Accomplishments and Action Plans
The Board members of Northeast Neighbors participate in monthly meetings with leaders of other neighborhood associations to discuss common concerns. We also meet monthly for updates on new development the Director of the City of Santa Monica Planning Department.
Our monthly Zoom meetings have featured conversations with state and local leaders, including State Senator Ben Allen, Assembly member Richard Bloom, County Assessor Jeff Prang, City Manager David White, SMPD Police Chief Ramon Batista, Santa Monica City Councilmembers Oscar de la Torre, Christine Parra, Phil Brock, Lana Negrete and many others.
Members let us know their concerns and help us decide how to plan future meetings to benefit residents and engage with local leaders on emerging issues.
Current Concerns: Oppose Agenda Item 16-D on City Council Agenda Nov. 15, 2022
Agenda Item 16-D: full text and link:
Request of Councilmember Davis that the City Council direct the City Manager to contact the head of each Neighborhood Organization and Business Improvement District listed on the City's website and ask if the organization or its Board of Directors (acting as a Board) will refrain from endorsing or opposing candidates or measures in any future election. If the Neighborhood Organization or Business Improvement District will not make that commitment, then the City Manager is authorized and directed to remove that Neighborhood Organization or Business Improvement District from any listing of such organizations on the City's website and to remove any hyperlinks to the organization’s website. In addition, the City Attorney and City Manager are directed to draft a policy that states as a condition of receiving City funding any Neighborhood Organization or Business Improvement District that makes campaign endorsements must provide a disclaimer on any written campaign endorsement materials stating no public funds are used for campaign purposes and views of the organization do not necessarily reflect the views of the City of Santa Monica or any of its officials.
https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com//Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1365&MediaPosition=&ID=5477&CssClass=
Our Letter to Council:
To: Santa Monica City Council, City Manager, City Attorney
councilmtgitems@santamonica.gov
From: The Board of Northeast Neighbors
Re: City Council Meeting Nov. 15, 2022 Agenda Item 16-D
The Board of Northeast Neighbors opposes Item 16-D on the Nov. 15 City Council Agenda.
Northeast Neighbors is a 501(c)(4) non-profit charitable organization that has served the community for more than 22 years. Our website sets forth our mission statement:
We are a non-profit, all volunteer group dedicated to advocating for residents and improving life in our neighborhood and city.
Federal law permits non-profit social welfare organizations with a 501(c)(4) status to engage in political lobbying and political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office provided that such intervention does not constitute the organization's primary activity. It is within our right under federal law to endorse candidates for City Council as we have in this election.
Our members contribute to our nonprofit because they value what we provide. Throughout the year we hold monthly meetings at which we host speakers, many of whom have been City staff and Councilmembers who reach out to us to distribute information and request to be invited to speak directly to our members in our Zoom meetings. We are a primary means by which they are able to interact personally with residents about a wide variety of city issues.
The City benefits greatly from the volunteer efforts of our neighborhood association and all neighborhood associations.
We, in turn, appreciate and value being recognized by the City as do all neighborhood organizations that serve the community. The City has provided grant funding for our annual membership outreach campaigns. Those membership invitations are strictly apolitical and always include a statement recognizing the contribution the City has made to these mailings. This past year when the City directed us to generate and mail our own membership letters rather than distributing them for us, the Board of Northeast Neighbors set up a separate bank account for the City grant so that no commingling with membership dues could occur and the surplus was refunded to the City.
We take very seriously both the law governing 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations and the City’s requirements of neighborhood associations.
We respectfully request that the Council vote NO on Agenda Item 16-D, which is included below.
Sincerely,
Tricia Crane and the Board of Northeast Neighbors
Past Accomplishments:
We joined in a successful campaign to bring new leadership on the Board of Downtown Santa Monica Inc. to revitalize Downtown Santa Monica the Third Street Promenade and restore lost revenue for the City.
We spearheaded a local signature Gathering Campaign for a Ballot Measure to Protect Cities from Senate Bill 9, which would eliminate single family neighborhoods. We continue to support local control by cities over their planning and zoning.
https://ourneighborhoodvoices.com/
We supported and engaged in the signature Gathering campaign to Restore Prop 13 for Families - Repeal the Death Tax
https://reinstate58.hjta.org/
Northeast Neighbors residents voted 51% to support Measure LV to limit development
Land Use Voter Empowerment (LUVE) Initiative Filed
http://smdp.com/ballot-initiative-will-limit-development/153662
Northeast Neighbors campaigned for the successful signature gathering campaign that preserved the Papermate Pen Plant
Hines DA Rescinded
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Hines-DA-Rescinded/40182
Recommended Reading
SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica – Who Does the City Work For?
