Safety Slate Marches for Change: Candidates Rally for Safer Streets and Parks in Santa Monica

On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the "Women For A Safer Santa Monica" and the Safety Slate candidates marched down Main Street, advocating for public safety reforms and a stronger community focus. The group carried signs and chanted slogans calling for leadership that puts the residents and businesses of Santa Monica first. The march featured speeches from the slate’s candidates, including Mayor Phil Brock, councilmember Oscar de la Torre, business owner John Putnam, and dental implant surgeon Dr. Vivian Roknian. Each candidate voiced their concerns about the current state of public safety and their commitment to addressing these issues. John Putnam, a long-time business owner and candidate for City Council, stressed the need to protect the city’s women. "Thirty-eight percent of our population are single women in Santa Monica," he said. "We need to protect them. They deserve our leadership to help them." Putnam emphasized that the entire community should benefit from leadership that listens to and acts in the interest of all residents. Dr. Vivian Roknian echoed these sentiments, particularly addressing the need for safer public spaces. "We need to take our parks back for our kids, our seniors, our families," Roknian said. "Let’s make our parks and green spaces safer for everyone." She also highlighted the struggles many residents face in accessing public spaces, adding, "Many apartment owners and renters don’t feel safe going to our parks, or even getting into our libraries. We need to clean and open these spaces for everyone." Roknian also pinpointed the growing issues of drugs and homelessness in the city. "The biggest problem we have right now is the drugs coming into our city and the homeless crisis," she stated. "We need to give our police, fire department, and support services what they need to take care of all of us residents. We all deserve to smile again in our city." Oscar de la Torre, councilmember and Safety Slate candidate, highlighted the platform’s focus on public safety and community. "We’ve worked hard to address public safety by hiring more police officers and adding private security for areas like the 3rd Street Promenade," he said. "We’re committed to bringing back safety and community effort in a positive way." The event concluded with the slate’s call to action, rallying supporters with a clear message: a safer and cleaner Santa Monica is within reach, but it requires decisive leadership. As the marchers chanted, “What do we want? Safety! When do we want it? Now!”, the candidates reiterated their pledge to continue advocating for the well-being of all Santa Monica residents. The Safety Slate’s platform includes addressing homelessness, supporting law enforcement, revitalizing commercial districts, protecting rent control, and ensuring clean and safe public spaces. The slate, endorsed by local unions like Teamsters Local 42, aims to foster a stronger, safer Santa Monica for all.