January 14, 2026
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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, […]

A Fresh Start for a City Mired in Old Solutions

When the COVID financial crisis struck it cut the city’s income in half, causing widespread layoffs and suspension of popular services. Right away, prominent groups who weigh in on the city’s actions sprang forward to offer […]

Letter to Editor: Protect Santa Monica Seniors

Dear Editor, As a long-time resident of Santa Monica, I raised my daughters and worked as an educator for close to forty years, retiring as the principal of Olympic High School, the Adult Education Center, […]

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 […]

Virus Proving How Disastrous SB 50 Could Have Been

As Californians shelter at home, eagerly awaiting the eventual reopening of myriad businesses and hoping for the quick rehire of millions of the virally unemployed, at least they can be thankful state legislators had the […]

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 […]

Column: Newsom Loses Transparency, Unity It Brought

Californians have shown with great clarity during the coronavirus pandemic that if they’re convinced something needs to be done, they’ll cheerfully do it even when it’s uncomfortable and terribly expensive. So when Gov. Gavin Newsom […]