“California State Proposition 1 will transform our state’s mental health system. This landmark proposition will reallocate billions of dollars to Californians with the most severe mental health needs, including those living in encampments and those with the highest problems with addiction and substance use,” it says.

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/11/22/city-council-votes-unanimously-to-support-california-proposition-one/

According to state regulators, Santa Monica did not build enough units in the very low, low and moderate income levels in recent years and that deficit now puts the city under a state law that allows anyone building a project with at least 50% affordable units to bypass design rules. However, the law’s additional requirements on developers make it generally undesirable as a regulatory option and local officials said that while they have to comply with the law, they do not think it will have an impact on local development.

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/11/21/lack-of-affordable-housing-construction-undermines-local-development-rules/

The Los Angeles County Department of Consumer and Business Affairs (DCBA) is pleased to announce the new LA County Rent Relief Program. Put forward by the LA County Board of Supervisors, over $46 million in direct financial assistance will be provided to qualified landlords, helping to mitigate the detrimental economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that have resulted in tenants falling behind on rent.

Read More on page 7: https://s3.amazonaws.com/smdp_backissues/112023.pdf

So now where are we? It seems that the pendulum has swung back again and due to the builder’s remedy, we are seeing extensive development along Lincoln and elsewhere, creating a new higher density corridor of roughly 16 developments and 4500 units. The city’s face is once more changing and with it will undoubtedly come unforeseen consequences in the form of more traffic and strain on our public services.

We are once more in a governance of reaction instead of vision.

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/11/20/the-governance-of-reaction/

In a city known for its innovation and commitment to public welfare, it seems we’ve become trapped by outdated notions prioritizing a select few over the well-being of the majority. What happened to our community spirit? The cherished idea of the town commons, rooted in American history, where the community holds some land and resources for the benefit of all, has steadily eroded due to recent shifts in the city’s trajectory. There’s a looming danger of making this situation worse.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2023/11/s-m-a-r-t-column-make-the-city-new-again/

The decision will allow rent hikes of 4% beginning on Feb. 1 with additional 2% increases permitted for landlords who cover their tenants’ gas and electricity costs.

Read More: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/la-city-council-votes-to-allow-rent-increases-of-up-to-6-next-year/ar-AA1jWey8?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=230aaed70226409fb47adc2bb24ad3fc&ei=14

I know, it’s a bit of work to try to figure this local stuff out, especially because the bad guys have become very skilled at covering their tracks, and making toads appear to be swans. But this special small city is worth that effort, I think. You have to understand why things are moving in the direction they are, so fast. And — sorry, sorry — you have to be willing to put in the effort to become informed, and, at the very least, vote. Bonus points: inform your friends and neighbors about what you have learned, and make sure they vote.

Read More: https://smdp.com/2023/11/15/sm-politics-part-ii/

Santa Monica’s City Council threw its support behind the Justice for Renters Act, slated for inclusion on the November 2024 ballot, which aims to repeal the 1995 Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act that currently imposes limitations on local rent control ordinances.

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2023/11/city-council-backs-initiative-to-repeal-costa-hawkins-rental-act/

For the third time in six months, speakers on Monday weighed in on the voting rights lawsuit filed in 2016 by Latino plaintiffs against the City -- this time urging the Council not to settle the case.

A dozen members of Santa Monica's political establishment testified at the special closed session meeting after learning the plaintiff's attorney, Kevin Shenkman, had submitted a proposed settlement amount.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2023/November-2023/11_14_2023_Voting_Rights_in_Spotlight_Again.html

an Francisco voters approved a law that would tax property owners who have units that are vacant for more than 182 days per year. 

Proposition M was approved by 54% of San Francisco voters and applies to any property with three or more units inside city limits. It will take effect in 2024 — but not if area landlords have anything to say about it.  

A large group of property owners and interested parties, which include the San Francisco Apartment Owners Association and the San Francisco Association of Realtors, are suing the city to keep Proposition M from taking effect. The main thrust of their argument is that Proposition M would strip them of their rights as landowners.

Read More: https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/realestate/san-francisco-landlords-challenge-new-law-that-taxes-them-for-not-renting-their-units/ar-AA1jZ8Nc?ocid=msedgntp&cvid=5a760ed4d8c144008d7527628b48f664&ei=10