Santa Monicans Petition Waymo to Reduce Charging Station Noise
Residents say the constant beeping — described as a nonstop “beep-beepbeep” from vehicles backing out — has created a public nuisance
Dozens of Santa Monica residents have signed a petition calling on autonomous vehicle company Waymo to reduce noise pollution from its charging stations, citing disruption to daily life in the neighborhood. The petition, launched by local resident Christopher Potter on Change.org, has gathered over 60 verified signatures and aims to reach 75. It targets Waymo Management and urges the company to reduce the volume of the backup warning beeps emitted by its vehicles while they are
operating in their private charging lots at Euclid Street and Broadway.
Residents say the constant beeping — described as a non-stop “beep-beep-beep” from vehicles backing out — has created a public nuisance near an elementary school and several apartment complexes. Petitioners are also calling on Waymo to limit its operations during nighttime hours and to engage more directly with the community about concerns.
“Our once peaceful neighborhood has become a hub for noise pollution,” the petition reads. “It’s imperative that Waymo respects the right to peace and tranquility of the residents of Santa Monica.”
Some neighbors allege that their efforts to raise the issue have been ignored. One resident claims a paper petition was removed without explanation, and others say their emails to the company and the City of Santa Monica have gone unanswered. Another neighbor was reportedly issued a restraining order by Waymo for attempting to block vehicles from entering the lot.
In a statement to local media station Fox 11, Waymo said it is “committed to being a positive presence in Santa Monica” and is “actively working with the City’s Department of Transportation to explore and implement mitigations that address neighbors’ concerns.”
Waymo began expanding its fully autonomous ride-hailing service, Waymo
One, into Los Angeles in late 2023 after receiving approval from the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The expansion allows its vehicles to operate in a 63-square-mile area stretching from Santa Monica to Downtown Los Angeles.
Open Alcohol Consumption on 3rd Street Promenade Could be Allowed by Summer
The entertainment zone plan builds on a bill signed by Gov. Newsom, which allows public drinking areas
Santa Monica officials are advancing a plan to allow open alcohol consumption seven days a week on the city’s Third Street Promenade in an effort to boost economic recovery and revitalize the downtown area.
The City Council this week directed staff to develop a framework for establishing an “entertainment zone” under a new state law, allowing adults over 21 to drink alcoholic beverages openly within designated boundaries from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily. The initiative expands on an earlier proposal for a limited one-year pilot program permitting alcohol during select special events.
Under the proposed rules, participating
businesses would serve drinks in nonglass, non-metal containers. Patrons would be issued wristbands following age verification, and signs would clearly mark the entertainment zone’s perimeter.
The plan is part of a broader strategy by Santa Monica officials to support local businesses hit hard by the pandemic and attract more foot traffic downtown.
Previous recovery efforts have included relaxed land use restrictions, streamlined permitting processes, and outdoor dining expansions through the Santa Monica Outdoors Program.
The entertainment zone plan builds on Senate Bill 969, signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last year, which allows cities to establish public drinking areas.
The legislation follows San Francisco’s successful Front Street Entertainment Zone pilot, which saw a dramatic increase in business sales and community engagement during special events, the agenda item pointed out.
Police and fire officials have recommended safety measures such as barriers at entry points and increased law enforcement staffing during events. Public
Works will work closely with organizers to manage trash and maintain zero-waste practices. Businesses will also be required to notify the ABC through an online portal before participating.
The first event under the entertainment zone pilot is expected to coincide with
June.
City staff will monitor the program’s effectiveness and present recommendations to the Council after the one-year trial period.
Downtown Santa Monica’s annual Pride celebration in
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Preliminary Hearing Begins for Driver in Malibu Crash That Claimed Four Pepperdine Students’ Lives
Defense Disputes Speed Claims in PCH Tragedy That Killed Four
A Malibu man accused of speeding and crashing into a group of pedestrians along Pacific Coast Highway, killing four Pepperdine University students, is set to appear in court this week for a hearing to determine if he will stand trial.
