Latest News
NOTE: The opinions expressed in the news items cited here do not necessarily represent the opinion of Catalysts for Local Control. We try to present a balanced picture of the news on the subject of housing and legislation.
LA Mayor Karen Bass’ budget calls for 80% drop in financing of new affordable housing
By David Wagner
Published Apr 23, 2025
Facing a nearly $1 billion deficit, the city of Los Angeles is set to finance much less affordable housing over the next year under a proposed budget released this week by Mayor Karen Bass. The budget calls for a nearly 80% drop in city financing of new affordable housing units, declining from 770 homes in the current fiscal year to 160 homes in the next fiscal year. Speaking with reporters Tuesday, Bass said economic conditions are increasingly unfavorable to housing development.
Aspirational goal becomes a wrecking ball
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.
Bill to Reform Controversial California Environmental Law Clears First Legislative Hurdle
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.
Bills are taking aim at land use
By Kate Talerico
April 20, 2025
For years, this lot just south of the West Oakland BART station has sat vacant. This was supposed to be housing — a 222-unit tower with 16 apartments set aside for low-income renters. But soon after Oakland’s planning commission signed off on the project, the decision was appealed. A coalition of trade unions, using the California Environmental Quality Act, demanded that the developer conduct more studies to assess the soil’s contamination levels — a process that could hold up construction for months.
Emotions Run Hot Against Large Housing Projects in Manhattan Beach
By Dave Fratello
Apr 20, 2025
Statistically speaking, there must be some people in Manhattan Beach who support a series of large new residential development projects currently under consideration by the city.
But at a forum hosted by city officials April 9, no such voices were in evidence, and opposition seemed to be universal from a boisterous, overflow crowd at the Joslyn Center.
Senate Bill 79 – Another Housing Rip-off from the California State Senate
By Dick Platkin
April 17, 2025
Are your lying eyes still deceiving you? Do you see vacancy signs on unrented apartments and houses in your neighborhood, yet you are repeatedly told that Los Angeles has so much homelessness and overcrowding because of a housing shortage? No, your eyes are not deceiving you; those vacancy signs are for real, and the claims of a general housing shortage are fabricated. They are a ruse because the homeless and overcrowded do not have enough money to rent or buy vacant apartments or houses.
YIMBY files lawsuit against Cupertino, claims city violated “builder’s remedy” law
By STEPHANIE LAM
April 11, 2025
Pro-housing group YIMBY Law has filed two lawsuits against Cupertino this week, claiming the city violated state laws by denying multiple housing proposals that would have added dozens of new homes.
The organization alleges that two preliminary proposals submitted under the builder’s remedy provision — Vista Heights and Schofield Drive — faced numerous roadblocks in their application process.
Welcome to State-Controlled Landscaping: Where Even Your Potted Plants Require Government Approval
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 Secures Another Court Victory Protecting Local Control and Charter Rights
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.