May 29, 2023 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Lauralee Asch: City Employees Should be Treated Like Valued Family Members

The following is a letter sent by Lauralee Asch, a 29-year (retired) City employee and former labor leader, to Santa Monica City Council in the wake of reports that a large number of public employees stand to lose their jobs.

Dear Mayor McKeown, Mayor Pro Tempore O’Day & Council Members,

As a 43-year resident, 29 year (retired) City employee and former labor leader I am asking for you to be very deliberate and creative in choosing solutions to the predicted budget shortfall.

Obviously the long term threat to our City’s budget by the covid virus is more extensive and will certainly last longer than the affects of the 1994 earthquake or the 2008 “recession” did.

That being said, we are a community that values all people with varied needs. We are a community that cares about the disenfranchised, youth, seniors & the environment.

I urge you to listen to a wide variety of suggestions of how to get through this time, in a fiscally responsible, but humane way.

We have over two thousand employees who have worked hard to serve this community by generating income, providing programs, sweeping streets, caring for children while their parents work, and protecting our public safety, to name a few.

“We have over two thousand employees who have worked hard to serve this community by generating income, providing programs, sweeping streets, caring for children while their parents work, and protecting our public safety, to name a few.”

Lauralee Asch

ALL of our City employees should be treated like valued family members.

The long-term values of our Community should not be disregarded under the guise of this crisis.

THIS is a time to creatively reassign employees where they can be most useful and still put bread on their tables.

Can we start by asking ALL of our other “family members” from the City Manager down to take temporary pay cuts and/or furlough days in order to keep as many employees working as is possible?

There are many other creative solutions which should be considered. Are you open to listening?

This is an unprecedented time in our world’s history. We all understand that there is going to be a lot of pain and loss, but shouldn’t we all try to share the burden?

Isn’t that who WE are?

Please ask yourself… Does the City of Santa Monica, and all we stand for as a trailblazing city, want to be a part of the destruction caused by this virus or a part of the solution?

Respectfully,

Lauralee Asch

P.S. Fellow Santa Monicans, the leaders of this City work for YOU.
Let them know what YOU think is important!

Related Posts

Pandemic-Induced Rent Debt Crisis Threatens Housing Stability

May 28, 2023

May 28, 2023

Low-Wage Workers and Communities of Color Disproportionately Affected By Dolores Quintana  Rental debt is an out-of-control problem that has worsened...

SMa.r.t. Column: Improving Santa Monica’s Future: A Resident-Oriented Master Plan

May 28, 2023

May 28, 2023

Improving Santa Monica’s Future: A Resident-Oriented Master Plan Santa Monica, like many cities, requires a well-defined master plan to guide...

Spanish Revival Home On Market For Nearly $20M

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The Property is Nestled Behind Gates and Features Eight Bedrooms By Zach Armstrong Over top of the Riviera Country Club,...

Santa Monica Ranked One of the Least Affordable U.S. Cities

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Several Metrics Graded on a 100-point Scale to Make the Ranking. By Zach Armstrong The City of Santa Monica was...

(Video) Homelessness Exacerbated by Santa Monica Rail and Bus System

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

The METRO and public bus system has reportedly been a large factor in Santa Monica’s homeless population. @smmirrornews Homelessness in...

Health Advisory: Los Angeles County Health Warns Against Swimming This Weekend

May 26, 2023

May 26, 2023

Public Health Issues Caution as Bacterial Levels Exceed Health Standards  The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents...

Women’s Boutique Closing After More Than 60 Years

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

Sumiko Started on Main Street in Santa Monica in 1962. By Zach Armstrong Women’s clothing boutique Sumiko is closing after...

With New Metro System, Santa Monicans Can Reach East L.A. Without Transfers

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

Riders Could Save as Much as 20 Minutes Going Downtown. By Zach Armstrong The Regional Connector transit project, a 1.9...

(Video) Holey Grail Donuts Embraces Sustainability and Veganism

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

Located in Santa Monica, this donut shop embraces high quality food along with sustainability practices. @smmirrornews Holey Grail Donuts in...

Don Victorino Has Spent 28 Years Expertly Cutting Meat For Tito’s Tacos

May 25, 2023

May 25, 2023

The Restaurant’s Tasty Tacos And Burritos Main Ingredient Is Hand Carved Tito’s Tacos, at 11222 Washington Place in Culver City,...

8th Annual “MAINopoly” Event Taking Place Memorial Day Weekend

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

The Event Offers A Delightful Twist On The Classic Board Game, Granting Participants Access To Tastings At More Than 20...

(Video) Student Art Gallery at Santa Monica College Begins May 25

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

The second part of Santa Monica College’s Emeritus Student Art Exhibition Starts May 25 @smmirrornews Santa Monica College’s 2nd part...

The Dodgers Reinstate LGBTQ+ Group’s Invitation and Honor At Dodger Pride Night

May 24, 2023

May 24, 2023

The Sisters Of Perpetual Indulgence Accepted The Baseball Team’s Apology By Dolores Quintana This morning, The Los Angeles Dodgers issued...

Yoga Studio Event Aims To Inspire Kids To Relax Mind, Body and Soul

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

The Event Offers A Range Of Activities Aimed At Inspiring Children’s Fitness And Wellness Goals While Promoting Relaxation. Kids Wellness...

Free Screening of Homelessness Documentary Taking Place at Santa Monica Church

May 23, 2023

May 23, 2023

The Film Follows Four Runners Who Train For The La Marathon While Struggling With Addiction, Homelessness And The Criminal Justice...