ACTION Apartment Association

The few California lawmakers who are renters form caucus to advocate for tenants

11/29/2022 10:46 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Around 44% of Californians are renters. But as far as state Assemblymember Alex Lee can tell, just 5% of the California Assembly – four of its 80 members – don’t own a home.

In Lee’s view, that means the state’s 17 million renters aren’t adequately represented in Sacramento. So earlier this year, he and his three fellow renters in the Assembly formed a new “renters’ caucus” to advocate for tenant-focused policies. Another goal: pushing back on what they see as the outsized influence of landlord and real estate groups in state politics.

Councilmember Negrete Declares Victory in Reelection Bid

11/29/2022 10:27 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Negrete had cemented her already insurmountable margin after the latest vote tallies were released last Tuesday, but she had not officially declared victory ("Status Quo Prevails in Santa Monica," November 22, 2022).

"I am claiming victory," Negrete told the Lookout Monday night. "I'm excited and I'm grateful."

Ballot Measures Nearly Make Clean Sweep

11/23/2022 10:01 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

With an just 15,105 ballots left to count in La County, Mayor Sue Himmelrich's transfer tax hike -- Measure GS -- has won by more than 2,500 votes with 19,435 yes votes (53.51 percent) and 16,886 no votes (46.49 percent).

Judge rules against developer and in favor of L.A. on emergency eviction protections

11/23/2022 9:59 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Ajudge has tossed out a federal lawsuit filed by a developer who said his real estate companies should have been compensated for losses they incurred as a result of emergency tenant protections approved in Los Angeles following the outbreak of COVID-19.

SMa.r.t. Column: Renting and Owning. The Santa Monica Long View

11/21/2022 11:49 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Everyone on the city council either owns their own homes. Or are protected by rent control. Or are so rich they don’t care.

Historically the council has done everything they can to stop you owning your own home. (TORCA allowed it for a short while, but the council fought it, and then killed it off as soon as they could.)

Santa Monica Real Estate Report – November 21st, 2022

11/21/2022 11:44 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

See Video: https://smmirror.com/2022/11/j-p-morgan-chase-seeks-to-sell-1-4-million-square-feet-of-office-space-santa-monica-real-estate-report-november-21st-2022/

Santa Monica Developer Puts 3 'Builder's Remedy' Properties for Sale

11/21/2022 11:42 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

WSC is selling three Santa Monica properties rushed into the planning pipeline last month before the City's Housing Element was given final approval by the State, The Lookout has confirmed.

The three preliminary applications -- which include 437 market-rate units and 88 affordable units -- can bypass the City's zoning code and general plan if final plans are submitted within six months.

Negrete Headed Back to Council

11/18/2022 9:03 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

With just 13.5 percent of the countywide ballots left to count, Councilmember Lana Negrete will hold on to the seat she was appointed to fill less than a year-and-a-half ago.

Negrete, Measures GS, SMC Expand Vote Margins

11/17/2022 11:33 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The latest update from the LA County Registrar on Wednesday -- which included an additional 105,160 ballots -- further widened Negrete's lead over Natalya Zernitskaya in the race for the third open Council seat.

San Francisco Vacant Residential Unit Tax Proposition Passes

11/16/2022 12:01 PM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Introduced earlier this year by the Democratic Socialists of America and Faith in Action Bay Area, Proposition M, also known as the Empty Homes Tax, will tax property owners who have at least three units that have been vacant for more than six months. The tax amount is dependent on unit size but will be between $2,500 and $5,000 per empty unit for the first two years of vacancy, with up to $10,000 for any at three or more years. The tax will begin starting in January 2024