Santa Monica City Council Candidates Debate Key Issues at 2024 Forum

On September 8, 2024, the Santa Monica City Council Candidates Forum brought together all ten qualified candidates in a lively, two-hour debate, giving residents a unique opportunity to hear directly from those vying for a seat on the City Council. The event was held at the Lincoln Middle School Auditorium and was organized and sponsored by the North of Montana Neighborhood Association (NOMA), alongside other prominent neighborhood groups, including Friends of Sunset Park, Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors, Northeast Neighbors, Pico Neighborhood Association, and the Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition.

The North of Montana Neighborhood Association (NOMA), founded in 1998 and revived in 2012 after a brief period of inactivity, represents approximately 5,200 homes located between Montana Avenue, Ocean Avenue, the northern city limits, and 26th Street. NOMA is a volunteer-led organization committed to improving the quality of life for its residents and the broader Santa Monica community. The group plays an active role in preserving the character of the neighborhood by fostering open dialogue between residents and local government, facilitating public forums on key issues, and advocating for responsible development, traffic control, public safety, and environmental sustainability. NOMA prides itself on being an unbiased platform that educates the community on various issues but refrains from endorsing political candidates or taking pre-established stances without majority resident approval.

The forum, co-sponsored by other neighborhood groups, aimed to provide voters with a comprehensive look at where each candidate stands on issues that matter most to Santa Monicans. Topics ranged from housing affordability, homelessness, and economic development, to public safety, transportation, and environmental sustainability.

In his welcoming remarks, Bruce Leddy, Chair of NOMA, emphasized the importance of civic engagement and neighborhood involvement in the city’s future. “City Council decisions impact all of us, and it's critical to be informed,” Leddy stated, urging attendees to participate actively in their neighborhood associations to stay updated on local developments and policies.

The evening’s format included six segments, starting with candidate introductions, followed by a series of major topic questions chosen at random, and a rapid-fire "lightning round." Each candidate was given the opportunity to respond to direct questions on topics such as homelessness, public safety, and the need for smart, sustainable development. The lightning round, in particular, offered a fast-paced overview of where each candidate stood on controversial issues such as whether to expand police funding, restrict the distribution of needles in local parks, or support new zoning policies to encourage affordable housing development.

Throughout the forum, the candidates reflected on Santa Monica’s growth and challenges over the last four years, debating the effectiveness of current policies and offering their visions for the future. Housing affordability was a recurring theme, with several candidates discussing the city’s struggle to balance development with the preservation of neighborhood character. Many also addressed the homelessness crisis, offering varied solutions, ranging from increasing mental health and addiction services to expanding affordable housing options and enforcing stricter public space regulations.

Public safety also dominated much of the conversation, as candidates were asked whether they would support expanding the police force, enhancing mental health services, and investing in new technologies such as drones to assist law enforcement. Some candidates argued for a more progressive, holistic approach to crime prevention, focusing on addressing the root causes of homelessness and economic inequality. Others emphasized the need for immediate safety improvements, including increasing police presence in areas like Downtown Santa Monica, where crime rates have been a growing concern for residents and businesses alike.

One of the event’s highlights was the discussion around city finances, with candidates weighing in on Santa Monica's ongoing budget challenges. Some advocated for seeking new revenue sources, while others pushed for a more restrained approach to spending, suggesting that the city’s focus should be on essential services like public safety and affordable housing. The debate also touched on state housing mandates and the controversial “Builder's Remedy,” which has resulted in a wave of development projects across the city. Candidates voiced differing views on how to balance the state’s housing requirements with local control over land use and development.

The final segment gave each candidate a chance to make closing statements, summarizing their platforms and underscoring their commitments to the community. Many expressed a deep personal connection to Santa Monica, while others focused on the need for fresh leadership to tackle the city’s pressing issues with new ideas and perspectives.

The 2024 Santa Monica City Council Candidates Forum was not only an informative event but also a demonstration of the power of civic engagement at the local level. NOMA, along with its co-sponsoring neighborhood associations, played a key role in fostering this dialogue, highlighting the importance of neighborhood organizations in shaping the future of Santa Monica.

The event was recorded and will be posted online in its entirety for those who could not attend. NOMA and the other neighborhood groups encourage all residents to get involved by joining their local associations, participating in community meetings, and staying informed about key issues impacting their neighborhoods and the city at large.

