about me
Zoned Out with Susan is a no-nonsense, behind-the-scenes look at city planning, land use, and local government—with a personal touch.
With over three decades of experience as a City Planner for the City of Los Angeles, Chair of the Planning Commission in Covina, and later as a Land Use Consultant in the private sector, I’ve worked at the intersection of policy, politics, and the people most impacted by them. I even ran for Covina City Council—so I’ve seen how urban planning and local politics collide, collaborate, and sometimes clash.

This isn’t just about zoning laws. It’s about helping homeowners, business owners, community advocates, and future developers understand why things get built, how decisions are made, and what your rights are along the way.
Here, I also bring in my specialized expertise in California’s Subdivision Map Act, guiding readers through the nuances of parcel maps, tract maps, lot line adjustments, and land entitlement processes that shape how communities grow and evolve.
This blog is for:
- Residents trying to understand what’s being built in their neighborhood
- Students and professionals looking for practical planning insights
- Activists and advocates navigating red tape
- Future candidates interested in how land use shapes political platforms
- Anyone who’s ever said, “Wait, can they build that there?”
Expect deep dives into zoning codes, tips for working with city departments, campaign stories, and honest conversations about how our cities are shaped—not just by plans, but by politics.
Whether you’re “zoned out” from bureaucracy or just zoning-curious, I’m here to help you make sense of it all.