https://smmirror.com/2021/11/sma-r-t-column-santa-monica-who-does-the-city-work-for/
Residents Demand Development Voice with LUVE Ballot Measure
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Residents-Demand-Development-Voice-with-LUVE-Ballot-Measure/45089
Santa Monica Slow Growth Group Half Way to Meeting E-petition Goal
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_22_2015_Santa_Monica_Slow_Growth_Group_Half_Way_to_Meeting_E_petition%20Goal_Leaders_Say.html
Cheers, boos, and sparring at Residocracy’s City Council candidate forum
http://smdp.com/cheers-boos-sparring-residocracys-candidate-forum/141181
Watch a video of how the Council candidates voted on our issues:
https://www.facebook.com/l/oAQED7wKt/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPLB5o6H0pKcQYtVHvE-o7cFhww6GF6ZivX
Watch the famous lightning round at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu2twln4Gzw
Santa Monica City Council Scraps Bergamot Transit Village Plan
http://www.latimes.com/local/westside/la-me-0515-santa-monica-development-20140515-story.html
My Write: Referendum Goes Beyond Bergamot Transit Village, Bill Bauer commentary
http://smdp.com/my-write-referendum-goes-beyond-bergamot-transit-village/132448
Referendum Campaign to Veto Hines Development in Full Swing, Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Referendum-Campaign-To-Veto-Hines-Development-In-Full-Swing/39531
Santa Monica-based Koning Eisenberg Architects proposes 250-unit apartment complex on Fred Segal site in Downtown Santa Monica http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2013/September-2013/09_04_2013_Santa_Monica_Architect_Proposes_Housing_Project_on_Fred_Segal_Site.html
Column: A declaration for Downtown
http://smdp.com/column-a-declaration-for-downtown/126498
Preservation covenant in place for shuttered post office
http://smdp.com/preservation-covenant-in-place-for-shuttered-post-office/126378
Community Benefits Do Nothing for the Community
http://smdp.com/column-community-benefits-do-nothing-for-the-community/125156
The monster in our midst
http://smdp.com/column-the-monster-in-our-midst/124842
Taking from the Poor, Giving to the Rich
http://smdp.com/column-taking-from-the-poor-giving-to-the-rich/124630
Our monthly Zoom meetings have featured conversations with state and local leaders, including State Senator Ben Allen, Assembly member Richard Bloom, County Assessor Jeff Prang, City Manager David White, SMPD Police Chief Ramon Batista, Santa Monica City Councilmembers Oscar de la Torre, Christine Parra, Phil Brock, Lana Negrete and many others.
Members let us know their concerns and help us decide how to plan future meetings to benefit residents and engage with local leaders on emerging issues.
Current Concerns: Oppose Agenda Item 16-D on City Council Agenda Nov. 15, 2022
Agenda Item 16-D: full text and link:
Request of Councilmember Davis that the City Council direct the City Manager to contact the head of each Neighborhood Organization and Business Improvement District listed on the City's website and ask if the organization or its Board of Directors (acting as a Board) will refrain from endorsing or opposing candidates or measures in any future election. If the Neighborhood Organization or Business Improvement District will not make that commitment, then the City Manager is authorized and directed to remove that Neighborhood Organization or Business Improvement District from any listing of such organizations on the City's website and to remove any hyperlinks to the organization’s website. In addition, the City Attorney and City Manager are directed to draft a policy that states as a condition of receiving City funding any Neighborhood Organization or Business Improvement District that makes campaign endorsements must provide a disclaimer on any written campaign endorsement materials stating no public funds are used for campaign purposes and views of the organization do not necessarily reflect the views of the City of Santa Monica or any of its officials.
https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com//Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1365&MediaPosition=&ID=5477&CssClass=
Our Letter to Council:
To: Santa Monica City Council, City Manager, City Attorney
councilmtgitems@santamonica.gov
From: The Board of Northeast Neighbors
Re: City Council Meeting Nov. 15, 2022 Agenda Item 16-D
The Board of Northeast Neighbors opposes Item 16-D on the Nov. 15 City Council Agenda.
Northeast Neighbors is a 501(c)(4) non-profit charitable organization that has served the community for more than 22 years. Our website sets forth our mission statement:
We are a non-profit, all volunteer group dedicated to advocating for residents and improving life in our neighborhood and city.
Federal law permits non-profit social welfare organizations with a 501(c)(4) status to engage in political lobbying and political campaign activities on behalf of or in opposition to candidates for public office provided that such intervention does not constitute the organization's primary activity. It is within our right under federal law to endorse candidates for City Council as we have in this election.
Our members contribute to our nonprofit because they value what we provide. Throughout the year we hold monthly meetings at which we host speakers, many of whom have been City staff and Councilmembers who reach out to us to distribute information and request to be invited to speak directly to our members in our Zoom meetings. We are a primary means by which they are able to interact personally with residents about a wide variety of city issues.
The City benefits greatly from the volunteer efforts of our neighborhood association and all neighborhood associations.
We, in turn, appreciate and value being recognized by the City as do all neighborhood organizations that serve the community. The City has provided grant funding for our annual membership outreach campaigns. Those membership invitations are strictly apolitical and always include a statement recognizing the contribution the City has made to these mailings. This past year when the City directed us to generate and mail our own membership letters rather than distributing them for us, the Board of Northeast Neighbors set up a separate bank account for the City grant so that no commingling with membership dues could occur and the surplus was refunded to the City.
