Although this letter reflects my personal position and is not an official action or policy of the City of Temecula or the Temecula City Council, I respectfully endorse the City of Murrieta's submission of this resolution and encourage its favorable consideration by the League of California Cities General Assembly.
Thank you for your leadership and your thoughtful consideration of this important issue.
Respectfully,
Jessica Alexander
Mayor, City of Temecula
Signing in her individual capacity
and not on behalf of the City of Temecula
or the Temecula City Council.
22 2026 Resolution Packet
Resolution No. 1: Staff Analysis
23 League of California Cities Staff Analysis on Resolution No. 1 Staff: Brady Guertin, Legislative Advocate
Committee: Housing, Community, and Economic Development Summary:
Resolution No.1 states that the League of California Cities (Cal Cities) will:
1. Support the development and advancement of a state constitutional amendment or legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategy that restores and strengthens local authority over housing and land use matters, including general plans, housing elements, zoning, density, design and development standards, project siting, and the approval or denial of housing development applications.
Pursuant to the resolution, the strategy should preserve the state’s authority to set broad, statewide housing goals and enforce civil rights, fair housing, building safety, and environmental standards while protecting local control by preventing the state from compelling the approval of developments that conflict with local requirements, override local zoning or density standards, or overturn local land use decisions where a city has planned for and maintained sufficient capacity to meet its housing obligations.
2. Consider establishing a statewide working group or other appropriate committee(s) to evaluate and develop a proposed constitutional amendment or other legislative, policy, or ballot-based strategies to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters.
The resolution states: “conducting legal, fiscal, and policy analyses; engaging cities and other stakeholders; and building a statewide coalition of proponent supporters in preparation for the November 2030 General Election, or within another reasonable time period.” Background:
As provided in the background information, the city of Murrieta is sponsoring this resolution in response to concerns over state laws that have increasingly reduced city discretion over housing and land use decisions, including legislation that requires ministerial or by-right approvals for housing projects, limits the application of local development standards, and strengthens state enforcement mechanisms against local governments.
Additionally, the city of Murrieta, in its background information, maintains that these legislative efforts have not resulted in sufficient housing production to address California's housing shortage and have not adequately accounted for 24 local infrastructure, public service needs, public safety, market, and fiscal considerations.
The resolution states that California’s housing goals are better advanced through state funding, streamlined environmental requirements, and voluntary partnerships, while preserving local authority over how and where housing is best planned and approved.
Consideration of the resolution may be informed by a brief examination of how the California Constitution allocates authority between the state and cities with respect to land use decisions.
The constitution grants cities the power to adopt local laws to protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare. This grant is called the “police power,” which is the basis for local land use regulation. The constitution grants charter cities the additional power to adopt local laws affecting “municipal affairs.” This power, commonly referred to as “home rule,” is based on the principle that a city, rather than the state, is in the best position to identify and satisfy the needs of the local community.
The constitution’s broad grant of police power contains a significant limitation.
Local law adopted under the police power is not valid if it “conflicts” with state law. A local law “conflicts” with state law when it regulates the same “field” in which the Legislature has stated its intent to occupy. In that case, state law is said to “preempt” the local law and it cannot be enforced.
An ordinance adopted by a charter city under the municipal affairs power cannot be enforced if it affects a “matter of statewide concern.” The subjects that have been identified as “matters of statewide concern” have changed over the years due to economic, social, and political circumstances.
Since the 1960s, the state has enacted numerous laws that limit or preempt aspects of local land use and zoning authority. These laws include the Fair Employment and Housing Act, Housing Element Law, Housing Accountability Act, Density Bonus Law, Permit Streamlining Act, accessory dwelling unit laws, California Environmental Quality Act, and others. In recent years, the state has enacted several laws that Cal Cities was the leading opposition force against, as many of the proposals pre-empted local land use authority, limited public review, and constrained local flexibility. In support of its housing and land use legislation, the Legislature has cited a statewide housing crisis and the need for increased housing production at all income levels while asserting that a uniform approach to local land use decision-making is required. 25 Discussion:
The resolution does not prescribe a specific policy mechanism. The eight letters in support recommend creating a working group or committee to evaluate potential approaches, including legislative proposals, constitutional amendments, or ballot initiatives to strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters.
