Santa Monica Mayor Carolyn Terosas Faces Controversy Over Housing Development Plan

New Mayor Sworn In Amidst Controversy

• 📌 Carolyn Terosas was sworn in as the new mayor of Santa Monica, but her appointment was immediately met with controversy.
• 💬 Residents expressed frustration, with some calling her untrustworthy and accusing her of having prior knowledge of a controversial housing development plan.

Allegations of Withheld Information

• 🏠 The controversy centers around a paused project to convert two luxury Ocean Avenue properties into interim housing for individuals with severe mental illness.
• 📧 Fox 11 obtained emails suggesting Terosas was aware of the project as early as December, despite her previous public denials of knowing about it months in advance.
• 🗣️ Residents are questioning why they were not notified about the project and express concerns about honesty.

Mayor's Role and Defense

• 💼 Terosas also serves as a policy director for LA County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, raising concerns for some residents about potential conflicts or dishonesty.
• 📢 In a statement, Mayor Terosas stated that property addresses were not revealed to her before she forwarded the inquiry to staff, and that the city lacked approval authority.
• 🏛️ The city council voted to remove the controversial Ocean Avenue project from their agenda for the night.

Mixed Reactions to New Mayor

• ✅ Some residents defended Terosas, describing her as a good human being who is genuine and will prioritize the city.
• ⚠️ Despite the support, a significant portion of residents voiced distrust due to the alleged withholding of information regarding the housing development.