We take very seriously both the law governing 501(c)(4) nonprofit organizations and the City’s requirements of neighborhood associations.
We respectfully request that the Council vote NO on Agenda Item 16-D, which is included below.
Sincerely,
Tricia Crane and the Board of Northeast Neighbors
Past Accomplishments:
We joined in a successful campaign to bring new leadership on the Board of Downtown Santa Monica Inc. to revitalize Downtown Santa Monica the Third Street Promenade and restore lost revenue for the City.
We spearheaded a local signature Gathering Campaign for a Ballot Measure to Protect Cities from Senate Bill 9, which would eliminate single family neighborhoods. We continue to support local control by cities over their planning and zoning.
https://ourneighborhoodvoices.com/
We supported and engaged in the signature Gathering campaign to Restore Prop 13 for Families - Repeal the Death Tax
https://reinstate58.hjta.org/
Northeast Neighbors residents voted 51% to support Measure LV to limit development
Land Use Voter Empowerment (LUVE) Initiative Filed
http://smdp.com/ballot-initiative-will-limit-development/153662
Northeast Neighbors campaigned for the successful signature gathering campaign that preserved the Papermate Pen Plant
Hines DA Rescinded
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Hines-DA-Rescinded/40182
Recommended Reading
SMa.r.t. Column: Santa Monica – Who Does the City Work For?
https://smmirror.com/2021/11/sma-r-t-column-santa-monica-who-does-the-city-work-for/
Residents Demand Development Voice with LUVE Ballot Measure
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Residents-Demand-Development-Voice-with-LUVE-Ballot-Measure/45089
Santa Monica Slow Growth Group Half Way to Meeting E-petition Goal
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_22_2015_Santa_Monica_Slow_Growth_Group_Half_Way_to_Meeting_E_petition%20Goal_Leaders_Say.html
Cheers, boos, and sparring at Residocracy’s City Council candidate forum
http://smdp.com/cheers-boos-sparring-residocracys-candidate-forum/141181
Watch a video of how the Council candidates voted on our issues:
https://www.facebook.com/l/oAQED7wKt/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fplaylist%3Flist%3DPLB5o6H0pKcQYtVHvE-o7cFhww6GF6ZivX
Watch the famous lightning round at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu2twln4Gzw
Santa Monica City Council Scraps Bergamot Transit Village Plan
http://www.latimes.com/local/westside/la-me-0515-santa-monica-development-20140515-story.html
My Write: Referendum Goes Beyond Bergamot Transit Village, Bill Bauer commentary
http://smdp.com/my-write-referendum-goes-beyond-bergamot-transit-village/132448
Referendum Campaign to Veto Hines Development in Full Swing, Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Referendum-Campaign-To-Veto-Hines-Development-In-Full-Swing/39531
Santa Monica-based Koning Eisenberg Architects proposes 250-unit apartment complex on Fred Segal site in Downtown Santa Monica http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2013/September-2013/09_04_2013_Santa_Monica_Architect_Proposes_Housing_Project_on_Fred_Segal_Site.html
Column: A declaration for Downtown
http://smdp.com/column-a-declaration-for-downtown/126498
Preservation covenant in place for shuttered post office
http://smdp.com/preservation-covenant-in-place-for-shuttered-post-office/126378
Community Benefits Do Nothing for the Community
http://smdp.com/column-community-benefits-do-nothing-for-the-community/125156
The monster in our midst
http://smdp.com/column-the-monster-in-our-midst/124842
Taking from the Poor, Giving to the Rich
http://smdp.com/column-taking-from-the-poor-giving-to-the-rich/124630
Proposed building heights too tall for the community, too short for developers:
http://smdp.com/proposal-sets-building-heights-too-tall-for-community-too-short-for-developers/124303
http://smdp.com/proposal-sets-building-heights-too-tall-for-community-too-short-for-developers/124303
Taking Back What's Ours: Our Town column
http://smdp.com/taking-back-whats-ours/123961
http://smdp.com/taking-back-whats-ours/123961
Bill Bauer's reports on NE Neighbors meeting:
http://smdp.com/northeast-neighbors-are-angry/123322
http://smdp.com/northeast-neighbors-are-angry/123322
Public Left Out of Process - Tricia Crane Letter to the SMDP Editor
http://smdp.com/letter-public-left-out-of-process/122785?utm_source=wysija&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
http://smdp.com/letter-public-left-out-of-process/122785?utm_source=wysija&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter
Pension Costs to Put Santa Monica in the Red
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2013/May2013/05_21_2013_Pension_Costs_to_Put_Santa_Monica_in_Red.html
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2013/May2013/05_21_2013_Pension_Costs_to_Put_Santa_Monica_in_Red.html
Santa Monicans Get Rowdy at Miramar Redevelopment Meeting
http://www.santamonicalookout.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2013/May2013/05_17_2013_Santa_Monicans_Get_Rowdy_at_Miramar_Redevelopment_Meeting.html
http://www.santamonicalookout.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2013/May2013/05_17_2013_Santa_Monicans_Get_Rowdy_at_Miramar_Redevelopment_Meeting.html