Which Way, L.A.?
Can the LA River Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis?
The concrete flood-control ditch known as the LA River is being called "The Next Frontier" by an influential business group, supported by Mayor Garcetti. Along its banks, "some of the worst environmental conditions in California" could be reversed, it says — and replaced by new housing. But, with clean-up costs in the billions, could current residents still afford to live there?
By Warren Olney • • 24m ListenThe concrete flood-control ditch known as the LA River is being called "The Next Frontier" by an influential business group, supported by Mayor Garcetti. Along its banks, "some of the worst environmental conditions in California" could be reversed, it says — and replaced by new housing. But, with clean-up costs in the billions, could current residents still afford to live there?
Also, we talk with LA Times columnist Steve Lopez about calculating traffic fines according to income — in Los Angeles and in Finland.
Photo: Laurie Avocado
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2 storiesCan the LA River Solve the Affordable Housing Crisis?
The Army Corps of Engineers has authority over the LA River, and it says cleaning up just 11 miles of the 52-mile long channel will cost a billion dollars. Nobody knows where the money will come from. Nevertheless, the Los Angeles Business Council has issued a report calling the river LA's "Next Frontier ."
Read the story17 minThe High Price of Fines in Los Angeles
Yesterday, LA Times columnist Steve Lopez wrote about the devastating effects of traffic fines — including jay-walking — on low-income people. He suggested there might be a "sliding scale based on ability to pay."
Read the story8 min
