Right of Way

Case 1: Housing

Housing is a basic but widely varied societal foundation that makes modern life and social structures possible. It also has implications for social equity and health as segregation, housing immobility, and homelessness are all associated with adverse health complications. Indoor residential environments can also present environmental harms from sources like asbestos, lead, fungi, allergens, and more, resulting in losses for society as a whole and at-risk communities and individuals in particular.

Some scholars question whether racism is a direct cause of harm in residential spaces since market forces play such a significant role in their creation. Developers frequently undertake projects on cheap land, which tends to be occupied by those of lower socioeconomic status. Before and after redevelopment projects, more affluent residents may leave neighborhoods, while poorer residents may not be able to. Further, the movement of affluent people out of neighborhoods can depress property values, ultimately attracting residents of lower socioeconomic status. Since communities of color are disproportionately poorer than white communities, observed disparities may thus only appear to be caused by racial factors.

On display in this case is a 1938 report produced by the City of Los Angeles about "slum" neighborhoods used to apply for federal public housing funds; documentation of ballot measures in Los Angeles and California on such issues as rent control, property taxes, and housing discrimination; and evidence of citizen engagement through political candidate forums, public hearings, and community meetings about such issues as residential zoning, changing property values, and projected population growth and housing needs within Los Angeles in the 20th century.

Case 2, Noise & Air Quality, is the tall case to the north.

• 1

  Los Angeles City Board of Health Commissioners, "Report of Slum Conditions: Reasons for the Inauguration of Low Cost Public Housing in Los Angeles," 1938Los Angeles Department of Health Publications Collection

• 2

  Pamphlet, "Don't Pay Somebody Else's Rent," 1952Max Mont Collection

• 3

  "Property Owners' Bill of Rights," circa 1963League of Women Voters of Los Angeles Collection

• 4

  Newsletter, "Valley Fair Housing," March 1965League of Women Voters of Los Angeles Collection

• 5

  Andy Raubeson, Letter to "Editor," April 1, 1991Brad Pye Jr. Campaign Collection

• 6

  Andy Raubeson, Letter to "Mr. Pye," March 6, 1991Brad Pye Jr. Campaign Collection

• 7

  City of Los Angeles, "Notice of Public Hearing," circa 1970Los Feliz Improvement Association Records

• 8

  City of Los Angeles, "Dwelling Unit Projections by Geographical Area," circa 1970Los Feliz Improvement Association Records

• 9

  Coalition for Housing, "Rent Control and the Housing Crisis in So. California," 1977League of Women Voters of Los Angeles Collection

• 10

  League of Women Voters of Los Angeles, "Local Housing Study Consensus Report Unit 1," 1980League of Women Voters of Los Angeles Collection

• 11

  L.A. County Commission on Human Relations, "Population and Housing in Los Angeles County: A Study in the Growth of Residential Segregation," circa 1960Max Mont Collection

• 12

  Los Angeles City Human Relations Commission, "Attendance Roster Form," 1969Max Mont Collection

• 13

  Pamphlet, "The Plain Facts...About the Fair Housing Bill: Assembly Bill 890," circa 1975California Federation of Teachers Collection

• 14

  Flyer, "Proposition 14 Declared Unconstitutional," circa 1966League of Women Voters of Los Angeles Collection

• 15

  Los Angeles City Planning Commission, "Median Home Values," April 1, 1960Albert Zoraster Collection