ACTION Apartment Association News

Rent Gouging Ban Expires

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:41:04 GMT

Los Angeles County landlords have regained a significant degree of pricing flexibility following the expiration of the county’s post-fire rent gouging restrictions on May 29, 2026. After more than 16 months of emergency controls enacted in response to the January 2025 wildfires, property owners will no longer be bound by the 10% cap tied to pre-fire rental rates.

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Coast Is About to Change Forever. Most Residents Don’t Know It’s Happening. Part 3

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 22:16:30 GMT

Every city changes. The question Santa Monica cannot seem to answer is whether residents still have a meaningful role in directing that change, or whether public process has become a formality, a requirement satisfied after the decisions are made. That question will outlast AB1740. If City Hall has an answer, residents have yet to see it.

For years, Santa Monica has operated under a specific condition: the city never completed a document called a Local Coastal Program, a state-required planning framework that governs what can be built along the coast and how. Because it was never finished, an independent state agency, the California Coastal Commission, has retained the legal authority to review and approve development decisions in Santa Monica’s coastal zone. The city has had to answer to that agency before it could act.

AB1740 would change that. The bill, co-sponsored by the City of Santa Monica and Assemblymember Rick Zbur, along with allies such as Streets for All and Abundant Housing LA, would remove the state’s independent coastal watchdog from its oversight role and hand that authority to the city itself. Santa Monica would become the judge of its own coastal development decisions, including impact to sensitive resources, parking, access, and development.

Temporary rent-gouging protection vanishes for LA fire survivors as county lets ban expire

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:53:15 GMT

The rule, which was supposed to be temporary and was repeatedly extended, ended Friday after a vote to extend it again failed to garner enough votes. Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, whose district includes Pacific Palisades, sounded the alarm in a motion to extend price protections that failed to pass at the Board of Supervisors’ May 19 meeting.

A landlords representative, Jesus Rojas of the Apartment Owners Assn. of Greater Los Angeles, told the supervisors during public comment at the meeting that the county’s rent-gouging rules have “long outlived the emergency they were intended to address” and are now being “wrongfully used to harm thousands of rental housing providers throughout the county.”

Airport Housing Initiative Won't Make November Ballot

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:14:45 GMT

The measure -- which is not expected to be submitted in time to make the November 3 ballot -- would set aside 25 percent of the 192-acre site of a "Great Park" for housing after the Airport closes at the end of 2028.

Opposition to Coastal Bill Grows

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:12:48 GMT

AB 1740 -- which allows certain types of developments and activities along Santa Monica's coast without a Coastal Commission permit -- sailed through the State Assembly but is expected to face opposition in the Senate over its housing exemption.

SMC to Offer Affordable Housing Management Program

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:10:46 GMT

The short-term for-credit program -- developed in partnership with affordable housing nonprofit investor and lender Merritt Community Capital Corporation -- is the first program of its kind at a California Community College.

Launched through the non-profit's Rising Affordable Housing Management Professionals (RAMP) initiative, the program "empowers rising property management professionals with pathways to stable, community-centric careers," College officials said.

Former Mayor (Phil Brock) Seeks to Regain Seat

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 15:09:27 GMT

Brock told The Lookout he will likely run as an independent in the race for three open Council seats on November 3 and not as part of a slate, as he did two years ago.

Santa Monica Will Spend $6M to Fight Evictions and Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 20:03:08 GMT

Under the program, eligible renter households can receive:

– Up to $5,000 in one-time emergency financial assistance per year

– Up to $10,000 in ongoing monthly assistance annually to maintain housing stability

– Up to $20,000 in assistance for households involved in eviction proceedings, particularly those receiving services through the city’s Right to Counsel program

Council approves $6M renter aid program to combat evictions and homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:53:02 GMT

The Santa Monica Renter Aid program, funded entirely by Measure GS — the city's real estate transfer tax approved by voters in 2022 — is expected to begin serving residents this summer and will initially assist approximately 150 at-risk households annually. The council approved the contract 6-0, directing staff to execute a two-year agreement with The People Concern with three additional one-year renewal options.

AND
https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2026/05/27/city-to-launch-6-million-santa-monica-renter-aid-program

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Coast Is About to Change Forever. Part 2.

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 May 2026 15:46:33 GMT

The amendments

Last week’s new amendments make several significant changes: the proposed bill’s sunset date moves from 2037 to 2029. The housing-related provisions remain, but confined to an area between Wilshire and Pico Boulevards, where housing projects would avoid Coastal Commission review if it does not approve Santa Monica’s new Local Coastal Plan by mid-2029. It will now move to the Assembly for a full vote.

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Coast Is About to Change Forever.

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:15:57 GMT

The Coastal Commission requires height limits along mapped sight lines to the ocean, helping residents living further inland to see the coast and the ocean and enjoy ocean breezes. Those limits directly reduce project value in a city where added height near the water translates into real money. Local elected officials, facing pressure from developers and housing advocates alike, have never written those restrictions into law in a form the Commission would accept. Today’s Council majority favors intense densification of the areas within the city’s Coastal Zone.

Housing Provider Over Budget on $37.5 million Rehab Project

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:06:14 GMT

The 77-year-old building in the Pico Neighborhood is being rehabilitated by Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM) with $37.5 million in loans from the City's Housing Trust Fund to purchase, renovate and temporarily relocate the tenants.

That likely makes it the most expensive City-funded rehab project in the city's history.

Santa Monica to Launch Renter Aid Program

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 May 2026 20:03:45 GMT

The new Renters Protection Program (RPP) provides one-time payments of up to $5,000 to residents at risk of "losing housing due to a financial emergency" and up to $10,000 per household to "support continued housing stability."

Council Keeps Homelessness Emergency Going

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 14 May 2026 00:14:31 GMT

The emergency -- which was unanimously approved by the Council in February 2023 -- makes it easier to boost funding and speed up hiring to address a crisis that has persisted for decades in the beach city.

Tuesday's vote re-ratifies the latest emergency proclamation approved on March 11, 2025 that extends through the end of this year.

Santa Monica to Vote on Re-Ratifying Homeless Emergency Declaration

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 May 2026 19:56:23 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council is scheduled to consider re-ratifying the city’s local emergency declaration on homelessness during its regular meeting Tuesday night, continuing a policy city officials say is necessary to expand services and secure outside funding amid an ongoing regional homelessness crisis.

SM.a.r.t Column: Get Into the Weeds With Us

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 May 2026 22:20:13 GMT

Walk down Ocean Park Boulevard, and you can feel something coming. Development signs announce seven- and eight-story buildings that will tower over local shops and restaurants. Almost 1,000 mostly luxury units. Across Santa Monica, neighbors who love their “Neighborhood Commercial” streets are wondering: Could this be coming to my neighborhood? To Main Street? Pico? Montana Avenue?

If you aren’t, you should be. Because it can. And it is. A quick check of the City’s development projects shows multiple 8-story buildings across the city, an 11-story on Broadway, and even a 23-story on 7th Street. 23 stories! So much for ’nothing taller than the clock tower.’

SM.a.r.t column: More bull? More B.S.!

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 May 2026 18:11:36 GMT

The interesting thing to note in the article of eight years ago is that incumbents have a much higher chance of re-election than a new name on the ballot…even if the ‘incumbent’ is a recently appointed council ‘newbie’. And history may be close to repeating itself if one current council member chooses to resign and the new ‘hat-in-the-ring’ candidate gets an ‘appointment’. I don’t think I am going to be too surprised, and don’t think ‘you’ should be either.

Council Race Taking Shape

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 May 2026 18:05:22 GMT

Unlike the 2024 race that saw Santa Monica's liberal establishment regain control after a historic loss in 2020, the November 3 election for three open seats won't flip the Council majority.

One slate will be headed by Mayor Caroline Torosis, the top vote getter in 2022, and likely won't include fellow incumbent Jesse Zwick, who has indicated he is unlikely to seek a second term.

The rival faction will be headed by Councilmember Lana Negrete, who has been the lone anti-establishment vote on the Council after two of her allies were swept from office two years ago and a third chose not to run.

California spends billions preventing homelessness, but it’s fighting in the dark

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 19:39:37 GMT

Rental assistance is a key part of homelessness prevention for good reason — eviction for nonpayment of rent is driving homelessness across the state, because of high housing costs. A third of the state’s unhoused adults were long-term leaseholders who had been evicted, many for the first time, a recent study by the UC-San Francisco Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative found.

Builders Alliance to Host Webinar on Turnkey Construction for Local Residents

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:57:13 GMT

The one-hour session, titled “Understanding Turnkey Building,” is scheduled for April 29 from 6 to 7 p.m. PDT and will be conducted via Zoom. Organizers say the event is designed as an informational resource for community members exploring rebuilding options.

Council Takes Up Plan to Implement Transit Housing Bill

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:49:42 GMT

The Planning Commission is advising the City Council to take a targeted approach to a controversial new State law that allows large housing developments in residential areas near major transit stops.

The recommendations the Council will take up Tuesday focus on "a two-track approach" to implementing SB 79 that adopts a "tailored" interim ordinance, while developing a more comprehensive plan to replace it.

Negrete Announces Bid for Reelection

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 Apr 2026 15:45:23 GMT

Negrete joins Mayor Caroline Torosis as two of three incumbents who have declared their candidacy. Councilmember Jesse Zwick has not announced whether he plans to run for one of three open seats.

Hankey Capital unveils 23-story condominium tower plans for downtown Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:21:54 GMT

The proposed 256-foot skyscraper near the E Line would replace existing rentals with 119 luxury units and five affordable residences.

SMRR Asks Council To Study Housing at Airport

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 21:19:55 GMT

Instead, the site should be used for the 3,000-unit affordable housing development SMRR and other pro-housing advocates have been pushing for on the 192-acre site that will become available when the Airport closes at the end of 2028.

Santa Monica Rent Control Board Eyes Ballot Measures on Tenant Protections, Fees

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:57:55 GMT

he Santa Monica Rent Control Board voted unanimously Thursday to advance four proposed amendments to the city's rent control charter toward a public hearing, with commissioners debating the merits of new tenant protections and a revised fee structure they hope to place before voters in November.

Lawmakers move to shield LA Metro from housing law

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:29:56 GMT

SB 1361, authored by Sen. María Elena Durazo and scheduled for a Senate Housing Committee hearing Tuesday, would prevent SB 79 from applying to planned but not-yet-operational transit stops in jurisdictions that had already committed by Jan. 1, 2026 to build at least 10,000 housing units — at least half of them income-restricted — by 2032.

Court of Appeal Strikes Down Los Angeles Relocation Assistance Ordinance Tied to Lawful Rent Increases on Costa-Hawkins Exempt Units

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 20:07:42 GMT

In a ruling announced on April 16, 2026, the California Court of Appeal has invalidated a City of Los Angeles ordinance requiring housing providers to pay relocation assistance to tenants who voluntarily vacate following a lawful rent increase on units exempt from local rent control under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act

SM.a.r.t Column: SPRING IN SANTA MONICA?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 21:25:23 GMT

Our city is currently coming through a cycle of decline, hoping to enter a more ascendant phase. But it is encountering two major headwinds that, in spite of everyone’s best efforts, do not augur well for our future.

City Council Backs Down on 14-Story "Unleashed" Mental Health Housing Project

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:30:22 GMT

In a move that stunned developers and housing advocates alike, the Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously late Tuesday night to abandon plans for a proposed 14-story mixed-use building at the corner of Euclid and Wilshire that would have replaced the beloved pet store Unleashed with 120 market-rate apartments and 40 units of supportive housing for the mentally ill.

Santa Monica Rental Market Cooling, Report Finds

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:04:17 GMT

"With rents already unaffordable to all but higher income households, data indicate the market for available rental units recently has not sustained the rates of increase seen in previous years," the annual report noted.

SM.a.r.t Column: From Earthquake to Enforcement

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 16:16:46 GMT

Today, roughly 30% of the buildings originally listed as vulnerable remain in the “active” category: projects in the process of obtaining their permits, or where owners have not yet responded to the notices.

Santa Monica deserves a straight answer about its finances

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:26:25 GMT

My name is Doug Trussler. I have lived in Santa Monica since 2005, built my business here, raised my family here, and plan to retire here. My entire career has been as an investor and manager. I have been involved in more than fifty businesses as an investor, employee, board member, and executive. I have sat on over fifty audit committees and participated in hundreds of audits. I am running for City Council because I believe Santa Monica’s financial situation is serious, fixable, and not being described honestly to residents.

Council Calls Special Meeting to 'Clarify' Neighborhood Grant Program Rules

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:03:42 GMT

Tricia Crane, a leader of Northeast Neighbors, said the group does not plan to apply after the clarifications are made.

"I don't know what the real goal of this is," Crane said. "It's not going to bring anyone back in the fold.

"Are they so shocked people said, 'No, thanks' to the money?" Crane said. "I don't think they were anticipating how independent we are."

NOMA Declines to Take Part in Grant Program

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Mar 2026 23:05:49 GMT

A third neighborhood group on Thursday declined to participate in a new City grant program that bans them from using funding to communicate directly with residents or recruit members.

SM.a.r.t Column: Two = Three – Possible Scenarios For SMO

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:11:20 GMT

A Comparative Environmental, Financial, and Regulatory Analysis

Bold Proposal Gives City Control of Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:07:24 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday will discuss a groundbreaking proposal to create a "City-aligned nonprofit" that would build, own and operate affordable housing in Santa Monica.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Have Housing Mandates Ignored State Water Shortages?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:41:34 GMT

Adding 8,000 units to a city of 93,000 represents roughly an 8-10% population increase. Even with aggressive conservation, that translates to a meaningful increase in baseline water demand — on top of infrastructure that is already running a structural deficit, four reservoirs needing rehabilitation, decades-old pipelines and pump stations requiring modernization, the City of Santa Monica, and a groundwater basin operating near its sustainable yield.

City Attorney’s Office obtains judgments and injunctions against landlords in tenant relocation cases

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 23:35:21 GMT

The Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office has obtained final judgments in two cases filed against landlords who failed to pay mandatory temporary relocation benefits to tenants who were displaced from their homes.

AND: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2026/March-2026/03_13_2026_Landlords_Ordered_to_Pay_Relocation_Fees.html

Santa Monica rents plunge 7.5% as coastal market cools faster than nation

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:03:08 GMT

ental prices in Santa Monica fell sharply in March, dropping 2.3% in a single month as the city recorded the steepest annual rent decline in the Los Angeles metropolitan area.

The median rent in the city now stands at $2,318, according to the latest Apartment List data. One-bedroom units have a median rent of $2,194, while two-bedroom apartments average $2,630.

SM.a.r.t Column: A Goal in Search of a Question

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:58:05 GMT

The Santa Monica Planning Commission is being asked to scope an “affordability study” for single-family neighborhoods – who could object to studying affordability? But before anyone agrees, it’s worth asking: What, exactly, are we studying, and why?

Second Neighborhood Group Pulls Out of City Grants Program

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Mar 2026 19:54:47 GMT

Friends of Sunset Park (FSOP) informed City officials Friday it would not participate in the City's new grant program, making it the second neighborhood group to reject the new restrictions.

The letter from the Board of the 37-year-old organization said it was "outraged" by new demands to participate that are "unreasonable, unwarranted, and unwelcome."

Pro-Housing Group Opposes Building on Airport Land

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 18:27:42 GMT

Forward last week joined the Santa Monica Democratic Club, whose members overwhelmingly voted in June to create a Great Park "that would not trigger a ballot measure before airport closure" and "with no sale or other privatization of the land” ("Dem Club Rejects Housing on Airport Land," June 27, 2025).

SM.a.r.t. The Battle for Santa Monica’s Coast

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:58:23 GMT

Under California’s density bonus laws and recent state legislation, affordable housing projects already qualify for significant height bonuses. Combined with AB1740’s elimination of Commission oversight, buildings far taller than current norms could be approved without the independent review that has shaped coastal development for five decades.

City Seeks Applicants for 'People's Academy'

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 16:54:29 GMT

The six-week course explores "City operations, priorities and civic engagement opportunities" and will accept 25 "Santa Monica residents, college students, business owners, or community leaders."

The program "aims to build understanding, transparency and trust between Santa Monica residents and their local government," City officials said.

Applications for the program are due by March 16.

Poll Finds Strong Opposition to Airport Housing

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:17:43 GMT

The poll of "civically minded" residents conducted on February 17 also found stiff opposition to a potential statewide “billionaire tax” and to relocating homeless facilities to the Pico and Sunset Park neighborhoods.

SM.a.r.t column: The battle for Santa Monica’s coast: two governments, two visions, one shoreline

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:30:56 GMT

Zbur’s Assembly Bill 1740 would allow cities designated as ‘urban multimodal communities’ to bypass California Coastal Commission review for housing projects, transportation changes, and parking modifications. Under the bill, mixed-income housing developments in multifamily zones more than 300 feet from the beach could proceed without Commission oversight, provided they meet the lenient minimal affordability thresholds.

Election Season Kicks Off

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:37:46 GMT

No potential candidates are listed in the races for the College and Rent Control boards. No elections were held for those boards in 2024 becasuse no candidates challenged the incumbents.

County Adopts Heat Action Plan

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 17:05:18 GMT

The plan, developed by the County's Chief Sustainability Office, focuses on three core strategies: cooling outdoor spaces through expanded tree canopy and shade infrastructure, improving heat-resilient indoor environments in housing and public buildings, and expanding public education about heat risks and safety measures.

SM.a.r.t Column: Parks, Plans, and Potential

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:17:27 GMT

My point is this: Council just approved a new Parks and Recreation Vision Plan. We have good Memorial and Airport Park Expansion plans. But they are just plans. They don’t mean a thing until shovels hit the dirt. We plan, plan, plan, then wait, wait, wait. We keep pushing park projects further and farther down the road as costs keep rising. Why do parks here take twice as long, and twice the effort, and cost twice as much? Because all of us: Council members, the District, SMC, residents, and others, don’t work well enough together.

Northeast Neighbors Pulls Out of City Grant Program

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 20:10:44 GMT

In a letter to the City Council, the group's Board said it had voted to forgo the City Neighborhood Grant "in order to be free to continue to act as an independent voice and forum for the residents of Santa Monica."

National Park Service to hold public meeting on potential LA coastal park

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:53:36 GMT

A virtual public meeting on February 11 will gather community input on the proposal.

Meet with Mayor Caroline Torosis

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:51:10 GMT

Residents can visit the online portal to book a 20-minute meeting with Mayor Torosis.

Residents Raise Conflict-of-Interest Concerns

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:49:28 GMT

The vote, listed as Agenda Item 11.A, approved a 99-year ground lease on city-owned land at 14th Street and committed $13.5 million from the city's Housing Trust Fund to support the project, which aims to deliver 100% affordable housing units.

In a January 8, 2026, letter to Interim City Attorney Yolande Y. Gisele von Tongeln, representatives from Santa Monica Neighbors and Mid-Wilshire Residents alleged that three council members who voted in favor-Councilmember Jesse Zwick, Mayor Caroline Torosis, and Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya-may have had disqualifying conflicts of interest under the Political Reform Act and related ethics rules.

The residents cited the following issues: Councilmember Zwick allegedly engaged in undisclosed ex parte communications with HCHC Executive Director Sarah Letts, including emails and private discussions on project alternatives, during the council process.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Mathematics of Erasure

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:59:45 GMT

The distinction between physical housing stock and functional supply is critical to understanding what has happened. When a single person occupies a two-bedroom unit—a common occurrence as solo dwellers outbid families for larger spaces—that unit consumes the same physical footprint that could house a family of four. A city can meet its production targets on paper while its actual capacity to house residents declines. Santa Monica has been mandated to add 8,874 units under state housing requirements, and city staff has proposed capacity for 52 percent more than that figure. Yet the community is shrinking. Our schools now import 17 percent of their students from outside the district because local units no longer translate into local children.

City Negotiating to Lease Housing for the Mentally Ill

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 23:54:08 GMT

The item concerns negotiations between City Manager Oliver Chi and the executive director of The Manor, a transitional housing facility at 1905 and 2019 Pico Boulevard.

Licensed by the State of California, The Manor has provided "room, board, care and supervision since the 1960’s for persons with mental illness, and for those with developmental disabilities," according to the non-profit's website.

County extends eviction protections for rentersimpacted by immigration raids

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 18:57:47 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to raise the threshold for formal evictions in unincorporated areas from one month to two months of unpaid rent, offering additional protection to tenants facing economic hardship.

401-unit apartment project proposed to replace offices near Santa Monica’s Water Garden

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 19:48:55 GMT

The application, filed by property owner 1655 Property LLC, seeks approval to demolish an existing low-rise office complex at 1655 26th Street and replace it with an eight-story residential development. The proposal calls for 401 apartments above approximately 2,070 square feet of ground-floor commercial space.

How to screen tenants fairly and stay compliant as a small landlord

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:21:28 GMT

Understanding how to screen tenants fairly while staying compliant with all applicable laws doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right tools, knowledge, and processes, you can confidently evaluate applicants, select qualified tenants, and protect yourself from legal liability, RentRedi reports.

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Housing Push—and the Ethics Crisis Behind It

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 22:17:24 GMT

At the center of the controversy is a formal ruling by California’s political watchdog, the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The FPPC ordered City Councilmember Jesse Zwick to completely recuse himself from all housing- and zoning-related matters.

City Sues Landlords for $18 Million

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 17:36:06 GMT

The City Attorney's office last week sued the owners of 28 Santa Monica rent-controlled apartment buildings who allegedly made $18 million illegally renting units as short-term rentals.

According to the lawsuit filed in Superior Court Thursday, for more than five years the defendants have rented at least 62 units in at least 25 properties to short-term guests nearly 3,000 times.

What Is in the Airport Housing Initiative

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Jan 2026 19:32:50 GMT

The Great Park and Community Housing Initiative submitted to the City Clerk this month seeks to create 3,000 units of "permanently affordable housing" on Airport land that, in many cases, would rival or exceed current market rates.

The detailed, and complicated, 11-page initiative -- which has the support of Santa Monica's two most powerful political organizations -- sets costs and eligibility requirements based on LA County income levels.

Two Ballot Measures Filed

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:41:23 GMT

Last Thursday the Great Park and Community Housing Initiative was submitted, followed this Tuesday by the Citizens United Ordinance to Preserve City Funding of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD), said Interim City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren.

The other initiative, which requires a simple majority vote at the polls, was filed by proponents of developing affordable housing at the Santa Monica Airport after it is slated to close at the end of 2028.

Council to Consider Parcel Tax Measure

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:40:13 GMT

The potential $540-per-parcel tax would raise an estimated $12 million a year to "maintain funding for homelessness, firefighters, 911 emergency services, and libraries," according to the recommended ballot language.

Council Casts Differing Votes on Previous Housing Actions

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:38:54 GMT

The City Council last week repealed a housing-related measure, reapproved another and sent a third back to the Planning Commission for reconsideration.

Two of the measures -- which were opposed by slow-growth activists and many homeowners -- expanded State laws that allow multifamily units to be built in single-family neighborhoods.

SM.a.r.t Column: Why Go Beyond?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:39:35 GMT

Why is this Council going beyond the already transformative state laws on housing density?

City Extends Developer Perks for Off-Site Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Jan 2026 23:36:16 GMT

Approved as an emergency ordinance by the Council in August, the program -- which is meant to kick-start construction in a tough financial market -- met its original applicant quota in its first week.

On Tuesday, the Council voted 4 to 1 to codify the 1,088 units accepted under the existing Affordable Housing Pilot Program (AHPP) and extended the program for eligible projects that total some 3,000 additional units.

‘Prisoner housing’ is on the table for Ocean Ave.

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:27:15 GMT

CCSM said it did receive a letter from Pustilnikov regarding the purchase and evaluated it out of due diligence. However, they chose not to go forward with any deals, the organization did not need to sell properties to maintain operations and that it was not interested in selling any other property to Pustilnikov. CCSM also disputed the assertion that they had asked the city council to discuss the matter.

‘Prisoner housing’ is on the table for Ocean Ave.

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 19:27:15 GMT

Council Reveals Closed Session Negotiations

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 17:36:29 GMT

According to a report from closed session, Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM) has been considering selling their property at 419 Ocean Avenue to Leo Pustilnikov, who attempted to open a transitional housing program for mentally ill homeless individuals next door.

New self-certification building permit program

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Jan 2026 17:25:39 GMT

Part of the city’s Realignment Plan renewal effort, which invests $60 million in business support, service restorations, street improvements and safety initiatives, this voluntary pilot program will allow pre-certified licensed professionals to self-certify that their plans for commercial tenant improvements are compliant with all California codes and local ordinances.

Santa Monica Residents Allege Council Conflicts in Affordable Housing Vote

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 20:57:12 GMT

A coalition of neighborhood groups has filed a formal complaint alleging three Santa Monica City Council members violated conflict-of-interest laws in approving a major affordable housing project last month, demanding an investigation and voiding of the vote ahead of a scheduled ratification of other housing actions.

https://smmirror.com/2026/01/santa-monica-residents-allege-council-conflicts-in-affordable-housing-vote/

Council to Revisit Housing Votes

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Jan 2026 23:29:02 GMT

The City Council Tuesday will recast votes on housing items Councilmember Jesse Zwick voted on after being hired by a housing advocacy group, resulting in a conflict of interest.

City Hires New Housing Director

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 17:07:07 GMT

Aileen Reynolds, who will head the Department of Housing and Human Services, most recently served as Assistant Commissioner of Housing Opportunity at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development.

New Laws Kick in This Month

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:30:12 GMT

Starting last Thursday, a local law requires landlords of market-rate apartment units in Santa Monica -- including single-family homes, condos, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) -- to register them with the City.

Under a State law that also kicked in on January 1, landlords must provide working refrigerators and stoves in rental units, including single family homes.

Santa Monica implements rental registry

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 03 Jan 2026 00:34:41 GMT

The rental registry ordinance, unanimously approved by the Santa Monica City Council in November 2025, requires all landlords to register their rental units with the city — extending to single-family homes, duplexes, condos, accessory dwelling units and any buildings not already under rent control.

Mayor Bass Signs Updated Rent Ordinance, Imposes New Limits on Increases

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 19:07:09 GMT

The ordinance, approved by the City Council earlier in December and affecting about 74% of rental units in Los Angeles, caps annual rent hikes between 1% and 4%. It also prohibits increases when tenants add family members such as children or elderly relatives under their care and eliminates certain utility-related surcharges.

Santa Monica Approves Self-Certification Pilot to Fast-Track Building Permits

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 17:23:53 GMT

Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved a self-certification program allowing businesses to obtain building permits in as little as one day, bypassing weeks of city review. The program launches April 2026 for commercial renovations, including restaurants.

ickleball Court in Santa Monica to Convert to Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:55:24 GMT

The move is part of a $50 million grant in state funding

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2025/12/video-pickleball-court-in-santa-monica-to-convert-to-affordable-housing/

Voter Initiated Transfer Taxes Get Another Legal Boost

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:52:43 GMT

A Los Angeles parcel transfer tax similar to the one approved in Santa Monica three years ago was upheld last week by the California Court of Appeals, handing another victory to voter-initiated taxes.

Monday's ruling found that the passage of Measure ULA to fund affordable housing and prevent homelessness "was a valid exercise of the people’s initiative power" under the State constitution.

Zwick Can't Vote on Housing Development Issues, FPPC Rules

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:30:34 GMT

California's top political watchdog has concluded that City Councilmember Jesse Zwick is disqualified from participating in "housing production decisions" made by the Council, City officials said Thursday.

The formal advice issued by the Fair Political Practices Commission FPPC) on December 8 determined that Zwick's employer, the statewide Housing Action Coalition (HAC), could benefit from the Council's action.

State regulators say Councilman Zwick is conflicted on housing votes

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:42:16 GMT

he California Fair Political Practices Commission has ruled that Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick must recuse himself from housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition, concluding his position creates a conflict of interest under state law.

The FPPC issued a formal advice letter Dec. 8 finding that Zwick is disqualified from participating in certain City Council decisions related to housing production under the commission's interpretation of the Political Reform Act and its "nexus test."

SM.a.r.t Column The Reckoning A City That Cannot Remember Itself

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Dec 2025 20:33:22 GMT

Santa Monica’s transformation represents catastrophic memory loss at urban scale. Every demolished bungalow contained decades of family stories that even the casual observer can sense. Every shadow-casting tower erases solar rhythms evolved over centuries. Every exiled family leaves with irreplaceable knowledge of place.

We’re not adding chapters to our urban story—we’re ripping out pages until the narrative becomes incomprehensible.

Acting Police Chief to Hold Post on Permanent Basis

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:54:07 GMT

Acting Police Chief Darrick Jacob has been appointed as Santa Monica's next police chief, making him the first member of the force to be elevated to the top post in nearly half a century.

City Receives $50 Million for Housing, Transit

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:51:19 GMT

A Downtown affordable housing project expected to cost $1 million per unit to build has received a major funding boost after the City received a nearly $50 million grant.

Emergency Rent Relief Applications Open Dec. 17 for Wildfire Victims

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 20:33:09 GMT

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs will open applications for the Emergency Rent Relief Program on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 9 a.m. PST, with a deadline of Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, at 4:59 p.m. PST. The program, directed by the Board of Supervisors and administered by DCBA in partnership with The Center by Lendistry, will distribute more than $23 million in rental and mortgage relief to eligible landlords and homeowners affect ed by the Palisades, Eaton and other wildfires, as well as households facing financial pressures tied to federal actions.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Machine: How Santa Monica’s Memory Gets Deleted

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 01:00:14 GMT

The state employs what it considers necessary tools for California’s housing affordability crisis. The “Builder’s Remedy” allows developers to bypass local zoning when cities lack compliant housing elements—meant to ensure housing production, but feeling like a sledgehammer where a precision scalpel might work better.

City's Housing Trust Fund Stretched Thin

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:56:59 GMT

The City fund that helps subsidize affordable housing construction in Santa Monica ended the fiscal year with some $14.5 million, enough to subsidize 122 affordable units on City-owned sites.

The City's Housing Trust Fund (HTF) is stretched even thinner when the housing is built on private land, with the fund supporting only 53 homes, according to a staff report on Tuesday's City Council agenda.

Eviction Filings: Cell Phone Numbers Must Be Provided

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:15:37 GMT

Effective January 2, 2026, all plaintiffs in limited-jurisdiction unlawful detainer actions must submit all known cellular telephone numbers for the defendant(s) at the time they file the complaint, according to General Order 2025-GEN-022-00 signed by Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II.The order requires plaintiffs to:Use the new Form LASC CIV 312 to list any known cell phone numbers for the tenant(s)/defendant(s).

Certify that they have provided all known cellular numbers.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Erasure: How Santa Monica Lost School Children

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:11:05 GMT

Yet the 2024 US Census notes something else is missing— school-age children. Despite adding thousands of housing units, the interplay of demographic shifts, family composition, and economic constraints has led to a reduced demand for new three-bedroom units in Santa Monica, contributing to the broader enrollment decline observed in the local school district.

This isn’t anecdotal observation. It is demographic transition wrapped in the language of progress.

The school district runs parallel deception. Facing enrollment collapse that should trigger consolidations and administrative cuts, they import students from other districts. These families pay zero Santa Monica school bond assessments while their property taxes support their home districts. We subsidize their education while our own families flee.

Rents at New Santa Monica Complex Raise Eyebrows

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 17:07:44 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2025/12/video-rents-at-new-santa-monica-complex-raise-eyebrows/

City To Give Low-Income Renters Free Appliances

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:47:14 GMT

Applicants for free appliances under Santa Monica's REACH program must be renters as well as Clean Power Alliance (CPA) customers, "live in a building that is able to enroll in CPA service, or be able to confirm your landlord is enrolled with CPA," City officials said.

City Clerk Latest Top Official to Leave

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 16:42:51 GMT

City officials announced Friday that City Clerk Nikima Newsome will leave the post in January, marking the fifth department head to depart since July.

SM.a.r.t. Column: The Case Against Overdevelopment

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 22 Nov 2025 00:19:25 GMT

We know it’s physically possible to build tall and dense. But the fact that we can doesn’t mean we should. Without analysis showing demonstrated need, this isn’t problem solving—it creates more problems and demonstrates that excesses result from poor planning.

Rent Control Board hears success and failure for housing bills

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 21:03:11 GMT

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board received a comprehensive update on California’s 2025 legislative session on Thursday, though the presentation was marred by a significant error that drew sharp public criticism.

SM.a.r.t Column: At the Crossroads: Preserving Santa Monica’s Soul

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:25:10 GMT

But unchecked growth risks eroding the very qualities that made the city desirable in the first place. Tourism, once the city’s lifeblood, has yet to fully recover since COVID. Visitors still come for the beach, the pier, and the promenade, but fewer linger. What drew them here was never density or spectacle; it was the feeling of openness, community, and the promise of restoration at the edge of the sea.

Santa Monica City Council - Tonight, Nov. 18

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 17:09:46 GMT

Second Readings

The council will also consider second readings and adoptions of several ordinances previously introduced Oct. 28, including amendments to rental housing registration requirements for units not subject to local rent control,

New Law Requires Owners to Register Vacant Properties

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 16:56:22 GMT

The new vacant properties registration ordinance will kick in 30 days after the City Council is expected to give its final approval on Tuesday and carries fees and penalties that have not yet been set.

Anyone who "owns or has control of a vacant property" must register the property by July 1, 2026 or within 30 days after it becomes vacant, whichever is later.

Under the ordinance -- which repeals and replaces the current provisions in the Municipal Code -- owners of vacant properties must file a valid Trespass Arrest Authorization with the Police Department.https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2025/November-2025/11_18_2025_New_Law_Requires_Owners_to_Register_Vacant_Properties.html

We Love Property Management Headaches! 310-829-9303Bob Kronovetrealty Santa Monica Travel & Tourism Santa Monica College Call (310) 434-4000 Why Does the City Want to Buy a New Office Building?

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 00:51:00 GMT

The two items added to the closed session agenda have led to speculation the City may be considering the property at 1640 14th Street, as well as two lots at 1639 and 1645 Euclid Street, as the new site for SAMOSHEL, the homeless shelter Downtown.

SM.a.r.t Column: At the Crossroads: Preserving Santa Monica’s Soul

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 02:04:06 GMT

Today, a competing vision dominates. Where modest beach cottages once stood, luxury towers rise. Where locals once found surf shops and independent cafés, national chains now occupy much of downtown. City leaders say Santa Monica must build to survive, to meet housing mandates and remain relevant.

But unchecked growth risks eroding the very qualities that made the city desirable in the first place.

CuriousCity11/14: SANTA MONICA SELL OUT

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 15 Nov 2025 01:57:39 GMT

We would have to be rid of the four City Council members who don’t seem to want our famous venue brought back to performing life, who notoriously voted one month ago to end negotiations with a group with five star credentials and decades of experience in the concert promotion business, because, the Council members explained afterwards, “the numbers didn’t add up.” But that’s silly talk. The RPG Group promised it would not cost the city or its residents a penny, and they would write that promise into the contract.

Rent Registry to Kick in for Market Rate Units

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 18:10:49 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday is set to give final approval to an ordinance that requires landlords of market-rate apartment buildings to register their rental units with the City.

As part of the annual registration, property owners would be required to provide information on the occupancy status of each rental unit, the date the current tenant moved in and what the tenant is paying.

Santa Monica Charts Path to Realignment

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:18:25 GMT

UPDATE: At its Oct. 28 meeting, the Santa Monica City Council approved the Realignment Plan.

City Council to consider comprehensive plan to restore safety, rebuild vitality, and achieve fiscal stability

Go Sell Crazy Somewhere Else. Santa Monica is All Stocked Up

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:16:51 GMT

Our new Manager Oliver Chi seems energetic and talented. Let's hope the council has finally caught up to the residents who have been sounding the alarms and being ignored for years.

Arthur Jeon, Letter to the Editor

City Manager Unveils Sweeping Plan for Santa Monica's Comeback

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:04:05 GMT

The City Manager's office on Thursday released an "overarching game plan" for Santa Monica that aims to "restore order, rebuild economic capacity and re-establish long-term fiscal health."

Outlined in a 34-page staff report the City Council will discuss Tuesday, the sweeping plan comes six weeks after City Manager Oliver Chi urged the Council to declare the City is in "fiscal distress."

City Bill Reaching $14.5 Million in Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:57:51 GMT

One of the most expensive law firms in the nation, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher made headlines recently after the firm billed the City of Los Angeles $1.8 million for two weeks work.

Council Approves New Program for Neighborhood Groups

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Nov 2025 23:55:26 GMT

The plan also bases funding for the seven groups on the number of households each represents -- instead of the current $7,000 given to each group -- and waives City fees for neighborhood events and activities.

Council tackles development heavy agenda on Tuesday

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 16:09:47 GMT

Council members will review the status of an emergency ordinance establishing a pilot program that allows market-rate housing projects more flexibility in providing affordable housing units off-site. The Off-site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program, approved in August, was designed to incentivize stalled housing projects facing financial challenges.

Staff will present options for reforming the Neighborhood Organization Grant Program, which has been suspended since July following political endorsements by participating groups during recent elections.

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Governance Problem

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:55:16 GMT

Residents of Santa Monica rarely question how their local government works. Debate usually focuses on housing, homelessness, or budgets—not on the machinery producing those outcomes. But the City Council–City Manager system creates a power imbalance: part-time, often inexperienced council members struggle to set priorities, while unelected staff make the real decisions. The result can be inefficiency and policies misaligned with community needs.

Council to Weigh Three Options to Support Neighborhood Groups

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:51:01 GMT

The three options range from resurrecting the City's mailed magazine, "Seascape," at a cost of $200,000 a year, to providing fee waivers and co-sponsoring neighborhood events and activities.

A third option would provide modest funding based on the number of households within a neighborhood's boundaries, while penalizing groups that "engage in political endorsements" by making them ineligible for the program for five years.

State Funding Offers Free Solar and Battery Systems for Low-Income LA Homeowners

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:41:33 GMT

A new round of state funding will soon make it possible for hundreds of low-income homeowners in Los Angeles to receive solar panels and battery storage systems at no cost, under California’s Self-Generation Incentive Program. The application window opens September 29 for customers of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Housing Developers Flock to Incentive Program

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Sep 2025 16:33:42 GMT

Approved August 12, the program to kick-start stalled housing construction received applications for a total of 1,088 units -- 916 market-rate and 102 affordable -- in its first week, exceeding the 1,000 units allowed by September 30.

On Tuesday, the City Council will decide "whether to terminate, extend and / or modify the terms" of the pilot program that gives developers three options to meet the City's affordable housing quotas.

LA County Approves $30 Million Emergency Rent Relief

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 18:15:34 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved nearly $30 million in emergency rent relief Tuesday, targeting residents displaced by January wildfires and immigrant families affected by federal immigration enforcement actions.

The Emergency Rent Relief Program will provide up to $15,000 in assistance covering six months of rent or mortgage payments for eligible households. The program represents a significant expansion of housing stability efforts as the county grapples with overlapping crises affecting thousands of residents.

Housing Pilot Program Reaches Capacity

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:33:13 GMT

A pilot program designed to jumpstart stalled housing construction in Santa Monica reached its 1,000-unit capacity within two days of launch, prompting city planners to seek an extension of the innovative initiative that offers developers unprecedented flexibility in meeting affordable housing requirements.

Santa Monica Approves 260-Unit Housing Project

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:30:58 GMT

The 8-story mixed-use development at 1907-1933 Wilshire Boulevard will include 26 affordable housing units and approximately 21,500 square feet of commercial space above four levels of underground parking. The project represents one of the largest residential developments to gain approval in the city's Mixed-Use Boulevard district this year.

Councilmember to Head Housing Advocacy Group

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 15:21:03 GMT

City Councilmember Jesse Zwick has been hired as director of a housing advocacy group, but it remains unclear how his new role will impact his participation on housing issues before the Council.

Zwick, who was elected in 2022, will head the Bay-area based Housing Action Coalition's new office in Southern California, where he will be responsible for "growing HAC’s membership and advancing pro-housing solutions across the region," the non-profit said.

City Attorneys Keep Revolving

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:23:18 GMT

Chief Deputy City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln was appointed Tuesday to head the City's legal department, becoming the seventh person to hold the post in the last nine years.

County Approves $30M Wildfire Rent Relief, Explores Eviction Protections

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 20:40:15 GMT

The board unanimously passed two motions introduced by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Hilda L. Solis to establish an Emergency Rent Relief Program (ERRP) with $29.8 million in funding. The program aims to assist wildfire survivors who lost homes or income, immigrant families facing financial hardship due to federal raids, low-income tenants at risk of eviction, and small landlords repairing fire-damaged affordable housing units.

Calls for Community Input on Rent Relief Funding Diversion

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 16:28:48 GMT

"I believe we can establish a rent relief program without pitting the compounding needs of our communities against each other," Mitchell said in a statement. "Unfortunately, the motion presented today diverted funds in a way that bypasses the necessary input from the CFCI advisory committee, undermining the participatory process that Measure J was designed to uphold."

Santa Monica Council Approves Controversial Building Code

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 16:04:45 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to approve two significant changes to the city's building codes, raising the threshold for high-rise buildings from 55 to 75 feet and allowing single-stairway apartment buildings up to six stories despite heated debate over public safety.

Santa Monica's Fiscal Meltdown

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:54:48 GMT

Brock, a second-generation Santa Monican and vocal advocate for fiscal restraint during his term, attributes the acceleration of the crisis to the council's progressive shift after last fall's election

Controversial Housing Bill Clears Final Hurdles

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:45:19 GMT

SB 79 -- which allows buildings of up to 9 stories adjacent to rail stops and 5 stories up to half a mile from major bus lines -- passed the Assembly with a 41 to 17 vote Thursday, followed by a 21 to 8 Senate vote Friday.

Council Approves Fiscal Distress Resolution

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:59:57 GMT

The item -- which articulates the reasons Santa Monica is in "fiscal distress" -- does not reduce services, cut staffing, grant the City manager emergency powers or declare a fiscal emergency.

And it will have no impact on the City's top AAA credit grade from S&P Global Ratings and Fitch Ratings, said City Manager Oliver Chi, who placed the item on last Tuesday's Consent Calendar.

City Manager Taps Veteran Planner for Top Post

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 13 Sep 2025 00:33:54 GMT

Santa Monica's longtime planning manager Jing Yeo will head the City's Community Development Department after the quiet departure of its former director less than seven months after being hired.

Yeo briefly held the post on an interim basis in January while the City concluded a four-month nationwide search that led to the hiring of South Pasadena City Manager Arminé Chaparyan to permanently fill the post.

Poll Gauges Council Performance

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 16:07:25 GMT

The latest Santa Monica Pulse poll found that 87 percent of respondents were unsatisfied with the Council's performance since four new members were seated last December.

How Santa Monica can Save $384 Million and Avert a Fiscal Crisis

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 15:00:59 GMT

Letter by Houman David Hemmati, MD, PhD

ome common sense ideas about cutting pet projects and avoiding stupid mistakes

Santa Monica Declares State of Fiscal Distress

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 14:57:59 GMT

The resolution directs the city to develop a “budgetary stabilization and overall city realignment plan,” expected to be presented in late October

Santa Monica to face reality of fiscal crisis

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:46:30 GMT

Santa Monica City Council will consider declaring a state of fiscal distress today as the city grapples with massive legal settlements and ongoing budget deficits while simultaneously advancing ambitious climate and demographic policy initiatives.

How A Plus Tree Helps Protect Your Home from Wildfire

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:39:41 GMT

Check your wildfire hazard zone using state or local maps (like CalFire’s tool in California). Then walk your property...

Council to Take Up Suit Filed By Ousted Downtown Boardmembers

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 16:36:50 GMT

In a special closed session, the Council will take up the lawsuit that claims the City attempted to remove "the majority of the members" from the Downtown Santa Monica Inc. (DTSM) Board without just cause.

"The City and the DTSM have been engaged in contract negotiations over the City's allocation of costs associated with Downtown Santa Monica," states the 10-page lawsuit filed by former Boardmembers Leonid Pustilnikov and Jon Farzam against the City, the Council and DTSM.

Council Poised to Declare Fiscal Emergency

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:43:01 GMT

While the proposed resolution does not "obligate the City to take any specific actions" or give the City Manager additional powers, it directs him "to take all necessary steps to address, alleviate, and mitigate this emergency."

Council to Replace Ousted Downtown Board Members Tuesday

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 15:42:32 GMT

The Council will choose from a field of 12 candidates, most of them with ties to City government, including a former mayor, Assemblymember and City Manager who were seated on a temporary basis, and the current head of the Chamber of Commerce.

City files housing discrimination lawsuit on behalf of disabled veterans

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:32:28 GMT

In the complaint, the city alleges that landlord Lawrence Boydston intentionally discriminated against his tenants based on disability and source of income. The suit also alleges that he refused to accept a Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing, or VASH, voucher that would help his two tenants, 77-and 80-year-old Army veteran brothers, afford their rent. He also refused their request for a reasonable modification to install a chair lift — to be paid for by the Office of Veterans Affairs — that would enable the disabled brothers to safely go up and down the stairs in their two-storied apartment.

Santa Monica Community Development Director Resigns

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:27:43 GMT

Her resignation follows the exit of the city’s Police Chief, as well as earlier departures of the city attorney and the director of Housing and Human Services

Arminé Chaparyan, director of the Community Development Department for the City of Santa Monica, announced her resignation on August 27, after less than seven months in the role, marking the latest in a series of high-level departures from the city’s leadership, officials confirmed.

City Manager Offers Insight into Law Enforcement Decisions

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:56:08 GMT

In the letter, Chi notes the City Charter gives the City Manager sole authority over "personnel related situations" and that he has the Council's backing to develop "new law enforcement programs."

Groups Call for Retaining Police Chief

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:54:41 GMT

In an unusual move, Santa Monica's most prominent slow-growth group on Tuesday joined an effort to retain Police Chief Ramon Batista after his surprise resignation last month.

The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City, which for 20 years has kept its focus on development, joined five neighborhood groups that have asked the City Council and City Manager to reject the popular chief's resignation submitted on August 22.

Letter from City Manager Chi to Neighborhood Groups

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:45:40 GMT

The following letter was sent over the weekend to Northeast Neighbors Board Member Tricia Crane in response to a request by five Santa Monica neighborhood groups that the City Council and City Manager reject the resignation of Police Chief Ramon Batista.

Read his letter at: https://surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/letters/Letters-2025/09_03_2025_Letter_From_City_Manager_to_Neighborhood_Groups.html

L.A. cracks down on Hollywood party houses and illegal short-term rentals.

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:15:03 GMT

The city of Los Angeles is expected to collect hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines after settling multiple lawsuits against the owners of illegal short-term rentals and party houses in the Hollywood area who were accused of wreaking havoc for neighboring residents.

LA County braces for potential federal funding cuts to housing and homelessness services

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 14:12:31 GMT

The Los Angeles region is at risk of losing millions of dollars in federal funding for some homelessness services because of a Trump Administration order that aims to end support for Housing First policies, county authorities said.

Landscape Expo

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 16:21:18 GMT

The Sept. 13 event will showcase a new demonstration garden located next to the Miles Memorial Playhouse at Christine Emerson Reed Park. The garden serves as a model for implementing low-water systems for pollinator-friendly plantings and edible crops.

Firing of Santa Monica Police Chief Batista

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:08:00 GMT

by Arthur Jeon

It's obvious he was fired despite all the niceties mouthed.

Read the entire letter: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2025/08/26/opinion/firing-of-santa-monica-police-chief-batista/9238.html

Santa Monica Rents Remain Flat

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Aug 2025 16:02:30 GMT

Rents -- which dipped -0.2 percent nationwide and -0.1 percent locally this month -- are not expected to pick up again this year after the official arrival of the rental market's slow season, the site's researchers predict.

Council approves limited affordable housing pilot program allowing units to be built off-site

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 16:04:37 GMT

The pilot program offers three options for developers to meet affordable housing requirements: constructing units off-site with $150,000 per unit in gap financing, rehabilitating existing uninhabitable units, or paying in-lieu fees of $43.91 per square foot for apartments and $51.30 per square foot for condominiums.

War Over Transit-Oriented Housing Bill Heats Up

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:57:29 GMT

On Tuesday, State Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), who authored SB 79, announced "a surge of major endorsements" for the bill, which allows new residential buildings of up to seven stories near major transit stops.

Endorsing the bill since Saturday were the California Democratic Party, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Katie Porter, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, climate investor Tom Steyer, the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Homelessness Service Providers.

Rally Against SB 79 Draws Crowds in Palisades

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:29:47 GMT

The bill, which advanced through Senate and Assembly committees, faces review by the Assembly Appropriations Committee this week, with a full vote possible by August 29

Crowds gathered in Pacific Palisades on Saturday, August 23, to rally against Senate Bill 79, a state housing measure critics say endangers communities with unchecked high-density development.

City Manager Names Acting Police Chief

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Aug 2025 16:27:56 GMT

City officials on Monday formally announced the resignation of Police Chief Ramón Batista and the appointment of Deputy Chief Darrick Jacob as Acting Chief of Police.

Slow Growth Group Blasts Council Actions

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:01:45 GMT

"This Council majority is now actively dismantling public participation so that residents (both property owners and renters), can have no input into major development decisions that will radically affect them," Coalition officials wrote.

Letter from Police Chief Ramon Batista

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:00:41 GMT

It is with deep gratitude and reflection that I share the news that on today’s date, I submitted my letter of resignation to City Manager Oliver Chi. I will be stepping down as your Chief of Police, effective October 4, 2025.

Clashing Views on Public Safety May Have Led to Police Chief's Departure

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Aug 2025 17:00:08 GMT

Police Chief Ramon Batista's abrupt resignation Friday not only shocked his officers -- who learned the news from an open letter to the community -- but it raised questions about the reasons for his exit.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Algorithm Will See You Now: Santa Monica’s Upcoming AI Reckoning

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:34:09 GMT

This is the choice that members of Santa Monica’s government face, though they probably don’t realize it yet. They can use AI to become the transparent, responsive government they’ve always claimed to be. Help residents understand complex issues. Model policy outcomes honestly. Share power instead of hoarding it (fix the city’s Open Data Portal, to take but one example).

Or they can keep playing the old game, and discover that artificial intelligence has a way of turning small fibs into big problems, bad decisions into civic disasters, and ignored constituents into organized opposition.

Opponents Mount Last-Ditch Effort to Kill Housing Bill

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 22 Aug 2025 15:27:36 GMT

The last-ditch effort comes as the Appropriations Committee prepares to vote next week on whether to send the bill to the Assembly floor, after it barely passed the Senate in June.

LA became the latest and largest city to oppose SB 79, joining more than 90 California cities that oppose a measure they contend will further usurp local control over planning issues.

Only the Santa Monica and West Hollywood city councils have voted to back the measure...

Police Make Dent in City's Homeless Population

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Aug 2025 17:31:51 GMT

During the week of August 3, eight homeless individuals who have committed low--level crimes agreed to enter the City's new SaMo Bridge program that offers an alternative to jail.

Withdrawn Rental Units Return to Market

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 18:41:16 GMT

A total of 26 units in five Santa Monica rent control buildings have been returned to the rental market this year, according to occupancy permits approved by the City.

The move by multi-family property owners furthers a trend that saw 34 units returned to residential rental use in 2024 as multifamily housing construction came to a standstill.

23-Story Tower, Affordable Housing Project Proposed

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 22:08:29 GMT

According to a new project website, the larger development would rise at 1518–1524 7th Street, replacing an existing 10-unit rental complex. The proposal calls for a 23-story mixed-income building with 104 for-sale units and 20 deed-restricted affordable units to replace the existing apartments. The design also includes podium- and rooftop-level amenities and parking for roughly 220 vehicles across subterranean and podium garages.

A second, smaller project is planned nearby at 1238 7th Street, where Hankey Capital has proposed a four-story, 23-unit apartment building to serve entirely as affordable housing. Both projects are designed by Ottinger Architects.

Ousted Downtown Santa Monica Board Members Threaten Legal Action Against City Council

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:10:04 GMT

In a letter sent this week to DTSM leadership, attorneys for board members Jon Farzam and Leo Pustilnikov argued that the council’s action to oust its appointees was “plainly illegal” and ignored protections adopted by the board during an emergency meeting on July 29. That meeting, convened under Government Code Section 54956.5, resulted in amendments to the organization’s bylaws restricting the city’s authority to remove directors without cause.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Rhetoric of Municipal Control

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:08:36 GMT

When I say character, it means making it more unaﬀordable, a city I grew up in that I don’t recognize, that I can’t aﬀord to live in, that my kids can’t aﬀord to live in, that my business can’t sustain because we have no parking. That’s what I’m talking about. So, when I talk about character, it’s about the loss of character. It’s about me seeing the elderly people leave this town in droves because they can’t aﬀord a cup of coﬀee down the street because we’re building development that down below has to sustain a coﬀee place that sells lattes for $12. It’s about my kids not being able to live here like I was. It’s about brown and black people being displaced even today.

Long-shot ballot initiative could have huge effect on California insurance

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:05:47 GMT

Proposition 103 has regulated home, auto and other types of property and casualty insurance in the state since 1988. It requires insurance companies to seek approval from an elected insurance commissioner to raise their premiums, and allows members of the public to object to rate increases.

The initiative — which experts are calling a long shot — would throw all of that out. Insurance companies would not need the state’s approval to raise their policy holders’ premiums; the commissioner would be appointed by the governor instead of elected; and the public would no longer be able to intervene in rate filings.

City Council approves loan to rehab Virginia Avenue affordable apartments

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 21:02:46 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday approved a Housing Trust Fund loan not to exceed $35.7 million to Community Corporation of Santa Monica, or CCSM, for rehabilitation of a 40-apartment rent-controlled community at 2033-2101 Virginia Ave.

Council Takes Up Voting Rights Case Again

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 20:55:32 GMT

The closed session item was added to Tuesday's agenda days after a Superior Court Judge issued an order charting a path for the legal battle that has been winding its way through the courts since June 2016.

The item also was taken up after the Los Angeles Times reported that the law firm representing the City -- Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher -- had submitted an $1.8-million invoice to the City of Los Angeles for two weeks of work in May.

Council agenda features housing incentives and parking rate increases

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:56:36 GMT

Finally, the council will consider directing the Planning Commission to review zoning changes related to small lot subdivisions and duplex projects. The amendments would implement recent state legislation including Senate Bill 1123, which allows properties zoned for single-family homes to be subdivided into up to 10 parcels.

Read More on pages 1 and 4: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/081225.pdf%0A

Santa Monica is Hiring a Housing and Human Services Operations Director

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:53:27 GMT

The role comes at a time when the city is placing new emphasis on tackling homelessness and expanding housing access. The director will not only lead a recently restructured department but also play a central role in guiding the city’s strategy on one of its most urgent challenges. This position reports directly to the City Manager and will serve as Santa Monica’s primary representative on homelessness policy, overseeing coordination between departments and working with regional, state, and federal partners.

Santa Monica hiring for new director to oversee homeless operations

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:41:24 GMT

The position, which offers an annual salary range of $209,592 to $258,756, represents a key role on the City Manager's Executive Team and comes with considerable political and departmental support to address urgent community needs.

New housing ordinance that could exponentially densify single lots

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 21:38:24 GMT

Council voted 5-2 at their last meeting to approve an emergency zoning ordinance that dramatically expands housing development possibilities in single-family neighborhoods, allowing up to 20 units on vacant residential lots and permitting three-story buildings in areas previously restricted to single-family homes.

Council Takes Up Emergency Ordinance to Kick-start Housing Construction

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Aug 2025 20:40:33 GMT

On Tuesday, the Council will take up an emergency ordinance to counter a "dramatic slowdown in housing construction" that has seen few of the more than 3,400 market rate and 900 affordable units approved in the streamlined process issued building permits.

The proposed options include allowing market rate developers to meet their affordable housing quotas by "pooling" affordable units from multiple projects and building them at an off-site location not in the Pico Neighborhood, City staff wrote in a report to the Council.

City Poised to Pay Nearly $35 Million to Save 40-unit Building

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 19:38:46 GMT

The $19,616,330 loan from the City's Housing Trust Fund (HTF) to Community Corporation comes after the affordable housing provider received a $15,183,670 HTF loan in January 2000 to buy and prepare to rehab the building.

Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete Slams City Council's "Dangerous" Move to Oust Downtown Santa Monica Board

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:30:14 GMT

The council's move, spearheaded by Councilmembers Barry Snell, Caroline Torosis, and Dan Hall, replaced the six DTSM board members-Luke M. Cain, Lucian Tudor, Leonid "Leo" Pustilnikov, Michelle Cardiel, Berta Negari, and Jon Farzam-with interim appointees, including former Santa Monica Mayors Gleam Davis and Richard Bloom, as well as Elaine Polachek, Hodge Patterson, Sean Besser, and Jonathan Gregory. Permanent replacements are slated to be finalized on September 9 after a public application process.

Santa Monica Rents Drop for Third Straight Month

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Aug 2025 17:11:59 GMT

Santa Monica's -0.7 percent decline last month follows decreases of -0.7 and -0.9 percent in May and June, after a fast start this year attributed to the city's proximity to fire-ravaged Pacific Palisades.

The current median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica is $2,350 and $2,817 for a two-bedroom unit, based on local listings posted on the popular rental website.

LA’s Section 8 housing vouchers now won’t go as far as they used to

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:46:10 GMT

Starting Friday, the city of Los Angeles’ Housing Authority is cutting voucher payments by 10% for all new Section 8 leases

Downtown Activist Group Vows to 'Dismantle' DTSM

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 31 Jul 2025 18:49:30 GMT

The Santa Monica Coalition, an activist group of property owners, is drumming up support to dismantle Downtown Santa Monica Inc. by dissolving the area's Property-Based Assessment District (PBAD), according to the group's leader, John Alle.

Wildfire Price Gouging Protections Extended for Displaced Residents

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:22:51 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday voted to extend price gouging protections for residents displaced by the January wildfires, as housing instability persists months after the disaster.

The motion, introduced by Supervisors Lindsey P. Horvath and Kathryn Barger, extend protections through August 30.

Read Moer: https://smmirror.com/2025/07/wildfire-price-gouging-protections-extended-for-displaced-residents/

Council Purges 'Dysfunctional' Downtown Board

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Jul 2025 18:19:10 GMT

Citing "emergency circumstances," the City Council Tuesday night ousted six Downtown Santa Monica board members and replaced them with temporary members that include two former mayors and a former City Manager.

The unprecedented move was prompted by the "dysfunctionality" of a board that has been "completely skewed" toward property owners who are undermining efforts to revive the the city's central core, said Councilmember Barry Snell, who made the motion.

Santa Monica ranks second most expensive for rentals as real estate market shows mixed signals

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:31:49 GMT

Only Beverly Hills surpassed Santa Monica in rental costs, with one-bedrooms priced at $3,010. The city outpaced third-place Irvine,

Santa Monica to Renew Homelessness Emergency

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Jul 2025 16:10:40 GMT

The latest Proclamation -- which extends the local emergency through December 31, 2026 unless terminated earlier -- "allows the City to expeditiously increase City services and programs to address and prevent homelessness," staff wrote.

Santa Monica to Feel Impact of Trump's Homeless Order

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 17:20:39 GMT

The order, titled "Ending Crime and Disorder on American Streets," makes it easier for States and cities to remove homeless individuals from public spaces, especially those who need treatment for drug addiction and mental illness.

Santa Monica Council Orders Study of Neighborhood Group Funding

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:58:41 GMT

Hall said he introduced the item because he has a problem with giving taxpayer dollars to organizations that actively lobby the city. He said that while the public money had been used to help build membership for the groups in the past, that membership was now being targeted with political endorsements.

Santa Monica Sees Increase in Homeless Count

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Jul 2025 16:35:49 GMT

The point-in-time count conducted by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) on the night of February 20 counted 812 homeless individuals in Santa Monica, up from 774 counted in 2024.

2025 State of the City: Speech by Mayor Lana Negrete

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:53:12 GMT

July 21, 2025 10:26 AM
by Mayor Lana Negrete

Read her speech at: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/2025-state-of-the-city-speech-by-mayor-lana-negrete

Board Considers New Design of Six-Story Affordable Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Jul 2025 00:48:37 GMT

The project, led by EAH Housing at 1318 Fourth St., will feature 122 studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, all designated as 100% affordable housing. The development includes a 20,000-square-foot ground-floor grocery market and a two-level subterranean parking garage. Located in the Bayside Conservation Zoning District, the city-owned property is exempt from the Downtown Community Plan and Zoning Ordinance due to its affordable housing designation.

SM.a.r.t. Column: SMO (So Many Options) Part 4

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Jul 2025 16:34:31 GMT

“As the City is broke and on the edge of bankruptcy, proponents seem to suggest starting simply—create walking paths, install basic amenities, plant shade trees, and wait for a generous philanthropist to fund the full transformation.” writes Bob Taylor

City Seeks Proposals for Prime Downtown Santa Monica Site

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 15:31:12 GMT

Nearly five years after the City Council rejected The Plaza mixed-use hotel project in the heart of Downtown, the City is actively seeking proposals to develop the 2.57-acre site.

The City's "Notice of Availability" issued on June 30 seeks a developer that can "provide a minimum of 362 affordable residences" and explore "other potential commercial uses."

'Historic' Housing Bill Won't Impact Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 17:17:17 GMT

Santa Monica implemented the reforms outlined in the bill five years ago, when it allowed major housing developments outside residential zones to be approved administratively by planning officials.

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:16:50 GMT

The largest site, the 5.6-acre Bergamot Station Arts Center at 2525 Michigan Avenue, currently hosts 30 small businesses, including art galleries and a restaurant, with leases extending to 2027.

City’s 150th Anniversary Celebration Kicks Off at State of the City Event

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:29:18 GMT

Santa Monica will launch its 150th anniversary celebration at the annual State of the City event on Thursday, July 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Reed Park and the newly reopened Miles Memorial Playhouse.

California is finally getting a housing agency

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:26:25 GMT

Earlier this year, Gov. Gavin Newsom introduced a proposal to split up the Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency — an awkward grabbag of disparate bureaucratic operations — into two fresh agencies: One just for housing and homelessness-related departments and one for everything else. The Legislature had until July 4 to veto the plan. It didn’t (though some Republicans tried). Now the work of standing up California’s first housing agency begins.

SM.a.r.t.Column: Does the Rand Corporation have a future in Santa Monica?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Jul 2025 15:09:24 GMT

They are hoping the City will allow mixed uses within the building, which I believe is a prelude to potentially selling the property. I fully support their request to modify permitted uses. What would be truly unfortunate is if RAND were to leave Santa Monica entirely. The corporation’s history is deeply intertwined with the growth of our City. In 1946, it was spun off from Douglas Aircraft’s Research and Development Division. The “R & D” label later evolved into the acronym RAND.

Housing Bill Backed by Council Clears Hurdle

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 16:21:43 GMT

The bill allows new residential buildings of up to seven stories near major transit stops, which applies to most of Santa Monica's 8.3 square miles ("Bill to Boost Housing Near Transit Gets Council Backing," May 13, 2025).

California lawmakers side with landlords to kill renter eviction relief

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 16:57:17 GMT

Sen. Aisha Wahab implored her colleagues to think of hospitalized patients and struggling families as she pitched a proposal to give tenants a full two weeks to pay their past due rent before their landlords could start the eviction process.

Newsom Extends Emergency Housing Protections for LA Fire Survivors Through October

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Jul 2025 18:46:20 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued an executive order extending emergency housing protections for survivors of the 2025 Los Angeles area wildfires, allowing them to remain in hotels and short-term rentals beyond the typical 30-day limit without being classified as tenants.

The extension runs through Oct. 1, 2025, continuing protections that were first implemented March 7 as part of the state's response to devastating wildfires that swept through the Los Angeles area earlier this year.

Santa Monica bans algorithmic rental pricing software after wildfire crisis

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:56:38 GMT

The City Council’s adoption of the ban comes as the city grapples with a housing crunch exacerbated by January’s devastating Los Angeles County wildfires, which displaced thousands of residents and drove up demand for rental properties.

Santa Monica Rents Drop in June

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:47:33 GMT

Despite the -0.7 percent drop last month, local rents have increased by 4.1 percent over the past 12 months, outpacing both the State's 1.5 percent rise and the nation's -0.7 percent dip.

Board Extends Wildfire Price Gouging Protections Through July

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:41:32 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion to extend housing price gouging protections through July 31, 2025, for residents still displaced by the devastating January 2025 wildfires.

Santa Monica's 2025 4th of July Main Street Parade: Celebrating 150 Years of Cityhood

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:32:45 GMT

The 2025 4th of July Parade on Main Street in Santa Monica, organized by Jeffrey Jarow, Senior Vice President of PAR Commercial Brokerage, will celebrate the city's 150th anniversary of cityhood. Hosted by the Ocean Park Association, the parade begins at 9:30 a.m. on July 4, starting at Pico Boulevard and Main Street, proceeding south along Main Street, and concluding at Marine Street.

Santa Monica Businessman Launches Program Offering Homeless One-Way Tickets Home

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:30:38 GMT

John Allee, a Santa Monica business owner, has introduced a controversial new initiative aimed at addressing homelessness in Los Angeles County by offering unhoused individuals free one-way plane tickets to reunite with their families or return to their hometowns. The program, which has sparked both praise and debate, reflects Alle’s belief that reconnecting people with their support networks is a practical step toward reducing homelessness in the region.

Planning Commission Approves 18-Story Residential Tower on 6th Street

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 19:09:04 GMT

The 194-foot-tall building exceeds local height limits by 109 feet under California’s Density Bonus Law

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:44:48 GMT

Prioritizing Housing and Safety

Tight Budget Zeros in on Public Safety

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:38:45 GMT

The adopted budget adds a police sergeant and a community services officer, beefs up security at three City facilities and adds an emergency paramedic unit.

The budget, which kicks in on July 1, also includes funding to launch a Fire Department ambulance operator program, maintain and repair broken street lights and make streets safer for bicyclists and pedestrians.

City of Santa Monica Seeks Applicants for City Boards and Commissions

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:07:44 GMT

The application window is now open, with vacancies on a variety of advisory bodies, including the Disabilities Commission, the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee, and the L.A. County West Vector Control District Board, among others.

The deadline to submit applications is Tuesday, June 17, and appointments are scheduled to be made by the City Council on Monday, June 24.

SM.a.r.t Column: California’s Transit Death Spiral: How Housing Mandates Are Backfiring

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Jun 2025 17:10:14 GMT

California’s ambitious housing mandates were supposed to solve the affordability crisis. Instead, they’re creating a vicious cycle that’s killing public transit and pushing working families further from opportunity. New UCLA research reveals a stunning pattern: every $230 increase in monthly rent predicts a 22% drop in bus and train ridership. This isn’t coincidence—it’s displacement economics in action.

Council Hikes Water and Sewer Rates

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Jun 2025 16:47:35 GMT

Under the new rates that take effect July 1, single family homes will see an annual increase in water rates of about $180 each year over five years, while sewer rates will rise by about $48.

Commercial buildings will pay an average of $720 more each year over five years for water and $186 more for sewer.

Meanwhile, an average 8-unit multifamily building will see an annual increase of about $48 per unit for water and $12 per unit for sewer each year over five years.

SM.a.r.t. Column: A City Dying by a Thousand Cuts

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:47:23 GMT

Santa Monica, once celebrated for its blend of coastal charm and progressive ideals, is slowly bleeding out — not from one dramatic failure, but from a thousand small, systemic ones. Mismanagement, unchecked spending, and leadership bloat are gradually eroding the city’s ability to function, let alone thrive. While the public is told that resources are limited, executive compensation continues to soar.

We demand accountability for homelessness, public safety, and infrastructure!

City Council Poised to Raise Water Rates

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:42:33 GMT

Multifamily buildings would see monthly increase of about $4 per unit for an average 8-unit building, while commercial buildings would see monthly rates rise by about $60 each year over five years.

SM.a.r.t Column: Oops!! What Happened? And What Are You Going to Do About It?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 18:16:34 GMT

A major concern in many of our articles is State-Mandated Housing Densification. These mandates require Santa Monica to build 8,895 new housing units over an eight-year period, a staggering 430% increase from prior requirements. This is not merely a quantitative concern; we see it as “an urban experiment based on highly contestable assumptions” and view the increase in required housing density as an existential threat to the city’s established fabric and quality of life.

Bill to Build Taller Housing Projects Near Transit Headed to Senate Floor

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 May 2025 20:15:54 GMT

A bill that makes it faster and easier to build taller residential buildings near transit stops by overriding local zoning restrictions is on its way to a full vote of the State Senate.

Senate Bill 79, which has the City Council's support, was approved by the Senate by a 4 to 2 vote Friday and must be passed by the full Senate by June 6.

DTSM Board approves budget amendment for parking, events and lighting cuts

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 May 2025 16:13:14 GMT

The revised plan shifts $400,000 originally set aside for enhanced maintenance in zones one through three back into parking structure custodial services, after city officials clarified they would not be able to fully absorb those responsibilities. DTSM will also use $228,000 in carryover funds from the current fiscal year to help cover parking facility-related costs next year, bringing the total for parking structure maintenance to about $628,000.

City Boosts Efforts to Recruit, Retain Workers

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 May 2025 15:50:27 GMT

According to the Human Resources Department, the City of Santa Monica had 2,037 full-time budgeted positions last year. A total of 53 positions were newly established, while 105 were vacated due to promotions or transfers.

Of the remainder, 42 became vacant due to resignations, 28 due to retirements, 21 due to involuntary separations and 5 due to deaths.

In 2024, the City filled 293 full-time positions, with 70 filled through promotions and 223 with outside hires.

Council Picks New City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 May 2025 15:48:22 GMT

After a five-month search, the City Council announced Friday it has selected 45-year-old Irvine City Manager Oliver Chi to run Santa Monica, marking the fifth city where he holds the top post.

SM.a.r.t Column: Why Santa Monica Might Need a Desalination Plant, and Maybe Even Nuclear Power

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 May 2025 15:31:23 GMT

If Santa Monica builds all the new homes required by the state, it will mean tens of thousands more people living here (or even more), using water for everything from showers and toilets to cooking and gardening. Even with continued conservation and recycled water programs, the city just doesn’t have enough natural supply to keep up.

Housing Affordability Crisis Deepens in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 May 2025 16:00:38 GMT

Santa Monica ranks as the second most expensive city for renters in the Los Angeles metro area, with one-bedroom apartments commanding a median rent of $2,950 per month, according to a new report released Thursday.

The findings come amid a broader housing affordability crisis that has seen median home sales prices nationwide surge from $313,000 in the first quarter of 2019 to $416,900 in the first quarter of 2025.

SM.a.r.t Column: SMO (So Many Options) Part 3: “Pie in the Sky”

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:57:06 GMT

Because here’s the truth: SMO has so many options. Closure is just one. And in a city where real estate is measured in gold, the future will likely be shaped not just by ideals—but by incentives, not ‘pie in the sky’. Maintaining SMO as an operating, economically viable airport is the only rational option. Remember, with two more voting cycles, you will have an opportunity to say who will be on the council to support your choice. The opportunity remains to preserve a valuable asset that provides jobs, economic value, and regional aviation access, with thoughtful planning—not assumptions dressed as certainty. Choose wisely.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Owner Occupancy Protects Against Corporate Over-Development

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:55:06 GMT

Now, three City Councilmembers (Zwick, Zernitskaya, and Hall) propose to fundamentally change Santa Monica’s SB9 Ordinance, by “removing the owner-occupancy requirement for lot splits … and clarifying that vacant or demolished parcels… are eligible for lot splits…” Their resolution is currently on the City Council Agenda for the May 13, 2025, Council meeting. According to a Public Records Act request to the City, these two changes were recommended by Stephen Anderson, who is the corporate representative of the two SB9 developments in Santa Monica, proposed by Delaware corporations.

SM.a.r.t Column: The World’s Happiest Cities

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:53:40 GMT

Santa Monica is a primarily affluent city with excellent public transportation and a high walkability score. Great public schools, universities, and colleges abound in our vicinity. We are surrounded by incredible natural beauty, and the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains are adjacent. We are perhaps one of the world’s most significant centers for the arts, and the creative energy is palpable. However, the social ill of homelessness, the high propensity of crime against residents and visitors, the decrease in our tree canopy, increased density, lack of civility in our civil discourse, and extreme pollution in our air and ocean disrupt the happiness index in Santa Monica.

Survey Shows Division Over Airport Housing

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 May 2025 15:41:21 GMT

The community verdict is in on including housing on the 192 acres of open land slated to be converted into a "great park" when the airport closes at the end of 2028.

According to the highly anticipated results of an online survey released by the City Wednesday, "community members were divided on whether or not they would like to see housing on the future site."

Proposed Ordinance Requires Council Appoint Residents to Key Boards

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 18:43:45 GMT

The proposed ordinance would cover the governing boards of three nonprofit organizations that play a critical role in Santa Monica's economy -- Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM), Santa Monica Travel and Tourism Inc. (SMTT) and the Santa Monica Pier Corporation, Inc. (SMPC).

Santa Monica Needs a Rental Registry—Now! Dan Hall

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 19:42:36 GMT

A rental registry is a city-maintained database of all rental units and property owners.

State laws require rent receipts

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:59:33 GMT

Landlords looking to protect themselves from disputes and potential lawsuits should consider giving each tenant a rent receipt after every payment.

SM.a.r.t Column: Part II: Rebuilding Resilient Communities

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 14:56:44 GMT

The January 2025 wildfires that devastated Pacific Palisades and Altadena left an indelible mark on Los Angeles County. Beyond the immediate human tragedy lies a critical juncture for community planning and policy development. As climate scientists project increasing wildfire intensity and frequency in coming decades, the rebuilding process represents a rare opportunity to implement forward-thinking approaches that enhance community resilience against future disasters.

Council approves new tools to target nuisance properties

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 01:09:54 GMT

Among the new provisions, property owners who commit five or more violations within a 12-month period of tenant protection codes, housing anti-discrimination codes, or building regulations would be subject to enhanced penalties. Other additions include making illegal subdivisions of dwelling units and failing to comply with the city's mandatory seismic retrofit program public nuisances.

County Offers Housing Vouchers to Wildfire Survivors

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 12 Apr 2025 01:02:08 GMT

Since April 4, the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) opened the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) waiting list to provide assistance to up to 50 individuals or families displaced by the fires. The application window will close once 300 applications have been received.

The HCV program, also known as Section 8

Delinquent property owners could face new fines

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 17:17:32 GMT

The ordinance would add new classes of violations that may be deemed public nuisances, including property owners who commit five or more housing code violations within a 12-month period, businesses that employ harassing tactics, and property owners who fail to comply with mandatory seismic retrofit programs.

New plans unveiled for housing development at 1441 Lincoln Blvd

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 15:58:32 GMT

This development at 1441 is almost directly opposite another construction project already well underway at 1430 Lincoln Blvd, arguably among the more modest of the various projects along this small stretch of road that also include 710 Broadway and 1527 Lincoln Blvd.

Council to Take Position on 2 Key Housing Bills

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Apr 2025 23:00:04 GMT

Councilmember Jesse Zwick is asking the City Council to support State legislation that makes it faster and easier to develop multi-family housing near transit stops and in single-family neighborhoods.

The second bill Zwick is asking the Council to back -- SB 79, which is also sponsored by Weiner -- establishes State zoning standards around train stations and major bus stops.

Landlords may soon be required to provide stoves, fridges

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:15:00 GMT

Assembly Bill 628 was introduced by State Assemblymember Tina McKinnor (D-Inglewood); if passed, it would require California landlords to provide stoves and refrigerators for all apartment leases after Jan. 1, 2026.

Sounding the Alarm for Main Street & Ocean Park

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:03:10 GMT

Now that the Affordable Housing Development of 3 City owned lands are moving forward at 4^th/ 5^th Streets & Arizona downtown & Bergamot Station Arts Station, according to the Housing Element, the City Staff will next present a plan to build massive, multiple, 7-8 story tall buildings, with 577 affordable rental units in Parking Lots 9, 10 & 11, directly behind Main Street (from Hollister to Kinney Street) in Ocean Park.

Sacramento lawmakers introduce new measures targeting rental housing

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 17:00:01 GMT

Attorney General Rob Bonta and Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) have introduced a bill to shield tenants from additional housing fees, while Assemblyman Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego) is pushing legislation to expedite the removal of squatters from private property.

SaMo Bridge diversion program to open in April

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 16:52:39 GMT

The SaMo Bridge program will join STEP Court and the Alternatives to Incarceration Pre-Filing Diversion Program as the latest tool to help the city intercept individuals experiencing homelessness or behavioral health issues before they enter the criminal justice system – and offer a different path.

Santa Monica Launches Public Search for New City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 16:05:51 GMT

The City of Santa Monica has officially launched a nationwide search for its next city manager, posting the position publicly with a salary of $410,604, according to job listings.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Smart Home Systems and IoT Sensors

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 16:24:48 GMT

The core of these systems lies in their sophisticated detection capabilities. Modern AI-driven wildfire sensors utilize high-resolution optical cameras and thermal imaging paired with machine learning algorithms that operate continuously 24/7, scanning the landscape for the earliest signs of danger. These systems can detect wildfires within just five minutes of ignition and up to seven miles away, using strategically positioned 360-degree cameras mounted around residences at rooflines and eaves. This early detection window—crucial for evacuation decisions—represents a dramatic improvement over traditional methods.

Council advances tenant protections

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 20:03:47 GMT

The proposed changes aim to strengthen safeguards against forced displacement and ensure tenants receive adequate notice of construction activities that may affect their living conditions. The council also requested a review of per diem rates for temporarily relocated tenants, assessing whether adjustments should be made to better support larger households and those with special needs.

Water rate hike approved to support aging infrastructure

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 19:48:09 GMT

The approved plan will increase water rates by 20% in the first year, followed by increases of 16%, 9%, 9%, and 6% over the subsequent four years. Wastewater rates will rise by 7% for the first three years, followed by 6% increases in the final two years.

Multi-family residential buildings with eight units will see approximately $80 increases in bimonthly bills, translating to roughly $10 monthly per unit. Commercial customers can expect bimonthly increases averaging $146 per year.

Plans updated for 122-unit affordable housing development at 1318 4th Street

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:34:56 GMT

The project, located at 1318 4th Street is being developed by EAH Housing and envisions a six-story building with 122 apartments above street-level commercial space and underground parking for 116 vehicles.

Brace, Bolt, and Protect: How California’s Earthquake Retrofit Grants Work

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 17:27:53 GMT

California homeowners can now register for grants to help retrofit their houses against earthquakes through the Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program, which is now open for registration, state officials announced.

National rental assistance program set to run out of cash

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:48:18 GMT

A $5 billion pot of federal money set aside to help people on the verge of homelessness pay the rent is running out of cash — and no one has a plan to keep the roughly 60,000 renters, more than 15,000 of them in California — from losing their housing after the last dollar is spent.

Local rents climb

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 Mar 2025 17:39:03 GMT

Santa Monica's rental market appears to be accelerating compared to last year. Two months into 2025, rents have risen 1.1%, which stands in contrast to the same period in 2024 when rents had decreased by 0.5% from January to February.

Council to Explore Hiking Water Rates

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 15:30:17 GMT

Santa Monica water rates will need to rise in each of the next five years if the City's water fund is expected to stay afloat, a report to the City Council warns.

Businesses rates could rise by as much as $73 per month, while multifamily buildings could see monthly increases of $10 per unit.

SM.a.r.t Column: Fire Safety in Los Angeles

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 17:47:14 GMT

Advanced testing and modern building science indicates residences will be best protected with (1) proper spacing apart to avoid the devastating domino effect, (2) a 200-foot “defensible space” perimeter, and (3) a 5-foot spacing of non-combustibles around the residence to reduce fire transmission. After ember-spread flame-fronts ignite buildings, fire-storms are created, radiating temperatures on surfaces from 1,500 to 2,500 deg. Fahrenheit. Such an intensified heat caused concrete, terra-cotta, and brick to crumble, while shattering windows, sliding glass doors, and creating wind-fed fire-tunnels to interiors that fueled total destruction. Significantly, the resulting regulatory framework will shift toward increased inspection frequency, stricter enforcement, and enhanced penalties for non-compliance.

City to Launch New Renters’ Protection Program

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 20:47:02 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday approved a new Renters’ Protection Program that will initially provide $8 million to expand legal counseling and help tenants at risk of eviction pay their rent.

The financial assistance ranges from a one-time payment of up to $5,000 per household to as much as $20,000 to those fighting eviction lawsuits with the City's help.

Poll Finds Scant Support for Record Bond

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 17:33:20 GMT

Asked if they supported a possible $460 million general obligation bond to help the cash-strapped City pay for unfunded capital projects, 87 percent said no, 7 percent yes and 6 percent weren't sure.

Housing Authority official says LA could see rise in homelessness after Section 8 changes

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 20:32:06 GMT

Last week, the Housing Authority announced no new or ongoing applications were being processed for Section 8, which assists 60,000 households in LA by offering rental subsidy payments to private landlords on behalf of very low-income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities. The nationwide program is funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), one of a number of federal agencies facing funding cuts and other changes or downsizing under the Trump Administration.

Council to Consider Banning "Price-Fixing" Rental Software

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 18:16:33 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday will consider drafting an ordinance to ban the use of price-fixing software that may have been used to jack up rent prices in the LA area after the recent wildfires.

The proposed ordinance, which would return for Council approval within 60 days, would include "enforceable penalties for noncompliance," according to the item placed in the agenda by Councilmembers Caroline Torosis, Ellis Raskin and Dan Hall.

Newsom extends rental price gouging protections after L.A. fires

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 18:13:25 GMT

Friday's executive order:

Caps prices until July 1 for rental housing, hotels and motels to no more than 10% from before the state of emergency was declared due to the fires.
Prohibits landlords until July 1 from evicting tenants so they could relist rental properties at a higher price.
Exempts until July 1 single family homes of four bedrooms or more in certain zip codes — many in L.A.'s west side — from the 10% rent cap if they weren't in the rental market in the year before the emergency.

City Officials Considering Unprecedented Bond

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 01:02:50 GMT

Santa Monica officials are exploring an unprecedented $460 million bond measure to pay for capital projects traditionally funded by ongoing City revenues.

City to Enforce Short-term Rental Laws

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 16:06:08 GMT

Under the resolution approved last Tuesday ratifying the Emergency order issued January 8, property owners can continue renting furnished or unfurnished units for less than one year to those displaced by the wildfires.

The move to reinstate enforcement was prompted by concerns the provision for short-term rentals could be abused, although staff indicated no violations have been found.

Los Angeles stops accepting new applicants for Section 8

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 15:52:34 GMT

The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles has stopped accepting new applicants for the Section 8 voucher program that subsidizes rent for tens of thousands of tenants in the city.

The local authority, which is funded by the federal government, said it made the move because it doesn't expect Congress to provide enough cash this year to maintain current operations.

Santa Monica Rents Rise in Wake of Wildfires

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 17:38:32 GMT

Apartment List researchers saw rent increases in cities close to the Palisades and Eaton fires, with rents rising by 3 percent in Santa Monica since the start of the year and 2 percent in Burbank, Glendale and Pasadena.

Notification Forms for Eviction Protections and Rent Relief Now Available for Wildfire-Impacted Tenants

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:40:35 GMT

The Department of Consumer and Business Affairs has made the forms available to help renters qualify for protections recently enacted by the Board of Supervisors. The safeguards apply throughout the county, including all 88 cities and unincorporated areas, and aim to prevent displacement due to financial hardship caused by the fires.

City Must Use Savings to Stay Afloat

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:37:43 GMT

The dire fiscal prognosis comes one week before the City Council is scheduled to meet on Saturday "to lay out priorities and a framework" for the 2025-2027 Operating Budget.

The five-year forecast shows that General Fund expenditures will "significantly exceed revenues" until Fiscal Year 2028-29, even with the use of new business license and parking facility taxes, said Finance Director Oscar Santiago.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/city-council-to-discuss-biennial-budget-plan-focused-on-economic-growth

Council Sets Aside 3 Affordable Housing Sites

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 18:36:21 GMT

The Bergamot Station Arts Center, 4th/5th/Arizona and Downtown Parking Structure 1 are the last of five City owned sites designated as "surplus land" to build 1,880 affordable units.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Perils of Passing the Buck: How Self-Certification Threatens Public Safety

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 17:54:45 GMT

The new proposal, by allowing architects to vouch for submittals for the safety, sustainability, and code compliance, where any warranty or promise undermines the standards of care. If something goes wrong – whether it’s a structural failure, a fire hazard, or an ADA violation – the architect doesn’t have the shield of sovereign immunity that the city does. Furthermore, with limiting city staff budgets for inspectors, would third-party inspectors be retained by the architect? That can increase risks to potentially face lawsuits, crippling insurance claims, and damage to their professional reputations.

Council approves next steps for affordable housing development of city-owned sites

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 01 Mar 2025 00:06:13 GMT

Two of the five sites identified in the Housing Element are now in the pre-development phase.

The remaining sites are:

1333 4th St. and 1324 5th St. (collectively known as 4th/5th/Arizona)
2500 Olympic Blvd. (Bergamot Station Arts Center)
Main Street public parking lots 9, 10 and 11

Landlord to Pay $450,000 in Tenant Harassment Suits

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 17:03:59 GMT

In its lawsuit, the City alleged the Defendants "engaged in a campaign of harassment against a family of four with two young children, trying to drive them out of their long-term rent-controlled home" at 1745 Franklin Street, according to the City Attorney's office.

New State Housing Law Could Impact Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:46:52 GMT

AB 1893 updates the builders remedy provision under the Housing Affordability Act (HAA) to include certain mixed-use projects that include at least 500 net new residential units, according to a memo from City Community Development officials.

Palisades Fire: Santa Monica to host virtual town hall on recovery

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:45:46 GMT

The city of Santa Monica will host a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 26, to provide updates and answer questions from Santa Monica businesses and residents about Palisades Fire recovery.

Council Set to Hike Campaign Contribution Limits

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:23:40 GMT

Placed on the agenda by recently elected Councilmembers Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin and Natalya Zernitskaya, the discussion item proposes raising the local contribution cap from $410 to $1,500.

How LA wildfires are making an already tough rental market even worse

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 18:44:38 GMT

Tenants who were just getting by before the fires now face a daunting housing search after the January fires leveled entire neighborhoods. The LA fires destroyed more than 16,000 homes, businesses and other structures in upscale Pacific Palisades and working-class Altadena, where the U.S. Census reports 22% of homes were occupied by renters.

L.A. County Approves Eviction Protections for Fire-Affected Business Owners and Workers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 19:53:48 GMT

New policy grants six-month relief to tenants and small business owners impacted by January fires, with $10 million in rental assistance allocated

City Council postpones final vote on eviction protections for residents impacted by L.A. wildfires

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 20:44:28 GMT

The council voted 11-0 to continue the item to March 4.

State Farm Faces Scrutiny Over Emergency Rate Hike Request

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 22:01:37 GMT

The request also asked for rate hikes of 15% for renters, 15% for condominium unit owners, and 38% for rental dwellings.

Penalties for post-fire price gouging in LA County just got a lot more expensive

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Feb 2025 01:44:11 GMT

The L.A. County Board Supervisors voted Tuesday to increase the maximum fine from $10,000 to $50,000 for illegally raising prices and rents by more than 10% in the wake of last month’s fires.

Property prices drop as sellers and buyers remain at odds in post-fire market

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:13:58 GMT

Marguleas and other experts warn homeowners against selling too soon. “We’re telling everyone: do not sell property now, because you’ll be losing equity,” he said. “Every month you wait, your property value is going to go back up to normal.”

Worker Relief Fund Launched

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 17:10:43 GMT

Administered by AidKit in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and the City of Los Angeles Economic Workforce Development Department, the fund prioritizes workers who reside in LA County, are at least 18 years old, and have experienced employment disruption due to the emergency.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Water Crisis Behind LA’s Fire Disaster

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 18:42:31 GMT

The crisis exposed how aging infrastructure, designed for a different era, has left one of America’s most fire-prone cities vulnerable to modern mega-fires.

More Pro-Housing Measures on Agenda

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 08 Feb 2025 00:16:21 GMT

The items comes after the newly seated Council directed staff to draft an ordinance that would allow large housing projects in non-residential neighborhoods to be swiftly approved ("Council Makes it Easier to Build Large Housing Projects," December 18, 2024).

