News Summary
Residents of South Park, San Diego, gathered at the 28th St Playground to protest against Senate Bill 79, which could allow denser housing near public transport. Organized by Preserve Greater Golden Hill, the coalition argues that the bill prioritizes developers over local homeowners. They express concerns about the potential negative impact on the community and the need for improved infrastructure support for any new housing developments. As the legislative deadline approaches, the debate over Senate Bill 79 continues to influence community discussions on housing and development.
San Diego – Dozens of residents gathered at the 28th St Playground in South Park on Sunday to protest proposed housing changes in San Diego neighborhoods, primarily Senate Bill 79. This protest was organized by Preserve Greater Golden Hill, a grassroots coalition of neighbors concerned about the impact of new housing developments on their community.
Senate Bill 79, if approved, would allow developers to construct taller and denser housing within a half-mile of public transportation. Structures built under this legislation could reach heights of up to six stories, transforming the neighborhood’s landscape. The residents are advocating for growth that prioritizes safe, equitable, and scaled development, as echoed by Richard Santini, a long-time Golden Hill resident.
The coalition’s primary contention is that Senate Bill 79 represents a “one size fits all” approach to California’s housing crisis. Members of Preserve Greater Golden Hill express concern that the bill could disadvantage potential homeowners. They fear that homeowners would find themselves competing against developers who can afford to pay cash for homes, often exceeding market values by significant margins. This financial disparity could push homeownership further out of reach for local residents.
Advocates for the bill argue that it addresses the pressing housing needs in San Diego, but those opposed emphasize the necessity of accompanying infrastructure improvements. Santini highlights the inadequacies of current public transit options, which do not sufficiently connect residents to major employment centers. He insists that any housing development must be supported by robust infrastructure, including expanded bus routes and trolley lines, to ensure residents can easily access jobs, services, and amenities.
The last major expansion of the Metropolitan Transit System’s trolley service occurred in September 2024 with the Copper Line opening between El Cajon and Santee. However, community members feel that the presence of planned transport options in city planning documents does not adequately meet their needs or adequately address the current public transportation concerns.
Senate Bill 79 remains in consideration and must pass a vote in the California Assembly before undergoing a final vote in the State Senate. The legislative clock is ticking as lawmakers face a September 12 deadline to approve this critical housing bill as the current session concludes.
Residents and community groups like Preserve Greater Golden Hill continue to mobilize and raise awareness regarding the potential implications of the proposed housing changes. They advocate not only for more housing options in San Diego but also for a careful and measured approach to development that considers the existing community’s needs and infrastructure capabilities.
The protest at the 28th St Playground highlights the growing concern among local neighborhoods about how housing policies will shape the future of their communities. As the legislative session approaches its deadline, the urgent discussions around Senate Bill 79 and its potential impacts are likely to continue shaping the conversation in San Diego.
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Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego: Protest Against Housing Bill
- Google Search: California housing bill
- Fox 5 San Diego: Housing Density March
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing density
- San Diego Union-Tribune: Housing Resistance
- Google News: San Diego high-rise protest
- Times of San Diego: Protest Against 14-Story Apartments
- Google Scholar: Housing protests California
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SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
