Leading the fundraising charge is former Santa Monica Mayor and current State Assemblymember Richard Bloom, who has raised $501,575 and holds $479,400 in cash on hand; vying for the 3rd District seat currently held by Sheila Kuehl, who was elected in 2014 and has indicated she will not be running for a third term.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/former-sm-mayor-richard-bloom-leads-fundraising-in-board-of-supervisors-race/207330

Billed as the Third Street Promenade Stabilization and Economic Vitality Plan, DTSM spent six months utilizing input from a diverse range of stakeholders and the strategic insights of MIG planning firm to build this concept.

The plan seeks to modernize and elevate the Promenade as a dining, entertainment, and retail destination with a more diverse range of businesses and experiences that will appeal to both locals and visitors.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/promenade-revitalization-plan-includes-speakeasies-rooftop-dining-town-square-and-more/207328

Visiting Main St. several times each day of what was to be a test trial of closure to thru traffic revealed seemingly little increase in foot traffic, and not much activity in the middle of the street where some tables and benches were set up.  

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2021/08/sma-r-t-column-the-main-pain/

The statewide “CA COVID-19 Rent Relief” program (also commonly referred to as “Housing is Key”) is now open and taking applications to help income-eligible households with 100% of rent and utilities, for both past and future amounts owed. Santa Monica renters and property owners are urged to review income eligibility and apply today at housing.ca.gov or by calling (833) 430-2122. This rental assistance program, along with the statewide eviction moratorium, is intended to keep families housed, shield tenants from eviction, and help both landlords and tenants recover from the economic impacts of COVID-19. 

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2021/08/04/over-7-billion-in-state-money-is-available-now-to-pay-past-due-rent-and-utility-costs-for-santa-monica-renters-and-landlords

Programs for Landlords, Tenants, Homeowners and more.

See: https://housing.ca.gov/

Santa Monica on Wednesday launched an outreach program to ensure residential tenants and landlords who have fallen behind on rent or utility payments have a chance to apply for financial relief from the State.

Commonly referred to as “Housing is Key,” the $7.2 billion relief program is now taking applications to help income-eligible households pay past and future amounts owed, City officials said.

Read More: https://surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/August-2021/08_04_2021_City_Launches_Effort_to_Ensure_Needy_Households_Apply_for_Relief.html

Assemblymember Richard Bloom raised more than $500,000 in six months in the race for County Supervisor thanks in large part to maximum donations from dozens of unions and special interest groups.

Read More: https://surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/August-2021/08_03_2021_Bloom_Amasses_Large_Warchest_in_Supervisor_Race.html

The City of Santa Monica is taking applications for 39 one-bedroom units with private balconies in a senior building that will soon complete construction near Downtown.

Magnolia Villas Senior Housing Development, 1445 and 1453 10th Street, received an $11.4 million investment from the City and will provide affordable apartments across a mix of low-income levels.

Read More: https://surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/August-2021/08_03_2021_Santa_Monica_Senior_Building_Accepting_Applications.html

On July 27, council members unanimously approved White’s city manager contract, which includes a $340,000 salary, sevens months of $3,000 monthly rental assistance, and nine months of severance pay under specified conditions.

White, who will begin his position on Oct. 11, declined to speak with the Daily Press, citing a packed schedule finishing his job in Berkeley and preparing to move with his wife.

A law that will arm Los Angeles city officials with a tool for clearing encampments by allowing them to set up zones in which living on sidewalks and other public right-of-way areas would be prohibited, will officially go into effect Sept. 3, according to the City Clerk.

The City Council, which approved the ordinance on Wednesday, July 28, before it was signed the next day by Mayor Eric Garcetti, is also expected to consider a “street engagement strategy” in which outreach teams would work to provide shelter or housing to those now living in public areas, before clearing encampments.

Read More: https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2021/07/30/whats-next-la-ban-on-sitting-lying-down-and-sleeping-on-sidewalks-will-launch-sept-3/?utm_campaign=socialflow&utm_content=tw-PasStarNews&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com