🌟 Santa Monica Weekly with Councilmember Lana Negrete

📅 December 16, 2025

Tonight at 5:30 PM, our Council chambers will fill with voices, decisions, and the kinds of tough conversations that democracy requires.

 As I sit down to write this Tuesday afternoon, I'm thinking about what it means to lead during moments when the world feels heavy — when tragedy strikes halfway across the globe, when families gather for sacred celebrations under the shadow of hate, and when the work of governing demands both steadiness and heart.

This past Sunday in Sydney, 15 people were murdered at a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach — families lighting candles, children playing, a Holocaust survivor protecting his wife. They were targeted for being Jewish. Among the dead: a 10-year-old girl, rabbis, fathers, a grandmother. This attack is a stark reminder that antisemitism isn't abstract — it costs lives.

To Santa Monica's Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah this week: 

I see you. Your grief matters. Your safety matters. Light remains stronger than darkness, and we will not let hate win.

🚨 Public Safety & The Real-Time Crime Center

🔹 Our state-of-the-art Real Time Crime Center is coming online in early 2026 — and Governor Newsom wants to see it: What we've built here isn't your standard monitoring room. We've created a 21st-century public safety operations center that integrates live data, camera feeds, analytics, and dispatch into one coordinated response hub. It embeds technology directly into how our officers operate day-to-day, giving them real-time situational awareness that helps them respond faster and smarter.

→ 💡 Why this matters: This is one of the biggest upgrades to how we do public safety in Santa Monica's history. Modern tools. Real accountability. Better outcomes. Governor Newsom's team reached out last week requesting a tour before the facility opens in mid-to-late January — a signal that what we've built is being recognized as uniquely capable compared to what most cities are implementing.

→ 🎯 My take: As someone whose work at the federal and state level has always been about securing grant funding and keeping our PD at the cutting edge, I couldn't be more excited. This center represents years of planning, millions in investment, and a commitment to transparency and results. More details coming soon.

🔹 Safe & Clean is expanding citywide — exploring partnership with Chrysalis: Downtown's gotten cleaner, safer, and more welcoming thanks to our Realignment Plan work. Now we're looking at scaling those efforts beyond the core into neighborhood commercial districts like Montana Avenue, Main Street, Ocean Park Boulevard, and Pico Boulevard — plus our major east-west corridors.

→ 🧹 What's being explored: Staff is assessing an expanded partnership with Chrysalis, a nonprofit that provides job training and transitional employment for people experiencing homelessness. Chrysalis crews could handle litter abatement, pressure washing, graffiti removal, bulky-item pickup, and maintenance across key corridors — creating cleaner streets and paid jobs with case management support.

→ 💼 Double bottom line: This isn't just about cleanliness. It's about creating pathways out of homelessness while improving the vitality of our commercial districts. Chrysalis workers are supported by trained supervisors, safety protocols, and wraparound services. This is smart, compassionate policy that serves multiple goals at once.

No formal agreements yet — this is still exploratory — but it's exactly the kind of innovative thinking we need.

POLICE DEPARTMENT WEEKLY UPDATE

During the week of November 30 through December 6, SMPD personnel continued strategic deployments aligned with the Department’s focus on crime suppression, a homelessness response, traffic safety, and community engagement.  Officers responded to 2,608 calls for service, supported holiday events across the city, and conducted several targeted enforcement operations in downtown parking structures, major corridors, and parks.

Patrol and specialty units addressed a range of incidents including felony vandalism and burglary attempts, narcotics-related arrests, DUI enforcement, domestic violence involving a parolee, and high-visibility operations concentrating on repeat problem areas.  Specialty units – including CIT, DART, DSU, Harbor Patrol, K9, and CET/NRO – reinforced suppression efforts and contributed to meaningful community engagement throughout the start of the holiday season.

Week of November 30 – December 6: By the Numbers

Of note, data analysis indicates the following key considerations – while overall calls for service are down, arrests YTD are up ~21% when compared with the prior year!

• 115,880 Calls for Service Year to Date (down 4.3% from last year)

• 3,162 Arrests YTD (up 20.7% over last year)

Crime Suppression Updates

Crime suppression included several arrests tied to narcotics possession, felony warrants, domestic violence, DUI, and chronic quality-of-life issues in commercial and residential areas.  Downtown and Wilshire corridor operations led to multiple arrests, including a parolee-at-large, suspects involved in vehicle burglaries, and individuals in possession of drug paraphernalia.  Additional deployments provided added visibility in downtown structures and high-activity corridors, generating felony arrests and multiple citations while contributing to theft suppression efforts during peak shopping periods.

Key Crime Suppression Incidents

Traffic Enforcement Update

Traffic safety remained a priority during the opening of the holiday season, with enforcement focused on corridors known for collisions and heavy pedestrian activity.  Citywide operations focused on distracted driving, DUI saturation, and enforcement of posted signs.

Traffic Enforcement Data

Notable Traffic Incidents

Homelessness Response

Homelessness-related calls accounted for 554 calls for service citywide this week (21% of all calls).

