The Santa Monica community is invited to the Housing Commission's next two meetings: the regular meeting Thursday, Sept. 20 at 4:30 pm and a special meeting Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. 

Read More: http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Discuss-the-Future-of-Affordable-Housing-in-Santa-Monica/44180

September 15, 2015 -- An agreement between the California Legislature and the state Department of Finance could mean millions of dollars will be released to cities like Santa Monica that lost huge sums after the state abolished local redevelopment agencies, a local assembly member said.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_15_2015_Santa_Monica,_Could_Recover_Some_Redevelopment_Funds%20_Assembly%20Member_Says.html

We’ve been hearing for years about the coming City Hall fiscal “bomb” when the cost of retirement packages employee benefits and rapidly rising health care costs will outstrip revenues.

Read More: http://smdp.com/city-halls-expensive-pr-machine/150709

Water wasters will get a break on initial fines this year thanks to an update to Santa Monica’s water shortage response plan.

Read More: http://smdp.com/council-revises-water-waster-fines/150703

Welcome to the City of Santa Monica’s open data portal. 

Read More at: https://data.smgov.net/

And, at:  https://santamonicaca.opengov.com/transparency#/2055/breakdown=e7e1d2b9-2084-4592-86d8-8886ea9537cc¤tYearPeriod=years¤tYearAmount=cumulative&accountType=expenses&graph=bar&selection=AA4E206602D03AF84E39D4F1140E84AF&legendSort=coa&saved_view=null&fiscal_start=earliest&fiscal_end=latest

One seat available for a term ending June 30, 2017.

Read More on page 10: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/091215.pdf

I have no objections to low cost housing in general. But in the present economic environment, the cost appears high compared to the benefits received. Who is the new low cost housing for?

Read More on page 5: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/091115.pdf

September 11, 2015 -- A mixed-use development proposed to replace the former Norm’s Restaurant in Santa Monica and an appeal from a former mayor on the approval for his landlord’s rehabilitation project are among the items on next week’s Planning Commission agenda.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_11_2015_Santa_Monica_Planning_Commission_to_Take_Up_Norms_Site_House_Rented_by_Former_Mayor.html

September 10, 2015 -- County prosecutors will review allegations that Councilmember Pam O’Connor waged a secret battle to fire a newly hired communications director who had opposed her candidacy nearly a decade earlier, a Santa Monica activist group said.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_10_2015_District_Attorney_to_Review%20_Accusations_Against_Councilmember_Coalition_Officials_Say.html

September 10, 2015 -- Like traffic school for people caught violating the rules of the road, Santa Monica residents who fail to save water in the face of an unprecedented drought could be required to attend “Water School,” said the City's chief sustainability manager.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_10_2015_Water_School_Penalties_Threaten_Santa_Monicas_Worst_Water_Wasters.html