A Welcome Addition to the Blogosphere

Despite the valiant and noteworthy efforts of Andrew at Here in Van Nuys, Michael at Franklin Avenue, Joe at Martini Republic, LA City Nerd, and the fine folks at Curbed LA, a need exists in the blogosphere for deeper exploration into the issues of urban planning and development that shape our wonderful but unwiedly metropolis. While I have used P.U. as a place to discuss those topics, just as often I find myself writing about Wal-Mart, shopping malls, events in Phoenix, or not writing anything at all for extended periods of time.

It is with great joy, then, that I share the arrival of Clueless and Slightly Slack, an excellent new blog by Peter McFerrin of Mar Vista. I have become familiar with Pete through his prolific and insightful comments at other local blogs and am glad to see that he has set up shop to share his thoughts with the rest of us. Through his compelling writing and beautiful photographs, I've observed that he has a keen understanding of our city and a plethora of ideas for our urban future that are both visionary and pragmatic. I encourage all Angelenos to give him a read and comment on his ideas.

I shoud also mention that Pete is working towards a PhD at my old stomping grounds, the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California. While Pete has graciously acknowledged that I am an "actual working planner" in his blogroll, validating my belief that I am earning my PhD "on the streets," I believe that he will be a powerful force in the "actual" realm of planning just as much as he currently is in its "theoretical" realm. In fact, he gives those in "the ivory tower" a good name by eschewing the ideological (and often partisan) debate over land use and economics in the City of Angels.

Check out Clueless and Slightly Slack now because Pete will probably be influencing policy in Los Angeles (and across the nation) in the near future. His understanding of the realities of economics, land use, and local politics, combined his idealistic adherence to good planning practice, give him a voice that is sorely needed in our city. Join me in welcoming Pete and encouraging him to keep his blog going for a long time.