Politicians always talk about issues, but talk is not action. I'm not a politician, but an Emmy Award-winning journalist and teacher who has spent the last twenty years covering the issues that affect all of us in Santa Monica and Southern California.
Issues are about PEOPLE. When you put people first, you aim higher and find real solutions. Less traffic and congestion, responsible development, reasonable rents, safe streets, a thriving economy, good schools, and clean beaches and parks. Common goals. Common sense. For ALL of Santa Monica.
Issues (see below for details)
- Traffic and Congestion
- Housing and Development
- Police and Public Safety
- Homelessness
- Schools and Education
- The Economy, Jobs and You
- Santa Monica Airport
- The Environment, Beaches and Parks
TRAFFIC AND CONGESTION
Traffic and congestion affect us every day, and it's getting worse. Santa Monica has a blueprint plan for the next twenty years that aims to reduce traffic, put new, mixed-use projects near transportation centers and protect existing neighborhoods. It's called the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE), but it doesn't go far enough.
As a city councilman, I'll push for a true "Subway to the Sea." We've waited long enough. If California can spend $70 billion for a bullet train you may only ride a few times in your lifetime, if ever, surely we can pressure Metro, and local, regional, state and federal officials for the $3 billion dollars needed to extend the current subway plan from the VA Complex to Santa Monica. Thousands who live and work here would ride it every day. I'll also push for more efficient Big Blue Bus service, and a "Little Blue Bus" to shuttle people around downtown, from Montana to Colorado and the Expo line. We need Traffic officers at busy intersections to keep traffic moving. We can force developers to provide adequate parking in the projects they build. And I'll work with LA for synchronized signals so it doesn't take twenty minutes to go one mile on Wilshire, Sunset, or Santa Monica Boulevards, just to get to the 405. That's just for starters. We can and must do better.
As a city councilman, I'll push for a true "Subway to the Sea." We've waited long enough. If California can spend $70 billion for a bullet train you may only ride a few times in your lifetime, if ever, surely we can pressure Metro, and local, regional, state and federal officials for the $3 billion dollars needed to extend the current subway plan from the VA Complex to Santa Monica. Thousands who live and work here would ride it every day. I'll also push for more efficient Big Blue Bus service, and a "Little Blue Bus" to shuttle people around downtown, from Montana to Colorado and the Expo line. We need Traffic officers at busy intersections to keep traffic moving. We can force developers to provide adequate parking in the projects they build. And I'll work with LA for synchronized signals so it doesn't take twenty minutes to go one mile on Wilshire, Sunset, or Santa Monica Boulevards, just to get to the 405. That's just for starters. We can and must do better.
HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT
Look around. Notice all the new projects and buildings going up lately? All that growth is adding a lot of traffic and congestion to our city. The key question is, who benefits? Do you? Will Santa Monica? And how? Do these new developments have enough parking? How much are those new apartments renting for? And are new developments pushing out citizens and small businesses that have been here for years?
Growth brings jobs and tax revenue. But unchecked growth can bring traffic and congestion along with it. We need to take a fresh look at the current pace and scale of development and judge the merits of every project more closely. Development should benefit people, not just the developer. People with good jobs who work here, like police officers, firefighters, city employees and teachers, should also be able to afford to live here. Why not make developers build housing that benefits people? If they won't, let's find others who will. Development Agreements should be the exception, not the rule. Big projects in the same area should be scrutinized for their overall impact on traffic, and developers should have to pay to mitigate any increase in traffic those projects cause. If a project does not truly benefit our city, I won't be afraid to say "No." Santa Monica should grow the right way. Steady and strong, but gracefully. Like a Redwood.
Growth brings jobs and tax revenue. But unchecked growth can bring traffic and congestion along with it. We need to take a fresh look at the current pace and scale of development and judge the merits of every project more closely. Development should benefit people, not just the developer. People with good jobs who work here, like police officers, firefighters, city employees and teachers, should also be able to afford to live here. Why not make developers build housing that benefits people? If they won't, let's find others who will. Development Agreements should be the exception, not the rule. Big projects in the same area should be scrutinized for their overall impact on traffic, and developers should have to pay to mitigate any increase in traffic those projects cause. If a project does not truly benefit our city, I won't be afraid to say "No." Santa Monica should grow the right way. Steady and strong, but gracefully. Like a Redwood.
POLICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY
I admire police officers, firefighters and paramedics. Santa Monica has a stellar Police Department, and a Fire Department that has proven its value time and again. Crime is relatively low, but some incidents, like home burglaries, are up. Protecting you in your home, your neighborhood and on the street, is a top priority.
That's why I'll always support measures that expand public safety and give our first responders the money and tools they need to protect us. But there's more we can and should do. Increase patrols in all neighborhoods, not just the downtown core. Fully support and expand neighborhood block watch programs. More money for courts and prosecutors. Our new Chief of Police earned her stripes here in Santa Monica. Let's give her what she needs to get the job done.
One more thing... I am the ONLY candidate who is a trained member of Santa Monica's FIRST EVER Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) I learned triage, emergency medical training, search and rescue, and fire suppression with the Office of Emergency Management. I also know CPR. Politicians are always saying they support police and firefighters. If there's a major emergency in Santa Monica, I'll REALLY be supporting them. And you!
That's why I'll always support measures that expand public safety and give our first responders the money and tools they need to protect us. But there's more we can and should do. Increase patrols in all neighborhoods, not just the downtown core. Fully support and expand neighborhood block watch programs. More money for courts and prosecutors. Our new Chief of Police earned her stripes here in Santa Monica. Let's give her what she needs to get the job done.
One more thing... I am the ONLY candidate who is a trained member of Santa Monica's FIRST EVER Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) I learned triage, emergency medical training, search and rescue, and fire suppression with the Office of Emergency Management. I also know CPR. Politicians are always saying they support police and firefighters. If there's a major emergency in Santa Monica, I'll REALLY be supporting them. And you!
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HOMELESSNESS
Homelessness is a complex issue. If it were easy, we'd have solved it already. I will do more. I'd start with a summit of city leaders, with an emphasis on finding new solutions. I'd work with the VA Complex in West LA to get more homeless vets the help they need. I'd explore restrictions on the sale of single cans of alcohol (since often that's what a person might do with the spare change they're given). I'd push for a new public education campaign aimed at tourists, so they don't give the homeless money, but steer them to shelters and the food and beds the city provides. I'd push for enforcement of aggressive panhandling laws... and stress compassionate, but firm policing.
Vexing issues require more dedication. But better solutions are attainable. We should set a goal of a ten percent per year reduction in the homeless population and hold to it. That way we cut the problem in half in just five years. We should try new pilot projects, expand the ones that work and keep striving for progress. We must also make sure our attempts to deal with the problem don't actually make it worse. There are solutions to homelessness. We need to work harder to find them.
Vexing issues require more dedication. But better solutions are attainable. We should set a goal of a ten percent per year reduction in the homeless population and hold to it. That way we cut the problem in half in just five years. We should try new pilot projects, expand the ones that work and keep striving for progress. We must also make sure our attempts to deal with the problem don't actually make it worse. There are solutions to homelessness. We need to work harder to find them.
SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION
I've taught at USC, Santa Monica College and UCLA since 1997, so I know a little bit about education. State budget cuts are hurting schools at every level. SMC has already cancelled its winter session and the SMMUSD is facing additional cuts if voters don't approve Prop 30. I support Prop 30 because I see what cuts are doing to our students and our future. There are few things in life more important than a good education. If you feel the same, I hope you will vote YES on Prop 30, too. I also support the $385 million school bond issue on the November ballot, so long as the school board shows us the money is being spent wisely. There's also a proposal to split the SMMUSD. Will that help kids learn? Decrease class sizes? Allow parents more choices? At what cost? I've talked to a lot of parents. Gang elements, bullying, and flexibility are big concerns. As a council member, I'll always make sure we get all the information we need to make the best choices for our schools and families.
THE ECONOMY, JOBS AND YOU
Most everyone wants Santa Monica to have a thriving economy. The key question is, who is thriving? The new Chair of the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce is quoted as saying there are more than 16,000 businesses in the city. That adds up to a lot of people, families and jobs.
I think the City Council needs to do more to lure businesses that will employ residents of Santa Monica. More people who live here should also work here. I am also concerned about the number of small businesses that are struggling. I talk to small business owners all the time. Many say Santa Monica should work just as hard to keep them in business as it does to lure and approve bigger stores and projects. I agree. Santa Monica can have growth, a bustling economy and still watch out for the little guy/gal. After all, small businesses built this city. They add commerce and character. Support them every way you can. That's what I'll do as a council member, while promoting new business, too.
