Santa Monica rent board approves minutes, selects new chair and vice chair; staff gives wildfire, budget updates

The Santa Monica Rent Control Board approved minutes from prior December meetings, heard staff briefings on wildfire emergency resources and the upcoming budget process, introduced a new board secretary, and unanimously elected new leadership during administrative business.

At the start of the meeting the board approved minutes from the December regular meeting and two December special meetings after a motion and roll-call vote. There were no public comments.

In staff announcements, a staff speaker thanked rent control staff for their response during recent wildfires and directed residents, landlords and others to Santa Monica's web page for information on the local emergency order, housing for evacuees, suspension of short-term-rental prohibitions for displaced individuals, and reporting price-gouging concerns (city website referenced as www.santamonica.gov and a consumer mailbox at the city attorney's office for reports). The staff speaker emphasized that tenant protections against eviction and harassment remain in effect and noted an online survey and three community budget meetings for the city's FY 2025-27 operating budget; Spanish interpretation will be available at the meetings.

The board introduced Gilbert Portillo as the new board secretary; staff noted Portillo previously worked in the city manager's office and on the city's 3-1-1 team. The board also thanked Mahogany Vanetti for serving as interim board secretary and acknowledged Chair Leslie for her leadership.

During administrative item 12A the board followed customary nomination procedure. Commissioner Ivanoff nominated Vice Chair Gonska for chair; the nomination was seconded and approved by unanimous roll call. Commissioners then nominated Commissioner Ivanoff for vice chair; the board approved that nomination by unanimous roll call. The chair's ceremonial remarks concluded the meeting.