r/SantaMonica • • 6d ago

šŸ—³ļøGovernment & Politics Santa Monica City Council Candidate Answers Forum

16 Upvotes

Greetings r/SantaMonica Netizens. We asked you a few weeks ago to provide questions to local candidates. I have taken the questions and put the top 5 7 into a questionnaire. This questionnaire well be posted below and is open for our local candidates to respond to.

Woo Hoo civic engagement.

Thanks to everyone who commented, upvoted, downvoted, yadda yadda - it's all part of the process.

Now comes the exciting part- an opportunity for the candidates to respond to their constituents. From now until election day we will keep this post open for verified candidates to respond to these questions.

If you are a local candidate, message the mods to verify yourself. We’ll add ā€œVerified Local Candidateā€ flair to your Reddit account. If you don’t have a Reddit account, you’ll need to create one.Ā 

Check your mailbox for your ballot. Early voting is now open for all of Santa Monica's residents. Election Day is 11/3.

1. Homelessness & Public Safety What policies would you implement to address homelessness, public drug use, and safety concerns in public spaces?
2. Affordable Housing & Development What housing policies would you support to increase affordable housing and expand housing options in Santa Monica?
3. City Budget & Public Services What changes would you make to city budgeting and oversight to improve public services and ensure taxpayer money is spent effectively?
4. Downtown & Small Businesses What policies would you pursue to reduce vacant storefronts, attract businesses, and support Santa Monica’s local economy?
5. Crime & Traffic Enforcement What policies would you support to improve public safety, enforce traffic laws, and protect pedestrians?
6. Housing, Jobs & Transportation What policies would you pursue to address the imbalance between local jobs and available housing while improving transportation options?
7. Transparency & Accountability What policies would you support to strengthen transparency in campaign financing, city contracting, and the oversight of organizations receiving public funds?

r/SantaMonica • • 18h ago

Santa Monica last night

Thumbnail gallery
274 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 4h ago

LAPD Chopper at 2am

7 Upvotes

LAPD chopper doing 25+ circles with the searchlight on over and around 15th and Idaho/Montana. Loud af and not catching their target, it seems. I'm out with the dog and avoiding the laneways. Stay safe, folks!


r/SantaMonica • • 4h ago

helicopter circling montana ave @ 2am

Post image
6 Upvotes

anyone know why theres a police helicopter thats been circling one block around 14th st & montana for the past 20 mins? what’s going on?


r/SantaMonica • • 4h ago

ā“Question Circling helicopter at 2am?

4 Upvotes

Anyone knows what’s happening? We got woken up by low-flying helicopters circling above us.


r/SantaMonica • • 21h ago

Considering an apartment at 2901 4th Street

Post image
55 Upvotes

I’m moving back to Santa Monica after several years away. I’m considering renting an apartment in this building, ā€œthe surf riderā€ near 4th and Ashland. Any thoughts/advice about the neighborhood or building? The management company recently transitioned from Optimus Properties to Scott properties. Thanks in advance!


r/SantaMonica • • 14h ago

šŸ’¬ Discussion South Bay vs Santa Monica? Considering a move and would love to hear from folks that have lived in both

8 Upvotes

Hi All,

I’m a mid 30s guy and considering a move to Santa Monica and whether it makes sense for me. I live in el segundo currently and honestly love it. Has the small town feel, I’d incredibly clean, dog friendly, beach nearby, and easy freeway access. I’ve lived in LA county for a over a decade but always much further south (Hermosa, Manhattan. redondo, and long beach).

As mentioned, I love my neighborhood! But there is a part of me that wants to try the west side life when I’m still in my 30s. A lot of el segundo is families and I’ve found it a bit difficult to find a friend group my age.

Rent isn’t an issue, but I’m curious about overall quality of life differences. Is having friends come up a royal pain due to parking? How dog friendly is Santa Monica? I have a 100lb puppy who needs lots of exercise.

