|
| Friends and followers,
Greetings! I had planned to write in early January with updates since my swearing-in, but the Palisades Fire changed those plans. Now that we’re fully in recovery mode, I’m including those updates along with a few from January.
Here is your “bottom line, up front” summary: Council has taken significant action since our swearing-in to address the City’s strategic priorities. I’m making good on campaign promises by supporting initiatives that promote clean streets and safe neighborhoods, housing affordability and inclusivity, and good government that is transparent and accountable to you. I’m responsive to most emails when I can - send me your thoughts on upcoming Council items! Scroll down to “Upcoming Community Events” for some highlights supporting Black History Month and Lunar New Year! Apply to serve on a board or commission or find a new job with the City, links are below in “Resources.”
|
|  | Black History Month proclamation at City Council chambers on January 28, 2025. Photo courtesy of the City of Santa Monica. |
| | | Click on a topic to skip ahead! |
| | | It’s been a whirlwind 55 days since we were sworn in on December 10. That night, we elected Councilmember Lana Negrete as Mayor and Councilmember Caroline Torosis as Mayor Pro Tempore for 2025. A week later, we held our first full meeting, tackling staff requests and introducing our first policy items.
Since then, I’ve served meals at The People Concern’s holiday party, joined a Menorah lighting on the Promenade, and helped the City honor former Recreation and Parks Commissioner Lloyd Allen with a plaque at Virginia Avenue Park. On Christmas Day, my partner and I delivered hot meals with Meals on Wheels West—a new tradition we plan to keep.
The January 7 fire in Pacific Palisades was devastating. From my home in Mid-City, I could see the flames every night. I’m deeply grateful to our Fire Department, Police Department, Emergency Operations Center, California National Guard, and City staff for their response. Thank you to everyone who followed the evacuation orders and stepped up to help—we saw the best of our community that week. I’d especially like to thank Santa Monica College for their donation drive and also the 50+ businesses offering free and discounted services to wildfire evacuees and first responders! Whether you are a resident or a business owner, make sure to use this moment to create a profile with the Santa Monica Fire Department’s new Community Connect program, where you can provide details about your residence, occupants, pets, and other assistive information such as gas, water, and electric shut offs.
In January, we kept pushing forward on your priorities, including in our Fires Emergency Order and through key decisions at our January 28 meeting. We approved the guiding principles for the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project and passed the first ordinance I helped draft. We’re also thrilled to welcome back Elaine Polachek as Interim City Manager and are ready to kick off the search for a permanent one.
Finally, as our nation enters four uncertain years under the new federal administration, we are committed to doing everything we can to protect our residents.
With gratitude and in solidarity, Dan
Councilmember Dan Hall City of Santa Monica, California |
|  | Congrats to Police Officer Nelson on his swearing-in! Thank you for your service to our community. |
| | | The City Council's five strategic priorities, adopted in March 2023 under the previous Council, highlight the city's values, inform recommendations on new investments, and focus staff efforts and projects. Our Council will adopt our priorities in March 2025.
Since our swearing-in, Council has taken the following actions to address the City’s strategic priorities:
Addressing HomelessnessApproved development of 130 units of Permanent Supportive Housing for formerly unhoused individuals, low-income families, and seniors. Authorized establishment of SaMoBridge, a 24/7 respite hub for Police referrals of unhoused persons, including those with mental health and substance abuse, with the goal of diverting qualified individuals into treatment and reducing recidivism. Note: Location is moving to the west side of the Civic Auditorium by Pico and Main.
Clean & SafePassed an ordinance to authorize permanent prohibition orders for unruly Big Blue Bus (BBB) riders. Awarded a bid for CCTV for the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD). Entered into an agreement for an investigative and real-time video analytics platform for SMPD’s Santa Monica Analytics Real Time (SMART) Center (a.k.a. “real-time crime” center). Accepted a grant of $880,000 from the federal Department of Homeland Security 2023 State Homeland Security Program funding Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and high-yield Explosives safety equipment, mobilization exercises, and Emergency Operations Center training. Authorized a budget amendment to contract for additional Fire Department training using grant funds. Accepted a grant to promote mental health and wellness in SMPD. Authorized purchase of new, safer, and more effective tasers for SMPD. Ensured continuity of ambulance and EMT coverage in Santa Monica. Approved contracts for traffic signal controller software. Authorized temporary curfews during evacuation orders for the Palisades Fire.
Economic Growth & Cultural VitalityAdopted the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project Guiding Principles. Expanded tennis instruction services at City tennis courts. Loosened regulations on operating hours for cannabis retailers. Note: We directed staff to match state guidelines to 6:00 AM. Waived certain requirements to make it easier for schools, small businesses, and nonprofits affected by the fires to relocate to Santa Monica. Protected our hotel industry from homeshare abuse during the fire recovery period.
Justice, Equity & DiversityInstituted additional tenant protections and authorized limited homeshare and parking benefits for individuals displaced by fires. Proclaimed and celebrated Black History Month. Reaffirmed our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion work. Joined an amicus brief protecting birthright citizenship.
Sustainable & Connected |
| | | In the 2024 election, I ran on the below priorities. Since being sworn in, here’s what I’ve done—on top of the work above—to deliver on that promise.
Clean Streets & Safe NeighborhoodsAn Affordable & Inclusive CommunityGood Government |
| | | Since our swearing-in, I have: Sponsored four “16 Items” (i.e. policy initiatives) and co-sponsored two more. All passed unanimously! Met with 24 groups, residents, business representatives, non-profit directors, and community leaders. Answered 750+ resident and stakeholder emails. Kept you informed during the Palisades Fire!
Together, we are moving the City forward. Thank you to my colleagues on Council, supporters, and all community stakeholders as we do this work. |
|  | Serving our unhoused neighbors a warm holiday meal with the People Concern. Photo Courtesy of the People Concern. |
| | | DineLA (now through February 7) - 30+ Santa Monica restaurants are participating! Lunar New Year Celebration (now through February 8) - Join Santa Monica Place to celebrate the new year. Fiscal Year 2025-2027 Operating Budget Community Survey (now through February 17) - Learn more and provide feedback (en español). Transit Equity Day (February 4) - Free rides on BBB in honor of Rosa Parks’ birthday! Tuesday Tales: A Travelin’ Storytime (February 4) - Black History Month edition of the weekly series at the Fairview Branch Library. In Memoriam of an Ashanti Warrior Unveiling (February 11) - Join artist Gary Tyler at City Hall for the unveiling of this textile work acquired for the municipal Art Bank with the support of Frieze Los Angeles. Mental Health & Wellness Fair (February 15) - Hosted by the Santa Monica Black Empowerment Association. Celebrate Black History Month and honor resilience, healing, and self-care. RSVP here. Annual Black History Greens Festival (February 22, 11 AM - 3 PM) - Hosted in partnership with the Black Santa Monica Community Group at Virginia Avenue Park. Uplifting Black Legacy (February 27) - The City of Santa Monica Cultural Affairs Division, in partnership with DanSpace Project is offering a one-of-a-kind showing of Chicken Soup at the Annenberg Community Beach House. RSVP here. Cannabis Equity Community Workshop (February 27) - Participate in the second community workshop on cannabis equity.
|
| | | | | | |
|
|
|
| |
|
