Opinion: California's housing crisis needs more than density, density, density

The Palisades and Eaton fires reveal deep-rooted housing issues in California, stemming from a combination of human policies rather than natural causes. Governor Gavin Newsom's $9 million home purchase contrasts starkly with the state's housing crisis, where home prices are nearly 400% above the national average. Despite attempts to reform housing policies, challenges persist, particularly for younger residents. The focus on high-density developments has not solved the affordability problem, and as a result, younger populations are leaving the state in search of more affordable living options, widening the gap in homeownership demographics.

California's housing crisis is exacerbated by human policy mistakes, with home prices soaring and homeownership rates plummeting, especially among those under 35.

Despite attempts to reform housing policies in California, the state has failed to significantly address sky-high home prices, making ownership increasingly unattainable for many.

Government has pushed for high-density developments as a solution, but these have proven costly and ineffective, often not meeting the needs of the population.

While baby boomers benefit from increasing home values, younger generations face a grim reality with soaring rents and low homeownership rates.

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