L.A. City Council committee rejects rent freeze, advances eviction protection proposal

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 16:30:44 GMT

A key Los Angeles City Council committee on Wednesday rejected an effort to freeze rents citywide, but advanced a series of eviction protections for people economically affected by recent fires.

In a 3-1 vote, the Housing and Homelessness Committee approved a motion that would bar landlords from evicting tenants for a variety of reasons, including for nonpayment of rent or if an owner wanted to move into a unit. Such evictions would be prohibited only for tenants who were economically harmed by the fires, and the prohibition would last one year.

The motion heads to the full City Council, where it's unclear it has the votes to pass.

L.A. to bar landlords from evicting tenants for welcoming fire refugees into their homes

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 19:38:39 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to prohibit landlords from evicting tenants for allowing people or pets displaced by last month's fires to live with them.

In a 14-0 vote, councilmembers granted preliminary approval to such an ordinance, which supporters say is needed because some residential leases ban unauthorized people or pets.

County Preps for Homeless Count

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 19:19:42 GMT

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is seeking volunteers for the February 20 homeless count in Santa Monica, which was postponed due to the wildfires that burned across the region last month.

SM.a.r.t Column: Peril, Prevention, and the Path Forward

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 18:25:29 GMT

As the southland fires continue to burn, we must look beyond immediate firefighting to address long-term resilience through comprehensive protection strategies.

Housing at Airport Site Picks Up Steam

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Jan 2025 17:01:01 GMT

Affordable housing -- which has been largely ignored in crafting a plan for the future use of Santa Monica Airport land -- took center stage at Tuesday night's City Council meeting.

County Free Debris Removal Program for Fire-Affected Residents Sign Up Ends Soon

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:49:50 GMT

Los Angeles County has launched the Right of Entry form for its free debris removal program, designed to assist residents affected by the Palisades fires.

Residents who wish to participate must complete the Right of Entry form, available for download or submission online at recovery.lacounty.gov/debris-removal. The form is also accessible at Disaster Recovery Centers, where in-person assistance is available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. The local Disaster Recovery Center on the Westside is located at UCLA Research Park West at 10850 West Pico Boulevard. Those with questions or needing help filling out the form can call the Fire Debris Hotline at 844-347-3332.

Local Rents Jump to a Fast Start in 2025

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Jan 2025 19:45:42 GMT

The 2 percent increase in the city's median rent was the highest since September 2023, when rents rose by 2.1 percent, the data provided by the popular rental website show.

The median price for an apartment in Santa Monica currently stands at $2,501, with one bedroom apartments going for a median rent of $2,367 and two bedrooms for $2,838.

SM.a.r.t Column: Peril, Prevention, and the Path Forward

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:38:35 GMT

The intensity of these fires exposed critical weaknesses in our emergency response systems. The standard home fire response—two trucks and fifteen firefighters—proved woefully inadequate against wind-driven blazes consuming entire blocks in a short time span. As three retired LAFD Captains noted, the extreme weather forecasts should have triggered advance strategic positioning of fire truck equipment and substantial personnel.

LA City Council Approves Tax Relief for Businesses Hit by Palisades Fire

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 19:34:30 GMT

The motion directs the City Attorney, in collaboration with the Office of Finance, to draft an urgency ordinance that would exempt from the tax businesses completely destroyed by the wildfire, those that were non-operational for 60 or more consecutive days due to the fire, and sole proprietors like housekeepers, gardeners, and childcare providers who have suffered significant income loss due to client displacement.

NEWS ANALYSIS -- 5 Reasons SMRR Swept the Council Race

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 22 Jan 2025 20:00:53 GMT

Here, in no particular order, are five reasons Councilmembers Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell and Natalya Zernitskaya handily defeated a pro-law enforcement slate that included two incumbents, giving the city's liberal establishment a 6 to 1 Council super-majority.

Governor Newsom Expands Tenant Protections for Firestorm Survivors

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 16:49:59 GMT

The order specifically targets lease violations related to providing shelter, while still allowing landlords to enforce other terms, such as those prohibiting criminal activity or property damage. Newsom described the measure as an interim solution while the legislature works on permanent protections.

Chamber opens office to SBA

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:33:36 GMT

At its office at 2525 Main Street, the Chamber is hosting the US Small Business Administration (SBA) for free walk-in business, homeowners and renters counseling. Part of the SBA’s efforts to support the area, consultation hours will be 9am to 5pm, apart from Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Any business owner, homeowner or renter can visit with an expert on how to apply for a SBA Disaster Relief loan, a low-interest loan aimed at recovery from the financial impact of the disaster.

FEMA offering disaster relief to fire victims

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:31:36 GMT

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is offering several options for survivors whose homes were damaged or destroyed by fires that began January 7. These include reimbursement for out-of-pocket hotel costs, rental assistance, and FEMA-paid temporary hotel stays through its Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program

Short-term rentals and leases of less than one year

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:28:48 GMT

Santa Monica has temporarily suspended enforcement of laws prohibiting short-term rentals and leases of less than one year when rented to households displaced by the regional fires to allow them to find temporary places to stay.

SM.a.r.t Column: A New Path Ahead

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Jan 2025 19:23:31 GMT

While devastating emotionally and economically and one of the most significant disasters and crises Los Angeles has endured, the fires also present an opportunity for policymakers, planners, and residents to reevaluate and modernize water and electricity systems to meet current and future demands, especially those arising from planned development.

City Suspends Rental Enforcement Laws for Fire Victims

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 17 Jan 2025 21:35:51 GMT

The Order issued by City Manager David White allows property owners to rent available apartments, homes or accessory dwelling units for less than 30 days during the emergency.

It also allows property owners to rent furnished or unfurnished units for less than one year to those displaced by the wildfires during the emergency.

As criminal landlords double housing prices, officials warn of legal repercussions

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Jan 2025 18:20:25 GMT

During the current state of emergency, landlords are prohibited from increasing rental prices by more than 10% above previously advertised rates.

L.A. fires: Legal obligations and ways rental property owners can help

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:56:26 GMT

California’s anti-price-gouging law, Penal Code Section 396, is now in effect.

Fast-tracks rebuilding efforts, extends price-gouging protections, and provides tax relief to wildfire victims

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 18:28:21 GMT

Evacuation Order Issued

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:15:05 GMT

City officials have issued an Evacuation Order for all areas of Santa Monica north of San Vicente Boulevard due to an "immediate threat to life" from the Pacific Palisades fire.

"This is a lawful order to LEAVE NOW," the alert issued at 7:38 p.m. states. "The area is closed to public access."

Meanwhile, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for all areas north of Montana to San Vicente due to "a potential threat to life and/or property.

Local Rents Dropped Last Year

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 17:13:23 GMT

The local median rent fell 1.5 percent over the past 12 months, a steeper drop than the state average of -0.8 percent and the national average of -0.6 percent.

2025 Santa Monica State of the City

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 17:06:42 GMT

Thursday, February 13 · 5 - 7pm PST

New Roads School

3131 Olympic Boulevard Santa Monica, CA 90404

New Planning Head Assumes Post

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Jan 2025 16:58:30 GMT

Last month, City Manager David White appointed Planning Manager Jing Yeo as Santa Monica's acting director of Community development effective December 31.

Yeo will replace David Martin who retired after more than a decade helping steer the physical development of a city coveted by builders and fiercely guarded by grassroots activists.

At its first full meeting last month, the Council unanimously approved a process that grants "swift and smooth approval" for large housing projects in non-residential neighborhoods that meet zoning standards ("Council Makes it Easier to Build Large Housing Projects," March 18, 2024).

City Preps for Homeless Diversion Program

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Jan 2025 18:09:22 GMT

The City this spring will launch an $8 million three-year program that provides homeless persons arrested for misdemeanor crimes an alternative to jail.

SaMo Bridge -- which is funded with a Prop 47 grant from the State -- will be run out of a “respite hub” consisting of two trailers on the east side of the parking lot of the unused Civic Auditorium.

How the Preserving Our Diversity (POD) program helps seniors stay housed in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 01:00:17 GMT

The POD program is currently accepting applications from income-qualified long-term Santa Monica seniors age 65+. In January, eligibility for the program will be expanded to include seniors who moved into their rent-controlled apartment prior to 2005 (was previously 2000). If you think you might qualify, please visit santamonica.gov/housing-pod for more information or email podprogram@santamonica.gov.

Webinar offers 2025 compliance rundown for California landlords

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:58:50 GMT

California landlords face a host of new legal requirements in 2025, including changes to security deposit documentation, screening fee policies, and expanded protections for domestic violence survivors.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Adaptive Liveability

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 03 Jan 2025 21:48:55 GMT

Adaptive reuse isn’t just about quirky aesthetics. It’s about making our city more sustainable, more affordable. And, what makes adaptive reuse so sustainable? Well, the greenest building is the one that’s already standing and not demolished. Construction creates a ton of waste. It actually makes up about 40% of all the stuff we send to landfills. By reusing existing structures we reduce waste, and have less negative environmental impact.

New law could help tenants facing eviction stay in their homes

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Jan 2025 18:03:58 GMT

Authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra, a San Jose Democrat, the new law also offers something for landlords, who generally like eviction cases to move faster. It limits the amount of time tenant lawyers can take to file certain motions alleging errors in a landlord’s complaint. Landlord representatives said lawyers would use those motions to drag out cases unnecessarily.

New laws amp up protections for renters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:54:04 GMT

For unlawful detainer eviction actions, Morton stated that AB 2347 (effective on Jan. 1) extends the period tenants can respond to such an action from five to 10 days.

Taking effect this past July, AB 12 prohibits landlords from demanding or receiving a security deposit exceeding the equivalent of one month’s rent, regardless of whether the property is furnished or unfurnished.

Revised Affordable Housing Development Moves Forward

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 18:46:39 GMT

The revised development will include 48 family apartments at 1217 Euclid Street and 82 senior apartments on the sites at 1211-1217 14th Street and 1402 Wilshire Boulevard, which will be combined.

Council Makes it Easier to Build Large Housing Projects

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:50:29 GMT

Large housing projects in non-residential neighborhoods that meet zoning standards will be granted a "swift and smooth approval" under a proposal green-lighted by the City Council Tuesday night.

New Council Moves to Streamline Housing Process

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:17:05 GMT

The proposed change would lift the site restrictions from projects in Santa Monica's office and industrial zones, mixed-used boulevards and the Downtown, but exempts housing developments under the Bergamot Area Plan.

Beneficial Ownership Information Report

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:21:13 GMT

File by December 31, 2024.

See if you need to file. Check with your tax preparer.

AND: /file:///C:/Users/maful/Downloads/BOIR_Filing_Instructions.pdf

SM.a.r.t. Column: Preserving Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:06:43 GMT

One major problem we face, for which the City is completely unprepared, are absorbing the negative impacts of the 9000 units the state requires us to build by 2028. These include water shortages, traffic overload (including significant parking problems), and the damage to the City’s historic fabric among other significant problems.

New Council Proposes Rule Changes

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:04:16 GMT

The newly seated City Council is proposing rule changes that range from limiting the time Councilmembers can speak to allowing the Council majority to formally censure one of its members.

Santa Monica rent grows in November

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:36:24 GMT

According to the November rental report by Apartment List, Santa Monica median rent grew by 1.3% in the month, with the median one-bedroom apartment now going for $2,338 and the median two-bedroom listed at $2,803.

Hot Topics on New Council's First Agenda

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Dec 2024 18:17:32 GMT

Discussions of the voting rights case against the City -- which will include four newly seated Councilmembers -- will resume after last-ditch efforts to settle the lawsuit failed ("Push to settle Voting Rights Case Fail," December 2, 2024).

Santa Monica rent prices fall once more

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 18:21:01 GMT

According to Apartment List, Santa Monica rents dropped by 0.2% in October, down to $2,310 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,769 for a two-bedroom. Overall, rents in the city have decreased for 10 straight months per the website, with the overall 5.5% drop year-to-year being the largest among the 25 Los Angeles metro area cities listed in the report.

Lana Negrete Named Mayor

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:42:23 GMT

The newly constituted City Council appointed Lana Negrete as mayor for a one-year term. Caroline Torosis will serve as mayor pro tem for 2025, followed by Jesse Zwick in 2026.

New Council to Take Up Amended Projects

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Dec 2024 16:35:30 GMT

The amended proposal from the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC), which was narrowly approved by the previous Council, scraps one of three proposed developments, reserving one of them for seniors.

Under the proposal, two of the three sites near the UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center would be combined into an 82-unit development for seniors at 1211 and 1217 14th Street that includes 42 parking spaces.

City Manager to Leave Post

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:11:49 GMT

White he will leave his position in February to assume the deputy manager post in Berkeley he held before coming to Santa Monica. There was no reason given for his unexpected resignation.

AND: https://smmirror.com/2024/12/santa-monica-city-manager-david-white-announces-february-2025-departure/

Liberal Establishment Back in Power

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:10:59 GMT

After sweeping into office last month, Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell and Natalya Zernitskaya gave the city's liberal establishment the commanding control it had lost nearly four years earlier.

Fence, wall and hedge heights in multifamily zones

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 21:37:36 GMT

The city is seeking input from Santa Monica residents and property owners on potential municipal code updates that would increase fence, wall and hedge height limits in the front yard setback for certain multifamily zones.

SM.a.r.t Column: Climbing The Vertical Learning Curve

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 20:01:36 GMT

It’s important to understand that the city didn’t arrive at this crisis overnight. The issues—declining tax revenues, rising employee benefit costs, aging infrastructure, and fiscal mismanagement—have been building for years. It’s like inheriting an old house where the original owner had been ignoring maintenance for decades. Now the roof is leaking, the foundation is cracking, and you’re scrambling to figure out which problem to address first.

The decisions the council makes now will shape the city’s future for decades.

Stop Wasting Our Tax Dollars

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 19:33:57 GMT

by Maria Loya

Our residents deserve fair elections and we demand that the new City Council take their fiduciary responsibility seriously and stop wasting our tax dollars fighting the CVRA case.

CURIOUS CITY, 2012-2025* R.I.P. - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:18:52 GMT

NOT IMMEDIATELY…

And not forever, yet. But its days are numbered. The very last one will be sometime in 2025. This is the last regularly-scheduled CURIOUS CITY, the loved and hated blast of uncomfortable truths (as I see them) that all of Santa Monica has held its collective breath for each Wednesday, for 13 years.

Local Rents Rose in November

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 19:12:12 GMT

anta Monica rents rose in November for the third time this year, bucking a nationwide trend that saw rents dip during the slow rental season, according to Apartment List's monthly report.

The median rent in Santa Monica rose 1.3 percent last month and now stands at $2,338 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,803 for a two-bedroom, according to the popular rental site.

Opinion: Santa Monica massively underfunding its police department

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:58:21 GMT

by Cody Green

So, without having the resources of a large research firm, I did a dive into other cities’ general funds and police budgets compared to Santa Monica’s. What I found nearly knocked me off my chair. Santa Monica is underfunding its police Department by millions of dollars each year compared to other cities.

Workshops for landlords and tenants to be held this December

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 17:55:47 GMT

Santa Monica residential landlords, tenants, property managers, service providers and city staff are set to discuss the latest information in landlord/tenant topics at the popular free annual Landlord/Tenant Forum on Monday, Dec. 9, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Main Public Library’s Martin Luther King Auditorium.

Push to Settle Voting Rights Case Fails

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:37:24 GMT

A last ditch lobbying effort to settle the 8 1/2-year-old voting rights lawsuit against the City before a new council is sworn in has failed.

Advocates of switching to district-based elections pushed hard over the holiday weekend for Mayor Phil Brock to hold a special meeting before four new Councilmembers take their seats next Tuesday.

New Council Won't Improve Public Safety, Poll Finds

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 16:36:14 GMT

A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents concerned with public safety are not confident the four newly elected Councilmembers will boost efforts to fight crime.

The Pulse Poll of "civically engaged" residents also found that increasing public safety and reducing homelessness remain top priorities and that the City is headed in the wrong direction.

The battle against 6% broker fees isn’t over after a surprise 11th hour court filing

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 Dec 2024 17:29:52 GMT

The US Department of Justice threw even more doubt into a new way of paying for real estate brokers this week, raising concerns about a recent wide-ranging legal settlement.

The DOJ’s objections have left many Realtors—already uncertain about the future of their industry—scratching their heads over how to negotiate pay without breaking the law.

Santa Monica Key Player in 'Building Boom'

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 17:06:00 GMT

Santa Monica is among a number of California cities poised "to unleash a building boom" after pro-housing advocate swept all four open Council seats, according to California YIMBY.

Voting Rights Lawsuit Drags On

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Nov 2024 00:22:03 GMT

A Superior Court judge on Friday urged the parties in an 8 1/2 year old voting rights lawsuit to try and mediate the case, which won't go to trial for another year.

SM.a.r.t Column: It’s Time To Inspect Balconies

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Nov 2024 17:36:22 GMT

In Santa Monica, for rental buildings with three or more units, owners must inspect all exterior balconies and similar structures by January 1, 2026 (with the new state-mandated extension), with inspections repeated every six years. This rule applies to large apartment buildings, mixed-use buildings, triplexes, and fourplexes. Newly constructed buildings need to complete their first inspection within six years of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy, then every six years.

Is Santa Monica California's Most Financially Mismanaged City?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 16:42:47 GMT

by John Alle

Why do $1.4 million to The People Concern STILL remain unaccounted for?

S.M.a.r.t Column: Your City is Broke

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Nov 2024 17:55:13 GMT

However, the long-term financial picture is even grimmer. The City’s unfunded pension overhang is about $700M+ and climbing while the School Board pension overhang is about $100M+. To give you an idea of the scale of the problem, this obligation is about the size of the City’s entire operating budget of $765M for 2024-24.

We know two things that can help us through this trying time. First, we must immediately start living within our means in all areas: fiscally, socially, and environmentally (our water sustainability plan and recycling plan are a shambles).

Congratulations, and Desperately Seeking Moderation from our new Santa Monica City Council

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:51:09 GMT

by Arthur Jeon

To our new council members, one conclusion you would be wise to draw is to not view this as a mandate. Curb your most glorious leftist impulses...

Justice Delayed in Alle Beating

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 21:28:01 GMT

Because of Shortage of Jailhouse Buses

The hearing in the case of the man who allegedly beat Alle on September 20, 2023, in Palisades Park in Santa Monica was continued to some unspecified date after the new year. According to Alle, who waited until afternoon in case the defendant was able to make the bus, the defendant is required to have his "mental abilities" tested before they are allowed to make another court date.

Latest Santa Monica Municipal Election Results

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:01:36 GMT

SMRR Sweeps Back Into Power

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 16:00:04 GMT

Santa Monica rent prices fall once more as Los Angeles surges in demand

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:05:26 GMT

SMRR Falsely Scared Local Voters By Threatening the End of Rent Control

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:03:15 GMT

The Santa Monica voters seem to be with our slate on the issues, but suspect the noise from SMRR was too great for our candidates to overcome.

SM.a.r.t Column: Moving Ahead to the Future

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:38:40 GMT

The new City Council faces a monumental task. The question is, are they prepared to tackle these challenges head-on? Or will the new Council perpetuate the same old policies that, over two decades, led to this situation? Time will tell, and we’ll be here to closely examine the Council’s actions, their effectiveness, and their impact on our local residents. Meanwhile, as a reminder of our mission, we reprint below the founding article from eleven years ago, laying out our core principles and agenda—goals we remain committed to pursuing.

United Slate Widens Commanding Lead

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Nov 2024 16:30:34 GMT

The United slate on Friday widened an all but insurmountable lead that will give Santa Monica's political establishment a 6 to 1 majority on the City Council.

Santa Monica voters back Hochman and harsher criminal penalties while opposing rent control expansion

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 22:11:59 GMT

While Brock’s slatemates Oscar de la Torre, Vivian Roknian seem close in voter percentage (reporting 10.7% and 10.15% respectively vs. the 12.54% needed to claim a council seat), they are even further behind Brock in the actual vote count and each needs more than 2,000 votes.

What do New Santa Monica City Councilmen Dan Hall, Barry Snell, Natalya Zernitskaya, and Ellis Raskin Want?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Nov 2024 22:07:58 GMT

“The new council will be very pro development. Expect to see all the auto mechanics on Lincoln Blvd and car dealerships on Santa Monica Blvd, quickly replaced by apartment towers. And yes, that was the point of eliminating the car dealership exemption to the business tax (Local Measure K). Only Lana Negrete is a slow growth person, so it's 6 to 1 in favor of developers and development."

Santa Monica Chooses Change Over Safety Slate, Electing Ellis Raskin, Natalya Zernitskaya, Dan Hall and Barry Snell

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:03:45 GMT

Ellis Raskin lead the field with 13,395 votes, or 13.32%. Dan Hall was second at 13,384 votes, 13.31%. Natalya Zernitskaya finished third at 12,904 and Barry Snell got 12,806 votes. The top four all won seats on the 7 member Council.

Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre will not return to the Council, having finished fifth and sixth. Brock was 1000 votes behind Snell.

Latest Santa Monica Election Results

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:00:27 GMT

Here are the latest election results, as votes are being tabulated as of 12:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Santa Monica Rents Dipped Last Month

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:41:43 GMT

Santa Monica rents remained relatively flat in October, dipping by -0.2 percent to a current median rent of $2,440 per month, according to Apartment List's monthly report.

Santa Monica's slight decrease last month reflects a 0.7 percent dip in prices nationwide to $1,394...

Please Vote No on SMRR, No on QS

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 16:56:05 GMT

by Charles Andrews

The two most important things on the local ballot are City Council, and that horrible (in my opinion) half a billion dollar school bond. Maybe a couple more bear mentioning.

SM.a.r.t Column: Lack of Oversight and No Accountability

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:39:53 GMT

Vote No on QS.

Residents of Santa Monica are being asked to approve a fourth school bond since 2006, bringing us to a grand total of $2.2 BILLION in school construction bonds for SMMUSD. Proponents of the bond tell voters the money will be spent well and, not to worry, there is robust oversight. The reality is:

No legally binding project lists;
No effective oversight by the Bond Oversight Committee (BOC);
No meaningful bond audits by the outside certified public accountant (CPA);
No linkage of approved projects to actual academic objectives; and
No effective School Board oversight of facility projects.

Behind the Efforts to Unseat de la Torre

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 14:35:17 GMT

Tricia Crane, chair of Northeast Neighbors, sent an email to the group's members and friends Thursday accompanied by a copy of a CEPS flyer attacking de la Torre and a list of the group's finance disclosure statement.

"What is apparent is the institutional takeover of our city governance that has gone on for decades," Crane wrote. "Never before has it been so exposed.

"The CEPS flyer illustrates the level of coordination of groups in our city that have controlled our governance and want to maintain that control."

Council Race Shatters Finance Record

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 31 Oct 2024 17:44:34 GMT

Leading the fundraising and spending were the candidates and PACs running on a pro-law enforcement platform.

SB10 is Bad for Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Oct 2024 18:19:04 GMT

By Marc L. Verville

The key driver of this legislation, along with all the other State housing legislation is the creation of high profit investor opportunities. As such, there is no requirement for SB 10 projects to include affordability of any kind.

Vote No on the School Bond and Demand Audit

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:10:06 GMT

No legally binding project lists;
No effective oversight by the Bond Oversight Committee (BOC);
No meaningful bond audits by the outside certified public accountant (CPA);
No linkage of approved projects to actual academic objectives; and
No effective School Board oversight of facility projects.

Single Family Neighborhoods Could Face the Wrecking Ball

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 18:07:48 GMT

History suggests that the entrenched powers want to destroy single-family neighborhoods in Santa Monica -- and this might be their best chance yet to do it.

SB10 seems incredibly unpopular in single family neighborhoods, to such a degree that the entrenched powers seem forced to deny and confuse us about their stated aims, and appear to blame single family homes for all sorts of evils. So, one must ask, why do they appear so intent on upzoning single family neighborhoods? Perhaps to support their friends -- developers and market rate landlords, who are likely salivating over this relatively cheap source of land.

If you own, or ever hope to own, an entry-level single-family home in Santa Monica, then you should vote for Brock, Roknian, De La Torre and Putnam, or those homes and neighborhoods will likely come under the wrecking ball.

Safety Slate Marches for Change

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:40:46 GMT

The march featured speeches from the slate’s candidates, including Mayor Phil Brock, councilmember Oscar de la Torre, business owner John Putnam, and dental implant surgeon Dr. Vivian Roknian. Each candidate voiced their concerns about the current state of public safety and their commitment to addressing these issues.

Vote ‘No’ on Proposition 33

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:32:42 GMT

Every Tenant and Owner of a single family home should universally reject Proposition 33.

Ballot Recommendations November 2024

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:27:03 GMT

Oscar de la Torre

Vivian A. Roknian

John Putnam

Phil Brock

Council Changes Zoning Rules to Enliven Downtown

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 20:20:19 GMT

The latest interim zoning ordinance will further simplify the review process for new businesses and eases restrictions in the sign code to help businesses recover from the coronavirus shutdown and a vastly changed retail landscape.

SM.a.r.t Column: “Help! I’ve Fallen, and I …!!”, Cries Santa Monica!

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:49:51 GMT

One solution, if you want to help ‘fallen Santa Monica’ get back up, and to, at the very least, put some control back in the hands of the residents, is to support the re-election of two of the year 2020 ‘new guys’, Phil Brock & Oscar de la Torre, and along with Dr. Vivian Roknian and John Putnam, give the residents a voice to be heard. Let’s not go back!

Council Votes to Back Prop 36

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 16:05:30 GMT

The pro-law enforcement Council majority argued that Prop 36, which is leading in the polls by a large margin, would reverse polices that have for a decade created a revolving door for those who commit drug and retail related crimes.

Westside Current Endorsement: Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, Vivian Roknian, and John Putnam

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 19:44:59 GMT

The Westside Current has consistently supported candidates who prioritize common sense, safety, and the well-being of the community. This year’s Santa Monica City Council election is one of the most important in recent history. With rising crime, struggling local businesses, and eroding public safety, voters have an opportunity to bring meaningful change to the city.

The Great Santa Monica Safety Debate

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:43:30 GMT

Well Ted, I've lived in Santa Monica for 32 years and can remember exactly when our city started its downward turn, which coincided with the arrival of you and your SMRR compatriots in 2012, destroying the Santa Monica we all knew and loved. That's not hyperbole. Your exact reign took a city that was thriving, a crown jewel with a sane 4-story development policy, safe streets, and a sophisticated beach vibe that drew people from around the world, and turned it into a chaotic husk of its former glory.

ARB Delays Approval, Requests Design Changes to 18-Story Project

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:33:14 GMT

Santa Monica’s skyline expansion will be delayed after the city’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) declined to approve a proposed 18-story, 204-foot tall mixed-use development at 1435 5th Street, requesting design changes before the project can move forward.

New Community Website Outlines Santa Monica’s Homelessness Strategic Plan

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:25:51 GMT

The website includes background information on the HSP, project updates, upcoming community meetings, and links to presentations given to local commissions. Among the recent presentations were sessions with the Disabilities Commission and the Human Services Commission, with more scheduled for the coming months.

For more information and ongoing updates, residents can visit the newly launched webpage at santamonica.gov/programs/homelessness-strategic-plan

Ragtag Army Takes on School Bond

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Oct 2024 19:19:14 GMT

But unlike in 2018, this year's opponents submitted a ballot argument against Measure QS and are making the rounds presenting their case to residents in different parts of the city, organizers said.

If the bond is approved, property owners would pay an estimated $28.70 per $100,000 of assessed value through fiscal years 2051-52, according to the Tax Rate Statement for the bond.

The total debt service, including the principal and interest, to repay if all the bonds are issued and sold is $879,372,000.

Santa Monica residents have "voted 'Yes' for every bond since 1998 -- ALMOST TWO BILLION DOLLARS, including interest" and "didn't get what was promised."

Safety in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:35:33 GMT

Keep native and long-term Santa Monica residents, not outside influence peddlers and developers, in charge. Vote for the Safer Slate: Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam and Vivian Roknian.

SM.a.r.t Column: SM.a.r.t Recommendations

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:24:44 GMT

The following recommendations are our general consensus but there is wide variation and disagreement in many issues. Please carefully read both the Official Voter Information Guide and the Official Sample Ballot brochure you received in the mail and do your own research.

SM Police Officers Association Throws Support Behind Brock, De La Torre, Roknian and Lesley

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:22:34 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2024/10/video-sm-police-officers-association-throws-support-behind-brock-de-la-torre-roknian-and-lesley/

Homeowners Try to Get Out Urgent Message

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:14:27 GMT

If the slate gains control of the City Council, the flyer warns, its members would implement SB 10, a State law that allows as many as 14 units to be built on a single family lot.

"People didn't get it," said Tricia Crane, chair of Northeast Neighbors. "They didn't understand the impact. This is the one development issue we can actually affect."

Rent Control Will Never Be at Risk

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 21:11:57 GMT

What is at risk here is the SAFETY of all the residents and tourists that visit Santa Monica.

The Santa Monica Renter’s Right group has had control of the city for four decades. Their bad polices, which you are all aware of (crime etc...) has also allowed and accelerated the deterioration of our precious commercial districts.

They don’t understand how to maintain, let alone grow, business or promote business within the city. This failure is noticeable to all who see downtown. This lack of fiscal responsibility has led to the deterioration of this beautiful little town.

Campaign Fundraising War Deadlocked

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 20:47:44 GMT

To date, the opposing factions battling for control of the City Council have each raised about $600,000, making the 2024 race for four seats the most expensive Council campaign in Santa Monica history.

Palisades Council Demands Homelessness Fund Mismanagement Investigation

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:18:58 GMT

In a Letter Sent to Multiple Public Officials, the Council Expressed Concern Over the Lack of Accountability and Possible Corruption

370 residential unit development submitted in Bergamot area

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:56:02 GMT

Last month, developer Holland Partner Group submitted an application to the city seeking approval to redevelop a site at 1633 26th Street. The proposed development, designed by AC Martin, calls for 370 apartments, 2,400 square feet of ground floor commercial space, and a two-level subterranean parking garage that would hold 527 spaces for cars.

Bills passed protecting renters on screening fees, security deposits

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 15:52:53 GMT

In giving legislative updates to the Santa Monica Rent Control Board, legislative advocate Brian Augusta stated that application fees are a barrier that renters face “almost everywhere they go,” paying the fees despite typically not being picked for a unit. AB 2493 remedies this, as fees will be returned to any applicant not selected to an occupancy.

Also signed by Newsom, AB 2801 changes security deposit regulation to require the landlord to provide photographic evidence of necessary repairs and proof they were completed.

Santa Monica secures $1 million in rental assistance to prevent homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 16:33:27 GMT

Santa Monica will use the grant to provide short term rental assistance to Santa Monicans at risk of losing their housing due to rent increases or eviction for nonpayment of rent. More information on how this program could operate will be presented to the City Council in early 2025.

Renters Unite to Combat Misinformation

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:56:30 GMT

As the election season intensifies, renters in Santa Monica are banding together to counter misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the Safer SANTA MONICA candidates: John Putnam, Dr. Vivian Roknian, Oscar De La Torre and Mayor Phil Brock. This grassroots movement aims to clarify facts and dispel false narratives that the Establishment slate is pushing.

Get to Know Your Candidates

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:33:08 GMT

SM.a.r.t Column: Fact-Checking Election

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:12:11 GMT

Teamsters endorse Safer Santa Monica slate

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:07:57 GMT

The Teamsters Joint Council 42 endorsed the Safer SANTA MONICA Slate of Brock, de la Torre, Putnam, and Roknian for Santa Monica City Council. Teamsters Joint Council 42 represents the Public Services, Passenger Transportation, Freight, Motion Picture & Theatrical Trade, and Building Material & Construction, among other trade divisions and conferences.

Westside rental market noted as least competitive in CA

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 15:01:21 GMT

Both apartment and housing costs remain exorbitant in Santa Monica, with one new report stating that the swath of Los Angeles that includes the city is an outlier in the competitive California rental market due to the pricing, while another report lands the city near the top of the most expensive home buying zip codes in the nation.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Vote

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:49:41 GMT

In a polarized country or City every vote counts. Regardless of which side of any issue or candidate you support, your viewpoint will not prevail unless enough of you and your supporters actually vote. Voting fortunately is very easy in California.

Political Establishment Engaged in Panic Peddling

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:42:19 GMT

As the election season intensifies, renters in Santa Monica are banding together to counter misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the Safer Santa Monica candidates: John Putnam, Dr. Vivian Roknian, Oscar De La Torre and Mayor Phil Brock.

$1 Million Per Unit Affordable Project Takes Next Step

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:40:12 GMT

The development by EAH Housing at the former site of Parking Structure 3 behind the Promenade is scheduled to be completed in 2029 and add 122 units towards the State's mandate to plan for 6,168 affordable units through 2029.

The Puritans Jeopardize Public Safety

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 14:37:08 GMT

City Manager David White, backed by his chief City Council enablers -– Jesse Zwick and Gleam Davis –- continue to permit County Health Czar Barbara Ferrer to conduct the absurd program of distribution drug paraphernalia, including dangerous breakable glass and needles with potentially deadly fentanyl residue particles in our parks (primarily Reed Park at Wilshire and Lincoln Blvd and Palisades Park, both city landmarks).

SM Police Officers Association Throws Support Behind Brock, De La Torre, Roknian and Lesley

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 15:05:05 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2024/10/video-sm-police-officers-association-throws-support-behind-brock-de-la-torre-roknian-and-lesley-in-upcoming-election/

To renovate an apartment — and not jack up the rent: These property owners have found a way

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 15:03:26 GMT

But affordable housing advocates say there doesn't have be a choice between renovation and affordable rent. A number of models exist to repair older properties and keep rents low — including nonprofit ownership and certain bond financing programs. They just need public subsidies and the political will to preserve them or get new ones off the ground.

What is Santa Monica’s state-mandated housing unit requirement?

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:52:40 GMT

By Marc L. Verville

Despite anecdotal Council acknowledgement of the general scale of potential development and insufficient State subsidies, there was neither a staff analysis of these issues nor was there any direction to staff to produce such analyses.

Consequently, the city acquiesced to the state’s RHNA allocation without an understanding of the unprecedented demands on City financial and natural resources a 63% increase in residential units would create. In addition, there was no City analysis on the impacts of awholesale policy to dispose of public land that is dedicated to city-revenue generating commercial infrastructure. In 2019, business-related commerce supported 54% of the General Fund’s revenues.

Council Slate Gets Key Support

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:50:16 GMT

The Teamsters -- which represents workers in the City Yards and Big Blue bus, including garbage haulers, custodians, mechanics and carpenters -- threw their support behind Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre and business owners John Putnam and Vivian Roknian.

Santa Monica Observer Endorses the Safety Slate for City Council: Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam, and Dr. Vivian Roknian

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 18:14:09 GMT

Phil Brock

Oscar de la Torre

John Putnam, and

Dr. Vivian Roknian

Establishment: The Jig is up!

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 16:53:57 GMT

The first thing our Democrats for a Safer Santa Monica Slate, Brock, De La Torre, Roknian, & Putnam are going to do is review all the money that is now being wasted on expenditures that have no links to actual outcomes.

Council Slate Gets Key Support

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 15:10:31 GMT

Phil Brock responds: Opinion: A work of fiction

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:05:05 GMT

Let me quickly refute some of the blatant lies that the SMRR/SM Democratic Club made.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:27:01 GMT

We wholeheartedly endorse the candidates below for Santa Monica City Council. Their leading campaign platform is for increased safety in Santa Monica.

Phil Brock, Mayor, and Council Member
Dr. Vivian A. Roknian
Oscar de la Torre, Council Member
John Putnam

Traffic Safety and Enforcement: An Overlooked Concern

While much of the public safety conversation has focused on crime, traffic safety has become a pressing issue in Santa Monica. Busy streets, speeding, reckless driving, and increasing pedestrian, scooter, and cyclist accidents have all contributed to an increased sense of unease on the roads.

More Than $1 Million Raised for Council Race

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 16:18:42 GMT

Of the total raised, Political Action Committees and candidates representing Santa Monica's political establishment received nearly $596,504, according to the statements filed by Thursday's deadline.

That's nearly $158,000 more than the $438,614 raised by the pro-law enforcement faction, which includes two incumbents, this is attempting to hold on to a 4 to 3 majority in the November 5 race for four Council seats.

Vote No on School Bond

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 23:01:24 GMT

By CHARLES ANDREWS

But our School Board asked us for, and received (SMS), nearly half a billion dollars ($485M) in school bonds money just six years ago, in 2018. After we had generously opened our pocketbooks to the tune of $385M six years before that (ES), in 2012. And six years before that, Measure BB, 2006, $286M. And now they are asking for another half a billion. That would bring the total, in 18 years, to more than $1.6B – vastly more with interest.

For a city of 90,000 people.

IT’S INSANE

Council Amends Code to Allow Gas in New Buildings

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:54:28 GMT

Property owners can once again include a gas stove or furnace in a new Santa Monica building, but they must offset it with a long list of energy efficient items to get a building permit.

County Governance Measure Fails to Win Council Support

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 22:52:06 GMT

City Councilmembers on Tuesday declined to support an LA County measure on the November ballot that would expand the Board of Supervisors and create an elected County Executive.

Don't be fooled by SMRR

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:52:40 GMT

If you want change, support Safer Santa Monica: Putnam, Brock, Roknian, and De la Torre. Time to finish the job.

Santa Monica Observer Endorses the Safety Slate for City Council: Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam, and Dr. Vivian Roknian

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 17:49:51 GMT

As Santa Monica faces rising concerns about crime and public safety, it's more important than ever for voters to understand which candidates genuinely prioritize safety and security for our community. This election, we strongly endorse the slate of Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam, and Dr. Vivian Roknian for Santa Monica City Council. These candidates have consistently shown a commitment to tackling the city's safety challenges head-on, standing in stark contrast to their opponents who have repeatedly taken softer positions on crime.

Council Backs County Sales Tax Hike

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:29:11 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday voted to support a ballot measure that would raise LA County's sales tax -- already among the highest in the nation -- to help fight homelessness.

Lone challenger for School Board withdraws

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 18:43:55 GMT

School Board candidate Christine Falaguerra notified the City Clerk’s office of her intent to withdraw from the race last week.

City of L.A. moves to strengthen tenant anti-harassment laws

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:08:21 GMT

In a 12-0 vote, council members instructed the City Attorney's Office to amend what is known as the TAHO ordinance, aligning it with the state's policies as well as those in cities such as Santa Monica, Oakland and San Francisco, which have stronger tenant protections.

69 Units Find New Home

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:54:12 GMT

The space where an auto repair shop once stood on Lincoln Boulevard in Santa Monica could soon be home to a 69-unit apartment building, according to a pending presentation before the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, Urbanize LA reports.

Developer Coast Meridian Properties has proposed the mixed-use project at 2307 Lincoln Boulevard, calling for the demolition of the current structure. The new seven-story building would include 69 one-bedroom apartments, 1,800 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, and parking for 59 vehicles.

Santa Monica rent highest in LA metro area

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:40:44 GMT

According to the latest Los Angeles Metro Report from apartment listing website Zumper, Santa Monica was ranked as the most-expensive spot in Los Angeles to rent a one-bedroom apartment, with a medium active listing of $3,000 over the past month. The website ranked 25 LA metro area cities, with Santa Monica coming out ahead of Irvine ($2,880), West Hollywood ($2,880), Redondo Beach ($2,710) and Costa Mesa ($2,680) in one-bedroom listings.

Huge donations kickstart the final month of campaigning for local office

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:39:21 GMT

A new and well funded Political Action Committee emerged last week. The long-titled group, Santa Monicans for a Real Positive Future Supporting Brock, de la Torre, Roknian and Putnam for Council 2024, is funded by a pair of mega donations.

Slow Growth Group Makes Key Endorsement

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 18:24:37 GMT

Santa Monica's largest slow-growth group on Monday announced it is backing the pro-law enforcement slate vying to retain control of the City Council in November.

The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (SMCLC) cited the need to fight "unrestrained" development as the major reason for endorsing the slate headed by Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre.

SM.a.r.t Column: Crime in Santa Monica: A Growing Concern

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:37:13 GMT

The candidates below for Santa Monica City Council, whom we wholeheartedly endorse, have prioritized safety. This is their main platform for immediate positive changes in our city!

Phil Brock, Mayor, and Council Member

Dr. Vivian A. Roknian

Oscar de la Torre, Council Member

John Putnam

Santa Monica Democratic Club, A Clueless Group Supporting a Clueless SMMR Slate

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:36:16 GMT

Have you visited our local Reed Park, infested with addicts, dealers, and unstable mental cases enabled by drug paraphernalia given by Barbara Ferrer et al? If you are so blinded by your ideology that you can no longer comprehend reality, I'm happy to take you for a tour and visit Reed (or the alleys of our neighborhood) at any time, day or night, to show you the danger and misery your myopic belief system enables.

Have you not seen the eight-story "stack and packs" being built on Lincoln...

Who Runs the City?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:30:21 GMT

"SMRR has had a stranglehold for 40 years," said de la Torre, who broke with the group in his successful run four years ago. "That kind of makes them the establishment."

"They have been the historical establishment in the City since 1979," Brock said. "They have permeated all levels of City government, including the school Board, College Board of Trustees and Rent Control Board.

'Get Out of Jail Fast' Polices Drive Up Crime

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 18:23:42 GMT

Letter to the Editor: Peter DiChellis

What can be done?

First, demand more funding to hire police. Increased police visibility deters crime.

Second, demand an explanation from those politicians, judges and candidates who rationalize get-out-of-jail-fast, "restorative justice" policies for repeat offenders. Exactly what do they think is “restored” by putting dangerous repeat offenders back on the street to commit additional crimes?

Planning Head Who Helped Shape Santa Monica to Retire

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 15:34:44 GMT

David Martin -- who for more than a decade helped steer the physical development of Santa Monica -- will retire as head of planning at the end of the year, City officials announced Thursday.

Mayor Phil Brock Endorses Nathan Hochman for LA County District Attorney

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:16:58 GMT

This significant endorsement comes as Santa Monica, like most cities in the County, suffers from a troubling increase in violent and property crimes.

Dem Party, Labor Endorse Council Challengers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 15:05:00 GMT

Brock and incumbent Councilmember Oscar de la Torre are leading a rival slate that includes two small business owners -- John Putnam and Vivian Roknian -- in the race for four Council seats. All four are Democrats.

The slate, which must win three seats to retain control of the seven-member Council, is backed by local businesses, including hotels and restaurants, and residents concerned that crime and homelessness are out of control.

Santa Monica Democratic Club, A Clueless Group Supporting a Clueless SMMR Slate

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:12:35 GMT

by Arthur Jeon

I'm writing not because I care what Mr. Katz thinks, but to highlight the extreme cluelessness of him, his group, and the SMRR candidates they are supporting

Vote for the Change Slate: Oscar de la Torre, Vivian Roknian, Phil Brock, and John Putnam. This will give the council enough votes to truly change direction. Enough is enough of SMRR, and their SMDC enablers who continue to ignore reality.

Santa Monica Police Won't See Funding Approved by Council

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 17:05:04 GMT

As many things are in Santa Monica, it was not what it first seemed. It appears someone slipped language into the police funding item, without discussion in public, that the funds could only be accessed once the Police Department was at full staffing.

School District, Malibu Agree on Separation Package

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 15:54:54 GMT

The package -- which is ready for public review -- has three agreements that "outline the framework for how resources, operations and services will be shared or divided between the two entities," the joint announcement said.

Split council tightens anti-camping laws

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:49:39 GMT

The actual changes to city code are in fact relatively small. Sleeping bags and bedrolls (pads to sleep on) are now listed as evidence of a campsite in the city’s anti-camping ordinance. Neither item is prohibited outright nor can either item be cause for citation alone but both are now part of the decision matrix used by officials when determining if someone has set up an illegal campsite inside city limits.

34-story development

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 17:47:41 GMT

Four major development projects will look to transform Santa Monica, including two buildings that would become the tallest in the city.

Candidate Forum Highlights Deep Divisions

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Sep 2024 15:13:24 GMT

The forum, sponsored by six of Santa Monica's seven neighborhood groups, drew a crowd of more than 400 to the Lincoln Middle School auditorium, where they heard the candidates explain their positions on key issues.

Voting Rights Judge Issues Dire Warning

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 17:32:30 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday will once again take up an 8 1/2 year-old voting rights lawsuit after the judge in the case said he sees it lasting another "five to seven" years.

Superior Court Judge Daniel M. Crowley also said legal fees could "at least" double, unless there is a settlement in the case charging Santa Monica's at-large election system discriminates against Latino voters.

Years after freeway's demise, L.A. renters are buying state-owned homes

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 16:41:04 GMT

Caltrans’ tenants, including Payan and other longtime low- and middle-income residents, are gaining the opportunity to buy their homes at reduced prices, the only way they say they could afford to become homeowners. The public agency is selling vacant properties to affordable housing providers who are repairing them for new occupants.

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Next City Council

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:25:12 GMT

Only a united City Council can begin to effectively thwart the excesses of the out-of-control growth that these myopic State laws have enabled. Council action can ensure that the shape of our city’s future is not radically altered and that all new and future development respects what residents have valued as essential and non-negotiable quality-of-life issues that affect us all.

Phil Brock, Mayor, and Council Member
Dr. Vivian A. Roknian
Oscar de la Torre, Council Member
John Putnam

City will help affordable housing developer purchase popular pet store location in exchange for more senior housing

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 16:24:42 GMT

It all started in March of this year, when Council unanimously voted to build affordable housing on three city-owned sites, the original proposal included approximately 130 units on three city-owned properties at 1217 Euclid St, 1211 1217 14th St and 1146 16th St, in line with the city’s 2021-2029 Housing Element.

Meet the Candidates Event Sunday September 8

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 17:22:08 GMT

When: Sunday, Sept. 8th, 3:00 - 5:00pm

Doors open at 2pm

Where: Lincoln Middle School Auditori

1501 California Ave., S.M. 90403

Stop Pretending Long-failed Remedies Will Work

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 17:12:12 GMT

Rampant crime by an unhinged homeless population is devastating Santa Monica, yet lame local officials and an entire slate of City Council candidates continue to pretend long-failed remedies of the past will somehow work.

SM.a.r.t Column: Part II: The Affordability Crisis:

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:51:04 GMT

Let’s start with some basic economics. The conventional wisdom – championed by state legislators and enshrined in policies like SB 35 (which streamlines approval for infill developments) and the potential SB 7 (aimed at reinforcing the Builder’s Remedy), is that California’s housing affordability crisis is primarily a supply problem. The logic seems straightforward: increase housing supply, and prices will fall. It’s Econ 101, right?

Wrong. This simplistic view ignores the complexities of real-world housing markets and the fundamental nature of California’s affordability crisis.

Santa Monica Sees County's Steepest Yearly Rent Drop

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 18:32:44 GMT

After dipping during each of the past four months, rents in Santa Monica ticked up by 0.7 percent in August, according to listings posted on the popular rental site.

New Coalition Endorses Council Slate

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:42:50 GMT

Santa Monicans United (SMU), Hospitality Santa Monica and local small business owners will provide significant funding to boost the slate composed of two incumbents and two business owners in the race for four open seats.

Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, Dr. Vivian Roknian and John Putnam will attempt to fend off a rival slate backed by Santa Monica's political establishment that is trying to regain control of the Council.

See Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjv8fnCrnTc

Democrats for a Safer Santa Monica Announces a City Council Slate

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Aug 2024 15:41:48 GMT

The four candidates are: 1) Dr. Vivian Roknian, a long-time resident, oral surgeon, small business owner, and parent; 2) John Putnam, a 30-year resident, a small business owner and parent; 3) Incumbent Mayor Phil Brock and 4) Incumbent Councilmember Oscar de la Torre.

SANTA MONICA, CA – In a powerful demonstration of unity and determination, the residents, business owners, and the hospitality community of Santa Monica have come together to address the city's most pressing challenges. Two key groups, Santa Monicans United and Hospitality Santa Monica, have embarked on a mission to bring about significant change to Santa Monica by identifying and supporting four candidates for the Santa Monica City Council who are committed to turning the city around.

Battle lines drawn for City Council race

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Aug 2024 17:35:39 GMT

Incumbents Phil Brock and Oscar de la Torre are running alongside newcomers Dr. Vivian Roknian and John Putnam under the Safer Santa Monica name. The group is a new iteration of the Change Slate that took three seats in 2020. The original group included Councilwoman Christine Parra but she chose not to run this year, setting the stage for a new alliance. The group will face off against Dan Hall, Natalya Zernitskaya, Ellis Raskin and Barry Snell for the four seats up for election this year.

Report sees city as ‘growth point’ for future construction

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 19:01:15 GMT

The outlook for 2024-2028 brings Santa Monica into the equation in a big way. Though Long Beach has the most units planned for that stretch of time (3,476), Santa Monica showed a 17.7% increase from its 2019-2023 unit construction (1,126) to its projected 2024-2028 number (1,325). Woodland Hills was seen as another growth point, while LA-area cities like Pasadena, Inglewood and Canoga Park were noted as significant downtowns in the outlook.

Public Safety Unions Deal Blow to Establishment Slate

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Aug 2024 18:56:51 GMT

The Santa Monica Police Officers Association and Santa Monica Firefighters Local 1109 announced Wednesday morning that they will support Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre and candidates Ericka Lesley and Vivian Roknian in the November 5 race for four open Council seats.

November Ballot Order Set

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 16:40:53 GMT

Rent Board Chair Erika Lesley, who entered the race after failing to win the backing of Santa Monica's political establishment, will top the ballot, followed by incumbent Oscar de la Torre, a member of the Change faction's slim Council majority.

On this year's ballot, Mayor Phil Brock, Vivian Roknian and John Putnam, two small business owners backed by Santa Monicans United (SMU) commend the middle of the ballot.

SM.a.r.t Column: Part 1: The Affordability Crisis: Unmasking California’s RHNA Process and Its Role in Gentrification

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:11:04 GMT

In the world of economic policy, good intentions often pave the way to unintended consequences. Nowhere is this more evident than in California’s approach to its housing crisis through the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process. What began as a well-meaning attempt to address affordability has morphed into a textbook example of misguided intervention, with potentially dire consequences for the very people it aims to help.

Homeless Housing, Needle Distribution on Council Agenda

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 16:07:13 GMT

Members of City Council's Change faction, which is trying to hang on to a slim majority in November's general election, have placed three items on Tuesday's agenda that address the hot-button homeless issue.

Two of the items are efforts to eliminate the County's needle exchange program in City parks, while a third seeks to replace a supportive housing project for the homeless with a senior building.

Construction in the city continues unabated as 1650 Lincoln slowly rises

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:25:19 GMT

The largest and most significant of which is undoubtedly 710 Broadway, the former site of the Vons supermarket. But rapidly catching up is 1430 Lincoln Blvd, 1527 Lincoln Blvd and 711 Colorado Ave.

Proposed New Ordinance Will Ban Distribution of All Drug Paraphernalia from Santa Monica's Public Spaces

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:21:49 GMT

Santa Monica City Councilmember Oscar de la Torre intends to sponsor legislation that will close a loophole in a May ordinance that defunded third-party contractors like the Venice Family Clinic if they distributed needles and drug paraphernalia in the city's public parks. The original language of the ordinance that was passed 6-1 was changed to include only needle distribution and removed reference to "other drug paraphernalia." Accordingly, VFC began distributing glass pipes instead of needles.

Who Qualifies for Santa Monica's New 'Supportive Housing' Projects?

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 16:13:16 GMT

In two blog posts on the City's website this month, Santa Monica's top housing official, Heather Averick, noted that an individual must meet at least one of four criteria to qualify.

They must have lost their housing in Santa Monica, worked in the city when they lost housing, been homeless in the city for at least five years or are a "high utilizer of City services."

A City at a Crossroads: The Choice for Santa Monica’s Future

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 16:22:50 GMT

by Houman Hemmati MD PhD, Santa Monica

But if you’re tired of seeing our beloved city deteriorate and want a change—if you want safer parks, fewer crimes, more businesses, and common-sense governance— then your choice is clear. Vote for Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, Dr. Vivian Roknian, and John Putnam. They are the candidates who will restore safety, dignity, and opportunity to our vibrant, diverse community.

Why California should reject ballot measure easing bond votes

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:30:15 GMT

by Cal Matters

In November, California voters will decide the fate of Proposition 5, which would make it easier for local governments to borrow money for housing and various public infrastructure projects. Below, a taxpayer watchdog says Prop. 5 will essentially let governments increase property taxes whenever they want.

Here's Why to Vote No on Proposition 33

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:20:41 GMT

There is one statewide proposition on the California November 2024 ballot that I am very concerned about. It is Proposition 33, which enables extremely restrictive rent controls on a state-wide basis. These Proposition 33 proposed rent controls, including homes, condominiums, as well as multifamily complexes, could turn California into a nightmare scenario like NYC after WWII or Santa Monica or West Hollywood for the period of 1978-1995. Proposition 33 would restrict your right to rent your home or condominium, as well as freeze the rents on apartments to the prior level when they vacate.

SM.a.r.t Column: They Want to Build a Wall

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:15:55 GMT

Every once in a while, a topic arises that we had previously written about but doesn’t seem to go away. The Miramar condo/hotel project is such an example. With recent coastal commission approvals and no push back from the City in terms of reduction in scale, etc., and the project looming on the horizon, we thought our readers might want to re-visit our opinion column from 27 April 2018, more than six years ago, and we find, with the information at hand, our opinion and observations have remained the same.

Ballot Shrinks as 10 Qualify for Council, Two Races Canceled

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 17:10:44 GMT

The two candidates for Rent Board -- incumbent Kay Ambriz, who was appointed to the Board in June, and Phillis Dudick -- will assume seats on the five-member board after the number of candidates submitting nominating petitions equaled the number of open seats.

Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, who are members of the Council's 4 to 3 Change majority, will be joined by newcomers Dr. Vivian A. Roknian and John Putnam, who are backed by Santa Monicans United (SMU), a newly formed group focused on public safety.

Rent Control Board amends regulation on security deposits, aligning with state lawmakers

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:38:41 GMT

At the end of the board’s August 8 meeting, the board unanimously revised regulations to align with a new state law, prohibiting landlords from collecting a security deposit “in an amount of excess of a month’s rent.” The California legislature recently revised the state’s civil code on deposits, with AB 12 taking effect on July 1 that limits the amount that a landlord can collect for a deposit to one month’s rent, regardless of if a unit is furnished or not.

The Lie of "Boulevard Only" Development

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:37:28 GMT

I live on 9th street, a block from three boulevards-Wilshire, Santa Monica, and Lincoln. This means I'm literally surrounded by 8-story "stack and packs," while being told the fiction that this grotesque sop to developers "won't affect the neighborhoods of Santa Monica" and will help "solve homelessness." Ha!

18-Story Tower Planned for Santa Monica’s Sixth Street

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Aug 2024 15:28:51 GMT

Ottinger Architects is spearheading a new project at 1437 6th Street that aims to provide 172 residential units in Santa Monica’s downtown area. The development, which includes an 18-story multifamily building, will feature 26 deed-restricted affordable units and seeks to blend modern living with community-focused spaces that foster connection and culture.

Council Ballot Dramatically Shortened by Filing Deadline

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:31:53 GMT

That leaves four staunch pro-law enforcement candidates -- including Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre -- to face off against the four pro-justice reform candidates backed by Santa Monica's political establishment.

The other two law-and-order candidates, Dr. Vivian A. Roknian and John Putnam, who qualified for the ballot on Monday, are backed by Santa Monicans United (SMU), a newly formed group focused on public safety.

In the race for two open Rent Control Board seats, only two candidates, Kay Ambriz, who was appointed to the Board in June, and Phillis Dudick have pulled papers. Ambriz has qualified, while Dudick submitted her petitions Tuesday.

If both qualify, the election will be canceled and the two candidates will assume the open seats. If Dudick fails to qualify, the Rent Board will make an appointment to fill the open seat.

Californians: Your rent may go up because of rising insurance rates

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 00:01:49 GMT

by Cal Matters

Many insurance companies have stopped writing policies in the state because of increased wildfire risks, but that’s not the only reason. They say in the case of any catastrophe, the potential costs of replacing any residential or commercial property, from labor to material costs, is just plain more expensive now. So even owners of properties in areas that are not at high risk for wildfires have had their policies canceled because their buildings may need repairs or improvements. Landlords are having to find other insurers, or having to turn to the ever-growing and more expensive FAIR Plan, the insurance industry-run plan that is mandated under California law to be the insurer of last resort.

Council Ballot Expands as 4 Candidates Qualify Monday

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:40:28 GMT

Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, who are heading a Change slate focused on fighting crime, are expected to pick at least one running mate before Wednesday's 5:30 filing deadline.

Among the narrowing field of choices are Dr. Vivian A. Roknian, an oral surgeon, and John Putnam, a fashion industry executive. Both qualified for the ballot on Monday.

The two candidates have the backing of Santa Monicans United (SMU), a newly formed group focused on public safety that boasts the support, and spending power, of local businesses ("New Group Formed to Fight City Hall," January 12, 2024).

Councilmember Christine Parra's Statement on Not Seeking Re-Election

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 23:38:38 GMT

My family is currently facing a significant challenge -- my mother’s ongoing battle with cancer. This situation has understandably shifted my priorities, and I feel that my focus needs to be on supporting my family during this difficult time. Balancing these responsibilities with my role on the Council has become increasingly challenging, and I believe it is essential for me to be fully present for my family right now.

Dear Voter Regarding Santa Monica City Council Election: Anybody but the SMRR Slate

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 16:09:25 GMT

But you wouldn't know the city was in crisis from the SMRR slate's platform of radical dead-ender candidates Barry Snell, Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, and Natalya Zernitskaya, who embody SMRR's anti-enforcement values. You can judge the SMRR Four by who is endorsing them-The "defund the police" Santa Monica Democratic Club, plus sitting SMRR council members Gleam Davis, Jesse Zwick, and Caroline Torosis. The SMDC started early to consolidate the "progressive values" around this clueless five point platform:

Council Candidates Begin Returning Qualifying Petitions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Aug 2024 15:37:25 GMT

he first City Council candidate qualified for the ballot this week, and five others have returned nominating petitions to the City Clerk ahead of next Wednesday's deadline.

Pier Corporation Board Chair Dan Hall, who was among the first candidates to pull papers on July 15, qualified for the ballot on Tuesday after submitting nominating petitions signed by at least 100 Santa Monica voters.

First candidate qualifies for City Council race

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Aug 2024 16:17:48 GMT

Santa Monica has its first official candidate for City Council. Dan Hall was the first person to qualify for the November election receiving the official stamp of approval on August 6 according to the City Clerk’s office.

Hall was among the first to pull papers for office and returned them to the Clerk on August 2. His slatemates, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell and Natalya Zernitskaya have also returned their applications, but have yet to qualify.

Monthly Poll Finds Support for Law-and-Order Candidates

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:28:23 GMT

The survey, taken via text between July 31 and August 4, asked residents to weigh in on the hotly contested November 5 race for control of the seven-member City Council.

Unsurprisingly, the three Change incumbents -- Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmembers Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra -- were favored with 53 percent of respondents saying they would give them another four-year term.

SMPD Launches Blog Recapping Police Activity

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 17:13:07 GMT

Crime watchers can now access other notable arrests -- there were 52 that week, 20 of them for felonies -- on a new weekly/bi-weekly blog on the City's website titled "The Blue Notebook."

The site also notes the number of calls for service -- there were 2,759 that week, 532 of them homeless-related, with 42 involving encampments.

Santa Monica's Chief of Police Ramon Batista Has Failed To Protect Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:40:34 GMT

by Adnan Safadi

Santa Monica's Chief of Police Ramon Batista is allowing the Venice Family Clinic to distribute needles and meth pipes in Santa Monica's Parks and public spaces, right in front of the SMPD. Methamphetamine addicts from across the country have moved to Santa Monica to take advantage of Chief Batista's policy. These Methamphetamine addicts are smoking and slamming meth in broad daylight, and then assaulting people.

California Rent Control Update: New Cap on Rent Increases Takes Effect

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 22:36:50 GMT

AB 1482 Sets New Limits on Rent Hikes Starting on August 1

The California Tenant Protection Act of 2019, known as Assembly Bill 1482 (AB 1482), enacted statewide rent control as of January 1, 2020, and a new rent increase cap took effect today.

Santa Monica Is Not Safe -– PART III: A Path Forward

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 18:40:48 GMT

By Marc L. Verville Last of three parts

It just so happens that safety and cleanliness are the essential baseline conditions required to turning around the devastated retail sector and reinvigorating the restaurant sector, along with the sales tax revenue both generate. It would also positively impact hotel occupancy by improving the city’s attractiveness to high-spending international travelers.

Finally, it would help attract new residents to the expensive new housing being created in the city, further helping the retail and hospitality sectors and, of course, City revenue.

In essence, the City needs to jump-start a virtuous cycle for all stakeholders, and get out of the doom loop its policies have created and intensified.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Sliding

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Aug 2024 17:47:39 GMT

Prices in Santa Monica are now down 4.9 percent year-over-year with the median monthly rent price currently standing at $2,437 after dropping $25 this month, according to data based on the site's listings.

City Council Approves $3.8M Contract to Modernize Permitting System

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:07:31 GMT

This decision follows staff input and an extensive evaluation of the existing permitting system and processes. The council’s vote paves the way for the city to invest in a modern and more intuitive permitting system that will guide customers through the permit application process and make the overall review and approval process more efficient for both the public and city staff.

Parra's Candidacy Changes Council Race

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 19:01:15 GMT

Councilmember Christine Parra's surprise entry into the November race has swiftly shifted the dynamics of what promises to be a hotly contested election for four open Council seats.

While Parra's candidacy ups the chances that the Council's Change faction can hang on to a one-vote majority with all three incumbents in the race, it could also act to further splinter the vote of residents who support tougher law enforcement policies.

DTSM welcomes new chair, vice chairs and four new appointments

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:01:33 GMT

Following three somewhat muddled rounds of voting the three new, council-appointed seats on the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. board went to Jon Farzam, Berta Negari and Michelle Cardiel, by votes of 4-3, 5-2 and 4-3 respectively. And in a turn of events not seen too often, both incumbents were not reappointed.

Three Change Incumbents to Run in November

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Jul 2024 18:58:47 GMT

Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmembers Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra will seek to hold on to a one-seat majority on the seven-member Council when voters fill four open seats on November 5.

SM.a.r.t Column: Food Water and Energy Part 3 of 4

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 17:38:03 GMT

The grim reality is that Sacramento has opened the floodgates to fill Santa Monica with skyscrapers, which developers are madly rushing in to fill in a feeding frenzy as if there was an infinite and uninterrupted supply of renters and power available. Unlike their 2-3 story cousins, these skyscrapers will become unlivable in their first of many brownouts and power interruptions. Skyscrapers are only required to provide enough power to keep the hallway/stair lights on for about 2 hours to allow for evacuation, plus a uselessly small amount of additional photovoltaic supply, which, as previously stated, may not be accessible when SCE power is cut off. Because there is no way, with current technology, to provide enough photovoltaic power on the roof of buildings taller than three floors, these skyscrapers cannot operate all their systems (lights, air-conditioning, elevators, etc.) in a power outage, thus residents will become prisoners in these dark towers.

Santa Monica Is Not Safe -- Part II: The Issues

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 17:33:44 GMT

By Marc L. Verville, Chair of the City's Audit Subcommittee

Mr. Cody Green, Chairman of the Santa Monica Police Officer's Association (SMPOA), has provided a directional analysis on how much Santa Monica should be spending on public safety.

His analysis was provided as a result of the absence of any other dedicated metrics or resourcing estimates. So, is Mr. Green’s analysis the last word on how much Santa Monica should be spending on public safety, specifically police?

No. But it provides directionally valid data points that align with both resident and business reality -- that our police resources are understaffed. That much is not in question.

Council Places Parking Tax on Ballot

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 17:31:52 GMT

Approved by the Council with a unanimous vote on Tuesday, the Parking Facility Tax measure would raise the existing tax by 8 percent, generating approximately $6.7 million a year.

The revenues would be used to "enhance public safety, create safe routes to school to protect children, lower the risk of fatal traffic accidents and maintain essential city services," according to the language approved by the Council.

Santa Monica Is Not Safe -- PART I: The Problem

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:45:53 GMT

By Marc L. Verville, Sunset Park resident who is Chair of the City's Audit Subcommittee

City has chosen to manage this issue in a political fog by not following through with any independent analysis of just how many police officers Santa Monica actually needs.

Like many other contentious issues in Santa Monica, the City policy preference is to avoid hard, objective third-party metrics used in transparent analyses that foster clear decisions, progress measurement, accountability and the ability to course correct when needed.

City to Streamline Building Permitting Process

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 19:44:24 GMT

As part of Tuesday's consent calendar approved with no discussion, the Council voted to enter into a $3.8 million, five-year contract with Speridian Technologies, LLC to adopt and implement the Clariti permitting and land use management system.

The new system -- which will "benefit businesses, home renovators and property owners" -- is expected to be fully implemented in the next 18 months, City officials said.

Suspect in Beating of John Alle May Get Diversion Instead of Prison

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 21:21:39 GMT

Alle, however, said he waved to the judge and asked to speak. Alle then explained to Commissioner Zuckman that Keating had done the same thing 13 times over the last three years in San Diego, San Clemente, Huntington Beach, Santa Monica, Ventura County and Santa Barbara. Keating also had already skipped out on two other diversion programs. Alle added that 66 percent of those sent to diversion never show up and therefore avoid any kind of punishment or rehabilitation.

"He listened but did not like hearing me talk," Alle said of Zuckman, adding, "My DA was not prepared for this judge" and pointing out that "the Public Defender did not even have to say much."

Council Candidate Field Expands, Still No Incumbents

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Jul 2024 21:16:13 GMT

As of the end of the day Tuesday, 14 candidates -- none of them incumbents -- had pulled nomination papers to run for four open City Council seats, including Rent Board Chair Erika Lesley.

Council Candidates Stubbornly Support Gascon. Letter to the Editor

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:38:08 GMT

But I wonder whether Santa Monica voters realize how many City Council candidates here stubbornly support Gascon, a sure indicator those candidates would undermine safety in our city (“Major Political Establishment Groups to Field United Council Slate,” June 27, 2024).

For example, the four candidates endorsed by the Santa Monica Democratic Club—Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell, and Natalya Zernitskaya—stated, in writing, they support Gascon’s re-election, with Zernitskaya adding, preposterously, that she believes Gascon “is doing a great job” despite opposition that has “misrepresented his positions.”

Council Candidates Stubbornly Support Gascon. Letter to the Editor

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Jul 2024 15:38:08 GMT

SMa.r.t. - Food, Water, and Energy Part 2 of 4

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:52:49 GMT

Energy cut-off has a similar risk profile, but fortunately, there is more we can do to protect our City if we plan for it now.

Many Power Sources

Unlike vulnerable imported water, renewable electrical energy sources (wind, solar, hydro, tidal, geothermal) are already widely distributed in the LA basin, as are power plants of non-renewable energy sources (coal, oil, natural gas nuclear).

Housing Element becomes hot topic at local leader gathering

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 15:42:16 GMT

Once the meeting finally started, much of the questioning revolved around both housing and transportation issues, including Brock being asked if he was “happy” with the City needing to be compliant with its 2021-2029 Housing Element, which aims for 8,874 new housing units (69% of which must be at various affordable income levels). Brock noted that the City has “doubled” the amount of market-rate units they’ve been required to build already, and the Mayor attempted to temper his displeasure with the process.

Brock stated that rapid construction is “going to lose the character of our neighborhoods” and make Santa Monica “a different city,” likening it to Santa Monica High School tearing down its History Building to modernize campus, where students “will have a new experience.” Regardless if he likes the changes, he added, it wasn’t necessarily up to him.

Judge Issues Final Ruling in Favor of Barrington Plaza Tenants Association

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:39:41 GMT

Judge Ford issued his Statement of Decision, ruling in favor of the Barrington Plaza Tenants Association. This ruling stops the evictions of the remaining tenants however, the compensation that will be awarded to the tenants is still to be determined.

Battle Lines Being Drawn as Candidates Begin Pulling Papers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:03:56 GMT

The four candidates backed by Santa Monica's political establishment wasted no time pulling nomination papers this week after winning early endorsements from two major groups.

College Trustee Barry Snell picked up the paperwork from the City Clerk Tuesday, one day after his running mates -- Ellis Raskin, Natalya Zernitskaya and Dan Hall -- threw their hats in the ring.

Rent Control Board Chair Ericka Lesley, who failed to win the backing of SMRR and the Dem Club, has not pulled papers.

In the race for two open seats on the Rent Control Board, Kay Ambriz, who was appointed to the five-member board last month, pulled papers on Monday, along with community volunteer Phillis Dudick.

No incumbents will be seeking reelection after Board member Anastasia Foster pulled nomination papers to run for one of three open seats on the College Board.

Santa Monica 2nd Worst City for First-Time Home Buyers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 19:00:37 GMT

Santa Monica was ranked the second worst city in the U.S. for first-time home buyers, according to an analysis of 300 cities by WalletHub released Tuesday.

Only Berkeley ranked lower in the yearly report,

First candidates pull paperwork for elected office

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:42:38 GMT

Pulling papers for Santa Monica City Council, with four seats up for grabs for four-year terms, were the following candidates: Whitney Bain, Lawrence Doherty Jr., Stephen Garr, Dan Hall, Janet McLaughlin, Manju Raman, Ellis Raskin and Natalya Zernitskaya.

Though not as hectic as the Council race, the three other elected offices had candidates pull papers as well. Both Kay Ambriz and Phillis Dudick put their hat into the race for the Rent Control Board, with two seats available for four-year terms.

In educational office races, former Rent Control Board Chair Anastasia Foster was the lone name thus far to pull papers for the SMMUSD Board of Education race, with three seats available for four-year terms. For the Santa Monica College Board, Christine Falaguerra pulled papers alongside SMMUSD Board of Education President Jennifer Smith and Board Vice President Jon Kean.

Lifelong resident and journalist Janet McLaughlin announces run for council

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 16:38:57 GMT

“If every time you go to the grocery store, or gas station, or bus stop, or just for a walk, it’s very hard to focus on anything else. If someone is screaming at you, or threatening you, or chasing you, at that moment nothing else matters. We can’t find solutions to other problems, including things like overdevelopment, until we fix this safety crisis,” McLaughlin said.

“And that includes the people who live in the streets being harmed by both drugs and violent predators. We have to come together as citizens, and elected officials. I have friends on both sides of the fence, and I genuinely like people on both sides of the fence. Because I listen, and because I truly care,” she said.

Council Approves Three High Profile Items

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Jul 2024 15:52:35 GMT

The City Attorney's legal evaluation of the landmark decision -- which paves the way for municipalities to penalize the homeless for camping on public land -- could inform City policy, said Negrete, co-sponsored the item with Councilmember Oscar de la Torre.

Election season formally opens

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 17:04:39 GMT

This year, nominations open on Monday, July 15 and are scheduled to run through August 9. That date may be extended through August 14 for a specific office if at least one incumbent in that office declines to run for reelection. Eligible candidates must be US citizens, at least 18 years old on or before Election Day, and registered voters in the jurisdiction when Nomination Papers are issued.

The first opportunity to pull papers will be at a Candidate Workshop on July 15 at 10 a.m. in City Hall Council Chamber (Room 250). Individuals who cannot make the meeting can make appointments with city staff to receive their paperwork.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Food Water and Energy Part 1 of 3

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 16:59:38 GMT

This was particularly notable given the increasing development that has already occurred in the last few years. Had we stuck to our water sustainability plan and reached zero imports by 2023, we would have reached full potential seismic survivability in water independence. However,

when the State crammed 9000 new units in the next 8 years into our built-out City, our water sustainability plan blew out the window. Our potential seismic shortfall ballooned from about 25% to about 35%.

Despite lowering rents, Westside less desirable as apartment option

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 22:37:30 GMT

According to a new report by RentCafe, Western Los Angeles County, which includes Santa Monica, was deemed the “least competitive” market for apartment rentals out of California metro areas. This was determined by factors like the average apartment vacancy time before being rented out, the amount of prospective renters for a place, as well as lease renewal rate.

Council Shakes Up Two Major Boards

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 22:10:58 GMT

The Change faction on the City Council flexed its political muscle Tuesday night and replaced a Planning Commissioner and Downtown Board member appointed four years ago by the rival faction.

Both Planning Commission Chair Ellis Raskin and Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board member Erika Lesley failed to win the necessary four votes needed to be reappointed to a second four-year term.

Both -- who were appointed in 2020 when the City's political establishment controlled the Council -- are running in the November 5 race for four open Council seats, three of them held by the Change faction.

With 376 Staff Members Making More than $200k, Santa Monica Cannot Find Money for More Police Officers

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:34:28 GMT

Data obtained from a public records request by John Alle and the Santa Monica Coalition. The breakdown obtained by the organization of residents, property, and business owners concerned with public safety is as follows:

24 city employees made between $450K-$600K

40 made between $400K-$450K

56 made between $300K-$400K

256 made between $200K-$300K

Interim City Clerk to Assume Permanent Post

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 Jul 2024 16:31:13 GMT

A five-year veteran of the City Clerks’ Office, Newsome has held the top post since outgoing clerk Denise Anderson-Warren retired in December.

Opinion: Santa Monica massively underfunding its police department - Cody Greene

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:30:34 GMT

Having worked for the Police Department for 23 years it always seems as if we are borrowing from Peter to pay Paul with personnel. For example, the Directed Action Response Team was formed partly to direct resources to the out-of-control vendor issue on the Pier, and they were very successful at gaining back some sense of normalcy. The sacrifice was those employees had to be pulled from elsewhere in the department. The Police Department no longer has a plainclothes unit, a street interdiction team, a full-time mounted unit or a fully staffed downtown unit, all units the department formerly staffed. It’s always seemed like a game of Whack-a-Mole, solve an issue here but one pops up somewhere else. There are just never enough officers to keep the City as safe as everyone wants.

Council Poised to Place Two Tax Measures on Ballot

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 22:22:14 GMT

At its meeting June 25, the Council unanimously voted to move ahead with a measure to modernize the business license tax that would generate approximately $3.9 million in its third year by removing auto dealer tax exemptions and raising the corporate headquarters rate.

In addition, at its meeting this Tuesday, the Council is expected to reconsider a Parking Facility Tax it rejected at its meeting last month that would generate approximately $6.7 million a year to enhance public safety.

Council Asked to 'Immediately Halt' Plan to Boost Safety Spending

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:47:04 GMT

"However, the City faces a difficult economic climate, slow recovery, a challenging labor market, required deferred maintenance, and continued uncertainty in our legal liabilities."

Instead of reallocating existing resources, the Council "must pursue new revenue opportunities to address our public safety needs," Negrete said.

Prop. 33 Repeals Costa-Hawkins Rental Act

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 17:44:48 GMT

Rental housing providers will be facing the biggest threat to their existence this November

California just cut the red tape on housing in San Francisco. Is L.A. next?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 21:08:27 GMT

Officials estimate the law, Senate Bill 423, will cut approval time for projects in San Francisco from two years to six months, streamlining that housing advocates consider a much-needed course correction in a city where construction is beset by delays and high costs.

Housing advocates hope the new rules in San Francisco means other major California cities in need of more housing, including Los Angeles

Just the Facts -- SMPD Launches New Blog

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 15:14:53 GMT

"This seemed like the perfect opportunity to help correct the record and feed public curiosity about the work we do," Aklufi said.

Opinion: Clouds…and we’re screwed - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 19:19:40 GMT

So it might seem irrelevant who we elect to our City Council this November. But it isn’t. You now have three Council members who have come down firmly on the side of more and more development “needed” in Santa Monica — Jesse Zwick, Caroline Torosis, Gleam Davis. And you have all their power brokers bowing to developers — SM “Forward,” SMRR, SM “Democratic” Club, and “The Community for Excellence in Public Schools” — all endorsing our worst nightmare, four pro pro rah rah mo’ mo’ taller bigger development candidates: Dan Hall, Natalya Zernitskaya, Barry Snell, Ellis Raskin. If even one or two of them win Council seats, we’re screwed. And right now, other than our incumbents —
Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra — we have no candidates running against them. No PAC money, no organization. WTHeck. Screwed.

Council Adopts Budget With Added Public Safety Spending

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:05:31 GMT

The move was prompted by Mayor Phil Brock's urgent proposal to "sequester" as much as $3.8 million to address a public safety "crisis" highlighted when a homeless sex offender attacked three women on the beach the day before the vote ("Homeless Sex Offender Goes on Violent Rampage on Santa Monica Beach," June 25, 2024).

Public Safety: Do We Need More? Let's Study the Matter, says Santa Monica City Council

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 18:46:57 GMT

Brock said in a phone interview that he considered it "beyond the pale" that the council could not find a way to increase public safety now. "So we're letting the city burn for another 4 months b/f we can even talk about what's needed."

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica Under SCAG’s Boot

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:42:12 GMT

Four years ago, our esteemed colleague Mario Fonda-Bonardi wrote the prescient essay below when much of the legislative development juggernaut was beginning to make itself felt in our city. Let’s take a look at the questions in the article and see if any of them, even a single one, has been answered four years later (please remember the dates in the article refer to events four years ago).

Homeless Population Drops in First County-Run Count

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:37:06 GMT

The four-hour-long count taken in Santa Monica on the night of January 24 "reflects the actual number of people, along with what LAHSA calls 'improvised dwellings' counted by volunteers," City officials said

In Santa Monica, volunteers -- who for the first time were led by LAHSA and not the City -- physically counted 479 homeless persons outdoors, including at city beaches.

It also recorded 173 individuals in shelters, including those staying that night at SAMOSHEL, the city’s shelter.

Santa Monica Rental Market Remains Sluggish

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:35:51 GMT

The report released Wednesday found that the median rent in the city decreased by -0.3 percent during the month, and has now fallen by a total of -4.0 percent over the past 12 months.

Major Political Establishment Groups to Field United Council Slate

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Jul 2024 17:34:53 GMT

Santa Monica's political establishment will field a united slate in the November race for four City Council seats after the local Democratic Club made its endorsements Wednesday.

The group, "by a wide margin," endorsed Santa Monica College Trustee Barry Snell, Planning Commission Chair Ellis Raskin, Natalya Zernitskaya and Pier Corporation Board member Dan Hall, Club officials announced Thursday.

Letter: A call to restore our city to its former glory by Dr. Houman David Hemmati

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 16:10:08 GMT

Let’s harness our collective passion to enact the needed change.

School district seeks bond measure on November ballot

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:24:41 GMT

During the June 20 meeting of the SMMUSD Board of Education, the board gave staff approval to develop bond measure resolutions for the November ballot. The two bond measures would be for $495 million in School Facility Improvement District #1 (Santa Monica schools) and $395 million in School Facility Improvement District #2 (Malibu schools).

Opinion: I’ve had it. By Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:18:18 GMT

How do you like the artist’s rendering of Santa Monica’s newest skyscraper, a low rise 24 stories coming to 6th and Colorado. When? Never is too soon for me.

And that’s the crux of it, isn’t it? The fights and division here, over how the future of our city should look. A lot of it depends on how you feel about development. I started as common sense, slow-growth for my city. It’s not a good plan for any community to stay stuck in the past; some managed growth is good. Then as I saw how much was being built here, accompanied by ill effects, I decided it was time for a moratorium on new construction. I said years ago we needed to take a pause, but that didn’t happen, and it has only exploded since.

How property owners are turning the tables on squatters

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 19:03:14 GMT

Shelton is now hired by property owners to target squatters living in their homes without permission. Property owners start by giving him a lease, with the legal rights that come with it.

Proposed measure increasing sales tax for homeless prevention could be on November ballot

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 21:41:08 GMT

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors will consider putting a homelessness measure on the November ballot that, if approved, would increase sales taxes by a quarter of a cent indefinitely.

Santa Monica’s New Rent Control Law Will Destroy the City

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 21:36:50 GMT

Williams opens by explaining the specifics of the new law: landlords in Santa Monica are now restricted from increasing rent by more than $76 per year. This cap on rent increases comes at a time when property taxes and insurance costs are rising.

341-Unit Development Proposal Selected for Venice Metro Yard

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:42:04 GMT

On Thursday, Metro announced its selection of the Metro Venice Art Collective’s proposal, “Metro on Main”, as announced in Councilwoman Traci Park’s newsletter. The recommendation, detailed in a report to the Metro Board’s Planning and Programming Committee, suggests entering an exclusive negotiating agreement with Metro Venice Art Collective, LLC, owned by Pinyon Group, according to Urbanize LA.

Council Takes Up Promenade Sign Criticizing City

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 16:36:33 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday is scheduled to consider a resolution denouncing a large sign posted on a Promenade storefront that reads: "Santa Methica IS NOT Safe."

Free Speech? Santa Monica City Council Wants to Decide What is "Harmful" for You

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:40:55 GMT

An item on the agenda for the next meeting of the Santa Monica City Council requests the creation of a resolution expressing the elected officials' disapproval of a sign that condemns them on the Third Street Promenade. The sign has been erected by the Santa Monica Coalition, a group of residents, property, and business owners who want public safety restored to the city.

SMRR Picks Council Slate

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:24:56 GMT

Some 200 Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) members voted to endorse Santa Monica College Trustee Barry Snell, Planning Commission Chair Ellis Raskin, Natalya Zernitskaya and Pier Corporation Board member Dan Hall.

In an unuaual show of cohesion, the four candidates in the November 5 race for four open Council seats received the required majority of votes needed on the first ballot.

Rent Control Board Chair Ericka Lesley, a staunch tenants rights advocate, fell short of the required 50 percent.

Study Helps Determine if Council Should Ask Voters for a Raise

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:23:44 GMT

The $23,184 in annual compensation paid to Santa Monica City Councilmembers is higher than that paid by most comparable cities, according to a staff analysis released Friday.

The analysis -- which will be discussed at Tuesday's Council meeting -- was requested by the Council last month to help determine if local voters should be asked whether to give elected City officials a raise ("Council Could Explore Asking Voters for a Raise," May 30, 2024).

SM.a.r.t Column: The Up Zoning Scam (Part 2)

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 15:20:28 GMT

There are two main reasons developers will still build in Santa Monica. First is to capitalize on this one-time bonanza of essentially no code and quality constraints. The developers have won their battle to be able to build anything, anywhere, and now just need to finally conquer the Coastal zone (where the real profits are), which is the last area that still has some protection from overdevelopment. Scott Weiner is even now trying to gut the Coastal Zone’s development controls. This total State theft of local power may not last forever, especially when the real limits to growth (global warming, water, and power shortages, seismic and sea level events, etc.etc.) start to kick in and when the inevitable resident backlash appears.

Deep pockets needed

Second, deep-pocketed developers take the long view

Thomas leaves the door open for future challenges to rent control

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:37:36 GMT

Rent control is a bad housing policy that won’t go away. Unfortunately, this term, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to review not one, not two, but three cases that challenged New York City’s 2019 iteration of the bad housing policy, euphemistically labeled “rent stabilization.” But thanks to Justice Clarence Thomas, the proverbial third strike might not be the last for opponents of rent control.

In a statement accompanying the last case the court denied, 74 Pinehurst v. New York, Thomas left the door open and provided a road map for future challenges.

Formerly homeless renter protection advocate appointed to Rent Control Board

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:29:19 GMT

At the June 13 meeting of the Santa Monica Rent Control Board, Kay Ambriz was unanimously selected to serve on the board, taking the position previously filled by Lonnie Guinn before his resignation in April. Ambriz was appointed to the vacant seat, and will serve through the November 2024 municipal election where she intends to earn a full four-year term.

Ambriz has been incredibly active in the Santa Monica renters community, having been a member of the Santa Monica for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) Steering Committee and also working on the SMRR hotline assisting callers with various issues. Those roles, she noted in her board application, made renter education her “top issue” and reason for applying.

Facility improvement bonds on tap for special board meeting

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:36:13 GMT

During the meeting, staff will present capital facility needs for Santa Monica and Malibu schools in separate presentations, allowing the board to discuss placing a general obligation bond on the ballot for School Facility Improvement District #1 (Santa Monica) and School Facility Improvement District #2 (Malibu). The district’s Facility Improvement Projects Department completed assessments of school facilities over the past six years to determine “necessary improvements to meet campus needs,” factoring in historic resources inventories, sustainability plans and infrastructure needs inventory.

Feroz Merchhiya selected as chief information officer

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 18:30:42 GMT

Beginning his career at Oracle Corporation, Merchhiya has more than two decades of experience in digital transformation, innovation and technology. Most recently he served as the chief information officer and chief information security officer for the city of Glendale, Arizona. He previously led strategic service delivery and technology solutions for Kaygen Incorporated.

He will join the city effective July 15, with an annual salary of $253,674.

Corporate Landlords Contribute $20.9 Million to Kill Rent Control Expansion

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 14:51:03 GMT

A powerful, deep-pocketed group of 11 corporate landlords has contributed a total of $20.9 million to the California Apartment Association Issues Committee to kill the expansion of rent control in California. Big Real Estate’s millions also fund a disturbing ballot measure to stop AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s housing advocacy work on rent control. Activists expect corporate landlords to spend at least $100 million before the November election.

Response to Santa Monica Mayor Brock and Vice-mayor Lana Negrete Accompanying Distribution of Drug Paraphernalia

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 20:36:44 GMT

by John Alle

I reminded Brock that there are 2 agreements in place between Santa Monica and the LA County Health Dept stating that SANTA MONICA's legislative approval is a REQUIREMENT of any health or medical program conducted in the city. Brock admitted he had lost the documents The Santa Monica Coalition had twice sent him. The City Manager and Council have not exercised the political will to end needle and glass pipe distribution.

SMRR, Dem Club Poised to Make Early Endorsements

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 18:56:04 GMT

Santa Monica's political establishment must win three seats to regain the Council majority it held for most of the past four decades before losing it to Change candidates swept into office during a voter revolt in 2020.

But with the emergence of five strong candidates, the two groups can ill-afford a repeat of 2022, when for the first time the Democratic Club broke with the tradition and placed a different candidate than SMRR on its three-member slate.

Undisclosed payments to Rent Control chair force revote on Justice for Renters act endorsement

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 17:57:10 GMT

“Due to my paid consultancy work with the Justice for Renters Act, I’ll recuse myself from this item,” said Lesley before leaving the dais.

California law prohibits individuals from voting on matters that involve their personal finances.

Rent Board Sets Cap on Monthly Increase

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 16:38:28 GMT

Santa Monica rent control tenants will see their monthly rent increase in September by 3 percent with a ceiling of $76 after the Rent Control Board approved the latest annual general adjustment last week.

Rent Board Appoints Tenant Activist to Fill Open Seat

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:34:46 GMT

Kay Ambriz -- a staunch tenants' rights advocate who serves on the Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) steering committee -- was appointed Thursday to fill an open seat on the Rent Control Board.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Up Zoning Scam (Part 1)

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 14:28:42 GMT

But why would the State create a fake target and sell it to drive public codes and policy? The reason is the big three industries (finance, real estate and construction) want free rein to develop anything, anytime, anywhere to maximize profits. It’s that simple. State legislators (Toni Atkins, Scott Wiener, etc.) who depend on those industries’ contributions (along with the high-tech industries) are willing to demolish local planning codes and controls to satisfy their insatiable donors.

Macerich to return Santa Monica Place mall to lenders

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 15:40:01 GMT

Locally-based shopping mall behemoth Macerich Co. has defaulted on the $300 million mortgage loan it has for the Santa Monica Place, ultimately returning it to the lender and bidding farewell to the iconic shopping mall it has owned since 1999.

“It was pretty clear that Santa Monica has continuing issues and it is under water,” Scott Kingsmore, Macerich’s chief financial officer and treasurer told WWD. According to that publication, the broker valuation for Santa Monica Place is in the region of $264.5 million. “Ultimately, trying to figure out the end game was just too obscure,” Kingsmore said.

Judge Rules Against Landlord In Highly Anticipated LA Mass Eviction Case

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 21:52:33 GMT

n a highly anticipated decision that could have broad implications for renters across California, a federal judge has ruled against a landlord seeking to carry out one of the largest mass evictions in Los Angeles history.

The judge’s determination means more than 100 tenants still living at Barrington Plaza — a 712-unit West L.A. high-rise apartment complex — will get to stay. Some long-term tenants pay far below market rates due to the city’s rent stabilization ordinance, and feared they would not be able to find affordable housing anywhere in the region if forced to leave.

