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
California's post-pandemic housing package
May 26, 2020 21:15 - 38 minutes - 53.2 MBCalifornia lawmakers have introduced a new package of legislation aimed at making it easier to build housing in California. Matt and Liam discuss whether the new proposals will make a meaningful dent in the state's housing shortage, and how COVID_19 has changed what is and isn't possible. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight has Matt and Liam talking turkey (5:00). Then Liam shared some epidemiologically informed advice for Matt on how he should live in his apartment complex (7:20). Then an ov...
#CancelTheRent, with a California renter and landlord
May 11, 2020 22:11 - 59 minutes - 81.5 MBWith the state's economy in pandemic-induced freefall, missed rent payments are piling up for California tenants and landlords. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss whether a rent strike will provoke the state into action, and what can the government realistically do to help? First, the Avocado of the Fortnite takes us to Liam's backyard (4:00). Then a discussion of the #CancelTheRent movement and two state proposals to address the issue (7:00). Then an interview with Patri...
Will California rethink density because of COVID-19, with Conor Dougherty
April 30, 2020 01:50 - 52 minutes - 72.1 MBIs density to blame for New York's coronavirus outbreak? And if so, should California rethink its push for building more apartments in major cities? On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the new public health dimensions of California's density debate. First, an Avocado of the Fortnite takes us to an echo chamber inside Matt's living room (3:00). Then a discussion of NIMBY pushback to housing the homeless in hotels (7:00), followed by hot takes on whether the drive for urban ...
A million bucks to build one low-income housing unit, with Ginger Hitzke
April 15, 2020 18:48 - 1 hour - 83.9 MBLow-income housing developers say it's really expensive to build affordable units in California. Matt and Liam delve into one example: The Pearl, a small low-income apartment complex that ultimately projected to cost $1.1 million per unit and was never built. First, an FAQ on California's eviction rules after the court system issued new protocols (2:00). Then a discussion of what happened to The Pearl and what it says about California's low-income housing shortage (15:00). Then an interview w...
COVID-19 and the housing crisis
March 29, 2020 21:56 - 40 minutes - 56 MBAs the novel coronavirus pandemic forces millions of Californians to adjust to a new reality, the state’s “housing crisis” already means something different than it did just two weeks ago. On this episode, Matt and Liam discuss how the state's housing woes are complicating California's response to the virus, from homelessness to evictions. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to the front lines of the tenant revolution: casual dining restaurant chains (6:00). Then a discussion of how G...
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on housing and homelessness
February 29, 2020 01:22 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBFrom a live podcast at the USC Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy, an interview with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on California's housing and homelessness woes. Full Event: https://priceschool.usc.edu/unhoused-addressing-homelessness-in-california/homelessness-live-webstream/ Produced by Jakob Lazzaro
The presidential candidates' housing plans, with Jenny Schuetz
February 18, 2020 00:51 - 46 minutes - 63.4 MBWhich presidential candidate's housing plan will do the most for you, dear California voter? On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam breakdown the housing proposals of the major remaining presidential candidates and discuss how eerily the policies resemble many California proposals. First an Avocado of the Fortnight compares Detroit and San Francisco real estate (2;10). Then a breakdown of the Trump administration's approach to housing (5:10). Liam and Matt then present the "Gimmie"...
Emergency pod: SB 50 dies again. What happens now?
February 03, 2020 23:25 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MBCalifornia's most controversial housing bill is dead...for the third consecutive year. On this emergency episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss what it was like to watch SB 50 die in real time, the reasons behind its death, and what happens next... Producer: Jakob Lazarro Music for "Jakob asks a normal person question" from filmmusic.io "Envision" by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Sponsorship of this podcast provided by The James Irvine Foundation
Moms 4 Housing, with Dominique Walker, Aaron Glantz and Carroll Fife
January 28, 2020 04:00 - 1 hour - 86.7 MBA group of homeless and housing insecure mothers made national headlines after occupying a vacant home in West Oakland. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss why the protest was so successful and interview one of the "moms" in Moms 4 Housing. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight asks whether unvaccinated Californians should count as a terrorist threat (3:00). Then a brand new segment from intern producer Jakob sparks a breakdown on what Moms 4 Housing wanted and how realistic...
