CITYWIDE — The more things change, the more they stay the same.
So was the case for 2006, a year filled with promise as several top-level posts were filled by fresh faces promising to build new relationships and repair fractured alliances. Voters approved a multi-million dollar bond measure to improve schools, the City Council moved forward with plans to build a public beach club at the old Marion Davies estate, a new sports team called Santa Monica home, as did REI.
That being the case, the year also brought with it the same problems that have plagued the city for decades, including continued gang violence in the Pico Neighborhood that claimed the lives of two young men, more traffic and parking woes, a contentious and costly campaign for City Council, and a deep distrust between business interests and those fearful of commercial development.
A new city manager, city college president, chief of police, superintendent of schools and chamber of commerce president were all welcomed with open arms.
The same couldn’t be said for a controversial smoking ban and a decision to change the color of police cars from the trusted blue-and-white design to the more traditional black-and-white. Law enforcement officials were disappointed with the passage of a law that makes marijuana use by adults their lowest priority,as were elected officials with the defeat of an initiative that would have overturned a controversial measure curtailing contributions to politicos.
Beaches once again received poor marks by Heal the Bay, prompting voters to pass a parcel tax that will fund water treatment initiatives. A new Main Library was unveiled along with the Main Stage, a state-of-the-art theater complex in the heart of Santa Monica College, as well as an emergency slide at the end of the Santa Monica Pier to help evacuate visitors in the event of a terrorist attack or massive fire.
Security cameras were also installed along the pier, as well as the Third Street Promenade, after law enforcement received calls about three Middle Eastern men suspiciously videotaping city landmarks.
A retail giant apologized for proposing a development at Santa Monica Place that was completely out of step with the community’s desires, while an 89-year-old responsible for the deaths of 10 people when he drove his car through a crowded Farmers’ Market three years ago chose not to appear in court so his victims could confront him.
The arts got a boost with the arrival of Ashes & Snow and the formation of a cultural master plan. Hot Dog on a Stick celebrated 60 years in Santa Monica, the City Council voted to restore a gangway at the edge of the pier, and bathroom attendants were hired to watch over restrooms on the promenade.
Santa Monica High School’s football team pulled off a major upset of undefeated Culver City High School during homecom-ing weekend, while young entrepreneurs took home top honors in an international competition in China that pitted Samohi students against the very best in the world.
Mail arrived on several doorsteps late (often in the wrong mail boxes), a librarian was assaulted, a former game show host died in a plane crash off the coast, squirrels were targeted for extermination because of a fear of Bubonic Plague, and canine lovers once again argued for the creation of a dog beach.
In all, it was a year filled with excitement, tragedy and triumph, proving once again that Santa Monica, while at times a sleepy seaside town, is always on the cutting edge and creating a stir.
The Santa Monica Daily Press ranks the top nine news stories that shaped 2006. These are the stories that affected us most and drew the lions’ share of attention from readers.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on December 30, 2006. Read the original PDF.