A discussion of a strategy to restore and strengthen local authority over housing and land use matters will need to consider the California Constitution’s framework for both preemption of police power enactments and municipal affairs, discussed above. It will also need to determine whether changes to the California Constitution will be proposed, and whether they constitute an amendment or a revision, which require different processes.
A constitutional revision is a multistep process blending legislative consensus, voter support, and on occasion, a constitutional convention. It requires significant public engagement.
A constitutional amendment would require a ballot initiative, which includes gathering enough valid signatures to qualify for the ballot, building large coalitions to support election efforts, and campaigning to voters to support the initiative. This process can involve significant costs. In the last major election for ballot initiatives in 2024, proponents spent $8-$18 million to qualify for the ballot and spent nearly $700 million for the full election cycle, averaging out to about $100 million per ballot initiative.
Cal Cities has been engaged in ballot advocacy for over 20 years. In the early 2000s, Cal Cities developed a ballot advocacy infrastructure that included forming an issue political action committee, fundraising, establishing a network of regional managers, and building a coalition with other organizations to ultimately advocate on a ballot measure. Ballot advocacy requires the approval of the Board of Directors with a supermajority vote.
In the Legislature, Cal Cities plays an active and influential role to ensure that local flexibility and autonomy in the land use and housing space is maintained by engaging on dozens of bills every legislative session to ensure that cities' voices are heard at the state Capitol. Below, you will find Cal Cities “Existing Policy” on local control, housing, and land use policies.
Fiscal Impact
The resolution itself would not have a significant direct fiscal impact. However, depending on what actions follow, the fiscal costs could be significant. 26 Existing Cal Cities Policy
Vision
To be recognized and respected as the leading advocate for the common interests of California's cities.
Mission Statement
To expand and protect local control for cities through education and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for all Californians.
We Believe
• Local self-governance is the cornerstone of democracy. • Our strength lies in the unity of our diverse communities of interest. • In the involvement of all stakeholders in establishing goals and in solving problems.
• In conducting the business of government with transparency, openness, respect, and civility.
• The spirit of honest public service is what builds communities. • Open decision-making that is of the highest ethical standards honors the public trust.
• Cities are vital to the strength of the California economy. • The vitality of cities is dependent upon their fiscal stability and local autonomy.
• The active participation of all city officials increases the League's effectiveness.
• Partnerships and collaborations are essential elements of focused advocacy and lobbying.
• Ethical and well-informed city officials are essential for responsive, visionary leadership and effective and efficient city operations.
Zoning
Cal Cities believes local zoning is a primary function of cities and is an essential component of home rule. The process of adoption, implementation and enforcement of zoning ordinances should be open and fair to the public and enhance the responsiveness of local decision-makers. State policy should leave local siting and use decisions to the city and not interfere with local prerogative beyond providing a constitutionally valid procedure for adopting local regulations. State agency siting of facilities, including campuses and office buildings, should be subject to local notice and hearing requirements in order to meet concerns of the local community. Cal Cities opposes legislation that seeks to limit local authority over parking requirements.
Housing Element
Housing issues should be addressed in the general plan as other planning issues are. The housing element should be prepared for the benefit of local 27 governments and should have equal status with the other elements of the general plan.
Encourage Full Community Participation
Foster an open and inclusive community dialogue and promote alliances and partnerships to meet community needs.
Well-Planned New Growth
Recognize and preserve open space, watersheds, environmental habitats, and agricultural lands, while accommodating new growth in compact forms, in a manner that:
• De-emphasizes automobile dependency;
• Integrates the new growth into existing communities;
• Creates a diversity of affordable housing near employment centers; • Provides job opportunities for people of all ages and income levels.
Support:
The following letters of concurrence were received:
City of Banning
City of Calimesa
City of Canyon Lake
City of Moreno Valley
City of Norco
City of Torrance
Crystal Ruiz, Mayor, City of San Jacinto
Jessica Alexander, Mayor, City of Temecula
28 Informational Items 8
September 3, 2026
Patricia Krause, City Clerk / Administrative Services Director City Council Staff Report
Informational Items.