Across patrol and specialty units, activity focused on chronic subjects, encampments, behavioral health crises, and narcotics violations occurring in public spaces.  Officers made referrals to services, made misdemeanor and felony arrests, and collaborated closely with the Department of Mental Health (DMH).  Notably, DMH clinicians assigned to HLP completed 10 mental health evaluations and seven hospitalizations.  Several high-risk cases were stabilized through intervention, including a veteran placed on a 5150 hold and a chronically homeless individual who accepted placement at SamoBridge prior to reconnecting with family through Project Homecoming.

Key Homeless Response Incidents

🔹 Realignment Plan milestones hitting in January 2026: The internal work streams we've stood up are moving fast. Here's what's launching soon:

→ Libraries reopening: Fairview Branch reopens January 20, Ocean Park Branch reopens January 21. Ribbon-cutting events for both. All five branches back online after winter prep work.

→ Expanded police presence downtown: January 11 brings the shift to our new deployment model with 8-10 officers in the expanded Downtown Services Unit daily. Our Homeless Liaison Program Team is already deployed downtown seven days a week.

→ Fire Department expansion: Alternative Paramedic Unit launches January 1 with seven-day coverage. Ambulance Operator Program goes live February 1. These aren't just new programs — they're operational shifts that will reduce unnecessary ER transports and improve response times.

→ Capital projects kicking off: Sidewalk repairs, crosswalk repainting, City Hall Fountain restoration, Lincoln Boulevard off-ramp coordination, 4th/5th Street Gateway work, 4th Street median improvements — all beginning in January.

→ Downtown Police Substation opening: February 2026. Restroom repairs at Beach Restroom #16 and #17 start within the next week or two. Five-day power washing cycle for all downtown parking structures is already underway.

This is what follow-through looks like. Promises made, promises kept.

🔹 This week's community engagement highlights: Officers participated in numerous holiday events and neighborhood meetings including Heroes & Helpers / Shop with a Cop at Target with PAL youth, Third Street Promenade PSF Tree Lighting, Montana Avenue Holiday Walk, Candy Cane Drive, my Business Engagement Town Hall, and neighborhood meetings with FOSP, Northeast Neighbors, NOMA, and Wilmont. Harbor Patrol maintained daily high-visibility patrols along Ocean Front Walk.

💰 Economic Development & Housing

🔹 $50 million state funding win for affordable housing and transportation: This is huge. Our application to California's Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program just secured approximately $50 million — $35 million for the 1318 4th Street affordable housing project (formerly Parking Structure 3), plus $14.3 million for sustainable transportation infrastructure.

→ 🚍 What the transportation funding delivers: Five new electric buses, seating and shelters at five bus stops, upgrading 14th Street bike lanes to a protected bikeway between Washington and Pico, and curb ramp accessibility improvements.

→ 🏠 What it means for housing: This funding is a critical first step in the financing package for 1318 4th Street and could accelerate the development timeline by up to one year. It also includes $150,000 for anti-displacement efforts — specifically supporting a rent registry for non-rent-controlled properties citywide.

→ 🎯 My take: Integrated outcomes that pair affordable housing with sustainable transportation and anti-displacement strategies work better than independent projects that aren’t thought out holistically.

🔹 New businesses opening across Santa Monica: Economic activity continues to pick up. Bower Beach House is doing tenant improvements at 2501 Colorado (targeting summer 2026). Jus' Family Café is nearing its opening at 1819 Pico. Brightside California Kitchen is now operating at Broadway and Second. Couplet Coffee is taking over the Philz space at 525 Santa Monica Boulevard.

And notably — Westside Waldorf School, displaced by the Palisades Fire, is relocating permanently to Santa Monica. Santa Monica continues to be a place of stability and opportunity even during regional crises.

🔹 New REACH Program supports renters with free energy-efficient appliances: We've launched the Renters' Energy and Cooling/Heating (REACH) Program to help income-qualified renters manage rising temperatures, poor air quality, and power outages. Eligible renters can receive air purifiers, portable heat-pump HVAC units, and battery storage systems — all compatible with standard outlets, no construction required.

→ 📋 How to apply: Applications are open now. Appliances will be distributed through multiple lottery rounds in 2026. You must be a renter in Santa Monica, meet income requirements, and be a Clean Power Alliance customer.

👉 Apply to the REACH Program

🤝 Community Support & Immigrant Resources

🔹 Supporting our immigrant community through "Santa Monica for All" and Know Your Rights workshops: Haven Neighborhood Services has launched the "Santa Monica for All" campaign to provide flexible emergency relief to families impacted by immigration enforcement. The campaign addresses urgent needs including detention support and bond eligibility.

→ ⚖️ Tonight's Council action: At tonight's Council meeting (5:30 PM), we're considering appropriating additional funding to support Haven's Financial Services Emergency Relief Fund Program, which provides critical assistance to Santa Monica residents and families adversely affected by ICE activity.

→ 📚 Know Your Rights workshops: We've partnered with Familias Latinas Unidas and immigration attorney Marilyn Figueroa to organize Know Your Rights workshops. A recent workshop on December 4 focused specifically on teenagers. Since June 2025, more than 50 households have accessed free legal consultations through these efforts.

