The Long Track Back
LA City Council Pushes Back Against SB 79: What’s at Stake for Housing Near Transit
The LA City Council narrowly voted to oppose SB 79, a state bill that would allow mid-rise housing near Metro stations and major bus corridors, highlighting the ongoing clash between local control and state-led solutions to Los Angeles’ housing crisis.
Last Updated on September 5, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Los Angeles, California, USA downtown cityscape at City Hall.
Los Angeles is once again at the center of California’s ongoing housing debate. On August 20, 2025, the LA City Council voted 8–5 to oppose Senate Bill 79 (SB 79), a statewide housing reform bill authored by Senator Scott Wiener. The legislation aims to allow taller housing—up to six or nine stories—near rail stations and major bus corridors, bypassing local zoning restrictions.
The close vote highlights a deep divide within Los Angeles politics: Should the city embrace state-led housing reform to tackle the crisis, or double down on its own local strategies?
What SB 79 Proposes
SB 79 is the latest in a series of bills seeking to override restrictive local zoning in the name of solving California’s housing shortage. Similar to Wiener’s earlier effort, SB 50, the new bill would:
Permit mid-rise housing within ½ mile of rail stations and along major bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors. Require affordability set-asides (20% in some cases). Eliminate single-family zoning near transit hubs to promote denser, transit-oriented development.
For advocates, the bill is common sense: build more homes where people already ride transit. For opponents, it’s another example of Sacramento stripping away local control.
Why the LA City Council Opposed SB 79
The council’s majority, led by members like Traci Park and John Lee, argued that:
Local Control Matters – Neighborhoods and city planners should decide how LA grows, not the state legislature. Infrastructure Costs – City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto warned that more density could strain utilities, services, and transit—costs that could fall on taxpayers. Existing Plans Are Enough – Opponents pointed to LA’s updated housing strategy and Citywide Housing Incentive Program, arguing the city is already on track without state interference.
Mayor Karen Bass endorsed the council’s opposition—though with a twist. She said she could support SB 79 if Los Angeles were exempted, since its housing plan is already state-approved.
The Case for SB 79
On the other side, five councilmembers—including Nithya Raman, Eunisses Hernandez, and Marqueece Harris-Dawson—voted against opposing SB 79. They argued LA’s housing shortage is too severe to rely solely on local action.
“Our actions have not met the moment,” Raman said. “We need bold solutions, even if that means giving up some control.”
Housing advocates outside City Hall agree. Groups like California YIMBY and Streets for All say SB 79 is crucial to unlock housing where it’s most needed—near Metro lines and job centers. They warn that LA’s stance signals a retreat to exclusionary zoning, despite one of the worst affordability crises in the nation.
Where SB 79 Would Hit Home
If SB 79 becomes law, the changes would be most visible along Metro rail lines and bus corridors:
Expo / E Line (Santa Monica to DTLA) – Santa Monica, Culver City, USC, Exposition Park Wilshire Corridor (B & D Lines) – Koreatown, Mid-Wilshire, Miracle Mile, Beverly Hills, Westwood (future extension) Crenshaw / K Line – Inglewood, Baldwin Hills, Leimert Park South LA (A Line) – Watts, Florence, Willowbrook, Downtown LA Valley (G Line BRT) – North Hollywood, Van Nuys, Reseda, Canoga Park
That means South LA and East LA could see new development pressures—raising displacement concerns—while affluent areas like Santa Monica, Westwood, and Beverly Hills could face state-mandated density they’ve long resisted.
Why It Matters for LA’s Future
Housing Goals: LA is supposed to plan for ~450,000 new homes by 2029 but is falling far short. Climate Goals: More housing near transit could reduce car dependence and cut emissions. 2028 Olympics: With billions invested in LA Metro, international attention will be on whether LA embraces transit-oriented growth or clings to sprawl.
In many ways, the SB 79 debate isn’t just about housing—it’s about whether California is willing to override local zoning in its largest city to meet statewide goals.
What’s Next
SB 79 has already passed the State Senate and is now moving through the Assembly. Its fate could hinge on whether cities like Los Angeles win exemptions. If it passes without carveouts, LA may be forced to accept taller housing near virtually every Metro station and major transit corridor.
Either way, the fight underscores LA’s crossroads: Will it choose bold, statewide solutions to its housing crisis, or continue to guard local control—even if it means building fewer homes?
✍️ Bottom Line:
The LA City Council’s opposition to SB 79 is a powerful political statement, but it may not stop the bill. Whether LA gets exempted—or whether SB 79 becomes the new housing law of the land—will shape how the city grows for decades to come.
