SMa.r.t. would like to wish you all a great Thanksgiving with friends and family and also to thank its readers for their loyalty this year. We all have much to be thankful for. Specifically, we are thankful for, among other things:
The steadfast commitment of colleagues who’ve stood by our side through every challenge.
Ron Goldman, a dearly departed colleague, graced us with his sharp humor and unwavering dedication to humanity, enriching our group week after week.
The privilege to openly share our thoughts and ideas without the looming threat to our safety is a luxury not afforded to many worldwide.
Living in a community that, despite its imperfections, has many members who continuously support one another, reflecting a collective spirit of care and solidarity.
That the development community aided by Sacramento and some Council members has not yet overcome the California Coastal Commission and allowed development to overrun the beach that provides us relief from an increasingly dense urban living environment.
The wonders of our beach including the shoreline, the pier, the senior beach pass, the bridges over PCH, and Palisades Park and all who maintain them.
Our major urban assets including two hospitals, Santa Monica City College, the 3rd Street Promenade, and major Hotels.
Our ample local stores for amenities and shopping; downtown and along the boulevards.
Our great restaurants and art galleries.
Our wonderful parks that add such relief to our urbanizing City.
The five major preservation organizations that keep our City’s historic assets intact: Santa Monica Conservancy, Santa Monica Historical Society, Museum of Flying, California Heritage Museum and Heal the Bay.
Our shared community that paints our world with diversity.
Our freedom to express the sparks of light that ignite our minds with creativity.
For the gift of today that provides an opportunity for us to shape a better future together.
And finally, all the people who keep our world running by working on Thanksgiving.
By S.M.a.r.t Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Thane Roberts, Architect, Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect, Dan Jansenson, Architect & Building and Fire-Life Safety Commission, Samuel Tolkin Architect & Planning Commissioner, Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA Michael Jolly, AIR-CRE.
For previous articles see www.santamonicaarch.wordpress.com/writing
