Since I began practicing law in the city of Santa Monica over 20 years ago, I have seen many actions taken by our local legislature that are adverse to the interests of property owners in the City of Santa Monica, the taxpayers. The City has taken so many actions in the past against the interests of property owners that we often forget that this battle has been waging since the passage of rent control in 1979. Many of our civic leaders, many lawsuits, and many attorneys have come and gone, numerous laws have passed and many have been challenged successfully, yet the struggle continues, and has advanced into the state legislature. Our state senator, Sheila Kuehl, clearly has an allegiance to the renters’ rights movement. She actively sponsors bills and promotes advancing renters’ rights at every opportunity. New legislation is pending, which is discussed in this magazine.

Most recently, the City of Santa Monica has attacked the hotel industry, with its commands and dictates concerning an hourly rate, and is now harassing homeowners by attempting to declare homes (and apartment buildings) as historic landmarks. Perhaps you have seen the signs around town that state “No Historic District”. Homeowners now realize that they are not insulated from investing money in real estate, only to later have the rules changed with an accompanying loss of value. Now, this segment of our population is dealing with the same type of “change” that apartment owners suffered in 1979. The City inhibits growth and development but at the same time somehow we lose “landmarks,” such as the Boathouse Restaurant on the Pier. It seems whenever a financial gain is to be made by the City, the rules are different. However when an individual is affected, then the “public policy” must be paramount. For instance, did you know that the City of Santa Monica, through its Community Corporation, is the largest landlord in the City of Santa Monica at the present time?

While many articles of interest are included in this month’s edition of WAM, I strongly encourage you to attend the next meeting. I am sure it will be informative and interesting. Rosario Perry will also present an update on the Action v. Santa Monica Rent Control Board lawsuit that we won. Now, we must follow up and collect approximately $2,000,000.00 of damages, as a result of the City’s improper authorization to tenants to collect interest on security deposits. See the Members Only section to see how you can be included.