Council Nixes Investigation into Leaks Before Setting Procedures

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:35:11 GMT

A deeply divided City Council on Tuesday voted to create clearly defined policy and procedures for leaked closed session items, but stopped short of launching an investigation.

Council Could Require Developers Provide More Shade

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 17:31:45 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday voted to explore requiring those who build on private land to replace every tree removed with three new trees.

Homeless Deaths Spiked in Santa Monica Last Year

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 18:16:38 GMT

The death toll would spike over the two-year period, from 31 homeless deaths in 2022 to a total of 53 last year -- or an average of one per week, according to data from the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Shape Up – On Steroids

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:08:02 GMT

Now, in what would seem to be about nine years late, the city has formed an Adaptive Re-use Technical Working Group to study…adaptive re-use. Perhaps some of our earlier observations and concepts can find their way into whatever net result may evolve, though state allowances will almost certainly continue to push developers to maximize building, with little regard to livability or the environment and with return on their investment their only motivation.

Council to Consider Investigating Leaks

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 18:00:30 GMT

The item on Tuesday's agenda directs staff to return with proposals to investigate "recent leaks of confidential information" from closed door discussions between Councilmembers and top City officials.

A source familiar with the issue said the item centers on pending litigation after the City failed to accept signatures gathered for a ballot initiative to amend Measure GS ("Proponents of Ballot Measure to Amend GS Threaten to Sue City," May 10, 2024).

Opinion: Sometimes we get it right by Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:57:21 GMT

It’s so wrong that our Council leaders over the decades have not focused on home ownership (generational wealth building), keeping longtime Santa Monicans in their homes, and owning those homes, instead of only the quick fix of rent control, that keeps people renters-not-owners for life. And also, not incidentally, makes for a political party (SMRR) with an iron grip on things.

SMPD gains four new officers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:55:46 GMT

The fiscal year 2024-25 proposed budget study session in Tuesday’s City Council meeting generated nearly three hours of discussion that was ultimately dominated by a trade off between a number of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) items, such as essential sidewalk maintenance and CCTV camera upgrades, in favor of adding four additional police officers in addition to its full quota.

Rent Board to Make Another Appointment

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jun 2024 18:48:32 GMT

Capping an extraordinarily low-key recruitment effort, candidates for a vacant seat on the Santa Monica Rent Control Board have until noon Wednesday to file an application.

The applicant chosen -- marking the fourth appointment to the five-member board in two years -- would become the front-runner in the race to fill two open seats in November.

The open seat was held by Lonnie Guinn, who resigned a year and a half after being appointed to the Board in January 2023, making him the fourth Commissioner to be initially appointed.

Council Shouldn't Get Raises, Monthly Poll Finds

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 15:09:50 GMT

The Santa Monica Pulse survey of about 130 residents concerned with public safety also found overwhelming support for a new ordinance barring the use of City funds to distribute needles in outdoor public spaces.

The poll, taken between May 31 and June 2, found that 56 percent of respondents oppose a proposal to raise the compensation for Councilmembers, who are paid about $17,000 a year.

SM.a.r.t Column: The Challenge of Running a City When City Staff Have Different Priorities

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:15:02 GMT

When Ideology Enters the Picture

Things get even trickier when city staff have their own ideological agenda. Sometimes, they push policies based on personal beliefs rather than what the community may want. For example, they might prioritize green initiatives like bike lanes, even if most of us rely on cars and are more concerned about traffic jams. Or, they might focus on building affordable housing to promote social equity, while we worry about increased congestion, pollution, and traffic in our neighborhoods.

Council Adds 4 Officers to Proposed Budget

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 17:10:47 GMT

After nearly two hours of discussing options and budget trade-offs, the City Council early Wednesday morning voted to add four police officers to the proposed $763.5 million budget for the upcoming fiscal year.

Spearheaded by Mayor Phil Brock, the increase would bring the budgeted force to 232 officers in the fiscal year starting July 1, although it will likely be difficult to fill all the positions in one year.

Council Could Explore Asking Voters for a Raise

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 31 May 2024 21:03:54 GMT

Should Santa Monica City Councilmembers -- who are paid about $17,000 a year -- get a raise? The Council on Tuesday voted to find out.

In a 6 to 1 vote, the Council directed staff to conduct a survey of Westside charter cities and "those across the state with populations comparable to Santa Monica" to find out how much Councilmembers make in compensation and benefits.

The result of the survey -- which will be presented at the first Council meeting in July -- will help the Council decide whether to place a charter amendment on the November ballot that would boost their pay.

Sluggish Local Rental Market Reflects National Trend

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 31 May 2024 21:02:18 GMT

Santa Monica rent growth remains sluggish, with median prices dipping by -0.2 percent in May, marking the fourth monthly drop this year, according to the rent report by Apartment List released Thursday.

Santa Monica's -4.2 percent rent decrease over the past 12 months is more pronounced than the -0.9 percent dip for the state and -0.8 percent for the nation, according to data based on the site's listings.

Violent Attacks Demonstrate Continuing Failure of Crime Policies

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 May 2024 18:34:57 GMT

Letter to the Editor by Peter DiChellis

Bottom line: Spread the word far and wide. Elected representatives have failed. To deter crime, oppose crime-friendly candidates.

SM.a.r.t. Column: A Path to Affordable Ownership in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 May 2024 23:55:48 GMT

It’s a shame, and a disadvantage to the city, that many residents feel forced out if they want to buy a home. And, what about long term renters who don’t have the funds to put a down payment anywhere?

We can start to address this. We have the units, the financial assets, the infrastructure, and even the management right here in Santa Monica! It’s all in the great public housing agencies that were developed 40 years ago to address affordability in the rental sector. They are a roaring success, have mushroomed in size and importance, and could be adapted to be at the center of the next revolution in affordable housing–affordable ownership.

Council Candidate Pool Seeking Liberal Establishment Backing Grows

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 May 2024 23:51:14 GMT

In an anticipated move, Barry Snell, a Santa Monica College Trustee and member of the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) board, officially announced he would run for one of four open Council seats.

He became the sixth candidate vying for the backing of the City's liberal establishment in what promises to be a heated race that will determine the balance of power on the seven-member Council.

Tuesday’s City Council meeting

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 May 2024 19:08:00 GMT

Among the Consent Calendar items are the proposed adoption of a resolution for the 2024 Annual Water Shortage Assessment Report, the awarding of a contract to Global Power Group, Inc. as the primary source and Bay City Electric Works as the secondary source to provide emergency generator maintenance and repair at water and wastewater facilities and a second reading and adoption of an ordinance to adopt the 2022 California Green Building Standards Code and adopt a 2022 local amendment relating to concrete requirements for newly constructed buildings.

Councilwoman Davis will not seek reelection

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 May 2024 19:05:00 GMT

Four council seats are up for election this year. They are currently held by Davis, Mayor Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra.

Rent prices slightly down while local real estate is ‘seller’s market’

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 May 2024 19:45:59 GMT

According to a May Los Angeles rent report from Apartment List, Santa Monica apartment prices dropped over the past month by 0.6%, one of only six out of the 26 Los Angeles metropolitan area cities to see a decrease throughout April and into May. The median one-bedroom apartment price in Santa Monica now stands at $2,340 per month, while the median two-bed is at $2,805.

City Files Lawsuit Against Landlord Over Alleged Discrimination and Harassment

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 May 2024 16:03:07 GMT

The city alleges that Atef intentionally discriminated against a tenant with a disability. The tenant, who is immunocompromised and has lived at the property since 2021, requested multiple times in the past year for reasonable accommodation to remediate toxic mold in her unit and to be temporarily relocated during the process. Atef allegedly refused the request, stating that his building is not suitable for tenants with “special conditions” or those with respiratory issues.

AND: https://smdp.com/2024/05/23/pico-landlord-facing-multiple-tenant-harassment-lawsuits/

County Launches Second Round of Rent Relief Program

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 May 2024 16:02:50 GMT

The program -- spearheaded by the LA County Board of Supervisors --- "is an effort to reduce evictions of tenants for non-payment of rent," County officials said.

The funds will be distributed to "qualified landlords adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic" to cover "unpaid rent and eligible expenses dating from April 1, 2022 to the present."

"To qualify, units must still be occupied by impacted tenants," County officials said.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2024/05/24/los-angeles-county-re-launches-rent-relief-program-with-68-million-in-grant-funding

Two Housing Bills Clear State Senate

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 22 May 2024 15:03:44 GMT

Introduced by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), SB 951, which removes layers of discretionary permitting in the Coastal Zone, passed 35 to 0 and will had to the Assembly.

Meanwhile, SB 1037, which fines cities that egregiously violate state housing laws, passed 23 to 9. Both bills must be approved by the house by August 31.

A Call on City Leaders to Clean Up this Mess by Houman David Hemmati MD PhD

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 May 2024 15:26:01 GMT

The city's focus on addressing a non-existent housing crisis, local climate crisis, and supposed issues of racism and equity, not to mention a war on the other side of the world, while ignoring the real and pressing problems of crime, drugs, and homelessness, is a dereliction of duty. Santa Monica has become a shadow of its former self, in a span of about just a half a decade, due to the misguided priorities of its leaders.

Illegal hostels are popping up in L.A. neighborhoods

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 May 2024 15:13:47 GMT

In a mostly quiet neighborhood of older homes and small apartment buildings, some residents have drawn their own no-go zones around what might sound like a crash pad for traveling backpackers: hostels.

At least two of them have popped up on West View Street in Mid-City Heights in the past few years, with more in surrounding neighborhoods.

Little blue box hopes to ‘chirp’ away at crime

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:38:14 GMT

You might have already seen his posts on the social media app Nextdoor, but long-time Santa Monica local Stephen McMahon has come up with an ingenious way to discourage the homeless from making camp and taking drugs in his building’s courtyard parking space and thus also preventing the inevitable repeat burglaries.

His idea is straightforward and is a testament to the axiom that necessity is the mother of invention. He combined the concept of blue flashing light — that is known to keep people awake, which is why it’s often used in warehouses and on heavy machinery — together with the extremely annoying sound of crickets and created a deterrent that he has proved to be highly successful.

SM.a.r.t. Column: A Path Forward for Santa Monica: Part II

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 May 2024 15:33:11 GMT

One of the most effective ways to influence state policy is through grassroots organizing and advocacy. This involves building a broad-based coalition of residents, community organizations, and advocacy groups who are committed to advancing affordable housing solutions. By working together to educate the public, mobilize supporters, and pressure elected officials, these coalitions can help to create the political momentum needed to secure increased funding and stop incentives for market-rate housing. Such assistance needs to be applied only to the affordable housing portion.

City’s tallest apartment building could come to 6th and Colorado

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 May 2024 19:04:00 GMT

The footprint of the project is probably smaller than you might think; it only covers two lots and measures approximately 150 ft by 150 ft. It is set to be positioned between 6th Street and 6th Court, facing onto Colorado Avenue, opposite the Big Blue Bus depot. Currently there is a row of abandoned outlets in that location that are frequently used by the homeless as illegal, makeshift shelters.

More than 1,200 LA-owned homeless housing units remain vacant two years after $800 million spending spree

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 May 2024 18:57:39 GMT

An exclusive investigation by the Westside Current has uncovered more than 1,200 vacant City-owned high end apartments and motel and hotel rooms in two dozen Homekey buildings that are supposed to be providing interim or permanent supportive housing to homeless people in LA. At least five buildings have never been occupied. The properties range from low-end motels to luxury apartments HACLA acquired from for-profit developers, in many cases for record-breaking prices.

Trial over mass evictions at Barrington Plaza could hinge on meaning of "permanent"

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 May 2024 14:16:54 GMT

People who live in rent-controlled properties, such as Barrington Plaza, enjoy special protections against eviction as a way of keeping tenants from being kicked out just to raise rents. Under L.A. city law, one legally allowed reason to evict is if an owner is going to remove a rental unit “permanently from rental housing use.”

In the case of Barrington Plaza, the owners say that’s exactly their plan — while they simultaneously acknowledge they might rent the units again after some years.

“The term ‘permanently’ does not mean forever,” the company’s lawyers argued in court filings.

Rent Relief For LA County Landlords To Open Soon

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 May 2024 20:29:35 GMT

Small landlords who lost rental income during the COVID-19 pandemic will soon have another opportunity for relief. Starting Monday, landlords can apply for financial support from Los Angeles County — up to $30,000 dollars per unit.

The application window will be open starting May 20 and will close at 4:59 p.m. on June 4.

Interested landlords can register to receive a link to the application when it's available on the program's website: lacountyrentrelief.com

The program also has a call center open Mon.-Fri. during business hours: (877) 849-0770.

Real estate tax fight escalates into threats of lawsuits

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:20:02 GMT

Former mayor Pam O’Connor is threatening to sue the City of Santa Monica over her petition to revise taxes on high-end property sales saying the City is imposing an unfair and inappropriate threshold for the number of signatures required to put the proposal before voters.

SM.a.r.t. Column: A Path Forward for Santa Monica: Part I

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 May 2024 14:41:42 GMT

To effectively address housing needs and ensure equitable outcomes, Santa Monica citizens must adopt a multi-faceted, data-driven, and community-engaged approach. The process to participate would begin with establishing robust data collection and monitoring systems to track the actual outcomes of policies in Santa Monica that seem to encourage higher buildings with less attention to community impacts. By examining changes in housing costs, displacement rates, demographic shifts, impacts on low-income residents, and land purchases by foreign speculators, the city can gain a clearer understanding of the situation and make informed decisions about policy adjustments.

Proponents of Ballot Measure to Amend GS Threaten to Sue City

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 May 2024 14:33:48 GMT

An attorney for former Mayor Pam O'Connor on Wednesday threatened to sue the City if it doesn't forward the signatures gathered to amend Measure GS to the County Registrar by May 15.

The letter sent to City Attorney Doug Sloan claims the City "has wrongly decided" the measure sponsored by O'Connor "must meet a higher signature threshold" than the 4,156 signatures she submitted to the City Clerk on Monday ("O'Connor Submits Signatures to Amend Transfer Tax Hike," May 7, 2024).

Rent Control Board Chair Ericka Lesley announces run for City Council

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 May 2024 19:45:53 GMT

Four seats will be up for election in November, all currently occupied by incumbents, namely Gleam Davis, Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra. Lesley is the second person to publicly announce an intent to run, but the formal paperwork to become a candidate won’t be available for several months. Dan Hall announced his candidacy a little under two months ago in March.

City Struggles to Meet Affordable Housing Targets

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 May 2024 16:37:34 GMT

Proposition R -- approved by local voters in 1990 -- requires that 30 percent of new multifamily housing constructed annually be affordable to low- and moderate-income households.

Santa Monica met that goal in Fiscal Year 2022-23, when 164 of the 484 units built, or 34 percent, were affordable, but fell short of the requirement in the three previous years.

O'Connor Submits Signatures to Amend Transfer Tax Hike

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 May 2024 16:36:23 GMT

A showdown between top City officials and proponents of a ballot initiative seeking to amend Measure GS is brewing one day after former Mayor Pam O'Connor submitted signatures to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

O'Connor -- who is sponsoring the initiative to exempt the sale of multi-family housing from Santa Monica's transfer tax hike -- submitted 4,156 signatures to the City Clerk on Monday, according to a press release issued Tuesday.

SM.a.r.t. Column: Where Will Our Huddled Masses Sleep? Navigating California’s Affordable Housing Mandates

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 May 2024 19:20:48 GMT

It is critical that incentives remain catalysts for affordable housing production, not just another corporate handout.

More laws proposed in Sacramento to protect rent payers

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 May 2024 19:08:21 GMT

At the April 11 meeting of the Santa Monica Rent Control Board, legislative advocate Brian Augusta presented key bills making their way through state government pertaining to rent control and tenant protection.

Five ways Santa Monica is streamlining permitting processes

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 May 2024 19:05:10 GMT

In alignment with the city’s strategic priority of fostering Economic Growth & Cultural Vitality, the city of Santa Monica’s Building and Safety Division continues to update processes to allow businesses and residents to get projects permitted and built faster.

The latest tools and resources available include:

Express Permits

Santa Monica Can Implement Housing Law Ruled Unconstitutional, City Attorney Says

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 May 2024 18:57:18 GMT

Despite being ruled unconstitutional by a Superior Court judge, Santa Monica can continue implementing a State law that allows multi-family buildings on single family lots, City Attorney Doug Sloan said Friday.

While the April 22 ruling by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin applies to charter cities like Santa Monica, it "is not binding on any other party except those involved in the litigation," Sloan wrote in an update on Senate Bill 9 (SB9)

More laws proposed in Sacramento to protect renters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 03 May 2024 23:18:52 GMT

Affordable housing at the expense of existing tenants? L.A. council seeks new protections

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 May 2024 21:50:41 GMT

Meanwhile, Councilmember Eunisses Hernandez has begun pushing for new safeguards to ensure that projects submitted under the ED1 program do not result in the rapid demolition of rent-stabilized apartments in her Eastside district.

Monthly Poll Shows Overwhelming Opposition to Homeless Housing Project

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 May 2024 18:51:01 GMT

A monthly poll of "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found that more than 80 percent oppose the construction of a $1 million per unit apartment building for the homeless.

RENT CONTROL SEMINAR FOR PROPERTY OWNERS AND MANAGERS

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 May 2024 17:50:52 GMT

THURSDAY | MAY 2

Designed for owners and managers, this seminar will cover basics of the rent control law and your rights and responsibilities, how to use the CIVICS portal for online filing of registration forms, petitions and exemption applications and demonstrate filing a tenancy registration form. Begins at 10:30 a.m. at the Santa Monica Main Library, 601 Santa Monica Blvd. To sign up, visit: https://forms.office.com/pages/ responsepage

Real solutions in DC? Or Vienna? by Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 May 2024 14:59:03 GMT

If you took a true-life script across town to a Hollywood showrunner, about what goes on here, especially the politics, you’d have it thrown back in your lap with, give us something at least slightly believable.

Mayor Karen Bass and Mayor Phil Brock Converge on D.C. to Tackle Homelessness Crisis

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 May 2024 14:53:23 GMT

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) Task Force on Homelessness, alongside USCM President Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve and Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock, is spearheading a bipartisan coalition of nearly 50 mayors from 18 states to address the nationwide homelessness crisis. The delegation is representing over 17 million people in Washington, D.C., to advocate for national solutions.

Community Process to Chart Airport's Future Kicks Off Amid Concerns

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 May 2024 14:42:52 GMT

The City next month will take a major step in planning for the future of Santa Monica Airport amid lingering concerns that some of the land will be used for housing or that the airport will stay open.

Airport officials updated the City Council on Monday with an Information item outlining the steps necessary "to close the airport as of midnight on December 31, 2028."

L.A. Council looking to secure rent-controlled units via Interim Control Ordinance

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 May 2024 00:24:19 GMT

Responding to concerns about how some rent- controlled units could be lost as a result of streamlining initiatives for affordable housing, the Los Angeles City Council took steps Tuesday to impose temporary regulations until appropriate land use controls are made.

Councilwoman Eunisses Hernandez's motion applies only to a particular area within her First District, and aims to establish a discretionary review process allowing the "demolition, building, use of land, grading and any other applicable permits" of properties containing five or more rent-controlled units or units that have been vacated as a result of the Ellis Act within five years.

SM.a.r.t Column: SMCLC SPEAKS

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 15:27:35 GMT

SMart (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow) periodically invites guest columnists who have made a significant contribution to the public discourse to its weekly SM Mirror OP-Ed page. Today, we invite SMCLC (Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City), an organization of years of advocacy for the public benefit, to speak to two issues facing our community.

Santa Monica Rents Dip Amid Sluggish Market

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:41:13 GMT

After a one-month rise, Santa Monica rents decreased again in April, bucking a nationwide trend that saw average rents inch up for the third straight month, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

The overall median rent in Santa Monica now stands at $2,472, after falling -0.6 percent over the past month, according to data based on listings posted on the popular rental website. Rents had increased 1.5 percent in March after a four-month drop.

California court rules state laws cannot broadly override local government

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 14:36:50 GMT

A California court ruled state laws cannot broadly override local control over development and zoning, finding one of the state’s most significant new zoning laws is unconstitutional.

“This is not a case about whether or not our State Legislature may enact legislation to ensure access to affordable housing or whether it may act to address the different concern of a statewide housing shortage more generally,” wrote California Superior Court Judge Curtis A. Kin in his ruling. “However, because the provisions of SB 9 are not reasonably related and sufficiently narrowly tailored to the explicit stated purpose of that legislation — namely, to ensure access to affordable housing — SB 9 cannot stand.”

Homeless Housing In Santa Monica Hits $1 Million-Per-Unit Milestone

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:58:42 GMT

Hot on the heels of an audit exposing California's struggle to track the $24 billion allocated to tackle the state's growing homeless crisis, Santa Monica city officials have approved an apartment project for the homeless that will cost about $1 million per unit to build.

The $123 million project will include 122 studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, ground-floor retail and residential and commercial parking spaces. The project was approved days after an audit revealed that the state spent about $24 billion from 2018 to 2023 to combat homelessness but did not track whether spending the public money improved the crisis.

Community Corp. Breaks Ground on Its First Prefab Development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:49:58 GMT

The four-story, 11,332-square-foot building on an in-fill site at 1342 Berkeley Street will offer 13 one-bedroom units of 100 percent affordable housing for low-income families and transition-aged youth.

Symposium breaks down new tenant protections, ‘misunderstandings’ of unhoused struggle

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 15:40:52 GMT

The symposium covered a wide range of topics, starting with new tenant protections which went into effect in March. Created by Ordinance No. 2776, the city’s Housing Anti-Discrimination Code was amended to prohibit discrimination on the basis of a tenant’s housing status, becoming the first jurisdiction in the state of California to include “housing status” as a protected class. The “housing status” protection means that a landlord cannot discriminate against a tenant who may be experiencing homelessness, living in transitional or temporary housing, or lacking a residential rental housing history.

Housing law that would densify single-family neighborhoods ruled unconstitutional

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:08:56 GMT

SB9, or the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, mandated that cities permit an additional residential unit on parcels zoned for single-dwelling units. It allowed for a total of two residential units in such zones, excluding accessory dwelling units (ADUs). Enacted in September 2021, the law took effect statewide on January 1, 2022. Locally, SB9 applied solely to properties in the R1 (Single-Unit Residential) and OP1 (Ocean Park Single-Unit Residential) Zones. Certain exemptions prevented displacement of current residents, including properties within hazard zones, historic districts, containing price-controlled units, subject to recent Ellis Act removal, or necessitating the removal of over 25% of existing structure walls.

Updates on the city’s housing efforts

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 20:04:36 GMT

The Santa Monica Housing Authority is now open to the public
In response to requests from the community and members of our programs, it’s our goal to make Housing Division services easily accessible to community members.

As part of our increased effort to support the community, the Santa Monica Housing Authority opened its doors to the public in February. Our dedicated frontline staff are now stationed in Suite 180, conveniently located near the east entrance of City Hall, with walk-in hours Monday through Thursday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Judge Rules Controversial State Housing Law Unconstitutional

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:48:21 GMT

In a major blow to State control over local development, a Superior Court judge on Monday found a California law allowing multi-family buildings on single-family lots unconstitutional.

Meddling California lawmakers risk sending landlords out of rental business

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:42:30 GMT

SACRAMENTO – What do the state’s insurance and housing crises have in common? Obviously, homeowner policies have an impact on housing costs, but I’m referring to something different, namely the concept of open-ended risk. Insurers are exiting the market because state policies limit their ability to price policies to reflect the risk of a major wildfire season. They rather pull out of California than risk the destruction of their assets.

I’d argue the same thing is happening in the rental market, thanks to a fusillade of pro-tenant laws that subject landlords to an incalculable level of risk. Landlords have freely entered the business and understand the various ups and downs. They can calculate the costs of mortgages, taxes, insurance and maintenance. They expect to, say, replace carpets and paint between tenants. They know the cost of the eviction process in those instances where it’s necessary.

'Milestone' Reached in Efforts to Split School District

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:15:08 GMT

School District and Malibu officials have reached a revenue sharing arrangement that marks a "significant milestone" in the beach city's 13-year effort to split from the district, officials announced.

Council Approves $1 Million Per Unit Homeless Housing Project

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 18:13:02 GMT

Developed by EAH Housing, the project on prime City owned land at the former site of Parking Structure 3 Downtown will be financed with Federal, State and County funding, loans, tax credits and tax-exempt bonds.

Projected to be completed in 2030, the five-story development will include 122 apartments, 50 of them for Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) residents, 116 underground parking spaces and a 19,000-square-foot grocery store on the ground floor.

Former Santa Monica mayor proposes initiative to amend Measure GS

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 15:57:50 GMT

Former mayor of Santa Monica, Pam O’Connor, has filed a ballot measure with the city in an effort to amend Measure GS, (that was proposed and funded by former Mayor Sue Himmelrich) to exempt the sale of multifamily housing from the city’s new third tier transfer tax. O’Connor’s measure argues the tax is an impediment to new housing construction and seeks to exempt large apartment developments from the tax.

California’s most controversial housing law could get a makeover

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 18:04:20 GMT

by Cal Matters

The proposed overhaul, outlined in a newly amended draft of the bill published this morning, includes new perks for developers, textual edits to clear up how the law would apply and a new “streamlining” provision that would let developers bypass environmental review and public hearing requirements so long as they pay their workers union-level wages and meet basic environmental requirements.

But the bill would also put a cap on how big builder’s remedy projects can be, while prohibiting its use in industrial zoned areas. That’s a break from current law, in which the sky — and the California Building Code — is the limit.

LA Department of Public Health to Santa Monica residents: We Don't Care About YOUR Health

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:27:52 GMT

by Arthur Jeon

The bottom line is harm reduction depends on people being in their right mind enough to make a good decision. The crazed people lurching around my neighborhood can't decide anything except how to get their next fix; you might as well ask somebody with a broken leg to climb stairs. This needle program is, at best, doing nothing more than creating HIV-free corpses because the drugs are too strong for people to be given needles for years with ZERO interaction. They will die before they get well, and that's not compassion.

Proposed Ballot Initiative Exempts Multi-Family Housing from Transfer Tax

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:22:56 GMT

The proposed measure amends Measure GS, which raised the transfer tax by $56 per $1,000 for Santa Monica properties that sell for $8 million or more to fund local schools, homelessness prevention and affordable housing projects.

Instead of alleviating the housing crisis, the notice to circulate the petition states, Measure GS "effectively taxed the production of new multi-family housing units, greatly threatening the financial feasibility of critically needed new housing options."

SM.a.r.t Column: ARB Courage (Part 2 of 2)

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Apr 2024 15:54:49 GMT

Essentially, Sacramento, by removing all development constraints, moved Santa Monica to Houston, a place with virtually no zoning codes, and then to China, a place with vastly overbuilt empty housing skyscrapers (can you say Evergrande?).

But won’t we get more affordable housing?

Yes we will get, from Gelson’s, a few more affordable units. Every permanent affordable unit is a good thing. But it’s not necessarily true that we are getting more permanently affordable housing.

Rent prices rise coming out of winter season

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 22:45:07 GMT

According to a recent rent analysis from Apartment List, Santa Monica rent prices went up by 1.5% in March, with the median one-bedroom apartment rental costing $2,358 and the median two-bed up to $2,827. The city’s uptick outpaced the national average, which increased by 0.6% in the month. Compared to this time in 2023, however, rent prices are down 4.3% in the city, per the Apartment List data.

How Santa Monicans Can Prepare for a Tsunami

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:23:59 GMT

A map shows a theoretical “inundation zone” that marks the areas that would be affected by a 30-foot surge in the sea level (California Tsunami Hazard Area Map).

Such a surge would be blocked north of the pier by the 100-foot-tall Palisades Bluffs, but dozens of single-family homes west of PCH lay within the inundation zone.

How Santa Monicans Can Prepare for a Tsunami

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:23:59 GMT

A map shows a theoretical “inundation zone” that marks the areas that would be affected by a 30-foot surge in the sea level (California Tsunami Hazard Area Map).

Such a surge would be blocked north of the pier by the 100-foot-tall Palisades Bluffs, but dozens of single-family homes west of PCH lay within the inundation zone.

New York City Deals Blow to Landlords

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Mar 2024 15:15:12 GMT

Some New York City landlords will be affected by the city's Rent Stabilization Law for another three years after Mayor Eric Adams extended the measure until 2027.

The legislation sets the rate landlords are permitted to increase rents by and has been in effect ever since it was originally enacted in 1969.

California insurance market ‘in chaos’ says former insurance chief

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 20:09:51 GMT

With more California homeowners just discovering their insurance policies are getting canceled — and hundreds of thousands of others stuck with a pricey option of last resort — state Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara’s efforts to fix the home insurance market can’t come quickly enough.

Lara has introduced two main rules, with more to come. The first regulation, unveiled last month, aims to streamline rate reviews.

Feds want to study giving cash to renters, will Californians be included?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 18:04:27 GMT

by Cal Matters

The US Department of Housing and Urban Development is encouraging local housing authorities to experiment with giving cash directly to renters in pilot programs it wants to follow. It wants to know if this simplified method, which cuts down on red tape and puts more power in tenants’ hands, works better than its decades-old approach: a voucher system where money flows from the federal government, to the local housing authority, to the landlord’s pocket.

SM.a.r.t: ARB Courage (Part 1 of 2)

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:56:43 GMT

On March 4, 2024, your ARB (Architectural Review Board) ruled in favor of the 521-unit Gelson’s Project at Ocean Park and Lincoln Blvd. This controversial project was fatally flawed from the beginning, and by the time the project got to the ARB, very little could be done to make it beneficial. The flaws built into it were so numerous they have been discussed at length in previous SMart (Santa Monic Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow) articles and also in public testimony and letters both at the ARB hearing and on social media. Because the ARB is the only venue where these monster projects typically still need to get a public review/approval, the ARB now has a particular responsibility and new increased relevance.

Split council votes to condemn County’s “Harm Reduction Services” program

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:10:25 GMT

Councilmembers Caroline Torosis, Davis and Zwick voted not to condemn the County’s program while Parra, Brock, De la Torre and Negrete voted to prepare and return a resolution expressing the City’s disapproval of the County’s implementation of the program within 30 days.

According to the agenda, the resolution “should reflect the City’s opposition to the program in Santa Monica, as it’s misguided and does not achieve the goal of reducing harm.

Council Chooses Developer for Affordable Housing Projects

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:00:48 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday chose the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) to build 130 housing units for low-income and homeless tenants on three City-owned properties. Staff recommended HCHC for its track record (it has built more than 1,200 affordable units) and its familiarity with the city (its executive director, Sara Letts, headed the Community Corporation of Santa Monica).

City moves forward with plan to build affordable housing on three city-owned sites

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:21:55 GMT

The proposed projects, which ultimately will come back for final approval by the City Council, include approximately 130 units on three city-owned properties at 1217 Euclid Street, 1211-1217 14th Street and 1146 16th Street, in line with the city’s approved Housing Element.

Once built, the projects would serve individuals and families making anywhere from 30 to 80 percent of the Area Median Income, as well as people experiencing homelessness.

$2M to Bolster Safety on Lincoln Blvd., Improve Affordable Housing Access

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 18:18:35 GMT

Nearly $2 million will go toward additional safety features in neighborhoods along Lincoln Blvd. and enhancing two Santa Monica affordable housing programs after Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA 36th District) secured the federal funds, the congressman announced.

Santa Monica Should Not Give Special Treatment to Local 11

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 17:07:33 GMT

Why should the City of Santa Monica prioritize a labor union that's not based in the city, over peace and quiet for local taxpayers whose lives are disrupted by the union's antics?

Unlike Winterer's questions, this one is not rhetorical and the answer is clear: Santa Monica should not give special treatment to Local 11, which has only sought to make the city a less-attractive place to live and visit.

Are Emails Sent to the Santa Monica City Councilmembers Being Diverted - Or Possibly Deleted?

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:02:24 GMT

John Alle, Special to the Observer

It is my understanding that over 18,000 letters sent over the last 6 months to individual Councilmembers and our Mayor have not been received. One Santa Monica Councilmember informed me and another constituent of such, and stated there was a so-called "black hole" in which constituent letters were placed. The same Councilmember told me that letters expressing opposition to the ongoing Needle Distribution Program had never been received.

L.A. County approves regulations for short-term rentals

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 20 Mar 2024 14:38:09 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors gave final approval Tuesday to regulations for operating short-term rentals in unincorporated areas.

Under the new rules, hosts with Airbnb or Vacation Rentals By Owner, VRBO, will be required to register and pay a fee of $914 on an annual basis.

The county rules also restrict short-term rentals to a host's primary residence -- prohibiting the use of accessory dwelling units, rent-restricted primary residences and vacation rentals for short-term rental use.

Land Reparations, Needles and Noise on Council Agenda

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 16:00:39 GMT

Tuesday's agenda also includes items that would express disapproval of LA's needle exchange program in Santa Monica parks and make minor changes to the noise ordinance.

An item placed on the agenda by Mayor Phil Brock, Negrete and Parra asks staff to draft a resolution that "should reflect the City’s opposition to the program in Santa Monica, as it is misguided and does not achieve the goal of reducing harm.

"The program encourages continued use of illegal and dangerous drugs, and people are dying as a result," according to the item.

LA County Board of Supervisors Expected to OK Rules for Short-Term Rentals

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:22:22 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors is scheduled Tuesday to give final approval to regulations for operating on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas.

Under the new rules, hosts with Airbnb or Vacation Rentals By Owner, VRBO, would be required to register and pay a fee of $914 on an annual basis.

Lawsuits undermine Neil Shekhter’s once grand real estate empire

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:40:09 GMT

Neil Shekhter, who was once the city’s most prolific and controversial developer, has lost control over another three local properties as part of an ongoing inability to repay bank loans.

Real estate settlement upends policies that helped set agent commissions

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:37:32 GMT

As part of the settlement, the NAR agreed to no longer require a broker advertising a home for sale on MLS to offer any upfront compensation to a buyer’s agent. The rule change leaves it open for individual home sellers to negotiate such offers with a buyer’s agent outside of the MLS platforms, though the home seller’s broker has to disclose any such compensation arrangements.

First candidate declares run for City Council

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:34:58 GMT

Dan Hall is the first person to formally declare their intent to run for City Council in this year’s election.

Four seats will be up for election in November, all currently occupied by incumbents (including Gleam Davis, Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra). Hall is the first person to publicly announce an intent to run but formal paperwork to become a candidate won’t be available for several months.

SM.a.r.t Column: Can California ARBs Balance Affordable Housing with Community Character

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:24:21 GMT

By suggestion, I attended the March 4th ARB (Architectural Review Board) meeting that addressed the Gelson Lincoln Boulevard Project. After the session, I came away with thoughts about the process that the state has initiated and has seemingly tied the hands of our ARB. Particularly the ability to provide professional guidance within the ARB member’s capabilities. This meeting highlighted how California municipalities face a pressing (affordable) housing crisis, and state lawmakers took action to increase housing production, though seemingly not with providing affordability as a guiding light.

WORLD PREMIER OF URGENT SANTA MONICA DOCUMENTARY

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 16:06:10 GMT

See the Santa Monica portion at: https://youtu.be/x1TNe7A8yiA

See the full documentary at: https://dailycaller.com/stream/lawless/

Two Santa Monicas in Numbers

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:31:23 GMT

We do not have a homeless crisis in Santa Monica. We have an enforcement problem, a transient addict problem, and a mental illness crisis that won't be solved by apartments

Beverly Hills Residents Up In Arms Over Judge's Order To Build Affordable Housing Inside City Limits

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:30:33 GMT

The Builder's Remedy is the other, even more drastic, enforcement provision of the 2017 amendment to the HAA. It prevents the Beverly Hills government from vetoing or rejecting any proposed multifamily housing project as punishment for the city's failure to submit an affordable housing plan that meets the California state government approval.

It means Beverly Hills is almost powerless to stop new developers from proposing new multifamily construction that reserves a minimum of 20% of its total units for affordable housing. To date, at least 14 new developments, almost all of which would be multistory buildings, have been proposed. Builders would theoretically be free to keep making these proposals until Beverly Hills hits a state-mandated target of 2,328 affordable units in the next eight years.

Two Top City Officials Cancel Vienna Housing Trip

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 16:12:11 GMT

City Manager David White and Planning Director David Martin canceled their planned study trips, which charge a $7,800 registration fee for each participant that does not include air fare or hotel accommodations.

Councilmembers Gleam Davis and Caroline Torosis will attend the study trip using their travel funds and stipends to cover the cost ("Council Authorizes Funds for Trip to Vienna," February 15, 2024).

What you need to know about housing and corporate landlords

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:54:56 GMT

by CalMatters

Some of the state’s most powerful legislators want Big Landlord out of California’s single family neighborhoods. The Legislature will consider at least three bills this year to keep so-called institutional investors from gobbling up too many of the state’s widely coveted single-family homes.

S.M.a.r.t Column: On the Need for Safety

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 19:43:47 GMT

Those who keep abreast of the city’s crime reports, whether through traditional media outlets or official announcements, recognize that this issue transcends the boundaries of Santa Monica. It is a pervasive problem, affecting communities regionally, statewide, and even nationally. Despite these broader implications, we look to our local leaders to come up with effective solutions. While commendable efforts have been made, such as the expansion of the police force, heightened patrols, and the engagement of private security, an increasing number of residents are directly experiencing the effects of crime, which inexorably chips away at our sense of safety.

Our Community Already Pays the Highest Taxes in the Nation. So Why is the School District Appealing for Funds?

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:17:47 GMT

by Houman David Hemmati M.D. Ph.D., and Ellen Goldstein

This is a response to the SMMUSD's recent appeal for private donations

We propose the following solutions for consideration:

· Conduct a thorough and fully transparent audit of current spending, with an aim to identify and reduce or eliminate expenditures on non-essential or redundant administrative roles and overhead costs.

Gelson's Project Gets First and Final Board Approval

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 06 Mar 2024 19:26:42 GMT

The proposed 521-unit Lincoln Center -- composed of 12 separate six-story structures at Lincoln and Ocean Park boulevards -- was approved 5 to 0 by the Architectural Review Board (ARB), with two members required to recuse themselves.

Over 750 residents sign open letter to Gelson’s to reduce its unpopular project

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:22:25 GMT

This is one of the biggest projects of its type ever proposed for Santa Monica. It is poorly conceived, out of scale with the neighborhood, and disregards how it will affect traffic, water usage, lack of open space, and City infrastructure.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Five Saving Historic Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 21:01:29 GMT

The five voluntary organizations listed below are just a sample of local organizations preserving something essential for our City’s future. There are, of course, many other organizations, larger (eg. Sierra Club, SMRR) and smaller (eg. SMCLC, SMa.r.t.) including individuals, that are doing similar or parallel problem solving things and thereby preparing us to face the even larger problems which we know are headed our way:

LAHSA Report Exposes Failures of Anti-Camping Ordinance

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:58:54 GMT

LA City Controller Kenneth Meija posted comments on social media about an unreleased report from the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) that was kept secret and has recently come to light, as was reported by The LAist. This report highlights the ineffectiveness of the City of Los Angeles’ anti-camping ordinance in addressing homelessness.

LA City Council Greenlights Master Leasing Program to Tackle Homelessness Crisis

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:57:27 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council came one step closer to implementing a “master leasing” program aimed at expanding the availability of housing for unhoused residents, as reported by City News Service. This approach, already in use by LA County, involves securing all or part of an apartment building on a long-term lease, followed by subleasing the units to unhoused individuals or families, along with the provision of supportive services.

State of the City Speeches Express Cautious Optimism

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 20:53:09 GMT

Public safety -- the top priority of every city -- is also being curbed by "federal, state and county laws and practices (that), in many cases, have worked against the goal of keeping us safe."

California spends billions on homelessness yet the crisis keeps getting worse

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:48:48 GMT

By Cal Matters

The numbers have continued to grow despite many billions of dollars in federal, state and local funds having been spent – $20 or so billion by the state alone over the last five years. As the problem worsens, it consistently ranks as one of Californians’ most pressing public policy issues, polling has found.

How is it, one might ask, that so much money could be spent with so little, if any, progress?

Santa Monica is Broke. By John Alle

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:40:49 GMT

8) Santa Monica's unfunded Pension Liability in 2022 was an alarming $265 million, expected to have increased by $8 million in 2023. This amount equals about 115% of the General Fund. The unfunded Pension Liability is growing at a faster rate than our City's General Fund. In 2005, the unfunded Pension Liability was 45% of the General Fund.

12) The payments and legal fees for two of Santa Monica's ongoing lawsuits regarding District Based Voting, and the sexual abuse case related to an employee of the Police Activities League, have passed over $300 million.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Trending Down

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:36:44 GMT

Over the past 12 months, Santa Monica's average rent has dropped -7.1 percent, the largest annual decrease in the LA metro area, and far larger than the decreases of -1.0 percent nationwide and -1.3 percent in California.

FY 2023-25 ADOPTED BiENNiAL BUDGET

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 17:37:43 GMT

Shocking budget stats - Santa Monica is broke & broken

Union of Residents of Santa Monica II

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 19:55:01 GMT

Charles Andrews

Behind the scenes, of course, at this point, and it’s going both directions. The difference is, the anti-resident forces, mostly developers and ideologues, and the politicians willing to serve them, have already been working on their strategies and on grooming candidates, for months, to retake City Council.

I have been pleading, in this column, for a long time, for some good candidates to step up, NOW, because you can’t win a November election if you start in June. Everybody knows that. But getting started is so hard.

The danger of apathy and peril of fear

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:43:37 GMT

The fear that SMRR propagates every election cycle, suggesting that if SMRR candidates don’t win, Rent Control will disappear forever. That new ideas or directions mean losing everything we hold dear.

City Council will hear the 2023-24 financial update in Tuesday’s meeting

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:40:47 GMT

U.S. Supreme Court Refuses to Consider Landlords’ Challenge to Rent-Control Laws

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 18:21:57 GMT

The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a significant property rights challenge to rent-control laws in New York City and beyond, which grant tenants the right to remain in apartments at below-market rates for extended periods.

Citywide registry could act as ‘safety net’ for local renters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:39:15 GMT

Santa Monica may be following in the footsteps of other local jurisdictions in the creation of a database of all rental units in the city including both rent controlled and market-rate options.

While rent controlled tenants have long been tracked and monitored by the Rent Control Board, the new list would enable officials to communicate with, track and protect tenants outside the Rent Control sphere. Similar registries have been implemented in Los Angeles County as well as West Hollywood, and Kurpies stated it will act “as a vital safety net for renters” in Santa Monica who differ in their renting scenarios.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Gelson’s Looms Large

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:29:36 GMT

Our guest column this week is by SMCLC (the Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City). SMCLC is a well-established group of concerned residents that have successfully been involved for many years in addressing and improving, or stopping, numerous egregious planning issues and developments, such as the Hines project or the massive project that had been proposed for 4th/5th & Arizona, where the annual ICE event takes place.

Your plan for this already gridlocked intersection is over one-and-a-quarter times the square footage of the Santa Monica Place Mall on a site less than half its size. Yet no consideration has been given to massing, impacts on traffic, water, or any infrastructure, and, so far, no modifications have been made based on any community concerns.

During Lean Times for the City, Certain Staff Members Slated to Get Hefty Raises

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:23:14 GMT

Proposed Equity Adjustments Raise Questions Amid Budgetary Concerns

According to the Santa Monica City salary schedule, the Assistant City Manager currently, as of July 31, 2023, makes $256,632.00 annually, which means that the Assistant City Manager would be getting an equity adjustment of $92,304 each year going forward, which is roughly a 36% increase.

The Deputy City Manager currently makes $183,228.00 annually, and the equity adjustment for this position is $90,348 each year going forward. This would be a 49% increase annually.

California landlords wanted the Supreme Court to limit rent control laws

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 16:19:31 GMT

They won’t — for now

The California Apartment Association urged the court to hear a major property-rights challenge to tenant protections in NYC

The Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to hear a challenge to New York’s rent control and eviction laws, putting an end to a case that might have had dramatic implications for California cities’ own tenant protection measures.

Proposed Tenant Protection Amendments

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 21:36:08 GMT

See Proposal: https://mcusercontent.com/85e51946ff4f8ae5c77d1c1ce/files/4f1a0ecf-7b26-7155-652b-74d3fe3bb2af/Snapshot_44331_2_.pdf

City's Economic Recovery Hampered By 'Challenges'

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 18:12:12 GMT

While Santa Monica's economy continues to recover, it faces local challenges and national uncertainty that will hamstring efforts to enhance programs and services, according to the the Midyear Budget Review released Wednesday.

More Than Half of City's Emergency Housing Voucher Holders Are 'Leased-Up,' City Officials Report

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Feb 2024 18:19:11 GMT

Santa Monica secured 104 emergency housing vouchers (EHV) distributed by HUD two years ago under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and issued 99 of the vouchers by the February 15 deadline, City officials said.

Since the City Council green-lighted a plan to move EVH holders to the top of the Santa Monica's waiting list for low-income housing the City matched 115 participants referred by the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), officials said.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Top Toady Town

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 17:49:57 GMT

In Santa Monica, modern-day plunder comes in the form of unfettered pillaging of our community resources under the Housing Accountability Act and state-mandated residential development quotas. In 1990, the state added a retribution measure to the law with the “Builder’s Remedy,” which threatened municipalities with massive, unsustainable, and undesirable developments for those who resisted unconditional surrender and complete state control. Under the state’s bootprint, the sky had no limit.

Santa Monica Group Files Lawsuit Over Needle Program

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 17:44:54 GMT

The Santa Monica Coalition on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the LA County Health Department to halt a program that distributes clean needles in the beach city's parks and other outdoor spaces.

More units but no parking at proposed downtown development

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 18:34:10 GMT

At a Feb. 5 meeting of the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board (ARB), the board approved the design, colors, materials and landscape plans for a residential apartment building at 700 Santa Monica Boulevard. The property as proposed will have no residential parking spots on site.

About 6,000 buildings in L.A. are at risk in an earthquake. Do you live or work in one of them?

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:06:08 GMT

Santa Monica City Council Unanimously Votes to Send Two (Wealthy) Members to Vienna, Austria at Taxpayer Expense

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:36:24 GMT

Who made this motion? Gleam Davis and Caroline Torosis. Neither of them speak or understand German. Both are well paid attorneys who live in million dollar homes and have high-paying jobs.

Lawsuit Filed Against Barbara Ferrer, LA County Health Department, and Venice Family Clinic Over Open-Air Needle Distribution Program

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 19:34:10 GMT

The Santa Monica Coalition announced it has filed a lawsuit against County Health Director Barbara Ferrer, the Los Angeles County Health Department, and the Venice Family Clinic as a real party of interest, in connection with the ongoing Needle Distribution Program which has been conducted for a period of approximately four (4) years at all three parks in Downtown Santa Monica.

Local Leaders and Residents Rally LA County Supervisors to Approve Strict SRT Regulations

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:19:33 GMT

Today, the County of Los Angeles Board of Supervisors voted to advance the Short-Term Rentals Regulations Ordinance.

Specifically, the ordinance will:

Limit STRs to the Host’s primary residence
Limit STR stays to 30 calendar days or less and limit the number of days the STR can be rented “un-hosted.”
Prohibit the use of ADUs as STRs to preserve ADUs for long-term rentals
Prohibit rent-restricted housing for STR use

Eviction Protection: Santa Monica City Council to Consider a Solution in Search of a Problem

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 17:39:33 GMT

I am writing in opposition to Item 5G ("Discussion of Potential Resolution for Charter Amendments for Additional Tenant Protections") on the Agenda for the February 13 meeting of the Santa Monica City Council, l and any proposal to adopt by Initiative, Ordinance or otherwise any proposal to condition eviction for nonpayment of rent on the nonpayment of any more than the rent that is past due, which in the case of a month-to-month tenancy would ordinarily be one month's rent. This proposal is unconstitutional, invalid, unenforceable, unwise, harmful to renters, unnecessarily antagonistic towards landlords, and there is no evidence that it would serve any useful purpose.

Tax Relief is Available for Natural Disasters

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 17:07:19 GMT

From the Los Angeles County Assessor’s office

By filing a claim for Misfortune & Calamity relief within one year of the incident, properties that have sustained a minimum of $10,000 in damage or destruction may be eligible for a refund of taxes already paid and lower annual tax bills until the property is repaired or rebuilt.

Important Changes to Trespass Letter Submission

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 17:05:44 GMT

New Legislation Extends the Validity Period to One Year and Mandates Notarization

Property Owners Scramble to Meet New Trespassing Notification Law

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 16:54:32 GMT

Some Santa Monica property owners and managers were caught off guard after police officers stopped enforcing trespassing laws in their absence unless notarized authorization was given.

Under a State law that kicked in January 1, property owners and managers can submit the trespass letters yearly, instead of every 30 days, authorizing police to make trespassing arrests without being on the property.

Trespass Arrest Authorization- UPDATED PROCESS

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 20:20:10 GMT

At the start of this year, California State Senate Bill 602 (Archuleta) changed the trespass letter requirements to increase the period for the trespass letter from 30 days to one year.

S.M.a.r.t Column: The Sunset of Home Ownership

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:48:44 GMT

Pride in homeownership and economic independence have always been deeply ingrained in the American culture, symbolizing financial stability, security, and a sense of belonging. However, many modern socioeconomic factors have made homeownership more fleeting, distant, and, for many, more impossible than ever.

Appeals Court Bounces Voting Rights Case Back to Trial Court

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:45:36 GMT

A California Appeals Court on Friday remanded the voting rights case against the City of Santa Monica to the lower court that ruled in favor of the Latino plaintiffs.

The latest action comes six months after the California Supreme Court sent the eight-year old case back to the Appellate Court saying it "relied on an incorrect legal standard" in its ruling in favor of the City ("Supreme Court Reverses Voting Rights Ruling," August 24, 2023)..

Council also approved a slate of added protections for renters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:49:45 GMT

including prohibitions against drastic rent increases, unjust evictions and harassment. The updates are in addition to robust renter protections already in place, and in response to a regional increase in eviction filings resulting from the expiration of COVID-related protections, along with the ongoing housing crisis.

The action will result in amendments in the Tenant Protection Code, Housing Anti-Discrimination Code, Tenant Relocation Code, Tenant Harassment Code and Tenant Buyout Agreements Code.

Reestablish a Lawful Community: Elect Jonathan Hatami for Los Angeles County District Attorney

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:41:51 GMT

A veteran of the United States Armed Forces and a Los Angeles County prosecutor for the past seventeen years, Hatami is running for District Attorney, the job George Gascon has abdicated since taking the oath of office in December 2020. Hatami says he plans to restore the public safety that has been decimated since that day.

Property Owners May Qualify for Tax Relief Following Recent Natural Disasters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 16:38:00 GMT

If properties have suffered damage or destruction due to events like storms, wildfires, earthquakes, or floods, owners may be eligible for reassessment. To qualify for this tax relief initiative, property owners must submit an application for reassessment of the damaged or destroyed property to the Los Angeles County Assessor’s Office within 12 months from the date of the damage. The assessed loss should exceed $10,000 to be considered for relief.

Property owners seeking more information or wishing to apply for reassessment can do so by visiting this link at the County Accessor’s website, and additional information is available at the State Board of Equalization’s website.

Union of Residents of Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 21:06:39 GMT

by Charles Andrews

We need some umbrella, some place we can go, we beleaguered residents who care about Santa Monica’s future, and recognize and value our unique past, to be able to stand up in the present to the organized, moneyed forces of greed and political influence who do not care about any of that.

Petitioners, school district clash on proposed voting map

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 19:14:06 GMT

Held on the Malibu campus of Santa Monica College on Jan. 31, the committee held a public hearing to receive input on the legality of the voting map submitted as part of a petition aiming to establish district based voting in Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) elections. The petition, initially submitted in 2022 by Malibu attorney Kevin Shenkman on behalf of Malibu residents, claims that the district’s at-large voting system is unfair to minority voters, and proposes a division of the district into seven geographic “trustee areas.”

Santa Monica Marked as a Priority Amid Statewide Housing Development Goals

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:48:56 GMT

The City of Santa Monica became one of 37 California localities designated by Gov. Newsom as “Prohousing”, making it a funding and resource priority during a statewide acceleration effort of housing development.

SMa.r.t. Column: B(U)Y RIGHT

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 18:43:09 GMT

“By Right” state housing laws that give developers, in certain projects, the ability to ignore codes ‘by right.’ Well, that is the lovable jargon developers have jumped in bed with at the State level to have it their way, and then lucky them, even getting their hands held at the City level, yielding to their every desire—a ménage à trois.

Governor adds Santa Monica to “prohousing” list

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 19:13:03 GMT

To encourage that development, the Prohousing Designation rewards communities with “funding incentives and additional resources that help scale up those innovative efforts.”

Santa Monica Sees Biggest Annual Rent Drop in Region

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 18:47:23 GMT

Santa Monica had the largest annual rent decrease in the LA region, dropping by -5.4 percent after prices fell in January for the third straight month, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

Rents in Santa Monica decreased -1.4 percent in January, following a -3.5 percent drop in December and a -1.7 percent decrease in November, according to data based on listings posted on the popular rental website.

Study Reveals Housing Struggles for Latino Renters

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 31 Jan 2024 18:14:09 GMT

Titled “Facts about Latino Renters in Los Angeles County,” the analysis draws from the Latino Data Hub, offering a comprehensive look into the number and characteristics of renters grappling with housing cost burdens. The study comes at a critical juncture, just days before substantial policy changes are set to take effect in the largest city within L.A. County, potentially exacerbating housing affordability issues for Latino households in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Promenade Property Owner Says Crime and Homelessness Are Rising in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Jan 2024 18:03:38 GMT

by John Alle

DTSM, Inc will soon be a relic of the past. Property and business owners would be no worse off. That is in the works...DTSM Property and Business Owners are paying ridiculous assessments to have the funds misappropriated and a staff that continues to grow.

Consider who the longest serving Councilmembers are, and ask if we are any better off, or if things are getting worse.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Serf City

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 17:11:49 GMT

Conceptually, the idea for this trickle-down housing scheme is that in exchange for including a small percentage of deed-restricted, reduced-rent units designated for moderate, low, and extremely low-income renters, developers can mostly ignore all local development restrictions, zoning ordinances and approval processes to build dense, over-sized, generic, low-concept projects that are out of scale with the neighborhood, the city and its infrastructure, as well as its cultural aesthetic and natural resource limitations. Some may feel that this is a worthwhile trade-off. For the moment, we’ll put aside the concept that building tens of thousands of luxury, market-rate apartments, with a small percentage of “affordable housing” thrown in, will reduce homelessness in Santa Monica. It won’t, but that’s a discussion for another day.

2024 Santa Monica State of the City

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:50:40 GMT

Thursday, February 29 · 5 - 7pm PST

John Adams Middle School (JAMS) Performing Arts Center

2425 16th Street Santa Monica, CA 90405

Council Strengthens Tenant Protections Amid Uptick in Evictions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Jan 2024 18:08:19 GMT

Spurred by 67 evictions filed in Santa Monica last year, the City Council on Tuesday voted unanimously to strengthen the City's "robust" tenant protection laws already in place.

The move is a response to a regional increase in eviction filings after COVID-related tenant protections expired during a persistent housing crisis, City officials said.

The added protections -- which will take effect on March 14 -- "clarify and expand the types of actions that constitute harassment" and "outline examples of prohibited coercion and intimidation," officials said.

They approved amendments also include increasing the maximum penalty for harassment from $10,000 to $20,000 per violation "to keep up with inflation and remain a meaningful deterrent," staff wrote in a report to the Council.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2024/01/24/council-approves-added-renter-protections-to-combat-rising-evictions

L.A. County looks to require rental units to stay cool in summer

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:04:21 GMT

On Tuesday, the board voted to direct staff to start drafting an ordinance that would set a maximum temperature for rental units across much of the county.

It’s Good to Know Your History

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:52:00 GMT

by Charles Andrews

Some here don’t like to bring it up because it could be awkward for them. Our City governments and many civic leaders have spent a lot of energy and money, and years of planning, and propaganda, to implement their patriarchal “visions,” their pet agendas for the future of our city. Those plans require ignoring the needs of the current residents – gosh, some might not even be able to live here anymore – and tossing aside a lot of Santa Monica history.

Housing Commission Pushes to Connect Voucher Holders and Landlords

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 18:43:36 GMT

On January 31, the Commission -- composed of four Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) holders and three property owners -- will hold a "first-of-its-kind" Housing Voucher Town Hall meeting on January 31 at 6 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

More tenant protections - discussion coming to Council

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:06:10 GMT

City Staff have been exploring upgrades to the existing tenant protections in the past year including stops at the Rent Control Board and the Housing Commission. Council will hear the proposal to strengthen tenant protections in a variety of ways including new defenses from evictions based on bad-faith rent increases, new prohibitions on discrimination based on housing history (such as homelessness or a lack of a rental history), additional financial assistance for tenants facing an involuntary move through constructive eviction, expanded definitions of tenant harassment and expanded coverage for tenant buyout agreements.

Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers relaunches

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:04:06 GMT

The program’s next round, launching today, keeps the same “shared appreciation” lending model: The state will give first-time homebuyers money towards a down payment — up to 20% of the purchase price or $150,000, whichever is lower — then it will get paid back the loan plus a share of the home’s appreciation whenever it sells again.

Down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers relaunches

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:04:06 GMT

Letters to the Editor: Small landlords are being hounded out of L.A.

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Jan 2024 16:33:21 GMT

We too are mom-and-pop landlords, and we own four units. We take our responsibilities as housing providers very seriously, but we and people such as Kamali have been completely abandoned and actually targeted by the Los Angeles City Council and L.A. County Board of Supervisors.

Statewide anti-housing ballot measure threatens housing providers with extreme rent control

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Jan 2024 22:42:29 GMT

If the Justice for Renters Act were to pass, it would invite a return to extreme rent control policies, like those observed in cities like Berkeley, San Francisco, and Santa Monica before Costa-Hawkins. This would reduce the availability and quality of rental units and deter the development of new rental housing and any additional private investment in upgrading and maintaining quality units.

Small Landlords

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 20:25:13 GMT

Protecting LA Tenants - And Small Lanlords

The city & county have passed numerous measures that are making it almost impossible for small landlords to function & will ultimately end up hurting vulnerable tenants.

Supercharged Densification With No EIR

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:48:22 GMT

The following letter was sent to the City Council on Tuesday by Northeast Neighbors Chair Tricia Crane.

Under this second Density Bonus law, a 100-unit project that qualified under the first Density Bonus maximum to grow to 150 units is now eligible to build 200 units.

This stacked Density Bonus law is a massive acceleration of densification that can be applied by developers to ALL affordable inclusionary projects in the city. Nothing of this density multiplying impact has been included in the environmental impact report (EIR) submitted by the City of Santa Monica to the State for the Housing Element.

Rent Control Board follows Council in backing Justice for Renters Act

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Jan 2024 18:09:24 GMT

The Justice for Renters Act serves as California voters’ third chance to expand rent control rules statewide, appealing the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act of 1995 which puts limitations on local regulations. Current rules prevent cities from limiting rents between tenants (allowing the units to hit market rate when a new tenant moves in), and prevents establishing rent control on any unit first occupied after Feb. 1, 1995, in single family homes or condominiums.

S.M.a.r.t Column: A School District Conundrum

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 17:31:55 GMT

As bond taxes increase, they are passed on to all, directly or indirectly, to owners and renters alike, making the City less affordable for all. SMMUSD, instead of trying to live within its means, increasingly aspires to amp up its building binge on steroids, even delusionally considering taking over the historic Civic Center Auditorium for a volleyball court and wrestling facility: as if that were the real facility shortage at the high school?

If the district wants to pass another bond this year, it will have to be much more credible as to why it wants to continue massively (already over a billion dollars) increasing the public bond debt for a shrinking population of students. It needs to show how each dollar extracted will provide real long-term benefits and sustainability for all residents and not just shiny new buildings to attract out-of-district students.

New Group Formed to Fight City Hall

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:45:57 GMT

Santa Monicans United (SMU)

SMU has come together "against a backdrop of increasing deterioration in Santa Monica’s quality of life" due to a persistent homeless problem and a rise in crime, the group said.

"Santa Monica is in crisis, and my heart goes out to the residents and struggling businesses that have been impacted by the city’s decline," Leana Greene, the group's CEO said in a statement.

New Group Formed to Fight City Hall

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Jan 2024 16:45:57 GMT

Santa Monicans United (SMU)

SMU has come together "against a backdrop of increasing deterioration in Santa Monica’s quality of life" due to a persistent homeless problem and a rise in crime, the group said.

"Santa Monica is in crisis, and my heart goes out to the residents and struggling businesses that have been impacted by the city’s decline," Leana Greene, the group's CEO said in a statement.

Santa Monicans United

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:49:37 GMT

SMU is a new organization created by & for SM residents for our safety

For a clean and safe city.

Local rents end 2023 down more than 4 percent

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 Jan 2024 16:40:21 GMT

Santa Monica apartment rent prices went down 3.5% from November to December 2023. The median rent in the city now stands at $2,466 for a 1-bedroom and $2,956 for a 2-bedroom. Nationwide, rent price in December fell 0.8%, acting as the fifth consecutive month of decline after a mid-year peak.

Section 8: SANTA MONICA HOUSING AUTHORITY NOTICE Payment Standard Increase

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Jan 2024 19:28:13 GMT

Effective as of January 1, 2024, the SMHA Payment Standards increase to:

Rent relief program targets LA County landlords

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 17:20:39 GMT

Priority for the direct payments, up to $30,000 per unit, will be given to those located in “high-need areas” and income levels at or below 80% of the LA County Area Median Income. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements, such as the rental property being within the County of Los Angeles (excluding the City of Los Angeles), and the landlord being able to provide independently verified authentic proof of ownership.

L.A. County Rent Relief Program for Landlords open through Jan. 12

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Jan 2024 16:06:21 GMT

The county’s Department of Consumer and Business Affairs launched its Rent Relief Program on Dec. 12. It will offer grants of up to $30,000 per unit to eligible landlords for expenses dating from April 1, 2022 to the present.

The program is specifically designed to help small, mom-and-pop landlords who own up to four rental units, officials said.

Rent Revolt: U.S. Asking Prices Drop 2.1%

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Dec 2023 18:53:11 GMT

In November, the median asking rent in the United States witnessed a significant year-over-year drop of 2.1%, hitting $1,967—a substantial decline not seen since February 2020, as reported by Redfin.

Councilmember Gleam Davis Proposes Building Housing On the Santa Monica Airport After it Closes in 2028

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:44:36 GMT

by Tricia Crane

We were promised open space. So why is the City of Santa Monica studying high density housing?

Santa Monica to Boost Homeless Clean-Up Efforts

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Dec 2023 16:39:01 GMT

A clean-up crew contracted by the City to remove waste and debris left behind by the homeless could be brought "in-house" with expanded hours next spring, according to City officials.

Deployed every Tuesday and Thursday since late September, the three-member Homeless Support Team (HoST) picked up 7.5 tons of trash in October and 30.7 tons in November as trash totals grow exponentially, City officials said.

Reasons Not to Repeal Costa-Hawkins Vacancy De-Control - it Will Hurt Renters

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:47:38 GMT

by Jay Johnson

It is bad for RENTERS, bad for our city, bad for homeowners, bad for condo owners, bad for prospective tenants, bad for new construction, and bad for our apartment supply.

Council Approves Raises for City Manager, Police Chief

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:45:15 GMT

Under the adjusted salary rates approved by the City Council Tuesday, City Manager David White will earn an annual base pay of $402,552, while Police Chief Ramon Batista will make $376,764.

Tonight’s council meeting

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 20:15:41 GMT

The last council meeting of 2023 is actually quite substantial with the Santa Monica Airport, pay bumps for city staff and negotiations for the sale of public land all on the agenda.

Council Takes Up Tax to Boost Traffic Safety

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 19 Dec 2023 19:58:31 GMT

The proposed tax -- placed on the agenda by Councilmembers Jesse Zwick, Gleam Davis and Caroline Torosis -- would increase the City's parking facility tax, which is currently 10 percent.

Revenues from the measure -- which would preserve free 90-minute parking in the downtown lots -- would be used to "reduce traffic congestion and the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries."

Santa Methica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:12:46 GMT

Santa Methica after years of decline under SMRR's radical iron boot, has slipped from world-renowned beachside hip trendy city, to skippable, sketchy/dangerous footnote. International travelers have stayed away, not come back, even after Covid, and domestic and even local visitation is of course also dramatically down from the peak years of the "oughts." The lost tax revenue is incalculable. The town has been steered into a bottomless elevator shaft, our hapless city council continuing its insane anti-police, pro-vagrancy stance, as the incompetent Punchinellos at Downtown Santa Monica Inc. fight endless inane, woke battles centering on which private security company to hire or fire.

S.M.a.r.t Column: On the Clock with Mayor Brock

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:07:17 GMT

Even though progress has been made in correcting the course of our city, there is still much to accomplish. Our public safety is still at risk, and the influx of homeless individuals continues to deal crushing blows to Santa Monica. The city has replenished our police force with over fifty replacement uniformed officers to help protect everyone who lives, works, or visits our city. I will NOT REST until our town is considered one of the safest in California.

City Denies That Upgrades Are Needed Amidst LA’s Largest Rent-Controlled Housing Eviction in 40 Years

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:03:57 GMT

Contrary to the company’s assertions made to the City Council and investors, a city spokesperson contradicted the purported requirements according to Capitol and Main. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety clarified that the mentioned enhancements were neither requested nor mandated. Todd Golden, business manager for Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local Union 709, said, as quoted by Capitol and Main.com, “I’ve just never heard of such a thing that they have to evacuate all three buildings. It’s not part of what we do.”

Rent Control Agency Hires New Director

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 18:01:51 GMT

Jonathan Holub, the manager of West Hollywood's rent stabilization division, will replace retiring executive director Tracy Condon, who has overseen the agency's day-to-day operations since 2007.

Santa Monica Rent Control Board selects new executive director

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 22:39:49 GMT

Following a nationwide search, the Santa Monica Rent Control Board selected Jonathan Holub as its new executive director, replacing retiring administrator Tracy Condon.

Holub is currently the rent stabilization division manager in West Hollywood, where he has served since 2010, and as the division manager for the past three years. Prior to that, he was deputy county counsel for the Office of Riverside County Counsel.

Raising Base Salary of Santa Monica City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 15:48:12 GMT

The voters will surely remember how each current Council member discussed and voted on this issue next Tuesday.

The year starting Jan 14, 2024- $402 552.

L.A. is fast-tracking affordable housing.

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 16:10:13 GMT

Some say those projects are pushing them out

If the mayor's program becomes permanent, the number of low-cost apartments targeted for removal will only continue to climb — especially in South L.A., she said.

"Folks are going to get pushed out of their neighborhoods," Patiño Gutierrez said.

An In-Depth Interview with Santa Monica’s Mayor Phil Brock

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:21:39 GMT

Phil Brock Discusses His Vision, Priorities, and His Love of the City

Santa Monica Native Becomes Mayor

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:19:33 GMT

As the first Santa Monica native since Bob Holbrook in 2006 to hold the post, Brock brings an unbridled pride and exhaustive knowledge of the city where he was born on Christmas Day in 1953.

"I have walked every street in this city, every ally," Brock told the Lookout on Monday.

Multi-Family Construction Expected to Boom in 2024

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:17:58 GMT

According to the City of Santa Monica's planning website, there are currently 813 housing units under construction, while 12 projects totaling 2,715 housing units are pending entitlement.

The Apartment List report, however, predicts that "the supply surge won’t be indefinite."

"Developers are already responding to the higher interest rate environment that we’re in now; new building permits have been falling for over a year and construction starts are following suit.

Newsom, Bonta go after SoCal city for allegedly defying laws intended to spur new housing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Dec 2023 15:12:51 GMT

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday announced their intent to intervene in the California Housing Defense Fund’s lawsuit against the SoCal city of La Cañada Flintridge. It alleges that the city is defying the state’s housing laws by blocking a mixed-use project that would create 80 mixed-income residential dwelling units, 14 hotel units and 7,791 square feet of office space.

County Program to Pay Landlords for Past-Due Rent

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 17:19:02 GMT

To qualify for payment under the Rent Relief Program, the landlord's property must be in LA County, except in the City of LA, and the past-due rent and eligible expenses, such as utilities, must date from April 1, 2022 to the present.

AND: https://smmirror.com/2023/12/la-county-rent-relief-program-opens-with-68-million-boost-for-landlords/

Tens of thousands still waiting as state COVID rent relief program runs low on cash

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 19:42:04 GMT

Addis’ long wait for California’s emergency rental relief program isn’t unusual. Though the application window closed in March 2022, more than 70,000 households still have applications pending on the eve of 2024.

S.M.a.r.t Column: ARB (NOT Ready to Build!)

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 18:16:27 GMT

It is interesting to see how a developer’s profit motive, and no doubt their campaign donations, can seemingly persuade those in the State Legislature to write and support legislation that overrides local zoning codes and controls on height and density, etc., and allow for essentially the doubling of units and density that the City has written into our codes.

Workshops for landlords and tenants to be held this December

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 16:45:15 GMT

On Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 9:30 to 11 a.m., the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office, the Rent Control Agency, and the Code Enforcement Division will host the annual Landlord/Tenant Forum at Virginia Avenue Park’s Thelma Terry Building, Workshop Room No. 3.

LA City Council approves ordinance that would limit rent hikes for rent-controlled units

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:25:47 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council approved an ordinance that would limit rent increases on rent-stabilized units to 4%, or up to 6% if landlords cover gas and electric costs.

Desperate businesses seek new coalition to tackle crime and homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:19:14 GMT

A group of more than thirty local businesses have formed a new coalition under the auspices of the California Restaurant Association (CRA) to advocate for businesses facing what they describe as a crisis driven by homelessness and crime.

Santa Monica Rents Drop After Hot Streak

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 18:14:26 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica dropped in November after bucking a nationwide trend by rising for three months straight, according to the latest report by Apartment List.

The -1.7 percent drop comes after local rents increased 5.1 percent between August and October defying an early seasonal cooldown nationwide, according to the data.

Trespass Arrest Authorization

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Nov 2023 16:49:05 GMT

The Santa Monica Police Department accepts Trespass Arrest Authorizations online.

The form has been added to the ACTION website. See Forms. It is listed under: Other Forms

City Attorney and Rent Control Board making an effort to curb record high evictions

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:52:23 GMT

Specifically created to target the causes of evictions in a post-pandemic world, the proposals aim to address a variety of evictions, including evictions due to small rental debts and unpermitted work, but also expand the standards for permanent relocation fees and buyout ordinances.

Council votes unanimously to approve the 2022-23 fiscal year-end budget review

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:49:27 GMT

As per the Staff report, this included, but was not limited to: establishing new classifications and salary rates for various listed positions, revising the City’s master fee schedule to revise certain user fees and charges, authorize the City Manager to accept a grant award from the California Library Literacy Services and from the Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program.

It also authorizes the City Manager to negotiate with Exodus Recovery for the Services, Treatment and Empowerment Program for the City Attorney’s Office and to negotiate and execute funding agreements with developers and existing businesses to provide funding to support coordination of large-scale development projects.

Eviction cases have returned to — or surpassed — pre-pandemic levels

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:47:00 GMT

Eviction cases soared across California in the year after the last portion of a statewide moratorium lapsed, a CalMatters analysis of court data shows.

San Francisco Landlords Challenge New Law That Taxes Them For Not Renting Their Units

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:15:04 GMT

San Francisco voters approved a law that would tax property owners who have units that are vacant for more than 182 days per year.

Proposition M was approved by 54% of San Francisco voters and applies to any property with three or more units inside city limits. It will take effect in 2024 — but not if area landlords have anything to say about it.

City Council votes unanimously to support California Proposition One

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 22 Nov 2023 18:39:52 GMT

“California State Proposition 1 will transform our state’s mental health system. This landmark proposition will reallocate billions of dollars to Californians with the most severe mental health needs, including those living in encampments and those with the highest problems with addiction and substance use,” it says.

Lack of affordable housing construction undermines local development rules

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 18:52:02 GMT

According to state regulators, Santa Monica did not build enough units in the very low, low and moderate income levels in recent years and that deficit now puts the city under a state law that allows anyone building a project with at least 50% affordable units to bypass design rules. However, the law’s additional requirements on developers make it generally undesirable as a regulatory option and local officials said that while they have to comply with the law, they do not think it will have an impact on local development.

LA County Rent Relief Program to Offer $46.3M in Grants to Qualified Landlords

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:15:33 GMT

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) is pleased to announce the new LA County Rent Relief Program. Put forward by the LA County Board of Supervisors, over $46 million in direct financial assistance will be provided to qualified landlords, helping to mitigate the detrimental economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that have resulted in tenants falling behind on rent.

Opinion: The governance of reaction

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:08:52 GMT

So now where are we? It seems that the pendulum has swung back again and due to the builder’s remedy, we are seeing extensive development along Lincoln and elsewhere, creating a new higher density corridor of roughly 16 developments and 4500 units. The city’s face is once more changing and with it will undoubtedly come unforeseen consequences in the form of more traffic and strain on our public services.

We are once more in a governance of reaction instead of vision.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Make the City New Again

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:32 GMT

In a city known for its innovation and commitment to public welfare, it seems we’ve become trapped by outdated notions prioritizing a select few over the well-being of the majority. What happened to our community spirit? The cherished idea of the town commons, rooted in American history, where the community holds some land and resources for the benefit of all, has steadily eroded due to recent shifts in the city’s trajectory. There’s a looming danger of making this situation worse.

LA City Council Votes To Allow Rent Increases Of Up To 6% Next Year

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:52:30 GMT

The decision will allow rent hikes of 4% beginning on Feb. 1 with additional 2% increases permitted for landlords who cover their tenants’ gas and electricity costs.

Politics of Santa Monica, part II - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 21:24:58 GMT

I know, it’s a bit of work to try to figure this local stuff out, especially because the bad guys have become very skilled at covering their tracks, and making toads appear to be swans. But this special small city is worth that effort, I think. You have to understand why things are moving in the direction they are, so fast. And — sorry, sorry — you have to be willing to put in the effort to become informed, and, at the very least, vote. Bonus points: inform your friends and neighbors about what you have learned, and make sure they vote.

City Council Backs Initiative to Repeal Costa-Hawkins Rental Act

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:54:34 GMT

Santa Monica’s City Council threw its support behind the Justice for Renters Act, slated for inclusion on the November 2024 ballot, which aims to repeal the 1995 Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act that currently imposes limitations on local rent control ordinances.

Voting Rights Case in Spotlight Again

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:46:29 GMT

For the third time in six months, speakers on Monday weighed in on the voting rights lawsuit filed in 2016 by Latino plaintiffs against the City -- this time urging the Council not to settle the case.

A dozen members of Santa Monica's political establishment testified at the special closed session meeting after learning the plaintiff's attorney, Kevin Shenkman, had submitted a proposed settlement amount.

San Francisco Landlords Challenge New Law That Taxes Them For Not Renting Their Units

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:36:53 GMT

an Francisco voters approved a law that would tax property owners who have units that are vacant for more than 182 days per year.

A large group of property owners and interested parties, which include the San Francisco Apartment Owners Association and the San Francisco Association of Realtors, are suing the city to keep Proposition M from taking effect. The main thrust of their argument is that Proposition M would strip them of their rights as landowners.

DTSM selects new security company

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:27:47 GMT

Ultimately, a motion was made by Barry Snell to direct staff to execute a contract with Legion Corporation with an option for DTSM to cancel with no more than 45 days notice, if needed, which was seconded by Bruce Fairty. Michele Aronson, Peter Trinh, Joshua Gilman, Susan Cline, Julia Ladd and Luke Cain along with Sedman, voted yes while Leo Pustilnikov and Lora Vrastil voted no.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Two More Futures

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Nov 2023 18:17:15 GMT

In short, of our four major core competencies, one is strong (health), two are staggering (beach and cars), and one is dead (retail), so we need new competencies to propel our City for the rest of this century. Two weeks ago, S.M.a.r.t proposed four new competencies for your consideration.

New Hospitality Group Takes on City Hall Policies

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Nov 2023 21:20:16 GMT

A new political grassroots group made up of local hospitality businesses is being formed to push City Hall to more aggressively fight crime and homelessness and lower operating costs.

Led by the California Restaurant Association, Hospitality Santa Monica currently counts 22 local restaurants and hotels as members and is growing, the Association said.

Website: http://hospitalitysantamonica.com

Recycling Event

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Nov 2023 17:53:49 GMT

Saturday, Nov 11, 2023

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

City Yard Parking Lot

2500 Michigan Ave (2nd gate entrance)

Home improvement retailer hopes to build success in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:58:12 GMT

PIRCH will be opening at 2520 Santa Monica Blvd. in the former Goodwill building early next year and CEO Steve Smith said it’s a perfect location for his company as it continues to expand into the Los Angeles market.

Cap on rent increases approved for some Los Angeles County residents

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 16:29:35 GMT

Rent increases will be capped at four percent for tenants living in unincorporated L.A. County communities after the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved the motion on Tuesday.

Community can now receive Santa Monica Police service request updates on their phone

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Nov 2023 18:57:59 GMT

The Santa Monica Police Department and Office of Emergency Management (OEM) will initiate SPIDR Tech, a Versaterm Public Safety company, that will send automated text messages to people who have called 911 or the non-emergency phone number and requested service from the Santa Monica Police Department.

Council votes to support the Justice for Renters Act by the narrowest of margins

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 19:15:50 GMT

In last Tuesday’s meeting, City Councilmembers voted to support the Justice for Renters Act by the narrowest of margins, passing the motion with four votes for yes, one vote for no and two abstentions.

Not only does Costa Hawkins prohibit cities from establishing rent control over single-family dwellings, condominiums and rental units built after 1995, it also prohibits “vacancy control” where the base rent the landlord charges may not increase upon the departure of a tenant from a rental unit.

The Act removes this ban on rent control in California, giving local communities the right to stabilize rents and make apartments more affordable for low-income and middle-income renters. Thus Repealing Costa Hawkins will help local government address one of the root causes of homelessness—skyrocketing rents and unaffordable housing.

Los Angeles Moves To End Rent Freeze, Lower Rent Increases

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:44:45 GMT

A Los Angeles City Council committee voted 3-2 last week against extending the existing pandemic-related rent increase freeze that is set to expire January 31, 2024.

While Rents Subside Across U.S., Santa Monica Sees Increases

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:30:48 GMT

Santa Monica was not a part of the nationwide trend of declining rents last month, as the median price for a one bedroom apartment within the oceanside city saw a 1.2% increase during October, according to research from Apartment List.

Revised Policy Increases Affordable Housing Requirements in Marina del Rey

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:28:54 GMT

While a previous proposal increased the amount of on-site affordable housing for up to 20%, the policy approved at its Oct. 17 meeting calls for 30% of residential units in newly-built and “rehabilitated projects” (revitalizations of structural systems that result in at least three tenants vacated for at least 15 days) to be set at below market rates. Two-thirds of which are reserved for very low-income households while the rest are for ones deemed either low- or moderate-income.

North of Montana Remains Among Most Expensive U.S. Zip Codes

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:27:32 GMT

The city's 90402 zip code "saw a mere 2 percent increase" in home prices from last year to reach a median sale price of $4,489,000, according to the real estate data provider.

That dropped Santa Monica from the seventh to the eighth spot, although two cities tied for sixth place this year, according to the latest rankings.

Big real estate ruling may be years away from trickling down to Santa Monica properties

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 16:16:11 GMT

The National Association of Realtors was ordered to pay almost $1.8 billion in damages this week over accusations the organization’s policy of forcing home sellers to pay the commission charged to home buyers is a violation of federal antitrust laws.

An additional lawsuit has already been filed covering the entire country but local experts said how the local market might change is up in the air and how long those changes would take to reach California.

L.A. seeks to strengthen housing inspection program

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 15:48:06 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday approved a motion seeking to improve the city's housing inspection capabilities to ensure timely and quality repairs for renters, and to encourage tenants and landlords to fully participate in the process.

Santa Monica Politics by Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:20:27 GMT

This is written for all who love this special city. And that includes a lot of folks I believe are instrumental in destroying what we have/had here. Some of those have been corrupted by their desires for money or power or prestige. But many have become ideologues who so fiercely believe in a philosophy that they can ignore the damage done to people, neighborhoods, character, history and heritage.

Read More: on page 3: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/110123.pdf

Santa Monica Rents Rise During Seasonal Slowdown

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 19:13:15 GMT

For the third straight month Santa Monica rents rose in October, defying a nationwide downswing that began in August, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Four Futures

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 19:37:56 GMT

Likewise our next competency loss is already here with the collapse of the 3rd Street Promenade winged by Amazon’s dominance, Covid’s office diaspora, and cinema’s long fade. Of course, it did not help that we grew another unintended competence over the last few decades when we became the premier home of people without housing.

Equity Firm Adjusts Plans for Another Santa Monica Mixed-Use Project

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:33:38 GMT

Cypress Equity Investments has initiated revisions once again for one of its handful of mixed-use projects intended for Santa Monica, Urbanize LA reported.

Since 2022, the Los Angeles-based developer has been pursuing a project located at 2025 Wilshire Boulevard.

City Hall Veteran Tapped for Top Financial Post

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 18:27:05 GMT

Oscar Santiago -- who has held numerous fiscal posts during his 32-year career at City Hall -- will become the City's Finance Director on December 27, said City Manager David White.

Heather Averick selected as new Housing and Human Services director

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:48:09 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council established the Housing and Human Services Department in June with the approval of the 2023-2025 biennial budget, at the same time creating a new Recreation and Arts Department — dividing the functions formerly combined under the Community Services Department.

Among other goals, the move aimed to allow a point of organization for homelessness services and programs, enabling the city to implement programs and services that result from Measures CS and GS, which provide additional tax revenue dedicated to city efforts around affordable housing and homelessness. Averick will join the city effective Nov. 13, with an annual salary of $248,700.

City Attorney Weighs in on Proposed Amendment for Choosing Mayor

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Oct 2023 15:42:10 GMT

A proposed amendment to suspend the rules dictating how a mayor is chosen could result in the election of a Councilmember other than Phil Brock in December, according to City Attorney Doug Sloan.

But it would require several moves by the City Council before it is scheduled to vote to rubber stamp Brock's selection using a new rotating system based on seniority, according to Sloan's legal assessment issued Monday.

Budget review, plus continued items, promise to pack out Oct. 24 Council meeting agenda

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:58:50 GMT

A considerable number of items are now listed on the agenda that have been carried over, including a request to support the Justice for Renters Act. The act will be before voters in the November 2024 election and would expand rent control rules throughout the state. The request comes from Davis, along with Councilmembers Caroline Torosis and Jesse Zwick.

Advocates say repealing the law known as Costa Hawkins will help local government address one of the root causes of homelessness–skyrocketing rents and unaffordable housing. The same trio are also asking the City to support and prepare for adoption of a new rule in Sacramento that would allow homeowners to sell small accessory dwelling units separately from the main property.

DTSM begins search for new security provider

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:56:10 GMT

After some discussion, the board voted unanimously to move ahead with a motion for a process of identifying a minimum of two companies to bring before the board based on staffing draft recommendation. The board will then have an opportunity to conduct any additional research and background checks before a presentation from each will be given.

Firm Expands Number Units Planned for Housing Development on Wilshire

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:51:11 GMT

Cypress Equity Investments has significantly expanded its housing development project on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. Originally slated for 71 units, the firm now envisions constructing a total of 170 units at 2501 Wilshire Boulevard, according to reports from Urbanize LA, referencing a project website.

Council to Consider Supporting Tenants Facing Mass Eviction-Barrington Plaza

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:48:40 GMT

As part of the resolution, the City Council would implore Douglas Emmett not to evict the tenants and use Los Angeles’ tenant habitability program for necessary repairs while temporarily relocating tenants.

Bureaucratic Tweak or Effort to Block Next Mayor?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Oct 2023 18:42:28 GMT

However, under the new rule, "if two or more Councilmembers were elected at the same election, the Councilmember receiving the higher number of votes shall be considered as having served longer."

The state of real estate in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 Oct 2023 16:13:14 GMT

Santa Monica’s real estate market may have peaked recently as local realtors say the combination of high interest rates, taxes, cost of living expenses and general instability are starting to weigh the business.

No one is predicting a real estate crash in the city by the sea, but there are early signs of a softening market with an increase in the number of days homes are for sale and fewer homes selling at or above their listed price.

The root of the current market lethargy is a near record interest rate.

Mayors and City Councils who side with criminals, homeless, outsiders, unions, over taxpayers is Killing California

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 17:26:31 GMT

By Houman Hemmatti MD PhD

There's a LOT to be fixed. Replacing Newsom or repealing Prop 47 are necessary but, on their own, insufficient to fix the state. My two cents.

Police Department Nearing Full Force

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 Oct 2023 16:09:33 GMT

The Department has hired 18 new recruits so far this year, bringing the total number of officers to 2018, just ten shy of the 228 officers budgeted for the current fiscal year, said City Manager David White.

Santa Monica Housing Bill Among 56 Signed into Law

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Oct 2023 17:16:32 GMT

A tenant with "a disability related to mobility" can seek to be moved to a first-floor unit under a bill co-sponsored by the City of Santa Monica that was signed into law Wednesday.

AB 1620 authored by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D), whose District includes Santa Monica, was one of 56 bills signed by California Governor Gavin Newsom that aim to fast-track new housing construction and bolster tenant protections.

The Santa Monica co-sponsored legislation is the first time the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act -- which allows landlords to charge market rate for most vacant units -- has been significantly amended since it was passed in 1995, City officials said.

Santa Monica Rent Report: October 2023

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 23:17:48 GMT

In Santa Monica, the overall median rent in the city stands at $2,203, after rising 2.1% last month. Prices remain down 1.4% year-over-year.

Gov. Newsom Signs Santa Monica-Sponsored Bill Protecting Disabled Renters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 23:08:57 GMT

It Marks the First Time the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act Has Been Substantially Amended

Under AB 1620, which was signed on Oct. 11, local jurisdictions can require landlords to allow physically-disabled tenants (not subject to nonpayment eviction) to move into similar or smaller units on an accessible floor. The tenant would also keep the same rent rate and terms of their lease as long as the move is necessary to accommodate their disability, no operational elevator serves the floor of their current dwelling, the new dwelling doesn’t require renovation to comply with safety standards, applicable authorities determine the owner will still receive a fair rate of return, and the tenant requests to move into an available unit prior to it becoming available.

Newsom signs tenant bills to lower security deposits, prevent more evictions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 18:24:41 GMT

One of the more significant measures Newsom signed this year is Assembly Bill 12, which will prohibit landlords from charging more than one month’s rent as a security deposit.

Santa Monica Is Case Study in Voter Discrimination, Report Contends

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 17:45:03 GMT

Santa Monica's switch to at-large elections in 1946 exemplified a nationwide effort to disenfranchise Black and Latino voters, according to a joint study released this month.

The 47-page report -- authored by professors from UC Berkeley, the University of Michigan and Harvard -- was released as Santa Monica is fighting a Voting Rights lawsuit that would upend its electoral system ("Supreme Court Reverses Voting Rights Ruling," August 23, 2023).

Santa Monica Below Market Housing (BMH) Program

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 14:26:35 GMT

The Santa Monica Housing Division staff will be hosting informational workshop about the City's Below Market Housing (BMH) waitlist and program.

City Council Approves Metro-Adjacent Affordable Housing Proposal

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Oct 2023 16:02:13 GMT

The project, at the block bounded by Olympic and Colorado and 4th and 5th Streets, includes AMCAL’s proposal to acquire the adjacent 27,176 square foot office/commercial building at 1640 5th Street, known as the “Comma Building”, from Lincoln Properties, for additional housing units.

“Affordable Home-Ownership” TORCA 2.0 by Peter Borrensten

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 07 Oct 2023 18:56:29 GMT

It is admitted there were flaws in the original TORCA which the Santa Monica Housing Commission’s proposed ‘TORCA 2.0’ is explicitly designed to fix. TORCA 2.0 will allow non-profits to buy rent control buildings that are offered for sale, and will then offer to sell to tenants the units they are renting, at prices affordable to even the lowest incomes. And renters can choose to buy without timelimits, at any time in the future. Renters who do not wish to buy can continue renting under rent-control and will then be permanently protected from Ellis or owner-movein evictions.

'The tenant from hell': She checked into a luxury Airbnb, then refused to pay or leave.

