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Santa Barbara County Initiates $47M Workforce Housing Project for County Employees

Santa Barbara County Initiates $47M Workforce Housing Project for County Employees

Santa Barbara County is moving forward with a plan to convert the former probation building into workforce housing. The Board of Supervisors voted to begin negotiations with SoLa Impact LLC, a Los Angeles-based real estate developer, to develop the site into housing units for county employees. The project aims to address the county's ongoing housing shortage, which has driven up prices significantly. The proposed plan includes up to 104 modular units, with a completion date set for February 2029 and an estimated cost of $47 million. The decision follows a presentation of three options by county staff, with SoLa Impact's proposal being recommended for approval. The board also directed SoLa Impact to partner with local housing organizations.
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Billionaire Candidate Tom Steyer Criticizes California Cities for Housing Resistance

Billionaire Candidate Tom Steyer Criticizes California Cities for Housing Resistance

During a recent gubernatorial debate, Tom Steyer, a billionaire and Democratic candidate for California governor, highlighted the state's housing crisis as a major issue. Steyer argued that local resistance to new housing developments is a significant barrier to addressing the affordability crisis in California. He proposed closing corporate tax loopholes to generate revenue for municipalities to support new housing. Steyer's comments came amid a debate with other candidates, including San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan and former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, who also discussed their records and plans for housing. The debate underscored the ongoing challenges California faces in meeting its housing needs, with the state needing to build between 180,000 and 315,000 new homes annually to keep up with demand.
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Fire Under 110 Freeway in Los Angeles Sparks Investigation and Lane Closures

Fire Under 110 Freeway in Los Angeles Sparks Investigation and Lane Closures

Investigators are examining the cause of a fire under the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, which led to significant lane closures. The fire, reported to have started in a tunnel filled with debris, including mattresses and clothing, posed challenges for firefighters. The incident is linked to a nearby homeless encampment, highlighting ongoing issues with homelessness and infrastructure safety. The fire has prompted a structural assessment of the tunnel and raised questions about the management of such encampments near critical infrastructure.
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L.A. Mayoral Race Heats Up Amid Fire Recovery Concerns

L.A. Mayoral Race Heats Up Amid Fire Recovery Concerns

The race for the next mayor of Los Angeles is intensifying as incumbent Mayor Karen Bass campaigns to retain her position. The election, which features over a dozen candidates, is being shaped by the city's ongoing fire recovery efforts. Key contenders include councilmember Nithya Raman and reality star Spencer Pratt. The outcome of this election could significantly impact the city's approach to fire recovery and other pressing local issues.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Implements AI Tools to Expedite Affordable Housing Permits

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass Implements AI Tools to Expedite Affordable Housing Permits

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has signed Executive Directive No. 19 to streamline the permitting process for 100% affordable housing projects. The directive mandates that all city departments complete required reviews and issue approvals within 60 days of a completed application. This initiative aims to address the fragmented and uncoordinated system that often delays housing projects. The directive also includes the use of AI-powered pre-plan check tools to help developers identify zoning conflicts and code issues early. Additionally, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety is tasked with implementing access to its ePlan system for concurrent review by various city departments.
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California's Multigenerational Living Trend Spurs ADU Boom

California's Multigenerational Living Trend Spurs ADU Boom

In California, the trend of multigenerational living is driving a significant increase in the construction and sale of accessory dwelling units (ADUs). According to a report by Realtor.com, over 6% of active property listings in 2025 were designed for multigenerational families, featuring terms like 'granny flat' and 'in-law suite.' This shift is largely attributed to rising housing and childcare costs, prompting families to cohabit. The report highlights that nearly 4 million owner-occupied households in the U.S. are multigenerational, with California cities like Los Angeles and San Diego leading in such listings. These properties, while priced at a premium, are in high demand, reflecting a broader trend towards co-living arrangements.
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Mayor Bass Implements AI Tools and 60-Day Permit Timeline for Affordable Housing in Los Angeles

Mayor Bass Implements AI Tools and 60-Day Permit Timeline for Affordable Housing in Los Angeles

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles has signed Executive Directive No. 19, which aims to streamline the permitting process for 100% affordable housing projects. The directive mandates that all city departments complete necessary reviews and issue approvals within 60 days of a completed application. This initiative is designed to address the fragmented and uncoordinated system currently in place. The directive also introduces AI-powered pre-plan check tools to help developers identify zoning conflicts and code issues early in the process. Additionally, the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) is tasked with expanding virtual inspections and online permit programs to facilitate faster project approvals.
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New Homebuyers Face Double Property Taxes Compared to Longtime Owners in 11 U.S. Cities

New Homebuyers Face Double Property Taxes Compared to Longtime Owners in 11 U.S. Cities

New Homebuyers Face Double Property Taxes Compared to Longtime Owners in 11 U.S. Cities
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Real Estate Analysis Reveals 'Exit Tax' Impact on Vacant Homes in U.S. Markets

Real Estate Analysis Reveals 'Exit Tax' Impact on Vacant Homes in U.S. Markets

Real Estate Analysis Reveals 'Exit Tax' Impact on Vacant Homes in U.S. Markets
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Exit Tax Influences Homeowners to Retain Vacant Properties Amid High Tax Costs

Exit Tax Influences Homeowners to Retain Vacant Properties Amid High Tax Costs

Exit Tax Influences Homeowners to Retain Vacant Properties Amid High Tax Costs
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Rutgers Baseball swept during West Coast trip at USC

Rutgers Baseball swept during West Coast trip at USC

The Scarlet Knights will look to get in the win column this week and end a four-game skid.
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Football: Ducks in the Draft

Football: Ducks in the Draft

A breakdown of where Oregon Ducks Football had draft picks an UDFAs land, and their prospects in 2026.