Big Blue Bus Gets $53M for Electrification, Service Improvement
Grant to fund zero-emission fleet conversion, expanded transit service, and workforce training initiatives
The California State Transportation Agency announced Wednesday that Santa Monica’s Big Blue Bus will receive a $53.3 million grant through the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) to advance fleet electrification, expand service, and enhance workforce training.
The funding supports the phased implementation of Big Blue Bus’s Fleet
Electrification Master Plan, which is set to convert the current fleet to 100% batteryelectric, zero-emission vehicles by 2031. This $35.5 million phase will focus on essential infrastructure, including electric utility upgrades and a charging canopy at Big Blue Bus’s depot that can fully recharge electric buses within four hours.
Another $17.3 million of the grant will fund the purchase of 73 battery-electric buses, replacing older compressed natural gas vehicles. The new buses will feature ADA-accessible seating for approximately 40 passengers and improved bike racks.
Workforce development is also prioritized, with over $400,000 allocated for advanced training in high-voltage safety, offered in partnership with the California Transit Training Consortium.
The grant will additionally support improved service on Big Blue Bus’s Route 2 along Wilshire Boulevard, connecting to L.A.
Metro’s D Line by 2027. The improvements will include an increase in service hours and frequency, reducing wait times to 10 minutes.
The TIRCP, which awarded funding to 27 transit agencies this cycle, aims to support
projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle miles traveled, and traffic congestion. In 2023, Big Blue Bus received $22.9 million in TIRCP funding to launch earlier phases of its Fleet Electrification Master Plan.
AS OF 11/6/24: Santa Monica Election Results in National, State, and Local Races
Preliminary Results From Santa Monica, Los Angeles County, and National Elections
Here are the latest election results, as votes are being tabulated as of 12:30 a.m. Wednesday. The final results of the national, state, and local elections have not been finalized. The polls closed at 8 p.m. We will update the results as they come in.
Santa Monica City General Municipal Election
Measure F
• Yes: 78.18%
• No: 21.82%
Measure K
• Yes: 74.81%
• No: 25.19%
Measure PSK (Advisory Vote)
• Yes: 66.79%
• No: 33.21%
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Measure MM
• Yes: 59.42% (2,956 votes)
• No: 40.58% (2,019 votes)
Measure QS
• Yes: 62.59% (17,501 votes)
• No: 37.41% (10,462 votes)
Santa Monica City Council Candidates
• Ellis Raskin: 13.32%
• Dan Hall: 13.31%
• Natalya Zernitskaya: 12.83%
• Barry A. Snell: 12.74%
• Phil Brock: 11.69%
• Oscar de la Torre: 10.50%
• Vivian A. Roknian: 10.07%
• John Putnam: 8.94%
• Ericka Lesley: 5.33%
• Wade Kelley: 1.27%
United States Representative, 36th District
• Ted W. Lieu: 68.54%
• Melissa Toomim: 31.46%
United State Representative, 32nd District,
• Brad Sherman: 66.69%
• Larry Thompson: 33.31%
Member of the State Assembly, 51st District
• Rick Chavez Zbur: 74.68%
• Stephan Hohil: 25.32%
Member of the State Assembly, 42nd District
• Jacqui Irwin: 60.21%
• Ted Nordblum: 39.79%
Los Angeles District Attorney: Nathan Hochman was declared the winner of the Los Angeles District Attorney race by the Associated Press at 1:28 a.m.
• Nathan Hochman: 61.22%
• George Gascón: 38.78%
United States Presidential Race:
The Associated Press called the race at 2:38 a.m. when President-Elect Donald Trump secured 277 electoral votes when he won the state of Wisconsin.
• Donald Trump: 277 electoral votes
• Kamala Harris: 224 electoral votes
Los Angeles County Measures County Measure A (Homelessness Services and Affordable Housing Ordinance):
• Yes: 55.37%
• No: 44.63%
County Measure G
• Yes: 49.84%
• No: 50.16%
Fire Protection Special Tax, Measure E
• Yes: 52.45%
• No: 47.55%
Santa Monica Pier Bridge to be Replaced in $29M Project
The Updated Design Includes Expanded Walkways, Modern Lighting, and New Railings
Santa Monica has finalized the design for a new Pier Bridge, set to replace the 85-yearold structure that connects Palisades Park and Colorado Avenue to the iconic Santa Monica Pier, the City announced.
The city will seek experienced bridge contractors and construction management professionals in spring 2025 to begin this long-awaited upgrade.
