Dear Neighbors,

I hope you all had a wonderful Labor Day weekend! Yesterday, we marked the holiday by honoring the people who keep this city moving: hospitality and retail teams, nurses and teachers, lifeguards, public-works crews, transit operators, first responders, and the small-business staff who open early and close late. 💪

Thank you for your passion, your questions, and your commitment to Santa Monica.

Labor Day Weekend Recap

Crowds headed to the beach early, farmers markets and downtown stayed lively, police kept busy with increased activity and the unfortunate events that occurred at the Code Pink protest and down by the pier.

🛡 Public Safety, Youth & Community

🔷 On Wednesday, Aug 27, just after noon, two pedestrians were struck near Ocean & Bicknell when a southbound vehicle hit a parked car. One person sustained serious injuries and went to the hospital; a second was treated for minor injuries. The driver—evaluated for possible impairment—was also injured. Our Major Accident Response Team continued its investigation. This followed two recent tragedies: a fatal crash at 4th & Colorado and a serious injury at Ocean & Pico. My heart is with the victims and their families. We recommitted to safer streets and accountability—through targeted enforcement, data-driven fixes at high-injury locations, and clearer guidance on when to use 311, SMPD non-emergency, or 911.

🔷 Over the weekend, a restaurant employee taking a break in the stairwell next to Pier Pizza & Subs on Ocean Front Walk was stabbed multiple times by an assailant believed to be unhoused; the victim sustained non‑life‑threatening injuries and was hospitalized, while the suspect fled and remains at large—SMPD is actively investigating and pursuing accountability under the full extent of the law.

🔷 In a separate incident tied to a Code Pink pro-Palestine protest, police formed a line to separate opposing groups and maintain safety. During the event, a masked individual forcibly removed a man's Star of David necklace, resulting in a laceration. The victim's injuries were treated, and authorities urge anyone with information to come forward so the masked perpetrator may be identified and held responsible. (As of now, no formal police report has been publicly issued.)

Let me be clear: antisemitism, racism, hate crimes, or any act of violence have NO place in Santa Monica. We will hold people accountable.

🔷 I stopped along Olympic near 11th to thank Caltrans crews clearing debris and encampments as they worked east from Lincoln to 20th. I had been prepared to request a formal City–Caltrans MOU so we could step in when cleanups lagged; seeing progress—and now having a direct line with the Supervisor—meant faster coordination going forward. Next steps included exploring ways to beautify off-ramps and clarifying jurisdiction: many of these spaces belong to Caltrans, and the City cannot pick up trash without their approval. I will keep pushing for common-sense fixes locally and, if needed, at the state level. We deserve safe and clean streets!

🔷Welcoming a Palisades Medical Office
I joined Providence to cut the ribbon on Palisades Pediatrics. This was a pediatric office that burned in the Pali Fire and we were honored to celebrate their opening at Providence in Santa Monica.
To our Palisades families, schools, and businesses—you remain an important part of Santa Monica's story, and my door and support is always open to you.

🔷 Back-to-school rhythms & enforcement
As SMMUSD settled into routines, we emphasized slower speeds near campuses and construction corridors. On Aug 29, SMPD conducted a daytime bicycle/pedestrian safety operation and an overnight DUI checkpoint targeting the violations that most endanger people walking and biking.

🔷 Spogomi Beach Cleanup — Sat, Aug 30
Neighbors turned litter-picking into friendly competition at Santa Monica Beach, blending teamwork with stewardship. The coastline looked better because of you—thank you.

🎯 Council & Policy

🔷 The City finalized Film Santa Monica—our new hub for film permits and production support—through a three-year agreement with Santa Monica Travel & Tourism. The change set up a clearer, faster process for crews and stronger, earlier outreach to residents when filming touched a block.

🔷 Our E-Bike Voucher Program marked its first year, helping more than a hundred neighbors replace short car trips, support local bike shops, and cut congestion. Lessons learned this year shaped the next round.

🎨 Arts, Culture & Downtown Activation

🔷 Line dancing at Santa Monica Place—a free weekly line-dancing series—was announced to start Sept 3. You'll definitely see me there!

🔷 Cinema Sundays at Sunset — Third Street Promenade (Aug 31, 6 pm)The Promenade turned into an open-air theater as families gathered in front of the Apple Store for a community screening of Toy Story—a simple, charming way to keep downtown lively heading into the holiday.

🔷 bG Gallery: The Cat's Meow opened at Bergamot (Aug 28)Bergamot welcomed a new solo show by Linda Smith—painted totems, richly patterned canvases, and expressive ceramics on view through Sept 22—another reminder that our arts campus keeps the city's creative pulse strong.

🌱 Families & Everyday Resources

🔷 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

🎯 What's next & how to plug in

🔷 Bergamot Station — Guided Art Tours (save the date)
On Saturday, Sept 6 at 12 pm & 2 pm (two tours, ~20 guests each), curator Hannah Sloan will lead walkthroughs of the Annual Fall Open across participating spaces—spotlighting emerging and established voices. RSVP required: info@bergamotstation.com (include preferred time + number of attendees).

🔷 Next Regular Council Meeting
Tuesday; we return September 9. I'll be bringing forward a couple of transparency items:

• A public list of all development projects (with attention to offsite inclusionary housing).
• A detailed Clean & Safe Measure report—how much was raised and where funds are going.
• A real investment in existing Rent Controlled housing stock by using Housing Trust Fund dollars to help offset funds needed for landlords struggling to maintain their buildings.

• Use 311 for maintenance & quality-of-life issues.
• For non-emergencies, contact SMPD non-emergency; use 911 for emergencies.
• Shop and dine local to accelerate downtown recovery as parking/activation changes roll out.
• Subscribe for weekly look-aheads & recaps (events, safety notes, and more).

🎂 Santa Monica 150th — Microgrants for Community-Led Events (Apply Now)

To mark our city's 150th, microgrant applications opened this week for public events created by community members. If you've been dreaming up a block-party, pop-up history walk, youth performance, or neighborhood art moment that celebrates Santa Monica—this is your nudge to make it real.

• Who: Open to all community members (residents, students, artists, neighborhood groups)
• What: Microgrants for public events tied to the city's 150th-anniversary themes
• How: Apply at santamonica150.com — short form, big ideas welcome

santamonica150.com

Let's mark 150 years by lifting up the people and places that make this home.

🫶 A closing thought

This week reminded us that a city can hold grief and gratitude at once—answers and action alongside empathy. We mourned with affected families and businesses of the fires, ICE raids, hate crimes, thanked crews who kept us safe and clean, and chose connection in the small places—on sidewalks, in shops, and by the sea.

A heartfelt thank you to our first responders, public servants, and each of you who help keep our city thriving. I'm proud to serve you—and so grateful for the journey we're on together.

As always, stay informed with Santa Monica news and civic events you can participate in, and have your voice heard.