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October 1, 2015 APA Los Angeles APAlosangeles.org
Congratulations Olvera Street, a 2015 Great Place in America
 
National APA today announced that Olvera Street is one of 15 "Great Places in America" designees for 2015. Launched in 2007, the Great Places in America program recognizes unique and exemplary streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces. Olvera Street was recognized for being a hub of historic significance where the colors, smells, and sounds make one of the most unique places in LA. Read more and vote for Olvera Street for the People's Choice designee at planning.org!
Seeking 2016 APA LA Board Volunteers
Nominations Due October 26

Participating in APA Los Angeles' volunteer Board of Directors is a great way to get involved in the local planning community, network with other planning professionals, and give back to the profession. We have exciting plans for 2016 and hope you will consider contributing your time and talents to one of APA's largest, most active sections nationwide!

The Los Angeles section of the American Planning Association is one of eight local sections of APA's California Chapter, with more than 1,300 members in Los Angeles County. APA Los Angeles helps its members share knowledge, advance their careers, and guide change in both the profession and our communities.

There are three ways to get involved (see position descriptions at apalosangeles.org):
  • Elected positions (two-year terms)

  • Appointed positions (one-year terms)

  • Committee volunteers (one year commitment requested)
To nominate yourself for a Board position, please fill out the Nomination Form and submit it along with a statement of interest not to exceed 300 words. The form and statement are due to [email protected] no later than 5 PM on Monday, October 26.

For more detailed information and position descriptions, click here.
Upcoming Events
APA Los Angeles Presents:
AICP Exam Information Session
October 12, 2015
6:30-7:30 PM
Gas Company Tower
555 W. 5th St., Room-02A
Free for members / $10 non-members / $5 students

Curious about the benefits of AICP certification? Interested in taking the AICP exam, but have questions about the application process? Want to join a study group or learn about how to prepare for the exam?

The AICP Exam's November test window is approaching, and the application window for the May 2016 exam will open on December 1. In this info session, recent test-takers and APA's professional development officers will provide answers to your questions and an introduction to the application and examination process. This casual interactive session is free for members, but registration is required.

Presenters:
  • Geoff Danker, AICP, Senior Policy & Planning Advisor, SoCalGas
  • Deborah Kahen, AICP, City Planner, City of Los Angeles
  • Meghna Khanna, AICP, Transportation Planning Manager IV, Metro
  • Jonathan Nettler, AICP, APA Los Angeles Vice Director for Professional Development
Attendees will need to check in with security when they enter the building. Parking is available at the Tower but there are several more affordable lots in close vicinity. The Pershing Square Metro stop is one block away.
APA Los Angeles Presents:
Women in Planning
October 19, 2015
6 PM-8 PM
Melendrez
617 South Olive Street #1110, 90014
FREE for members / $10 non-members / $5 students

Are you a woman working in planning in Los Angeles? Are you interested in the professional growth of women in planning, and addressing issues around the changing roles of women in our communities?

Join APA Los Angeles for a panel conversation with some of Los Angeles' foremost female leaders in the field, who will share thoughts on their careers and experiences as a woman in planning. This candid discussion will be complemented by opportunities for networking among women planners. 

Presenters:
  • Amy Bodek, Director of Community Development, City of Long Beach 
  • Deborah Murphy, Founder, Los Angeles Walks 
  • Katherine Perez-Estolano, Partner, Estolano LeSar Perez Advisors
  • Melani Smith, Principal, Melendrez
Refreshments will be hosted by Melendrez.

Public transit is available via the Red Line 7th St/Metro Center and Pershing Square stations, as well as several Metro bus lines. Parking is available on street and in nearby private lots.
APA Los Angeles Presents:
re:code LA - How a Revised Zoning Code Will Reshape the City
Tuesday, October 27
6-8 PM
Ronald F. Deaton Civic Auditorium
100 W. 1st St. 90012
FREE for members / $10 non-members / $5 students

The Los Angeles Department of City Planning has embarked on one of the City's largest planning initiatives to date: re:code LA, a comprehensive revision of LA's outdated zoning code. Find out how their new approach will shape the future of LA.

First adopted in 1946, the current Code has grown from a simple, 84-page pamphlet to an unwieldy, 600+ page book that inadequately realizes a 21st Century vision of a better Los Angeles for all residents. 

The Zoning Code does not live up to the needs of the Los Angeles of today. Nor is it effective at helping Angelenos create the future that they want for their city.  As the project heads into its third year, join City Planning staff and their consultants for a presentation and discussion of what is proposed and how their approach will shape the future of LA.

Presenters:
  • Lee Einsweiler, Principal, Code Studio 
  • Deborah Kahen, City Planner, City of Los Angeles 
  • Erick Lopez, City Planner, City of Los Angeles 
  • Tom Rothmann, Principal City Planner, City of Los Angeles
After the event, continue the discussion over drinks and bites at a nearby location.

