A publication of the Department of
Urban Studies and Planning
College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
URBS
NEWSLETTER
Message from the Chair
The past year has been a productive and promising
time for the department. In the summer,
the department offi ce and faculty offi ces were
relocated to a common location in Sierra Hall in
renovated offi ces. This new arrangement will
enhance faculty and student interaction.
In conjunction with the Master’s of Public
Administration Program in the Tseng College of
Extended Learning, the department launched a
MPA with a specialization in urban planning. This
program fi lls a clear need in the region and the
fi rst cohort of 32 graduate students began the
two-year program in August 2010.
The past year also saw the initiation of the
federally funded academic exchange program
with two Brazilian universities, led by Professor
Euripedes Deoliveira. In the fall semester three
Brazilian students came to CSUN to study, while
simultaneously three students from the department
travelled to the program’s partner universities in
Goiania and Uberlandia for a semester of study.
The program also supports collaborative work
between faculty. Brazilian faculty visited CSUN in
the spring of 2010 and three departmental faculty
travelled to our partner universities in Brazil in
October 2010.
Despite challenging times in the state of
California, the department is prospering … a new
department offi ce, a new master’s program, and
an international exchange program, all bode well
for the department’s future.
Rob Kent, Chair
Department of Urban Studies and Planning
urban
studies
and
planning
2010 issue
2010
commencement
2010
graduation
luncheon
2
Department
com
m
The Urban Planning and Sustainability
Project (UPSP) successfully moves into
its third year. The UPSP exchanged
its fi rst cohort of URBS and Brazilian
students in fall 2010. The URBS students
Sheela Bhongir, Kristopher Fortin and
Wasiu Animashaun had their fi rsthand
learning experience of the Brazilian
urban life and natural environment while
attending lectures and fi eld work courses
of urban and environmental planning,
and Portuguese at UFG and UFU. The
Brazilian students Ludmila Rodrigues
(Federal University of Uberlândia “UFU”)
and Thalyta Rego and Lorene de Oliveira
(Federal University of Goiás “UFG”)
took URBS fall courses with Drs. Toker
and Covington, and Prof. Dev Vrat. A
very excited second CSUN cohort of 3
students has been selected and they
are in their pre-trip mode learning
Portuguese. URBS majors or minors
are encouraged to apply for the
third CSUN cohort of students that
are expected to attend the Brazilian
universities in fall 2012.
In pursue of the UPSP programmatic
initiatives Drs. Kent and Toker joined
Prof. De Oliveira in a visit to the Brazilian
universities UFG and UFU in October 2010.
The Brazilian counterparts reciprocated
the visit with meetings held at CSUN by
the URBS in November 2010. Hence Dr.
Toker and Prof. De Oliveira have engaged
in joint research with their UFU and UFG
colleagues.
Left: Dr. Kent, Kristopher Fortin, Professor DeOliveira
on UFG campus; top right: Kristopher Fortin, Dr.
Toker, Sheela Bhongir on UFG campus; bottom right:
Wasiu Animashaun, Dr. Toker, Professor DeOliveira
on UFU campus
Students of Urban Studies and Planning
Department analyzed the actions to withdraw
public stairs and to create a process so that
the City Art Commission may decide on the
artistic merit of large murals on private walls
before issuing a permit.
The analysis was conducted under the
supervision of Professor van Ammers in URBS
460 (Law and Planning) and URBS 490 (Field
Work) courses during the Fall semesters of
2009 and 2010 and Spring semester of 2010.
The Silver Lake Echo Park Elysian Heights
Community Plan (“Community Plan”)
emphasizes the words “links” and “linkages.”
However, beginning in about 1980, the City
Council withdrew some of these stairs from
public use and allowed only the adjacent
property owners or their tenants to use them.
The Community Plan also recognizes the
neighborhoods’ public murals as distinctive
features that should be preserved. The City
Council, however, proposes Art Commission
review of new murals as well as of some
existing murals, and this review means private
property owners will need permits, they will
have to pay for those permits, and the Art
Commission will have the power to decide
whether the larger works have artistic merit.
An informational document was prepared for
the Echo Park Improvement Association and
the Silver Lake Neighborhood Council. The
report determines that the City Council of Los
Angeles has undone and is continuing to undo
aspects of the Community Plan, which is the
design developed by the residents of Silver
Lake and Echo Park.
