By Todd Flora
I began last week a small series of points highlighting what I feel works in Santa Monica — both in our natural advantages and city governance. There is a lot to be proud of in Santa Monica. I regret that so much negativity toward people of need, and to our city and community leaders is expressed in the pages of local newspapers. I hope you will visit www.smdp.com, and see the Jan. 13 issue for the introductory piece.
I’m no Pollyanna. When something needs reform, I’ll say so. But as you’re considering your bitter letters to the editor about a range of issues in the coming days, I hope you’ll consider the following random sample of strong decisions, wise policies, geographical and commercial advantages, and personalities that help make this city wonderful. ■Third Street Promenade and the Pier: Wonderful places not only for tourists, but also for residents. Don’t leave town. Put your weekend entertainment, dining and shopping dollar back into Santa Monica through your patronage of these gems. ■Montana Avenue: Who can beat these stylish boutiques and coffee haunts, Father’s Office, or one of America’s last great neighborhood movie theaters? And with that elegant feel, you know it’s only a matter of time before “Montana Ave.” becomes the title of an addictive one-hour TV drama. How many cities can boast of such a street? Speaking of which … ■Main Street: Tell your friends that this kitschy-cool part of the city is in Santa Monica, NOT Venice. Get out and support your Main Street merchants and their eclectic offerings. ■Santa Monica’s emerging young leaders: Between school board members Shane McLoud and Oscar de la Torre, rent control board member Jennifer Kennedy, and planning commissioner Terry O’Day, Santa Monica has some bright and talented leaders emerging in the “under-35” crowd. ■The Pico Youth and Family Center: Speaking of Oscar de la Torre, who heads the center, this tremendous resource has given young people in our city a safe place to congregate, create and educate. The center’s programs address some of the cultural inequities and violence that plagues sectors of our city. The City Council deserves praise for recognizing the center’s worth and effectiveness, and for channeling funds to support its programs. ■Preservation of landmarks and historic spaces: Santa Monica earned an “A” grade on the Los Angeles Conservancy’s recent “Preservation Report Card.” It was one of only six cities in the entire county to earn the distinction. The City Council again deserves recognition for improving the city’s landmark’s ordinance and historic preservation policies to better insure that Santa Monica’s character will be saved. ■Education: Despite budget woes, a Santa Monica public education is still one of the best around. Kudos to voters for passing Proposition S to provide needed funds in these troubled times. And hats off to Santa Monica’s well-regarded “AVID” program (Advancement Via Individual Determination). Voters should always remember that businesses locate and remain where schools are strong.
There are more things to feel good about and I plan to offer more soon. YOU CAN HELP. What do YOU see as working in Santa Monica? In this era of complaining about the city’s every move, what is one decision you particularly like or agree with?
Please e-mail me using the address below. I want to include YOUR suggestions next week (anonymously if you prefer). (Todd Flora is a government relations manager and six-year resident of Santa Monica. He is active in Heal the Bay, the Democratic Party, and the living wage movement in Santa Monica). To respond or reach Todd, e-mail him at:
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 20, 2004. Read the original PDF.