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Under fierce pressure from environmentalists and labor unions, the Senate has gutted Sen. Scott Wiener’s SB 607, a major California Environmental Quality Act reform bill, subject to additional negotiations.

This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR 's free weekly newsletter here . State to Support Newport Beach in Lawsuit to Limit Housing The Orange County Superior Court has granted the Newsom administration and California Attorney General Bonta permission to file amicus briefs supporting the City of Newport Beach in a lawsuit over the city's new housing plan. Last August, the nonprofit Still Protecting Our Newport filed a lawsuit against the city over the city council's decision to approve steps needed for the implementation of the housing element without voter approval. SPON's lawsuit argues that the approval of changes without a ballot initiative violates section 423 of the city charter, which requires voters to approve any decisions that would significantly increase development in Newport Beach, unless precluded by state law. The current element calls for the creation of 8,174 housing units, compliant with the state mandate for 4,845 new residential units through 2029. In the past, Newport Beach, and many other coastal cities, has been at odds with the state over the alleged burden of its RHNA numbers. Supreme Court Ruling Could Limit Federal Environmental Review On an 8-0 decision, the Supreme Court ruled to limit the power of the National Environmental Protection Act, claiming that it stifles projects developed by or in partnership with the federal government, particularly infrastructure projects. The ruling claims that NEPA has resulted in fewer, and most costly, developments than originally intended by the 1970 law. “A 1970 legislative acorn has grown over the years into a judicial oak that has hindered infrastructure development under the guise of just a little more process. A course correction of sorts is appropriate,” said Justice Brett M. Kavanaugh, speaking for the court, as reported in the Los Angeles Times. Like the California Environmental Quality Act, NEPA (which was inspired in part by a 1969 California oil spill) requires environmental review of certain projects and can be the basis for lawsuits by opponents of projects. California projects that could be hastened by the ruling include High Speed Rail and the Delta Conveyance Project. The case, TK, concerned a proposed rail spur in Utah. Despite the unanimous decision, the court's three liberal justices did not sign on to the ruling, indicating that they agreed with the narrow focus on the Utah project but do not believe the ruling should set precedent for other NEPA-related projects. (See related CP&DR commentary .) Oceanside Joins Movement to Push Back against Warehouses The Oceanside City Council voted 3-2 to overturn the Planning Commission's approval of the Eddie Jones warehouse project. The 32-acre industrial site was previously home to a Deutsch Company electronics plant from 1966 to 2022, when it was demolished. Opponents of the project cited concerns over noise and air pollution, increased truck traffic, and the overall size of the development, which would be three times bigger than the Deutsch Company plant and sit 800 feet from the nearest houses. Proponents of the project argued that the increases in noise and pollution would be minimal, and the project would create 510 permanent jobs across different income and skill levels, in line with the city's economic goals. (See related CP&DR coverage .) Federal Reserve Study Suggests Looser Regulations Will Not Ease Housing Prices A new study from researchers at the University of California and the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco questions the widely accepted idea that easing housing regulations will significantly lower home prices. By comparing housing growth and prices from 1980 to 2020 across various U.S. metro areas, the paper found that easier-to-build cities did not necessarily add more housing, even when demand increased. This challenges the argument that deregulation is the key to solving high housing costs, particularly in expensive regions like the Bay Area. Critics argue the paper's methods are flawed, especially its reliance on total income as a measure of housing demand, which may not capture potential residents. While the study has sparked debate, experts caution against drawing conclusions from one paper and emphasize the need for broader, long-term research. (See related CP&DR coverage .) San Francisco Explores "Family Zoning" San Francisco's new Family Zoning Plan proposes large changes to the city's zoning codes to help meet the state-mandated housing goal of 82,000 homes by 2031. The plan would allow denser multifamily housing in more neighborhoods, particularly in the northernmost and western parts of the city, and promote development along transit corridors and commercial streets. The plan introduces new zoning categories, loosens density restrictions and aims to ensure equitable housing access while maintaining protections for small businesses and renters. The city plans to finalize the proposal through legislation and invites the public to provide input through hearings and events. CP&DR Legal Coverage: Dodger Stadium Gondola Strikes Out in Court In an unpublished ruling, an appellate court has found fault with the environmental impact report for the proposed aerial gondola from Los Angeles Union Station to Dodger Stadium and has ordered LA Metro to redo the EIR. The court found that LA Metro had not sufficiently analyzed noise impacts during the construction period and had failed to adequately consult with the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which has jurisdiction over the natural resources in several parks that would be affected by the gondola. But the 119-page ruling was not all bad news for LA Metro, however. The court ruled that a land use inconsistency with the Los Angeles State Historic Park near Chinatown was easily resolved with an amendment to the park's general plan. The court also said Metro had properly analyzed alternatives, including increased bus service from Union Station to the stadium. Quick Hits & Updates Via a recent vote, the Encinitas City Council is supporting a proposed state constitutional amendment that would return housing authority to local governments, aiming to rally other like-minded cities to join their effort. This local pushback highlights a growing movement among some municipalities to oppose pro-housing state laws, even amid lawsuits and rising homelessness in places like Encinitas. The Department of Housing and Community Development revoked Fresno's Prohousing Designation, citing multiple housing policies the city has not passed since the fall 2024 deadline. The Prohousing Designation gives cities and counties the ability to apply for millions of dollars in state housing subsidies and is given to cities and counties the state believes are doing a good job of addressing local housing needs. It is the first such revocation since the program began in 2021. (See related CP&DR coverage .) Developer Paul Petrovich, who previously secured a $26 million settlement from Sacramento, is threatening legal action again after the city denied his request to build 61 single-family homes on land partially zoned for multi-family housing in Crocker Village. City officials and advocates argued the proposal conflicted with policies promoting diverse, transit-accessible housing, while Petrovich and some residents claimed the decision undermines community planning and violates state housing law. (See related CP&DR coverage .) San Francisco officials are advancing a long-stalled plan to redevelop the historic but blighted Alexandria Theater into a new eight-story residential building with 75 homes, while preserving key architectural features. The proposal, backed by Supervisor Connie Chan, includes a three-year deadline for construction to begin and mandates that at least 12% of the units be affordable housing. A Santa Barbara County judge has ordered Sable Offshore Corp. to pause all coastal construction and repairs tied to its offshore oil operations until the company secures proper permits from the California Coastal Commission. This comes after Sable resumed oil production near Refugio State Beach, sparking backlash from environmentalists and regulators. New data from the Bay Area Council business association's Return to Office survey shows more Bay Area workers are returning to the office but most are choosing cars over transit for their commute. While rush hour freeway congestion has returned to pre-pandemic levels, BART is serving 170,000 trips each weekday, down from 400,000 pre-pandemic. Experts posit that the increasing prevalence of hybrid work schedules and flexible hours post-pandemic is changing how commuters use transit. The Lompoc City Council adopted an ordinance to decrease development impact fees for new residential projects from $40,000 to $3,100 per unit to encourage construction of new housing. The move comes as Lompoc attempts to increase its housing supply and attract new development, and Council members stressed the necessity of increasing the housing supply to meet the needs of working families. A report out of UC Berkeley's Terner Center finds that California's affordable housing development process is hindered by the complex "stacking" of multiple funding sources, which increases costs and delays construction. The report recommends consolidating housing planning functions and standardizing applications to improve efficiency, a proposal that aligns with Governor Newsom's plan to streamline housing efforts. Gov. Newsom is pushing for a trailer bill to expedite the Delta Conveyance Project, a $20 billion water rerouting plan, by shortening judicial reviews and eliminating construction deadlines. The project, which has faced opposition from environmental and delta lawmakers, aims to address California's future water supply challenges, but critics argue it is costly and ineffective, while water agencies supporting the project see it as crucial for securing future water supplies. Once a hub of downtown San Diego, Horton Plaza is now facing foreclosure as ambitious redevelopment plans by Stockdale Capital Partners to turn it into a "technology hub" have stall edamid rising costs and debt. The future of the site remains uncertain. (See related CP&DR coverage .)