Edendale
URBS & Brazil
3
m
un
it
y wor
k
Approximately four miles of channelized
concrete, the Pacoima Wash has served the
residents of the Northeast San Fernando
Valley as an unsightly fl ood control tributary
while simultaneously dividing dynamic
communities between Pacoima and the City of
San Fernando.
Students of URBS 440 (Community Based Urban
Design) in the fall semester of 2010 under the
supervision of Dr. Toker collaborated with the
non-profi t organization Pacoima Beautiful, to
produce design guidelines for development
along and around the Pacoima Wash.
Mobility category includes design guidelines
addressing circulation of pedestrians, bicycles,
and automobiles. Mobility category also includes
design guidelines addressing connection
between two sides of the Wash through
bridges. Social activities are addressed by
design guidelines for playgrounds, picnic areas,
community gardens, and dog parks. Athletic
recreation activities include sports fi elds,
exercise courts, and skate parks. Landscaping
category includes design guidelines addressing
street furniture component with statements
related to benches, recycling/waste containers,
restrooms, lighting, public art, and signage,
and plants component.
2 mile segment from San Fernando Rd to the Pacoima
Spreading Grounds. Approximately 1/4 mile radius from the
Pacoima Wash
The border between the City of Los Angeles
and the City of San Fernando runs through
the one mile radius area around San Fernando
High School. Located close to the intersection
of two main principal arterial roads, ease
of accessibility for automobiles rather than
walkability has been the priority in this area.
However, as the pedestrians, San Fernando
High School students have to navigate on
these streets on a regular basis. This project,
as a collaborative effort between URBS 450
(Urban Problems Seminar course) in the
spring semester of 2010 under the supervision
of Dr. Toker and San Fernando High School,
addesses this problem.
CSUN students conducted mapping exercises
with 391 high school students. Analysis of the
mapping exercise showed that the section
of Laurel Canyon Boulevard between San
Fernando Mission Boulevard and Van Nuys
Boulevard is the most used street by the San
Fernando High School students. The map below
shows the number of students who identifi ed
those paths.
The street was redesigned by CSUN students
implementing the walkability criteria - to make
the street safe, easy and pleasant to walk for
the residents.
Pacoima/San Fernando Pacoima Wash
4
comme
n
co
mm
en
2009-2010 Department Events
2010 Commencement
Commencement for graduating students in the
College of Social and Behavioral Science was
held on May 19, 2010 in front of the Oviatt
Library at CSUN.
The Department of Urban Studies and Planning
at California State University, Northridge is
pleased to note that at the university’s spring
2010 graduation ceremonies 45 students
received BA degrees in Urban Studies and
Planning. The department currently has over
100 majors.
From left: Albert Ramirez, Brett Papazian, Paul
Vargas, Theo Edwards, Elizabeth Van Houten,
Sarmen Antanesian, Humberto Quintana.
From left: Professor Vrat, Vahe Parsekhian,
Thomas Chaffee, Misak Sevlian, Mark Kleckner,
James Katalbas, Paul Leonard, Elizabeth Van
Houten, Erica Rodriguez, Guillermo Quintero,
Humberto Quintana, Andres Rodriguez, Theo
Edwards, Shuhei Kubota, Sarmen Antanesian,
Armen Dalyan, and Dr.Toker.
“Planning the
Multiethnic City”
The fall semester course of
“Planning the Multiethnic
City” (URBS 250) had a
different setting. The
new part time faculty,
Dr. Ali Farassati invited
several guest speakers
from different ethnic
background to share their
experience of shaping the
City of Los Angeles with
their respective ethnic
communities.
The fi rst guest speaker
was Dr. Mark Wild, author
of the course textbook,
“Street Meeting:
Multiethnic Neighborhoods
in Early Twentieth-Century
Los Angeles” and a history
professor at CalState-LA.
“Running a Multiethnic City”
was the topic of speech
made by Mr. Anthony
Coroalles, city manager
of the City of Calabasas.
Mr. Kenneth Moye, Senior
Planner with City of Los
Angeles Community
Redevelopment Agency
(CRA) introduced his
agency, its history,
source of funding,
community involvement
and various projects to
improve disadvantaged
neighborhoods mostly
lived by ethnic minorities.
“Little Tokyo and History
of Japanese-Americans
in Los Angeles” was
the topic of Ms. Karen
Yamamoto’s presentation.
Ms. Yamamoto is a Senior
Planner at the CRA in
charge developing the
Little Tokyo. History of
Filipino-Americans in Los
Angeles was the topic
of another CRA senior
planner’s presentation,
Mr. Gerald Gubatan. Los
Angeles Chinatown and
the History of Chinese-
Americans were covered
by Ms. Bibiana Yung,
Senior Planner with the
CRA and Dr. Pauline
Wong, Executive Director
of the Chinese-American
Museum.
