ACTION Apartment Association

Politics of Santa Monica, part II - Charles Andrews

11/15/2023 1:24 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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.

City Council Backs Initiative to Repeal Costa-Hawkins Rental Act

11/15/2023 11:54 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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.

Voting Rights Case in Spotlight Again

11/15/2023 11:46 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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.

San Francisco Landlords Challenge New Law That Taxes Them For Not Renting Their Units

11/15/2023 11:36 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

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.

DTSM selects new security company

11/13/2023 10:27 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Ultimately, a motion was made by Barry Snell to direct staff to execute a contract with Legion Corporation with an option for DTSM to cancel with no more than 45 days notice, if needed, which was seconded by Bruce Fairty. Michele Aronson, Peter Trinh, Joshua Gilman, Susan Cline, Julia Ladd and Luke Cain along with Sedman, voted yes while Leo Pustilnikov and Lora Vrastil voted no.

S.M.a.r.t Column: Two More Futures

11/13/2023 10:17 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

In short, of our four major core competencies, one is strong (health), two are staggering (beach and cars), and one is dead (retail), so we need new competencies to propel our City for the rest of this century. Two weeks ago, S.M.a.r.t proposed four new competencies for your consideration.

New Hospitality Group Takes on City Hall Policies

11/10/2023 1:20 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A new political grassroots group made up of local hospitality businesses is being formed to push City Hall to more aggressively fight crime and homelessness and lower operating costs.

Led by the California Restaurant Association, Hospitality Santa Monica currently counts 22 local restaurants and hotels as members and is growing, the Association said.

Website: http://hospitalitysantamonica.com

Recycling Event

11/09/2023 9:53 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Saturday, Nov 11, 2023

9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

City Yard Parking Lot

2500 Michigan Ave (2nd gate entrance)

Home improvement retailer hopes to build success in Santa Monica

11/08/2023 8:58 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

PIRCH will be opening at 2520 Santa Monica Blvd. in the former Goodwill building early next year and CEO Steve Smith said it’s a perfect location for his company as it continues to expand into the Los Angeles market.

Cap on rent increases approved for some Los Angeles County residents

11/08/2023 8:29 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Rent increases will be capped at four percent for tenants living in unincorporated L.A. County communities after the L.A. County Board of Supervisors approved the motion on Tuesday.