Skip to Content
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Streetsblog Los Angeles home
Log In
Streetsblog USA

Talking Headways Podcast: James Rojas – The City Is a Painting You Walk Into

This week I'm joined by James Rojas of Place It! to talk about art in planning and Latino urbanism. James is an award-winning planner and a native Angeleno, and he tells us about how growing up in East LA and visiting his grandmother’s house shaped the way he thinks about urban spaces and design.

Tune in and hear James discuss the importance of plazas to Latino culture and the history behind them, how people understand place, and why the public planning process works better when you start by tapping into people's childhoods rather than treating it purely as a problem solving exercise. Enjoy!

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog Los Angeles

Eyes on the Street: Traffic Calming Rain Gardens Nearly Completed in Glendale

Sweet new sidewalk rain gardens are components of Glendale's 1.5-mile-long La Crescenta Avenue Rehabilitation Project. Also coming soon: bike lanes, decorative crosswalks, and more.

December 12, 2025

Friday’s Headlines

ICE, large asphalt repair, Camino City Terrace, bikes on buses, LAPD, Beverly Hills, Glendale, Pasadena, Santa Monica, WeHo, and more

December 12, 2025

City of Industry Working Towards 10-mile Bike Path

The project will begin where it’s needed most – Valley Boulevard.

December 11, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

ICE, resurfacing scandal, YIMBY lawsuit, DIY crosswalks, ped safety, open streets, SGV greenways, LAPD, car-nage, and more

December 11, 2025

Eyes on the Street: G Line Busway Bridge Over Van Nuys Blvd

Metro G Line upgrades are expected to be complete in 2027

December 10, 2025
See all posts