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Rental roundup: rent increase limits, inflation and a plague of problems with the Cecil Hotel
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AirTalk Tile 2024
Aug 2, 2024
Listen 1:39:12
Rental roundup: rent increase limits, inflation and a plague of problems with the Cecil Hotel

Today on AirTalk, we discuss rent increases in Los Angeles and the current issues facing the infamous Cecil Hotel. Also on the show, we speak with an anger management expert on how to deal with road rage; we talk Yakitori with the owner and chef behind the pop-up Yakitori Cartel; our FilmWeek critics review the latest releases; Austin Cross chats with director Richard Papiatt and the Belfast rap trio Kneecap on their new fictionalized biopic ‘Kneecap;’ and more.

A multi-story building has a visible exterior staircase and a sign reading "Cecil."
The Cecil Hotel’s main entrance is seen from the opposite side of Main St. in Downtown Los Angeles.
(
David Wagner
/
LAist
)

Rental roundup: rent increase limits, inflation and a plague of problems with the Cecil Hotel

Listen 16:13
Rental roundup: rent increase limits, inflation and a plague of problems with the Cecil Hotel

Many renters in Los Angeles and Orange counties will see little difference in the maximum allowable rent increase their landlords can charge this year under state law. Starting Aug. 1, the limit will rise to 8.9% compared with 8.8% over the past year. Under the statewide Tenant Protection Act, new limits on annual increases go into effect each year on Aug. 1. The law allows rent increases to rise along with inflation. The higher inflation gets, the more landlords can increase rents. That's why in 2022, when inflation was running especially high, the law’s maximum allowable rent hike of 10% was in place. Joining to discuss the latest on rent increases, plus the plague of problems facing the infamous Cecil Hotel, is David Wagner, housing reporter for LAist.

With files from LAist. Read David Wagner’s full stories here

How do you deal with road rage constructively? We ask an anger management expert

Listen 22:14
How do you deal with road rage constructively? We ask an anger management expert

If you’re of legal driving age, and even if you’re not, road rage is likely something you’ve experienced, either as the perpetrator or recipient. A recent survey, which looked at data points from 10,000 licensed drivers across all 50 states, confirmed that California drivers ranked as the most confrontational. Today on AirTalk we’re talking about road rage – where it comes from, how to identify it, and what to do when you’re in a dangerous situation. Joining us for the conversation is Licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in helping adults with problematic anger and anxiety, Bob Nemerovski. We want to hear from you as well. What are your coping mechanisms when you experience road rage? Call us at 866-893-5722.

The traditional Japanese Yakitori has become a popular L.A. menu item

Listen 11:03
The traditional Japanese Yakitori has become a popular L.A. menu item

Yakitori is a popular food in Japan with its own unique cooking culture around it. Yakitori is butchered bits of chicken (mostly common cuts of meat but can also include the heart, liver, and other scraps) and is grilled over charcoal on skewers. It is often served with beer or sake and can range from a cheap late night snack from a street vendor to a high-end dining experience with alcohol pairings. Yakitori has taken hold in Los Angeles in recent years, with many chefs and restaurateurs incorporating their own flavors into the traditional cooking technique. One such chef is Curtis Philips, who owns and runs a pop-up stand called the Yakitori Cartel. Philips incorporates Mexican flavors into his Yakitori recipes. Today on AirTalk, Philips joins us as we enjoy some Yakitori with a unique L.A. flair.

FilmWeek: ‘Trap,’ 'Kneecap,’ ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon,’ And More

Listen 28:02
FilmWeek: ‘Trap,’‘Kneecap,’ ‘Harold and the Purple Crayon,’ And More

Larry Mantle and LAist film critics Manuel Betancourt, Andy Klein, and Charles Solomon review this weekend’s new movie releases on streaming and on demand platforms.

“Trap” Wide Release
“Kneecap” In Select Theaters
“The Instigators'' In Select Theaters | Streaming on Apple TV+ August 9th
“Harold and the Purple Crayon” Wide Release
“Sebastian” Landmark Sunset
“COUP!” In Select Theaters
“Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes” Streaming on HBO Max
“Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie” Streaming on Netflix
“Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande” Laemmle Santa Monica on Wednesday August 7th | Laemmle NoHo on Thursday August 8th

Feature: Austin chats with Belfast rap trio Kneecap and director Richard Papiatt about their Irish language biopic ‘Kneecap’

Listen 21:32
Feature: Austin chats with Belfast rap trio Kneecap and director Richard Papiatt about their Irish language biopic ‘Kneecap’

Written and directed by Richard Pappiatt, ‘Kneecap’ tells the fictionalized origin story of Belfast rap trio Kneecap, with the rappers playing themselves in their feature film debut. Through drugs, rap music, and a whole lot of trouble the trio fight to save the Irish language in a place with less than 80,000 native speakers. The film made a splash at Sundance earlier this year as the first Irish language film and first non-us film to win a Next Audience Award. Today on FilmWeek, Austin chats with Mo Chara, Moglaí Bap, and DJ Provaí of Kneecap alongside director Richard Pappiatt.

Credits
Host, AirTalk
Host, Morning Edition, AirTalk Friday, The L.A. Report Morning Edition
Senior Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Producer, AirTalk with Larry Mantle
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Associate Producer, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, AirTalk
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek