News and Events

• PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FY 2008/2009 NOW AVAILABLE
  The city's proposed budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 is now online, and hard copies are available for review at City Hall and the libraries.  City Council study sessions are scheduled for May 20 and 21 beginning at 5:45 p.m.  Click here to view the proposed budget.

• SANTA MONICA CITY COUNCIL OPPOSES PROPOSITION 98, SUPPORTS PROPOSITION 99

If adopted by California voters on June 3, Proposition 98 would eliminate rent control and other tenant protection laws in Santa Monica and may limit land use planning and affordable housing efforts, abolish certain laws that protect the environment and may prevent future water projects.  Proposition 99, which also appears on the June ballot, would establish a constitutional prohibition on taking owner-occupied homes for conveyance to a private party, without affecting rent control and tenant protection laws.

On April 29, 2008, Santa Monica City Council adopted a resolution  against proposition 98 and in support of proposition 99.

Read the resolution and get more information on Propositions 98 and 99...

• SANTA MONICA CITYWIDE READS FEATURES The Highest Tide April 12 through May 17
  Santa Monica Citywide Reads takes place April 12 to May 17, 2008.  This year, Citywide Reads celebrates its sixth anniversary with a featured book set in a seaside community, The Highest Tide, by Jim Lynch.  Join us for events and activities all over town that include book discussions, blogging, lectures and screenings, food demonstrations and an afternoon with the author.
  http://www.smpl.org/cwr/

• SANTA MONICA AIRPORT INFORMATION

  The FAA has filed for a preliminary injunction to prevent the city from enforcing the ordinance banning Class C & D aircraft from the airport while the matter is in litigation.  A hearing on the preliminary injunction is set for May 15, 2008 and the City is awaiting the court order.

  FAA filing for a preliminary injunction
  FAA petition in support of the preliminary injunction
  City's response to application for preliminary injunction

  On May 5, 2008, the City has filed its response to the Interim Cease and Desist Order served on the City on April 23, 2008.  In response the FAA has served the City with a Supplemental Interim Cease and Desist Order.  
  
  FAA's Supplemental Cease and Desist
  City's response to FAA's Cease and Desist Order

  More on the airport...

• CAROB TREE ASSESSMENT

  At the May 7 community forum, a number of concerned residents as well as expert panelists shared their views on the carobs with each other and with city staff.  As part of the FY 07/08 Community Forest Renewal Program, staff conducted a study of mature carob trees throughout the city.  The objective was to determine their health, viability and any risk that could be associated with declining condition.  After taking resident feedback, the city intends to move forward with the 98 trees ranked 10 or higher on the hazard scale but will revisit the plans for the 202 ranked eight and nine to see if demolition can be postponed through the summer, or if it can be done gradually to allow new trees to fill in.

  Click here to read the HortScience Carob Tree Report
  
  Read the Community Forest Management Plan

• 2008 YOUTH SUMMER GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE!
  Available here and at City Hall, the Ken Edwards Center, the Libraries, Reed Park, the Swim Center or Virginia Avenue Park, the guide is bursting with camps, classes and activities for kids ages 4 to 17!  Resident registration for summer break camps begins March 12 and will continue until full; class and workshop registration begins May 21.  Non-resident registration begins March 19 and May 28, respectively.

• As of May 14, 2008, the courts have upheld the city’s position and we may now move forward to enhance these streets and protect public safety. The city intends to proceed as soon as possible with the project, which includes the removal of the 23 trees which are structurally unstable and a number of public benefits including better lighting, pedestrian safety enhancements and new young trees to compliment more than 100 ficus trees...

• The LUCE Strategy Framework is being released for public review. This document sets forth policies for integrated land use and transportation development that will form the basis of the final Land Use and Circulation Element. The Planning Commission will hold three hearings to take public input and discuss the Strategy Framework in order to formulate recommendations to the City Council.

  DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 21, Thursday May 22 and Wednesday, May 28, 2008, all at 7:00 p.m.

  LOCATION: May 21 and 22: Civic Auditorium East Wing, 1855 Main Street, Santa Monica, California

  May 28: City Council Chambers, Second Floor, Santa Monica City Hall,1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, California

  HOW TO COMMENT: The City of Santa Monica encourages public comment. You may comment at the Planning Commission public hearing, or by writing a letter. Written information will be given to the Planning Commission at the meeting.

  Address your letters to:
  Eileen Fogarty, Director
  Re: LUCE Strategy Framework
  Planning & Community Development Department
  1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Council Meeting Wrap Up

• Council Meeting Wrap Up - May 13, 2008