SUMMARY:
Items included in this section provide City Council with updates on business not requiring a full report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
N/A
ANALYSIS:
All items under this category are considered for informational purpose only.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW:
N/A
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS:
8a: City Project List
8b: MyWaterford Report
Streets
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
Yosemite Ave. Pedestrian Project (Caltrans) Michael Pitcock Lonnie Statzer High $6,000,000 (SHOPP) Complete
F Street Overlay Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $1,500,000 (Measure L) Complete
F Street Improvements at Western Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $300,000 (STBG and CMAQ) Complete
Dorsey, Pecan and Western Pedestrian and Roadway Improvements Michael Pitcock Lonnie Statzer High $300,000 (CDBG) Complete
Yosemite Pedestrian Improvements Reinway to Eucalyptus Michael Pitcock Lonnie Statzer High $946,000 (ATP) Complete
Yosemite at Pasadena Signal Improvements Michael Pitcock Lonnie Statzer High $600,000 (CMAQ) Complete
Skyline Road Improvements Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $450,000 (STBG) Complete
E Street Improvements Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $600,000 (SB1) Complete
G Street Improvements Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $600,000 (CDBG) Complete
Measure L Cape Seal Project Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $960,000 (Measure L Complete
Bonnie Brae Improvements Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer 500000 (STBG) Out to Bid
Tim Bell Pedestrian Improvements Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $1,993,000 (ATP) Ready for advertisement Housing Development
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
Bentley Estates Michael Pitcock High NA Property was listed for sale.
Reinway North of Moon School Annexation Michael Pitcock High NA Annexation and tentative map approved. The developer is looking at a potential 98 homes
Waterstone A Michael Pitcock High NA Final Map for 27 Single Family Homes Approved. Homes in Construction
City Projects
Waterstone C Phase 1 Michael Pitcock High NA Final Map for Phase 1, 17 of 52 Single Family Homes Approved. Homes in Construction
Waterstone C Phase 2 Michael Pitcock High NA Final Map for Phase 2, 35 of 52 Single Family Homes Approve.
Waterstone D Michael Pitcock High NA Tentative Map approved for 37 Single Family Homes
Waterstone E Michael Pitcock High NA Tentative Map approved received for 19 Single Family Homes
Moe Jawad Michael Pitcock High NA Tentative Map for 53 Single Family Homes Approved
Lake Pointe Michael Pitcock High NA
Application for Phase 1 and 2 received and
approved by Planning Commision. The
developer is looking at a potential 412 homes
Economic Development
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
F St and Yosemite Fuel Station Michael Pitcock High N/A Complete E Street Public Storage Michael Pitcock High N/A In Construction Facilities / Property
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
ADA Transition Plan Implementation Lonnie Statzer Low Varies On-Going Local Hazardous Mitigation Plan Update Lonnie Statzer Low N/A Complete Council Chambers Equipment Upgrade Patricia Krause High $52,000 Complete Public Safety
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
License Plate Reader Program Michael Pitcock High
$10,000 up front and $3,300
monthly for maintenance and
monitoring.
Complete
Utilities
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
Water Rate Study Lonnie Statzer
Tina Envia High $40,000 Complete
WWTP Biosolids Screening Upgrade - Self Help Enterprises Grant
Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $500,000 Unfunded On Hold
Water System Consolidation - Hickman Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $3,000,000 Unfunded Complete
Biosolids Removal 2024 Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $250,000 Complete
Drying Bed Monitoring Well Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $50,000 Complete
Tim Bell Water and Sewer Extension to Vineyard Michael Pitcock Lonnie Statzer High $2,500,000 (ARPA) Complete
WWTP Road Repair Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $1,100,000 (FEMA) Complete
Parks and Trails
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
Triangle Parcel - Neighborhood Park Lonnie Statzer Low Unknown Selling land to FH for two SFD S. Reinway Sports Complex Lonnie Statzer Low Unfunded
Working on application for grant funding for
improvements. Application will be submitted in
August.
Dog Park (Prop 68 Per Capita Grant) Lonnie Statzer High $250,000 Grant and Park Impact Fees Complete
Beard Park Improvements (Prop 68 Competitive Grant) Lonnie Statzer Low $1,000,000 Million Unfunded Grant Denied. Waiting to see if another cycle to apply is available.
