🔷 Parking refresh: 30-minute grace downtown & simpler rates
Council approved an updated parking structure across downtown, meters, and beach lots. Downtown structures retain 30 minutes free (down from 90) followed by simpler flat pricing to support turnover and fund upkeep. Staff will report back in ~12 months on impacts, including validation options for workers and small businesses.

My Take: I understand and understood the financial impacts and the need to upkeep our parking lots, but felt 30 minutes was too short for me- an hour would've been better to offer free parking so the gyms that we have in the downtown area as well as other businesses that need more than 30 mins could remain supported without having to come out of pocket for validated parking. I'm hopeful that the report will give us some insight and that we will see that businesses aren't impacted; however, if they are, I am prepared to figure out how we make adjustments to continue to support our local economy.

🔷 Downtown recovery—with guardrails (adopted Aug 12; now in rollout)
Council finalized a package of downtown zoning updates on August 12, designed to diversify storefronts and enliven the Promenade. The action made permanent the lifting of the old "fast-food" prohibition (which had unintentionally blocked small dessert/coffee concepts), streamlined entertainment permissions inside restaurants and broadened alcohol-service flexibility, and re-introduced conditional-use permits for hotels, motels, B&Bs, and liquor stores on the Promenade to preserve neighborhood character. During Aug 18–24, staff moved into implementation—updating permit guidance and fielding operator questions—with a one-year check-in planned to assess vacancy, activation, and fit.

🔷 Citywide Equity Plan adopted
A five-year roadmap to embed equity in hiring, budgeting, service delivery, and community engagement. Early steps: resident micro-grants and department-level accountability metrics.

My Take: I am hopeful that we can move past the studying phase and start to spend the money allotted to fulfill this to offer the things I suggested on the dais. Financial literacy classes (maybe they should be held at libraries that are underutilized right now), space to help students who are applying for college from disenfranchised communities, free tutoring for both school-aged and college-aged students, public-private partnerships to work on job force training, utilizing the majority of the funds to give microgrants to start new businesses, first time buyer assistance, grants to pay off school loans, and tuition assistance. I will continue to work with the city manager's office and the team to push those initiatives forward. To me, that's real impact.

🛡️ Public Safety, Youth & Community

🔷 SMPD leadership transition
Chief Ramon Batista submitted his resignation, with his last day set for October 4. His steady, courageous leadership helped stabilize staffing, rebuild trust, and keep our focus on people—on hard days and the ordinary ones. I thank him for always showing up for Santa Monica and wish him and his family well. Deputy Chief Derek Jacobs stepped in as Acting Chief while the City Manager opened a national search, and we committed to keeping the community informed at every step.

🔷 Heat, traffic & school-year safety

- Cooling stations are open at city libraries and Virginia Avenue Park—check on neighbors and seniors.

- With SMMUSD back in session, please slow down near schools and construction zones (especially around Lincoln). Patience saves lives.

Cooling stations are open at city libraries and Virginia Avenue Park—check on neighbors and seniors.

With SMMUSD back in session, please slow down near schools and construction zones (especially around Lincoln). Patience saves lives.

🔷 311 works
Thank you to everyone using the Santa Monica 311 app. Logging graffiti, litter, lighting, and encampment concerns—with exact locations and times—helps crews spot patterns and respond faster.

🔷 Graffiti incident
Public Works responded to antisemitic graffiti carved into a beach bench. Hate has no place in our city. Please continue reporting incidents via 311 or SMPD non-emergency; call 911 for emergencies.

🔷 ICE activity questions
After federal vehicles were seen at Santa Monica Airport, we confirmed there was a related raid in Culver City and individuals were later processed in our airport's public parking lot. That is the full verified information we have. We're monitoring closely, sharing updates transparently, and focusing on communication that eases fear and supports those most impacted.

🔷 Neighborhood moments that ground us
––Virginia Avenue community barbecue: Standing with families who fought to rehab their homes reminded me that the soul of Santa Monica is our people—diverse, vibrant, and woven together by generations.

🔷 "Spill the Tea with the Mayor" at Dr. Teahouse: There were no scripts or talking points—just neighbors in conversation. Residents brought questions, ideas, and concerns. I listened, captured follow-ups, and committed to circling back with actions. As always, I show up as a public servant, not a politician.

🎨 Arts, Culture & Downtown Activation

🔷 Dog Daze of Summer
Montana Avenue's street activation brought foot traffic for local shops and big smiles for our four-legged family members.

🔷 Endless Summer C.A.M.P. at Tongva Park
Free music, dance, and hands-on activities continue to keep Tongva welcoming, creative, and safe for all ages.

🔷 Main Street & Ocean Park Farmers Markets — fresh produce and neighborly hellos.

🌱 Families, Health & Everyday Resources

🔷 Back to School
To our students, parents, teachers, and school staff: we're cheering you on. Thank you for the love and labor you pour into our kids. Plan extra time for drop-off/pick-up as routines settle.

🔷 YMCA spotlight
The Santa Monica YMCA remains a community gem. For about $95/month a family can access an updated gym, aquatics (with refurbished sauna & steam room), basketball/handball, pickleball (including rooftop space), and a full slate of classes—plus preschool programs, after-school care (with pickup to the Y on 6th St), and camps that make lifelong memories.

🔷 Farmers Markets (CalFresh EBT at all; Market Match at Saturday Pico & Sunday Main)

- Downtown (Arizona Ave.) — Wed & Sat, 8:00 am–1:00 pm

- Pico / Virginia Avenue Park — Sat, 8:00 am–1:00 pm

- Main Street — Sun, 8:30 am–1:30 pm

Downtown (Arizona Ave.) — Wed & Sat, 8:00 am–1:00 pm

Pico / Virginia Avenue Park — Sat, 8:00 am–1:00 pm

Main Street — Sun, 8:30 am–1:30 pm