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 15:09:37 GMT

When Elizabeth Hirschhorn's Airbnb stay ended in April 2022, she simply didn't move out. She’s been living there rent-free ever since, and she refused to budge unless Jovanovic paid her a relocation fee of $100,000, according to a settlement offer reviewed by The Times.

City to Begin Negotiating Record 570-Unit Project

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 21:01:12 GMT

The City Council last week gave the go-ahead to execute an exclusive negotiating agreement that could result in the largest residential development in Santa Monica history.

Affordable housing developer AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. -- which was chosen from among 11 bidders -- is proposing a 338-unit project on a 1.85-acre site on City owned land near the Expo terminus Downtown, a company representative told the Council.

Newsom signs law to bolster eviction protections for renters

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 16:58:34 GMT

Under the new law, landlords moving into their units or renting to family also must identify the people moving in. In addition, the rental must be occupied within three months of eviction and they must live in the unit for at least a year. Those who evict tenants to renovate properties must include copies of permits or contracts, among other details, when serving eviction notices.

Landlords who do not follow through will have to allow evicted tenants to move back under the original lease terms.

Private security company quits DTSM contract

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 21:04:36 GMT

The private security company set to take over patrols in Downtown Santa Monica has withdrawn from the contract after concerns were raised over an individual who is or was affiliated with the company.

Interview With Downtown Activist on Being Attacked by Homeless Suspect (Video)

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 20:46:35 GMT

John Alle, co-founder of Santa Monica Coalition, was attacked in Palisades Park while filming.

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/09/video-interview-with-downtown-activist-on-being-attacked-by-homeless-suspect/

Local Rents Continue Rising Amid Nationwide Drop

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 17:17:30 GMT

Bucking a nationwide trend, Santa Monica rents rose 2.1 percent in September, but the rate of growth has flattened after soaring last year, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

City Council adopts new rules on property maintenance

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 20:37:44 GMT

The ordinances make the following updates to the Santa Monica Municipal Code:

Property Maintenance and Vacant Properties: Creates new chapters in the city’s municipal code dedicated to property maintenance and vacant properties that require property owners to meet more stringent standards for their properties and give code enforcement staff more authority to enforce violations.

Los Angeles launches applications for emergency rental assistance

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 17:29:16 GMT

City helps provide unpaid back rent to low-income renters at risk of homelessness

40-Unit Mixed-Use Project Proposed for 26th Street Intersection

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:45:55 GMT

Plans for a mixed-use development set to grace the corner of 26th Street and Wilshire Boulevard were unveiled for the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, Urbanize LA reported.

The proposal, a brainchild of Mark Leevan Investment Co., is planned for 2600 Wilshire Boulevard which currently houses a New Balance store.

John Alle Clears the Record on the Attack Against Him in Palisades Park

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:44:03 GMT

John Alle, the Santa Monica activist, business owner, and founding member of the Santa Monica Coalition who was attacked by a drugged homeless individual on Tuesday, wrote us to clear up some misconceptions that have been circulating in other news outlets.

Downtown Activist Attacked in Palisades Park

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 16:43:37 GMT

John Alle -- a Downtown business activist known for his crusading efforts to fight crime and anti-social behavior -- was hospitalized after being attacked by a homeless man in Palisades Park Tuesday afternoon, according to police.

Developer to Propose Five Story Mixed-Use Project Across Metro Terminus

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 15:46:12 GMT

Local real estate developer Worthe Real Estate Group is set to propose a five-story, 60 residential unit mixed-use development at the north-east corner of Colorado Avenue and 4th Street at the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board’s next meeting.

Rent Control Board wants landlords who evict tenants with the Ellis Act to go out of business, voluntarily

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Sep 2023 19:23:51 GMT

The proposal before RCB this week adds additional definitions to the rules clarifying the Ellis Act has a “good faith” intent qualification.

“These amendments clarify the definition of good faith and require owners to attest to their intent to leave the rental business in the Notice of Intent that is filed with the agency. They also include some factors for determining good faith, which will assist both landlords and tenants as well as provide a resource for hearing officers and judges in adjudicating cases where the landlord’s intent is in question,” said the report.

In addition to the clarifying language, the proposal also reiterates the existing repercussions for violations of the rules including rejecting Ellis applications.

California housing policy takes two steps forward and one back

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:50:07 GMT

The final days of the 2023 legislative session are producing new pro-housing laws that close legal loopholes often used to block or delay projects.

On one day last week, the Legislature sent two major pro-housing bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Lobbying Efforts Pick Up Steam in Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:42:26 GMT

Proponents of both fighting and settling the voting rights lawsuit against the City are stepping up their lobbying efforts as the City Council prepares to discuss the issue in closed session Tuesday.

The item was placed on the agenda some three weeks after the California Supreme Court sent the case back to an Appellate Court that had ruled in favor of the City in July 2020 ("Supreme Court Reverses Voting Rights Ruling," August 24, 2023).

It's Time to End City's Voting Rights Fight

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Sep 2023 15:40:51 GMT

We appreciate the City Council's recent stated dedication to issues of racial justice and equity. Yet, the City's expenditure of millions of dollars to maintain its fight against the California Voting Rights Act and the voting rights it protects, stands in stark contrast.

S.M.a.r.t Column: The Battle for the Planning Commission: A Circus of Political Maneuvers

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:54:43 GMT

But hold your horses! It’s not just individuals who are vying for a spot on the Planning Commission. Oh no, political groups have their paws in this game too. As soon as the commission openings are announced (and usually even before), these organizations kick into high gear behind the scenes. They’re like frenzied paparazzi, desperately seeking a Commissioner who will represent their interests. People are approached left and right, like talent scouts on the prowl. Suitable candidates’ names are passed around like hot potatoes to gather responses from the faithful. It’s a mad, mad world of influence and leverage, where politically connected candidates rub shoulders with unaffiliated freelancers.

Council to Vote on Downtown Affordable Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Sep 2023 15:52:33 GMT

The Project Calls for 570 Housing Units

The Santa Monica City Council is set to vote on authorizing a downtown development at the block bounded by Olympic and Colorado and 4th and 5th Streets.

The project, in agreement with California-based AMCAL Multi-Housing, Inc. and Texas-based Gen-Land LLC, calls for approximately 570 housing units. AMCAL also proposed to acquire the adjacent 27,176 square foot office/commercial building at 1640 5th Street, known as the “Comma Building”, from Lincoln Properties, for more housing units. Because the proposal relies on the Comma Building sale, a tri-party agreement between the City, AMCAL and Lincoln properties is required.

Sale of downtown properties could result in 570 new housing units

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 17:37:43 GMT

At their Tuesday meeting, Council will consider an exclusive negotiating agreement with a group of housing providers for a bundle of lots on 5th Street between Olympic and Colorado as part of a Surplus Land Act sale. If approved, the deal would replace two commercial office buildings and one parking lot with a large housing development that would include affordable and market rate units.

The 2023 Assessment Roll, Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Sep 2023 18:08:07 GMT

Locally,Santa Monica for 2023 came in at $48.95 billion for taxable values, which is a 5.3% increase over last year’s numbers. That includes 16,821 single-family homes, 4,068 apartment complexes, 2,672 commercial-industrial parcels for a grand total of 23,561 taxable properties. Yes, it’s a solid growth at $48.95 billion.

Some basics: The Roll, as it is known, contains the assessed value of all real estate and business personal property in the County’s 88 cities along with the unincorporated areas. It also breaks down the number of single-family residential homes, apartments and commercial-industrial parcels.

A Report Shows How Much Local Residents’ Household Income Is Sacrificed

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Sep 2023 16:38:17 GMT

The report showed Santa Monica bills are $15,705 higher per year than the U.S. average, with the average Santa Monica home paying $3,355 per month on bills. This makes Santa Monica the 116th most expensive city in California and its households 64% more expensive than the U.S. average.

Santa Ana law will destroy city’s rental market

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 21:29:56 GMT

California now has a statewide rent-control law, but Santa Ana passed its own ordinance that is more stringent. In addition to capping rent increases at 3 percent annually or 80 percent of inflation, the city requires landlords to list their units on a registry. The law limits the ability of landlords to evict tenants.

Mom and Pop Landlords in Santa Monica Hit with Rent Control While Mega-Corporations are Not

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 17:41:59 GMT

by Adnan Safadi

Older family owned buildings, mom and pop buildings with smaller numbers of units, are strictly rent controlled in Santa Monica. Brand new buildings are not subject to the same strict rent control rules.

The City of Santa Monica is making the smallest business owners subsidize the biggest share of the rent control burden.

Council will hold a town hall meeting offering to explain all things affordable housing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 17:37:49 GMT

“We’ve had residents over the last couple of weeks question height and density bonuses and how projects could suddenly gain height, because of a couple of potential developments, none of which had been submitted yet to the city,” Councilmember Phil Brock began.

“We know how they gain height, they gain height because of state density bonuses based upon the composition of low income units that are within those developments. And digging a little bit further, we realized that a lot of residents didn’t understand this.”

Brock said he’d held an impromptu Town Hall on a doorstep but realized it was difficult to explain the regulations. He said he’d like the city’s planning staff, city attorney and city manager to hold an event on Sept. 12 to help residents understand what is happening.

Santa Monica Rents Rise After 3-Month Drop

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Aug 2023 16:00:53 GMT

Santa Monica rents rose 1.8 percent in August, bucking a nationwide trend that saw rents dip for the first time since February, according to Apartment List's monthly report.

The local rise in rents comes after three monthly decreases in a row and as "this year's peak rental season has come to an end," according to the report.

Council makes moves to reduce number of vacant property violations

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Aug 2023 16:52:48 GMT

Vacant properties must be kept to minimal safety and cleanliness standards according to new rules passed by the City Council last week.

Council wants lawyers, and new laws, to protect renters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 21:19:01 GMT

The proposed protections include, but are not limited to (a) limiting evictions for non-payment of rent less than the amount of one month’s rent (b) requiring relocation assistance for rent increases that exceed the lesser of the Consumer Price Index, plus 5%, or alternatively 10% (c) a requirement that any “buyout” agreement payment reached between landlord and tenant be at least the minimum relocation required under City law for a no fault eviction and (d) requiring that buyout agreements reached between landlord and tenant must be registered with the City of Santa Monica and the lack of a registration shall amount to an affirmative defense in any unlawful detainer proceeding.

California Supreme Court punts voting rights case back to Court of Appeals

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 17:55:22 GMT

The state Supreme Court has ruled that the Court of Appeals misapplied the law when it ruled in the City’s favor and has said the appeal needs to be reevaluated based on expanded criteria.

City Modifies Leaf Blower Ordinance

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:35:27 GMT

In July 2023, City Council adopted policy changes to address this issue by allowing only zero-emission electric leaf blowers that have a sound rating at or below 70 decibels and enhancing enforcement of the City’s leaf blower policy by allowing community members to submit photo or video evidence of violations.

Police, Fire Dominate Top Earners List

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Aug 2023 15:25:12 GMT

Of the 100 top wage earners working for the city last year, 48 were fire fighters and 42 were police officers, according to data compiled by Transparent California.

Those 90 public safety workers earned a total of $17,244,400 in base pay and $7,158,401 in overtime pay.

THE SANTA MONICA CIVIC IS NOT THE POINT by Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:15:18 GMT

Now we have ideologues running the show, working to implement ideas and unproven theories, whether they benefit or harm the current residents, holding hands with the big money that is working so hard to be really big money, doling out favors, connections and political support to those whose personal agendas are beating down whatever pride and loyalty they may have once had to the community where they live. Greed rules, a lust for even more power and wealth, consequences be damned.

Anger from business owners over homelessness inaction dominates Downtown meeting

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 16:09:32 GMT

The collective frustration went up a notch when the room was reminded of the new “zero bail” policy. Just one month ago, the Los Angeles County’s court system approved a new set of bail schedules aimed at releasing low-level, non-violent and misdemeanor suspects before their arraignment. The practical upshot of which is that if a homeless individual is arrested for a non-violent crime, they could potentially — and probably will — end up back on the streets in 24 hours.

Thousands of California tenants could face obscure tax bill for living in subsidized housing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Aug 2023 14:32:59 GMT

The discount was the result of a unique program catering to middle-income earners in a state trying to chip away — project by project, program by program — at its housing crisis. And the legal knot it is tied in reflects the difficulties in taking even small steps forward.

In this program, government agencies known as joint powers authorities, or JPAs, partner with private companies to purchase apartment buildings and lower the rent. The agencies say this works because, as the government, they don't need to pay property tax, allowing them to pass along that savings to tenants.

But, under an obscure tax rule, thousands of tenants like Wright may need to cough up some of the lost revenue and pay individual tax bills upwards of $1,000 a year.

As Rents and Evictions Rise, More Cities Are Debating Rent Control

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:46:07 GMT

Naturally, affordable housing experts are strongly advocating for more rent stabilization laws, but there is also strong resistance in some of the most expensive cities in the U.S. In Seattle, where rents are skyrocketing, the City Council recently voted against implementing rent regulation policies. And this summer, two New York City landlord groups filed a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn New York City’s rent stabilization law, which limits rent increases for more than one million units in the city, according to USA Today.

As LA Evictions Rise, City Controller Releases Map Showing Where Renters Are Getting Pushed Out

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Aug 2023 15:39:41 GMT

With many of L.A.’s COVID-19 renter protections now gone, evictions in 2023 have been rising well above pre-pandemic levels. Due to new rental housing regulations put in place by L.A.’s city council earlier this year, City Controller Kenneth Mejia is now able to track where those evictions are playing out across the city.

Retirement of Finance Director Gigi Decavalles-Hughes

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:21:44 GMT

Decavalles-Hughes has led the City’s Finance Department for the past 12 years, overseeing the management of the city investment portfolio, preparation of the budget, financial reporting, purchasing, payroll, accounts payable, business and revenue operations, internal audit, and risk management.

Site for 210-Unit Development Cleared on Lincoln Boulevard

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:16:58 GMT

The cleared site at 1527 Lincoln Boulevard is poised for the erection of a novel eight-story establishment that will encompass 210 residential units including 21 that qualify as affordable housing. The structure will also feature ground floor commercial space and a three-level parking facility capable of housing 321 automobiles and 270 bicycles.

Latest Santa Monica Assessment Roll Shows 5.3% Increase in Taxable Property Values

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:15:36 GMT

Locally, Santa Monica for 2023 came in at $48.95 billion for taxable values, which is a 5.3% increase over last year’s numbers. That includes 16,821 single-family homes, 4,068 apartment complexes, 2,672 commercial-industrial parcels for a grand total of 23,561 taxable properties. Yes, it’s a solid growth at $48.95 billion.

Councilmember Items Crowd Tuesday's Agenda

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 19:13:11 GMT

The City Council will take up nine items placed by Councilmembers on Tuesday's agenda, with most tackling hot-button issues.

The items include revisiting ways to force LA County's needle exchange program indoors and test the loyalty of Councilmembers to striking hotel union workers

Hundreds Of LA Apartments Built To Ease Homelessness Are Sitting Empty

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 14:45:28 GMT

Nearly 300 apartments built for unhoused people are sitting empty in the city of Los Angeles more than two months after being declared ready for move in, largely due to longstanding bureaucratic rules.

A Sustainable, Affordable, and Compassionate Solution for Our Homeless Crisis

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 18:30:38 GMT

By Houman Hemmati MD PhD

Instead of spending potentially $1 billion or more to house our approximately 1,000 homeless (1000 X $1 million/homeless) in Santa Monica by building new ocean-adjacent condos on the most expensive land on earth, imagine if we used a fraction of that sum to provide permanent fully-OWNED housing for our homeless in Detroit, offering them the dignity of homeownership, immediate housing security, and a fresh start.

LA Mayor Karen Bass scores a U.S. policy shift to expedite homeless housing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Aug 2023 15:07:20 GMT

Responding to pleas from Mayor Karen Bass and city and county housing officials, HUD has agreed to exempt local housing providers from the rules that required applicants to produce identification and document their homeless status and income before moving into their apartments.

viction loophole restriction broached by state legislature

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Aug 2023 16:12:53 GMT

Under current law, evictions are prohibited without just cause, however a “no-fault” just cause classification exists that allows an owner to occupy the property either themselves, or an occupancy by the owner’s spouse, domestic partner, children, grandchildren, parents or grandparents. Currently under advisement by the state’s Appropriations Committee, SB 567 would amend current law to require the property owner, partner or family member to occupy the property for a minimum of 12 continuous months as the person’s primary residence.

How Can We Save Santa Monica? by Jack Neworth

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:57:59 GMT

How has all this happened to our city and what if anything can we do about it? As a result of the rapidly rising crime, drugs and homelessness violence The Shores Residents Association (TSRA) has invited Council Member Phil Brock to hold a Town Hall here outlining plans of the council to stem these horrific developments.

Read Moe on page 5: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/081223.pdf

California’s Dichotomy: Rising Numbers of Ultra-Rich Residents Amidst Deepening Inequality

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:31:49 GMT

The prevailing dynamics take on even greater significance in a year marked by stock market rebounds and the flourishing of the artificial intelligence industry within the state, giving rise to new fortunes. Concurrently, growing disparities between workers and executives have positioned California at the heart of the resurgent labor movement in the United States. Strikes have reverberated from hotel staff near Disneyland to dockworkers, nurses, Hollywood writers, and actors, all demanding equitable compensation.

Excavation Underway for Mixed-Use Project With 280 Apartments Above Vons

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:27:08 GMT

A substantial portion of this space will be designated for a new Vons outlet. Moreover, a raised courtyard spanning 30,000 square feet will be a central feature of the building. As a prerequisite for approval, Related California will be obligated to allocate 84 of the newly constructed apartments for lease at rates below the prevailing market rates. These units will have occupancy restrictions applicable to households with earnings ranging between 30 percent of the local median income and the threshold of moderate income. Oversight of the new affordable units will be managed by the Community Corp. of Santa Monica

School District Releases Plans for Civic Auditorium

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 17:02:14 GMT

The School District on Friday unveiled a nearly $227 million plan -- excluding the purchase cost -- to renovate and re-adapt the Civic Auditorium

Southeast L.A. County cities enact rent control

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Aug 2023 14:55:51 GMT

In February, Maywood issued a 60-day rent freeze, then extended it through September. On July 26, the City Council approved a rent stabilization ordinance to take effect when the rent freeze ends, limiting annual rent increases on all units to 4%.

Maywood’s efforts mirror those in the neighboring cities of Bell Gardens and Cudahy.

Santa Methica is Not Safe Reads New Sign

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 18:52:17 GMT

he sign, sponsored by the Santa Monica Coalition, accuses City Manager David White of making Santa Monica synonymous with meth by supporting the needle distribution program in the city's public parks

Legislature Set to Decide Fate of 20 Housing Bills

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 17:07:30 GMT

Landlords could be limited to collecting the equivalent of one month's rent as security deposit and cities could be prohibited from encouraging landlords to turn away or evict tenants who have committed a crime.

Those are two of the 20 housing-related bills the California Legislature will consider in its final month of action after a record number of bills was introduced during the current session, according to a report to the Rent Control Board.

Some LA Landlords seek relief from rent hike freeze

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Aug 2023 00:18:09 GMT

The rent freeze runs through February 2024, but some say that the ordinance is unconstitutional.

Matthew Millen has been a landlord since 1979, when he purchased a three-unit building in San Pedro and he said he relies on the property for his income.

It’s personal now - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 14:42:45 GMT

I take it personally when you are destroying my adopted hometown of 37 years. It’s hard to take so many slings and arrows of outrageous corruption, for so long. When you feel there is little you can do about it. It’s my town, it’s a small city, we residents should have more control.

Man Arrested for Attacking Councilmember Part of Legal Revolving Door, Police Say

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Aug 2023 16:41:42 GMT

When Councilmember Phil Brock was attacked on the Promenade on July 16, it marked the third time the suspect was arrested in less than a month, a pattern Santa Monica police say reflects a legal revolving door.

Sawyer Walden Allee -- a 20-year-old homeless man apparently suffering from mental health issues -- was arrested and booked by Santa Monica police for simple battery and grand theft person. He was released from County jail ten days later on his own recognizance.

S.M.a.r.t article: Save the Civic – Keep it Alive

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:55:36 GMT

As the years rolled on, newer and larger venues began dominating the region’s entertainment scene. Unfortunately, combined with a new development-oriented Planning Commission and City Council, the Civic Center land was perhaps appealing to some as ripe for redevelopment. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium closed its doors in 2013, ending an era of cultural significance. Its future remained uncertain, and discussions of repurposing the site ensued.

Community Corporation Unveils Brunson Terrace On August 4

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:53:09 GMT

The development offers 48 units of affordable housing, encompassing a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. In addition to the housing units, Brunson Terrace features a small business marketplace and café on the ground floor, a playground, ample parking, a community garden, a community room with a kitchen, a gym, a wellness studio, on-site laundry facilities, and an outdoor picnic area. The building boasts all-electric systems and sustainability measures designed to meet LEED Platinum standards, with Energy Star appliances, EV charging stations, and solar panels.

Affordable Housing Progresses along Michigan Avenue

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Aug 2023 15:51:24 GMT

The allocation of apartments at The Laurel follows a funding arrangement that city officials approved in 2020. These apartments are specifically set aside for households earning at or below 30 and 50 percent of the Santa Monica area median income level. All apartments, except for the two-bedroom manager’s unit, will feature studio floor plans.

Judge Upholds Transfer Tax Hike

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:04:14 GMT

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge on Thursday issued a tentative ruling that found former Mayor Sue Himmelrich's transfer tax does not violate California's single-subject rule.

Judge H.J. Ford III denied the California Business Roundtable's motion for judgment on the pleadings, stating that the initiative does not generate funding for two separate purposes as stated by the plaintiffs ("Lawsuit Seeks to Void Transfer Tax Hike," January 18, 2023).

City's Baseless Lawsuits Vilify Housing Providers

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 16:02:46 GMT

Letter to the Editor

On July 3, the City Attorney's office released a distorted press release with the malicious intent of tarnishing my reputation that was used as the basis of local news stories ("City Wins Injunction in Housing Discrimination Case," July 4, 2023).

The press release conceals mismanagement that has made Santa Monica unsafe, while shamelessly promoting the City Attorney's Office and an outside law firm.

Prepare to flick off your incandescent bulbs

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 17:28:04 GMT

WHAT CHANGES UNDER THE NEW RULES?

The rules establish strict new efficiency standards for bulbs used in homes and businesses and bans the manufacture and sale of those that don’t meet those requirements. Practical incandescent bulbs, which trace their origin to an 1880 Edison patent, can’t meet those standards. Neither can halogen bulbs. The rules also ban imports of less efficient bulbs.

Santa Monica Rents Drop for Third Straight Month

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 17:00:48 GMT

Santa Monica rents continued decreasing in July and have now dropped by -2.1 percent this year after a 7.3 rise during the same period last year, according to Apartment List's August report.

Property owners struggle as tenants are unable to pay owed rent

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 16:58:13 GMT

LA area landlords report they’re not getting a flood of checks from renters, even though the deadline has now passed for back rent accumulated during the COVID emergency period to be paid.

The owners say it’s further evidence efforts to protect renters is not only costing them, but will worsen the housing crisis.

The Orwellian Worldview of Jesse Zwick (and Sue Himmelrich)

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 19:01:40 GMT

by Arthur Jeon, Santa Monica

“Phil provoked him!”

Interesting choice of words, blaming the victim. So residents, who have seen our commons overtaken by violence, drugs, and disorder, enabled by the anti-enforcement policy wing of the city council, aren’t supposed utter a peep when there isn’t a cop or security guard around? And if they do, it’s characterized as a provocation? Wow… Okay. Then the logical answer would seem to be more police and more real security on the promenade, but not if you’re Jesse Zwick, who came by his luxury beliefs by way of an extremely privileged upbringing in the Palisades, (with armed private patrols everywhere):

Hotel Workers Union Submits Bed Tax Initiative

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Aug 2023 15:35:33 GMT

The initiative -- which comes two weeks after the union submitted a minimum wage measure for hotel workers -- would also impose a 15 percent tax on home-shares and vacation rentals, according to the initiative slated for the 2024 ballot.

The funds deposited into the housing fund "shall be used solely to promote, provide, and develop affordable housing and affordable housing measures and programs for hospitality workers," the initiative reads.

The measure would create a seven-member committee appointed by the City Council to recommend how the money would be spent and to set guidelines governing the fund.

Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office Obtains Judgment and Injunction Against Landlord

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:29:17 GMT

The City v. Youseph Golshirazian et al., Case No. 21SMCV00201, alleges that the Defendants orchestrated a campaign to displace long-term, rent-controlled tenants from a 30-unit residential building. The allegations include a range of misconduct, such as fraud, intimidation, baseless evictions during the pandemic surge, violation of the COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium, failure to provide required disclosures in buyout offers, and illicit rental of units as vacation rentals despite ongoing attempts to evict long-term tenants.

L.A. developer aims to tear down homes to build apartments

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:23:07 GMT

Jha is banking his business on moments like these. Jha has spent the last six years paging through state laws and city zoning codes. His homework leads him to snap up single-family homes where he decides the law will let him build much bigger, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Jha is taking advantage of an opportune moment when California politics are turning away from the slow-growth mantra that has dominated in established cities and suburbs over the last half century.

New Cap On Rent Hikes Takes Effect For Tenants In LA And Orange Counties

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:13:01 GMT

The statewide Tenant Protection Act covers renters living in most apartment buildings constructed more than 15 years ago.

The law links allowable annual rent hikes with inflation. Because inflation has been cooling in the L.A. area, the legal limit on rent hikes for covered tenants is declining slightly, from 10% to 8.8%.

Statewide expansion of rent control qualifies for 2024 ballot

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:59:08 GMT

The newly qualified measure, known as the Justice for Renters Act, would repeal Costa-Hawkins.

SMa.r.t. Column: Counseling The City Council

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 20:51:42 GMT

This week, our SMa.r.t. column is authored by concerned resident Nikki Kolhoff. Nikki has been an active voice in the community for many years, focusing on both City and SMMUSD issues that impact us all. The current issue Nikki is addressing here is something all residents should be concerned about, namely the unwarranted sale/lease of our historic Civic Center Auditorium and the behind-the-doors manner in which the City Staff and Council have proceeded without public input and participation.

Planning Commission Appointments Expose Council Rift

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Jul 2023 16:45:15 GMT

Fresco headed a group of activists called Save the Civic, and in 2013 was appointed to the Civic Working Group tasked with advising the City Council on options for the future of the iconic auditorium.

Fresco was backed by four Councilmembers -- Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, Christine Parra and Lana Negrete -- during three previous rounds before she was appointed in the final round.

Fonda-Bonardi, a local architect and slow-growth advocate, was backed by the same four Councilmembers but failed to win the five votes needed.

Council Ends Negotiations to Sell Civic Auditorium for Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:58:03 GMT

Negotiations with Community Corp were held as the City has been earmarking land to sell or lease so it can meet a daunting State mandate to plan for 6,168 new affordable housing units over the next eight years.

It has not been revealed how Community Corp planned to make housing work on the three-acre Civic Center site with the sprawling low-slung auditorium this is designated a local historic landmark.

Negotiations with Community Corp were terminated amid growing opposition to the Council's closed door negotiations to sell what is Santa Monica's most iconic building.

City Hires Communications Manager

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:56:31 GMT

Lauren Gold Howland was tapped by City Manager David White to "manage the comprehensive dissemination of information to the public and staff" starting August 14, City officials announced Wednesday.

Howland will provide information on City programs, initiatives and events and will serve as the City’s official spokesperson, officials said.

Howland will serve in the City Manager’s Office, Office of Communications, with an annual salary of $161,316.

Council unanimously approves Downtown private security plan after considerable questioning

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Jul 2023 16:10:46 GMT

This will take the form of a pilot program and is currently planned for a period of 12 months at a cost of $1.7 million. Private security firm Covered 6 will have the honor of keeping the Promenade prim and proper following a 90ish minute discussion this week that covered several elements of operations in the downtown zone.

Santa Monica: A Symphony Unfolding

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 20:08:22 GMT

In the broad tableau of our nation’s stories, Santa Monica has etched its own unique symphony. Once, our city was a sonorous harmony of prosperity and unity, a place where families blossomed and dreams took flight. But of late, discordant notes of homelessness and crime have pierced our symphony, disrupting the rhythm of our collective lives.

Our city, a radiant star in the Golden State’s firmament, now finds itself at a crucial crossroads.

Council Delays Fines for Leaf-Blower Violations

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:34:04 GMT

Gardeners in Santa Monica can continue using gas-powered leaf blowers for half a year without fear of being fined after a crackdown approved by the Council goes into effect next month.

The reprieve was pushed by Councilmember Phil Brock as the Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to crack down on violators who have blown off a 1990 law that bans all motorized leaf blowers.

Council Delays Fines for Leaf-Blower Violations

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:34:04 GMT

Gardeners in Santa Monica can continue using gas-powered leaf blowers for half a year without fear of being fined after a crackdown approved by the Council goes into effect next month.

The reprieve was pushed by Councilmember Phil Brock as the Council unanimously voted on Tuesday to crack down on violators who have blown off a 1990 law that bans all motorized leaf blowers.

Fear grips LA tenants who do not have the back rent due August 1

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 16:11:18 GMT

Early this year, the Los Angeles City Council adopted a sweeping package of tenant protections to lessen the impact of ending the pandemic-related moratorium on evictions. Among other things, the council established a grace period: tenants would have until Aug. 1 to repay the debts they incurred between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 1, 2021. And they have until Feb. 1, 2024 to repay rent they owe from Oct. 1, 2021 to Feb. 1, 2023.

But tenant rights advocates say many Angelenos haven't completely recovered from the pandemic. Those struggles, coupled with inflation and L.A.'s continuing high cost of living, make it nearly impossible for many to pay off their debts, advocates say.

They fear that if no further actions are taken to prevent landlords from evicting tenants come Aug. 1, eviction filings will only soar

Pressure Builds for Open Hearing on Civic Auditorium

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Jul 2023 18:16:50 GMT

History is repeating itself and only "a resident revolt" like the one that saved the Pier 50 years ago can secure the future of Santa Monica's iconic Civic Auditorium, the city's leading slow-growth group warned Sunday.

The warning from the Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (SMCLC) comes two days before the Council discusses the sale of the historic 1958 building behind closed doors.

Commission wants rent controlled tenants to be able to buy their units

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:18:00 GMT

The Santa Monica Housing Commission wants more residents to own their homes and their overall strategy is to de-emphasize rentals in the City’s housing process.

In a report that will be presented to Council on Tuesday, the Commission outlines a variety of ideas for encouraging homeownership. Specifically, they want to shift incentives from building rental units to encouraging construction of units that will be for sale and at the same time, explore ways to convert existing rental units to owner-occupied units.

Civic Auditorium Back on Closed Session Agenda

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jul 2023 17:07:38 GMT

After causing an uproar at this week's City Council meeting, closed door negotiations with the School District and Community Corporation to purchase Santa Monica's historic Civic Auditorium will take place on Tuesday.

Santa Monica Police Department’s National Night Out August 1, 2023

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:17:11 GMT

Police Chief Ramon Batista and the members of the Santa Monica Police Department would like to invite the Santa Monica community to celebrate this year’s National Night Out (NNO) in front of City Hall (1685 Main Street).

A Seismic Duality - SMa.r.t.

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 21 Jul 2023 15:11:25 GMT

So the good news is that about 56% (1099) of those almost 2000 buildings are now compliant either because it was shown that they did not need to be reinforced or because they have conformed to the retrofit process schedule or have actually completed their retrofit program. The Building Department, under Ariel Soccaris, and the property owners (you know who you are) should be commended for making this much progress in enhancing public safety, particularly since much of it happened during the challenging, inflationary, and paralyzing three-year Covid 19 period.

Santa Monica Poised to Crack Down on Gas-Powered Leaf Blowers

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 Jul 2023 21:58:20 GMT

To help crack down on violators, the amended law would allow the use of video-taped evidence and expand responsible parties to include the "property owner, owner, tenant, business owner or manager."

Code enforcers could then target their efforts "at the owners or occupants of property who may either violate this provision or employ those who do, rather than punishing those who may be least able to pay fines."

We need solutions, not politics by Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:01:11 GMT

Here in Santa Monica we have spent millions to supposedly fight homelessness, yet have had to form a commission just to find out where that money went. That’s absurd, and insulting to local taxpayers who are afraid to walk our streets, and to those suffering on the streets.

Something is clearly off with California’s homelessness spending

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 16:00:20 GMT

It strains credulity to believe that spending $42,000 per person is insufficient, but if bumped up to $45,000, all will be OK. California does not have the worst-in-the-nation homeless crisis because it spends too little.

To: The Santa Monica City Council, The Santa Monica City Manager, and the Santa Monica Police Chief Subject: My city is gone

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:09:26 GMT

I never go out alone. I drive to work with mace in my lap. I shutter when someone pounds on my door and screams crazy obscenities at 3am. I read the crime reports on social media, because YOU refuse to tell us or warn us about anything.

Residents Question Epidemic of Homeless People Screaming in Local Neighborhoods

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:07:11 GMT

There seems to be an epidemic of screaming homeless people in and around Santa Monica. Some draw a connection to LA County Dept of Public Health's free needle and pipe distribution program.

Santa Monica City Councilman Injured in Tussle With a Homeless Man on the Third Street Promenade Sunday

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 17:04:44 GMT

"A vagrant was tearing down his "Santa Monica is not Safe" sign. Phil told him to stop....he started throwing stuff at Phil

Los Angeles County Approves Landmark Right to Counsel Ordinance, Ensuring Legal Representation for Tenants Facing Eviction

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:57:31 GMT

This ordinance would cover residents in unincorporated areas and expand to incorporated areas within Los Angeles County, except those within the city of Los Angeles. The City of Los Angeles has already unanimously passed an ordinance on March 22 that would establish a Right to Counsel program.

Opinion: I'm a tenant in the mass eviction at Barrington Plaza. This developer decision could devastate L.A.

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 16:38:11 GMT

The multibillion-dollar corporate landlord and developer, Douglas Emmett, decided to evict all the largely working-class tenants from their 577 occupied units in one of the biggest rent-stabilized buildings on Los Angeles’ pricey Westside. The company says it intends to retrofit the fire sprinkler system, following dangerous fires in 2013 and 2020, and make other needed repairs. Yet if it requires units to be vacant to do the work, the city requires the filing of a Tenant Habitability Plan, under which tenants should be temporarily relocated, not evicted.

Three Planning Commissioners Seek Reappointment

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 14 Jul 2023 20:09:03 GMT

Commissioners Jim Ries, Nina Fresco and Mario Fonda Bonardi contend that their experience on the seven-member commission is needed as the City faces major planning challenges.

"The city is in an enormous state of flux and the Department of Community Development is under particular pressure to get a great deal done in the immediate future," said Fresco, who along with Fonda-Bonardi is seeking a third term.

$1.5 Billion Biennial Budget Restores Cut Services

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:18:06 GMT

The budget approved on June 27 reflects "the most substantial restoration of services" since the 2020 coronavirus shutdown and provides a plan to "rebuild, restore and reenergize our community," City officials said.

The budget significantly boosts the total number of full-time employees and as needed employees from 1,889.8 in FY 2020-21 to to 2,100 this year.

L.A. County moves to pass new renter protections

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jul 2023 00:21:33 GMT

L.A. County supervisors vowed Tuesday to shift the power dynamic, tapping their attorneys to draft an ordinance that would provide certain tenants in unincorporated parts of the county with lawyers during eviction proceedings. The board unanimously approved a motion that gives county staff 10 months to write an ordinance guaranteeing that these at-risk tenants have an attorney helping them navigate the labyrinth of local landlord-tenant law.

Santa Monica to Prep for More Ballot Funding Measures

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Jul 2023 14:58:21 GMT

The measures would help the cash-strapped City build new revenue streams after it was set back some $400 million by the coronavirus shutdown and record legal settlements in sexual abuse cases.

Why is Santa Monica Becoming Unsafe? | John Alle

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 18:00:09 GMT

See Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vIanHISPTYc

Farmers Insurance Joins Allstate and State Farm in Restricting New Homeowner Policies in California

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:24:31 GMT

As other companies have stated, the reason for the decision is rising inflation and extreme weather events happening more often, which would cause higher business costs for insurance companies.

New Apartments Coming to Lincoln Boulevard

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:23:10 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/07/video-new-apartments-coming-to-lincoln-boulevard/

How LA Failed to Stop Landlords From Turning Low-Cost Housing Into Tourist Hotels

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jul 2023 17:18:48 GMT

But amid the largest homelessness crisis in the nation, the American’s owner has turned the building into a boutique hotel where tourists can book rooms for as much as $209 a night.

And the city has done nothing to stop him.

Santa Monica becomes leader in earthquake safety, fixing more than 50% of vulnerable buildings

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 00:11:06 GMT

Of the city's 1,964 buildings initially identified as vulnerable in a quake, five have been demolished. Updated figures show that 599 structures had previously been retrofitted or demolished, and since 2017, 500 more have been made compliant with the seismic safety law, representing 56% of the initial stock of earthquake-vulnerable buildings. An additional 865 buildings have not been retrofitted.

700 Block of Santa Monica Blvd to be Torn Down in August for Block Apartment Building

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:42:57 GMT

Tenants of Victor's Cleaning and Tailoring, Santa Monica Rubber Stamp, Crisp Imaging, Tibetan Arts and Santa Monica Guitar this week received notice that they must be out by August 15th, 2023. The one hundred year old structure is about to be demolished and replaced by density.

New budget increases fees and fines

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:04:24 GMT

Landlords will be required to pay more if they fail to adequately compensate tenants who are temporarily relocated.

“The current fines for failure to provide relocation assistance required by the Code are less than the daily relocation benefit required,” said the staff report. “The current fine amount is also a per day violation, which makes the citation process more difficult as each citation has to have a separate fine for each day.”

The new fine increases the first violation from $250 to $2,000 and the increase is 125% of the first fine for a second and 150% for the third violation.

Judgment and Injunctions Against Landlords in Disability Discrimination Case

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 16:02:12 GMT

In a housing discrimination case brought by the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office that involved a family member with disabilities, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Lisa Sepe-Wiesenfeld has signed a stipulated judgment and injunctions against the two Defendant-landlords, Brida LLC and its managing agent Kathy Golshani. The injunction protects future tenants with disabilities from discrimination and harassment.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Future Of Santa Monica Airport (SMO)

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:59:21 GMT

On January 1, 2029, the City Council will be given the legal right to vote on whether to maintain the airport or demolish it. There will be no middle ground. Currently, the City’s staff is in the process of evaluating the qualifications of consultants to identify and propose the best uses for the land, which should include maintaining it as an airport. As I indicated in a Planning Commission meeting where the process was being discussed, the choice of consultants can often predetermine the results. If you hire a firm that specializes in park design to do the evaluation, you are likely to see a recommendation for a park.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Future Of Santa Monica Airport (SMO)

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jul 2023 15:59:21 GMT

What a New Apartment Complex in Ocean Park Will Look Like

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:37:01 GMT

Situated at 2903 Lincoln Boulevard and now named “The Wilson,” the development, overseen by CIM Group, comprises a four-story building spanning from Ashland Avenue in the north to Wilson Place in the south. The apartment complex will house a total of 47 dwellings, including studio, one-, two-, and three-bedroom units, with four units designated as extremely low-income affordable housing.

Santa Monica Rents Drop Again in June

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:31:09 GMT

Santa Monica's overall median rent stands at $2,135, marking a -0.4 percent decrease over the past 12 months. Still, local rents continue to outpace California's -1.4 percent annual decrease and the nation's 0 percent growth.

New Apartments Coming to 711 Colorado

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Jul 2023 18:30:26 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/07/video-new-apartments-coming-to-711-colorado-ave/

City Council Adopts Balanced Budget for FY 2023 – 2025

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:15:31 GMT

Last night, the Santa Monica City Council unanimously adopted a balanced biennial budget for Fiscal Years 2023-2025. The budget reflects the most substantial restoration of services since 2020, and builds on the work done in recent years to help respond to and recover from the COVID-19 emergency as well as make strategic investments to advance priority areas Council identified at its workshop on March 11, 2023, which include Addressing Homelessness; Clean and Safe Santa Monica; Cultivate Economic Recovery and Expand Community and Cultural Offerings; Racial Justice, Equity, and Social Diversity; and Sustainable and Connected Community.

Court Tries to Pin Down Voting Rights Standards

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 16:08:19 GMT

During oral arguments Tuesday in the voting rights case against the City, the California Supreme Court focused on how to interpret a law that sets no numerical threshold and fails to define key words.

Filed by Latino plaintiffs seven years ago, the lawsuit seeks to change how Santa Monica voters choose Councilmembers by showing that the current at-large election system polarizes Latino voters.

AND: https://smdp.com/2023/06/28/with-arguments-complete-wait-begins-for-ruling-that-could-upend-santa-monica-elections/

With arguments complete, wait begins for ruling that could upend Santa Monica elections

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 15:56:58 GMT

The plaintiffs proposed dividing the city into districts, which would result in a Pico neighborhood with approximately 30% Latino population compared to the citywide average of 14%. However, this would not guarantee an ability for Latino residents to win an election, leading the appeals court to support the City’s current at-large voting system.

Both sides had an opportunity to restate their arguments before being peppered with questions from the justices on Tuesday.

Tracy Condon Retiring from Rent Control Board

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:24:00 GMT

Condon confirmed she plans to retire by the end of the year and hopes a successor can be hired in time for the two to overlap for several weeks.

Santa Monica’s march towards modernization continues unabated

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:19:12 GMT

However, it’s safe to say that no one, or at least very few, expected four large-scale demolition and construction projects to be simultaneously undertaken, all within a two block radius of the former Vons site at 710 Broadway.

The first of the three additional projects is directly opposite the 710 Broadway site, adjacent to the entrance to the Bay Cities Italian Deli & Bakery car park, at 1527 Lincoln Blvd. The next is just around the corner and behind the Von’s site, at 711 Colorado Ave and finally the last new development is at 1430 Lincoln Blvd, the car park many of went to buy Christmas trees, next to Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies.

Approval of $745M annual budget anchors Tuesday council meeting

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:40:38 GMT

The revised FY 2023-25 Citywide Budget amounts to approximately $745 million and $750.6 million for FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25, respectively. The operating budget for the city is $641 million and $664.7 million for the respective fiscal years.

Rents to Rise 2.8 Percent in September

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:13:54 GMT

The Rent Control Board on Thursday approved a mandated 2.8 percent rent increase that kicks in September 1 and opted to place a $67 cap.

Final Showdown Tuesday In Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:12:26 GMT

The final showdown in a seven-year voting rights lawsuit against the City that could alter the future of both state and local politics will take place Tuesday.

At 9 a.m., the California Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in a case that claims Santa Monica's at-large elections for City Council violate the rights of Latino voters.

SMa.r.t. A Comfortable City for All

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 16:11:06 GMT

Now, this Facebook post sheds light on a bigger issue facing Santa Monica. Poor planning, inconsiderate design, and weak communication have made it tough for residents to navigate our city’s man-made environment. We’re talking about parking structure signs blocking our view of oncoming traffic, misbehaving bus benches, unenforced noise regulations, and infrequent bus service (although it is improving now, to be fair). It’s a mess that affects folks of all ages, not just seniors.

Rent Control Board Announces 2023 General Adjustment of 2.8%

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 20:24:33 GMT

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board has announced a 2.8 percent general adjustment (annual rent increase) to controlled rents effective September 1, 2023. Following a public hearing on June 8, the Board voted to limit the amount of the increase to $67 for units with current Maximum Allowable Rents (MARs) of $2,375 and above.

SHARE THIS Facebook Twitter HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS How Much Can My Rent Go Up Right Now? Here’s Your LA Rent Hike Cheat Sheet

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 15:57:08 GMT

However, different parts of L.A. have very different rules on rent increases. Some cities have local forms of rent control. Others don’t. These rules can be very confusing. To sort it all out for you, we’ve put together a short guide to the laws in different parts of Southern California.

Rental Housing Providers Need Solutions, Not Limitations

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:58:01 GMT

by Mathew Millen

AB 12 is simply not a solution. I know owners who allow applicants to spread their security deposits over a couple of months. There are supplemental programs to help Californians get and stay housed, like Section 8. We need similar programs to help Californians with security deposits. One potential solution may be some kind of renter security deposit loan program, because at the end of the day renters who don’t destroy property get their deposits back.

Resident anger and frustration over homelessness response reaches City Council

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:54:08 GMT

The night’s agenda had no specific item related to the subject meaning Council was prevented from addressing the speakers directly but the theme of the criticism was clear: patience is wearing thin when it comes to chronic homelessness and crime in the city.

How to Go Solar in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 15:52:45 GMT

The City's Climate Action & Adaptation Plan calls for increased local solar to help reach a goal of 80% carbon emissions reduction by 2030. To support this goal, the City is relaunching Solar Santa Monica, a free service to help residents and businesses looking to go solar. Through Solar Santa Monica, owners of residential and commercial properties can find resources and experts with unbiased technical advice to help them navigate the various rules, incentives, and financing options for solar arrays, battery storage, and more.

Renters’ rights: California advocates chip away at landlords’ political influence

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Jun 2023 15:46:39 GMT

Those victories are evidence, advocates say, that renters are gaining influence in the Capitol. Though groups representing landlords and real estate continue spending millions on lobbying and supporting candidates, tenants rights groups are starting to chip away at their influence.

Residents Urge Stronger Action to Curb Growing Homeless Problem

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:40:10 GMT

More than a dozen Santa Monica residents took to the podium at Tuesday's City Council meeting to share their personal encounters with the homeless and urge stronger action to curb crime and anti-social behavior.

The speakers -- who provided input on items not on the agenda -- included a high school student who no longer frequents Santa Monica parks after his friend was stabbed and a hotel owner who is losing guests afraid for their safety.

Council Jacks Up Solid Waste Rates After 3-Year Freeze

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 16:37:39 GMT

The new rates -- which kick in August 1, then annually on July 1 through 2027 -- would see bills for a four-unit building go up from about $199 to $363, while those for a 10-unit building would rise from about $263 to $472.

Commercial buildings would also see 11 percent rate hikes over five years with cost depending on the cubic yard and frequency of collection.

Council Adopts Solid Waste Rates

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:19:34 GMT

At its June 13, 2023, meeting, the City Council adopted a five-year schedule of solid waste rates for sanitation and enhanced sweeping, recycling, and solid waste collection services. The new rates will be effective on August 1, 2023, and annually thereafter on the first day of the fiscal year from July 1, 2024, through July 1, 2027.

Council Approves Nearly $13 Million in Contracts

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:17:09 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday approved half a dozen five-year contracts totaling nearly $13 million for services ranging from private security at parking structures to maintenance of police radio operations.

The biggest expenditure on the Consent Calendar was a $4,788,523 modification of a contract with Illinois-based Motorola Solutions, Inc. "for maintenance of the interoperable public safety trunked radio communications system and radio equipment."

Council Takes Up Lawsuits Stemming from 2020 Riots

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Jun 2023 15:40:44 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday took up four lawsuits -- including a federal case filed by Black Lives Matter (BLM) -- claiming the City violated the rights of protestors during the May 31, 2020 riots in Santa Monica.

llegal Short-Term Rental Violations Increase as City Enforcement Decreases

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:16:34 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/06/illegal-short-term-rental-violations-increase-as-city-enforcement-decreases/

Council Poised to Approve $2.2 Million Contract for Parking Structure Security

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 16:13:32 GMT

The proposed $2.2 million contract with Good Guard Security would provide four unarmed guards, including a supervisor, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. at 10 parking structures.

Small Claims Court Moves From Santa Monica Courthouse, to Beverly Hills

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:18:31 GMT

The Superior Court has announced that effective July 3, 2023, all small claims hearings in the Court's West District will be moved from the Santa Monica Courthouse, 1725 Main St., Santa Monica, to the Beverly Hills Courthouse at 9355 Burton Way, Beverly Hills. This from the office of Clerk of Court David W. Slayton.

SMa.r.t. Thirsty Santa Monica: Running Dry

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:15:28 GMT

The thirst is real, and Santa Monica is feeling it. The problem? Santa Monica relies on the Metropolitan Water District for a quarter of its water, and in spite of recent welcome rains, in the long run, those sources are drying up, driving prices sky-high.

The city has made heroic efforts to shift to local sources like wells and recycled water, but becoming water self-sufficient is proving to be an uphill battle. The commercial sector’s increasing consumption and new real estate developments are partly to blame.

Proposed Amendment to the California Constitution Passes Housing Committee

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Jun 2023 16:14:09 GMT

California Assemblymember Matt Haney of District 17 in San Francisco has introduced ACA 10, which is a Constitutional amendment for the state of California that would enshrine the fundamental right to housing in the state’s constitution. According to The Sacramento Bee, ACA 10 passed a vote in the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development with a 6 to 2 vote. The no votes were from Republican members of the committee on June 7, 2023.

Council gives final feedback on 2023-2025 proposed biennial budget before adoption

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:45:54 GMT

City Council held a study session to review the Financial Year (FY) 2023-25 proposed biennial budget last week and among the instructions to staff were a block of actions to bolster the city’s landmark and preservation process.

Council want to reestablish monthly meetings for the Landmarks Commission, waive application fees for non-profits and Landmarks Commissioners for Landmark Designations and Certificates of Appropriateness, review legal considerations for placing pending Demolition Permit applications on the Landmarks Commission agendas and explore the possibility of limiting consultant review of Landmark Designation applications.

‘Godzilla next door’: How California developers gained new leverage to build more homes

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:43:24 GMT

WS Communities put forward its not-so-modest proposal at a moment when it had extreme leverage over the city thanks to a new interpretation of a 33-year-old housing law. Santa Monica’s state-required housing plan had expired and its new plan had yet to be approved. According to the law, in that non-compliance window, developers can exploit the so-called builder’s remedy, in which they can build as much as they want wherever they want so long as at least 20% of the proposed units are set aside for lower income residents.

Impact of Supreme Court Ruling on Local Voting Rights Case Debatable

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 19:34:00 GMT

The 5-4 decision affirms a lower court ruling that struck down a map drawn by the state's Republican-led Senate that voting rights activists say discriminates against Black voters.

The map carved out one majority Black district and spread other black voters into districts dominated by Whites, diluting the Black vote.

California bill would limit security deposits for prospective renters

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 19:49:44 GMT

The state Assembly passed Bill 12 in May and now sits in the state Senate, where the policy committee will review it. The bill, which was introduced in December, could be signed into law by September if it passes the Senate. The bill would limit security deposits to one month’s rent, but would not change any of the liability on renters for damages, according to its author, Democratic Assemblyman Matt Haney.

Transfer Tax Hike Lawsuit Hearing Set for August

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:55:53 GMT

The parties in a lawsuit that seeks to void Santa Monica's transfer tax hike have filed motions for a hearing in Los Angeles County Superior Court set for August 3.

The lawsuit filed January 9 by the California Business Roundtable against the City and School District claims that Measure GS violates the California Constitution's “single-subject” rule because it generates funding for two separate purposes

OPINION -- A Call for Action from the Trenches

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Jun 2023 17:52:24 GMT

Jen Rush is the owner of Blue Plate Oysterette and Blue Plate Taco in Downtown Santa Monica.

To all who do business, live, work and manage our City of Santa Monica,

This week a group of us went to visit 10 local hotel concierges to try and drum up business for our restaurants, as it has been painfully slow in Santa Monica.

I have spoken to many colleagues in the Santa Monica hospitality business and they have also confirmed very slow business. The gray weather does not help, but I wanted you all to know that several of the hotels commented that they are no longer seeing foreign tourists as they are being advised to stay away from Santa Monica specifically, due to the increase in homelessness, unsafe streets and beaches that are populated by homeless.

SMa.r.t. Column: Improving Santa Monica’s Future: A Resident-Oriented Master Plan

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 16:04:39 GMT

Why Santa Monica Needs a Resident-Oriented Master Plan

To make the case for a resident-oriented master plan in Santa Monica, let’s break down the specific reasons and raise important questions:

1. Managing Growth

School budget hits the red starting next year

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:59:41 GMT

SMMUSD will formally adopt its budget at the end of this month but the Board heard a preliminary update last week with bad news in the short term.

The District projected total revenues for next school year as $132,538,788. That is projected to increase slightly to $137,119,554 for the 24/25 school year. Expenses are estimated to be $141,918,920 for next year and $139,110,031 for the 24/25 year.

Solid Waste Rates Set to Rise

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 15:49:59 GMT

Single-family customers in Santa Monica could see their bi-monthly solid waste bill rise over the next five years -- from about $84 to $141 -- under rate hikes the City Council will take up Tuesday.

Under the 11 percent per year hikes, rates for a four-unit apartment building would go up from about $199 to $363, while those for a 10-unit building would rise from about $263 to $472.

Few Approve of Council's Performance, Poll Finds

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Jun 2023 17:54:07 GMT

A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents found that crime and homelessness remain the top concerns, while few approve of the new City Council's performance so far.

The text message poll of some 140 residents concerned with public safety also found that nearly two-thirds support an agreement that averts about a dozen "builder's remedy" projects.

Prop 19.’s property tax transfer a ‘godsend’ for Southern California seniors

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:17:45 GMT

Prop. 19 allows homeowners 55 and older, the severely disabled or the victims of a wildfire to move their lower Prop. 13 tax base up to three times anywhere in California.

Before the law was enacted in 2021, homeowners only got one base tax transfer and it only worked if the new home was of equal or lesser value. Also, only a handful of counties at the time allowed the tax transfer. Today, owners can buy up with the price differential added to their property tax rate.

Here's what to know about tenant protections lawmakers are considering

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:14:17 GMT

Amid a housing shortage that's pushed low-income renters onto the streets and made it difficult for moderate earners to find affordable options, California lawmakers introduced new measures this year to mitigate high costs of living and prevent evictions.

Here are two bills to help renters that cleared a major hurdle and one proposal that flopped this week as the Legislature took action before a key deadline on Friday:

Passed: Limiting security deposits

Passed: Curbing evictions

SMa.r.t. - Landmarks Commission Back From the Dead

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:50:58 GMT

A 9000 unit increase corresponds to about a 20% percent increase in our population or about 18,000 new residents. To put that number in perspective, Santa Monica took nearly seventy years to increase its population by 18,000 to our current nominal 91,000 residents. Now in only eight years, we are supposed to do what took seven decades? This massively anticipated buildout will presumably be occurring while the statewide population of California and Santa Monica is actually declining, including throughout Los Angeles County, which has seen a population decline of 200,000 people in the past eighteen months due to the interactive effects of Covid, the lack of affordable housing, the fear of crime, and the high cost of living.

New Business and Personal Lines Property and Casualty Insurance Paused In California

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 16:49:37 GMT

After State Farm announced a pause on new business and personal lines property and casualty insurance in California on May 27, Allstate announced today publicly that they stopped writing new such policies for California late last year.

Sen. Wiener’s Affordable Housing Mandate for Cities Extended

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Jun 2023 16:07:35 GMT

Sen. Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced gleefully today that the Senate passed his Senate Bill 423, legislation to extend his SB 35 from 2017, “one of the state’s most successful tools for accelerating development of affordable housing,” according to the Senator. SB 423 eliminates the sunset date on SB 35 which created “a streamlined, ministerial approval process for infill developments in localities that have failed to meet their regional housing needs assessment (RHNA) numbers.”

Tax on short-term rentals like Airbnb could fund California affordable housing

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:40:20 GMT

California lawmakers are considering a measure this session that would tax short-term rentals to fund affordable housing projects, a proposal that has revived dormant tensions at the state Capitol over the rise of companies like Airbnb and Vrbo and their responsibility for the state’s constrained housing supply.

Senate Bill 584 by state Sen. Monique Limón, a Santa Barbara Democrat, would impose a 15% tax on short-term rentals — the homes and rooms that owners rent out like hotels for 30 days or less at a time — starting in 2025. This statewide surcharge, an addition to the local transient occupancy taxes that most communities already require, could generate an estimated $150 million annually to build or rehabilitate low- and middle-income housing.

Venice Non-profit’s Homeless Housing Bill Stalls In Senate

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:38:29 GMT

Last week, Senate Bill 7 (SB7) failed to advance in the Senate Appropriations committee. Introduced by Senator Catherine Blakespear from Encinitas and co-sponsored by Venice-based Safe Place For Youth (SPY), the bill would’ve mandated that California provide free, permanent housing for any homeless person currently in the state.

Santa Monica Rents Drop During Peak Moving Season

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Jun 2023 18:09:56 GMT

Following a brief two-month rise, rents in Santa Monica dropped by -0.9 percent in May and have fallen -0.4 percent so far this year, according to Apartment List's latest monthly report released Wednesday.

The drop over the first five months compares with a 5.1 percent rent growth during the same period last year, according to data compiled from listings on the popular rental website.

Campaign to expand rent control in California says 3rd time's a charm

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 May 2023 17:08:26 GMT

Proponents of the Justice for Renters Act say they've gathered enough signatures to put it on the ballot in 2024

Crimes spike year on year

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:55:53 GMT

Crime, both serious and petty, has spiked by double digits this year according to the most recent reports from the Santa Monica Police Department that compare the first quarter of 2023 to the same time last year.

SMa.r.t. Column: Improving Santa Monica’s Future: A Resident-Oriented Master Plan

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:49:13 GMT

Improving Santa Monica’s Future: A Resident-Oriented Master Plan

Santa Monica, like many cities, requires a well-defined master plan to guide its future development and growth. A master plan is a comprehensive long-term strategy that outlines the city’s goals and objectives for various aspects of urban life, including land use, transportation, housing, infrastructure, and environmental protection. However, the extent to which such a plan has been implemented in Santa Monica remains a question worth exploring.

Why Santa Monica Needs a Resident-Oriented Master Plan

To make the case for a resident-oriented master plan in Santa Monica, let’s break down the specific reasons and raise important questions:

Homelessness Exacerbated by Santa Monica Rail and Bus System

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:47:55 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/05/video-homelessness-exacerbated-by-santa-monica-rail-and-bus-system/

Santa Monica Ranked One of the Least Affordable U.S. Cities

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:46:21 GMT

The City of Santa Monica was listed as the third least affordable city in the U.S. by WalletHub’s “2023’s Most Affordable Cities for Home Buyers”.

The website used several metrics graded on a 100-point scale to make the ranking. Those included housing affordability, maintenance affordability, cost of Homeowner’s Insurance, cost of living, real estate tax, rent-to-price ratio and vacancy rate. Santa Monica was ranked lowest for rent-to-price ratio and 239th lowest for housing affordability.

Pandemic-Induced Rent Debt Crisis Threatens Housing Stability

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 May 2023 16:43:40 GMT

In the city of Santa Monica, it is estimated that there are 3,710 households behind on rent, a total of $14,310,000, with an estimated $3,900 of rent owed and 4,100 children in households with unpaid rental debt. Both West Hollywood and the city of Inglewood have estimated totals that are slightly less than Santa Monica, West Hollywood’s total estimated unpaid rent is $9,250,000 and Inglewood’s is $12,630,000. It is possible that those totals might be slightly less based on rental prices in the other areas, but the true reason for the discrepancy is not known.

LA County Runs Free Needle Distribution Program Across 7th Street From the Luxury Santa Monica Proper Hotel

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 May 2023 23:31:33 GMT

A recent petition states that LA County is conducting a free needle distribution program in the 7 Eleven parking lot, across the street from the Santa Monica Proper Hotel. A luxury hotel, the Proper's rooms start at about $1,000 a night.

A petition to rid Santa Monica of the County of LA's distribution program has the signatures of at least one Santa Monica City councilmember, Phil Brock.

Santa Monica Is Third Least Affordable City for Home Buyers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 May 2023 15:48:06 GMT

Santa Monica is the third least affordable city in the country to buy a home, according to an analysis of 300 U.S. cities by WalletHub released Tuesday.

The site analyzed cities by size based on ten key metrics that ranged from the costs of homes and their maintenance to tax rates and homeowners insurance costs, according to the financial website.

Santa Monica housing provider expands into Venice

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:50:37 GMT

Barauskas said when she came onboard at CCSM about seven years ago, her intention was always to expand to other areas of the Westside, noting that housing is expensive all over the region, and not just in Santa Monica, where CCSM had been exclusively focused up to that point. “I asked the board, ‘If you’re interested in expanding, then I’d like the job.’ And it’s worked out really well. So that was kind of my pitch.”

Breakdown Of Santa Monica’s Proposed Biennial Budget

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:47:56 GMT

The council’s meeting on Tuesday will begin the discussion process leading up to the budget’s adoption in June. A public hearing on June 27 will be held for public comment, making revisions, and adopting the first year and approving the second year of the budget.

Here is a breakdown of the proposed biennial budget:

Supreme Court Sets Date for Oral Arguments in Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:29:45 GMT

"To be argued on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 9:00 am," the schedule reads. The oral argument session "will be conducted with all justices and counsel participating remotely."

Within 90 days of oral arguments, the court files its written opinion, which becomes final 30 days after filing, unless there is a rehearing or the court modifies its decision.

Proposed budget restores almost 70 positions to City hall

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 May 2023 17:44:45 GMT

Santa Monica’s upcoming budget picture moves from barely in the black to slighly in the red over the next five year, call it an ash grey to watermelon transition by fiscal year 2027/28.

The Citywide proposed Biennial Budget is $740.9 million in FY 2023-24 and $746.4 million in FY 2024-25 and council will hear an update on its fiscal projections at Tuesday’s meeting.

This is Santa Monica’s Vacancy Rate

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 May 2023 15:11:58 GMT

The City of Santa Monica saw an incremental decrease in its total population along with an uptick in total housing units at the start of 2023 compared with 2022, according to data released by the California Department of Finance.

Los Angeles Councilwoman targets “vanlord” industry

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 May 2023 16:29:06 GMT

Venice Councilwoman Traci Park is taking action to address the growing concern about “van lords” who rent out RVs to people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.

Park presented a motion on Tuesday seeking to tighten regulations on RV sales and leasing in public rights-of-way that would try to limit the number of vehicles on local streets.

While Santa Monica has a longstanding prohibition against public camping that includes living in vehicles, the van rental business has been a problem in Venice for years.

Say NO to Expanded Rent Control in California

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:44:32 GMT

Senate Bill 466 by Sen. Aisha Wahab would enable cities and counties in California to impose rent control on newer properties, eroding the exemption for housing constructed before 1995 under the landmark Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act.

While anticipated amendments to the bill are expected to continue to exempt single-family homes and condominiums under Costa-Hawkins, SB 466 would still dismantle essential aspects of California’s foremost rental housing-protection law. It's critical to make your voice heard: Ask your legislator to vote against this bill when it comes up for a vote.

Real Estate Transfer: Baby Boomers Secure Generational Wealth by Transferring Property to Children

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 May 2023 16:42:38 GMT

Much of that fortune is in real estate, and boomers can use their properties to secure their wealth for posterity — but they have to do it right.

“Individuals with accumulated wealth often consider how best to transfer that wealth to their loved ones — and how to preserve and grow value for future generations,” said Melissa Goikhman, a New York City-based estate planning attorney and founder of Legacy Wealth Counsel. “This is where estate planning and intergenerational wealth planning meet.”

Population decrease and housing increase drive local vacancy rate to 10%

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:32:14 GMT

Santa Monica’s total vacancy rate, including single family homes and multi-unit housing could be as high as 10 percent according to new data released by the State of California Department of Finance this week.

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:24:59 GMT

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants

The good news? The California Residential Mitigation Program (CRMP) recently launched a new pilot program to help homeowners in select cities safeguard their soft-story residences against the threat of an earthquake.

Eligible homeowners in 82 different ZIP Codes in the cities of Los Angeles, Pasadena, San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley can apply for grants to retrofit their soft-story homes. We anticipate initially awarding a total of 375 grants. Funding will vary in amount and will be up to 75% of the total retrofit cost with a maximum of $10,000 or $13,000 depending on house type and what a retrofit would entail. Registration is open now and will continue through the end of
May. More information on how homeowners can apply can be found at www.EarthquakeSoftStory.com

SM.a.r.t - Parking Wars Part 2

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:21:32 GMT

The car is (unfortunately) here to stay

Just because the State is forbidding these new residents from having cars, people who can afford cars will not abandon them because their cars provide, in spite of their drawbacks, exceptional speed, convenience, safety and cultural value. Simply put the car will not “go away” until there are real transportation alternatives of equal speed, convenience, safety and cultural value.

Unanimous Council Vote Masks Deep Disagreements About Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 May 2023 14:17:45 GMT

In the end, it was unanimous. All the Councilmembers present agreed that the City should continue, and in some cases expand, the ambitious and costly programs and initiatives it began embarking on decades ago to tackle an entrenched homeless problem.

But beneath the unity were major disagreements over basic questions: Who should the homeless programs ultimately help? And what is the best way to achieve a goal so elusive it persists despite more than $40 million a year in spending?

Millions in new spending approved as homelessness emergency is extended

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:59:26 GMT

Council approved a series of multi-million dollar contracts this week to aid in the ongoing fight against homelessness. The actions came as the city officially received its annual report on the state of homelessness in Santa Monica.

During Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting, staff presented findings from the 2023 Annual Interdepartmental Homelessness Report along with nine recommendations it is hoped might help alleviate the crisis currently affecting Santa Monica, all of which were passed unanimously.

Santa Monica City Council Extends Local Emergency Order

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:56:55 GMT

In response to City staff’s comprehensive annual update on addressing homelessness, the Santa Monica City Council on May 9, 2023, voted to extend the Local Emergency Order on Homelessness to May 31, 2024, and focus current and new investments to maintain and scale up initiatives to support vulnerable populations at-risk of or experiencing homelessness. These investments include using new resources from Measure CS, approved by voters in 2022, and, in the future, using resources from Measure GS, also approved by voters in 2022 but currently pending litigation as to its validity, to expand field-based services; create new deed-restricted affordable housing and expand homelessness prevention programs; establish a Homeless Strategic Plan as recommended by the City’s internal auditor; and create a new Housing and Human Services Department to lead implementation of the Strategic Plan, enabling the City to achieve Measure CS, GS, and audit report objectives more rapidly.

Rent Board Announces 2.8 Percent Rent Increase

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 May 2023 15:49:32 GMT

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board on Tuesday announced a mandated 2.8 percent annual rent increase starting on September 1.

The increase is based on a formula dictated by the Rent Control Charter that sets the amount at 75 percent of the Consumer Price index for the 12-month period ending as of March.

Council Approves Agreement That Removes 'Builder's Remedy' Projects

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 May 2023 17:31:09 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday approved a settlement agreement that will avert a lengthy legal battle over an untested development policy and scale back nearly a dozen projects that could have been built largely outside the City's control.

The 7 to 0 vote came as Santa Monica's largest developer -- WS Communities -- threatened to proceed with 14 "builder's remedy" projects' totaling nearly 4,200 units if the Council didn't greenlight the proposed settlement before midnight ("WS Could Pull 13 'Builder's Remedy' Projects Under Proposed Settlement Agreement," May 5, 2023).

In first increase since ballot box revolt, Rent Control Board proposes a 2.8% increase

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 May 2023 18:35:52 GMT

The Rent Control Board will meet this week to determine allowable increases for rent controlled units and while the proposed figure is significantly higher than increases in recent history, it is less than half of the figure that roiled renters last year.

Rental increases in rent controlled units are established by a preset formula that limits rents to 75 percent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This year, the CPI comes in at 3.7 percent meaning increases will be capped at 2.8 percent for the next year. The Rent Control Board has the option to establish a dollar cap on those increases which is also determined by a preset formula and if they do implement the cap it would be a maximum of $67 per month on units already paying $2,375 a month or more.

SMCLC wants time to study Builders Remedy settlement

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 May 2023 18:33:38 GMT

The proposed settlement with WS Communities (WSC) over 13 of its “builder’s remedy” project sites will have a huge impact on Santa Monica and its residents for generations to come. When the news broke last September that this developer had filed applications for 14 projects under a “builder’s remedy” statute to construct buildings as high as 20 stories and over 4000 units citywide there was widespread opposition. Residents urged the city to hire outside counsel and oppose these projects. https://smclc.net/DevIgnoreZoning10-17-22.html

In response, the City Attorney retained outside counsel who advised the City Council that there were good legal grounds to contest the filings once formal applications were filed, and one of his highest priorities was to keep the Council and the public informed.

In spite of this, last Thursday city staff placed a settlement item on the Council agenda for tomorrow’s Council meeting as though it were just a routine item.

Landlord Plans to Evict Hundreds of Tenants in Aging West LA Apartment Complex

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 May 2023 17:31:35 GMT

The owner of the Barrington Plaza Complex is evicting all the tenants that live in the building, some of whom have lived there for decades.

The building itself has a history of life-threatening fires and is in serious need of renovations that could take several years to complete.

The complex's 577 occupied units were informed that with very limited exceptions they have four months to relocate.

Median Santa Monica Rents Increase In April

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 08 May 2023 19:10:09 GMT

The Median Rent In Santa Monica Increased by 0.8 Percent In April, Marking The Second Consecutive Monthly Increase After a Six-Month Decline.

WS Could Pull 13 'Builder's Remedy' Projects Under Proposed Settlement Agreement

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 08 May 2023 18:55:50 GMT

The proposed settlement agreement gives WS "the option to suspend the BR Project applications, and, instead, file thirteen new multi-family housing projects that would qualify for ministerial approvals" under the City's Housing Element, according to City Attorney Doug Sloan.

If WS agrees, "the City would process the new applications on an expedited basis," and "the housing built by the owners will satisfy a significant portion of the City’s regional housing needs," Sloan wrote in his report to the Council.

SMa.r.t Column: Parking Wars

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 08 May 2023 18:48:43 GMT

The Mobility Landscape Has Started To Abruptly Change In Santa Monica Because Of New State Laws Banning Parking Minimums In New Developments.

EV Charging for Renters and Rental Property Owners

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 May 2023 16:05:34 GMT

California state law (Civil Code section 1947.6) requires landlords to approve tenant requests to install EV charging stations in their dedicated parking spaces so long as the tenant is willing to pay for the charging station and associated costs, including installation and utility costs. However, there are several exceptions to this law, including properties where:

Landlords have installed EV charging stations in at least 10% of the designated parking spaces;
Tenants are not provided parking in their lease agreement;
There are fewer than five parking spaces; and
The unit is covered by a local rent control ordinance and a local EV charging station ordinance that was adopted on or before January 1, 2018.

Santa Monica's Homeless Numbers Rise After COVID-Driven Drop

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 May 2023 15:58:43 GMT

A total of 926 individuals were counted during this year's homeless census in Santa Monica, an increase over last year but fewer than were counted in 2019, according to results released by the City Thursday.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2023/05/04/santa-monica-releases-2023-homeless-count-results-and-previews-recommended-approach-to-homelessness

Council Set to Fill Newly Created Tax Advisory Committee

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 May 2023 15:50:27 GMT

Five applicants are vying to sit on a newly formed committee that will advise the City Council on how to use more than $4 million a year to fund "on-going urgent community priorities."

The funds are generated by Measure CS, a bed tax hike overwhelmingly approved by local voters in November that will provide revenues targeted to enhance public safety and address homelessness.

Grant Funding on Tuesday's Agenda

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 May 2023 17:30:43 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday is expected to give the go-ahead to seek a $5 million housing grant from the State and to hand out more than $10 million in human services grants.

The City received a total of 31 program proposals that totaled $11.6 million and has $10,146,000 in funding available for the upcoming four-year cycle that ends in June 2027, according to City staff.

California’s next housing crackdown could force cities to plan more homeless shelters

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 May 2023 20:52:14 GMT

A bill working its way through the Legislature could change that, and potentially lead to sanctions against local governments that fail to plan for the needs of homeless Californians.

Senate Bill 7 would — for the first time — require cities and counties to plan enough beds for everyone living without a place to call home.

Cash-Strapped City Faces Record Pension Deficit

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 May 2023 20:41:25 GMT

The City of Santa Monica is facing an unfunded pension liability of nearly half a billion dollars as it struggles to recover from the coronavirus shutdown and pay a $122.5 million settlement approved by the City Council last week.

Los Angeles rents declined during March

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 May 2023 15:34:31 GMT

The real estate website, which evaluated prices in Los Angeles, Long Beach and Anaheim, also found rent prices in the area had dipped approximately 0.9% from February to March. San Francisco, Riverside-San Bernardino and Sacramento also saw rent decreases ranging from .8% to 5.3%, according to the website.

Rent cap provision cut from tenant protection law

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 May 2023 15:33:18 GMT

The Senate Judiciary Committee held a recent hearing and voted 9-2 to advance the bill. However, that move was contingent on removing a rent cap decrease. The law, SB 567 authored by state Sen. Maria Elena Durazo, originally aimed to lower California’s maximum annual rent cap increase from 10% or 5% plus inflation to 5% or the simple inflation increase.

Santa Monica Rents Rise for 2nd Straight Month

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 Apr 2023 17:41:14 GMT

The median rent in Santa Monica increased 0.8 percent in April, marking the second straight monthly rise after dropping for half a year, according to Apartment List's latest monthly report released Thursday.

The increase was higher than the 0.5 increase nationwide, which has seen rents growing slower than usual as the busy rental season picks up, the report said.

Single family homes that are used as rentals will not be subject to rent control

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:03:48 GMT

Santa Monica’s Rent Control Board took a stance on several proposed laws last week backing measures that would allow tenants to relocate, expand rent control to newly constructed buildings and facilitate payments to landlords who are making their buildings earthquake safe.

During the most recent Rent Control Board meeting, all members expressed their support for the consideration of resolution AB 1620, which would require landlords statewide to permit permanently disabled tenants who live upstairs to move downstairs for simplicity’s sake. It would in fact be the first change to the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act in 28 years, something Chair Anatasia Foster noted would be “historic.”

Santa Monica Rent Control Releases Annual Report

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 18:41:39 GMT

Insights from the report reveal a shifting and more costly local rental housing market. Rents for new tenancies saw a downward trend during the pandemic and are now showing increases. For 1- and 2-bedroom units, which make-up 82 percent of the controlled housing stock, median rents for new tenancies rose 8.7 percent and 13 percent respectively, as compared to a year earlier. The median starting rent for a 1-bedroom unit increased $200 to $2,500, and the median starting rent for a 2-bedroom unit rose nearly $400 to $3,400. Record high starting rents were set for all unit sizes in 2022 except 3-bedroom and larger units, which were only higher in 2020.

Council Poised to Set Aside 3 More Properties for Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 18:00:04 GMT

The three properties at 1444 7th Street, 1654 19th Street and the Expo lot parcels are among 24 City owned properties earmarked for 100 percent affordable housing development in the City's Housing Element.

The property on 7th Street -- that was the site of the 11,362-square-foot Fire Station station built in 1955 -- allow for a building height up to 84 feet, with an additional 10 feet if the housing development is 100 percent affordable.

Prices Climb, Turnover Persists for Rent-Controlled Units, Report Finds

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 17:57:53 GMT

"The forces that suppressed the market in recent years seem to have ended," the report said. "One factor may have been the unusually high number of units rented in 2021 (3,693 units), resulting in fewer units available for rent in 2022.

"The number of new tenancies established and registered with the Agency in 2022 (2,139 units) was the lowest in recent years. Market demand and a relatively lower number of units offered for rent may have fueled the rise in initial rents."

California lawmakers want to know why billions in spending isn’t reducing homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:03:27 GMT

The state has stepped up its involvement and investment in the crisis under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s leadership, allocating $20.6 billion toward housing and homelessness since 2018-19, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. But despite the influx of cash, during that time, the number of unhoused people in the state has increased by nearly a third — to more than 170,000 as of last year.

That discrepancy between what’s being spent in Sacramento and what voters see — tent cities in their neighborhoods — has many legislators clamoring for an accounting. They have instructed the state auditor to embark on a sweeping project that will analyze multiple state homelessness programs — as well as focus on homelessness spending in two cities — in an attempt to improve California’s response.

WS Communities Unveils ‘The Santa Monica Six’

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 Apr 2023 15:42:59 GMT

Development firm WS Communities (WSC) made waves in California last year when it utilized the little-known legal provision called “builder’s remedy” to file over a dozen project applications in Santa Monica as reported by The Real Deal.com. Now, WSC has collated a portfolio of six of those projects, collectively called “The Santa Monica Six.” These projects total 2,930 units spread out over 1.45 million square feet, and cover five and a half acres, making it a significant collection of development properties for the state of California.

Santa Monica has an 8% vacancy rate

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 22:43:15 GMT

According to Apartmentlist.com, Santa Monica has the third highest vacancy rate among California areas it tracks.

State utility bills may see a change with a fixed-rate based on income

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 15 Apr 2023 17:42:46 GMT

PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric filed a joint proposal with the state Public Utilities Commission seeking to add a fixed monthly charge for services, based on household income levels.

Santa Monica Business and Property Owners Taking Steps to Secede from Downtown Santa Monica Inc

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 15:58:49 GMT

Tenants and landlords of the area have long complained that DTSM charges high fees but produces poor results

Citing out-of-touch leadership and mismanagement of funds, 54 business and property owners on the Third Street Promenade have hired an attorney to create their own business district, apart from Downtown Santa Monica Inc, with no city government participation.

Over Half of Short-Term Rentals Advertised in LA Don’t Comply

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 16:24:41 GMT

Better Neighbors LA report highlights the inadequacies of enforcement measures for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, calling for increased regulation

Spotlighting the 16 Builder’s Remedy projects

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:45:10 GMT

SMDP is continuing its coverage of the Builder’s Remedy projects with an ongoing series focusing on each project. Here, you’ll find the rundown on the only 100% affordable project among the applicants along with some background information on the city’s overall housing stock.

New bidder emerges for the Civic Auditorium site

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:38:37 GMT

The Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District professed a desire to purchase the property earlier this year but a secret admirer has emerged with Community Corporation of Santa Monica also entering the negotiation process.

L.A. County's eviction moratorium has expired. What does that mean for renters?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Apr 2023 16:32:12 GMT

Here we try and answer some common questions about the changing rules and about what tenants facing eviction can do. This article focuses on tenants who have fallen behind on rent. But some of the new rules adopted since the pandemic also cover rent increases, relocation assistance and other issues.

Parking: California State Government Aims to Take Over Local Control

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 16:12:47 GMT

Tricia Crane

The below was an email sent by Northeast Neighbors community group advocate Tricia Crane to the group members regarding a recent presentation:

Dear Northeast Neighbors and friends,

Monday's meeting was one of our most informative and provocative. It was also the first time we have dedicated the entire two hours to one speaker and topic: Transit expert Thomas Rubin on "What to Expect with Proposed Parking Changes."

Older California Homeowners Can Get Help with Delinquent Mortgages and Property Taxes

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 23:51:29 GMT

The Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) helps homeowners impacted by COVID-19 to catch up on their housing expenses.
Who is eligible? • A homeowner who owns a home with up to four units (including ADU’s, duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes), condo or permanently affxed manufactured home that is their primary residence and:

11 out of a possible 100 families offered affordable housing

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:21:23 GMT

A city program to provide priority affordable housing to descendants of those displaced when several minority neighborhoods were demolished has resulted in nine successful applications as of March 31.

City Hall set aside 100 spots on the Below Market Housing (BMH) waitlist and while 134 applications were received, only 11 qualified with nine choosing to move forward with a housing placement.

City of Santa Monica Hosts Fair Housing Symposium

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 17:19:41 GMT

The Past, Present and Future of Fair Housing: A Symposium Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act of 1968 will be held on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium at the Santa Monica Main Library.

New law could apply rent control to single-family homes

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 16:58:02 GMT

As it stands today, Santa Monica’s rent control rules apply only to multi-unit housing and to units built prior to the adoption of rent control in 1979. The revisions proposed by SB 466 would extend rent control to single-family-homes and condos while changing the threshold from a fixed point in time (locally, pre-1979) to a rolling date that brings all construction into rent control after 15 years.

Proposal Would Allow Use of Vouchers for Shared Housing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Apr 2023 15:20:45 GMT

The change was proposed in response to a comment from a Resident Advisory Board (RAB) member about expanding voucher opportunities to shared housing, staff said in a report to the Council.

"Shared housing would allow voucher holders to cohabitate and rent individual rooms in a household with non-voucher participants," according to the report from the newly created Housing and Human Services (CSD) Department.

Monthly Poll Reflects Little Confidence in New City Department

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 15:59:24 GMT

A monthly poll of civically engaged Santa Monica residents taken last week found that nearly two-thirds don't believe a new City department created to reduce homelessness will succeed.

Santa Monica Approves $9.7M Loan for Affordable Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:34:03 GMT

The funding commitment includes an existing acquisition and pre-development loan of $467,735 and will support the construction of an approved project by Community Corp. of Santa Monica at 1342 Berkeley Street. The four-story building will feature 13 one-bedroom apartments, with five units set aside for transition-aged youth earning up to 50 percent of the area median income level, and the remaining eight apartments reserved for families earning up to 30 percent of AMI.

SMa.r.t. Column: Reusing Buildings for the Benefit of All

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:35:23 GMT

Adaptive reuse, repurposing, and up-cycling of industrial and commercial buildings (“Conversion”) for greater in-demand uses are rapidly becoming the direction of many savvy developers, investors, and businesses in certain circumstances. They are looking to create opportunities from current and projected occupancy demand changes and mitigate the increasing costs of new construction and permitting.

Few Qualify for Much Touted 'Right to Return' Program

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Apr 2023 15:32:48 GMT

A total of 11 applicants have qualified for Santa Monica's nationally publicized "Right to Return" program that gives priority for affordable housing to households displaced from the city's Black and Latino neighborhoods more than 60 years ago.

None of the qualified applicants -- who were placed near the top of the wait list for City-funded and inclusionary housing -- has yet to sign a lease, "though some are in process of submitting applications to property owners," staff informed the City Council on Friday.

Battle Lines Drawn Over State Housing Bill

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:51:00 GMT

Proponents of SB 423, authored by Senator Scott Wiener, say it will "turbocharge" residential development during a statewide housing crisis; opponents counter it "undermines local democracy."

The proposed bill would indefinitely extend the January 1, 2026 expiration of SB 35, a 2017 bill Wiener sponsored that allows developers to bypass local zoning laws if a City fails to meet its State housing plan requirements.

SMa.r.t. Column: I Told You So

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:59:14 GMT

On January17, 2015 SMa.r.t. posted a prophetic article in the Daily Press written by Ron Goldman FAIA advocating maintaining a low rise (3-4 stories) development standard along the major boulevards. He also included a sketch showing the negative alternative of 6-7 story buildings. Naturally there was outrage and push back from the establishment. The mayor said “I saw it and was greatly dismayed by the hyperbolically inaccurate visual representation of what is possible under Santa Monica zoning. You and the other architects must know better than that, and I was disappointed you would sign your names to that piece. I can only hope that perhaps you didn’t see the accompanying images in advance.”

Flash forward 8 eight years and sure enough the major boulevards are now up zoned in our most recent Housing Element to the 60’ to 70’ (5-6 stories) range with, and when given density bonuses for affordable housing, can balloon up to 82’-103’ (7-9 stories).

Santa Monica Rents Rise

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Mar 2023 15:56:01 GMT

The median rent in Santa Monica rose 1 percent in March, compared to a 0.5 percent increase nationally, according to data compiled from listings on the popular rental website.

Council Takes Major Step to Meet State-Mandated Housing Quota

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 Mar 2023 16:01:27 GMT

The amendments to the City’s land use plans and zoning ordinance focus on meeting the State's mandate to plan to add 8,895 new housing units
-- some 6,200 of them affordable -- over the next eight years.

The changes further encourage development in mixed-use and non-residential zones and require that 15 percent of units in market rate developments be provided as deed-restricted affordable units.

AND: https://smmirror.com/2023/03/city-council-approves-land-use-amendments-to-implement-housing-element/

High rises, massive development on its way

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:23:45 GMT

16 large-scale projects proposed in Santa Monica will dwarf nearly every other development in the city. These projects violate every zoning code, height restriction, and neighborhood norm. There is no way to stop them. Despite having closed the loophole that allowed these massive developments, the City Council voted on Tuesday to risk reopening it despite staff warnings.

City Council Approves Land Use Amendments to Implement City’s State-Certified Housing Element

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:21:20 GMT

The Council's action supports new housing development in the City’s mixed-use and non-residential zones, with substantial emphasis on affordable housing production through the requirement for 15% of units to be provided as deed-restricted affordable units. With the adoption of updates to the Zoning Ordinance, the Council also incorporated lot consolidation limits for housing projects on portions of Main Street, Pico Boulevard, Montana Avenue, and Ocean Park Boulevard in order to balance existing commercial activity while ensuring that housing opportunities are available in each of these commercial districts.

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Rejects Extension of Tenant Protections

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 17:06:17 GMT

Hahn stated that extended protections for renters were fine a year ago, but with unemployment low and the COVID-19 pandemic abated, it was not the right time to impose more emergency regulations on the 88 cities in Los Angeles County nor place restrictions on landlords in unincorporated areas.

Community Corporation of Santa Monica Unveils New Affordable Housing Project

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Mar 2023 16:59:26 GMT

The Brunson Terrace apartments, located at the former site of the Mount Hermon Baptist Church at 1819 Pico Boulevard, comprise a four-story building housing 48 apartments. The one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments are above 4,174 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor, with basement parking for 49 vehicles.

City Council Approves Land Use Amendments

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 21:29:09 GMT

Santa Monica City Council took action to implement the City’s certified 6th Cycle Housing Element. City Council adopted amendments to the City’s Land Use Documents (Land Use and Circulation Element [LUCE], Bergamot Area Plan [BAP], Downtown Community Plan [DCP], Zoning Ordinance, and General Plan Land Use Map and Zoning Districting Map) to align with the Certified Housing Element and State-assigned housing allocation. Zoning code changes will go into effect 30 days after the second reading scheduled on April 11, 2023.

Little Progress Moving Needle Exchange Program Indoors

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 16:11:28 GMT

More than six months after former Mayor Sue Himmelrich requested that the County move a program that hands out clean needles to drug users indoors, the effort has reached a standstill.

In the interim, residents are continuing to express frustration with the overdose prevention program; a letter posted on Action Network calling for its end was sent by more than 3,600 people as of Thursday.

City Council Puts Plan for Use of Parking Lots for Affordable Housing in Motion

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Mar 2023 16:02:23 GMT

A resolution to this effect was brought to the chamber with the intention of the Council adopting it so the project can move forward. The sites are located at 1217 Euclid Street, 1211-1217 14th Street and 1146 16th Street.

New Affordable Housing Complex Completed in Santa Monica’s Pico Neighborhood

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 16:02:47 GMT

The four-story building, located at 1834-1848 14th Street in the Pico neighborhood, offers a total of 73 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments. The complex also features a below-grade garage that provides parking for both residents and commercial users.

SMa.r.t. Column: Going Bare

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Mar 2023 15:57:49 GMT

A year of Exposure
That means that our latest AHMP expired in 2022, and for the last year we have been going bare, being effectively uninsured. Paradoxically not having a federally approved AHMP is analogous to, but is the exact opposite of not having a California Housing and Community Development approved housing element. When you don’t have a State approved housing element, developers can build anything anywhere (the so-called Builder’s Remedy) with no local recourse. While when you don’t have a federally approved AHMP, a disaster can destroy any building or infrastructure anywhere in your City and you have no repair recourse.

City of Santa Monica is Aware of LA County's Needle Exchange Program

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 17 Mar 2023 22:04:21 GMT

"We are in in almost constant discussions with the County about their needle exchange program, and how to get the help we need from the County."

Brock said that the City of Santa Monica would like to convince LA County to move its needle exchange program indoors, to a clinic or other building. LA County and staff from the Venice Family Clinic who run the program, however, believe it's best to reach the addicted homeless population in Santa Monica's parks.

After 7 Years, Voting Rights Lawsuit Could Be Decided Soon

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Mar 2023 17:36:32 GMT

In a letter Thursday, the Clerk and Executive Officer of the Court advised attorneys for the two parties that oral arguments will be heard "within the next few months."

"Once the court files an order setting this case for oral argument, that date will not be changed absent exceptional cause, such as a medical emergency," wrote Jorge E. Navarrete.

Council Creates Department to Focus on Housing and Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Mar 2023 18:45:28 GMT

After once again declaring homelessness its top priority, the City Council on Saturday unanimously directed staff to create a new department and allocate new tax dollars to tackle the persistent problem.

