Regular readers know I think the current Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education has failed in its oversight and demonstrated an appalling lack of leadership in handling problems such as continual budget shortfalls.
So, who is Jeff Decker? As a write-in candidate for City Council whose name won’t appear on the ballot, local odds-makers are rating him a heavy underdog — to put it mildly — to win one of five seats that are up for grabs on Nov.
DOWNTOWN — As Nov. 2 nears, a certain sector of the Santa Monica electorate is beginning to wonder: What’s more important, experience or newcomer enthusiasm? And who’s got the right mix of both? The question may have the most relevance to the campaign of school board challenger Nimish Patel.
CITY HALL — The City Council on Tuesday got its first chance to formally weigh in on early-stage concepts for what is likely to become the most significant public space in Santa Monica — and the council’s most lasting legacy.
One of the most interesting and contentious contests this election is the race for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education with Kelly Pye retiring and board chair Barry Snell, Ralph Mechur and the always controversial Oscar de la Torre seeking re-election.
DOWNTOWN — After some jitters over how elected leaders might be planning to spend Measure Y revenue should the half percent sales tax increase pass on Nov.
DOWNTOWN — Santa Monica City Council stalwart Bob Holbrook raised $37,624 in the past three months, jumping out to a big money lead over his competitors, campaign disclosure documents show.
DOWNTOWN — In a sign of just how divisive Measure Y has become, even some of those who are on the same side of the issue are starting to bicker amongst themselves.
MAIN LIBRARY — Who are these people who think they should be responsible for making the biggest decisions that affect Santa Monica and its public school system? Some of them have been in the public eye for a decade or two; others are making their first forays into local politics.
DOWNTOWN — The leaders of Santa Monica education advocacy group Community for Excellent Public Schools had a hard time deciding whom to back for the City Council.
• Name: Barry A. Snell • Age: 55 • Occupation: Certified public accountant/ school board president • Marital status/children: Single with three children • Your neighborhood? How long have you lived there?: South of Montana, 15 years • Own or rent?: Rent • Public school or private?: Public schools in
• Name: Laurie Lieberman • Age: 57 • Occupation: Education activist/parent/ attorney • Marital status/children: Married/two children, three step-children • Your neighborhood? How long have you lived there?: 30-year Santa Monica resident; north of Montana (nine years); previously, Ocean Park and Suns