The SB 50 local control remix, with Sen. Scott Wiener
January 10, 2020 01:34 - 55 minutes - 76.6 MBCalifornia's most controversial housing bill is back again...again. For three years Sen. Scott Wiener has tried to force cities to allow apartment buildings around transit. He's hoping new amendments that grant local governments much more flexibility in approving what types of housing go where will finally get his legislation to the Governor. But do the amendments make the bill more complex and less effective? And are they politically savvy enough to pass? Matt and Liam discuss the third in...
Housing storylines to watch in 2020, with former state housing head Ben Metcalf
December 17, 2019 00:26 - 1 hour - 85 MBAs 2019 winds down, Matt and Liam discuss what major housing storylines you should expect next year. First, the second annual Avocado of the Year is awarded to the most absurd California housing story of 2019 (2:00). Then, counting down the four issues that will define California's housing crisis next year, from a possible Trump crackdown on homelessness to what a "signature housing production bill" actually looks like (7:00). Finally, an interview with Ben Metcalf, former head of the state D...
Solving homelessness, with Darrell Steinberg and Mark Ridley-Thomas
November 26, 2019 22:22 - 1 hour - 88.2 MBMatt and Liam interview the co-chairs of Gov. Gavin Newsom's statewide task force on homelessness, Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg and L.A. County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas. This episode was taped live on November 5 at a "Homelessness and Housing Town Hall" hosted by the Milken Institute in Santa Monica. The town hall was co-produced by CalMatters, the Los Angeles Times, and the Milken Institute. Special thanks to JPMorgan Chase & Co., Edison International and SoCalGas for sponsoring...
Is California as we know it over? With the New York Times' Farhad Manjoo
November 16, 2019 01:34 - 58 minutes - 79.7 MBFires, blackouts, and soaring housing costs--has California officially reached a tipping point? Or are we simply recycling the same old tired doomsday tropes every time the state faces a collective challenge? On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam chat with New York Times columnist Farhad Manjoo about why the state's twin climate change and housing affordability problems make him pessimistic about the future. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight poses a $10,000 question: How much wou...
The melee at the Marriott: Sen. Wiener and Beverly Hills Mayor Mirisch debate housing
October 30, 2019 23:15 - 52 minutes - 71.9 MBA very special episode: Matt and Liam moderate a conversation on housing policy between state Sen. Scott Wiener, Democrat from San Francisco, and Beverly Hills Mayor John Mirisch. Wiener is trying to force California cities to allow denser housing. Mirisch has been a fierce defender of local control and single-family-only zoning. Tune in for the avocado jokes, stay for the civil discourse on zoning reform!!! This debate was recorded live at the Southern California Association of Nonprofit H...
The case for local control over housing, with Susan Kirsch and Juan Garza
October 18, 2019 16:47 - 1 hour - 104 MBWhat is neighborhood character exactly? What does a one-size-fits-all approach to housing mean? What strain does building more housing actually put on city infrastructure? On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the case for local control over housing decisions. First, Gimme Shelter is going on tour in Southern California--come out and see us (3:00). Then a truly sisyphean Avocado of the Fortnight (7:00), followed by a roundup of what housing bills Gov. Newsom signed and veto...
THE LIVE SHOW, with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Margot Kushel, and Candice Gonzalez
October 02, 2019 23:31 - 1 hour - 118 MBGimme Shelter solves the housing crisis...in front of a live studio audience! Matt and Liam hosted the first live taping of the podcast on September 18 in downtown San Francisco, focused on solutions to California's housing woes. They interview Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, USCF homelessness expert Dr. Margot Kushel, and developer Candice Gonzalez. If you rather watch than listen, you can check out the recorded livestream here: https://calmatters.org/multimedia/podcasts/gimme-shelter/2019/09/ca...
Semi-emergency pod: What California lawmakers did on housing in 2019
September 17, 2019 02:27 - 46 minutes - 64.4 MBLast Friday, California lawmakers ended their work for the year. Did they solve California's housing woes? On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the bills on their way to the governor's desk and what they mean for Californians. (Note: A previous version of this podcast was accidentally uploaded before final editing. Listen to this one!) Avocado of the Fortnight (3:00) on menstrual products on the Senate floor. Then a discussion of the rent cap bill and what it means for ...
