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.

Read More: https://www.yahoo.com/news/landlords-may-soon-required-stoves-202859511.html

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.

Read More: https://smdp.com/opinion/sounding-the-alarm-for-main-street-and-ocean-park/

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.

Read More: https://smdp.com/business/real-estate-housing/scramento-lawmakers-introduce-new-measures-targeting-rental-housing/

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.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/addressing-homelessness-samo-bridge-diversion-program-to-open-in-april

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/