A Developing Story.

As California's current high-speed rail fiasco attests, big and ambitious public projects are hard. California's biggest project of all is housing development. Will it suffer the same fate? In this final episode, Brian explores the impediments to success, including the increasingly caustic "backyard brawl" between NIMBYS and YIMBYS, and asks his guests to pitch their versions of a successful housing future. Santa Monica Daily Press Links:https://smdp.com/business/high-speed-rail-2/https://smdp.com/news/fresh-batch-of-yimby-housing-bills-clash-with-coastal-protections-again/https://smdp.com/government-politics-2/abundance-meets-resistance-are-democrats-finally-ready-to-go-all-in-on-building-housing/    

In this episode, Brian examines three housing development projects in Santa Monica – all of which have courted controversy. One is a large development that could replace a beloved grocery store, another is a supportive housing project a block from the city's shopping promenade, and the third is a project that was killed by community activism, with unintended consequences. Santa Monica Daily Press Links:https://smdp.com/news/public-stir-persists-for-gelsons-replacement-project/https://smdp.com/business/development/plans-updated-for-122-unit-affordable-housing-development-at-1318-4th-street/https://smdp.com/business/residents-want-a-reduced-bergamot-transit-village/ 

Building affordable housing is a big priority in Santa Monica. This episode investigates how affordable housing is built, and what "affordability" even means as the nationwide cost of living rises. Many fear that the push to build more affordable housing is leading to gentrification instead.   Santa Monica Daily Press Links:https://smdp.com/business/development/race-is-on-to-shape-affordable-housing-near-17th-street-smc-metro-station/https://smdp.com/business/development/santa-monica-puts-three-city-owned-sites-up-for-lease-as-part-of-affordable-housing-push/https://smdp.com/business/development/community-corporation-celebrates-santa-monicas-first-modular-affordable-housing-development/

Santa Monica, like much of Los Angeles County, is a city dominated by neighborhoods of low-density, single-family homes. But low density has played a role in California's housing crisis. The state is responding with "Density Bonuses" for developers, which encourage more building, but at what cost? This episode crunches the numbers, explains the density bonus "matrix," and spotlights a planned density bonus building. Santa Monica Daily Press Links:https://smdp.com/news/density-bonus-rules-allow-developers-to-double-the-size-of-some-projects/https://smdp.com/uncategorized/santa-monica-board-continues-review-of-132-unit-housing-project-over-design-concerns/https://smdp.com/business/development/santa-monica-housing-pilot-program-reaches-capacity-within-days-planning-commission-seeks-extension/

Delays in the approval of Santa Monica's housing element lead to a historic punishment for the city: activation of a loophole called "The Builder's Remedy." Developers are now able to flood Santa Monica with construction – and the city is powerless to stop it.Santa Monica Daily Press Links:https://smdp.com/news/builders-remedy/https://smdp.com/business/godzilla-next-door-how-california-developers-gained-new-leverage-to-build-more-homes/https://smdp.com/news/development/https://smdp.com/business/development/planning-commission-approves-18-story-housing-project-despite-environmental-appeal/

In the first episode of A Developing Story, host Brian Peter Falk introduces the idyllic beach city of Santa Monica, California and explores how a controversial state wide development mandate called "The Housing Element" is forcing the city to allow the construction of nearly 9,000 new apartments.Santa Monica Daily Press Links:https://smdp.com/news/hcd-rejects-citys-housing-element-demands-revisions/https://smdp.com/news/after-housing-element-debacle-implementation-work-begins/https://smdp.com/news/housing-element-becomes-hot-topic-at-local-leader-gathering/

Santa Monica plans to allow open-container drinking on its promenade as part of a new entertainment zone, following the passage of California Senate Bill 969. The idea was initially proposed for a few events but the city council wants to make it more permanent, from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m., tied to business hours. People can buy alcohol in a special, non-refillable cup from venues and walk around with it. The council hopes this will attract more tourists and lead to new events like pickleball or line dancing. There are concerns about security and police presence, with the department wanting more officers than the council thinks is necessary. The policy could be in place by May or June, in time for Pride Month. It’s seen as an experiment that could be rolled back if it doesn’t work out.

Santa Monica will not host Olympic beach volleyball in 2028 despite initial plans. LA 28 approached Santa Monica due to its iconic beach and pier, and the city’s claim to inventing beach volleyball. The Olympic Committee covers costs directly tied to the games, but Santa Monica sought additional community benefits. A consultant’s report indicated the city would lose $1.5 million hosting the games, but could gain $5–7 million without hosting, through increased tourism. However, historical data from other Olympics shows non-Olympic tourism often drops significantly during the games. Santa Monica’s decision was criticized for lacking vision and outreach to cover the financial shortfall. Long Beach, which has been more welcoming to the Olympics, will now host the beach volleyball.

https://smdp.com/news/environment/wildfire-debris-build-up-on-our-beaches-could-equate-to-an-ecological-disaster/ 

Din Tai Fung link for soft opening: https://www.yelp.com/reservations/din-tai-fung-santa-monica-coming-soon-santa-monica?from_reserve_now=1 

The January fire in Pacific Palisades is having a significant economic impact on Santa Monica businesses. On this episode, Daily Press publisher Ross Furukawa and host Brian Peter Falk discuss how the fire, road closures, and beach shutdowns have led to decreased foot traffic, with some businesses reporting a 60-80% drop in revenue. Jennifer Taylor from the City of Santa Monica shares efforts to support affected businesses, including fee waivers and partnerships with tourism agencies. Restaurateur Jenny Rush describes the struggle of local restaurants to stay afloat. The message is clear: now is the time to support local businesses.