Fraser Michael Bohm, 23, faces four counts of murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence in connection with the Oct. 17, 2023, crash. The preliminary hearing, which began Monday morning in a Van Nuys courtroom, is expected to last several days.
Authorities allege Bohm was driving a BMW at approximately 104 mph in a 45 mph zone when he lost control of the vehicle and struck four students, Niamh Rolston, 20; Peyton Stewart, 21; Asha Weir, 21; and Deslyn Williams, 21, all seniors at Pepperdine’s Seaver College of Liberal Arts and members of the Alpha Phi sorority.
The victims were walking along the highway to attend an evening event when they were fatally struck. All four were later awarded their degrees posthumously as part of the class of 2024.
Then-Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said the decision to charge Bohm with murder was based on the alleged excessive speed and “reckless disregard for the safety of others.”
However, Bohm’s defense attorney, Michael Kraut, has pushed back on those claims. Kraut contends that Bohm was involved in a road-rage incident, was being chased, and was forced off the road — circumstances he argues contributed to the deadly crash. Kraut further disputes the prosecution’s assertion about Bohm’s speed, claiming the black box data from Bohm’s BMW and witness statements suggest his client was traveling no faster than 70 mph at the time of impact.
During Monday’s testimony, prosecution witness Miguel Cruchinho recounted rushing to the scene after the crash.
Cruchinho testified that he approached Bohm’s vehicle, saw the driver’s door open, and shouted, “What are you doing?” He told the court that Bohm repeatedly said, “I’m sorry,” and appeared disoriented.
Cruchinho said he attempted to keep Bohm from fleeing, although defense questioning highlighted that another bystander at the scene had become aggressive toward Bohm.
Bohm was arrested shortly after the crash, then released and later re-arrested once formal charges were filed. He posted bail on Oct. 27, 2023, after the initial amount of $8 million was reduced to $4 million. Kraut had sought a further reduction to $400,000, arguing that the evidence did not justify the higher bail figure.
If convicted on all charges, Bohm could face multiple life sentences, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
Los Angeles Residents Accused of Defrauding FEMA After Devastating Wildfires
Defendants Faked Damage and Residency to Illegally Collect FEMA Aid
Five individuals have been arrested on federal charges for allegedly submitting fraudulent claims to obtain disaster relief funds intended for victims of the January 2025 wildfires that devastated parts of Los Angeles County, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Friday.
The suspects, each charged with fraud in connection with major disaster or emergency benefits, allegedly sought tens of thousands of dollars by falsely claiming they suffered property damage during the Palisades Fire. If convicted, they face up to 30 years in federal prison.
The fires, which ignited on January 7, scorched nearly 60,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and claimed the lives of 30 people. In response, the President issued a Major Disaster Declaration, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to roll out aid programs for displaced residents and homeowners.
Authorities say the following defendants
fraudulently sought benefits:
• Deanniah Hogan, 32, of Compton, allegedly filed a false FEMA claim on Jan. 26, asserting she rented a home destroyed in the Pacific Palisades. FEMA later awarded her approximately $17,351 for personal property damage and displacement assistance. The actual homeowner, who lived on the premises, confirmed no tenants had been renting the property. Hogan was arrested Thursday and released on $10,000 bond pending arraignment on May 20.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Solomon Kim is prosecuting the case.
• Delvonne Dashon Johnson, 31, of East Hollywood, allegedly claimed to own a Pacific Palisades home destroyed by the fire and received roughly $64,138 in disaster relief. The rightful homeowner, who had lived at the property since 2015, told investigators she did not know Johnson. Johnson was arrested Thursday and faces arraignment in U.S. District Court. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Arkow is handling the case.
• Zenalyn McIntre, 38, of Sherman Oaks, allegedly submitted a fraudulent claim stating she rented a destroyed Palisades residence. Investigators say she later provided fake utility bills and a driver’s license listing a Sherman Oaks
address. FEMA disbursed about $25,229 to McIntre based on her claims. She was arrested Thursday and is expected to make an initial court appearance Friday. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah S. Lee is prosecuting.
