California’s Senate Bill 79, which would allow for more apartment buildings near public transit stops, is one step closer to becoming law after the author struck a deal with the State Building and Construction Trades Council, who agreed to drop their opposition in exchange for an amendment that would require some projects to hire union workers.
Governor Newsom and legislative leaders passed SB 131, which provides a CEQA exemption for polluting industrial projects known as “advanced manufacturing”, without public or legislative input, and without environmental guardrails, potentially leading to increased air and water pollution and loss of habitat for endangered species.
California YIMBY and labor unions have agreed to amendments to SB 79 that require strong labor standards for new homes built under the bill, securing support from UNITE HERE and a neutral position from the State Building and Construction Trades Union.
California officials have condemned the Trump administration’s deployment of thousands of National Guard soldiers and U.S. Marines to Los Angeles, citing an estimated $120 million cost to taxpayers and a violation of long-standing civil-military limits.
Greenbelt Alliance is supporting Senate Bill 79, the Abundant and Affordable Homes Near Transit Act, which would make it easier and faster to build new homes near major transit stops, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and create a more affordable and resilient California.
Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a statewide task force, SAFE, to prioritize and remove encampments along state rights-of-way in California’s ten largest cities, while connecting people with services and shelter.
California’s housing construction permits have fallen sharply in 2025, with the state issuing 49,400 permits for new housing in the first half of the year, the lowest level since 2014, due to elevated mortgage rates and economic uncertainty.
The California Legislature has condemned the Trump administration’s immigration raids and use of military forces in Los Angeles, declaring the deployments unlawful under the Posse Comitatus Act.
A federal court permanently blocked the Trump Administration from using federalized California National Guard troops and U.S. Marines for law enforcement in Los Angeles, ruling that the deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act and infringed on state sovereignty.
By Marisa Kendall, Jocelyn Wiener and Erica Yee, CalMatters This story was originally published by CalMatters. Sign…
California lawmakers are being criticized for increasing taxes and fees, which is making homeownership increasingly unattainable for ordinary families, while neglecting to use a budget surplus to provide relief.
Tom Steyer is urging California lawmakers and residents to pass Senate Bill 79, which would allow more mid-rise apartments near public transportation, cut through red tape for projects built on transit land, and require accountability measures to ensure housing targets are met, in order to address the state’s housing crisis.
California lawmakers are considering two bills that would require landlords to provide air conditioning in rental units, but the proposals face opposition from landlords who argue that it is not fair to force them to pay for the cost of upgrading existing buildings.
Governor Gavin Newsom has announced the creation of the State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force to coordinate state agencies to remove homeless encampments and expand access to shelter and supportive services in California’s ten largest cities.
Educators, child psychologists, and immigrant rights leaders are warning that the Trump administration’s mass deportation agenda is causing fear, trauma, and disruption in schools across the nation, leading to decreased attendance and psychological distress for students and families.
New housing construction can help slow rent growth and reduce rent burdens for low-income families, while blocking construction can worsen rent burdens and increase displacement.
California Senator Ben Allen and Assemblymember Rick Zbur are facing criticism for opposing Senate Bill 79, which advocates say is essential to fighting climate change by allowing modest mid-rise apartments within a half mile of major transit stops.
CalExit leaders have expressed strong support for Governor Gavin Newsom’s approach to redistricting, while also criticizing former President Donald Trump and warning of the potential for a civil war in the US.
Tom Steyer has endorsed Senate Bill 79, legislation introduced by Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, which seeks to address California’s housing crisis by allowing more homes near public transportation and reducing emissions.
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee has endorsed Senate Bill 79, legislation that would legalize multifamily housing near major transit stops across California, in order to address the Bay Area’s escalating housing crisis, expand affordability, and advance California’s climate goals.