ACTION Apartment Association

S.M.a.r.t Column: Four Futures

10/31/2023 12:37 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Likewise our next competency loss is already here with the collapse of the 3rd Street Promenade winged by Amazon’s dominance, Covid’s office diaspora, and cinema’s long fade. Of course, it did not help that we grew another unintended competence over the last few decades when we became the premier home of people without housing.

Equity Firm Adjusts Plans for Another Santa Monica Mixed-Use Project

10/31/2023 11:33 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Cypress Equity Investments has initiated revisions once again for one of its handful of mixed-use projects intended for Santa Monica, Urbanize LA reported.

Since 2022, the Los Angeles-based developer has been pursuing a project located at 2025 Wilshire Boulevard.

City Hall Veteran Tapped for Top Financial Post

10/31/2023 11:27 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Oscar Santiago -- who has held numerous fiscal posts during his 32-year career at City Hall -- will become the City's Finance Director on December 27, said City Manager David White.

Heather Averick selected as new Housing and Human Services director

10/24/2023 8:48 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The Santa Monica City Council established the Housing and Human Services Department in June with the approval of the 2023-2025 biennial budget, at the same time creating a new Recreation and Arts Department — dividing the functions formerly combined under the Community Services Department.

Among other goals, the move aimed to allow a point of organization for homelessness services and programs, enabling the city to implement programs and services that result from Measures CS and GS, which provide additional tax revenue dedicated to city efforts around affordable housing and homelessness. Averick will join the city effective Nov. 13, with an annual salary of $248,700.

City Attorney Weighs in on Proposed Amendment for Choosing Mayor

10/24/2023 8:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A proposed amendment to suspend the rules dictating how a mayor is chosen could result in the election of a Councilmember other than Phil Brock in December, according to City Attorney Doug Sloan.

But it would require several moves by the City Council before it is scheduled to vote to rubber stamp Brock's selection using a new rotating system based on seniority, according to Sloan's legal assessment issued Monday.

Budget review, plus continued items, promise to pack out Oct. 24 Council meeting agenda

10/23/2023 11:58 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A considerable number of items are now listed on the agenda that have been carried over, including a request to support the Justice for Renters Act. The act will be before voters in the November 2024 election and would expand rent control rules throughout the state. The request comes from Davis, along with Councilmembers Caroline Torosis and Jesse Zwick.

Advocates say repealing the law known as Costa Hawkins will help local government address one of the root causes of homelessness–skyrocketing rents and unaffordable housing. The same trio are also asking the City to support and prepare for adoption of a new rule in Sacramento that would allow homeowners to sell small accessory dwelling units separately from the main property.

DTSM begins search for new security provider

10/23/2023 11:56 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

After some discussion, the board voted unanimously to move ahead with a motion for a process of identifying a minimum of two companies to bring before the board based on staffing draft recommendation. The board will then have an opportunity to conduct any additional research and background checks before a presentation from each will be given.

Firm Expands Number Units Planned for Housing Development on Wilshire

10/23/2023 11:51 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Cypress Equity Investments has significantly expanded its housing development project on Wilshire Boulevard in Santa Monica. Originally slated for 71 units, the firm now envisions constructing a total of 170 units at 2501 Wilshire Boulevard, according to reports from Urbanize LA, referencing a project website.

Council to Consider Supporting Tenants Facing Mass Eviction-Barrington Plaza

10/23/2023 11:48 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

As part of the resolution, the City Council would implore Douglas Emmett not to evict the tenants and use Los Angeles’ tenant habitability program for necessary repairs while temporarily relocating tenants.

Bureaucratic Tweak or Effort to Block Next Mayor?

10/23/2023 11:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

However, under the new rule, "if two or more Councilmembers were elected at the same election, the Councilmember receiving the higher number of votes shall be considered as having served longer."