• Hedeshia Robertson, 36, of Lakewood, who was arrested last month, is expected to plead guilty May 2 to filing a false FEMA claim. Robertson admitted she fraudulently obtained about $24,899 in relief funds by falsely claiming she lived at a damaged property in Pacific Palisades.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Paetty and Roger Hsieh are prosecuting her case.
• Jaime Arturo Carrillo, 48, of South Los Angeles, pleaded guilty Wednesday to similar charges. Carrillo falsely claimed he rented a home approximately 20 miles from the fires and secured FEMA-paid lodging at two local hotels, racking up over $2,200 in hotel and incidental charges. His sentencing is scheduled for June 11. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth S.P. Douglas is prosecuting.
LAX/Metro Station is One Step Closer to Transforming the Airport Commute
New Multi-Modal
Metro Station
Connects Angelenos to the Airport
Metro Board Chair and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn announced Thursday that the long-awaited LAX/Metro Transit Center Station will open to the public on June 6, 2025, marking a major milestone in efforts to improve public transportation access to Los Angeles International Airport.
“The wait is nearly over, Los Angeles,” said Supervisor Janice Hahn. “At long last, we are getting a train to LAX. And when the LAX People Mover finally opens, we will truly have an international airport that connects people from inside the terminals to the world beyond through Metro. Congratulations to everyone who worked so hard on making this happen, and see you at the opening on June 6.”
Located at Aviation Boulevard and 96th Street, the new multi-modal transit hub will connect riders to Metro’s K and C light rail lines, in addition to a 16-bay bus plaza that will serve multiple regional transit operators. These include Beach Cities Transit, Big Blue Bus, Culver
CityBus, GTrans, Torrance Transit, and the LAX FlyAway service. The station will also offer amenities such as a bike hub, restrooms, and designated areas for drop-off and pick-up, providing a reliable
alternative to private vehicles, taxis, and rideshare services.
The station will eventually be linked directly to the airport terminals via the Los Angeles World Airports’ (LAWA)
Automated People Mover (APM), which is expected to open in 2026. In the interim, LAWA will operate shuttle buses to transport passengers between the new Metro station and the terminals.
Topanga Beach Bus Resumes Service Between West Valley and Santa Monica
The route now operates once daily in each direction and is being escorted by Caltrans
The Topanga Beach Bus resumed service Wednesday, reconnecting residents of the West Valley and Topanga Canyon with Santa Monica after a pause due to the Palisades Fire and related road damage.
The route, which runs from Warner Center to Santa Monica Beach, now operates once daily in each direction and is being escorted by Caltrans through closed sections of Topanga Canyon Boulevard. Full restoration of service, including three daily trips, is expected once road repairs are completed.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, alongside officials from Public Works and Caltrans, announced the relaunch, calling it a vital link for residents affected by the ongoing closure of Topanga Canyon Boulevard between Grand View Drive and Pacific Coast Highway.
“Though the beach bus is usually known as an affordable way to enjoy the coast, it’s now playing a crucial role in helping our residents stay connected in the aftermath of the Palisades Fire,” Horvath said in a statement.
The bus connects the Orange Line transit hub at Canoga Avenue with the Expo Line in Santa Monica, offering a faster and cost-effective alternative to driving along congested detour routes.
“This is about more than transportation—it’s about equitable access, environmental stewardship, and supporting communities,” said Mark Pestrella, director of Los Angeles County Public Works.
The service will continue to operate seven days a week with limited trips until full access to Topanga Canyon Boulevard is restored.
Owner Occupancy Protects Against Corporate Over-Development
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
This week SMa.r.t. will have as guest columnist Mark Borenstein. Mark is a long-time Santa Monica resident, a retired attorney, an expert in judicial matters, and teaches law at USC Gould School of Law. He is writing this week about state housing laws and their interaction with, and potential impacts on, single-family zoning within Santa Monica, and how the current city council is considering modifications to the state law, having the potential net result of effectively eliminating the R-1single family zone.