The $29 million project will enhance the bridge’s seismic safety, accessibility, and functionality. The updated design includes expanded walkways, modern lighting, and new railings. A key feature of the project is the careful removal, rehabilitation, and reinstallation of the historic blue “Santa Monica Pier” sign. An architectural historian and neon conservator will oversee the sign’s preservation, while a smaller replica will be temporarily placed on the pier during construction.
Over the next few months, the city will complete the permitting process before issuing a Request for Bids in spring 2025. This offers an exciting opportunity for contractors with bridge construction expertise to contribute to a landmark that welcomes millions each year.
Construction is expected to start in late 2025. To maintain access to the pier, a temporary pedestrian bridge will be installed before the demolition of the existing structure. Santa Monica Pier will remain open to residents and tourists throughout the project.
Detailed bid information will be posted on the city’s website, where contractors can set up accounts to access project updates. For specific questions, Selim Eren can be reached at Selim.Eren@santamonica.gov.
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Architectural Review Board Considers
Eight-Story Mixed-Use Project
The Development Will Include Studio, One-, and TwoBedroom Units, 13 of Which Will Be Reserved as Affordable Housing
A proposed eight-story, mixed-use development at 2919 Wilshire Boulevard is set to go before the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board.
The project, developed by Cypress Equity Investments (CEI) and designed by OfficeUntitled, would replace an existing commercial building and parking lot with a contemporary structure featuring 127 apartments and approximately 5,700 square feet of ground-floor commercial space, along
with four levels of underground parking.
According to a staff report, the development will include studio, one-, and two-bedroom units, 13 of which will be reserved as affordable housing under density bonus incentives that allow for a larger building than zoning regulations typically permit. This bonus has enabled CEI to include 42 additional marketrate units as part of the project.
The building design features a pixelated grid facade with a gradient color palette inspired by the natural hues of the Santa Monica bluffs. Upper floors will include recessed balconies, landscaped outdoor areas, and cut-outs to allow natural light and ventilation. The ground floor will include three retail spaces along Wilshire Boulevard, as well as residential amenities such as a gym and pet spa.
CEI has designed the building’s massing to reduce perceived height, with setbacks on the ground floor and rooftop, creating outdoor amenity spaces, including a rooftop pool development also incorporates a mix of California-native trees, including Bay Laurels
Santa Monica College to Present
and Juliet” on Campus Stage
Performances Are Scheduled Through November and December
Santa Monica College’s Theatre Arts Department will bring William Shakespeare’s classic Romeo and Juliet to life from Nov. 22 through Dec. 8 at the Theatre Arts Main Stage on its main campus at 1900 Pico Blvd. Directed by Perviz Sawoski with music direction by Gary Gray, the production revisits the tragedy of two young lovers caught in a fierce feud between their families. The play remains one of Shakespeare’s most beloved
and frequently performed works, exploring themes of love, fate, and family conflict.
Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 22, Dec. 6, Nov. 23, and Dec. 7, with matinees at 2 p.m. on Nov. 24 and Dec. 8. Showtimes are subject to change or cancellation.
Tickets are available for purchase in advance at $20 for general admission, $18 for discounted categories, and $15 for SMC students and staff. A service charge applies. Tickets can be purchased online at smc.edu/ tickets or by phone at 310-434-4165 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Tickets purchased on performance weekends at the Theatre Arts building box office will be $3 higher. Parking is free, and additional information on transportation and directions is available at smc.edu/transportation.
on the second-story courtyard and Olive and Dragon trees on the rooftop, with Yew Plum Pines replacing existing trees on Stanford Street.
The Architectural Review Board is expected to review the application and recommend its approval, with final development approval pending from the Planning Commission.
Activist Named 24th Senate District’s “2024 Woman of the Year”
In Addition to Working With the Alzheimer’s Association, She Has Been Active in the Stop Asian Hate Movement
Senator Ben Allen (D-Santa Monica) honored Crystal Kung Minkoff as the 24th Senate District’s Woman of the Year, recognizing her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness, racial equality, and mental health. The award comes ahead of Alzheimer’s Awareness Month in November.
“Crystal’s dedication to mental health and racial equality exemplifies the positive impact that comes from using a platform for good,” Allen stated. “Her work has created community and sparked change, benefiting not only the 24th District but also a broader audience.”
Kung Minkoff, the first Asian American cast member of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, has been vocal about her family’s experience with Alzheimer’s, which took her father’s
life, and her own recovery from an eating disorder. Her openness aims to reduce stigma and provide a sense of community for those grappling with similar issues.
In addition to her work with the Alzheimer’s
Association, Kung
has been active in the Stop Asian Hate movement, contributing to awareness and support for communities facing discrimination.
