Monte Sereno council adopts revised letter opposing SB 79, adds 'elected' to emphasize local control

The Monte Sereno City Council voted on June 27 to adopt a revised letter opposing SB 79, a state proposal tied to transit-oriented development sponsored by Senator Scott Wiener. Councilmembers discussed two drafts, agreed the substance was the same but favored removing inflammatory phrasing, and added the word 'elected' before 'local governments' in the penultimate paragraph to underscore local democratic authority.

Public commenter Liz Lawler had urged the council to point out that "transit agencies are not elected," arguing the bill "blatantly skirts the democratic process." Council members debated tone versus emphasis: several said they preferred a neutral letter that still makes the city's objections clear. One councilmember proposed the exact wording change to specify "elected local governments," and others agreed that insertion would address Lawler's concern without alienating the bill’s sponsor.

Council moved, seconded and voted to adopt the revised letter with the single-word addition; the motion passed. The letter (as adopted) states that state-driven ministerial or by-right housing approval processes fail to recognize the public engagement associated with local zoning and general plan updates and that elected local governments are best positioned to assess impacts and develop tailored solutions.

The action sends Monte Sereno’s position on SB 79 to the appropriate state contacts. The council did not take further legislative action at the meeting.