ACTION Apartment Association

Ballot Recommendations November 2024

10/28/2024 1:27 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Oscar de la Torre

Vivian A. Roknian

John Putnam

Phil Brock

Council Changes Zoning Rules to Enliven Downtown

10/28/2024 1:20 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The latest interim zoning ordinance will further simplify the review process for new businesses and eases restrictions in the sign code to help businesses recover from the coronavirus shutdown and a vastly changed retail landscape.

SM.a.r.t Column: “Help! I’ve Fallen, and I …!!”, Cries Santa Monica!

10/25/2024 12:49 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

One solution, if you want to help ‘fallen Santa Monica’ get back up, and to, at the very least, put some control back in the hands of the residents, is to support the re-election of two of the year 2020 ‘new guys’, Phil Brock & Oscar de la Torre, and along with Dr. Vivian Roknian and John Putnam, give the residents a voice to be heard. Let’s not go back!

Council Votes to Back Prop 36

10/25/2024 9:05 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The pro-law enforcement Council majority argued that Prop 36, which is leading in the polls by a large margin, would reverse polices that have for a decade created a revolving door for those who commit drug and retail related crimes.

Westside Current Endorsement: Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, Vivian Roknian, and John Putnam

10/23/2024 12:44 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Westside Current has consistently supported candidates who prioritize common sense, safety, and the well-being of the community. This year’s Santa Monica City Council election is one of the most important in recent history. With rising crime, struggling local businesses, and eroding public safety, voters have an opportunity to bring meaningful change to the city.

The Great Santa Monica Safety Debate

10/22/2024 12:43 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Well Ted, I've lived in Santa Monica for 32 years and can remember exactly when our city started its downward turn, which coincided with the arrival of you and your SMRR compatriots in 2012, destroying the Santa Monica we all knew and loved. That's not hyperbole. Your exact reign took a city that was thriving, a crown jewel with a sane 4-story development policy, safe streets, and a sophisticated beach vibe that drew people from around the world, and turned it into a chaotic husk of its former glory.

ARB Delays Approval, Requests Design Changes to 18-Story Project

10/22/2024 12:33 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica’s skyline expansion will be delayed after the city’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) declined to approve a proposed 18-story, 204-foot tall mixed-use development at 1435 5th Street, requesting design changes before the project can move forward.

New Community Website Outlines Santa Monica’s Homelessness Strategic Plan

10/22/2024 12:25 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The website includes background information on the HSP, project updates, upcoming community meetings, and links to presentations given to local commissions. Among the recent presentations were sessions with the Disabilities Commission and the Human Services Commission, with more scheduled for the coming months.

For more information and ongoing updates, residents can visit the newly launched webpage at santamonica.gov/programs/homelessness-strategic-plan

Ragtag Army Takes on School Bond

10/22/2024 12:19 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

But unlike in 2018, this year's opponents submitted a ballot argument against Measure QS and are making the rounds presenting their case to residents in different parts of the city, organizers said.

If the bond is approved, property owners would pay an estimated $28.70 per $100,000 of assessed value through fiscal years 2051-52, according to the Tax Rate Statement for the bond.

The total debt service, including the principal and interest, to repay if all the bonds are issued and sold is $879,372,000.

Santa Monica residents have "voted 'Yes' for every bond since 1998 -- ALMOST TWO BILLION DOLLARS, including interest" and "didn't get what was promised."

Safety in Santa Monica

10/21/2024 11:35 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Keep native and long-term Santa Monica residents, not outside influence peddlers and developers, in charge. Vote for the Safer Slate: Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam and Vivian Roknian.