A bill pushed by Assemblyman Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) that would link a potential development exemption to a team name change has sailed through the California Legislature and now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision.
What the legislation would do
Known as the “Home Run for Anaheim Act,” the measure does not force the baseball club to change its name. Instead, it conditions a citywide land-use incentive on the team adopting the Anaheim Angels name. Should Anaheim obtain an exemption from a state law that ordinarily requires affordable housing be prioritized in developments, the Angels would be required to use the Anaheim name.
- The bill cleared both Assembly and Senate without any recorded opposing votes.
- Gov. Gavin Newsom has two months to sign the measure or veto it.
- If enacted, the exemption could be used as leverage in negotiations over development around Angel Stadium.
The legislation aims to enhance the city’s bargaining position as it faces decisions about the stadium and surrounding property. Supporters say that allowing developers to maximize commercial components could increase revenue that might be used to fund stadium upgrades or redevelopment.
Local context: stadium lease, upgrades and past negotiations
Angel Stadium sits on city-owned land and hosts the club that now plays under a Los Angeles identity despite being based in Anaheim. The team’s current lease on the stadium runs through 2032, with options that could extend occupancy through 2038. Any renovation or replacement of the ballpark will require substantial investment: the city has said it expects to release a property assessment by year’s end that is likely to show the stadium needs hundreds of millions of dollars in upgrades to remain viable long term.
Owner Arte Moreno has previously negotiated development deals with Anaheim twice, only to have both arrangements dissolve. In the most recent talks, Moreno rejected a city request to restore the “Anaheim Angels” name. The source material indicates Moreno has not shown public interest in launching a third negotiation. Moreno also turns 80 this week; if he were to sell the club, any new owner would inherit the lease timeline and could press different terms or consider relocating once the lease expires.
Potential consequences for housing and development
Under current state law, affordable housing is prioritized in certain redevelopment projects. The bill would provide a narrow path for Anaheim to obtain an exemption from that requirement as part of development proposals around the stadium. Proponents argue removing the affordable-housing priority could increase the commercial scale of projects — more shops, restaurants, hotels and entertainment amenities — thereby boosting potential revenues that could be allocated to stadium work or other city needs.
Opponents of such exemptions have elsewhere raised concerns that reducing housing obligations can worsen affordability and displacement pressures. The bill’s language, as reported, ties the exemption’s availability to a stadium-area branding condition rather than altering statewide housing policy more broadly.
"Home Run for Anaheim Act."
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Stadium lease | Through 2032, options to 2038 |
| Owner | Arte Moreno (age 80) |
| Legislative status | Unanimously cleared both houses; awaiting governor |
| Expected city report | Property assessment due by year-end; significant upgrade needs anticipated |
For Anaheim residents, the bill brings into focus several competing priorities: preserving the city’s identity and its connection to a major sports franchise, securing revenue streams to pay for aging public assets, and balancing those goals against state housing priorities. City officials and the Angels have a history of negotiations that ended without agreement; with this legislation, the city gains a new lever to use in any future talks about development near the stadium.
With no recorded opposition in the Legislature, a veto by the governor would be the only barrier to the bill becoming law. If Newsom signs it, Anaheim’s elected leaders and the Angels’ ownership will face renewed pressure to engage on redevelopment plans that could reshape the stadium district and influence housing and commercial development in the city for decades.
