Housing

Rafael Suarez tries to restart the generator during a hot day in Los Angeles, on July 9, 2021. As part of their plans to reduce homelessness, Republican recall candidates are calling for a clean-up of the state. Photo by Pablo Unzueta for CalMatters

Politics

Is homelessness Newsom’s weak point in recall? Republicans are counting on it

Challengers in the California recall see Newsom as vulnerable on the issue, but some experts and advocates say their ideas could worsen life for homeless people.

By

Manuela Tobias

• July 15, 2021

Housing

Key lawmaker on California’s eviction ban: ‘If we run out of money, all bets are off’

In this episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon talk to Assembly Housing chairperson David Chiu about statewide eviction protections.

By

Manuela Tobias

• July 12, 2021

Housing

Where are tenants falling through the cracks of California eviction ban?

California has one of the nation’s longest-running eviction bans, but an exclusive CalMatters analysis finds that local decisions carved a divide for tenants. Landlords and sheriffs are evicting renters at higher rates in the Central Valley, while some Bay Area counties added protections for tenants.

By

Manuela Tobias

,

Nigel Duara

and

John Osborn D'Agostino

• July 1, 2021

Oakland resident Alex Acuña holds up a sign decrying a rent relief plan during a vigil at the Elihu M. Harris, State of California office building in Oakland on Jan. 29, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff. CalMatters

Housing

California’s eviction moratorium extension: What’s in it for tenants and landlords?

Gov. Newsom and key legislators agree to extend statewide eviction ban through Sept. 30, to provide full back rent for tenants and landlords. The deal includes fixes to speed rent relief payments.

By

Manuela Tobias

• June 25, 2021

A man sits on the sidewalk across the street from LAC+USC Medical Center. He said he has been homeless since he arrived in Los Angeles from Chicago in 1982. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Housing

Podcast: California’s eviction protections and homelessness in Los Angeles, explained

Listen to the return episode of "Gimme Shelter: The California Housing Crisis Podcast." CalMatters' Manuela Tobias and the Los Angeles Times' Liam Dillon discuss eviction protections and talk to Ben Oreskes of the Times about homelessness in Los Angeles.

By

Manuela Tobias

• June 25, 2021

Demonstrators calling for California lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom to pass rent forgiveness and a stronger eviction moratorium carry a mock casket past the Capitol in Sacramento on Jan. 25, 2021. Photo by Rich Pedroncelli, AP Photo

Housing

Will California’s eviction moratorium be extended beyond June 30?

The state's eviction freeze will likely be extended past June 30, and lawmakers could finish haggling over details this week. The big issues include how long the extension will last and how much rent relief will cover.

By

Manuela Tobias

• June 21, 2021

Apprenticeship instructor Mike Miller, center, demonstrates how to set up a theodolite, a hyper-sensitive angle measuring device, for apprentices Daniel Rivas, left, Ivan Aguilar, right, and Quetzalcoatl Orta, far right, at Iron Workers union in Benicia on June 10, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Housing

Is union labor requirement in the way of easing California’s affordable housing crisis?

What is a skilled and trained workforce, and what could the labor requirement do to California affordable housing bills in the Legislature?

By

Manuela Tobias

• June 16, 2021

Housing

Newsom’s top housing adviser says ‘start with yes’

With a key legislative deadline next week, Newsom's housing adviser speaks about the governor's priorities on affordable housing. The big takeaway: California is millions of housing units short, and cities hold the key.

By

Manuela Tobias

• May 27, 2021

Merika Reagan in the backyard of her East Oakland home on May 6, 2021. Reagan and her fiancee spend much of their time gardening and doing home improvements. Their story is also about housing equity in California. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Housing

What California lawmakers could do to boost homeownership for Black families

Legislators are talking a lot about equity in housing, and could help more Black families buy their own homes. But advocates say lawmakers are failing to confront racial equity in many other ways.

By

Manuela Tobias

• May 17, 2021

An encampment along East 12th Street and Lake Merritt Boulevard in Oakland on Sept. 15, 2020. Gov. Newsom just announced a $12 billion package expanding on pandemic emergency responses to help end homelessness. Photo by Jane Tyska, Bay Area News Group

Homelessness

Can Newsom build on pandemic lessons to end homelessness?

With a budget surplus bonanza, Gov. Newsom calls for spending $12 billion more to end homelessness in California. One idea: expanding motel conversions, an emergency plan during the pandemic.

By

Manuela Tobias

• May 12, 2021