News Summary
California’s Senate Bill 79 proposes legalizing multi-family housing near transit hubs, including Coronado, to combat the ongoing housing crisis. While advocates believe it will alleviate housing shortages, concerns are raised about its impact on community quality of life. Additionally, recent events highlight safety issues on the Coronado Bridge, emphasizing the community’s challenges in balancing development and public safety.
Coronado – California Senate Bill 79 is drawing significant attention as it proposes the legalization of multi-family housing construction near transit hubs, including areas within a half-mile radius of the Coronado Ferry Landing. Advocates of the bill assert that increased housing density in these locations could help alleviate the state’s ongoing housing crisis. However, there is growing concern from some community members that such measures could negatively impact the quality of life in smaller towns like Coronado.
Recent commentaries have expressed fears that SB 79 will “undermine” liveability and potentially “devastate” the town’s character. Critics of the bill are urged to set aside what is referred to as the “BANANA” attitude, which stands for “Build Absolutely Nothing Anywhere Near Anything.” This stance often reflects resistance to development in many communities, potentially hampering efforts to address crucial housing needs.
The United States, and particularly California, is currently facing a severe housing crisis characterized by rising housing costs, long commutes due to insufficient affordable options, habitat destruction, and increased rates of homelessness. Indicators of this crisis include inflation in housing prices, a declining population in some areas, and an increasing number of young adults abandoning traditional milestones such as home ownership, often referred to as the “American Dream.”
As part of California’s trend towards urbanization, Coronado may play a crucial role in easing the state’s housing woes. Local governments, including Coronado, have already taken steps, such as zoning the Smart & Final site and its parking lot for potential housing development. Locating multi-family housing in proximity to existing transit infrastructure promotes efficiency and could reduce dependence on personal vehicles, thereby easing traffic congestion and minimizing ecological footprints.
Support for Senate Bill 79 is reportedly growing among California residents who are increasingly voting for representatives advocating for a more robust housing framework. As Coronado residents look toward the future, they are encouraged to communicate with their local representative, Tasha Boerner, regarding the importance of supporting SB 79 to help construct more affordable housing options.
In an unrelated recent event, a life-saving incident on the San Diego-Coronado Bridge underscored the potential dangers associated with the bridge, which has been the site of approximately 300 suicides since its opening in 1969. A Navy air crewman, identified as Petty Officer 3rd Class Nick Pisano, intervened when he noticed an 82-year-old man attempting to jump into the bay. Pisano acted swiftly to physically restrain the individual, deeming the situation too urgent to ignore.
A nurse who happened upon the scene complimented Pisano for his selfless actions and expressed gratitude on social media. Following the incident, the 82-year-old man was taken to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation after law enforcement was notified. This incident has reignited discussions about the need for effective deterrent barriers on the Coronado Bridge.
The Coronado Bridge Collaborative is advocating for studies to explore barrier designs aimed at preventing future suicides on the bridge. The coalition is calling for a closer examination of successful models in other regions and has urged local authorities to prioritize this issue to safeguard lives and promote mental health awareness in the community.
As Coronado grapples with both the challenges surrounding housing development and public safety, the community is at a crossroads. The outcomes of Senate Bill 79 and discussions about bridge safety will play an integral role in shaping the future landscape of Coronado.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
California Senate Passes Bill for High-Density Housing
California Enacts Senate Bill 79, Reshaping Coronado’s Zoning Laws
California’s Recovery Efforts Post-Palisades Fire
California Lawmakers Address Rising Voter Concerns on Living Costs
California’s Housing Crisis Deepens in 2024
California News Roundup: Ups and Downs This Week
Additional Resources
- LA Times: Coronado Bridge Incident
- Wikipedia: Coronado Bridge
- LA Times: Chris Mullin’s Condo
- Google Search: California housing crisis
- LA Times: Coronado Multifamily Housing
- Google Scholar: Urbanization in California
- LA Times: Opinion on California Housing Crisis
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Housing
Author: STAFF HERE CORONADO
The Coronado Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HERECoronado.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Coronado, 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 the Coronado Island Film Festival, productions at Lamb’s Players Theatre, community workshops at John D. Spreckels Center, and iconic celebrations at Hotel del Coronado. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Coronado Chamber of Commerce and Visit Coronado, plus leading businesses in hospitality, dining, and tourism that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERESanDiego.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
