SPECIAL SERIES: Westside Wellness | January (pages 8-9) S A N TA M O N I C A
INSIDE Coroner: Fatal Expo Line Collision was Suicide
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
PAGE 3
Jan. 31 – Feb. 6, 2020 Volume XXII, Issue 27
SANTA MONICA HONORS KOBE Ferris Wheel lights up to remember #24 By C had W inthrop
A Santa Monica landmark honored Kobe Bryant on the eve of the former Lakers superstar’s passing. On Sunday, January 27, the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel on the Santa Monica Pier turned purple and gold in honor of Bryant, who passed away Sunday morning in a helicopter crash. Bryant’s daughter Gianna, 13, was also on board and died along with seven other victims. The chopper, which had been been given clearance to fly in the foggy conditions, seems to have slammed into a Calabasas hillside and burst into flames. Several experts say it was the foggy weather that led to the crash. Brant won five NBA titles with the Lak-
ers alongside two Olympic gold medals. In addition, Bryant won two NBA Finals MVP awards and one regular-season NBA MVP award with his time with the Lakers. Among millions of fans and organizations that expressed their condolences in the wake of Bryant’s death was the Santa Monica Police Department, who shared a photo of Bryant along with the following quote from the former Laker: “The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do.” Also to share their thoughts was Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl who represents Santa Monica. “Kobe was one of the greatest athletes ever who brought great pride to LA. His off the court impact was also felt deeply in the countless lives and communities he touched throughout his life,” Kuehl said. “Our hearts go out to his family, friends, and millions of fans around the world.”
A young Kobe fan pays respects Sunday evening as the Pacific Park Ferris Wheel lights up for Kobe Bryant.
Photo: Sam Catanzaro
Increased Water Rates Coming to SM Santa Monica City Council approves five-year water rates By Sam Catanzaro Increased water rates are coming for Santa Monica residents and businesses. At the Santa Monica City Council meeting on January 28, the council approved new rates for water and wastewater for Santa Monica’s 93,000 residents and 2,700 businesses. According to the City, the rates will nearly eliminate imported wa-
ter over the next five years and continue water pipe replacement projects. “Local Santa Monica water will be even more dependable and more affordable in the long run,” said Santa Mayor Kevin McKeown. “Our longterm investment in local water sources and infrastructure will save Santa Monicans money when distant water imported through quake-vulnerable aqueducts and pumped over mountain ranges becomes ever more expensive.” Under the new rate structure, Santa Monica water customers will see an average 17 percent increase, annually, in water and sewer bills over the next five years. The new water rate structure will collect
15 percent of revenue from fixed charges and 85 percent from variable rates. The average Santa Monica resident will pay $115 per month by 2024 under the new rates. While this is more than neighboring cities like Beverly Hills, Culver City and Los Angeles, Santa Monica city staff anticipate these cities to raise their rates within the next five years as well. While Council approved the new rates unanimously, Councilmember Sue Himmelrich raised concerns that the 15 percent fixed-rate being applied to all customers may discourage water conservation. “We have people who are suddenly being allocated a fee that basically is equal to 15 percent of
everybody’s total expenditures on that particular commodity, whether it be wastewater or water, and everybody regardless of how much they are using is being hit with this 15 percent and not being rewarded for sound, solid practices,” Himmelrich said. “I think you are creating a perverse disincentive, or at least a penalty, for people who are doing what we are asking them to do.” This was a concern shared by some members of the community speaking at the public hearing. “I conserve water but I am being punished for being one of those people who do that by having this fixed-rate put on,” said Santa Monica resident
INCREASE, see page 6
Sweet Home Santa Monica Dan & Charlee Nessel | 310.365.0195 | 310.755.8180 Dan@NesselHomes.com | Charlee@NesselHomes.com | NesselHomes.com
TAX
Lic# 01349526
©2018 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties is a member of the franchise system of BHH Affiliates LLC.
Lic# 01309674
01349526
Samuel Moses, CPA 100 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica
310.395.9922