SB 79 - The Final Showdown

Media
3 days ago
2 min read

SB 79 moves to a final vote this week.

*Read our editorial in the Times of San Diego to understand why SB 79 will push dense development far from transit and into single-family neighborhoods up to a mile or more away.*

Opinion: Senate Bill 79 isn't needed to spur transit-oriented housing - Times of San Diego

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TAKE ACTION NOW

Our Neighborhood Voices has put together a one-click form to send a message to the Assembly.

Please take 20 seconds to message ALL undecided Assemblymembers at once...

Click to Email Undecided Assemblymembers

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After the Assembly votes, the bill will move back to the Senate for final approval. This could happen swiftly, and there may not be enough time for a final Call to Action.

Please take 20 seconds to email ALL Senators at once and tell them you OPPOSE SB 79:

Click this link to email ALL Senators at once

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Below are two short videos that highlight both the facts and the voices behind this opposition:

August 23 Statewide Rallies (2min 20sec)

United Neighbors “Truth About SB 79” (1min)

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9/8/2025 — SB 79 continues to be pared back as a result of public pressure, including from Neighbors For A Better San Diego and other grassroots organizations in San Diego.

Last-minute changes to the bill were posted on Friday, meaning that it could come up for a vote as soon as Tuesday. There is one last chance to make legislators aware of the significant flaws and real outcomes of this bill:

Promoting development a mile or more walking distance from transit is not transit-oriented development. Transit-oriented development is not even listed as a statewide concern in the section of the bill that attempts to justify SB 79's override of local planning.

California cities have already thoughtfully zoned for housing where local planners know it will best leverage investments in transit and connect residents to jobs and other destinations.

Cities with Certified Housing Elements have already demonstrated that they have the housing capacity to meet future needs.

Just like San Diego's Bonus ADU program, neighborhoods with modest-sized starter homes will be targeted by SB 79 developers, moving home ownership further away from California's families.

Carveouts for certain wealthy Bay Area counties violate state requirements to promote equity and affirmatively further fair housing.

After the devastating fires in Los Angeles, exclusions for high fire hazard zones should be permanent and not expire at the end of the current housing cycle (2029-2031).

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Watch Newest SB 79 Video: Don't Let SB79 Become Our Density