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Los Angeles County DA has charged the driver who allegedly ordered his dog to attack a pedestrian in Santa Monica smmirror.com
June 5 – June 11, 2026 Volume CXXIII Issue 214
See Page 7
Santa Monica, Coastal Commission Sign Agreement to Complete Local Coastal Program The Local Coastal Program will give the city greater decision-making authority over coastal development projects — including temporary events, commercial tenant improvements, and outdoor dining
Santa Monica and the California Coastal Commission have entered into a memorandum of understanding to complete the city’s long-delayed Local
Coastal Program, a key planning document governing development in the coastal zone. The Santa Monica City Council voted last week to authorize the city manager to execute the MOU, which creates a formal framework for collaboration between the city and the commission. The goal is to produce a certified Land Use Plan and Implementation Plan (zoning ordinance) for Santa Monica’s coastal zone. Once certified, the Local Coastal Program will give the city greater decisionmaking authority over coastal development projects — including temporary events, commercial tenant improvements, adaptive reuse, outdoor dining, residential development and transportation projects — while maintaining protections for coastal resources and public access as required by the California Coastal Act. The agreement builds on a 2018 draft Land Use Plan and years of community outreach. Work under the new MOU is expected to begin in July, with a target for full certification by the end of 2027. “Santa Monica’s economic recovery depends on our ability to move quickly
and remove barriers for residents, small businesses, and the projects that bring jobs and investment to our city,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said in a statement. “By committing to work directly with the California Coastal Commission, we are building a faster, clearer path for projects
in our coastal zone.” The city’s coastal zone includes much of downtown Santa Monica, including the Third Street Promenade. Officials say completing the Local Coastal Program will reduce uncertainty and support broader revitalization efforts.
Here's How Santa Monica Will Spend $6M to Fight Evictions and Homelessness The initiative is a key component of the city’s 2025– 2030 Homelessness Strategic Plan and builds upon existing renter protections
Santa Monica has approved a $6 million renter assistance program designed to prevent evictions and reduce homelessness by providing direct financial aid and support services to vulnerable households. The Santa Monica Renter Aid program, funded through Measure GS, was approved by the City Council on Tuesday. It represents the first major allocation from the voter-approved real estate transfer tax increase passed in 2022. The city will partner with The People Concern to administer the program, which is expected to launch in the summer.
Under the program, eligible renter households can receive: - Up to $5,000 in one-time emergency financial assistance per year - Up to $10,000 in ongoing monthly assistance annually to maintain housing stability - Up to $20,000 in assistance for households involved in eviction proceedings, particularly those receiving services through the city’s Right to Counsel program Households earning up to 120% of the area median income — roughly $126,000 for a single person and $180,000 for a family of four — will qualify, with priority given to those at greatest risk of homelessness. The program is projected to assist approximately 150 households each year. “Santa Monica renters are the backbone of our community, and this program is about making sure they can stay here,” Mayor Caroline Torosis said in a statement. “Santa Monica Renter Aid puts Measure GS dollars to work exactly as voters intended, keeping working families housed before a crisis becomes a catastrophe.” The initiative is a key component of the
city’s 2025–2030 Homelessness Strategic Plan and builds upon existing renter protections. Applications will be available online, with multilingual materials, paper options, and in-person support at locations including Virginia Avenue Park. The five-year contract with The People Concern is valued at up to $6 million, beginning with a two-year term and including three one-year renewal options. The People Concern will provide case
management services and report outcomes to the city, including success in keeping residents housed and connections to other support programs. “Keeping Santa Monica residents housed is one of the city’s highest priorities,” said Aileen Reynolds, Director of Housing and Human Services, in a statement. “This first major allocation of Measure GS funding reflects our commitment to preventing homelessness before it happens.”