Will California rethink density because of COVID-19, with Conor Dougherty

04/30/20 • 52 min

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Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast

Is 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 density will be sunk by COVID-19 (16:00). Then an interview with Conor Dougherty, New York Times reporter and author of the new book "Golden Gates: Fighting for Housing in America."

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A million bucks to build one low-income housing unit, with Ginger Hitzke

Low-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 with Ginger Hitzke, developer of The Pearl (32:00).

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#CancelTheRent, with a California renter and landlord

With 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 Patricia Mendoza, a renter in Imperial Beach who participated in the May 1 rent strike (30:00). Finally, an interview with Evelyn Garcia, whose family owns an apartment complex in South L.A. (44:00). LA Times Subscription Page: https://www.latimes.com/subscriptions/land-subscribe-evergreen/subscribe.html#int_source=on_site&int_medium=may_acquisition_subscribe_vanity_landing_page&int_campaign=digital_test CalMatters Donation Page: calmatters.org/donate/ml