Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued the following statement in response to Governor Newsom’s Executive Order to strengthen local control in in high fire risk areas:
“I appreciate Governor Newsom’s executive order today, which restores local control over important land use matters, like SB 9, in high fire severity zones.
SB 9, like other state housing legislation, was intended to support thoughtful, phased-in development—not immediate implementation in the wake of a major disaster. Empowering local jurisdictions to make reasonable decisions about development patterns in wildfire-prone areas is a smart and necessary step.
Before any lot splitting or additional housing is considered in these high-risk zones, we must ensure proper infrastructure and fire safety measures are in place. My top priority remains protecting Altadena’s unique community character and preventing the displacement of my constituents.
At the same time, I recognize the value of allowing property owners outside of high fire severity zones to build additional units—whether to generate supplemental income, support recovery efforts, or preserve multi-generational living arrangements that have long existed in our communities. This kind of flexibility is essential for helping residents stay rooted while also contributing to our region’s broader housing needs.
I remain committed to advancing balanced housing solutions—ones that responsibly expand access to housing while protecting public safety and preserving the integrity of our neighborhoods.”