The private security company set to take over patrols in Downtown Santa Monica has withdrawn from the contract after concerns were raised over an individual who is or was affiliated with the company. 

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/09/29/private-security-company-quits-dtsm-contract/

John Alle, co-founder of Santa Monica Coalition, was attacked in Palisades Park while filming.

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2023/09/video-interview-with-downtown-activist-on-being-attacked-by-homeless-suspect/

Bucking a nationwide trend, Santa Monica rents rose 2.1 percent in September, but the rate of growth has flattened after soaring last year, according to the latest monthly report by Apartment List.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2023/September-2023/09_27_2023_Local_Rents_Continue_Rising_Amid_Nationwide_Drop.html

The ordinances make the following updates to the Santa Monica Municipal Code:

• Property Maintenance and Vacant Properties: Creates new chapters in the city’s municipal code dedicated to property maintenance and vacant properties that require property owners to meet more stringent standards for their properties and give code enforcement staff more authority to enforce violations.

Read More: https://www.santamonica.gov/blog/recent-public-safety-ordinances-support-a-clean-and-safe-santa-monica

City helps provide unpaid back rent to low-income renters at risk of homelessness

Read More: https://www.dailynews.com/2023/09/19/los-angeles-launches-applications-for-emergency-rental-assistance/

Plans for a mixed-use development set to grace the corner of 26th Street and Wilshire Boulevard were unveiled for the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board, Urbanize LA reported.

The proposal, a brainchild of Mark Leevan Investment Co., is planned for 2600 Wilshire Boulevard which currently houses a New Balance store.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2023/09/40-unit-mixed-use-project-proposed-for-26th-street-intersection/

 John Alle, the Santa Monica activist, business owner, and founding member of the Santa Monica Coalition who was attacked by a drugged homeless individual on Tuesday, wrote us to clear up some misconceptions that have been circulating in other news outlets.

Read More: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2023/09/25/news/john-alle-clears-the-record-on-the-attack-against-him-in-palisades-park/7807.html

John Alle -- a Downtown business activist known for his crusading efforts to fight crime and anti-social behavior -- was hospitalized after being attacked by a homeless man in Palisades Park Tuesday afternoon, according to police.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2023/September-2023/09_21_2023_Downtown_Activist%20Attacked%20in%20Palisades%20Park.html

Local real estate developer Worthe Real Estate Group is set to propose a five-story, 60 residential unit mixed-use development at the north-east corner of Colorado Avenue and 4th Street at the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board’s next meeting.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2023/09/developer-to-propose-five-story-mixed-use-project-across-metro-terminus/

The proposal before RCB this week adds additional definitions to the rules clarifying the Ellis Act has a “good faith” intent qualification.

“These amendments clarify the definition of good faith and require owners to attest to their intent to leave the rental business in the Notice of Intent that is filed with the agency. They also include some factors for determining good faith, which will assist both landlords and tenants as well as provide a resource for hearing officers and judges in adjudicating cases where the landlord’s intent is in question,” said the report.

In addition to the clarifying language, the proposal also reiterates the existing repercussions for violations of the rules including rejecting Ellis applications.

Read More:https://smdp.com/2023/09/13/rent-control-board-wants-landlords-who-evict-tentans-to-go-out-of-business-voluntarily/