Water wasters will get a break on initial fines this year thanks to an update to Santa Monica’s water shortage response plan.

Read More: http://smdp.com/council-revises-water-waster-fines/150703

Welcome to the City of Santa Monica’s open data portal. 

Read More at: https://data.smgov.net/

And, at:  https://santamonicaca.opengov.com/transparency#/2055/breakdown=e7e1d2b9-2084-4592-86d8-8886ea9537cc¤tYearPeriod=years¤tYearAmount=cumulative&accountType=expenses&graph=bar&selection=AA4E206602D03AF84E39D4F1140E84AF&legendSort=coa&saved_view=null&fiscal_start=earliest&fiscal_end=latest

One seat available for a term ending June 30, 2017.

Read More on page 10: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/091215.pdf

I have no objections to low cost housing in general. But in the present economic environment, the cost appears high compared to the benefits received. Who is the new low cost housing for?

Read More on page 5: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/091115.pdf

September 11, 2015 -- A mixed-use development proposed to replace the former Norm’s Restaurant in Santa Monica and an appeal from a former mayor on the approval for his landlord’s rehabilitation project are among the items on next week’s Planning Commission agenda.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_11_2015_Santa_Monica_Planning_Commission_to_Take_Up_Norms_Site_House_Rented_by_Former_Mayor.html

September 10, 2015 -- County prosecutors will review allegations that Councilmember Pam O’Connor waged a secret battle to fire a newly hired communications director who had opposed her candidacy nearly a decade earlier, a Santa Monica activist group said.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_10_2015_District_Attorney_to_Review%20_Accusations_Against_Councilmember_Coalition_Officials_Say.html

September 10, 2015 -- Like traffic school for people caught violating the rules of the road, Santa Monica residents who fail to save water in the face of an unprecedented drought could be required to attend “Water School,” said the City's chief sustainability manager.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_10_2015_Water_School_Penalties_Threaten_Santa_Monicas_Worst_Water_Wasters.html

The City’s Landmarks Commission has filed an application (15ENT-0278) for the creation of a new historic district affecting certain properties along San Vicente Boulevard generally between Ocean Avenue and 7th Street. 

Read More on page 2, Sept.9 Meeting:  http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090915.pdf

Complaints against Councilwoman Pam O’Connor filed by a local activist organization have been forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for review.

Read More: http://smdp.com/case-oconnor-forwarded-county-district-attorney/150593

September 9, 2015 -- The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday unanimously approved a major restructuring of the City’s approach to public communications, adding five employees at a cost of $539,649 for the rest of this fiscal year and jumping to nearly $600,000 next July.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_09_2015_Council_Approves_Sweeping_Reorganization_Santa_Monicas_Public_Communications_%20Department.html