Tennis (Pickle Ball) Court Remodel Lonnie Statzer High $200,000 Budgeted Complete Community Center Remodel Michael Pitcock
Lonnie Statzer High $800,000 (General Fund) Complete
Other Projects
Name Owner Priority Estimated Cost Update
Adding Cameras at Community Center Lonnie Statzer High Undetermined at this time Complete Request # Topic Status Date Entered Description
806 Street signage Open 8/10/2026
The street sign on Washington is sitting in the west bound traffic lane. While I agree the sign may be a good idea, it’s blocking traffic once both lanes are occupied with school flow. Also; The sign reads drive slow Dont be a Twit. I think different language would be more appropriate 807 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/10/2026 Customer called in usage way up on this last month. Please check read and then check for leak. #252262234 Jamie(209)480-2103 808 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/10/2026 Read doubled for the month of July. Please check read and check for leaks. Meter#16321025 Customer Name: Krissy (341)219-2157 809 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/11/2026
Customer called in and said there is excess dirt in front of her house from the water main repair done over the weekend. Could someone please clean up the dirt from street and gutter way. Catilyn (307)747-0442
810 Overgrown Weeds Closed 8/11/2026 these trees seem to be leaning towards the road can this be fixed? 811 Water leaks Closed 8/12/2026
Resident MaryAnn Taylor called to report a leak at the "main line" next to her meter. She said its about 1 foot away from her water meter. You may contact her at (209)969-7932 if you have any questions. Thank you!
812 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/12/2026
Resident Tiffany Knapp (386)882-2130 called to report her meter screen is blank. She had a plumber come out to repair a running toilet and he found her meter. She said it was covered by "ground covering". She is concerned this will effect her billing. Thank you! 813 Storm drains Open 8/13/2026 oil draining into the rain gutters 814 Water leaks Closed 8/13/2026
Resident Barbara Odneal called to report a leak at her meter. She said the box is full of water. Please verify if the leak is on city or resident side and notify Barbara at (209)5525613. Meter #44105519. Thank you!
815 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/19/2026 Resident called to report water coming up from the road since last week. It is a little to the left of her house. Slow leak. (209)402-7661 Eva 816 Facility / Park Maintenance Open 8/19/2026 hole under goal with lots of water. soccer has started for.PAL and we are having issues with practice locations. we need this goal. 817 Facility / Park Maintenance Open 8/19/2026 hole at soccer field need attention. (filing for another person) 818 Facility / Park Maintenance Open 8/19/2026 Large hole in field 819 Water leaks Closed 8/20/2026 Customer called in and said water was leaking from his meter box. #252262393 Larry (209)874-9464 820 Water leaks Open 8/20/2026 Customer called in and said there is a leak in the roadway at the intersection of Lochness & Flora. Frank (209)484-4170 821 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/20/2026
Customer called in and said the usage seems to be extremely high multiple units. Meter #252262198 Please check read and for leak. Judy/Jo Cates sister (510)468- 9010
822 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/20/2026 Customer called in and said his bill seems to be increasing. Can we go and check for leakage and read meter again. Jeffery (209)581-7454 Meter#190547204 823 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/20/2026 Customer called in and said his usage doubled this last read. Could we go and check for leak and also reread meter. Meter#16320995 Luis (209)719-8630 824 Street signage Open 8/20/2026
request no parking signs on the east side of North Appling running into the river park. The east side is not wide enough for vehicles to park and they are obscuring the northbound lane causing a traffic hazard.
825 Water - Other Issue Closed 8/21/2026
Please check resident's meter for any leaks, she called due to her usage going from 30 to 44 units and says they did not use that much water last month (they do have a pool but says it is not on auto fill). Call Trena at (209)277-0763 with results. Thank you! 826 Water leaks Open 8/21/2026
Resident Freddy Flores called to report a leak at his meter, filled with water. He is requesting it be repaired, says it is on city side. Contact him at (209)247-0716 with any questions. Thank you!
827 Street repair Open 8/21/2026 Under ground leak has surfaced