As NOMA continues its mission to enhance the quality of life in Santa Monica, the organization remains committed to providing a platform for residents to voice their concerns, stay engaged, and work together to ensure the city’s long-term sustainability and success. Residents interested in getting involved or learning more about NOMA can visit the organization's website or contact the board via email.

Activists March for Plant-Based Treaty at Santa Monica Pier, Demand Global Climate Action

 

Santa Monica, CA – On Saturday, September 14, 2024, demonstrators gathered at the Santa Monica Pier to rally in support of the Plant-Based Treaty, urging immediate climate action. Marchers carried banners reading "I Endorse the Plant-Based" and "Eat Plants, Plant Trees" as they chanted, "What do we want? Climate action! When do we want it? Now!" echoing their demand for urgent steps to address environmental degradation.

The Plant-Based Treaty movement is calling for an international agreement to complement the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, specifically targeting food systems to halt deforestation, promote plant-based diets, and restore ecosystems. Organizers emphasized the treaty’s core principles: halting land use changes for animal agriculture, transitioning to sustainable plant-based systems, and actively restoring ecosystems.

The rally sought to build momentum by encouraging individuals, businesses, and local governments to endorse the treaty and advocate for its adoption in global climate negotiations. As the chants of "Stand up, fight back!" rang through the pier, supporters aimed to send a clear message: the time for climate action is now.

Tensions Flare at Santa Monica Pier: Police Respond to Assault Among Street Performers.

Santa Monica, CA — Police officers were called to the Santa Monica Pier on Saturday, September 14, 2024, following an altercation during the daily street performers' lottery drawing. The incident involved a street performer known as "Xpoz," a breakdancer with LAB HITTERS, who claimed he was pushed and headbutted twice by another performer.

Speaking with Santa Monica Closeup, Xpoz described the incident, stating, "It’s been a long summer. This is the second time I've been assaulted at the lottery." He explained that the altercation began after he voiced his concerns about another performer copying their dance moves, which led to a heated exchange. According to Xpoz, the other performer "got really upset" and threatened to confront him at a future dance event.

Xpoz reported that the situation escalated when the other performer "pushed the code enforcement officer out of the way" before pushing and headbutting him. Despite the physical altercation, Xpoz declined to press charges, saying, "I didn't press charges 'cause he got a kid… God bless that kid."

The police investigated the incident and spoke with both parties involved. No charges were filed, and the situation was de-escalated on-site. The lottery resumed as scheduled, with all performers, including those involved in the altercation, allowed to continue participating.

Classic Cars Shines at Santa Monica Pier to Benefit Local Youth Programs

Santa Monica Pier, Sept. 14, 2024 - The Pico Youth & Family Center (PYFC) is currently hosting the 4th Annual Westside Unity Classic Car Show on the Santa Monica Pier. The event, which kicked off at 10 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. today, features over 200 classic cars, with makes and models dating back to the 1930s, on display.

This family-friendly event is free for all spectators and guests on foot. All proceeds from the show will go toward youth services and after-school programming for underserved youth in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County. 

Solo Riders and Classic Car Clubs can still register for $60 at the Pier. Roll-in time is strictly enforced between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.

The event aims to promote unity and highlight the thriving lowriding culture on the Westside of Los Angeles. "At a time when low-income residents of all backgrounds, especially Latino and African American residents, are being pushed out of Westside communities due to gentrification, we feel that unity, awareness, and visibility are needed more than ever," said Oscar de la Torre, Santa Monica City Councilman. "This car show celebrates our region’s cultural diversity, which is at risk of extinction."

For more information, email carshow@picoyouth.org or call (310) 804-3965 or (424) 480-8716. Video clips from previous Santa Monica Classic Car Shows on the Pier are available.

 

Tense Standoff During Venice Beach Cleanup Highlights Challenges Faced by Homeless Community

Venice, Los Angeles – September 13, 2024: A large-scale cleanup operation at Venice Beach on Friday brought to light the complex issues surrounding homelessness in the area. During the effort, a homeless man camping on the beach was approached by Los Angeles Park Rangers and informed that he could not camp on the beach and needed to remove his belongings.