For the past century or so, two industries have both fueled Los Angeles’s local economy and defined its civic image: Hollywood and real estate. Now that both are faltering, I can’t help but consider some of their perhaps surprising commonalities -- and their woeful indifference to each other. As many non-Angelenos probably don’t know, the most famous architectural symbol of the entertainment industry originally had nothing to do with Hollywood and everything to do with real estate. “Hollywoodland” was a 1920s housing development, advertised by a gigantic mountaintop sign. Eventually, the “LAND” fell down, and the movie studios stuck around. Landmarks aside, what does entertainment have to do with real estate development? Superficially, very little. One is as tangible as they come, while the other flickers through thin air. One is near the very base of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, providing shelter. The other is, notwithstanding the banality of the Kardashians, a crucial component of self-actualization. One can yield ungodly profits or plunge companies into bankruptcy. So can the other. When L.A. real estate was cheap. For all of their obvious differences, these two industries are unusually kindred spirits. Consider the dramatis personae: Developers and producers instigate the project, create the broad vision, raise the money, and assemble the team. Financiers and investors, through often Byzantine arrangements, put up capital up-front, based on their assessment of trends, taste in source material, demographic research, and, perhaps most importantly, blind trust in their creative teams. Then they wait for returns. Architects and writers draft the projects, with varying measures of creativity and practicality. Engineers make sure the building stands up; cinematographers make sure the camera captures what it needs to. Contractors and their teams of craftspeople and laborers actually build the thing, turning blueprints into framing and drywall. Directors and their teams of craftspeople and laborers shoot the thing, turning scripts into performances and images. The top brass work out of trailers. Around noon, the food trucks show up for everyone else. Fundamentally, entertainment and real estate must predict the future. Projects evolve on the order of years. They are capital-intensive, demanding up-front monies years before revenues come in, depending on the whims of consumers. Some projects appeal to urban aesthetes; others are family-friendly. Ultimately, audiences file into the theater or turn on the TV, inhabiting a fantasy for a little while. Residents and tenants move in, acting out their lives for months, years, or forever. Let’s not forget about some big personalities. Egos rise when you build something 40 stories tall, or when tens of millions of people know your name. The question for the aspiring Los Angeles mogul is, would you rather be an Ozymandias or a Shelley? These connections would amount to fun trivia if both industries were thriving. Alas, they are not -- at least not here. Moviemaking in Los Angeles County is flickering out , with 31% fewer filming days in 2024 compared to 2020. This year is shaping up to be worse . Craftspeople are out of work. Support services like prop shops are closing . CBS recently sold Television City, its West Coast headquarters, which will be redeveloped . At least one entire studio lot -- the historic 20th Century Fox lot, now owned by Disney -- may be vacated , left to an uncertain fate. Not enough action here. It started years ago with "runaway production" -- shooting in Georgia, New Mexico, or Canada, rather than on local sets and locations with local talent – usually because those states and countries offer tax credits and other incentives. These trends have only accelerated with the fragmentation of media, the rise of DIY "content creators" and the placelessness of apps and streaming services. The industry's decline became particularly apparent weeks ago when, chillingly and bizarrely, Pres. Trump mused about putting 100% tariffs on entertainment created elsewhere. (How this would work is beyond me.) Granted, a day of shooting in and of itself has little marginal effect on an economy as big as California’s. But, over time, other places have developed deep local talent pools and sophisticated infrastructure (such as Shadowbox outside Atlanta) on par with, or better than, any of the legacy studios in Los Angeles. It will probably always be the “entertainment capital of the world,” but the devolution of the industry means that the “capital” wields less power, and takes in less revenue, than it used to. One of the reasons production "ran away" in the first place is that the cost of labor in Southern California is exorbitant. It's cheaper to pay gaffers in Atlanta and extras in Vancouver than to pay them for the same work in Hollywood. And why do local people need to earn so much? In large part because the cost of living -- and especially the cost of housing -- is manageable only if you're Bruce Wayne. Housing development trends are in lockstep with entertainment trends. Despite RHNA numbers demanding that Los Angeles add over 400,000 units -- itself a large city -- apartment approvals in Los Angeles hit a 10-year low in 2024, with only 3,860 units approved -- half the number in 2014. Recent research out of the UCLA Luskin School is less than ebullient. Though Los Angeles recently adopted a massive housing-oriented rezoning program, called CHIPS, "Los Angeles will fall far short of its housing production goal" and will risk "displacement of vulnerable households" unless it supplements the rezoning with an "ambitious single-family upzoning policy." All of this arguably was foreshadowed by a massive citywide downzoning effort that took place back when Shampoo was the city's defining movie. More recently, the Hollywood Community Plan--governing development in the actual neighborhood--has been the target of one of the city’s most vicious anti-development lawsuits. It wasn't always thus. Cheap real estate made Hollywood. In previous generations, aspiring actors, craftspeople, and dealmakers gravitated to Los Angeles, living in flophouses, bungalow courts, dingy apartments, and pool houses. They didn't go bankrupt while they went to auditions and worked on their scripts. They probably didn’t pay attention to civic affairs. But they should have. And they definitely should now. On an annual basis, I attend more events related to planning and real estate that I can count. Panel discussions; keynotes; daylong conferences; mixers -- you name it. These events, repetitive though they may be, contemplate how the city should grow; how it should look; who should build it; who should pay for it; and who it should serve. This is heady stuff, and it's relevant to anyone who lives or does business in Los Angeles. How many times have I run into someone from the entertainment industry? How many representatives of production companies or studios? How many agents? How many reps of unions or guilds? Zero. Not a single one. How do I know? Because I keep track. For years, I’ve hoped that, someday, someone would descend from the glitz and be