Will California cap rent increases? With Asm. David Chiu
September 06, 2019 23:30 - 1 hour - 82.6 MBLate last week, Democratic leaders including Gov. Gavin Newsom announced they had reached a deal on a bill that would limit how much a California landlord can raise the rent. In this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the shifting politics and policy of Assembly Bill 1482, and its prospects for becoming law. First, Matt brings his own Avocado of the Fortnight, involving the 37% of young adult Californians who live with their parents (3:10). Then a discussion of why landlords and ...
Section 8 and big podcast announcements, with Sen. Holly Mitchell and researcher Martha Galvez
August 26, 2019 20:13 - 1 hour - 102 MBSection 8 is the most well-known affordable housing program in the country. How exactly does it work in a high-cost state like California? In light of a bill that would ban landlords from discriminating against Section 8 voucher holders, Matt and Liam discuss the program's promise and shortcomings. First some major podcast announcements (2:00), including our first live podcast event! Sep 18th in San Francisco with Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, UCSF homelessness expert Margot Kushel and develop...
How Oregon passed rent caps and zoning reform, with real live Oregonians
August 05, 2019 04:36 - 1 hour - 96.3 MBOregon is the first state in the nation to pass laws capping annual rent increases and prohibiting single family only zoning. California tenant and zoning reform advocates have struggled in recent years to push similar laws. Matt and Liam discuss the key political and policy differences between the "Oregon model" and California. First, an absurdly sad Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to a photo-op gone awry for L.A.Mayor Eric Garcetti (3:00). Then Matt and Liam analyze why Oregon was first t...
How a big earthquake in a big city would affect the housing crisis, with Maiclaire Bolton Smith
July 18, 2019 20:27 - 53 minutes - 73.7 MBAt some point, the "big one" will hit California--a major earthquake in a major population center. For a state with a severe housing shortage, that's probably not good. On this episode, Matt and Liam terrify you with forecasts on how a quake in the Bay or Los Angeles could exacerbate the state's housing crisis. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to planet Yeezy, in a galaxy far, far away (2:30). Then some hot takes on two marquee housing bills still alive in the Capitol (6:30) that...
Tech, housing (and the budget), with Catherine Bracy & Marisa Kendall
July 03, 2019 18:54 - 1 hour - 94.4 MBHow much should tech companies be blamed for California's housing crisis? And what are they doing to combat it? On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss whether "big tech" is more of a scapegoat for the state's housing woes or whether the credo of "move fast and break things" has broken the Bay Area's housing market. First, a detailed discussion of the new sticks in the state budget for California cities, which may not be as punitive as you might think. Then an interview with...
The state budget and homelessness, with Mike Neely
June 23, 2019 01:02 - 45 minutes - 62.8 MBThere's about $2 billion in new spending on housing and homelessness in the state budget. Is that a lot? A little? And how exactly will it be spent? On this episode, Matt and Liam breakdown what we know about housing in Gov. Newsom's first official budget, and what important things we don't know yet. Then, an interview with Mike Neely, former commissioner for the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority about state's rising homelessness numbers (25:00).
The housing bill bloodbath, with Dan Dunmoyer and Cesar Diaz
June 03, 2019 05:51 - 1 hour - 98.6 MBLast week was a rough week for California housing bills. Many couldn't pass a key legislative deadline, and some of the survivors were barely recognizable by the time lawmakers were done with them. In this episode, Matt and Liam sift through the wreckage and what it means for the future of the state's' housing woes. Then, interviews with Dan Dunmoyer, head of the California Building Industry Association who lobby on behalf of developers in the state Capitol (28:00). And finally an interview w...
Emergency pod: Why SB 50 was put on ice, with Brian Hanlon
May 18, 2019 02:12 - 57 minutes - 78.3 MBThe most controversial housing bill in the state was unexpectedly put on life support this week. In this emergency version of the podcast, Matt and Liam discuss how and why SB 50, Sen. Wiener's second attempt to produce denser housing around transit, got shelved. Then an interview with Brian Hanlon, head of California YIMBY, sponsor of the bill (32:30).
Mayors-only panel (and Liam), with Libby Schaaf, Sam Liccardo, Darrell Steinberg and Michael Tubbs
May 16, 2019 15:36 - 1 hour - 82.4 MBA special edition of Gimme Shelter this week: a panel of big-city mayors! Hosted by the Urban Land Institute, Liam interviews Oakland's Libby Schaaf, Stockton's Michael Tubbs, Sacramento's Darrell Steinberg, and San Jose's Sam Liccardo on solutions to California's housing woes. The event was recorded in San Francisco on Friday, May 10th. Special thanks to ULI for allowing us to use the audio.
