FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, April 16, 2026
CONTACT: Sam Villaneda, Samantha.Villaneda@asm.ca.gov, (760) 269-9391
Tom Steel, Tom.Steel@asm.ca.gov, (530) 713-7783
Assemblymember Harabedian Champions Housing Expansion While Preserving Historic Landmarks
Bill Extends Protections to all Locally, State, and Nationally Registered Historic Resources Passes Housing and Community Development Committee
(SACRAMENTO, CA) – Today, Assemblymember John Harabedian (D–Pasadena) passed AB 2576, which refines SB 79 (Wiener, 2025) by extending protections to all locally, state, and nationally registered historic resources, out of the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.
SB 79 (Wiener, 2025) created statewide zoning rules to make it easier to build more housing near major public transit stops. The law applies to areas generally within a half-mile of qualifying transit and allows taller, denser housing in these locations, limiting certain local zoning restrictions.
SB 79 does not fully protect historic resources vital to California’s cultural and architectural heritage, as it is unclear whether historic districts qualify for protection and limits safeguards primarily to locally listed sites, leaving many state and nationally recognized resources vulnerable. The bill’s 10% cap on exempted historic resources and narrow definitions could exclude significant areas, such as parts of Pasadena identified through ongoing surveys.
AB 2576 proposes targeted clean-up amendments to SB 79 to strengthen historic preservation protections. The bill would explicitly recognize historic districts, including local landmark districts, as eligible historic resources; expand protections to sites listed on local, state, and national historic registers.
“Assembly District 41 is home to irreplaceable landmarks like the Pasadena Civic Center, the Pasadena Playhouse, the Claremont Depot, the Claremont Village, Old Town La Verne, the Monrovia Santa Fe Depot, and the Walker House in San Dimas, and preserving their cultural and architectural significance is essential,” said Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena). “AB 2576 will guarantee these places are fully protected by expanding protections to state and nationally listed sites while still building much-needed housing.”
“Our historic sites tell the story of our community, and Assembly Bill 2576 ensures they remain protected while cities continue planning responsibly for future growth. We appreciate Assemblymember Harabedian’s collaboration with local cities to strengthen protections for officially recognized historic resources and provide clarity as SB 79 is implemented.”-La Verne Mayor Tim Hepburn
“The character of a community is shaped by the people who live there, and local voices deserve to be heard in decisions that impact neighborhood planning and historic resources. We appreciate Assemblymember Harabedian for recognizing the importance of local input and taking action to help preserve and protect our community’s historic resources.” -Monrovia Mayor Becky Shevlin
“I am grateful for Assemblymember Harabedian's leadership in proposing a more balanced approach to SB79. Providing housing and preserving our architectural heritage are not mutually exclusive goals. We can and should do both.” - Pasadena Councilmember Jason Lyon
“As we work to address the housing shortage across our region, I appreciate Assemblymember Harabedian’s leadership in introducing AB 2576.” - Pasadena Councilmember Justin Jones
"Assemblymember Harabedian is once again delivering for our communities by finding a balance between the urgent need for housing and the importance of protecting historic resources. We can have both and I'm grateful for our Assemblymember taking a leadership role on our behalf." -Pasadena Councilmember Rick Cole
“San Dimas values both thoughtful housing development and the preservation of our historic character. Strengthening protections for designated historic resources ensures that statewide housing policies respect the unique history and identity of communities like San Dimas. I salute Assemblymember Harabedian’s efforts to strike that important balance." - San Dimas Councilmember Eric Nakano
AB 2576 will be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee in the spring.
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Assemblymember John Harabedian represents the 41st District composed of the cities of La Cañada Flintridge, Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Monrovia, Bradbury, San Dimas, La Verne, Claremont, Upland, Rancho Cucamonga, Oak Hills, Piñon Hills and Phelan.