Raising rent 10% is too much, says lawmaker proposing California bill to prevent more homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:49:51 GMT

Sen. Durazo's SB 567 would boost safeguards for renters under the Tenant Protection Act of 2019

City Council Adopts Priorities and Provides Direction for 2023-2025

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 16:38:53 GMT

Santa Monica City Council held a special session to set council priorities for the next two years to guide the development of the 2023-2025 biennial budget. In a unanimous vote, the City Council adopted the following as the most important areas of focus:

Addressing Homelessness: Prevent housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless and increase the supply of affordable housing, address the behavioral health needs of vulnerable individuals and advocate for regional capacity to address homelessness.
Clean & Safe Santa Monica: Create an atmosphere marked by clean and safe public spaces and neighborhoods, including parks for recreation and leisure activities.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Urgency to Retrofit

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 16:53:02 GMT

In 2017 the city passed laws that required buildings on the list of potentially earthquake-vulnerable buildings to have their structures reviewed, analyzed, and if necessary repaired, by certain deadlines (the list: https://tinyurl.com/mr2fhbz9). Today it seems that many building owners may have failed to comply with interim deadlines in the law, and staff shortages may make it difficult for the city to fully enforce those earthquake-retrofit ordinances.

SB 9 Ended R-1 Zoning, but It’s Not Meeting Goals

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 11 Mar 2023 16:51:37 GMT

But enthusiasm for the kind of density SB 9 intended to create has not come close to matching the homeowner and developer interest in building ADUs. A report early this year from UC Berkeley’s consistently pro-density Terner Center for Housing Innovation described the law’s impact so far as “limited or nonexistent.”

Santa Monica 'Beneficiary' of Clandestine County Program to Give Free Needles to Addicts in City Parks

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:33:09 GMT

by John Alle

Police chief is reportedly unable to get notification of day or time of planned distributions

The City has acknowledged that without the knowledge of its Police Department, residents and businesses, it has funded and allowed over a year for the County and the Venice Family Clinic to administer a clandestine needle and synthetic drug distribution program in one of the City's largest parks (Reed Park), adjacent to the Children's Playground, basketball courts, and Joslyn Senior Center, and incredibly, 50 yards across the street from one of the largest K-12 schools and Catholic churches in the state, St. Monica's.

California sues Huntington Beach over affordable housing

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:30:11 GMT

Attorney General Rob Bonta sued Huntington Beach, a city of about 200,000 people along the Southern California coast where the median home sales price is $1.1 million — or more than $300,000 higher than the state average. Bonta is asking a judge to order Huntington Beach City Council to comply with state housing laws and to punish councilmembers by making them pay a fine.

3 City Owned Parking Lots Earmarked for Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Mar 2023 18:29:41 GMT

The three parcels at 1217 Euclid Street, 1211-1217 Fourteenth Street and 1146 Sixteenth Street -- are among 24 City owned parcels earmarked for 100 percent affordable housing development.

Former city staff oppose hiring more city staff

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 19:26:14 GMT

“Creating two departments would require creating a new, expensive department director position, as well as an executive assistant to provide administrative support for the new director,” said the letter. “An additional position providing budget and operational support for the new director would also likely be necessary. At minimum, salaries and benefits for the new positions would cost the City several hundred thousand dollars per year.

The proposal would add more high-paid administrative staff at a time when the City has been unable to restore many key services that were reduced due to pandemic-related budget cuts. Notable examples of the City’s continuing challenges include severely reduced after-school programs for low-income youth and significantly reduced hours and services at public libraries.”

Electrification Roadmap Just a Start, City Officials Say

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Mar 2023 17:06:34 GMT

The roadmap, said Nico Predock, sustainability analyst for the City, "is not an officially council-approved and adopted plan. The idea of this is not to say this is what is going to happen.

"The roadmap is meant to present possible policy options," Predock said. "There is still the need for community engagement" before the Council is presented with a plan for electrifying all existing buildings.

Biennial budget subject of special Saturday meeting of Council

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:25:10 GMT

The City conducted a survey in May 2022 that captured community sentiment on the most important issues in Santa Monica once the COVID19 pandemic was over. Traffic was deemed the least urgent, followed by trash and litter in the Downtown and beach areas. Crime rated the second most urgent with homelessness far and away being the most urgent.

City Revenues to Take Five Years to Recover

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 16:00:59 GMT

Santa Monica's General Fund non-restricted reserves -- which were used to provide essential services during the pandemic and to settle a costly sexual abuse lawsuit -- lost 30 percent of their funds between June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2022, according to he report.

"Strong reserves are necessary to cushion the delivery of services from the impact of emergency expenditures, contingent liabilities, and economic uncertainty," the report states.

Council agrees on need to increase waste rates

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 18:27:10 GMT

The City Council favored a slightly larger increase to solid waste rates that will preserve services to Santa Monica residents at their last meeting.

Transitioning to Electricity Could Cost Property Owners Up to $1 Billion

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 16:41:32 GMT

The "Electrification Roadmap," which has not yet been approved, proposes a plan to reduce carbon emissions by requiring property owners to transition from gas to electric before they can rent, sell or make major renovations.

The plan would impact 70 percent of Santa Monica's 13,138 single and multi-family residential buildings, which "use natural gas as their primary fuel type."

Garbage rates could increase by about 11 percent

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 20:00:37 GMT

“While everything costs more these days in 2023, we're still charging 2019 rates and your trash rates have remained exactly the same for the last few years,” Young said. “Ultimately, we had to dip into reserves to sustain our operation. At this rate RRR is projected to deplete its reserves and completely run out of money by next summer without an immediate rate increase.”

SMa.r.t. Column: The Urgency to Retrofit Earthquake-Deficient Buildings

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Mar 2023 17:50:05 GMT

A large portion of the buildings identified as vulnerable–most of them two-story apartment buildings–must have their retrofits completed by 2025. The staff report suggests that the department will need to increase staffing to ensure that the city can enforce compliance with the law. Our own, informal, experience suggests that staffing is currently so short that new projects may be experiencing significant delays in obtaining permits. This is causing problems for applicants and staff members alike, and the ripple effects may be spreading into the earthquake-retrofit program. In a SMa.r.t. article from January, 2017 (https://tinyurl.com/3z8h7kxs) we discussed the enormous workload that would fall on city staff’s shoulders once the flood of seismic upgrade permits began. These predictions seem to be coming true.

Construction of Nearly 700 Housing Units Kicks Off

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 22:59:52 GMT

Tishman Speyer broke ground Monday on a senior building that launches the initial phase of the "Santa Monica Collection" development, which in total will add 677 housing units at eight Downtown sites.

Outlawing Natural Gas in Santa Monica Buildings Won't Impact Global Climate

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 18:19:59 GMT

by Houman David Hemmati MD PhD

Today, I am writing to urge you NOT to move forward with a plan to issue a mandate banning all gas appliances within the city of Santa Monica and forcing property owners to replace all gas appliances with electric.

You also forget, as noted above, that in California, a massive proportion of all electricity production comes from burning of natural gas, and much comes from coal and oil, with the total non-renewable proportion amounting to 2/3 of all power consumed. By shifting to electric, you're only really reducing non--renewable energy use by 1/3, not 100%. And when you boast you purchase power from the so-called "Clean Power Alliance," doing so only means other electrical customers will be purchasing more non-renewable power; it's not as if they'll magically shut down natural gas and coal plants because Santa Monica decided its electrons will come from solar or wind power.

Council Provides Direction on Housing Element Implementation

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 00:34:14 GMT

To support implementation, City Council considered proposed amendments to Santa Monica’s Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE), Downtown Community Plan (DCP), Bergamot Area Plan (BAP), and Zoning Ordinance for consistency with Santa Monica’s certified Housing Element and for compliance with State law.

Don't Defend Revenue-Losing Measure GS

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:23:09 GMT

by Houman David Hemmati MD PhD

An open letter to the Santa Monica City Council explains how sellers can avoid the huge tax increase on property sales.

As I predicted to you earlier, the impact of GS is already being seen. In the last 2 days, we have seen rapid real estate closures of at least three homes in N of Montana valued at $33,941,000, depriving the city of over $1,900,000 in Himmelrich tax for you to squander on consultants and real estate developer friends of yours.

New building on West LA VA campus to house 59

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:13:27 GMT

lmost 60 formerly homeless veterans will receiving housing at the West Los Angeles Veteran’s Affairs (VA) campus just east of Santa Monica in Brentwood with the opening of the newly renovated Building 207 to serve veterans 62 and older who were formerly homeless or are considered at-risk.

Developed in partnership by The Veterans Collective, Century Housing, Thomas Safran and Associates and U.S. VETS, Building 207 is the first of 20 veteran housing and supportive services buildings planned for the West LA VA North Campus.

Santa Monica Rents Drop for 6th Straight Month

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 17:08:21 GMT

Santa Monica rents dipped by -0.7 percent in February, marking the sixth straight monthly drop, with the median rent now standing at $2,157, according to a report released by Apartment List on Tuesday.

The dry spell reflects a national trend that saw rents decline by 3.4 percent from August to January, marking "the sharpest dip in the national median rent over any five-month period in the history of our estimates," the report said.

Despite the monthly decreases, Santa Monica rents have risen by 5 percent over the past year and continue to outpace the average rent growth of 1.6 percent for California and 3 percent for the nation.

Santa Monica Releases 'Roadmap' for Existing Buildings to Go All Electric

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:24:16 GMT

Santa Monica on Monday published an "Electrification Roadmap" that will eventually require property owners to transition from gas to electric before they can rent, sell or make major renovations to existing buildings.

Council Provides Direction on Housing Element Implementation

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:18:20 GMT

Council Provides Direction on Housing Element Implementation

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:18:20 GMT

Renderings Revealed for Santa Monica Housing Project Intended to Consolidate Developer’s Inclusionary Housing Requirements

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:10:41 GMT

Project would replace a parking lot at 1215 19th Street just off of Wilshire

A new affordable housing development has been proposed in Santa Monica, according to a recent presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board. The project is set to serve as the receiver site for affordable housing required in developer’s Cypress Equity’s neighboring mixed-use project.

Developer to Build Apartments with Retail Near Santa Monica Library

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 19:08:35 GMT

A developer is planning to build 60 apartments with ground-floor retail across the street from the Santa Monica Public Library’s main branch. No on-site parking is proposed for this development.

Wary Council Discusses Ways to Tweak Housing Plan

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 18:59:49 GMT

The Council knew first hand that if its Housing Element falls out of compliance, it could open the floodgates to development that would be largely beyond the City's control.

Suggestion to Transfer Housing to Palmdale "Immoral and Repulsive," Former Mayor Says

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 23 Feb 2023 19:41:13 GMT

Former mayor Sue Himmelrich -- whose transfer tax measure would generate some $40 million a year to prevent homelessness and build affordable housing -- said the proposal undermines the voters' will.

Palmdale Council Votes to Explore Housing Deal With Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 21:19:02 GMT

The "new business" item on the agenda called for exploring a "possible partnership" between the "land poor" beach city and "land rich" Palmdale, said City Manager Ronda Perez.

The proposal is "very much in its infancy stage" and involves the "potential transfer of some housing units in exchange for money," Perez added.

Eight story hotel sandwiched between apartments heads for Planning Commission

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:35:11 GMT

The project at 516 Colorado would pack 74 guest rooms, a ground floor restaurant, outdoor seating area, lobby, guest drop-off area, rooftop bar and two subterranean levels with a fitness area and business center into an eight-story building on the 41.75 ft wide former site of Angels Attic dollhouse museum.

Santa Monica City Council Targets Montana Avenue for Effective Transformation and Destruction.

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 21 Feb 2023 18:30:46 GMT

Letter to the Editor from Houman David Hemmati, M.D., Ph.D.

I join thousands of my neighbors and fellow Santa Monica citizens and residents to say that I am absolutely outraged by the proposal to change the zoning on Montana Avenue and other quiet, beautiful, pedestrian-friendly avenues in our iconic, seaside city, to allow five and six-story buildings.

SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica City Council – Planners, Politicians, or Developers?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:48:43 GMT

It’s truly unbelievable that our city council next Tuesday is voting to increase existing heights from 1, 2, & 3 story development on the four neighborhood boulevards and avenues to 5 stories. Replacing 1, 2, & 3 stories with 5 stories is very visible in the transformation of Lincoln Boulevard. It’s stunning to realize city council is considering changing neighborhood commercial into the density, character, and height of downtown boulevards –affecting demand on public transportation, school safety, parking, and other social, ecological, and economic systems.

Column: The Fantasy World of California Housing Policy

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:44:25 GMT

Some of that housing is needed, but there’s no hard evidence backing the state’s claims that 1.8 million new units must be built by the end of 2030 both to avert a disastrous rise in homelessness and fill the needs of first-time home buyers looking for something they can afford.

In fact, the state auditor last April reported that estimates of need from the state Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) are unreliable because they’re based on information inputted to state computers by workers who never vetted it at all. Devastating as this report should have been, it was completely ignored by both lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom; no one in any office that deals with housing said a single public word about it.

Definitely not too late - by Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 19:00:55 GMT

For those of you who have despaired of politicians ever making things better, you won’t like my answer. But – corrupt politcians got us into this mess, and ones who will put the interests of residents first will get us out.

North of Montana 7th Most Expensive Zip Code in U.S.

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:59:14 GMT

North of Montana was the 7th priciest zip code in the U.S. last year with a median home sale price of $4.378 million, according to a ranking released this week by PropertyShark.com.

Rent control denies economic reality

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:57:03 GMT

Rent control in fact makes affordable housing less available. It raises rent for everyone who isn’t in rent-controlled housing. And if a community imposes rent control on most or all rentals, construction will grind to a halt. The rental properties that exist, meanwhile, will decay as landlords no longer can afford to keep them up.

LA County Approves Record Breaking Budget to Combat Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 18:41:45 GMT

According to the Board’s announcement, this budget will help fund a heightened focus on three key missions for the County in collaboration with cities and other local partners in these key areas:

Reducing encampments to bring unsheltered people indoors
Increasing interim and permanent housing placements
Ramping up mental health and substance use disorder services for people experiencing homelessness

Council Votes to Declare Homelessness Emergency

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 17:52:18 GMT

The City Council Tuesday night unanimously voted to declare a Local Emergency on Homelessness that will boost funding and speed up hiring to address a worsening crisis.

The move will make it easier to receive help -- including funding -- from County, State and Federal governments and "remove barriers to building affordable housing," City officials said.

No Reliable Data to Support Key Housing Number

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Feb 2023 18:27:40 GMT

How many of Santa Monica's nearly 27,500 rent control households pay more than 50 percent of their income in rent, making them "severely rent-burdened"?

Although the number is used to approve City policies, establish financial support programs and pass tax measures, the answer ranges wildly:

From less than 500 (the number who qualify for rent relief under a new City program) to more than 6,000 (the number used to support former mayor Sue Himmelrich's transfer tax hike) to more than 10,000 (the number the City uses to approve policies).

Council Caught in a Tight Spot on Development

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Feb 2023 16:05:57 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday will face a volatile political dilemma -- change the unique nature of Santa Monica's four Neighborhood Commercial (NC) districts or open the floodgates to virtually unchecked State-sanctioned development.

Neighborhood residents, businesses and the Planning Commission are urging the Council to remove "upzoning" the NC districts from the 2021-29 Housing Element when it takes up the issue at a study session.

Plans to densify Main St., Montana, Pico and Ocean Park alarm planners

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Feb 2023 18:44:11 GMT

The Planning Commission previously debated the issue and asked Council to request an amendment to the Housing Element to preserve existing limitations on development along Neighborhood Commercial (NC) zones that include portions of Montana, Main Street, Ocean Park Blvd. and Pico Blvd.

As currently written the housing element allows denser projects in those areas that would create housing above ground floor retail and the Commission said such action would jeopardize the city’s economic recovery.

Santa Monica Set to Declare Homelessness Emergency

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Feb 2023 17:15:23 GMT

The move comes amid a rising number of Police and Fire department calls for service, encampments, public deaths, arson and vandalism tied to the homeless, according to City staff's report to the Council.

The state of emergency would make it easier to work with other government agencies, seek grants and "take expedited actions to address imminent health and safety impacts" caused by homelessness, staff said.

Homelessness is the top priority for city officials

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Feb 2023 18:56:22 GMT

Santa Monica residents should expect the city to focus on homelessness and safety in the coming year but other projects big and small may be put on the back burner due to potential budget constraints according to this year’s State of the City.

City Manager David White and Mayor Gleam Davis gave recorded speeches this week and while both touched on positive notes regarding economic recovery, they also alluded to pending budget issues that will limit the scope of city services in the near future.

California expands mortgage relief

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:20:48 GMT

Under the expansion of California’s mortgage relief program being unveiled today at a Sacramento nonprofit:

Eligible homeowners who have already used the program and are in need of additional assistance can reapply, for as much as $80,000 in total grants.
Homeowners can use the program to pay off second home loans, or loan deferrals, that they negotiated in the midst of the pandemic.
The program will also be available to homeowners who have properties of up to four units, as long as those small landlords live on those properties.
While the program was previously only available for people who had missed at least two mortgage payments and at least one property tax payment before last summer, it will now be available to those homeowners until March 1.
Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/02/08/mortgage/

County Approves Record Budget to Fight Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 20:10:37 GMT

One month after declaring a state of emergency on homelessness, the LA County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved a record $609.7 million budget to tackle the growing crisis.

Metro Working on Plan to Provide Shelter for Homeless Passengers When Trains Are Emptied

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:29:19 GMT

Metro Los Angeles is considering a plan where service hubs would be opened near the termini of the train lines in the Metro rail system. It is well-known that trains and buses in the Los Angeles Metro system are frequently used as places of shelter by homeless people and Metro allows these unhoused people to ride for free on buses and trains until they are taken out of service for the night.

Developer Scores $375 Million Financing to Develop Vons Site

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 19:24:25 GMT

The plans to redevelop the site on the southwest corner of Broadway and Lincoln Boulevard call for an eight-story, mixed-use building with 99,085 square feet of ground-floor commercial space that will house a new upgraded Vons.

The plan also includes 196 market-rate units and 84 affordable units for low- and moderate-income households, 354 parking spaces and 523 bicycle spaces in a two-level subterranean garage, a commercial gym and restaurant space with outdoor seating.

SMa.r.t. Column: To a Better Housing Element

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 18:02:32 GMT

In the rush to get the Housing Element approved by the State, the City did not have time to study all the implications and adjust for secondary effects of such a transformation. Some obvious conflicts were noted for example, the traffic increases, or the inability to meet our water neutrality goals or the conflict with the State’s 2045 carbon neutrality goals, or the mystery of where all the wealthy renters and buyers of all this new housing would come from when the State lost more than half a million people between April 2020 and July 1, 2022 (the interval when the Housing Element was being prepared)? But with the fine-grain rewrite of the Zoning Code, we can see places where the Housing Element can be improved to mitigate those conflicts without altering its essential character.

Workplan Outlines City's Efforts Tackling Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Feb 2023 17:59:10 GMT

The workplan tracks everything from the number of persons reunited with family and friends (48) to the drug paraphernalia disposed of by park ambassadors (138) to the contacts made by the Police Department's outreach team (1,326).

Santa Monica in ICU on Life Support

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 18:30:11 GMT

Well beyond the confines of the empty shell of the deceased Promenade itself, now largely vacant though deceptively filled with silly temporary pop-up shops, the festering blight spreads city-wide. In parking garages and alleyways, in parks, in front of notorious nexuses of evil---the pair of horrid 7-11's, that all-night donut shop, the "Crime Vons" on Broadway, the downtown McDonalds, the CVS on Lincoln--the vagrants and criminals mug shots/out-of-state warrants set---make themselves ever more at home.

Lawsuit seeks to densify development in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 17:58:19 GMT

The Santa Monica Housing Council (SMHC) alongside two residents (William T. Dawson and Irma Vargas) have accused city officials of failing to adhere to state mandated housing laws in the recently adopted housing element. The lawsuit alleges the City’s housing element fails to provide enough sites for future development and doesn’t do enough to account for high density projects. The plaintiffs are asking the court to mandate increases in height and density limits for new projects.

Santa Monica Tops LA Region in Rent Growth

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 17:41:55 GMT

Santa Monica rents dropped for the fifth straight month in January but continue to outpace the growth rate of other LA Metro cities, according to a report released by Apartment List on Thursday.

The overall median rent in the city fell -0.8 percent to $2,182 per month and has now increased by 6.3 percent year-over-year over the past 12 months.

New Report - AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP IN SANTA MONICA

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 01:19:23 GMT

Santa Monica Housing Commission. Affordable Homeownership Subcommittee Report.

This document clarifies the necessity of affordable homeownership as being one essential part of a successful housing policy. Furthermore, this document recommends actions to advance affordable homeownership throughout Santa Monica. The Santa Monica Housing Commission recommends that the measures here proposed are implemented by the City of Santa Monica at the earliest opportunity.

School Board to discuss lunch program and bond financing

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:50:51 GMT

This week’s meeting agenda also includes reshuffling of the District’s general obligation bonds to allow them to save money in the current conditions of the bond market. The district says these savings will potentially be passed along to property taxpayers by canceling or repurchasing bonds.

City to fight lawsuit over new taxes

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Jan 2023 18:48:25 GMT

Santa Monica will officially defend the voter approved Measure GS from a lawsuit seeking to overturn the measure.

Measure GS was part of an expansive list of lawsuits discussed behind closed doors at last week’s Council meeting and the City’s official decision to fight the suit was the only reportable action taken after several hours of discussion.

An organization called the California Business Roundtable, which is composed of senior executive leadership from major employers throughout the state, is filing a suit against the City of Santa Monica to block Measure GS, which established a third tier of real estate transfer tax.

Is homelessness on the rise in Santa Monica?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 19:44:32 GMT

The goal of the point-in-time count is to get a snapshot of the homeless population. By doing it across the region at the same time, officials hope to make it less likely to double count or miss individuals who move around. The number of people in shelters is also calculated on the same night.

State Usurping Key Powers From Cities

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:34:26 GMT

For over the last three years, state government has gradually usurped almost full jurisdiction over one of the key powers always previously held by locally elected officials: The ability to decide what their city or county will look like and feel like over the next few decades.

SMa.r.t Column: Widespread Issues Put Santa Monica in Danger

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 30 Jan 2023 18:20:14 GMT

Following are 5 issues which, along with homelessness and crime, should take priority over all else in our city’s immediate future:

1. Paramount is our city’s economic uncertainty! Historically, our city has been wealthy and looked upon with esteem. But sadly, this may significantly change after letting a volunteer with the city’s parks program – a pedophile – run loose for 20 years with the city being sued by the families involved! Santa Monica is in the process of paying $100 million dollars to date for the lawsuits already settled and is staring directly at another $100-200 million for the remaining lawsuits.

Phil Brock Appointed to Serve on National League of Cities' Public Safety and Crime Prevention Committee

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Jan 2023 16:59:31 GMT

Councilmember Brock was elected to a one-year term and will provide strategic direction and guidance for NLC's federal advocacy agenda and policy priorities on public safety issues, including law enforcement, municipal fire prevention, natural disaster preparedness, and homeland security.

DTSM Inc Needs to Be Disbanded Immediately, Say Some Business Owners

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:20:33 GMT

Citing a budget that is heavy on salaries and failed programs, incompetent leadership, and the economically and physically depressed state of the Third Street Promenade, property owner and business leader John Alle is calling for the disbanding of Downtown Santa Monica Inc (DTSM).

DTSM is a "private" non-profit organization that is supposed to work with the City government to manage services and operations in downtown Santa Monica.

White House using one-size-fits-all plan to protect renters

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:18:01 GMT

In addition to limits on "egregious" rate hikes, the White House addressed several actions it plans to take in its commitment to renters. The actions include collecting information on how tenants are screened, updating guidelines on anti-competitive information sharing among landlords and providing legal help to tenants who are evicted.

Annual count of homeless residents begins

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:13:25 GMT

Up to 6,000 clipboard-toting volunteers with the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority fanned out for the effort’s main component, the unsheltered street tally. Santa Monica’s count began Wednesday.

"The City will be defending the Measure GS challenge"

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:01:38 GMT

Of the ten items on the closed session agenda, City Attorney Doug Sloan only reported on the lawsuit filed against Measure GS, the transfer tax hike approved by voters in November.

Council Approves Process to Determine the Future of Santa Monica Airport

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Jan 2023 17:00:47 GMT

"This is the very beginning of a community process to reimagine the Airport site, which accounts for an unprecedented 4.3% of the City’s land,” said Mayor Gleam Davis. “We know this is an asset Santa Monicans care about and we want to work together to set goals and priorities to meet diverse community needs for the next several generations.”

Biden rolls out 'Renters Bill of Rights' as lawmakers push for federal rent control laws

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:55:38 GMT

The president is directing the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to examine limits on rent increases for future investments and actions promoting renter protections. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have been tapped to root out practices that unfairly prevent applicants and tenants from accessing or staying in housing.

Nationwide Rent Control?

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Jan 2023 18:24:06 GMT

Progressive Democrats in Congress, led by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D–Mass.) and Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D–N.Y.), are urging the White House to marshal all available organs of the regulatory state to impose rent control on the entire country.

Council meets for a lawsuit heavy agenda

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Jan 2023 18:16:33 GMT

Tuesday’s City Council meeting includes a pair of significant lawsuits, debate over the future of the Santa Monica airport, expansions of outdoor dining, updates on sustainability efforts and a pair of requests to help encourage economic recovery.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – January 23rd

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 17:41:54 GMT

See Video at: https://smmirror.com/2023/01/million-dollar-listing-to-sell-local-luxury-estate-santa-monica-real-estate-report-january-23rd-2023/

LA City Council Votes To Expand Tenant Rights

Margaret Fulton — Sun, 22 Jan 2023 00:28:04 GMT

The L.A. City Council voted Friday to vastly expand tenant rights by approving a package of new protections meant to keep renters housed after pandemic-era regulations go away.

The vote came less than two weeks ahead of a looming deadline: The city’s COVID-19 eviction protections are set to expire after Jan. 31.

Santa Monica Taxpayers Impacted By Storms Eligible For Tax Relief

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 23:35:22 GMT

Business owners and taxpayers impacted by the storms are eligible for state emergency tax relief from late payment interest and penalties.

Santa Monica takes steps towards an electric future with new building codes

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 Jan 2023 23:23:49 GMT

Gas stoves, heaters and dryers are a thing of the past for new buildings in Santa Monica. Two new building codes that went into effect at the start of this year require all newly built constructions within city limits to be all-electric and include an increased number of electric vehicle (EV) charging spaces as part of efforts to reduce the city’s carbon footprint.

Lawsuit Seeks to Void Transfer Tax Hike

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 16:29:35 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday will take up a lawsuit in closed session that seeks to void a transfer tax hike approved by Santa Monica voters in November.

The lawsuit filed January 9 in Los Angeles Superior Court against the City and School District claims that Measure GS violates the California Constitution's “single-subject” rule because it generates funding for two separate purposes.

Why the Sign Warning of the Santa Monica Outdoor Mental Institution Was Right...Unfortunately

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:20:57 GMT

by Arthur Jeon

The crimes and helplessness of addicts on the street changed my perspective on the sign.

As goes Vons, so goes our city

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 Jan 2023 18:07:02 GMT

"CRIME” VONS EXPLAINS SANTA MONICA POLITICS - And none of it is very hidden or subtle. A dozen years ago when City Council approved a new master plan for development, some of us noticed that there were some half a dozen “Opportunity Sites” that were excluded from restriction. Opportunity for whom, we wondered, but knew the answer. The Vons property was one of them. 250 condos and apartments will now top a smaller Vons, when the construction dust settles. By that time it will become part of the Great Wall of Lincoln. I like to pose the question, Who does this benefit?

Former Rent Control staffer chosen as newest Commissioner

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 17 Jan 2023 19:00:04 GMT

The Rent Control Board (RCB) appointed Lonnie Guinn to fill the seat vacated by Caroline Torosis when she won a position on the City Council in November and the board also took some time at the Jan 12 meeting to congratulate Torosis on her advancement to Council.

Guinn is a rent controlled tenant in the City who has lived in the same unit for the past 13 years. He is a former City employee who worked for the Board itself in addition to the library and Economic Development departments.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – January 16th

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Jan 2023 16:24:37 GMT

Developer WS Communities Completes First

Application For The Builder’s Remedy Project

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/01/developer-ws-communities-completes-first-application-for-the-builders-remedy-project-santa-monica-real-estate-report-january-16th-2023/

Council Takes Measured Approach to New Smoking Ban

Margaret Fulton — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 16:43:26 GMT

But the new law raises enforcement issues. While building owners can enforce the smoking ban on their properties, the ban in public spaces must be enforced by police or code enforcement officers already busy with more serious violations, City officials said.

Green Building in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 17:12:10 GMT

Navigate the resources below to learn more about electrification and find rebates that make switching to electric appliances affordable.

See More: https://www.santamonica.gov/topic-explainers/green-building-in-santa-monica

Santa Monica To End COVID Emergency

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Jan 2023 16:27:35 GMT

Santa Monica's decision to end the emergency came the same day the Los Angeles City Council voted again to end its local emergency at the end of this month.

The vote came after a motion to extend the emergency and keep temporary tenant protections in place failed.

Two applicants to fill Rent Control Board vacancy

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Jan 2023 17:55:16 GMT

Two candidates applied: Lonnie Guinn and Susan Morrow.

City Approves 14 New Developments In Downtown Area

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Jan 2023 19:42:38 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/01/city-approves-14-new-developments-in-downtown-area-santa-monica-real-estate-report-january-9th-2023/

Council looks to expand prohibitions on smoking

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 16:02:53 GMT

The only new ordinance on the agenda is an expanded prohibition on smoking in multi-unit residential buildings.

Current rules already ban smoking in elevators, public parks, the beach, inside public buildings outdoor dining hotels and within 20 feet of entrances to buildings open to the public. The expansion would also ban smoking in the common areas, except designated smoking areas, of any multi-unit residential building and public right-of-way areas (sidewalk, street, and other public-right-of way) within 20 feet of any doorway or open window of a multi-unit residential building.

SMa.r.t. Column: The “Beachtown Remedy”

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:56:38 GMT

Doesn’t acceptance of those 15 “builder’s remedy” projects beg the question of ‘follow the money’? Questions abound. Why was there not absolute clarity on what was needed to meet the State mandates for the initial submittal? Why does the state rely on arbitrary ‘interpretation’ leading to rejections? Why are 15 “builders remedy” submittals being considered when HCD had acknowledged that Santa Monica had a substantially compliant HE? Why didn’t the State give the City a heads up? If we were in Denmark we might think something is rotten.

Mixed-Use Development Underway at 601 Wilshire in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:54:17 GMT

As reported by Urbanize Los Angeles, the site is at the northeast corner of Wilshire and 6th Street and the new structure will be four stories tall and hold a total of 40 units, a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments.

City Receives $1.5 Million to Tackle "Behavioral Health Needs"

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Jan 2023 15:51:47 GMT

The Santa Monica funding will be used to convert an existing City-owned facility into a behavioral health center to accommodate 24/7 intakes from first responders and local emergency rooms, City officials said.

The initial phase of the 24/7 center will focus on people experiencing homelessness, officials said.

Santa Monica Rents Cooled Down Last Year

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 16:52:01 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica grew at a slower rate last year than they did in 2021 and are now slightly higher than at the start of the coronavirus shutdown, according to a report released by Apartment List on Thursday.

Rents increased 7.2 percent in 2022, after rising 12.5 percent in 2021, according to data compiled from listings on the popular website. They are up by 1.5 percent since March 2020.

Launch of Initiative to Address Homeless in Venice

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 05 Jan 2023 16:57:25 GMT

Bass and Park Wednesday announced that the Mayor’s new Inside Safe initiative is underway in Venice. According to Bass’s office, outreach has begun to people living in encampments surrounding the A Bridge Home site at the intersection of Sunset Avenue and Pacific Avenue. The Mayor noted that “people have already accepted housing” under the program, a new, citywide, housing-led strategy to bring people inside from tents and encampments and to prevent encampments from returning.

New Year rings in new laws

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:14:23 GMT

The New Year brings with it the annual tradition of new laws taking effect at the local and state level. This year’s crop of rules cover a variety of topics including public safety, rent and traffic.

Santa Monica rules:

State of the City on February 7

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Jan 2023 16:08:36 GMT

The City of Santa Monica’s State of the City will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The Santa Monica community is invited to the virtual event streamed live on YouTube.

Read More on page 7: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/010323.pdf:

Santa Monica Hosts State of the City on February 7

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Dec 2022 21:44:55 GMT

The City of Santa Monica's State of the City will be held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. The Santa Monica community is invited to the virtual event streamed live on YouTube.

Real Estate Scams Purporting to Fix Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:51:55 GMT

New real estate scams that claim they cure homelessness pop up like mushrooms after a rain. Here are several new ones, with undoubtedly more on the way.

They all need to be debunked, as I try to do below.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 17:22:17 GMT

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/12/house-next-to-the-iconic-barbie-house-lists-for-5m-santa-monica-real-estate-report-december-19th-2022/

City Extends Rent Relief Program After Fewer Than 500 Households Qualify

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 01:20:36 GMT

The City has extended a rent relief program for struggling rent control tenants after fewer than 500 applications were approved, leaving most of the $750,000 in funding unused.

Of the 563 households that applied for the “Rent Control Adjustment Relief” (RCAR) program, 381 have received at total of $241,026 to help pay their annual rent increase, according to City officials.

"Approximately 100 additional households will be provided financial assistance this month," said Tati Simonian, a spokesperson for the City.

Santa Monica Development News Year-End Wrap-up: the Gelson's Project and Recourse Against the "Bombshell" Builder's Remedy

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 17 Dec 2022 01:20:19 GMT

As this year ends, we want to update you on our ongoing involvement regarding important issues our city is facing:

The Gelson's teardown project (Lincoln and Ocean Park Blvds): In late July, the City issued a lengthy non-compliance letter to the developer detailing necessary project revisions. No revised plans have been filed.

City Hall braces for the Builder’s Remedy development boom

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 20:24:10 GMT

Overview:

Developers have begun filing permits to build large housing projects throughout the city that far exceed local zoning restrictions and while those permits are subject to cursory review, the City lacks any clear path to head off construction of more than 4,500 new units.

What Rent-Controlled Tenants and Landlords Need to Know After the Passage of Measure RC

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 17:07:43 GMT

Measure RC reduces this year's 6% increase to Maximum Allowable Rents (MAR) in effect on August 31, 2022 to a 0.8% increase from February 1, 2023 through August 31, 2023. The result is an annual increase for the year (from September 1, 2022 through August 31, 2023) that averages 3%. Similarly, other units with higher rents that received the maximum increase of $140 will have the monthly increase reduced to $19 starting in February. Measure RC requires this Adjusted General Adjustment so that the average rent increase for the year (from September 2022 to August 2023) does not exceed 3% or $70 per month, whichever is less.

Santa Monica Reopens 'Limited' Relief Program Amid Rising Rent

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 20:10:29 GMT

Santa Monica has reopened applications for rental relief.

Applications for the Rent Control Adjustment Relief program closed on Sept. 19, but the city set a new deadline for those who qualify.

Applications reopens Monday and will remain available through Jan. 11, 2023 to the following households:

- Households in Rent Control units that received a rent increase notice dated after the original Sept 19th RCAR deadline. Rent increase notices must be clearly signed and dated by property owner/manager after Sept. 19.

WSC Submits Plans for First Builder's Remedy Project

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Dec 2022 19:48:08 GMT

WSC last week submitted its first full proposal for one of the 15 projects it rushed into Santa Monica's planning pipeline under the "builder's remedy" provision in State Housing law.

The detailed project plans filed Thursday are for a 75-unit, 10-story high-rise apartment building at 1238 7th Street -- one of 16 builder's remedy projects for which preliminary proposals were submitted.

Elaine Speaks to the City Council

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:12:26 GMT

During the first Public Comment, it soon became clear who constituted the crowd packing the room: supporters of Mayor Sue and her pseudo Marxist/crony capitalist agenda. The speaker was retired landlord and business owner Elaine Golden-Gealer, and she presented a PowerPoint criticizing Himmelrich's term and warning that the now-former mayor intends to maintain power over tens of millions of dollars via the recently passed Measure GS, which imposes an 8-fold increase in property transfer taxes, ostensibly in order to provide housing for the homelesss.

Maximum Lawful Rent

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Dec 2022 19:07:25 GMT

Per Measure RC, effective February 1st, (absent an individual adjustment per a decision), MARs that were originally increased by either 6% or the $140 maximum (for MARs of $2,325 or more) will be reduced to a 0.8% increase above the rent that was in effect on August 31, 2022, with a new maximum increase of $19.  

New Mixed Use Building ‘The Charlie’ Ready To Welcome Renters: Santa Monica Real Estate Report – December 12th, 2022

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:20:14 GMT

Property, Developments, And Listings On The Westside.
* New Mixed Use Building ‘The Charlie’ Ready To Welcome Renters
* Plans Submitted for Mixed-Use Building on 19th and Wilshire Blvd
* Local Properties For Sale And Rent In Your Neighborhood!

Mixed-Use Affordable Housing Development Nearly Complete in Santa Monica

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 12 Dec 2022 18:16:16 GMT

The Los Flores apartment complex in the Pico neighborhood of Santa Monica is almost complete as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles. This development is a mixed-use affordable housing project and the developer is Community Corp. of Santa Monica.

Gleam Davis Selected as Mayor for One-Year Term, Phil Brock as Mayor for One-Year Term, Lana Negrete as Mayor Pro Tempore for Two-Year Term, and Councilmembers Installed

Victoria Palomino — Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:26:22 GMT

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Last night, Santa Monica welcomed two new Councilmembers and one returning Councilmember in an installation ceremony. Following Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk Dean C. Logan's certification of the final results for the 2022 General Election, City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren swore in Councilmembers Caroline Torosis and Jesse Zwick, elected to four-year terms, and returning Councilmember Lana Negrete, also elected to a four-year term.

The newly installed City Council selected Gleam Davis to serve a one-year term as Santa Monica's mayor with Phil Brock serving a one-year term for the second year of the two-year mayoral term. Lana Negrete was selected as mayor pro tempore for two years.

LA Council could bypass public bid process on land for affordable/homeless housing project

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 18:02:15 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council will vote on a motion submitted by councilmember Mike Bonin to remove a public bidding process for selling land to a nonprofit organization for affordable housing.

The motion–set to be voted on Wednesday– cites an Administrative Code that allows the private sale of city-owned Property, avoiding what is otherwise required as a public process.

The Property, located adjacent to Venice High School at 12901 Venice Blvd., is being used by the nonprofit organization Disability Community Rights Center (DCRC).

Davis, Brock to Serve Year Each as Mayor

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:42:18 GMT

After a halting start and three quick rounds of voting, the City Council Tuesday night elected Councilmembers Gleam Davis and Phil Brock to serve one year each as mayor.

Davis -- who was mayor in 2019 -- will serve the first year and Brock will hold the mostly ceremonial post when he runs for reelection in 2024. Councilmember Lana Negrete will serve both years as mayor pro tem.

Homeless Programs Are Political Payback

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Dec 2022 17:40:40 GMT

You might as well have $42.5 billion, and it would go to friends of the elected officials. As it stands now in Santa Monica your $42.5 million homeless budget is essentially a jobs program for the loyalists who support the liberal left that you keep electing in the city.

After housing element debacle, implementation work begins

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 18:29:17 GMT

While City officials continue to search for ways to halt the construction of 16 new large residential developments that have secured vested rights to be built around Santa Monica due to the City’s failure to comply with state housing plan guidelines, the implementation process has begun for programs included in the now approved 6th Cycle Housing element.

Liberal Establishment Makes Comeback

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 18:25:01 GMT

It's official: Santa Monica's liberal establishment roared back in the November 8 races but fell one seat short of regaining power on the City Council after failing to unseat incumbent Lana Negrete.

Electing Mayor Could be a Struggle

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 18:22:48 GMT

Tuesday night's vote for mayor could test the two-year-old Change coalition on the Council as two members are expected to vie for the mostly ceremonial post.

Councilmember Phil Brock, who finished first in 2020 heading the slate that was swept into office by a voter revolt, wants to serve a two-year term as mayor.

SMa.r.t. Column: An Urgent Appeal

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:46:39 GMT

A healthy city will need to balance economic & resource efficiency – accommodating growth while lowering resource consumption. And even with computers & teleconferencing, face-to-face opportunities will still prevail. But with LA County’s sprawl, enormous distances to jobs with public transportation while also managing childcare is not acceptable.

So how do we keep Santa Monica from also falling deeper into this abyss? How do we stop Developers from “piecemealing” our city which has proven very expensive. There are 5 objectives I feel the City Council should consider to keep Santa Monica from continuing to crumble still further!

New Report Predicts Rents Will Increase In Some L.A Neighborhoods

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Dec 2022 17:38:41 GMT

Santa Monica Real Estate Report

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/12/new-report-predicts-rents-will-increase-in-some-l-a-neighborhoods-santa-monica-real-estate-report-december-5th-2022/

City Spends More than $40 Million on Homelessness But Lacks Way to Gauge Progress

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 03 Dec 2022 00:00:40 GMT

Those are the key conclusions of an eagerly anticipated 110-page Homelessness Study by the accounting firm Moss Adams LLP that was presented to the City's Audit Subcommittee on Monday.

Santa Monica Rents Remain Flat

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 17:03:22 GMT

Santa Monica rents remained relatively flat in November, falling by 0.5 percent to an average median rent of $2,202, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Wednesday.

Local rents are rising much slower than they did last year, climbing by 7.3 percent since January, compared to a 15.6 percent increase over the first 11 months of last year.

Election winners to take office next week

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 20:32:40 GMT

Due to an extended vote counting process, final results took several weeks to trickle in but with all races now officially in the books, Santa Monica’s elected bodies are planning to reorganize and welcome new members.

The Election Starts Tomorrow - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 20:16:41 GMT

So if you breathed a sigh of relief when there was change in 2020 – realizing that it does take a long time to turn a large ship in a different direction – you’d better look at these recent results and suck it in and get to work, now, for 2024. We can no longer send boys and girls against women and men. I’m not advocating for dirty politics, just smarter, tougher, more sophisticated campaigning.

Annual Landlord/Tenant Forum Held on December 14, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 20:06:36 GMT

On Wednesday, December 14, 2022, from 4 to 6 p.m., the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office and the Rent Control Agency will host their annual Landlord/Tenant Forum. This year's event, which will be presented virtually, will include presentations by staff of the Consumer Protection Unit of the City Attorney's Office, Rent Control, and Code Enforcement.

Votes Still Being Slowly Counted 3 Weeks After Election

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Nov 2022 17:10:25 GMT

A trickle of votes were counted by the LA County registrar over the past week, with fewer than 50 of the 3,370 ballots counted countywide cast in Santa Monica.

As expected, the new tallies did nothing to change any of the local races, which were determined long before last Tuesday's counts were released.

The few California lawmakers who are renters form caucus to advocate for tenants

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:46:38 GMT

Around 44% of Californians are renters. But as far as state Assemblymember Alex Lee can tell, just 5% of the California Assembly – four of its 80 members – don’t own a home.

In Lee’s view, that means the state’s 17 million renters aren’t adequately represented in Sacramento. So earlier this year, he and his three fellow renters in the Assembly formed a new “renters’ caucus” to advocate for tenant-focused policies. Another goal: pushing back on what they see as the outsized influence of landlord and real estate groups in state politics.

Councilmember Negrete Declares Victory in Reelection Bid

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Nov 2022 18:27:44 GMT

Negrete had cemented her already insurmountable margin after the latest vote tallies were released last Tuesday, but she had not officially declared victory ("Status Quo Prevails in Santa Monica," November 22, 2022).

"I am claiming victory," Negrete told the Lookout Monday night. "I'm excited and I'm grateful."

Ballot Measures Nearly Make Clean Sweep

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 18:01:52 GMT

With an just 15,105 ballots left to count in La County, Mayor Sue Himmelrich's transfer tax hike -- Measure GS -- has won by more than 2,500 votes with 19,435 yes votes (53.51 percent) and 16,886 no votes (46.49 percent).

Judge rules against developer and in favor of L.A. on emergency eviction protections

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:59:23 GMT

Ajudge has tossed out a federal lawsuit filed by a developer who said his real estate companies should have been compensated for losses they incurred as a result of emergency tenant protections approved in Los Angeles following the outbreak of COVID-19.

SMa.r.t. Column: Renting and Owning. The Santa Monica Long View

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 19:49:57 GMT

Everyone on the city council either owns their own homes. Or are protected by rent control. Or are so rich they don’t care.

Historically the council has done everything they can to stop you owning your own home. (TORCA allowed it for a short while, but the council fought it, and then killed it off as soon as they could.)

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – November 21st, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 19:44:47 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/11/j-p-morgan-chase-seeks-to-sell-1-4-million-square-feet-of-office-space-santa-monica-real-estate-report-november-21st-2022/

Santa Monica Developer Puts 3 'Builder's Remedy' Properties for Sale

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Nov 2022 19:42:17 GMT

WSC is selling three Santa Monica properties rushed into the planning pipeline last month before the City's Housing Element was given final approval by the State, The Lookout has confirmed.

The three preliminary applications -- which include 437 market-rate units and 88 affordable units -- can bypass the City's zoning code and general plan if final plans are submitted within six months.

Negrete Headed Back to Council

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Nov 2022 17:03:04 GMT

With just 13.5 percent of the countywide ballots left to count, Councilmember Lana Negrete will hold on to the seat she was appointed to fill less than a year-and-a-half ago.

Negrete, Measures GS, SMC Expand Vote Margins

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 19:33:01 GMT

The latest update from the LA County Registrar on Wednesday -- which included an additional 105,160 ballots -- further widened Negrete's lead over Natalya Zernitskaya in the race for the third open Council seat.

San Francisco Vacant Residential Unit Tax Proposition Passes

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 20:01:38 GMT

Introduced earlier this year by the Democratic Socialists of America and Faith in Action Bay Area, Proposition M, also known as the Empty Homes Tax, will tax property owners who have at least three units that have been vacant for more than six months. The tax amount is dependent on unit size but will be between $2,500 and $5,000 per empty unit for the first two years of vacancy, with up to $10,000 for any at three or more years. The tax will begin starting in January 2024

Leaders in Competitive Races Hold On

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Nov 2022 17:02:29 GMT

Leaders in the three Santa Monica races that remain to be decided inched further ahead after 284,084 votes were counted since Saturday.

Police reform back in the spotlight

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:33:26 GMT

The reports focus on implementation and status of the May 2021 after-action report on the events of May 31, 2020 — the protests and simultaneous looting of downtown. The report, compiled by police oversight specialists OIR Group, included 44 recommendations, of which 29 had been completed as of September, according to the latest report; the remaining 15 were underway.

A 26-page report included in the staff report for the Tuesday council meeting lists the status of each recommendation.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – November 14th, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:21:29 GMT

* City Approves Second Pedestrian-Only Promenade Like Space in Downtown
* England’s New Prime Minister Owns A $7.2M Dollar Santa Monica

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/11/city-approves-second-pedestrian-only-promenade-like-space-in-downtown-santa-monica-real-estate-report-november-14th-2022/

Three Santa Monica Races Remain Close

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:18:11 GMT

In one of the close races, Councilmember Lana Negrete has been slowly expanding her lead over Natalya Zarnitskaya for the final spot in the race for three Council seats.

Neighborhood Groups Push Back on 'Gag Order'

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 16:16:09 GMT

"Threatening to take away Neighborhood Associations' modest City funding and recognition, even if groups are in compliance with current non-profit organization regulations, would unnecessarily stifle public discourse," the NOMA Board wrote.

$5 million collected last year to offset new development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:21:39 GMT

The fees are gathered in line with a 1987 state law that outlines how such fees can be collected.

On Tuesday, Santa Monica City Council will receive a report on the latest fees gathered for development in fiscal year 2021-22.

SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica Housing Development – Poison Pills, Bad Data and the Blame Game

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:13:11 GMT

Prior councils have made long term decisions that have locked the city into an extraordinarily fixed path, the consequences of which are only now becoming apparent to all stakeholders. In business, a loosely analogous strategy is called a “Poison Pill.” Poison Pills are generally used to prevent changes.

Friday Vote Tally Changes Little in Local Races

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Nov 2022 16:08:16 GMT

In the race for three open City Council seats, Rent Board Commissioner Caroline Torosis was still in first place more than 1,100 votes ahead of Jesse Zwick, while Zwick led Councilmember Lana Negrete by more than 2,300 votes.

Negrete added 19 votes to her margin Thursday, putting her 582 votes ahead of Natalya Zernitskaya, who remained in fourth place ahead of Armen Melkonians and Ellis Raskin.

Candidates, Ballot Measures Hold on to Leads as More Ballots Counted

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 17:29:34 GMT

The frontrunners in Santa Monica races held on to -- and in some cases padded -- their leads after the LA County Registrar unexpectedly released a new batch of votes Thursday afternoon.

AND: https://smdp.com/2022/11/11/torosis-zwick-negrete-maintain-council-lead-as-votes-trickle-in/

Next wave of election results expected Friday

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 16:37:19 GMT

As of the last update, published online in the wee hours of Wednesday morning, Torosis had taken the top spot in the crowded field of city council candidates, collecting 8,327 votes. Behind her was Jesse Zwick with 7,321 votes, followed by incumbent Lana Negrete at 5,494 votes. But only about 550 votes separated Negrete, Ellis Raskin (5,002), Armen Melkonians (4,994) and Natalya Zernitskaya (4,943).

Feinstein is wrong

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:35:41 GMT

Mike Feinstein ignores too many details in his article about the “Lincoln Center” project — the one proposed for the Gelson’s site at the intersection of Ocean Park and Lincoln. The current situation is not residents’ or the Santa Monica City Council’s fault. It is the direct result of overreach by the State, which is imposing a mandate on municipalities that the State Constitution does not sanction — a mandate that ignores the characteristics that make certain communities desirable and that could result in converting Santa Monica into either Miami or Manhattan-by-the-Sea.

Brock Drops Support for Voting Rights Settlement

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Nov 2022 16:25:18 GMT

Efforts to settle a landmark voting rights lawsuit against the City have hit a major roadblock no matter who wins Tuesday's race for three open City Council seats, The Lookout has learned.

Councilmember Phil Brock said Sunday that he will not vote to settle the six-year-old California Voting Rights Act (CVRA) lawsuit before the California Supreme Court, likely eliminating the fourth vote needed to implement district-based elections.

Legal Battle in the Future for Santa Monica Following ‘Builder’s Remedy’ Debacle?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:28:45 GMT

The issue of the 16 ‘Builder’s Remedy’ applications that were filed during the time period when Santa Monica’s Housing Element was rejected by the State of California may turn into a legal battle as reported by The Real Deal.com.

Doug Sloan, the Santa Monica city attorney, said, as quoted by The Real Deal.com “We did engage outside counsel. It’s important to realize that, when looking at this builder’s remedy issue and the Housing Element law, the rules were not always very clear, and it was somewhat of a moving target from the state.” during a Santa Monica City Council meeting.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – November 7th, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 17:00:59 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/11/a-mix-use-building-on-santa-monica-and-3rd-street-set-to-be-sold-at-auction-santa-monica-real-estate-report-november-7th-2022/

Council Race May Be More About Power Than Issues

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 16:58:36 GMT

According to the only professional poll conducted for the Council race, Negrete, the lone incumbent in the race, held a comfortable lead six weeks ago, followed by Melkonians, who along with Negrete is backed by Santa Monicans for Change and the City's police are firefighters unions.

Get ‘Cash for Grass’ With Two Sustainable Landscaping Rebate Programs

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:07:57 GMT

Santa Monica residents can take advantage of two programs that will pay you to upgrade your outdoor space into a sustainable garden.

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/11/get-cash-for-grass-with-two-sustainable-landscaping-rebate-programs/

A Few Donors Carry Heavy Clout in Local Races

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 16:06:49 GMT

Santa Monica's low cap on candidate donations has bolstered the influence of both unknown donors from outside the City and powerful political players from within.

Council Revisits Smoking Ordinance

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Nov 2022 15:31:13 GMT

Strengthened by the Council in 2010, the law bans smoking within 20 feet of doors or open windows, in common areas and on private balconies, patios and other areas "from which smoke can travel to other units and common areas," according to City officials. But it doesn't address smoking in a public right-of-way around the building or how the ordinance can be enforced.

As housing prices surge, rent control is back on the ballot

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:48:43 GMT

With rental prices skyrocketing and affordable housing in short supply, inflation-weary tenants in cities and counties across the country are turning to the ballot box for relief. Supporters say rent control policies on the Nov. 8 ballot are the best short-term option to dampen rising rents and ensure vulnerable residents remain housed.

Who’s Backing City Council Candidates?

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:41:27 GMT

This is a hotly contested City Council election with 3 seats open. Political office here doesn’t come cheap. A little help from your friends goes toward candidates gaining a winning edge.

City Could Be Vastly Overestimating "Rent-Burdened' Households

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 17:11:13 GMT

If a widely publicized "rent relief" program is any indication, City officials have been vastly overestimating the number of "rent-burdened" households in Santa Monica.

A total of 563 households applied for the City's “Rent Control Adjustment Relief” (RCAR) program, fewer than one-tenth of 6,000 the very low-income households City officials say are paying more than half of their income in rent.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – October 31st, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 18:47:54 GMT

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/10/new-mixed-use-building-on-wilshire-to-provide-71-units-of-housing-santa-monica-real-estate-report-october-31st-2022/

School District, Malibu Agree to Separation 'Framework'

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 18:17:09 GMT

In what was quickly called both "a historic moment" and a "politically suspect move," the School District and City of Malibu unveiled a "framework" on Friday to move towards separation.

Mayor Himmelrich Blocks Housing Commission Report from City Council

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 29 Oct 2022 00:11:28 GMT

1. Mayor Sue Himmelrich refused to agendize a brief but important Housing Commission report with recommendations for today's City Council meeting. She did this after a) having publicly announced her inability to treat the Housing Commission without bias...

SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica’s Pending Apocalypse

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 23:52:25 GMT

For years, we were a 2 & 3 story terraced seaside community, a central park for the larger metropolitan area – a low-rise beach city like Santa Barbara, Carmel, and Santa Cruz, with maximum 3 story building heights in multi-family neighborhoods, 4 stories on our boulevards, and 5 stories downtown. But that Santa Monica is fast deteriorating, and we’re headed in Long Beach’s direction!

We are a city out-of-control. What’s our city’s future – “money & tourism” or “culture & seaside environment”?

Council Race Could See Last Ditch Spending Spree

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 Oct 2022 23:38:25 GMT

As the hotly contested race for City Council entered the homestretch this week, seven candidates and the PACs that support them still had more than $400,000 left to spend.

City leaders still hope to block 15 of 16 builder’s remedy projects

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:56:45 GMT

Santa Monica’s elected officials spared no time in sharing their intention of halting the construction of 16 new residential developments that have secured vested rights to be built across town.

The new developments, most of which are between nine and 15 stories tall, came about in a flurry of applications in just the past few weeks, all falling under what’s known as the “builder’s remedy.”

City Takes Steps to Fight 'Builder's Remedy' Projects

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:32:05 GMT

The City of Santa Monica has hired an attorney to help fend off a flurry of development proposals rushed under an obscure State law this month, top City officials said Monday.

The move comes as a startled City Council prepares to weigh legal options as City planners begin processing preliminary applications for 16 projects totalling more than 4,500 units

Your Santa Monica Common Sense (Local) Voting Guide

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 18:20:06 GMT

How to do the least damage in Soviet Monica

Councilmembers request outside lawyers to block new developments

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 18:14:34 GMT

When Santa Monica City Council meets on Tuesday evening, perhaps the most anticipated agenda item will have to wait until last: councilmembers’ request to find a way to block the storm of new development now in the pipeline due to the Housing Element fiasco (though technically members could rearrange the agenda to get to that earlier if they wanted).

2 MORE CENTS WORTH? Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:52:13 GMT

CONSERVATIVES! REPUBLICANS!!

That’s how The Slate and their allies in the coming election — incumbent Lana Negrete, Armen Melkonians and Albin Gielicz — are being attacked on social media. Of course, that is ridiculous, and in my reading, shows how desperate SMRR and their developer-backed ally Forward are to not see their power completely crushed by a second straight election embarrassment.

Your Santa Monica Common Sense (Local) Voting Guide

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:51:02 GMT

How to do the least damage in Soviet Monica

Council Candidate: Armen Melkonians

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:54:02 GMT

All candidates were given an opportunity to provide written answers to a set of questions provided by SMDP and two sets of answers will be printed each day. Answers are also available online alongside additional information from each candidate. To hear interviews with the candidates, visit www.smdp.com/pod.

16 projects, 4,562 housing units: How did we get here?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:43:04 GMT

The builder’s remedy window may now be closed, but with 16 new housing projects gaining state-issued permission to be built larger and denser than Santa Monica zoning rules would have allowed, the finger-pointing has just begun.

These projects all came in during a window of opportunity that opened because Santa Monica was unable to update its housing plans to meet state regulations amid the current housing crisis. The punishment for failing in the process was a loss of local control over zoning rules like height and density restrictions for residential projects that meet criteria for moderate or affordable housing.

City Council race is a toss-up

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:41:13 GMT

The following is an analysis of the race from the SMDP Editorial Board.

The forecast of how this year’s council race will turn out hinges on whether you base your prediction on the city’s established history as a progressive bastion (and, further, if those progressive voters make it to the ballot box) or you focus more on the strength of a lone candidate.

Singular importance

If you vote for Armen Melkonians, it doesn’t matter who else you vote for.

SMa.r.t. Column: 4500+ Units Permitted!

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:20:04 GMT

In the last month your City was forced by the State of California to approve the construction of about 16 projects totaling over 4,562 new units (941 are affordable). These are a wide variety of projects: apparently the smallest is 34 units (6 stories) and the largest is 2,000 units (15 stories). These projects all have in common that 20% of their units must be affordable and that they are entirely exempt from all local zoning codes for height, density, floor area ratios, etc. They are given this carte blanche because of a 30-year-old law (SB 2011) that says that any 20% affordable project of any size gets automatic approval if it is applied for during a time window that a city does not have a compliant Housing Element on file with the State.

Finally, and this is where you come in, my patient reader, vote for two candidates we believe will try to limit the damage of this draconian “builder’s remedy”: Armen Melkonians a long term smart growth advocate and Lana Negrete an independent incumbent who runs a beloved small business in your City.

Council Race Realigning Santa Monica's Political Forces

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 16:08:57 GMT

In addition, the union has spent $61,033 targeting Negrete in what is the hardest hitting campaign since the police union helped oust Tony Vazquez from the Council in 1994 ("Councilmember Negrete Target of First Election Hit Piece," September 23, 2022).

The union has also spent $7,881 targeting slow-growth activist Armen Melkonians.

The owners of Casa and Shutters have fought back, spending $55,615 on each of the two candidates, with $33,725 of that spent over the past two weeks.

Some of the divisions and alliances that have surfaced during the Council race are reshuffling Santa Monica's political power structure.

SMRR -- which has traditionally counted on a hefty war chest that averaged more than $130,000 in each of the five elections before the coronavirus shutdown -- has little money to spend and is relying on the hotel union's cash and canvassing efforts to push their common slate.

Four more 12-story projects en route due to Housing Element snafu

Victoria Palomino — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 17:44:31 GMT

The final count is in: 16 new medium- and high-density residential projects — most of them between nine and 15 stories high — slipped through the door held open by a non-compliant Housing Element, allowing them to bypass local oversight and head straight into permitting under state rules.

Slow-Growth Group Advises City to Fight 'Developer Ambush'

Victoria Palomino — Tue, 18 Oct 2022 18:02:48 GMT

Santa Monica's leading slow-growth group advised the City on Monday to immediately address the "developer ambush" mounted shortly before its housing plan was approved by the State on Friday.

Nearly 4,000 Units Coming to Santa Monica as City’s Housing Element Falls Out of Compliance

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:40:24 GMT

Because the Santa Monica City Council has not approved a Housing Element for the city that is compliant with state laws, a number of projects could be automatically approved as reported by The Santa Monica Daily Press.

Housing Plan Delays Led to Loss of Local Control

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 17 Oct 2022 17:38:05 GMT

After nearly three years in the works, State officials on Friday certified Santa Monica's Housing Element -- but not before 14 projects were rushed into the planning pipeline.

City Officials Caught Off Guard by Flurry of Development Submissions

Victoria Palomino — Fri, 14 Oct 2022 18:31:46 GMT

Santa Monica's biggest housing provider has rushed plans into the City's development pipeline to build nearly 5,000 units that require little public input, dealing a massive blow to local slow-growth activists who were caught off guard by the move.

Developers capitalize on Housing Element fiasco to force 3,968 undeniable units into the city’s pipeline

Victoria Palomino — Thu, 13 Oct 2022 18:43:56 GMT

Get ready for Santa Monica’s next development boom. Nearly 4,000 new housing units, including a 15-story residential building at Nebraska and Stanford, could be rubber stamped in Santa Monica after the City failed to produce a compliant Housing Element in 2021.

Revised plan for 13,000 new housing units heads to council

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 19:00:10 GMT

Following a months-long saga, Santa Monica City Council is on track to approve and adopt a revised version of the city’s 6th Cycle Housing Element at the upcoming Oct. 11 meeting.

General Election 2022

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:51:48 GMT

UPDATE: The Nomination Filing Period to run as a Write-In Candidate is from September 12 - October 25 and candidates will be added as they qualify. Contact the City Clerk's Office at clerk@santamonica.gov or (310) 458-8211 to make an appointment to pickup a Nomination Packet.

Measure SMC (SMC Bond Measure): Impartial Analysis, Arguments For/Against and Rebuttals to Arguments For/Against this measure are now available (see below). For more information on this measure, please contact the College District's Office at (310) 434-4200.

Spanish Translations: Candidate statement and most ballot measure information now available in Spanish!

New State Law, Santa Monica Transfer Tax Measure Shoot for Same Goal

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:48:14 GMT

Last week, Governor Gavin Newsom signed an affordable housing law that does for Los Angeles County what Mayor Sue Himmelrich's proposed transfer tax increase would do for Santa Monica.

Mixed-Use Development Planned for Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:46:12 GMT

Cypress Equity Investments (CEI) has made a presentation to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles regarding their plans for 2025 Wilshire Boulevard.

Rents Hold Steady in Santa Monica Despite National Dip: Santa Monica Real Estate Report – October 10th, 2022

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 10 Oct 2022 18:10:13 GMT

Property, Developments, and Listings on the Westside.
* Mixed Use Project Under Review To Replace Fast Casual Restaurants On Wilshire
* Rents Hold Steady in Santa Monica Despite National Dip
* Local Properties For Sale And Rent In Your Neighborhood!

School Board Slate Rally Targets Muir Closure

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 15:58:19 GMT

Organizers of the rally include members of a slate of four School Board challengers trying to gain control of the School Board ("School Board Slate Eyes Major Shake-Up," September 1, 2022).

They note that School District officials have long known about the conditions at the predominantly minority school.

Santa Monica's Great Lie

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 17:39:58 GMT

By Peter Borresen

Our leaders have left our city almost uninhabitable but they say it's really paradise because it's sunny and we have a beach.

LA to Sunset Renter Eviction Protections

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 23:28:24 GMT

Landlords can resume rent increases on rent-controlled aparTments, starting in February 2024. Rent-controlled residences account for three-quarters of apartments in Los Angeles.

L.A. rental assistance lottery waitlist opens up after five years

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 23:26:31 GMT

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program will help up to 30,000 households by paying a portion of their rent paid, according to the Los Angeles Housing Authority.

The program provides rental assistance to very low-income people and families. City officials are urging those who are eligible to apply online.

Council Candidate: Lana Negrete

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:34:17 GMT

Special Interests Are Major Players in Council Race

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 17:24:39 GMT

Special interest groups will have a major impact on the November 8 City Council race, with one union spending as much to target a single candidate as all eleven candidates have spent combined.

Gelson’s project continues to face resistance

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:10:52 GMT

Neighbors may be up in arms over the new Lincoln Center Project that will replace the Gelson’s grocery store in Ocean Park, but complaints over its size and appearance are unlikely to sink the large scale residential project.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Project at Lincoln and Ocean Park

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 18:03:10 GMT

The housing project at 2601 Lincoln Blvd (22ENT-0073) was submitted for City review on March 11, 2022. The project consists of 521 total housing units, of which 53 units are affordable to Very Low-Income households, and 33,296 square feet of commercial space. This FAQ is shared in response to community questions regarding the project and is intended to provide an overview of the project, review process, and project status.

Santa Monica City Planning Grants Too Many Variances to Developers. Gelson's Shopping Center is an example.

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:54:17 GMT

The Santa Monica City Planning Department has never from all appearances, met a variance it didn't like. Every one of those exceptions over the years, including those for the Lincoln Center project on the current Gelson's site, has benefitted developers and penalized residents.

New Affordable Housing Development Coming To 7th Street: Santa Monica Real Estate Report – October 3rd, 2022

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:47:12 GMT

Property, Developments, and Listings on the Westside.
* New Affordable Housing Development Coming To 7th Street
* The Director Of Community Services, Andy Agle, Is Retiring
* Local Properties For Sale And Rent In Your Neighborhood!

Dem Club Membership Breaks with Tradition in 'Surprising Upset'

Victoria Palomino — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 17:37:01 GMT

September 30, 2022 -- In a highly unusual move, Santa Monica's three most liberal groups are not in lockstep with their City Council endorsements, risking a takeover by a "conservative" majority.

A Case of Legislative Undersight

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:57:00 GMT

Dear Editor,

When it’s clear that your car is headed for a cliff, it’s time to change direction. The State of California doesn’t seem to believe that, and Santa Monica is in the passenger seat.

Council Candidate: Samantha Mota

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:46:09 GMT

Council Candidate: Jon Mann

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:45:18 GMT

Community Corp of Santa Monica Holds Ribbon Cutting for Pacific Landing Affordable Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:24:16 GMT

Project will bring 37 units of 100 percent affordable housing to Lincoln Boulevard and Pacific Street

City Considering Mixed-use Project to Replace Chipotle on Wilshire

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:22:53 GMT

See Video at: https://smmirror.com/2022/10/city-considering-mixed-use-project-to-replace-chipotle-on-wilshire/

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – October 3rd, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:18:10 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/10/new-affordable-housing-development-coming-to-7th-street-santa-monica-real-estate-report-october-3rd-2022/

Council Paves Way for All-Electric Future

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 16:10:01 GMT

Santa Monica took major strides toward an all-electric future Tuesday when the City Council approved policies that ban gas energy in all new construction and require developers to add EV chargers in multi-family buildings.

Candidates crack $50,000 mark in latest campaign finance filing

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:27:37 GMT

Candidates for local elections continue to rake in impressive donation amounts as Election Day draws nearer.

The latest filing deadline for campaign contributions was Thursday, Sept. 29, and the latest numbers show some candidates more than doubling their donation amounts over their July numbers.

No on SMC

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 18:26:01 GMT

Santa Monicans join Malibu residents in opposing Measure SMC, the $375 million Santa Monica College (SMC) bond measure that is slated to fund the construction of more buildings.

Dem Club Membership Breaks with Tradition in 'Surprising Upset'

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 00:04:07 GMT

The Club's endorsement threatens to divide Santa Monica's most liberal Democrat voting block, paving the way for Council member Lana Negrete and slow-growth activist Armen Melkonians to gain two of the open seats.

The case for pretrial diversion

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 16:10:37 GMT

The legal jargon may not be intuitive, but it essentially means landlords charged with misdeeds — from tenant harassment to price gouging — are compelled to meet some criteria to avoid a potential guilty verdict.

SMa.r.t. Column: City Council Endorsements

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 15:27:07 GMT

Lana Negrete is the very model of a homegrown renter, small business owner and entrepreneur. Ms. Negrete, appointed a year ago to a vacant City Council seat, was born and raised in Santa Monica, has long owned a widely-admired local small business, and has experienced the benefits and challenges of a resident who is committed to supporting local schools, preserving neighborhoods, solving the homelessness crisis and increasing public safety.

Armen Melkonians, a civil and environmental engineer, is a former member of SMa.r.t. In his work, Mr. Melkonians’ problem-solving approach is highly focused, with an engineer’s attention to detail. He is deeply familiar with the way that cities (and Santa Monica in particular) use rules to help approve or block projects, and is expert at navigating the complex pathways that lead to successful projects.

LA council committee recommends end date for city's COVID eviction moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 20:20:53 GMT

The council's Ad Hoc Committee on COVID-19 Recovery and Neighborhood Investment voted 4-0 to sunset protections for tenants unable to pay rent due to COVID-19 financial impact. The committee's recommendation follows the council's Housing Committee discussion earlier this month, in which it approved an amendment to the Los Angeles Housing Department's report that would extend eviction protections beyond LAHD's Dec. 31 recommendation.

L.A. County supervisors propose adopting permanent rental protections

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:16:04 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday proposed permanently adopting several rental assistance programs, as rental protections — many of which were put in place during the early days of the pandemic — are set to expire at the end of the year.

Some of the proposals would be the first of their kind in L.A. County, including allowing tenants to avoid being evicted if they fall behind on about a month's rent.

California governor signs laws to boost housing production

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:10:34 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two laws Wednesday that would open up much of the state’s commercial land for residential development. It’s a long-sought victory for affordable housing advocates, who say such sites are ready-made for apartments because they are often near populated areas and come with ample parking.

New study reveals fault zone off Santa Monica coast could cause up to 7.8 magnitude earthquake

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:08:46 GMT

Instead of a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, which is already considered severe, scientists now say the fault system is capable of triggering up to a 7.8 quake. While the difference may not seem major, it is an increase of close to four times the amount of energy being released, according to calculations by the United States Geological Survey.

Santa Monica Adopts Zero Emission Building Code and EV Charger

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 16:04:46 GMT

Last night, the Santa Monica City Council adopted two policies that will drastically reduce the carbon footprint of new construction projects and facilitate EV adoption in Santa Monica beginning January 1, 2023. The Zero Emission Building Code requires new buildings to be all-electric. The EV Charger Reach Code, an amendment to the state Green Building Code known as CALGreen, requires that new projects increase the number of EV charging spaces to help ensure that EV drivers have a spot to plug in, particularly in new multifamily buildings.

Local Landlords Charged with Rent Gouging

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 16:18:47 GMT

On September 26, 2022, a judge for the California Superior Court placed defendants 1433 Euclid Street, LLC., and WS Communities, LLC., landlords of the property located at 1433 Euclid Street in Santa Monica, on a 12-month diversion program in connection with misdemeanor criminal charges of rental housing price gouging in violation of state law.

AND: https://smdp.com/2022/09/28/landlords-will-pay-35k-to-avoid-criminal-prosecution-for-price-gouging/

Mayor Himmelrich Quashes A Motion Critical of Her Meeting Misconduct

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 16:12:18 GMT

Mayor Sue Himmelrich, with the assistance of new City Attorney Doug Sloan, refused to allow a vote on a motion by Councilmember Oscar de la Torre at last night's City Council meeting. The kicker? De la Torre's motion was an attempt to address Mayor Himmelrich's regular and significant violations of parliamentary procedure, which hinder efficient, effective, and fair City Council meetings.

Santa Monica Rents Hold Steady in September

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 16:07:51 GMT

Still, Santa Monica's 2.9 percent year-over-year rent growth is far slower than the 13 percent jump at this time last year, according to data compiled from listings on the popular website.

Re: Housing element

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 17:00:24 GMT

It’s unclear whose myopia is worse — the city’s or the state’s.

The original number of proposed new housing units was already unrealistic, given the lack of both water and power to support those units and the low number of affordable options among them. Increasing the total from just under 8,900 to over 13,000 makes it clear that elected officials are either blind or deaf… in addition to being environmentally dumb.

Malibu leaders denounce proposed $375 million SMC bond

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:56:33 GMT

A broad consensus is emerging among Malibu political leaders from all sides of the spectrum that the proposed Santa Monica College bond issue on this fall’s election ballot is a very bad deal for Malibu.

SMa.r.t. Column: SMCLC Rejects Gelson’s Project

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Sep 2022 16:51:16 GMT

This week our SMa.r.t. column is guest written by the Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (SMCLC). They are a well established, concerned, and active, resident organization and we at SMa.r.t. are always interested to see, hear and share their concerns and observations.

For the past nine months, SMCLC has been monitoring the status of the behemoth project on the Gelson’s site at Lincoln and Ocean Park Blvds. This massive project, with scant affordable housing, has generated enormous public interest and controversy. Below is the detailed email SMCLC sent last Monday to its supporters about the project.

URGENT ACTION NEEDED: TELL THE CITY TO REJECT HUGE, NON-CONFORMING PROJECT ON GELSON’S SITE ON LINCOLN AND OCEAN PARK BLVDS.

"Crime is the number one problem in Santa Monica," says Candidate for City Council Armen Melkonians

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:11:35 GMT

Why do you want to be on the Santa Monica City Council, I asked candidate Armen Melkonians. He said crime and homelessness were out of control problems. The City spends a lot of money on these problems, with no progress.

"Our community has gotten crazy out of hand, in terms of crime cleanliness and quietly of life and we need to turn that around.

Renderings Released for Santa Monica Library-Adjacent Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 16:00:24 GMT

The Foundation For Affordable Housing has proposed a new affordable housing project to The Santa Monica Architectural Review Board for the property at 1333 7th Street as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – September 26th, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 15:47:02 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/09/framing-nearly-complete-on-lincoln-blvd-47-unit-mixed-use-building-santa-monica-real-estate-report-september-26th-2022/

New Council Meeting Rules Could be Tested for Extra 3 Months

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 15:45:41 GMT

A test program to shorten City Council meetings and allow most public speakers to leave early could be extended an extra three months.

The Council on Tuesday will take up a staff recommendation to extend the pilot program set to expire December 31 that consolidates public comments at the start of meetings.

L.A. to reopen Section 8 housing waiting list for first time in five years

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Sep 2022 00:06:25 GMT

The city of Los Angeles will be reopening the waiting list for its Section 8 housing vouchers program for the first time in five years.

Starting Oct. 17, Angelenos will have two weeks to submit an application online for a chance to be added to a lottery waiting list. The last time Los Angeles opened its Section 8 waiting list was in 2017 — and nearly 188,000 people applied for only 20,000 available vouchers.

"Crime is the number one problem in Santa Monica," says Candidate for City Council Armen Melkonians

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:27:14 GMT

"We are spending money on a homeless industry with no result. Everyone should be fired, and made to reapply," he says.

Official Who Spearheaded City's Affordable Housing Efforts to Retire

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 15:24:39 GMT

Adny Agle -- who helped ensure more than 2,000 units were earmarked for low-income tenants and worked to aquire more than 20 acres of private land for the City -- will retire at the end of the year, City officials announced Tuesday.

League of Women Voters / CRJ Candidate Forum: City Council

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 20:20:26 GMT

Sunday, Oct. 2, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. PST Zoom meeting open to all: Register in advance to receive a link for this zoom : https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_L_pS6VJ-RmmzoG4aEatbLg

Call Joanne at 310-422-5431 for more information

No on GS

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:25:37 GMT

Letter to the Editor from: Peter Borresen, Santa Monica

Combined, the loss of property tax paying buildings, the increase in new residents whose buildings don’t pay taxes for their schools and police, and the delayed uplift in regular property taxes from delayed property sales will have a severe impact on regular city tax revenues, lowering monies for police and schools.

Final Draft Housing Element on track for approval

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 15:22:34 GMT

The 185-page Final Draft Revised Housing Element states that the City of Santa Monica has identified “the capacity to accommodate at least 13,600 units providing a 53 percent buffer above the City’s RHNA of 8,895 units,” later adding that, “The buffer accounts for the likelihood that not all identified SSI sites may be necessarily developed by a property owner for housing. The land inventory includes capacity for 521 extremely low, 2,819 very low income, 2,703 low income, and 1,901 moderate income units.”

Transfer Tax Battle Could Shatter Fundraising Records

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Sep 2022 14:59:17 GMT

To date, Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights Co-Chair Michael Soloff had donated $335,000 -- easily shattering the record for an individual -- to the Measure GS campaign sponsored by his wife, the mayor.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – August 29th, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:53:39 GMT

See Video at: https://smmirror.com/2022/09/lionsgate-looks-to-sublet-office-space-at-santa-monica-headquarters-santa-monica-real-estate-report-september-19th-2022/

SMa.r.t. Column: Gelson’s – Compliant? Or Not!

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:51:36 GMT

The poster child for over-development known as The Gelson’s project, located at Lincoln & Ocean Park Blvd’s has had its application deemed ‘complete’ by the City. Accomplished in part perhaps by avoiding/ignoring inquiries of concerned residents and local groups that had questions regarding compliance with various applicable codes and regulations; issues that could significantly impact and potentially require a reduction of the almost one million sq. ft. project.

Council Takes Steps to Boost Input from Section 8 Advisory Board

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:46:37 GMT

After a lengthy debate, the City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to radically shrink -- and rename -- an advisory board comprised of Section 8 tenants to give it a stronger voice.

Design Board to Review Another Tight-Fitting Downtown Project

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 16:45:24 GMT

A month after taking up a tight-fitting hotel project, Santa Monica's design board on Monday will review an affordable housing development that squeezes an eight-story 38-unit building into a single-family-sized lot.

Tenants in Rent-Controlled Apartments Are Urged to Apply Now for One-Time Rent Relief

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:37:59 GMT

On Monday, September 19 at 6 p.m. applications will close for the “Rent Control Adjustment Relief” (RCAR) program which provides one-time rent relief to help rent-burdened Santa Monica households in rent-controlled apartments unable to afford the Rent Control General Adjustment that took effect on September 1, 2022.

Council Race Could Test SMRR's Clout

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:25:19 GMT

This year's City Council election could be a major test of the political clout Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) has wielded for four decades.

Questions that were raised when two of the three Council incumbents backed by the group were swept out of office in 2020 have resurfaced after a record-low turnout at Sunday's SMRR convention.

Sunday's low turnout helped the local hotel workers union, whose caucus accounted for a fifth of the ballots cast, cement an endorsement for its chosen candidates -- Caroline Torosis, Ellis Raskin and Jesse Zwick ("Hotel Unon Flexes Muscle at SMMR Convention," September 12, 2022).

SMa.r.t. Column: The Big Reset

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 14 Sep 2022 15:24:41 GMT

First, we should always view any proposal with this lens: does it help us live within our means? For example a college or school district bond that piles new lcrushing debt totaling Billions (with a B) of dollars on future generations, when the college and school population is actually shrinking, is not an example of living within our means. A city that agrees to 8874 units of new construction without the permanent water for those 18,000 new residents is committing a form of suicide.

Kurt Gonska appointed to fill vacant Rent Control Board seat

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 17:47:15 GMT

Kurt Gonska was unanimously appointed as an interim commissioner of the Rent Control Board last week to fill the spot left vacant in August when Board Member Naomi Sultan resigned her post after moving out of the city.

Hotel Union Flexes Muscle at SMRR Convention

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Sep 2022 15:40:43 GMT

High humidity and COVID fears resulted in a record low turnout at Sunday's Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) convention, paving the way for the hotel workers union to flex its political muscle.

The 43-year-old tenants group endorsed the three City Council challengers backed by UNITE HERE Local 11 -- Rent Board Commissioner Caroline Torosis, Planning Commissioner Ellis Raskin and public policy adviser Jesse Zwick.

City Council Tuesday, Sept. 13

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:45:35 GMT

Council meets on Tuesday, Sept. 13 with an agenda heavy on second readings of past decisions. However, new business includes a pair of items addressing homelessness and a discussion of new ways to solicit input into federal housing aid.

Rent Drops in Santa Monica After Steady Growth

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:37:11 GMT

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – September 12th, 2022

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/09/rent-drops-in-santa-monica-after-steady-growth-santa-monica-real-estate-report-september-12th-2022/

LA County's Homeless Population Up 4 Percent, Down 23 Percent on Westside

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 15:43:37 GMT

The drop contributed to an overall decrease in Santa Monica's homeless population over the past two years -- from 907 to 807 -- while the number of people living on the streets remained flat, according to the City's homeless count.

AND: https://smmirror.com/2022/09/los-angeles-homeless-service-authority-releases-2022-homeless-count-results/

Police Union Endorses Negrete, Melkonians, Gielicz

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:35:34 GMT

Santa Monica's two public safety unions -- which have traditionally endorsed the same City Council candidates and backed them with ample war chests -- will not be in lockstep this year.

After sitting out the 2020 race, the Santa Monica Police Officers Association (POA) announced Wednesday it is backing Councilmember Lana Negrete, resident activist Armen Melkonians and Recreation and Parks Commissioner Albin Gielicz in the November 8 race for three Council seats.

Apartment Providers Placed in Diversion Program

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Sep 2022 19:33:15 GMT

The defendants -- Adam Shekhter; MySuite, LLC.; 1238 10th Street, LLC., and 1433 Euclid Street, LLC. -- are required to pay $80,000 to the City of Santa Monica for tenant protection enforcement and outreach.

As part of the diversion approved by a California Superior Court judge on July 29, the defendants also will pay $20,000 to a former tenant and $2,000 to a current tenant, according to the City Attorneys Office.

The City of Santa Monica and Sustainable Works

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 21:07:11 GMT

Learn how you can save water and money with Santa Monica’s Landscape Rebate Programs*:

– Up to $6,000 in residential rebates

– Up to $10,000 in business rebates

New advisory board forming to oversee federal housing aid

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 21:03:17 GMT

“I’m just not used to having things that are just open ended,” said Commissioner Dominic Gomez. “I think it is a major deterrent in terms of the effective launch of any organization.

City Of Santa Monica Approves $5.7M Towards Income Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 20:48:37 GMT

Santa Monica Real Estate Report

* City Of Santa Monica Approves $5.7M Towards Income Housing Development
* City Council Passes Emergency Rental Increase Relief Ordinance
* Local Properties For Sale And Rent In Your Neighborhood!

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/09/city-of-santa-monica-approves-5-7m-towards-income-housing-development-santa-monica-real-estate-report-september-6th-2022/

Santa Monica City Council Approves Emergency Eviction Moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:15:04 GMT

Council Also Approves Measure To Cap The General Adjustment At 3% On November Ballot

On August 23, The Santa Monica City Council approved an emergency ordinance allowing a temporary eviction moratorium to take effect immediately for rents due September 1, 2022, for residential tenants in rent-controlled units. The press release from the Santa Monica City Government said, “The moratorium is a measure to safeguard Santa Monica residents who may be unable to afford potential rent increases of up to 6% due to an increase in the maximum allowable rent (MAR) for rent-controlled housing.”

This eviction moratorium narrowly applies to tenants in rent-controlled housing who face eviction for nonpayment of rent due to COVID-19-related financial distress between September 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023. The eviction protection applies to those tenants whose rent will be increased by more than 3% starting in September 2022. The moratorium will not apply to an owner who agrees not to collect rent increases over 3% for the September rent.

Council candidates start picking-up endorsements

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:14:48 GMT

Candidates for local offices are touting endorsements on a daily basis as they prepare for big fundraising pushes in advance of the heavy campaign work and a trio of council candidates are among the first beneficiaries of a significant union endorsement.

Firefighters Endorse Negrete, Melkonians, Tororis for Council

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 16:13:41 GMT

"Armen Melkonians has proven his commitment to the city of Santa Monica through years of pro-resident activism," Bei said of the founder of the slow-growth online group.

School Board Slate Eyes Major Shake-Up

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 03 Sep 2022 15:49:10 GMT

For what may be the first time in at least two decades, an organized slate of four challengers from Santa Monica and Malibu will try to gain control of the School Board.

Named A Brighter Future (ABF), the four-member slate is composed of Santa Monica residents Angela DiGaetano, Esther Hickman and Miles Warner, and Malibu resident Stacy Rouse.

Local Landlords and Management Company Placed on Criminal Diversion

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 17:27:49 GMT

On July 29, 2022, a judge for the California Superior Court placed defendants Adam Shekhter, MySuite, LLC., 1238 10th Street, LLC., and 1433 Euclid Street, LLC., on a 12-month diversion program in connection with misdemeanor criminal charges of tenant harassment, public nuisance, and zoning violations at apartment buildings in Santa Monica owned or managed by the defendants.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/defendants-in-criminal-tenant-harassment-case-could-end-prosecution-for-102000/220888

Rents Dip in Santa Monica After Slowly Inching Up

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:49:07 GMT

After slowly rising over the past five months, rents in Santa Monica dipped in August by less than 1 percent, according to Apartment List's monthly rent report released Tuesday.

The 0.5 percent decrease came as rent growth nationwide began slowing for the season, with the median rent increasing 0.5 percent, after a 1.1 percent increase in July.

Paolo Velasco Hired As Santa Monica’s Equity and Inclusion Manager

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 31 Aug 2022 15:48:10 GMT

Per the press release from the City of Santa Monica’s Communication Officer, City Manager David White has selected Paolo Velasco to lead the City’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives as its Equity and Inclusion Manager. In this role, Velasco will strengthen a culture of equity and inclusion that builds on the significant progress the City has made over the last two years, through efforts by Equity and Inclusion Officers (EIOs) in every City department. He starts on September 19 with an annual salary of $155,580.

Rent Control Board race all but sewn up

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 18:59:07 GMT

With three seats up for grabs in this November’s Santa Monica Rent Control Board election and three candidates qualifying for the ballot, the competition to determine who will administer the 43-year-old rent control program is all but decided.

SMa.r.t. Are you Surprised?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 18:49:40 GMT

Illusions have “protected” us

We have the illusion that we are protected by distance from grim climate-induced catastrophes elsewhere. “That’s over there, it doesn’t affect me” is a common sentiment. But, as the news cycle proves repeatedly, distance is no protection.

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – August 29th, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 17:26:31 GMT

Property, Developments, and Listings on the Westside

Rent Control Adjustment Relief

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Aug 2022 17:23:28 GMT

City of Santa Monica has developed a rent relief program - the Rent Control Adjustment Relief (RCAR) program.

More California cities enact rent control

Margaret Fulton — Sun, 28 Aug 2022 17:06:14 GMT

On Aug. 22, the Bell Gardens City Council voted unanimously to advance a rent stabilization ordinance that would limit annual rent increases to 50% of the local consumer price index, capping the hike at 4% even if the inflation rate is higher.

Last week, the Antioch City Council passed a similar rent control ordinance that caps annual rent increases in the Bay Area city at 60% of the CPI or 3% — whichever is less. On Aug. 1, Pomona's City Council set a rent cap at 4% or the change in CPI.

California lawmakers reach deal on housing production bills

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 27 Aug 2022 17:57:05 GMT

Facing a housing shortage in the nation’s most populous state, California’s legislative leaders on Thursday backed a pair of bills that would open up much of the state’s commercial land for residential development, bypassing some local zoning laws to replace shuttered shops with affordable apartments.

Council Approves Emergency Eviction Moratorium After Heated Debate

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Aug 2022 15:37:26 GMT

Under an emergency ordinance approved by the City Council Tuesday, rent control tenants who receive a rent increase of more than 3 percent can defer their rent for up to five months.

While the ordinance only applies to tenants suffering from "financial stress" due to COVID, they can "self-certify" by stating they can't pay the rent, a contention they would then have to prove in court if evicted.

City Council Approves Temporary Eviction Moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:31:52 GMT

At last night’s meeting, the Santa Monica City Council approved an emergency ordinance allowing a temporary eviction moratorium to take effect immediately for rents due September 1, 2022 for residential tenants in rent-controlled units. The moratorium is a measure to safeguard Santa Monica residents who may be unable to afford potential rent increases of up to 6% due to an increase in the maximum allowable rent (MAR) for rent-controlled housing.

California Legal Aid Providers Awarded $1.1 Million in Grants

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 19:20:36 GMT

Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) will receive $383,696

The Legal Services Corporation (LSC) announced last week that it is awarding more than $1.1 million in Pro Bono Innovation Fund grants to three California legal aid organizations. Inland Counties Legal Services (ICLS) will receive $435,404, Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) will receive $383,696, and California Rural Legal Assistance (CRLA) will receive $367,167.

Relief Program for Rent Control Tenants Kicks Off Monday

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Aug 2022 16:30:26 GMT

The City on Monday will begin accepting applications for a one-time program that will distribute $750,000 to low-income tenants unable to pay their upcoming rent increases.

