Building Our Future

Housing Solutions

UPZONING BILLS SHOW A WILL TO ACT

It would have been easy to overlook with everything else happening, but two days after defeating the ill-conceived attempt to recall him, Gov. Gavin Newsom made news by signing three bills to chip away at California’s affordable housing crisis.

Newsom, who three years ago promised to deliver 3.5 million new homes by 2025, is taking a more incremental—and practical—approach to the problem.

None of the bills will come close to solving the state’s monumental housing problems, but if harsh reaction to at least one of the measures tells us anything, the governor has indeed shaken things up. The most signifi cant legislation was from state Senate President Toni Atkins, a San Diego Democrat who has spent years working on housing issues. Her Senate Bill 9 allows property owners to build up to three additional

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By Gary Delsohn Building Our Future

housing units on lots that had been zoned for single family.

It’s similar to upzoning changes under consideration by the Sacramento City Council. As in the capital city, there are groups that fi nd the idea deeply offensive.

“We are disappointed in the signing of this fl awed legislation,” the California League of Cities says. “SB 9 undermines the ability of local governments to responsibly plan for the types of housing that communities need, circumvents the local government review process, and silences community voices.”

No one is being silenced, but the league went on to say California cities are working to increase the housing stock and to make it more affordable while “this top-down mandate … disregards local voices and decisionmaking.”

If cities across California were really doing what the league says, the state could afford to sit on the sidelines. But housing prices have been escalating in much of the state, even during the pandemic. Meantime, more and more hard-working people have been priced out of the market.

The statewide median price for a California house topped $800,000 for the fi rst time earlier this year and is still rising. Serious intervention was not only needed, but was long overdue.

“The housing affordability crisis is undermining the California Dream for families across the state and threatens our long-term growth and prosperity,” Newsom said when he signed the bill.

“Making a meaningful impact on this crisis will take bold investments, strong collaboration across sectors and political courage from our leaders and communities to do the right thing and build housing for all.”

He’s right, but allowing multiplexes on lots formerly zoned single family is not nearly as bold as critics claim. A study by the Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley found that just 5.4 percent of single-family parcels would pencil out economically to make additional units feasible.

But as the Terner Center adds, “Single-family-only zoning is rooted in exclusion and unwinding this vestige of racial segregation is long overdue. The parcel subdivision provision of SB 9 has the potential to open up new fi nancing options and wealth-building opportunities for low- and moderateincome homeowners.” That is a good thing.

Some readers will react angrily to this idea, as they have to earlier columns I’ve written on the topic. But you can’t claim to be concerned with the high cost of housing and the state’s growing homelessness crisis and oppose any and all policies that can make a difference.

Other more far-reaching housing bills did not make it to Newsom’s desk, but this one did and he was right to sign it. SB 10 signed by Newsom will make it easier and faster to build multi-unit housing near transit and in urban infi ll areas. The third piece of legislation, SB 8, limits the ability of local governments to downzone neighborhoods without increasing density elsewhere.

Density cannot be anathema for so much of our car- and suburb-loving state if we are to make a dent in the housing crisis. Intervention by the Legislature becomes essential when so many California cities lack the political will to really tackle the affordable housing crisis.

It’s a crisis that hurts countless California families and can stifl e jobs creation and economic growth if we don’t act decisively and soon. Good for Newsom and the Legislature for stepping up and trying to make a difference.

Gary Delsohn can be reached at gdelsohn@gmail.com. Previous columns can be found and shared at InsideSacramento.com. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @ insidesacramento. n

TIMOTHY SCOTT

Celebrating his first year in Sacramento!

HAIRSTYLIST

FOR MEN AND WOMEN

We can make you look

BETTER than just your best!

Why do you refer to "We" when it's just you in your salon?

"I say 'we' because it's a collaboration between the client and myself to create a hairstyle that fits. My consultations are thorough. I ask a lot of questions along with taking into consideration your head and face shape, body build and your daily routine. Between my ideas and your preferences, we create a look that makes you look great and is easy to manage at home as well."

What do you do for people who aren’t open to new ideas?

"I can do your hair any way you want it. But depending on what I see, I may advise to make some adjustments to make it better. What's most important to me is that the client and I understand each other and together we work to create a style that works for them."

How long have you been working by yourself?

"I've been a hairstylist for 34 years, of which 29 have been working solo. I've been selfemployed since I was 23 and I really prefer working alone. It's a completely private session and we can talk about whatever we want without anyone listening in or the distraction of commotion going on around us."

Your salon is very spacious and grand. Did you use a decorator?

"I did it myself. I wanted a space to reflect who I am; open, low key, and fun loving. I didn't want it to look like a hair salon at all."

I had to smile when I saw your mirror ball floating up there.

“Yeah. To me, happiness is a disco ball. It does make people smile, it’s nostalgic, it evokes good energy, and it adds a touch of sophistication. It’s also just fun and I like it in the room.”

You only use Kerastase products. Why is that?

"Kerastase is top of the line in luxury hair care. They have something for every type of hair, which provides me the ingredients to create formulas that will make your hair sublime."

What's one word of advice you would give to people about their hair?

"Don't leave your house without doing your hair. Now, sometimes people wake up late and don't have time to do it. I get it. But your hair is like your bedroom: even if everything is put away, dusted, and vacuumed, if your bed isn't made, your room looks unkept. So, if your hair isn't done, you just don't look as good, no matter how nice or expensive your outfit is."

What do you like most about being a hairstylist?

"I like helping people who genuinely come to me for what I can offer, honest advice and expertise. Now, I always say that I'm not perfect, but I try to be and I do my best to give people what they want and make them happy. I will never say that I'm better than anyone else. There are a lot of talented people in this business. Like I say, I want to make people look better than just their best, and when I've achieved that, THAT is rewarding for me and makes it all worthwhile."

Do you have a hero in the industry? Or is there anyone in the business who inspires you?

"Yes, Tabatha Coffey, hands down. She had a TV show called 'Tabatha's Salon Takeover' where she coached struggling salon owners on how to run a business. I think she's tremendous."

How do you keep up with your profession?

"I go to hair shows and take classes all the time. Sometimes I'll go to a class that I've been to before. You'll always see or hear something that makes you go, 'Ah, right'. The hands on classes are my favorite. That's the best way to learn a new technique or to learn about a new product. The classes can get expensive, but there's real value in self-improvement and keeping current. They're fun to go to and I see a lot of creativity that inspires me."

What services do you offer? What services do you offer?

"I do precision hair cutting, hair coloring including highlighting, and hair smoothing."

Do you have a favorite?

"I like all aspects of doing hair. Although, I don't do permanent waves anymore because I never liked the way they look and I think they're too damaging to the hair."

Are your clients exclusive?

"No. Everyone is welcome. My door is open to men and women of all walks of life.

I do think however, the relationship with your stylist IS exclusive. I have learned not to try and make something work when it isn't or win over a difficult client. I strongly suggest that people read through my website, click on the links to watch my TV interviews, and read my Yelp reviews. Even the bad ones.

My only requirement is that you schedule your own appointment through the website. The website walks you through all the necessary information needed to book the appointment. I cannot make appointments over the phone or by walking in. I prefer not to be distracted during a session out of respect to the client. Doing it online is easy, instant, and convenient."

www.timothyscottsalon.com

3330 Folsom Blvd. at 34th St. in East Sacramento