The Santa Monica Daily Press provided candidates with three opportunities to address readers this year. Candidates were asked to fill out a short form survey, provide responses to written questions and invited into the Daily Press office for a one on-one interview about their candidacy. Candidates were given three questions and allowed to answer any or all of them as they saw fit.
The vast majority of Santa Monica’s homeless population were made homeless somewhere else and traveled to Santa Monica. What is the city’s role and responsibility in addressing homelessness given the regional nature of the problem and the disproportional impact the crisis has on Santa Monica?
Homelessness is a complex, deeply human issue that affects the well-being of our entire community. Santa Monica’s crisis is largely driven by individuals migrating here from across Los Angeles County and beyond, with some coming from out of state. This constant influx puts immense pressure on our city’s resources, and we need to recognize this in order to develop policies that respond effectively.
Despite the city’s significant investment of nearly $9 million annually, the number of sheltered individuals has dropped by 62% from 2012 to 2024, even though our Point-In-Time counts have stayed between 700 and 900 people since 2009. It’s disheartening to see that 47% of shelter beds remain unused, as noted in the November 2022 Homeless Study by Moss Adams. We owe it to both the homeless individuals in our community and to the residents who want a safe and welcoming environment to ensure our efforts are making a real impact. To do this, we need to tie homeless service contracts to measurable outcomes, ensuring that services are truly reducing the number of people living on our streets. If certain providers are not meeting expectations, we need to find those who can.
In February 2023, the city declared a Homeless Emergency, noting that 78% of our homeless population struggles with mental health issues, while 75% faces substance abuse challenges. These are individuals who need care, but they also highlight a breakdown in the county’s policies, given that the majority come from LA County. We must engage more effectively with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health to improve services and address the root causes of homelessness. At the same time, we need to reconsider practices that aren’t helping — such as the distribution of drug paraphernalia in parks where families gather.
Santa Monica is also affected by the end-of-line transit policies that drop dozens of individuals into our city every night. This puts an unfair burden on our community, and we need to work closely with LA County’s transit systems to find solutions that are fair and compassionate for everyone.
Lastly, with LA City and County dedicating nearly $2 billion annually to homelessness services — approximately $26,000 per homeless individual — Santa Monica must work in partnership with them to make sure resources are used effectively. Together, we can reduce the number of unhoused individuals and create a safer, more supportive environment for all.
The city's economy continues to lag and a recent study said Santa Monica was among the most expensive places to operate a business. What will you do to address the City’s economic challenges and increase local revenues?
Santa Monica has always been a place of opportunity, creativity, and innovation, but I understand that our local economy is struggling. The rising costs of doing business here have put immense pressure on small businesses and entrepreneurs — the very people who give Santa Monica its unique character. As a small business owner myself, I know how challenging it can be to navigate these hurdles, and I believe we must act now to support those who make our community vibrant and strong.
To address the city’s economic challenges, I would prioritize making it easier and more affordable to do business in Santa Monica. This means reviewing and streamlining the permit process, reducing fees, and cutting through the red tape that too often slows business owners down. By simplifying these processes, we can help local businesses thrive and attract new ones that will invest in our community.
At the same time, we need to focus on revitalizing our commercial districts by improving public safety and cleanliness. A safer and more welcoming environment will bring back both residents and visitors, creating the foot traffic that businesses depend on. When our streets and public spaces feel safe, businesses flourish — and with that, local revenue increases.
Another key component of economic recovery is collaboration. I would work closely with local businesses to understand their needs, ensuring that policies reflect the challenges they face. By fostering a supportive partnership between the city and its business community, we can create an environment where businesses feel valued and supported, allowing them to grow and contribute to Santa Monica’s long-term prosperity.
Ultimately, I believe we can restore Santa Monica’s economy by focusing on these practical solutions and ensuring that our local businesses have the resources they need to succeed. I’m hopeful that together, we can bring back the economic vibrancy that makes Santa Monica a special place to live, work, and visit.
