S.M.a.r.t Column: On the Clock with Mayor Brock

12/18/2023 10:07 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Even though progress has been made in correcting the course of our city, there is still much to accomplish. Our public safety is still at risk, and the influx of homeless individuals continues to deal crushing blows to Santa Monica. The city has replenished our police force with over fifty replacement uniformed officers to help protect everyone who lives, works, or visits our city. I will NOT REST until our town is considered one of the safest in California.

City Denies That Upgrades Are Needed Amidst LA’s Largest Rent-Controlled Housing Eviction in 40 Years

12/18/2023 10:03 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Contrary to the company’s assertions made to the City Council and investors, a city spokesperson contradicted the purported requirements according to Capitol and Main. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety clarified that the mentioned enhancements were neither requested nor mandated. Todd Golden, business manager for Sprinkler Fitters U.A. Local Union 709, said, as quoted by Capitol and Main.com, “I’ve just never heard of such a thing that they have to evacuate all three buildings. It’s not part of what we do.”

Rent Control Agency Hires New Director

12/18/2023 10:01 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Jonathan Holub, the manager of West Hollywood's rent stabilization division, will replace retiring executive director Tracy Condon, who has overseen the agency's day-to-day operations since 2007.

Santa Monica Rent Control Board selects new executive director

12/15/2023 2:39 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Following a nationwide search, the Santa Monica Rent Control Board selected Jonathan Holub as its new executive director, replacing retiring administrator Tracy Condon.

Holub is currently the rent stabilization division manager in West Hollywood, where he has served since 2010, and as the division manager for the past three years. Prior to that, he was deputy county counsel for the Office of Riverside County Counsel.

Raising Base Salary of Santa Monica City Manager

12/15/2023 7:48 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The voters will surely remember how each current Council member discussed and voted on this issue next Tuesday.

The year starting Jan 14, 2024- $402 552.

L.A. is fast-tracking affordable housing.

12/14/2023 8:10 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Some say those projects are pushing them out

If the mayor's program becomes permanent, the number of low-cost apartments targeted for removal will only continue to climb — especially in South L.A., she said.

"Folks are going to get pushed out of their neighborhoods," Patiño Gutierrez said.

An In-Depth Interview with Santa Monica’s Mayor Phil Brock

12/13/2023 7:21 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Phil Brock Discusses His Vision, Priorities, and His Love of the City

Santa Monica Native Becomes Mayor

12/13/2023 7:19 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

As the first Santa Monica native since Bob Holbrook in 2006 to hold the post, Brock brings an unbridled pride and exhaustive knowledge of the city where he was born on Christmas Day in 1953.

"I have walked every street in this city, every ally," Brock told the Lookout on Monday.

Multi-Family Construction Expected to Boom in 2024

12/13/2023 7:17 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

According to the City of Santa Monica's planning website, there are currently 813 housing units under construction, while 12 projects totaling 2,715 housing units are pending entitlement.

The Apartment List report, however, predicts that "the supply surge won’t be indefinite."

"Developers are already responding to the higher interest rate environment that we’re in now; new building permits have been falling for over a year and construction starts are following suit.

Newsom, Bonta go after SoCal city for allegedly defying laws intended to spur new housing

12/13/2023 7:12 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

California Gov. Gavin Newsom and California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Tuesday announced their intent to intervene in the California Housing Defense Fund’s lawsuit against the SoCal city of La Cañada Flintridge. It alleges that the city is defying the state’s housing laws by blocking a mixed-use project that would create 80 mixed-income residential dwelling units, 14 hotel units and 7,791 square feet of office space.