The Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition (aka Wilmont) will hold its annual meeting on Saturday, June 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. in Reed Park Auditorium at Seventh Street and Wilshire Boulevard.
This year’s gathering will feature refreshments, door prizes, presentations and discussions among residents.
Santa Monica Police Chief James T. Butts, Jr. and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Superintendent John E. Deasy are scheduled to speak to the group, and Santa Monica Planning Department staff will update the group on the revision of the land use and circulation elements of the City’s General Plan.
Also on the agenda are the election of board members and discussions of resident concerns.
City Council members and other local officials will be present so that residents of the neighborhood can present their views directly to local representatives.
“Wilmont gives everyone the opportunity to be heard,” said Rob Rader, Chair of the Coalition. “This past year, Wilmont has taken positions on affordable housing, the proposed fluoridation plant, the Garden of Angels school at 18th and Washington, outdoor dining on Montana Avenue and extending preferential parking for businesses. We’ve continued adding new board members to ensure that Wilmont retains its vital connection to the community.”
Rader went on to say, “Neighborhood organizations are the lifeblood of the City and participating in the Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition is the best way for a Wilshire/Montana resident to get involved…
“Our speakers are terrific. Wilmont is looking forward to learning about community policing and public safety issues for our neighborhood from Chief Butts. Superintendent Deasy’s presentation on the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District is especially timely and important for an education-centered group such as Wilmont. Finally, there is no greater issue in the community now than the update of the General Plan and Circulation Element. It is crucial that the public be kept informed on this process.”
Door prizes are being provided by local merchants, including Bagel Nosh, Fromin’s, Izzy’s, Panera, Three Bags Full, Starbucks, Jafra Skin Care, Merle Norman Cosmetics, Number One Beauty Supply, Pavilions, Ron Teeguarden’s Dragon Herbs and Staples, and Kensington Gardens is catering.
The Coalition was founded over a decade ago. It represents the most densely populated neighborhood in Santa Monica It is bounded by Montana Avenue to the north, Ocean Avenue to the west, 21st Street to the east; and Wilshire to the south (north side only).
Annual membership dues are $10 per person, $15 per family. For more information, contact Wilmont at:
Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition, P.O. Box 607, Santa Monica 90406, (310) 840-2257, or www.wilmont.org.The next regular Wilmont board meeting is July 18 at 7 PM at the Ken Edwards Center on Fourth Street. Board meetings are every third Monday and are open to the public.
