Archive - The Discourse Lounge

Trump's War on Urban America

Trump is in open warfare with the cities of the United States and its people; executing people in Minneapolis. But the cause of this is much older than…

May 25 • Darrell Owens

Berkeley's Last Zoning Battle

Three neighborhoods prepare for battle over a plan that will add multi-family housing to their commercial districts for the first time in a…

May 23 • Darrell Owens

April 2026

Data Reveals Which Berkeley Commercial Areas Are In Decline

An analysis of vibrancy in Berkeley using sales tax data.

Apr 28 • Darrell Owens

January 2026

Legalize Cafes Everywhere!

Municipal codes should allow for the operation of cafes in most residential areas to free up space for businesses who actually need larger commercial…

Jan 20 • Darrell Owens

December 2025

How To Save The Movie Theater

Theaters are dying all over America even as moviegoers return. Some can be preserved if local governments get proactive about it.

Dec 31, 2025 • Darrell Owens

The American Beauty of the East Bay

Americanism is facing its biggest challenge from extremism. The people of the Bay Area show why its worth fighting for.

Dec 25, 2025 • Darrell Owens

November 2025

The Fire Department vs. Traffic Safety Advocates

Street safety advocates are butting heads with fire officials. Swift fire response does not have to come at the cost of lives on the roadway. They can…

Nov 30, 2025 • Darrell Owens

The Challenge of Commercial Upzoning

An analysis of commercial corridor upzoning for apartments in Berkeley, Calif. and the issues must be tackled to harmonize density with local business…

Nov 19, 2025 • Darrell Owens

October 2025

Darrell Owens on East Bay Yesterday Podcast

Promotional plug for a popular Bay Area podcast.

Oct 15, 2025 • Darrell Owens

Your Moral Duty to Vote in California

Detailing why we have to vote for Proposition 50 in California, regardless of whether you're a Democrat or Republican.

Oct 12, 2025 • Darrell Owens

September 2025

California Passes Mass Transit Upzoning

Senate Bill 79 is the third version of a transit-oriented upzoning law. After eight years of failed attempts, the proposal will soon be signed by Gavin…

Sep 16, 2025 • Darrell Owens

Why New Apartments Look Ugly

And a solution to that problem.

Sep 9, 2025 • Darrell Owens