May 1, 2025 | Legislation
Dan Walters
May 1, 2025
California’s governors and legislators have a very bad habit of enacting major programs and projects without fully exploring their downside risks. The most spectacular example occurred in 1996, when a Republican governor, Pete Wilson, and a Democrat-controlled Legislature decided to overhaul California’s electric power industry.The legislation was hammered out in lengthy and secret negotiations. It was enacted with only cursory public input.
Apr 30, 2025 | Current Bills, Housing, Legislation
BY BEN CHRISTOPHER
APRIL 30, 2025
Two consecutive committee chairs getting overruled by their committee members signifies a growing rift among California Democrats about how to address the housing crisis. One of the most controversial housing bills of the year has lived to be voted upon another day, but only by surviving the Legislative equivalent of two back-to-back prison breaks.
Apr 22, 2025 | Housing, Legislation, Opinion
By Ann Duwe
Apr 22, 2025
When Governor Gavin Newsom declared he wanted 2.5 million new housing units in California, he failed to see how his “aspirational goal” would transform the Golden State into a matrix for high-rise, rental development. Newsom’s number became the basis for the 6th-cycle RHNA (Regional Housing Needs Allocation) numbers, the outsized housing demands now at the heart of every city’s housing element.
Apr 22, 2025 | Legislation, Environment, Housing
Adhiti Bandlamudi
Apr 22, 2025
A bill to exempt some housing projects from a controversial California law that pro-building activists blame for slowing down development cleared its first legislative hurdle this week.
On Monday, the State Assembly’s Natural Resources Committee approved AB 609, introduced by Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Berkeley), which would exempt infill housing projects built within existing cities from review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Apr 10, 2025 | Legislation, Safety
By Diana Nicole
April 10 2025
HOMEOWNERS’ RIGHTS – In fire-prone parts of California, a quiet but sweeping transformation is underway—one that will determine not just how we defend homes from wildfire, but how much freedom we have in our own yards.
Soon, under a new state mandate, homeowners in designated fire zones may no longer be allowed to grow a lavender bush next to their deck. A mature tree near the corner of the house may be declared a risk, even if it is well maintained, provides shade, privacy, and a place for birds. And that potted lemon tree? Too tall, too close to a window, and suddenly—noncompliant.
Apr 9, 2025 | Legislation
Aleshire & Wynder
April 09, 2025
Orange County Superior Court Ruling Upholds Charter City Rights Against State Challenge
“This decision reinforces the constitutional rights of charter cities and the importance of protecting local control and voter-approved laws.”— Anthony Taylor
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP is proud to announce another significant court victory defending the rights of charter cities under the California Constitution.
