> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smdp.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights endorses school board slate, skips RIFT measure - URL: https://www.smdp.com/picking-the-cream-of-the-crop-citys-leading-political-party-makes-endorsements-for-november-election/ - Published: 2008-08-04T15:00:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-24T20:30:49.000Z - Author: Kevin Herrera - Tags: Government & Politics, Santa Monica, #archive-import, Homeless *Convention was contentious when it came to RIFT* OLYMPIC HIGH SCHOOL Members of Santa Monica’s ruling political party packed the auditorium here Sunday to select their crop of candidates for the November ballot, spending a considerable amount of time on the school board race and the Residents’ Initiative to Fight Traffic (RIFT), a controversial measure that would cap commercial growth. After considerable debate, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights ultimately decided not to take a position on the initiative commonly referred to as RIFT, fearing that it could cause a rift within the grass-roots organization that has held a majority on the City Council and other elected bodies for nearly three decades. Selecting candidates for the school board also seemed difficult as several strong candidates gave campaign speeches and passed out literature in an effort to draw support, the party ultimately deciding to back Santa Monica High School graduate and former UC Regent Ben Allen, as well as incumbent Maria Leon-Vazquez for three open seats. Incumbent Ralph Mechur, who is looking to serve the remaining two years of Emily Bloomfield’s term following her departure in 2007, received unanimous support from the crowd. Incumbent Jose Escarce, a SMRR candidate in past elections who is supported by key members of the party, failed to secure enough votes to gain an endorsement, missing out twice by just one vote during the five-hour-convention. To secure an endorsement a candidate needs to receive 55 percent of the vote cast by those SMRR members in attendance. If a candidate does not receive 55 percent but more than 20 percent, a second ballot is circulated. If the candidate fails to win 55 percent with the second ballot, a third and final vote is taken. While the convention was open to the public, only those who have been SMRR members for at least 90 days prior to the convention can vote. To become a member a resident must pay an annual membership fee of $25, SMRR steering committee members said. Judith Meister, an education advocate and former PTSA president of Samohi, was also seeking an endorsement in her bid for the school board, as was teacher Chris Bley, but both failed to win support from SMRR. Boasting a membership of roughly 3,000 residents, each with the ability to donate $250 to the cause and go door-to-door in search of support for their slate, SMRR has become an influential player in politics. The importance of securing a SMRR endorsement in a city with strict limits on campaign fundraising was evident before the start of the convention, SMRR’s 16th in more than 30 years of existence. Candidates were seen lobbying members for votes as their supporters passed out colorful campaign stickers. To be in contention for a SMRR endorsement, candidates must complete a questionnaire and be interviewed by SMRR’s steering committee, said Gleam Davis, co-chair of SMRR. “It’s pure Athenian democracy here today,” Davis said of the convention.“This is about finding candidates that we can support. It’s up to the electorate.” Members said they were looking for candidates who are involved and exhibit dedication and commitment, not just showing up for the convention to win an endorsement. Candidates must also believe in SMRR’s platform, which covers more than just rent control. Education and the environment are also key. “This is our opportunity to hear from the candidates themselves, find out what they are about,” said Janet Harclerode, a member of SMRR for six years. “I’m looking for candidates who can keep Santa Monica a livable community for everybody.” Aside from the school board race, endorsements for the City Council, Rent Control Board and the Santa Monica Board of Trustees were uncontested. For City Council, SMRR endorsed incumbents Ken Genser and Richard Bloom. Ocean Park activist and Recreation and Parks Commissioner Ted Winterer was close but could not get the support needed for an endorsement, an obvious disappointment for the newcomer who has been very vocal about development and traffic, co-authoring the RIFT initiative. “I would have loved to have had the backing of SMRR, but this will not deter me from seeking other endorsements in my run for the council,” Winterer said. Councilman Kevin McKeown fought for Winterer but members ultimately decided to adjourn the meeting instead of holding another vote, leaving McKeown visibly frustrated. Aspiring candidate Linda Armstrong, whose platform focusing on providing housing for homeless woman, also failed to win an endorsement for the council. The lack of four SMRR candidates could pose a problem for the party now that incumbents Herb Katz and Bobby Shriver have entered the race. Without a complete slate, SMRR is losing an opportunity to place more of its members on the council, observers said. For the college board, the three incumbents — Rob Rader, Susan Aminoff and Margaret Quiñones-Perez — received unanimous support. Instead of highlighting their accomplishments, the three decided to speak about the need to support the college’s $295 million bond measure to help pay for improvements such as a new state-of-the-art math and science building on the main campus, and a new media and technology complex and a job training building on two of SMC’s satellite campuses. The bond also would fund the replacement of 60-year-old Corsair Stadium. For Rent Control Board, members again saw no need for ballots, unanimously throwing support behind Deputy Public Defender Joel Koury, an incumbent, and Christopher Braun. “I have made a career of speaking for those people who cannot defend themselves,” Koury said as he addressed SMRR members. There are two seats up for grabs on the Rent Control Board. *Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on August 4, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/080408.pdf?ref=smdp.com)