SB9, a statewide law, was designed to expand opportunities for families to create moderate-income housing for relatives and friends, and to build wealth from their R-1 parcels. The author of the state law said at the time the law was passed that SB9 was focused on homeowners, affordable housing units, and multigeneration wealth creation by building equity from splitting R-1 lots into two parcels. Real estate developers and speculators were never part of the SB9 law. The primary legislative tool to insure SB9 encouraged family development, not real estate speculation, is the owner occupancy requirement built into the SB9 law. That provision requires a homeowner to live in one of the newly built SB9 housing units as the homeowner’s principal residence for three years after approval of an SB9 lot split. According to the state Housing and Community Development (“HCD”) agency, owner occupancy also means that only a person who owns the lot, not a corporation, can use SB9’s streamlined city approval process. A corporate SB9 owner “cannot legitimately claim intentions of residing in one of the units as its principal residence since [corporations] do not physically reside anywhere.”
Now, three City Councilmembers (Zwick, Zernitskaya, and Hall) propose to fundamentally change Santa Monica’s
SB9 Ordinance, by “removing the owneroccupancy requirement for lot splits … and clarifying that vacant or demolished parcels… are eligible for lot splits…” Their resolution is currently on the City Council Agenda for the May 13, 2025, Council meeting. According to a Public Records Act request to the City, these two changes were recommended by Stephen Anderson, who is the corporate representative of the two SB9 developments in Santa Monica, proposed by Delaware corporations.
The Council should reject the suggested SB9 amendments. They are not good housing policy for the City and its residents. The amendments will instead allow out-of-state developers to build expensive multi-family units in R-1 zones. They will also boost the prospects of Mr. Anderson’s corporate SB9 projects in Santa Monica.
SB9 achieved the goals of increasing affordable housing, creating homeowner wealth, and preventing corporate real estate speculation by requiring owner occupancy. In exchange for requiring owner occupancy, families receive streamlined City permit approval and less onerous City construction requirements. Owner occupancy also prevents corporations from building marketrate multi-unit complexes, inconsistent with the scale of R-1 neighborhoods, and incompatible with the low- and moderateincome housing Santa Monica needs.
The owner occupancy mandate also helps build multigeneration family wealth. SB9 “provides flexibility for multigenerational housing by allowing homeowners to build a modest unit on their property so that their aging parent or adult child can have an affordable place to live. SB 9 expands opportunities for existing homeowners to build equity while also creating new homeownership opportunities for those locked out of the market.” By eliminating owner occupancy, the Council will encourage the exact opposite. Out-of-state corporate developers will reap the financial rewards under SB9, not family homeowners.
There is no good policy reason to eliminate the owner occupancy requirement. In fact, it would be illegal to abolish owner occupancy
since state law requires that a local ordinance implementing SB9, like Santa Monica’s, must include owner occupancy. Changing the local ordinance will invite another lawsuit against the City, at a time when the City can ill afford another court case. These changes will also encourage HCD, which has enforcement authority over SB 9, to consider finding Santa Monica once again is out of compliance with the City’s Housing Element objectives.
The “clarification” that SB9 can be used to subdivide a vacant lot is not a clarification at all. It is an overt change from the City’s prior policy. When SB9 was first passed, the City Planning Department Director concluded “in no case could a vacant lot (i.e. no existing dwelling units on the lot) be subdivided under SB9 due to SB9’s requirement that the applicant occupy one of the units as their principal residence for three years from the approval of the lot split.” Since lot split approval will occur long before any housing is constructed on a vacant lot, a homeowner cannot possibly occupy an unbuilt housing unit as the owner’s principal residence for three years from approval of the R-1 lot split.
Nor is the “clarification” concerning vacant land mandated by any new state laws, as the proponents claim. There are no changed circumstances either since the SB9 ordinance was adopted, and no public interest reason to alter the local ordinance now.
There is only one SB9 project on vacant land in Santa Monica: Mr. Anderson’s corporate venture on Stanford Street, by Stanford Del Mar LLC, a Delaware corporation. According to a Public Records Act response by the City, there are no other vacant R-1 lots suitable for an SB9 lot split development in Santa Monica.
