ACTION Apartment Association

It’s personal now - Charles Andrews

08/09/2023 7:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

I take it personally when you are destroying my adopted hometown of 37 years. It’s hard to take so many slings and arrows of outrageous corruption, for so long. When you feel there is little you can do about it. It’s my town, it’s a small city, we residents should have more control.

Man Arrested for Attacking Councilmember Part of Legal Revolving Door, Police Say

08/08/2023 9:41 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

When Councilmember Phil Brock was attacked on the Promenade on July 16, it marked the third time the suspect was arrested in less than a month, a pattern Santa Monica police say reflects a legal revolving door.

Sawyer Walden Allee -- a 20-year-old homeless man apparently suffering from mental health issues -- was arrested and booked by Santa Monica police for simple battery and grand theft person. He was released from County jail ten days later on his own recognizance.

S.M.a.r.t article: Save the Civic – Keep it Alive

08/07/2023 8:55 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

As the years rolled on, newer and larger venues began dominating the region’s entertainment scene. Unfortunately, combined with a new development-oriented Planning Commission and City Council, the Civic Center land was perhaps appealing to some as ripe for redevelopment. The Santa Monica Civic Auditorium closed its doors in 2013, ending an era of cultural significance. Its future remained uncertain, and discussions of repurposing the site ensued.

Community Corporation Unveils Brunson Terrace On August 4

08/07/2023 8:53 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The development offers 48 units of affordable housing, encompassing a variety of one-, two-, and three-bedroom options. In addition to the housing units, Brunson Terrace features a small business marketplace and café on the ground floor, a playground, ample parking, a community garden, a community room with a kitchen, a gym, a wellness studio, on-site laundry facilities, and an outdoor picnic area. The building boasts all-electric systems and sustainability measures designed to meet LEED Platinum standards, with Energy Star appliances, EV charging stations, and solar panels.

Affordable Housing Progresses along Michigan Avenue

08/07/2023 8:51 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The allocation of apartments at The Laurel follows a funding arrangement that city officials approved in 2020. These apartments are specifically set aside for households earning at or below 30 and 50 percent of the Santa Monica area median income level. All apartments, except for the two-bedroom manager’s unit, will feature studio floor plans.

Judge Upholds Transfer Tax Hike

08/04/2023 9:04 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge on Thursday issued a tentative ruling that found former Mayor Sue Himmelrich's transfer tax does not violate California's single-subject rule.

Judge H.J. Ford III denied the California Business Roundtable's motion for judgment on the pleadings, stating that the initiative does not generate funding for two separate purposes as stated by the plaintiffs ("Lawsuit Seeks to Void Transfer Tax Hike," January 18, 2023).

City's Baseless Lawsuits Vilify Housing Providers

08/04/2023 9:02 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Letter to the Editor

On July 3, the City Attorney's office released a distorted press release with the malicious intent of tarnishing my reputation that was used as the basis of local news stories ("City Wins Injunction in Housing Discrimination Case," July 4, 2023).

The press release conceals mismanagement that has made Santa Monica unsafe, while shamelessly promoting the City Attorney's Office and an outside law firm.

Prepare to flick off your incandescent bulbs

08/03/2023 10:28 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

WHAT CHANGES UNDER THE NEW RULES?

The rules establish strict new efficiency standards for bulbs used in homes and businesses and bans the manufacture and sale of those that don’t meet those requirements. Practical incandescent bulbs, which trace their origin to an 1880 Edison patent, can’t meet those standards. Neither can halogen bulbs. The rules also ban imports of less efficient bulbs.

Santa Monica Rents Drop for Third Straight Month

08/03/2023 10:00 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica rents continued decreasing in July and have now dropped by -2.1 percent this year after a 7.3 rise during the same period last year, according to Apartment List's August report.

Property owners struggle as tenants are unable to pay owed rent

08/03/2023 9:58 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

LA area landlords report they’re not getting a flood of checks from renters, even though the deadline has now passed for back rent accumulated during the COVID emergency period to be paid.

The owners say it’s further evidence efforts to protect renters is not only costing them, but will worsen the housing crisis.