Why is MORE change necessary for 2022?
We need the City to fix the ongoing and willful neglect of basic safety and cleanliness.
We need a residents-first focus and the restoration of our commercial vitality to restore a balanced, well-run city.
We need the City to preserve Local Control over growth and STOP using residents, businesses and property owners as financial resources to be harvested
This platform is focused on re-establishing balance in our city.
What do we stand for?
1) Retake our streets
Budgeted Police department headcount declined 10% from 2013 to 2020 while per capita violent crime increased 71% during the same period, making Santa Monica one of the most unsafe cities in the state
Policies must address the real causes of crime and homelessness
Support community-based policing and full enforcement of existing laws, using supportable data and outcome-focused policies
2) Incorporate the impact of income equality within the city’s existing housing policies
Focus policy assistance to those most in need
3) Revitalize our iconic commercial districts
Measure success with specific economic milestones
Prioritize both the city’s highly capable entrepreneurs and the city’s residents
4) All proposed City policies and initiatives should be formally assessed to:
Ensure no impact on residents’ cost of living
Improve residents’ quality of life
5) Increase the City’s voice at the state level to ensure responsible and sustainable development and protect to the environment
Santa Monica vs California Average – VIOLENT Crime Overview
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Candidates
Lana Negrete
Armen Melkonians
Both are life long democrats, renters and the only candidates endorsed by both police and fire.
News Articles
'Pulse' Poll Finds Most Local Voters Undecided
August 29, 2022
“The poll also asked which of the 13 City Council candidates’ respondents would vote for in the race for three open seats, with a maximum choice of three candidates. Two-thirds of the voters were unsure or supported none of the candidates. Armen Melkonians, a slow-growth activist, was supported by 23 percent of the respondents. He was followed by incumbent Lana Negrete with 18 percent, Arthur Jeon with 9 percent and Rent Board Commissioner Caroline Torosis with 5 percent.”
Santa Monica politics upended by pandemic, George Floyd protests and economic woes
December 12, 2020
“On Nov. 3, residents voted in three of the four newcomers — a historic shift for a city where elected office has been contingent on incumbency and the support of a single organization, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights."
Drug Abuse Is Far from Victimless
August 29, 2022
“City officials: Clean up the parks now. Surrendering more Santa Monica public spaces to drugs and street crime is unacceptable. Make Santa Monica less hospitable to drug abusers and associated street crime.”
Most Voters Undecided in Council Race, Poll Finds
October 4, 2022
“One month before the November 8 race for three City Council seats, a text poll of residents concerned with crime and safety found most have not decided who they will support.”
