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

11/18/2025 9:25 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/18/2025 9:09 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/18/2025 8:56 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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?

11/17/2025 4:51 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/14/2025 6:04 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/14/2025 5:57 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/13/2025 10:10 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/12/2025 4:18 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/12/2025 4:16 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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

11/12/2025 4:04 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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."