California’s housing crisis is getting worse. Here’s what Newsom’s plan does – and doesn’t – do
California’s housing crisis is a well-documented disaster. Sky-high rents and home prices have forced many residents to leave the state, while those who remain struggle to find affordable places to live.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has unveiled a new plan to address the crisis,but experts say it doesn’t go far enough to solve the state’s deep-seated housing problems. Here’s a breakdown of what the plan does and doesn’t do:
What Newsom’s plan does:
* Streamlines housing projects: The plan aims to speed up the approval process for housing developments, particularly those that include affordable units. This includes reducing bureaucratic hurdles and clarifying regulations.
* Increases housing density: Newsom is pushing for policies that allow for more housing units to be built on existing land, such as allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and increasing density near transit corridors.
* Invests in affordable housing: The plan includes funding for the construction of new affordable housing units, as well as programs to help low-income renters and homeowners.
* Addresses homelessness: Newsom’s plan also includes funding for programs to address homelessness, which is often linked to the housing crisis.
What Newsom’s plan doesn’t do:
* Overhauls zoning laws: While the plan encourages increased density, it doesn’t fundamentally change California’s restrictive zoning laws, which often limit the type and amount of housing that can be built in many cities.
* Mandates housing production: The plan doesn’t require cities to build a specific number of housing units, leaving local governments with meaningful discretion over progress decisions.
* Addresses the root causes of high housing costs: The plan doesn’t tackle the underlying factors that drive up housing costs, such as land speculation, limited supply and high construction costs.
* Provides enough funding: Experts say the funding allocated to affordable housing and homelessness programs is insufficient to meet the state’s needs.
Experts weigh in:
Housing advocates and experts have praised Newsom’s plan as a step in the right direction, but many say it falls short of what’s needed to truly address the housing crisis.
“The governor’s plan is a good start, but it doesn’t go far enough,” said Sarah Jones, a housing policy analyst at the California Housing Partnership. “We need more aggressive policies to increase housing supply and address the root causes of high housing costs.”
Some critics argue that the plan relies too heavily on voluntary measures and doesn’t hold cities accountable for meeting their housing goals. Others say that the plan doesn’t adequately address the needs of low-income residents and people of colour, who are disproportionately affected by the housing crisis.
The bottom line:
Newsom’s plan is a modest attempt to address California’s housing crisis. While it includes some positive steps, its unlikely to solve the state’s deep-seated housing problems without more comprehensive and aggressive policies.
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Staying Safe During a Thunderstorm: A Guide to Lightning hazards
Around 25 million lightning strikes occur in the United States every year, with most taking place during the summer months.These strikes result in about 20 fatalities annually, according to the National Weather service (NWS). The probability of being struck by lightning rises as a thunderstorm approaches, peaks when the storm is directly overhead, and decreases as the storm moves away.
Understanding the Risks
Lightning is a powerful and dangerous natural phenomenon. It’s crucial to understand how it forms and the risks it poses. Lightning occurs when electrical charges build up in storm clouds. These charges eventually discharge, creating a massive electrical current that seeks the path of least resistance to the ground. This path can be through the air, trees, water, or even people.
How to React When Facing a Lightning Hazard
Your safety depends on speedy thinking and informed action. Here’s a breakdown of what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm:
Before a Thunderstorm
- Develop a Plan: When planning outdoor activities, always check the weather forecast. If thunderstorms are predicted, postpone your plans. If you are already outdoors, identify a safe shelter nearby.
- Know the 30/30 Rule: If you see lightning and here thunder within 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities.
During a Thunderstorm
- Seek Shelter: The safest places to be during a thunderstorm are inside a significant building with wiring and plumbing, or inside a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed.
- Stay Inside: Onc inside, avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity. This includes:
- corded phones
- Electrical devices (computers, TVs, appliances)
- Plumbing (faucets, showers, bathtubs)
- Windows and doors
- Avoid Water: Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Stay away from swimming pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.
- If Caught Outdoors with No Shelter: Crouch down low to the ground, making yourself the smallest target possible. Minimize contact with the ground. do *not* lie flat.
After a Thunderstorm
- Wait 30 Minutes: Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities.
- Check for Injuries: If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch. Provide first aid if you are trained.
Key Takeaways
- Lightning is a serious threat,causing approximately 20 fatalities annually in the US.
- Planning and awareness are crucial for staying safe during thunderstorms.
- Seek shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle when a thunderstorm approaches.
- Avoid contact with anything that conducts electricity during a storm.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities.
FAQ
- What should I do if I’m driving during a thunderstorm?
- Pull over to a safe location, away from trees and power lines. Turn off the engine and keep the windows closed. Avoid touching any metal parts of the vehicle.
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