with representatives of the Building Industry Association (BIA), we've been meeting quarterly with Bud Ovrom and Michael LoGrande to identify key points to help streamline the process to obtain planning and building permits.  Both Stuart Magruder and Scott Johnson participated in the most recent session we held on Monday, January 23rd.  These quarterly meetings are also opportunities to hear various initiatives being led by the Department of City Planning and LADBS that need the support of AIA|LA (such encouraging City Council to invest in an updated zoning code).

+ Building Code Interpretation with LADBS

With the support of AIA|LA Building Performance & Regulations co-chairs Mark Savel and Rhoden Skyles, I've been coordinating a quarterly series of meetings directly with LADBS management to answer specific member-driven code interpretation questions.  Our most recent meeting was on Thursday, January 26th and numerous questions were addressed.  [see attached].  If you have specific questions about the building  code, or if you find a building inspector or plan checker to be interpreting the build code differently than you are, then please submit your specific question in writing to me and I will make sure it is added to the agenda for the next meeting, which will be on Thursday, April 26 (7:30am).

+ The Political Outreach Committee

Under the leadership of Jim Favaro and Roger Sherman, we recently met with Deputy Mayor Matt Karatz' office to refine a proposal to create a Design Excellence Program for the City of Los Angeles.  Our next meeting with Deputy Mayor Karatz is scheduled for March 13th (10am).  Between now and then, the POC will be working to further refine their proposal.  If you'd like to contribute to helping shape this proposal, please join us at our next POC meeting on Tuesday, February 14th - Valentine's Day!

+ The Moral Ordinance

For the past several months, I've been attending various working group meetings with City Planner Tanner Blackman as he collects input from the public to help shape the draft of the citywide MURAL ORDINANCE.  I encourage architects and designers to lend support to the process by submitting comments directly to Tanner Blackman at tanner.blackman[@]lacity.org - Deadline for public comments is Wednesday, February 8, 2012.

+ Updating the City of Los Angeles Zoning Code

As you may recall, in 2011 as part of our annual AIA|LA Legislative Day at City Hall, we called on our Councilmembers to INVEST IN UPDATED ZONING CODE. Now is the time to provide the support to help push this agenda forward.  On Wednesday, February 15th, the AIA|LA Urban Design Committee will be hosting a presentation by City Planners Erick Lopez and David Olivo about their proposed plan to initiate a comprehensive zoning code revision.  This early discussion will serve as an excellent opportunity for AIA|LA to help shape that proposal.

For 2012, in my capacity as the Public Affairs Director for AIA|LA, I am involved with the following efforts:

+ The LA County BizFed Board of Directors - along with Leron Gubler of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, I am serving as the co-chair of the Polling & Research Committee

+ ClimatePlan - serving on the Steering Committee to develop their Strategic Plan

+ BOMA-PAC - Public Member of the Board

+ Mobility 21 - member of the 2012 Steering Committee

+ 2012 Rail-Volution - member of the Steering Committee

+ City of Los Angeles Mobility & Circulation Element - member of the Public Outreach Task Force

+ Fifty Years of Historic Preservation in Los Angeles - member of the Exhibition and Reception Committee

For more information, please contact:

Will Wright, Hon. AIA|LA

Director of Government & Public Affairs

AIA 

/ los angeles

 -

A Chapter of

The American Institute of Architects

3780 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 800

Los Angeles, CA 90010

213.639.0764  phone

213.639.0767  fax

will

@aialosangeles.org

www.aialosangeles.org

Bike Up! LA a benefit for the California Bicycle Coalition - Feb 8th

Hi all, 

A group of really passionate folks in Silver Lake are organizing a benefit event for the California Bicycle Coalition on Wednesday, February 8th. Attached is the flyer. The theme of the night is making the City of LA (and the LA region) more bike-able, by shaking things up in Sacramento. Dave Snyder, the ED of the California Bicycle Coalition will be at the event to talk about the work CBC is doing and local electeds CM Tom LaBonge and possibly CM Eric Garcetti will also be attendance. 

This is a fundraiser but the event is free and open to everyone. Please spread the word and I hope I will see you all on Wednesday, February 8th from 7 to 9pm at the Living Room in Silver Lake (3531 W. Sunset Blvd)!

Cheers, 

alexis
--------------------------
Planning & Policy Director
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition
t: 213.629.2142  /  f: 213.629.2259

www.la-bike.org

Help build a better, bike-able L.A. County:
Become an LACBC member today!

