https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/a-new-thing-i-thought-of-plot-diagrams 2018-10-24T11:23:19-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/combined.jpg?v=1540394599 A new thing I thought of: plot diagrams. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/i-was-interviewed-by-hoodline-about-my-cable-car-map 2018-11-09T12:56:30-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/i-talked-to-detroit-curbed-about-my-map-of-the-detroit-freeways 2018-11-28T09:58:10-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-map-of-boston-was-featured-in-curbed 2018-11-28T09:57:21-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-plot-diagrams-were-featured-in-laughing-squid 2018-11-30T22:37:26-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-maps-of-la-past-present-and-future-were-featured-in-la-magazine 2018-12-14T16:42:34-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/curbed-atlanta-features-my-maps-of-atlanta 2019-01-07T16:03:12-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-retro-maps-were-featured-by-atlas-obscura 2019-01-07T16:03:47-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/i-got-a-feature-in-the-print-version-of-todays-new-york-post 2019-01-10T10:55:55-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/i-spoke-with-nick-swartsell-of-cincinnati-citybeat-about-my-maps-of-cincinnatis-never-built-transit-system 2019-02-04T15:19:35-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/i-put-together-a-piece-for-the-guardian-on-modern-vs-past-mass-transit-maps 2019-04-05T10:45:01-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/hello-boingboing-readers 2019-11-29T14:09:27-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/the-lost-subways-of-north-america-boston-kansas-city-and-toronto 2019-12-07T06:50:04-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/so-ive-started-writing-a-book 2020-02-21T21:27:41-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-america-doesnt-build-traditional-small-towns-anymore 2020-07-12T07:50:41-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-new-york-city-housing-is-so-expensive 2020-07-12T10:43:00-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-garages-full-of-crap 2020-07-14T14:40:44-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-strip-malls-and-why-they-make-for-resilient-suburbs 2020-07-19T18:39:51-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-the-role-of-churches-in-alleviating-the-housing-shortage 2020-07-23T11:06:22-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-environmental-review 2020-07-24T23:58:55-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-la-cant-build-new-housing 2021-07-03T18:30:01-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-the-new-mta-live-subway-map 2020-10-22T11:56:11-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/things_wrong_with_the_map.png?v=1603382171 Let's talk about the new MTA live subway map. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-los-angeless-housing-shortage-will-finally-start-improving-in-the-near-future 2020-12-29T10:26:21-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-la-doesnt-have-townhouses 2021-01-04T22:35:01-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-empty-shopping-center-parking-lots 2021-01-10T20:09:35-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-la-is-so-expensive 2021-01-12T12:23:11-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/y9syvbo98qa61.jpg?v=1610472144 Let's talk about why LA is so expensive. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-the-coronaviruss-effect-on-the-housing-crisis 2021-01-27T11:08:24-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Downtown_Stockton_California.jpg?v=1611762870 Let's talk about the coronavirus's effect on the housing crisis. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/new-york-los-angeles-and-the-bay-area-should-all-be-more-like-sacramento 2021-02-02T10:49:44-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Tower_Bridge_Sacramento_edit.jpg?v=1612191677 New York, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area should all be more like Sacramento. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-california-has-too-many-empty-shopping-malls-and-too-few-houses 2021-02-07T11:50:55-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Empty_strip_mall_nashua_nh05.jpg?v=1612716655 Let's talk about why California has too many empty shopping malls and too few houses. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-the-effect-of-the-new-state-housing-quotas-on-the-suburbs 2021-03-02T09:29:19-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/1920px-Newspaper_advertisement_for_Beverly_Hills_subdivision__1906.jpg?v=1613697403 Let's talk about why Beverly Hills will have to build affordable housing. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-to-build-cheap-market-rate-apartments 2021-03-02T09:27:32-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Dingbat_MaryJane.jpg?v=1614695252 Let's talk about how to build cheap market-rate apartments. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-rich-cities-are-trying-to-dodge-their-legally-required-housing-quotas 2021-03-15T16:06:48-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Ocean_Avenue.jpg?v=1615821770 Let's talk about how rich cities are trying to dodge their legally-required housing quotas. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-to-build-more-cookie-cutter-homes 2021-03-22T18:21:15-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/pvH4Lqv.jpg?v=1616451675 Let's talk about how to build more cookie-cutter homes. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/a-primer-on-affordable-housing-in-california 2021-03-26T13:40:02-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Young_Apartments__1621_S._Grand_Ave.__Los_Angeles.jpg?v=1616780402 A primer on affordable housing in California. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-homelessness-part-1-of-2 2021-04-23T09:29:22-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Social_Distance.jpg?v=1617921858 Let's talk about homelessness. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-to-use-land-more-creatively 2021-04-13T19:27:55-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Downtown_Davis1_2008.jpg?v=1618356475 Let's talk about how to use land more creatively. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-most-of-america-looks-like-endless-suburbs-and-strip-malls 2021-05-20T08:22:08-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/suburbs.jpg?v=1619014524 Let's talk about why most of America looks like endless suburbs and strip malls. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/im-disappointed-in-my-hometown 2021-05-12T08:29:56-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Downtown_Davis1_2008_b7dff7e7-d025-4f38-bc22-5eed4ba51a61.jpg?v=1620821720 I'm disappointed in my hometown. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-public-services-suck-even-in-rich-suburbs 2021-05-16T08:34:49-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/23LIVING-slide-EQKJ-superJumbo.jpg?v=1621137956 Let's talk about why public services suck even in rich suburbs. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-california-is-finally-holding-cities-accountable-for-not-building-housing 2021-06-04T18:32:02-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/RhWEj1Z.png?v=1622256128 Let's talk about how California is finally holding cities accountable for not building housing. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/political-detour-kathryn-garcia-for-new-york-city-mayor 2021-06-11T11:31:17-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/kathryn-garcia-2021-submitted-x2.jpg?v=1623381120 Political detour: Kathryn Garcia for New York City Mayor. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-american-mass-transit-sucks-so-much-compared-to-europe 2021-06-16T12:41:41-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Principe_Pio_Cercanias_1.jpg?v=1623860149 Let's talk about why American mass transit sucks so much compared to Europe. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-pirates-affected-the-development-of-los-angeles 2021-07-08T10:09:18-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Capture-of-Blackbeard.jpg?v=1625752902 Let's talk about how pirates affected the development of Los Angeles. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-the-city-of-la-is-the-only-place-in-california-actually-planning-to-do-something-about-the-housing-crisis 2021-08-06T10:03:47-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/to_live_and_die_in_la.png?v=1628204838 Let's talk about how the City of LA is the only place in California actually planning to do something about the housing crisis. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-the-current-reforms-that-the-state-of-california-is-doing-to-fix-the-housing-crisis 2021-09-09T12:43:14-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Untitled.png?v=1631205755 Let's talk about the current reforms that the State of California is doing to fix the housing crisis. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-north-americas-old-streetcar-systems-disappeared 2021-11-02T09:58:24-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Pac-elec-depot-1910.jpg?v=1635861504 Let's talk about why North America's old streetcar systems disappeared. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/please-place-all-christmas-orders-by-december-15th-at-5pm 2021-12-01T07:39:20-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-the-state-of-california-is-bringing-the-hammer-down-on-bad-local-governments-who-wont-allow-more-housing 2022-03-01T00:25:12-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Salisbury_MD_Main_Street.jpg?v=1646111927 Let's talk about how the State of California is bringing the hammer down on bad local governments who won't allow more housing. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-suburban-decay 2022-06-27T13:17:18-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Highland_Park_Ford_plant.jpg?v=1656348939 Let's talk about suburban decay. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-homelessness-is-and-isnt-connected-to-mental-health-and-substance-abuse 2022-08-16T11:29:24-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/PXL_20220625_173257606.jpg?v=1660662924 Let's talk about how homelessness, poverty, and mental health funding aren't the same problem. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-what-the-california-legislature-has-done-recently-to-make-housing-easier-to-build 2022-09-02T08:24:45-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/sacramento-aerial-image.jpg?v=1662087406 Let's talk about what the California Legislature has done recently to make housing easier to build. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-the-state-brought-the-hammer-down-on-bad-local-governments-and-now-theres-a-lot-of-new-housing-in-the-pipeline-as-a-result 2022-10-14T11:41:12-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/california_fuck_around_and_find_out.png?v=1665762072 Let's talk about how the State brought the hammer down on bad local governments, and now there's a lot of new housing in the pipeline as a result. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-nycs-new-commuter-rail-terminal-grand-central-madison 2023-01-28T15:11:17-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/PXL_20230126_222907183.MP.jpg?v=1674936677 Let's talk about NYC's new commuter rail terminal, Grand Central Madison. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-to-make-buses-better 2023-02-01T17:11:31-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/MTA_Bus_Orion_V_CNG_9999.jpg?v=1675289491 Let's talk about how to make buses better. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-some-unusual-sources-of-inspiration-for-the-lost-subways-book 2023-03-28T14:39:20-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/screenshot_of_tta_book.png?v=1677775958 Let's talk about some unusual sources of inspiration for the Lost Subways book. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-debut-book-the-lost-subways-of-north-america-is-now-available-for-pre-order 2023-04-03T19:51:22-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/The_Lost_Subways_of_North_America_-_book_cover.jpg?v=1680565834 My debut book, THE LOST SUBWAYS OF NORTH AMERICA, is now available for pre-order. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-why-american-cities-arent-kid-friendly 2023-05-09T12:42:32-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/PXL_20230422_191434343.jpg?v=1683650552 Let's talk about why American cities aren't kid-friendly. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-what-it-takes-to-get-a-book-published 2023-09-22T09:45:55-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/w1600.jpg?v=1688920062 Let's talk about what it takes to get a book published. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/omg-i-have-my-copy-of-the-book-on-my-desk 2023-09-22T12:18:09-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/PXL_20230922_160923328.jpg?v=1695399182 OMG. I HAVE MY COPY OF THE BOOK ON MY DESK. (if you ordered one, you'll get it in a few weeks) https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/the-book-is-out 2023-11-03T09:00:24-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/PXL_20231014_224232305.jpg?v=1698972622 The book is out. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/deleted-scenes-from-the-lost-subways-denver 2023-11-14T17:42:19-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/DenverTramwayStrike1.jpg?v=1700001739 Deleted Scenes from The Lost Subways: Denver https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/deleted-scenes-from-the-lost-subways-the-time-the-kkk-almost-took-over-portland 2023-11-16T10:32:47-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/portland-1915-web8.5x11.png?v=1700148767 Deleted Scenes from The Lost Subways: The Time the KKK Almost Took Over Portland https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-safety-on-public-transit-and-the-sense-of-disorder-that-prevails-in-california-these-days 2023-12-02T20:05:11-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/GTY_crack_smoker_jef_131107_16x9_992.jpg?v=1701565511 Let's talk about safety on public transit, and the sense of disorder that prevails in California these days. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/deleted-scenes-from-the-lost-subways-sacramentos-evolution-into-a-big-city 2023-12-15T14:00:43-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/sacto-1930Artboard_1.png?v=1702666834 Deleted Scenes from The Lost Subways: Sacramento's Evolution Into a Big City https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-californias-new-housing-reforms-arent-going-far-enough 2024-01-18T19:07:12-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/xsRvCzd.png?v=1705622832 Let's talk about how California's new housing reforms aren't going far enough. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/end-of-the-book-tour-and-99-percent-invisible 2024-05-21T20:41:14-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-california-governor-newsoms-order-to-clear-out-the-homeless-encampments 2024-07-26T00:57:59-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Arroyo_Seco_Homeless_Encampment_04.jpg?v=1721969329 Let's talk about California Governor Newsom's order to clear out the homeless encampments. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-nycs-new-congestion-pricing-scheme-and-its-effects-on-traffic 2025-01-06T11:02:45-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/a-true-story-about-the-california-bar-exam 2025-03-03T08:09:20-05:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-review-of-the-new-nyc-subway-map-is-out 2025-04-09T15:25:54-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-poorly-la-is-meeting-its-state-housing-quotas 2025-05-14T14:56:37-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/a-primer-on-what-it-takes-to-publish-a-book 2025-06-19T08:16:23-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/jakes-endorsements-for-nyc-mayor 2025-06-19T07:50:24-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-how-the-california-state-government-has-reformed-the-california-environmental-quality-act-making-it-significantly-easier-to-build-more-housing 2025-06-25T14:04:16-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/on-reaching-the-natural-endpoint-of-suburban-development 2025-07-28T12:59:04-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/diagram-barcelona_a6339bf2-eefd-4a3f-8137-17f6d060f514.gif?v=1753721944 On reaching the natural endpoint of suburban development https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-thursday-event-in-brooklyn-has-been-postponed 2025-08-11T16:39:57-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Untitled_9b3c45eb-5033-4882-a802-dea1da11260c.png?v=1754944797 My Thursday event in Brooklyn has been postponed. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/new-event-september-17-7pm-cordelia-wine-bar-brooklyn 2025-09-09T17:27:56-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Untitled.jpg?v=1757453276 new event: september 17, 7pm, cordelia wine bar, brooklyn https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/hell-yeah-california-finally-legalized-apartment-buildings-near-transit-statewide-lets-talk-about-the-consequences 2025-09-14T10:44:40-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Apartment_block_under_construction__Bramston_Street__Rastrick_-_geograph.org.uk_-_6020411.jpg?v=1757861080 HELL YEAH. California finally legalized apartment buildings near transit, statewide. Let's talk about the consequences. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/jakes-fearless-endorsements-november-2025-nyc-general-election 2025-10-06T08:07:34-04:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Election-I-voted-stickers-ballot-voting-GPA-Photo-Archive-via-Flickr-scaled_a24dbd93-a29b-4b5b-9b55-6ba81c87772c.jpg?v=1759752454 Jake's Endorsements, November 2025 NYC general election https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-tech-billionaires-plan-to-build-a-city-of-400-000-an-hour-outside-san-francisco 2025-12-27T00:13:48-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/California_Forever_logo_svg.png?v=1766812428 Let's talk about tech billionaires' plan to build a new city of 400,000 an hour away from San Francisco. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/california-has-done-the-big-stuff-to-fix-the-housing-crisis-what-comes-next 2025-12-27T09:55:08-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/california-state-flag-gettyimages-1216428705_e0268ef1-f837-436c-99c8-97a5ed816b0d.jpg?v=1766847308 California has done the big stuff to fix the housing crisis. What comes next? https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/dont-fall-into-the-trap-of-glamorizing-rural-life 2026-01-26T00:03:28-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/PXL_20240613_003816203.jpg?v=1769403808 Don't fall into the trap of glamorizing rural life. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/lets-talk-about-the-california-high-speed-rail-authority-business-plan 2026-03-03T11:51:35-05:00 weekly https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2744/2287/articles/Screenshot_2026-03-03_114810.png?v=1772556695 Let's talk about the California High Speed Rail Authority business plan. https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/i-wrote-a-new-article-for-vital-city-looking-at-why-nycs-commuter-rail-is-so-much-worse-than-tokyos 2026-04-22T21:45:59-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/jakes-california-and-ny-primary-election-endorsements-2026 2026-05-04T10:23:25-04:00 weekly https://53studio.com/blogs/jakes-blog/my-newest-article-for-streetsblog 2026-07-09T13:51:03-04:00 weekly