Category: Real Estate

Weighing Your Options: Buying vs. Renting a Home

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For many Americans, owning a home they are proud of is their life’s dream. However, multiple factors of today’s economic environment, including a high-cost market and high interest rates, have made this decision a challenging one, driving some prospective homeowners to rent until conditions improve.

Other variables, including lifestyle, sentimentality, and long-term goals, often influence these decisions as much, if not more, than potentially prohibitive real estate prices or mortgage rates. For these reasons, homeownership requires more planning and consideration than ever.

Homeownership and Sentimentality

Given its prominence in the American Dream, homeownership is tied to emotion as much as it is material reality. “Many people have an idea of a dream home,” says Michael Ashley Schulman, CFA of Running Point Capital. “It’s either the house they grew up in, or it’s the opposite of the house they grew up in.”

Either way, ideals like a spacious yard, a massive closet, or an in-ground pool can encounter challenges due to those material realities. Practical limitations compete with emotional priorities, sometimes resulting in compromise.

Modern Means of Financing a Home

Homebuying is not the same as it was 50 years ago. With the rise of dual-income households and improving government safety nets, some homeowners spend upward of 50% of their disposable income on housing, a far cry from the traditional rule of spending no more than one-third on housing.

These changes predominantly arise out of financial necessity. With heightened interest rates, there is a greater incentive to pay off the principal. Conversely, Schulman notes that, “when mortgage rates are lower… much more of your mortgage payment is going towards your principal.” It stands to reason, then, that buying a house when rates are more favorable means paying yourself and not just the bank.

The Upsides of Renting

Some view renting as a waste of time and money, but depending on the circumstances, renting can be a practical option, especially in the short term. For instance, frequent travelers or people concerned about location or job stability tend to value the flexibility that renting offers.

There are some financial advantages as well. While there is value in owning real estate, this value comes with hidden costs like insurance, property taxes, maintenance, and HOA fees. These costs can pile up quickly, potentially even exceeding the original budget for a given property. Renting can provide some respite during times of economic uncertainty, giving tenants time to gather themselves before moving on.

Considering Retirement and Second Homes

Long-term considerations have become more prominent in recent years, as buyers are increasingly interested in purchasing homes with retirement in mind. Factors like location, space, and proximity to healthcare have become increasingly important as a result. Planning so far ahead can prove challenging, but as Schulman notes, “We help them plan that out too… buying a home for your future self.”

There are a variety of strategies available to make these purchases financially viable, chief among them being tax deductions like donating land to conservation trusts. By employing these strategies and making the most of local advisory resources, the notion of a retirement spent in comfort and ease becomes all the more attainable.

Navigating Current Market Conditions

At present, the housing market is in a “heads you win, tails you don’t lose” state, benefiting those who can afford to buy sooner rather than later. Still, whether you’re renting, buying a home for the first time, or planning for retirement, all decisions should weigh sentiment alongside financial realities. Advisors can help provide perspective in this regard, ultimately helping homeowners feel confident they’ve made the right choice.

September 30, 2025
Angel Investors in Los Angeles Are Crucial for Startups

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Los Angeles is not just about Hollywood glitz and glamour. The city is also a hotbed for startups seeking early-stage funding. For budding startups, an angel investor is a valuable resource because these investors do more than invest money; they offer guidance, connections, and perhaps some star power. Mentorship is also a useful resource for startups.

No matter which industry—tech, media, consumer goods—a startup is in, there is an angel investor who might be interested in investing in that entrepreneur’s vision.

Angel Investor for Early Stages Startups

Clark Landry is an entrepreneur turned investor and is a name often heard in the startup world. Because of his career trajectory, he has a unique edge when deciding where to invest. After founding his own startups, Clark has now made over 120 investments in various companies. He does tend to favor software businesses but is open to investing in all industries.

“Clark’s knack for spotting potential in early-stage companies is what makes him a standout in the angel investing scene. His journey from founder to investor is a testament to his deep understanding of what it takes to build a successful business,” says an industry insider.

Since his focus is on “seed-stage companies,” he is often one of the first investors in a startup. His mentorship based on his experience is invaluable, and he has a sincere interest in seeing startups succeed. Since he was an entrepreneur first, he also understands the difficulties startups face.

Angel Investor for Software and Life Sciences

In the startup scene of Southern California, Jim Brandt is a key angel investor. He is part of the Tech Coast Angels and focuses on software and life sciences. These two constantly evolving fields have plenty of investment opportunities.

The Tech Coast Angels have backed over 450 startups. The investment group is known for its active participation in the startup world. Brandt takes a strategic approach to investing and looks for innovation and potential growth in startups.

“I’ve always believed that backing the right idea at the right time can lead to transformative change. It’s about spotting that spark and helping it grow,” Brandt says.

Brandt is also an investor who is interested in mentoring entrepreneurs to reach their full potential.

