LA decision to delay SB 79 could backfire, Pilot to Artemis Two mission has SoCal roots, James Beard Award Finalist— Afternoon Edition

0:00Rotten food, disease, isolation, multiple people have died in custody of a nice facility in Adelanto, while activists are comparing it to a concentration camp. Listen on Imperfect Paradise, a weekly news magazine from LA East. Wondering what's happening with those ballot measures you voted on in the last election? We've got you covered with Make It Makes Sense, our elections newsletter. We'll check in on what voters passed and whether elected officials are living up to their campaign promises. Sign up at leas.com-slash-vote. Today on the LA Report, why the LA City Council's attempt to delay implementing a new state housing law could backfire. An astronaut from the inland empire will be piloting a lunar mission that launches tomorrow. Plus we'll tell you which LA chefs are James Beard Award finalists. It's Tuesday, March 31st. I'm Nidee Zamorino and you're listening to the LA Reports after noon edition, from LAS News.

1:03The City of Los Angeles is turning a corner on how it plans for new housing, but they're turning that corner as slowly as possible. It's all being triggered by a new state law, SB79, which overrides local zoning rules and puts taller, denser housing near public transit stops. But the law gives cities the option to put off its full effects for a few years. LA leaders have chosen to delay, but that decision could backfire on the city. Here to break it all down is LA's housing reporter, David Wagner. David remind us, why is this state law such a big deal? Yeah, SB79 basically forces cities to allow apartment buildings up to nine stories tall near subway stops, and it will allow smaller buildings within a half mile of light rail and rapid bus stops. This includes the nearly three quarters of LA residential land zone for single-family homes. City politicians have long voted to exclude these areas from any kind of apartment development. SB79 proponents say the law will produce much needed housing and get new residents to

2:05use public transit. But opponents say this will bring too much change to low-density neighborhoods too fast. Well, that's the big question facing LA right now. How fast will these changes come? The law does take effect on July 1st, but LA is allowed to delay full implementation until 2030. Last week, the city council voted to approve a plan that will allow some more housing in certain areas, but other areas won't get that new housing for a few more years. Okay, so some new housing is coming weather city leaders like it or not. Where will that housing go and what will it look like? These will be mid-rise apartment buildings, no more than four stories tall, and they'll be allowed near 55 transit stops deemed by the city to be high opportunity. This is all supposed to happen through the city's relatively new corridor transition program. It basically lets developers build more dense projects near train lines as long as they agree to keep some of those units affordable to lower income renters.

3:06But that program has not been successful so far, no applications have been submitted. Will this be a big enough change to qualify the city for delays to that state law? City officials seem to think so. However, we know that one important figure thinks LA is not going far enough. That's Governor Gavin Newsom. At a recent news conference, he said cities that don't get on board with SB 79's priorities could lose state funding for homelessness efforts. That's LA is housing reporter David Wagner breaking down the city of LA's latest actions on getting more housing built. David, thank you so much. Thank you. Coming up, we'll tell you about the pilot of the Artemis II mission and his so-cal routes. Stick around. Support for LA is comes from the Palos Verde's Peninsula land conservancy, presenting the Wild and Scenic Film Festival on tour in celebration of Earth Day. The festival features short films highlighting conservation, outdoor adventure, and environmental stewardship, with screenings on April 12 in Rdondo Beach and April 25 and 26 in San Pedro.

4:09Many members can also participate in an Earth Day volunteer event on April 8, and a silent online auction benefiting local habitat restoration running through April 28. Tickets and details are available at pvplc.org slash earthday. LA is supported by elephant energy. We all know the so-cal heat, but your old AC is likely the loudest, least efficient way to stay cool. Meet elephant energy, LA's experts and modern and efficient heating and cooling systems, the new standard for whisper quiet comfort year round. They handle everything, from custom design to complex rebates that save you thousands of dollars. No eye pressure sales, just comfort you can trust. Ready to join the herd? Claim your rebates at elephantenergy.com Welcome back to the LA Report, Nere, the Moreno with you. There's a so-cal connection to tomorrow's Lunar Mission launch. The pilot of the Artemis II mission attended Ontario High School, and he graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

5:10Pomona's own Victor Glover is second in command of the crew, and is set to become the first person of color ever to fly around the moon. Back in 2023, he told LA is that he's taking that representation seriously. It is so important to see examples of what you want to be, or what you can be, even if they don't want to be astronauts, or aerospace workers, or science and tech workers. Knowing it's possible is a part of the fabric of childhood. You have to be able to dream. When stays launched, it's scheduled to happen at 3.24 in the afternoon. James Beard award finalists are out today, and they include a handful of LA chefs. Gilberto Settina of Holbaugh in South Central and Nikki Nakayama of Enaka in Culver City made it in the outstanding chef's category. Fatima Juarez of Komal is a finalist in the emerging chef category. Dave Berron of Selenin Santa Monica also advanced for best chef in California.

6:10For best new restaurant, key in downtown LA went through, and for best hospitality, Providence. Winners will be announced in June. Thanks for listening to the LA Report, I'm Nere Ida Moreno. This podcast is produced with help from Jillian Moran-Perez. Our engineer is Donald Bass. I'm Frank Stoltz, the civics and democracy reporter here at LAest. It's my job to make it easier for you to understand how to participate in the political process, like voting, which is why I'm pleased to tell you the LAest voter game plan is back. We're here to help you navigate your ballot with informed, accurate reporting on the candidates and the issues. Participation and elections makes for a stronger community. And more visit LAest.com slash vote.