ACTION Apartment Association

Westside Current Endorsement: Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre, Vivian Roknian, and John Putnam

10/23/2024 12:44 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Westside Current has consistently supported candidates who prioritize common sense, safety, and the well-being of the community. This year’s Santa Monica City Council election is one of the most important in recent history. With rising crime, struggling local businesses, and eroding public safety, voters have an opportunity to bring meaningful change to the city.

The Great Santa Monica Safety Debate

10/22/2024 12:43 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Well Ted, I've lived in Santa Monica for 32 years and can remember exactly when our city started its downward turn, which coincided with the arrival of you and your SMRR compatriots in 2012, destroying the Santa Monica we all knew and loved. That's not hyperbole. Your exact reign took a city that was thriving, a crown jewel with a sane 4-story development policy, safe streets, and a sophisticated beach vibe that drew people from around the world, and turned it into a chaotic husk of its former glory.

ARB Delays Approval, Requests Design Changes to 18-Story Project

10/22/2024 12:33 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica’s skyline expansion will be delayed after the city’s Architectural Review Board (ARB) declined to approve a proposed 18-story, 204-foot tall mixed-use development at 1435 5th Street, requesting design changes before the project can move forward.

New Community Website Outlines Santa Monica’s Homelessness Strategic Plan

10/22/2024 12:25 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The website includes background information on the HSP, project updates, upcoming community meetings, and links to presentations given to local commissions. Among the recent presentations were sessions with the Disabilities Commission and the Human Services Commission, with more scheduled for the coming months.

For more information and ongoing updates, residents can visit the newly launched webpage at santamonica.gov/programs/homelessness-strategic-plan

Ragtag Army Takes on School Bond

10/22/2024 12:19 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

But unlike in 2018, this year's opponents submitted a ballot argument against Measure QS and are making the rounds presenting their case to residents in different parts of the city, organizers said.

If the bond is approved, property owners would pay an estimated $28.70 per $100,000 of assessed value through fiscal years 2051-52, according to the Tax Rate Statement for the bond.

The total debt service, including the principal and interest, to repay if all the bonds are issued and sold is $879,372,000.

Santa Monica residents have "voted 'Yes' for every bond since 1998 -- ALMOST TWO BILLION DOLLARS, including interest" and "didn't get what was promised."

Safety in Santa Monica

10/21/2024 11:35 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Keep native and long-term Santa Monica residents, not outside influence peddlers and developers, in charge. Vote for the Safer Slate: Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, John Putnam and Vivian Roknian.

SM.a.r.t Column: SM.a.r.t Recommendations

10/21/2024 11:24 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The following recommendations are our general consensus but there is wide variation and disagreement in many issues. Please carefully read both the Official Voter Information Guide and the Official Sample Ballot brochure you received in the mail and do your own research.

SM Police Officers Association Throws Support Behind Brock, De La Torre, Roknian and Lesley

10/21/2024 11:22 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2024/10/video-sm-police-officers-association-throws-support-behind-brock-de-la-torre-roknian-and-lesley/

Homeowners Try to Get Out Urgent Message

10/21/2024 11:14 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

If the slate gains control of the City Council, the flyer warns, its members would implement SB 10, a State law that allows as many as 14 units to be built on a single family lot.

"People didn't get it," said Tricia Crane, chair of Northeast Neighbors. "They didn't understand the impact. This is the one development issue we can actually affect."

Rent Control Will Never Be at Risk

10/18/2024 2:11 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

What is at risk here is the SAFETY of all the residents and tourists that visit Santa Monica.

The Santa Monica Renter’s Right group has had control of the city for four decades. Their bad polices, which you are all aware of (crime etc...) has also allowed and accelerated the deterioration of our precious commercial districts.

They don’t understand how to maintain, let alone grow, business or promote business within the city. This failure is noticeable to all who see downtown. This lack of fiscal responsibility has led to the deterioration of this beautiful little town.