August 23, 2016 -- Four of the local measures that will appear on the Santa Monica ballot in November have received their official names from the County.

The LUVE initiative, which seeks to make voter approval a requirement for a significant number of development projects and planning documents, is Measure LV.

A proposal for a half-cent City sales tax is Measure GSH. The accompanying proposal that recommends the tax revenue be split evenly on the City’s affordable housing program and the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is Measure GS.

An update of the City’s anti-corruption law, known as the Oaks Initiative, is Measure SM.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2016/August-2016/08_23_2016_Local_Ballot_Measures_Receive_Names.html

August 23, 2016 -- Santa Monica’s downtown is transforming into the urban core of the future as its population grows, stable high-tech jobs move in and the lifestyle there becomes about eschewing cars for walking, or hopping a bus or Metro train, the head of the group that manages downtown said.

...downtown’s residential population has doubled to 4,352 over the past decade, growth eight percent between 2015 and 2016 (as projected) alone.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2016/August-2016/08_23_2016_Downtown_Santa_Monica_Becoming_Urban_Core_of_the_Future.html

By Jonathan Friedman
Associate Editor

August 22, 2016 -- Four incumbents and six challengers will compete for four seats on the Santa Monica City Council in the November election.

The City Clerk’s Office released the official list of candidates late Friday after receiving word from the County on whose nomination papers included the valid signatures of at least 100 Santa Monica voters.

For the rent board, the candidates are elected incumbent Christopher Walton, appointed incumbent Anastasia Foster as well as challengers Caroline Torosis and Elaine Golden-Gealer.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2016/August-2016/08_22_2016_Santa_Monica_Ballot_Set_with_10_Council_Candidates.html

Yes, I’m back. You didn’t think I was going to bail out during election season, did you? Since my last column a month ago, a lot has happened to set the stage for the November 8 election and I’ve been watching from the wings. 

Read More on page 4: http://backissues.smdp.com/082216.pdf

By Marina Andalon
Daily Press Staff Writer

On Aug. 17, Downtown Santa Monica hosted its annual breakfast meeting at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel featuring speakers from the city and DTSM Inc.

Read More: http://smdp.com/mobility-homelessness-cited-as-downtown-santa-monica-challenges/156781

Both our country and city are at crossroads. Both are also facing similar challenges. Locally, our Santa Monica environment is changing rapidly before our eyes. As we approach elections, we are spending a considerable amount of time considering divergent points of view. During this time, I invariably come back to a basic thesis – allowing for growth without compromising quality of life.

Read More: http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/SMart-Reclaiming-Our-Civic--Architectural-Culture/45919

Phil meets with Gil Borboa, Santa Monica's Water Resources Manager, to learn more about Santa Monica's high quality water, our conservation efforts and a plan for the city to have a self-sufficient water supply by 2020.

See video: http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/BOYB-Phil-Meets-with-Gil-Borboa-Santa-Monicas-Water-Resources-Manager/45914

 Salary Schedule - Rent Control

Rent Control Administrator - Annual Rate - $198,876

See the Schedule:  https://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/Rent_Control/Home/Rent%20Control%20Salary%20Schedule.pdf

By Jonathan Friedman
Associate Editor

August 18, 2017 -- A field of up to four candidates will compete in the November election for three seats on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District board. The deadline to enter the race was Wednesday at 5 p.m.

The confirmed candidates are elected incumbent Maria Leon-Vazquez, appointed incumbent Ralph Mechur and challenger Jon Kean. County officials have validated at least 100 signatures on their nomination papers.

Attorney Jason Feldman submitted his nomination papers on Friday, and they are under review.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2016/August-2016/08_18_%202016_Brock_Drops_from_Santa_Monica-Malibu_School_Board_Race.html

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BEFORE THE SANTA MONICA CITY COUNCIL

SUBJECT: Consideration of proposed resolution to automatically adjust the Affordable Housing Unit Development Cost for new market-rate multifamily development pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.64.070(c) 

WHEN: Tuesday, August 23, 2016 6:30 P.M. 

WHERE: Santa Monica City Hall, Council Chambers

Read More on page 8 and 11: http://backissues.smdp.com/081816.pdf