ACTION Apartment Association

Judge Bars Elections Under Santa Monica's Current At-Large System

12/15/2018 3:41 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

December 14, 2018 -- The Superior Court judge in a voting rights lawsuit against the City issued an amended tentative ruling made public Friday barring any elections under Santa Monica's current at-large system.

The ruling issued Wednesday by Judge Yvette M. Palazuelos requires that all future City Council elections be district-based elections "as defined by the California Voting Rights Act, and in accordance with the map attached hereto."

AND

https://smmirror.com/2018/12/judges-tentative-decision-orders-district-elections-for-santa-monica/

AND City's Statement: https://www.santamonica.gov/press/2018/12/15/court-issues-amended-tentative-decision-in-cvra-trial

Realtor associations awarding assistance grants to Woolsey Fire homeowners

12/14/2018 9:24 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Through a $1 million gift from the National Association of Realtors Relief Foundation, the California Association of Realtors is offering disaster relief grants up to $2,000 per household to provide assistance with mortgage relief or temporary housing.

Read More on pg. 3: http://backissues.smdp.com/121418.pdf

City Settles with Tenant Accused of "Bizarre and Harassing Behavior"

12/14/2018 9:10 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A Santa Monica tenant who engaged in "bizarre and harassing behavior" to force subtenants to "flee" her apartment has reached a final settlement with the City, the City Attorney's office announced Thursday.

The lawsuit filed in Santa Monica Superior Court earlier this year accuses Patricia Anglano of "harassing multiple sub-tenants and potential renters and taking money from them under false pretenses," officials said.

Los Angeles County Ordinance Protects Consumers from Price Gouging Following Woolsey Fire

12/12/2018 10:22 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Businesses cannot increase the price of vital and necessary goods and services more than 10 percent within 30 days of a declared emergency, including hotels and rental units

Read More on pg. 3: http://backissues.smdp.com/120718.pdf

Redistricting: It's Time for the Santa Monica City Council to Admit They Don't Know Better

12/12/2018 9:56 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

By Armen Melkonians

No decision was made by the Judge on Friday. The City's attorneys tried to sneak in a re-argument of the merits case, while also mentioning the word "appeal" at least several dozen times. The Judge said she had already decided on the merits and found that the City must abandon the illegal and discriminatory at-large election system. She said that she wanted to make it clear that she was not there to re-try the case but rather to discuss "proposals" for remedies from both sides.

Gleam Davis Selected as Santa Monica Mayor

12/12/2018 9:51 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The City of Santa Monica has a new mayor: Gleam Davis, who was voted by councilmembers to replace former Mayor Ted Winterer at a special City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

AND

http://www.smdp.com/city-council-selects-mayor-gleam-davis-and-mayor-pro-tempore-terry-oday/171508

SMa.r.t. Column: Housing the 950 Homeless in SM

12/12/2018 9:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

We have a real conundrum as there is an infinite supply of homeless (currently 950 in SM) for a finite supply of facilities (currently 440 beds). There is a realistic fear that the provision of any additional units will only stimulate more arriving homeless. Should we be advocating for an increased presence and possibly opening the door to further disintegration of our beachfront town?

Planning Commission Approves Second of Pair of Oceanfront Residential Projects

12/12/2018 8:56 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The second of two residential developments slated for beachfront land at the end of Pico Boulevard was approved by the Planning Commission Wednesday.

Owned by the Beverly Hills-based owners of Casa del Mar and Shutters hotels, the project at 1828 Ocean Avenue -- as well as the smaller project at 1921 Ocean Front Walk approved last month -- will be used as permanent residential housing.

Santa Monica Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Eliminate Hurdle to Low-Income Housing

12/12/2018 8:52 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Santa Monica Senator Ben Allen introduced legislation this week to eliminate an impediment to building affordable housing added to the California Constitution in 1950.

The bill would repeal Article 34, which requires cities to submit projects to a voter referendum when public funds are allocated to develop low-income rental housing.

City Council signs off on contested Venice homeless shelter

12/12/2018 8:34 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Amid both jeers and applause, the Los Angeles City Council gave the green light on Tuesday to a temporary homeless shelter in Venice.

The 154-bed shelter will be built on a former bus yard owned by Metro at Sunset and Pacific avenues. With the council’s approval, it’s set to open next year.