Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom has commented on the recent court ruling regarding affordable housing in the Southern California community of La Cañada Flintridge. The Los Angeles Superior Court rejected the arguments put forth by the city of La Cañada Flintridge, leading to a favorable outcome in the case.

In response to the ruling, Governor Newsom stated, “La Cañada Flintridge is the latest community that has failed in their effort to override state housing laws. Today’s favorable ruling should serve as a warning to other NIMBY jurisdictions that the state will hold every community accountable in planning for their fair share of housing.”

The court decision stemmed from the city's denial of a mixed-use project that aimed to create residential units, hotel units, and office space. The Governor, along with Attorney General Rob Bonta and the California Department of Housing and Community Development, had taken steps to intervene in the case to uphold California's housing laws.

The court found that the city of La Cañada Flintridge violated the Housing Accountability Act by refusing to process the developer's application under the "Builder's Remedy." This provision prohibits local governments from denying housing projects for low- or moderate-income households based on zoning inconsistencies while the city's housing element is not in compliance with state law.

As a result of the ruling, the city has been instructed to reverse its denial of the project and proceed with processing the application under the Housing Accountability Act. Governor Newsom's statement emphasizes the importance of all communities fulfilling their responsibilities in providing adequate housing opportunities as mandated by state laws.