Angel Investor for Various Industries

Rosie O’Neill is considered a “powerhouse” in the investing world. She’s the founder of Sugarfina, a luxury candy boutique, and later started her investing fund, Pure Imagination Brands. O’Neill is open to exploring all opportunities in various industries. She is adept at spotting potential in early-stage startups and has backed over 50 startups. O’Neil prefers to be involved in startups when they’re just gaining their footing.

Mark Mullin is also open to investing in various industries and not focusing on just one. He had a successful career at RBC Capital Markets before he founded Bonfire Ventures. Mullin has a keen ability to spot potential early-stage companies. As he isn’t limited to one sector, he is open to all opportunities and is always on the lookout for the next big thing. He is known for his strategic thinking and takes calculated risks. Mullin doesn’t just care about making money but supporting ideas that can change the world.

Los Angeles Is Perfect for Entrepreneurs

Los Angeles is where tech, media, and culture mix, creating a fertile ground for startups. It’s where “creativity meets entrepreneurship” and offers entrepreneurs opportunities that can make all the difference in their endeavors. Angel investors can make a significant difference in startups, not only by providing financial backing but also by providing mentorships with influential investors.

By networking at local startup events to meet investors and always having a pitch prepared, entrepreneurs can take advantage of opportunities in Los Angeles that they might not find elsewhere.

January 4, 2025
L.A. Begins Prep for ‘Car-Free’ Olympics in 2028

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With the next Olympic games set to take place in Los Angeles in 2028, questions are starting to be raised about exactly how the city of L.A. plans to execute this tremendous feat of coordination and precision-based cultivation. One of the earliest announcements regarding the Olympics and Paralympic games was from the L.A. Metro, which pledged to make the 2028 games car-free to assuage concerns about commuting issues for athletes and residents alike. But how will they accomplish that in a city known for its infamous gridlock, copious amounts of automobiles, and lack of a comprehensive public transport system? That’s what Metro board chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn wants to know.

Metro’s Plan and Key Challenges

Hahn’s motion on transit preparations for the 2028 Games, presented to the board on Thursday, September 26, has already been postponed a full month. Instead, it will be heard before Metro’s Ad Hoc 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games Committee on October 23.

Hahn will ask the transit agency staff to move the needle on public transportation plans known as “enhanced service” for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the creation of well-thought-out plans in coordination with other transit agencies and the federal government. She’s also going to be asking how much it will cost to move hundreds of thousands of spectators to and from Olympic events when the games come to Southern California in less than four years.

Hahn, who chairs the Metro Olympics committee, will also be asking staff at the October meeting how many bus operators will be needed to drive the 4,000 rented buses the agency intends to use during the Olympics and how to best coordinate with other bus agencies in Southern California, including Metrolink, the six-county passenger rail service.

Federal Assistance and Statewide Collaboration

In conjunction with these extensive state-wide efforts, Hahn and fellow Metro board members are asking the federal government to help with transportation needs. “The Olympics are highlighting the United States of America in Los Angeles,” she said. “And we need help from our federal government.”

Last month, Karen Bass, Los Angeles Mayor and Metro board member, said public transportation would be the only way to access 800-plus events spread across 80 venues in Southern California during both events. The 2028 L.A. Olympic Games run from July 14 to July 30, 2028, and the Paralympic Games run from August 15 to August 27.

L.A. Metro plans to borrow 2,700 buses from transit agencies nationwide to augment its bus system, which currently contains more than 2,100 buses. Bass, after receiving the Olympic flag last month in Paris, the site of the most recent summer Olympics, said the city of L.A. and L.A. Metro will convince major employers to keep commuters off the roads by permitting them to work remotely during the time that the Games are playing out. “Part of having a no-car Olympics means getting people not to drive,” Bass told the press in August.

Learning from Paris and Global Coordination

On Thursday, Bass also confirmed the representatives of the mayor of Paris will be in Los Angeles in mid-October. Bass plans to take foundational building blocks from teams who have already completed the enormous task and build upon them. Paris is a similarly crowded metropolitan area and one that had to make its own unique alterations and concessions to house the Games. As such, Bass and L.A. officials are wise to convene with these Paris representatives so they can “grab any lessons learned from them.”

Third District Supervisor and Metro Board member Lindsey Horvath added that Metro must focus on coordination with other governmental entities. The city on its own is nowhere near equipped to deal with the tremendous hurdles of hosting the Games, but as a nation, we are. If the U.S. successfully rallies around L.A.’s efforts, things will go much better. “There is a need for urgency and coordination, and also for figuring out the best ways into and out of our (Olympic) venues,”

Regarding the Paralympic Games, Second District Supervisor and L.A. Metro board member Holly Mitchell said she wants representatives from the U.S. government at the October meeting. “For the Paralympics it is all about accessibility,” she added.

