Sounds like you are getting into URP for the right reasons! I too wanted to be a developer when I started. I was not necessarily interested in tree hugging. Yes, there is a lot of that in the program, but currently there are at least two professors who come from developer backgrounds (and they are two of my favorite ones) so I think you will be fine. Oh, and one is from Waterloo area, so you might want to chat with him. LEt me know if you want his contact info. Or just check out www.csupomona.edu/~urp, and look for the faculty page...
I too love going to new places and analyzing how they work. Never thought I could major and get a degree in this idea until I couldnt make it as an architect (high school GPA too low, grrr). Turned out to be the biggest blessing ever. Like you said, sign from God. I cannot think of a URP class I had that did not require field work, aka field trips! Especially as a newcomer to LA, I think you will really enjoy getting an educated perspective on this amzingly diverse and unique region. We spent a lot of time in Downtown LA, Orange County (around Disneyland), and Pasadena (Rose Parade area).
Whats great is if you wanted to stay in So Cal or even just get an internship here, chances are your boss would be a CPP graduate.
We have a really active club that can help you connect to these opportunities!
I am really excited for you! URPers are a special breed of people, so it is always exciting meeting someone so passionate about the environment around them. For all of you who have not heard of the treasure called URP, take a walk or shuttle ride up to Bldg 7 and take a look around! PRetty interesting stuff! Who knows, your very own neighborhood could be a URP case study!
Talk to you soon!