The City’s Landmarks Commission has filed an application (15ENT-0278) for the creation of a new historic district affecting certain properties along San Vicente Boulevard generally between Ocean Avenue and 7th Street. 

Read More on page 2, Sept.9 Meeting:  http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090915.pdf

Complaints against Councilwoman Pam O’Connor filed by a local activist organization have been forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office for review.

Read More: http://smdp.com/case-oconnor-forwarded-county-district-attorney/150593

September 9, 2015 -- The Santa Monica City Council Tuesday unanimously approved a major restructuring of the City’s approach to public communications, adding five employees at a cost of $539,649 for the rest of this fiscal year and jumping to nearly $600,000 next July.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_09_2015_Council_Approves_Sweeping_Reorganization_Santa_Monicas_Public_Communications_%20Department.html

Editor:

The Santa Monica Daily Press recently featured an article that most below-market, rent-controlled units will be flushed out in 15 years. In order to supplement the reduction of low-rent units, more development is required through allowing builders to benchmark a percentage toward low-income units in exchange for development. Herein lies the problem for our city:

Read More: http://smdp.com/letter-santa-monicas-affordable-housing-problem/150512

By Bill Bauer on September 7, 2015

How about the sorry spectacle of councilmember Pam O’Connor’s role in the illegal firing last year of a newly hired Elizabeth Riel as the head of City Hall’s communications and public relations?

Read More: http://smdp.com/rotten-smells-city-hall/150544

My Write

IN 2013, SANTA MONICA WAS NAMED the nation’s fifth most sustainable city according to a prominent national organization dedicated to sustainable development and living. As one of the densest cities in the state, we may need to work harder to maintain our high marks for sustainability in the future. Our density will only increase as our city attracts more tourists, visitors and developers wishing to share our good fortune. 

Read More on page 4: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090515.pdf

I certainly don’t understand who the City Council is being directed by or whether the members are just pursuing their own personal agenda, but I do not know of anyone who supports any additional affordable housing and absolutely not any through using public funds. 

Read More on page 4: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090315.pdf

September 3, 2015 -- With no fanfare, Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law on Tuesday a bill co-authored by Santa Monica Assembly member Richard Bloom that raises the filing fee for State ballot initiatives from $200 to $2,000.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_03_2015_Governor_Signs_Santa_Monica_Assembly_Members_Initiative_Bill.html

September 2, 2015 -- The controversy surrounding Elizabeth Riel, the woman the City hired and fired last year allegedly because she was involved in an old political campaign against Santa Monica Council member Pam O’Connor, is ratcheting up a level.

Read More:  http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_02_2015_Santa_Monica_Mayor_Wants_Scrutiny_of_Councilmembers_Role_in_Firing_Controversy.html

Santa Monica will look for ongoing, sustainable and possibly voter approved revenue sources to build future affordable housing units. 

Read More on page 1: http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/090115.pdf