willing to talk about what’s going on in the dirt. I keep waiting for someone in our city’s global, influential, once-wealthy industry to take even a passing interest in the health of the city. But, no. These people make Greta Garbo look like Ryan Seacrest. The metonymy that is Hollywood has taken a woefully dim view of the all-too-real city that hosts it. Bigwigs who live in Bel Air don’t have to care about worldly concerns like workforce housing or civic pride. The last time the real estate industry and Hollywood cooperated with each other was, as CP&DR Publisher Bill Fulton argues in The Reluctant Metropolis , in the development of downtown Los Angeles’s Music Center complex, championed by Buffy Chandler. That was in 1960. Since then, the prevailing indifference is a symptom of a frustratingly tepid civic spirit in Los Angeles. Life here has been easy for too many people and for too long. Now that it's gotten hard, we can either cooperate with each other, or we can retrench further. The latter isn't going to work out well for anyone. The industry recently got some promises from Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and it has been lobbying for help from Sacramento, in the form of Georgia-style tax credits. All of that is... fine. But there's no incentive or tax break that could begin to compensate for the macroeconomic impacts of Los Angeles's bonkers housing market. The question is, has Hollywood or the housing industry missed their cues? Have both entered their Norma Desmond phase? Not if they stop playing make-believe and start getting real. Hollywood needs to wake up. Whatever the civic equivalent of a line of coke is, that's what the industry should be snorting. (Or, more elegantly, it needs another Buffy Chandler.) Then, it might want to apply its powers of messaging and persuasion to this crisis. The need for housing -- via apartments, ADU's, transit-oriented development -- needs to go viral. Ideally, Hollywood should promote exactly the type of neighborhoods that it likes to shoot. Movies and TV shows disproportionately portray busy, walkable, attractive urban neighborhoods (see related CP&DR commentary ) that are easy to create on a studio lot but almost impossible with conventional zoning, financing, and infrastructure. The entertainment industry needs to understand that a cheaper city will also be a more creative city, where artists can thrive without worrying so much about eviction or starvation. A more creative city means better (and maybe more profitable) shows, movies, music, and art. As for what developers and, especially, planners can learn from Hollywood? Let’s face it: planners are, in general, not quite as dynamic as movie stars are, nor are they as tenacious as producers and agents are. A little of that swagger probably wouldn’t hurt. Developers already have it, but they often end up looking like bullies—the proverbial “ greedy developers ”—rather than partners hoping to realize a civic vision. I know it’s become a cliche, but let’s also not discount the importance of storytelling—or at least of clear communication. Whether it’s a mayor articulating a citywide vision for development or a staff planner seeking public input into a project, the sense of drama, conviction, and eloquence that characterizes great entertainment can come in handy. Like actors who shoot 20 takes of the same scene or appear in 100 nights of the same stage play, planners must sell their performances each and every time. Great actors, directors, and writers understand the histories and backstories of their respective performances, and they understand why their characters, plots, and themes are important. Developers and planners need to do the same: they need to understand how projects or plans fit in with greater vision for their respective places. The idea should be to win as many fans as possible. Another thing these two industries share in common: making movies and building buildings are both exceedingly boring . They are long, tedious processes aimed at exciting results. They have that in common with public policy. But, I’m willing to bet that not making movies and not building are even worse. This is the moment when both of these once-great industries, with help from planners, need to recognize their common interests and flip this script. Hooray for Hollywood(land). Image credits:  California Historical Society Digital Archive, via  Waterandpower.org. Coolcaesar - Own work,  CC BY-SA 4.0

This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR 's free weekly newsletter here . Self-Certification Movement Spreads to Los Angeles County Los Angeles County has introduced a pilot initiative allowing licensed architects and engineers to self-certify that their building plans comply with county codes, hoping to expedite the rebuilding process in unincorporated areas impacted by recent Eaton and Palisades fires. Despite self-certification, projects still require approval from other departments including Regional Planning, Public Health and Fire Departments before a building permit is issued. Licensed professionals assume full responsibility for compliance fof their plans. The county plans to conduct random audits on plans and inspections throughout construction phases to guarantee compliance. Plans can be submitted via the online portal or at designated One-Stop Permit Centers in Calabasas and Altadena. (See related CP&DR coverage .) S.F. Mayor Seeks to Reduce Commercial Vacancies San Francisco Mayor Dan Lurie introduced legislation aimed at simplifying the city's permitting system in the hopes of supporting small businesses. Under the proposed ordinances, minor upgrades including outdoor seating, signage and minor upgrades would not require permits. The legislation also seeks to broaden the types of businesses allowed in ground-floor spaces to address widespread commercial vacancies. These changes build on earlier reforms expanding service hours, removing minor approval steps and introducing centralized online resources. While the initiative has broad support, some critics voiced concern about limited community impacts and potential impact on neighborhoods facing economic pressure. Menlo Park Ballot Measure Would Quash Housing, Preserve Downtown Parking Save Downtown Menlo Park is seeking to place an initiative on an upcoming ballot requiring voter approval on any city plans to diminish downtown parking. The group, which recently filed a notice of intent with the city of Menlo Park, seeks to halt the proposed development of at least 340 housing units on Parking Plazas 1, 2, and 3 in downtown Menlo Park. Opponents of the project argue that by eliminating over 500 parking places, it would harm nearby small businesses that rely on parking access for patronage and diminish the downtown's capacity as a community center. Save Downtown Menlo Park also sued the city in April to try to stop the project. At least 10% of Menlo Park's roughly 20,000 registered voters must sign the initiative before a measure can be placed on a ballot. Multiple developers have submitted site proposals, and city officials say they will recommend next steps to the city council this month. Texas-Based Plaintiff