ACTION Apartment Association

SM.a.r.t. Column: Public Safety and Traffic Enforcement

09/30/2024 9:27 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

We wholeheartedly endorse the candidates below for Santa Monica City Council. Their leading campaign platform is for increased safety in Santa Monica.

Phil Brock, Mayor, and Council Member
Dr. Vivian A. Roknian
Oscar de la Torre, Council Member
John Putnam

Traffic Safety and Enforcement: An Overlooked Concern

While much of the public safety conversation has focused on crime, traffic safety has become a pressing issue in Santa Monica. Busy streets, speeding, reckless driving, and increasing pedestrian, scooter, and cyclist accidents have all contributed to an increased sense of unease on the roads.

More Than $1 Million Raised for Council Race

09/30/2024 9:18 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Of the total raised, Political Action Committees and candidates representing Santa Monica's political establishment received nearly $596,504, according to the statements filed by Thursday's deadline.

That's nearly $158,000 more than the $438,614 raised by the pro-law enforcement faction, which includes two incumbents, this is attempting to hold on to a 4 to 3 majority in the November 5 race for four Council seats.

Vote No on School Bond

09/27/2024 4:01 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

By CHARLES ANDREWS

But our School Board asked us for, and received (SMS), nearly half a billion dollars ($485M) in school bonds money just six years ago, in 2018. After we had generously opened our pocketbooks to the tune of $385M six years before that (ES), in 2012. And six years before that, Measure BB, 2006, $286M. And now they are asking for another half a billion. That would bring the total, in 18 years, to more than $1.6B – vastly more with interest.

For a city of 90,000 people.

IT’S INSANE

Council Amends Code to Allow Gas in New Buildings

09/27/2024 3:54 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Property owners can once again include a gas stove or furnace in a new Santa Monica building, but they must offset it with a long list of energy efficient items to get a building permit.

County Governance Measure Fails to Win Council Support

09/27/2024 3:52 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

City Councilmembers on Tuesday declined to support an LA County measure on the November ballot that would expand the Board of Supervisors and create an elected County Executive.

Don't be fooled by SMRR

09/26/2024 10:52 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

If you want change, support Safer Santa Monica: Putnam, Brock, Roknian, and De la Torre. Time to finish the job.

Santa Monica Observer Endorses the Safety Slate for City Council: Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam, and Dr. Vivian Roknian

09/26/2024 10:49 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

As Santa Monica faces rising concerns about crime and public safety, it's more important than ever for voters to understand which candidates genuinely prioritize safety and security for our community. This election, we strongly endorse the slate of Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam, and Dr. Vivian Roknian for Santa Monica City Council. These candidates have consistently shown a commitment to tackling the city's safety challenges head-on, standing in stark contrast to their opponents who have repeatedly taken softer positions on crime.

Council Backs County Sales Tax Hike

09/26/2024 8:29 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City Council on Tuesday voted to support a ballot measure that would raise LA County's sales tax -- already among the highest in the nation -- to help fight homelessness.

Lone challenger for School Board withdraws

09/25/2024 11:43 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

School Board candidate Christine Falaguerra notified the City Clerk’s office of her intent to withdraw from the race last week.

City of L.A. moves to strengthen tenant anti-harassment laws

09/24/2024 5:08 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

In a 12-0 vote, council members instructed the City Attorney's Office to amend what is known as the TAHO ordinance, aligning it with the state's policies as well as those in cities such as Santa Monica, Oakland and San Francisco, which have stronger tenant protections.