“Urban Scene“ fi eld
trip
URBS 150 classes under
the direction of Professor
van Ammers took fi eld
trips to downtown Los
Angeles on the Orange
Line to the Red Line to
Union Station. They
saw the line outside of
Union Station that used
to be the boundary of
Old Chinatown, crossed
Los Angeles Street to
the State Historic Park,
and visited the Avila
Adobe (1817), the Pio
Pico House, the fi rst fi re
station (1886), and the
Chinese History Museum.
They then walked to
the Bradbury Building,
through Grand Central
Market, to the top of
Bunker Hill on Angel’s
Flight (Built in 1901).
They visited the atrium
in the Central Branch of
the Los Angeles Public
Library, walked through
the Biltmore hotel lobby,
and entered the subway
station at Pershing Square
for the return journey.
On another of Professor
van Ammers’ fi eld trips
URBS 150 students
met at the corner that
was once the great
silent fi lm western star
Tom Mix’s “Mixville,”
possibly the model for
Disney’s Frontierland in
Disneyland. They climbed
“Silverlake’s Stonehenge”
-- a hill studded with
concrete pediments for
the old Red Car trolley
line -- along the Red
Car right-of-way, under
the 2 Freeway overpass,
up Redbud Street and
stood at the house with
the cow to look down at
the freeway confl uence
below.They returned by
climbing the Alta Vista
municipal stairs over
the hill and back down
to Glendale Boulevard.
Mack Sennett’s “the
Keystone Cop,” Charlie
Chaplin, Theda Bara and
other silent screen stars
once motored down
Glendale Boulevard.
5
n
cement
nce
m
e
n
t
2010 Graduation Luncheon
Misak Sevlian (on the left) and Arsen Dervishian
(on the right) with Dr. Kent.
Carlos Hernandez receiving the 2009-2010
James Ring Award from Dr. Thomas.
MPA - Urban Planning Track
Following the commencement, a reception
was held for URBS graduating seniors at the
Odyssey restaurant located in Granada Hills.
Dr. Kent, Chair of URBS, gave opening remarks
and wished our graduating class success in
their future endeavors.
The James Ring Award, which recognizes
juniors for academic excellence, was awarded
to Arsen Dervishian and Carlos Hernandez.
The Service Learning Award, which recognizes
graduates who have served as offi cers in the
Department’s Student Association during their
senior year, was awarded to Misak Sevlian,
Agavni Sharapkhanyan, Raith Robinson, and
Noah Muhlstein.
The Department of Urban
Studies and Planning,
in collaboration with
the Master of Public
Administration program
at CSUN, launched the
graduate degree in Public
Administration with a
specialization in Urban
Planning in Fall of 2010.
The program may be
completed as a graduate
certifi cate only or
taken as an option to
complete the Master of
Public Administration
(MPA) degree. This 15-
unit, interdisciplinary
graduate certifi cate
in urban planning is
designed for students and
working professionals
in such fi elds as urban
planning, urban design,
environmental planning,
social welfare, public
administration, and law.
The program is offered in
a cohort format in which
students proceed through
the course of instruction
as a group for the two-
year duration. The
unique features of the
cohort format includes
a predetermined course
schedule, guaranteed
enrollment, sequential
presentation of courses,
an interactive group
learning environment,
and utilization of
faculty from not only
both the URBS and
MPA departments but
also senior practicing
professionals who work
in the fi eld of urban
planning and public
administration.
Those students seeking
to earn the graduate
credit certifi cate in Urban
Planning need to complete
only fi ve courses, listed
below:
1. Contemporary Urban
Planning in the United States
and California
2. Seminar in Comprehensive
Planning
3. Sustainable Development
and Environmental Impact
Analysis
4. Seminar in Planning for
Communities and Local
Economic Development
5. Field Project in Urban
Planning
Students interested in
earning a full master’s
degree in Public
Administration with a
specialization in urban
planning must complete
the courses above in
addition to core courses
of the MPA program
and the comprehensive
examination as the
culminating experience.
For more information please visit:
http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/urbs/urbs.html
for the graduate credit certifi cate in Urban
Planning and;
http://tsengcollege.csun.edu/mpa/mpa-
courses.html
for the graduate degree in Public
Administration.
