Editor:

The Santa Monica Daily Press recently featured an article that most below-market, rent-controlled units will be flushed out in 15 years. In order to supplement the reduction of low-rent units, more development is required through allowing builders to benchmark a percentage toward low-income units in exchange for development. Herein lies the problem for our city:

Read More: http://smdp.com/letter-santa-monicas-affordable-housing-problem/150512

By Bill Bauer on September 7, 2015

How about the sorry spectacle of councilmember Pam O’Connor’s role in the illegal firing last year of a newly hired Elizabeth Riel as the head of City Hall’s communications and public relations?

Read More: http://smdp.com/rotten-smells-city-hall/150544

My Write

IN 2013, SANTA MONICA WAS NAMED the nation’s fifth most sustainable city according to a prominent national organization dedicated to sustainable development and living. As one of the densest cities in the state, we may need to work harder to maintain our high marks for sustainability in the future. Our density will only increase as our city attracts more tourists, visitors and developers wishing to share our good fortune. 

Read More on page 4: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090515.pdf

I certainly don’t understand who the City Council is being directed by or whether the members are just pursuing their own personal agenda, but I do not know of anyone who supports any additional affordable housing and absolutely not any through using public funds. 

Read More on page 4: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090315.pdf

September 3, 2015 -- With no fanfare, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law on Tuesday a bill co-authored by Santa Monica Assembly member Richard Bloom that raises the filing fee for State ballot initiatives from $200 to $2,000.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_03_2015_Governor_Signs_Santa_Monica_Assembly_Members_Initiative_Bill.html

September 2, 2015 -- The controversy surrounding Elizabeth Riel, the woman the City hired and fired last year allegedly because she was involved in an old political campaign against Santa Monica Council member Pam O’Connor, is ratcheting up a level.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_02_2015_Santa_Monica_Mayor_Wants_Scrutiny_of_Councilmembers_Role_in_Firing_Controversy.html

Santa Monica will look for ongoing, sustainable and possibly voter approved revenue sources to build future affordable housing units. 

Read More on page 1: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090115.pdf

NOTHING ILLUSTRATES THE DISCONNECT between City Hall and Santa Monica residents like the agenda for city council’s retreat, held Sunday, August 23 at the Ken Edwards Center.

Read More on page 4: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/083115.pdf

SUBJECT: 1) Amendment of the Water Shortage Response Plan A public hearing will be held by the City Council to consider the following: 1) Proposed Amendment of the City’s Water Shortage Response Plan which sets water use allowances, water conservation thresholds, a process to adjust water use allowances, and penalties for non-compliance. DATE/TIME: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2015 AT 6:45 p.m.

Read More on page 3: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/083115.pdf

CITYEWIDE As lawns citywide turn brown or are replaced with drought tolerant alternatives, Andy Lauer’s plush green lawn stands out. The front yard has flourished despite being untouched by a hose or a sprinkler for over a decade. The secret behind its healthy appearance? The entire lawn is grown in sand.

Read more on page 1 at: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/083115.pdf