Newsom announces lawsuit against this Southern California city

LOS ANGELES – Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Monday that California has filed a lawsuit against the city of Norwalk over its ordinance banning new homeless shelters and other shelters.

“The Norwalk City Council’s failure to repeal this ban, despite knowing it was unlawful, is inexcusable. No community should turn its back on its residents in need,” Newsom said in a statement.

The lawsuit comes after repeated warnings that the city's ban violates several state planning and housing laws.

RELATED COVERAGE: Newsom warns Norwalk to lift ban on homeless shelters

Additionally, the state accuses the city of failing to meet its housing goals required by state law.

It all goes back to a moratorium that was voted on back in August.

The Norwalk City Council originally passed an ordinance in August that placed a 45-day moratorium on emergency shelters, one-bedroom apartments, supportive housing and transitional housing. That prompted Newsom to warn the city last month that it violated state law and called on the city to reverse course.

However, the city council reiterated its stance and decided to extend the moratorium for another ten months.

RELATED COVERAGE: Newsom finds Norwalk violating housing regulations

“Today’s lawsuit should come as no surprise. Despite receiving multiple warnings, the City of Norwalk has refused to lift its unlawful ban on new supportive housing for our most vulnerable residents. Enough is enough,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Every city and county in California has a legal obligation to help solve our homelessness crisis. We have not hesitated and will not hesitate to ensure that everyone with the authority to approve or deny housing takes their responsibilities seriously.”

According to Newsom's office, the city of Norwalk has only issued permits for 175 housing units in the current “housing element cycle,” which is just 3.5% of the assigned allotment of 5,034 units “needed to ensure their community has enough housing.” has”.

On Oct. 3, the state announced it would decertify Norwalk's housing component in response to the city's ban on homeless shelters. This means the city is not entitled to housing and homeless funding.

RELATED COVERAGE: Norwalk residents are reacting to the city's expansion of its ban on homeless shelters