This week we are re-visiting an article from 2018 regarding the Miramar project, by simply replacing the word “Miramar” with “Gelson’s”, and striking thru some of the irrelevant text. We sadly reflect on how the […]
Over the last approximately two years your City has been busy trying to respond to new California laws that are completely destroying the urban fabric and quality of life of our City. Specifically, the State’s […]
In the 1970s, renowned USC architecture professor Ralph Knowles developed a method for planning and designing cities that would dramatically reduce the use of fossil fuels, while retaining the qualities that people find most attractive […]
Part 1 of 2 In this two-part article, we will discuss both the proposed transfer tax ballot initiative and the fundamental shift in city residential/commercial composition that will drive further emphasis on direct taxation of […]
Editor’s note: this is an April Fools Day column and is intended to be satire. Starting this year permits from the Santa Monica Planning Department will require a new additional fee called “Travel Demand Forecasting […]
Following is a composite of past articles dealing with the accelerated demise of our beachfront environment together with the increasing control of the development community over City Council and Planning staff, and the re-direction we […]
(part 2 of a 2 part article) Last week’s article covered why there is negligible population growth pressure in spite of the common misconception of a housing “shortage”, and ended with the question: why can’t […]
The recent zoom presentation of the proposed project at Ocean Park Blvd & Lincoln Blvd., frequently referred to as ‘the Gelson’s development’, stirred memories of past projects I studied in City Planning courses while in […]
Parking. In buildings. On the street. How important can that be? Who does it impact? And after decades of discussion, why is it still a controversial topic? This, like several other state land use and […]
Seven years ago I wrote a column for SMa.r.t. titled “Beach Town or ‘Dingbat’ City” and a relevant portion of the article is reproduced below, in italics, as a refresher of what seemed at the […]
The holiday season is fast approaching. To make your holidays more sustainable, Urban Jungle, an indoor and tropical plants nursery...
Read moreBy Mayor Pro Tempore Caroline Torosis I entered public service because I love Santa Monica. I believe in its people,...
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