California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) Director Gustavo Velasquez have announced the resolution of a legal dispute with the City of La Cañada Flintridge. The city has requested to dismiss its appeal against a mixed-use affordable housing project, which plans to introduce 80 mixed-income residential units, 14 hotel units, and office space totaling 7,791 square feet.
Attorney General Rob Bonta commented on the development: “Subject to court approval, our legal battle against La Cañada Flintridge has come to an end for now. It should not have taken them this long to follow the law.” He emphasized the importance of all cities and counties participating in addressing California's need for affordable housing. Bonta warned that any further illegal delays by La Cañada Flintridge would be met with accountability measures.
HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez expressed satisfaction with the city's decision: “We are pleased to hear that La Cañada Flintridge leaders made the right choice to end these costly legal delays.” Velasquez highlighted the necessity for new housing in light of regional needs, particularly for those displaced by fire.
The case began when Attorney General Bonta, Governor Gavin Newsom, and HCD Director Velasquez sought court intervention in a lawsuit initiated by the California Housing Defense Fund. They aimed to enforce state housing laws following La Cañada Flintridge's denial of the project. On March 4, 2024, Los Angeles County Superior Court ruled that the city had unlawfully denied the project. Despite this ruling, La Cañada Flintridge appealed.
In June 2024, Attorney General Bonta filed a brief supporting applicants' rights under the Housing Accountability Act (HAA), cautioning that prolonged litigation could jeopardize housing developments due to economic factors. By February 28, 2025, Los Angeles County Superior Court mandated that La Cañada Flintridge post a $14 million bond within thirty days or dismiss its appeal. Consequently, the city council opted to withdraw its appeal.
A copy of the city's dismissal is available online.