BikeUpLA_Flyer_FINAL.pdf Download this file

Upcoming Mural Ordinance Outreach Events

Greetings.  As you may know, the public comment period for the Mural Ordinance will be coming to a close shortly (http://cityplanning.lacity.org/Code_Studies/Misc/MuralOrdinance_DiscussionDraft_LADCP.pdf ).  With that in mind, there are five upcoming outreach events where you will be able to share your last minute concerns, critiques, and support so that they may be considered for the final review.  Any questions or statements can be sent to myself via email (tanner.blackman@lacity.org).  The events are as follows:

Jan.30:  Reading & Discussion of the new Mural Ordinance for LA (East Side Riders & United Painters and Public Artists)

Location:  Watts Labor Community Action Center // 10950 South Central Avenue, Watts, CA 90059

Time:  6:30 - 8:30pm

Guests:  Tanner Blackman (LADCP)

Web: http://on.fb.me/yBvHxw

Jan.31: Mural Ordinance Update (Mural Conservancy of LA, Cal State LA, American Communities Program, Department of City Planning)

Location:  Cal State University, Los Angeles  Art Building Room FA223 // 5151 State University Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90032

Time:  6:10pm

Guests:  Dr. Andrew Lyndon Knighton (CSULA); Dr. Manuel Aguilar-Moreno (CSULA); Isabel Rojas-Williams (MCLA); Tanner Blackman (LADCP); Frank Romero, Ismael Casarez, Adam "Codak" Smith (Artists); David Diaz (CSULA)

Web:  (please see attached flier)

Feb.4:  Q&A at Lab Art (Lab Art Los Angeles)

Location:  Lab Art // 217 S. La Brea Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Time:  7:00 - 9:00pm

Guests:  Tanner Blackman (LADCP); Jonathan Paul (Artist); Lydia Emily Archibald (Artist & Activist); Daniel Lahoda (LA Freewalls Projects & LALA Gallery Owner)

Web:  http://on.fb.me/vZRWEm

Feb.6:  Reading and Discussion of the new Mural Ordinance for Los Angeles (Tia Chucha's & United Painters and Public Artists)

Location:  Tia Chucha's Centro Cultural and Bookstore // 13197-A Gladstone Avenue, Sylmar, CA 91342

Time:  6:00 - 9:00pm

Guests:  Tanner Blackman (LADCP)

Web:  http://on.fb.me/zL1FAl

Feb.7:  LA Mural Ordinance Community Discussion (Los Angeles Arts District BID & LALA Gallery)

Location:  LALA Gallery // 1335 Willow Street, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Time:  7:00 - 9:00pm

Guests:  Shepard Fairey (Artist); Saber (Artist); Daniel Lahoda (LA Freewalls); Tanner Blackman (LADCP)

Web:  http://bit.ly/waP9UA

Thank you again everyone for your continuous involvement and participation in the development of this ordinance.  I look forward to seeing you all soon.

Best,

Tanner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Contact: Governor's Press Office Wednesday, January 25, 2012 (916) 445-4571 Governor Brown Releases Package of CEQA Reforms SACRAMENTO – As part of his ongoing efforts to spur job creation, streamline regulations and boost renewable energy, Governor Edmund G. Brown Jr. today released a package of California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) reforms that will simplify and expedite the approval process for key job-creating projects in California.   “These reforms will fast-track key projects that put Californians to work,” said Governor Brown. “Like California, CEQA must be more nimble.”   The package of CEQA reforms was released today by the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and provide the regulatory changes necessary to implement SB 226 (Simitian), which the Governor signed last October.   Once these draft reforms are finalized, they will simplify the approval process for infill projects by eliminating repetitive studies of environmental effects already addressed in other planning documents, such as general plans and zoning codes. This will help reduce the time and cost often associated with infill projects, while also allowing cities to focus on new or unique projects that help create jobs, revitalize cities and promote transit.   SB 226 also removes hurdles to harnessing solar energy and growing green-collar jobs by exempting solar projects located on existing rooftops and parking lots.   Earlier this month, Governor Brown issued proposed implementation guidelines for AB 900 (Buchanan), signed last September. AB 900 sends CEQA litigation for certain large projects directly to the Court of Appeal and requires a decision on the merits in a short timeframe. The law also offers immediate help to projects that provide California with the most economic and environmental benefit.   Together, CEQA reforms in SB 226 and AB 900 will reduce repetitive documentation and expedite litigation timelines while preserving informed decision-making and mitigation of environmental harm.   The SB 226 guidelines, released today, can be found here. The AB 900 guidelines, released last month, can be found here.   ###

Governor Jerry Brown State Capitol Building Sacramento, CA 95814

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Mobility Element - Think Lab Workshops

LA2B_ThinkLabs_BusShelter.pdf Download this file

2012 UCLA Complete Streets for California Conference

Registration is now open for the 2012 UCLA Complete Streets for California Conference

March 2, 2012

As the support behind the complete streets movement continues to evolve, exemplary on-the-ground projects are steadily growing in strength and in numbers.  What are recent accomplishments that have made appearances on the horizon of this movement, how have these efforts fared in their objectives to redefine and repurpose streets as public spaces?  What are promising new approaches and strategies for implementing complete and living streets in California and in the U.S.?  The second UCLA Complete Streets conference will present speakers from academia and practice to share observations and findings about recent accomplishments and explore new research and complete streets implementation examples. 

Selected panels include:

-          What should be the role of complete and living streets in the transportation network?

-          Safety and Equity Considerations

-          Redefining Street Performance Metrics

Selected Confirmed Speakers to date include:

-          Reid Ewing, Professor, University of Utah

-          Regina Freer, Los Angeles City Planning Commission

-          Eran Ben-Joseph, author Rethinking a lot (forthcoming) Professor, MIT

-          Jackie Douglas, Executive Director, Livable Streets

-          Jose Luis Moscovich, Executive Director, San Francisco Transportation Authority

For a detailed agenda and to register, please visit: http://www.regonline.com/completestreets2012