🔹 Upholding Our Principles at City Council: Last Tuesday's City Council meeting was challenging. A surprise special agenda item was added to remove six members from the Downtown Santa Monica (DTSM) board, a move that I voted against as it felt neither transparent nor fair to the public. I also voted no on emergency upzoning items, including 12B and 16C, that were pushed through quickly, bypassing thoughtful infrastructure planning and community input. I am deeply concerned about overdevelopment that doesn't consider our infrastructure or reflect the voices of our community. While I sometimes feel dismissed or interrupted in these discussions, I am committed to being a voice for leadership that listens and acts with integrity.

✨ Inspired by Our Future Leaders: On a brighter note, that same Tuesday night at City Hall, we saw the future of ocean stewardship take center stage. I was incredibly proud to see students from Pacifica Christian High School Surf Team and youth from the Pico Youth & Family Center present their "Surfers Who Serve" initiative. They stood before the city council to courageously demand action for cleaner beaches and safer waters, and their leadership was inspiring.

🛡️ Staying Safe and Prepared: This week also called for caution, as the National Weather Service issued a Tsunami Advisory for the coast following a large earthquake off the coast of Russia. Residents were advised to stay away from the ocean and beaches due to dangerous waves and currents expected overnight. Thankfully, the advisory passed without a major incident, reminding us of the importance of heeding official alerts and being prepared.

🦈 Great White Shark Sighting: A 15-foot great white was spotted near the Pier late last week, a thrilling (if cautionary) reminder of the wild ocean life we share our shores with. Always swim safely and heed lifeguard advice.

🫶 Connecting Across Santa Monica: It was a joy to connect with so many of you in more relaxed settings. On Saturday, I hosted "margaritas and mocktails" at Tacos Por Favor Bar and Grill, providing a casual opportunity to share thoughts and concerns. Then on Sunday, I spent the morning at the Main Street Farmers Market for Farmers Market Recognition Week. It was wonderful to chat with you, share "Roses & Thorns" about our city, and support our incredible local businesses. Join me this Tuesday, 8/5, for National Night Out, this Wednesday, 8/6, at the 3rd Street Farmers Market, or this Saturday, 8/9 for the Virginia Avenue Park Farmers Market. I'll have a booth, so please come chat with me.

🔷 Progress on Responsible Development: Amid these events, we continued emphasizing smart growth that prioritizes infrastructure, community input, and affordability. Rejecting reactive zoning helps ensure our decisions honor the voices of residents and protect what we cherish about our city.

🚨 California's Wildfire Challenges Persist: The Gifford Fire in California has grown to nearly 40,000 acres, prompting highway closures and expanded evacuation orders in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties. As of August 3, 2025, the fire remains 5% contained, with 560 personnel working to suppress it. While not directly impacting us, this event underscores the ongoing wildfire challenges in the region, driven by dry conditions and low humidity. Let's stay informed, support our firefighters, and remain committed to climate action.