• SoCal City Faces Wrath of Sacramento

The state of California on Monday, Sept. 23, warned the city of Norwalk that if it does not take steps to repeal a moratorium on emergency shelters and supportive housing by its next City Council meeting the state will revoke the city’s housing element compliance.

On Friday, Sept. 20, Norwalk asked for an extension of the Sept. 23 deadline set by the state to respond to a notice of violation sent by the California Department of Housing and Community Development over the city’s moratorium.

Last week, the Norwalk City Council unanimously voted to extend the moratorium until August 2025. The initial moratorium, passed last month, halts new development of the following uses: convenience stores, discount stores, laundromats, vehicle washing, payday loan establishments, emergency shelters, single-room occupancy, supportive housing and transitional housing.

The day before the council vote to extend the moratorium, Newsom and HCD announced a notice of violation had been sent to the city over the moratorium and demanded a response by Monday, Sept. 23.

HCD responded to the request for an extension on Monday in which it wrote that seven days was enough time for a response.

“However, HCD recognizes that the City may need time to identify the quickest path to resolving the issue,” the response read. “As such, HCD will monitor the October 1st City Council meeting and will expect your formal response the following day.”

Wildomar Rap opinion time

When I come across examples of California cities trying to stand up to the State machine (especially when it comes to housing and homeless issues) and the inevitable consequences they'll be facing, I like to share them with the residents of Wildomar.

It's one thing to suggest going full Rambo and "taking no prisoners" (or whatever the current phrase may be) but in practice, it costs municipalities a ton of money to remedy if they choose to go down such a primrose path. 

One of my stated goals is to keep Wildomar out of the news for making pigheaded decisions that are sure to blow up in our faces. 

The City Council, according to HCD, must either vote to repeal the moratorium on Oct. 1, and if necessary conduct a final vote on Oct. 15 or direct staff to prepare an ordinance to repeal the moratorium for consideration at a council meeting on or before Oct. 15.

“If the city chooses the latter option, HCD will revoke its finding of housing element compliance if the City Council does not vote to repeal the moratorium on or before October 15th and, if necessary, conduct a final adoption vote on or before November 5th,” the response read.

At a Thursday, Sept. 19, press conference announcing the signing of more than 30 bills related to housing and homelessness, Newsom mentioned Norwalk as an example of local jurisdictions not doing enough to address the crisis.

“Various consequences apply when a city does not have a housing element in compliance with Housing Element Law, including the immediate application of the ‘Builder’s Remedy’ and ineligibility or delay in receiving certain state funds,” the response read. “HCD may also refer the matter to the California Office of the Attorney General to seek court-imposed financial penalties and other remedies.”

Levy Sun, a spokesperson for the city, said in an email Monday afternoon that the city would continue to evaluate the HCD’s response.

By David Wilson of the SGVT September 23, 2024

https://www.sgvtribune.com/2024/09/23/state-to-norwalk-end-homeless-shelter-ban-or-risk-housing-blueprint-funding/