Podcast Summary
Skid Row history: Skid Row in Los Angeles, a historic 50 city block area, is known for poverty and homelessness. Originated in LA, it's now found in various cities. Transformed with housing, Cino's podcast aims to help people understand and address societal issues.
Skid Row in Los Angeles is a significant and historic area that has been a part of the city since its early days. Host Cino McFarland shares his personal experience of discovering Skid Row, which is a 50 city block area known for its high poverty and homeless population. The term "skid row" originated in Los Angeles and can be found in various cities. Despite its challenges, the area has been transformed with housing for its residents, such as the former Hotel Cecil. Cino's message through his podcast is to help people wake up, get free, and feel less alone, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing societal issues like those found in Skid Row.
Threats to Skid Row, Los Angeles: Despite its long history, Skid Row in Los Angeles, home to thousands of unhoused individuals, including 20% US military veterans and majority black males, faces uncertain threats to its existence
Skid Row in Los Angeles has been home to thousands of unhoused individuals for several decades. Approximately 20% of them are US military veterans, and the majority are black males. The area, which has been a part of Los Angeles since the late 1800s when a railroad was built there, has seen an ebb and flow of residents living in various housing situations, from shelters and single room occupancy hotels to newer apartments constructed by nonprofits. Despite its long history, Skid Row is currently facing threats to its existence, although the extent and outcome of these threats are still uncertain. The area has been a part of Los Angeles since the late 1800s, with the construction of a railroad ending there, and the population of unhoused individuals has been a persistent feature of the community ever since.
Skid Row's History: Skid Row started as a rough area for railroad workers but became a permanent underclass community due to unemployment and hobo encampments during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl
Skid Row in Los Angeles started as a rough and tumble area to house and entertain railroad workers in the late 1800s. It was originally filled with bars, saloons, brothels, and single resident hotels. However, as more industries like oil, automobile, and film brought even more people to LA, the area became overrun with unemployment and hobo encampments. The Great Depression and Dust Bowl further exacerbated the situation, leading to the permanent underclass living in Skid Row from the 1930s onward. The area, which was already struggling, was significantly impacted by these events and became the Skid Row we know today.
Addiction and Inspiration: Two inspiring podcasts, The Cino Show and The Amber and Lacey Lacey and Amber Show, provide valuable content for listeners. The Cino Show helps individuals overcome addictions and challenges, while The Amber and Lacey Lacey and Amber Show entertains and engages. Skid Row's growth during wartime contributed to its large population of soldiers struggling to adjust to civilian life.
Both The Cino Show and The Amber and Lacey Lacey and Amber Show offer inspiring and educational content for their listeners. The Cino Show, hosted by addiction specialist Cino McFarland, aims to help individuals overcome various addictions and challenges, while feeling less alone. On the other hand, The Amber and Lacey Lacey and Amber Show, returning for season two on Will Ferrell's Big Money Players Network, promises new and exciting segments and guests to entertain and engage their audience. Additionally, it's worth noting that Los Angeles' Skid Row population saw significant growth during the Second World War and the Korean War due to it being a port of exit and entry for soldiers returning home. Some soldiers were not prepared to readjust to civilian life, contributing to the growth of the Skid Row community. Overall, both podcasts offer valuable content, whether it be through personal growth and addiction recovery or entertainment and engagement. Tune in to The Cino Show every Wednesday and The Amber and Lacey Lacey and Amber Show to be inspired, educated, and entertained. Listen to The Cino Show on iHeart Radio App, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts. Similarly, listen to The Amber and Lacey Lacey and Amber Show on World Feral's Big Money Players Network on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcast, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Skid Row preservation: Los Angeles' decision to preserve Skid Row in the 1970s was a complex choice with humanitarian and containment aspects, impacting the community and its residents significantly.
Los Angeles made a controversial decision in the 1970s to preserve Skid Row instead of demolishing it and building a highway through it. This choice was presented as a more humanitarian policy to provide shelter for the extremely low-income or no-income population. However, it could also be seen as a containment strategy, keeping people in a specific area and out of sight. The debate continues on whether this was a ruthless or humane solution, but it's clear that the decision had a significant impact on the community and its residents. The discussion also touched upon the idea that societal issues can't always be viewed in black and white terms, and it's essential to consider multiple perspectives.
Skid Row's Affordable Housing: Initially improved living conditions in Skid Row through gentrification, but now several affordable housing providers face financial and livability issues, with the Skid Row Housing Trust undergoing receivership and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation attempting to take over their properties
The gentrification of Skid Row in the 80s and 90s, which was initially driven by the desire to revitalize other areas of downtown Los Angeles, ultimately benefited the residents of Skid Row. Old single-room occupancy hotels were refurbished or rebuilt to improve living conditions. However, decades later, many of these buildings are now facing financial and livability issues, with some even entering receivership. The Skid Row Housing Trust, one of the largest providers of affordable housing in the area, is currently undergoing receivership. The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is attempting to take over their properties, but the city has intervened due to concerns about the foundation's ability to manage the buildings effectively. The future of Skid Row remains uncertain, with several large developments underway, but the long-term viability of its affordable housing is a significant concern.
Skid Row redevelopment: Redevelopment plans aim to replace SRO hotels with multi-apartment buildings for Skid Row residents, offering more living space and personal privacy, but addressing homelessness remains a challenge
There are plans to redevelop Skid Row in Los Angeles, replacing single room occupancy hotels with multi-apartment buildings for residents. This would provide them with more living space and personal privacy, as each unit would include a bathroom. The goal is to have these improvements completed within the next 10 years. However, it's important to remember that while the arts district in downtown LA is now booming with amenities, Skid Row, which was once just blocks away, still faces issues with homelessness. This contrast highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing housing inequality in urban areas.
Hope and patience: Importance of maintaining hope and patience, even in uncertain situations, as demonstrated by the speakers' desire to visit a brew pub and their encouragement to listeners to stay optimistic and keep dreaming.
Importance of hope and patience, even when faced with uncertain situations. The speakers expressed their desire to visit a brew pub and try a hoppy IPA, but acknowledged that they didn't know if it would be possible. Instead of giving up, they chose to wait and hope for the best. This attitude can be applied to various aspects of life, including personal goals and social issues like the situation in Skid Row. The speakers encouraged listeners to keep dreaming and to remain optimistic, even when faced with challenges or uncertainties. This message of hope and patience is a reminder that even in difficult times, there is always the possibility for positive change and growth. So, whether you're waiting for a brew pub to open or working towards a personal goal, remember to keep the faith and stay hopeful. And for more podcasts and content, be sure to check out iHeartRadio and the iHeartRadio app.