→ 📞 Coming in early 2026: Our Housing and Human Services Department is establishing a dedicated hotline for community members and employers to use in the event of ICE activity at worksites. Targeted outreach will accompany the launch.

These efforts align directly with our Realignment Plan's focus on housing stability, care for vulnerable populations, and strong community partnerships. By pairing emergency relief, legal support, and proactive education, we're working to support stability and resilience for residents facing significant uncertainty.

📚 Libraries & Community Impact

🔹 Library's FY 2024-25 Impact Report shows massive community engagement: Our libraries welcomed more than 370,000 visitors across five locations and issued over 10,000 new library cards last fiscal year. The Library hosted hundreds of free programs drawing more than 18,000 participants — spanning early literacy, youth enrichment, lifelong learning, arts, and civic engagement.

→ 🔥 Community hub during crisis: The Library served as a critical hub following the Palisades Fire, supporting displaced families and connecting residents with essential services. It also continued partnerships with other City departments and community organizations.

As we head toward January reopenings at Fairview and Ocean Park, the impact our libraries have on Santa Monica is only poised to grow in 2026.

🔹 Annenberg Community Beach House playground safety upgrades underway: Work is officially underway refreshing and upgrading the playground safety surfacing to ensure the space remains safe, accessible, and welcoming for children and families. Given the high use of this playground, this work is an important part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining high-quality public spaces. We're hopeful the playground will reopen in time for the holiday season.

🏛️ Transparency & How Government Actually Works

I posted this explainer on Instagram because I've been hearing confusion about roles and responsibilities — and I think it's worth sharing again here.

Santa Monica operates under a Council-Manager form of government. Here's what that means:

→ City Council (elected by voters): Each Councilmember has one equal vote. We set policy together through public meetings. We approve budgets, ordinances, and major initiatives. We hire and oversee the City Manager. No single Councilmember — including the Mayor — directs policy alone.

→ The Mayor (selected by Council, not a separate executive election): One vote equal to every other Councilmember. Presides over meetings. Represents the City ceremonially. Helps set agendas with staff, not unilaterally. Does not manage departments or staff. The role is collaborative, not executive.

→ City Manager (hired by Council): Serves as the City's Chief Executive Officer. Oversees all City departments and staff. Implements Council-approved policy. Develops budgets, operational plans, performance systems. This role is where day-to-day leadership and implementation lives.

→ City Staff (career professionals): They do the technical, legal, financial, and operational work. They carry out policies adopted by Council. Most visible progress happens because of staff expertise and follow-through.

If you're seeing new dashboards, transparency tools, or policy shifts heading into 2026, those are not overnight changes — they're the result of prior Council votes, direction set over time, City Manager leadership, staff implementation, and ongoing public input.

City governance is a team effort, built over years — not a single title or moment. That's how real, lasting change happens.

🎄 What's Happening This Week & Looking Ahead

🔹 City Council Meeting — TONIGHT, December 16 at 5:30 PM: Tonight's meeting includes the immigrant relief funding item and other critical decisions. Watch live on YouTube or attend in person at City Hall Council Chambers.

👉 Watch the City Council meeting live

🔹 Holiday Cheer on the Pier — THIS THURSDAY, December 18 from 3:30-7 PM: The final Locals' Night of the season at Santa Monica Pier! Extended celebration called Sandy Cane Lane runs 4-9 PM with photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, holiday sand sculpture, live music, and a car decorating contest with cash prizes. Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier.

🔹 Ice at Santa Monica continues through January 19, 2026: Open daily noon to 10 PM at the corner of 5th Street and Arizona Avenue. Themed Tuesdays with Disney+ and Hulu, Classical Sundays presented by KUSC. New Year's Eve East Coast Countdown on December 31 from 7:30-10 PM.

👉 Get tickets for Ice at Santa Monica

📱 Stay Connected

Got an issue to report? Want to make sure the city hears you?

👉 Report an Issue

If you haven't already, be sure to follow me on Instagram too for behind-the-scenes updates, event highlights, and my thoughts along the way as I continue to go on this journey with you.

🌟 Moving Forward Together

Last week I transitioned out of the Mayor role and back into my seat as your Councilmember. The title changed. My commitment didn't.

I'm still here — still showing up, still fighting for transparency and common sense, still advocating for every corner of this city. Whether it's public safety upgrades, affordable housing wins, economic recovery, or protecting our most vulnerable residents, the work continues.

As we close out 2025 and head into the new year, I'm grateful for your trust, your input, and your partnership. Hit reply and tell me what you're seeing in your neighborhood — I read every message, and your voice shapes what I push for next.

To our Jewish community celebrating Hanukkah: may your lights shine bright.

To everyone navigating tough times: we see you, and we're here.

And to all of Santa Monica: let's keep building a city that works for everyone.

Together, we're building a Santa Monica that works for everyone — a city where families can thrive, businesses can grow, and community comes first.

With gratitude and determination,
Lana Negrete
Councilmember, City of Santa Monica