Would be curious to hear from folks that have lived in the South Bay and also SM.


r/SantaMonica • • 15h ago

Curious about Circle Bar

7 Upvotes

I used to go back in the day, but haven't been back since they closed down. I moved out of Santa Monica earlier this year so I haven't had a chance to check it out. How's the new bar? Same vibes?


r/SantaMonica • • 9h ago

Where to Stay for first timer looking for chill but also fun Santa Monica

0 Upvotes

Have 3 nights in LA before heading to San Diego.

Overwhelmed with options. Looking for more of a beach style vacay with restaurants, bars. Looked into Santa Monica, is it a safe area? Not opposed to staying in other areas. We aren’t huge celeb/movie people. We come from a cold climate so we like the warmth and sand and ocean. Also like to have a good time, music, drinks. Any help is appreciated. I know it’s a great distance to cover.


r/SantaMonica • • 9h ago

looking for a prison jumpsuit to buy or rent!! pls lmk asap

1 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

Sunset - October 25, 2026

Thumbnail
gallery
31 Upvotes

From the beach near Ocean Park Blvd with the Pier in the background looking at SM Bay towards Pac Pal/Malibu.


r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

New bar alert: Exodus Beer House has replaced Weary Livers on Pico

Post image
71 Upvotes

Owner Kyle MacDonald is from Sacramento by way of Hawaii. He has been brewing most of his life. He personally sources all beers he offers and claims to have the best tap list in L.A. Soft opening now. Grand opening "whenever the sign arrives."


r/SantaMonica • • 17h ago

Renting at club Santa Monica

1 Upvotes

Has anyone ever lived at club Santa Monica on 4th street 2110 4th st?


r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

šŸ’¬ Discussion Santa Monica Has Serious Problems That Need Solving

Post image
59 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 9h ago

Woman on pico and cloverfield!!!

0 Upvotes

Let’s talk about life and chill


r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

YMCA lost and found owala

Post image
3 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

A summer day on the pier with my daughter

Thumbnail
gallery
57 Upvotes

We spent a June day on the pier last year. Ferris wheel, arcade games, snack carts and half of LA on the beach. I finally got around to editing these. Shot on a Sony A7C II with a Sigma 35mm f/1.4.


r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

YMCA lost and found owala

0 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

Where can someone go out and play/practice soccer with Goals?

4 Upvotes

As the title says, I’m looking to just practice my touches, shooting, volleys, etc… The problem is everything seems to be pay to play.

Just to clarify, I play pick up and on teams here in SM. But I am looking to just…play alone without having to book a field…


r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

Gym suggestions in SM

10 Upvotes

Hi all! I (30F) am looking for a new gym in the Santa Monica, West LA, Brentwood area that’s not too crowded, nicer, and ideally under $200 per month (to lift and do cardio). I’m open to more expensive if it’s truly worth it. I’m closer to West LA so would prefer to avoid gyms in downtown Santa Monica bc if it’s far/inconvenient I won’t go.

Bonus points if they have some classes (not a must since I have ClassPass) and if there is some social aspect— aka I’m single and open to meeting people :)

I’ve been looking at Trifit but open to other options/suggestions!

Thanks so much!


r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

Downtown Santa Monica's Future: Data-Driven Growth Strategy

Thumbnail
smdp.com
19 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

Gym with kids club

4 Upvotes

Looking for a gym on the westside (Santa Monica, Westwood and Brentwood) that has a place for kids activities as well. Ideally gym equipment, sauna, steam, pool is a bonus although not necessary...Equinox in Westwood (both options, do not seem to have this). YMCA does but its closer to 3rd street promenade. Looking through the forum, the Bay Club may be another option but not sure. Any other suggestions? Thanks.


r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

Post Pandemic??

Thumbnail
0 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 2d ago

I keep seeing this deal on Groupon. I have never been here hows the food?

Post image
35 Upvotes

r/SantaMonica • • 1d ago

ā“Question Parking meters on Montana say VALET???

0 Upvotes

Why does every single meter on Montana say valet??? Will I get towed????

Asked a business owner she seemed confused so maybe it’s a mistake? Idk.