Los Angeles previously held the Olympics in 1932, 1984, and will in 2028. It is one of only three historical cities to host the Olympic games three times.

October 11, 2024
RV Crisis in Los Angeles Targeted by New Legislation

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For generations, California has been seen as the land of opportunity. From a time when California was simply a part of the Wild West to the California gold rush of the 1840s, the Golden State has proven to be a fixture within pop culture, regarded as a land of opportunity and promise. This almost mythic reputation carried over into the twentieth and twenty-first centuries through the rise of film as a medium and strategic positioning of Hollywood as the mecca of all things glitzy, glamorous, and star-studded.

As a result of this centuries-old storied legacy, the idea of traveling westward to California in search of fortune and fame is practically ingrained into the minds of most Americans. However, many who make this iconic pilgrimage get there only to realize that making it in California is a bit more difficult than they may have anticipated. This has led to a large homeless population and a plethora of RV encampments serving as people’s homes.

Addressing the RV Encampment Crisis

Now, Mayor Karen Bass is promising Angelenos will see more RV encampments cleared and people housed after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill that opens up more than two dozen properties near L.A. freeways to store towed RVs, feed homeless individuals, and provide emergency shelter.

Assemblyman Rick Chavez Zbur, who represents Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, Hollywood Hills, and other Westside communities, introduced legislation that gives Los Angeles access to 25 Caltrans parcels under or near freeways for $1 a month. The bill sponsored by Bass aims to solve the logistical problem that has vexed city officials for years—where to store towed R.V.s.

Angelenos will “see the difference in more R.V. encampments being cleared,” said Clara Karger, a spokeswoman for Bass, in an emailed statement.

But it might take a while to see that difference. Currently, only one of the California Department of Transportation’s 64 so-called airspace properties is available. “As other properties become available, Caltrans will contact the city,” Matt Rocco, the agency’s spokesperson, reassured the public.

Challenges and Solutions for Housing RV Dwellers

City officials have struggled for years with a shortage of vehicles that can tow the large RV campers that currently house communities from Van Nuys to South Los Angeles. Threatening to tow an RV is one thing, but following through on such a large scale has proven troublesome for LA officials. Even when tow trucks are available, there often isn’t a city yard where these recreational vehicles can be held. Some of these are legally required to be held for up to 120 days before being destroyed, claimed, or auctioned.

According to a legislative analysis, there are only 325 spaces for RVs in city lots, and as of early 2024, 95% were occupied. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who created a home placement program in her San Fernando Valley District for those living in RVs, said the legislation isn’t a panacea, but it addresses “one of our biggest obstructions to facilitating these RVs getting off the street in a more expedited fashion.”

As if making a living in California, with the comparatively high cost of living, wasn’t already difficult enough, COVID made things immeasurably harder for everyone. During the pandemic, an explosion of people lived in tattered recreational vehicles parked in neighborhoods and industrial stretches. The influx has raised the ire of many neighbors, who complain about unsightly tarps, trash, raw sewage, and crime, even as the camps are essential housing for thousands of people. While homeless tent camps can be cleared with relative ease, RVs have continued to pose serious problems and logistical issues in the past few years.

Looking Ahead: A New Approach to Homelessness in Los Angeles

Fortunately, instead of combating these residents, Los Angeles officials are now looking to help them with the passing of new legislation that can afford them a viable home beyond the walls of their RV. Bass pushed for the bill in hopes that it would help her as she expands her Inside Safe effort beyond tent encampments. In December, more than 50 R.V.s were cleared along Forest Lawn Drive, with roughly 31 dwellers accepting housing and 20 RVs turned over to the city.

“RV encampments pose a range of tactical and logistical challenges that require legislative and regulatory fixes,” Bass said, announcing its passage. “This bill will help us move RVs out of neighborhoods and bring more Angelenos into housing in a faster and cheaper way.”

October 8, 2024
High Heat Expected for Highly Populated California Cities

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While many Californians are moving inland in search of affordable housing and more space, they may find life isn’t greener on the other side. Some California cities with the biggest recent population booms are at risk for dangerously hot days driven by climate change and sky-high electric bills, according to a CalMatter analysis. This combination of rising populations and alarming extreme heat puts more Californians at risk of illness, posing a serious challenge for unprepared local officials.

As greenhouse gasses continue to warm the planet, many individuals across the globe are experiencing higher temperatures and intense heat waves, and an international panel of climate scientists recently stated that it is “virtually certain” that “there has been increases in the intensity and duration of heatwaves and in the number of heatwave days at the global scale.”

The CalMatters analysis identified which California communities are most at risk, with the top 1% of the state’s more than 8,000 census tracts being communities that have grown by more than 500 people in recent years and are also expected to experience the most intensifying heat due to climate change.

Identified California communities by CalMatters include Lancaster and Palmdale in Los Angeles County; Apple Valley, Victorville, and Hesperia in San Bernardino County; Lake Elsinore and Murrieta in Riverside County; and the Central Valley cities of Visalia, Fresno, Clovis, and Tulare.

Risks of Relocating Inland in California

According to data from researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of Colorado Boulder, and UC Berkeley, it is expected that by 2050 neighborhoods in these 11 inland cities will experience 25 or more high heat days every year. A high heat day is defined as when an area’s maximum temperature surpasses the top 2% of its historic high—essentially when temperatures skyrocket above the highest temperatures recorded there this century.

“We are seeing much more rapid warming of inland areas that were already hotter to begin with,” said UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain.

“There’s an extreme contrast between the people who live within 5 to 10 miles of the beach and people who live as little as 20 miles inland,” he said. “It’s these inland areas where we see people who…are killed by this extreme heat or whose lives are at least made miserable.”

Despite inland California communities expected to experience higher temperatures, neighborhoods along the coast will remain much more temperate. Areas such as San Francisco, Santa Barbara, and Long Beach are not expected to experience significantly more high heat days, with San Francisco expected to average six days a year in the 2050s exceeding 87 degrees, compared to four days in the 2020s. On the other hand, Visalia in the San Joaquin Valley of California will jump from 17 days surpassing 103 degrees to 32.

Eric McGhee, a policy director who researches California demographic changes at the Public Policy Institute of California, stated that many people moving inland are low and middle-income Californians looking to expand their families, find more affordable housing, and live comfortably, making them more willing to sacrifice other privileges, like cooler weather.

California is “becoming more expensive, more exclusive in the places that are least likely to experience extreme heat,” Swain said. As a result, he said, “the people who are most at risk of extreme heat”—those with limited financial resources—“are precisely the people experiencing extreme heat.”

Impact of Extreme Heat on California’s Population

The effects of extreme heat on the body can happen quickly and can be deadly, triggering heat strokes and heart attacks, as well as exacerbating asthma, diabetes, kidney failure, and other illnesses in people of all ages.

In The Golden State, extreme heat contributed to more than 5,000 hospitalizations and almost 10,600 emergency department visits over the past decade, with the health effects falling “disproportionately on already overburdened” Black people, Latinos and Native Americans, according to a recent state report.

With hotter days forecasted, city and county officials must grapple with how to protect their residents who are already struggling to stay cool and pay their electric bills, but despite warnings, many local officials are failing to respond adequately.

September 11, 2024
LA to Pay $38.2M in Settlement Over Disability Housing

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Los Angeles Settles Accessibility Lawsuit for $38.2 Million

The city of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $38.2 million to settle a lawsuit filed in 2017 alleging that it falsely claimed compliance with federal accessibility requirements for affordable housing units built with federal funds. The settlement, announced on Tuesday, resolves a complaint filed by the U.S. Department of Justice on behalf of Mei Ling, a wheelchair user, and the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley.

The lawsuit accused Los Angeles of failing to make its multifamily affordable housing options accessible to people with disabilities for at least six years. Specific issues cited included excessively steep slopes, counters that were too high, and entryways that did not permit wheelchair access. Additionally, the city was charged with failing to maintain a publicly available list of accessible units and their features.

Mei Ling, 57, has used a wheelchair since 2006 and has experienced homelessness or lived in housing without necessary accessibility features, according to the lawsuit. Her case highlights the real-world impact of the city’s alleged non-compliance on individuals with disabilities seeking affordable housing.

Federal Obligations and Misrepresentation

The legal action stemmed from the city’s obligations under federal law when receiving grant funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for building and rehabilitating affordable multifamily housing. These requirements mandate that 5% of units in certain types of federally assisted housing be accessible for people with mobility impairments and an additional 2% be accessible for those with visual and auditory impairments.

In the six years leading up to the 2017 lawsuit, Los Angeles received nearly $1 billion in various funds from HUD, which were used for at least 28 multifamily housing projects. The plaintiffs alleged that none of these projects contained the minimum number of accessible units required by law.

The lawsuit also accused the city of violating the False Claims Act by “knowingly and falsely” certifying to HUD that it complied with accessibility requirements. This misrepresentation allegedly caused HUD and the public to believe that Los Angeles was fulfilling all federal obligations related to the receipt of housing and community development funds.

Settlement and Future Implications

Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto stated in an email that while the city denies violating the False Claims Act, they are “pleased to have reached this $38.2 million settlement, particularly in light of the federal government’s initial claim that it was entitled to well over $1 billion in alleged damages.”

The settlement amount will be shared between Mei Ling and the Fair Housing Council of San Fernando Valley, though the exact distribution has not been determined.

This is not the first time Los Angeles has faced legal action over accessibility issues in federally funded housing. In 2016, the city settled a similar lawsuit, indicating a pattern of challenges in meeting federal accessibility standards.

The case underscores the ongoing struggle for adequate, accessible housing in major urban areas and the importance of strict adherence to federal accessibility laws. It also highlights the potential consequences for municipalities that fail to comply with these regulations or misrepresent their compliance status.

As cities across the nation grapple with affordable housing shortages, this settlement serves as a reminder of the critical need to ensure that such housing is accessible to all residents, including those with disabilities. The outcome of this lawsuit may prompt other municipalities to review and strengthen their compliance with federal accessibility requirements in federally funded housing projects.

Moving forward, it remains to be seen how Los Angeles will address these issues and improve its affordable housing accessibility to prevent similar legal challenges in the future. The settlement marks a significant step toward accountability, but the real measure of success will be in the tangible improvements made to the city’s affordable housing landscape for residents with disabilities.

September 3, 2024
What to Know About LA’s New Intuit Dome

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The Inuit Dome: A New Era for the L.A. Clippers

The L.A. Clippers have been waiting a long time for a court of their own, after sharing a court with their rival for 25 years and enduring impossible game schedules and relocations. On August 15, 2024, they got their new home arena.

Approved by Inglewood in 2017 and having a groundbreaking ceremony in 2021, it took $2 billion and three years for the basketball team’s Inuit Dome to officially open. The opening days were kicked off with a concert by Bruno Mars to get fans and players excited for their new court experience.

“[They] deserve the ultimate home court,” said billionaire Clippers owner Steve Ballmer, “You’re going to have it here in Inglewood.”

As for now, there’s a lot to learn about the brand-new venue. Whether you’re wondering how to get to the big game, what you can expect inside, or what’s on the menu, this is what you need to know.

Finding Your Way

Built across from the recently constructed So-Fi Stadium and situated between the 405 and 110 freeways, it’s not a tough place to find. There’s a parking structure on Prairie Avenue and 102nd Street, connected via a pedestrian bridge to the plaza entrance. The Inuit Dome is also accessible by ten bus stops, which will put anyone a short walk away.

Artworks in the Arena

Outside the arena, the plaza is flanked by wide staircases leading to a restaurant, two bars, and a massive team store to satisfy a fan’s needs. Of course, there’s also a regulation basketball court at the entrance meant for public use, making the broader structure feel open and inviting.

Beyond the plaza, one of the world’s most expensive arenas waits. It’s huge, with panels designed to make it look like a basketball hoop, lit with animated lights that put on a show during the games at night.

Above the public court, the digital artwork “Living Arena” by Refik Anadol spans from one side of the court to the other, using LAX flight information and Inglewood weather data to create a beautiful data landscape for casual players to observe. The Clippers sourced this, and five other public installations by local artists for the plaza, making the arena more alive with culture. The dome’s lights themselves are another installation by Jennifer Steinkamp. Called “Swoosh,” they help give the arena its basketball hoop feel. “Cultural Playground” by Michael Massenburg is an encapsulation of LA’s cultural identity in a mural, and “Spring to Life” by Kyungmi Kim is a stained glass mosaic inspired by Centinela Springs, which once sustained the Tongva people. Of course, the installations wouldn’t be complete without “Sails” by Glenn Kaino, an imposing clipper boat for the team’s name.

Inside the Dome

Within the arena, you’ll be met with a massive Halo Board designed to let everyone participate in the game. It’s 40,000 square feet of LED lights hovering above the court, letting the game unfold more dynamically and with real-time information.

Even the comfort in the Inuit Dome is state-of-the-art. In each chair, there’s a USB port for keeping your phone charged, a controller for playing games that appear on the Halo Board, and more leg room than anywhere in the NBA. They also come with built-in decibel gauges, because whoever’s loudest will get discounts on Clippers food and merchandise. With your discount, head to the fully automated concessions market, designed to grab and go by paying with your phone at the gate.

The Inuit Dome is also fully carbon neutral. Equipped with a vast array of solar panels and naturally acclimatized, they even took carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and used it in the arena’s concrete foundation.

Tickets and Events

Beyond a season membership, tickets aren’t yet available. There are several upcoming concerts, however, scheduled for the next few months.

August 28, 2024
LA Churches Respond to Housing Crisis with Affordable Projects
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Los Angeles is facing a severe shortage of housing for low-income renters. Making matters even more difficult is that buying land in such an expensive part of the state is often challenging for affordable housing developers. Together, these two issues create a self-perpetuating cycle, making affordable living a struggle across the city.

Fortunately, California lawmakers offered one possible answer for where to build when they passed SB 4, a statewide law that took affect earlier this year. It allows religious groups to fast-track new housing on properties they already own, effectively making it so that churches are legally allowed to build housing properties for sale or rental purposes.

The Catholic Church’s Response to L.A.’s Housing Crisis

Now, the Catholic church in L.A. plans to do just that. The Archdiocese of L.A. announced Wednesday it will partner with a newly formed nonprofit called Our Lady Queen of Angels Housing Alliance to develop affordable housing in Southern California.

The church, known for assisting immigrants and feeding unhoused people, aims to use its extensive land holdings to help address the region’s housing crisis. Their first project will be located on Archdiocese land currently used by Catholic Charities. They plan to use the property to construct affordable apartments next to L.A. City College. The goal is for these apartments to be utilized by community college students and youth transitioning out of foster care.

Amy Anderson, the executive director for Queen of Angels Housing, said the mission is to confront one of the region’s biggest moral dilemmas head-on. “We’re losing a generation of people to housing insecurity,” said Anderson, who served as L.A.’s Chief Housing Officer under former Mayor Eric Garcetti. “It’s very difficult for people to live in health — mental health, physical health — and for them to get ahead when there’s no physical foundation, no home for which to do that.”

As school enrollment declines and membership in religious orders dwindles, Queen of Angels Housing could also develop former Catholic schools or convents into housing developments.

“The properties are in transition because our communities are constantly changing,” Anderson said. “It does create this opportunity to re-evaluate what can be done with that land.”

According to figures provided by the church, the Archdiocese of L.A. has:
- 288 parishes
- 265 elementary and high schools
- 4.35 million Catholic attendees
Last year, Muhammad Alameldin, a researcher with UC Berkeley’s Terner Center, and his colleagues published a study that found faith-based organizations and nonprofit colleges across California own enough land suitable for housing development to equal nearly five times the city of Oakland.

However, Alameldin said it’s one thing for churches to support the idea of new housing on their property — it’s another to construct it.

At this early stage, it is unclear precisely how much land the Archdiocese intends to put toward housing development. However, local Catholic leaders are signaling that housing will be a growing part of the church’s charitable mission.

Collaborating with Communities to Build Affordable Housing

L.A. Archbishop José Gomez will chair the board for Queen of Angels Housing. In a statement, he said, “Through Catholic Charities and our ministries on Skid Row and elsewhere, we have been working for many years to provide shelter and services for our homeless brothers and sisters. With this new initiative, we see exciting possibilities for making more affordable housing available, especially for families and young people.”

The Catholic church isn’t the only religious organization in L.A. pursuing affordable housing development. The Jewish congregation Ikar is working on a 60-unit project on the site of its offices in L.A.’s Pico-Robertson neighborhood, and the multi-faith organization L.A. Voice has been helping local churches develop early plans for their projects.
August 20, 2024
Angelenos Call for More Housing in Single-Family Neighborhoods

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Los Angeles city planners held a virtual meeting last Thursday night to gather public feedback on their plans to meet ambitious housing production goals. While the meeting had a host of opposing viewpoints, dozens of Angelenos repeated the same argument throughout the evening: the city needs to allow new apartments to be built in single-family neighborhoods.

The already outlined blueprint by the L.A. Planning Department aims to achieve a state-mandated housing goal of nearly 457,000 new homes by 2029. Officials state that the city can get there by doubling down on development in already dense areas by offering builders incentives.

Yet, this blueprint leaves out the 72% of residential land in L.A. that is zoned exclusively for single-family homes. While the current plans have pleased homeowner groups, they have also spurred criticism from renter advocates, homeless service providers, and affordable housing developers who argue that apartment housing options should be developed in single-family neighborhoods.

“We live in the second largest city in the country, with so much economic opportunity, and yet we are landlocking 75% of our residentially zoned land for exclusively wealthy people,” said Kiersten Stanley of Studio City. “One wealthy family can come in and build a mini-mansion that’s 4,000 square feet. But God forbid four families move into four 1,000-square-foot places.”

Advocating for Change

Many other speakers mirrored Stanley’s argument, urging the city to reverse course and provide more opportunities to build up single-family neighborhoods. Many speakers opposing the current housing plans described the decision to exempt single-family neighborhoods as an issue of racial and economic justice. Some opponents pointed out that erecting barriers around areas that remain wealthy and exclusive today perpetuates the legacy of redlining and other zoning restrictions that had racist origins.

“Historically, it has been established to exclude people of color from predominantly white neighborhoods,” said Andres Perkins. “This drove a lot of unequal access to housing, education, and jobs. Continuing that will further that segregation we’re trying to move past.”

Despite opposing arguments, the virtual meeting also heard from advocates who wish to keep single-family neighborhoods left alone. They argue that new housing belongs on the city’s dense main throughways, as those apartments will be closer to transit lines and businesses.

“There’s simply no reason to wreck these neighborhoods with random density until we’ve built out our corridors closer to our commercial districts,” said Tracy Thrower Conyers with the group Concerned for Westchester/Playa Del Rey. Thrower further stated, “I often hear groups like the one I represent called NIMBYs… It’s unfortunate that local planning has been reduced to pejorative name-calling.”

