We wholeheartedly endorse the candidates below for Santa Monica City Council. Their leading campaign platform is for increased safety in Santa Monica.
Phil Brock, Mayor, and Council Member
Dr. Vivian A. Roknian
Oscar de la Torre, Council Member
John Putnam
Traffic Safety and Enforcement: An Overlooked Concern
While much of the public safety conversation has focused on crime, traffic safety has become a pressing issue in Santa Monica. Busy streets, speeding, reckless driving, and increasing pedestrian, scooter, and cyclist accidents have all contributed to an increased sense of unease on the roads.
Improving traffic safety is crucial for several reasons. First, safer roads directly impact the well-being of residents, tourists, and commuters. Pedestrian—and cyclist-friendly infrastructure, along with increased and more effective enforcement of traffic laws, can significantly reduce the number of accidents and fatalities. Tourists will likely feel safer and more inclined to explore the city if they know traffic regulations are strictly enforced and that walking or biking is a safe option.
Increased Revenue from Traffic Fines for Public Safety.
Strict and aggressive enforcement of speeding, illegal parking, illegal turns, distracted driving, and other traffic violations increases road safety. It provides an opportunity to impose penalties on those who break the law. Santa Monica has the authority to increase the penalty amounts for traffic violations, and they should implement that immediately.
The increased enforcement would also provide the city with much-needed additional revenue. This could be reinvested into improving public safety efforts, hiring additional police officers, enhancing traffic infrastructure, or launching public safety initiatives and campaigns. Moreover, these fines could help offset the costs of infrastructure upgrades, contributing to long-term safety and economic stability improvements. Social media marketing campaigns are needed to attract more tourists and help offset recent worldwide negative press about crime and safety in Santa Monica.
A safe city that consistently enforces traffic laws is integral to the foundation for better and well-managed growth. It is foolish to continue densifying Santa Monica with large development projects without addressing this critical issue.
Santa Monica has recently revised speed limits on several streets to enhance Traffic Safety. The City Council unanimously approved these changes, which will lower speed limits on 29 roads, covering a total of 31 miles, and raise the limit on one short segment. The adjustments are part of the city’s Vision Zero initiative, aimed at eliminating fatal and severe injury crashes by creating safer conditions for all road users.
The new speed limits, to be implemented in October, include reductions on major thoroughfares such as Lincoln Boulevard, Ocean Park Boulevard, and Pico Boulevard. These changes are based on a speed survey conducted earlier this year to ensure the limits are appropriate and legally defensible.
While the revised speed limits are a positive step towards safer streets in Santa Monica, their success will largely depend on the SMPD’s ability to enforce them. Increased police presence and targeted enforcement operations will be essential to reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities. It will not be possible to achieve the desired safety outcomes without increased enforcement, as much more than simply lowering speed limits will be required.
Santa Monica residents are concerned about the level of traffic enforcement. Government data indicates that traffic stops have decreased in recent years, even as traffic incidents have risen. Active and consistent enforcement is crucial to ensure compliance with the new speed limits and enhance pedestrian, bicycle, and road safety.
Santa Monica Should Implement the Following:
1. Stronger Police Presence in High-Traffic Areas: Increasing the presence of law enforcement in critical areas such as the Santa Monica Pier, downtown, and along major traffic corridors can deter crime and encourage safer driving habits. Patrol officers can help address crime and traffic violations in these high-traffic zones, ensuring that tourists and residents always feel secure.
2. Enhanced Traffic Enforcement: Implementing stricter traffic enforcement—through speed cameras, red-light cameras, and an increase in traffic citations—would deter reckless driving. By addressing common issues like speeding, illegal U-turns, and failing to yield to pedestrians, the city can prevent dangerous collisions and create a safer environment for all road users.
3. Increased investment in Pedestrian and Cyclist Infrastructure: To further support traffic safety, Santa Monica has invested monies recently but should invest even more in improving pedestrian walkways, crosswalks, and bicycle lanes. Expanded sidewalks, protected bike lanes, and larger and clearer signage in specific locations would reduce accidents and encourage eco-friendly forms of transportation. The safer and more accessible the city feels, the more likely people are to explore on foot or bike, which benefits local businesses and reduces congestion.
4. Community Education and Awareness Campaigns: To promote both crime and traffic safety, Santa Monica could invest in public education campaigns aimed at residents, tourists, and commuters. These campaigns could highlight the importance of traffic safety laws, offer tips for avoiding crime, and emphasize the city’s commitment to safety. By fostering a culture of safety awareness, Santa Monica would encourage responsible behavior from everyone—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.
Building a Safer, More Prosperous Santa Monica
If Santa Monica is to remain a top tourist destination and a desirable place to live and conduct business, prioritizing safety must become the city’s primary focus. Addressing rising crime rates and improving traffic safety is essential for protecting residents and visitors and preserving the city’s economic future. Businesses can only thrive if locals and tourists feel safe in their surroundings, whether shopping, dining, or walking around town.
Improving traffic safety and enforcing traffic laws are integral to this larger public safety strategy. The city can take a multi-pronged approach that protects lives and strengthens its economic foundation by reducing accidents, increasing enforcement, and using fines to generate revenue. With strategic investments in policing, infrastructure, and public awareness, Santa Monica can ensure that safety remains a priority—allowing its community and economy to flourish again.
To summarize, a safer Santa Monica means more residents staying in the city, renting and purchasing residences, and supporting local businesses. More tourists will visit here with positive experiences, and more businesses will succeed and grow. The path to a brighter future begins with making public and traffic safety a non-negotiable priority, ensuring that the town remains a thriving coastal gem for our enjoyment and future generations.
Michael Jolly for SMa.r.t.
Santa Monica Architects for a Responsible Tomorrow
Samuel Tolkin, Architect & Planning Commissioner; Thane Roberts, Architect; Mario Fonda-Bonardi AIA, Architect; Robert H. Taylor AIA, Architect; Dan Jansenson, Architect; Michael Jolly, AIR CRE; Marie Standing, Jack Hillbrand AIA, Architect