**Podcast Summary:** On this episode of *Inside the Daily Press*, we bring you the latest updates on the Palisades fire recovery efforts, including the lifting of evacuation orders and the start of the cleanup phase. We discuss the reported missteps in fire preparedness and response, from regulatory delays to equipment shortages, and examine how these failures may have worsened the disaster. Then, in non-fire news, Editor-in-Chief Matt Hall joins us for a deep dive into Santa Monica’s biggest controversy—pickleball. A heated legal battle is unfolding over a planned pickleball facility on 4th Street, and we break down the drama. Stay tuned!

To report price gouging visit Attorney General Rob Bonta's site  OR BY CALLING (800) 952-5225

Fire resources and information referenced in the episodePrice gouging crowd sourced data:  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/u/0/d/1RXWxLqTyWvAuq8A0PgaBuWeEn_G6qTLyTZ8lzfNEaNw/htmlview#Where to report rental price gouging: https://forms.gle/Zz5M74mUypXj2g458&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1736980430966865&usg=AOvVaw39p8SEKtMz3LPC9nNtpA1p

Inside the Daily Press provides crucial updates on the Palisades Fire, which has burned 23,713 acres and is 14% contained. Hosts Brian Peter Falk and Matt Hall discuss the lifting of Santa Monica evacuation orders and address widespread looting concerns in evacuation zones. They highlight a community clothing drive at Santa Monica College and conclude with a forecast of incoming Santa Ana winds, though less severe than the previous week's 100 mph gusts.

Host Ross Furukawa and journalist Brian Peter Falk discussed the ongoing Palisades Fire on January 10th, 2025. Cal Fire reported the fire has burned 21,317 acres with 8% containment and threatens 11,171 structures, while warning about false social media posts claiming cleanup work opportunities. In Santa Monica, evacuation orders remain in effect north of San Vicente, while the area between Montana and San Vicente has been downgraded to an evacuation warning, and the area between Wilshire and Montana has had evacuations lifted. Looting has become a major concern, with the Santa Monica Police Department reporting 573 calls for service, 240 of which came from the evacuation zone (representing only 4% of the city). In response, the National Guard has been deployed to support law enforcement, though they are unarmed. Access to evacuated areas is strictly controlled, with residents only allowed back briefly for essential needs like medication, requiring police escort. The weather forecast indicates weak to moderate Santa Ana winds through the weekend, stronger winds expected Tuesday, and a 20% chance of rain the following Friday. www.smdp.com/fire-resources

Hear from Candidate John Putnam for his run for Santa Monica City Council.

Hear from Candidate Ericka Lesley for her run for Santa Monica City Council.

Hear from Ellis Raskin about his run for City Council.

Hear from Candidate Natalya Zernitskaya for her run for Santa Monica City Council.

Hear from Candidate Dan Hall about his run for Santa Monica City Council.

Hear from Candidate Phil Brock about his run for Santa Monica City Council.

Hear from Barry Snell about his run for City Council.

Hear from Candidate Oscar de la Torre about his run for City Council.

Santa Monica is about to change the way it records crimes

A needle exchange program in local parks is causing controversy.

After a day of jokes, catch up on what you need to know to start the month.

Downtown land will be put up for sale

We get back on track this week after a rain delay

Local shelter is at capacity for dogs.

Voting is now open to determine Santa Monica’s Most Loved businesses https://smdp.com/mostloved2024/

Double density for some housing projects

Voting opens for Most Loved

More scooter riders mean more injuries on local roads

The new service will replace police or fire for some calls.

Members of the police oversight commission level serious accusations against the police union and earthquake safety tips.

Continue the holiday fun with the Polar Bear Plunge this weekend or visit the Galley just because it’s great.

A brief rundown of some restaurants you might want to visit.

The coffee giant could be forced to reopen several stores, including one in Santa Monica

A conflict over student clubs and ongoing discussions of free speech drew the ire of federal officials.

The once popular outdoor retailer will leave Santa Monica at the end of February leaving locals with the recently opened location in Marina Del Rey.

Affordable housing shortage undermines local zoning rules

New laws fight fake news.

A real estate roundup and it’s Ice time in Santa Monica

SMC shoots for the stars

Pier evacuated days before scheduled evacuation drill

Should the city oppose reduced bail rules?