Related Links
Los Angeles Times: Denser housing near transit stops opposed by LA City Council
California YIMBY: Statement on LA City Council vote on SB 79
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Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026 Across Southern California
Metrolink offers fare-free rides for Earth Day 2026 across Southern California, encouraging sustainable travel and reduced emissions.
Metrolink Offers Fare-Free Rides for Earth Day 2026
LOS ANGELES — April 22, 2026 — In a continued push toward sustainable transportation, Metrolink will once again offer systemwide free rides on Earth Day, inviting commuters and travelers to leave their cars behind and explore a cleaner way to move across the region.
A One-Day Opportunity to Ride Free
On Wednesday, April 22, passengers can board any Metrolink train — including the Arrow service — without purchasing a ticket. The initiative is part of the broader celebration of Earth Day, encouraging environmentally conscious travel choices.
The fare-free program is designed to appeal to both regular riders and first-time users, particularly those navigating Southern California’s persistent traffic congestion and rising fuel costs.
Encouraging Sustainable Travel Habits
“Earth Day is a reminder that small changes, like choosing public transit over driving one day a week, can have a meaningful impact on our environment,” said Doug Chaffee, chair of the Metrolink Board.
With gas prices continuing to strain household budgets, the agency hopes the initiative will inspire more residents to consider rail as part of their regular commute.
Regional Connections Expand Access
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion aligns with similar efforts by other Southern California transit providers. Riders can seamlessly connect to services operated by: LA Metro and the Orange County Transportation Authority, Riverside County Transportation Commission, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority and Ventura County Transportation Commission.
These partnerships extend the reach of fare-free travel across a six-county region, making it easier for riders to explore destinations without relying on personal vehicles.
Service Adjustments and Rider Tips
Passengers should note that trains will operate on a reduced weekday schedule, implemented earlier this spring. Despite the adjustment, all Metrolink lines and station cities remain in service.
For those planning a trip:
- No ticket is required — simply board the train
- Bikes are welcome, with capacity ranging from three bikes per standard car to nine in designated bike cars
- A curated destination guide highlights attractions within walking or biking distance of stations
Environmental and Economic Impact
Metrolink is also promoting its Personal Impact Calculator, a digital tool that allows riders to estimate how switching from driving to rail can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower fuel expenses.
A Broader Trend in Public Transit
Fare-free transit days have gained traction nationwide as agencies look to boost ridership and promote sustainability. Southern California’s expansive commuter rail network makes it particularly well-suited for such initiatives, offering a viable alternative to one of the country’s most car-dependent regions.
Bottom Line
Metrolink’s Earth Day promotion is more than a one-day free ride — it’s a strategic effort to shift commuter behavior, reduce environmental impact, and showcase the convenience of regional rail. For Southern Californians, April 22 presents a low-risk opportunity to rethink how they travel.
Source: Metrolink
https://metrolinktrains.com/news/metrolink-goes-fare-free-for-earth-day-on-april-22
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Last Updated on April 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Few transportation systems in the world are as instantly recognizable as the cable cars of San Francisco. Climbing steep hills with a steady hum and a nostalgic charm, these moving landmarks are more than just a tourist attraction—they’re a triumph of innovation born out of necessity.
🐎 A Problem on the Hills
In the mid-1800s, San Francisco was growing rapidly, but its geography posed a serious challenge. The city’s steep inclines made travel difficult, especially for horse-drawn streetcars, which were the primary form of public transportation at the time.
Horses often struggled to pull heavy loads uphill, and accidents were common. In some cases, animals collapsed under the strain. This dangerous and inefficient system needed a solution.
💡 The Vision of Andrew Hallidie
That solution came from Andrew Smith Hallidie, an engineer and entrepreneur who envisioned a safer, more reliable way to move people through the city.
Hallidie developed a system in which streetcars would be pulled by a continuously moving cable running beneath the street—eliminating the need for horses altogether.
⚙️ The First Cable Car Line
On August 2, 1873, Hallidie launched the world’s first cable car system: the Clay Street Hill Railroad.
This groundbreaking line proved that cable-powered transit could successfully navigate San Francisco’s steep terrain. Instead of relying on animal power, cars used a mechanical grip to latch onto a moving cable underground, allowing them to glide smoothly up and down hills.
The innovation quickly captured public attention—and demand.
🚀 A City Transformed
Following the success of the Clay Street line, cable car systems spread rapidly across San Francisco.
By the late 19th century:
- Dozens of routes crisscrossed the city
- Cable cars became the backbone of urban transportation
- The system helped shape the city’s growth and accessibility
For a time, San Francisco operated the largest and most advanced cable car network in the world.