“Providing a sense of community during
times of distress is invaluable,” Kung Minkoff said. “Through sharing my personal stories, I hope to reach others who may feel alone in their struggles. This recognition from Senator Allen motivates me to continue this work.”
Minkoff
Moving Ahead to the Future
SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
As we write this, the election results are still trickling in. We’ll leave the deep analysis to others, but the reality of our city’s tough challenges looms large, regardless of who sits on the Council.
Our community faces an undeniable, urgent set of problems. The city’s water supply, though adequate for now (due to water purchased from the Metropolitan Water District), is unlikely to withstand an extended drought. Power supply and emergency energy backups remain vulnerable, and the city’s finances are under incredible strain, burdened by pandemic aftershocks and escalating street crime that impacts local businesses—our lifeline for critical tax revenue.
The city continues to be rocked by a $229 million settlement linked to the 10-year Police Athletic League’s sex abuse scandal (with additional claims made recently), alongside a looming pension crisis that jeopardizes our financial foundation. And the city’s seismic reinforcement program for older buildings—designed to safeguard residents’ lives in the next earthquake— is falling behind schedule and struggling with enforcement challenges.
Exacerbating these issues is a surge in the construction of massive new developments, enabled by sweeping state regulations that ignore local laws. These projects drain city resources without adequate state reimbursement, leaving our community to bear the cost.
The new City Council faces a monumental task. The question is, are they prepared to tackle these challenges headon? Or will the new Council perpetuate the same old policies that, over two decades, led to this situation? Time will tell, and we’ll be here to closely examine the Council’s actions, their effectiveness, and their impact on our local residents. Meanwhile, as a reminder of our mission, we reprint below the founding article from eleven years ago, laying out our core principles and agenda—goals we remain
committed to pursuing.
“In late 2013, a group of design professionals met to discuss their concerns regarding the City’s direction. The group took the acronym SM a.r.t. (Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow). They felt it was important, as professionals who worked and lived in Santa Monica, to join a discussion that until now had been dominated by developers and City Staff. They believed that proposed projects and policies currently before the City were often misunderstood due to their complexity and the bias of their presenters.
SM a.r.t.’s intent is to use their professional experience to clarify the issues and provide a framework, or a set of goals, to assist residents in understanding and framing the issues and joining the discussion on the City’s future.
SM a.r.t. evaluates projects and policies based on the extent to which they exemplify the following five goals:
1. To preserve Santa Monica’s “relaxed” beach culture.
Santa Monica’s temperate climate on the Pacific Rim is a defining feature of our City. The cooling sea breezes along our oceanfront have played a big part in the City’s cultural heritage and allure. The City’s “relaxed” style differentiates it from neighboring cities to the east and should be preserved- both for its residents as well as for those who visit each year to escape “the hustle and bustle” of urban life.
2. To maximize light, air, views, and green space.
The views and skyline of our community are disappearing due to high-walled buildings that block the ocean breezes and sunlight inland. We should continue to provide more open space and keep new construction in scale with the existing building stock. New parks and open space should be a priority.
3. To build at a human scale and for family life.
The City’s relaxed, seaside character and human scale plays in an important role in its allure. The currently proposed high-rise developments that dwarf their neighbors will forever redefine the skyline and character of the City. The low-rise
residential buildings, that are better suited for families, are being replaced by multistory projects with fewer bedrooms and little connection to life at ground level.
4. To create a walkable, bikeable and drivable city.
In the great European cities, the pedestrian experience is enhanced with large sidewalks, outdoor cafes, and unique shopping opportunities. The result is a dynamic street life for pedestrians and cyclists that fosters interaction and brings the city to life. If the currently proposed developments move forward, the circulation within the City will continue to deteriorate, increasing delays and frustration for our residents.
5. To be a smart, connected, and sustainable community.
The City has taken a leading role in
being a model for sustainable living. California is in the midst of a serious drought and rainfall is at record lows. It is incumbent upon the City to make sure that our resources and facilities are adequate for the current population before allowing more growth. It is absolutely vital that sustainable technologies become part of the City’s energy plan as it prepares for its future.”
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Samuel Tolkin Architect & Planning Commissioner; Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE; Marie Standing, Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect
Urth Caffé Heirloom Organic Coffee Wins Best of Santa Monica
By Susan Payne
A health-conscious coffee shop in Santa Monica is stealing hearts.
More than its Matcha teas, Spanish lattes and breakfast favorites, Urth Caffé Heirloom Organic Coffee has created a legacy of healthconscious coffee and sustainable food favorites spanning three decades with incredible growth: nine locations in California, two in Nevada and two overseas in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
For the third consecutive year, the Santa Monica community has voted Urth Caffé Heirloom Organic Coffee as Santa Monica’s Best Coffee Shop.