Seeks to Undo Designation of Chuckwalla National Monument A lawsuit filed in federal court this month seeks to overturn President Biden's creation of the 624,000 acre Chuckwalla National Monument in Southern California, arguing President Biden exceeded the authority of the Antiquities Act, and that the act itself is unconstitutional. The suit, filed by the Texas Public Policy Foundation on behalf of a Michigan resident with mining claims and the BlueRibbon Coalition, claims the designation violates the act's requirement that monuments be limited to the smallest area that meets protection needs. It also claims the monument would place onerous restrictions on Plaintiff Daniel Torongo's mining claims, as well as on outdoor recreation access. Package of Bills to Revitalize Downtowns Introduced in Assembly Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) as Chair of the Downtown Recovery Committee, unveiled a legislative plan to help breathe life back into the state's urban cores. Joined by mayors from across the state and members of the Assembly's Downtown Recovery Committee, Haney, who recently conducted a "tour" of nine downtowns across the state, announced a package of 13 bills--five of which are sponsored by Haney--aimed at reversing high vacancy rates, supporting small businesses, tackling homelessness, and reigniting local economies. The Recovery Committees bill package includes measures to spur infill housing near jobs and transit, streamline approvals for office to housing conversions, support struggling nightlife and entertainment venues, and getting homeless people of the streets and into housing. (See related CP&DR coverage .) CP&DR Coverage: How Feds Could Undermine California Habitat Conservation Plans The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating protection of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act, which is the foundation of the longstanding system of habitat conservation plans that California has put into place over the last 30 years. It's unclear what the actual impact on California will be given the fact that the state has its own Endangered Species Act, which is in some ways is more stringent than the federal law. But the rule does create uncertainty around the federal habitat conservation plans - as well as state natural communities conservation plans that have been created with federal cooperation - that have shaped private development for decades, especially in Riverside, Orange, and San Diego Counties. In many cases, these conservation plans are now embedded in local general plans as well. The new rule is also aimed partly at federal land, such as land owned by the Bureau of Land Management and the National Forest Service, in order to open up that land for logging, oil drilling, and possibly development of Trump's proposed "freedom towns." Quick Hits & Updates A new report finds that 49 downtown San Francisco properties are prime candidates for conversion into housing, potentially creating up to 4,400 new units under a proposed special financing district. The city hopes to incentivize these projects with long-term developer reimbursements and waiving affordable housing mandates for early projects. A recent survey found rents are rising in most SoCal cities, with only six out of 32 cities surveyed—Temecula, Murrieta, West Covina, Long Beach, Escondido and Santa Clarita—seeing year-over-year declines in April. This time last year, 44% of SoCal areas experienced rent decreases, indicating landlords have regained some pricing power amid increased demand due to unaffordable homeownership and housing losses related to recent wildfires. Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet has pled guilty to multiple bribery and corruption charges, admitting he accepted payments in exchange for supporting certain real-estate projects. The payments were alleged to take place between 2012 and 2014 and include up to $375,000 in bribes paid to Pougnet by two developers. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed two lawsuits against the Trump administration over a policy that threatens to withhold billions of dollars in transportation and homeland security grants unless states comply with federal immigration enforcement. Bonta argues that this policy unlawfully attempts to coerce states into using their resources for immigration enforcement, as these funds are unrelated to immigration matters and are crucial for public safety and infrastructure. In a leaked email to a donor, the chair of the San Francisco Parks Alliance admitted that the nonprofit misused at least $3.8 million in restricted funds. As the organization collapsed financially, funds designated for specific projects were used to cover operating expenses. Viewed as a critical partner for a wide variety of projects from new parks to habitat restoration, the Alliance now faces calls for a criminal investigation, as well as the possibility of shutting down. According to a report released by Streets for All, proposed state bill SB 79 could generate up to $1 billion annually in property tax revenue for Los Angeles, roughly equivalent to the city's 2025 budget shortfall. A modest growth scenario would generate $200M, more than enough to cover the estimated savings of laying off 1,600 city employees. SB 79 would set minimum zoning densities within a 1/2-mile radius of high quality transit stops, and gives transit agencies more flexibility in developing land they own. The Irvine Company has proposed redeveloping the Oak Creek Golf Course into a 3,100-home village, known as the Irvine Spectrum District Village, situated between Jeffrey Road and Sand Canyon Avenue in Irvine. The plan includes 1,500 single-family homes, 1,600 apartment units, a new school, parks and trail connections, aiming to address the city's housing needs while maintaining proximity to jobs and amenities. Marin County is experiencing a significant outflow of low-income residents due to high housing costs, with data showing the county has the largest rate of negative net migration for low-income households in the Bay Area. This trend is contributing to population losses, school enrollment declines and increasing difficulty for workers to live in the area where they work, further exacerbated by the county's historical resistance to new housing development and policies like rent control. According to the state of the Region 2025 Economic and Election Report, Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario counties are expected to experience modest economic growth in 2025, driven primarily by the logistics sector and housing demand. While new regulatory changes and uncertainties around tariffs and federal policies could create challenges, lower interest rates will support the housing and construction industries. Despite limited growth in healthcare and education due to state budget constraints, the region is poised to see positive impacts from housing market activity and property tax revenue.

In his “May revise” budget for next year, Gov. Gavin Newsom has proposed creating the long-awaited state vehicle miles traveled mitigation program, with mitigation to be allocated on a region-by-region basis.

