California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez have expressed their views following a Los Angeles County Superior Court decision. The court denied the City of Norwalk's attempt to dismiss the state's lawsuit concerning an unlawful ban on various types of housing.
Attorney General Rob Bonta stated, "We are pleased to proceed with our case and to protect the public’s interest in the rule of law. Norwalk’s ban on new housing for unhoused individuals and lower-income households at risk of homelessness is illegal." He emphasized the importance of addressing affordability issues in California.
Governor Gavin Newsom added, "No community should turn its back on its residents in need. We will continue to hold Norwalk accountable for its failure to reverse this cruel and unlawful ban."
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez remarked, "Far from being a threat, availability of safe shelter and supportive services brings stability and makes communities stronger. We will continue to fight to hold Norwalk and all others accountable for planning for the housing needs of residents at all income levels."
The lawsuit was filed on November 4, 2024, by Attorney General Bonta, Governor Newsom, and HCD Director Velasquez. It alleges that Norwalk has violated several state laws: California’s urgency ordinance statute; the Housing Crisis Act; the Housing Element Law; the Anti-Discrimination in Land Use Law; the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Law; and laws related to supportive housing and emergency shelters.
A copy of the court's tentative decision was adopted as the final ruling at a recent hearing.