I created clearer ways for residents to understand City Hall, get information, and participate in their community.
PEOPLE’S ACADEMY
Created the One SaMo People’s Academy so residents and students can learn how City government works and how to participate.
WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
Created a weekly newsletter that translates City decisions, programs and deadlines into plain language.
MYGOVTOOLS
Started MyGovTools to give residents a clearer path to information, appointments and follow-through.
I spearheaded efforts to make Santa Monica safer, more responsive and better coordinated — from the Pier Task Force to a permanent Downtown police presence and faster emergency medical response.
PIER TASK FORCE → DART
In 2022, I brought police, fire, code enforcement, Public Works and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health together to address unpermitted vending and Pier safety. That work became DART — an ongoing coordinated response now used across downtown, the Pier and other community hot spots.
3,045
calls
349
arrests
430
encampments cleared
A small-business owner’s approach: fewer barriers, direct access and visible downtown activity.
NEW CITYWIDE RELIEF — UP TO $5,000
Created a Small Business Relief Grant open to eligible businesses citywide—without demographic ZIP-code exclusions.
CREATED THE ENTERTAINMENT ZONE
Spearheaded Southern California’s first Entertainment Zone on Third Street Promenade to create foot traffic and support restaurants and retailers.
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CUT RED TAPE AND CUPs
Championed and voted for reforms that removed unnecessary CUP/MUP hearings, expanded permitted retail, dining, recreation and entertainment uses, and made outdoor business activity easier.
BUSINESS VOICES + CITYWIDE MUSIC
Built direct contact with major retailers and held business roundtables. Spearheaded music activations across neighborhood parks, downtown and other community spaces.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Sit-and-Lie & Doorway Protections
Expanded doorway protections citywide so entrances remain accessible and overnight obstruction can be addressed.
Downtown Public Safety Substation
Pushed for a permanent public-safety presence at Santa Monica Place. The Downtown Substation opened May 28, 2026.
Advanced Provider Unit + Ambulance Service
Advanced the Advanced Provider Unit and in-house ambulance service for faster local medical response.
PALISADES FIRE RESPONSE
While serving as Mayor during the January 2025 Palisades Fire, worked across jurisdictions with regional partners and helped create rapid pathways for displaced schools, childcare providers, nonprofits and businesses. Coordinated with City departments as permits, temporary locations and services moved quickly, and backed fee relief and emergency communication for affected businesses and families.
HOMELESSNESS: VOTES + ACTIONS
Palm Motel
Voted to bring the Palm Motel under local control, with Santa Monica eligibility rules, City-directed safety and on-site services.
SaMoShel
Opposed delaying the SaMoShel wind-down and pushed for accountable alternatives rather than a return to the previous congregate model.
County Program Accountability
Challenged County harm-reduction programs over neighborhood impacts and called for clearer treatment and recovery outcomes.
HOUSING + NEIGHBORHOODS
SB 79
Cast the sole no vote when the City Council endorsed SB 79 in May 2025, and voted no again when the 2026 implementation direction addressed proposed upzoning affecting R1 parcels.