Mayor Lana Negrete Newsletter — September 15, 2025

Dear Neighbors,

Some weeks weigh heavily on our hearts, and this was one of them. From national tragedies that make us stop in our tracks to the tough financial realities we're facing here at home, I've been reminded again and again how much it matters that we keep showing up for one another.

I don't share these updates just to check a box—I share them because I believe you deserve honesty, clarity, and a reminder that Santa Monica is full of people who care. If you've ever doubted whether your voice or actions matter, I want you to know: they do.

🛡️ Safety, Civility & Choosing Respect

• On the Charlie Kirk tragedy: Hearing that Charlie Kirk was shot at an event shook me deeply. Regardless of politics, violence should never be the cost of having a different opinion. As your Mayor—and as a mom who wants her kids to believe in democracy—I want to be clear: Santa Monica will always defend respect and safety in civic life. I've had threats in my inbox before, and while you learn to push through, moments like this remind me just how dangerous the climate can feel. We can't numb ourselves to it. We must be better.
• What we can do here at home: Choose civility. Show up. Speak at a Council meeting, send us your thoughts at councilmtgitems@santamonica.gov, or grab coffee with a neighbor who disagrees with you. Social media can't solve our problems—but face-to-face conversations and real participation can. ✊🏽
• Transit safety note: You may have noticed ABLE enforcement is live. Starting Sept 1, cars blocking bus lanes and bus stops are getting ticketed. This isn't about punishment; it's about protecting kids on their way to school, keeping buses on time, and making sure ambulances aren't stuck behind parked cars. Small acts of awareness add up to a safer city.

Crime Data and weekly Update:

• SMPD Blue Notebook Recap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-6MnU_1Ca8

💬 Facing Our Financial Reality Together

• On Sept 9, we approved a resolution of fiscal distress. Now, I know that phrase sounds dramatic—so here's the plain-English truth:
  • It does not declare an emergency.
  • It does not cut services or change contracts.
  • It does put our full financial picture into one document so agencies in Sacramento, Washington, and beyond see exactly where we are.
• Why it matters: Over $229M in abuse settlements plus slower-than-hoped tourism recovery are real strains on our reserves. Without transparency, outside partners don't grasp the urgency of supporting us. This resolution is like raising our hand and saying, "Here's where we stand—work with us."
• Next month, staff will bring forward a long-term stabilization plan. I'll be pushing for it to be public, clear, and accessible—because you shouldn't need a finance degree to understand how your city is spending and saving.

💼 Downtown, Small Business & Local Action

• Want to see cleaner streets, a safer Promenade, and a thriving downtown? Shop here. Dine here. Every latte or dinner you keep local helps fund city services while we chase state and federal grants.
• Behind the scenes, I'm working with staff to streamline the process for small businesses. We recently launched the Business Concierge Program—a single point of contact to help new businesses cut through red tape. If you've got an idea but feel stuck in permits, check it out here: https://www.santamonica.gov/programs/business-concierge

🎓 Families & Youth

• Back-to-school reminder: ABLE isn't just about transit—it's about kids. As a parent, I think of every blocked bus lane as a barrier between a student and their classroom. Please, keep them clear.
• Investing in youth: I'm advocating for more student involvement at City Hall. Government shouldn't feel like a mystery; it should feel like a place young people can shape. I started a youth City Council and I'm working on a shadow day at City Hall, as well as ongoing internships. If your student is interested, email me directly: lana.negrete@santamonica.gov.

🐾 Community Heart

• Want to adopt Shelly? 🐶—a 12-lb Brussels/Yorkie mix full of energy and love. She's been through enough, and now she deserves a family. If you've got a yard and another playful dog, she'll thrive. Please reach out to Gina at gina@theforgottendog.org or 310-990-2020. And thank you for supporting adoption—it's a small act of kindness that ripples through our community.

🎉 Santa Monica 150th: Your Ideas, Our Celebration

• We're turning 150 years old, and we want to celebrate with your ideas. Through Nov 10, you can apply for microgrants of $500–$5,000 to create community-led events—block parties, art walks, youth performances, or anything that makes Santa Monica shine. It's quick, simple, and impactful. Apply at santamonica150.com.

📅 What's Next

• Council Meetings: We'll be back Sept 30 at 5:30pm for a Special Meeting. The agenda will post at santamonica.gov/council.
• Water Tour (Sept 30, 10–11am): Get a behind-the-scenes look at how we're building water resiliency for the long term. RSVP here: santamonica.gov/events.
• Stay engaged every day:
  • File requests through 311 for encampment clean up, bulky item pick up, graffiti removal and more. Download the app!
  • Contact SMPD non-emergency at 310-458-8491.
  • Emergencies: always dial 911

SB79 passed the senate narrowly! This bill now sits on Governor Newsom's desk, waiting to be signed! Please make your voice heard and write to our governor and let him know how this bill will impact Santa Monica and voice your concerns!

Mail
Governor Gavin Newsom
1021 O Street, Suite 9000
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone
(916) 445-2841

https://www.gov.ca.gov/contact/

🫶 Closing Thought

I know these are heavy times. But every time I walk down Main Street, or see neighbors volunteering at a cleanup, or watch families gathering at our parks, I'm reminded that Santa Monica is stronger than fear, stronger than division, stronger than despair.

If national headlines make you feel powerless, channel that energy here: mentor a student, support a small business, adopt a pet, check on a neighbor, or simply have a conversation with someone who thinks differently than you.

That's how we keep Santa Monica feeling like home.