Push to Settle Voting Rights Case Fails

12/03/2024 8:37 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A last ditch lobbying effort to settle the 8 1/2-year-old voting rights lawsuit against the City before a new council is sworn in has failed.

Advocates of switching to district-based elections pushed hard over the holiday weekend for Mayor Phil Brock to hold a special meeting before four new Councilmembers take their seats next Tuesday.

New Council Won't Improve Public Safety, Poll Finds

12/03/2024 8:36 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A monthly poll of Santa Monica residents concerned with public safety are not confident the four newly elected Councilmembers will boost efforts to fight crime.

The Pulse Poll of "civically engaged" residents also found that increasing public safety and reducing homelessness remain top priorities and that the City is headed in the wrong direction.

The battle against 6% broker fees isn’t over after a surprise 11th hour court filing

12/02/2024 9:29 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The US Department of Justice threw even more doubt into a new way of paying for real estate brokers this week, raising concerns about a recent wide-ranging legal settlement.

The DOJ’s objections have left many Realtors—already uncertain about the future of their industry—scratching their heads over how to negotiate pay without breaking the law.

Santa Monica Key Player in 'Building Boom'

11/27/2024 9:06 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica is among a number of California cities poised "to unleash a building boom" after pro-housing advocate swept all four open Council seats, according to California YIMBY.

Voting Rights Lawsuit Drags On

11/26/2024 4:22 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A Superior Court judge on Friday urged the parties in an 8 1/2 year old voting rights lawsuit to try and mediate the case, which won't go to trial for another year.

SM.a.r.t Column: It’s Time To Inspect Balconies

11/25/2024 9:36 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

In Santa Monica, for rental buildings with three or more units, owners must inspect all exterior balconies and similar structures by January 1, 2026 (with the new state-mandated extension), with inspections repeated every six years. This rule applies to large apartment buildings, mixed-use buildings, triplexes, and fourplexes. Newly constructed buildings need to complete their first inspection within six years of receiving a Certificate of Occupancy, then every six years.

Is Santa Monica California's Most Financially Mismanaged City?

11/22/2024 8:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

by John Alle

Why do $1.4 million to The People Concern STILL remain unaccounted for?

S.M.a.r.t Column: Your City is Broke

11/18/2024 9:55 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

However, the long-term financial picture is even grimmer. The City’s unfunded pension overhang is about $700M+ and climbing while the School Board pension overhang is about $100M+. To give you an idea of the scale of the problem, this obligation is about the size of the City’s entire operating budget of $765M for 2024-24.

We know two things that can help us through this trying time. First, we must immediately start living within our means in all areas: fiscally, socially, and environmentally (our water sustainability plan and recycling plan are a shambles).

Congratulations, and Desperately Seeking Moderation from our new Santa Monica City Council

11/15/2024 1:51 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

by Arthur Jeon

To our new council members, one conclusion you would be wise to draw is to not view this as a mandate. Curb your most glorious leftist impulses...

Justice Delayed in Alle Beating

11/15/2024 1:28 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Because of Shortage of Jailhouse Buses

The hearing in the case of the man who allegedly beat Alle on September 20, 2023, in Palisades Park in Santa Monica was continued to some unspecified date after the new year. According to Alle, who waited until afternoon in case the defendant was able to make the bus, the defendant is required to have his "mental abilities" tested before they are allowed to make another court date.