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# From environment to education, city rich with goodness
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/from-environment-to-education-city-rich-with-goodness/
- Published: 2004-02-03T16:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T23:11:07.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Pacific Palisades, #archive-import, Homeless

*By Todd Flora*

This week, we explore a few new examples of “what works in Santa Monica.” If you missed my two previous installments Jan. 13 and 20, you can view them online at www.smdp.com.

I invite readers to continue contributing their own examples of what’s right about this city — be it within city government, our business community, or our various natural advantages. I’ll say it again — I’m no Pollyanna. I know there is much to improve about Santa Monica. But any city of 90,000 people is going to have some warts and challenges. I don’t think the way to solve it is to continuously point fingers and scapegoat one group of city staff members, the City Council, the homeless, or the business community. We must bridge this political divide that consumes us. And I personally believe that healing process starts with our collective acknowledgment of what is good about the city we share.

With that, here’s another attempt to bring a positive vibe to the pages of this paper: ■The education community — whatever one’s feelings may be on the role of a City Council in funding a school district, I applaud the parents and activists who have organized our education community in Santa Monica. Hundreds have stood up and joined committees, organizations and campaigns to keep Santa Monica schools to the high standards we’ve come to expect. ■Our diversified tax base — sounds pretty technical and maybe even nerdy. But the city finance department over the years has done a sound job of diversifying the city’s revenue base. Santa Monica does not rely solely on property taxes, or sales taxes, or the hotel transit occupancy tax. Instead, those and others each make up fairly similar percentages of the revenue pie. This approach best protects the city from dips in any one of those markets. ■Transportation — taken a ride on Culver City’s Big Blue Bus lately? Seen Beverly Hills’ exciting new “Tides” Shuttle? … No? Exactly. Our Big Blue Bus and Tides systems are known countywide and are a model for local mass transit. ■Palisades Park — thank you to the reader that reminded me of the wonderful strip of land many of us enjoy for walks, jogs and beautiful views along the coastal bluff. Palisades Park is truly a Santa Monica institution, and one made immortal through dozens of familiar location shots in TV and movies along the park’s famous guardrail. ■ The NRDC — the Natural Resources Defense Council has come to Santa Monica. With the arrival of this wonderful organization, Santa Monica solidifies its place as an environmental capitol. Already the city is host to headquarters for Heal the Bay, Environment Now and Global Green USA. Further, the NRDC’s arrival brings to the city an exciting new storefront for environmental discovery and gifts, and a building recognized for its clean, “green” design. ■Community Corp. of Santa Monica — thank you to the reader that pointed out the work of this neighborhood-based nonprofit that is dedicated to using public and private funds to purchase and rehabilitate buildings to develop affordable housing. Apparently, a recent survey among the residents it serves produced rave reviews for Community Corp. ■Law enforcement — kudos to our men and women in public safety. The crime rate is at a 40-year low. ■City government — say what you will, but I’ll bet you’ll say it due in part to the uncommon openness of our city government. Specifically, the city has been repeatedly recognized for its use of technology and public affairs television and radio to broadcast public meetings and “let the light shine in” on the work of the council, boards, and commissions.

What else, Santa Monica? I look forward to continuing the conversation, and to perhaps adding more to this list from time to time.

Todd Flora is a government relations manager and six-year resident of Santa Monica. He is active in Heal the Bay and the Democratic Party. To respond or reach Todd, e-mail him at:

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on February 3, 2004.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/020304.pdf?ref=smdp.com)