Guide to California Planning

This is a great general look at planning in the academic world. The only complaint I have is that it needs much more detail on the "How To's" of planning to even be considered as usefull in the workplace. But again it's great if your in school and want to learn more (it's probably the best source for that kind of thing).

From back cover: "Since it was first published in 1991, 'Guide to California Planning' has served as the authoritative textbook on city and county planning practice throughout the state. The first book ever written that covers all aspects of planning in a single state, [this book[ is now used as a textbook in virtually every college- and graduate-level planning program in California. In this updated and expanded edition, William Fulton lays out planning laws and processes in detail, and also describes how planning REALLY works in California - how cities and counties and developers and citizen groups all interact with each other on a daily basis to shape California communities and the California landscape, for better and for worse. Easy to read and understand, 'Guide to California Planning' is far more than a textbook. It's also an ideal tool for planning professionals, members of allied professions in the planning and development fields, and citizen activists."

This book is the bible of California planning. I have worked in the field of urban planning for several years. The complexity of coastal California development is such that even the majority of people practicing in the field can't explain the whole process. This book is the only reference that I have seen that tells you what the heck is going on, in fact college classes are taught using this book...