Today, a competing vision dominates. Where modest beach cottages once stood, luxury towers rise. Where locals once found surf shops and independent cafés, national chains now occupy much of downtown. City leaders say Santa Monica must build to survive, to meet housing mandates and remain relevant.

But unchecked growth risks eroding the very qualities that made the city desirable in the first place. 

Read More: https://smmirror.com/2025/11/sm-a-r-t-column-at-the-crossroads-preserving-santa-monicas-soul/