The “Rent Control Adjustment Relief” (RCAR) program will give priority to "very-low- and extremely-low-income households" paying more than half of their income in rent, City officials said.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2022/08/23/750-000-in-one-time-rent-relief-is-now-available-to-tenants-in-rent-controlled-apartments-

AND: https://www.smdp.com/rent-relief-program-opens-monday/220636

Start of Construction for The Laurel, a Santa Monica Supportive Housing Community

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:17:16 GMT

Located at 1413 Michigan Avenue, the four-story building will comprise 57 studio apartments, reserved for individuals between 30% and 50% of area median income (AMI), as well as a manager’s unit. Residents will benefit from a laundry facility on each floor, a common area deck on the 3rd and 4th floor, 12 on grade parking spaces, and 800 square feet of community space for resident use.

New interest-free loan program launches in LA County to help prevent homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 16:11:33 GMT

New assistance is available in LA County to people facing the prospect of losing their homes. The Short Term Eviction Prevention (STEP) Fund, a program funded by the nonprofit, 1p.org, is launching a pilot program to give out 1,000 micro loans of up to 2,500 dollars to individuals at risk of eviction or dealing with other housing-related challenges.

Adam Miller, the founder of the STEP Fund said he started the program in response to research showing that many people lose housing as the result of some type of financial shock.

Balcony Laws

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:58:03 GMT

Every building with 3 or more units in the state of California with an exterior elevated element above six feet, requires an inspection per the new “Balcony Law”. The first inspection of these elements must be completed by a licensed architect, engineer or contractor by January 1, 2025.

City Council to Consider Eviction Moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Aug 2022 15:48:14 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday will take up an emergency ordinance that protects tenants from eviction if they can't afford to pay a monthly rent increase of more than 3 percent over the next six months.

Emergency Du Jour

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:46:17 GMT

Tuesday 8/23 the Santa Monica City Council will consider an Emergency Ordinance to provide “temporary” eviction protection for rent-controlled tenants who, effective September 1 are subject to a rent increase of more than 3% of the current (Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR) prior to 9/1/2022 and self-certify that they are unable to pay the increased amount of rent for the “protected period” of 9/1/2022-1/31/2023 due to financial hardship. The landlord would then not be able to evict for nonpayment of rent for that protected period, until 9/1/2023 The Ordinance would allow the protected tenant up to 12 months to pay the increased rent. The protection provided will constitute an affirmative defense for any tenant in an unlawful detainer action brought by the landlord. (Source-Staff report prepared by City Attorney Douglas Sloan)

From Wes Wellman's Fast Lane News 8/21/22

Two council candidates off to a fast start for campaign cash

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:29:18 GMT

Although 13 Santa Monica City Council hopefuls and eight prospective Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education members have submitted paperwork to run in the November election, only five council and two school board candidates had launched their fundraising campaigns by the most recent campaign finance report deadline last month.

Santa Monica Ranked Most Expensive Place to Rent

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Aug 2022 15:19:52 GMT

Property, Developments, and Listings on the Westside.

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/08/santa-monica-ranked-most-expensive-place-to-rent-in-l-a-santa-monica-real-estate-report-august-22nd-2022/

Santa Monica Ballot Order Set

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Aug 2022 15:34:01 GMT

Challengers will top of the ballot in three of the four Santa Monica races November 8, gaining what could be a slight advantage with voters.

Ballot order will be meaningless in the race for Rent Control Board, where only three candidates are vying for three open seats -- Daniel S. Ivanov; incumbent Ericka Lesley, who was appointed to the Board last month, and Kurt Gonska.

29 candidates file papers to run for local offices

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 18:52:11 GMT

Three candidates (Kurt Gonska, Daniel S. Ivanov and Ericka Lesley) filed paperwork for the three open seats on Rent Control Board but it’s still possible for a write-in candidate to run. Even without a contested election, current election rules require an election no matter how many individuals are on the ballot. However, a package of rent control reforms will be before voters this year including a proposal to allow officials to cancel future elections if they are uncontested.

13 Candidates File for Council Race

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 15:19:08 GMT

The four who filed by the 5:30 p.m. deadline included Armen Melkonians, the founder of the once-powerful grassroots online group Residocracy, who is expected to run as a "Change" candidate in the November 8 race for three Council seats.

The three candidates vying for three seats on the Rent Control Board -- incumbent Ericka Lesley and challengers Kurt Gonska and Daniel S. Ivanov -- have made the ballot.

Malibu’s Airbnb ordinance thrown out by Coastal Commission

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Aug 2022 18:35:12 GMT

The city proposal to ban overnight rentals unless a host is present was aimed at preventing the rental of party houses. But Coastal staff said it would drive too many Malibu homeowners out of the overnight rental business.

Field of Potential Candidates Dwindles

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 17:03:35 GMT

That is also the case in the race for Rent Control Board, where the last-minute withdrawal of one candidate, left only three vying for three open seats by last Friday's deadline.

The withdrawal of Carl Hansen, the former director of government affairs for the Chamber of Commerce, leaves only three candidates running for three open Rent Board seats.

Time to Crack Down on Vacant Homes’ Owners

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 16:35:59 GMT

How extensive is the vacancy problem? One estimate from the California Association of Realtors suggests as many as 1.2 million units, apartments and single-family homes, now sit vacant around California. Most are in cities, where in some cases, entire apartment buildings are empty.

Construction Begins on Michigan Avenue Affordable Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:57:38 GMT

A new affordable housing project has begun construction in Santa Monica as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles.

The new development will replace the Santa Monica Nikkei Hall at 1413 Michigan Avenue near Woodlawn Cemetery in the Pico Neighborhood.

Real Estate Report

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 15:54:54 GMT

Property, Developments, and Listings on the Westside.
* City Council Votes to Unanimously Backs Proposal to Cut Rent Increases
* Sunset Park Custom Home Lists For First Time Ever By Original Builders $5.9M
* Local Properties for Sale and Rent

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/08/sunset-park-custom-home-lists-for-first-time-ever-by-original-builders-5-9m-santa-monica-real-estate-report-august-15th-2022/

Federal Judge Paves Way for Deposition of Mayor's Husband in Housing Lawsuit

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:29:27 GMT

A U.S. District Court judge last month paved the way for the deposition of Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights' (SMRR) co-chair Michael Soloff in a lawsuit challenging the City's ban on short-term rentals.

According to the lawsuit filed by NMS and its affiliated companies, Soloff, who is married to Mayor Sue Himmelrich, was "the primary drafter" of the ordinance requiring leases of at least one year.

The order issued on July 26 by U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha denied the City's motion in May to stay Soloff's deposition.

Santa Monica's Entrenched Homeless Strategy an 'Abject Failure'

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 15:21:18 GMT

Letter to the Editor

What to do about this?

First, recognize the folly of trying to “address” the needs of every homeless individual from anywhere and everywhere. Change the strategy: Target generous assistance to those who became homeless while living or working in Santa Monica, not to any lawbreaker who drifts across the City line from anywhere in the region, state, and country. Challenge with energetic skepticism all advocates of the failed policies that plague Santa Monica.

Related to this folly, stop enticing more homeless individuals to come here, as Mayor Himmelrich proposed in her radio interview.

Opposing Arguments Promise Bitter Transfer Tax Battle

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:38:45 GMT

Unlike Brock's measure, which sunsets in ten years with a possible five-year extension, Himmelrich's tax, the argument notes, "will never end."

The Mayor's measure will also "hurt local churches and charitable organizations by forcing them to pay hundreds of thousands in new taxes instead of using funds for programs providing assistance to those in need."

And the funds raised by Himmelrich's measure will bankroll "costly government-built housing" that benefits "those developers who get these lucrative government contracts."

Our City Needs a Whistleblower - Zina Markevicius

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:33:59 GMT

I have experienced three occasions where SMPD responders discouraged me from making a police report. Most recently, this occurred when I was chased and groped by a homeless drug addict, and responding officers didn't make a report.

Southern California rents, $2,400 and climbing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:49:28 GMT

Los Angeles County rents continued to rebound from pandemic-era rent drops, rising 14.1% last quarter to a record-high of $2,407 — up almost $300 a month from the year before.

Housing factions use two state laws as weapons

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 Aug 2022 15:32:44 GMT

As California ramps up pressure on local governments to increase housing production, two state laws are being employed by warring factions.

Down in the trenches of California’s seemingly perpetual clashes over housing, warring factions are employing two decades-old state laws as weapons.

One is the famous — or infamous — California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), signed by then-Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1970, that requires authorities to determine whether proposed developments have environmental impacts that must be mitigated.

The other, much less known, is the California Housing Accountability Act (HAA), signed by Reagan’s successor, Jerry Brown, in 1982 to prevent local governments from rejecting housing projects without good reason.

Injunction Against Landlords in Section 8

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 16:27:09 GMT

Filed in February, the lawsuit alleged that landlords Jonathan Lee, Leon Lee and Jenny Lee committed housing discrimination against the tenant, who came off the waitlist for a Section 8 voucher in December.

The 69-year-old tenant was "a liver transplant recipient" who was "paying all but $198.00 of her monthly income on rent while using food stamps," according to the City Attorney's office.

SMa.r.t. Column: Ode to the Future of My City

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 16:25:53 GMT

I sit and ask myself “what is the answer”? For smart development, you need a creative balance, a meeting of “business” and “residential” communities before our city’s coffin is nailed shut and buried 6 feet in mistakes. Do we want responsible growth or unbridled growth? Can we reach a successful compromise before it’s too late?

Coastal Commission poised to reject Malibu short-term rental rules

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 00:10:59 GMT

At present, Malibu is operating under an interim ordinance that limits STRs through a permit system; the proposed new rules, referred to as a “hosted ordinance,” require an onsite host present on the property for the duration of each rental period, for a single-family home, condominium or duplex. Different rules apply to multifamily rental properties.

For its part, Malibu argues that the proliferation of STRs disrupts neighborhoods and removes “some of the most affordable housing options in the City.”

Mixed-Use Downtown Apartment Complex Has Highest Rents in City

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 08 Aug 2022 15:44:53 GMT

See More at: https://smmirror.com/2022/08/mixed-use-downtown-apartment-complex-has-highest-rents-in-city-santa-monica-real-estate-report-august-8th-2022/

Rental Assistance for Rent Control Increase 2022

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 17:12:45 GMT

The City is aware that tenants in rent controlled units are concerned about potential rent increases starting September 1, 2022. The City is working on both short-term and long-term solutions to assist households that will not be able to afford this increase. If you would like to be included on a list of people contacted when solutions are rolled out, please complete the form below.

Candidates Pull Papers

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 17:08:42 GMT

That brings the total number of potential candidates vying for seats on the Santa Monica City Council, School Board, College Board and Rent Control Board to 37, according to the City Clerk's office.

New cap on rent controlled increases to go before voters

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 06 Aug 2022 00:28:43 GMT

Annual increases in rent controlled units are currently defined as a percentage of inflation limited to a maximum of 6% or $140. Voters will be asked to cut that in half setting a new annual cap at 3% or $70.

City Council Approves Ballot Measure to Establish a 3% Cap on Rent Increases

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:13:50 GMT

At last night’s meeting, the Santa Monica City Council approved a resolution to place a measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot that would amend the City Charter to establish for 2022 an average General Adjustment (GA) cap of 3% or $70 and establish a maximum GA of 3% for future years.

This measure will support tenants of rent-controlled units who will be impacted by the 6% rent increase GA that will take effect September 1, 2022, as outlined in the City Charter. A Housing Needs Survey was distributed to Santa Monicans in June 2022 to better understand the impacts of the 6% increase on residents and help the City target its use of $2.2 million in allocated federal HOME American Rescue Plan funds and $750,000 in Council-approved funds to support those most vulnerable to the increase.

Connect to Santa Monica Services

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:12:32 GMT

The City of Santa Monica has many resources available for individuals experiencing homelessness. Below is an overview of some of the most helpful support available.

Police Launch Public Survey Tool

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Aug 2022 16:08:04 GMT

“We are always striving to gather input from our community and this platform is an additional tool for listening to the needs and concerns of our community members which will help us make the best decisions to help keep our city safe," said Chief Ramon Batista.

Based on the responses, the survey measures the community's satisfaction with local services and quality of life in the city, Police officials said.

Council Unanimously Backs SMRR's Proposal to Cut Rent Increases

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Aug 2022 17:46:12 GMT

Negrete said she would back SMRR's proposal to reduce the annual rent increase that kicks in September 1 from the maximum of 6 percent mandated by the current Charter to 3 percent for all rent control tenants, and reduce the cap from $140 to $70.

Third attempt at rent control revision to be held Wednesday - TONIGHT

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 16:15:34 GMT

After two failed attempts at revising the City’s rent control rules, Council will make a third attempt this Wednesday after the most recent meeting set of a firestorm of criticism and controversy.

Council has scheduled a special meeting for August 3 to finalize amendments to the City Charter that would modify the formula for deciding rent increases in controlled units and authorize officials to suspend increases altogether in emergency situations.

Santa Monica Rents Rise in July

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:41:13 GMT

Santa Monica rents increased by 1.6 percent in July after growing by less than 1 percent in each of the prior three months, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Tuesday.

Median rents currently stand at $2,073 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,583 for a two-bedroom, according to the popular listing website.

SO LONG BUT NOT GOODBYE - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:40:36 GMT

SEE YOU IN OCTOBER I’m taking a little break from CURIOUS CITY to work on a personal project. No way to carve out the needed time from my calendar otherwise, it seems. NOTEWORTHY, the weekly live music recommendations, will continue. Probably. Before the lefty loonies start accusing the Santa Monica Daily Press of forcing me to the curb, let me declare unequivocally that this is entirely my decision, for personal not political reasons, with full support from the paper.

Impact of Homeless Programs Measured in Report

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 15:40:30 GMT

The contacts resulted in 808 participants receiving direct medical or psychiatric services, while 57 individuals were placed into interim housing and 24 into permanent housing.

Third attempt at rent control revision to be held Wednesday, Aug. 3

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 18:53:34 GMT

Over 30 Tiny Homes Sit Vacant While Homeless Veterans Camp on Wilshire

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:14:29 GMT

Eight months after the start of West L.A V.A’s Tiny Home Project 30 out of 140 units are now vacant and unhoused veterans are pitching tents along Wilshire Blvd.

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/08/over-30-tiny-homes-sit-vacant-while-homeless-veterans-camp-on-wilshire/

Denny Zane's Open Letter to Councilmember Lana Negrete

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:05:39 GMT

Our concern is, first, that you do not actually target the help to low income renters and, most importantly, you want middle income renters to pay for this by increasing their rents very unfairly.

Negrete Pulls Proposal to Address Rent Increases

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 02 Aug 2022 17:02:20 GMT

Five days after igniting a firestorm with a last-minute proposal to address near record rent increases, Councilmember Lana Negrete has pulled her plan.

In an open latter Sunday night, Negrete said she would table her proposed Charter Amendment that would have based the annual adjustment on a rent control unit's Maximum Allowable Rent (MAR).

Correcting the narrative - Rent Control Ballot Measure - Lana Negrete

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:16:01 GMT

For now, I am suggesting my proposal get tabled and I’m hopeful that Wednesday the council will put forward the path that gives all renters uniform relief and stability, such as the rent control board’s proposal. I am also hopeful that we can embrace new ideas and be open to dialogue so that we can best lead our city into the future. I look forward to post-election broader community dialogues to strengthen and assure the stability of rent control.

Fight Over Dueling Rent Increase Proposals Threatens to Split Santa Monicans for Renters Rights

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 17:10:22 GMT

Organization that runs Santa Monica for the last 43 years, now searches its soul for answers over equity and who should bear the cost of inflation.

City of Santa Monica Awards Awards $5M for 13-Unit Community Corp. Development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:47:44 GMT

342 Berkeley Street project will bring 13 affordable housing units to Santa Monica

As per the letter sent by the City of Santa Monica, the money will be a loan dependent on the “Borrower’s execution of final documents and is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this letter.” and the construction of 13 affordable housing units in a four-story building that the address.

SMa.r.t.: Fantasyland Is Not Limited to Theme Parks

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:46:12 GMT

Policy evaluation using the bumper car methodology

As with most top-down command economy approaches, the thorny problems created by objectives that are incompatible with fundamental economics are ignored until failure is either plainly evident or comprehensively created.

11-Unit Santa Monica Apartment Building Sells For $5.5M

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 16:33:10 GMT

Santa Monica Real Estate Report

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/07/11-unit-santa-monica-apartment-building-sells-for-5-5m-santa-monica-real-estate-report-july-31st-2022/

No elected incumbents to run for Rent Control Board

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 30 Jul 2022 00:26:26 GMT

With three seats up for election on Santa Monica’s Rent Control Board (RCB) this year, none will be contested by an elected incumbent.

The seats of Steve Duron, Naomi Sultan and Nicole Phillis are up this year but Duron cannot run again due to term limits and the other two have recently resigned due to the Commissioners moving out of town.

Phillis resigned last month and her seat has already been filled with an appointed successor despite her wish the seat remain vacant until the upcoming election.

Last Minute Rent Proposal Triggers Political Firestorm

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Jul 2022 15:56:20 GMT

A plan by Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMMR) to lower the annual rent increase at the ballot box was torpedoed at the final hour by Councilmember Lana Negrete early Wednesday morning.

With the Council poised to vote to place SMRR's proposal to decrease the annual rent adjustment from 6 to 3 percent on the November ballot, Negrete floated a radically different plan that had been leaked shortly before the meeting, causing consternation among tenant leaders.

Negrete's "Tenant Income Inequality Relief Plan" intends to spare lower income tenants a rent increase while imposing the Rent Board's mandated 6 percent hike for higher income tenants.

Local Measures Crowd November Ballot

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Jul 2022 18:00:11 GMT

Santa Monica voters will face an alphabet soup of measures on the November ballot -- from rival transfer taxes to a cannabis tax and Charter Amendment to change qualifications to the Personnel Board.

Those four measures were placed by the City Council Tuesday night on a ballot that already includes a college bond measure and a hotel bed tax.

The Council is also scheduled to hold a special meeting August 5 to consider two additional ballot measures that failed to win majority support.

Council fills out boards and commissions roster for 2022-23

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:45:37 GMT

During a special city council meeting last week, council members combed through a long list of candidates for various positions, filling out the roster of volunteer positions through summer 2023.

Planning Commission advances gas-less future

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:43:44 GMT

The City of Santa Monica is considering an electric future with a series of proposed code revisions that would eliminate natural gas from homes and encourage adoption of electric vehicles.

De la Torre cleared to participate in voting rights discussion

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:38:45 GMT

As the issue of whether or not Santa Monica should be divided into voting districts — where each neighborhood elects one official to represent them on council, rather than electing seven at-large candidates from across the city — awaits judgment before the California Supreme Court, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, who has close ties to advocates of by-district elections, has been granted the right to weigh in on how Santa Monica handles the case.

On July 18, de la Torre and the City of Santa Monica reached a settlement.

Consultant Gives Mayor's Transfer Tax Measure Mixed Review

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:23:35 GMT

"There are reasons to be cautious about whether the scale of estimated new tax revenue predicated on previous sales over the past 10 years would materialize to the same degree year over year in the future," the report found.

That presents a problem because administering the programs will require hiring additional staff (paid for by the measure) on an ongoing basis with an "uneven flow of new annual revenues."

Write-in candidate to challenge Allen for CA-24 seat in November

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 18:22:07 GMT

Democratic California State Senator Ben Allen’s name was the only option for voters in CA-24 on the June 7, 2022, primary ballot, but with more than 6,000 district residents writing in a Republican challenger, there will be two names on the midterm ballot this November.

A self-proclaimed “mama bear candidate,” Realtor and Samohi alumna Kristina Irwin, a Republican, failed to meet the threshold to appear on the official primary, falling five signatures short by filing deadline (according to a June 3 tweet), but went on to earn 6,260 write-in votes.

Dueling Tax Measures Offer Voters Easy Choice - OPINION

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 16:40:04 GMT

The critical point is that while no one wants to pay more taxes, Brock’s measure is temporary, as it should be, given the fact that under the existing city tax structure, the annual general fund revenues are projected to exceed the pre-Covid amount in about 23 months.

Nearly Three Dozen Candidates Pull Papers to Run

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Jul 2022 16:33:27 GMT

Kevin Shenkman, an education activist and lawyer who represents the plaintiffs in the Voting Rights lawsuit against the City, pulled nominating papers to run for School Board this week.

So did Jon Mann, who pulled nominating papers on Friday to run for City Council for a record 16th time, bringing to 19 the total number of hopefuls vying for three open seats.

Got an eviction notice? This California website will help you file a response

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 22 Jul 2022 16:02:45 GMT

The website they created resembles tax return-filing software. It asks tenants a long series of questions in relatively plain English, or Spanish, that produces a legal document they can print and submit in court. Tenants in Los Angeles County can file the paperwork electronically.

Council seeks to set 3% cap on annual rent adjustment for controlled units

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 18:08:24 GMT

Following a historically high annual rent adjustment of 6% for rent controlled units, city councilmembers have indicated a desire to cap all future increases at 3%.

The Rent Control Board’s initial ballot measure sought to give Rent Control Commissioners the ability to issue a freeze on rent increases for controlled units during declared public emergencies.

Councilmembers objected to this and other aspects of the ballot measure, subsequently directing staff to prepare two new ballot measures based on their suggestions.

According to the City Attorney’s Office, one of these measures is the 3% cap on annual rent increases. The other is a measure to authorize the City Council to impose additional rent limitations during a declared emergency.

Councilwoman McCowan will not run for reelection

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 18:06:12 GMT

Councilwoman Kristin McCowan will not run for reelection this year creating a second seat without an incumbent on the November ballot.

Santa Monica Landlord Settles Tenant Harassment Lawsuit Filed by City

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:40:21 GMT

The lawsuit filed in April alleges that the landlord -- Ross Vaisburd, Rolana Serebryanaya and related legal entities -- made the requested repairs and remodeled the unit "only after the tenants vacated."

They then listed the unit "for a much higher rent," according to a press release issued by the City Attorney’s Office on Wednesday.

De la Torre Free to Take Part in Voting Rights Lawsuit Decisions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Jul 2022 14:39:58 GMT

According to the settlement that went into effect Monday, "The City Council hereby withdraws and vacates its decision to exclude Councilmember de la Torre from closed sessions or any other participation in the Pico (Neighborhood Association) case.

Eleven Council Candidates Pull Nominating Papers

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 19 Jul 2022 16:25:34 GMT

Armen Melkonians, whose online Residocracy group was a popular forum for slow-growth activists and an organizing platform that helped defeat a major development project, also pulled nominating papers after running in 2016.

So did Rent Board member Coroline Torosis, who has the strong backing of Mayor Himmelrich and Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR), which faces a crucial test of its power in November.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/first-batch-of-residents-begin-process-of-running-for-local-office/219575

Council battles over ballot measures, delays final vote

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:31:43 GMT

Despite hours of heated discussion last week, decisions on a pair of dueling ballot measures to raise taxes on property sales above $8 million were pushed to a July 26 Council meeting due to ongoing confusion and controversy over the specifics of each measure.

Rent Board Member Resigns

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:12:20 GMT

Rent Board Commissioner Naomi Sultan unexpectedly announced her resignation on Thursday, less than four months before she was slated to run for re-election.

Sultan's announcement came hours after the Board unanimously appointed Erika Lesley, a leader of the Santa Monica Black Agenda, to fill the post vacated by Nicole Phillis two months ago.

SMa.r.t. Column: We’re All Wet – Not!

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Jul 2022 16:11:30 GMT

So, Santa Monica agrees with the State that there is a real-world water shortage issue that impacts all living things and it is most necessary to curtail overuse and waste of water. We probably all agree on that.

Development, the Santa Monica Water Emergency, and Cognitive Dissonance

It always comes back to development…

Santa Monica’s planning department, with council blessing, has sent a proposal to the State to show conformance with the RHNA mandates, but instead of showing suitable sites (SSI) for the mandated 8,895 units, they instead stretched that out to some 13,000 units, “to allow for commercial space uses, etc…” all of which results in requiring a re-write of the zoning code to increase heights pretty much throughout the town.

Council Amends Brock's Rival Transfer Tax Measure for Upcoming Vote

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:30:46 GMT

Despite a stiff lobbying effort by powerful opponents, the City Council on Tuesday voted to amend a property transfer tax proposed by Councilmember Phil Brock and vote on it in two weeks.

The move incensed Mayor Sue Himmelrich, who had just seen the Council vote to place her own transfer tax measure on high-end properties on the November ballot during the Council's first packed meeting in more than two years.

How is Mayor's Tax Measure Perverse? Let Me Count the Ways

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:27:46 GMT

by Peter Borresen

It is perverse that the Mayor’s measure will deny our democratically elected Councilmembers, and hence the voters, from managing the transfer tax revenue, instead a hand-picked board of 11 cronies will give out monies to whomever they find suitable. It is a most blatant example of taxation without representation, and an invitation to political abuse. The council is absolutely right to be opposed to this loss of control over a huge amount of city tax money.

Project Designed by Architect Frank Gehry Moves Forward

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 19:25:40 GMT

Last night, the Santa Monica City Council approved the Development Agreement for a mixed-use, LEED Platinum certified project at the northeast corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean Avenue. The project is designed by world-renowned architect and Santa Monica resident Frank Gehry.

City Council News

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 20:29:19 GMT

As Reported by Wes Wellman

A. The City Council voted to place on the ballot for the November 8, 2022, general election amendments to the City Charter, as follows:

For an owner occupancy eviction, require that an owner make a declaration of intent to occupy the unit for at least two consecutive years unless there are extenuating circumstances and require the owner to occupy the unit within 60 days of the tenant moving pursuant to the eviction.
Provide that an election need not be held if the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of open Rent Control Board positions.
Give the City Council authority to suspend rent increases in an emergency subject to possible criteria for what constitutes an emergency and with some possible limitations to be further discussed.

B. Other Council Action/Inaction

Rejected a request by the Rent Control Board to allow Rent Control Board Commissioners to be elected to a maximum of three full terms.
Did not act on a request by the Rent Control Board to establish a rent registry on non-rent-controlled units. (This is likely to reappear in the near future as a Council ordinance)
Directed the City Attorney to return 7/26 with the draft of an amendment to be placed on the November ballot limiting annual rent increases to no more than 3%.
There was no discussion, and no action was taken (yet?), regarding limiting the 6% increase, subject to the $140 cap, approved by the Board effective 9/1/2022.
Directed the City Attorney to return 7/26 with the Draft of a Transfer Tax Measure of $20 per thousand dollars of consideration or value transferred in excess of $8 million subject to certain exemptions and be collected in addition to existing transfer tax rates that apply to the entire transfer amount. This (AKA the “Brock” Measure) would have a 10-year sunset clause. If approved at the 7/26 meeting this would be a competing initiative to the “Mayor’s” transfer tax measure for which 10,000 signatures were recently submitted to the City Clerk. If both measures are put on the ballot, the one which receives the most qualifying votes will become law.

Read at: https://files.constantcontact.com/588963b0501/339163c9-dfaf-469b-b931-87e1f7a239e3.pdf

LOOKING BETTER? KEEP PUSHING!

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 19:59:41 GMT

Charles Andrews

THE BUCK STOPS AT CITY COUNCIL

And there has been some real progress on our plethora of issues since The Slate pulled off the miracle election last time. (I will be happy to report on efforts by long-serving Gleam Davis and Sue Himmelrich to do meaningful work for residents, but I haven’t observed it.) The Slate is still in the minority but new appointee Lana Negrete has been voting with them frequently. We do still need to elect at least one more residents-first candidate to City Council this fall to make that solid. Be careful who you vote for, do your research. Someone may have good-looking credentials but if they are beholden to any group, they may not put residents first.

Council to hold special meeting for Frank Gehry project

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 19:01:37 GMT

Just 48 hours after convening on Tuesday, Council will meet again on Thursday night for a special meeting to discuss a mixed-use development designed by renowned architect Frank Gehry. During this meeting Council will also make its annual Board and Commission appointments.

The Frank Gehry development—known as the Ocean Avenue Project—is a two acre hotel, apartment, retail and public space project located on the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and Ocean Avenue.

Citywide Tour of New Accessory Dwelling Units on Saturday

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Jul 2022 18:52:55 GMT

On Saturday, Maxable, a team of ADU experts, are opening up guest units in Los Angeles for a self-guided tour, complete with the homeowners who are benefitting from the extra income, the contractors who built the ADU and lenders who helped financed the construction.

Ballot measures head to Council

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Jul 2022 17:50:14 GMT

Tonight - Tuesday, July 12, 2022

These measures are a Rent Control Board charter amendment and a revenue raising property transfer tax measure authored by Councilmember Phil Brock.

Watch Live at 5:30: http://youtube.com/user/Citytv16santamonica

SF Now Requires Annual Rent Housing Inventory

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:17:11 GMT

A new law passed by the City and County of San Francisco requires property owners to provide certain information to the Rent Board about their residential properties.

Big leadership changes underway at Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 17:02:42 GMT

Following the departure of 25 year Executive Director & CEO Kathleen Rawson, a job offer has been given to a new CEO whose name will be announced in the coming weeks. Change is also underway within the DTSM Board as during a June 28 meeting City Council appointed three new Board members, who are all Downtown business owners and have fresh ideas for the organization.

Brock's Transfer Tax Measure Could Test SMRR's Clout

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:46:41 GMT

"They're putting on the squeeze," said Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, who said he met Sunday with Soloff, Mayor Himmelrich's husband. "They want us to reject Phil's measure and support Sue's.

"There's a full court press," said de la Torre, who ran on a Change slate with Brock in 2020. "This (tax measure) is not only to raise revenues, it's a political strategy."

Affordability Answer: A New Tax on Housing Speculators?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:43:01 GMT

The problem, it appears, is less a lack of housing – especially while California’s population is relatively stable and not growing fast, if at all – than the fact that wages and home prices have gotten out of the usual synch, partly because of institutional investments.

This year, Democratic state assemblyman Chris Ward of San Diego, which recently “won” the ranking as America’s least affordable city, proposed a bill to tax the profits of house flipping, especially by corporations and pension funds. It died in committee, but deserves resurrection.

SMar.t. Column: Has the Promenade Turned a Corner?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 16:42:30 GMT

So SMa.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow), who have never shied away from controversy and always invites a debate, will make a prediction: the recovery of our beleaguered Promenade began on June 28, 2022.

On that day, the City Council appointed three new board members to DTSM (Downtown Santa Monica), the nonprofit that manages our 3rd Street Promenade (also called the mall) and its environs. The new board members are Leonid Pustilnikov, Luke M. Cain, and Lucian Tudor. These new appointees have “skin in the game” as business owners and younger Promenade stakeholders. So their points of view, which will not necessarily always be in lockstep, will significantly impact the 12-member board that runs your Promenade.

Staff Recommends Placing Brock's Transfer Tax on Ballot, Warns of Shortcomings

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Jul 2022 16:02:42 GMT

City staff is recommending that Councilmember Phil Brock's proposed property transfer tax be placed on the November ballot but warned it could be a "very volatile" source of revenue.

If the Council accepts the recommendation at its meeting Tuesday, the measure on the November 8 ballot would charge an additional real estate transfer tax (RETT) of $15 per $1,000 for commercial properties that sell for more than $8 million.

Santa Monica’s election season is about to begin

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 17:51:32 GMT

Consumer protection attorney and member of the Rent Control Board Caroline Torosis tossed her hat in the ring on June 10 with an event at Himmerich’s house during which Himmelrich formally endorsed her campaign. Torosis currently works in the office of County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell as Senior Deputy for Economic and Workforce Development. She has a strong passion for protecting tenants and producing more affordable housing.

The results of the 2022 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count delayed

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:16:52 GMT

The results of the 2022 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count -- which is used by cities to gauge how widespread their homeless problem is -- will be released in early September after it has been fully evaluated, LAHSA officials said.

Nearly $18 Million in Government Funding Earmarked for Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Jul 2022 16:14:45 GMT

The State funding -- part of the $308 billion budget signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last week -- includes $10 to help modernize the City yards and $4.8 million to improve a stretch of Lincoln Boulevard.

Another $1.5 million is earmarked to help fund the Santa Monica Behavioral Health Center project that will initially focus on the homeless.

Election Season Begins in Less than Two Weeks

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 20:14:09 GMT

The Nomination Period for three (3) seats on the City Council, three (3) seats on the Rent Control Board, four (4) seats on the Santa Monica-Malibu School District Board, and four (4) seats on the Santa Monica College District Board starts on Monday, July 18.

Most Oppose Rival Tax Measures, Poll Finds

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 23:57:34 GMT

Rival ballot measures that would hike the local transfer tax on high-end properties currently lack the support needed for voter approval, according to a local monthly poll of select residents.

The monthly push poll of nearly 200 "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents concerned with crime and safety issues also found little support for Downtown's safety ambassador program.

Revised budget offers more hope for restoration of City services

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 19:37:51 GMT

Tweaks to the City’s Fiscal Year 2022 to 2033 budget have leveraged one time funds and new revenue sources in an effort to restore sorely desired resident services such as after school care, sports field access and library services.

SMa.r.t. Column: A Tale of Two Cities

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 19:26:37 GMT

The City of Santa Monica is surrounded on three sides by the City of Los Angeles. Therefore, while the jurisdictions are different, the development processes, pressures and outcomes are very similar. This article by a SMart guest columnist, Dick Platkin, explains what is happening in Los Angeles as both these cities struggle to implement the implausible and impossible affordable housing numbers required by the State of California’s Housing and Community Development mandates to be built over the next 8 years.

City Council Approves Ballot Measure That Would Increase Hotel Bed Tax

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Jul 2022 19:25:52 GMT

In a vote on June 28, the Santa Monica City Council approved placing a measure on the November ballot to raise the city’s hotel bed tax to fund measures to address homelessness.

Campaign Mounted to Cut 9/1 Rent Increase from 6% to 3%

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:04:31 GMT

A major campaign has been mounted to cut in half the 9/1/2022 rent increases recently approved by the Rent Control Board.

Santa Monica Extends Local Emergency to December 31, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 16:01:34 GMT

In addition, this order maintains the City’s existing protections against eviction for reasons other than nonpayment of rent. One exception is that the protection for evictions based on a tenant’s denial of a landlord’s entry into the unit will not be extended.

SMa.r.t. Column: It’s Time to Look at the Facts of Santa Monica’s Housing History

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:55:47 GMT

Since 1960, Santa Monica has added a net 1.5 housing units for each new resident, children included. This translates into 14,795 net new housing units supporting a net population increase of 9,794.

Santa Monica kept building new housing units even in decades that experienced net declines in city population.

New restrictions will go into effect on July 5

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:52:17 GMT

At their June 14, however, Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved an ordinance that implements further water restrictions, including limiting outdoor watering to two days per week. The new restrictions will go into effect on July 5, 2022.

Eviction Protections

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:48:41 GMT

Santa Monica's remaining health emergency orders -- including tenant protections against evictions -- have been extended through the end of the year unless the County terminates them earlier.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/coronavirus-eviction-moratorium

Eviction Protections

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 15:44:31 GMT

Residential Eviction Protections for Non-Payment of Rent

Los Angeles County Eviction Moratorium: For rent due from July 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022, tenants whose household income is at or below 80 percent Area Median Income are protected from eviction for nonpayment of rent, if they certify their income and inability to pay due to financial impacts related to COVID-19. To be protected, tenants must provide notice to their landlord within 7 days of rent is due, every month that rent is due.

Experts say master leasing and adaptive reuse will house homeless faster

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 20:58:29 GMT

Two policies the panelists were in strong support of were adaptive reuse and master leasing.

Adaptive reuse converts existing buildings into housing projects and aims to tackle the supply side issue of the housing crisis.

Currently, Los Angeles County is notoriously slow at building new affordable housing projects.

California's eviction moratorium to lift at midnight

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 18:27:56 GMT

limited three-month extension to California's eviction moratorium is scheduled to expire on Thursday at midnight.

Response to Caroline Torosis and Anastasia Foster on Rent Control

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:30:39 GMT

The council should ask the rent board to provide a chart of the average percentage raises for each percentile of rents (from lowest 1 percentile of rents to highest 99 percentile).

Rather than jumping on this populist fix to the current crisis, the council should take time to consider other potential solutions first, that are more progressive and equitable.

City Council Adopts Balanced FY 2022-23 Budget

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 16:00:27 GMT

The adopted FY 2022-23 Budget comes as the City gradually recovers after a General Fund revenue loss of over $180 million over three years due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The FY 2022-23 Budget allocates resources responsive to Council direction and community feedback and consists of no-cost operational adjustments to improve service delivery for the community.

Council Shakes Up Downtown Board

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Jun 2022 15:06:58 GMT

In what promises to be a major shakeup, a divided City Council on Tuesday night appointed three business activists to Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.'s (DTSM) board of directors.

The three appointees -- Leonid Pustilnikov, Luke M. Cain and Lucian Tudor -- are part of a push for change on a Board that has been criticized for not doing enough to address an increasingly entrenched homeless problem on the Promenade.

Council Submits Housing Plan Under Pressure

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 17:11:01 GMT

Under the gun, a frustrated City Council voted last week to submit a revised plan to the State to add nearly 9,000 new housing units they fear will forever change the face of Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Rent Growth Remains Sluggish

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 17:08:48 GMT

For the third straight month median rents in Santa Monica rose by less than 1 percent in June, mirroring a slowing growth trend across the LA region.

Apartment List's monthly report released Tuesday found that rents in Santa Monica rose by 0.7 percent in June, after seeing a 0.8 percent increase in May and a 0.1 percent increase in April.

Pico Boulevard Affordable Housing Project Tops Out

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:02:56 GMT

Community Corp. of Santa Monica has completed wood framing on the Brunson Terrace apartments project on Pico Boulevard as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles a year after the construction began.

The project is being constructed at 1819 Pico Boulevard, which is the former location of the Mount Hermon Baptist Church.

Appointments to Downtown Board Critical

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Jun 2022 17:01:02 GMT

Three new Council-appointed DTSM Board members will be selected at the June 28 City Council meeting. The city needs a completely new DTSM Board laser focused on restoration and growth of the desperately needed downtown destination retail sector.

City policymaking is overwhelmingly skewed to increasing municipal costs. The ongoing devastation that is Downtown and the Promenade represent one of the few large revenue-generating opportunities left in the city.

They didn't get their security deposits back

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 00:06:08 GMT

Now a big L.A. landlord agrees to pay $12.5 million

SANTA MONICA RENT CONTROL BOARD

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 00:04:33 GMT

APPLICATION FOR APPOINTMENT TO VACANT POSITION

See application: https://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/Rent_Control/test/RCB%20Application%206-13-2022.pdf?mc_cid=658ff938f3&mc_eid=c0b8aff053

City Council Okays Plan to Construct 9,000 More Units

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 Jun 2022 23:48:31 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council this week approved revisions to the city's 6th Cycle Housing Element Update which will be resubmitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).

"How to Keep the Poor, Poor,"

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 18:08:29 GMT

Letter to the Editor: Peter Borresen

Santa Monica is in full-on panic, building every apartment building it can -- both affordable and market rate. This is utterly biased in favor of the rich.

Council Approves Hybrid Meetings, Rule Changes

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 23 Jun 2022 14:45:41 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council will begin holding "hybrid meetings" on a test basis in September, while Boards and Commissions will continue to meet remotely until the end of the year.

Protecting Our Community Amid Record Inflation

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 17:33:29 GMT

By Caroline Torosis and Anastasia Foster

We urge City Council to cap this year’s rent increase at a reasonable amount and to act before the new rent increases go into effect on September 1st. This crisis will pass, but the time to act to prevent the cloth from ripping to shreds in the meantime is now.

The Future

We, the Rent Control Board, have sent Council a basket of good governance measures that we ask to be placed on the November ballot to save money and to make common sense fixes. Council will consider this bundle of changes this summer.

Council could approve revised housing element at Tuesday meeting

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:19:26 GMT

Council’s final approval comes just days after the Housing Element came before the Santa Monica Planning Commission on Wednesday, June 15. The Commission provided suggestions to Council en route to final submission, which is expected in July.

Perhaps the most substantial change in the updated Housing Element was in the overall housing capacity, or what HCD refers to as SSI (Suitable Sites Inventory).

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2022/06/22/council-approves-revisions-to-draft-housing-element

Santa Monica Families Earning Upwards of $190,000 Can Qualify for Mortgage Relief

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 17:05:15 GMT

Under the program, administered by the California Housing Finance Agency Homeowner Relief Corporation, eligible homeowners could receive up to $20,000 to cover past-due property tax payments.

There is no cost to apply, and the funds never have to be paid back.

Affordable housing in California now routinely tops $1 million per apartment to build

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Jun 2022 16:36:59 GMT

he seven subsidized housing developments, all in Northern California, received state funding within the last two years and are under construction or close to breaking ground. When completed, they will provide homes for more than 600 families.

But their exorbitant price tags mean that taxpayers are subsidizing fewer apartments than they otherwise could while waiting lists of renters needing affordable housing continue to grow.

The Cost of Rent Control

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 16:09:19 GMT

by John Stossel

Whenever rent control is imposed, the supply of rental housing declines. Lots of studies show that.

But the activists don't want to hear it.

Mayor's Tax Measure Appears Headed for Ballot

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:46:40 GMT

The City Council Tuesday night voted unanimously to direct staff to conduct an analysis of the measure, which would charge a real estate transfer tax of $53 per $1,000 on properties valued at $8 million or more.

After reviewing the report, the Council must determine whether to approve Himmelrich's tax measure, which is not likely, or place it on the November ballot, which the Council must do if the measure qualifies.

Rent Board Approves Biggest Increase in Four Decades

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:44:55 GMT

The increase -- which goes into effect September 1 -- is based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for the LA region, which was 6.4 percent but capped at 6 percent by a 1990 Charter amendment.

While the Board had no choice but to impose the rent hike -- which has a ceiling of $140 that applies to rents of $2,340 or more -- it chose to also increase the annual registration fee for landlords, who can pass on half of that amount to tenants.

LA voters to consider tax on property sales over $5 million

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 16 Jun 2022 19:07:44 GMT

Following a successful petition by a coalition of labor unions and other organizations, and a 14-0 city council decision Wednesday, Los Angeles voters in November will consider a ballot measure that would create a tax on multimillion-dollar property sales to fund solutions to homelessness, including permanent housing.

Rent Control Board reluctantly passes historically high annual rent adjustment

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 18:32:19 GMT

During a June 9 meeting, Board Commissioners said they were aware of the pressure this will put on rent controlled tenants, many of whom have fixed incomes based on disability or social security payments. However, Commissioners do not have the ability to enact a lower annual adjustment as it is determined by a calculation based on inflation levels.

City Council Approves Emergency Ordinance to Limit Outdoor Watering

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 18:27:18 GMT

Santa Monica City Council unanimously approved Santa Monica’s Emergency Water Conservation Ordinance to implement Phase 2 Outdoor Watering Restrictions, limit outdoor watering to two days per week, and prohibit watering between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. in response to on-going drought conditions across the State of California. The new restrictions will go into effect on July 5, 2022.

Dueling Letters Offer Two Takes on Mayor's Transfer Tax

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 18:18:56 GMT

One of the letters -- both of which are dated June 5 -- is from former Mayor Dennis Zane, a close adviser and former campaign manager for the mayor, who is widely viewed as representing Santa Monica's political establishment.

The other is written by Marc L. Verville, a relative newcomer to Santa Monica's political scene whose expertise in finance recently earned him a seat on the City's Audit Subcommittee.

Marc Verville's Rebuttal to Denny Zane

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Jun 2022 18:13:54 GMT

by Marc L. Verville, member of the Santa Monica Audit Subcommittee who served as Vice President of Finance and Business Analysis at Warner Bros. before his retirement.

To be clear, the Himmelrich tax proposal’s rate is 804% (5.71% ÷ 0.71%) of the existing tax and is a 704% (5.00% ÷ 0.71%) increase over the existing tax, which is less than 1 percentage point. The Himmelrich proposal would increase the transfer tax at the threshold $8 million level to 5.71% from the current 0.71%, on the entire transaction value. That is the basic math that seems to elude both Mr. Zane and Ms. Himmelrich.

OP-Ed Response to DTSM Board Chair Barry Snell and Plea to City Council

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:57:33 GMT

by John Alle

As crazy as this sounds, Block-by-Block is paying their Ambassadors between $16.40 to $19.10 an hour, then charging DTSM $32 + + an hour. In addition, DTSM has agreed to continue paying Block-by-Block for 3,900 hours….in advance. There is nobody who is making sure these folks are doing their job.

In the Garages and alleyways, incidents of theft, tire slashings, people sleeping in cars, people dealing drugs, have increased, not decreased. Allied Security has done an awful job, ‘ missing in action’, mainly because they do not show up and walk their assigned areas. When they do show up it is for a total of an hour at intermittent times. The assigned guard has stated he is afraid, and oftentimes will stay away from those sleeping in the garages or dealing drugs. They are armed, he is not. If the Guard sees something illegal he must still call 911. But we have insufficient police officers to even respond at night within 45 minutes to 911 calls on the Promenade and in Downtown. Guards and Ambassadors are afraid and intimidated by a new criminal element that has taken over, especially at night.

Housing Element still under revision at Planning Commission as deadline looms

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:51:15 GMT

While Santa Monica does not need to actually construct 9,000 new housing units by 2029, the City does need to provide a plan that would allow that state-mandated housing need to be met.

Santa Monica Considering Limiting Watering Lawns to Twice a Week

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Jun 2022 20:38:18 GMT

At their meeting Tuesday night, however, Santa Monica City Council will vote on an ordinance that would implement further water restrictions, including limiting outdoor watering to two days per week. Current law in Santa Monica does not limit how many days a week residents can water outdoors. The proposed ordinance includes four stages: Phase 1 – outdoor watering limited to 3 days per week; Phase 2 – outdoor watering limited to 2 days per week; Phase 3 – outdoor watering limited to 1 day per week; and Phase 4 – No outdoor watering allowed. City staff is recommending implementing Phase 2 restrictions, limiting outdoor watering to two days per week.

Council Members Request Analysis of Mayor's Tax Measure

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Jun 2022 15:53:05 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday is expected to ask staff to prepare a report analyzing the impacts of Mayor Sue Himmelrich's proposed ballot measure to dramatically hike the real estate transfer tax on high-end properties.

The report requested by three Councilmembers would focus on the fiscal and land use impacts of Himmelrich's “Funding for Homelessness Prevention, Affordable Housing, and Schools” tax measure.

September Rent Increases - Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:56:38 GMT

September Rent Increases - What You Need to Know (Santa Monica Only)

The Annual General (rent) Adjustment that landlords may implement effective September 1, 2022, is 6.0%, subject to a maximum increase of $140 that would apply to all units with MARs of $2,325 and above.
- The annual registration fee will be increased to $228.
- The allowable registration fee pass through to tenants will be $9.50 per month.

Councilmembers back dueling tax measures for November ballot

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 19:35:17 GMT

City Councilmembers Sue Himmelrich and Phil Brock both agree the City needs to raise more revenue, but they disagree on the best way to do so and are backing competing property transfer tax measures.

Neither proposed measure has been confirmed on the November ballot yet. However, in the case that they both are, the measure with the greatest votes will be enacted.

Rent Control Board Meeting Tonight

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:11:31 GMT

ITEMS OF INTEREST TO YOU:

11 A. Consideration of whether to establish a ceiling on the 2022 General

Adjustment.

11 B. Consideration and adoption of the RCB FY 22/23 Operating Budget.

11 C. Consideration of whether to amend subsection (b) of Regulation 11200

respecting an increase in the annual registration fee.

11 D. Consideration of whether to recommend to the City Council that the City place

on the November 2022 ballot an amendment to the City Charter and Rent

Control Amendment allowing for a suspension of rent increases during certain

declared emergencies.

12 A Recommendation to declare a vacancy on the Rent Board and discuss procedures for the appointment of a commissioner.

Send an email to rentcontrol@santamonica.gov before 4:30pm today with your comments and input

Watch the Rent 'Bored' Meeting tonight on CITY TV: Cable Channel 16 or Streaming at 7pm: https://www.smgov.net/content.aspx?id=4292

Oakland will create its first-ever rental housing registry

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:10:55 GMT

The city’s first-ever rental housing registry—approved by the City Council unanimously on Tuesday—will likely include data on who owns which properties in Oakland, whether they’re covered by rent control, how much landlords can charge tenants, and the eviction history for any unit. The registry will include all housing covered by Oakland’s rent control and eviction laws, which is most rental buildings constructed before 1995.

How Come There Isn't One Landlord on Santa Monica Rent Control Board?

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:10:15 GMT

The Board uses appointments rather than elections to fill unscheduled vacancies, and has never appointed a landlord to serve on it.

SMC announces bond measure for November ballot

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:02:02 GMT

In order to achieve these objectives, the SMC Board of Trustees recently voted to place a new bond measure on the Nov. 8 ballot — to the tune of $375 million.

If you own your home and your property is assessed at $1 million, your annual fee would be $250.

City Council race begins with newcomers vying for open seat

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:50:42 GMT

With primary voting concluded, attention is now turning to the November general election and in Santa Monica this means City Council election season.

This year there are three Council seats up for election, one of which is confirmed as an open seat as Mayor Sue Himmelrich will not be running for a third term on Council.

Rent Board Poised to Jack Up Registration Fee, Rents

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:21:00 GMT

Under the registration fee increase proposed by staff -- the biggest in nine years -- the amount paid by a landlord would rise from $198 to $228 per unit, half of which can be passed on to the tenant.

Community Corp. Holds Ribbon-Cutting for Mar Vista Affordable Housing Development

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 19:20:41 GMT

The new development provides 50 newly constructed, 100 percent affordable apartments in the Mar Vista and is the organization’s first development outside of Santa Monica. It is located at 3960 Grand View Boulevard.

Primary Election Today

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:21:27 GMT

Ballot drop box locations:

Montana Avenue Library, 1704 Montana Ave.

Santa Monica Library Main Branch, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave.

Marine Park, 1406 Marine St.

Vote Center Locations:

Grant Elementary School, 2368 Pearl St.

St. Anne Church and Shrine, 2011 Colorado.

Santa Monica College, 1900 Pico Blvd.

Civic Center Parking Structure, 330 Olympic Dr (2nd floor).

Joslyn Park, 633 Kensington Rd.

Professional Development Learning Ctr, 2802 4th St.

Marine Park, 1406 Marine St.

Virginia Avenue Park, 2200 Virginia Ave.

Rent control tenants facing third highest annual rent increase in history

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 15:12:06 GMT

This year, the 12 month change in Consumer Price Index published by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics for the Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange County region was an unusually high 8.5 percent. This reflects the high inflation rates seen nationwide.

As a result, this year’s maximum allowable annual rent increase was calculated at 6.4 percent. However, the actual rate used will be 6 percent, as an amendment to the Rent Control Charter limits the maximum allowable adjustment to 6 percent in any given year.

Rent Control Board Meeting June 9, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:20:04 GMT

Agenda Item 11. - PUBLIC HEARINGS- Rent Control Board Meeting – June 9, 2022, 7:00 p.m., Via Live Stream

A. Consideration of whether to establish a ceiling on the 2022 General Adjustment.

B. Consideration and adoption of the RCB FY 22/23 Operating Budget.

C. Consideration of whether to amend subsection (b) of Regulation 11200 respecting an increase in the annual registration fee.

D. Consideration of whether to recommend to the City Council that the City place on the November 2022 ballot an amendment to the City Charter and Rent Control Amendment allowing for a suspension of rent increases during certain declared emergencies.

At its last meeting the Santa Monica Rent Board approved an annual rent increase of 6% as of September 1, 2022. This month, per item 11. A above, they will consider (meaning approve) a limit of the increase of $140 per month, which would apply to all units with Maximum Allowable Rents of $2,325 and above.

Source: Wes Wellman's Fast Lane News, June 3, 2022

SMa.r.t. Column: The Sound of Silence Is Big & Tall

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:17:04 GMT

That well of silence would be the Planning Commission, the City Council, and Us, the resident voters, who continue to perpetrate the not too slow demise of what had been a fairly successful and desirable beachfront community, by being too silent. Residents and visitors alike shared the environmental, sustainable, and lifestyle benefits that a low rise beach environment, with fresh air, blue skies, and manageable traffic, provided for all, including for those in the Valley or the east side escaping the summer heat for a day at the beach. But success seems to breed contempt for “enough”, and greed “for more”, until it causes a rot, and in the case of a beachfront town that provided a relief, an escape valve, a ‘central park’ for so many, it builds itself into a shadow covered, traffic mired, non resident-friendly or un-useable, quagmire. Downtown.

LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector Mails Notices of Delinquent Payments

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Jun 2022 16:15:08 GMT

Keith Knox, Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, is in the process of mailing approximately 162,000 Notices of Delinquency (Notices) to Los Angeles County property owners who have not paid their Annual and/or Supplemental Secured Property Taxes in full for the 2021-22 tax year.

New research casts doubt on rent control as a way to help the poor

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 00:18:17 GMT

Rent control was supposed to make housing more affordable for lower-income Americans. Turns out, it may be doing just the opposite.

Councilmember Brock's Open Letter on Transfer Tax

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 04 Jun 2022 00:07:05 GMT

I spend a lot of time listening to residents and it’s clear to me that the most important things we can do to respond to current concerns are to increase the levels of emergency response services in programs implemented by our public safety officers, such as the Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program and the Fire Department’s Critical Response Unit, both of which operate on a limited basis today, and bring back critical services reduced during the pandemic such as library services, park maintenance and after-school programs.

Santa Monica Rents Sees Small Monthly Rise

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:24:41 GMT

Santa Monica rents rose by less than 1 percent last month after falling flat in April, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Wednesday.

The 0.8 percent increase in May brings the year-over-year rent growth in Santa Monica to 12.5 percent, compared to a 9.9 percent drop at this time last year, based on listings posted on the popular rental site.

Slow-Growth Heads Are Spinning

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Jun 2022 17:22:44 GMT

State intervention is a bogeyman that is being evoked to get us to do the State's dirty work and destroy our city for them. Oh, don’t anger the State! They might be upset! Utter nonsense. The State has already declared nuclear war on Santa Monica. It cannot get any worse.

Affordable Spaces for Small Business

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 May 2022 17:38:24 GMT

SMa.r.t.

Los Angeles County recently proposed a program providing financial incentives for certain “Legacy” family businesses in their original historical location. They have been facing financial hardships for a variety of reasons like COVID, gentrification, and increasing commercial real estate rents, development, and land values. These are our “mom and pop shops,” and Los Angeles is losing many of these unique and symbolic places which help support and make a part of the Los Angeles community. Does this sound familiar with what is happening here in Santa Monica?

Poll Finds Strong Support for Boosting Security Downtown

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 May 2022 17:31:47 GMT

The poll taken via phone text between May 19 and 25 found that 85 percent believe Brock's call for replacing the Downtown safety ambassadors with security guards and round-the-clock police patrols would decrease crime Downtown.

Brock Proposes Alternative to Mayor's "Outrageous" Transfer Tax

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 May 2022 23:53:48 GMT

Brock's measure would charge a real estate transfer tax of $15 per $1,000 on commercial properties that sell for more than $8 million, with the tax applying only to the amount above that threshold.

Himmelrich's proposed tax would charge $53 per $1,000 on all properties valued at $8 million or more, with the entire amount taxed.

Three local tax measures could appear on November ballot

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 May 2022 17:27:14 GMT

City Councilmembers agree that the City should seek to raise revenues through a ballot measure, but what taxes to increase and where to spend the money is up for debate.

City Council Weighs in on Proposed FY 2022-23 Budget

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 May 2022 17:24:17 GMT

To expedite economic recovery, enhance public safety presence and address homelessness, the City must seek a combination of new ongoing and one-time revenues.

Is Gelson’s Our Future? Bigger Is Not Better & Not Necessary! – Part 2

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 May 2022 17:54:02 GMT

SMa.r.t.

The dream of our beachfront city is about to become a nightmare! Just imagine a tsunami of these projects washing onto the beaches of Santa Monica over the next 10 years – sad, no – alarming! The proposed project supplanting Gelson’s market at Lincoln & Ocean Park is much higher, much denser, with more traffic, and overall a horrific model for the future of our city.

Local government representatives pen coastal bills

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 May 2022 17:34:37 GMT

AB 2762

Richard Bloom’s AB 2762, focuses not on coastal resources but on the housing and homelessness crisis seen up and down the California coast. It “is an intent bill that would authorize local governments to build affordable housing on parking lots that serve parks and recreational facilities,” per the California Coastal Commission staff.

Santa Monica Rent Controlled Building Sells for Record $330 Million

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 May 2022 17:17:14 GMT

The former Champagne Towers -- a half-century-old rent control apartment complex -- has sold for $330 million, making it the most expensive apartment sale in Santa Monica history.

According to the Los Angeles Business Journal, Santa Monica-based Douglass Emmett purchased the 120-unit complex at 1221 Ocean Avenue from Newport Beach-based Irvine Co., for an average of $2.75 million a unit.

Mayor's Transfer Tax Campaign to Submit Signatures Next Month

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 May 2022 17:16:08 GMT

Mayor Sue Himmelrich said Monday that her campaign to dramatically boost Santa Monica's transfer tax on high-end real estate plans to submit signed ballot petitions to the City Clerk by mid-June.

The proposed tax measure -- which would charge a real estate transfer tax of $53 per $1,000 on properties valued at $8 million or more to fund homeless housing -- will submit more tha 10,500 signatures, Himmelrich said.

Is the Big Housing Crunch Mostly Fiction?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 May 2022 18:27:08 GMT

In some parts of California, there is definitely a housing crunch: small supplies of homes for sale, prices that escalate even when population has apparently stabilized and high prices that exclude most Californians as buyers.

But a massive, multi-million-unit shortage? Maybe not. At least, so suggests a scathing springtime report from the non-partisan acting state auditor.

SMa.r.t. Column: Failure to Plan…

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 May 2022 17:33:39 GMT

Over the last approximately two years your City has been busy trying to respond to new California laws that are completely destroying the urban fabric and quality of life of our City. Specifically, the State’s requirement to permit least 9000 new units (including 6000 affordable units) over the next eight years has coerced a massive up zoning and eviscerated our previous planning codes.

County Supervisor candidates spar in CD3 forum

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 May 2022 17:23:30 GMT

The candidates (Jeffi Girgenti, Roxanne Beckford Hoge, Craig Brill Henry Stern, Lindsay Horvath and Bob Hertzberg) were given between 30 seconds and a minute for each response, which created a lightning round ambiance, but also allowed for all candidates to cover a broad range of topics.

City budget up for discussion on Tuesday

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 May 2022 17:18:48 GMT

City Council will meet this Tuesday with an agenda that talks about council procedures, remote access meetings, budget and honoring a former Councilman.

Massive Block Apartments on Lincoln Blvd are Empty

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 23 May 2022 17:10:50 GMT

What was built on the former Norms restaurant site at Colorado and Lincoln Blvd at a cost of $40 million, is five stories tall and is pretty much devoid of people?

Los Angeles Metro Sees 15.9 Percent Increase in Median Rent

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 21 May 2022 17:28:07 GMT

From February 2021 to February 2022, there has been a 17% surge year to year of rental prices according to Zillow data. In the previous decade, those same prices were stable and usually only rose between 3% to 5% annually.

California cracks down on fraudulent practices surrounding emotional support animals

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 May 2022 21:35:12 GMT

Finally, health care practitioners are not allowed to provide documentation related to an individual's need for an emotional support or comfort animal unless four boxes are checked.

Response to Himmelrich’s “We Walk the Talk” Column

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:35:58 GMT

Letter to the Editor

The key concerns raised by Verville that go unanswered by Himmelrich include his concerns
that such a tax would:

1) Unfairly and unnecessarily burden the residents

2) Ignore how commercial and other high-end properties will be able to structure ownership
to avoid this tax

3) Create an undisciplined spending fiasco

Christopher Dishlip Selected as Santa Monica’s New Assistant Director of Public Works

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:32:14 GMT

Dishlip is tasked with overseeing more than 200 staff members in Architecture Services, Engineering and Street Services, Resource Recovery and Recycling, and Water Resources.

Planning Commission Gives Enthusiastic Thumbs Up to Gehry Project

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 May 2022 19:26:51 GMT

And with an enthusiasm seldom seen in a City whose populace is skeptical of major developments, the Planning Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved a 316,750-square-foot project on one of Santa Monica's most visible sites.

2022 Annual General Rent Adjustment

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 May 2022 16:21:16 GMT

2022 Annual General Rent Adjustment Percentage Will Be 6% Subject to a $140 ceiling, to be considered at its June 9th meeting, which would apply to all units with MARs of $2,325 and above.

Thanks to Wes Wellman for watching the Rent Bored Meeting for us.

More to follow

Housing & Schools Transfer Tax Petition

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 May 2022 16:20:43 GMT

Letter to the Editor

We can see that traditional Santa Monica property taxes, that fund almost everything the city does for us, will collapse as a result of this transfer tax. This will wreck city services that current residents depend on (Schools, police, fire, libraries etc)

This property tax collapse will be caused by owners delaying home sales and thus delaying property tax basis repricing, and replacing tax paying buildings with (non property tax paying) affordable housing.

80 homeless individuals have moved up the City’s affordable housing waitlist

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 May 2022 16:10:05 GMT

Homeless individuals in Santa Monica with access to Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV) have been given priority access to the City’s affordable housing system, second only to Santa Monica residents who are facing no fault evictions.

The addition of voucher-holders reorders the wait list for the City’s limited affordable housing supply to those facing eviction, EHV holders, Right to Return participants and individuals who live or work here.

Santa Monica Approves $200K To Help Renters At Risk Of Eviction

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 17 May 2022 17:53:27 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council Wednesday approved up to $200,000 for expanded legal and support services to Santa Monica renters at risk of eviction, and endorsed a number of new potential investments to address the homelessness crisis.

Sign the Mayor Sue NO Confidence Petition

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 May 2022 16:52:36 GMT

See the petition at: https://www.change.org/p/vote-of-no-confidence-in-santa-monica-mayor-sue-himmelrich?utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=custom_url&recruited_by_id=d4764290-d0b9-11ec-8a77-1be5d59a89a0

Say NO to Mayor Sue's Transfer Tax Initiative

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 May 2022 16:49:05 GMT

Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AODjoKYTOTQ

Rent Control Board Commissioner Nicole Phillis Resigns

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 14 May 2022 23:21:45 GMT

Rent Control Board Commissioner Nicole Phillis announced Thursday evening that she was resigning her position on the Rent Control board. Apparently Phillis is moving away from Santa Monica, and that is a requirement for her to sit on the board.

A Single Morning Snapshot of Santa Monica's Third Street Promenade Shows City Leadership Dysfunction

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 14 May 2022 23:20:32 GMT

After watching a vagrant defecate in front of him, the tenant prospect stated he no longer would consider Santa Monica, 'that he didn't want to be in or part of a city whose leadership allows this.'

Rent Board Meeting

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 May 2022 20:22:07 GMT

As reported by Wes Wellman

Noteworthy Night at Santa Monica’s Rent Board

Announced that the 2022 annual general rent adjustment percentage will be 6%, subject to a $140 ceiling, to be considered at its June 9^th meeting, which would apply to all units with MARs of $2,325 and above.
Staff recommended that the Board, at its June 9^th meeting either:
- increase the registration fee to $228 with a pass through to tenants of $9.50 per month, which is a $1.25 increase from the current pass-through of $8.25, or
- increase the registration fee to $222 per unit with a pass-through to tenants of $9.25 per month
Commissioner Nicole Phillips resigned due to an apparent move to a new home in Los Angeles. She encouraged the Board not to nominate a successor prior to the November election to avoid favoring “inside baseball” players over more grass roots candidates. Put your money on “inside baseball” prevailing.
SMRR leaders gave public testimony encouraging the Board to formulate a plan for a ballot initiative to limit rent increases in crisis times. SMRR politburo members blamed inflation on the war in Ukraine and supply chain disruptions and further maintained that price increases were limited to items not required by apartment owners to maintain buildings such as increases in the cost of food. They did not address cost increases in insurance, utilities. building supplies, and service worker costs. They are unlikely to be awarded a Nobel Prize in Economics.
As directed, the Board voted to form a subcommittee to work with City Council staff to craft, for Council consideration, a November ballot initiative to allow the Board to depart from automatic rent increases now imposed by the Rent Control Charter.

Affordable Home Ownership in Santa Monica - Not Affordable Renting

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 May 2022 20:06:03 GMT

The city currently plans to build these as affordable apartments to rent, which would be utterly disastrous, both for the occupants of the affordable housing, and existing city residents.

But if the homes were built as deed-restricted affordable condos for sale we would avoid the negative financial impacts on existing residents and the social/economic harm on the residents of the affordable housing themselves.

Santa Monica Homeless Count Shows More Homeless

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 May 2022 20:05:23 GMT

107 less homeless individuals found shelter in Santa Monica during the 2022 homeless count than in 2020

SM.a.r.t. Is Gelson’s Our Future? Bigger Is Not Better!

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 May 2022 15:38:00 GMT

I’ve been extremely worried in recent years to see the direction, the density, and the design of the project’s being approved and built in our community. How can one not feel sad about Santa Monica’s future with 5, 6, 8 & 10 story, block office and apartment buildings taking root throughout the city while hugging sidewalks and property lines.

And equally unbelievable is how our planning staff didn’t include the 4.67 acre “Gelson’s” site at the SE corner of Lincoln & Ocean Park as one of the “suitable sites” for state required housing when the proposed 521 units alone would account for 6% of the city’s required number of units.

Homeless to Be Given Priority for Low-Income Housing

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 May 2022 15:34:07 GMT

The City Council on Wednesday green-lighted a plan to move those with emergency housing vouchers (EHV), most of them homeless, to the top of the Santa Monica's waiting list for low-income housing.

The waiting list for the City's Below Market Housing (BMH) program currently prioritizes people who live or work in Santa Monica and meet the income requirements, City officials said.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2022/05/12/santa-monica-city-council-takes-action-on-housing-vouchers-rental-assistance-and-future-investments-to-address-homelessness

Limiting Rent Increases

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 May 2022 18:41:15 GMT

On tonight's Rent Control Board Agenda:

14. BOARD DISCUSSION ITEMS A. Board discussion of the feasibility of an amendment to the Rent Control Charter to give the Board authority to freeze rents under certain circumstances.

See full agenda at: https://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/Rent_Control/About_the_Rent_Control_Board/Agendas_and_Minutes/2022/RcB051222.pdf

Santa Monica Hires Fresno City Attorney

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 May 2022 18:09:37 GMT

Doug Sloan -- an avid cyclist and veteran lawyer who argued a landmark free-speech case before entering public service -- will be Santa Monica's new City Attorney.

Two years after embarking on a search to fill the City's top legal post, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Sloan, who has served as Fresno's City Attorney since 2013.

State Bills will not be moving forward

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 May 2022 17:41:53 GMT

AB 2469 It would have created a statewide rental registry mandating the collection, management and submission of data including, the address and owners of a rental property, the number and type of rooms in the rental property, and information related to the payments collected and the duration of tenancies when a lease is initiated, altered, or terminated to the California Department of Housing and Community Development every year or face the consequences of weakening their ability to evict even tenants who were committing crimes or damaging property. But the Santa Monica Rent Control Board has recommended that the City Council place on the November 2022 ballot a Rent Registry measure that would apply in the city. (Source-car.org, Kate Bell reporting in aagla.org)

AND

AB 2710 Under Kalra’s bill, rental owners would have been prohibited from putting their properties up for sale — whether they be apartments or a single-family rental — until they’ve given advance notice to “qualified entities,” such as certain tenant organizations, community land trusts, and affordable housing nonprofits. The notified groups would then have had first right to purchase the property and receive excessive time — nearly one year — to secure financing.

FROM: Wes Wellman's Fast Lane News

Under Santa Monica Transfer Tax Proposal, Renters May Face Their Home Converting to Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 May 2022 17:34:41 GMT

An exemption to the tax is made for sales to affordable housing uses. To many landlords who are looking at losing over $400,000 should they sell their $8 million-plus apartment building, it might look advisable to sell the property as affordable housing. They would then only pay $56,800 in transfer taxes rather than $400,000 for an $8 million building.

City Attorney's Contract Has a Small Catch

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 May 2022 16:02:40 GMT

The proposed $320,000-a-year contract for incoming City Attorney Douglas Sloan has plenty of perks, including nine-months of severance pay, as well as 14 paid holidays and 21 vacation days a year.

But one seemingly enticing benefit -- a $3,000 per month rental housing allowance -- will do little good for the current Fresno City Manger, at least in Santa Monica.

Mayor Himmelrich's Vendetta Against Housing Commission

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 May 2022 16:01:55 GMT

Amid an affordable housing and homelessness crisis, why would the City want to suspend all meetings of the Housing Commission "until City Council considers its annual appointments in June 2022" (May 10, 2022 agenda item 13C)? And why are the Mayor and Councilmembers insisting that "once the Housing Commission resumes meeting following the appointments, it shall immediately hold elections for Chair and Vice Chair"?

For the Mayor, who initiated item 13C, this is a personal vendetta for her husband, Michael Soloff, having to obey the City's new anti-nepotism policy that rendered him ineligible to remain on the Housing Commission.

Cities Fight to Maintain Distinctive Characters

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 07 May 2022 18:45:53 GMT

Wiener’s persistence paid off for him last year, when he pushed through new laws best known by their numbers, Senate Bills 9 and 10, which ban zoning for single family houses everywhere in California. SB 9 allows six residential units on almost all lots where there is now one; SB 10 allows up to 10 units on any lot within easy reach of rapid transit.

Neither law requires builders to provide new parking or parks, mitigate added traffic, assure water supplies or any other requirement usually imposed on developers of new home subdivisions. Nor are there any controls on how much of the new housing can become short-term vacation rentals or temporary corporate housing.

SMa.r.t. Column: Gelson’s, Boxed-In

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 07 May 2022 18:43:32 GMT

This week we are re-visiting an article from 2018 regarding the Miramar project, by simply replacing the word “Miramar” with “Gelson’s”, and ~~striking thru~~ some of the irrelevant text. We sadly reflect on how the runaway train wreck of over-development has not been slowed or reduced by city administrators or staff policies regardless of the cries and demands of the residents over the years. Oh well…adaptive re-use is generally a positive approach to building, so why not op-ed’s too.

WHAT IS MISSING IN THIS TOWN? Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 06 May 2022 20:38:24 GMT

Now our corruption is hidden behind pious pronouncements of a compassionate, progressive Santa Monica that wants only to help… outside developers take away more bags of gold than Caesar ever dreamed of.

Significant Inaccuracy in Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich's Literature Touting her Pet Transfer Tax Ballot Initiative

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 06 May 2022 20:37:38 GMT

On her flyer, titled "Standing Firm with Santa Monica," Himmelrich claims the proposed initiative to provide her estimate of an additional $50 million in revenue will come from "a 5% increase in the real estate transfer tax on sales of...property worth $8 million or more...."

This is completely untrue. But only if you find the ballot measure language itself can you discover this fact - and the ballot measure is impossible to find online. Himmelrich does not seem to want people to actually read it. And for good reason.

Santa Monica Poised to Hire Fresno City Attorney

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 06 May 2022 20:11:27 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday is expected to hire Fresno City Attorney Douglas Sloan as its top lawyer, according to an item posted on the agenda.

Sloan -- who has served as Fresno's chief counsel since 2013 -- would assume the post that has been filled on an interim basis for more than two years on June 22.

Santa Monica's Homeless Population Drops

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 06 May 2022 20:07:30 GMT

Santa Monica's homeless population dropped by 100 --from 907 to 807 -- over the past two years, but the number of those living on the streets has remained flat, according to the results of the 2022 homeless count.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/homeless-count-reports-807-individuals/217572

Two Homeless Persons a Month Die in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 05 May 2022 15:46:42 GMT

The two-page Excel spreadsheet provided by the Coroner offers a glimpse of those who never made it off the streets in a City that has arguably provided more services, shelter and help than any other in LA County.

Of those who died, 45 were men and nine were women. The youngest was 26, the oldest 71.

Inglewood residents outraged over home registration fees

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 May 2022 19:13:41 GMT

Inglewood residents have taken to social media in protest of annual home registration fees that are being assessed to property owners and landlords through the Housing Protection Department (HPD) in accordance with provisions under the Housing Protection Ordinance. Residents are upset that regardless of whether they have a tenant, they are required to pay registration fees to subsidize the new department.

County backs proposal for new master agency overseeing homeless crisis

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 May 2022 16:17:43 GMT

In a 3-2 split the L.A. County Board of Supervisors narrowly passed a motion proposing a new master government entity in charge of coordinating a County wide response to the ever spiraling homelessness crisis.

Between LAHSA, DPH, DHS, DMH and DPSS, the list of government agencies currently addressing homelessness in LA County resembles alphabet soup and has led to an uncoordinated response to the crisis rife with department to department finger pointing.

Brock Calls for Get-Tough Approach to Homeless Problem

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 May 2022 15:35:57 GMT

Councilmember Phil Brock on Sunday called for replacing Downtown "safety" ambassadors with security guards and providing round-the-clock police patrols to clean up the Promenade.

The call for action -- which includes eventually turning the Promenade into a private space -- came in a letter responding to Downtown activist landlord John Alle written "out of frustration." and copied to top Downtown and City officials.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/councilmember-brock-calls-for-dissolution-of-dtsm-board-and-safety-ambassador-program/217451

Update on Santa Monica's Housing Element

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 May 2022 16:57:29 GMT

The City of Santa Monica is working to update the Housing Element for the 6th Cycle, covering the planning period of 2021 through 2029.

SMa.r.t. Column: Failure to Plan…

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 May 2022 16:48:09 GMT

The sole purpose of this State of California mandated up-zoning is to create value for land owners, investors and developers.

But putting it in such stark evidently greedy terms would never sell, so the up zoning has been camouflaged as creating an inflated amount of affordable housing (for which, of course, no funds are provided) and for fighting historical racism (which, of course, up zoning realistically does nothing). We are really talking about lipstick on a pig here.

Enough (Rent Regulation) is Never Enough - Wes Wellman

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:43:57 GMT

At its meeting last night (April 28) the Santa Monica Rent Control board approved 5 recommendations for changes to the City Charter and Rent Control Charter Amendment that it will forward to the City Council with the hope that it will place the amendments on the November 2022 ballot. But its regulatory gluttony was not satiated, as it scheduled two new potential issues for discussion at its next meeting on May 12. The first concerns whether to require owners to report, to the Rent Board, units that have remained vacant for more than 30 days. Should this be required, you can count on a variety of punitive measures to ensue. The idea of a vacancy tax has been floated in discussions concerning vacancies in the Promenade and it would not be a stretch to see that applied to apartment units. The other item will be a discussion whether to amend the charter to limit the size of rent increases allowed. Rent increases are calculated under a formula equaling 3/4 of the increase in the area CPI subject to a cap calculated under a different formula. In addition, the Charter imposes an emergency cap of 6% that applies when the level of inflation would otherwise allow a higher amount, as is the case this year. Now that we have entered a period of runaway inflation, (It's Putin’s fault, of course), rent control advocates want to impose new limits on possible increases. You can count on commissioners expressing faux concern that mom-and-pop owners are suffering from inflationary expenses also but will then quickly proceed to make matters worse for them.

Coming Soon to a Ballot Box Near You?

At mentioned above, the Rent Control Board voted yesterday (April 28) to recommend five new laws be placed on the November 2022 ballot:

A requirement that all non-rent-controlled rental units be registered with the City, with the exception of single-family homes. This will include owner-occupied duplexes and triplexes. Owners would be assessed an annual fee for the cost to administer the program. The registration will likely require owners to provide information such as:
1. Occupancy status and commencement date of the current tenancy
2. Current rent
3. Water/utility metering status
4. Amenities provided
5. Ownership information
6. Other information deemed necessary

A requirement that owners or their qualified relatives sign a good faith intent to occupy a unit for three years, when evicting an existing tenant for their own occupancy. Current law only requires one year of occupancy. What was the compelling need for this change? During the five-pre-Covid-19 years, out of over 22,000 rent-controlled rental units in Santa Monica, there were an average of only seven owner-occupied evictions per year. This was a solution is search of a problem.

A requirement that an owner must re-offer the unit to the displaced tenant if the owner fails to reside in the unit for at least three years and to allow an owner 60 days, instead of 30 days, to take occupancy of the unit.

Commissioners will be allowed to be elected to three full terms instead of two. Only one commissioner, Nicole Phyllis, opposed this self-serving measure, saying she felt uncomfortable exercising their power to extend their power.

No elections need be held if the number of qualified candidates for the rent board does not exceed the number of open board positions. Pop quiz - Who determines whether a candidate has made a qualifying application? Answer - City employees appointed by those in power.

Whether these proposed new laws will be placed on the November 2022 ballot will now go to the City Council for consideration.

Source: Wes Wellman

City Attorney’s Office Commemorates Fair Housing Month

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:10:40 GMT

The federal, state and Santa Monica fair housing laws prohibit discrimination in the rental of housing. Fair housing’s protected classes include race, national origin, disability, gender, families, source of income, sexual orientation, and many others. For at least the past two decades worth of Aprils, the PRD has celebrated the Fair Housing Act by launching campaigns that include public forums such as workshops and symposiums, public service advertisements, Daily Press columns, and a fair housing poster contest among local students.

Too many units, too little time

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 20:06:53 GMT

Following the Department of Housing and Community Development’s (HCD) rejection of Santa Monica’s initial Housing Element plan on Feb. 8, the City has until Oct.15 to bring its plan into compliance. Council members say that’s not enough time and during an April 26 meeting voted to request an extension from the state.

Push Poll Tries to Convince Santa Monica Voters to Vote for New Transfer Tax

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:30:32 GMT

A push poll interview company is calling Santa Monica voters to gauge their response to Sue Himmelrich's ballot proposal to establish an increase over the current tax on sales of property over $8 million. Push polls are billed as surveys of opinion to the respondent but actually give information in an attempt to sway the voter.

Santa Monica Rents Fall Flat

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Apr 2022 19:23:20 GMT

Santa Monica rental rates fell flat in April after rising last month for the first time since October, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Thursday.

The median rent for an apartment rose 0.1 percent, after increasing 2.8 percent in March. That increase reversed decreases totaling 5.5 percent over the previous four months.

City Seeks More Time to Meet State Housing Deadline

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 17:03:18 GMT

The Council also voted to extend a contract with Wood LLC, a Washington, D.C.-based environmental consulting firm, to help revise the plan California housing officials said fails to detail how the City plans to meet its quota.

Severe SoCal Water Restrictions Ordered

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:19:00 GMT

Water officials in Southern California declared a water shortage emergency Tuesday amid the state's worsening drought.

Outdoor watering will be immediately restricted to just one day a week across areas in Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California said in a release.

Density - Plaintiffs say SB10 includes a blatant constitutional overreach

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:17:30 GMT

California Attorney General Rob Bonta is asking a Los Angeles Court to reject a lawsuit that seeks to overturn one of California’s recently enacted mandatory housing density laws, SB 10, which allows for 10 residential units on one parcel of land irrespective of local restrictions that say otherwise. The legislation allows municipalities to overrule zoning restrictions that were enacted by ballot initiatives, thereby running roughshod over the will of voters.

LA City Council calls on state to pass bill restricting Ellis Act evictions

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Apr 2022 00:01:46 GMT

For the second time this year, the Los Angeles City Council has called for the state to pass legislation requiring a minimum of five years of ownership before a homeowner can invoke the Ellis Act to evict tenants and take property off the rental market.

Public input wanted on Rent Control charter amendment

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 23:22:53 GMT

The Board is debating a proposed City Charter amendment that would make several revisions to its powers including requiring the registration of all non-rent-controlled rental units, amend existing rules to require that an owner intend to occupy a unit for at least three years instead of one year when seeking an owner exemption, require an owner to re-offer the unit to the displaced tenant if the owner fails to reside in the unit for at least three years, to allow an owner 60 days, instead of 30 days, to take occupancy of the unit, allow Commissioners to be elected to a maximum of three full terms to align with City elected officials and state that an election need not be held if the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of open board positions.

L.A. Residents Express Lowest-Ever Satisfaction With Quality of Life

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 21:23:42 GMT

“For the first time since the inception of this survey, respondents’ ratings dropped in each of the nine categories, and eight of the nine fell to their lowest rating ever,” said Zev Yaroslavsky, director of the Los Angeles Initiative, who oversees the index.

Letter to Editor: Your “Standing Firm With Santa Monica” Initiative

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 21:21:50 GMT

The following is an open letter to Councilmember Sue Himmelrich from Santa Monica resident Arthur Jeon regarding a proposed transfer tax ballot initiative.

The rest of the money will go into the ongoing pile of billions to address “homelessness,” a bottomless pit sucking up money while the problem only gets worse because the thinking around solving the issue is braindead, and doesn’t comport with reality.

It's Deja Vu for Santa Monica's Homeless Policies

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 26 Apr 2022 21:13:28 GMT

That the problem still persists after hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars have been spent is reflected in the numbers -- in 2008, 999 homeless people were counted in Santa Monica. In 2020, it was 985.

Don’t Sign the Petition

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 16:52:10 GMT

Solicitors are being posted outside the Gelson’s Grocery Store, Bob’s Market and possibly other neighborhood store locations to solicit signatures for a petition to place a new Santa Monica property “transfer tax” (i.e., sales tax) onto this November ballot.

Mixed-Use Development With Art Gallery Planned

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 16:43:29 GMT

An empty lot used to store vehicles for an auto dealership at 1807 Broadway might become a mixed-use development with an art gallery as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles. The idea was proposed to the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board on April 18.

SMa.r.t. Column: Planning The Real Future

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 16:39:59 GMT

The city has a goal to be fully independent of the state’s water system, which supplies about a third of the city’s water needs and is under severe and increasing climate-change pressure. But a Public Works staff report to City Council last June suggested that the State’s new housing requirements would cause the city to fall short of that goal [link: https://tinyurl.com/2p862b4p]. A real, comprehensive master plan would plan for that eventuality, and start orienting the city toward a drier, hotter future with fewer resources. This would include guidelines for the design of buildings and courtyard-enabled city blocks similar to the methods developed by Professor Knowles.

Council Members Must Denounce Notion City Wants More Homeless

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Apr 2022 16:34:24 GMT

Dear Editor,

For anyone wondering if certain City Council members willingly attract more homeless people to our City, note Sue Himmelrich’s recent radio comments.

The Mayor stated she’d “happily house” homeless who migrate here, and that attracting more homeless is “a risk that I personally am willing to take." No word on whether she cares if residents and local business owners aren’t waving pom-poms to support her “personally” cheerleading the risks to the rest of us.

Santa Monica Needs Radical Shift in Homeless Policies

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 22:37:24 GMT

Santa Monica must strike out in a new direction if it hopes to make significant inroads in addressing its longstanding homeless problem, a new report concludes.

The report authored by attorney Elizabeth Mitchell -- who recently reached a groundbreaking settlement with the City of Los Angeles over its homeless policies -- lays out a number of legal and policy options the City can use.

Council Hikes Campaign Contribution Limit

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 20:18:33 GMT

While previous Councils balked at the idea of such increases, some Council members on Tuesday viewed the proposed hike from the current $340 to the approved $410 as not nearly enough.

SMa.r.t. Column: Part II: Who pays the proposed transfer tax and where does the money go?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Apr 2022 15:34:43 GMT

So, this week, we focus on the proposed transfer tax itself, the rationale, implementation issues and why it’s a bad idea for Santa Monica.

Rent Control Board Releases 2021 Annual Report

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Apr 2022 17:39:39 GMT

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board has released its 2021 Annual Report summarizing developments during the year and presenting detailed information about the status of controlled rental housing in Santa Monica.

Virtual Fair Housing Workshop on April 26

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 14 Apr 2022 17:10:10 GMT

The Public Rights Division of the Santa Monica City Attorney's Office invites you to the 2022 Virtual Fair Housing Workshop on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

The workshop presenters are Deputy City Attorneys Gary Rhoades, Autumn Rindels, and Jonathan Erwin-Frank. Topics will include:

Reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities
Santa Monica’s Right to Return program
Pandemic-related issues in fair housing
Source-of-income discrimination laws which protect Section 8 voucher-holders and users of rental assistance

New rent control leases saw dramatic price decline in 2021

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Apr 2022 18:02:19 GMT

Since vacancy decontrol began in 1999, rent controlled units reset to market rate whenever they are newly leased. In 2021, there was robust rental activity as 3,693 units entered new leases and median initial rent rates were significantly lower than those in 2020.

The average price drop was most pronounced for rent controlled units of three or more bedrooms, which fell by more than 13 percent from a $4,600 median initial rent in 2020 to a $3,995 median initial rent in 2021.

Rosario Perry, Longtime Santa Monica Landlord Activist, Attorney Dead at 75

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:51:41 GMT

A former assistant City Attorney, Perry became a champion of Santa Monica property owners after Rent Control was ushered in by local voters in 1979.

AND: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2022/04/11/news/longtime-santa-monica-attorney-rosario-perry-dead-at-75/6668.html

SANTA MONICA RENT CONTROL BOARD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Thursday, April 14, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:50:50 GMT

The Board will hold a public hearing on the feasibility of certain amendments to the City Charter during the Santa Monica Rent Control Board meeting on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. via teleconference:

1)Whether the Board should recommend that the City of Santa Monica adopt an amendment to the City Charter requiring the registration of all non-rent-controlled rental units;

2)Whether the Board should recommend that Section 1806(a)(8)(iv) of the Rent Control Charter Amendment (RCCA) be amended to require that an owner intend to occupy the unit for at least three years instead of one year;

3)Whether the Board should recommend that Section 1806(a)(8)(v) of the RCCA be amended to require an owner to re-offer the unit to the displaced tenant if the owner fails to reside in the unit for at least three years and to allow an owner 60 days, instead of 30 days, to take occupancy of the unit.

4)Whether the Board should recommend that Section 1803(e) of the RCCA be amended to allow Commissioners to be elected to a maximum of three full terms to align with City elected officials; and

5)Whether the Board should recommend that Section 1803(d) of the RCCA be amended to state that an election need not be held if the number of qualified candidates does not exceed the number of open board positions. Instructions on accessing the meeting and speaking to the Board are provided in the agenda. The agenda and staff reports are available on the Board’s website at: www. santamonica.gov /rentcontrol.

See Agenda on page 3: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/041122.pdf

A snapshot of new state government efforts to tackle California's housing crisis

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Apr 2022 16:41:29 GMT

Here are some of the most notable efforts that are now underway.

Residents in Certain Santa Monica Neighborhoods Eligible for LA County Guaranteed Income Program

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:36:53 GMT

Residents of two Santa Monica neighborhoods are eligible to apply for LA County’s new $1,000 a month guaranteed income program.

The program, called “Breathe”, launched on March 31 and will award 1,000 randomly selected qualifying residents $1,000 a month for three years.

SMa.r.t. Column: New City Financial Plan – The Resident Homeowner Bank

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:32:19 GMT

In this installment, we explore this proposed tax within the context of its role as a leading indicator of the fundamental restructuring of the city’s commercial and residential municipal revenue balance to fund the city’s ongoing, and growing, spending requirements.

The long-term implications of this commercial and residential rebalancing go far beyond this proposed ballot initiative. While it may impact every resident with various taxes and fees, it will especially impact single-family homeowners, as Part II will discuss.

Slow-Growth Group Launches Battle to Stop Project on Gelson's Site

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Apr 2022 19:29:02 GMT

A slow growth Santa Monica group with a hefty legal warchest is taking on the city's biggest housing development in more than half a century, despite warnings the project can't be stopped under State law.

The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (SMCLC) announced Thursday that it had "served objections to the completeness of the application" for the nearly 900,000-square-foot project at the Gelson's site at Lincoln and Ocean Park boulevards.

Mega-Buildings for Everyone Else but Me

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Apr 2022 16:02:58 GMT

Dear Editor,

Tax the rich! Yeah! But where will that ocean of money go? ("Mayor Launches Campaign to Hike 'Luxury' Real Estate Tax," March 31, 2022).

It will pay for huge numbers of giant buildings for non-residents -- many will be built on your street. But you won’t be allowed to live in them because you’re not homeless and you already have a rent controlled apartment.

https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/letters/Letters-2022/04_06_2022_LETTERS_Mega_Buildings_for_Everyone_Else_but_Me.html

County offers relief to landlords impacted by Covid-related nonpayment of rent

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Apr 2022 17:46:10 GMT

In particular, officials are seeking to support landlords who are unable to pay their property taxes or mortgage as a result of the County’s tenant protections during the pandemic.

