By Seth Jacobson Santa Monica Citizens for Sensible Priorities
I would like to respond to a recent column from Bill Bauer (SMDP, July 11, page 4). Santa Monica Citizens for Sensible Priorities (SMC4SP) is a grassroots, community-based organization. We are local residents, businessmen and women and local community leaders working to improve the community for all Santa Monicans, regardless of political affiliation or cultural heritage. Very simply, we are a legitimate sounding board for the average resident who feels left out of the process.
We are hoping through meetings, newsletters and grassroots activities we can help focus our community leaders on resolving many of the issues that our community cares about. We are working to make sensible change — not just sounding off.
As an example, we are bringing together experts, city officials and representatives of the educational world to discuss concrete solutions to the homeless problem. This forum will be co-sponsored by a variety of organizations later this year. We hope that this program will generate significant momentum towards addressing the most important issue facing our community.
We are leaders of our community. Mr. Bauer infers that SMC4SP is a secretive organization of “nobody’s.” Not true. Members and supporters include local leaders like former Santa Monica Fire Chief Ettore Berardinelli, Sr.; local businesswoman and popular restaurateur Patty Phillips; CEPS co-founder and local businessman Mike Gruning; Bob Hattoy, former Sierra Club regional director and environmental activist; Tom Viscount, formerly of the Santa Monica Red Cross; Nat Trives, former mayor and respected member of the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. These are just a few of the outstanding community leaders and individuals that have joined with us in appealing for positive change in our community.
In addition, we have a Web site www.cityhallstories.com and are open to suggestions from anyone interested in sharing their concerns and advice for improving the city. We will continue to work for the betterment of all citizens in Santa Monica and believe our message that all Santa Monicans deserve a city responsive to the needs of residents and businesses will serve as a positive role for the future. And if you want you can visit us in our offices in Santa Monica, (there a little run-down) but I am sure you will understand. Just e-mail us and we will gladly share any information we have.
Lastly, the great Studs Turkle once wrote, “Be wary of perennial candidates that turn into journalists... as they really think they know what they are talking about.”
We encourage Mr. Bauer to join the movement for change rather than find fault where there is none, find controversy where none exists. We support our community and look forward to its growth and prosperity.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 18, 2005. Read the original PDF.