The man, who had a 10x10 pop-up tent, a kayak, a pet dog, and numerous personal items, was given 15 minutes by the rangers to dismantle his encampment. He expressed his intention to tear down the campsite and load his belongings onto his kayak to leave. Despite his efforts, not all of his possessions could fit onto the kayak within the allotted time.

As the deadline passed, sanitation workers began loading the remaining items onto their truck. They informed the man that his belongings would be moved off the beach to a nearby parking lot where he could retrieve them. The man later arrived at the parking lot to collect his items. Sanitation workers advised him that any items left unclaimed by the following day would be removed.

This incident occurred during a broader cleanup initiative led by a multi-agency task force, including Los Angeles Park Rangers, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and the office of Councilwoman Traci Park.

The operation underscores the city's commitment to addressing homelessness with compassion while maintaining public safety and cleanliness. LAHSA was present to offer essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to those in need. Notably, no citations for public camping were issued, reflecting a strategy focused on support rather than enforcement.

These weekly cleanups along the Venice Beach Boardwalk aim to tackle the immediate health and safety concerns posed by hazardous and non-hazardous waste. Personnel equipped with protective gear meticulously sorted and disposed of waste to ensure a thorough operation.

Councilwoman Traci Park's office continues to play a pivotal role in balancing community safety with compassionate outreach. The city's approach emphasizes coordinated efforts to address the underlying causes of homelessness while enhancing public health and sanitation.

The decision to refrain from issuing citations highlights the city's preference for supportive measures over punitive actions. These initiatives are a key component of Los Angeles's broader strategy to assist the homeless community while maintaining the integrity of public spaces.

Tension on the Beach: Homeless Items Discarded During Coordinated Cleanup at Venice Beach

Venice, Los Angeles – September 13, 2024: A significant cleanup operation took place Friday at the border of Venice Beach and Santa Monica, an area known locally as "No Man's Land," focusing on homeless encampments that have frequently shifted between the two jurisdictions.

This zone, situated between Venice Beach and Santa Monica, has become a complex terrain for unhoused individuals navigating differing municipal regulations. On the Venice side, Los Angeles Municipal Code 63.44 prohibits tents in city parks outside of designated camping areas. Meanwhile, Santa Monica's regulations categorize similar actions differently, resulting in a constant movement of encampments during regular cleanups.

The operation was a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies, including Los Angeles Park Rangers, the Department of Public Works, Los Angeles Beaches and Harbors, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and Councilwoman Traci Park's office, which oversees Homelessness and Housing coordination.

LAHSA’s presence on-site highlighted the city’s strategy of combining enforcement with support, addressing both the immediate needs and the underlying challenges faced by the homeless population. This effort is part of a broader initiative led by Councilwoman Park’s office, reflecting a commitment to maintaining public spaces while ensuring that outreach and assistance are provided to those affected by these cleanups.

 

Venice Beach Cleanup: Multi-Agency Task Force Leads Effort with Supportive Approach

Venice, Los Angeles – September 13, 2024: A multi-agency task force, led by Los Angeles Park Rangers, conducted a large-scale cleanup at Venice Beach on Friday, focusing on the removal of hazardous and non-hazardous waste. The effort was supported by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the Department of Public Works, Recreation and Parks, Clean Harbors Environmental Inc., the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), and the office of Councilwoman Traci Park.

The operation reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness through a compassionate lens. LAHSA was present, offering essential services such as food, water, and hygiene kits to those in need. Importantly, no citations for public camping were issued, signaling a strategy centered on support rather than enforcement.

These cleanups, conducted every Friday along the Venice Beach Boardwalk, aim to maintain public safety while addressing the complex challenges associated with homelessness. Personnel from various departments, equipped with protective gear, meticulously sorted and disposed of waste, ensuring both safety and thoroughness.

This initiative forms part of a broader strategy by the City of Los Angeles to enhance public health and sanitation while tackling homelessness. The city emphasizes a coordinated, humane response, with Councilwoman Traci Park’s office playing a pivotal role in balancing community safety with compassionate outreach.

The decision to refrain from issuing citations during this cleanup underlines the city’s preference for supportive measures over punitive actions. These weekly efforts are a key component of the city’s strategy to maintain cleanliness and safety while working to address the underlying causes of homelessness.