James Breslo: California's housing crisis -- Blame Facebook, Google, Apple? Nope, here's the real culprit

California Governor Gavin Newsom and other state leaders have been leaning on these companies to address the problem they have created, while accepting no responsibility for the role the state has played. In response, the companies have stepped to the plate with billion-dollar-plus commitments to assist the state with its problem.

He is wrong to pursue a policy of arm-twisting the states largest companies to contribute to it and for the state to play any role in the building of the housing.

So, when you hear about a housing shortage, you must ask, what has interfered with the free market to keep it from working? The answer, as is almost always the case when price increases grossly exceed inflation, is excessive government intervention.

As demand for housing rises, supply of housing rises to meet the demand.So, when you hear about a housing shortage, you must ask, what has interfered with the free market to keep it from working?

Environmental regulations, coastal regulations, zoning controls and permitting fees add costs and create delays for new home developments.

He was formerly a partner at the international law firm Seyfarth Shaw, defending companies and individuals against alleged civil rights violations.