ACTION Apartment Association

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

09/10/2025 8:00 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/10/2025 7:57 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/09/2025 9:46 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/09/2025 9:39 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/09/2025 9:36 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/05/2025 8:43 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/05/2025 8:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/04/2025 3:32 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/04/2025 3:27 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

09/03/2025 7:56 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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."