By John Petz Santa Monicans For Open Democracy Time to put end to McKeown era Editor:
I am writing in response to your article on Nov. 2 (“The hits keep on coming,” page 1). While I found the article to be a good example of fair and balanced reporting, I need to make two clarifications. 1) Santa Monicans For Renters Rights Participation: While I am in no way affiliated with the McKeown campaign, I did contact community groups across the city and asked them to help get the word out regarding last Sunday’s “Open Democracy” demonstration at the Shutters and Casa del Mar hotels. These groups represented the entire political spectrum and included the North of Montana Association, Friends of Sunset Park, PICO Neighborhood Association, Santa Monicans For Renters Rights, Santa Monica Coalition For A Livable City and others. I made it clear to these groups that this was a rally against the hotels’ big money smear campaign and not a McKeown campaign rally. Among the 150 people who attended the demonstration were members of all of these groups, many of whom had made phone calls in support of the effort. 2) Signs at the rally: I and other volunteers made up a batch of signs prior to the event so we had something for people to carry. Many people also brought their own signs, as they had been encouraged to do. As a result, there were many points of view represented during the demonstration.
In closing, I want to thank you for your continuing coverage of local elections. You play a vital role in keeping our community informed and I encourage you to keep up the good work.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on November 4, 2006. Read the original PDF.