Housing

Carlsbad homeowner John Levy is challenging a $2.4 million fine from the Coastal Commission over alleged beach access and environmental violations, arguing that while the underlying disputes are typical, the commission’s power to impose massive penalties without court oversight violates due process.

California Democrats are eager to advance a pair of bond measures to fund affordable housing construction, but lack enthusiasm for tenant rights protections as a controversial rent control measure bites the dust for a second straight year.

Gov. Gavin Newsom will propose regulating corporate landlords during his State of the State address Thursday, his office said. It’s a pivot toward populism for the governor.

While few victims of last year’s fires are back in their homes, that’s not unusual following natural disasters; permitting changes appear to be helping.

Under Newsom’s tenure, health care has been expanded, but his housing goals and homelessness pledges remain unfinished. Can he deliver before eyeing the White House?

Fridge-less apartments dotting the pricey California rental market will soon be a head-scratching relic. Beginning Jan. 1, landlords will be required to provide all apartments with a working stove and refrigerator thanks to a new state law. It marks the end of an unusual, decades-long phenomenon mostly in the Los Angeles area where some tenants […]

A new law going into effect Jan. 1, 2026 prevents cities from penalizing outreach workers who provide services such as legal aid or hand out blankets at encampments.

A California new law expands CARE Court, a mental health program championed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, to include some people diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

State and local governments became more aggressive in sweeping homeless encampments in 2025, among other measures.

Maybe it was the re-election of Donald Trump and the electorate’s ire over inflation. Maybe it was the surprise success of a book about permitting reform among liberal elites. Maybe it was just the cumulative crush of California’s unaffordability.  Whatever the cause, 2025 was the year that California’s Democratic lawmakers finally got serious about building.  […]