Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! We had the privilege of interviewing three incredible planners from the City and County of San Bernardino, plus a special appearance from the APA California President, live from the APA 2024 California State Conference in Riverside! In this episode, we dive into their unique roles in local government, what brought them to the conference, and what they’re most excited about in the world of urban planning. We also explore the latest planning trends shaping the Inland Empire and get their top advice for first-time APA conference attendees. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned planner, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Special Guests include:

• Andrea Ouse, Director of Community Development at City of West Sacramento and President, APA California Chapter
• Kassie Vickers, San Bernardino County Economic Development
• George Velarde, Associate Planner at City of San Bernardino
• Angelyn Mendoza, Assistant Planner at City of San Bernardino

In this episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring, we sit down with Senior Embedded Planner at 4Leaf Inc., Jonathan Pacheco Bell, to discuss hostile architecture. Jonathan recently appeared on the Decoder Ring and KJZZ NPR Phoenix podcasts where he discussed the inequities in public spaces caused by hostile architecture. He defines hostile architecture as "elements of the built environment that are designed to deter human behaviors and make targeted populations feel uncomfortable in public space." Together, we explore how hostile architecture impacts the built enviornment and public spaces, with a particular focus on how it marginalizes vulnerable communities. We discuss the ethics, impact, and alternatives to designing more inclusive public spaces. Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about the built environment and the oftentimes overlooked strategies shaping our public spaces.

About Jonathan Pacheco Bell

Jonathan Pacheco Bell is a Senior Embedded Planner at 4LEAF, Inc., Lecturer in Urban & Regional Planning at Cal Poly Pomona, and Vice President/Public Information Officer of the nonprofit Florence-Firestone Community Organization in South Central Los Angeles.

A practicing urban planner with over 20 years of experience spanning the public, private, and nonprofit sectors, Jonathan has expertise in community engagement, participatory design, inclusive public space, long-range plans, zoning enforcement ordinance development, planning studies, and project management.
During his tenure as a County planner in South Central LA’s Florence-Firestone community, Jonathan created Embedded Planning. This praxis situates the work of planners on the street-level, not behind a desk, to increase equity and participation for historically marginalized populations harmed by inequitable planning. What began in South Central is now an international movement of Embedded Planners with feet on the street. Jonathan has guest lectured widely on Embedded Planning praxis. His speaking engagements include Columbia University, UCLA, Ohio State, University of Utah, Pratt Institute, Stanford Engineering, Woodbury University, and East LA College Architecture; state and national APA Conferences in California, Iowa, and Louisiana; and public forums such as AARP Livable Communities, City Parks Alliance, and the SF Urban Film Fest.

Jonathan has been a leader in the American Planning Association for over a decade. He’s a member of the Latinos and Planning Division and is published in APA’s practitioner magazine, Planning. He previously served as APA Los Angeles Social Media Director and was the Southern California representative on the APA National Social Equity Task Force. This year, Jonathan proudly received the Planning Advocate Award of Excellence from APA Los Angeles and the Planning Pioneer Award of Excellence from APA Inland Empire.

Born and raised in LA’s Latino/a Eastside, Jonathan serves as a mentor to First Gen students and emerging planners. A product of the California public school system from kindergarten to graduate school, he holds an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, and additional degrees in library and information science, political science, and architecture. Connect at c1typlann3r.blog.

In this episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring, Sam and Nat are joined by three representatives from various APA California chapters who share their experiences as young and emerging planners and discuss opportunities at the upcoming APA California Conference:

• Tony Lopez, APA Inland Empire
• Kyle Wilson, APA Orange County
• Brittany Montano, APA Los Angeles

Join us as we dive into the world of young and emerging planners with a focus on the American Planning Association (APA) and its support for early-career professionals. We explore how APA helps shape the future of urban planning by fostering leadership, providing mentorship, and building networks for young professionals. Join us as we hear from members of the Young and Emerging Planners group, who share their experiences, challenges, and the resources that have helped them navigate the early stages of their careers. Whether you’re a student, a new planner, or someone looking to support the next generation of urbanists, this episode offers valuable insights on how APA is empowering the future of planning.

APA California Conference

Free Student Day: Saturday, September 28th from 8 AM - 11 PM

Student Day Sessions:

• Urban Planning is Not Boring (UPINB) Unplugged: Insights for Professional Growth
• Your Dream Job May Not Exist (Yet!) – The Long and Winding Road for Planning Careers
• Cultivating Your internship for a Successful Planning Career
• What Students Want/What Employers Need (CPF)
• Dude, Where’s my Job? Finding your Way in the Planning Profession

Other Student / YEP Activities:

• Buddy Program (Mentorship)
• Headshots
• Career Day - Resume/Interview Workshops (Sunday 9/29)
• Saturday Night Mixer
• Tactical Urbanism Workshop
• UPINB Meet and Greet (Saturday, September 28th @ 8 AM) and Live Episode

How to Participate:

• Register for the Conference: apacalifornia.org/conference/2024-conferences
• Students will earn a $100 stipend for volunteering (min. 4 hours) at the conference. Sign up with our interest form and we will connect with you. Please be sure to register for the conference as well.