Public transit is available via the Red Line Civic Center/Grand Park Station, Gold Line Little Tokyo / Arts District Station, and numerous Metro bus lines. Public parking is available in the underground garage at 140 N. Judge John Aiso St. , $3 flat rate after 5 PM.
APA Los Angeles Presents:
National Community Planning Month - Healthy Communities, Healthy People
October 2015

Did you know that October is National Community Planning Month? Join APA Los Angeles in celebrating the planning profession and the work we all do to create better communities, with events all month long! Save these dates for these and look out for more to come.
  • AICP Exam Q&A - Monday, October 12
Taking the AICP exam in November? Come ask questions of a panel of recent AICP initiates to get the inside scoop.
  • Women in Planning - Monday, October 19
Join local female leaders in our profession for a candid discussion of their career paths and experiences in the field, and networking with other female planners.
  • re:code LA - Tuesday, October 27
Staff and consultants will present and discuss one of the City of Los Angeles' biggest planning efforts in years, a comprehensive revision of the City's outdated zoning code. Find out how their new approach will shape the future of LA.
  • Olvera Street "Great Places in America" Award Presentation - Tuesday, October 27
Stay tuned for details to be announced!

How will you celebrate Planning Month in your workplace or your community? Check out some ideas from National APA and use the hashtag#planningmonth in your social media posts to spread the word about the importance of planning!
SCAG Presents:
Beyond the Drought: Innovative Practices for Water Conservation and Stormwater Management
October 13
10 AM-12 PM
Southern California Association of Governments
818 West 7th Street, 12th Floor
Free for SCAG partners

California is currently enduring the most severe drought in recorded history, and this winter's forecasted El Ni�o will help but not end the crisis. Because of this, greywater recycling and green infrastructure are hot topics in conservation planning, but they are often difficult for cities to successfully implement. This Toolbox Tuesday session will provide an overview of methods and strategies that communities can adopt to conserve water during the drought and efficiently manage stormwater in the forecasted rainy season.

Practitioners from the private, public, and non-profit sectors will share innovative practices and policies that cities can harness for more efficient water management. Topics will include best practices from Australia's response to the Millennium Drought, improving policies for greywater recycling, and stormwater catchment methods, and more

Toolbox Tuesdays provides a range of practical skills and knowledge for local planners including training in the use of computer-based tools and education in practical approaches to timely planning issues. All classes are free for staff of SCAG-member local governments and other SCAG partners in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties. Private sector planners, non-profit staff, academics and students are welcome to attend in Los Angeles, as long as space is available.

All sessions at SCAG's downtown LA office. Sessions will also be offered via live video-conference at satellite offices throughout the region. Please contact India Brookover at [email protected] if you would like to participate remotely.
Los Angeles Business Council Presents:
2015 Mayoral Housing, Transportation & Jobs Summit
Friday, October 23 
7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Korn Convocation Hall, UCLA
$250 LABC member price for APA members


Announcements
Going to Oakland? Download the Mobile App and Take Part in the Photo Contest on Social Media!

Download the Conference Mobile App APA2015CA. You can make your own schedule, check out who is speaking, and stay up to date on all conference events before and during the conference. Download it today and start planning!
 
Don't forget about the photo contest - capture and share your Rooted in AuthentiCITY moment, share your photo @APA2015CA and #PhotoContest. Don't have instagram or twitter? Not to worry,  e-mail your creative photo to [email protected]. Submitted photos will be posted on Twitter @APA2015CA, and on Instagram. #APA2015CA #APAPhotoContest #CouldThisBeMoreFun? Photos that receive the most hearts, likes, or stars will win the grand prize!
Volunteer at the Oakland State Conference

If you're going to APA Oakland this weekend, please consider volunteering an hour or two of your time to help table the APA Pasadena 2016 booth to help promote next year's state conference. This will be a great way to get the word on our local conference and meet a lot of interesting folks!

If you're interested, please sign up for a slot hereTwo hour time slots are listed, but even a one-hour commitment would be appreciated.
SCAG Launches "Go Human" Campaign

On September 28th, the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) launched Go Human, a community outreach and advertising campaign with the goals of reducing traffic collisions in Southern California and encouraging people to walk and bike more. Appearing on freeway billboards, buses and bus shelters, the Go Human campaign is a collaboration between SCAG and the health departments and transportation commissions from six counties in the region - Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura.
"The Social Determinants of Health for Planners" Published by the California Planning Roundtable

The California Planning Roundtable (CPR) has announced publication of a paper entitled "The Social Determinants of Health for Planners: Live, Work, Play, Learn!."  The paper was prepared under the leadership of the Healthy Communities Work Group in collaboration with a selected group of sixteen non-CPR professionals who are experts in the fields of planning and public health. The publication is intended to advance deeper understanding of public health approaches and the value they can bring to the planning practice and profession.  

The paper will be presented at the 2015 State Conference at the Oakland Marriot on October 5 at 9:45 AM. It can be accessed online at www.cproundtable.org.
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