[mullingitover]

> I just don't understand why cities in California won't let go of single unit zoning.

Give it time. The state government is hobbled and regional fiefdoms have far too much sway. That's slowly changing.

The state is in the middle of planning the long-term Regional Housing Needs Assessment. Regions across the state are responsible for coughing up realistic plans to meet the growth targets. If they don't come up with realistic plans to meet those targets, not only can they lose their precious single family home zoning, they can lose their zoning privileges entirely. There are even plans in the works for local governments to have state oversight officials appointed for them to completely take over their housing policy. Get your popcorn.