As the April 11 delinquency date for property taxes approaches, the County has opened up an online portal for landlords to request a penalty cancellation.

Santa Monica landlords who are struggling with mortgage payments can seek relief through the Los Angeles County Mortgage Relief Program.

Five-Story Mixed-Use Development Seeks Approval in Downtown Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Apr 2022 18:56:52 GMT

This new proposal would rise at the closed BancWest site on the corner of 4th and Colorado Avenue at 407 Colorado. It would be a 60 unit complex with roughly half being studio units and the other half being one bedroom units. Six of the one bedroom units would be deed restricted as affordable housing for very low income households. The proposal lists no planned parking structure.

New California law extends eviction ban for some renters

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 19:43:34 GMT

Lawmakers voted Thursday to ban evictions for anyone with a pending application until June 30.

Mayor Launches Campaign to Hike Luxury Real Estate Tax

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 19:20:42 GMT

Mayor Sue Himmelrich has launched a campaign for a ballot measure that would dramatically hike Santa Monica's transfer tax on "high end" real estate to help fund "homelessness prevention" and build affordable housing.

The proposed tax measure -- which also would help fund the local School District -- would charge a real estate transfer tax of $53 per $1,000 on properties valued at $8 million or more, primarily apartments and commercial properties.

California lawmakers extend eviction ban for some renters

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 18:56:51 GMT

Lawmakers voted Thursday to ban evictions for anyone with a pending application until June 30.

Why is it taking so long to get rent relief to tenants and landlords?

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 31 Mar 2022 17:32:25 GMT

BY THE TIMES EDITORIAL BOARD

Eviction protections are supposed to expire Friday, but hundreds of thousands of California households that have filed for rent relief have yet to have their applications approved or the money delivered. A little over a year after California began accepting applications, more than 275,000 requests for aid — 56% of those submitted — are still pending.

Santa Monica Rents Increase for First Time Since October

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Mar 2022 16:23:27 GMT

The 2.8 percent rise in March was higher than the 0.8 percent increase nationwide, according to the report.

Median rents in Santa Monica currently stand at $2,087 for a 1-bedroom apartment, up from $2,014 in February, and $2,625 for a two-bedroom, up from $2,533.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Value of Our Boulevards

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Mar 2022 17:57:52 GMT

Following is a composite of past articles dealing with the accelerated demise of our beachfront environment together with the increasing control of the development community over City Council and Planning staff, and the re-direction we can take to right the ship!

Mixed-use development planned at 4th and Colorado

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:32:17 GMT

The proposed property includes 60 residential units, with about half of them studios and half of them one-bedrooms. Six of the one-bedroom units would be designated affordable housing for Very Low Income households. The building would also house close to 7,000 square feet of commercial space, with preliminary architectural drawings showing a coffee shop on the ground floor. There is no vehicle parking included in the application.

Demise of R-1 Zoning Will Lead to New Blockbusting

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 16:18:18 GMT

Now a new era of blockbusting may be upon us, thanks to the landmark housing density laws passed last year, known as SB 9 and SB 10. SB 9 does away with almost all single family, or R-1, zoning by allowing all but a few residential lots to be split down the middle, with two new apartments or condominiums and an “additional dwelling unit” (grandma-style one-room structure) on each half.

California lawmakers struck a deal on eviction protections

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:45:45 GMT

State lawmakers are rushing this week to extend California eviction protections for hundreds of thousands of tenants waiting for rent relief. But some advocacy groups for landlords and tenants alike are unhappy with the bill.

Santa Monica Granted $2 Million in Federal Funds for Parking Structure Affordable Housing Project

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Mar 2022 15:44:56 GMT

The federal spending bill that was signed on March 15 granted a total of $5.85 million to a group of five projects in Congressman Ted Lieu’s district includes the $2 million for the project that will replace Project Structure Three.

Mayor proposes new tax to fund housing and schools

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:26:13 GMT

A trio of Santa Monica officials are mounting a campaign for a new tax on real estate sales to fund homeless services, affordable housing programs and local education efforts.

Santa Monica Mayor Sue Himmelrich, her husband Michael Soloff (who is Co-Chair of Santa Monicans for Renters Rights) and Jon Katz (President of the Santa Monica Democratic Club) are soliciting public support for an additional real estate transfer tax on property sales greater than or equal to $8 million. If their petition is successful, the question would be put to voters in November of this year.

Housing bill SB 9

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:23:12 GMT

SB 9 seeks to increase the development of housing in neighborhoods zoned for single family housing.

There are several ways Santa Monica could potentially limit development under SB 9. The City could prevent accessory dwelling units (ADUs) from being added to SB 9 projects, could deed restrict SB 9 units as specifically rental or for sale units, and could extend the owner occupancy requirements for SB 9 units. Santa Monica could also take steps to incentivize the use of SB 9 such as allowing more than 25 percent of an existing single-unit dwelling to be demolished for the duplex pathway or allowing the addition of ADUs on all SB 9 projects.

Council Takes Action on Two Potential State Ballot Measures

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Mar 2022 17:21:12 GMT

At last night’s meeting, the Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to oppose the “Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act,” a proposed California ballot initiative co-sponsored by the California Business Roundtable.

City Poised to Enforce Seismic Retrofit Law

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:54:51 GMT

The next deadline -- in 2025 -- is for soft story buildings, which account for the vast majority of Santa Monica's structures and face the risk of collapsing because the first floor overhangs a garage.

Council Appoints Susan Cola as Next Interim City Attorney

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Mar 2022 15:53:06 GMT

At its meeting last night, the Santa Monica City Council appointed Senior Special Projects Deputy City Attorney Susan Cola as Interim City Attorney with a start date of April 6, 2022. She begins April 6 with a salary of $288,120.

City, SMMUSD Sue County Committee to Stop School Districting Plan

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Mar 2022 17:27:37 GMT

Filed in Superior Court against the LA County Committee on School District Organization, the lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of a new State law that allows the committee to create districts without voter approval.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/city-and-smmusd-sue-over-new-voting-laws/216097

Housing Crunch Turns Employers Into Landlords

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 21:39:18 GMT

The burgeoning phenomenon could change the dynamic between employers and employees, creating paternalistic relationships reminiscent of the company towns that once dotted America.

Time is running out to apply for rent relief

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:08:21 GMT

In the short term, the most important thing tenants and landlords can do is submit their rent relief applications before the March 31 deadline.

Tenants and landlords who qualify for rent relief can receive full payment of rent owed between April 1, 2020 and Mar 31, 2022 from the state.

SMa.r.t. Column: Ferrari vs. Prius

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:03:23 GMT

If we made more Ferraris, will the cost of Priuses go down? Of course not, they are two different market segments. Likewise, the housing market is segmented like cars, but there are two significant differences.

78 Units of Affordable Housing Planned

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 15:02:07 GMT

This complex would have 78 units and an underground parking structure with 26 spaces for vehicles. The units would be a mix of one, two and three bedroom apartments that would range between 450 to 900 square feet each.

Community Corp. of Santa Monica’s Vista Ballona Development Nearing CompletionCommunity Corp. of Santa Monica’s Vista Ballona Development Nearing Completion

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:58:23 GMT

$33.7 million development will bring 50 units of affordable housing to Mar Vista

Ellis Act reform bill seeks to limit rent control evictions

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 16:10:12 GMT

If passed, the bill would prevent landlords from utilizing the Ellis Act to evict rent controlled tenants within their first five years of ownership. The aim of the bill is to return the Ellis Act to its original purpose, which is to assist mom and pops landlords in exiting the rental business when they are losing money on a property.

Deadline to Apply for State Rental Assistance is March 31

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 19:01:28 GMT

The deadline for tenants and landlords impacted by COVID-19 to apply for state rent and utility assistance is March 31, 2022. Renters and property owners who have not yet applied, or who may be eligible for additional aid are encouraged to apply at housing.ca.gov.

Proposed Charter Amendment Requires All Units to Register with Rent Board

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Mar 2022 18:38:11 GMT

The Rent Control Board last Thursday proposed changes to the City Charter that would, among other things, require rental units not subject to the rent control law to register with the Board.

It would mark the first time the Rent Board would in any way oversee market rate rental units built after rent control was approved by Santa Monica voters in 1978.

Proposed Downtown Housing Development for the Homeless Gets $2 Million

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Mar 2022 16:59:18 GMT

The Santa Monica development is one of five projects totaling $5.85 million in Congressman Ted Lieu's district that target the homeless under the $1.5 trillion bill signed by President Joe Biden.

The 6 cities and states trying to stop landlords from jacking up rent prices

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 23:42:38 GMT

Rent and evictions are on the rise all over the country.
At least 6 cities and states in the US are implementing or expanding rent control.
Rent control, or government intervention in the price of rent, is banned in 37 states.

Rent Control Board seeks new powers

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 20:02:05 GMT

Of greatest significance is a new proposed requirement to have an annual registration of all non-rent controlled units in the City. This would collect information on the occupancy status and commencement date of the current tenancy, rent prices, reason for prior tenants’ vacancy, the water/utility metering status of the unit, the amenities provided with the tenancy, and any changes in ownership.

Could Newsom’s new mental health court be a fix for local homelessness?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 23:17:35 GMT

Governor Gavin Newsom has a bold new plan for a court system that he hopes will be a salve for the state’s twin homelessness and mental health crises. The details of his vision have yet to be fleshed out, but its principles are similar to a creative court program already in existence in Santa Monica.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Mythical Need for ‘Growth’

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 23:12:42 GMT

Our City is currently in the struggle to change its zoning laws, primarily by height increases, to issue enough building permits to increase our population by about 20% (8,895 units) in the next 8 years as demanded by the delusional State of California. The scale, and impracticality, of this dictate can be understood by realizing that it represents 88% of all the housing units built in our city since 1960. In other words we are expected to produce, in an already built out City, in only 6 remaining years, what took almost 60 years to accomplish?

Naturally, this is not something most Santa Monicans favor, since the vast majority understand, from their own experience, this to be an unnecessary, dangerous and ultimately unattainable goal.

Charles Andrews - LET’S CALL BS

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 09 Mar 2022 22:58:15 GMT

As residents of the city of Santa Monica, with monstrously tall and wide (and ugly) buildings being approved, spawning fortune-making progeny for a few but draining the wealth and soul out for the many.

Am I going overboard?

Apartment Owners Challenge LA County Renewed Eviction Ban

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 21:04:59 GMT

The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles and the Apartment Owners Association of California brought the still unofficial legal action in Los Angeles Superior Court, asking that preliminary and permanent injunctions be issued preventing enforcement of the renewed eviction ban as unconstitutional.

Housing advocates seek funding to repeal California law

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Mar 2022 17:05:31 GMT

California lawmakers are trying again to get rid of the nation’s only law that lets voters veto public housing projects, a provision added to the state constitution in 1950 to keep Black families out of white neighborhoods.

SMPD pulling detectives, traffic cops to aid in patrols

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:47:02 GMT

His current plan is to move a portion of traffic officers and detectives to “rotate through patrol” for certain shifts every week, bulking up the number of officers available to respond to 9-1-1 calls.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Development at Ocean Park & Lincoln

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:35:34 GMT

The Gelson’s site development, as a quasi government bonus project, is provided with bonus development rights that allow increasing the number of market rates units by 50% without providing any additional affordable units than would be required for the base development permitted by city zoning. A government gift to a private developer and their investors. Not a bad deal I guess for the developer’s return on investment. However wrong it did go, Pruitt-Igoe was built with the premise that it would help solve a shortage of affordable housing and provide a lower income level of society a leg up and a healthy, more open planned, environment.

Is it ironic that the un-founded cry that there is a “housing shortage” is used to justify a project such as is proposed at Gelson’s? There are, per California Dept. Of Finance, about 4500+ vacant units in Santa Monica, as well as a declining state population.

53-Unit Development With Retail Coming to Former Aahs! Space

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Mar 2022 16:34:27 GMT

Cypress Equity Investments has begun construction on a new development in Santa Monica as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles. The project is yet another mixed use development that is being built at the northwest corner of Centinela Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard where a Aahs! store used to stand.

How long are Californians waiting for rent relief?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 18:24:26 GMT

Of more than 488,000 households who applied for assistance since the program launched in March 2021, about 180,000 were approved. Four percent were denied, and more than half of applicants are still awaiting a response, according to the study, produced by the National Equity Atlas, Housing Now and the Western Center on Law & Poverty using state data.

Planning Commissioner Ellis Raskin declares Council candidacy

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Mar 2022 18:13:05 GMT

Ellis said he is not a hawker of development who is willing to be fast and loose with the environment regulations and development standards. However, at the same time he views himself as a progressive and said he is committed to ensuring that the City develops in an equitable manner and is able to meet its state mandated requirement to build almost 9,000 new units by 2029.

Angelenos Can Apply For Additional Rental Assistance Through March 31

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 19:10:45 GMT

The application period for a state program providing assistance to people with unpaid rent or utilities due to COVID-19 will close at the end of the month, the Los Angeles Housing Department announced Thursday.

California Must Build 2.5M Houses By 2030

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 19:06:50 GMT

With housing prices skyrocketing, and the homeless crisis worsening statewide, a new report released Wednesday determined that California needs to build another 2.5 million homes in the next eight years in order to ease the housing crisis.

Envisioning Santa Monica’s Future

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:55:21 GMT

March 2, 2022 10:58 AM
by David White

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Monica hosted the annual State of the City on February 15, 2022. The complete event video is available on YouTube. This is the second in a two-part blog series covering City Manager David White’s State of the City address. The first part looked back at 2021.

Santa Monica’s Year In Review for 2021

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:54:05 GMT

March 2, 2022 10:47 AM
by David White

The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and the City of Santa Monica hosted the annual State of the City on February 15, 2022. In this two-part blog series, we share excerpts from City Manager David White’s address, which can be viewed on YouTube. First, we look back at 2021 before exploring what lies ahead.

The Buck Stops with the Council

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Mar 2022 16:43:24 GMT

Dear Editor,

It is an outrage that the project at Lincoln and Ocean Park Boulevards will be administratively approved without any City public hearings and without possible appeal to the Planning Commission and the City Council ("Gelson's Proposed Project is a Done Deal," February 23, 2022).

Santa Monica Rents Drop Again

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Mar 2022 17:38:32 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica dipped for the fourth straight month in February, after rising steadily during the first ten months of 2021, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Tuesday.

The 0.4 percent dip comes after rents in Santa Monica fell by 0.5 percent in January, 2.8 percent in December and 1.8 percent in November.

Real Estate Firm Plans to Redevelop Three Wilshire Properties Into Hundreds Housing Units

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 18:14:56 GMT

The first project that CEI is conducting community meetings and applying for City entitlements for is at 2025 and 2501 Wilshire. Both buildings would be a mixed-use combination of residences and ground floor commercial space.

SMa.r.t. Column: Parking, Density and Inequality

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Feb 2022 18:11:20 GMT

Parking. In buildings. On the street. How important can that be? Who does it impact? And after decades of discussion, why is it still a controversial topic?

This, like several other state land use and urban planning policies, has as its key impact the increase in inequality.

How do we find a way to stay unique?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:19:04 GMT

Phil Brock

"You had a well defined community complete with its own feeling of culture and above all - a distinct difference than LA," states second generation native Phil Brock. "We knew we were not LA and we were proud of it."

L.A. receives grant money for homeless housing

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:10:25 GMT

The City of Los Angeles will receive $1.7 million from the State of California to rehouse 60 individuals as part of a $50 million initiative to clear encampments.

Governor Gavin Newsom announced the award of $50 million in grants to 19 communities throughout California on Thursday to provide shelter or housing for 1,401 individuals currently experiencing homelessness in encampments.

100 Families Apply for SM Program Prioritizing Housing for Historically Displaced Households

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:07:02 GMT

More than 100 families have applied to a pilot program that gives priority on Santa Monica's affordable housing waitlist to the households who were displaced by the Civic Auditorium or I-10 Freeway projects in the 1950s and 1960s, civic officials announced this week.

Gelson's Proposed Project Is a Done Deal

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 17:03:58 GMT

Under SB330, which is meant to fast track new housing construction, the nearly 900,000-square-foot project -- comprised of ten five-story buildings on a 4.7-acre site -- only requires an administrative approval, Martin said.

WE CAN TALK - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:56:19 GMT

YOU CAN’T STOP THIS ONE

The monster coming to plant itself at the already very busy intersection of Lincoln and Ocean Park. And this 10-building project (ugly buildings too, in my opinion), nearly a million square feet, will take out all the community-serving businesses there now – UPS store, pharmacy, low cost haircuts, sushi restaurant, dry cleaners, nail salon, optical store, pet supplies, the full-size Gelson’s supermarket.

LA spending up to $837,000 to house a single homeless person

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:54:18 GMT

The program “is still unable to meet the demands of the homelessness crisis,” Galperin said in a letter accompanying the 31-page report. The pace of development is sluggish, he said, while the cost of each unit continues to rise — in some cases to “staggering heights.”

Most of the units are studios or one-bedroom apartments. The audit found 14% of the units build exceeded $700,000 each, and one project in pre-development is estimated to cost almost $837,000 per unit.

Prang Seeks Third Term as LA County Assessor

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:35:11 GMT

We asked Assessor Prang some questions about the role and responsibility of his position and how those responsibilities impact Westside neighborhoods.

How are properties valued?

The appraisal of property begins using industry standard methods: the market, cost, and income approaches. The appraisal may be adjusted based on a number of considerations, including partial ownership, exclusions, exemptions, Prop. 13 limitations, etc.

Council Nixes Probe into Closed Session Leaks

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:33:29 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday voted not to pursue an investigation into the source of closed session leaks it had approved earlier this month.

The Council failed to muster the four votes needed to hire an investigative team to get to the bottom of the leaks some Councilmembers beleive are jeopardizing key hires.

Santa Monica's Communications Director to Leave Post

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:31:58 GMT

Debbie Lee -- who turned Santa Monica's small communications staff into a department of as many as ten employees -- will leave her post, City officials announced Wednesday.

As Santa Monica's Chief Communications officer, a post she assumed in July 2014, Lee established Santa Monica's citywide communications program and developed the City's new website, City officials said.

In first address, new City Manager describes an optimistic vision

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Feb 2022 18:15:18 GMT

When it came to the economic outlook for 2022, White said revenue loss projections, which had been predicted at about $220 million over three years, was revised down to a loss of $188 million in that time period.

City revenues rebound yet economic recovery remains elusive

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:06:22 GMT

Nuggets of good news brightened the gloomy overtones of the City’s midyear budget review — like the announcement of a $30 million influx of unanticipated revenues, which ever so slightly lessens the sting of the $188 million in revenue lost and over 420 staff positions cut as a result of the pandemic.

This $30 million difference between the forecasted general fund revenues from Fiscal Year 2021 to 2022 and what is now expected signals that Santa Monica’s economy is rebounding faster than predicted.

Ocean Park residents oppose 571 unit development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 17:04:18 GMT

Over 500 people attended the second community Zoom meeting for the proposed 571-unit Lincoln Center Project, which mainly consisted of residents sharing their opposition to the project with the development team.

The project is located at the corner of Lincoln Blvd. and Ocean Park Blvd. on the site of an existing Gelson’s grocery store and surface parking lot.

Los Angeles County Assessor Takes Look Back With 2021 Annual Report

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Feb 2022 16:57:55 GMT

Moreover, as the Annual Report does every year, it lists the top 20 highest valued cities in the County for 2021. The top five highest valued cities for 2021 remain the same, with the City of Los Angeles at No. 1 with an assessed valuation of $723.6 billion (4% increase); Long Beach with an assessed valuation of$65.7 billion (3.5% increase); Santa Monica with an assessed valuation of $43.834 billion (3.7% increase);

New Wealth Tax Proposal in California

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 20:13:15 GMT

Chapter 2 would be added and is titled, “Imposition of Tax on Wealth.” This new law applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, and before January 1, 2025, on the activity of sustaining excessive accumulations of wealth as a resident. There would also be imposed an excise tax of 1.5 percent upon the worldwide net worth of every resident in this state in excess of:

For married taxpayers filing separately, $500,000,000.
For all other taxpayers, $1,000,000,000.

‘Crammin’ Jack is Back! ‘Dingbat’ City is Here!

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Feb 2022 19:39:54 GMT

SMa.r.t.

Well, it appears that massive negative development has arrived, in vivid form, reflecting the community risks that arise from development that seemingly unrestrained profit driven densification produces.

Disney to build residential neighborhoods in Storyliving project

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 22:16:12 GMT

The Disney company announced plans on Wednesday to create multiple residential neighborhoods across the United States, the first of which is expected to break ground this year in Rancho Mirage, California.

Ocean Park Neighborhood Could Be The Site of Massive Mixed Use Apartment Complex

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 17:24:50 GMT

SanMon Inc. is eyeing the Gelson’s Shopping Center at 2627 Lincoln Blvd in the Ocean Park neighborhood for a massive mixed use development that would boast a development with 521 apartments, 53 of which would be designated as very low income housing, distributed among different buildings with various heights up to 5 stories or 65 feet tall as reported by Urbanize Los Angeles.

ZOOM Link for 2/17/22 meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82892453793

Chair Resigns From Police Commission

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:34:11 GMT

Under Brown's leadership, the 11-member Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (PSROC) created by the City Council in January 2021 has been torn by internal conflicts that have prevented it from meeting key deadlines.

HCD rejects City’s Housing Element

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Feb 2022 17:01:34 GMT

Santa Monica has a state mandated requirement to build 8,895 new housing units by 2029, but the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) says the City’s plan to do so is not up to par.

As a result, HCD has declined to certify the City’s 6th Cycle Housing Element and is asking for a revised plan with more research into the feasibility of converting City-identified sites into housing and tweaks to the City’s proposed development programs.

City Council joins SMMUSD opposition to district voting

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 16:32:20 GMT

Santa Monica City Council is willing to stick its neck — and, if necessary, its checkbook — out to support the local School District in its challenge against district-based voting.

On Jan. 1, a new law came into effect that allows petitioners to request county school boards implement voting districts in their communities. The rule, under SB 442, is designed to ensure residents of chronically underrepresented neighborhoods — those where a majority of residents are people of color or members of another protected class — do not see their votes diluted by traditional, at-large voting.

SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica – Dawn of the Downtown Dead

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 15:57:57 GMT

Going out in Santa Monica is becoming a mix of trepidation and terror, complete with dirty man-made monsters and criminals on the loose. This is not the time for getting popcorn and sitting on the sidelines to watch.

Homelessness including the mentally ill, is a national problem, and Santa Monica has become one of the key focal points in Los Angeles because of our city’s government’s inability or even unwillingness to do the hard and difficult things that need to be done consistently to resolve the problem.

Changes To SM Rent Law Proposed

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 17:32:07 GMT

Activist Santa Monica Rent Control Board Commissioners Caroline Torosis and Anastasia Foster proposed a list of changes to the Santa Monica Rent Control Charter Amendment they want the Rent Board to approve and to send to the City Council as recommendations for the Council to place them as initiatives on the November 2022 ballot. Their proposals are:

1. Eliminate any new 3-unit owner occupancy exemptions;

City's Housing Element Fails to Comply

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 12 Feb 2022 17:22:45 GMT

Santa Monica's plan to build nearly 9,000 new housing units over the next eight years does not comply with State law and must be revised, California Housing officials informed the City this week.

A Very Bad Deal for Residents and the City

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 11 Feb 2022 20:25:19 GMT

Mary Marlow

Even if you don’t live south of the 10 freeway, you will want to mark your calendar for Thursday, February 17, at 7 p.m. to listen and give input at a developer-led community meeting on the largest new housing project since the 1960’s on Lincoln and Ocean Park Blvd (Gelson’s site).

Here’s the ZOOM meeting link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82892453793

San Francisco Vacant Residential Unit Tax Ballot

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:41:15 GMT

Last month, San Francisco’s Budget and Legislative Analyst’s Office found that one in ten of the city’s homes and rental units are currently vacant. The report, which found that 40,458 homes and rental units had been left vacant for an extended period of time in 2019, shocked many in the city and across the state as California’s affordable housing crisis has gotten worse in recent years. The anger propelled Supervisor Preston to create the ballot petition in only a matter of days.

A controversial home-ownership model

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:35:30 GMT

Now, an L.A. developer has a new approach to the so-called tenancy-in-common, or TIC, model, in which residents share ownership of the property. Instead of converting old, rent-controlled buildings into TIC properties, the developer is replacing single-family homes with new townhomes.

L.A. City Council moves to implement housing densification law

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:32:12 GMT

The council passed a motion Tuesday introduced by councilmembers Paul Koretz and Bob Blumenfield, and seconded by Nithya Raman, instructing city planners and the L.A. Department of Building and Safety to prepare a memorandum to guide city departments and agencies in implementation of the law until the city adopts an official ordinance for its application.

SF Renters on Verge of Winning Collective Bargaining Rights

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:27:10 GMT

City supervisors Monday gave the initial thumbs-up to legislation to protect the formation of tenant associations that, like unions, could collectively bargain with landlords. Negotiations could cover a broad array of concerns, including aesthetics, construction schedules and even rent levels building-wide. The three-person Rules Committee voted unanimously to approve the protections, which now move to the full Board of Supervisors.

Santa Monica City Council Adopts Midyear Budget Adjustments

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Feb 2022 18:18:02 GMT

Santa Monica City Council made mid-year adjustments to the City’s budget based on updated revenues and expenditures and received a five-year financial forecast. Although future economic uncertainty remains a factor, Santa Monica is entering a phase of recovery and restoration.

New proposal for housing in parking garages

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:57:15 GMT

One new idea, which was presented to the LA County Mental Health Commission in January, suggests sheltering people on the underutilized roofs of parking structures dotted around greater Los Angeles.

City to restore services and rehire over 30 positions

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Feb 2022 19:55:26 GMT

The staff report recommends allocating funding for additional full and part-time staff hours that total to the equivalent of 32.1 full-time positions spread across the City’s departments. The plan also allocates funding towards parks and recreation programming, housing resources and library services.

Planning Commission discusses zoning changes to boost housing

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 17:26:20 GMT

Staff have begun drafting amendments to the Land Use and Circulation Element of the City’s General Plan, Bergamot Area Plan, Downtown Community Plan, and the Zoning Ordinance to facilitate the goals of the City’s Housing Element.

Santa Monica’s Future: Will Developers or Residents Rule?

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 17:19:24 GMT

SMa.r.t.

And we need a planning staff and director who listens to residents, not developers. Instead of raising heights and increasing density, we need to capitalize on our untapped zoning. We already have capacity for all the growth needed within our existing 3 and 4-story General Plan and previous Zoning Ordinance.

Santa Monica College Investigating Options to Build Housing

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 05 Feb 2022 17:18:06 GMT

Santa Monica College is considering building student housing for low-income and unhoused students.

The proposed housing for low-income and unhoused students could be built next to the College’s Bundy campus on the border the city shares with Los Angeles as reported by The Santa Monica Lookout. SMC is conducting a feasibility study for a potential 275-bed housing unit that “would ideally [be] fully furnished with all utilities included.” in a parking lot near the edge of the campus.

SMMUSD by-district voting petition

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 20:29:40 GMT

The petition, which would see the School District split into seven districts, is among the first filed in LA County under a new state law giving control to county education boards to create trustee voting areas.

2022 State of the City “Envisioning Our Future” Set for February 15

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Feb 2022 20:26:30 GMT

The 2022 State of the City hosted by the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Santa Monica will be held on Tuesday, February 15 at 5 p.m. streamed on YouTube.

Bloom Drops Out of County Supervisor Race

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 17:15:42 GMT

Assemblymember Richard Bloom announced Tuesday that he is dropping out of the race to replace Sheila Kuehl as County Supervisor, upending what promises to be a hotly contested June primary.

Bloom, who was first elected to the Assembly in 2012 after serving as Santa Monica Mayor, said he will complete his fifth term, which expires in December 2024.

City Extends Emergency Health Orders

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Feb 2022 17:24:14 GMT

Friday's order continues the City's 41st Emergency Supplement issued October 29 that bars no-fault termination of leases and evictions for owner move-ins, nuisance and unauthorized occupants or pets.

City to gather demographic data on boards and commissions

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 19:44:18 GMT

De la Torre suggested the City Clerk gather the demographic profile of each board and commission, including categories such as race, ethnicity, gender, age and sexual orientation — “whatever categories the Council believes is necessary for us to get a good picture of where we have deficiencies, in terms of our appointments.”

Will Developers or Residents Rule? – Part 4 Our Residential Neighborhoods

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:39:21 GMT

SMa.r.t.

This is the 4th of a 5 part article outlining serious issues Santa Monica residents and the City Council are facing.

And Santa Monica’s response has been a rapid transition from a history of courtyard housing to beach barracks stacked in blockhouses! And this stain on Santa Monica has spread to market rate housing as well as affordable. The photos accurately express the broken, faceless, and fractured direction of our residential housing – whether fronting on streets or alleys – totally lacking the greenery of a frontyard setback, courtyard, or terrace! This can’t be what $3,500-5,500 per month buys one! And sadly, these developers are hiring Santa Monica attorneys and architects to do their bidding in implementing this disaster.

Will State Regulators Kill Rooftop Solar?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:37:17 GMT

If California’s often misguided utility regulators wanted to prove they are determined to favor privately owned electric companies over almost any other interest, they could not do better than with new rules they now propose to inflict on people with rooftop solar panels.

To understand this ongoing dispute, take a look at how utilities like Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric profit most from solar.

SMC Exploring Building Housing for Poor and Homeless Students

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 31 Jan 2022 18:33:40 GMT

Santa Monica College (SMC) is exploring building housing for homeless and low-income students at the edge of its Bundy campus across the LA border, College officials confirmed Friday.

A feasibility study is underway to build a 275-bed student housing facility on a surface parking lot that would "ideally (be) fully furnished with all utilities included," College officials said.

Santa Monica hires new Fire Chief

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 19:01:08 GMT

Danny Alvarez has been chosen to lead the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Alvarez was born in Santa Monica and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He has spent over 24 years with the Burbank Fire Department rising from firefighter to Deputy Fire Chief.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Dropping

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 Jan 2022 18:51:19 GMT

Santa Monica rents dipped in January, marking the third straight monthly decrease after ten months of growth, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Thursday.

The 0.5 percent dip came after rents dropped 2.8 percent in December and 1.8 percent in November, based on listings posted on the popular rental site.

LA County Extends Eviction Protections

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 20:03:22 GMT

Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend countywide eviction protections through the end of this year. The board also continued a freeze on rent hikes for many tenants in unincorporated parts of the county.

Massive redevelopment of Providence Saint John’s

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:14:53 GMT

The long-planned Phase Two redevelopment of Providence Saint John’s Health Center is heading to Planning Commission with Providence Health Systems seeking approval for an overhaul of its South Campus facilities and sign-off on an updated community benefits agreement.

Gaming the System

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 Jan 2022 17:07:56 GMT

The State’s housing legislation is inherently unconstitutional. It offers little or no opportunity for community input and allows business interests to prevail over the needs and desires of residents.

As it stands, Santa Monica's proposed “Lincoln Center” project on the current Gelson’s site at Ocean Park and Lincoln Boulevards gives the developer’s interests precedence over any neighborhood concerns.

Police reform commissioners concerned over roadblocks

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 17:41:23 GMT

Members of the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (PSROC) called a special meeting to discuss what several members feel are barriers to the commission’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.

While commissioners held differing viewpoints on how well the City has supported its mission, it is the view of Chair George Brown and several other commissioners that a lack of resources and slow action from the City is holding back the commission’s work.

Council to discuss extending pandemic building rules into 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:52:15 GMT

In essence, anyone whose building project was in the pipeline at the start of the COVID-19 emergency, or who have received permits, entitlements or were in plan check during the ongoing emergency, would receive an extension on project deadlines.

Santa Monica’s Future: Will Developers or Residents Rule?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 16:09:31 GMT

SM a.r.t:

Part 3 Our Boulevards

But what is the purpose and character of our boulevards? In addition to being the gateways to our city and the city’s largest public area, our boulevards provide a variety of roles from mobility and economic opportunity to open space and social connection. Boulevards also offer the most significant opportunity for housing and future commercial growth. These boulevards are the bridges that tie the community together, and they are the key to our city’s future!

Santa Monica Spends Some $5 Million a Year in Homeless Outreach

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 21 Jan 2022 21:33:38 GMT

The current budget for the fiscal year ending on June 30 allocates $4,839,489 to fund three street teams, a Police Department liaison team, a Fire Department response unit and a "therapeutic transport van."

They are part of an intensifying effort to convince homeless individuals -- who numbered 907 in the latest count conducted two years ago -- to accept shelter and help.

City releases comprehensive report on homeless services

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 17:27:37 GMT

The City may be investing millions into homeless services, but it can be difficult for residents to see where those dollars are going, which was part of the impetus for a comprehensive report on Santa Monica’s response to homelessness.

This information was pulled together at the behest of City Councilmembers, who wished to ensure accountability in funding, create a centralized source of information on homeless resources and identify any gaps in services.

City to Break Ground on $72 Million Water Projects

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 Jan 2022 16:48:35 GMT

The projects totaling $72 million will help reduce imported water supplies by boosting capacity at two City owned facilities -- the Olympic Well Field and the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant.

Homeless count delayed

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:50:04 GMT

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) announced the postponement of the 2022 Greater Los Angeles Point-in-Time (PIT) Homeless Count last week. The Santa Monica area is now scheduled for the county count on Feb. 23 and Santa Monica officials said they would change the city count to align with the new county date. The count was originally scheduled for the end of January.

City opens applications for Right to Return pilot program

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 Jan 2022 16:48:07 GMT

In an effort to right historical wrongs, the City has opened applications for households or descendants of households forcibly displaced by the construction of the I-10 freeway and Civic Center to receive priority for affordable housing in Santa Monica.

The “Right to Return” pilot program acknowledges the harm done to primarily households of color in Santa Monica through the use of eminent domain during the 1950s and 1960s.

Santa Monica’s Future: Will Developers or Residents Rule?

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:18:31 GMT

SMa.r.t.

But the city and its downtown have become a cash cow for developers. Santa Monica has spent over 20 years swimming uphill in a failed marriage with the development community – agreeing to increasing land values, building heights and higher rents in exchange for a handful of “inclusionary” affordable units! And in addition, Santa Monica’s residents, not the developers, are left to pay for the increased infrastructure this requires!

Santa Monica Vons’s Development Sees Design Changes

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 15 Jan 2022 17:14:34 GMT

Developer Related California’s mixed-use apartment complex is a redevelopment of the site of a Vons grocery store into a five to eight-story building close to the Metro E line station. This proposed development is located between 7th Street, Broadway and Lincoln Boulevard and would include a total of 280 one, two and three-bedroom apartments with 354 underground parking spaces for occupants and visitors.

Judge Grants Preliminary Injuction Halting Parking Structure Demolition

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 19:00:49 GMT

LA County Superior Court Judge Michelle L Beckloff on Thursday granted the Santa Monica Bayside Owners Association's (SMBOA) request for a preliminary injunction but did not order the City to continue to operate the parking structure.

Proposed California law would require landlords to own property for at least five years before evicting tenants

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:36:51 GMT

A new bill is headed for a committee hearing on Wednesday that could change the process for evictions.

AB 854 is a new piece of legislation meant to protect renters from serial evictors and is being introduced by Bay Area Democratic Assemblymember Alex Lee.

The main change it would make is that landlords must own a property for at least five years before they can use the Ellis Act to evict someone.

Newsom’s proposed budget brings more local funding to address homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:24:27 GMT

Of key interest to Santa Monica is the Governor’s continued commitment to addressing homelessness in light of last year’s history investment of $12 billion, which he seeks to bolster this year with additional funding for increasing shelter capacity, building supportive and affordable housing and clearing encampments.

Housing Partner Selected for Future Affordable Housing on City-Owned Fourth Street Parcel

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:21:31 GMT

At last night’s meeting, the Santa Monica City Council green lit an exclusive negotiation agreement to negotiate the terms and conditions for development of affordable housing on the City-owned parcel at 1318-20 Fourth Street, which is currently occupied by public Parking Structure 3 in Downtown Santa Monica.

THE INFORMATION WARS - Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 21:23:26 GMT

The neighborhood folks especially, Ocean Park, Sunset Park and Pico Neighborhoods, have watched patiently and mostly silently as our City Fathers, and … Mothers, have given piece by piece approval to the Great Wall of Lincoln, of which this will be another (huge) brick in the wall, a piece needed to hop down the street to the block-long gaping open pit that will become – more apartments.

Santa Monica to Begin Accepting Applications for Families Displaced

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 Jan 2022 21:14:42 GMT

Santa Monica will soon begin accepting applications for families displaced from the city in the 1950s and 1960s due to the construction of both 1-10 Freeway and Civic Center.

Beginning January 18, 2022, the City of Santa Monica is opening applications for the Below Market Housing (BMH) pilot program for historically displaced households.

California getting additional $68 million in federal rent relief dollars

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 18:29:45 GMT

The U.S. Treasury Department approved an additional $68.7 million for California rent relief programs as part of a $239.9 million reallocation from states that have been slow in distributing assistance to pandemic-impacted tenants, state and federal officials said Friday, Jan. 7.

Council to review plans for housing development at Parking Structure 3

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:56:02 GMT

Opponents of the new development argued PS3, located at the intersection of 4th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard, was a pivotal piece of visitor-serving infrastructure, providing access to area businesses and the farmers market. Proponents said the aging structure required millions of dollars worth of repairs and parking spaces were already accounted for in the 2013 rebuild of Parking Structure 6, which includes 400 additional spaces.

In June, SMBOA filed a lawsuit in an attempt to keep the structure from being demolished.

A New Years Glimpse Into Santa Monica’s Future

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:49:52 GMT

SMa.r.t.

It’s a New Year, a make-or-break year for Santa Monica!! How much do you care about your city and it’s beachfront environment?? This future includes the development industry that now rules our state legislature, the governor, and our local Santa Monica governance – including our planning staff, planning commission, architectural review board, and the pro-development members of our city council! This article is the 1st of a 5 part series outlining the future of Santa Monica – a future dominated by our ever-growing corporate economy and it’s development industry.

Rents Drop in Santa Monica Again

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 Jan 2022 17:48:20 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica dropped for the second straight month in December after posting gains through the first 10 months of 2021, according to Apartment List's latest monthly report.

The 2.8 percent decrease in December comes after rents dropped by 1.8 percent in November and reflects a nationwide trend that saw the "first measurable price decline since 2020," according to the report released last week.

Santa Monica is poised for a strange and significant 2022 election

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 08 Jan 2022 17:21:02 GMT

At the local level a lot is also up in the air, including the question of whether Santa Monica will have at-large or district-based elections as a California Voting Rights Act lawsuit is still awaiting final judgment in the California Supreme Court.

Special Interests Fight Dirty to Maintain Control over Santa Monica Housing Commission

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 18:49:20 GMT

Some believe that the goal of Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmember Davis was to do anything within their power to keep Chair Buchanan on the Commission in order to control the agenda of the Housing Commission through her. Never mind the insufficient number of votes for her reappointment and a clear vote of no confidence from the community Ms. Buchanan had received.

Developer Proposes 521 Unit Apartment Tower For the Corner of Lincoln and Ocean Park Blvd

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 18:29:22 GMT

The owner of the Lincoln Center has proposed replacing the 1980's era parking lot and stores, with 521 residential units. The building would be 5 stories in height--around 65 feet. It would also contain 36,000 square feet of retain and restaurant space, 880 automobile parking spaces and 816 bicycle spaces.

City allocates $1 million for parks and public safety

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 Jan 2022 17:49:34 GMT

The largest share of the funding — $439,300 — was allocated toward enhanced maintenance through the Department of Transportation’s Parking Operations Division. In other words, the city will spend it increasing the frequency of parking structure maintenance.

Pricey California Water Fines: Drought Rules Restrict Waste

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 20:04:43 GMT

Californians will face mandatory restrictions governing how they can water their lawns and wash their cars for the second time in less than a decade as the state withers under another drought.

The rules adopted Tuesday by the State Water Resources Control Board are fairly mild — no watering lawns for 48 hours after a rainstorm or letting sprinklers run onto the sidewalk— and could take effect as soon as the end of the month.

City staff lays out suggestions for controlling housing development under SB 9

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 19:56:33 GMT

City staff are in the process of drafting local laws regulating SB 9 in Santa Monica, and on Dec. 29 Planning Manager Jing Yeo released a report with considerations for the new ordinance.

These considerations focus on tightening requirements for new construction under SB 9, limiting the ability to add additional dwelling units (ADUs) and junior additional dwelling units (JADUs) to newly constructed units, and deterring speculative investors.

Stand Up For Change

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 19:55:06 GMT

The lack of local control is a concern, and it’s certainly a component of the density and bad design. When the Legislature expanded the rules on development statewide it was in response to a perceived demand for housing. On a statewide level that’s possibly true, but I am seeing a lot of ‘For Rent’ signs in the city. I’ve heard that even San Francisco with its history of 99% occupancy is having an increase in vacancies.

Myth of Housing Supply Crisis Disintegrated

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 Jan 2022 19:51:34 GMT

With a series of deeply researched graphs, Verville explained to the nearly 60 participants in the virtual meeting how the supply of housing in California has easily kept up with population growth. In Santa Monica, the housing supply has actually exceeded population growth. There is, in fact, no supply crisis.

L.A. won’t allow rent hikes for most tenants until 2023

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:32:59 GMT

As the U.S. nears the beginning of the third year combating COVID-19, tenants in L.A. are receiving a benefit few others have: Landlords are prohibited from raising the cost of more than 650,000 rent-stabilized units citywide, which represents nearly three-quarters of L.A.’s apartment stock.

New York company makes City’s largest real estate purchase

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:14:16 GMT

In total, the downtown development portfolio includes 325,391 net rentable square feet, including 31,473 square feet of commercial space and 627 multifamily units – all of which are fully entitled and approved by city authorities.

In a statement, Tishman Speyer said it would develop 620 Class A apartments, 116 of which will be designated as affordable, as well as the retail space. The company said Phase One of project construction is expected to begin by late 2022, with the first buildings complete by the end of 2024.

SM.a.r.t Wishes for 2022

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:12:13 GMT

We wish for:

All California residents to gain back the control of their Cities from Sacramento’s draconian power grab by means of the Our Neighborhood Voices Initiative.
There would be a more resident sensitive and prioritizing composition of the city council. Current residents are taking a backseat to the development community.

Path cleared for new housing developments along Expo Line

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 Jan 2022 17:01:13 GMT

The plan, called the Exposition Corridor Transit Neighborhood Plan, allows for dozens of new buildings to be constructed, including some along Olympic Boulevard between Centinela and Barrington just outside Santa Monica city limits that are zoned to stand 10 to 12 stories tall.

California's Public Golf Courses to be Converted to Public Housing in Latest Progressive Initiative

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 31 Dec 2021 19:28:34 GMT

A bill now pending in the California State legislature proposes to convert the State's municipal and public golf courses into affordable housing.

What You Need to Know About SB9

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Dec 2021 18:33:03 GMT

What is SB9?

SB9, also known as the California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency (HOME) Act, is a state bill that requires cities to allow one additional residential unit onto parcels zoned for single-dwelling units. This law will allow up to a total of two residential units in single-dwelling unit zones, excluding any accessory dwelling units (ADUs). The law, which passed in September 2021, will go into effect across California on January 1, 2022. Once active, SB9 will only apply to property owners in the R1 (Single-Unit Residential) and OP1 (Ocean Park Single-Unit Residential) Zones.

Santa Monica’s message to people evicted long ago for the 10 Freeway: Come home

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 18:12:14 GMT

Starting in January, the city will offer affordable housing to those forced out by freeway construction and those removed in the late 1950s when the city bulldozed another Black area, Belmar Triangle, to build the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Children and grandchildren of those who lost their homes also are eligible.

Starting Jan. 1 all Santa Monicans must recycle their organic waste

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Dec 2021 18:10:32 GMT

In order to do their part, residents must put all of their organic waste into their green bin and ensure it stays out of their black trash and blue recycling bins.

Redistricting creates strange bedfellows

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 17:20:24 GMT

Beginning in 2022, Santa Monica’s assembly district will include some new territory: Griffith Park. The new Assembly District 51 cuts inland, rather than along the coast, combining Santa Monica’s two-and-three-quarter miles of coastline with 4,210-acre Griffith Park, and most everything in between along Santa Monica Boulevard.

Council calls for comprehensive information on homeless resources

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 18:08:20 GMT

In a Dec. 14 meeting Councilmembers voted unanimously to have staff consolidate a wide range of information on services pertaining to homelessness, so that gaps can be identified and direction given for supplementing resources.

The request, which was submitted by Councilmembers Phil Brock, Christine Parra and Oscar de la Torre asked that a specific list of data, information and suggestions be made available to Council and the public.

City Manager David White Appoints Susan Cline as Santa Monica’s Assistant City Manager and Rick Valte as Public Works Director

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Dec 2021 17:51:16 GMT

Her role as Assistant City Manager began December 19, 2021 with a salary of $294,360

He is the current president of the City and County Engineers Association of Los Angeles and will take the helm of Public Works on December 19, 2021 with a salary of $253,716.

SMa.r.t. Seismic Water Resiliency

Margaret Fulton — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:35:29 GMT

Quakes, fires, tidal waves all involve the same temporary displacement of residents. Thus it would be beneficial for our City to have pre-identified landlords, hotels and individuals willing to participate in such a short term emergency response program similar to the way local fire departments and police departments have mutual aid agreements to send reinforcements to each other when the local resources are overrun.

Stagnant Rent Growth Forecasted

Margaret Fulton — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:33:27 GMT

The Lusk Center for Real Estate at USC has revealed its annual Casden Real Estate Forecast for multifamily rental properties in the state of California for the first time since 2019. In the Westside area, from Beverly Hills to the coasts, the forecast is that rents will remain slightly in decline for 2022.

New Map Turns Supervisor District More Conservative

Margaret Fulton — Sun, 19 Dec 2021 17:29:04 GMT

A map for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Wednesday by a citizens redistricting commission turns the 3rd District that includes Santa Monica more conservative.

The new map, which went into effect today, adds Porter Ranch, Chatsworth and Granada Hilles and removes Mar Vista, the Southeast Valley and the Cahuenga Pass from the District, which includes the Westside and the San Fernando Valley.

State’s Housing Solution Starts Happening

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 18:06:04 GMT

That solution: Convert or repurpose the vast amount of square footage in office buildings and towers that has become vacant over the 20 months since the coronavirus pandemic set in and changed the work habits and environments of millions of white collar employees and their bosses.

UCLA study probes SMPD budget

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:49:10 GMT

The report shows 63% of the department’s budget is spent on salaries, with more than $10 million going to overtime pay in 2019.

A UCLA School of Law Criminal Justice Program report claims SMPD overtime calculations are out of step with broader trends but city officials have said the expenses are necessary to provide the quality of service expected by Santa Monica residents.

New York Developer Poised to Buy 8 Prime Downtown Properties

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 15 Dec 2021 17:42:41 GMT

The eight properties -- which total more than 600 units -- are part of a portfolio of 23 closely knit parcels, most of them Downtown, bought by prominent Westside developer Neil Shekhter over the past decade.

California proposes reducing incentives for rooftop solar

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 19:58:59 GMT

The state’s three major utilities — Pacific Gas & Electric, San Diego Gas & Electric, and Southern California Edison — say the savings solar customers get now are so great that those customers no longer pay their fair share for the operation of the overall energy grid.

Council to Debate Term Limits for Regional Boards

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Dec 2021 19:46:45 GMT

On Tuesday night, the City Council is expected to decide whether to impose term limits on two regional boards that have been represented by the same appointees for more than two decades.

As part of the recommended policy changes to boards and commissions, the Council will consider limiting terms on the boards of the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California and the Los Angeles County West Vector Control.

City to conservatively implement controversial housing bill SB 9

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 09 Dec 2021 18:05:56 GMT

While the bill applies to all Single-Unit Residential (R1) Districts, the City has discretion in how it handles applications to split lots or build duplexes.

Staff is in the process of developing an ordinance outlining how Santa Monica will manage development applications in R1 areas, which will be presented to Council no later than March 2022. In the meantime, staff will publish an information memorandum on the City’s approach to implementing SB 9 until an ordinance is approved.

Councilmembers Want Answers to "Simple" Questions About Homeless Efforts

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 21:22:35 GMT

Last December, Phil Brock was sworn in after finishing first in the race for City Council by promising to tackle Santa Monica's entrenched homeless problem.

A year later, he and his two fellow Change slate Councilmembers have placed an item on next Tuesday's agenda seekig answers to basic questions Brock says they have been asking all year.

Building Conversion in Today’s Market Environment. SMa.r.t.

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 21:20:21 GMT

Currently, businesses both large and small are reformulating their requirements for their space and working environments. More management, staff, and employees are working remotely, which will require less square footage commitments or, in some circumstances, to locate in smaller satellite locations. Eventually, there will most likely be a more significant return to the workplace, and occupancy levels will increase for the current existing built-out space. That said, it appears that the absorption factor will not re turn to pre-pandemic occupancy levels. Many companies have already permanently changed their employment strategies and no longer require full-time office occupancy for their employees.

Santa Monica Rents Drop for First Time This Year

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Dec 2021 17:13:02 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica dipped by 1.8 percent last month, marking the first decrease since last December, according to Apartment List's latest monthly report.

The drop comes as rents nationwide grew by 0.1 percent, the lowest month-to-month increase this year, according to the report released Monday.

States, cities running out of rental assistance monies

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:21:15 GMT

Several large states and cities have exhausted their federal rental assistance, the Treasury Department said Monday, in a sign that spending on a massive program aimed at averting evictions has picked up speed.

Council protests being grouped with Valley cities in draft Congressional District map

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 18:17:46 GMT

City Council is uniformly opposed to the draft Congressional District map that would divide Santa Monica from much of the Westside and lump it into a district with large portions of the San Fernando Valley.

SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica – Who Does the City Work For?

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Nov 2021 17:56:18 GMT

There is a general, and growing, discomfort in the relationship between the residents and their city. People who live here are asking themselves and each other – who does the city work for? Those few residents who tuned in to the meetings of Oct 12 and Oct. 26 saw plainly what is driving the city’s priorities – and what is not. The clear takeaway was that the concept of a balanced city that works for all, is fading.

Changing this trajectory is critical. The stakes are enormous.

Focus on Housing Rights and Resources Continues at City Attorney’s Office

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:40:20 GMT

To help hold the line against that feared wave of eviction and to stay ahead of the pandemic’s effects, the Public Rights Division of the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office (PRD) has increased its already considerable efforts in community outreach, enforcement, and proactive projects.

Landlord/Tenant Forum Held December 14

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:28:44 GMT

On Tuesday, December 14, 2021 from 4 to 6 pm, the Santa Monica City Attorney’s Office Public Rights Division and the Rent Control Board will host their annual Landlord/Tenant Forum. This year’s event will be virtual.

L.A.-Area Renters Planning Move Look in Metro Region

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Nov 2021 16:24:21 GMT

A third of Los Angeles area renters planning to move are looking elsewhere, although they are choosing to stay within driving distance, according to a report released by Apartment List last week.

Focus on Housing Rights and Resources Continues at City Attorney’s Office

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 18:03:05 GMT

SMa.r.t. Column: A Flooding Prospect

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:46:36 GMT

The State and a number of cities and groups have begun organizing to deal with the looming threat of coastal flooding. The State of California now has a very informative resource website (linked at the bottom of this article). Our own city has prepared an initial set of “Adaptive Management” goals related to sea-level rise in its Climate Action and Adaptation Plan from May, 2019. It has also prepared a hair-raising assessment of financial costs related to sea level rise that is worth close examination. It seems, however, that many of the proposals listed in Santa Monica’s action plan remain mired in inaction. Of the five major recommendations listed in the plan, besides the financial assessment, only one–Beach Nourishment & Dune Creation–has been started, and that with the leadership of The Bay Foundation, a non-profit group that helped create a beach restoration pilot project near the Annenberg about four years before it was included in the city’s Climate Action and Adaptation Plan.

Opinion: SB 9, 10: The Rebellion Begins

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:44:19 GMT

Now their opponents aim to nullify these two measures that would take almost all zoning decisions away from city councils and county boards and essentially place them in the hands of Wall Street investors and developers with big bankrolls.

Mixed-Use Development With Possible Bank Coming to Wilshire Boulevard

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Nov 2021 17:17:39 GMT

Two commercial buildings are being redeveloped into a small new mixed use building at the corner of Wilshire Boulevard and Harvard Street in Santa Monica.

Scant fraud reported among U.S. rental assistance programs

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 19:33:27 GMT

But in the eight months since California’s rental assistance program began, fraud has been virtually nonexistent. The Department of Housing and Community Development has identified 1,800 fraudulent rental assistance applications out of nearly 500,000 statewide — 0.0036% — and none was paid.

Santa Monica Homeless Count to be Held January 26, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 20:06:56 GMT

The count will be modified with COVID-19 safety best practices in place to ensure a safe experience for the volunteer corps who power this important and mandatory activity.

Inglewood residents outraged over home registration fees

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 18:22:25 GMT

St. Paul Rent-Control Initiative Backfires

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:58:54 GMT

Democratic leaders in Minnesota’s capital city are scrambling for solutions after developers put several large projects on hold across St. Paul in the wake of last week’s election, when residents approved what may be the strictest rent-control policy in the country.

Phil Brock: ‘I Carry Pepper Gel To Downtown Santa Monica’

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:55:01 GMT

Brock is a rare, outspoken public figure in a city where transparency and public input have not always been embraced.

Bonin, Kuehl Lay Out Plans for Mixed-Use Project at West LA Civic Center

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:46:44 GMT

The project proposes a total of 926 residential units, including nearly 500 market-rate apartments and more than 430 service-enhanced affordable units. The affordable housing will serve families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Main Thing Is…

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Nov 2021 16:38:54 GMT

The merchants we spoke with were not opposed to the Summer Soulstice, or the Christmas Tree Lighting event, or to the 4th of July parade, all unique special events, but none of the non-bar/restaurant businesses we spoke with favored street closure on a weekly or monthly basis, let alone a permanent one, or a closure of the entire length of Main St. from Marine to Pico. As to the 4th of July Parade, the K-rails (now with a growing display of not so pleasant graffiti) will possibly have a negative effect and may prevent the ability to hold the parade at all. One wonders if that was a consideration when placing them on the street.

Lincoln Boulevard Affordable Housing Project

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 19:12:40 GMT

The project, from Community Corp. of Santa Monica, will be a four-story, 28,000 square feet, 37-units, one level of underground parking, 18 one-bedrooms, 9 two-bedrooms, 10 three-bedrooms.

Stagnant Rent Growth Forecast for Coastal Cities

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 13 Nov 2021 19:10:08 GMT

A report released this week by USC's Lusk Center for Real Estate forecasts a 1 percent decline in rent growth for coastal communities in an area that includes Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Rents Expected To Climb As Renters Leave LA

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 20:18:48 GMT

The global coronavirus pandemic has accelerated shifts in Southern California's rental market, driving people from LA's city center.

City Settles With Police Union Over Role on New Commission

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 11 Nov 2021 20:04:31 GMT

The agreement -- which was approved on a 6 to 0 vote -- adds a non-voting member selected by the union and police chief to the 11-member Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission.

The new member cannot be a City official or member of the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), said Interim City Attorney Joe Lawrence.

Demand for a single-family rental is 'through the roof'

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 21:15:56 GMT

The intense competition and shortage of homes for sale have contributed to the rising popularity of the single-family rental market, spawning many built-for-rent communities.

Santa Monica Housing Market

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 10 Nov 2021 21:13:25 GMT

The median sale price for a single-family home in the 90405 ZIP code was about $2.3 million from the beginning of July through the end of September, according to Redfin. That was 9 percent higher than the price over the same period last year.

How to Comply with the City’s New Mandatory Organics Recycling Law

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 22:05:46 GMT

How do I get started to meet the January 1, 2022 deadline?

STEP 1: If you don’t currently have a green organics container (many people do have one already), request one from the City and we’ll get one to you at no additional charge.

Malibu Split Gets Third Hearing Wednesday

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 09 Nov 2021 21:59:34 GMT

School District and Malibu City officials are gearing up for the next round Wednesday in the contentious battle over Malibu's proposal to split from the District.

The 6 p.m. Zoom meeting of the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization comes nearly two months after it overwhelmingly voted to keep alive Malibu's proposal ("Malibu Petition to Split from School District Stays on Track," September 20, 2021).

The Committee's third hearing Wednesday focuses on gathering more information and taking additional public testimony, but both sides are mobilizing their troops.

Sacto Dems Dump Prop. 13 Reforms

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:25:05 GMT

Right now, Prop. 13 limits property tax on any sort of real estate to 1 percent of the 1975 assessed value or 1 percent of the most recent purchase price if the property has changed hands. This levy can subsequently increase by no more than 2 percent each year.

It’s easy to gloss over the words “change hands” in that description, as it seems obvious that changing hands means a shift in who controls a property.

City Council Approves Housing Element Update

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:21:35 GMT

Two days ahead of the state’s deadline, the City Council of Santa Monica last month approved the required 6th Cycle Housing Element Update for the years of 2021 to 2029 and the Environmental Impact Report.

The Housing Element Update passed with a vote of 5 for approval and 2 voting against approval. The Environmental Impact Report assent passed unanimously.

Developer Proposes 20 New Units for Santa Monica Apartment Project

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 08 Nov 2021 21:19:06 GMT

Developer Lee & Yen Property LLC has changed plans from a proposed office building that they have been attempting to develop in the place of a vacant apartment building located at 1448 7th Street in Santa Monica according to Urbanize Los Angeles.

California attorney general puts focus on affordable housing

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 06 Nov 2021 00:25:48 GMT

The 12-member strike force will draw on attorneys from four existing sections within the state Department of Justice, said Attorney General Rob Bonta, a Democrat who took office in April and must run for reelection next year.

“This is, I believe, something unique in the history of the California Department of Justice to have the priority and emphasis and focus on housing, law enforcement, that we have” with the new approach, Bonta said.

Independent Commission to Choose from Four County District Maps

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 05 Nov 2021 20:23:06 GMT

In a little over a month, Santa Monica will end up in a new County Supervisorial District, possibly grouped with cities in the San Fernando Valley or in the South Bay.

An independent Citizens Redistricting Commission comprised of 14-members, including one from Santa Monica, has been busy sorting through proposed districting maps.

SM Extends Local Emergency, Tenant Protections to January 31

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:51:36 GMT

Specifically, the order adopts provisions of the Los Angeles County's Covid-19 Tenant Protections Resolution, including residential eviction protections (such as no-fault termination of leases, owner move-ins, nuisance, and unauthorized occupants or pets). The supplement also revises the email (EMReports@santamonica.gov) to which landlords should send any eviction notices.

SoCal Edison Residential Customers Being Transitioned To ‘Time-Of-Use’ Rate Plans

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 04 Nov 2021 15:35:25 GMT

The transition starts this months for some customers, with the utility company transitioning others over the next six months.

An estimated 2.3 million residential customers will be affected.

The new time-of-use plans, which differ from tiered rate plans that charge solely on how much electricity is consumed by a customer, feature different rates for power based on the time of day it’s used.

Santa Monica Rent Growth Slowing, Listings Show

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:42:30 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica continued growing slowly, inching up another 1 percent in October as the national rental market cools, according to Apartment List's latest report released Monday.

The increase comes after rents ticked up 0.8 percent in September and marks the 10th straight month rents have increased in the beach city.

Veterans Row Cleanup Effort Begins

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 03 Nov 2021 16:41:24 GMT

On Monday morning, deputies from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, outreach workers and other officials–including L.A. Public Works Department– began the process of relocating the homeless outside the West Los Angeles VA. According to the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority, most of the veterans are being moved into motels, with some moving into tents on VA property or directly into permanent housing.

Santa Monica Extends Local Emergency to January 31, 2022

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 21:18:56 GMT

The City of Santa Monica’s Forty-First Emergency Supplement signed October 29, 2021, extends the City’s remaining local emergency orders through January 31, 2022. It also extends the City’s protections against eviction for reasons other than nonpayment of rent and renews the landlord’s eviction reporting requirement.

Roger Thornton -- the Quiet Power Behind SMRR -- Dead at 79

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 01 Nov 2021 21:14:30 GMT

Roger Thornton -- a founding member of Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) who played a major behind-the-scenes role in turning the grassroots group into a local political powerhouse -- died in his Santa Monica home Wednesday. He was 79.

Poll of Engaged Residents Finds Most Want Tougher Stance on Crime

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 29 Oct 2021 16:06:22 GMT

Conducted between October 21 and 27, the poll of about 165 "civically engaged" residents measured their reaction to a high profile attack by a homeless woman on a reality television contestant ("Homeless Attack in Santa Monica Makes International Headlines," October 19, 2021).

Ninety-one percent said the attack -- which garnered international headlines -- "should be a catalyst for city officials to reconsider their current approach to addressing crime and homelessness."

All households must recycle organic waste by January

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 16:30:09 GMT

Under the system, every building will be provided with a green bin, where all organic waste can be disposed of, be it food scraps, garden waste, paper, wood or food-soiled paper products.

City Council Receives Year-End Financial Update

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 16:21:25 GMT

The City’s budget remains in active recovery with reserves helping fill the gap for a balanced budget. Fewer reserves will need to be leveraged due to revenues coming in six percent higher than anticipated as a result of the active housing market; higher sales, hotel tax and parking receipts; and the positive impact of the recently passed Measure SM Real Property Transfer Tax increase.

Council Must Act Now to Solve 'Out-of-Control' Homeless Problem

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 16:08:14 GMT

Letter to the Editor

There's hope that the park can be repurposed for a new use. However, if the root cause behind the park's decline isn't addressed, it's just as likely a new public space will suffer the same fate.

Mandatory Recycling Ordinance for Organics

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 27 Oct 2021 16:56:39 GMT

Under the ordinance, all Santa Monica single- and multi-family households and commercial customers are required to separate waste using a three-bin system: black for refuse, blue for non-organics recycling such as cardboards and bottles, and green for organics recycling beginning January 1, 2022.

Council to review year-end budget

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:39:13 GMT

In an upcoming Oct. 26 meeting, City Councilmembers will discuss the fiscal year 2020 to 2021 year-end budget report and what will be done with the unanticipated additional funds. Council will also introduce a mandate that would require all Santa Monica properties to recycle organic materials and will adopt historic property preservation agreements with six new properties.

Metro Considering Joint Development of Transit Land To Build Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:31:55 GMT

This joint development could be achieved by building these affordable units on already owned parcels of land that Metro plans to develop while expanding the current Los Angeles transit system of Metro buses and trains according to Urbanize.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Magic of Adaptive Reuse

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 25 Oct 2021 15:26:33 GMT

But there’s another more common and efficient way the urban fabric renews itself and that is to take existing buildings and with minor modifications repurpose them to new uses (e.g. adaptive reuse) avoiding their outright demolition and preserving their presence in the community. This adaptive reuse provides benefits that are shared by residents and developers alike:

Councilmember’s conflict of interest case regarding CVRA case heading to court

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:46:54 GMT

A judge has agreed to hear arguments between the City and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre over whether de la Torre has a common law conflict of interest with the City’s defense of the California Voting Rights Act lawsuit.

Santa Monica Prepares to Launch Mandatory Organics Recycling

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 21 Oct 2021 15:41:55 GMT

Under the proposed ordinance, all residents and businesses must maintain an additional green-colored container for organics recycling, staff said. The container lid must remain closed when not in use.

The organics must be separated from the contents that go into the black refuse container or blue container for non-organic recyclables.

Los Angeles Leads the Nation in Adaptive Reuse

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:22:18 GMT

The pandemic-induced remote work boom has led to many office buildings being left vacant, according to a study by Rent Cafe. Adaptive reuse is defined by Chesco Planning.org as “the process of repurposing buildings for viable new uses and modern functions, other than those originally intended to address present-day needs. Reuse allows for a building’s continued use and helps it remain a viable community asset.”. Rather than demolishing old buildings that potentially have historical value or spending twice the money and time destroying a building completely, merely to raise another in its place, adaptive reuse is like recycling.

Rift Widens on Police Reform Commission

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:15:33 GMT

A member of Santa Monica's Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (PSROC) on Monday denounced Chair George Brown's decision to send a draft report to the City Council without the group's approval.

In a letter, Commissioner Joe Palazzolo said the Council should "disregard" the report Brown submitted Friday morning because it reflects his own point of view and failed to win majority approval.

SMa.r.t. Column: When Water Runs Out

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:22:06 GMT

What happens when a City runs out of water? You have already heard of the torture endured by communities in the Central Valley that ran out of water, but we already have had a recent example of a nearby wealthy California coastal community that ran out of water. In 2014, under a punishing drought, the 14,000 residents of Montecito simply ran out of water. Their local wells and reservoirs were running dry and since they didn’t have access to the equally stressed California aqueduct system, they were facing catastrophc failure. They ordered water rationing, a draconian 30% cut in water use enforced by fines, stopped issuing building permits, and banned new pools and spas or refilling existing ones with City water. This is where the story gets instructive for Santa Monica.

Santa Monica’s 100 Homes Initiative Moves Forward

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:20:04 GMT

The City of Santa Monica is moving forward with a new program to place 100 people who are currently in temporary shelters into permanent housing thus freeing up 100 shelter beds for others who are in need of them. It is called the 100 Homes Initiative. This initiative will be funded by the disbursement of housing vouchers from HUD from the American Rescue Plan.

Police Reform Commission Fails to Approve Report

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:10:47 GMT

The draft report regarding the OIR Group's findings concerning the Police Department's response to the the May 31, 2020 protests, which included unchecked rioting and looting, was approved on a 5-4 vote, falling one vote short of the threshold needed.

Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (PSROC) Chair George Brown on Friday morning informed the Council that the commission was "unable to meet its obligations."

Council Authorizes $700,000 Contract for Inspector General

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:09:25 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday voted to authorize a five-year $700,000 contract with the OIR Group to serve as Inspector General for the newly formed police oversight commission.

The consulting firm -- which produced a report on the Police Department's response to the May 31, 2019 riots -- will provide the Commission with information needed to conduct investigations and develop recommendations, City staff said.

SM City Council Approves Revised 2021-29 Housing Element Update

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 16:00:04 GMT

The housing plan highlights include:

Amending the Zoning Ordinance to establish a 100% affordable housing overlay for moderate-income (up to 120% AMI) housing projects in the downtown area and Bergamot area and the immediate area around the 17th Street E-Line station;

Incentivizing affordable housing development on surface parking lots of residentially zoned sites adjacent to commercial-fronting boulevards and parking lots of community assembly uses, such as churches;

AND: https://santamonica.gov/press/2021/10/13/city-council-adopts-housing-element-update

City Hires Outside Counsel to Help Fight Councilmember's Case

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 15 Oct 2021 15:46:20 GMT

The City Attorney has hired outside counsel to help fight a lawsuit filed by Councilmember Oscar de la Torre claiming he is being illegally excluded from deliberations on the voting rights lawsuit.

Ramon Batista Selected to Lead the Santa Monica Police Dept

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:32:56 GMT

City Manager David White announced the selection of Ramon Batista, Jr., a 35-year law enforcement leader to join the City of Santa Monica as chief of police. Chief Batista comes to Santa Monica from Mesa, Arizona’s third-largest city, where he served as police chief. Before that time, he spent 30 years rising through the ranks of the Tucson Police Department, including two years as assistant chief of police.

Council Cautiously Approves Housing Plan

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 14 Oct 2021 16:26:19 GMT

Approved on a 5 to 2 vote, the Housing Element Update provides a road map for building 8,895 housing units over the next eight years, more than two-thirds of them affordable.

David White begins role as City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 16:13:39 GMT

After 18 months of interim leadership, David White has taken the helm as the permanent City Manager of Santa Monica.

White brings with him five years of experience as the City Manager of Fairfield and two years of experience as the Deputy City Manager of Berkeley, where he recently relocated from.

Impacts on Key City Services and Infrastructure From Building 8,895 New Housing Units

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 13 Oct 2021 16:11:31 GMT

The final Environmental Impact Report for the state-ordered addition of 8,895 new housing units to Santa Monica over the next 8 years reveals the projection of significant and unavoidable impacts on air quality, historic resources, fire protection services, education, recreational facilities, water sustainability, and Vehicle Miles Traveled thresholds.

Virtues of a Low-Rise City (Part 2) - SMa.r.t.

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 12 Oct 2021 15:39:27 GMT

In the final analysis, low-rise buildings consistently out-perform mid- and high-rise buildings in terms of their cost, safety and livability.

Another advantage of lower buildings is that their occupants are able to closely monitor the street and hence exert more “territoriality “on the neighborhood. This makes the streets safer because more eyes on the street discourage crime.

Rising rents spark buying frenzy among apartment investors

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 19:29:21 GMT

Apartments are a hot commodity, and not just in the Inland Empire. Following a year in which the pandemic sent the industry into a tailspin, sales are rebounding throughout Southern California, pushing up prices.

Council to hire police oversight Inspector General and give Housing Element update

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 11 Oct 2021 18:43:04 GMT

The meeting will also feature two new faces, City Manager David White and Interim City Attorney Joseph Lawrence, who will both be recognized at the beginning of open session.

An Inspector General was promised when the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission was formed on January 26 in response to concerns raised during summer 2020’s Black Lives Matter protests.

City Prepares to Submit Plan to Build Nearly 9,000 Housing Units

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 16:09:06 GMT

The City Council is expected to approve a plan Tuesday that meets a State mandate to build 8,895 housing units by 2019, more than two-thirds of them affordable.

Rent control tenants endure 6 years of construction hell at 220 San Vicente

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 09 Oct 2021 16:03:15 GMT

Tenants’ woes began in June 2015, when Brad Korzen purchased the building under San Vicente Tower SPE, LLC. Korzen is the CEO of the Kor Group, which lists 220 San Vicente as part of its portfolio in addition to several other luxury residential and hotel properties, including the Downtown Santa Monica Proper Hotel.

10 Programs Helping Santa Monica Bounce Back

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 18:01:29 GMT

Here’s a recap of some of the programs that have made a tangible impact:

Sheriff is the Only One Willing to Clean Up the Troubled San Vicente Homeless Encampment

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 17:54:02 GMT

Veterans Administration has housing available for every veteran homeless on the San Vicente sidewalk. At the time of her October 7 post, there was 35% vacancy in the VA housing.

Firm that Analyzed the May 2020 Riots to Serve as Inspector General of SM Civilian Oversight Panel

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 08 Oct 2021 17:43:31 GMT

At its next meeting on October 12, the Santa Monica City Council is expected to approve a five-year agreement with the OIR Group to facilitate the work of the new panel, including conducting policing investigations and developing recommendations for the council. The consulting firm will be paid a maximum $140,000 a year, according to city officials.

City to move 100 interim shelter residents into permanent housing

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:43:42 GMT

Santa Monica has received 100 emerging housing vouchers from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which can be utilized as permanent housing subsidies for individuals who have been in the shelter system for three or more months.

City's Legal War with Major Developer Flares Again

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 16:09:20 GMT

The City fired its latest volley in an ongoing legal battle with Santa Monica's largest market-rate developer last week charging it turned what was once a 10-unit rent control building into vacation rentals.

In a lawsuit filed September 28, the City and Rent Control Board allege that since 2018, NMS Properties, Inc. and its affiliates have been violating State and local laws at their building at 1242 10th Street.

Lawsuit contends landlords unlawfully converted rent-control building into complex for vacation rentals

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 16:15:40 GMT

In a lawsuit filed on September 28, the city and the Santa Monica Rent Control Board allege that since 2018 NMS Properties, Inc. and its affiliates have violated the Ellis Act as well as local laws intended to protect long-term tenants and preserve the city's affordable housing stock, local officials said this week.

AND: https://santamonica.gov/press/2021/10/05/city-of-santa-monica-and-rent-control-board-sue-nms-properties-corporation-for-violations-of-the-ellis-act-and-unfair-business-practices

Judge Rejects City's Motion to Dismiss de la Torre's Case

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 06 Oct 2021 16:08:26 GMT

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge on Thursday rejected the City's motion to dismiss a case filed by Councilmember Oscar de la Torre claiming he does not have a conflict of interest in the voting rights lawsuit against the City.

Council considers challenging the State’s housing mandate

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 15:44:36 GMT

The state has mandated that Santa Monica build 8,895 total units of housing including 6,168 affordable units by 2029, and in a Sept. 28 meeting City Council opened the door to challenging that number.

Council members voted 5 to 2 to ask the Westside Cities Council of Governments to discuss whether the WSCCOG should join a lawsuit alleging that the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) should recalculate the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA).

Newsom Signs 27 New Housing Bills

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 15:39:01 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom, addressing California’s severe housing crisis, has signed 27 new housing bills, created a new state agency to enforce these laws, and created new subsidies to aid in affordable housing.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Virtues of a Low-Rise City

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 15:35:50 GMT

In this first part of two articles, we will dig deeper and discuss the benefits of such a low rise city. The most important benefit is sustainability. Because the cleanest, nearest energy source is the sun, which is relatively abundant here, so we can design our buildings for maximum photovoltaic gain primarily with roof top solar collectors and with future advanced photovoltaic glazings:

Refurbished 1950s Santa Monica Apartment Complex Sells for $70 Million

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 15:30:10 GMT

A refurbished 38-unit apartment building that was the subject of a bitter battle to keep affordable housing in Santa Monica has sold for $70 million, the selling agent announced Monday.

Built in 1952, the former rent control building at 301 Ocean Avenue was sold by the Malibu-based Marquis Property Company, Ltd. to an Asian private investor, according to CBRE, which represented the seller.

L.A. County tenant protections explained

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 16:44:01 GMT

Here are some pointers for how to navigate the complex landscape of COVID-19 eviction rules.

New attack on Prop 13 targets residential property

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 16:39:04 GMT

A new attempt is afoot to undermine Proposition 13 at the ballot box, and this time, high-value residential properties, including rental housing, are being targeted.

Organized labor, specifically Service Employees International Union-United Healthcare Workers West, filed paperwork with the state Attorney General’s Office to place the measure before voters in the November 2022 general election.

Small-time landlords and renters struggle to get their share of rental relief

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 16:35:00 GMT

Landlord Catherine Esposito said between lost rental income and the cost of renovating a ruined property, she’s fallen into debt. The extensive process of federal assistance shuts some out of funding.

See Video: https://news.yahoo.com/gma/small-time-landlords-renters-struggle-033638439.html

LA eviction ban in place

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 16:58:24 GMT

Los Angeles officials gathered with tenant rights advocates on Thursday, Sept. 30, to spread the word that the city’s eviction moratorium is still in effect, despite the state moratorium’s expiration.

State’s eviction moratorium ends today, what you need to know

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:17:57 GMT

While the eviction moratorium has been in place, landlords have had to provide a 15-day notification for missed rent and this will still be the case for any rent that was due before Sept. 30. However, for rent that comes due after Oct. 1 landlords will now once again be able to provide tenants who have missed rent with a traditional three-day pay or quit notice.

Santa Monica City Council Snubs Property Owners' Forum with Sheriff Villanueva

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:10:29 GMT

Only Phil Brock and Oscar de la Torre attended the forum arranged by downtown property owner John Alle to address solutions to the problems caused by the homeless in Santa Monica.

Council Takes Initial Step to Challenge Housing Mandate

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:09:17 GMT

Brock said he sees little risk in a move that reflects "the will of the residents," who oppose a "huge allotment" of new housing in Santa Monica that would "change the character of the city."

The Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation, Brock said, "is tremendously higher than out past RHNA requirements, and it seems there has been controversy about this for the last year and a half."

Santa Monica Issues 40th Emergency Supplement

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:07:55 GMT

They include the suspension of water shutoffs for nonpayment of water bills and the adoption for enforcement of Los Angeles County public health orders.

They also include planning-related orders that set time limits on loud construction activities and extend deadlines for planning and permit-related activities.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/09/29/santa-monica-extends-local-emergency-to-october-31-2021

More on Promenade

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:00:10 GMT

As part of a long-term plan to transform the Promenade into a more vibrant, unique and experiential destination, City Council altered zoning ordinances to help bring a host of new business types to the Promenade.

The new permissible land uses include childcare services, pet stores, hotels, medical and dental offices, tattoo parlors, cinemas and theaters, convention centers and general personal services. The zoning changes also gives businesses more flexibility to utilize rooftop, second floor and alleyway spaces.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/09/29/council-approves-more-flexible-zoning-for-third-street-promenade-to-fast-track-economic-recovery

New law counts ‘workforce’ apartments as meeting middle-income housing quotas

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:11:35 GMT

The measure, Assembly Bill 787, is expected to incentivize local governments to adopt an innovative “missing middle” program that converts market-rate complexes into middle-income housing in exchange for property tax breaks.

LA County extends limited eviction protections

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:08:15 GMT

L.A. County Supervisors on Tuesday passed a motion that allows both tenants and businesses to have some type of limited legal defense.

"These protections don't prohibit evictions, I think it's important for people to understand. They essentially provide both residential and commercial tenants with a defense if your landlord files an eviction with the courts," says Kuehl.

Promenade 3.0 in Review

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:54:04 GMT

But the current bleak scenario does create a window of opportunity for a “new deal.” After reviewing the Promenade 3.0 presentation as a whole, its themes for a reinvention and new vision are both exciting and lofty goals for change, but this needs to be followed up with a realistic step-by-step direction with a strategically defined implementation plan.

Over $14 million in State Rental Assistance Funds Paid to Santa Monica Households

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 16:39:58 GMT

According to the City of Santa Monica, applications are still being accepted, and Santa Monica tenants and landlords are encouraged to apply before the state eviction moratorium expires on September 30, 2021.

Santa Monica Rents Tick Up in September

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:12:43 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica rose slightly in September, marking the ninth straight monthly increase, according to Apartment List's latest report released Tuesday.

Bloom's Bill to Ensure Housing Compliance Becomes Law

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:11:53 GMT

The new law, which takes effect January 1, comes as an increasing number of cities has been objecting to State housing mandates they consider unrealistic.

Under the allocation finalized in March, Southern California must plan to build 1,341,827 new housing units by October 2029. Santa Monica's quota is 8,895 new units, 6,168 of them affordable.

House America Initiative

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:14:36 GMT

House America is a national partnership in which HUD and USICH invite mayors, county leaders, Tribal nation leaders, and governors to use the historic investments provided through the American Rescue Plan to address the crisis of homelessness through a Housing First approach by immediately re-housing and building additional housing.

Newsom passed two controversial housing bills

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 28 Sep 2021 15:10:42 GMT

SB 9 allows owners to build duplexes on lots currently zoned as single-family housing and also offers the option to split lots into two. This ultimately gives owners the ability to build four housing units on a property currently limited to one house.

SB 10 gives jurisdictions the option to upzone land parcels near to transit to allow up to 10 units to be built per parcel. Neither bill has requirements that any of the newly constructed units be affordable.

The eviction moratorium is expiring

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 27 Sep 2021 18:56:58 GMT

After 13 months and two extensions the State eviction moratorium is expiring in a matter of days, on Sept. 30.

This means that if a tenant does not pay their rent owed for October and onwards, landlords will be able to pursue eviction proceedings.

So long as tenants have submitted monthly “COVID-19 related financial distress” forms they can never be evicted for rent owed between March 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021. However, once the moratorium expires landlords can decide to pursue this back rent as consumer debt in a small claims court.

Promenade 3.0 in Review-SM.a.r.t.

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 23:47:20 GMT

Santa Monica Could Join in Challenge to State Housing Mandates

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 23:44:48 GMT

The three "Change" Council members will test their political clout on Tuesday with a vote on whether to take steps to challenge the State's housing mandates for Southern California.

An item placed on the agenda by Councilmember Phil Brock calls for the Council to request that a group representing Westside governments join a lawsuit against the State filed by their Orange County counterparts.

Deadline Looms to Apply for Rental Assistance

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 23:43:20 GMT

Santa Monica officials are encouraging renters and landlords to apply for financial assistance with rent and utilities before the State eviction moratorium ends September 30.

So far, more than 867 Santa Monica households have received over $14 million in state rental assistance, officials said.

Proposal to split SMMUSD clears preliminary hurdle

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:42:08 GMT

At a virtual meeting on Sept. 19, the Los Angeles County Committee on School District Organization agreed with a recent staff report that said more time was needed to evaluate Malibu’s proposal to split the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District and the Committee approved the decision on an 8-2 vote.

SMa.r.t. Column: Densification Fiction Converted To Fact Through Repetition

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 16:33:56 GMT

This storyline foretells what we are facing today with the rise of the Urban Growth Machine (UGM) as the State takes over city land regulation. The State has passed 100 or so pieces of land-use legislation since 2016 when it declared a 3.5 million point-in-time housing unit “shortage” that is entirely devoid of any quantitative expiration criteria. The declaration is essentially a permanent “solution” to a point-in-time, narrative-defined, “problem.”

California enacts 2 laws to slice through local zoning rules

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:07:59 GMT

He signed the most prominent legislation despite nearly 250 cities objecting that it will, by design, undermine local planning and control.

The outcome marks the latest battle between what’s come to be thought of as NIMBY vs. YIMBY. While most agree there is an affordable housing shortage, proposed construction often runs into “not in my backyard” opposition.

“The housing affordability crisis is undermining the California Dream for families across the state, and threatens our long-term growth and prosperity,” Newsom said in announcing his approval.

He also announced the state will put $1.75 billion into what his administration is calling a new California Housing Accelerator, which he said will speed building 6,500 affordable multi-family units that had been stalled for lack of tax-exempt bonds and low-income housing tax credits.

California risks forfeiting millions meant for struggling renters

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 20:05:48 GMT

California must step up its effort to distribute federal funds to renters struggling financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic or the state risks forfeiting millions of dollars in assistance, the state auditor warned Thursday.

City Council agenda-rent relief item

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:45:00 GMT

Council will vote on modifications to the requirements for Santa Monica tenants receiving rent relief from the City’s COVID-19 Rent Abatement Program. These changes would amend the requirements to demonstrate economic hardships to make it easy for certain applicants to reach the threshold. It would also add a requirement that tenants commit to remaining in their property for a minimum of 12 months following receipt of the approved abatement.

Expect a Rebellion Against Key Housing Bills

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 15:38:09 GMT

For the last four years, this assault on neighborhoods has been a pipe dream of Scott Wiener, the increasingly radical, pro-developer Democratic state senator from San Francisco. The state Senate’s president, Democrat Toni Atkins of San Diego, is almost equally involved.

Before they break their arms while patting themselves on the back, these two lawmakers might want to examine the new realities of California’s referendum politics.

California legislators won’t extend eviction ban

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:58:17 GMT

The California eviction moratorium is scheduled to end after Sept. 30, but legislators aren’t planning to extend the protections for renters.

The road to affordable housing is paved with confusion

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:54:30 GMT

Prior to March 2020, the City did not have a system to track the number of units in its inventory, how many households were successfully placed or what waitlist priority group they came from.

“We don’t have that data,” said Housing Program Manager Jim Kemper. “It may be that we have it, but it would be a research project and it’s a research project we can’t take on.”

New COVID-19 Testing Site Opens at Clover Park

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:53:12 GMT

On Monday, September 13, the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services—in coordination with the State of California and OptumServe—will open an appointment only coronavirus (COVID-19) testing location at Clover Park’s offices, 2600 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica. Testing is free and available to Los Angeles County residents.

State Legislature Passes Bill to Ensure Cities Rezone for Housing Needs

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:45:29 GMT

Critics say new law may lead to elimination of single-family areas

The California State Legislature has approved a bill which "will ensure cities and counties are adequately re-zoning to meet their housing needs" – a move many critics and homeowners say may lead to the elimination of the R-1 (single-family) zones in their municipalities.

SMa.r.t. Column: Stop the Steroids

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 14:41:56 GMT

Santa Monicans face the usual fears of crime, Covid-19 and its collapsing job and housing impact including the coming eviction avalanche. Unfortunately, interest groups in Sacramento keep trying to monetize these crises by forcing cities and counties to amp up construction using a janga pile of dangerous new zoning regulations that are unnecessary and beyond financial and ecological sustainability. These financial interests, including financiers, realtors and construction unions want to cash out before the whole enterprise, fueled by federal debt, screeches to a halt.

New Blue-Ribbon Commission on Homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 15:54:33 GMT

The County Board of Supervisors have appointed former Los Angeles County Counsel Mary Wickham as Executive Director of the newly formed Blue-Ribbon Commission on Homelessness.

The Blue-Ribbon Commission on Homelessness was established following the July 27 motion authored by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, to research and provide recommendations to the Board for a new homelessness governance model that is appropriate for Los Angeles County.

Police oversight Commissioners object to temporary restriction of their powers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 15:52:25 GMT

“It’s overall an attempt to basically gut the Commission and prevent it from operating,” said Commission Chair George Brown in a Sept. 2 meeting. “It’s clear that the Santa Monica police union opposes civilian oversight. They’ve been trying to kill it behind the scenes for the entire time.”

Public Safety Commission Denounces City, Union Agreement

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 16:54:25 GMT

Santa Monica's Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission this week denounced a recent agreement between the City and police union, calling it a "gut punch" that "undermines" the group's work.

The agreement -- approved in closed session on August 24 -- bars the new commission from submitting written reports to the Council or making any recommendations on "police policies and practices" to the Council, police chief or city manager, according to a copy of the agreement.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Big Lie Just Got Bigger

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 06 Sep 2021 16:01:58 GMT

During the past several weeks, the State legislature approved two bills SB9 and SB10 that will destroy Santa Monica’s essential beachside character by eviscerating the R-1 (single-family home) zones and unleashing a densification demolition derby everywhere else. These bills are now awaiting the recall besieged governor’s signature. It will be interesting to see how and when he responds. These bills could be signed either to try to forestall his recall by repaying his realtor, construction union, and finance industry funders, or alternatively vetoed because of their immense unpopularity among residents and organizations such as Livable California, Neighbors United and among many local elected officials. If he fails to act in 12 days the bills are automatically approved. Your City Council has taken a position against an earlier version of SB9 but their current position is unclear.

Sharp, rapid increase’ in evictions as moratorium ends

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 16:48:44 GMT

Crunching data from the Census Bureau and landlord trade groups, Goldman estimated that roughly 2.5 to 3.5 million American households are behind on rent, with landlords owed as much as $17 billion.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Rising

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 21:15:55 GMT

Santa Monica rents rose for the fifth month in a row, nearly doubling the rent increase posted for July, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Tuesday.

Rents in Santa Monica increased 3.3 percent -- compared to 1.8 percent in July -- exceeding the 2.1 percent rent hike for the nation.

Santa Monica Offers Help for Residential Tenants and Landlords Applying for State Rental Assistance

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:59:07 GMT

Help is available now for all Santa Monica residential tenants and landlords who need support in applying for $5.2 billion in rental assistance and $2 billion in utility assistance from the State of California through the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief program (also commonly called “Housing is Key”).

Interim City Attorney George Cardona to step down Sept. 30

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:56:54 GMT

Interim City Attorney George Cardona announced his resignation on Aug. 27, becoming the latest in a series of pandemic-era leadership departures that include two city managers, a fire chief, police chief, library director and transportation chief.

Council discusses homlessness committee

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:51:37 GMT

Ultimately, Himmelrich decided to support Brock, and Council unanimously voted to create a committee staffed by Councilmembers Parra, Negrete and Brock. The ad hoc committee will work with the Social Services Commission and make recommendations for strategic investments to fight homelessness.

Rental Assistance Available to Qualifying Santa Monica Tenants

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 16:46:31 GMT

Currently, California has available $5.2 billion in rental assistance and $2 billion in utility assistance through its COVID-19 Rent Relief program, commonly called "Housing is Key," said local officials.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/08/30/santa-monica-offers-help-for-residential-tenants-and-landlords-applying-for-state-rental-assistance

Supreme Court Strikes Down Biden Eviction Moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 17:03:42 GMT

The Supreme Court struck down the Biden administration’s eviction moratorium in a 6-3 decision on Thursday.

California advances 2 zoning bills to promote scarce housing

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:50:24 GMT

California lawmakers on Thursday advanced the second of two measures designed to cut through local zoning ordinances.

The measure promoted by Senate leader Toni Atkins and supported by Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, both Democrats, would make it easier to build smaller second units on what are now single-family properties. That could include up to four units, such as duplexes or homes with attached living units, if the lot is split into two equal parcels under the bill.

