California cities react to affordable housing lawsuit

Enacted in 1969, California’s Housing Element Law requires every city and county to adequately plan to meet the housing needs of all residents. Instead of forcing local governments to build houses directly, the state law requires governments to update zoning and land-use policies so the private market can build enough housing to meet demand.

“We are in a state of emergency in California when it comes to housing production,” Bonta said during a July 16 press conference announcing the legal actions. “No single local jurisdiction, no city, no county is responsible for building all the housing that we need in California. But every city, every county is responsible for building some of the housing that we need.”

The actions taken by Bonta are part of a coordinated effort by Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

Leaders from four of the five named cities said the lawsuit is unnecessary because they are already actively working with the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) toward certification.

Calexico City Manager Ben Martinez told The Center Square via email that staff continues to work closely with HCD to address feedback and incorporate required updates.

“The City of Calexico anticipates submitting a revised Housing Element to HCD in the near future for further review and consideration,” Martinez said, adding that the Imperial County city, which is by the border between California and Mexico, has made “substantial progress” toward compliance.

Costa Mesa Mayor John Stephens called the legal action “entirely unwarranted,” noting the state’s own complaint acknowledges the Orange County city is currently awaiting state comments on its latest submission.

Stephens highlighted local progress, including rezoning completed in April, opening a 100-bed shelter, and expanding affordable housing projects at state-owned and city-funded sites.

“There is no reason for a lawsuit,” Stephens said in a statement emailed to The Center Square.

Officials with Half Moon Bay, which is about 30 miles south of San Francisco, echoed the frustration. They pointed out that HCD determined in February 2026 that the San Mateo County city’s plan met statutory requirements, leaving only local rezoning updates to finalize.

Mayor Debbie Ruddock noted in a press release that, as a coastal city, Half Moon Bay must get additional reconciliation with the California Coastal Commission, a process that added a year to the timeline. 

“Given our ongoing work with HCD and the Coastal Commission, we are surprised that the State feels this additional action is necessary,” Ruddock said, pointing out that the city added 144 housing units between 2023 and 2025 and has 100 more affordable units approved.

The Half Moon Bay City Council plans to hold public hearings on the required rezoning in the near future.

As The Center Square reported on July 16, Turlock is also in the final stretch of its approval process.

Public Information Officer Joseph Spangler noted that HCD recently confirmed the Central Valley city’s draft plan addresses all previous statutory issues.

City Manager John J. "J.J." Murphy said the staff has established a clear timeline to adopt the remaining rezoning package, with planning commission and city council public hearings scheduled for August.

“The city has made significant progress toward Housing Element compliance, and we have a clear path forward,” Murphy said.

The city of Ridgecrest, which is surrounded by the Mojave Desert in Kern County, has yet to respond to The Center Square’s requests for comment.