Future Steps and Decision Making

City planning officials have made no immediate decisions on amending the plans, but the feedback during the meeting would help inform revised drafts, which will first go to the City Planning Commission before heading to the L.A. City Council for a final vote by February 2025.

“That said, we’re looking for your feedback today and we appreciate all the folks who’ve come out here today to share their perspective related to single-family,” Smith said. “We’re very much in a listening phase.”

July 31, 2024
LA28 Unveils 19 New Venues for 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games
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Los Angeles, Carson, and Long Beach to Host Various Events

As the Los Angeles region gears up to welcome the world, the LA28 planning committee has unveiled 19 additional venues across Los Angeles, Carson, and Long Beach for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Los Angeles: The Heart of the Games

Los Angeles will be a central hub for many Olympic events. The USC Sports Center, a renowned facility for basketball and volleyball, will host badminton. The Convention Center, a significant site during the 1984 Games, will accommodate fencing, judo, table tennis, Taekwondo, and wrestling. These events were initially slated for Pauley Pavilion at UCLA, but have since been reassigned.

Weightlifting will take place at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, and golf will return to the prestigious Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades. The Riviera has hosted numerous major golf tournaments, including the annual PGA TOUR event.

Carson: A Hub for Multiple Disciplines

Numerous activities will take place at Carson’s Dignity Health Sports Park. The Velodrome, an official U.S. Olympic Training Site and home to USA Cycling’s national track and cycling program, will host cycling-track events. The adjacent Fields, typically used by the LA Galaxy for training, will transform into a hockey venue. Rugby Sevens will be played in the main stadium, and tennis competitions will take place at the Tennis Center.

Long Beach: Embracing Aquatic and Endurance Sports

Long Beach will focus on water-based and endurance events. Marine Stadium will host canoe-sprint and rowing competitions, which dates back to its role in the 1932 Games. Sailing will take place along the picturesque Belmont Shore. The Waterfront at Alamitos Beach will be the site for marathon swimming and triathlon events. Additionally, a temporary aquatics center at the Convention Center lot will stage water polo.

Bringing the Games to Life

Janet Evans, LA28’s Chief Athlete Officer, emphasized the significance of the venue selections, stating, “The 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games will reflect all that the Los Angeles area has to offer. We’re very proud to bring the Games to many of our vibrant and diverse communities.” Evans highlighted that Los Angeles will host more Olympic sports than any other city, with Carson and Long Beach playing significant roles.

Looking Ahead

Additional venue announcements can be expected in the upcoming months. Among the most eagerly anticipated events are diving, gymnastics and track and field which will take place in venues along Figueroa Street between Exposition Park and downtown Los Angeles.

Below is a full list of the confirmed 2028 Olympic venues:

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Badminton: USC Sports Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Fencing: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Golf: The Riviera Country Club, Los Angeles, CA
- Judo: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA*
- Table Tennis: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Taekwondo: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Weightlifting: Peacock Theater, Downtown Los Angeles, CA
- Wrestling: Convention Center, Downtown Los Angeles, CA*
Carson 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Cycling – Track: Velodrome, Carson, CA
- Hockey: The Fields, Carson, CA
- Rugby Sevens: Dignity Health Sports Park Stadium, Carson, CA
- Tennis: Tennis Center, Carson, CA
Long Beach 2028 Olympic Venues:
- Canoe – Sprint: Marine Stadium, Long Beach, CA*
- Handball: Arena, Long Beach, CA
- Marathon Swimming: Waterfront, Long Beach, CA
- Rowing: Marine Stadium, Long Beach, CA*
- Sailing: Belmont Shore, Long Beach, CA
- Triathlon: Waterfront, Long Beach, CA
- Water Polo: Convention Center Lot, Long Beach, CA
July 16, 2024
Kendrick Lamar’s Purchase of $40 Million Estate Cements West Coast Victory

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Kendrick Lamar recently made headlines after acquiring a luxury estate in Los Angeles worth $40 million. After his highly publicized victory in a rap feud with Drake, this investment has marked a significant milestone in his life. The purchase has positioned Lamar as a major figure in the entertainment industry, showcasing the continued growth of his musical career.

Lamar, a native of Compton, California, chose a lavish residence in Los Angeles’s exclusive Brentwood neighborhood. Located in one of the most prestigious enclaves in the city, this property mirrors his achievements and investment in luxury real estate. The acquisition was followed hot on the heels of a series of professional highs in Lamar’s career, particularly a fierce exchange of diss tracks with Drake, culminating in his “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert on Juneteenth.

Constructed in 2018, Lamar’s new residence is a unique blend of modern and rustic elements, evident in the stunning incorporation of wood and stone. Spanning over 16,200 square feet across three levels, the luxury property features nine bedrooms and 15 bathrooms. Interior aesthetics such as hardwood floors, elevated wooden-beam ceilings, accents of stone, reclaimed wood, and marble further enhance the residence’s grandeur.

