This is a book for all who live and do business in the city of Santa Monica. Have you ever wondered just what does the city think it is? Frank J. Gruber has collected some of the articles in his column written for the “Lookout News” between the years of 2000-2004.
I received an e-mail from regular ”My Write” reader Helen Auerbach. She had a question about the former Berkshire skilled nursing care facility at 2602 Broadway recently acquired by Community Corporation of Santa Monica for redevelopment into a new, public-housing project.
This past week, Q-line asked: The Rent Control Board recently approved a 1 percent increase for the coming year pleasing renters and upsetting landlords.
Last Tuesday evening, the City Council upheld an appeal of landmark designation for 301 Ocean Ave. Big developers won another victory. Gentrification in the form of more multi-million dollar luxury condos for the wealthy moves forward while the little guy gets kicked in the pants.
CITY HALL — An economic downturn that has driven up the unemployment rate and jeopardized housing for many will push rents up by 1 percent this fall, the lowest since 1999 when city officials authorized an increase by the same amount.
The future Expo Light Rail terminal at Fourth Street and Colorado Avenue, Colorado streetscape, decking the Santa Monica Freeway, Civic Center open space and Downtown circulation element were all discussed at a Community Workshop last Monday evening.
There are 23 citizen boards, commissions and task forces recognized by the city of Santa Monica. Citizen members of these organizations are City Council appointed or approved.
This past week, Q-line asked: With Earth Day taking place this week, this is a great time to look at the world around you and consider making changes to help the environment.
As expected, the Exposition Construction Authority on Thursday approved a staff recommendation for Colorado Avenue as the preferred route for Expo Light Rail, Phase 2 through Santa Monica.
CITY HALL — After hearing a flood of concerns from residents in the Pico Neighborhood over the proposed placement of a light rail maintenance yard near homes, Santa Monica city officials will begin exploring alternative locations.
EASTSIDE — Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights, the city’s leading political party that holds a majority on the City Council and other elected boards here, is opposed to building a maintenance yard for the Exposition Light Rail line in a residential neighborhood adjacent to Stewart Street Park.
The appointment of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights co-chair Gleam Davis to the late Herb Katz’ City Council seat is still garnering a lot of angst from disappointed Ted Winterer fans.
