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# Bauer’s red flags are, like, so last season
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/bauers-red-flags-are-like-so-last-season-editor/
- Published: 2006-03-28T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T17:24:01.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless, Homelessness

*By Bob Hattoy Santa Monica*

I recently had the misfortune of reading Bill Bauer’s commentary (SMDP, March 13, “Sensible Priorities’ politics lack sense,” page 4). Even if there is some credit to be given to Mr. Bauer for his complaining and personal attacks — which is doubtful — all of his efforts have not solved one thing. The issues facing Santa Monica need a new infusion of ideas and activists. Mr. Bauer, your best behavior has got us to where we are today. To me, that’s not good enough. Isn’t it time to encourage new coalitions, new people and new ideas?

My ex-boss Bill Clinton is fond of saying “The more personal the attacks, the more likely it is that your detractors themselves are unsure of their own beliefs.” And Mr. Bauer clearly likes to play fast and loose with the facts, and most of all prefers innuendo and platitudes to action. I took a minute to scan a variety of his past editorials and press, and realized that aside from writing a column, I couldn’t find one reference to him having gone to voice his concerns in front of the City Council to propose real change, nor did my research find any instance where he applied to work on a board or commission, and I can’t find any mention of him in any article in nearly three years of research where he actually did anything other than complain.

Mr. Bauer seems personally upset about the fact that Santa Monicans For Sensible Priorities is recruiting new people to create positive change in Santa Monica. His resentments and hostility and obvious panic about losing power seem psychological not political. I’ve always told activists not to use politics as therapy. Therapy is good. I do it. But let’s not let our own issues confuse the debate over what’s best for the City. Deal with your issues Mr. Bauer and then join in the debate with positive suggestions, not rancor and personal resentments. We would all be better off if you could make that change.

I am not here to defend the statements made in previous columns or stories, but I do know that I would not lend my name to an organization if I believed it was a “sham” or “deceitful.” Here are the facts. • Nothing about this organization is covert or hidden. Those that have expressed interest in the organization, and have signed petitions pleading with the City Council to act on the homeless issue now number more than 2,000\. There are people of all walks of life, all political persuasions, young and old, Asian, Latino, African American — most importantly we are all Santa Monicans that want action not just words. • There are more than 100 businesses joining in. Large and small, nail salons, restaurants and bakeries. Anyone is welcome to come see the hundreds of letters and petitions that sit in our offices. • The individuals that recently joined me in writing to my fellow residents have impeccable credentials: Ann Greenspun, chairperson of the Santa Monica Red Cross, and someone who has done what she believes in for more than 20 years in our community. Don Ha, an immigrant who worked his way up the ladder to success in our town and only wants the best for the community, and hundreds of others. • Yes, the organization has received funds from travel and tourism interests. Is that a sin? Are they to be chastised for trying to make the community a better place to do business? • Yes, the organization is concerned about homelessness and will make it a central issue in their efforts. And I am glad to hear that because the majority of Santa Monica residents agree it is the No. 1 issue that needs to be tackled by our leaders. • Yes, we have sent mailers into the community, and highlighted the concerns of our members. Someone has to raise awareness of what is going on. Crime, illegal, covert. I think not. • Yes, we are just as concerned about “Renters Rights” too, but do we need another organization in this town to focus on that issue? I think not. • Yes, our organization would like to see “sensible” individuals elected to the City Council, but that is months away and what we are focused on now is raising awareness and want to work with all members of the current the City Council to see that our community continues to grow and prosper.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, change is scary to those that like the status quo. And Mr. Bauer and his handful of friends that like to complain and do nothing are clearly threatened by people that want to do more than talk. That’s a good sign. It means we are making headway, and are steering a course in the right direction.

So yes, Bill send up the red flag, because we are going to make things happen, and if you want to be part of a real fundamental change, I suggest you put down your pen, and come stand with us as we go door-to-door, working tirelessly to see that our community really can be held to a higher, better standard.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 28, 2006.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/032806.pdf?ref=smdp.com)