Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast
119 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 295 ratingsWhy is it so expensive to live in California? And what can the state do about it? Every other week, Los Angeles Times housing reporter Liam Dillon and CalMatters housing reporter Manuela Tobias chat about the latest developments in California housing policy and interview key newsmakers and other reporters. You can also subscribe to us on iTunes, Stitcher, Spotify and anywhere else you get your pods.
Gimme Shelter is supported by The James Irvine Foundation, committed to a California where all low-income workers have the power to advance economically.
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Episodes
Gimme Shelter: Mobile home parks in disrepair
March 23, 2023 12:15 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast," CalMatters Housing Reporter Manuela Tobias shares her findings from a five-month investigation on California’s mobile home parks, the last stop in housing affordability for the state’s most vulnerable residents.
Gimme Shelter: Homeless veterans in Los Angeles offer statewide insights
February 23, 2023 13:00 - 27 minutes - 37.1 MBIn the first of an eight-part series, Anna Scott of KCRW takes listeners through the story of Veterans Row, a homeless encampment in Los Angeles.
Gimme Shelter: Can an obscure law unleash a lot more housing in California?
February 09, 2023 17:10 - 36 minutes - 50.6 MBWith a majority of housing plans out of compliance with state housing law, developers could theoretically use a little-known law to kick building into high gear. On this week’s podcast, a housing law expert breaks down the untested “builder’s remedy.”
Gimme Shelter: CARE Courts are coming to California
January 27, 2023 13:15 - 37 minutes - 51.8 MBA new court system to address the needs of people with severe mental illness who are often homeless will launch in some counties in 2023.
Gimme Shelter: Mayor Karen Bass on housing and homelessness
January 12, 2023 13:15 - 43 minutes - 59.8 MBLiam Dillon and Ben Oreskes of the L.A. Times interview Mayor Karen Bass about homelessness and housing problems in California.
Why Many Unhoused Californians Can't Access Healthcare
December 15, 2022 13:15 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBCalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang discusses the health care crisis facing California’s homeless population with housing reporters.
Avocado of the Year: The Wildest Housing Story of 2022
December 01, 2022 13:30 - 37 minutes - 52.2 MBCalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon pick the wildest housing story of 2022: how a California town almost used mountain lions to sidestep housing law.
How California’s Housing Crisis Hurts College Students
November 17, 2022 13:10 - 25 minutes - 35 MBCalifornia’s housing crisis is pushing public higher education out of reach for low-income college students.
Gimme Shelter: Gavin Newsom promised 3.5 million homes. How'd he do?
November 03, 2022 12:20 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBLast time he was on the campaign trail, Gov. Gavin Newsom promised 3.5 million new homes to fix California’s housing crisis. Two housing reporters take stock of what he’s done so far.
Gimme Shelter: How L.A. became the nation's most housing-overcrowded place
October 20, 2022 12:20 - 31 minutes - 43 MBIt’s both the capital of single-family-home suburban sprawl and the most crowded place to live, as highlighted by a new investigation by the Los Angeles Times.
Gimme Shelter: How Parking Lots Explain California's Housing Crisis
October 07, 2022 12:20 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBA new state law unravels decades of parking rules in California cities. On this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and The Los Angeles’ Times’ Liam Dillon explain how that could trim housing costs.
Gimme Shelter: How will Los Angeles’ next mayor address homelessness
September 22, 2022 12:30 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MBIn this crossover episode, L.A. Times reporters Dough Smith and Ben Oreskes discuss plans by mayoral candidates Karen Bass and Rick Caruso to deal with homelessness.
Gimme Shelter: What would California look like with housing on commercial strips?
September 06, 2022 22:10 - 27 minutes - 37.7 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with Peter Calthorpe, a San Francisco-based architect, urban designer and urban planner to discuss a new bill that could allow a lot more housing along California’s commercial strips.
Gimme Shelter: The limits of emergency housing vouchers in California
August 16, 2022 16:54 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with Jack Lahey, homeless services coordinator in San Luis Obispo, to discuss the mixed results of a federal rental assistance program.
How bad is California's housing crisis for renters?
July 27, 2022 12:25 - 49 minutes - 68.6 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon talk to a tenant and landlord about evictions and rent relief more than two years into the pandemic and after billions in spending. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Gimme Shelter: Can California build millions of new homes amid drought?
July 11, 2022 23:43 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with Ellen Hanak, director of the Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center, to discuss the intersection between housing growth and drought. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Gimme Shelter: Why L.A. apartments don’t come with fridges
June 16, 2022 18:22 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBOn this crossover episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast” and the Los Angeles’ Times’ “The Times” daily podcast, L.A. Times reporter Liam Dillon sits down with Times host Gustavo Arellano to discuss why L.A. apartments often lack refrigerators.
Gimme Shelter: A breakdown of Gov. Gavin Newsom’s CARE Court proposal
June 02, 2022 17:14 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with Los Angeles Times reporter Hannah Wiley to discuss Newsom’s CARE Court proposal.
Gimme Shelter: Attorney General Rob Bonta on housing law enforcement
May 17, 2022 17:13 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with California Attorney General Rob Bonta to discuss his approach to housing.
Gimme Shelter: Deplorable conditions and poor oversight in Los Angeles apartment complex
May 03, 2022 17:58 - 42 minutes - 58.1 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with data reporter Aaron Mendelson to discuss poor living conditions and lack of oversight at an LA apartment complex.
Gimme Shelter: What if California put affordable housing on golf courses?
April 15, 2022 21:34 - 45 minutes - 62.3 MBOn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon sit down with Assemblymember Cristina Garcia to discuss a bill that would allow affordable housing on golf courses. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
How much do California housing goals really mean?
March 21, 2022 18:55 - 56 minutes - 78 MBIn the latest episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast,” CalMatters’ Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times’ Liam Dillon explain why the state’s housing planning process has been ineffective and what the new penalties mean. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
California housing crisis goes to college
March 04, 2022 18:55 - 1 hour - 84.8 MBListen to the new episode of the California housing crisis podcast, featuring the debate at UC Berkeley over enrollment and environmental law. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
What do mountain lions have to do with California housing?
February 16, 2022 13:25 - 41 minutes - 56.6 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon discuss local pushback against a new state law ending most single-family zoning, including Woodside trying to declare itself a mountain lion habitat. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
The people behind California's plan to end chronic homelessness
February 02, 2022 13:25 - 39 minutes - 54.2 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon interview former homeless vet Fernando Maya and Jackie Botts, who told his story for CalMatters. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
What does new California housing leader want to do?
January 14, 2022 19:55 - 43 minutes - 59.7 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon interview new Assembly Housing Committee Chairperson Buffy Wicks. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Thinking of buying a house? Here’s one millennial’s experience
December 20, 2021 13:25 - 34 minutes - 47.3 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon catch up with former podcast co-host Matt Levin on the homebuying process. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Is 'right to housing' a solution to California homelessness?
December 03, 2021 20:00 - 58 minutes - 79.6 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon interview Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg on his proposed "right to housing" to reduce homelessness. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
How freeways bulldoze California communities of color
November 15, 2021 19:55 - 55 minutes - 76.7 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon discuss a recent L.A. Times investigation into how new highways continue to disproportionately impact Black and Latino neighborhoods. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
California’s top housing officials share their vision for affordability and accountability
November 01, 2021 18:55 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon interview the heads of California’s top three housing agencies under the Newsom administration. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
California is increasing enforcement of its housing goals: Will it work?
October 18, 2021 12:25 - 42 minutes - 58.2 MBIn the new episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon break down California’s increased enforcement of housing production goals. They are joined by Victoria Fierce, whose organization sues cities that aren’t producing enough housing. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Why is Fresno one of the nation’s hottest housing markets?
