I recently stumbled on a cluster of half built McMansions in a failed subdivision while visiting relatives in a distant suburb of Los Angeles. I found myself drawn to the structures and engaged in a bit of impromptu archeology. At the top of the market circa 2006 homes like these sold at a premium to … Continue reading The American Dream – Architectural Vivisection
Here’s the short version. The planning department in Lancaster, California did something that made property values increase by 9% this year while property values outside the project zone decreased by an average of 1% during the same period. This was in an economic environment where real estate hasn’t yet properly recovered from the 2008 crash. … Continue reading Adding Value and Building a Strong Town: Lancaster Blvd.
This is a story of unintended consequences. In recent years several laws were created that were designed to protect women and children from sexual predators. Legislation such as Megan’s Law, Amber Alerts, and Jessica’s Law were promoted by residents of family-oriented suburban communities and passed by their elected representatives. Who could possibly be against … Continue reading The trouble with Jessica, Megan, and Amber
Jeff Tyler is a regular guy in the suburbs who found himself out of work when the Great Recession hit his construction business hard in 2008. After a year and a half of unemployment wondering what to do he took a chance selling hotdogs from a roadside cart. He now has three carts and is … Continue reading Self Employment: Happiness and Prosperity During a Recession
Granola Shotgun 