This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR 's free weekly newsletter here . May Budget Revise: Housing Bills; Coastal Commission Reform; VMT-Oriented Financing In conjunction with his May Budget Revise, Gov. Newsom announced support for a several policies to promote housing development. The Governor is proposing to incorporate two major housing bills into the budget: Senate Bill 607 (Wiener)and Assembly Bill 609 (Wicks), both of which speed CEQA review for infill projects, or exempt them entirely The governor also proposes aligning Coastal Commission permitting timelines to those that apply to other agencies, so that communities in the Coastal Zone are not left behind when it comes to urgently needed housing.The May Revise introduces a financing strategy for developers that links vehicle miles traveled reductions with infill and transit-oriented housing production, further aligning the state's climate goals with housing needs. The May Revision proposes an extension of the Cap-and-Trade program and renaming it the Cap-and-Invest program; it will enable a stable and predictable price on carbon pollution to drive investments in carbon reduction and clean technologies. Extension of this program will result in a continuation of the California Climate Credit, resulting in approximately $60 billion available for utility bill credits, with at least $1 billion annually should be provided for High-Speed Rail. San Diego to Reimagine Civic Center, Including Workforce Housing San Diego's Civic Center will be transformed under a new redevelopment proposal, including plans for affordable housing specifically intended to support teachers, artists, students and working professionals. Led by a coalition of civic, educational and business organizations, the plan reimagines six blocks of city-owned land as mixed-use for culture, education, housing and public life. The vision includes a new 3-acre civic plaza for events, a modern arts and education complex and improved amenities in the hopes of revitalizing downtown San Diego. Over 20 groups contributed to the proposal. Although timelines and costs are still being finalized, early site activation is expected by late 2025, with phased development and a dedicated oversight body in development. Caltrans Complicates Efforts to Build Housing in Woodside The town of Woodside, once criticized for using mountain lions as a reason to avoid building housing, is now battling in favor of an affordable development on a 22-acre state-owned site near Highway 280. The development faces resistance from Caltrans due to the presence of rare and endangered wildflowers. The proposed housing project, hoping to address a state mandate requiring 328 new units, is seen by town leaders as a key opportunity to support local workers who are currently priced out of living in the community. Caltrans has cited the site's ecological sensitivity—including the presence of protected plants—as a reason to delay or potentially block development. Despite initial cooperation, the agency has slowed the process with environmental reviews and concerns about asbestos, leaving town leaders frustrated by what they see as bureaucratic contradictions in California's housing efforts. With few other viable locations, officials argue the housing crisis should outweigh preservation concerns in this particular case. Court Affirms' Cities' Responsibility for Street Safety The California Supreme Court ruled that cities cannot use third-party waivers to avoid responsibility for unsafe street conditions, siding with Oakland cyclist Ty Whitehead, who suffered severe injuries after hitting a pothole. Whitehead had signed a waiver with the AIDS Lifecycle event organizers, but the court determined that the waiver did not extend to the City of Oakland, which was not a party to the agreement. This decision overturned a lower court ruling that had sided with the city and sparked support from several bicycle advocacy groups. While the Supreme Court sent the case back for further proceedings, it clarified that cities still owe a duty of care to maintain safe roadways. In response to the case, Oakland made temporary repairs to Skyline Boulevard, though more lasting improvements may be delayed due to budget constraints. CP&DR Coverage: Trump Could Undermine State Climate Regulations President Donald Trump recently issued an executive order clearly targeting California's climate laws. The result could be that the Administration will go after a wide variety of laws and policies that drive general plans in California. These include e state's policies to limit vehicle miles traveled in laws such as SB 375 and SB 743 as well as the environmental justice requirements contained in SB 1000. The executive order would appear even to give the Administration leeway to target local climate action plans. The executive order specifically called out California's cap-and-trade program, which funds the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities funding that affordable housing developers have come to rely on throughout the state. If successful, Trump's attack on California's climate laws could dismantle the entire policy scaffolding of the last 20 years. Quick Hits & Updates Attorney General Rob Bonta's office has warned Stanislaus County that its General Plan and draft Housing Element fail to meet state requirements for environmental justice, climate adaptation and identifying disadvantaged communities. The county has acknowledged the concerns and says it is working on updates, but the state warns that continued delays risk noncompliance with state housing laws. The San Diego City Council has authorized legal action against the San Diego County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) over its handling of signature verification in a petition to have La Jolla secede from San Diego. Mayor Todd Gloria criticized LAFCO's decision to overturn the county registrar's ruling of insufficient signatures, calling it a threat to public trust and transparency in the process. A voter initiative proposed by The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association would tighten tax restrictions on local governments, reaffirming and expanding Proposition 13's protections. If approved, the legislation would target transfer taxes like Measure ULA and close the loophole that allowed the taxes to pass with a simple majority under local voter initiatives. A federal judge has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from enforcing new restrictions on federal housing grants that would ban funding for programs supporting gender identity, abortion access, or undocumented immigrants. The decision follows a lawsuit by San Francisco and other jurisdictions, which argue the conditions are unconstitutional and unrelated to the purpose of the Continuum of Care program. The California Coastal Commission approved Pacifica's use of seawalls and revetments in two areas for up to 20 years as a temporary measure against sea level rise, prompting criticism from both environmental advocates and property-rights supporters. The decision, intended as a compromise, allows time for the city to develop long-term climate adaptation strategies while balancing beach preservation, public access and private property concerns. San Francisco Planning Director Rich Hillis will step down after more than five years in the role, citing the city's solid footing on major projects like rezoning and permitting reforms. Hillis worked for the city for 25 years. The $538.5 million tunnel project connecting Rancho Cucamonga's Metrolink Station to Ontario International Airport advanced after the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority approved its environmental report. The 4.2-mile underground shuttle system will feature three stations and aims to reduce traffic congestion with fuel-free shuttles. The Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission approved the next steps for a project to develop 472.4 acres of agricultural land into a mixed-use area with warehouses, hotels, restaurants and other businesses. While some residents, including former Mayor Heather Fargo, opposed the project due to concerns about its proximity to schools, environmental impacts and traffic, supporters argued that it would boost job opportunities and strengthen the region's economy. California Attorney General Rob Bonta, alongside 17 other attorneys general, has opposed a new HUD interim rule that weakens requirements for grantees to demonstrate efforts to reduce housing segregation and promote integration. The coalition argues that the rule undermines the Fair Housing Act's mandate to combat discrimination and promote fair housing, potentially impacting efforts to address housing issues in California and beyond. San Francisco, along with other local governments, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over new requirements for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding, arguing the conditions could jeopardize federal homelessness grants. The coalition claims the administration lacks the authority to impose these conditions, which could put services for chronically homeless residents at risk, including more than $56 million in HUD funding for San Francisco's homelessness programs. President Trump signed an executive order establishing a "National Warrior Independence Center" at the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration campus to house up to 6,000 homeless veterans, redirecting funds from services for undocumented immigrants to support the initiative. The move comes amid ongoing legal disputes over the VA's use of the land and is seen by some veterans as a long-awaited federal commitment to expanding housing and services for those in need.