Urth coffee is set apart by its exclusively harvested heirloom coffee trees that produce the lowest acid coffee in the world. Heirloom coffee possesses superior sweetness, aroma, less acid, and is easier to digest than coffee from conventional, hybridized trees.
After harvest, the coffee is processed with the finest European techniques including picking only ripe cherries and triple hand sorting to find the finest beans.
In the late 80s, Jilla and Shallom Berkman started doing research on how best to follow their passion for coffee and support a healthier environment while giving back to resources. Through research, the Berkmans met Jorge Cebreros, a leading organic coffee agronomist and pioneer in certified organic, sustainable
and fair-trade coffee.
“Jorge at that time was the director of an organic, sustainable and fair-trade coffee estate in Chanchamayo, Peru — one of the first of a few certified organic coffee estates in the world. He explained to us that the key to the best quality coffee — and an essential part of a sustainable and biodynamic program — is to plant heirloom coffee seedlings,” Shallom said.
Heirloom coffee seedings have never been genetically modified and originate from and grow wild in the highest altitudes of remote Ethiopian rainforests. Cebreros imported Typica heirloom coffee seedlings to Peru, where the trees grow 5,000 feet above sea level in the Chanchamayo Mountains, the most perfect setting that preserves rainforest and allows cultivation of the finest, lowest acid coffee in the world.
“Jorge taught us that Typica coffee trees grow up to 20 feet tall, require deep shade from the rainforest canopy, and produce superb coffee with the lowest acid content,” Shallom said.
Inspired by Cebreros, Jill and Shallom Berkman cofounded Urth Caffé to start America’s (and perhaps the world’s) first exclusively heirloom organic coffee company in 1989. But the research didn’t stop there.
In 1994, Jilla and Shallom visited and collaborated with the world’s first certified organic coffee estate “Finca Irlanda” in
Tapachula, the Chiapas region of Mexico and brought the second source of heirloom organic coffee to Urth Caffé.
“In our quest to inspire other coffee growers in the most pristine rainforests found in the world’s equatorial belt to produce heirloom organic coffee exclusively for Urth Caffé, we began to visit coffee growers in Central and South America, Indonesia and Africa,”
Shallom said.
“We have established many relationships directly with these great coffee farmers establishing the Urth Caffé standards of growing exclusively heirloom organic coffee in a sustainable, biodynamic way with premium pay incentives to farmers,” Shallom said. This is why we always say ‘Urth Caffé heirloom organic coffee is the best coffee in the world and healthier for all.’”
City of Santa Monica to Host Its Fifth Annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the Pier
Event to Honor Service Members
With Special Performances, Community
Tributes
Santa Monica will host its fifth annual Veterans Day ceremony in partnership with the U.S. Army on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. The event, held on the Santa Monica Pier’s west parking deck, is free and open to the public.
Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army Sonki Hong, who organized the event, said, “On this Veterans Day, and every day, we should strive to honor our veterans not only with words but through our actions. We can support them, advocate for their needs, and ensure that they feel valued in our communities. Each veteran carries a unique story, filled with bravery and sacrifice, and it is our duty to listen to those stories and recognize their impact on our lives. We should also acknowledge the families of our veterans,
who stand by them through challenges and triumphs. Their support is vital and deserves our deepest gratitude.”
This year’s ceremony promises a robust lineup of military displays, performances, and remarks from both military leaders and city officials. Highlights include a military convoy, flyovers, and a performance by the West Point Drill Team from the United States Military Academy.
The program will feature:
• Military Convoy: Former NFL players Andrew Whitworth, Cade McNown, and Donnie Edwards will lead a convoy of California Army National Guard vehicles.
• Posting of Colors: Conducted by UCLA ROTC cadets.
• Flyover: Blackhawk and Chinook helicopters from the U.S. Army Reserve.
• Performances: The 300th Army Band and Miss USO Heidi-Marie Ferren, who will sing the national anthem and “God Bless America.”
• Keynote and Remarks: A top Army four-star general will deliver the keynote address. Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Gleam Davis, and former NFL star Andrew Whitworth will also provide remarks.
• Swearing-In Ceremony: Major General Dianne Del Rosso will conduct a future soldier swearing-in ceremony.
Additionally, Pacific Park will offer free
ride tickets, and Meals on Wheels will provide free meals to veterans and active military members. The event will feature music and entertainment courtesy of 95.5 KLOS and Meruelo Media.