September 28, 2021 12:24 - 39 minutes - 54 MBCalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon break down Fresno’s housing market and why rents and home prices have skyrocketed, even amid the pandemic. They are joined by Jovana Morales-Tilgren, who advocates on behalf of low-income tenants for Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Could the Republican recall candidates create a housing boom through environmental reform?
September 10, 2021 19:00 - 55 minutes - 76.1 MBMoira O’Neill, a UC Berkeley researcher, explains why scrapping CEQA isn’t the silver bullet to California’s housing woes. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Los Angeles City Council member Kevin de Leon discusses bill to end single-family zoning.
August 30, 2021 22:07 - 54 minutes - 75 MBA controversial bill on single-family zoning passed the California Legislature, but there's already a ballot measure in the works to block it. Los Angeles City Council member Kevin de Leon discusses the issue. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Why is it so difficult to get housing bills through the California Legislature?
August 09, 2021 12:30 - 55 minutes - 76.2 MBOn this episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast," a former top legislative aide discusses why housing bills get blocked with co-hosts Manuela Tobias and Liam Dillon. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Assembly Housing chairperson David Chiu talks about eviction protections
July 12, 2021 12:30 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBIn this episode of “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Podcast,” CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon talk to Assembly Housing chairperson David Chiu about statewide eviction protections and how they're working and not working. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
California’s eviction protections and homelessness in Los Angeles, explained
June 25, 2021 14:30 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBIs California extending its eviction protections? What does homelessness in California look like? And how did Los Angeles become its epicenter? Manuela Tobias of CalMatters and Liam Dillon of the Los Angeles Times bring back “Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Podcast” to discuss the state’s biggest housing affordability issues. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicfig
Matt's last podcast, with Matt
January 07, 2021 22:43 - 58 minutes - 80.2 MBMatt and Liam launched Gimme Shelter in 2017. The podcast will continue...but without Matt. On this very special episode, Matt and Liam break down their last Avocado of the Fortnight together (5:00), talk about what covering politics in the Sacramento is really like (8:30), predictions for 2021 in California housing (19:30), and reflect back on the lessons of the past three years...fill in the blank style (39:00). Special thanks again to audio editor Victor Figueroa.
An interview with Newsom's housing czar, Jason Elliott
December 21, 2020 18:31 - 1 hour - 105 MBWhere is the Newsom administration's "Marshall Plan" for housing? How has the pandemic impacted the governor's approach to homelessness? When should the state's eviction moratorium be lifted? Matt and Liam devote an hour of this fortnight's podcast to interviewing Jason Elliott, Gov. Newsom's point person on all things housing and homelessness. First, the winner of the coveted Avocado of the Year is awarded to a special surprise guest (1:30). Then, a sit-down with Jason Elliott on all things...
"Crime-free" housing and Project Homekey, with Terrance Stewart
December 09, 2020 19:11 - 55 minutes - 76.2 MBMore than 100 California cities have adopted "crime-free" housing policies that make it difficult for renters with a criminal record to maintain stable housing. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the disproportionate impact these policies have on Black and brown Californians. First, a few major podcast announcements. Then an Avocado of the Fortnight checks in with Project Homekey, Gov. Newsom's homeless housing shopping spree (6:50). Finally, a conversation about crime-fr...
What a Biden win means for California housing, with Carol Galante
November 20, 2020 19:58 - 54 minutes - 74.7 MBCan Joe Biden fix California's housing crisis? No. Can he help? Maybe. In this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the potential and limits of Biden's plans for homelessness, zoning reform, and affordable housing and how they'll impact California. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight gets some San Diego residents' blood boiling (2:00). Then some post-election hot takes on the two statewide housing propositions: rent control and property tax breaks for seniors (7:30). Finally, a back...
Answering Abigail's ballot questions, and Prop 19 pros and cons
October 23, 2020 21:12 - 1 hour - 86.4 MBAbigail Zoger teachers biology at Santa Rosa Junior College, cares about climate change and social justice issues and, like a lot of California voters, has questions about the complicated housing propositions on her ballot. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam try to answer those questions to help make Abigail more informed about her vote. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight asks WWJD about a homeless person on a park bench (3:00)? Then Abigail gets her questions (mostly) answered a...
