As Santa Monica voters approach Tuesday's election, their choice hinges on two fundamental questions: Do they feel safe in their city? And has the thirty-year experiment with progressive homeless policies delivered results?
These aren't abstract debates – they're personal questions each voter must answer based on lived experience. Your comfort level walking downtown after dark, or your assessment of the city's approach to homelessness, will likely determine your vote more than any campaign promise.
The race presents two opposing slates with dramatically different solutions. The Unity Slate — Natalya Zernitskaya, Dan Hall, Barry Snell, and Ellis Raskin — emerges from the city's established political machinery. While new to Council, they represent the same progressive establishment that has guided Santa Monica's policies for three decades.
The Safety Slate — incumbents Phil Brock and Oscar de la Torre, with Vivian Roknian and John Putnam — arose from the aftermath of the 2020 Downtown looting. They argue the status quo has failed and champion a law-and-order reset of city policies.
Independent candidate Ericka Lesley offers a unique alternative. A current Rent Control Board member, she combines progressive housing policies with strong public safety positions, potentially bridging the divide between the two slates. Wade Kelley rounds out the ballot as a nominal candidate.
On public safety, the division is clear. The Safety Slate pushes for increased policing and stricter enforcement, while their progressive opponents emphasize addressing underlying social causes. Lesley aligns with the Safety Slate here while maintaining her progressive housing stance.
The homelessness crisis crystallizes the election's central question about the legacy of Santa Monicans for Renters Rights (SMRR). The Safety Slate advocates coupling services with enforcement to discourage influx, while the Unity Slate maintains SMRR's traditional services-first approach. Voters must decide whether to continue current policies or change course.
Housing development remains contentious despite state mandates limiting local control. The Unity Slate embraces density and growth, while the Safety Slate seeks to maintain something closer to the minimum required development levels. Rent control itself isn't at risk — it requires voter approval to change — but the Unity Slate will likely make it a stronger priority.
Questions of competence loom large. The incumbents' votes against ethics reform and leak investigations raise concerns, and allegations against de la Torre demand voter attention. Both slates promise business-friendly reforms — a perennial pledge that has yet to materialize under any administration.
As Santa Monicans cast their ballots, they should reflect on their experience of the city. Has the progressive approach created the safe, compassionate community they envision? Or have three decades of well-intentioned policy created a need for change? While the slates represent opposing views, Lesley's candidacy suggests these goals might not be mutually exclusive.
This election isn't just about selecting council members — it's a referendum on Santa Monica's direction. The choice is yours.
editor@smdp.com
