SANTA MONICA
MEASURE F. ENHANCING TAX EQUITY THROUGH UPDATING BUSINESS LICENSE TAXES
TLDR: DO I WANT TO CHANGE THE BUSINESS LICENSE TAX TO FIT THE NEW SANTA MONICA ECONOMY?
If you want small business to pay less taxes in Santa Monica, and larger corporations to pay more taxes, you would vote YES.
If you want all business taxes to remain the same, at the expense of around $3 million dollars revenue to the city, you would vote NO.
DETAILS
Measure F on Santa Monica's ballot proposes modernizing the city's 1990 business license tax ordinance to enhance tax equity by exempting small businesses, reducing rates for retailers and restaurants, and increasing the corporate headquarters rate to 0.25%. It aims to generate approximately $3 million annually to fund essential city services, including 911 emergency response, public safety, and homelessness programs, until ended by voters.
Yes Vote: A “yes” vote on Measure F means supporting changes to modernize Santa Monica's business license tax ordinance, which includes tax exemptions for small businesses and increased rates for corporate headquarters to fund essential services.
No Vote: A "no" vote means opposing these changes and keeping the current business license tax ordinance in place.
WHAT TO KNOW
Background: Measure F seeks to modernize Santa Monica’s 1990 business license tax by exempting small businesses, lowering rates for retailers, increasing taxes on corporate headquarters, and raising funds for essential services like public safety and homelessness programs.
Impact on Residents: Would likely include improved funding for essential services such as 911 emergency response, public safety, and homelessness programs, potentially enhancing overall community safety and well-being. However, residents might also experience indirect effects, such as changes in local business prices or availability if businesses adjust to the updated tax structure.
Funding Impact: Measure F could indirectly impact prices for residents if businesses, particularly larger corporations or those affected by the new tax rates, pass on the increased costs to consumers through higher prices for goods or services. However, smaller businesses and many retailers might benefit from lower taxes, which could mitigate such effects.
MEASURE K: PARKING FACILITY TAX
TLDR: DO I WANT VISITORS AND TOURISTS TO PAY MORE FOR PARKING SO MY ROADS CAN BE SAFER?
If you want visitors to pay for more parking so your roads and essential city services can be funded, you would vote YES on Measure K.
If you want to save tourists a few bucks, you would vote NO on Measure K.
Measure K proposes increasing Santa Monica’s Parking Facility Tax by 8% for users, including visitors and tourists, while exempting city-owned lots and structures to generate approximately $6.7 million annually. The revenue would fund public safety, safe routes to school, and essential city services until ended by voters.
Yes Vote: A “yes” vote means supporting an 8% increase in the Parking Facility Tax for non-city-owned lots to fund public safety, school safety programs, and other essential services.
No Vote: A “no” vote means rejecting the proposed tax increase, keeping the current Parking Facility Tax in place.
WHAT TO KNOW
Background: The measure was proposed as a way to increase revenue without directly burdening residents, by raising the Parking Facility Tax for visitors and tourists using privately owned parking lots and structures. With growing concerns about traffic safety and the need for improved infrastructure, the city sought additional funds to address these issues, targeting tourists and visitors as a primary source of revenue, while exempting city-owned parking facilities to minimize the impact on local residents.
Impact on Residents: Measure K would have minimal direct cost impact on residents, while providing funding for public safety improvements and safer routes to schools, with city-owned parking facilities exempt from the tax increase.
Budget Implications: This would generate approximately $6.7 million annually through an 8% increase in the Parking Facility Tax for users of privately owned lots, primarily affecting visitors and tourists. This revenue would fund public safety, traffic safety, and essential city services, while exempting city-owned parking facilities to avoid additional costs for residents using those lots.
MEASURE PSK: ADVISORY VOTE TO MEASURE K
TLDR: IF TOURISTS PAY MORE TAXES, DO YOU WANT TO TELL THE CITY COUNCIL WHAT THEY SHOULD SPEND IT ON?
If you want to bookmark Measure K funding for public safety, you would vote YES.
If you want the Measure K revenue to go to the general budget without specific allocations, you would vote NO.