This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR 's free weekly newsletter here . State Population Rises, 125,000 Housing Units Added, in 2024 According to a new report from the Department of Finance, California's population increased by 108,000 people in 2024, reaching 39.5 million residents as of Jan. 1, marking the state's second consecutive year of growth since the pandemic. This 0.28% rise was influenced by factors such as a natural increase in births minus deaths and improved estimates of legal immigration, which added 277,468 more immigrants than previously calculated for 2021 -2024. Population gains were observed in 35 of California's 58 counties, particularly in the Central Valley, Inland Empire and coastal areas, while Los Angeles County led with an increase of 28,000 residents. Statewide housing grew at 0.84 percent in 2024, virtually unchanged from 0.85 in 2023. California added 125,228 housing units on net, including 26,648 accessory dwelling units, to bring total housing stock to 14,949,001 units. New construction added 118,957 housing units with 70,694 single family housing units, 53,543 multi-family housing units, and 991 mobile homes. ADUs are included in the single-family category and comprised 37.7 percent of the state's new single-family housing and 21.3 percent of total new housing. Larger densely populated urban areas built most of the multi-family housing throughout the state. Los Angeles led the state gaining 10,217 multi-family units, comprising 54.8 percent of their net housing growth, followed by San Diego (7,025 for 73.9 percent), Sacramento (1,692 for 88.6 percent), and Oakland (1,642 for 96.3 percent). California Congressmember Founds Caucus to Promote "Abundance" A new bipartisan group in Congress, led by Rep. Josh Harder (D-Calif.), is forming the "Build America Caucus" to promote housing, energy, and infrastructure development through streamlined permitting and faster, more cost-effective project delivery. Inspired by journalist Ezra Klein's “abundance movement,” the caucus views infrastructure reform as key to restoring public confidence in government performance, especially amid frustrations over delays in high-profile projects like California's high-speed rail. The group, consisting of around 30 lawmakers from across the political spectrum, aims to influence legislation, including defense and transportation bills, with practical reform proposals. While some progressives criticize the movement for overlooking deeper systemic issues, Harder emphasizes broad support and a shared urgency to improve government efficiency. “Housing is unaffordable, federally funded projects are delayed, and we're not thinking clearly about long-term solutions,” said Oregon Rep. Janelle Bynum in a statement . "We've got to cut the red tape, build smarter, and deliver real solutions for the Americans." Legislation Introduced to Block Controversial Mine near Fresno Assemblymember Joaquin Arambula introduced legislation to block a proposed Cemex blast mine near Fresno, citing both ecological concerns and the potential job losses for around 60 union workers. At a recent Fresno City Council meeting, a number of Fresno residents voiced strong opposition to the proposed mine along the San Joaquin River, citing environmental risks and the visual impact of the planned excavation site. Critics argue that CEMEX ignored more sustainable mining options, like those used by competitor Vulcan Materials, which moved operations to the Kings River area with long-term reserves. Environmental groups stress that the river has already been overexploited for a century and advocate for mining in less ecologically sensitive areas. Study: Optimal Models for Measuring VMT A study out of US Berkeley's Terner Center compares three ways to model vehicle miles travelled (VMT) as California's dual goals of reducing climate pollution and building 2.5 million new homes by 2030 rely heavily on encouraging development in “low-VMT” (vehicle miles traveled) neighborhoods, where residents typically drive less. The state's definition of these areas—used to streamline housing approvals—depends on travel modeling tools, but these tools vary significantly in their outputs. Comparing three models (LCI's Site Check, Replica and LATCH), the study finds notable differences in which neighborhoods qualify as low-VMT, which affects which areas receive development incentives. Replica, for instance, identifies more low-VMT areas in coastal cities and more overlap with high-resource neighborhoods than the State's model, potentially better aligning with both climate and equity goals. The authors recommend refining and standardizing VMT models, rethinking baselines for defining “low-VMT” and expanding eligibility criteria to encourage sustainable housing growth across more areas. CP&DR Coverage: Roundup of Recent Books on California Urbanism Some indicators of California's prosperity aren't looking so hot right now: population loss; budget deficits; corporate exoduses; political marginalization; and the departure of the A's. And yet, despite -- or perhaps because of -- these challenges, scholarship on and commentary about California urbanism is more robust than ever. CP&DR's bookshelf has overflowed lately with titles from the past two years. Collectively, they offer a compelling account of the state we're in. Scholars, journalists, and practitioners covered Los Angeles and the Bay Area; wilderness and the coast; housing policy and housing design; and the tech industry. Quick Hits & Updates Despite launching Vision Zero in 2015 with the goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2025, traffic fatalities in Los Angeles have risen significantly due to poor implementation, lack of coordination and waning political support. A recent audit reveals that nearly half of the program's safety initiatives remain incomplete, highlighting a failure to turn policy into meaningful street-level changes and protect vulnerable road users. At a recent Ukiah City Council meeting, officials voted unanimously to proceed with a proposal to annex areas north and south of the city, despite community concerns and confusion about the process. While the annexation could bring expanded city services and tax revenue, critics argue the decision is premature and lacks sufficient public input, with formal approval not expected until late 2025 at the earliest. A new study warns that a massive earthquake along the Cascadia subduction zone — stretching from Northern California to Canada — could cause coastal land to sink by more than 6 feet within minutes, expanding flood-prone areas by 116 square miles and nearly tripling the number of people at risk. Researchers say the resulting subsidence would reshape communities and, unlike gradual sea-level rise, this danger would strike without warning, underscoring the urgent need for new planning and protections. The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) is now accepting proposals for the Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation (EEM) Grant Program. Project Proposals are to be submitted through the Resources Agency Project Tracking and Reporting (RAPTR) system. Applicants must register before accessing the proposal solicitation. The 2024 list of America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places includes the Terminal Island Japanese American Tuna Street buildings in Los Angeles as the last surviving structures from a once-thriving Japanese American fishing village forcibly displaced during World War II. The buildings are under threat of demolition by the Port of Los Angeles for container storage use, and preservation advocates are pushing for their protection and reuse as cultural monuments. Environmental organizations, led by the Natural Resources Defense Council, have petitioned the Trump administration to enforce a federal rule limiting Colorado River water deliveries to only what is deemed truly necessary, with the aim of curbing wasteful agricultural practices and preserving the river's future. They argue that unchecked use—particularly for water-intensive crops like alfalfa—exacerbates the river's overuse amid worsening drought and climate pressures, and they call on the Bureau of Reclamation to act or face potential legal challenges. Two former high-level employees at the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) allege that CEO Va Lecia Adams Kellum engaged in serious misconduct, including hiring unqualified associates, tampering with public records and retaliating against staff, leading to an $800,000 settlement funded in part by taxpayers. Despite the severity of the claims, no formal investigation was conducted, and LAHSA initially withheld the whistleblower documents in apparent violation of public records laws before releasing them with redactions that legal experts argue are unlawful. California and 17 other states are suing to block a Trump administration order that halts offshore wind leasing, arguing it unlawfully threatens clean energy goals and economic development. The legal challenge comes amid early-stage plans for large-scale floating wind farms off California's coast, which face engineering hurdles, regulatory delays and local opposition but are critical to the state's carbon-free energy ambitions. A federal judge has temporarily blocked new conditions the Trump administration sought to attach to federal housing grants, which San Francisco and other cities argue are unconstitutional and politically driven. The ruling protects funding critical to homelessness prevention while a broader legal challenge proceeds, with local leaders warning the restrictions could jeopardize services for thousands. Los Angeles' Vision Zero program, launched nearly a decade ago with the goal of eliminating traffic deaths by 2025, has failed to achieve its objectives, with traffic fatalities rising instead of decreasing. An independent audit revealed that the program suffered from poor coordination, lack of accountability, insufficient political will and diminished police participation, with many key actions still incomplete, leaving the city's streets unsafe despite the policy's ambitious goals. Two federal judges have filed a lawsuit against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP), alleging the utility's mismanagement of water resources and power lines contributed to the destructive Pacific Palisades fire in 2025. The lawsuit claims LADWP's failure to maintain key infrastructure and its unpreparedness for the fire led to significant damages, with over 750 residents joining in similar legal actions. California households allocate on average 44% of their income to housing, making it the second-highest in the nation, just behind Hawaii at 53%, according to an analysis by Wallethub. The state faces high homeownership costs, with 46% of owners' income going toward housing and high rent costs as well, with tenants spending 42% of their income on housing expenses. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) has pulled back funding from several housing organizations in California, ending support for initiatives aimed at addressing the state's housing affordability crisis. This decision, attributed to a shift in focus toward biomedical research and a potential link to a broader retreat from diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, has left many nonprofit organizations struggling to find alternative funding sources. (See related CP&DR coverage.)

