Author: Dr. Brent Musson
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Rewriting the Map: How Water, Rails, and Real Estate Made Altadena—and What That Means for Housing Today
A quick tour through Altadena’s past reveals how water companies, rail lines, and real-estate boosters shaped who could live here—and who couldn’t. We connect those choices to today’s housing crisis and propose community-first reforms that add homes without erasing history.
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Reclaim. Rebuild. Reimagine: How TEDxAltadena is Forging a New Path for Community Dialogue
TEDxAltadena is bringing neighbors, makers, and civic leaders together to reclaim our story after the Eaton Fire—rebuilding trust, reimagining dialogue, and surfacing real solutions for housing, equity, and resilience.
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Capitalism Without Labor: What Happens to Housing When the Machines Take Over?
Capitalism relies on tension between capital and labor. But when AI and automation tip the scales, wages—and customers—disappear. This essay asks who will own the means of production next, and how markets survive without workers.
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An Open Letter to Honorable LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, 5th District
Altadena needs a balanced path—keep long-time homeowners whole, deter post-fire speculation, and advance fire-resilient housing. This letter outlines practical steps the County can take now under the Governor’s order.
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Climate Change in 2025: From Global Agreements to Local Building Decisions
Global pledges mean little without local action. Here’s how cities—through codes, land use, and modular delivery—can turn climate goals into lower-carbon, climate-ready housing in 2025 and beyond.
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Why Los Angeles Isn’t Building Enough Housing—and How Modular Construction Could Help
Forget the myth of colluding landlords. LA’s pipeline is stuck in 1950s delivery. We outline a practical roadmap—factory-built modules, clear approvals, and pilot projects—to add units quickly and bring relief to renters.
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Why California Struggles to Embrace Modern Construction—And What We Can Do About It
We’re still building the 1950s way. Here’s a practical roadmap—factory-built modules, pre-approved plans, and smarter codes—to get pro formas to pencils-down and keys-in-doors faster.
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Modern Methods of Construction: A Path Forward in Today’s Uncertain Climate
When on-site labor is uncertain, off-site modular shines. This post lays out how factory production, parallel workflows, and stronger QA can keep projects moving—and keep homes affordable—in today’s climate.
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The Real Risk Is Doing Nothing: Debunking Myths About Modern Construction
The biggest barrier to modern construction isn’t tech—it’s perception. This post debunks common myths, shows why “doing nothing” is the real risk, and outlines practical steps—pilots, partners, and policy—to de-risk innovation in L.A. housing.
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Locke Step: U.S. Property Rights in the 21st Century
If land is valuable before we touch it, who really owns the value? Follow the thread that unravels a founding myth. The right to exclude built America—and a housing crisis. Peek behind the philosophy we rarely question.