There seems to be only a single reason for removing owner occupancy from Santa Monica’s SB9 ordinance and “clarifying” the vacant land exclusion: To boost the prospects of one developer, Stanford Del Mar LLC, which intends to build a high-end, market rate 8- or 10-unit development on a vacant R-1 lot located on Stanford Street.
It is not in the public interest to change
local law to favor one out-of-state corporate developer. This is especially so when the proposed changes to Santa Monica’s SB9 ordinance will not promote any of policy objectives of SB9: to allow homeowners to build affordable housing units for relatives to create multigenerational wealth.
The current SB9 ordinance is a success. There are eight SB 9 projects in Santa Monica. Together, they propose to create about 20 new housing units. SB9 was never intended to create large numbers of expensive, developer-driven housing units. It had a more modest objective to help families build small developments on their R-1 lots. Owner occupancy and the prohibition on vacant land lot splits ensure that SB9 is confined to its original purposes. As the Planning Commission recently suggested, the City Council should not tinker with the current SB9 ordinance.
We at SMa.r.t. want to thank Mark for his addressing this very important issue and reaching out to inform the residents of the potential and significant impacts the local council decision can, and may, have on your neighborhood’s livability. We encourage residents to stay informed and be pro-active in helping direct the City Council to listen to and represent the will of the residents, not just developer interests.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Dan Jansenson, Architect, Building & Fire-Life Safety Commissioner; Robert H. Taylor, Architect AIA; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi, Architect AIA (ex-Planning Commissioner); Sam Tolkin, Architect, Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly ARECRE; Jack Hillbrand, Architect AIA, Landmarks Commissioner; Phil Brock (ex-Mayor); Matt Hoefler, Architect AIA
For previous articles, see www. santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
SMC to Host Free Children’s Concert in May
The event will feature collaborative performances with local artists, including a Taiko drumming group from Culver City’s El Marino Language School
Santa Monica College will host its Fourth Annual Children’s Concert on Saturday, May 10, offering a free, family-friendly event aimed at introducing young audiences to the power of live music.
The concert, organized by the SMC Music Department, will begin at 1:30 p.m. at the SMC Performing Arts Center’s Music Hall, located at 1310 11th Street near Santa Monica Boulevard. Seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and free parking will be provided on-site.
Directed by SMC music instructor Megumi Smith, the event will feature collaborative performances with local artists, including a Taiko drumming group from Culver City’s El Marino Language School.
The concert will also incorporate American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation to enhance accessibility and inclusivity.
The annual event is designed to celebrate music’s role in community engagement and
early education, officials said. Additional information is available by calling (310) 434-4323. Organizers noted that performances are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Big Blue Bus Stops Can Now be Adopted
A new effort by Santa Monica aims to supplement city maintenance crews and increase engagement around public transit
The City of Santa Monica is calling on residents, businesses, and civic groups to help keep its public transportation infrastructure clean and safe through a new volunteer initiative.
The program, dubbed Adopt-A-Stop, asks participants to “adopt” a Big Blue Bus stop and take on responsibilities such as light cleaning, reporting maintenance issues, and monitoring conditions. City officials say the effort is intended to supplement city maintenance crews and increase community engagement around public transit.
Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus system operates roughly 930 stops across the city and neighboring areas. Officials say keeping all stops in good condition is a significant challenge, and that volunteer involvement provides “an extra set of eyes” and quicker response times to cleanliness or safety concerns.
The city is aiming to have at least 20 stops adopted in the program’s initial phase.
Participants are advised not to engage with hazardous materials or act as city representatives. Instead, volunteers are
encouraged to report issues such as blocked stops, vandalism, or dangerous debris. The city will handle removal of hazardous waste and other serious maintenance concerns.
In return, volunteers receive free bus
passes and promotional merchandise.
For more information or to sign up, residents can contact the program administrator at joseph.santiago@ santamonica.gov.
LAPD Seeks to Return 500 Firearms Recovered From Palisades Fire
Individuals
who lost a firearm
are asked to contact the LAPD Gun Recovery Unit
The Los Angeles Police Department is working to return hundreds of firearms recovered from the Palisades Fire burn zone and is urging residents who lost weapons in the blaze to come forward.
