Find out about new developments, mixed-use projects, green building materials and techniques and more in this special section.

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La Mesa comes of age using smart growth principles

If you want to see what smart growth is all about, come to La Mesa. The city has been an active promoter of smart growth concepts dating back to the 1980s when construction began on the La Mesa Village Plaza, the first of six transit-oriented developments in the city that foster walkability. Located in the heart of the downtown village, La Mesa Village condominiums were built over retail commercial office space and are a short walking distance to the Spring Street trolley station. 

Creating a 'smart' urban oasis in downtown San Diego

Parks and open space are critical to satisfying the diverse recreational needs of downtown residents, visitors and work force, especially given high development intensities and the region's mild climate. They are also vital elements of smart growth, where opportunities for recreation and green space are blended with higher density development. 

Pacific Highlands Ranch is suburban smart growth

For the past 10 years, Latitude 33 Planning and Engineering has been involved in the preparation and processing of the Pacific Highlands Ranch Subarea Plan, which is based upon the goals of smart growth. The overall community includes residential, commercial, employment, open space and public land uses with an emphasis on pedestrian connections and internalizing vehicle trips. 

Downtown condo living benefits from 'yacht smarts'

Downtown condo residents can learn a lot from yacht dwellers, according to a trio of award-winning designers who have extensive experience in making the most of small spaces. 

Theater company goes green

Mo`olelo Performing Arts Company, a theater organization dedicated to broadening the scope of San Diego's cultural environment, recently announced its Greening Mo`olelo Initiative -- an effort to institute sustainable practices and encourage the use of environmentally friendly materials throughout the theater community. To launch the initiative, Mo`olelo recently published "GREEN Theater Categories & Sustainable Guidelines," a document featuring the recommendations of architects and other experts in the green industry. 

Carlsbad chamber a key element in history, future of area

When the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce first banded together in 1923, it represented a population of around 1,500 people. By 1926, the chamber had a membership of nearly 25 percent of the community. This was nearly 30 years before the area would become incorporated as a city. 

Improving home air quality: ventilation basics

Homeowners can ensure a healthy home environment by fighting moisture and having the best ventilation. 

CB Richard Ellis announces carbon-neutral goal

CB Richard Ellis Group Inc. (NYSE: CBG), the world's largest commercial real estate services company (based on 2006 revenues), recently announced a goal to become carbon neutral by 2010 and a plan to assist clients with energy efficiency programs at the 1.7 billion square feet of building space that CB Richard Ellis manages around the world. This represents the first time a major commercial real estate services firm has announced plans to go carbon-neutral. 

Otay Mesa community plan update embraces smart growth principles

An ongoing update of the Otay Mesa Community Plan represents one of the most significant efforts by the city of San Diego to incorporate smart growth principles into the urban planning process. 

Local company going for gold in downtown San Diego

Local development company Sand & Sea Equity Group has a lofty goal for its new 13-floor, East Village office condominium project, called the Nolan. The company plans to create a building worthy of a gold LEED rating, the second highest rating possible from the U.S. Green Building Council. 

Santee developments embrace smart growth approach

Maximizing the use of limited developable land has been a driving force behind planning strategies around the county for decades. The city of Santee was incorporated in 1980 and initiated the Santee General Plan to outline Santee's future and guide city growth. In 1986, the city of Santee adopted the Santee Towne Center Specific Plan that designated 706 acres in the heart of Santee for mixed-use development, master-planned to integrate commercial, residential and civic uses. Over 20 years later, Santee projects are still following the master plan. 

Implementing sustainability: Going green at home

Blame Al Gore and his eco-documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" or the rising cost of oil, but when it comes to home building and design, green is the new black. 

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Profiles

Civil engineering firm uses technology to stay on leading edge of industry

Keeping up with the latest technological advancements and industry trends keeps RBF Consulting at the forefront of the civil engineering industry, Senior Vice President Rick Rubin touts. 

Green building consultant excited about earth-friendly trend

Drew George's sentences are punctuated with adjectives like "amazing" and "exciting" as he talks about today's green movement, and his tone could only be described as jubilant. 

Construction Videos

Solar installation in La Mesa with Sullivan Solar

March 20, 2013 -- Reporter James Palen goes onsite for a look at a solar installation at a La Mesa home, and takes a look at the various and expanding options for potential residential solar customers. Sullivan Solar explains what people thinking of going solar can expect and how they can make the change to an affordable one.

USS Ronald Reagan returns home

March 21, 2013 -- The USS Ronald Reagan arrived at Naval Air Station North Island on Thursday, after a 14-month stay in the Pacific Northwest for $218 million in repairs and upgrades. Reporter Carlos Rico was at Naval Base Coronado to get the details.

 

David Stevens on housing market improvement

Feb. 4, 2013 -- George Chamberlin speaks with David Stevens, president and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, about signs of an improvement in the housing market in 2013, from a shortage of housing inventory to increasing demand in the multifamily market.

More Videos

Archived Reports

Smart Growth - 2006

San Diego County is continually faced with a scarcity of developable land, spurring interest in "smart growth." In this report, The Daily Transcript examines plans that lay ahead for our region's smart growth development.

Smart Growth - 2005

With San Diego's population constantly on the rise, the theory of smart growth is referred to with increased frequency. In this special report, find up-to-date information on a variety of smart growth and smart living issues and trends.

Construction Videos

Ted Bumgardner, Xpera Group

July 16, 2012 -- Ted Bumgardner, President of construction expert witness consulting company, Xpera Group, chats about what sets his company apart from the competition and his love of the business.

Jody James Watkins, Watkins Landmark Construction

May 21, 2012 -- Jody James Watkins explains how he got started in California and what he wants his company, Watkins Landmark Construction, to mean to the community.

Armando Flores of Charco Design & Build

May 11, 2012 -- Armando Flores, president and CEO of Charco Design & Build, describes his passion for homes in the residential remodelling industry.

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