⚡ The Rise of Electric Streetcars
Despite their success, cable cars faced competition from emerging electric streetcar systems in the early 20th century. Electric trolleys were cheaper to build and operate, and they didn’t require the complex underground cable infrastructure.
The turning point came after the devastating 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which destroyed much of the city—including large portions of the cable car network.
When rebuilding began, many lines were converted to electric systems instead of restoring the older cable technology.
San Francisco’s cable car system, first launched in 1873, remains the last manually operated system of its kind. According to the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) , the system was designed to safely navigate the city’s steep terrain.
The cable cars are now designated as a National Historic Landmark, recognized for their cultural and engineering significance by the National Park Service .
Visitors can explore the history and mechanics of the system at the San Francisco Cable Car Museum , which preserves original equipment and archives.
🛑 Saving a Symbol
By the 1940s, cable cars were on the brink of extinction.
That’s when Friedel Klussmann stepped in. A passionate preservationist, Klussmann led a public campaign to protect the remaining lines from being dismantled.
Her efforts culminated in a successful 1947 voter referendum that ensured the survival of San Francisco’s cable cars—transforming them from everyday transit into a preserved cultural landmark.
🌉 Cable Cars Today
Today, San Francisco’s cable cars are:
- The last manually operated cable car system in the world
- A National Historic Landmark
- One of the most visited attractions in California
Three lines remain in operation:
- Powell–Hyde Line
- Powell–Mason Line
- California Street Line
While they still function as public transit, they now serve as a moving museum—connecting modern riders with the city’s past.
🎯 Why It Matters
San Francisco’s cable cars represent more than a mode of transportation. They tell a story of innovation, resilience, and community action.
From solving a practical problem to becoming a global icon, the cable car system reflects how cities adapt—and how people fight to preserve what makes them unique.
📌 “Now You Know”
San Francisco’s cable cars weren’t built for tourism—they were invented to solve a life-and-death problem on steep city streets. Today, they remain the last system of their kind anywhere in the world.
🔗 External Sources & Related Links
- SFMTA – Cable Cars Overview
- San Francisco Cable Car Museum
- National Park Service – Historic Landmark Info
- Britannica – Cable Car History
- History.com – Invention of Cable Cars
Explore the latest in innovation, AI, gadgets, startups, and digital trends in STM Daily News’ Techsection.
LOS ANGELES — Century Boulevard is one of the most recognizable east–west corridors in South Los Angeles, stretching from Watts to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). But despite its grand-sounding name, the origin of “Century” is surprisingly simple—and rooted in math.
The Meaning Behind “Century”
Century Boulevard sits roughly 100 blocks south of downtown Los Angeles, where the city’s street numbering system begins at 1st Street and Main Street. Instead of naming the road “100th Street,” city planners opted for a more distinctive and memorable name: Century Boulevard.
In this case, “Century” literally means 100.
Part of Los Angeles’ Grid System
Los Angeles was designed using a grid-based street layout, especially in its expanding southern neighborhoods during the early 20th century. Streets were often named or numbered based on their distance from downtown.
Century Boulevard aligns with what would have been the 100th Street corridor—making it a key reference point in the city’s geography.
A Street That Evolved Over Time
Before it became Century Boulevard, portions of the roadway were known by other names, including Pine Avenue and San Antonio Street. As the region developed and expanded, these segments were unified under a single name in the 1920s.
This consolidation helped streamline navigation and supported growing transportation needs.
From Local Road to Global Gateway
The importance of Century Boulevard grew significantly with the rise of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Today, it serves as a major gateway for millions of travelers entering the city.
The road connects diverse communities—from historic neighborhoods in South Los Angeles to the bustling airport corridor—making it both a local lifeline and an international entry point.
More Than Just a Name
Century Boulevard reflects a broader pattern in Los Angeles street naming:
- Some streets honor historical figures
- Others reflect geography or culture
- And some, like Century, are rooted in the city’s structured grid system
It’s a reminder that even the most ordinary street names can reveal deeper stories about how a city was built.
The Bottom Line
Century Boulevard isn’t named after an event—it’s named for its location. Positioned at the 100th Street line, it represents both the logic of Los Angeles’ design and the growth of the city over time.
Now you know.
Related External Links
- Century Boulevard – Overview and History
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) – Official Website
- Los Angeles City Planning Department
- Los Angeles Public Library: The Story Behind LA Street Names
- LA Metro – Transportation System Information
- Calisphere – Historical Images and Maps of Los Angeles
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