6
Campus News
Chaparral Hall is the newest addition to the science buildings
at California State University, Northridge. With 90,000 square
feet, Chaparral Hall is a four story building that has labs both
for instruction and research, offi ces for faculty, and large lecture
rooms. This green building uses energy saving techniques such
as energy saving light controls which automatically lower the
lights depending on the occupancy of the class room. All the
rooms in Chaparral Hall use fl uorescent lights. By opening its
doors to students for the Fall 2009 semester, this new building
provides space for students taking math and science classes.
The Valley Performing Arts Center is a magnifi cent 166,000
square foot multipurpose concert hall that is being hailed as a
landmark of the San Fernando Valley that opened its doors to
the public in January 2011. This multipurpose concert hall has
1,700 seats including a 178 seat black box theatre and food
services; an accommodating environment that attendees will
enjoy. The facility is also the new home of CSUN’s campus radio
station KCSN-FM. Academic spaces serve the students of Cal
State Northridge’s music and theater arts programs. All of this
was done with energy effi cient, cost effective and sustainable
design kept in mind. The Valley Performing Arts Center is
seeking to obtain a LEED Silver Certifi cation from the United
States Green Building Council (USGBC).
CSUN’S Hydrogen Fuel Cell Satellite Plant is an ideal model of
Cal State Northridge’s pursuit of using energy effi ciency around
the campus. This satellite heating and cooling plant uses
hydrogen fuel cell technology during peak hours to generate
environmentally sensitive and cost effective electrical power. The
carbon dioxide produced by the fuel cell power is redirected to a
simulated rain forest environment and to the biology green house
which are both located only a few feet from the one megawatt
fuel cell. This technology not only allows for cost effective energy
for the campus but has also created an opportunity for students
and faculty to study carbon sequestration by plants and carbon
dioxide enrichment of agricultural plant development.
Although still under construction, the Student Recreation Center
is already building a reputation of excellence. Located east of
the University Student Union, Inc., the 100,000 square foot
center is being built to cater to CSUN student, faculty and staff
athletic needs. The facility will include a number of different
areas for sports and exercise including rooms for rock climbing,
a gymnasium, an indoor jogging/walking track and an outdoor
pool. The center will also house administrative offi ces. This
spacious recreation center has incorporated sustainability into
its design, allowing it use energy effi ciently. Building information
modeling (BIM) was used to make aspects in HVAC, architecture,
and structure as effi cient as possible. It is because of the
endeavors to be sustainable the Student Recreation Center’s
building envelope, lighting and HVAC systems will surpass
California Title 24 energy conservation requirements by 20
percent. With a projected opening of 2011-2012, the Student
Recreation Center is being highly awaited by students, faculty
and staff alike.
The Orange Grove at Cal State Northridge has been renovated to
provide a quiet and relaxing environment for those visiting the
campus. A new Orange Grove Walk has been created to provide
access from Lindley Avenue to the University Club and parking
structure. The pond that existed at the Science 5 site and the
campus observatory have been relocated to the Orange Grove.
Benches are distributed throughout the location and there are
several walking paths to allow visitors to enjoy the scenery and
tranquility.
Chaparral Hall
Valley Performing
Arts Center
Student
Recreation Center
Orange Grove
7
Faculty News
Rob Kent, Chair and Professor, was invited to College
of Liberal Studies at Louisiana Tech University, in
Ruston, Louisiana in May 2010 where he delivered a
university lecture on “Sustainability in Latin America:
Alternative Perspectives” to approximately 200
students and faculty members.
Ward Thomas, Associate Professor, recently
published “Do environmental regulations impede
economic growth? A case study of the metal fi nishing
industry in the South Coast Basin of California.” The
Economic Development Quarterly, Vol. 23, (4), pp.
329-341. (2009).
Zeynep Toker, Associate Professor, was invited as a
guest lecturer on Urban Health and Sustainable Urban
Form and then as a reviewer of fi nal projects for PAHO
Mega Cities 2010 class in the Design Matters Program
at Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, CA.
Henrik Minassians, Assistant Professor, presented
“Performance Measures and Its Pitfalls: What Can
we Learn from a Southern California Public Agency,”
Chattanooga, TN in March 2010.
Kenya Covington, Assistant Professor, participated
on the team that created the methodology for the
Healthy Neighborhood Index. The overall index was
determined by collecting and reporting data in six
areas for 2006 and 2009. The results in Park Mesa
Heights on economics, education, health, housing,
criminal justice and civic engagement are compared
to outcomes for 5 other local jurisdictions within Los
Angeles. Results of the Healthy Neighborhood Index
will be released by the Los Angeles Urban League in
early Spring.
