Pasadena Lawmakers Secure Historic Site Protections in State Senate Vote

Sasha Renee Perez and John Harabedian (Photo – Graphics Dept.)

The California State Senate has unanimously passed AB 2576, a bill designed to protect local, state, and federally designated historic sites.

By News Desk

Authored by Assemblymember John Harabedian (D-Pasadena), the legislation refines a law passed last year that created statewide zoning standards to encourage higher-density multifamily housing development near major public transit hubs. The previous law left ambiguity regarding whether state and local historic landmark districts were protected; AB 2576 clarifies and extends those protections to additional historic resources.

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena), a principal coauthor of the bill, emphasized the importance of the measure for cities like Pasadena, where history and preservation are central to civic identity.

“Today, the Senate unanimously passed legislation that will protect local, state and federally designated historic sites,” Pérez said. She described AB 2576 as an example of responsive government that listens to local stakeholders and strengthens existing policy.

Pérez also thanked Harabedian for authoring the legislation.