The new SB 50 and rent control, with Michael Weinstein and Sen. Nancy Skinner
May 03, 2019 21:05 - 1 hour - 104 MBLast week was a busy one for very controversial housing bills in California. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the major changes to SB 50, Sen. Scott Wiener's attempt to force cities to allow taller housing around transit, and a mixed bag for tenant groups in the Capitol, First, the Avocado of the Fortnight shout-outs some wonderful reporting (https://extras.mercurynews.com/pricewepay/)(3:45). Then some "mythbusting" around the new SB 50 (6:30)and Costa Hawkins reform (2...
The struggle for rent control legislation, with Michelle Pariset and Asm. Rob Bonta
April 19, 2019 22:23 - 1 hour - 83.2 MBSeveral high-profile tenant protection and rent control bills face tough hearings in the state Legislature next week, all facing an uncertain future. On this episode of Gimme Shelter, Matt and Liam discuss the latest in a series of efforts in the state Capitol to push tenant rights, and why almost all of those efforts have failed in the past. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to a bedrock of California housing absurdity (1:30). Then Matt and Liam discuss recent stories they've publ...
Much ADU about "casitas", with Sen. Bob Wieckowski and granny flat builder Stan Acton
April 04, 2019 21:14 - 58 minutes - 80.6 MBIs the solution to California's housing shortage literally sitting in the backyard of single-family homes? This week, Matt and Liam delve into the role Accessory Dwelling Units--ADU's, in-law units or "Casitas" as no one calls them, could play in fixing the state's housing woes. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight delves into the relationship between the Old Testament, state housing policy and the new mayor of Beverly Hills (5:45). Then a discussion of SB 50, the controversial bill to allow m...
San Diego's YIMBY Turn, with Mayor Kevin Faulconer
March 14, 2019 19:04 - 42 minutes - 58.7 MBSan Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is a newly self-identified "YIMBY"--a proponent of "Yes in My Backyard" development. Liam and Matt discuss what that the Republican mayor's pro-density policies mean for the one of the largest and sprawliest cities in California. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight asks whether the cure for the state's housing crisis is parked right in front of us (2:00). Then a discussion of whether Gov. Newsom is punting tying gas tax money to housing goals (6:30), followed ...
Does building and zoning for more housing actually work? With Michael Lens and Yonah Freemark
February 22, 2019 08:01 - 1 hour - 95.5 MBDoes building more housing--and allowing more housing to be built--actually reduce rents and home prices in the long run? How long is the long run exactly? In light of a MIT study that casts doubt on the efficacy of "upzoning"--allowing more houses to be built on one piece of land--Matt and Liam talk about "supply skepticism" and how important the study may or may not be to the fate of statewide housing reforms in California. Then an interview with Michael Lens (26:00), professor of urban pl...
Newsom vs. Huntington Beach, with Sen. John Moorlach and Asm. Miguel Santiago
February 08, 2019 02:21 - 1 hour - 84.6 MBHuntington Beach, you've been served. Last week, the Newsom administration announced it was suing the Orange County city for failing to plan for adequate housing. Matt and Liam delve into the details of the suit, and what it means for the future of local control over housing decisions. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight takes us yet again to the city of Cupertino, where a new mayor's stand-up act met mixed reviews (2:40). Then a detailed breakdown of the policy and nuanced politics of dueling...
Low-income housing, Newsom's budget and the missing middle, with Tyrone Buckley
January 25, 2019 21:08 - 50 minutes - 69.9 MBGov. Gavin Newsom's housing budget tries to do ALOT--including build more housing for California's middle class. Matt and Liam take a deeper dive into Newsom's housing plan, including his call for Silicon Valley companies to chip in on the so-called "missing middle." First, an Avocado of the Fortnight from San Jose has Liam purring with delight (1:45). Then a deeper dive into Newsom's housing budget and its new emphasis on middle-income housing (6:30). And finally an interview with low-incom...
