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Carol Coletta, CEO of CEOs for Cities, talked with The Real Story about the problems inherent in regional planning. According to Carol, regional planning works better at a conceptual level than in practice. Why? Even though big issues—those involving labor, transportation, the environment, air quality, water—all deserve discussion beyond the local level, there is actually little regional government in place to execute on the ideas. And, as Carol reminds us, adding another layer of government to any decision-making process is probably not in the cards.

She also took on the idea of civic change, and talked about how business and municipal leaders are moving away from big box civic projects to look instead at the value of implementing smaller, more community-driven projects that represent the values of their communities, which are, as Carol says, “more ingrained”.

More from Carol on Friday, as she discusses her views on what American cities will look like—and live like—in the future.

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It’s been a year since the announcement of stimulus money to be directed at getting construction and housing projects started in California. Last year’s hopefulness has turned to this year’s understanding that such programs are slow in building momentum, slow to reflect change.

Liz Snow, CEO of the Building Industry Association (CBIA), has a statewide perspective on the recovery of the major markets, and sees some activity starting back up in San Diego, one of the first-hurt and most deeply depressed areas in the state.  Other rays of hope are visible in Orange County and the Bay Area.

BREAKING NEWS
As The Real Story is getting ready to post, a story came in, announcing that Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee said today that government-backed mortgage institutions Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac “are likely to be abolished… and replaced with a new system for housing finance”.  These entities are currently being run by federal regulators in response to mounting losses on loans nation-wide. Stay tuned for more news on proposed reforms and commentary on their potential to reshape the mortgage side of the real estate equation.

With substantial daily parking fees at all Bay Area airports, you may want to consider taking public transit for your next trip. We know, we know: it seems like such a hassle. But times are tough and every day your car isn’t at long-term parking is $14 to $16 saved. Sure there are taxis, limousines and door-to-door shuttles, but that seems so indulgent. There are perfectly good public transportation options for all three Bay Area airports, so just grab your roller bag and suck it up. Here are some options:

San Francisco International (SFO)
BART began service to SFO in 2003, so getting there has never been easier. A word of caution, though: once you’re at the airport, you still have to get to your gate. Allow time to walk or ride the AirTran from the SFO BART station, which is located in the International Terminal. BART’s Quick Planner will give you transit times and fares, which range from $4.05 to $6.10. (Rumor has it that BART fares will increase soon).

Here’s a trick: you can purchase long term airport parking at most BART stations for $5 or $6 a day. That’s a substantial savings over airport lots.

The SFO Web site also has links to Caltrain and Samtrans, but The Real Story could not find and easy connection.

Oakland International (OAK)
BART operates an AirBART shuttle between OAK and the BART Coliseum/Oakland Airport station. BART fares range from $4.05 to $6.10, depending on your starting point. AirBART is an additional $3.00 one way. AirBART runs every ten minutes with a well-marked stop between Terminals 1 and 2.

Local AC Transit buses (Route 50) connect the airport with Bay Farm Island, Coliseum BART and the Eastmont Transit Center.

Something to look forward to:  the BART board recently approved funding for a people mover that will connect the Coliseum BART station with the Oakland airport. That means that, by 2013, you will be able to make the 3.2 trip from BART to the airport above the traffic on an automated connector vehicle. The link will replace the AirBART shuttle.

Mineta San José International  SJC
No direct connections with public transit make getting to and from SJC a bit of a challenge.  It may take a little preplanning.

VTA (Valley Transportation Authority) operates the FREE VTA Airport Flyer (VTA #10 bus) in a continuous between the Metro Light Rail Station at N 1st street, the Santa Clara Caltrain Station and the Airport. These connections allow you to get to and from the airport from locations throughout the Santa Clara Valley (as far south as Gilroy and Morgan Hill) and even connect with BART at the Fremont Station. A single-ride fare is $1.75.

For destinations along the Hwy 101 corridor between San Francisco and Gilroy, take the VTA Airport Flyer to Caltrain.  Fares are charged by zones, so (just for example) if you’re coming to San Jose airport from San Francisco, the fare would be $7.75.

With the third year of drought looming large, the Department of Water Resources and the Association of Water Agencies launched Save Our Water, a new public education program aimed at conservation. Long-term solutions to water supply here in the arid West are still illusive, and the shortage is immediate. According to state officials, conservation is one thing we can do now to stretch supplies and improve education.

“Water is an essential part of our life here in California, but we are facing severe challenges that threaten our economy and our environment,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Mike Chrisman. “The Save Our Water program will encourage Californians to increase water conservation by doing easy things every day and will help protect against the uncertainties of drought and climate change.”

Save Our Water will educate Californians about the state’s ongoing water supply challenges and promote conservation through public service announcements, educational outreach, and a comprehensive Web site. The program asks Californians to take simple steps to save water, including:

• Take shorter showers.
• Don’t leave water running.
• Check for leaks.
• Wash only full laundry loads.
• Water only when your landscaping needs it and only in the early morning hours.
• Use a broom instead of the hose to clean driveways and walkways.

Hmmm . . . nothing we haven’t heard before, but still a nice reminder. A visit to the Web site saveourH2O.org reveals useful tools, conservation hints for indoors and out, as well as community conservation events. You can also research rebates on water-saving appliances and social media opportunities to spread the word about water-conservation. The Ask and Expert feature puts you in touch with some helpful advice for your conservation-related questions. Log on–and quench your thirst knowledge on this timely topic.