> ## 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.

# RIFT is a bad bet
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/rift-is-a-bad-bet-editor/
- Published: 2008-06-26T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:59:14.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Opinion, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Nat Trives Former mayor, Santa Monica Fat isn’t funny Editor:*

At Tuesday’s meeting, the City Council discussed a new study on the potential effects of the RIFT initiative that will appear on the November ballot. As a long-time resident of Santa Monica, former mayor and police officer serving this city, I have serious concerns about the initiative’s negative effect on the city’s budget, and consequently on the high level of city services our residents currently receive.

The study showed a potential negative impact of $11 million less annual city General Fund revenue. Not outlined in the study was what city-funded services and projects would be impacted by this.

Through a diverse and strong local economy and good fiscal planning by our city leaders, the city of Santa Monica has historically provided high levels of funding for important city services benefiting our residents, including our police and fire departments and school district.

We also receive a high level of additional services, including street improvements, tree trimming, library and cultural services and environmental programs. What would you “trim” first?

This is a debate I hope we do not have to have in the future, because Santa Monica residents must vote no on the RIFT initiative in November. Its potential negative economic impact on our city’s resources and services is too great, and in these times when our economy is in peril, this is not a gamble we can afford to make.

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on June 26, 2008.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/062608.pdf?ref=smdp.com)