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.
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.
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.
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.
In a unified effort to tackle California’s housing crisis, a bipartisan and bicameral group of legislators today unveiled the Fast Track Housing package — a suite of more than 20 bills aimed at making housing more affordable by slashing red tape, removing uncertainty, and drastically diminishing the time it takes to get new housing approved and built. This package builds off the recommendations in the Final Report of the Select Committee on Permitting Reform, chaired by Asm. Wicks.
BY BEN CHRISTOPHER
MARCH 26, 2025
In the recurring legislative fight between YIMBY legislators and defenders of California’s signature environmental law, one bill could be a final legislative showdown.
For years California has been stuck in a recurring fight between legislators who want the state to turbocharge new home construction and legislators determined to defend a landmark environmental protection law.
The final showdown in that long-standing battle may have just arrived.