ACTION Apartment Association

Enhanced Tenant Protections During COVID-19

02/13/2021 9:46 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Tenants seeking protection must submit a declaration for each month that they are un-able to pay, and pay 25 percent of rent due for September 2020 – June 2021 by June 30, 2021. State law only protects tenants from eviction due to non-payment of rent. The City of Santa Monica also enacted an eviction moratorium for residential and some commercial tenants.

City Seeks Applicants for Police Oversight Commission

02/12/2021 7:45 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City is seeking candidates of "diverse backgrounds and experiences" to serve on Santa Monica’s first civilian police oversight commission.

Appointed by the City Council, the 11-member Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission will work with the Police Department and experts to "recommend reforms to SMPD policies, practices, and handling of complaints regarding SMPD conduct," City officials said.

Search for new City Manager underway

02/11/2021 7:34 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The search for Santa Monica’s next city manager is officially underway.

Santa Monica City Council unanimously directed staff Tuesday to retain Lamont Ewell of Ralph Andersen & Associates, who is now set to begin searching for Santa Monica’s first permanent manager since Rick Cole resigned in April 2020.

Having previously managed the cities of Santa Monica, San Diego, and Durham, North Carolina, Councilmembers said they believe Ewell has the experience necessary to find the best candidates for the job.

Council clashes in debate over housing bills

02/11/2021 7:33 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica City Council voted Tuesday to formally oppose two bills that are currently proposed in the state legislature, despite concerns the City would be seen as anti-affordable housing.

Councilmembers voted 5-1 to oppose SB 9 and SB 10 as they are currently written. Councilmember Gleam Davis was the only no-vote and Mayor Sue Himmelrich recused herself from the vote prior to discussion of the two items.

New Council Breaks With Past Housing Policies

02/11/2021 7:25 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Embarking in a new direction, the Santa Monica City Council voted early Wednesday morning to oppose two housing bills sponsored by liberal lawmakers in Sacramento that would pave the way for more housing.

City Manager search set to begin after Council meeting

02/09/2021 9:21 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica City Council is set to begin the search for a new City Manager, according to Tuesday night’s meeting agenda, which also includes a pair of new items pertaining to housing.

Community Priorities Survey

02/09/2021 9:15 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica Community Members: Share Your Input on Community Priorities by February 28

We want to hear from you!

On March 13, our City Council will establish community priorities for the next two years. As Santa Monica recovers from the impacts and economic disruption caused by COVID-19 and strives for greater racial equity, establishing community priorities will help us:

Council Discussion Item Signals Split from Previous Housing Policy

02/09/2021 9:06 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

In what would be an about face for Santa Monica, three newly elected Councilmembers on Tuesday are asking the City to officially oppose two state bills intended to make affordable housing easier to build.

Councilmembers Phil Brock, Oscar de la Torre and Christine Parra -- who ran on an anti-development slate in November -- contend that Senate Bills 9 and 10 would shift local control of key zoning issues to the state and eliminate community input.

City Charges Major Landlord with Illegally Raising Tenant's Rent

02/09/2021 9:01 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City has sued a major Santa Monica property owner engaged in a legal battle over its housing polices for allegedly raising a tenant's rent during a State emergency.

The lawsuit charges WS Communities, LLC and 1433 Euclid Street, LLC with unlawfully raising a tenant’s rent by more than the allowed 10 percent during a declared emergency.

Councilmember Davis Has Financial Conflict of Interest in Miramar Project

02/06/2021 8:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

California's Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) has advised Councilmember Gleam Davis that she has a financial conflict of interest that bars her from participating in any decisions concerning the Miramar Hotel.