Amita Sharma, KPBS, Author at CalMatters

Kaye, who asked that we not use her last name, continues to receive a monthly rental subsidy from the City of Santa Monica as part of a pilot program to help seniors stay in their homes. Photo by Amita Sharma

California Dream

California looks to Santa Monica as it ramps up rent subsidies for seniors

by Amita Sharma, KPBS August 27, 2019August 27, 2019

Over the last year, the city has experimented with sending rental checks to nearly two dozen seniors and now wants to expand the program exponentially.

photo of San Diego beach

California Dream

From ancient times to today, San Diego remains a magnet for wellness seekers

by Amita Sharma, KPBS July 22, 2019July 22, 2019

Ginny Davenport,100, of San Diego enjoys a chat with her daughters Kelly Davenport (center) and Riley Davenport (left). The daughters are part of a growing trend of older adults caring for their elderly parents. Photo by Amita Sharma, KPBS

California Dream, Health

New reality: More retirees find themselves caring for their very elderly parents

by Amita Sharma, KPBS February 26, 2019June 23, 2020

La Mesa resident Chad Regeczi saw his rent increase $300 on his apartment last year which prompted him to find another place to live. Photo by Amita Sharma, KPBS

California Dream, The High Cost of Housing

Lawmakers asked to consider anti-price gouging laws to slow rising rents

by Amita Sharma, KPBS January 14, 2019June 23, 2020

Robert Unser had four PACE loans and four liens on his San Diego home, Sept. 27, 2018. PHOTO BY AMITA SHARMA/KPBS.

California Dream, Economy, Housing

The latest rip-off risk for elderly homeowners? Clean energy loans

by Amita Sharma, KPBS November 27, 2018June 23, 2020

Carol and George Law received fliers twice offering to buy their one-acre vacant lot in San Diego County for $800 in cash. Photo by Amira Sharma, KPBS

California Dream, Economy, Housing

Pricey real estate prompts scammers to target senior homeowners

by Amita Sharma, KPBS November 26, 2018June 23, 2020

Gubernatorial candidates Republican John Cox and Democrat Gavin Newsom.

California Dream, Politics

The California Dream takes center stage in governor’s race

by Amita Sharma, KPBS October 29, 2018June 23, 2020

Cheryl Taylor talks about what it’s like to live on the streets of San Diego, among the California locales where empathy toward homelessness is an open question. Photo by Katie Schoolov

California Dream, Homelessness

Homelessness: I feel your pain, or do I?

by Amita Sharma, KPBS September 17, 2018June 23, 2020

Kaye, who asked that we not use her last name, receives a monthly rental subsidy from the City of Santa Monica as part of a pilot program to help seniors stay in their homes, July 11, 2018.

California Dream, Homelessness, Housing, The High Cost of Housing

Santa Monica offers cash to seniors to help with rent

by Amita Sharma, KPBS September 12, 2018June 23, 2020

Angela George’s newborn Mateo takes a nap in her arms. Her family planning has been affected by California's high housing and child care costs. These financial factors have affected the California birth rate. | Photo by Amita Sharma

California Dream, Housing, The High Cost of Housing

Are housing costs to blame for California’s plummeting fertility rate?

by Amita Sharma, KPBS July 30, 2018June 23, 2020