The following is an open letter to Councilmember Sue Himmelrich from Santa Monica resident Arthur Jeon regarding a proposed transfer tax ballot initiative. I just received your “Standing Firm For Santa Monica” flyer, which I […]
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 II: Who pays the proposed transfer tax and where does the money go? Last week, we introduced the proposed tax as a key element in the fundamental ongoing restructuring of the city’s commercial and […]
By Tom Elias Rarely has a major group of Californians suffered a less deserved rash of insults and attacks than the myriad homeowners often described as “NIMBYs” – an acronym for folks who may favor […]
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 […]
Finding affordable, quality childcare is essential for many working parents. The current shortage of care options is helping drive up costs for parents across the nation. If you know you will be needing childcare coverage […]
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 […]
By Tom Elias, Columnist Blockbusting. A technique used to encourage people to sell their property by giving the impression that a neighborhood is changing for the worse, causing property values to decline. The property is […]
(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 protest was organized by Jason Ignacio White and One Fair Wage after the owner and chef of Noma, René...
Read moreMy Oscar choices and predictions. The 98th Academy Awards, Sunday, March 15th at 4:00 PM, on ABC, and streaming on...
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