California Gov. Gavin Newsom is facing criticism amid reports that he is collaborating with developers to rezone fire-ravaged areas of the Palisades into high-density 15 minute city hubs.
The
alleged changes involve top-down, government-driven urban planning to
shift zoning designations from R1, which allows for single-family homes,
to R3, a classification that permits the construction of high-density
apartment complexes.
While proponents argue the 15 minute city
agenda, which Newsom continues to deny in public, is a necessary step to
address California’s growing inequality and housing crisis, critics are
sounding the alarm about its implications—and tying it to the
controversial agenda of the 15-minute city.
Why is Gavin wiggle dancing when he says:
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 13, 2025
“Speculators buying up properties…”
After the fires destroyed everything…
Aunt Pelosi gonna make more money or something?
pic.twitter.com/X1UcQwoGoK
While the idea has been praised by environmentalists and left-wing urban planners for its potential to reduce carbon emissions, it has also become a lightning rod for controversy. Detractors argue that 15-minute city initiatives often come with heavy-handed government policies that undermine individual freedoms.
Many fear these developments could lead to increased surveillance, restricted mobility, and the erosion of property rights, particularly when high-density housing replaces single-family neighborhoods.
🚨#BREAKING: GAVIN NEWSOM WORKING WITH DEVELOPERS TO CHANGE ZONING IN BURN AREAS TO ALLOW MASS APARTMENTS
— HustleBitch (@HustleBitch_) January 10, 2025
Newsom is allegedly working with developers to convert zoning in Pacific Palisades from R1 (single family) to R3 (apartments)
CONNECT THE DOTS. pic.twitter.com/q9SJ7cBW14
Critics of the idea of rezoning the Palisades question the wisdom of transforming fire-damaged areas into high-density housing. The region’s history of devastating wildfires has already strained its infrastructure and emergency response capabilities. Expanding population density in these areas could exacerbate these challenges, potentially putting more lives at risk.
Additionally, Pacific Palisades is known for its affluent character and iconic single-family homes. Rezoning to allow apartment complexes would dramatically alter the aesthetic and social fabric of the neighborhood.
Some opponents also view this as part of a broader effort to push the 15-minute city agenda. They argue that such plans often sideline local voices in favor of top-down, government-driven urban planning.
“This is a Trojan horse,” one local resident claimed. “They’re using the housing crisis as an excuse to fundamentally reshape our neighborhoods and strip us of our way of life.”