Latest news with #SantaMonicaMountains
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
California bill to turn lost Pacific Palisades homes into affordable housing paused after locals call it ‘a land grab'
When devastating wildfires swept through California earlier this year, many buildings were destroyed beyond repair. In fact, the Eaton and Palisades fires alone destroyed 40,000 acres of properties, and 6,800 buildings were damaged in the Palisades fire, affecting the Santa Monica Mountains. Now, the rebuilding process is leading to some conflict. Specifically, many residents of Pacific Palisades have recently expressed serious concerns about Senate Bill 549, which would create 'Resilient Rebuilding Authorities" funded by the government through property tax collection. These concerns were recently raised in a Fox 11 LA news report. These authorities would be given the power to purchase lots where homes had been destroyed by fire, and to build low-income housing on a significant percentage of those lots. However, residents of Pacific Palisades, where reports the median home listing price is $4.9 million, are not happy with what they see as a "land grab." Many have voiced opposition, and, in response, Senate Bill 549 has been put on hold until at least 2026. Don't miss Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 6 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) You don't have to be a millionaire to gain access to this $1B private real estate fund. In fact, you can get started with as little as $10 — here's how What would the California affordable housing bill do? Senate Bill 549 explains that existing law gives the government the authority to establish an "infrastructure financing district to finance public capital facilities or other specified projects of communitywide significance" and to "allocate tax revenues… to the district, including revenues derived from local sales and use taxes." Lawmakers now want to use this power to create Resilient Rebuilding Authorities, which would use some of the money to buy lots in Pacific Palisades and build homes for people with incomes between 60% and 30% of the median income, as well as homes that would be occupied by people with incomes below 30% of the area median and permanent supportive housing aimed at finding homes for the homeless. Governor Gavin Newsom also separately allocated $101 million in taxpayer money for the construction of more low-income housing to "accelerate the development of affordable multifamily rental housing so that those rebuilding their lives after this tragedy have access to a safe, affordable place to come home to." Read more: Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says — and that 'anyone' can do it Why is the California housing bill causing so much controversy? While lawmakers may want to build affordable housing in Pacific Palisades, residents are not so sure they want this to happen. Jessica Rogers, Pacific Palisades Residents' Association president, wrote a letter expressing her objections to lawmakers, which over 2,300 other local residents signed onto. "[Lawmakers are] asking for a land grab," Rogers said. "This is a rebuild, this is not a politicians get to decide a pet project on what they're going to decide in the Palisades. This is residents of this community get to decide what happens in our rebuild phase, period." Rogers also stated that while there was some affordable housing in the area in the past, residents don't want more of this housing built because they don't want things to change — they want their neighborhood back the way it was. "We had some low-income housing, and we had affordable housing," Rogers explained. "We want what we had on January 7 [the day of the Palisades Fire]. Nothing more, nothing less." Another resident was also upset about the idea of the government coming in and making sweeping changes without the consent of those who already lived there. "It does sound quite a bit like Big Brother deciding what's good for all of us," commented Aileen Haugh, another local resident. "It's irritating to think that other people [not local residents] are going to make decisions of what gets built and how it gets built." Misinformation may have also played a role in stoking opposition, as the LA Times reported that Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star, had shared information on social media about his opposition to the bill, who claimed that the government was focused on dense reconstruction and wouldn't be abiding by local zoning rules. The LA Times has also said that some of the other posts opposing the legislation were based on prejudiced views towards affordable housing and distrust of the government, as well as fears that the character of Pacific Palisades would change. Some even floated the conspiracy that the fires were set on purpose to replace the wealthy community with one where homes were more affordable. Regardless of whether the objections are based on conspiracy theories or fact, however, lawmakers have taken notice, and the controversial bill has now been put on pause. "I appreciate the input of the folks who have weighed in about the bill, and along with legislative colleagues have decided that it would be best for us to pause the bill until next year to give us more time to see if we can get it right," State Senator Ben Allen said in a recent statement. "For me to feel comfortable proceeding, the bill will have to be deeply grounded in community input, empowerment, and decision-making, including the support of the impacted councilmembers." What to read next Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Accredited investors can now buy into this $22 trillion asset class once reserved for elites – and become the landlord of Walmart, Whole Foods or Kroger without lifting a finger. Here's how Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Stay in the know. Join 200,000+ readers and get the best of Moneywise sent straight to your inbox every week for free. This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Young child killed in freak accident at ritzy summer camp near Kardashian compounds
A child tragically died after a tree fell on multiple people at a ritzy summer camp near Calabasas, California on Wednesday. The child, who has not been identified, was reportedly struck by the falling tree at 2:50pm at King Gillette Ranch, a popular family camp site in the Santa Monica Mountains. Four others were injured by the falling tree, with two taken to hospital with minor injuries. Two others declined further medical treatment, the Los Angeles County Fire Department said. The child was also raced to hospital in critical condition, but died a short time later. Authorities led by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department have launched an investigation into the tragedy. In a statement, the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority said: 'This is a profoundly difficult time for our entire MRCA community and the parks community of the Santa Monica Mountains. 'We grieve alongside the family and are keeping them in our thoughts and prayers.' The child, who has not been identified, was reportedly struck by the falling tree at 2:50pm at King Gillette Ranch (pictured), a popular family camp site in the Santa Monica Mountains close to the celebrity enclave of Calabasas The King Gillette Ranch where the child was struck by the tree is described as 'one of the most stunning locales in the Santa Monica Mountains' by the National Park Service. The 588-acre ranch is in the heart of the Malibu Creek Watershed, and offers families services including picnicking, hiking and bird watching. It is named after King Gillette, a business magnate who started the Gillette razor company and bought the property in 1926. The park's location in the Santa Monica Mountains puts it close to the celebrity enclave of Calabasas, and it is just 7 miles from Kim Kardashian's $20 million home in Calabasas' Hidden Hills.
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The dark past of one of Los Angeles' most iconic tourist attractions - and why people still think it's cursed
Even if you've never been to Griffith Park, in Los Angeles, you'll definitely have seen it on TV. One of Los Angeles ' leading attractions, the public park, in California's Santa Monica Mountains, is where the iconic Hollywood sign is located, as well as the Los Angeles Zoo, and Griffith Observatory, celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.
