It’s Wednesday, Feb. 12 And Here Are The Stories We’re Following Today

Today we bring you a very special report on California's housing crisis. Here's more from executive editor Megan Garvey:

In many respects, all but the wealthiest Southern Californians are stuck -- priced out of buying or moving, or in the worst cases, having a roof to sleep under at all. In some cases they're stuck living with bedbugs or roaches or rats and sewage spills because they can't afford anything else.

Many of the tenants who endure these issues all have one thing in common: a management company, PAMA Management, and a landlord, Mike Nijjar, with a long track record of frequent evictions and health and safety violations.

The story today from investigative reporter Aaron Mendelson is just the start of a yearlong effort by our newsroom to examine what life is like inside California's housing crisis. We hope you'll give it your attention.

Now, here's what else we're...

Covering Today:

• L.A. County has approved a new pilot project that seeks to reform the cash bail system, offering defendants bail-free release if they're deemed "low-risk." Reporter Sharon McNary will explain the project -- and why critics say this approach to risk assessment perpetuates systemic racism.
• McNary will also be heading to cover a homeless encampment cleanup at Echo Park Lake, where protesters will be turning out to support some 60 people who have taken up residence there.
• Reporter Emily Elena Dugdale will bring you the first of three profiles on the candidates running for L.A. County District Attorney.
• And we'll be adding to our growing list of voter guides to help you prepare for the March 3 primary.
• Plus, KPCC producer Emily Henderson will have a quick update on a crackdown on Airbnb and other short-term rentals in Joshua Tree.
• And food contributor Caroline Pardilla will tell you where you can go to get a decent drink on Valentine's Day.

In Case You Missed It:

• The first gorilla born at the L.A. Zoo in 20 years is a girl (and she's so adorable it's stupid).
• The quarantine was lifted for the nearly 200 people stuck at March Air Reserve Base in Riverside County for the past two weeks. They all got a clean bill of health

Help Us Cover Your Community:

• Got something you’ve always wanted to know about Southern California and the people who call it home? Is there an issue you want us to cover? Ask us anything >>
• Have a tip about news on which we should dig deeper? Let us know >>

The news cycle moves fast. Some stories don't pan out. Others get added. Consider this today's first draft.