March 29, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Last Chance for LUVE:

By Sam Skopp and Jennifer Eden

The Residocracy-backed neighborhood LUVE initiative has set themselves the target of meeting the required 6,500-signature mark today to ensure its place on the November 8 ballot.

The Land Use Voter Empowerment initiative was drafted by residents in a move to curb overdevelopment in Santa Monica, authors stated. The final day that they have set for for signature collection is Sunday, May 1.

“It looks like it’s going to be close, so this last weekend really counts,” said Tricia Crane, co-author with Residocracy founder Armen Melkonians of LUVE.

Crane has turned her Santa Monica patio into LUVE Headquarters with people welcome to stop by at any time to sign or pick up a petition. “Just use the Idaho gate,” she said.

Expect Santa Monica streets to be filled with collectors in coming days, as while the signature count is getting close to the coveted mark, verification of exact signatory details with voting records can often change numbers dramatically.

The initiative has caused great debate in the city, with art center Bergamot Station playing an active role in all-things LUVE. Developers are currently looking at space on the allotment for a hotel and offices – tenants, are standing firm.

Robert Berman has owned a gallery at Bergamot Station for 22 years, and is a vocal supporter of the LUVE initiative.

“[We] would like to keep Bergamot basically the way it is,” said Berman. “It works, and we’re in a very fragile economy.”

Bergamot is one of only two art gallery complexes on the West Coast, offering free admission to all of its galleries, located within easy walking distance from one another, Berman explained.

“We’ve agreed that we would like to see if we could get a bigger restaurant, maybe a bar and a community center for the Pico neighborhood,” he added, but is wary of any development that may infringe on what’s already been established.

Two major provisions of LUVE are limiting projects of over 32 stories, and encouraging low and moderate-income and senior citizen housing projects, according to proponents.

For residents who have been collecting signatures for LUVE, they must be dropped off

Sunday, either from 10am – 3pm at 902 – 23rd Street or at Robert Berman Gallery from 4pm-6pm.

in News
Related Posts

Clippers Center Ivica Zubac Joins Students for Medical Simulation Training

March 29, 2023

March 29, 2023

Students gain hands-on experience with virtual reality tools, CPR training, and surgical equipment at Cedars-Sinai’s Women’s Guild Simulation Center For...

Santa Monica Hosts Active Aging Group Bike Ride for Older Adults

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Event set for Thursday, March 30, to practice safe biking skills and the rules of the road Older adults in...

City Council Approves Land Use Amendments to Implement Housing Element

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Amendments to zoning codes to support affordable housing production and streamline approval process The Santa Monica City Council has taken...

Changes Coming to Chautauqua and PCH to Address Traffic Congestion

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

Two changes coming to intersection of Chautauqua and PCH in late April Residents of Pacific Palisades can expect changes to...

“Hunger Cliff” Looms as CalFresh Benefits Come to an End in Southern California

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

Local food banks urge community support as Southern Californians face heightened food insecurity Local food banks in Southern California are...

Historic Santa Monica House with Rock ‘n’ Roll Past Hits the Market for $22.5M

March 27, 2023

March 27, 2023

The Witbeck House, a charming and beautifully preserved 1917 property with a recording studio used by musician Jackson Browne, is...

Community Corporation of Santa Monica Unveils New Affordable Housing Project in Pico Neighborhood

March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023

Brunson Terrace apartments will offer affordable housing and retail space for local businesses Community Corporation of Santa Monica has unveiled...

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Rejects Extension of Tenant Protections

March 26, 2023

March 26, 2023

County Board of Supervisors votes down measure affecting landlords in unincorporated areas. The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted...

Santa Monica Pet Hotel Hosts Puppy-Friendly St. Patty’s Day Party

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

A new pet hotel in Santa Monica recently hosted a St. Patrick’s Day party for local dogs. Check out all...

Santa Monica Mountains Largest Ever Restoration Project Nears Completion After 7,000 Hours of Volunteer Work

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

Final planting event will be held Saturday, March 25 at 9 a.m. for the park’s largest ever restoration project After...

California Appeals Court Rules Uber and Lyft Can Classify Drivers as Independent Contractors

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

Proposition 22 exempted ride-share companies from certain labor laws, court rules in favor of the companies By Sam Catanzaro ​​A...

Film Review – Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre

March 24, 2023

March 24, 2023

FILM REVIEWOPERATION FORTUNE: Ruse de GuerreRated R114 MinutesReleased March 3rd Now that the season of weighty Oscar contender films is...

Santa Monica Uses Innovative Water Recycling Facility to Capture and Store Rainwater

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

City’s Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project reducing reliance on imported water and sets a model for future projects Santa Monica has...

Shuttered Santa Monica Loews Hotel to Rebrand and Reopen as a Regent Hotel

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Hotel’s new operator announces plans for $4 million renovation, including rebranding and upgrading accessibility for guests with disabilities By Dolores...

Three Arrested for Identity Theft, Possession of Stolen Property, and Grand Theft in Santa Monica

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

Suspects found with over 20 stolen cellphones, credit cards, and identification Three individuals were arrested in Santa Monica for identity...