Emergency Pod: Newsom's audacious housing budget
January 12, 2019 23:46 - 33 minutes - 46.4 MBThere was so much housing news in Gov. Gavin Newsom's first budget proposal that Matt and Liam couldn't wait a week to talk about it. We don't get to everything Newsom wants to do, but we analyze some of the bigger developments, including: * The unprecedented infusion of housing cash * A looming crackdown on cities who don't meet their housing goals * Newsom's comments on Senator Scott Wiener's attempt to strip cities of their zoning power around public transportation. We'll be back next...
Minneapolis just ended single family zoning. Will California follow suit?
December 27, 2018 13:00 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBZoning reform-—changing how cities decide what types of homes can be built where—isn't just a hot topic in California. Minneapolis, Minnesota made national headlines as the first major city to eliminate single family zoning in an effort to lower the city's housing prices and redress racial inequities. Matt and Liam talk with Lisa Bender, president of the Minneapolis City Council, about the city's controversial plans (22:00). First, Gimme Shelter awards its second annual Avocado of the Year—...
Could Scott Wiener's new bill to build more apartments actually pass? With Sen. Scott Wiener
December 14, 2018 18:21 - 1 hour - 102 MBThe most controversial housing bill in recent California history is back. Does it have any chance of passing this time? Matt and Liam ask Sen. Scott Wiener, the man behind SB 50, about his re-imagined plan to build more apartment buildings around California. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight asks whether the need for nudity should be protected under the California Environmental Quality Act (3:45). Then a review of the flurry of new housing bills introduced on the first day of the legislative...
L.A., Houston mayors on housing and homelessness
November 30, 2018 01:36 - 1 hour - 97.8 MBMatt and Liam were travelling and sick the past two weeks, so no conventional episode of Gimme Shelter this fortnight. Instead we present a collection of interviews with big city mayors on housing and homelessness. First, a live panel featuring Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, and Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg (1:55). CALmatters reporter Laurel Rosenhall moderated the panel earlier this month as part of the California Dream Pro...
Election post-mortem (spectacular), with Politico's Angela Hart
November 16, 2018 00:24 - 1 hour - 83.6 MBMatt and Liam break down all of the important housing-related results from last week's election. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight asks whether Richard Dreyfus voted against state housing law (4:30). Then, a discussion of the dismal performance of Prop. 10 and where the rent control debate goes from here (11:00), the failure of an effort to expand Prop. 13 (30:00), and the passage of affordable housing and homelessness bonds (34:00). Finally a discussion with Politico California's Angela Ha...
Explaining rent control and everything else on your ballot, with Damien Goodmon and Steve Maviglio
November 01, 2018 17:18 - 1 hour - 105 MBThe election is just days away! Matt and Liam walk through everything you need to know to make an informed choice on Tuesday. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight from San Diego prompts an existential debate on NIMBYism (4:00). Then, a discussion of housing in the governor's race (8:00), the state legislature (14:00), Prop. 1 (16:30), Prop. 2 (22:00), Prop. 5 (25:00), and Prop. 10 (29:00), including a debate over what a Prop. 10 loss could mean for the future of rent control. Then, interviews...
Responsibly rebuilding wine country, with the mayor of Santa Rosa
October 19, 2018 05:37 - 55 minutes - 76.4 MBRebuilding the northern California city of Santa Rosa one year after a disastrous fire has been a traumatic, difficult and expensive endeavor. Some also view it as an opportunity to build more housing in an area that desperately needs it. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight begins with two housing reporters walking into a Sacramento bar (2:20). Then, the latest developments in Housing on the Ballot, including more bad polling for rent control (5:30). Matt and Liam catch up with John Thill, who...
Gimme Shelter X L.A Podcast Crossover Spectacular
October 04, 2018 22:11 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBA first of its kind for Gimme Shelter: A crossover episode! Matt and Liam join comedy writer and all around smart guy Hayes Davenport, Curbed editor Alissa Walker, and housing guru Scott Frazier of L.A. Podcast to talk about the intersection of state and local housing policy in L.A. If you're interested in good local news podcasts, you should subscribe to them: https://lapodcast.simplecast.fm/
How's that housing package working, with the mayor of Cupertino and the state housing head
September 21, 2018 00:55 - 1 hour - 102 MBLast year, state legislators passed a suite of laws billed as the biggest attempt to ease California's housing crisis in a generation. Matt and Liam discuss how those new laws are playing out on the ground, and how we should judge whether they're working or not. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to Ben Carson's twitter feed, which is causing headaches for California YIMBYs (3:30). Then the debut of the podcast's new segment, Housing on the Ballot, where Matt and Liam talk about th...
