Bringing you updates in legislation, policy, and other news relating to affordable housing, homelessness, and sustainable communities. | |
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March Ballot Results May Portend Trouble in November
by Jacqueline Woo, Manager, CA Legislative Analysis | Global Policy Leadership Academy
The mixed results for Proposition 1, the Behavioral Health Services Program and Bond Measure, which would dramatically restructure how individuals who are unsheltered and living with mental illness can receive care through the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) and would fund more housing and shelter, could be a warning sign for the slew of ballot initiatives anticipated in November. Days after the March 5 election, results for the ballot are too close to call, with the “yes” vote gaining less than one percentage point over “no” despite the “Yes on Prop. 1” campaign amassing nearly $21M and the “No on 1” movement raising just $1,000.
Given California’s estimated budget shortfall of $35B, the Governor and Legislature have been counting on voters approving multiple initiatives on the November ballot that include tackling deferred maintenance in schools, climate bonds, and funding for housing.
Read more to see November’s housing-related ballot initiatives >
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Supreme Court Term Features Two Housing and Homelessness Cases
by Christina Mun, Chief Strategy Officer | LeSar Holdings, Inc.
The 2023-2024 Supreme Court term will feature two key cases highlighting tensions in the public discourse regarding housing and homelessness, particularly in California. The first, Sheetz v. County of El Dorado, California, concerns development impact fees, which fund local services and could impact costs of development and the development process; the second, City of Grants Pass, Oregon, v. Johnson, could grant California cities more clarity around enacting ordinances to sweep homeless encampments and further criminalize homelessness. The Court is expected to issue decisions by the end of June.
On January 9, the Supreme Court heard the case of George Sheetz, who applied for a permit to place a manufactured house on his land in El Dorado County and was required to pay a $23,420 traffic mitigation fee to do so. Sheetz is challenging the fee’s constitutionality, arguing that the fee violates the Fifth Amendment’s takings clause, which is intended to uphold the principle that the government should not single out isolated individuals to bear excessive burdens, even in support of an important public good.
Read more about what the rulings for these cases could mean for housing >
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State Legislative Update: New Senate Pro Tempore and Notable Bills
by Jacqueline Woo, Manager, CA Legislative Analysis | Global Policy Leadership Academy
February 16th marked the deadline for new bills to be introduced for this year’s legislative session; 2,124 new bills were introduced, many of which attempted to tackle controversial issues beyond housing, including artificial intelligence and reparations. Some of these bills are “spot bills”, with details that still need to be fleshed out. All spot bills must be amended by March 18th to proceed through the remainder of the legislative process.
Senate members waited to finalize their bill packages until after the new Pro Tempore, Mike McGuire (D-Santa Rosa), formerly announced his leadership team and committee changes, which include Sen. Nancy Skinner (D-Oakland) as Housing Committee Chair and Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) as Budget Committee Chair.
Read more about new and notable housing and homelessness-related bills >
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LeSar WELCOMES NEW TEAM MEMBERS | |
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Anoush Kervanian
Controller | LeSar Holdings
Anoush Kervanian has a successful track record as a CEO, COO, and CFO, where she has had roles in steering new business initiatives and propelling growth. She has made contributions across various sectors, including renewable energy, technology, healthcare, real estate, transportation, hospitality, and more, delivering expertise spanning business metrics and best practices, mergers and acquisitions, operations management, and financial management. She holds a BA in business administration and management from Cal State Los Angeles and a Master of Science in management from the University of Phoenix.
Read full bio >
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Claudia Valenzuela
Director, External Affairs and Community Partnerships | LeSar Holdings
Claudia Valenzuela has more than twenty-five years of experience working in external affairs, community relations, and government relations in San Diego and Baja California, Mexico. Prior to joining LeSar Holdings, Claudia spent 18 years with Sempra and SDG&E where she worked as a company lobbyist, political action committee manager, and managed government affairs and public outreach efforts on various utility and municipal infrastructure projects throughout San Diego County. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish from the University of San Diego, and a Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law. She currently serves as a commissioner for the City of National City’s Planning Commission.
Read full bio >
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Sabrina Vonch
HR Manager | LeSar Holdings
Sabrina Vonch provides subject matter expertise, strategic partnership, and implementation support across all functions of HR and payroll. With over 15 years of progressive experience as an HR leader and consultant, she has aided companies of various shapes, sizes, and industries in aligning HR initiatives and best practices to company objectives. Sabrina is PHR certified and graduated cum laude with her BA in sociology from Cal State Northridge.
Read full bio >
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