Watch City Rising

City Rising is a documentary miniseries produced by the KCET public television station that explores the complex issues surrounding gentrification and urban development in Los Angeles. The series delves into the stories of communities that are facing displacement due to rising rent prices, the construction of big real estate projects, and the lack of affordable housing. Through powerful images, poignant interviews, and a deep analysis of the history of L.A.'s urban planning, the show sheds light on the struggles and dreams of people fighting for their right to stay in the city they call home.

The show is hosted by Hector De La Torre, a former California state assemblyman, and Gilda Haas, an urban planner and community activist. De La Torre and Haas bring their expertise and passion to the table as they guide the audience through the different neighborhoods and issues covered in the series. They interview a diverse array of people, from longtime residents to developers, politicians, scholars, and artists, who offer different perspectives on the complexities of urban change.

The first episode of City Rising focuses on Boyle Heights, a predominantly Latino neighborhood that has become a battleground for gentrification. The episode chronicles the journey of two community organizations, Union de Vecinos and Proyecto Pastoral, as they fight against the displacement of long-time residents by luxury housing developments and art galleries. The episode showcases the lively cultural scene of Boyle Heights, from its street art to its local food vendors, and highlights the deep sense of community and activism that characterizes the neighborhood.

The second episode takes the audience to South Los Angeles, once known as the "black metropolis" of the West. The episode examines how the city's redevelopment policies in the 1950s and 60s destroyed vibrant black-owned businesses and homes, and how the legacy of redlining and discriminatory lending practices has hindered black residents from accessing wealth and resources. The episode also features the stories of several community organizations, such as TRUST South LA and the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation, that are working towards creating a more equitable and sustainable future for South LA.

The third episode of City Rising travels to the neighborhoods around the Los Angeles River, which is undergoing a process of revitalization that is both exciting and worrisome for local communities. The episode explores how the city's plans to turn the river into a recreational and commercial space could displace low-income residents and harm the environmental health of the area. The episode also highlights the grassroots initiatives of organizations such as Mujeres de la Tierra, who are advocating for a more holistic and community-driven approach to river revitalization.

The fourth episode of City Rising focuses on the role of art and culture in shaping the identity and future of Los Angeles. The episode features interviews with artists, writers, and musicians who express their visions of L.A. through their work. The episode also examines how artists and cultural activists are fighting against the gentrification of their neighborhoods and the erasure of their histories. The episode offers a hopeful message of how art can serve as a tool for resistance and social change.

Overall, City Rising is a compelling and timely exploration of the complex issues facing Los Angeles and other cities around the world as they grapple with the tension between economic growth and social justice. The show offers a nuanced and humanistic perspective on the lives and struggles of communities that are often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media. City Rising is a must-watch for anyone who cares about urban issues, social justice, and the power of grassroots movements to effect change.

City Rising is a series that ran for 2 seasons (7 episodes) between September 13, 2017 and on KCET