CITY HALL — With the state’s finances in the red and a Legislature paralyzed by political partisanship, the City Council has decided to take matters into its own hands when it comes to running one of its most popular attractions — the beach.
Through 2051, the operation and maintenance of Santa Monica State Beach will be the responsibility of City Hall under an operating agreement proposed by city staff and officials with California State Parks. The agreement is in the process of being crafted and finalized.
City Hall currently cares for the beach and has since 1949, so the renewal of the operating agreement, which will include some minor changes, is seen by those involved as merely a formality.
The dysfunction and financial woes in Sacramento highlight why City Hall takes on the operation of the beach, spending millions each year cleaning the surf and sand, while also upgrading facilities.
“Frankly, the state doesn’t have the resources to (maintain and operate the beach),” Councilman Richard Bloom said. “The beach is really a part of Santa Monica so we have a direct and visceral interest in making sure it is maintained properly. We also can do it efficiently and respond to emergencies quickly because we are right here.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on March 4, 2006. Read the original PDF.