Skip to Content
Streetsblog California home
Streetsblog California home
Log In
Damien Talks

#DamienTalks 42: Sam Tepperman-Gelfant and the Governor’s Housing Proposal

Today, #DamienTalks with Sam Tepperman-Gelfant, a senior staff attorney with Public Advocates about Governor Jerry Brown’s legislative language to streamline the environmental process for certain types of housing development.

#DamienTalks

Public Advocates was one of the leaders in circulating a letter criticizing Brown’s language, charging that the governor’s stated goal won’t be met by his proposal. In

Instead, they argue that Brown's legislation would hinder communities, especially lower-income communities, from having a say in how their communities grow. At the same time, the legislation would do little to increase the state's supply of affordable housing.

Two weeks ago, #DamienTalks featured Jason Islas, the editor of Santa Monica Next, explaining how he and many other pro-growth advocates for increasing our state’s housing stock feel the legislation is much-needed. However, many of the groups opposing the measure are affordable housing advocates from cities and communities from around the state, representing the very people the bill is intended to assist.

Tepperman-Gelfant expects the legislation to be publicly debated next month. Get up-to-date on the progressive argument on both sides of the debate by listening to my interview with Tepperman-Gelfant below and the interview with Islas from two weeks ago.

We’re always looking for sponsors, show ideas, and feedback. You can contact me at damien@streetsblog.org, at twitter @damientypes, online at Streetsblog California or on Facebook at StreetsblogCA.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog California

L.A.’s Legislators Want Most Cap-and-Trade Funds for Southland

With the session ending next week, L.A.'s 11th hour demands leaves reauthorization in jeopardy.

September 4, 2025

Thursday’s Headlines

Bad news on rail projects from LA/San Bernadino and (of course) DC. At least we'll get to the bottom of that Tesla Autopilot crash.

September 4, 2025

Why More Communities Are Reconsidering Speed Limits From a Pedestrian’s Perspective

Is America's driver-centered approach to setting speed limits starting to shift? An engineer argues it is, and offers a reminder about why it matters.

September 3, 2025

Update on San Pablo Ave. Protected Bike Lanes in El Cerrito

A progress report on the El Cerrito Del Norte BART-adjacent bike lanes going in. Plus an important issue with Caltrans standards and driveways.

September 3, 2025

Metrolink Needs to Draw Inspiration from Caltrain’s Electrification Success

Electrification means faster, more frequent, cleaner and quieter trains. If Caltrain (and trains all over the world) can do it, so can Metrolink.

September 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines

Clips must have caught up on the long weekend, as there's lots of news from up and down the state, some news from the Capitol, and a little good news from the legislature.

September 3, 2025
See all posts