Santa Monica hires new Fire Chief

01/28/2022 11:01 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Danny Alvarez has been chosen to lead the Santa Monica Fire Department.

Alvarez was born in Santa Monica and grew up in the San Fernando Valley. He has spent over 24 years with the Burbank Fire Department rising from firefighter to Deputy Fire Chief.

Santa Monica Rents Continue Dropping

01/28/2022 10:51 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica rents dipped in January, marking the third straight monthly decrease after ten months of growth, according to Apartment List's monthly report released Thursday.

The 0.5 percent dip came after rents dropped 2.8 percent in December and 1.8 percent in November, based on listings posted on the popular rental site.

LA County Extends Eviction Protections

01/26/2022 12:03 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Los Angeles County’s Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to extend countywide eviction protections through the end of this year. The board also continued a freeze on rent hikes for many tenants in unincorporated parts of the county.

Massive redevelopment of Providence Saint John’s

01/26/2022 9:14 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The long-planned Phase Two redevelopment of Providence Saint John’s Health Center is heading to Planning Commission with Providence Health Systems seeking approval for an overhaul of its South Campus facilities and sign-off on an updated community benefits agreement.

Gaming the System

01/26/2022 9:07 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The State’s housing legislation is inherently unconstitutional. It offers little or no opportunity for community input and allows business interests to prevail over the needs and desires of residents.

As it stands, Santa Monica's proposed “Lincoln Center” project on the current Gelson’s site at Ocean Park and Lincoln Boulevards gives the developer’s interests precedence over any neighborhood concerns.

Police reform commissioners concerned over roadblocks

01/25/2022 9:41 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Members of the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission (PSROC) called a special meeting to discuss what several members feel are barriers to the commission’s ability to carry out its responsibilities.

While commissioners held differing viewpoints on how well the City has supported its mission, it is the view of Chair George Brown and several other commissioners that a lack of resources and slow action from the City is holding back the commission’s work.

Council to discuss extending pandemic building rules into 2022

01/24/2022 8:52 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

In essence, anyone whose building project was in the pipeline at the start of the COVID-19 emergency, or who have received permits, entitlements or were in plan check during the ongoing emergency, would receive an extension on project deadlines.

Santa Monica’s Future: Will Developers or Residents Rule?

01/24/2022 8:09 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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Part 3 Our Boulevards

But what is the purpose and character of our boulevards? In addition to being the gateways to our city and the city’s largest public area, our boulevards provide a variety of roles from mobility and economic opportunity to open space and social connection. Boulevards also offer the most significant opportunity for housing and future commercial growth. These boulevards are the bridges that tie the community together, and they are the key to our city’s future!

Santa Monica Spends Some $5 Million a Year in Homeless Outreach

01/21/2022 1:33 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The current budget for the fiscal year ending on June 30 allocates $4,839,489 to fund three street teams, a Police Department liaison team, a Fire Department response unit and a "therapeutic transport van."

They are part of an intensifying effort to convince homeless individuals -- who numbered 907 in the latest count conducted two years ago -- to accept shelter and help.

City releases comprehensive report on homeless services

01/20/2022 9:27 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City may be investing millions into homeless services, but it can be difficult for residents to see where those dollars are going, which was part of the impetus for a comprehensive report on Santa Monica’s response to homelessness.

This information was pulled together at the behest of City Councilmembers, who wished to ensure accountability in funding, create a centralized source of information on homeless resources and identify any gaps in services.