A center-cut, no-fat review of what was said this past week by folks the world over and right at home
“The big political shocker last week was the Santa Monica Democratic Club’s failure to endorse incumbent Bobby Shriver for City Council. Very few people are as synonymous with Democratic politics as Shriver. As one observer told me, the club is loaded with Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights types, so much so they’re called ‘Little SMRR.’” — SMDP columnist Bill Bauer writing in “My Write.”
“Santa Monica is a community extremely supportive of education and it’s not going to let its educational institutions fall behind for neglect.” — Rob Rader, the chairman of the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees, regarding the Santa Monica Democratic Club’s endorsement of a bond measure floated by the college.
“I want to leave with good memories and leave something for the underclassmen to look forward to. I want to improve team chemistry and be able to have confidence in each other that we’re doing our best and our confidence level will be much greater than past years.” — Edwin Mejia, center/defensive tackle on St. Monica’s football team, regarding the new season.
“The Santa Monica Pier Centennial will look 100 years in the past and 100 years in the future by creating an atmosphere of fun, festivity, and fitness that will last for another 100 years.” — Ben Franz-Knight, the executive director of the Santa Monica Pier Restoration Corp.
“The Dodgers are in first place and the Angels have clinched their division. (Freeway Series?) Meanwhile it’s seven years since 9/11 and Bush’s threat to Bin Laden “dead or alive.” McCain swears he knows how to catch Bin Laden. You’d think he’d have told Bush the secret.” — SMDP columnist Jack Neworth writing in “Laughing Matters.”
“Bloomingdale’s fits better than Macy’s with our planned merchandise mix. We are currently negotiating with retailers to become part of our project and the level of quality and level of fashion of the tenants we are currently working with currently complements Bloomingdale’s — and Bloomingdale’s complements them — more so than Macy’s.” — Randy Brant, Macerich’s executive vice president of real estate, regarding Santa Monica Place, which is currently undergoing a major renovation. Macerich owns and operates the mall.
“Ultimately I don’t think (my identity) really matters much because I’m not selling anything. But it’s not something I want all my friends or coworkers knowing about. If anything, I think it’s sort of nerdy to be spending so many hours on something like this. Maybe that’s why.” — Warchest, the creator of the blog Santa Monica Distress Monitor.
“It must have been a gratifying spectacle for you ladies seeing Obama at the Barackopolis with all the Wise Men of the Geritol Gang promising ‘change’ even though 83-year-old Jimmy Carter had his toga on backwards. It just sends a thrill up your leg, doesn’t it? Personally, I think these men, ‘just don’t get it.’” — SMDP columnist Steve Breen writing in “Going Postal.”
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on September 13, 2008. Read the original PDF.