CSUN students in URBS 490C under direction of Phyl
Van Ammers, Lecturer, received a “Student Project
Award” from the Los Angeles Section of the American
Planning Association for Spring 2010 for their plan of
the Pinoleville Nation (Indian Reservation) in Northern
California.
Alumni News
Edgar Arroyo (2009) is an assistant planner with
the City of San Fernando.
At Moorpark College in Moorpark, CA, Andrea
Ehrogott (1995) is a geography and GIS instructor.
Brad Kesner (1988) is a senior vice-president with
Stone-Miller in Los Angeles, CA.
Todd R. Stokes (1999) is a Lieutenant in the Glendale
Police Department.
The director of community development for the City of
La Canada-Flintridge is Robert J. Stanley (1981).
In Oregon, Marion J. Thompson (2004) is a senior
planner for the City of Roseburg.
Gerry Guzman (2005), a member of the department’s
alumni council, is also the district director for the
assembly-member for 39th Assembly District in
Arleta, CA.
Usher l. Barnum (1987) is a Commander in the
United States Navy in San Diego, CA, where he serves
as deputy comptroller for COMNAVAIRFOR.
In Boise, Idaho, Charles Albanese (1982) is a
detective with the Boise Police Department.
Please keep the department informed on your
professional and personal news. If you have a
moment, send along a couple copies of your current
business card to Rob Kent, department chair.
Kristi G. Lopez (2007) graduated from the
UniverKristi G. Lopez (2007) graduated from the
University of Southern California in May 2010 with
masters in social work.
Phillip E. Ricks (2005) is a project manager for the
Los Angeles County Olive View-UCLA
Medical Center.
Certifi ed as a short-sale specialist, Julie Newman
(1996) is a realtor with Pinnacle Estate Properties in
Northridge, CA.
Mayra Arambula (nee Hernandez) (1994) is
employed as a property manager in Southern
California.
Jess Harris (1988) works as a land use planner for
the city of Seattle, WA
Planning Associates Inc. in Studio City, CA employees
Jeffrey Allen (2008) as an Assistant Planner.
A senior environmental specialist, Gwynneth L.
Doyle (2002), works for the Los Angeles Metropolitan
Transportation Authority (METRO).
In Ventura, CA, Jane Farkas (2003) works as a
planner for Sespe Consulting Inc.
After 38 years as a facilities and property manager for
Kaiser-Permanente in Southern California, Thomas
L. Fox (1972) reports that he plans to retire in the
near future.
Michael E. Johnson (1993), AIA, is the vice president
of the PGA TOUR Design & Construction Services in
south Florida.
The transportation/GIS manager for the City of
Palmdale is Michael Behen (1991). He also
completed his Masters in Public Administration at
CSUN in 2007.
The supervising appraiser for the Los Angeles County
Assessor’s Offi ce is Peter Thomas (1985).
Mark R. Edwards (1998) was recently elected as
the treasurer for the Board of Homeless Health Care
of Los Angeles.
A member of the department’s alumni council,
Donna Rosser (2006) works for the City of Simi
Valley as a planning technician in the Department of
Environmental Services.
With an MPA and MURP from California State
University, San Bernardino and California Polytechnic
University, Pomona, respectively, Randy Floyd
(1989) now works as the executive director for the
Antelope Valley Transit Authority.
Christopher Brown (2005) works as an associate
project manager II for Hogle-Ireland Inc., a land
planning and development consulting fi rm.
Sun Microsystems employs Joel Weise (1979) as
their principal engineer and chief technologist for
security.
Joseph Heredia (2000) works for the Building
Department of the City of West Hollywood as a
contract planner.
Johnny Wiley III (2004) works in an after school
program that serves 56 schools throughout the City
of Los Angeles.
Kasra Davar (2008) serves as a fi refi ghter for the
City of Los Angeles.
Mike Sedel (1973) is employed as the city manager
for the City of Simi Valley.
Bonnie Barrio (2008) is currently working on her
masters of Urban Regional Planning at California
Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Senior regional planner and zoning enforcement
investigator, Michael M. Besem (2001), works in the
planning department of the County of Los Angeles.
Alumni News
URBS NEWSLETTER
Department of Urban Studies and Planning
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330-8259
2010 Issue Editor: Zeynep Toker, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Urban Studies and Planning
