INTRODUCTION: Exploring the Best in Cities

        It's not that I don't like nature.  I do.  A beautiful High Sierra trail, a cascading stream, Anza Borrego desert blooms are all breathtaking.  But, I like many things urban, too.   An Art Deco theatre, beautiful streetscapes, the soft light of well-placed street lights are to be cherished.

       Ever since this Southern California boy went to Spain his junior year of college, I was hooked on all things urban.  Why couldn't the US create lively streets and public spaces like Europe?  Cars are great but can they coexist with people places?  What parts of our built environment are worth preserving?  I've been trying to answer these questions for several decades and this blog will document part of that quest.  Each month (or more) I will post my observations and photos on specific urban topics ranging from certain cities to specific urban elements such as plazas, street signs and architectural styles.  I look forward to your comments.

      My urban eye is always attuned to those urban jewels in our built environment.  The passion is akin to bird-watching although buildings usually stay put.  I believe that American cities are slowly becoming more interesting, more people friendly, and more attractive.  This blog is my attempt to document these positive trends.  Join me!

The photos below will give you an introduction to some of the topics I will explore.
      


San Luis Obispo's Freemont Theatre is a wonderful example of Art Deco architecture.  And those neon lights are killer!
 

Street signs can do a lot to create a sense of identity for a city.  They are fairly cheap and more cities, like Ventura (pictured here), should consider their potential.



LA Chinatown's historic plaza is a great example of well-defined urban space.


Have you noticed that many shopping centers are doing a better job providing people with comfortable places to sit?  Here's the central plaza at Santa Monica Place.
Historic districts, like this one in Denver, can create variety and a link to the past.  Notice the continuous facade of buildings with no breaks for parking lots!  The eye always has something fun to look at!  Kudos, Mile High City!
Transit stops are all the rage!  Here in my hometown of South Pasadena, the Gold Line light rail meets a sculpture, several cafes and some nice street furniture.   Supposedly, people will only walk 7 minutes to a station.
Banners add color and rhythm to the streetscape and highlight key city events and themes.
"Faux" or lifestyle centers,  such as Caruso's Americana in Glendale (pictured here) and The Grove, are enormously popular.  They may be fake and antiseptic, but people respond to beauty, safety, and walkability.
Street fairs and Saturday markets are a wonderful way to combine good food and sociability - a brief and stimulating way to reclaim the street from cars. 
Public art adds a special touch to town centers.  It looks like Brea does have a good sense of timing.