From a lengthy court battle over the future of elections in Santa Monica to city officials grappling with a growing homelessness crisis, 2019 was a busy year in the Santa Monica news cycle. Here is a look back on the 10 biggest stories of 2019 in Santa Monica as the year comes to a close.
A New Historic District
By Keldine Hull
Originally published January 28, 2019
January 22 marked a momentous day for the numerous people involved in the designation of the 11th Street Bungalows as a historic district, including members and supporters of Friends of 11th Street. After hearing both sides of the proposal, City Council voted to designate the 11th Street Bungalows as a historic cluster, preserving its legacy for generations to come. Full article here.
“Behavior Change” PR Company Among Firms Awarded $2.6 Million in City Contracts
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published April 8, 2019
At their regular meeting Tuesday, March 26 Santa Monica City Council voted to award $2,610,000 on communications and outreach services to third-party vendors.
Agenda item 3.D, which passed by a 5-1 vote, awarded contracts to 15 companies to provide all City of Santa Monica Departments as-needed communications and outreach services. Full article here.
City Asks Appeals Court to Expedite CRVA Decision
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published April 30, 2019
On April 29, the City of Santa Monica filed a motion requesting that the California Court of Appeal grant calendar preference to the City’s appeal from the trial court’s order in Pico Neighborhood Association, et al. v. City of Santa Monica. The City requested that the Court set an expedited briefing and argument schedule that would result in a decision by July 10, 2020. Full article here.
City Council Adopts Nearly $1 Billion Climate Action Plan
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published May 29, 2019
Earlier this month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that global atmospheric carbon reached 415 parts per million, surpassing levels not seen in recorded history. In light of this news, last night the Santa Monica City Council adopted a nearly billion-dollar Climate Action & Adaptation Plan (CAAP), a roadmap to achieving an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2030 and reaching community-wide carbon neutrality by no later than 2050. Full article here.
Low Vaccination Rates at Westside Kindergartens
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published July 17, 2019
California law requires all children to receive certain immunizations in order to attend both public and private schools, but in the past year, the vaccination rate among many kindergarten students in and near Santa Monica are declining.
Under California Health and Safety Code, Sections 120325-120375 children in California are required to receive certain immunizations in order to attend public and private schools while schools and pre-kindergarten facilities are required to enforce immunization requirements, maintain immunization records of all children enrolled and submit reports. Full article here.
‘Dumped Like a Dog’: Disabled Senior Left in Front of Homeless Shelter by Nursing Home
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published July 29, 2019
A disabled senior says a Santa Monica nursing home misled and left him in a wheelchair in front of a local homeless shelter without a place to sleep.
Alan Corona is a 72-year-old disabled senior who has a cervical disc disorder with myelopathy that leaves him dependent on a wheelchair and walker to get around. For eight months, Corona was living at Pacific Post-Acute, a nursing home, on 17th Street in Santa Monica. In June, however, a series of events led to his discharge. Full article here.
E-Scooters Not as Green as They Seem?
By Kai McNamee
Originally published August 13, 2019
After taking Santa Monica and Los Angeles by storm, shared electric scooters were touted by many as a solution to the climate crisis. Bird and Lime, two of the largest producers of dockless e-scooters, both market their services as a way to reduce carbon emissions in urban settings. But a recent study published by researchers at North Carolina State University suggests that these devices aren’t as environmentally friendly as they might seem. Full article here.
Armed Bank Robber Stole up to $5,000 from Santa Monica Wells Fargo
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published September 11, 2019
An armed bank robber who eluded a massive manhunt in Santa Monica stole between $3,000 to $5,000, says law enforcement officials.
On Tuesday, September 10, the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) received a call regarding an armed robbery at Wells Fargo on 10th Street and Montana Avenue at 9:51 a.m. Full article here.
Student Suffers Lung Injury in Samohi Pool After Chlorine Leak, Files Claim
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published September 26, 2019
A high school student suffered severe and debilitating lung injuries after swimming in the Santa Monica High Schoo (Samohi) pool according to a government claim filed this month against the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).
The student is a senior at Santa Monica High School, a member of the water polo team and a strong swimmer, according to his attorney. During the team’s swimming and water polo meet, he suddenly was unable to breathe, and after gasping for air several times, he immediately became ill. Full article here.
Homeless Statue in Santa Monica Intended to Confront Public
By Sam Catanzaro
Originally published November 21, 2019
A seven-foot-tall sculpture of a homeless man at the former Savings and Loans building in Santa Monica asks the public to “contemplate their views and elevate their discourse on the issue,” of homelessness says the artist, who has a history of generating buzz in Santa Monica through art.
The statue, titled “In The Image”, sculpted by Ed Massey, is of a bearded homeless man wearing baggy clothes with a red blanket draped on his shoulders, depicting a man the artist came across 20 years ago. Full article here.
