January 8, 2026
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Wanted: A New City Councilperson

In a week the City Council will appoint a new Council person to replace the retired council member Greg Moreno. That nominee will fill Greg’s vacancy till November 3rd, 2020 when the seat will be […]

SMA.r.t. Column: Brushfires of Freedom!

We have survived the first six months of this year. We are all locked into the strange nightmare that encompasses 2020. First, a thank you to the front line and essential workers that have kept […]

SMa.r.t. Column: If It’s Not Okay…

~ Fight or flight. Those of you who are acquainted with me know which choice I have always made. However, It seems that many longtime residents are choosing flight. They have decided that the scourges […]

SMa.r.t. Column: Two Principles for a New City

Our City has been devastated by the coronavirus, by its economic fallout and just three weeks ago, by a looting disaster. The pain and panic of these disasters unleashed a flood of projects, proposals and […]

SMa.r.t. Column: The Great Santa Monica Loot-Out

~ Our looting redux. The angst and anger of our community are still reverberating throughout Santa Monica. Everyone I have communicated with has a strong opinion about the events of Sunday, May 31st. The afternoon […]

Santa Monica Overwhelmed

“Congress shall make no law…abridging the freedom of speech…or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” 1st Amendment, Bill of Rights ~ Chaos, anguish, […]

Landmarks Commission Dead or Alive?

As undoubtedly you’ve heard, the City of Santa Monica and therefore its residents have entered a disastrous multi-year dive because the coronavirus crushed our sales tax, parking income (including parking tickets), hotel tax, tourist income […]

SMa.r.t. Column: Out of Chaos, Rebirth!

“We’re still out here, kicking and screaming,” a resident wrote to me, repeating her email to the Planning Commission about proposed changes to the city’s zoning codes. The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City […]

SMa.r.t. Column: The Budget Hits The Fan!

Wow! Our city faces unprecedented amounts of high drama over the next seven weeks as a byproduct of the COVID-19 crisis. Our city manager “offered” his resignation. It was accepted, and our “wise” city government […]

Across The Bridge!

The days are in slow motion now, as one day blends into the next. In a city where time now stands still, is the stillness of our streets something to celebrate or revile? While our […]