𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗦: Tenants Rally to Save Rent-Controlled Homes in Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — June 10, 2025 — More than a dozen tenants rallied outside Santa Monica City Hall on Tuesday evening ahead of the City Council meeting, urging local officials to prevent the potential demolition of their rent-controlled apartment building on Virginia Avenue. Carrying signs that read “Rehab, Not Demo,” “Rent Control Saves Lives,” and “Keep Families Together,” the residents expressed concern over the fate of their homes. The group said that Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM), which purchased the building in January 2020, had initially promised to rehabilitate the aging property while allowing all current tenants to stay. Now, after years of failed efforts to secure funding for those improvements, tenants fear demolition is back on the table — a move that would displace more than 100 residents, many of whom have lived there for generations. “This isn’t just about a building — it’s about preserving a community,” said a spokesperson for Keep Santa Monica Local, the grassroots coalition supporting the tenants. “We’re workers, seniors, students. We’ve built our lives here.” The Virginia Avenue complex houses 103 residents across 36 units, with 34 designated as low-income housing. The community includes senior citizens, people with disabilities, and families with children — 85% of whom work in Santa Monica. On February 25, 2025, the group requested a $10 million loan from the City Council to fund the rehabilitation. Councilmembers expressed interest but said a review of the city’s budget was necessary. With the budget process now underway, tenants are renewing their call for the city to follow through on its commitment. Supporters are encouraged to sign the petition, follow the campaign on social media, and write letters to the City Council in support of preserving the Virginia Avenue community. More information is available at www.keepsmlocal.org.