Local property owners are continuing calls for increased oversight on the Third Street Promenade to curb the growing number of individuals who camp out in public elevators and garages.
John Alle, who is suing the city over maintenance of the Promenade, was one of the first to begin documenting the number of people who regularly smoke, defecate and erect tents to sleep in the Promenade’s public elevators and garages. He spoke last month to the Daily Press about the topic, which arose during the most recent Santa Monica City Council meeting when city leaders gathered to discuss the Third Street Promenade Stabilization and Economic Vitality Plan.
Council clashes in debate over housing bills
Feb. 11, 2021 at 6:00 am
Santa Monica City Council voted Tuesday to formally oppose two bills that are currently proposed in the state legislature, despite concerns the City would be seen as anti-affordable housing.
Councilmembers voted 5-1 to oppose SB 9 and SB 10 as they are currently written. Councilmember Gleam Davis was the only no-vote and Mayor Sue Himmelrich recused herself from the vote prior to discussion of the two items.
Councilmembers Phil Brock and Oscar de la Torre introduced the items in separate discussions Tuesday evening while they both explained why councilmembers should break from tradition and oppose the two bills before they have had an opportunity to set the City’s legislative agenda.
Search for new City Manager underway
Feb. 11, 2021 at 6:00 am
The search for Santa Monica’s next city manager is officially underway.
Santa Monica City Council unanimously directed staff Tuesday to retain Lamont Ewell of Ralph Andersen & Associates, who is now set to begin searching for Santa Monica’s first permanent manager since Rick Cole resigned in April 2020.
Having previously managed the cities of Santa Monica, San Diego, and Durham, North Carolina, Councilmembers said they believe Ewell has the experience necessary to find the best candidates for the job.
Councilmember Gleam Davis, who joined Mayor Sue Himmelrich and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre on an ad-hoc committee tasked with hiring a search firm, clarified this week that Ewell will not be responsible for hiring a city manager; instead, he will recommend a short list of candidates who will be interviewed by the Council before a selection is made.
City Manager search set to begin after Council meeting
Feb. 09, 2021 at 6:00 am
Santa Monica City Council is set to begin the search for a new City Manager, according to Tuesday night’s meeting agenda, which also includes a pair of new items pertaining to housing.
At the request of Mayor Sue Himmelrich, Councilmember Gleam Davis, and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre, staff could be directed to retain Lamont Ewell of Ralph Andersen & Associates to provide executive search services for the position of City Manager for the City of Santa Monica.
Ewell has more than 35 years of experience in the public sector after formerly managing the cities of Santa Monica, San Diego, and Durham, North Carolina, according to the biography on the company’s website. Ewell has also been called upon to serve as Interim City Manager for the cities of Culver City, Oakland, and Compton.
Santa Monica Hero Pay still possible
Feb. 05, 2021 at 6:00 am
Cities across California recently approved “hero pay” ordinances that have prompted at least two grocery store closures in Southern California. But Santa Monica city leaders said this week they are still determined to bring a similar ordinance to the Westside.
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors first discussed an ordinance requiring a $5 increase in per hour pay for essential workers in early January. A week later, Santa Monica City Council followed suit and unanimously agreed to pass a temporary ordinance once the County came back with a finalized draft of their own proposal.