I think the City Council needs to do more to lure businesses that will employ residents of Santa Monica. More people who live here should also work here. I am also concerned about the number of small businesses that are struggling. I talk to small business owners all the time. Many say Santa Monica should work just as hard to keep them in business as it does to lure and approve bigger stores and projects. I agree. Santa Monica can have growth, a bustling economy and still watch out for the little guy/gal. After all, small businesses built this city. They add commerce and character. Support them every way you can. That's what I'll do as a council member, while promoting new business, too.
SANTA MONICA AIRPORT
Many people who live near the airport want it closed. Pilots and others who work there want to keep it open. In 2015, the City Council may finally get to decide SMO's fate, but not without a stiff legal challenge from the FAA.
Here's how I see it: The status quo has to go. There are too many flights for an urban airport nestled so close to homes. Jets and planes that use the airport should also pay more for the privilege so the city does not have to subsidize it. I also think Santa Monica should hold a city-wide vote, two years from now in November of 2014, so the City Council will know exactly how residents feel about the airport's future and can respond accordingly. I also support State Senator Ted Lieu's call for a definitive study on the health impacts of the airport. People have a right to be healthy and safe in their own homes.
But here's something I will never support: any attempt by pro-development forces in City Hall to put a "Playa Vista" type project on those 227 acres. If we close the airport, it should become a resource everyone can enjoy. At public forums, I've mentioned an expanded Clover Park, or turning plane hangars into a "Hollywood West" production facility that could bring us millions in new revenue. I've even suggested part of the airport land might one day become the future home of a new Santa Monica High School, or a new neighborhood of residential homes that fits in with others in the area. We don't need hundreds and hundreds of luxury condos and the traffic they would bring to an already congested area. We don't need Walmarts and Costcos. The airport land must be a resource every person should enjoy.
Here's how I see it: The status quo has to go. There are too many flights for an urban airport nestled so close to homes. Jets and planes that use the airport should also pay more for the privilege so the city does not have to subsidize it. I also think Santa Monica should hold a city-wide vote, two years from now in November of 2014, so the City Council will know exactly how residents feel about the airport's future and can respond accordingly. I also support State Senator Ted Lieu's call for a definitive study on the health impacts of the airport. People have a right to be healthy and safe in their own homes.
But here's something I will never support: any attempt by pro-development forces in City Hall to put a "Playa Vista" type project on those 227 acres. If we close the airport, it should become a resource everyone can enjoy. At public forums, I've mentioned an expanded Clover Park, or turning plane hangars into a "Hollywood West" production facility that could bring us millions in new revenue. I've even suggested part of the airport land might one day become the future home of a new Santa Monica High School, or a new neighborhood of residential homes that fits in with others in the area. We don't need hundreds and hundreds of luxury condos and the traffic they would bring to an already congested area. We don't need Walmarts and Costcos. The airport land must be a resource every person should enjoy.
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THE ENVIRONMENT, BEACHES AND PARKS
Santa Monica is the greenest city in America. We recycle. We re-use our grocery bags. We were named the most sustainable city of our size in America. We have more beauty and natural resources than just about anywhere. Nature is our most precious resource, and a big reason why we love to live here.
I will always support measures that reduce pollution, encourage conservation and keep our beaches and parks clean. Always. And I support the creation of a new dog park on the beach.
I'm also an avid cyclist. A lot of politicians play the "green" card, whereas I actually live it. I've ridden a bike 200 miles in one day. I live near the Broadway bike lane and ride it often, on errands and for recreation. I'm a member and endorsed by the Sierra Club, and belong to the Cascade Bicycle Club. I also serve on Santa Monica's Urban Forest Task Force. We're working to keep Santa Monica's 35,000 trees healthy and thriving for generations to come.
I will always support measures that reduce pollution, encourage conservation and keep our beaches and parks clean. Always. And I support the creation of a new dog park on the beach.
I'm also an avid cyclist. A lot of politicians play the "green" card, whereas I actually live it. I've ridden a bike 200 miles in one day. I live near the Broadway bike lane and ride it often, on errands and for recreation. I'm a member and endorsed by the Sierra Club, and belong to the Cascade Bicycle Club. I also serve on Santa Monica's Urban Forest Task Force. We're working to keep Santa Monica's 35,000 trees healthy and thriving for generations to come.