ACTION Apartment Association

WS Communities Unveils ‘The Santa Monica Six’

04/17/2023 8:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Development firm WS Communities (WSC) made waves in California last year when it utilized the little-known legal provision called “builder’s remedy” to file over a dozen project applications in Santa Monica as reported by The Real Deal.com. Now, WSC has collated a portfolio of six of those projects, collectively called “The Santa Monica Six.” These projects total 2,930 units spread out over 1.45 million square feet, and cover five and a half acres, making it a significant collection of development properties for the state of California.

Santa Monica has an 8% vacancy rate

04/15/2023 3:43 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

According to Apartmentlist.com, Santa Monica has the third highest vacancy rate among California areas it tracks.

State utility bills may see a change with a fixed-rate based on income

04/15/2023 10:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

PG&E, Southern California Edison and San Diego Gas & Electric filed a joint proposal with the state Public Utilities Commission seeking to add a fixed monthly charge for services, based on household income levels.

Santa Monica Business and Property Owners Taking Steps to Secede from Downtown Santa Monica Inc

04/12/2023 8:58 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Tenants and landlords of the area have long complained that DTSM charges high fees but produces poor results

Citing out-of-touch leadership and mismanagement of funds, 54 business and property owners on the Third Street Promenade have hired an attorney to create their own business district, apart from Downtown Santa Monica Inc, with no city government participation.

Over Half of Short-Term Rentals Advertised in LA Don’t Comply

04/11/2023 9:24 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Better Neighbors LA report highlights the inadequacies of enforcement measures for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, calling for increased regulation

Spotlighting the 16 Builder’s Remedy projects

04/10/2023 9:45 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

SMDP is continuing its coverage of the Builder’s Remedy projects with an ongoing series focusing on each project. Here, you’ll find the rundown on the only 100% affordable project among the applicants along with some background information on the city’s overall housing stock.

New bidder emerges for the Civic Auditorium site

04/10/2023 9:38 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District professed a desire to purchase the property earlier this year but a secret admirer has emerged with Community Corporation of Santa Monica also entering the negotiation process.

L.A. County's eviction moratorium has expired. What does that mean for renters?

04/10/2023 9:32 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Here we try and answer some common questions about the changing rules and about what tenants facing eviction can do. This article focuses on tenants who have fallen behind on rent. But some of the new rules adopted since the pandemic also cover rent increases, relocation assistance and other issues.

Parking: California State Government Aims to Take Over Local Control

04/07/2023 9:12 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Tricia Crane

The below was an email sent by Northeast Neighbors community group advocate Tricia Crane to the group members regarding a recent presentation:

Dear Northeast Neighbors and friends,

Monday's meeting was one of our most informative and provocative. It was also the first time we have dedicated the entire two hours to one speaker and topic: Transit expert Thomas Rubin on "What to Expect with Proposed Parking Changes."

Older California Homeowners Can Get Help with Delinquent Mortgages and Property Taxes

04/06/2023 4:51 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) helps homeowners impacted by COVID-19 to catch up on their housing expenses.
Who is eligible? • A homeowner who owns a home with up to four units (including ADU’s, duplexes, triplexes or fourplexes), condo or permanently affxed manufactured home that is their primary residence and: