October 17 - October 23, 2025
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October 17 - October 23, 2025 Volume CXXIII Issue 215
SM.a.r.t Column: Council Cans the Civic Page 6
Controversial Ocean Avenue Housing Project Paused for Community Input
Horvath expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, stating, “It is clear there has been inexcusably little engagement around this proposal.” Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath has called for a pause in two interim housing projects planned for Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, citing inadequate community engagement. The decision, announced Tuesday, follows
concerns raised by residents, including those in the North of Montana Association, and comes with a state-approved extension of the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program grant. Horvath expressed frustration over the lack of transparency, stating, “It is clear there has been inexcusably little engagement around this proposal.” The projects, involving 49 beds at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue to address homelessness and mental health needs, were proposed by a developer in collaboration with the County Department of Mental Health and St. Joseph Center. Horvath emphasized the need for urgent housing solutions but insisted on community partnership, leading to an agreement with stakeholders to halt
progress for further outreach. The pause aligns with recent calls from Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, who earlier this week urged the City Council to enhance transparency and accountability for county-funded housing projects. Negrete highlighted resident frustrations over the lack of prior notice and potential impacts near the Oceana senior living complex. She proposed directives including broader outreach, zoning clarifications, and a public communication strategy, reflecting concerns about safety and process shared by taxpayers in the area. Details released earlier this week by Negrete, sourced from Horvath’s office, outlined the facilities’ operations, including 24/7 staffing, security, and a no-loi-
tering policy. Funded under Proposition 1, the sites prioritize local residents but have faced backlash over their proximity to high-value properties and a nearby St. Joseph Center location. Horvath’s office, along with the Department of Mental Health and St. Joseph Center, will now focus on community input before resuming the projects.
Mayor Bass Seeks Temporary Measure ULA Pause for Pacific Palisades Homeowners After Wildfires
Bass Urges City Council to Approve a Limited Exemption From the City’s “Mansion Tax”
the fires. The mayor’s office said the measure is designed to accelerate sales and encourage rebuilding, ultimately replenishing city housing stock and generating future ULA revenue once the homes are resold.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is calling on the City Council to approve a temporary pause to Measure ULA, the city’s controversial “mansion tax”, offering potential relief to Pacific Palisades homeowners recovering from this year’s wildfires, according to a press release from Mayor Karen Bass’ office. The request, outlined in a letter Bass sent Thursday to the 15-member council, marks the first formal effort at City Hall to modify the voter-approved transfer tax since it took effect in 2023. Bass is asking the council to grant the city’s finance director authority to provide a one-time exemption for affected residents, rather than a citywide suspension. Bass’s proposal would apply only to residential properties in the Pacific Palisades, including single-family homes, condominiums, and “other residential housing” damaged or destroyed by
Mayor Bass’ letter said, “The successful rebuilding and revitalization of the Palisades is contingent on new homes quickly being built on vacant residential lots and on the timely sale of those lots or of those residences left standing by homeowners who want to leave the area. Many homeowners affected by the fires are long-time residents living on fixed incomes and with much of their life savings tied to the equity in their property.” Approved by voters in November 2022, Measure ULA established a two-tiered real estate transfer tax on high-value properties to fund affordable housing and homelessness prevention. It applies a 4% tax on sales above $5.3 million and a 5.5% tax on those over $10.6 million. Since taking effect, the levy has drawn widespread criticism from developers, brokers, and homeowners in upscale
neighborhoods like the Palisades, where agents say it has slowed luxury sales and complicated post-disaster recovery. The mayor’s appeal followed a recent meeting with developer Rick Caruso, founder of Steadfast LA — a nonprofit created to assist rebuilding efforts in fireaffected areas, including Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Caruso, whose organization has advocated for temporary financial relief to speed recovery, has not publicly commented on the mayor’s plan. It remains unclear whether the City
Council will schedule a discussion of Bass’s proposal or how soon action might be taken. If approved, the temporary pause would represent the first adjustment to Measure ULA’s strict provisions since its passage. Any revision to the tax is expected to face significant pushback. Housing advocates and supporters of Measure ULA have resisted previous attempts to weaken or repeal it, arguing that it is critical to funding the city’s affordable housing and homelessness initiatives.
Photo: LA County