SB-79, that terrible bill that wants to put 15,000’ high-rises on the 5K’ lot next door.
What a week.
Back in March, City Councilman John Lee made a motion to the City Council to take a position against SB-79 unless amended to exempt municipalities with state-approved and compliant Housing Elements, like LA. The motion was seconded by our very own Traci Park.
The president of the Council ignored the motion and then “accidentally” agendized it this week. He copped to this in a bizarre opening statement at the council meeting on Tuesday where the motion was finally taken up.
Despite the fact that LA worked for two years through multiple public hearings and countless public comments to approve its Housing Element, and further despite the fact said Housing Element was unanimously approved by the City Council, five councilmembers, including the President voted NO to standing up against Sacramento and fighting for local control.
Nevertheless, the motion passed 8-5 with some very powerful statements by councilmembers. Watch those statements here.
Traci Park also held a press conference beforehand. Watch her remarks here. Fun fact! You can’t see me, but I’m standing just to the left of Monica Rodriguez (pictured next to Traci) at the press conference and I got to make remarks. You can read my remarks here, if interested.
Mayor Bass approved the resolution the next day and now at least one group is lobbying in Sacramento with LA’s resolution against the Bill.
By the way, dozens of Neighborhood Councils across the city, including ours passed motions and submitted Community Impact Statements in favor of Lee’s motion.
SB-79 is still in the Assembly, but held in suspense until Friday, August 29th, at which time it has to be moved forward or it dies. Stay tuned and join me in crossing my fingers that the Bill dies on Friday.
Want to get out and march against the Bill? There are multiple rallies planned around the city tomorrow. Here are two that I have details for:
Los Angeles
Time: 10 a.m.
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Place: US Bank parking lot in Pacific Palisades, 15305 W. Sunset Blvd. Los Angeles 90272
San Fernando Valley
Time: 9 a.m.
Date: Saturday, August 23, 2025
Place: Sunland/Tujunga parking lot, 7937 Foothill Blvd., Sunland, CA 91040
