SM.a.r.t, Author at SM Mirror

Opinion February 15, 2019

Is Santa Monica’s Heart for Sale?

Note from SMa.r.t.: This article, in a longer form, was originally published four years ago but is still as pertinent as ever. The Plaza at Santa Monica asks a simple question: Is our downtown the […]

Life and Arts February 8, 2019

The Myth of “Public” Art in Santa Monica

Over the past few years, the Stanton MacDonald Wright murals at the entrance to Santa Monica City Hall have stirred up a controversy. They were a Works Progress Administration project funded during America’s Great Depression. […]

News February 1, 2019

A Clean(er) Energy Future in SM

Where do we get our electricity? Until now, from Southern California Edison. But beginning next month, Santa Monica residents will have a second option: The Clean Power Alliance, a collaborative organization of public agencies in […]

News January 25, 2019

The City Must Redo and Recirculate the EIR for the Massive Project at 4th and Arizona

Let’s just say it: This is Hines ALL OVER AGAIN! An Environmental Impact Report (EIR) that doesn’t select qualified alternatives to the project that would have fewer environmental impacts so as to choose a better […]

News January 18, 2019

Does Santa Monica’s New Water Ordinance “Hold Water”? (Part 2)

While few would question our City’s need to conserve our precious water resources, some might take issue with the City’s current strategy. As discussed in a previous article, the city’s primary target for water conservation […]

News January 11, 2019

So Now What?

The case was tried, the decision is in, and the City lost. The judge has ordered that all future City Council elections be district based in accordance with a seven-district map submitted by the Plaintiffs. […]

News January 4, 2019

Does Santa Monica’s new Water Ordinance “Hold Water”? (Part 1)

While some natural resources may be optional, water is not one of them. Our body is 60 percent water and cannot survive without it. In Southern California we live in a Mediterranean climate with cold […]

Sports December 21, 2018

A Miracle on 11th Street

The 1947 feel-good movie Miracle on 34th Street hinges substantially on whether Santa Claus is real. Likewise the debate about the proposed 11th Street Bungalow Historic District at the last two Landmarks Commission meetings hinged […]

Opinion December 14, 2018

Keep Our Canvas Colorful!

Santa Monica has long been celebrated as an Arts Community where diversity and creativity are prized. The Arts at Bergamot Station, the Santa Monica Airport Arts Studios and the 18th Street Arts Center are among […]

Opinion December 7, 2018

SMa.r.t. Column: Housing the 950 Homeless in SM

Homelessness is a painful reality and needs to become a top priority along with the more practical issues of water and traffic. Is homelessness here to stay, is it growing, can it be controlled? Should […]