San Dimas leaders plan opposition letter to Senate Bill 79 as A Line station opens

Councilmembers in San Dimas discussed state legislation on Sept. 27 that would change local permitting near transit stations and asked staff to move quickly to register the city’s opposition.

The city’s closed-session report was followed by a briefing on Senate Bill 79, which—according to the briefing—would allow by‑right residential development up to six stories within a quarter‑mile of A Line stations and include higher allowances for certain affordable projects. The material presented noted the bill had passed both houses and was pending the governor’s signature; the speaker said the governor’s deadline for action falls in October.

Councilmembers expressed concern that the bill would “eliminate local control” and requested the city manager prepare or send a five‑signature letter opposing the measure if the timeline would not allow full council consideration. Councilmember Vienna said the bill is “deeply concerning and frankly is a direct threat on local control” and urged a strongly worded response. The city manager indicated he planned to send a letter on behalf of the city to meet the Oct. 12 deadline and offered to share proposed language with councilmembers who wished to send individual letters.

No formal ordinance or resolution was introduced; the action taken was direction to staff to transmit opposition correspondence in the governor’s window.

What’s next: The city manager will send the letter before the stated deadline and bring proposed language to council members by email for their individual use or for a joint five‑signature communication if feasible.