In the last six years, Poway has constructed fewer homes than all but three cities in the county, with only 14.1 homes built per 1,000 residents—a trend that likely won’t change anytime soon.
Nearly all of Poway’s land is designated for single-family homes, with one study indicating this zoning type comprises 98 percent of the city, marking it as the highest percentage of single-family zoning in the county.
While city officials dispute the study’s conclusions, they acknowledge that much of Poway, apart from a 2.65-mile segment of Poway Road, is reserved for single-family residences. The city’s zoning map and sizable lot requirements severely restrict new construction, and officials do not plan on altering this framework.
A significant contributing factor to the city’s limited housing development is a prohibition on building across a substantial portion of its land—about 53 percent—to safeguard the endangered coastal sage scrub habitat, which hosts at least one federally threatened bird species.
Despite the slow growth in housing, state authorities have not yet compelled Poway’s leadership to implement significant changes.
Bad News: Ending Airbnb’s Won’t Resolve the Housing Crisis
Can stricter Airbnb regulations alleviate the rent crisis in California?
As much as we’d love to tackle both the disruptive vacation rental issue and the housing shortage simultaneously, achieving that goal isn’t straightforward.
Following last week’s housing coverage, Social Media Reporter Bella Ross utilized Reels to analyze the situation regarding short-term vacation rentals in San Diego and why their influence on the housing shortage might not be as significant as presumed.
In summary: Yes, they pose a problem, but we still need to construct more homes.
Watch the complete video here.
San Diego County Listed on Trump’s Immigration ‘No-No’ List
This Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice released a list of 35 municipalities identified as “sanctuary jurisdictions,” which included cities, states, and four counties, among them San Diego County.
As part of its crackdown on immigration policies, the administration has criticized so-called sanctuary policies. These policies, such as California’s SB 54, generally prevent local law enforcement from engaging in immigration raids or collaborating with federal immigration officials.
In the statement issued Tuesday, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced intentions to litigate against municipalities upholding such policies, claiming they “hinder law enforcement and inherently endanger American citizens.”
In a statement sent to KPBS, Attorney General Rob Bonta voiced strong opposition.
“The Trump Administration cannot coerce or threaten state and local law enforcement into executing the federal government’s duties, as it seeks to do with the latest version of this list,” he commented.
During Trump’s first term, California’s SB 54 faced a legal challenge. However, in 2019, the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the law, noting that it aligns with California’s rights under the Tenth Amendment, which grants states powers not explicitly allocated to the federal government.
Song of the Week
Band Argument, “do not”: The brilliance of Band Argument continually astounds me. Their unique sound—a somewhat undefinable blend of progressive rock—might not be groundbreaking, but their approach distinguishes them.
Their music is characterized by vibrant, exhilarating bursts of energy that manage to feel wonderfully controlled. It’s chaotic yet inviting and laid-back. To experience that delightful contrast, listen to their singles “my knight” or “do not” from the upcoming album “if the accidernt will.”
Achieving those contrasting sounds simultaneously is akin to a sonic balancing act, and somehow, Band Argument never falters.
Enjoying what you hear? Join Band Argument’s album release show at Whistle Stop on Friday, August 8.
Have a “Song of the Week” suggestion? Email us a few sentences about why this song has been on your playlist lately. Just a reminder: all songs should feature local artists!
In Other News
- A federal judge has approved a significant settlement from a 2022 lawsuit claiming none of the San Diego County jails comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. As part of the agreement, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office will undertake renovations to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. (Union-Tribune)
- A collection of Pacific Beach residents has filed a lawsuit to halt a 100-unit ADU project in their area. (Union-Tribune)
- Chula Vista is once again taking its dispute over police drone footage to California’s Supreme Court. (City News Service)
The Morning Report was authored by Jakob McWhinney and Bella Ross, with editing by Scott Lewis.