As of this week, approximately 500 firearms have been recovered by LAPD personnel and partner agencies from the debris of the Palisades Fire, many of them heavily damaged and difficult to identify, officials said Wednesday.
In a statement, LAPD Chief of Detectives Alan Hamilton acknowledged the personal significance some of the weapons may hold for residents.
“We recognize that these firearms may
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hold significant sentimental value to their owners, whether as family heirlooms, historical pieces, or personal mementos,” Hamilton said. “We are doing our best to reunite them with their owners.”
Individuals who believe a firearm of theirs may have been lost in the fire are asked to contact the LAPD Gun Recovery Unit at palisadesfire@lapd.online. Claimants will be required to provide personal identifying information, proof of residence in the affected area, and a description of the lost firearm.
Residents may also file a “lost property” report for their missing firearm either at any LAPD Community Police Station or online at LAPDonline.org, officials said.
The department emphasized that all recovered weapons are being carefully processed and secured as part of a continuing effort to ensure they are returned to rightful owners or handled appropriately under state and federal law.
The World’s Happiest Cities...and SM!
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Almost every year, we see new cities, regions, and countries that make the list(s) of our planet’s happiest and healthiest places to reside and visit. Since World Happiness Day occurred on March 20th, it seems timely to take a closer look at what makes residents of an area happy and how governmental bodies can help recognize what makes the area that they control “happy, healthy, and satisfied.”
The United Nations and other entities generally assess how content local populations are by examining (through mostly unscientific polling) six key factors that impact a population’s happiness. It is theorized that health, income, generosity, absence of corruption, social support, and freedom are significant markers of how happy residents of a geographic area are. The surveys also look at the ages of a population and the environmental and public safety benefits of an area. We know that there is a significant age indicator in the happiest quotient. People born before 1965 are happier on average than those born after 1980. Economic factors certainly influence the happiness we feel. Conversely, the people labeled Millennials or Gen Z are more likely to help their fellow humans in need than the previous generations. Happiness is a vast combination of factors, and the combined results lead to happier, healthier cities, regions, and countries.
Niche.com riffs on the United Nations’ happiest index by also categorizing the cost of living, access to higher education, housing, diversity, crime and safety, familyfriendly living, available quality of jobs, outdoor activities, walkability, commute, weather, and other environmental factors for various United States neighborhoods and cities. The Niche.com methodology takes a closer look at the overall livability of an area by examining census data, FBI annual crime reports, average income, housing prices, and the happiness of the places they look at.
Let’s bear down on our city, Santa Monica, using the United Nations and Niche.com results of what we can surmise about our hometown. Niche.com states that the City Center (Mid City Neighborhood) area of Santa Monica is the 5th best area in the nation. It extols our public schools, population diversity, nightlife, familyfriendly environment, and dense urban feel. The grading scale for this narrow portion of our town (4,332 residents out of 93,000 people) gives a C+ score on housing due to the proliferation of rental housing over home ownership, the high cost of the rental housing ($2719/month), and a negative score on safety. It is important to note that, as a city, Santa Monica does not rate well on a national level in the Niche.com survey. The United Nations scale examines several factors self-assessed by the populations in the countries they study. In other words, how self-satisfied are you in
the place you live? The top five countries are 5. Netherlands, 4. Sweden, 3. Iceland, 2. Denmark, and 1. Finland. Excellent social services, a minimum of homelessness, long life expectancy, a very low crime rate, a great connection to nature, environmental quality, and freedom of choice are all significant factors in Finland being the premier place to be happy in our world. What can we do in Santa Monica to make our small but significant city happier?
Santa Monica is a primarily affluent city with excellent public transportation and a high walkability score. Great public schools, universities, and colleges abound in our vicinity. We are surrounded by incredible natural beauty, and the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Mountains are adjacent. We are perhaps one of the world’s most significant centers for the arts, and the creative energy is palpable. However, the social ill of homelessness, the high propensity of crime against residents and visitors, the decrease in our tree canopy, increased density, lack of civility in our civil discourse, and extreme pollution in our air and ocean disrupt the happiness index in Santa Monica.
