S A N TA M O N I C A
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REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
October 27 - November 2, 2023 Volume CXXVI Issue 217
Council to Consider Supporting Tenants Facing Mass Eviction The Barrington Plaza Tenants Association Filed a Lawsuit Against the Building’s Owner in June By Zach Armstrong Santa Monica City councilmembers Caroline Torosis and Jesse Zwick, along with Mayor Gleam Davis, have requested council adopt a resolution in support of tenants at Barrington Plaza who are fighting mass eviction, according to an agenda item. The agenda item has been continued to the council’s Oct. 24 meeting, according to a city spokesperson. The Barrington Plaza Tenants Association filed a lawsuit against the building’s owner, Santa Monica-based Douglas Emmett
Inc., in June over eviction efforts which if successful would be the largest Los Angeles mass eviction since the Chavez Ravine ones of the 1950s, according to the agenda item. The 712-unit West Los Angeles complex at 11740 Wilshire Blvd is the third largest apartment complex subject to Los Angeles’ Rent Stabilization Ordinance. “This mass eviction of over 522 occupied units, and the subsequent removal of these units from the rental market will exacerbate market pressures for new rental units, inevitably placing upward pressure on rent prices in Santa Monica.” stated the agenda item and resolution. “This looming eviction is especially concerning for renters in Santa Monica, where Douglas Emmett, Inc. owns several large residential properties.” Douglas Emmet, who is invoking California’s Ellis Act, argues that these evictions are needed for building upgrades such as installing fire sprinklers. The resolution from the councilmembers states that jurisdictions have limited capacity to prevent fraudulent uses of the act and sham evictions associated with it. The Coalition for Economic Survival was cited as finding,
since 2001, the law has been used to evict 29,467 units in Los Angeles. In August, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James Chalfant denied a request by the tenants to stop the evictions saying that the landlord’s harm is rooted in financial impacts from eviction and renovation delays, ABC7 reported. One tenant told the
local outlet she believes Douglas Emmet will temporarily go out of business only to return with substantially higher rents. As part of the resolution, the City Council would implore Douglas Emmett not to evict the tenants and use Los Angeles’ tenant habitability program for necessary repairs while temporarily relocating tenants.
SMMUSD Seeks Public Input on Franklin Elementary Enhancements The Meeting Focused On Discussing Educational Requirements, Historical Considerations, and More The Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District welcomed parents, faculty, students, and community members to give input as it develops educational enhancements at Franklin Elementary School. An in-person meeting was held Thursday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. During this meeting, the focus will be on discussing educational requirements, historical considerations, campus blueprints, and forthcoming proposed projects. The input of all stakeholders is of utmost importance as the district endeavors to improve the learning
environment for both current and future students. Franklin Elementary School is located at 2400 Montana Ave. The meeting is set to take place within the school’s auditorium. Parking options include the school’s lot off Idaho Ave. and street parking available on Idaho and Montana, with city parking regulations applicable. Each meeting will encompass the following elements: An update on forthcoming proposed projects and the campus plan, with emphasis on design and phased execution. An overview of findings from a historical consultant’s report. Opportunities for participants to pose questions and receive feedback.
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