At last night’s meeting, the Santa Monica City Council approved a resolution to place a measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot that would amend the City Charter to establish for 2022 an average General Adjustment (GA) cap of 3% or $70 and establish a maximum GA of 3% for future years.

This measure will support tenants of rent-controlled units who will be impacted by the 6% rent increase GA that will take effect September 1, 2022, as outlined in the City Charter. A Housing Needs Survey was distributed to Santa Monicans in June 2022 to better understand the impacts of the 6% increase on residents and help the City target its use of $2.2 million in allocated federal HOME American Rescue Plan funds and $750,000 in Council-approved funds to support those most vulnerable to the increase.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2022/08/04/city-council-approves-ballot-measure-to-establish-a-3-cap-on-rent-increases-for-rent-controlled-units

The City of Santa Monica has many resources available for individuals experiencing homelessness. Below is an overview of some of the most helpful support available.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/connect-to-services

“We are always striving to gather input from our community and this platform is an additional tool for listening to the needs and concerns of our community members which will help us make the best decisions to help keep our city safe," said Chief Ramon Batista.

Based on the responses, the survey measures the community's satisfaction with local services and quality of life in the city, Police officials said.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2022/August-2022/08_04_2022_Police_Launch_Public_Survey_Tool.html

Negrete said she would back SMRR's proposal to reduce the annual rent increase that kicks in September 1 from the maximum of 6 percent mandated by the current Charter to 3 percent for all rent control tenants, and reduce the cap from $140 to $70.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2022/August-2022/08_03_2022_Council_Unanimously_Backs_SMRRs_Proposal_to_Cut_Rent_Increases.html

After two failed attempts at revising the City’s rent control rules, Council will make a third attempt this Wednesday after the most recent meeting set of a firestorm of criticism and controversy. 

Council has scheduled a special meeting for August 3 to finalize amendments to the City Charter that would modify the formula for deciding rent increases in controlled units and authorize officials to suspend increases altogether in emergency situations. 

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/third-attempt-at-rent-control-revision-to-be-held-wednesday/220055

Santa Monica rents increased by 1.6 percent in July after growing by less than 1 percent in each of the prior three months, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Tuesday.

Median rents currently stand at $2,073 for a one-bedroom apartment and $2,583 for a two-bedroom, according to the popular listing website.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2022/August-2022/08_02_2022_Santa_Monica_Rents_Rise_in_July.html

SEE YOU IN OCTOBER I’m taking a little break from CURIOUS CITY to work on a personal project. No way to carve out the needed time from my calendar otherwise, it seems. NOTEWORTHY, the weekly live music recommendations, will continue. Probably. Before the lefty loonies start accusing the Santa Monica Daily Press of forcing me to the curb, let me declare unequivocally that this is entirely my decision, for personal not political reasons, with full support from the paper. 

Read More on page 7: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/080322.pdf

The contacts resulted in 808 participants receiving direct medical or psychiatric services, while 57 individuals were placed into interim housing and 24 into permanent housing.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2022/August-2022/08_02_2022_Impact_of_Homeless_Programs_Measured_in_Report.html

Council has scheduled a special meeting for August 3 to finalize amendments to the City Charter that would modify the formula for deciding rent increases in controlled units and authorize officials to suspend increases altogether in emergency situations. 

Read More on page 1: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/080222.pdf

Eight months after the start of West L.A V.A’s Tiny Home Project 30 out of 140 units are now vacant and unhoused veterans are pitching tents along Wilshire Blvd. 

See More: https://smmirror.com/2022/08/over-30-tiny-homes-sit-vacant-while-homeless-veterans-camp-on-wilshire/