By Rosemare A. Elton Santa Monica
As a Santa Monica resident for almost 32 years, I couldn’t agree more with the sentiments of Mr. Saul Cohen, (SMDP, Aug. 4, page 4). I well recall some years back when my husband submitted plans for a lovely condo project on Ocean Park Boulevard. Unfortunately, it was denied due in large part to the vagaries of our City Council. I implicitly concur that the council’s “arbitrary, personal tastes in style and design, instead of all owing the housing builder to ‘comply’ with reasonable codified standards. Further, it’s Mr. Genser and his City Council cronies who appoint like-minded people to those very same city boards in order to stack the deck.” I couldn’t agree more that the whole City Council would do well to employ a sense of humor, instead of severely punishing people who have hedges that are too high. I well recall some years back, when the city sent me an order to cut my hedges on a property that I owned at the time. I went around all over this city, taking photos, including one of the house of Jane Fonda. Hedges provide safety and beauty and privacy. Better that instead of seeing ugly behemoth buildings in this “fair city by the bay.” So the outcome was indeed a good one. Armed with my photos, I submitted them in a personal meeting with some of the parks staff. I only had to cut a small wedge in the hedges so that the neighbor could see “a little better” while backing out of their driveway. The result was a good and peaceful one. I endorse Mr. Bobby Shriver, in his possible bid for the City Council. It’s time for new blood in that chamber. I love living in this city. My son Cory has gone to schools in this city: Grant Elementary, John Adams, and he’ll be attending Santa Monica High School this coming year.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 16, 2004. Read the original PDF.