By Black Star News
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
Friday, the office of California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced that, along with Governor Gavin Newsom, and California Department of Housing and Community Development (HDC, that a settlement has been reached, with the City of Norwalk, to resolve a November 2024 lawsuit ,over what the attorney general’s office calls “the City’s unlawful ban on new housing for California’s most vulnerable residents.”
That lawsuit had alleged that Norwalk “that the City’s ban on emergency shelters, supportive housing, single-room occupancy housing, and transitional housing violated numerous state laws.”
“Before filing our lawsuit, Governor Newsom, HCD Director Velasquez, and I warned the City of Norwalk on several occasions that there would be serious consequences if it moved forward with its unlawful housing ban. Regrettably, our warnings went unheeded, and we were forced to take legal action,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “We are more than willing to work with any city or county that wants to do its part to solve our housing crisis. By that same token, if any city or county wants to test our resolve, today’s settlement is your answer. All of us have a legal and moral responsibility to help — not hurt — those struggling to keep a roof over their heads or lacking housing altogether.”
“The Norwalk City Council’s failure to reverse this ban without a lawsuit, despite knowing it is unlawful, is inexcusable,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “No community should turn its back on its residents in need – especially while there are people in your community sleeping on the streets. No city is exempt from doing their part to solve the homelessness crisis.”
“This case should send a clear message: When a city’s leaders disregard the law to block housing — especially housing for those most in need — this Administration will take swift legal action,” said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. “This settlement ensures Norwalk will accept and process housing project applications, contribute meaningful funding for affordable housing development, and coordinate with Los Angeles County to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness. Going forward, HCD will continue to provide critical oversight to ensure accountability to that pledge.”
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