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David Wagner
What I cover
I cover housing in Southern California, a place where ever-rising rents and a persistent lack of affordable housing have led to many living on the edge of homelessness.
My background
I’ve been helping people understand their rights, housing market trends, policy changes and the solutions being proposed to fix the region’s housing crisis for more than five years.
My goals
I want my coverage to help renters, landlords and anyone else affected by L.A.’s affordability issues navigate the region’s ongoing housing crisis.
Best way to reach me
I would love to hear from you if you have questions or concerns related to housing in Southern California. You can reach out by email. I'm at dwagner@laist.com. Or, if you have a tip you’d like to share more privately, you can reach me on Signal. My username is @reporterdavidwagner.38. For instructions on getting started with Signal, see the app's support page.
Stories by David Wagner
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County agrees to enforce cleaning in Altadena apartments. Tenants say it may be too late to help some but could establish clear rules in future fires.
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As many immigrant families struggle to pay rent, county leaders ask: Is another eviction moratorium the solution?
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L.A. Mayor Karen Bass suspended a state law allowing duplexes, calling more housing unsafe. But in Altadena, L.A. County leaders say these projects could be key for rebuilding.
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Saying they need more time to work out fixes, two state senators now plan to re-introduce their bill on L.A.’s "mansion tax" next year.
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Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
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County leaders were scheduled to vote on setting up a new $10 million Emergency Rent Relief Program, with potential for additional funding.
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County leaders are expected to vote Tuesday on a plan to put $10 million toward rent relief for tenants harmed by recent fires and federal immigration actions.
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A City Council committee voted 3-1 to advance a proposal that — if passed by the full council — would explore ending parking requirements citywide.
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Some City Council members had questions about fire safety but agreed to draft new rules on single staircases to space for apartments in mid-sized buildings.
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A slim majority said Senate Bill 79 would take away the city’s control over housing growth. Other council members said the city is failing to confront the crisis.
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Hydee Feldstein Soto said she wants to know if city funds helped tenants as intended. The tenant aid group says it's already complied with contract reporting requirements.
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After renters sued over alleged lack of enforcement, L.A. County has now clarified tenant rights and landlord responsibilities in smoke-damaged homes.
