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.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/03/santa-monica-launches-public-search-for-new-city-manager/

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.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/03/sm-a-r-t-column-smart-home-systems-and-iot-sensors-the-new-frontline-against-wildfires/

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.

Read More: https://smdp.com/government-politics-2/council-advances-tenant-protections-and-homelessness-strategic-plan-initiatives/

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.

Read More: https://smdp.com/government-politics-2/water-rate-hike-approved-to-support-aging-infrastructure/

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.

Read More: https://smdp.com/business/development/plans-updated-for-122-unit-affordable-housing-development-at-1318-4th-street/

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. 

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/03/brace-bolt-and-protect-how-californias-earthquake-retrofit-grants-work/

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. 

Read More on page 2: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/031925.pdf

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.

Read More: https://smdp.com/business/real-estate-housing/local-rents-climb-but-santa-monica-isnt-the-biggest-beneficiary-of-wildfire-driven-increases/

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.

Read More: https://surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2025/March-2025/03_18_2025_Council_to_Explore_Hiking_Water_Rates.html

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.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/03/sm-a-r-t-column-fire-safety-in-los-angeles-reimagining-an-age-of-megafires/