An investigation into California's homeless shelters reveals lack of oversight and a failing system
CalMatters released an investigation looking into the state’s shelters from all 58 counties. The investigation, outlined in an article published this morning, revealed that despite the state investing over a billion dollars into shelters since 2018, the number of unhoused people is still three times that of the number of shelter beds. Records also showed that California’s shelters are almost twice as deadly as its jails, with over 2,000 people dying while staying in shelters between 2018 and 2024. And, for those who obtain beds at shelters, less than 1 in 4 move on to permanent housing. Today on AirTalk, we’ll look into the effectiveness of California’s shelter system and the challenges it faces trying to transition residents into permanent housing. We’re joined by CalMatters investigative reporter and author of the piece, Lauren Hepler, Veronica Lewis, Director of HOPICS, a division for Special Service for Groups, a shelter provider in South LA, and Jennifer Hark Dietz, CEO of PATH.
Is housing density the answer to CA’s shortage? One urban policy expert says no
California has long been up against a housing shortage that experts say contributes to the sky-high costs of living here. The wildfire disaster earlier this year only adds to the challenges with housing in Southern California. For years, policymakers have lauded efforts to densify neighborhoods as a solution to high costs. Urban policy and planning expert, Joel Kotkin, argues in a new Los Angeles Times opinion piece that it’s not working. And it’s not what most residents even want. Today on AirTalk, we talk about the current housing shortage in the region, why densification has been used as a tool and the pros and cons of the method. Kotkin, the presidential fellow for urban futures at Chapman University, senior research fellow at the Civitas Institute at the University of Texas, Austin, and author of The Human City: Urbanism for the Rest of Us (Agate B2, 2016), joins the discussion. We also want to hear from listeners. What do you want to see with the future of housing? Do you think increasing density is the best solution or not? Share by calling 866-893-5722 or email atcomments@laist.com.
NATO’s future is uncertain as President Trump deepens the division between the U.S and Europe
Since President Trump took office a few months ago, the future of the now three-year war in Ukraine has grown increasingly uncertain. The President went on a smear campaign against President Zelensky, revealing that the U.S. is not aligned with Ukraine and throwing our alliance with NATO into question. This deepening split between the U.S. and Europe has left European leaders feeling vulnerable. The likely new chancellor of Germany has expressed fears that Trump may abandon NATO's mutual defense pledge. President Zelensky has urged European leaders to create additional armed forces to help his country’s defense against Russia. Britain and France are at the forefront of the effort, though details remain scarce. The countries involved in the discussions are reluctant to tip their hand and give Russian President Vladimir Putin an edge should he agree to negotiate an end to the war he launched three years ago. Trevor Hunnicutt, white house reporter for Reuters, and Steven Erlanger, chief diplomatic correspondent in Europe for The New York Times, join to discuss.
With files from the Associated Press.
With potential federal cuts looming, what is the future of California’s high-speed rail project?
The Trump administration is once again targeting California’s controversial high-speed rail project, with federal transportation officials announcing an investigation and possible withdrawal of about $4 billion in federal funding on Thursday. Voters first approved $10 billion in bond money in 2008 for a project designed to shuttle riders between San Francisco and Los Angeles in less than three hours. It was slated to cost $33 billion and be finished by 2020. But, the project has been beset by funding challenges, cost overruns, and delays. Now, state officials are focused on a 171-mile stretch connecting the Central Valley cities of Bakersfield and Merced, which is set to be operating by 2033. The entire San Francisco to Los Angeles line, which officials hope to finish in the next 20 years, is now estimated to be $106 billion. During his first term, President Donald Trump canceled nearly $1 billion in federal funding for the high-speed rail project. The Biden administration later restored the funding and, in December 2023, allocated $3.3 billion more. With the threat of the project losing its federal funding once more, what might the future hold for the controversial project? Joining the discussion, Colleen Shalby, reporter for the LA Times. Also joining us is Dave Cortese, California State Senator representing District 15 and chair of the California Senate Transportation Committee, and Shannon Grove, California State Senator representing District 12.With files from the Associated Press.
License to film: Amazon MGM gets creative control over James Bond
In a James Bond shakeup that stirred the film industry, Amazon MGM announced Thursday that the studio had taken the creative reins of the 007 franchise after decades of family control. Longtime Bond custodians Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli said they would be stepping back. Amazon MGM Studios, Wilson, and Broccoli formed a new joint venture in which they will co-own James Bond intellectual property rights — but Amazon MGM will have creative control. As the Bond franchise changes creative hands, it does leave spectators questioning how it could impact the franchise’s direction. Should we expect more James Bond merchandise? Will the character itself see any shakeups in future adaptations? Joining us to discuss Bond’s past and potential future is Phil Nobile Jr., editor-in-chief at Fangoria Magazine, and LAist film critic Wade Major.
With files from the Associated Press
