In a statement sent to the Daily Press, Councilmember Christine Parra said the following…
"After much thought and deep reflection on both my personal circumstances and the needs of our community, I have decided not to seek re-election for my position on the City Council.
"Serving on the City Council has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and the progress we’ve made in our city. However, recent personal challenges have led me to reassess my future commitments.
"My family is currently facing a significant challenge — my mother’s ongoing battle with cancer. This situation has understandably shifted my priorities, and I feel that my focus needs to be on supporting my family during this difficult time. Balancing these responsibilities with my role on the Council has become increasingly challenging, and I believe it is essential for me to be fully present for my family right now.
"I’ve given considerable thought to the needs of our community. I believe it’s important for our city to have leaders who can dedicate themselves entirely to addressing the issues we face. The choice is clear in this election, we can either continue the momentum I helped initiate in 2020 for a cleaner and safer city, or we can return power to the special interest elected councilmembers that deprioritized residents and business owners.
"Shortly a new Pro-Safety “Change Slate” consisting of Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre and two amazing Santa Monicans will be announced and I wholeheartedly support them and hope that they can earn your trust and support as well!
"I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the residents of Santa Monica for your trust and support throughout my time on the Council. Your engagement and dedication to our community have been incredibly inspiring. Though I am stepping away from my official duties, I remain committed to the betterment of our city and will continue to support our shared vision in any way I can.
"Thank you for understanding, and for allowing me the privilege of serving as your City Council member."
The news comes just 10 days after Parra, Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre announced they would run as a slate. The other sitting councilmember up for reelection, Gleam Davis, has said she will not run again this year.
Snell, Hall, Zernitskaya and Raskin are running as a slate with the endorsement of the city’s progressive political establishment.
“I totally respect Councilwoman Parra’s decision to put her family first," Oscar de la Torre told the Daily Press, adding, "We will move forward and continue the momentum we started to prioritize public safety, effective and accountable solutions to homelessness and prioritizing the needs of our local businesses and residents. Fortunately there are some great candidates that share our vision for a cleaner and safer City."
Mayor Phil Brock said, “I'm very disappointed in Christine's decision, but having known her for a number of years and worked with her as colleagues, I know how much family means to her and I respect her decision to put family first in this instance,” adding, “I wish her well and I will continue to work with her wholeheartedly until her term ends.”
When asked whether he thought this might affect his chances of re-election, Brock told the Daily Press, “I think my voters are her voters and vice versa. So I believe that everyone who stands for a city that thrives for all and is a safe city and who would’ve voted for Christine, would also vote for me. Both of us are only concerned about our neighbors and our neighbors are all the residents of our great city.”
scott.snowden@smdp.com
