The Change faction on the City Council flexed -- and likely expanded -- its power Tuesday, with the appointment of Lana Negrete to fill a vacant Council seat.

It is the third seat filled by appointment in less than two and a half years and gives the Council its first majority not backed by one or both of the City's two major factions -- Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR) and Santa Monica Forward.

The Council now has a majority that was not backed by SMRR or Forward, which represent the city's political establishment.

Read More: https://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2021/June-2021/06_29_2021_Council_Appoints_Negrete_to_Fill_McKeowns_Seat.html