Rumor has it that in order to expedite the construction of housing for the homeless – something 2/3 of “street people” don’t want – California officials say they as an emergency measure are going to waive some restrictive permitting regulations and policies. Top billing among the waivers will go to CEQA.

Read More: http://www.flashreport.org/blog/2021/01/31/waivers-for-homeless-housing/

This is the third of a four-part article dealing with the very serious problem in which the development community in bed with Sacramento has challenged the residents of Santa Monica.

Which brings us to this third article which I believe leads to a path forward – a path of reconciliation to maintain Santa Monica’s DNA.  “Upzoning” and “inclusionary” housing is not the answer for our vibrant and creative community. 

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2021/01/saving-a-failed-marriage-part-3-reconciliation/

Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday signed an emergency bill that will extend through June eviction protections for Californians suffering financial hardship because of the COVID-19 pandemic, acting just days before an earlier moratorium was set to expire.

Read More: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/gov-gavin-newsom-signs-bill-to-extend-covid-19-eviction-protections-through-june/ar-BB1ddsSY?ocid=hplocalnews

The State legislature on Thursday extended California’s eviction moratorium through June 30 -- a step also taken by Santa Monica -- and proposed using $2.6 billion in federal relief as rental subsidies.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/January-2021/01_28_2021_City_State_Extend_Eviction_Moratorium_Through_June.html

While economists are pegging the national economy to recover next year, the City of Santa Monica believes its own economy won’t reach pre-COVID revenue levels until 2025.

Read More: https://www.smdp.com/santa-monica-years-away-from-pre-covid-economic-revenues/201378

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state’s top two legislative leaders pledged Monday to pay off 80% of most people’s unpaid rent that has piled up during the coronavirus pandemic — but only if landlords agree to forgive the other 20%.

Read More: https://apnews.com/article/legislature-coronavirus-pandemic-california-gavin-newsom-state-legislature-7180696ef98110ed0ec80b932a2d24d3

In one of the most combative public meetings in recent Santa Monica history, the City Council on Tuesday determined Oscar de la Torre has a conflict of interest and must be excluded from closed door sessions pertaining to the voting rights lawsuit against the City.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/January-2021/01_26_2021_Council_Votes_to_Exclude_de_la_Torre_from_Closed_Sessions_on_Voting_Rights_Case.html

The Los Angeles County District Attorney has found that any Brown Act violation in selecting a new mayor and vice mayor on December 8 was "cured and corrected" when a new vote was taken this month.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/January-2021/01_26_2021_No_Violation_in_Council_Vote.html

Federal money will pay off up to 80% of unpaid rent, according to governor, legislators. The plan has to be approved by Legislature.

Read More: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/01/25/california-proposal-would-extend-eviction-rule-through-june/

The City Attorney and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre are at loggerheads over whether the newly elected Councilmember can participate in closed session items involving the voting rights lawsuit against the City.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/January-2021/01_25_2021_Fight_Brewing_Over_de_la_Torres_Participation.html

AND: https://smmirror.com/2021/01/city-council-to-decide-whether-member-can-participate-in-voting-rights-case-against-santa-monica/