Zbur legislation defangs California Coastal Commission
Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D–Hollywood, West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Westwood, West Los Angeles, Santa Monica) yesterday introduced legislation (AB 1740) to modernize California’s coastal permitting process by reducing unnecessary California Coastal Commission approval delays for limited activities in urban, transit-rich communities.
The measure comes nearly 50 years after the California Coastal Act, which created the Coastal Commission. Since then, many coastal cities have embraced climate strategies and invested in public transit and in climate-resilient infrastructure that expands access to the shoreline while reducing environmental impacts.
Yet current Coastal Commission permitting practices often hinder these efforts, requiring lengthy, complex coastal development permit processes that create costly delays without improving coastal protection.
“The California Coastal Act is one of our state’s most important environmental laws, and is critical to protecting coastal access and our treasured coastal resources,” said Zbur. “However, in urbanized communities with robust public transit, current Coastal Commission standards must be modernized to achieve the important goals of the Coastal Act.
“Instead of enhancing public access, current standards often put needless barriers in front of housing, bike lanes, and other projects that achieve climate goals and pose no risk to sensitive coastal resources. This bill modernizes coastal standards in transit-rich, urban areas and allows the Coastal Commission to focus its attention where it matters most—on protecting our beaches, sensitive habitats and coastal ecosystems.”
Sponsors of the bill include the City of Santa Monica, Streets for All, and Abundant Housing.
“Santa Monica is rebuilding, and we need modern tools that match how people access the coast today,” said Santa Monica Mayor Caroline Torosis. “With the World Cup, the Olympics, and other major events coming to our region, this bill helps focus the Coastal Commission on protecting sensitive coastal resources, while giving transit-rich cities the flexibility to move faster on housing, transportation, and public space.”
AB 1740 will be heard in policy committee later this session.
Calabasas places local sales tax measure on special election ballot
The Calabasas City Council, during a special meeting yesterday, voted to hold a stand-alone special election to place a local sales tax measure on the ballot to protect the City’s ability to maintain essential services, preserve local control of revenues, and ensure that tax dollars generated in Calabasas are used to benefit Calabasas residents and businesses.
The action comes as Los Angeles County is exploring additional sales tax measures that could consume remaining local sales tax capacity under state law. Without action, Calabasas could lose its ability to generate local revenue for community priorities and instead see locally generated dollars redirected to countywide or statewide programs that may not directly benefit Calabasas.
“This measure is about local control and local responsibility,” said Calabasas Mayor James Bozajian. “If taxes are generated in Calabasas by Calabasas businesses and shoppers, those dollars should stay in Calabasas to support the services our community relies on every day.”
The proposed measure will allow Calabasas to protect its future revenue authority and ensure that locally generated funds remain dedicated to City services, including preparing for and responding to wildfires, repairing streets, and addressing potholes.
Over the past several years, cities across California have faced increasing financial pressures due to rising costs for public safety, infrastructure, and emergency preparedness. At the same time, state and county actions have reduced local governments’ ability to make independent financial decisions for their communities.
“This decision being placed before the voters is intended to ensure Calabasas is not left behind or placed at risk by outside actions,” said Bozajian. “It allows our residents, not state or county agencies, to decide how local dollars are invested in our community for the benefit of Calabasas.”
Under Los Angeles County Measure H, a quarter-cent (0.25%) local sales tax was directed to Los Angeles County. From Calabasas alone, approximately $2.7 million was sent annually to the County. In comparison, Calabasas and four neighboring cities combined received approximately $350,000 total through the five-city Council of Governments for homeless services. Just this past year, Measure A was passed by the County – double these numbers.
If approved by voters on May 5, 2026, the measure would create a locally controlled funding source to maintain essential City services and provide long-term financial stability.
For more information, visit www.CityofCalabasas.com/Elections or call (818) 224-1600.
Soto files lawsuit against landlords to protect tenants
Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto yesterday announced that her office has filed a civil enforcement action against landlords Benny Pirian, Piaman Nisan Pirian, and multiple business entities under their control, alleging systemic and ongoing violations of state and local housing laws designed to protect renters.
The defendants own and operate at least 16 multifamily residential properties in Los Angeles, comprising over 100 rental units as well as single-family rental properties. They are alleged to have engaged in a pattern of unlawful business practices, including withholding security deposits, increasing rent above legal limits, and charging excessive late fees for delinquent rent.
The lawsuit seeks an injunction to halt the defendants’ alleged unlawful activity, restitution for tenants harmed by it, and civil penalties.
If you are a tenant who lived in one of the defendants’ units and believes that you experienced their alleged unlawful practices, please contact the City Attorney’s Public Rights Branch by email at att.pirian@lacity.org or phone at 213-922-8390.
Friedman’s bipartisan legislation gets Dem Women’s Caucus endorsement
U.S. Rep. Laura Friedman (D-Burbank, Glendale, West Hollywood, Hollywood) yesterday celebrated the Democratic Women’s Caucus’s (DWC) endorsement of her bipartisan Safe and Affordable Transit Act. It was also included in the DWC’s Better Future Agenda as a part of the Women’s Safety Legislative Slate.
The legislation establishes a competitive federal grant program to hire additional officers for public transit stations and vehicles and to fund physical upgrades that protect riders and operators, including surveillance, operator shields, and visibility improvements, while stopping the burden of these investments from falling on local taxpayers.
It comes as the Olympics and other major sporting events are coming to the County, and one year after Washington, D.C Metro, serious crime dropped by 43% iafter increasing visible officer presence. The measure also enjoys wide support among elected and Metro officials throughout the county.
“I’m proud that my bipartisan Safe and Affordable Transit Act is included in this critical effort to advance women’s safety. Whether it’s going to the doctor, the grocery store, or to work, everyone deserves to feel safe on public transit. This bill makes that possible by investing in commonsense protections for that we know actually work for riders and transit workers,” said Friedman. “This package reflects our commitment to protecting women in every part of their lives, in their homes, communities, and on their commutes.”
New York City Republican Assemblymember Nicole Malliotakis co-sponsored the bill with Friedman.