The Citrus Heights City Council has rejected a developer’s proposal to revamp Citrus Heights Mall – once the very reason the city was incorporated – to include big-box stores and drive-through restaurants.

The name of California’s most storied economic region — Silicon Valley — betrays reality. The San Francisco Peninsula does not mine silicon. And, really, it’s not even a valley. An emerging industrial region in California seeks to trade on the “valley” name. But, this time, the demonym is real. Plans for “Lithium Valley” envision what would likely be the most extensive lithium extraction operations in the United States, accompanied by a range of related industries. If it is realized, this vision would transform what is currently one of the poorest and most climatically inhospitable corners of California — the Imperial Valley — into an industrial center, powered by lithium. And, it’s not merely a valley. At roughly 180 feet below sea level, it lies in one of the lowest depressions in the Western Hemisphere. Under discussion since the 2022 publication of the state-level Lithium Valley Commission’s recommendations and released in draft in February, the Lithium Valley Specific Plan, along with a programmatic environmental impact report, commissioned by Imperial County, would govern 51,785 acres of northern Imperial County, along the southeastern edge of the Salton Sea and just north of the City of Calipatria. Though the plan is on the verge of adoption—with companies including Controlled Thermal Resources, Berkshire Hathaway, and EnergySource eager to break ground or expand existing operations—portions of the plan face at least one legal threat from environmental justice advocates. Roughly one-fifth would be reserved for conservation and open space. The rest would center on a 21st century oil rush: the extraction, via pumping (not mining), of lithium-rich brine from under the Salton Sea bed for processing and inclusion in batteries, including, and especially, those that power electric vehicles. By some estimates, the region’s 17 million metric tons of deposits could contribute to 375 million cars—and, backers say, they can be extracted more easily and with less environmental impact than competing deposits in Nevada, Arizona, and Arkansas, among others. “There's a lot of different places that have discovered that they have lithium, but there is nowhere that is at the level that we're at as a county with creating an entire ecosystem around the opportunity with lithium, said Bari Bean, Deputy County Executive Director for Natural Resources. In conjunction with the area’s existing geothermal energy production, the plan hopes to attract industries that would process lithium and manufacturing lithium-related products onsite (much of which currently takes place overseas). It envisions 70 million to 80 million square feet of industrial and related development, including data centers for major tech firms. The goal is to develop a comprehensive energy-based economy rather than an isolated extractive activity. “It’s one thing to take the lithium out and ship it to China,” said Brian Mooney, Principal and Senior Vice President of the Planning and Design Division at RICK, lead consultant for the Lithium Valley Specific Plan. “Why not create the battery manufacturing close to the source?” The sprawling plan includes a host of provisions designed to facilitate development, improve onsite infrastructure, create transportation connectivity, and protect ecological resources. It calls for five distinct, separate zones focusing on, respectively, lithium extraction; processing and manufacturing; warehousing and logistics; “community opportunity areas” including housing, businesses, and services; and conservation areas covering Salton Sea playas. The community opportunity areas would directly abut Calipatria, on the southern end of the plan area. Most of the plan area is currently zoned for agriculture. “We are envisioning a complete urbanization of an area that is all agricultural canals,” said Mooney.

