Category: Urban Systems

Why Los Angeles Rents Will Likely Increase Because of the January 2025 Fires

Why Los Angeles Rents Will Likely Increase Because of the January 2025 Fires

Why Los Angeles Rents Will Likely Increase Because of the January 2025 Fires

01/10/25

“Why will Los Angeles rents likely increase because of the January 2025 fires?”

Los Angeles is experiencing some of its most devastating fires ever. Up to tens of thousands of people have faced displacement. Not only are many of these peoples’ homes destroyed, but they will need to find a new place to live. Since many evacuees may have to wait a few years before their homes are rebuilt, they’ll have to obtain rental housing in Los Angeles. This will decrease the available rental stock and increase demand, leading to higher prices. This is Why Los Angeles Rents Will Likely Increase Because of the January 2025 Fires.

If you need help or would like to provide help because of the LA fires, please check out the Mutual Aid LA Network for resources

Why Homes in Los Angeles Will Likely Have Higher Insurance Premiums Now

Why Homes in Los Angeles Will Likely Have Higher Insurance Premiums Now

Why Homes in Los Angeles Will Likely Have Higher Insurance Premiums Now

01/09/25

“Why will homes in Los Angeles likely have higher insurance premiums now?”

Insurance rate premium amounts are in proportion to perceived risk. The ongoing (as of writing) fires devastating Los Angeles is making the market appear more risky for investors, thereby raising insurance rates. This is Why Homes in Los Angeles Will Likely Have Higher Insurance Premiums Now. California policymakers and financial institutions should act quickly and implement reforms to help the people of Los Angeles.

Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid

Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid

Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid

01/08/25

“How can we visualize who we can rely on for mutual aid?”

When disaster strikes, whether it’s wildfires in Los Angeles or genocidal invasions in Gaza/Ukraine, people will need mutual aid. However, organizing whom you can rely on can be quite daunting. This is where Pod Mapping for Disaster Mutual Aid comes in. Pod mapping starts with drawing a circle representing yourself. Around this circle will be more circles representing people you trust you can rely on for essential services. You will then communicate with these people what services you can provide and how you will all work together. From here, you will make plans and draw out more potential contacts and larger mutual aid groups you can rely on. 

For more information regarding pod mapping, you can visit Rebel Sidney Black’s guide here.

Image credit: blogger.googleusercontent.com

Disinfection By-Products

Disinfection By-Products

Disinfection By-Products

01/02/25

“What by-products can be created after chemical water treatment?”

Water disinfection is a foundational part of water treatment. Oftentimes chemicals are used for cleaning. This can lead to chemical reactions that produce Disinfection By-Products. Disinfection by-products are present in drinking water supplies all over the world.

Appropriate Technology

Appropriate Technology

Appropriate Technology

12/26/24

“How do we create technology that’s appropriate for a local society and environment?”

When people talk about modern technology, many picture items using the latest advances in electronics and sensors. However, that may not be appropriate for communities that live in remote areas or don’t have access to consistent electricity or high-tech supply chains. People may need access to Appropriate Technologies built with the local community and environment in mind. An example of appropriate technology is a machine that washes clothes without electricity using locally repairable parts for off-grid, remote communities.

Image credit: https://lifewater.org/

Drawbacks of Building With Wood

Drawbacks of Building With Wood

Drawbacks of Building With Wood

12/22/24

“What are the drawbacks of building with wood?”

Wood is a versatile material to use in buildings. However, it comes with drawbacks. Wood is highly flammable, vulnerable to moisture damage and insect infestation, changes volume fairly significantly depending on the temperature, and can crack and internally destabilize. These are the Drawbacks of Building With Wood.

Benefits of Building With Wood

Benefits of Building With Wood

Benefits of Building With Wood

12/21/24

“What are the benefits of building a structure with wood?”

Wood is a versatile material. It’s lightweight, can support its own weight well, is a natural insulator to electricity and heat, can absorb sound well, and is generally east to work with. These properties make wood a top choice for use in buildings. These are the Benefits of Building With Wood.

Heat Pump Dryers

Heat Pump Dryers

Heat Pump Dryers

12/19/24

“How can we use a heat pump to dry clothes?”

Heat pumps can transfer heat from one medium to a building space. People can also apply this technology to their laundry using Heat Pump Dryers. Heat pump dryers carry the moisture away from clothes into a tank and then absorbs the heat from said moisture to heat air to repeat the process. Heat pump dryers are incredibly popular in Europe, where they make up as much as 40% of market sales.

Image credit https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/