Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast

In 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.

In 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.

With 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.”

A new court system to address the needs of people with severe mental illness who are often homeless will launch in some counties in 2023.

Liam Dillon and Ben Oreskes of the L.A. Times interview Mayor Karen Bass about homelessness and housing problems in California.

CalMatters health reporter Kristen Hwang discusses the health care crisis facing California's homeless population with housing reporters.

CalMatters' 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.

California's housing crisis is pushing public higher education out of reach for low-income college students.

Last 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.

It'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.

A 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.

In 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.

On 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.

On 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.

On 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

On 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

On 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.

On 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.

On 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.

On 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.

On 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

In 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

Listen 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

In 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

CalMatters' 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

Moira 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

A 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

On 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

In 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.

Is 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.

Matt 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.

Where 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 California housing (15:00). Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa http://www.vicfig.com/

More 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-free housing (17:00), followed by an interview with Terrance Stewart, who has struggled to find housing for his family in Riverside after a drug conviction (32:00).

Can 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 and forth about Biden's housing plans (17:00), followed by an interview with Carol Galante, faculty director with the UC Berkeley Terner Center for Housing Innovation and former Assistant Secretary for Housing at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development under the Obama administration. (30:00). Note: We had some audio quality issues with this one, apologies. Next episode we should be back to our higher quality audio. Podcast editing by Victor Figueroa http://www.vicfig.com/

Abigail 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 about the rent control initiative (Prop 21) and the portable property tax breaks initiative (Prop 19) (6:30). Finally, interviews with Sara Kimberlin, policy analyst with the California Budget and Policy Center (35:00), and David Wolfe, consultant with the "Yes on Prop 19" campaign (48:00). Editing by Victor Figueroa: http://www.vicfig.com/

For 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 Moya, campaign director for the "Yes" campaign (43:00).

Massive 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 means for the state's housing goals (6:00). Finally, an interview with Seana O'Shaughnessy, CEO of Community Housing Improvement Program, on whether it's a good idea to rebuild Paradise's largest low-income housing complex.

Babies 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 Avocado with successful legislation (2:30). Then, a discussion of the eviction compromise and what it meant for renters, landlords and banks (5:00). Then, a breakdown of why the highest profile housing production bill of 2020 passed both houses--and still failed to become law (20:30). Finally, an interview with viral sensation Assemblymember Buffy Wicks, Democrat from Oakland, on why she and her four week old daughter were on the Assembly floor supporting duplexes in single-family neighborhoods (38:30). Audio editing by Victor Figueroa http://www.vicfig.com/

California 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 cliff (6:30). Matt shamelessly promotes his story about the 1,600 households evicted during the pandemic (18:00). Then, an interview with Rep. Maxine Waters, Democrat from Los Angeles, about federal efforts to forestall evictions, President Trump's comments about "suburban housewives", and how Gov. Newsom has handled the pandemic (29:00). Matt's Story: https://calmatters.org/housing/2020/08/californians-evicted-coronavirus-pandemic/ Editing and post-production by Victor Figueroa. http://www.vicfig.com/

President 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).

It'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 planning to do about evictions (6:20). Finally, an interview with Zillow economist Skylar Olsen about the mystifying state of California's housing market (28:00). Audio editing by Victor Figueroa, http://www.vicfig.com/

Structural 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 neighborhoods points to systemic bias in how the U.S. and California cities value Black assets (24:30). Andre's book: https://www.brookings.edu/book/know-your-price/

BONUS 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

California 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 overview of how homelessness and housing programs fared in deficit-demolished state budget (12:00), and how that affected the suite of housing bills pushed by Senate Democratic leaders after SB 50 (21:00). Remember to donate to CalMatters and subscribe to the Los Angeles Times to participate in our Gimme Shelter Sweepstakes and get a chance to win some housing artwork and be on the show. Donate: https://checkout.fundjournalism.org/memberform?org_id=calmatters Subscribe: https://www.latimes.com/subscriptions/land-subscribe-evergreen/subscribe.html