This article is brought to you courtesy of the paying subscribers to California Planning & Development Report . You can subscribe to CP&DR by clicking here . You can sign up for CP&DR 's free weekly newsletter here . Valero Partners to Explore Redevelopment of Benicia Refinery Valero Energy Corp. is exploring the potential closure or transformation of its 900-acre oil refinery in Benicia, a move that could mark a significant shift for the region. In partnership with Signature Development Group—known for major Bay Area projects like Oakland's Brooklyn Basin and Menlo Park's Willow Village—Valero is assessing redevelopment options for the waterfront site. The refinery's future became uncertain after Valero informed the state it may idle or shut down the plant, part of a broader strategic review of its California operations. The Benicia property, with its scenic hills and views of the Carquinez Strait, offers prime real estate potential. Signature Development emphasized its intention to work closely with the city and community as plans evolve, potentially paving the way for one of the Bay Area's most transformative redevelopment efforts. Los Angeles Housing Pipeline Nearly Dries Up New housing permits in Los Angeles continued to decline this year, with just 1,325 homes approved—a 56.8% drop from the same period in 2024, according to Hilgard Analytics. The study cites high interest rates, economic uncertainty, regulatory hurdles and the impacts of the fires as key factors behind the slowdown. Federal tariffs, labor shortages from immigration policies and the impact of Measure ULA's transfer tax have also strained development efforts, leading to fewer affordable housing projects. The study states new local and state initiatives—such as the Citywide Housing Incentive Program and proposed state bills like AB 698 -could help revive construction by easing regulations and boosting funding. Notably, only four of Los Angeles' fifteen City Council districts surpassed 100 housing approvals this quarter, while areas like the San Fernando Valley saw permit activity decrease by over 90%. Upgraded Honda Center to Anchor Major Anaheim Development The Samueli family, owners of the Anaheim Ducks hockey team, have launched a $1 billion privately funded renovation of Honda Center, including a new six-story digital entrance, improved dining areas, luxury suites and revamped entry plazas. This project is part of the broader $4 billion OCVIBE district—a mixed-use development with hotels, office space, residential units and a concert venue—primarily funded by the owners. Anaheim is contributing with $400 million in bonds for parking and $100 million for nearby riverfront enhancements and the Honda will remain open during construction through 2027. The arena is one of only two major leauge sports venues in California that are owned by ther respective municipalities. (See related CP&DR coverage .) Report: Financing Stacks Hinder Housing Development According to UC Berkeley's Terner Center, California's affordable housing development process is slowed and made more expensive by developers piecing together funding from numerous public sources. Analysis of projects awarded Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) between 2020 and 2023 shows that each additional funding source adds roughly four months to project timelines and increases per-unit costs by about $20,460. Governor Newsom's proposal to create a new California Housing and Homelessness Agency aims to streamline housing finance, though the plan does not currently integrate key agencies overseeing tax credits. Developers serving populations with greater needs, such as those experiencing homelessness, are particularly burdened by having to secure multiple funding sources. The study recommends deeper consolidation of housing finance functions and greater standardization across funding programs to cut costs and speed up affordable housing production. San Diego Balks at ADU Development San Diego officials took steps on to roll back a policy that allowed property owners to build apartment buildings in the backyards of single-family homes. The "ADU bonus program" had been successful in exceeding state requirements for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), but it also led to significant opposition, especially in historically Black communities like District 4. Following community backlash regarding issues like traffic, parking and neighborhood aesthetics, the city council voted to repeal the program in single-family zones with large lots. The council also directed staff to propose reforms to the program. CP&DR Coverage: Another Round of CEQA Reform Bills The era of “Swiss cheese” CEQA may be over - at least if Sen. Scott Wiener and Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks are successful in the Legislature this year. It's a dramatic departure from their strategy over the past few years, which has been to end-run the California Environmental Quality Act by increasing the types of housing projects that could be approved by ministerial action. Over the past couple of years, the Legislature has selectively punched a couple of holes in the CEQA when public pressure has forced them to - as, for example, when the so-called “People's Park” court ruled declared student noise a potentially significant impact under CEQA. But this year Wiener and Wicks have gotten far more aggressive. Wiener's SB 607 and Wicks' AB 609 don't fundamentally reform CEQA's structure. But both of them do greatly narrow CEQA's potential impact on a wide variety of projects, including housing. Quick Hits & Updates The House passed a resolution to remove federal endangered species protections for California's longfin smelt, arguing the designation harms water access for agriculture. Critics, including environmentalists and Democrats, say the move disregards scientific evidence of the fish's severe decline and threatens broader ecological health in the San Francisco Bay Delta. The California Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded nearly $119 million in federal funds to support affordable housing and homelessness services, primarily targeting rural and tribal communities. The funding aims to help develop 487 rental homes and expand emergency shelters, outreach and rapid rehousing programs to improve housing stability for vulnerable Californians. The movement to make La Jolla its own city has taken a significant step forward after the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) validated enough petition signatures to initiate the formal secession process. This reverses a prior ruling by the Registrar of Voters, putting the proposal just 12 signatures above the required threshold. Now, LAFCO commissioners must vote on whether the cityhood proposal moves to the San Diego citywide ballot—a development opposed by San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria, who criticized LAFCO for reinstating previously rejected signatures. Inglewood officials are abandoning plans to build a $2.4-billion automated people mover project to a more immediate and modest solution for improving traffic flow ahead of the 2028 Summer Olympics. The revised Inglewood Transit Connector (ITC) plan now emphasizes mobility hubs, shuttle services and enhanced traffic measures like bus-only lanes and synchronized traffic signals. The proposed gondola to Dodger Stadium hit a major setback after a California appellate court ruled that Metro must rescind its approval of the project's environmental impact report (EIR) due to deficiencies in addressing noise mitigation and consultation with a land conservancy. Though most of the lawsuit's claims were dismissed, this ruling effectively halts the project until a revised EIR is completed and approved—potentially jeopardizing the goal of launching the $385 -$500 million transit system in time for the 2028 Olympics. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) has reintroduced the California Clean Coast Act, a bill aimed at permanently banning offshore oil and gas leasing off California's coast to protect marine ecosystems and coastal economies from the risks of oil spills. The newly-proposed SB 675 seeks to expedite the environmental review and approval process for the Seaport San Diego project, limiting the California Coastal Commission's ability to deny or impose conditions on the development. The bill, authored by state Senator Steve Padilla, aims to provide certainty and timely review for the $3.8 billion project by setting strict review timelines and addressing delays in the permitting process, although it has faced opposition from environmental groups and the Coastal Commission. A new study out of USC found relaxing strict tree planting regulations in Los Angeles neighborhoods of Studio City and Boyle Heights could expand potential tree planting space by 26% without impacting safety while improving tree canopy and shade availability citywide. According to the SF Chronicle, San Francisco's legislation to promote small apartment buildings, like fourplexes, has had limited success, with only 11 applications submitted, most of which are stalled or delayed. High construction costs, bureaucratic hurdles and lack of financial feasibility for small developers are major factors preventing the legislation from generating significant new housing. Los Angeles City Council has approved a revised Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance set to go into effect in 2025, expanding adaptive reuse incentives citywide and making it easier to convert underutilized buildings into housing. After multiple years of planning, San Mateo City Council officially opposed a $300 million highway widening project, citing concerns over environmental impact, potential displacement and the project's ability to address traffic. The city plans to draft a letter to state and county agencies to reconsider the project and instead utilize and expand public transportation. Multiple California cities appear in the top 20 happiest cities in the nation according to WalletHub when considering income, life satisfaction, rates of divorce and depression and overall wellbeing. The list crowns Fremont as the happiest city, followed by San Jose (2nd), Irvine (3rd), San Francisco (9th), Huntington Beach (10th), San Diego (15) and Garden Grove (20th). Environmental groups are raising concerns over the Newport-Mesa Unified School District's plans to lease an almost 12-acre site within the Randall Preserve, arguing the district violated the Surplus Land act by not notifying required agencies of their plans The groups claim that only one of the available acres is developable and the district maintains the land is exempt and the district has not finalized plans.

Major land use-related housing bills are moving forward in Sacramento. But signs are weariness are showing.

The Trump Administration has proposed eliminating protection of critical habitat under the Endangered Species Act, which is the foundation of the longstanding system of habitat conservation plans that California has put into place over the last 30 years.