The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® also installed its 2025 Board of Directors during the celebratory event.
The Pacific Southwest Association of REALTORS® (PSAR) recently hosted a special event to honor the achievements of elected officials who have made significant strides in expanding housing accessibility and protecting property rights. The event recognized Senator Pro Tem Emeritus Toni G. Atkins and Congressman Juan Vargas for their leadership, along with several local leaders for their impactful contributions. The evening also celebrated the installation of PSAR’s 20254 Board of Directors.
Transforming Housing Policy in California:
Senator Pro Tem Emeritus Toni Atkins received the PSAR Key to Homeownership Award for her pivotal role in shaping housing policy in California. Atkins championed Senate Bill 9, the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, which simplifies the process for homeowners to create duplexes or subdivide properties, increasing the housing supply and affordability.
"SB 9 is about giving homeowners more flexibility and creating opportunities for families to achieve the dream of homeownership," said Atkins during her remarks.
Atkins authored the California Dream for All program, a shared appreciation loan program that has helped thousands of families across California achieve the dream of homeownership.
Atkins also strongly opposed Proposition 33, calling it "as deceptive as it is dangerous" and warning that it could "dramatically hinder new housing construction." Her leadership has been instrumental in addressing California’s housing crisis and advancing fair housing initiatives.
Advocating for Housing at the Federal Level: The Key's to Homeownership.
Congressman Juan Vargas was also honored with the PSAR Key to Homeownership Award for his tireless efforts to support homeownership at the national level. As a member of the House Financial Services Committee, Vargas has championed fair lending practices and policies to expand access to affordable housing resources.
During his remarks, Vargas shared a personal story about how his parents used the growing equity in their home to provide for their family. "My mother and father taught us the value of homeownership—not just as a place to live, but as a tool for opportunity. They put ten children through college because of the equity they built in their home," Vargas shared.
Recognizing Local Leaders:
PSAR also honored several local officials for with The Key to Homeownership Award for their dedication to advancing access to homeownership and protecting property rights. All of these elected officials opposed the anti-pro-housing bill Prop 33.:
State Senator Brian Jones: Introduced legislative packages addressing homelessness and housing availability.
Supervisor Joel Anderson: Supported efforts to fight homelessness, provide rental assistance, and provide workforce housing. He also opposed barriers to housing caused by VMT Policies.
Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor/Recorder/Clerk: Advocated for Proposition 13 protections, enhanced tax relief programs, and fought against real estate fraud.
John McCann, Chula Vista Mayor: Focused on public safety, economic growth, and homeowner education in Chula Vista.
Ron Morrison, National City Mayor: Opposed rent control measures that threaten property rights and prioritized homeownership opportunities.
Alonso Gonzalez, Chula Vista Deputy Mayor (And a PSAR Broker Member): Brought industry knowledge as a REALTOR® to advocate for equitable zoning and housing access.
Ditas Yamane, National City Vice Mayor: A former PSAR President who championed property rights and affordable homeownership.
Colin Parent, La Mesa Councilmember: Crafted policies like La Mesa’s ADU ordinance and affordable housing programs to expand housing options.
Celebrating PSAR Leadership:
The evening concluded with the installation of PSAR’s 20254 Board of Directors. The new board, led by incoming President Yvonne Cromer, will guide the association in its mission to empower real estate professionals and advance housing opportunities throughout San Diego County.