The rent control initiative, with the "Yes" and "No" side
October 08, 2020 19:35 - 1 hour - 88.5 MBFor the second straight general election, Californians will have the opportunity to vote on a statewide rent control initiative. Matt and Liam discuss the politics and policy of Prop 21, which would allow cities to apply rent control to more housing units. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to 19th century Russia (2:20). Then a discussion of the history and future of Prop. 21 (8:30). Finally, interviews with Steve Maviglio, spokesperson for the "No on 21" campaign (27:30), and Rene ...
Wildfires and the housing crisis (again), with Seana O'Shaughnessy
September 24, 2020 17:39 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MBMassive wildfires are yet again threatening California homes. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss how the rising scope and severity of wildfires is exacerbating the state's housing crisis and resurfacing a thorny question: Should we rebuild in areas prone to fire threats? First, an Avocado of the Fortnight exposes how little Matt and Liam know about Westeros' setback requirements (3:20). Then a discussion of the state's most recent spate of record wildfires and what it mea...
The eviction deal and the duplex debacle, with Asm. Buffy Wicks
September 05, 2020 22:04 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBBabies on the Assembly floor! Senators swearing at each other! Forcible Zoom mutings! The end of the state legislative session was particularly chaotic this year, especially for housing. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam break down the last-minute eviction deal nobody seems happy with, and the head-scratching demise of a housing production bill that actually passed both chambers. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight is awarded to the only lawmaker to actually address a previous A...
The eviction cliff, with Rep. Maxine Waters
August 19, 2020 00:13 - 53 minutes - 73.4 MBCalifornia faces the prospect of hundreds of thousands of evictions if lawmakers don't come up with new protections by the end of the month. On this episode, Matt and Liam discuss the looming eviction wave, and the loophole in eviction moratoriums that has allowed sheriff deputies to lock out tenants during "shelter in place." First, the Avocado of the Fortnight introduces us to the term "garden igloo" (3:00). Then, a discussion of current federal and state efforts to stave off the eviction c...
Trump and the suburbs, with sociologist Karyn Lacy
July 29, 2020 00:33 - 46 minutes - 63.7 MBPresident Trump tweeted an ominous warning to suburban housewives. What does that have to do with California housing policy? On this episode, Matt and Liam discuss the history of segregation and discrimination in American suburban enclaves (1:30). First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes us back in time...to last month. Then, an interview with University of Michigan sociologist Karyn Lacy on whether the president's characterization of the suburbs fits the realities of 2020 (17:30).
Why the housing market isn't tanking, with Zillow's Skylar Olsen
July 03, 2020 20:31 - 1 hour - 85.3 MBIt's the worst economy since the Great Depression...and housing prices aren't really budging all that much. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the confusing state of California's home and rental market. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight begs an existential question: just how harmful are UC Berkeley undergrads to the world? (2:20). Then a discussion of housing and homelessness dollars in the state budget, whether Project Homekey will actually work, and what the state is ...
Article 34 and Devaluing Black Homes, with Andre Perry
June 13, 2020 01:36 - 48 minutes - 66.1 MBStructural racism in housing lay at the heart of many of the economic disparities between black and white households. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam delve into the legacy of one California-specific housing policy with a deeply racist history that is still embedded in the state constitution: Article 34 (7:40). Then, a conversation with Andre Perry, a fellow at the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institute, whose research into the devaluation of homes in Black neig...
Bonus Pod: Samaritans, Episode 1
June 12, 2020 21:04 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBBONUS TRACK!!! Gimme Shelter will be running episodes of "Samaritans", a KCRW narrative podcast hosted by Anna Scott that follows one person's experience of homelessness in Los Angeles. Here's episode one. Samaritans: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/samaritans/id1517172761 There Goes the Neighborhood: https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/there-goes-the-neighborhood