American Planning Assn. Honors Achievements

Eight Southern California urban planners and planning agencies have received awards from the American Planning Assn.’s California chapter for outstanding projects and meritorious achievement.

Robert J. Paternoster, Long Beach’s director of planning and building, received the distinguished service award for his long-term professional commitment to the APA. Carlyle W. Hall Jr. of the Center for Law in the Public Interest won the Donald C. Hagman award for his work involving equity in California land use.

Julia Thomas, chairwoman of Bobrow/Thomas & Associates, won an award for her contribution to women in planning. William Trombley, urban affairs writer for The Times, was honored for his series on the rapid growth of the Inland Empire.

Glendale’s planning division won an award for its ability to bring zoning guidelines into compliance with the area’s general plan. The APA’s Orange section, directed by Joel Frick, was named outstanding section.

The Normal Heights Community Development Corp., in conjunction with the American Assn. of Architects and the City of San Diego, was given a special award for community planning in an emergency for its work following the 1985 Normal Heights fire. The Habitat Conservation Program in Coachella Valley received an honorable mention for saving the rare fringe-toed lizard and its habitat from encroaching development.