Many factors that exist in the world’s happiest countries can’t be adequately measured here because Santa Monica is not an island. It becomes difficult to compare due to the breadth of the impact of the Los Angeles Metro area on Santa Monica. We can look at the countries and cities ranked much higher and note that our city’s municipal state can be a measure of satisfaction. Santa Monica battles homelessness on an extreme level, and the insecurity of walking our streets hurts resident and visitor satisfaction. Our town has felt these impacts on retail and dining establishments for decades. The condition of our excellent parks, another measure of resident satisfaction, has been undermined by the lack of decisive action by the city, county, and state governments to keep them safe and clean.
The plight of homeless individuals lying…and dying on the streets of Santa Monica has also destroyed the positive energy of a walkable, compassionate city. The continuous bombardment of external air noise and pollution from the incessant sirens, planes, helicopters, and freeway traffic (the 10 & PCH) provide constant stress. Our
beach and ocean are increasingly polluted due to the damage from the Palisades fire, and our government’s decades-long inability to stop polluting the water at the Pier and around our storm drains impacts residents. They are rightfully concerned about whether the government cares about the quality of their lives. Air, water, and noise pollution all hurt the happiness of our city and the region.
The gaps in funding public safety have led to property owners building higher fences and securing their premises with cameras, alarm systems, and private security companies. Yet, most of our residents reside in apartments where that level of additional security is impossible. The gaps between the “haves and have-nots” have also led to social division in the city. The residents of the happiest cities in the world reside in an environment where residents work together to solve problems that affect the common good. In Santa Monica, we often see artificial divides created by political and class animosity.
We have an incredibly compassionate populace in Santa Monica, but bleeding hearts have not made a real dent in the societal problems that affect us. The price of housing for all age and economic groups is inequitable because of, as they say in the real estate business, “location, location, location.” Yet the location provides the most extraordinary natural gifts that, if utilized properly, can lead to a healthy, safe, and happy community.
Given that our city faces some of the most significant financial challenges in our almost 150-year municipal history, we need to emphasize the advantages of our location and our unique lifestyle by aligning closely with our strong culture of the arts that helps drive our city’s economy. We must make our streets safer for all, not by constantly “calming” our roads and condemning car culture, but by allowing all modes of transportation to be as seamless as possible. The mark of reviving downtown Santa Monica must be the ease of arriving to shop in our downtown and shopping districts. Accessing our shops, restaurants, and movie theaters must not be a tedious chore. Free or discounted parking that is easy to use and plentiful will encourage a renaissance in downtown Santa Monica. That renaissance will lead to a happier city that is safer and
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cleaner. Those are also marks of a smiling, happy populace.
Look to other cities worldwide that are genuinely trying to please residents, from towns with vibrant public arts (concerts, public art exhibitions, and the preservation of significant public facilities) to cities encouraging more gatherings in their downtown by reducing parking impediments. Above all, safety is the key to reclaiming happiness in Santa Monica. In addition, the Santa Monica government feels that stacking additional fees, taxes, and impediments to individual success is proper. Researching the happiest cities suggests that these extra burdens, added to the fabric of Santa Monica’s life, do not encourage happiness. Indeed, it adds more stress to an unforgiving, highly urban lifestyle. Our city needs to aim to de-stress the lives of our fortunate residents. If the residents of Santa Monica feel safe, happy, and healthy, our visitors will feel the passion of the people who reside here, and the enthusiasm will be contagious. We can emulate the success of the happiest, healthiest cities and countries in the world, but a shift in attitude is necessary. Let’s be a city with clean beaches, healthy sea life, an abundance of trees, safe parks, a feeling of overall security, happy kids, grateful seniors, and an attitude of helping each other to live better lives here in Santa Monica.
Phil Brock, Santa Monica Mayor (ret) SMart (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow)
Robert H. Taylor AIA; Dan Jansenson; Thane Roberts; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA; Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE; Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect & Landmarks Commissioner; Daniel Jansenson, Architect, Building & Fire-Life Safety Commission
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