The estate comprises all necessary amenities, including dual staircases, an elevator, a wine cellar, a fully equipped gym, a home theater, and a spa with a sauna, steam room, and massage facilities. The gated property is over a sprawling acre of land and includes a three-car garage attached to the side. The high-end kitchen is designed as a central island for dining, and a secondary kitchen serves catering purposes. The master suite on the upper floor comes with a two-sided fireplace and connects the bedroom to a private lounge, a balcony, dual walk-in closets, and bathrooms. The exterior boasts a swimming pool with a Baja shelf and a spa. The estate is complemented by a separate guesthouse.

Lamar’s purchase is considered one of the priciest transactions in Los Angeles. The negotiation was done privately as the home was not listed on the open market. The previous owners, Viet Dinh and his wife, Jennifer Ashworth Dinh, acquired the property in 2019 for $19.5 million. Dinh is a former chief legal and policy officer at Fox Corp.

As the news of the acquisition came shortly after Lamar’s victory over Drake, the feud again sparked discussion among fans and critics alike. The tension between the two rappers started in the spring with subtle jabs in interviews and tracks. The conflict escalated with the release of Drake’s track “First Person Shooter” from his album For All the Dogs, which mentioned J. Cole, Drake, and Lamar as the “big three.” This motivated Lamar’s retaliatory verse on Future’s “Like That,” dismissing the equivalence with “It’s just big me.”

This musical exchange resulted in a lyrical war marked by a volley of diss tracks. Lamar’s “Euphoria” and Drake’s retaliatory “Push Ups” and “Taylor Made Freestyle” intensified the tension. Additionally, Drake’s use of AI-generated vocals of the late Tupac Shakur without approval eventually led to a retraction of one track, which overshadowed discussions over the feud.

Each new track by the two rappers received rapid analysis as fans and critics dissected the lyrics for hidden meanings and potential responses. Lamar’s “6:16 in LA” further fueled conversation due to the mention of a significant date, which fans linked to various cultural and personal references.

The feud further heightened at Lamar’s “The Pop Out: Ken & Friends” concert in Inglewood. The show celebrated Lamar’s West Coast roots while making a public declaration of his victory over Drake. Featuring multiple West Coast rappers and athletes, the concert saw Lamar performing “Not Like Us” five times as the most popular fan-preferred song based on the beef.

Kendrick Lamar’s purchase of this luxurious Brentwood estate symbolizes his success in the music industry while making a bold statement about his West Coast victory.

July 3, 2024
Owners of Marilyn Monroe’s LA Homes Sue Over Historical Designation

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The husband and wife who currently own Marilyn Monroe’s former Brentwood home are reportedly filing a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles in an attempt to block any further effort to have the structure deemed an official historic-culture landmark. If the home is declared a landmark, that would ultimately prevent its demolition.

The husband and wife who own the home, Roy Bank and Brinah Milstein, purchased the property back in July 2023. The plaintiffs have since been granted a demolition permit from the city as they are reportedly seeking to demolish the home.

The Los Angeles City Council already temporarily halted the demolition of the Brentwood home once before in September 2023. The temporary prevention brought much relief to many historians as well as fans of the home’s former owner. The sentiment surrounding the preservation of the home was in line with the idea that the property should be maintained since it is a crucial piece of Los Angeles and Hollywood history.

The historical landmark application is currently still working its way through the city process. In January, the application received approval from the Cultural Heritage Commission and was later approved by the council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee. However, the issue still needs to be presented to the full City Council, a meeting which must be completed by mid-June.

On Monday, Mr. Bank and Mrs. Milstein took measures in an effort to halt the process by filing a Los Angeles Superior Court lawsuit. According to reports, the lawsuit alleges that the move to have the structure deemed an official historic-culture landmark is “illegal and unconstitutional conduct” by the city “with respect to the house where Marilyn Monroe occasionally lived for a mere 6 months before she tragically committed suicide 61 years ago.”

Overall, the lawsuit alleges that by pushing for the monument designation for the property, the city of Los Angeles was effectively in violation of its own codes and procedures.

The lawsuit states, “All of these backroom machinations were in the name of preserving a house which in no way meets any of the criteria foreign historical cultural monument.” The lawsuit continues, “That much is bolstered by the fact, among others, that for 60 years through 14 owners and numerous remodels and building permits issued by the city, the city has taken no action regarding the now alleged historic or cultural status of the house.”

The lawsuit continues to allege that the city’s actions have resulted in “irreparable” harm to the building’s current owners and have effectively robbed them of their “vested rights as owners of real property.”

The general aim of the lawsuit is a request for a court order to block the monument designation. If the lawsuit is successful, the plaintiffs will be allowed to move forward with their planned demolition of the home.

At this time, no further details have been released to the public. As the situation unfolds and more information becomes available, updates will be promptly provided to keep the public informed.

May 16, 2024