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.

Wildfires and the housing crisis (again), with Seana O'Shaughnessy

Why 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.

News

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.

Gimme Shelter: Mobile home parks in disrepair

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.

Gimme Shelter: Homeless veterans in Los Angeles offer statewide insights

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.”

Gimme Shelter: Can an obscure law unleash a lot more housing in California?

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.

Gimme Shelter: CARE Courts are coming to California

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

Wildfires and the housing crisis (again), with Seana O'Shaughnessy

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