The Gimme Shelter One Year Anniversary Spectacular
September 13, 2018 23:14 - 41 minutes - 56.9 MBIt's been one year of Matt and Liam talking about California's housing crisis. They reflect on the biggest stories of the past twelve months, and what they expect to be on the podcast in the year ahead. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to a potentially awkward roommate situation at UC Santa Cruz (5:00). Then a recap of the last month of housing legislation at the Capitol, including Liam's choice for the most important housing bill that passed(10:00). And finally, Matt and Liam talk...
The Lebowski property tax break, with a cameo from Jeff Bridges
August 24, 2018 01:26 - 48 minutes - 67.1 MBWhat do the Big Lebowski, Proposition 13 and feudalism have to do with each other? A little-known ballot measure passed in the mid 1980's that allows children to inherit the property taxes of their parents--and that is costing the state billions. Matt and Liam discuss Liam's investigation into a uniquely Californian property tax break that has disproportionately benefited the state's elite. First, a very brief interview with the Oscar-winning actor Jeff Bridges, profiled in the story as one...
Should you vote yes or no on Prop 5 (the portable Prop 13 one), with Steve White and Dorothy Johnson
August 10, 2018 02:33 - 56 minutes - 77.9 MBMatt and Liam discuss Proposition 5, an initiative on the ballot this November that would allow older homeowners to carry their Prop 13 property tax benefits with them when they move. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight takes us to the Oakland Raiders' training camp, where Bay Area housing prices are giving some new players sticker shock (3:00). Then an example of how Prop 13 really works when it comes to property taxes (7:00), follow by an example of how Prop 5 would work (17:00). A review o...
Should California emulate Seattle to solve housing? With the Seattle Times' Mike Rosenberg
July 27, 2018 00:12 - 57 minutes - 78.5 MBShould California look to the Northwest for answers to its housing woes? Liam and Matt explore whether Seattle, which builds at twice the rate as San Francisco and has seen falling rents in recent years, could provide a model for California cities. First, in a very special Avocado of the Fortnight, Matt introduces us to the woman behind the most famous zucchini in all of housing Twitter (3:30). Then a run-down of the housing bills the state legislature will take up in their last working month...
The Rent Control War, with Debra Carlton and Amy Schur
June 29, 2018 03:20 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBOne housing issue will overshadow all others this election: Rent control. Matt and Liam discuss why renewed negotiations to remove a controversial rent control initiative from the ballot went nowhere, and what the campaigns will look like this fall. First, Matt proposes a solution to the Los Angeles Clippers' battles with the California Environmental Quality Act in the Avocado of the Fortnight (3:30). Then a discussion about why negotiations over rent control have been so fruitless (11:23). D...
What the primary means for housing, bills alive and dead, and rent control
June 08, 2018 00:04 - 29 minutes - 40.6 MBA grab bag of topics on this pod. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight asks what would Yeezus do about California's housing crisis (2:00)? Then, a discussion about what the primary results mean for housing, up and down the ballot (4:00). Next a recap of what important housing bills survived major legislative deadlines. Then finally Liam and Matt talk about a recent proposal for a rent control compromise, and how both sides reacted to it (21:00).
Evictions and Tenants' Rights, with Fernando Nadal
May 24, 2018 22:22 - 45 minutes - 62.7 MBMatt and Liam discuss a handful of tenants' rights bills with uncertain futures currently making their way through the state Legislature. First, an Avocado of the Fortnight asks what historians will make of a Los Angeles-area gas station decades from now (2:30). The Number of the Fortnight introduces us to an arcane part of the legislative process called the "suspense file", which could spell the doom of several key housing bills (5:30). Then the current state of tenants' rights in California...
Housing in the Governor's Race, with Laurel Rosenhall and Phil Willon
May 10, 2018 23:25 - 53 minutes - 73.3 MBHousing has become a major issue in California's race for governor. With the June primary less than a month away, Matt and Liam dive into each of the candidate's plans to solve our affordability crisis. First, the Avocado of the Fortnight takes Matt to an extremely hot property in San Jose (2:50). Then a discussion of how gubernatorial candidates handled housing questions in this week's debate (6:10). Liam walks us through each of the candidate's plans--Newsom (13:00), Cox (18:00), Villaraigo...