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Changing Election Trends By Mary Marlow

11/16/2020 9:05 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

All 21 of the 2020 candidates’ committees spent only $168,140, while the PACs spent twice as much, $330,170, for a grand total of $498,310 ("OPINION -- The Year Election Money Didn't Win," November 9, 2020).

That three challengers won against four incumbents is unprecedented and historic in Santa Monica elections.

SMa.r.t. Column: Election’s Over–Let’s get to Work

11/14/2020 8:15 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The extraordinary results of our municipal election signal a deep desire, by many residents, for a change in the city’s direction. Three members of City Council with longtime and deep institutional connections were replaced at a single swoop by newcomers proclaiming the need for change. This hints at voter dissatisfaction with a city whose leadership and direction have been increasingly seen as ineffective and out of touch.

New Council Could Have Votes to End Voting Rights Lawsuit

11/13/2020 8:31 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

A voting rights lawsuit that has wound its way up the court system for four and a half years could swiftly come to an end after three incumbents were ousted by Santa Monica voters this month.

The three winning challengers -- Phil Brock, Christine Parra and Oscar de la Torre -- have all expressed support for voting districts staunchly opposed by the losing incumbents.

Back rent in California nearing $1.7 billion

11/13/2020 8:18 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

California’s back rent is projected to reach nearly $1.7 billion by the end of the year, or almost a fourth of the total rental debt nationwide, a Federal Reserve study found.

California voters reject revamp to property tax system

11/12/2020 9:29 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

California voters rejected a proposal to partially dismantle the state’s 42-year-old cap on property taxes, a move that would have have raised taxes for many businesses in a pandemic-hobbled economy.

Following Tuesday’s update to the vote count, Proposition 15 had only about 48% support and was trailing by more than a half-million votes.

Interview: Phil Brock on Finishing 1st in Santa Monica City Council Race

11/11/2020 9:25 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Phil Brock, who recently finished first in the race for four seats on Santa Monica City Council, sits down for an interview ...

Council Candidates Hold Positions

11/11/2020 9:17 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

With little more than 1,000 ballots left to count, three challengers and one incumbent have sealed their wins in the race for four City Council seats.

After 755 ballots were counted Tuesday, Phil Brock leads with 18,930 votes, nearly 1,100 votes more than second-place finisher Gleam Davis, with 17,835 votes.

They Broke the Santa Monica Machine

11/11/2020 9:15 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

Dear Editor,

Despite the backing of the usual suspects (SMRR, Santa Monica Forward, the Democratic Club and assorted politicians) three of the four incumbent Councilmembers lost their seats ("Santa Monica Voters Usher In New Era," November 6, 2020).

Why?

First and foremost is the bungling of the riots on May 31 and the lack of a follow-up investigation.

Three Council Challengers, One Incumbent Cement Wins

11/10/2020 7:55 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

The front runners in the race for four City Council seats cemented their leads after 4,389 more ballots were counted Monday.

Phil Brock expanded his first-place lead over incumbent Gleam Davis to more than 1,000 votes, while challenger Christine Parra closed within some 200 votes of a second-place finish.

The Year Election Money Didn’t Win

11/10/2020 7:53 AM | Margaret Fulton (Administrator)

By Mary Marlow

For the past ten years the Transparency Project has researched and reported on the increasing amount of PAC money spent on Santa Monica City Council elections.

It took increasing amounts of contributions or a candidate's personal money to win. The more money spent; the better the chances of getting elected. The same with endorsements from SMRR, unions, political parties and prominent elected officials.

Until 2020, when voters upended the system ("Santa Monica Voters Usher In New Era," November 6, 2020).