ACTION Apartment Association

The magic of adaptive reuse [SMa.r.t.]

07/30/2016 2:02 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Two years ago, Mario Fonda-Bonardi wrote a review of the benefits and advantages of re-using and adapting existing buildings instead of building new ones. Buildings that are reused and adapted, he said, are often cheaper, faster to build and environmentally superior to new buildings. The column called for a new city policy supporting adaptive reuse wherever possible. SMa.r.t. feels that Mario’s points are as critically important today as they were two years ago, and present the column for a renewed visit, below.

Santa Monica Candidates Seek Campaign Boost at SMRR Convention

07/29/2016 2:29 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

July 29, 2016 -- The first major event of this year’s Santa Monica election will take place Sunday at John Adams Middle School when the powerful Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR) holds its convention to make endorsements on the various political races and ballot measures.

“I am actually a candidate with new ideas to improve and reform rent control,” wrote Golden-Gealer, who called herself an “outcumbent.”

Council Finalizes Santa Monica Anti-Corruption Measure for Ballot

07/29/2016 2:24 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

July 29, 2016 -- After several lengthy sessions tweaking the details, the City Council on Tuesday finalized a ballot measure that proposes changes to Santa Monica’s anti-corruption law commonly known as the Oaks Initiative.

Homeownership Rate in the U.S. Drops to Lowest Since 1965

07/29/2016 8:49 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The U.S. homeownership rate fell to the lowest in more than 50 years as rising prices put buying out of reach for many renters.

Santa Monica walks examine preservation, change [Saturday, July 30, 2016]

07/29/2016 7:09 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Locals are encouraged to put on their walking shoes in the coming weeks and participate in one of the Conservancy walks featuring Downtown Santa Monica.

On Saturday, July 30, the Conservancy is partnering with the City of Santa Monica on a walking tour that will feed into a workshop about the Downtown Community Plan.

Santa Monica is all Wet, Even in a Drought

07/28/2016 7:04 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Another Day in the Soviet Socialist Republic of Santa Monica

Another day for the city to steal money from its citizens and another way to control their lives.

"Drop everything! A Forum on Water and Climate Change" was sponsored and organized by a group called "Climate Action Santa Monica".

Proponents and Opponents Offer Widely Differing Views of Santa Monica Slow-Growth Initiative

07/28/2016 6:50 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

July 28, 2016 -- Two very different visions for what Santa Monica would look like following the passage of the slow-growth LUVE initiative were laid out in arguments submitted to the City Clerk’s Office this week that will appear on the ballot.

CURRENT SM CANDIDATE LIST AS OF 7/26/16

07/27/2016 9:44 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

See 2016 Potential Candidates List: CandidateListJuly20-2016_Original.pdf

How affordable housing is funded in Santa Monica

07/27/2016 7:18 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

By Richard Hilton

He has been a member of the Housing Commission since 2011 and its Chair for over two years.

The City of Santa Monica is proposing a new tax to fund affordable housing and public schools. The following is information about the City’s existing affordable housing funding and additional local/state/federal programs.

Santa Monica Firefighter Decides Against Council Run

07/27/2016 7:07 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

July 27, 2016 -- Dominick Bei had originally planned to seek a unique role in the Santa Monica government by serving as both a City Council member and a firefighter. But he told The Lookout this week that he has decided not to run for council.

His decision came a few weeks after the City Attorney’s Office issued a paper stating Bei could not hold both positions.