Rental aid holdup threatens eviction catastrophe

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 16:37:39 GMT

The Treasury Department said Wednesday that state and local governments had disbursed just over 10 percent of federal rental assistance funds as of the end of July, indicating that millions could be at risk of losing their homes once eviction protections end.

CA COVID-19 Rent Relief

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 15:18:40 GMT

Qualifying Renters and Landlords are now eligible for 100% of rent and utilities allowed.

Senator Wiener’s SB 10 ‘Light Touch’ Housing Density Bill Passes Assembly

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:39:03 GMT

A bill that would increase higher-density housing near transit areas regardless of previous zoning or CEQA requirements passed the Assembly 41-9 on Monday.

Senate Bill 10, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) would, minus any local zoning restrictions, authorize a local government to zone any parcel for up to 10 units if located in a traffic heavy or urban infill site. While local governments cannot pass a law to adopt this policy locally after 2029 under SB 10, any high density structure under the bill set up between the bills passage and then would not have to be passed by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).

89% of federal rental assistance remains unspent

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 18:05:48 GMT

The Treasury Department on Wednesday released updated payout figures that show states and cities distributed $1.7 billion to landlords and renters in July, a modest increase from the $1.5 billion distributed in June.

All told, states and cities spent $5.2 billion out of $46.5 billion in rental relief authorized from COVID-19 rescue packages since December.

SMa.r.t. Column: Fix Those Balconies

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 15:48:22 GMT

The law requires owners of existing rental buildings with three or more multifamily dwelling units to inspect all exterior balconies (and other elements) by January 1, 2025, with new inspections every six years after that. This law covers all mixed-use buildings, large apartment apartment buildings, triplexes and fourplexes. New buildings must be inspected within six years of getting a Certificate of Occupancy, and every six years thereafter.

Eviction ban heads to Supreme Court

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 21 Aug 2021 15:58:57 GMT

Property owners and real estate groups on Friday asked the Supreme Court to halt the Biden administration's new eviction moratorium hours after a federal appeals court let it stay in effect.

Council Expected to Fund New Black Non-Profit

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:21:37 GMT

The Santa Monica Black Lives Association (SMBLA), which was recently formed to improve “the wellbeing” of Santa Monica's Black community, is slated to receive $100,000 in funding from the City.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/council-to-discuss-vaccine-rules-and-unlicensed-pier-vendors/207689

DTSM envisions new look for Lincoln Blvd.

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 19 Aug 2021 16:29:33 GMT

DTSM will host the Lincoln Blvd. Beautification Project Town Hall Forum on Aug. 31 from 5 – 7 p.m. via zoom with consultants and DTSM staff to discuss an overview of a draft plan and seek feedback before design documents are finalized.

Eviction bans push some small landlords out

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 18 Aug 2021 17:06:38 GMT

Economic experts have warned that eviction bans could end up inadvertently making housing even less affordable than it is now, if too many landlords sell off their properties to larger investors interested in yielding even bigger profits.

Santa Monicans receive $8.6 million in rent relief with much more funding still available

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 16:12:33 GMT

Any household in Santa Monica that is at or below 80 percent of area median income is eligible to have 100 percent of back rent and utilities owed paid for by the state. The qualifying income is $66,250 for a household of one, $75,700 for a household of two, $85,150 for a household of three and $94,600 for a household of four.

State Money is Available Now to Pay Rent

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 17:14:36 GMT

Santa Monicans are urged to apply today at housing.ca.gov. The statewide “CA COVID-19 Rent Relief” program (also commonly referred to as “Housing is Key”) is now open and taking applications to help income-eligible households with 100% of rent and utilities, for both past and future amounts owed.

Opposition Builds to Housing Bills SB9 and 10

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:42:25 GMT

by Tricia Crane

Suddenly Senate Bills 9 and 10 are in the news, which is a good thing given how little genuine media coverage has been given to these dangerous instruments of real estate speculators and their cheerleader Sen. Scott Wiener.

Protracted Rent Moratorium Forcing Small Landlords Out of Business

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 13 Aug 2021 14:41:20 GMT

Extended rent moratoriums and the slow distribution of billions in federal rent assistance are driving many small landlords to call it quits.

“Nobody wants to become a landlord anymore,” said Diane Baird, executive director of the Lake Erie Landlord Association. “And we have very few new people entering into the business.”

Los Angeles report advises against homeless sites at Will Rogers

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 12 Aug 2021 16:47:18 GMT

A report on the feasibility of housing homeless people in temporary cabins or camping sites in select Westside parks and beach parking lots — a suggestion that, in part, stoked a recall effort against Councilman Mike Bonin — recommended against such operations at four proposed locations. The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) recommended the city not pursue tiny homes or safe camping sites at Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades, at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey, or at a privately owned lot at 5000 Beethoven Avenue in Del Rey. It also recommended against using part of the West LA Municipal Building for interim shelter.

Education efforts afoot to help Santa Monicans claim rent relief

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:54:49 GMT

Eviction moratoriums are currently a complicated web of overlapping rules at the local, state and federal level but Santa Monica has proposed a $55,000 plan to inform everyone of the resources available to keep people housed and pay necessary bills.

Santa Monica households have filed 1,250 applications requesting $20,327,062 in funds so far. According to officials, 458 households had been served with $7,535,516 in paid assistance, averaging $16,453 per household.

Why LA Renters Can't Apply For California's Billions Of Rent Relief Dollars

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 17:41:13 GMT

California has $5.2 billion in federal funding to spend on rent relief for tenants who’ve fallen in debt to their landlords — but renters in the city of Los Angeles currently can’t apply for it.

The city stopped accepting rent relief applications in April, and it currently doesn’t have a clear timeline for reopening the program.

Landlord sues L.A. for $100 million, saying anti-eviction law caused 'astronomical' losses

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 10 Aug 2021 15:36:04 GMT

One of the region's most prolific apartment builders has sued the city of Los Angeles over its COVID-19 eviction moratorium, saying his companies have experienced "astronomical" financial losses and are legally entitled to compensation from the city.

Former SM Mayor Richard Bloom leads fundraising in Board of Supervisors race

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:19:44 GMT

Leading the fundraising charge is former Santa Monica Mayor and current State Assemblymember Richard Bloom, who has raised $501,575 and holds $479,400 in cash on hand; vying for the 3rd District seat currently held by Sheila Kuehl, who was elected in 2014 and has indicated she will not be running for a third term.

Promenade revitalization plan includes speakeasies...

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:14:41 GMT

Billed as the Third Street Promenade Stabilization and Economic Vitality Plan, DTSM spent six months utilizing input from a diverse range of stakeholders and the strategic insights of MIG planning firm to build this concept.

The plan seeks to modernize and elevate the Promenade as a dining, entertainment, and retail destination with a more diverse range of businesses and experiences that will appeal to both locals and visitors.

SMa.r.t. Column: The Main Pain

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 09 Aug 2021 15:08:33 GMT

Visiting Main St. several times each day of what was to be a test trial of closure to thru traffic revealed seemingly little increase in foot traffic, and not much activity in the middle of the street where some tables and benches were set up.

Over $7 Billion in State Money is Available Now to Pay Past Due Rent

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:30:38 GMT

The statewide “CA COVID-19 Rent Relief” program (also commonly referred to as “Housing is Key”) is now open and taking applications to help income-eligible households with 100% of rent and utilities, for both past and future amounts owed. Santa Monica renters and property owners are urged to review income eligibility and apply today at housing.ca.gov or by calling (833) 430-2122. This rental assistance program, along with the statewide eviction moratorium, is intended to keep families housed, shield tenants from eviction, and help both landlords and tenants recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

California COVID-19 Rent Relief Program Dashboard

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:26:51 GMT

Programs for Landlords, Tenants, Homeowners and more.

See: https://housing.ca.gov/

City Launches Effort to Ensure Needy Households Apply for Relief

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 05 Aug 2021 16:08:02 GMT

Santa Monica on Wednesday launched an outreach program to ensure residential tenants and landlords who have fallen behind on rent or utility payments have a chance to apply for financial relief from the State.

Commonly referred to as “Housing is Key,” the $7.2 billion relief program is now taking applications to help income-eligible households pay past and future amounts owed, City officials said.

Special Interests Help Bloom Amass Large Warchest

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:44:48 GMT

Assemblymember Richard Bloom raised more than $500,000 in six months in the race for County Supervisor thanks in large part to maximum donations from dozens of unions and special interest groups.

Santa Monica Senior Building Accepting Applications

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 04 Aug 2021 15:43:14 GMT

The City of Santa Monica is taking applications for 39 one-bedroom units with private balconies in a senior building that will soon complete construction near Downtown.

Magnolia Villas Senior Housing Development, 1445 and 1453 10th Street, received an $11.4 million investment from the City and will provide affordable apartments across a mix of low-income levels.

Contract with $340,000 salary approved for new City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 15:43:41 GMT

On July 27, council members unanimously approved White’s city manager contract, which includes a $340,000 salary, sevens months of $3,000 monthly rental assistance, and nine months of severance pay under specified conditions.

White, who will begin his position on Oct. 11, declined to speak with the Daily Press, citing a packed schedule finishing his job in Berkeley and preparing to move with his wife.

LA ban on sitting, lying down and sleeping on sidewalks will launch Sept. 3

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 02 Aug 2021 16:51:44 GMT

A law that will arm Los Angeles city officials with a tool for clearing encampments by allowing them to set up zones in which living on sidewalks and other public right-of-way areas would be prohibited, will officially go into effect Sept. 3, according to the City Clerk.

The City Council, which approved the ordinance on Wednesday, July 28, before it was signed the next day by Mayor Eric Garcetti, is also expected to consider a “street engagement strategy” in which outreach teams would work to provide shelter or housing to those now living in public areas, before clearing encampments.

UCLA: Nearly Half Of L.A. Tenants Owe Back Rent

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 18:19:06 GMT

In a new survey of Los Angeles County renters, 49% of households reported that they were unable to pay all of their rent during the pandemic. The study, by researchers from UCLA and the University of Southern California, found the median amount renters owe their landlords is $2,800.

City originally estimated to owe IRS over $3 million, settles with $116,416

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 18:13:16 GMT

As a result of the City’s failure to issue tax forms to attorneys for certain settlement payments, an IRS audit sought over $3 million from the City, but is now resolving the issue with a $116,416 payment.

The Internal Revenue Service’s audit focused on the City’s settlement payments for years 2017 to 2019.

SMa.r.t Column: Promenade Progress?

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:54:57 GMT

As we find ourselves approaching August, the question is what, if any, progress has been made on conceptual design and management improvements for one of our city’s significant assets, the Promenade, since our series of articles on these pages this past February.

Police Chief to Hold Public Meeting on Riot Report Monday

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Jul 2021 17:50:14 GMT

On Monday, top police brass will hold a community meeting via teleconference to discuss the department's response to an after-action report on the May 31, 2020 riots.

The report by the OIR Group released in May found the Department was woefully unprepared and had no action plan or clear leadership.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/07/29/smpd-invites-community-to-join-in-conversation-about-their-response-to-oir-group-report-on-august-2

City Council Prioritizes Housing for Historically Displaced Households

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:36:44 GMT

Santa Monica City Council made changes to Santa Monica’s Affordable Housing Production Program and Housing Trust Fund that gives affordable housing waitlist priority to households displaced from Santa Monica in the 1950s and 1960s due to urban renewal policies.

Council Approves Contract with New City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:03:44 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday approved a five-year contract with incoming City Manager David White that pays a base salary of $340,000 a year.

Council Approves Nepotism Policy for Boards and Commissions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Jul 2021 16:02:33 GMT

Close family members of City Councilmembers will be barred from serving on Boards and Commissions under a new nepotism policy approved by the City Council Tuesday.

Part of an update to policies for boards, commissions and task forces, the nepotism policy -- which bars spouses, siblings, children and parents of Councilmembers -- ,will result in the resignation of Mayor Sue Himmelrich's husband, Housing Commissioner Michael Soloff.

Santa Monica Rents Rise for Fourth Straight Month

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 16:20:45 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica rose for the fourth straight month, but its year-over-year growth rate remains flat, according to a report released by Apartment List Tuesday.

Rents rose 1.8 percent over the past month, pushing the yearly rise since last July to 0.1 percent, the report found.

Santa Monica Ranks Among Worst Cities For First-Time Homebuyers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 16:18:54 GMT

Santa Monica is among cities ranked with the least affordable housing, where that big milestone just might be tougher to achieve compared to other cities in the U.S., WalletHub reports.

LA City Council Set to Pass Restrictions On Homeless Encampments

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:03:01 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council Wednesday is expected to give final approval to an ordinance that would ban homeless encampments from certain areas of the city, including sidewalks.

California’s 2021 State Budget Receives Approval

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Jul 2021 16:14:40 GMT

Below are some key budget provisions:

Extension of the statewide eviction moratorium until September 30, 2021, and expansion of the program to provide up to 100% in assistance for rental and utility financial obligations, including arrearages and prospective payments.

Council to discuss City Manager contract

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 16:02:33 GMT

After weeks of debate, scores of meetings, and one press leak culminating in a selected candidate withdrawing his acceptance, council has secured a new City Manager and will be discussing his contract on July 27.

Other important items on the agenda include altering the City’s noise ordinance to protect residential neighborhoods from sustained noise during protests and the appointment of almost 50 individuals to various Boards and Commissions.

SMa.r.t. Column: Warning Water Wars Ahead

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:50:58 GMT

In this dangerous ecological moment the State of California is mandating that our City permit the construction of 8895 unnecessary new units that will supposedly increase our population about 20% over the next eight years. Depending on how those nominal 18,000 people are housed and their demographics, we can expect the water consumption of our 91,000 person city to rise between 17 and 23% from 2019’s potable water demand of about 11,030-acre feet.

De la Torre Has Conflict in Voting Rights Suit

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Jul 2021 15:49:17 GMT

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge issued a tentative ruling Friday that effectively bars Councilmember Oscar de la Torre from participating in Council deliberations on the voting rights lawsuit against the City.

If the ruling issued Friday morning by Judge Richard L. Fruin, Jr. is made final, it would likely puts an end to any potential settlement before the California Supreme Court decides the case, which was filed in 2016 by de la Torre's wife, Maria Loya, and the Pico Neighborhood Association he headed.

Rep. Lieu seeks to fight homelessness with a $5 billion federal program

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 18:01:48 GMT

That is why he, alongside California Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla, introduced the Fighting Homelessness Through Services and Housing Act.

This bill would authorize $1 billion in grants annually for five years for local governments to spend on supportive housing models with comprehensive services and intensive case management.

Council Taps Berkeley Deputy City Manager to Run Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Jul 2021 17:47:45 GMT

After a brief closed door session, the City Council unanimously voted late Tuesday afternoon to hire Berkeley Deputy City Manager David White as Santa Monica's permanent City Manager.

The Council will consider White’s contract, including an October 11 start date and salary, at its meeting Tuesday, City officials said.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/07/22/city-council-selects-david-white-as-santa-monica-s-next-city-manager

Access Rosario's Updated July 2021 Tenant Notices

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 17:52:23 GMT

First, regardless of anything else, and for simplicity sake, all Housing Providers must serve all tenants (regardless of whether they owe rent or not) Doc #2 from the Website.

This will protect you as a HP no matter what. Remember to serve this Doc #2 with the Proof of Service (Key Doc #4). You can mail this or post and mail on tenant’s door.

Second, if tenant owes HP any rent whatsoever from March 1, 2020 through July 31, 2021, then the HP must serve Docs

# 1, 2, 3, 4. These document can all be mailed in one envelope, or can be posted and mailed in one envelope.

Third, each HP should log into the State’s website “www.Housingiskey.com” and make application for tenants' missed rent payments. The state has promised all HP that they will receive 100% of all rent due from March 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021. You must do this because otherwise you will never see any back rent.

Do this ON OR BEFORE JULY 31, 2020

Go To the Home Page: https://www.actiontakesaction.com/

Council on Thursday Could Take Step Towards Settling Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 17:09:21 GMT

The City Council on Thursday could take a significant step toward ending the voting rights lawsuit against the City by allowing Councilmember Oscar de la Torre to participate in determining its fate.

De la Torre, whose wife Maria Loya is the lead plaintiff, placed an item on the special meeting agenda that would reverse the Council's January decision disqualifying him from "participating in or attempting to influence, discussions or decisions relating to this litigation."

Groups Supporting City Fight Back in Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 15:36:49 GMT

Four Santa Monica organizations that support the City's position in the voting rights case asked the California Supreme Court on Monday to strike a motion by the plaintiffs to toss their amicus brief.

The request calls the Latino plaintiffs' motion, filed on July 8 by their lead attorney, Kevin Shenkman, "frivolous" and "grounded on baseless speculation" about the groups and their counsel

Rep. Lieu Secures $2 Million for Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Jul 2021 17:14:28 GMT

Congressman Ted Lieu has announced that he successfully secured the inclusion of $2 million in funding in the 2022 House Appropriations Bill to support an affordable housing project on the current site of Parking Structure 3 in Downtown Santa Monica.

SMa.r.t Column: Blind Upzoning’s False Promise

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 16:34:57 GMT

I have serious questions about who stands to benefit from indiscriminate upzoning of all single-family residential areas. Basic economic principles based on land values alone suggest that the primary beneficiaries of upzoning will be developers, who will undoubtedly sweep in and redevelop properties, sell at a greater value to more upper middle class professionals, who typically far exceed the area median income (AMI) for the region—all the while accelerating gentrification.

Council plans education campaign in face of eviction tsunami

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 16:11:11 GMT

City Hall will consider a new communications campaign to inform renters and landlords about the extended eviction moratorium recently passed in Sacramento as part of a bill known as AB 832.

AB 832 extends the statewide eviction moratorium through September 30 and provides financial relief to struggling tenants and their landlords. Coauthored by Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica), AB 832 is an extension of SB 91, also known as the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020.

LASD to Heighten Patrol In Effort To Clear Public Spaces

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:56:48 GMT

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2021/07/lasd-to-heighten-patrol-in-effort-to-clear-public-spaces/

Homeless Hiring Tax Credit Signed into Law

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:54:57 GMT

Part of AB 150 -- a budget trailer bill -- the California Homeless Hiring Tax Credit is expected to assist some 3,000 individuals and help businesses recover from the coronavirus shutdown.

The new law establishes a tax credit of between $2,500 and $10,000 per qualified homeless individual hired, according to Bloom's office.

Measures to Address Historic Racism in Housing Get Approval

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:53:17 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council approved a pilot "Right to Return" program that gives priority for affordable housing to Black and Latino households displaced by urban renewal projects in the 1950s and 60s.

AND

https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/07/14/santa-monica-city-council-prioritizes-housing-for-historically-displaced-households-through-new-pilot

New Attorney General Takes No Position on "Particular Claims" But Criticizes Appellate Court Ruling in Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:51:15 GMT

An eagerly awaited brief submitted Monday by the State Attorney General takes no position on "particular claims or factual disputes" in the Santa Monica voting rights case before the California Supreme Court.

The brief from newly appointed Attorney General Rob Bonta, however, criticizes an Appellate Court decision in favor of the City, while questioning several of the City's key assumptions.

Santa Monica City Yards Project Gets High Bond Rating

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 15:49:47 GMT

One of the "Big Three" credit rating agencies announced Tuesday it has given a AA+ rating to the bonds that will help complete Santa Monica's City Yard's modernization project.

The high score from Fitch Ratings, Inc. should facilitate the sale of the approximately $63 million in bonds scheduled to be offered next week.

Op-Ed: The absolute wrong way to solve California’s affordable housing crisis

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:20:45 GMT

In recent years, a group of California lawmakers has been pushing for legislation to override locally approved zoning rules and permit denser development in residential neighborhoods. At the moment, a bill is rushing toward passage in the state Legislature that would dramatically and undemocratically rewrite land-use rules in California.

The bill is SB 9, written by Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). If approved, it would effectively eliminate single-family zoning in wide swaths of California’s cities.

Housing and finances at Tuesday’s Council meeting

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:17:53 GMT

Council will hear items on replacing a downtown garage with a housing project, giving historically displaced families priority in city housing projects, increasing settlement authority for staff, assessing fees to property owners for lighting, issuing bonds to fund construction projects and appointing individuals to 49 openings on boards or commissions.

Council Reports No Action on City Manager Hiring

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:02:20 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council continued its search for a City Manager Saturday, meeting for some seven hours before reporting no decision.

The Council will meet again on Wednesday at 4:30 p.m. in what will be a record eighth attempt to hire a permanent city manager.

Santa Monica Needs More Sunshine in the Decision-making Process

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Jul 2021 16:00:52 GMT

Dear Editor,

As the City considers the upcoming 13 Item regarding overhaul of the City’s lobbying policy, three critical issues need to be addressed if the new policy is to have any real impact ("Council to Consider Barring Lobbyists From Boards and Commissions," July 8, 2021).

Those issues are:

Santa Monica-specific Objectives
Definition of a Lobbyist or Legislative Advocate
Policy Administration

Newly funded Community Response Unit will help firefighters fight homelessness

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:11:42 GMT

The Community Response Unit is designed to reduce the number of repeat 911 callers by designating firefighters who can stay on calls with unhoused individuals long enough to connect them with the resources needed to address the underlying issues at hand.

Could Sheriff’s Deputies patrol Downtown Santa Monica?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 16:07:47 GMT

Private property and business owners who are frustrated with the City’s response to homelessness and crime, have floated the idea of hiring the Sheriff’s Department to act as supplemental security in the Promenade area.

L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva toured Downtown on July 6 with a group of these owners offering suggestions on actions they could take to address issues around crime, homelessness, and trash.

Plaintiffs in Voting Rights Case Ask Court to Strike Opposing Brief

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Jul 2021 15:55:22 GMT

In their motion filed Thursday, the plaintiffs argue that the four organizations that filed the Amicus Curiae Brief "lack the legal capacity to convey (their) views to the Court."

City Manager search to restart Saturday

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 16:19:43 GMT

Council has scheduled a closed session meeting for July 10 to continue recruiting Santa Monica’s next City Manager after Rene Bobadilla rejected the City’s offer of employment when breaches in process made his name public prior to the council’s final decision.

Council to Consider Barring Lobbyists From Boards and Commissions

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Jul 2021 16:08:48 GMT

Councilmembers Phil Brock and Christine Parra placed an item on the agenda that would direct staff to craft an ordinance similar to one already in place in Beverly Hills.

The ordinance would "more precisely defines what constitutes a lobbyist/legislative advocate" and "precludes any member of a board, commission, or task force from simultaneously acting" in those roles, according to the agenda item.

Council to Consider 'Right to Return' Program

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 17:47:24 GMT

Black and Latino households or their descendants displaced by urban renewal projects in Santa Monica in the 1950s and 60s could soon be given priority for affordable housing.

The City Council on Tuesday will consider a pilot "Right to Return" program that would place as many as 100 "historically displaced households, including children and grandchildren" in line for City-funded and inclusionary housing.

Low-Cost Housing? State Keeps Ignoring the New Realities

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 17:45:20 GMT

Because many of those companies are delighted to let employees stay home post-pandemic, thus cutting their real estate costs, billions of square feet of former office space are now vacant, most of it likely to stay that way for the foreseeable future.

Santa Monica Commissioners Consider Rezoning Neighborhoods

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:12:54 GMT

According to the SantaMonicaDailyPress, Commissioners discussed “creating a program that would allow up to 3 units to be constructed in R1-zoned parcels in the areas of 7th and 14th Streets between Montana Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard and 26th Street between Wilshire and San Vicente Boulevard.”

SMa.r.t. Column: A Meeting of Two Worlds

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Jul 2021 15:08:46 GMT

While the pandemic has devastated local businesses, slashed the city’s finances, increased homelessness and threw the city’s focus into chaos, we remain a place with deeply-embedded resources which, for most folks, have been flying under the radar in our community. These have taken root here for many years, but have received little or no attention from our city’s business leadership, political structure or city management. The result is a disconnect between many of those who prosper here, and those who could benefit from effective government action–and this includes most residents and businesses.

Governor signs short-term extension of COVID-19 eviction moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 18:43:27 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom has approved a three-month extension of California’s COVID-19 eviction moratorium.

Passage of AB 832

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Jul 2021 16:23:20 GMT

Coauthored by Assemblymember Bloom, AB 832 extends the statewide eviction moratorium through September 30, while simultaneously providing financial relief to struggling tenants and their affected landlords.

Fallout from Venice homeless crisis hits local beaches

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Jul 2021 16:26:30 GMT

The Venice homelessness crisis is spilling over into Santa Monica this week with an increase in unhoused individuals setting up on local beaches.

Several agencies that work with the local homeless population have reported more people living on the streets near the south end of the beach in recent days and the spike in homelessness comes as a Los Angeles officials begin to tackle the recently overrun Venice Boardwalk.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Rising, Report Finds

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 18:00:41 GMT

Rents in Santa Monica rose at a higher rate in June than they did in neighboring Los Angeles, as well as the nation at large, according to a report released by Apartment List this week.

Santa Monica rents increased by 3.6 percent over the past month, compared to an average of 1.4 percent for Los Angeles and 2.3 percent nationwide, according to the monthly report.

LA supports new plan for stricter limits on homeless camps

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Jul 2021 17:34:31 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council voted on a proposal Tuesday that asks the city's attorneys to draw up laws that would limit where homeless people can camp in public spaces.

Council Appoints Negrete to Fill McKeown's Seat

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:44:32 GMT

The Change faction on the City Council flexed -- and likely expanded -- its power Tuesday, with the appointment of Lana Negrete to fill a vacant Council seat.

It is the third seat filled by appointment in less than two and a half years and gives the Council its first majority not backed by one or both of the City's two major factions -- Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) and Santa Monica Forward.

The Council now has a majority that was not backed by SMRR or Forward, which represent the city's political establishment.

L.A. backs new measure to restrict homeless encampments

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 30 Jun 2021 14:18:07 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council voted Tuesday to draft new rules barring homeless people from camping near schools, parks, libraries and other "sensitive" facilities, a sudden change in direction for a city struggling to address a humanitarian crisis while also restoring access to its public spaces.

Santa Monica Extends Eviction Moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:18:21 GMT

Residential tenants whose rents become due between July 1 and September 30 have a year to pay under an order issued by Santa Monica's city manager last week.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/06/28/santa-monica-s-eviction-moratorium-extended-to-september-30-2021

California’s eviction moratorium extension: What’s in it for tenants and landlords?

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:16:40 GMT

California renters, who are still struggling to pay the rent even as the pandemic wanes, will be shielded from eviction through Sept. 30, under a last-minute deal announced June 25 by Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders.

The agreement, which more fully opens up $5.2 billion to pay full back rent and rent going forward, was approved Monday by the Assembly and state Senate. Newsom, who faces a recall election later this year, signed the bill Monday night, just before the existing protections expire after Wednesday, June 30.

Change Councilmembers Face Dilemma With Appointment

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:12:01 GMT

Appoint a Councilmember Tuesday night backed by Santa Monicanas for Renters' Rights (SMRR) or face the prospect of a developer-backed candidate winning a special election for an open City Council seat.

That's the choice faced by the three newest Counclmembers, whose votes will be needed to fill the seat vacated by Kevin McKeown's abrupt retirement this month and who did not have the backing of the city's two powerful political factions in their historic upset last November.

Eviction Moratorium extended until Sept. 30

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 16:15:27 GMT

Santa Monica has extended the City’s Eviction Moratorium until Sept. 30, providing relief for tenants and frustration for small landlords.

The City made this decision on June 24 in order to align with the recently extended County moratorium, and to give landlords and tenants time to apply to the statewide rental assistance program, which is reported to have over $5 billion dollars in rental assistance funds available.

Council readies for possible appointment

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 16:07:26 GMT

Santa Monica City Council could appoint a replacement for former City Councilmember Kevin McKeown as soon as next Tuesday.

If Council makes an appointment to the vacant seat at Tuesday’s meeting, then the appointee may be sworn in immediately and assume their seat or may be sworn in at the next regularly scheduled meeting on July 13. After being sworn in, the person appointed would serve until a new Councilmember is elected at the next general municipal election, which will be Nov. 8, 2022, as required under the City Charter.

Zone Wars: The Return Of Common Sense

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 28 Jun 2021 15:46:35 GMT

SMa.r.t.

Unfortunately, for the past approximately 40 years, for numerous reasons, local cities and counties rely heavily on state monies for a variety of programs that would otherwise go unfunded. The price is also to accept policy ultimatums that come with the threat of no funding. The result has been the continuing selling out for political and particular interest group reasons and erosion of local control over land-use decisions.

Deadline fast-approaching to extend California eviction ban

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 25 Jun 2021 16:39:31 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to the brink of a deadline to extend California’s eviction moratorium past June 30, potentially jeopardizing tenant protections amid mounting concerns about the slow distribution of billions in rent aid.

Newsom vowed last month the state would reimburse landlords for 100% of unpaid rent from a federal relief fund that’s expected to reach $5.2 billion.

Council approves new interim city manager contract

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 15:02:29 GMT

Council appointed Bijan K. Jalili earlier this month to commence his term of service on June 25, 2021, and with its approval Tuesday, Jalili is expected to remain in the position until the completion of the pending recruitment for a permanent City Manager or until he hits a limit of 960 hours of time spent on the job, according to Interim City Attorney George Cardona.

“As a retired annuitant, Mr. Jalili’s employment in this position is subject to the requirements of Government Code Section 21221(h),” staff said. “In accordance with these requirements, an agreement has been reached for Mr. Jalili’s employment in this position. Under the terms of the agreement, Mr. Jalili’s hourly rate will be $133.81, which equates to an annual salary of $278,332. As a retired annuitant, as required by California law, he will receive no additional benefits.”

Council Approves $1.3 Billion Biennial Budget

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:46:41 GMT

Approved unanimously, the budget adds funding to tackle homelessness and help local businesses recover from the coronavirus shutdown, as well as uses one-time funds to enhance "clean and safe services."

Bonin and Villanueva double down on independent Boardwalk interventions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:45:35 GMT

Action is being taken to tackle the Boardwalk’s homelessness crisis, but it is being led by two different men with two separate strategies and no intention of collaboration.

Field of Council Hopefuls Swells With Final Rush

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 23 Jun 2021 17:32:57 GMT

A total of 35 applicants will be vying for a vacant seat on the Santa Monica City Council this month, with most submitting applications shortly before Tuesday's noon deadline.

The list of hopefuls includes two Rent Control Board commissioners, a former City Clerk and two high-profile candidates who have made serious bids in Council races.

LA County Board of Supervisors extends ban on evictions until Sept. 30

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 23:59:29 GMT

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to extend the county's eviction moratorium through Sept. 30.

Throwing money around won’t make Los Angeles more affordable

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 18:20:41 GMT

Instead of spending billions of dollars on homeless projects and benefits that will just encourage and attract more homelessness, we must address the main causes of homelessness: housing unaffordability due to overregulation, and untreated mental illness and drug addiction due to lack of facilities and care requirements.

California weighs extending eviction protections past June

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:22:00 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom says California will pay off all the past-due rent that accumulated in the nation’s most populated state because of the fallout from the coronavirus pandemic, a promise to make landlords whole while giving renters a clean slate.

Left unsettled is whether California will continue to ban evictions for unpaid rent beyond June 30, a pandemic-related order that was meant to be temporary but is proving difficult to undo.

Santa Monica Expected to Confirm Contract for New Interim City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:09:57 GMT

On Tuesday evening, Santa Monica City Council will vote on an agreement that, if passed, will give the position of Interim City Manager to John Jalili. Under the contract, Jalili, who previously served as Santa Monica’s City Manager from 1984 to 1999, will be paid an hourly rate of $133.81, which equates to an annual salary of $278,332.

Small City Council Applicant Pool Heading into Homestretch

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 16:08:58 GMT

Santa Monica may be headed into an expensive City Council special election with only 21 candidates having applied for an open seat less than 24 hours before Tuesday's noon deadline.

Council prepares to approve new biennial budget

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:31:05 GMT

This budget signifies a marked improvement from staff’s early pandemic predictions, which projected an annual General Fund deficit of $48 million, $102 million and $74 million over the coming years.

You Might Want to Sell That Property After Looking at President Biden's American Families Plan

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:05:54 GMT

by Wes Wellman

President Biden's American Families Plan contains tax proposals with major implications for IRS Section 1031 like-kind exchanges.

If adopted, they would land the following 1-2 punch:

Limit the cumulative amount of gain to $500,000 an individual ($1 million a married couple) can defer from taxation on the increased value of exchanged investment property;

Assessor’s Office is Foundation for Property Tax System

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 16:04:10 GMT

So here is how it works: when you buy a house, you record a deed with the RegistrarRecorder, who then sends my Office a copy of that deed. We then evaluate whether a transfer of ownership has occurred and assess the property accordingly. All of those values are added to the Assessment Roll—the list of all taxable property and their values - which we compile each year and send to the Auditor-Controller, who then applies the relevant tax rate.

Rent Board Annual Adjustment Set to Go Into Effect in September

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:48:37 GMT

Beginning September 1, Santa Monica rent control tenants will see their monthly rent increase by 1.7 percent after the Rent Control Board approved the latest annual general adjustment last week.

The Board last Thursday also voted to cap the increase at $39 a month for units with a maximum allowable rent of $2,265 or higher.

City Poised to Pump $14 Million Into Water Projects

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:47:57 GMT

The City Council is poised to take a major step Tuesday towards weaning Santa Monica away from outside water sources by funding two major projects totaling nearly $14 million.

In March, staff reported a funding gap of approximately $53 million for water self-sufficiency projects due to the impacts of the COVID-19 shutdown.

To bridge the gap, the Council on March 23 authorized the City Manager to seek up to $84.5 million in federal credit assistance.

The budget gap came one year after Santa Monica doubled its water rates in an effort to meet its water self-sufficiency goal.

SMa.r.t. Column: Does Increased Density Lead to Increased Affordability?

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 21 Jun 2021 15:47:31 GMT

Much of recent debate in Santa Monica has centered around the idea that changing zoning in single-family zones would result in lower-priced housing units. Recent projects, however, suggest the actual situation may be more complex than it seems.

City Council Makes Changes to Draft Housing Element Update

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:06:52 GMT

“Our City Council has embraced the concept of 100% affordable housing on city-owned land, a concept that can be a foundation for robust affordable housing production for all communities, particularly those with high land costs,” said Mayor Sue Himmelrich. “This Council understands that our community is more diverse because of our leadership in the production of affordable housing, and our direction is intended to help make that possible while also complying with state mandates on housing production overall.”

Airbnb Says It Won’t Let Landlords Cash In

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 17:00:10 GMT

With California possibly heading toward an unprecedented crisis as hundreds of thousands of tenants face the expiration of both state and federal eviction moratoriums on June 30, Airbnb is banning landlords from attempting to profit off the pain.

On Tuesday, the short-term rental company enacted a policy that bars landlords from listing properties where they have evicted a renter for failure to pay rent, the Washington Post reports.

Jalili, City Reach Agreement for Interim City Manager Post

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 18 Jun 2021 16:58:15 GMT

Under the terms, Jalili will be paid $133.81 an hour, which equates to an annual salary of $278,332, according to the agenda item added Friday.

How Real Is the Threat of an Eviction Crisis in L.A. County?

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 17:02:49 GMT

On June 30, the statewide eviction moratorium enacted by the California Judicial Council last April is set to expire. Should Los Angeles County’s renters be left without any further protection, experts believe a worst-case scenario could be on the horizon, with nearly 300,000 renters facing eviction come July 1, with a larger group (512,000) reporting little-to-no confidence they will be able to pay their next month’s rent.

Council Approves Draft Housing Plan to Build More than 6,000 New Affordable Units

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 16:38:03 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday approved a housing plan that relies on public land and funding to build more than 6,100 affordable housing units over the next eight years.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/city-to-send-housing-element-to-hcd-for-review/205904

Santa Monica Aligns Emergency Orders with LA County

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:56:18 GMT

Today, Interim City Manager Lane Dilg signed the 37th supplement to align Santa Monica’s local emergency provisions with Los Angeles County and its Safer Return Together to Work and In The Community Health Officer Order as the State of California re-opens its economy after 15 months of Safer at Home orders.

The City’s eviction moratorium for residential tenants for reasons other than non-payment of rent is not extended by the 37th Supplement, but it remains in place through June 30, 2021, subject to any subsequent order that may extend that date.

Santa Monica Third Least Affordable City in U.S. for Homebuyers

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 16 Jun 2021 15:51:49 GMT

The popular beach destination had a "weighted home price" of $1,427,568, which takes into account household size, and a median household income of $92,490, according to the study by AdvisorSmith.

Only Palo Alto, which topped the list with a weighted price of $2,672,011 and a median household income of $160,360, and Newport Beach, with $2,094,913 and $128,294 respectively, were less affordable.

Rent control increases capped by Board

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:42:37 GMT

Rent increases for rent-controlled units will be limited to 1.7% this year with a maximum monthly increase of $39.

Few Applicants Jump in to Fill Vacant Council Seat

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:29:55 GMT

The bid to fill Kevin McKeown's seat on the City Council is off to a slow start, with 14 candidates submitting applications since the process kicked off Wednesday.

That compares with 35 candidates who applied during the same period for an open seat in January 2019 and a record 115 total applicants for a vacant seat last July.

Plan to Put Affordable Housing in Single-Family Neighborhoods Likely Dead

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 16:41:25 GMT

A plan that would pave the way for affordable housing projects in most Santa Monica single-family neighborhoods lacks the support to win City Council approval.

Martin Cadillac Redevelopment Takes Shape

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 14 Jun 2021 16:40:45 GMT

Located at the site of the former Martin Cadillac dealership at Bundy and Olympic Boulevard and Bundy Drive, West Edge, a 807,000 square foot, 8-story mixed-use development featuring eight stories of creative office space, 600 luxury rental apartments, a grocery store (Gelson’s), eight restaurants, in addition to cafes and retail.

Rent Control Board Decides to Cap Increases at $39 for MARs of $2,265 or Higher

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 19:10:21 GMT

At their June 10 meeting, the Board decided to apply a formula, also in the Rent Control Charter, that limits this year’s increase for rents of $2,265 or above to $39.

Bobadilla Rejects Offer to Become Santa Monica City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 11 Jun 2021 16:20:26 GMT

Montebello City Manager René Bobadilla informed the Santa Monica City Council on Thursday that he is rejecting the offer to become the new City Manager.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/bobadilla-rejects-santa-monica-city-manager-position/205749

Council picks new City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:52:10 GMT

Santa Monica is set to hire René Bobadilla as the city’s newest City Manager following a vote taken Tuesday night by City Council.

Downtown grocery to become mixed use development

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:49:21 GMT

Plans to redevelop the grocery store at Lincoln and Broadway will be before the Planning Commission next week for one of the first public discussions.

The property is currently home to a Von’s store with an above ground parking lot but the proposed project would redevelop the site into a mixed use concept with parking, ground floor retail (grocery store) and several levels of housing.

Council Votes to Hire Bobadilla as City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 15:21:00 GMT

The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday night unanimously voted to hire Montebello City Manager René Bobadilla as the new city manager.

The Council also unanimously voted to bring back former City Manager John Jalili to serve as interim city manager during the transition period when Lane Dilg leaves the post in two weeks.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/06/08/rene-bobadilla-selected-as-santa-monica-s-next-city-manager-former-city-manager-john-jalili-to-serve-as-interim-city-manager

Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas calls for ‘Right to Housing’ in LA

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 09 Jun 2021 14:34:45 GMT

Los Angeles City Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas spoke Tuesday about the need for federal aid and a “Right to Housing” ahead of the City Council’s approval of a resolution to support any legislation that increases rental assistance resources, including housing vouchers, to help the region address its homelessness crisis.

Commissioners discuss densifying R1 neighborhoods

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:05:23 GMT

One proposal is the creation of a program that would allow up to 3 units to be constructed in R1-zoned parcels in the areas of 7th and 14th Streets between Montana Avenue and San Vicente Boulevard and 26th Street between Wilshire and San Vicente Boulevard.

Sheriff Villanueva announces plan to clear Boardwalk encampments by July 4

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:04:08 GMT

In a break with jurisdictional tradition, L.A. County Sheriff Alex Villanueva announced his intention to clear the Venice Boardwalk of its unhoused population by July 4.

In the coming days the Sheriff Department’s Homeless Outreach Service Team will be speaking with all individuals experiencing homelessness on the Boardwalk to determine what resources they need to find shelter elsewhere.

CA Utility Protections End In July

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 17:03:22 GMT

As the state prepares to reopen next week, that moratorium — imposed by the California Public Utilities Commission — will expire July 1. The order kept the lights on for residents throughout some of the toughest moments of the pandemic, but Californians have collectively racked up millions of dollars in unpaid bills.

Council to Try 6th Time to Pick City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 08 Jun 2021 16:56:03 GMT

The City Council has two weeks to hire a permanent or interim City Manager or the decision could be taken out of its hands, The Lookout has learned.

The Council will try once again to fill the post on Tuesday evening after failing to make a decision at its fifth special closed-door meeting Saturday morning.

When Reality Meets the Housing Element - SMa.r.t.

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:26:19 GMT

Affordability is the housing issue in Santa Monica (SM). Densification of the City is the primary objective of the draft 2021 – 2029 Housing Element, ostensibly to address an 8,895 RHNA unit target that is entirely unrelated to Santa Monica’s needs.

The Housing Element contains an assumption of, but no supporting data or demonstrated link between affordability and densification. That’s because such links don’t exist.

Council readies to talk home-sharing

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:25:45 GMT

At the request of Councilmember Gleam Davis, Council will discuss possibly directing staff to return with proposed amendments that would allow the home-sharing of detached accessory buildings as long as they are located more than six feet from the main building that’s occupied by the host who wishes to home-share the accessory building.

Santa Monica Affordable Housing Development Takes Shape

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 07 Jun 2021 17:24:13 GMT

Work has now progressed past street level for the Pacific Landing development at the intersection of Lincoln Boulevard and Pacific Street in Santa Monica.

Drought ravages California’s reservoirs ahead of hot summer

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 17:49:57 GMT

While droughts are common in California, this year’s is much hotter and drier than others, evaporating water more quickly from the reservoirs and the sparse Sierra Nevada snowpack that feeds them. The state’s more than 1,500 reservoirs are 50% lower than they should be this time of year, according to Jay Lund, co-director of the Center for Watershed Sciences at the University of California-Davis.

Applications Open to Fill Vacant Santa Monica City Council Seat

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 04 Jun 2021 17:45:17 GMT

At the June 2 meeting, Council voted unanimously to open an application process that will run from June 3 to noon June 22.

Council Takes No Action on City Manager Search

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 03 Jun 2021 18:21:43 GMT

After nearly four hours in closed session, the City Council on Wednesday reported no action in the search for a new City Manager.

https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/June-2021/06_02_2021_Council_Takes_No_Action_on_City_Manager_Search.html

Housing Element Update

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:19:29 GMT

The City of Santa Monica has Released the Draft 2021 - 2029 Housing Element Update

PROGRAM 4.D: REZONE SELECTED PORTIONS OF R1-ZONE NEIGHBORHOODS TO INCREASE DENSITY

Is Permanent Housing the Real Homeless Solution?

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:08:43 GMT

Still, homeless agencies appear flummoxed by the rejection rate for permanent housing they’re now able to offer, something only recently available. Did they expect a population plagued by instability and a high component (about 20 percent) of serious mental illness to turn overnight into planners interested in delayed gratification?

Council Expected to Hire Montebello City Manager

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:02:27 GMT

The City Council is expected to hire Montebello City Manager Rene Bobadilla as Santa Monica's new City Manager, making him the first Latino to run the city of some 93,000, The Lookout has learned.

North of Montana Third Wealthiest Zip Code in Nation

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 02 Jun 2021 15:01:04 GMT

Santa Monica's North of Montana Neighborhood was the third most expensive zip code in the U.S. last year, tied with Beverly Hills, according to the annual ranking by Property Shark.

Homeless Prevention Fund Bill Passes Assembly

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:19:39 GMT

Assembly Bill 1487, authored by Assemblyman Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), would create a “Homeless Prevention Fund” that would be administered by the Legal Services Trust Fund Commission, a state bar run grant administration that funds nonprofit civil legal aid services. According to AB 1487, the commission, would distribute grants, based on a competitive basis, to fund prescribed legal services, education, and outreach for tenants relating to eviction or displacement. The bill would require the commission to develop guidelines for the grant process in accordance with specified requirements. The bill would establish eligibility requirements for grant applicants, including that the applicant agrees to provide all of the services funded by the grant without charge to recipients.

Draft Housing Element released to public

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 19:16:02 GMT

Some proposals included in the recently released document call for the increased density in existing neighborhoods as a way to acknowledge the impact that past discriminatory practices have had on housing development. Other propositions will allow the City to satisfy the Housing Element’s most basic requirements, but some local leaders have taken issue with such a mindset.

SM City Council Tackles 2021-23 Biennial Budget

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 17:04:29 GMT

The City Council held two study sessions this week to review the proposed 2021-23 Biennial Budget which "positions Santa Monica to safely and responsibly emerge from the COVID-19 emergency orders and cultivate a revitalized local economy that reflects and services our diverse community."

They're Coming for Your Home and Your City

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 16:51:33 GMT

The City of Santa Monica's Planning Department has made available for public consumption its most current draft of the Housing Element of the General Plan. While this combination of words may cause your eyes to glaze over in boredom, the city staff's recommendations in this bulky document, over 1500 pages long, will significantly impact the quality of life in Santa Monica.

Proposal to Study Creating More Westside Shelters Passes City Council

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 16:13:28 GMT

Lawmakers have approved Councilmember Mike Bonin’s plan to conduct a feasibility study on bringing homeless shelters to an array of Westside public spaces, parks and government buildings.

On May 26, Los Angeles City Council voted 13-1 with one abstention to approve Bonin’s proposal to look into bringing more housing for homeless individuals to the Westside. The one dissenting vote was from Councilmember Joe Buscaino.

Council to Launch Process Next Week to Fill Vacant Council Seat

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 16:11:02 GMT

The process to fill the vacancy left when Councilmember Kevin McKeown retires on June 11 will begin at a special Council meeting Wednesday.

Homelessness, Crime Still Top Resident Concerns, Poll Finds

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 01 Jun 2021 16:08:55 GMT

A monthly text poll of Santa Monica residents found that crime and homelessness continue to top the list of resident concerns, as it did before the November Council election.

LA Council Votes to Move Forward with Homeless Housing Site Study

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 May 2021 19:25:19 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council has voted to move forward with a feasibility study on the possibility of housing homeless people at several parks and beach parking lots in Council District 11. Councilman Joe Buscaino voted against the motion saying the sites included in the study “are not feasible’’ for homeless housing.

SMa.r.t. Column: Community vs Commodity

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 May 2021 19:13:26 GMT

The cost of housing in a capitalist society is primarily determined by who owns it. While housing can be bought, sold, or leased according to certain constraints, fees, and changing tax laws, the principal agency still remains with the owner.

Council Faces Two Choices in Filling Pending Vacancy

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 28 May 2021 19:07:13 GMT

When the City Council goes to fill the City Council seat Kevin McKeown will vacate next month, it will likely face two choices.

Appoint a slow-growth advocate who can win four votes or spend some of the cash-strapped City's money to hold the first special Council election in 22 years.

Third candidate enters County Supervisor race

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 May 2021 16:17:06 GMT

Current Los Angeles Controller Ron Galperin announced Wednesday that he is entering the race. Galperin joins Assemblymember Richard Bloom and West Hollywood Mayor Lindsay Horvath in competing for the seat currently held by Shelia Kuehl.

With 200 tents and counting locals take lead tackling Boardwalk crisis

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 May 2021 16:10:53 GMT

Fed up by months of finger pointing and excuses Venice locals are leading the charge to address the rapidly deteriorating state of the Boardwalk. These community members are not trained activists or service providers, but they are getting things done.

City Council Weighs in on FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 27 May 2021 16:09:14 GMT

Council comments expressed support for programs and services in the proposed budget including:

Returning street sweeping to a weekly frequency.
Increasing resources to address homelessness, including launching a Community Response Unit (CRU) to support homeless outreach within the Fire Department, continuing multi-disciplinary street teams, and adding a staff member in the Human Services Division to support homelessness efforts.

McKeown Abruptly Retires

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 May 2021 17:02:56 GMT

With no prior warning, City Councilmember Kevin McKeown announced at Tuesday's meeting that he would retire effective June 11 then abruptly turned off his zoom camera.

City considers revenue bonds to close funding gap for water self-sufficiency projects

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 26 May 2021 17:00:06 GMT

The City of Santa Monica could issue revenue bonds that will allow officials to continue a number of water sustainability projects in the wake of an $84 million funding gap.

Rent Board announces general adjustment effective September

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 May 2021 16:22:30 GMT

Rent increases for rent-controlled apartments in Santa Monica will be limited to a 1.7 percent increase this year following a vote by Santa Monica’s Rent Control Board last week.

AND: https://www.smgov.net/rentcontrol/

Housing Commissioners talk diversity

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 May 2021 16:21:54 GMT

In an attempt to increase diversity and representation, Santa Monica Housing Commissioners are exploring the possibility of a lottery system that would help the local commission systematically appoint more diverse members.

SMa.r.t. Column: Everyone Has a Plan…

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 24 May 2021 15:56:09 GMT

But in spite of all its interactive parts, the LUCE concept was actually quite simple: herd most of the large future development intensification along the boulevards and to three specific centers (Downtown, Bergamot, and Memorial Park) thereby maintaining the verdant low rise residential areas that define the primary character of most of the City. The LUCE’s 20 year event horizon planned on adding about 4000 units which was increased to 6000 units when the Downtown Specific Plan was subsequently approved. The citizens and the City Council bought into this straight forward plan because it was credible, understandable, and achievable.

Our LUCE plan just got decked by RHNA’s 8876 new units Sacramento is now requiring us to permit by 2030. While this RHNA’s goal has a host of problems, its main problem is that it is the exact opposite of the LUCE: its not credible, its not understandable and its not achievable.

SMa.r.t. Column: Politics as Usual

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 21 May 2021 18:24:13 GMT

SCAG was in the midst of calculating the number of housing units that each city in Southern California would be required to plan for and build. “AHLA,” the letter said, “urges SCAG to adopt a new allocation methodology that does not rely upon any “local input”…”AHLA…agrees that the local input does not “align with the State’s goals of social equity and environmental sustainability.””

Lobbyist on Current Santa Monica Housing Commission

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:46:35 GMT

Is There a Conflict of Interest?

It appears that Commissioner Camner is a political lobbyist, and a salaried Executive Director of a 501 (c) (4) organization called Abundant Housing LA.

However, to date, Commissioner Camner has not disclosed her position with Abundant Housing or her salary, on the form 700 (Statement of Economic Interest) filed with the City of Santa Monica.

California readies to prevent blackouts

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 20 May 2021 15:35:14 GMT

California’s top energy regulators on Tuesday said the state is better prepared to avoid last summer’s rotating blackouts, but they cautioned the power grid of the nation’s most populous state is still vulnerable to extreme heat waves that could force more outages later this year.

'Homelessness Is Endangering Lives'

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 May 2021 19:45:02 GMT

Councilman Joe Buscaino is speaking out in the wake of the Palisades fire, which has charred 1,158 acres as of Tuesday afternoon. After authorities charged a 48-year-old homeless man with arson of a structure or forest in the wake of the flames, Buscaino released a statement saying the homelessness crisis is "destroying neighborhoods."

City and Coalition settle legal battle

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 19 May 2021 19:35:08 GMT

The City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City have settled a legal battle relating to the formerly proposed Plaza at Santa Monica project.

Santa Monica Landlord Agrees to Resolve Tenant Harassment Claims

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 May 2021 16:12:14 GMT

City settles with Marshall Reddick Real Estate and Balthazar Investment Group

Plaintiffs in Voting Rights Case File Final Brief

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 18 May 2021 15:45:38 GMT

Attorneys for the plaintiffs in the voting rights lawsuit against the City submitted the final brief in the landmark case last week, paving the way for a ruling that could either upend Santa Monica's election system or impact voting districts across the state.

Submitted last Wednesday, the 48-page brief argues that in its ruling last July, the Court of Appeal failed to "even acknowledge" the law's mandate that eliminates the federal requirement for a majority-minority district.

City Manager selection process begins

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 May 2021 17:00:19 GMT

City Council finished its first round of interviews for Santa Monica’s next city manager this weekend, meaning the search for the city’s first permanent manager since Rick Cole resigned in April 2020 could soon be completed.

Construction Underway for Mixed-use Lincoln Boulevard Development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 17 May 2021 16:49:58 GMT

After breaking ground earlier this spring, construction crews are now beginning to work on a four-story building at 2903 Lincoln Boulevard.

The project, spanning the entire east side of the block between Ashland Avenue and Wilson Place, will feature 47 units of housing on top of 16,755 square feet of ground floor retail. The apartments will be a combination of one-, two- and three-bedroom units, including four reserved for extremely low-income tenants.

LA to study homeless housing at Will Rogers Beach

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:34:47 GMT

A proposal to convert several local beach lots into temporary housing cleared its first hurdle this week when the City of Los Angeles’ Committee on Homelessness and Poverty voted to authorize a feasibility study in a 4-1 vote.

SMa.r.t. Column: Power to the People

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 14 May 2021 17:24:01 GMT

We are fortunate in Santa Monica that we have a choice to purchase our power from two sources. We can buy our power from SCE which generates their power from a mix of about 50% renewable and 50% fossil fuel sources OR, for slightly more cost, from the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) which is essentially a power brokerage that buys its power from renewable clean power sources such as photovoltaics (PV), windmills, hydroelectric, geothermal, etc.. The CPA then sends this “clean” power to you via the same power lines and transformers that SCE uses.

The Controversial Plaza Project Proposed at Arizona and 4th Street on Public Land is Dead

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 13 May 2021 15:28:49 GMT

Anti-development advocacy group Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City calls it a "final victory"

City budget rebounds from pandemic losses

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 12 May 2021 15:27:20 GMT

After dire warnings of multi-year shortfalls just last year, City Hall has released a new budget that projected no deficits in coming years.

Rent Estimates In Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 May 2021 16:56:32 GMT

While rents for single-family homes have experienced big increases as renters and buyers compete for the same limited quantity of homes on the market, apartment rents haven't increased as swiftly.

Governor proposes tax rebate as virus relief

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 May 2021 16:50:01 GMT

Millions of poor and middle-class Californians would get tax rebates of up to $1,100 under a proposal unveiled Monday by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom, as part of a broader pandemic recovery plan made possible by an eye-popping $75 billion budget surplus.

Proposed FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 11 May 2021 16:46:04 GMT

The FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget

Gov. Newsom announces plan to pay rental housing providers 100% of rent owed

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 May 2021 21:58:20 GMT

Gov. Newsom today announced his intent to pay rental housing providers 100% of rent that’s gone unpaid because of COVID-19.

Series of Missteps Led to Botched Police Response to Riots

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 10 May 2021 16:08:24 GMT

A report released by the City Thursday provides an inside look at the developments that culminated in the Police Department's failed response to the riots that erupted in Santa Monica on May 31, 2020.

Small businesses in Santa Monica amongst hardest hit

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:42:16 GMT

A study by accounting software service QuickBooks, identified Santa Monica as one of the US cities where small businesses revenues plummeted the most during the first year of the pandemic.

Report Harshly Criticizes Police Response to May 31 Riots

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:16:04 GMT

On May 31, 2020, a woefully unprepared Santa Monica Police Department with no action plan or clear leadership was left to improvise a response to violent protests and looting it should have seen coming.

That is the key conclusion of an eagerly awaited report by the OIR Group released Thursday chronicling SMPD's response to the riots that swept Santa Monica nearly a year ago ("Santa Monica Demonstration Turns Violent, Looters Ransack Stores," June 1, 2020).

Read full report at: OIR Group Independent After-Action Report and Evaluation Regarding Events Leading To, During, and Following May 31, 2020 - City of Santa Monica, California (iqm2.com) and then select attachement: EXA-OIR Group Report

SMC Seeks Local Business Reps for Bond Committee

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:15:07 GMT

Santa Monica College (SMC) is seeking business representatives to help oversee the implementation of bond measures that are funding capital improvement projects.

The deadline to apply to the seven-member Citizens Bond Oversight Committee is Friday, May 24.

SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica Needs More Sunshine

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 07 May 2021 15:14:46 GMT

Santa Monica brings in a great deal of tax revenue, more per capita than most small cities in California so why then are we increasingly in need of additional funding, bond issuances, and restructuring old and increasing debts? The answer lies in knowing and understanding how our tax dollars and city revenues from other sources are actually allocated and expended specifically, not just as displayed to the public in a general or summarized accounting version.

Federal Judge Vacates CDC's Nationwide Eviction Moratorium

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 06 May 2021 16:56:14 GMT

A federal judge in Washington, D.C., has ruled that the Centers for Disease Control overstepped its statutory authority in issuing a nationwide ban on tenant evictions.

The judge’s ruling does not affect the numerous state and local bans on evictions, although any legal challenges to them have a much greater chance of success now that the federal courts have weighed in.

In fact, in two other cases challenging the evictions, landlords came out on top.

San Diego County Board of Supervisors to Halt Nearly All Evictions

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 May 2021 22:29:50 GMT

The San Diego County Board of Supervisors passed an ordinance that strengthens eviction protections countywide on Tuesday, creating one of the strictest eviction bans in the state.

Passed by a close 3-2 vote, the ordinance will halt all “just cause” evictions, including those being let go for lease violations, and can only be evicted for health and safety violations. Property owners will also not be able to move back into their property and remove the renter, or remove the renter for building rehab reasons.

WORDS MATTER by Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 May 2021 18:24:56 GMT

If a group can claim to be within the letter of the law, they can hope you never find out what they have really done, which is likely against the spirit of the law. If outed, they can throw up their hands in innocence and argue with a straight face that their letter compliance is actually the correct path.

Call Sacramento now to stop hefty inheritance tax

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 May 2021 16:42:35 GMT

Senate Bill 668, authored by Sen. Patricia Bates (Laguna Niguel) – to give families more time to plan for transfers of property. Under Proposition 19, narrowly passed in November, property that is transferred from parents to children will be reassessed to market value as of the date of transfer, with only narrow exceptions. This new “inheritance tax” took effect on February 16.

Nearly 50-Unit Affordable Housing Complex Breaks Ground in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 May 2021 16:25:39 GMT

Located at 1819 Pico Boulevard, the former site of Mount Hermon Baptist Church, the groundbreaking was broadcast via virtual ceremony back in early April by the Community Corporation of Santa Monica, a Santa Monica-based non-profit organization that builds and manages affordable housing.

New Councilmembers Support Legal Fees for Attorneys Who Sued the City

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 05 May 2021 16:17:31 GMT

n what is likely an unprecedented move, three City Councilmembers on Monday filed declarations in Superior Court on behalf of plaintiffs seeking attorneys fees in a lawsuit against the City.

The declarations were made by Councilmembers Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra, whose campaigns supported the lawsuit filed by slow-growth activists to halt the 357,000-square-foot Plaza project on City owned land Downtown.

Rents on The Rise In Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 04 May 2021 18:14:45 GMT

See More: https://smmirror.com/2021/05/rents-on-the-rise-in-santa-monica-santa-monica-beat-may-3-2021/

Proposal to eliminate 1031 exchanges

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 May 2021 19:05:11 GMT

President Biden’s American Jobs Plan proposes to eliminate 1031 exchanges on profits of more than $500,000.

New SM Police Oversight Commission

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 03 May 2021 18:45:35 GMT

Eleven local residents – including one former councilmember, a retired Los Angeles Airport Police Chief, two current city commissioners and two young adults – have been appointed to serve on Santa Monica's newly-created Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (PSROC).

Capitol mum on eviction moratorium extension

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:04:24 GMT

With two months left before California’s eviction moratorium ends June 30, political momentum isn’t on the side of tenants for an extension.

48-unit affordable housing development breaks ground in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 15:00:06 GMT

In a virtual ceremony held earlier this mont, Community Corp. of Santa Monica broke ground on its latest affordable housing development in the Pico neighborhood.

Rent crisis spirals for landlords

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:55:00 GMT

More than a year since Covid-19 lockdowns put millions of apartment dwellers out of work, almost $47 billion in U.S. government rent relief is hitting the streets. For many landlords, it’s coming much too slowly.

Council Sets New Rules for City Boards and Commissions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 16:29:58 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday approved a lengthy set of rules that will guide policies and procedures for Santa Monica's Boards, Commissions and Task Forces.

The changes are expected to "increase effectiveness, attract diverse representation from the Santa Monica community, and align Board and Commission activities with departmental workplans," according to City staff.

How much is rent relief helping Californians?

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 18:58:06 GMT

In another recent survey of nearly 1,300 landlords in Los Angeles, University of Pennsylvania researchers found that more than a third of landlords with one to five properties couldn’t survive for another three months under current conditions.

Time for the School District to Adopt 20th Century Capital Project Financial Reporting

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 17:00:40 GMT

Sidestepping the issue of overall need for such an expansive program in a school district with declining enrollment (b), the key stakeholder issue is effectiveness of financial management on resource expenditures.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Rising

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:51:51 GMT

After a big drop during the coronavirus shutdown, Santa Monica rents increased for the fourth straight month in April, rising by 3 percent over the past month and outpacing rent growth nationwide, according to the latest report by Apartment List.

School District Taxpayers Expected to Save Nearly $8 Million a Year with Anticipated Bond Sales

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 16:41:32 GMT

An expanding tax base, low interest rates and a high credit score could save taxpayers nearly $8 million a year when the School District refinances its bonds "in the coming months," District officials said Friday.

Council to review Boards, Commissions and Task Forces

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 26 Apr 2021 17:10:40 GMT

City Council will hold a comprehensive review of City boards, commissions and task forces this Tuesday during a discussion that may conclude with the consolidation of more than one commission.

Group nears completion of riot report

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:39:08 GMT

“So, there’s a lot of material to digest, and it spanned the course of several hours so the challenges were significant. But it’s not our first rodeo in this area and so we’re well on our way to finalizing everything. And my understanding is we’re expected to present a high-level report and answer any questions that Council might have during an upcoming Council meeting in May.”

SMa.r.t. Column: SMMUSD’s Financial Performance

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:34:03 GMT

There has been much discussion regarding the SMMUSD’s financial performance. The Board recently issued a statement noting that they have “Fortified our financial reserves, balanced our budget and Improved our credit rating.” All good things. Unfortunately, none of these outcomes are the result of proactive and prudent District financial management. They are the result either of externally imposed financial oversight discipline or the ability to raise resident taxes.

Council Votes Get Mixed Reviews, City Still Not on Right Track

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 23 Apr 2021 17:31:53 GMT

A monthly poll of some 170 "civically engaged" Santa Monica residents found that the vast majority -- 80 percent -- don't believe the City is on the right track.

Tesla supercharger project receives green light

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 22 Apr 2021 16:58:52 GMT

With a unanimous vote last week, City Council amended and extended an emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance, which, among other things, allows Tesla’s proposed 24-hour, self-service electric vehicle recharging facility to once again move forward with construction.

Proposed bill could convert all CA municipal golf courses including Penmar to low income housing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:56:00 GMT

A newly proposed bill in the state assembly would strip municipal golf courses of their park status protections and encourage their conversion to low income housing developments.

AB 672 was introduced on Feb. 21 by AD58 Assemblymember Cristina Garcia, who represents a portion of South East L.A. County including Bell Gardens. Under the bill municipal golf courses could be rezoned into housing developments that offer 25 percent affordable units and 15 percent open-space.

DID YOU KNOW…? Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:54:28 GMT

All the funky charm, history, tradition, arts feel and sense of place I came here for was vanishing, plowed under, built over, run out of town. Such a unique, vital, world-famous resource being destroyed. LA’s beachside break, breath of fresh air, slipping away. Sad. Angry. Who’s responsible? I finally decided I had to find out.

California Quietly Slides into a Drought While Officials Say to Build for 1.34 Million More Thirsty Residents

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 23:47:52 GMT

So why did California's State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) decide that the Southern California region should plan for an additional 1.34 million residents over the next nine years? As it stands, today's SoCal citizens can expect to be asked to ration their water use over the summer - and periodically over the years.

Paying More and More and More for Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:23:00 GMT

At $400,000 per unit (a typical cost for city construction) Total cost: $2.4 Billion

New Low-Income Housing Development Breaks Ground

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 21 Apr 2021 17:20:54 GMT

Bankrolled with $13.3 million from the City, the 48-unit low-income project at 1819 Pico Boulevard includes 33 units that target very low-income households.

Brentwood Community Council Unanimously Opposes Bonin’s Shelter Plan

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:37:03 GMT

The Brentwood Community Council (BCC) unanimously voted to oppose Councilmember Mike Bonin’s plan to bring more temporary homeless shelters to public spaces and parks on the Westside.

San Francisco Ordinance Requires Property Owners to Make Lifetime Rental Offer to Tenants

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 20 Apr 2021 20:33:57 GMT

City Council in this cosmopolitan city amends its condo conversion ordinance, and now requires that a property owner converting a rental apartment to a condominium must offer a lifetime lease to the current resident of the unit being converted.

Huntington Beach Might Once Again Go to Court Over State Mandated Housing

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:22:20 GMT

Huntington Beach Councilmember Erik Peterson is ready to sue over state mandated housing goals that city officials all over Orange County have been pushing back against for over a year.

Time to Move Out of Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:13:31 GMT

The entire top-down, governmentally directed placement of number and types of housing in the region is doomed to failure. No one entity, no matter how allegedly expert, can determine the best way to allocate any sort of commodity. In fact, top-down commodity allocation is the absolute worst, least efficient, most costly method and invariably results in the worst possible outcome. Should the city proceed with their plan to build - at public expense - "affordable housing" on Montana Avenue and Main Street, historically small, residential neighborhoods, they will kill the atmosphere, physical and economic, of those neighborhoods.

No decisions at County meeting on school split

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 19 Apr 2021 19:05:47 GMT

The long awaited hearing of Malibu’s petition to form its own school district played out Saturday as a well choreographed recitation of entrenched arguments and opinions.

County officials asked no questions of the two sides in the weekend hearing and instead received presentations of equal length before taking exactly one hour of public comment from proponents and opponents of the proposition.

The eviction moratorium is ending soon

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:54:19 GMT

The Santa Monica and state eviction moratoriums are scheduled to expire on June 30, and while non-payment evictions may soon resume, there are many resources available to help tenants stay housed.

SMa.r.t. Column: History Repeats Itself

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:45:20 GMT

Santa Monicans today understand there is a titanic struggle going on for the heart and soul of their City. And it’s not the first time this has happened.

The battle manifests itself in infinite ways from the shortage of affordable housing, to the drought, to relentless gridlock, to the collapse of the City’s budget, to scary public pension overhangs, to institutional racism, to deadly air pollution, and to countless other friction points. This battle has not abated during the pandemic, which worsened all pre-existing problems such as, for example, the collapse of our retail activity because Amazon was already completely killing local businesses. Add to this the life and death struggle of our homeless crisis and crime increases, and we have a City struggling both for its life and its identity.

State Funds Two Additional Sustainable Housing Proposals in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 17:40:14 GMT

The proposals were among 26 projects that were given the go ahead to move forward through SCAG’s Regional Council as part of its 2020/2021 Sustainable Communities Program (SCP). The Santa Monica proposals fell in two of the three categories “advancing implementation of Accessory Dwelling Units” and “establishing objective development standards for streamlined housing, along with Prohousing Designation Programs and parking innovations.”

City Council Allocates More than $29 Million in Federal Recovery Funds

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 16 Apr 2021 18:52:22 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday voted to use most of its $29.3 million in federal recovery funds to tackle homelessness, reopen facilities and provide rent relief to Pier and non-profit City tenants.

American Rescue Plan Act Funds to Support Rent Abatement

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 15 Apr 2021 16:15:43 GMT

Santa Monica City Council provided initial direction on how to allocate Santa Monica’s $29.3 million in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds provided through the American Rescue Plan (ARP). Council directed stimulus funds to support community economic recovery, including recovery for City non-profit and Pier tenants, as well as to address homelessness and provide community services, including reopening City facilities and services when permitted by public health orders. Additional direction will be provided when Council meets for its FY 2021-23 Biennial Budget Study Session on May 25.

Rent Control Board supports Assemblymember Bloom’s legislation to deter Ellis Act evictions

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 16:35:51 GMT

On March 22, Lee introduced AB 854, which was co-authored by Bloom and strives to end the speculator eviction loophole of the Ellis Act by requiring landlords own property for at least five years before invoking the act.

52 Residents Apply for Police Oversight Commission

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 13 Apr 2021 16:24:22 GMT

A former City Councilmember, a retired Santa Monica police department veteran and four City commissioners are among the 53 applicants vying for nine seats on the new police oversight commission.

Proposed Westside Homeless Shelter Locations

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 16:34:57 GMT

Take a look at a collection of Westside properties that a LA lawmaker is proposing bringing homeless shelters to...

Cities Chip Away at R-1 Zoning

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 15:59:43 GMT

But Wiener kept pushing in pre-pandemic speeches for more aggressive attacks on the single-family zoning he appears to consider an abomination. Some of his message has seeped in.

The best evidence came when the city of Sacramento in January took the first step toward ending R-1 zoning within its boundaries. You could call the almost certain new zoning category R-4 because it would allow rebuilding or restructuring existing homes into up to four units on every lot in previously one-parcel, one-home areas.

Sen. Wiener’s Dense Housing Bill Passes Senate Committee

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:09:15 GMT

San Francisco Democrat Senator Scott Wiener has tried for several years to end single family zoning laws to allow for dense “Stack & Pack” housing to replace single family homes.

Stack & Pack housing is very unpopular in most California cities

The city should just pay the penalties…

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 16:00:47 GMT

Letter to the Editor

Regarding state imposed housing mandates (cobbled together in a backroom by unelected officials and completely unenforceable)…

Santa Monica Program Helps Vulnerable Tenants Stave Off Eviction

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:52:06 GMT

In an effort to help stem an expected "wave of evictions," City officials this week launched a program that gives free legal counsel to vulnerable tenants.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/04/08/city-launches-pilot-right-to-counsel-program-to-help-santa-monica-tenants-facing-evictions

SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica’s Precarious Business Plan

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:50:36 GMT

Picking up the financial pieces from the receding Covid-19 crisis, the City is simultaneously making incremental unresearched decisions that will have long lasting, significant, and likely unintended consequences on services, city amenities, cost of living, and quality of life and housing affordability across all the neighborhoods.

Santa Monica's Rent Control Market Remains Strong

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 09 Apr 2021 15:44:25 GMT

"In fact, newly registered rents show only a small reduction in the median initial rents for singles and 2-bedroom units. And, the median initial rents for 1- and 3-bedroom units were higher in 2020 than they were in 2019."

According to the report, the median rents for studios fell in 2020 from $1,950 to $1,895, or 2.8 percent, while the price of one-bedroom units rose 1 percent, from $2,450 to $2,475.

California Eviction Defense Program for Vulnerable Renters Bill Passes in Committee

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 15:24:07 GMT

Santa Monica Could Ban from Protests Items That Can Be 'Weaponized'

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:42:36 GMT

In an effort to curb violence, it could soon be illegal to carry poles, pipes, bottles, rocks and laser pointers at demonstrations held in Santa Monica.

Those items -- and others that can be "weaponized" -- would be banned under an emergency ordinance the City Council will consider Tuesday at the request of the Police Department.

LA County Offers Mortgage Relief Program to Help Property Owners

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 08 Apr 2021 14:33:52 GMT

If you fell behind on your mortgage, or are one of the homeowners who did not receive renters’ assistance during the pandemic, you might be able to benefit from the Foreclosure Prevention and Mortgage Relief Program.

AND: NHS | Foreclosure Prevention & Mortgage Relief Program (nhslacounty.org)

Landlords are waiting for rent payments

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 16:00:39 GMT

In interviews with The Times, property owners and managers said they understood the unprecedented nature of the crisis but that they are absorbing too much of the cost. Many said they or their clients are dipping into savings to keep properties afloat and delaying maintenance or repairs because they can’t afford them.

Some said they probably can’t or won’t hold on much longer under these circumstances.

Bonin proposes encampments on local beaches

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:48:36 GMT

A proposal by two Los Angeles city councilmen to set up temporary camps or “tiny homes” for homeless people in beach parking lots is drawing opposition.

Divided Council Approves Plan to Meet State's Affordable Housing Mandate

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:33:47 GMT

A split City Council voted last week to approve a plan that paves the way for building more than 6,000 new affordable housing units, including in exclusive single family neighborhoods.

Back to Normal? Charles Andrews

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:30:14 GMT

HOUSING

Seems all you ever hear, for decades. Housing, housing, housing..“Affordable” housing. To preserve our diversity (what’s left of it). First of all, we don’t have a housing crisis here. We have an affordability crisis. And the Council/staff solution? Build our way to affordability. Ask any local real estate agent if that will work.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/040721.pdf

Homeless Shelters Proposed Across The Westside

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:42:55 GMT

L.A. Councilmember Mike Bonin proposed several new shelters for unhoused people, including Will Rogers State Beach and Fisherman's Village.

Council Paves Way for Tesla "Supercharger" Station

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 15:07:36 GMT

The 62-stall recharging facility that would flank the alley near 14th Street and Santa Monica Boulevard had been put on hold before the Council took steps last Tuesday to exempt it from a moratorium on commercial development.

City Council Continues Housing Element Process

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 18:50:36 GMT

Santa Monica must pass a housing element update that accounts for mandates to increase the city’s housing stock by about 9,000 units. The discussion last week centered on options for densifying existing neighborhoods as a way to acknowledge the impact past discriminatory practices have had on housing development.

Time for the School District to Adopt 20th Century Capital Project Financial Reporting

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:33:19 GMT

There has been significant confusion and debate surrounding the financial performance of the many SMMUSD facilities projects. The absence of clear and accessible financial performance reporting is the cause.

Plans for Downtown Santa Monica Mixed-Use Project Double in Size

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 05 Apr 2021 17:27:25 GMT

As reported by UrbanizeLA, an apartment building at 1427 Lincoln Boulevard will now include a new property at 1431 Lincoln Boulevard. This makes the project five stories instead of four with thirty apartments instead of fifteen. The new plans will also feature an underground parking structure with enough room for thirty vehicles.

New bill in Legislature would sharply limit Ellis Act evictions

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 17:09:50 GMT

Lawmakers recently revived legislation that would severely curtail when property owners can invoke the Ellis Act, which gives them a path to exit the rental market by evicting tenants if they plan to move themselves or family members in, sell the units or demolish the building. Tenant rights groups argue that the law has morphed into a tool for speculators to flip a dwindling supply of affordable rental housing in the state.

California Eviction Moratorium Extended to June 3, 2021

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:53:36 GMT

Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed legislation to extend the eviction moratorium through June 30, 2021.

Time to Move Out: Santa Monica is Coming For Your Home

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:51:14 GMT

Dressed up in the language of compassion and social justice, the City Council's vote on March 30 to accommodate 6,168 affordable housing units, 70% of whatever new housing is built, and then to disperse these affordable units throughout the city, including along Montana Avenue and Main Street, is in reality a despicable theft of the earnings of hardworking residents and will end up benefiting no one.

Two Santa Monica Sustainable Housing Proposals to Get State Funding

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 02 Apr 2021 16:43:29 GMT

Two Santa Monica proposals to promote sustainable housing development will receive a slice of $4.8 million in State funding from The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), the agency announced Thursday.

Santa Monica's proposals were among 26 projects to get the green light Thursday from SCAG’s Regional Council as part of its 2020/2021 Sustainable Communities Program (SCP).

City Council Continues Housing Element Process

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 15:39:07 GMT

Last night, the Santa Monica City Council continued its planning process for the 6th Cycle Housing Element Update for 2021 – 2029 to address housing needs in compliance with State law. Council directed staff to focus planning efforts required by State law on prioritizing the production of affordable housing on City-owned land and seeking to distribute housing in new areas of the City to advance fair housing goals.

Recall Drive Targets Four Santa Monica School Board Members

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 01 Apr 2021 15:30:51 GMT

Education activists on Wednesday filed their intent with the Los Angeles County Registrar to circulate petitions to recall four local School Board members for alleged conflicts of interest.

The petition drive targets president Jon Kean, Vice President Laurie Lieberman and Board members Maria Leon-Vazquez and Richard Tahvildaran-Jesswein, all of them Santa Monica residents who have served more than four years on the seven-member board.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/SMMUSD-Recall-PRESS-RELEASE-3-31-2021_Redact.pdf

Santa Monica 311

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 16:47:12 GMT

Santa Monica’s 311 program provides easy access to all non-emergency City services and information. Users can submit a request, ask a question, provide feedback, or report something using one of our four convenient methods outlined below.

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/03/31/city-of-santa-monica-launches-311-program-to-improve-customer-service

Santa Monica Rent Control Building Sells for More Than $32 Million

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 31 Mar 2021 16:37:49 GMT

A 28-unit Santa Monica rent control building -- where some rents exceed $12,000 a month -- sold last month for $32.6 million, according to County records.

The rents, however, are far below those at Champagne Towers, another rent control building down the street.

As Budget Season Starts, Fitch, Moody's and S+P Affirm AAA Credit Rating

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 16:25:23 GMT

The rating confirmation comes as the City prepares its biennial budget for FY 2021 – 2023.

SMa.r.t. Column: The City of Santa Monica – “Progressive” in 1989, “Chaotic” in 2021

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 16:14:41 GMT

Our City Council is flying blind – everything is piecemeal, jumping from one event to another, one crisis to another – an extremely frenetic and costly way to run a city. Whatever the problem du jour – homeless, affordable housing, crime, public restrooms, regulating robots, etc., our underlying mantra has been economic gain at the expense of residents and our environment.

Council paves way for future development

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 29 Mar 2021 16:40:20 GMT

An affordable housing project could replace a city-owned garage after City Council approved a resolution Tuesday that declared 1318-1320 4th Street as exempt surplus land.

Council also declared the City-owned property at 1636 5th Street and master-leased property at 1333 4th Street, which is sub-leased by the City to Chase Bank through April 2022, as surplus land during a trio of motions that sought to bring the City into compliance with a new version of the state’s Surplus Lands Act.

Council Begins Exploring Ways to Triple Santa Monica's Affordable Housing

Margaret Fulton — Sat, 27 Mar 2021 15:12:05 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday will begin exploring ways to build more than 6,000 new affordable housing units in eight years -- triple the number it has built over the past quarter century.

The daunting task mandated by the State comes during a declared housing crisis as the COVID-19 shutdown highlights barriers to housing access, especially for minorities, staff said.

Biden may extend the ban on evictions

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:48:20 GMT

The federal eviction moratorium that President Joe Biden extended on his first day in office is set to expire in seven days, but two people familiar with the matter told The Washington Post that the White House may extend the ban through at least July.

Council Extends Rent Deferral for City Leaseholders

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 16:11:43 GMT

The City Council on Tuesday unanimously voted to extend the eviction moratorium for businesses with City leases from March 31 to June 30 and gave them a year from that date to pay the rent they owe.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/council-extends-rent-deferment-program/203246

California Wealth Tax Proposed

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:58:20 GMT

ACA 8 would authorize the Legislature to impose a tax upon all forms of personal property or wealth, tangible or intangible

Council schedules special session to discuss Housing Element

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:49:01 GMT

Council’s special scheduled meeting is set to begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 30, and the only topic on the agenda is a recommendation that City Council review, discuss, and provide direction on the concepts and strategies it wishes to see staff include in the draft Housing Element Update that will be considered in June.

City Seeks to Use Recent Election Results in Voting Rights Case

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:36:22 GMT

The City is seeking to use the recent election of two Latino Councilmembers from the Pico Neighborhood to defend Santa Monica's at-large election system in the ongoing voting rights case.

Attorneys for the City mentioned the election of Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra in their answering brief filed with the California Supreme Court on Monday.

Zapped! A Promising Proposal Bites the Dust

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 16:30:09 GMT

The message was crystal clear. If Tesla intends to proceed, it will only receive approval if it is combined with a housing project.

Council weighs COVID-19 Rent Relief for city tenants

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:20:42 GMT

As part of its ongoing economic recovery plans, City Hall will debate rent relief for tenants of city owned properties on Tuesday.

The City’s Rent Deferment Program was established in April 2020 in accordance with the City’s emergency orders, which implemented a temporary moratorium on evictions of commercial tenants.

City Faces $53 Million Funding Gap for Water Projects

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:05:11 GMT

A year after Santa Monica doubled its water rates in an effort to become water self sufficient, the projects to make that happen face a $53 million funding gap due to the coronavirus shutdown.

Malibu Split Headed for April Showdown

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 16:03:59 GMT

Efforts to split the District -- which were supported by both the School Board and the Santa Monica and Malibu City councils -- hit a major roadblock after Malibu officials walked away from negotiations in October.

AND: https://www.smdp.com/coucil-set-to-reaffirm-smmusd-unification-position/203164

Bloom proposes a tax credit to incentivize hiring homeless

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 17:05:23 GMT

Assemblymember Richard Bloom believes providing businesses with a tax credit for hiring homeless individuals could be a key tool for economic and social recovery.

Santa Monica Extends Coronavirus Emergency

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:27:02 GMT

Santa Monica on Friday extended its coronavirus emergency orders, with some exceptions, through the end of next month as the County enters a less restrictive phase of its shutdown.

Councilmember Sues City Over Conflict of Interest Decision

Margaret Fulton — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 16:26:53 GMT

Councilmember Oscar de la Torre sued the City of Santa Monica this month for barring him from Council meetings, discussions or decisions pertaining to the voting rights case.

Latest Resident Poll Shows Mixed Response to Council Actions

Margaret Fulton — Fri, 19 Mar 2021 16:42:52 GMT

The second monthly "Santa Monica Pulse Survey" focused on specific issues the Council tackled over the past month, including homelessness and public safety and a temporary moratorium on commercial development.

LA Council seeking rent freeze on apartments with expiring affordability covenants

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 16:06:10 GMT

The Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously Wednesday to explore enacting a rent freeze on residential units with expired or soon-to-expire affordability covenants like the one at Hillside Villa Apartments, which the city is hoping to purchase to prevent significant rent increases.

Small landlords left struggling when renters stop paying

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:57:49 GMT

Economists say small property owners have been uniquely pinched by the pandemic as renters move out or stop paying. Despite a federally mandated mortgage forbearance and $2.6 billion in rental relief from the state, some landlords who slip through the cracks wonder how much longer they can absorb the costs.

City, Chamber Launch Grants Program for Struggling Businesses

Margaret Fulton — Thu, 18 Mar 2021 15:25:55 GMT

The City and Chamber of Commerce have established a loan program to help as many as 1,000 small local businesses recover from the coronavirus shutdown, officials announced Wednesday.

The SaMo Small Business Recovery Grant Program will provide up to $10,000 in "urgent rescue funds" to small businesses who are "struggling to survive."

AND: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/03/17/city-and-chamber-of-commerce-launch-effort-to-support-small-business-grants

Need help paying rent? California is accepting rental relief applications

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 16:15:14 GMT

The application system, for tenants and landlords, went live Monday. Within the first 24 hours, more than 20,000 applications were started.

Community Invited to Take Survey to Inform City Manager Recruitment

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 15:59:23 GMT

The community is invited to get involved through a survey and upcoming listening session.

Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission

Margaret Fulton — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 15:55:49 GMT

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City Council sets priorities ahead of budget process

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:45:47 GMT

In a 4-3 vote following Dilg’s remarks, City Council chose addressing homelessness, creating a clean and safe Santa Monica, and pushing for an Equitable and Inclusive Economic Recovery as its top priorities for the upcoming biennial budget process.

One year into the pandemic, rents remain expensive in Santa Monica

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:43:32 GMT

While there was widespread speculation of plummeting rents in urban areas during the pandemic, Santa Monica remains an expensive city to rent in.

This is also true for new market rate leases on controlled units, which barely dipped over the last year, according to data from the Rent Control Board. Rent controlled units represent over half of the City’s total rental stock and under Santa Monica’s Rent Control laws, units reset to market rate when a tenant vacates an apartment.

Council Narrows Focus on Top Priorities

Margaret Fulton — Tue, 16 Mar 2021 16:35:58 GMT

Addressing homelessness and ensuring public spaces are clean and safe are the two top priories that will guide tough budget decisions in Santa Monica over the next two years.

At a special retreat session Saturday, the Council also included an "equitable and inclusive economic recovery" to the short list of priorities.

ACTION Apartment Association News

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Temporary rent-gouging protection vanishes for LA fire survivors as county lets ban expire

Airport Housing Initiative Won't Make November Ballot

Opposition to Coastal Bill Grows

SMC to Offer Affordable Housing Management Program

Former Mayor (Phil Brock) Seeks to Regain Seat

Santa Monica Will Spend $6M to Fight Evictions and Homelessness

Council approves $6M renter aid program to combat evictions and homelessness

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Coast Is About to Change Forever. Part 2.

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Coast Is About to Change Forever.

Housing Provider Over Budget on $37.5 million Rehab Project

Santa Monica to Launch Renter Aid Program

Council Keeps Homelessness Emergency Going

Santa Monica to Vote on Re-Ratifying Homeless Emergency Declaration

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SM.a.r.t column: More bull? More B.S.!

Council Race Taking Shape

California spends billions preventing homelessness, but it’s fighting in the dark

Builders Alliance to Host Webinar on Turnkey Construction for Local Residents

Council Takes Up Plan to Implement Transit Housing Bill

Negrete Announces Bid for Reelection

Hankey Capital unveils 23-story condominium tower plans for downtown Santa Monica

SMRR Asks Council To Study Housing at Airport

Santa Monica Rent Control Board Eyes Ballot Measures on Tenant Protections, Fees

Lawmakers move to shield LA Metro from housing law

Court of Appeal Strikes Down Los Angeles Relocation Assistance Ordinance Tied to Lawful Rent Increases on Costa-Hawkins Exempt Units

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City Council Backs Down on 14-Story "Unleashed" Mental Health Housing Project

Santa Monica Rental Market Cooling, Report Finds

SM.a.r.t Column: From Earthquake to Enforcement

Santa Monica deserves a straight answer about its finances

Council Calls Special Meeting to 'Clarify' Neighborhood Grant Program Rules

NOMA Declines to Take Part in Grant Program

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Bold Proposal Gives City Control of Affordable Housing

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City Attorney’s Office obtains judgments and injunctions against landlords in tenant relocation cases

Santa Monica rents plunge 7.5% as coastal market cools faster than nation

SM.a.r.t Column: A Goal in Search of a Question

Second Neighborhood Group Pulls Out of City Grants Program

Pro-Housing Group Opposes Building on Airport Land

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City Seeks Applicants for 'People's Academy'

Poll Finds Strong Opposition to Airport Housing

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Election Season Kicks Off

County Adopts Heat Action Plan

SM.a.r.t Column: Parks, Plans, and Potential

Northeast Neighbors Pulls Out of City Grant Program

National Park Service to hold public meeting on potential LA coastal park

Meet with Mayor Caroline Torosis

Residents Raise Conflict-of-Interest Concerns

SM.a.r.t Column: The Mathematics of Erasure

City Negotiating to Lease Housing for the Mentally Ill

County extends eviction protections for rentersimpacted by immigration raids

401-unit apartment project proposed to replace offices near Santa Monica’s Water Garden

How to screen tenants fairly and stay compliant as a small landlord

SM.a.r.t Column: Santa Monica’s Housing Push—and the Ethics Crisis Behind It

City Sues Landlords for $18 Million

What Is in the Airport Housing Initiative

Two Ballot Measures Filed

Council to Consider Parcel Tax Measure

Council Casts Differing Votes on Previous Housing Actions

SM.a.r.t Column: Why Go Beyond?

City Extends Developer Perks for Off-Site Affordable Housing

‘Prisoner housing’ is on the table for Ocean Ave.

‘Prisoner housing’ is on the table for Ocean Ave.

Council Reveals Closed Session Negotiations

New self-certification building permit program

Santa Monica Residents Allege Council Conflicts in Affordable Housing Vote

Council to Revisit Housing Votes

City Hires New Housing Director

New Laws Kick in This Month

Santa Monica implements rental registry

Mayor Bass Signs Updated Rent Ordinance, Imposes New Limits on Increases

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Santa Monica Approves Self-Certification Pilot to Fast-Track Building Permits

ickleball Court in Santa Monica to Convert to Affordable Housing