State senator pushes fast-track bill for Kroenke-backed arena, sparking flood concerns

State Senator Akilah Weber Pierson wrote to Assembly Rules Committee chair Blanca Pacheco requesting amendments to Senate Bill 344 that would automatically deem the Midway Rising Specific Plan’s environmental impact report compliant with CEQA, thereby expediting the project. The Midway Rising development, financed by Los Angeles Rams owner Stan Kroenke, aims to replace the aging Pechanga Arena with a 16,000-seat venue, over 4,000 housing units—including up to 2,000 affordable homes—and commercial space on a site south of Mission Bay.

The Assembly Rules Committee recently added an urgency clause, meaning the measure would need a two-thirds vote in both chambers and would take effect upon the governor’s signature. Proponents such as Brad Termini of Zephyr say the change would shield the project from costly lawsuits and allow construction to begin next year. Critics, including former Assemblymember Lori Saldaña and Peninsula Community Planning Board chair Eric Law, contend the area is vulnerable to sea-level-induced flooding and that the legislation limits public and organizational review. The San Diego City Council still must approve the plan, and another related bill, Senate Bill 958, is awaiting an Assembly vote.