Laws That Shaped LA
The Laws That Shaped L.A. will spotlight regulations that have played a significant role in the development of contemporary Los Angeles. These laws - as nominated early on by a variety of experts we've been polling - may be considered by readers and nominators to have either been beneficial to the city or malevolent.
Laws that Shaped L.A. Column is Going on Hiatus
May 6, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
Great, great thanks to all of you who have read, shared, complimented, complained about, and of course, contributed to the column.
When L.A. Became the Capital of the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands
April 29, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
People of Mexican origin in California rarely tire of pointing out: "It was the border that moved, not us."
'All That Glitters Is Not Gold': A Planner Replies About L.A. Zoning
April 22, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
Los Angeles' vast array of zoning overlays and local zoning conditions make little difference in actual land use decisions and investments.
Laws That Shaped LA:
All Americans are indebted to the actions of Gonzalo and Felicitas Mendez, and four other Santa Ana families, who challenged segregation in local schools.
Exceptions Rule: The Dirty Little Secret of L.A.'s Zoning Code
March 25, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
Over 60 percent of the city's geography is covered by special overlays and site-specific designations -- these are the machinery of the metaphorical sausage factory that is the Los Angeles development industry.
Why Rugged America Loves and Needs Non-Profits
March 18, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
501(c)(3) non-profit organizations grow out of an American cultural tradition that says too much government in our community life destroys or compromises the bonds of community.
One Hundred And Ten Million Acres Couldn't Be Wrong
March 11, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
The difference between lower case 'w' "wilderness" and upper-case 'W' Wilderness can mean protection of millions of acres of land.
Laws That Shaped LA:
An overwhelming share of new residents over time will need affordable housing.
Navigating the Laws That Shaped L.A.
February 25, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
An index to all the Laws That Shaped L.A. columns from the past year, organized by subject.
Laws That Shaped LA:
The creation of the National Park system in 1872 gave way to L.A.'s original streets planned around natural landscapes, like mountains, streams, and the coastline.
The Birth and Growth of City Planning
February 4, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
President of the American Planning Association weighs in on the two laws that set the basic foundation for city planning and zoning over 85 years ago.
Laws That Shaped LA:
Without the Clean Water Act, the fetid sewers in South Los Angeles and across town would waft the smell of rotten eggs.
Laws That Shaped LA:
For those interested in keeping up with the most current activities and musings of past interviewees and contributors, we've put together a Twitter list.
Does Zoning Matter In Los Angeles? Not So Much, Planner Says
January 7, 2013 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
Surprising fact: Los Angeles is the largest manufacturing center in the nation, where almost 25% of jobs in City Los Angeles are in the industrial sectors.
Sprawl: What Happens When You Legislate Against Vibrant Streets
December 17, 2012 11:45 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
The "Least Interesting Policy That Dominates Most Everything" has ruined the character of our streets.
Power Play: California, Electricity and Climate Change
December 10, 2012 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
A California law passed in 2002 mandates that by 2020, 33% of the state's electricity must come from renewable resources.
Laws That Shaped LA:
Safety regulations require the design to allow not only the air to flow over the car, but also the people.
Teddy Roosevelt's Signature Let Los Angeles Grow
November 26, 2012 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
This 1906 federal law allowed a city that was then about 400,000 people to grow to about four million today.
What L.A. Laws Do You Think Matter Most? Who Would You Like To Hear From?
November 12, 2012 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
Do you have any suggestions for the Laws That Shaped LA column? Send them our way.
Dr. Strangevote, Or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Ballot Initiatives
November 5, 2012 10:00 AM
Laws That Shaped LA:
101 year-old Prop 7 was designed to give power to the people and the opportunity to practice direct democracy through initiatives and referendums.

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