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.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-rent-control-board-eyes-ballot-measures-on-tenant-protections-fees/

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.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/lawmakers-move-to-shield-la-metro-from-housing-law/

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

Read More: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2026/04/20/news/span-classbrnwsbreaking-news-spancourt-of-appeal-strikes-down-los-angeles-relocation-assistance-ordinance-tied-to-lawful-rent-increases-on-costa-hawkins-exempt-units/9791.html

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. 

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2026/04/sm-a-r-t-column-spring-in-santa-monica/

 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.

Read More: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2026/04/06/news/city-council-backs-down-on-14-story-unleashed-mental-health-housing-project-residents-objections-cited-as-decisive-factor-in-stunning-reversal/9757.html

"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.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2026/April-2026/04_01_2026_Santa_Monica_Rental_Market_Cooling.html

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.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2026/03/sm-a-r-t-column-from-earthquake-to-enforcement-santa-monicas-long-road-to-safer-buildings/

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. 

Read More on page 3: https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/032526.pdf%0A

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."

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2026/March-2026/03_24_2026_Council_Calls_Special_Meeting_to_Clarify_Neighborhood_%20Grant_Program_Rules.html

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.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2026/March-2026/03_23_2026_NOMA_Declines_to_Take_Part_in_Grant_Program.html