S A N TA M O N I C A
INSIDE Santa Monica Planning Commission Approves EightStory Hotel Development on Colorado Avenue
REFLECTING THE CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY smmirror.com
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March 17 - March 23, 2023 Volume CLXXXIV, Issue 187
Santa Monica City Council Sets Council Priorities for 2023-2025 Biennial Budget Saturday study session first step in over three month long budgeting process By Sam Catanzaro The Santa Monica City Council held a special session Saturday to set council priorities for the next two years to guide the development of the 2023-2025 biennial budget. In a unanimous vote, the City Council adopted the following as their most important areas of focus: Addressing Homelessness: Prevent housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless and increase the supply of affordable housing; address the behavioral health needs of vulnerable individuals; advocate for regional capacity to address homelessness Clean & Safe Santa Monica: Create an atmosphere marked by clean and safe public spaces and neighborhoods, including parks for recreation and leisure activities Cultivate Economic Recovery & Expand Community & Cultural Offerings: Invest in community and cultural amenities and programs for all community members, focused on expanding opportunities for youth, teens and seniors Racial Justice, Equity & Social Diversity: The City acknowledges the effects of generational
racism and discrimination, working towards ending systemic barriers so everyone in Santa Monica has an opportunity to thrive Sustainable & Connected Community: Ensure that City policies prevent harm to natural environments and benefit social/economic wellbeing for current/future generations “Today’s process provided the opportunity to reflect on the work of recent years and to look ahead to what is most important for our community,” said Mayor Gleam Davis. “We will continue to address homelessness, promote a clean and safe Santa Monica, and cultivate our economic recovery. Today, the Council chose to also include the expansion of community and cultural offerings as part of our economic recovery, and to further racial justice, equity, social diversity, and a sustainable and connected community.” The City Council also provided unanimous direction on proposed FY 2023-25 budget items, including: Allocation of Measure CS funds: Expanding the Homeless Liaison Program with the Police Department; expanding the homeless multidisciplinary outreach team beyond the Downtown and Beach; expanding to 24/7 intakes at SAMOSHEL interim housing; continuing Clean & Safe programs in Police, Public Works, Code Enforcement, and Parking; and providing for short term rental enforcement. Homelessness Strategic Plan: Developing an
Photo: Sam Catanzaro Santa Monica City Hall.
interdepartmental plan to address homelessness that builds on the City’s Four Pillars framework that considers recommendations from the Moss Adams Audit on Homelessness, sets clear policy direction, promotes alignment across City stakeholders, supports regional efforts, improves focus on measurable objectives and reporting, increases internal alignment for effective and expedient implementation of new resources, and utilizes one-time CS funds. Organizational Realignment to Support Priorities: The Housing and Human Services Department would become the organization point for homelessness services and programs, which would enable the city to rapidly achieve Measures CS, GS and Audit objectives
, and provide core focus and leadership on administering a comprehensive array of housing, educational, and social services programs in addition to investments to support vulnerable populations. The Recreation and Culture Department would create capacity and leadership around recreational partnership opportunities addressing conflicts between demand and capacity for recreational amenities, enable the ability to focus on the future of the Miles Memorial Playhouse and Camera Obscura buildings, and elevate arts and cultural affairs work in economic revitalization and social equity. Resource Reallocation for Restorations
Council Priorities, see page 7
Homeless Man Faces Attempted Murder and Hate Crime Charges for Santa Monica Attacks Job Uriah Taylor arrested and charged in connection to March 3 attacks A homeless man has been charged with hate crimes for attacking multiple AfricanAmerican victims with a metal pipe while yelling racial slurs in Santa Monica. According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), the incident was reported on March 3 around 7:30 a.m., patrol officers responded to a call of an attempted assault on the 1100 block of the beach, around .5 miles north of the Santa Monica Pier. “The suspect, later identified as Job Uriah Taylor, approached the African American victim who was walking his dog and threatened
to attack him with a metal pipe. Taylor yelled several racial slurs at the victim,” the SMPD said in a press release. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel working nearby intervened, fending off suspect Taylor who rode away on his bicycle in an unknown direction. The victim was not injured, and officers were initially unable to locate Taylor, police say. Soon after, around 7:50 a.m., the SMPD responded to a call of an assault happening on the north side of the train platform at 4th Street and Colorado Ave. According to the SMPD, the same suspect was seen attacking a male and female, both African American, with the same pipe he was brandishing at the 1100 block of the beach. “Taylor hit the victims multiple times in the head while yelling more racial slurs,” the
SMPD said. Taylor was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the Santa Monica Jail for booking. Taylor was charged with two counts of attempted murder, one count of assault with a deadly weapon and one count of assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury. In addition, hate crime allegations were added to the two counts of attempted murder and assault with force. Two victims were transported to the hospital; one was released the same day and the other still being treated for a head injury. Santa Monica Police Department Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Detectives are seeking witnesses who may have been in the area at the time of the incidents. Anyone with any additional information pertaining to this incident or suspect is encouraged to contact
Photo: SMPD The scene of a March 3 attack in Santa Monica that resulted in a man being charged with hate crimes.
SMPD Detective Jacob Holloway at (310) 458-8934, Jacob.holloway@santamonica.gov, or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310458-8426.