City Hall
Santa Monica is a finalist for the 2012 Sustainable Community Award in the medium-size city category, according to a statement released Thursday by City Hall.
Santa Monica will compete against Jersey City, N.J., and Riverside, Calif. for the title. The winner will be announced April 17 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Business Civic Leadership Center (BCLC)’s 2012 National Conference.
The annual Siemens Sustainable Community Awards program is a partnership between Siemens Corp. and the U.S. Chamber BCLC and is in its fifth year of existence. The award is given in three categories — small, midsize and large communities.
“Santa Monica is a leader in sustainable strategic planning and has taken a well-rounded approach to ensure that the community’s sustainability goals are met,” said Mayor Richard Bloom. “It’s an honor to have our efforts recognized by being named a finalist for the 2012 Sustainable Community Award.”
The city’s application focused on the adoption of a sustainability-and transit-oriented general plan — the Land Use and Circulation Element (LUCE) — and the use of the Sustainable City Report Card to biennially measure success in eight areas.
In total, 135 communities applied for the award this year.
— Samantha Masunaga
CITYWIDE
News on the go
Santa Monica residents can now access city news on their smartphones with a mobile-friendly version of SMGov.net, City Hall’s website, according to an announcement this week.
The mobile site will include real-time parking and beach maps, in addition to Big Blue Bus route information. Users can also find out about city news and events, browse a directory of city services and facilities and link to the city’s social media channels. City Council information, including meeting videos, agendas and wrap-ups, will also be available.
Residents can also pay utility bills and parking citations through the site.
— SM
PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY
Tips for wiping out graffiti
The Santa Monica Police Department recently released suggestions for eliminating graffiti in neighborhoods.
In their weekly community e-mail, the police urged residents to file a police report if their property was affected by graffiti, which informs patrol officers of “hot spots.” Residents can also report graffiti by using the city GO mobile app for smartphones.
They also suggested taking pictures of the defacement, especially if a claim will be made to an insurance agency, and then removing or painting over the graffiti as soon as possible to deter additional activity.
Residents can also call City Hall’s graffiti hotline (310) 458-2231 and request removal, or organize neighborhood clean-up campaigns if the graffiti is widespread.
To initiate graffiti reports, call the SMPD non-emergency number: (310) 458-8491.
— SM
