New Podcast Exposes Santa Monica’s Role in California’s Housing Crisis

NEW PODCAST “A DEVELOPING STORY” INVESTIGATES CALIFORNIA’S HOUSING CRISIS THROUGH SANTA MONICA’S BATTLE OVER DEVELOPMENT

Santa Monica, CA – The Santa Monica Daily Press is launching its first-ever narrative limited podcast series, A DEVELOPING STORY, a six-part exploration of housing development told one real-world conflict at a time. Though rooted in Santa Monica, the series examines a crisis with national implications, spotlighting how one city’s challenges reflect the broader future of American housing.

Housing shortfalls have rapidly reshaped communities across the U.S., but California remains the epicenter. The state consistently ranks last in housing units per capita and is under state mandate to expand capacity. Santa Monica, the iconic beachfront city at the center of the debate, was ordered to allow nearly 9,000 new apartments — one of the most aggressive development expectations in the state.

A Developing Story features an in-depth narrative hosted by filmmaker and journalist Brian Peter Falk, who conceived the series and guides listeners through contentious debates around zoning, affordability, density, public policy, and the controversial mechanisms used to accelerate development. Topics include the state-mandated housing element, the builder’s remedy loophole, and the ongoing fight over gentrification and growth pressures.

The podcast was produced by Falk in collaboration with Daily Press publisher Ross Furukawa and editor-in-chief Matthew Hall.

Falk is known for high-profile film and documentary work including The Conspirator, produced with Robert Redford, and the Emmy-nominated PBS original series Hope in the Water. Speaking about why he shifted into podcasting, Falk said, "I was eager to expand my storytelling repertoire, and I've always been interested in podcasting." He added, "It's hard to argue that there's a more contentious topic in Santa Monica and California than housing development."

Interviews include a cross-section of local stakeholders and decision-makers, among them Mayor Lana Negrete, former city councilmembers Gleam Davis and Phil Brock, Tara Barauskas, Executive Director of the Santa Monica Development Corporation, and architect and slow growth advocate Mario Fonda-Bonardi.

Publisher Ross Furukawa emphasized the importance of telling these stories in multiple formats. “In this increasingly diverse media landscape, it's important to reach as many people as we can, especially on important issues,” said Furukawa. “Producing a podcast series is a natural evolution of that idea. Plus, it's storytelling at its best. Brian and his guests make a complex issue accessible, personal, and deeply affecting."

A Developing Story is now streaming on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with additional details available at www.adevelopingstory.com.

Originally reported by A Developing Story.