July 18, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Police, Fire Depts Present Budgets:

Both the Santa Monica police and fire departments have collectively sought a budget of about $200 million for the next two fiscal years according to presentations made to the Santa Monica City Council on May 25 by Police Chief Timothy Jackman and Fire Chief Scott Ferguson.

With the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) seeking more than $143 million for fiscal years 2011 through 2013, Jackman stressed the continuing efforts to address public safety through a new crime-fighting strategy implemented in August 2009.

Specifically, Jackman pointed out that local police officers hope to reduce significant crimes by more than 9 percent by Dec. 31, 2011 (compared to statistics one year earlier), as well as continued reductions of crime by 2 percent for calendar years 2012 and 2013. In addition to reducing crime, other (SMPD) goals include an improvement in traffic safety and circulation, reduced street homelessness, as well as decreased youth and gang violence.

Jackman said the availability of sufficient funding has helped officers work with county mental clinicians, has reduced homelessness in the city, as well as reduced youth violence by implementing an action plan on the issue and developing gang prevention units. Jackman added that a few upgrades in personnel status, specifically a promotion to supervisor-level position of certain key positions, such as lead jailer, would help cut overtime and keep costs low while also maintaining optimal efficiency.

“I want to emphasis the community effort, as police, alone, can never achieve a safe city,” Jackman said, adding involvement from both the council and residents was, and continues to be, essential to SMPD’s crime-fighting efforts. “We always recognize we are a big percentage of the general fund and want to be sure that we maximize our utilization of limited city resources in such a way that provides the best benefits to (everyone in Santa Monica).”

Anticipating a budget of nearly $61 million for fiscal years 2011 through 2013, Santa Monica Fire Department Chief Ferguson pointed out his branch has some critical aspiration during the 24-month funding period, including six-minute (or better) response times, the conducting of 2,500 additional commercial inspections, internal career development, and increased interactions with local elementary schools to teach life safety skills. But most importantly, Ferguson said the next fiscal year will realize an increase in service calls.

“Based on current data, we are on pace to run 12,700 calls this fiscal year. That’s up 8 percent from last year,” Ferguson said, adding the Los Angeles Marathon concluding in Santa Monica was one factor in increased services. “We can’t pin it down to one thing other than the fact the trend has been increasing over the past several years.”

Ferguson also added the entry of the Exposition Light Rail Line (EXPO) may have an impact on response times and protection services.

City Manager Rod Gould stated during the first day of the budget workshops that he hoped greater attention would be paid to emergency preparedness, which, of course, would involve both police and fire departments.

“The one area where I am recommending that you make an increased investment in resources is the area of emergency preparedness,” Gould said. “This is one of the few areas in which Santa Monica is not an acknowledged leader and I think we need to put more resources behind it.”

in News
<>Related Posts

Man Arrested in Brentwood for Impersonating Firefighter During Palisades Fire

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

The suspect faces at least 28 criminal counts—including 23 felonies—spanning incidents from 2023 to May 2025 Federal and local law...

West Coast Premiere of ‘The Opposite of Love’ Opens at Hudson Backstage Theatre

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Produced by Neil Gooding Productions, behind shows like Back to the Future: The Musical, the play runs Thursdays through Saturdays at...

Study Highlights Economic Impact of Cap-and-Trade Extension in Los Angeles

July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders are pushing to reauthorize the program this year, citing its role in generating 287,000...

Film Review: Superman

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

“This movie is packed with storyline, Superman lore, meaningful objects, and action.” writes Kathryn Whitney Boole Rated PG-13129 MinutesReleased July...

Multiple Drug Arrests Reported in Palisades Park in Recent Weeks

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

SMPD Reported Several of the Arrests Between June 29 and July 5 The Santa Monica Police Department reported several drug-related...

(Video) Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The outpost is a first for the popular influencer Did You Know Emma Chamberlain’s Coffee Shop is in Century City?...

Mayor Bass Hails National Guard Withdrawal as Victory for Unity

July 17, 2025

July 17, 2025

The Pentagon’s decision to reduce the troop presence follows weeks of legal challenges and public demonstrations Mayor Karen Bass celebrated...

DUI Checkpoints to be Conducted Across LA This Weekend

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The LAPD selects checkpoint sites based on data indicating high incidents of impaired driving-related crashes and arrests The Los Angeles...

SMPD to Conduct Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety Operation on Friday

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The focus will be on speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield or provide right of way to cyclists or walkers,...

Dodgers to Host Back to School Bash for Fire-Affected Families

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The free event will offer free groceries, school supplies, outfits, haircuts, medical screenings, and carnival rides The Los Angeles Dodgers...

LA Sees Second Straight Year of Homelessness Decline, Leaders Celebrate Progress

July 16, 2025

July 16, 2025

The survey, designed by the University of Southern California, reported a 17.5% drop—the largest two-year decrease on record The Los...

LAPD Seeks Missing 63-Year-Old Man Known to Frequent Playa Vista

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

His family last heard from him via a group text on June 22 The Los Angeles Police Department’s Missing Persons...

Santa Monica Offers City-Owned Properties for Affordable Housing Development

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

The move aims to address the city’s Regional Housing Need Assessment of 8,895 units, with a goal of producing at...

California Hits Two-Thirds Clean Energy Milestone

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

This year, clean energy has powered the state for an average of seven hours daily, with over 90% of days...

Venice Beach to Host First Medal at 2028 Olympics

July 15, 2025

July 15, 2025

Venice Beach, known for its vibrant boardwalk, will kick off the 844 ticketed events, hosting the triathlon along its coastline...