Measure PSK is an advisory vote placed on the ballot by the Santa Monica City Council to gather voter input on how half of the additional revenue from the Parking Facility Tax Measure, if passed, should be used. Specifically, it asks whether the funds should be directed toward public safety, including improving police, fire, and emergency services, but the City Council would not be legally obligated to follow this guidance.
Yes Vote: A “yes” means supporting the advisory proposal to direct half of the additional parking tax revenue from the Parking Facility Tax Measure towards public safety initiatives, including police, fire, and emergency services.
No Vote: A “no” vote means rejecting this advisory suggestion, leaving the allocation of any additional tax revenue up to the City Council without specific public input.
WHAT TO KNOW
Background: An advisory measure in Santa Monica allows voters to give non-binding guidance to the City Council on how they would prefer certain policies or funds to be allocated without legally requiring any specific action.
Impact on Residents: If passed, it would tell the City Council that residents prefer for half of the additional parking tax revenue towards public safety, but it would not guarantee how the funds are ultimately spent.
Budget Implications: Nothing, unless the City Council adopts the advisement.
MEASURE MM: MALIBU SCHOOLS REPAIR/IMPROVEMENT BOND MEASURE
TLDR: DO YOU WANT MALIBU RESIDENTS TO FUND REPAIRS IN MALIBU SCHOOLS?
If you don’t mind Malibu residents paying more taxes to repair their schools (a house worth $1.5m would see a tax increase of $600), vote YES on Measure MM.
If you are done paying more taxes in Malibu, no matter the impact on aging school infrastructure, vote NO on Measure QS.
Measure MM would authorize the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District to issue $395 million in bonds to fund improvements and repairs to school facilities in Malibu, including classrooms, playgrounds, and safety systems. The measure includes oversight through annual audits and a citizens' oversight committee, with an estimated average tax rate of $39.59 per $100,000 of assessed property value to fund the bond.
Yes Vote: A "yes" vote means a tax of 4¢ per $100 of assessed property value specifically for funding repairs and upgrades to Malibu schools only.
No Vote: A "no" vote would mean no additional taxes for specific funding for Malibu schools.
WHAT TO KNOW
Background: Measure MM was proposed by the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District to address the need for repairs, upgrades, and safety improvements in Malibu schools, ensuring facilities are modern, safe, and conducive to learning. It follows the district’s ongoing efforts to secure funding for infrastructure projects through bonds, with a focus on improving the educational environment while maintaining strict financial oversight and accountability.
Impact on Residents: If passed, Malibu residents would benefit from enhanced school facilities, improved safety, and modernized classrooms, which could positively affect the local education system and community.
Budget Implications: There would be an increase in property taxes, with a levy of 4¢ per $100 of assessed property value.
CITY COUNCIL
TLDR: WHO DO I WANT TO REPRESENT ME ON THE CITY COUNCIL?
If you want to vote in line with the L.A. County Democratic Party, the Santa Monica Democratic Club, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights, and other labor and environmental groups for candidates that are seeking less police presence and a focus on restorative justice, vote for HALL, RASKIN, SNELL, AND ZERNITSKAYA for Santa Monica City Council.
If you prefer a more centrist approach to Santa Monica’s challenges, including increasing police presence and law enforcement, focusing on managing the massive problems with the homeless population, and still maintaining rent control, vote for DE LA TORRE, BROCK, ROKNIAN, AND PUTNAM.
Ericka Lesly
Chair of the Santa Monica Rent Control Board, advocating for tenant rights and affordable housing.
Focus on public safety (supporting increased police presence) and addressing the housing crisis.
Backed by local Democratic clubs, and recipient of the League of Women Voters Yellow Rose Award for leadership.
Oscar De La Torre
Advocates for increasing police presence and expanding services for the homeless and mentally ill to address safety concerns in Santa Monica.
A lifelong resident, De La Torre founded a youth center and champions affordable housing, education, and economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Supported by local police and fire departments and endorsed as part of the "Safety Slate" for his commitment to tackling crime and public safety.
Dan Hale
Focuses on enhancing public safety through technology, supporting the use of drones and Real Time Crime Centers to improve policing efficiency and safety. He also emphasizes addressing homelessness and street safety issues
Has worked to improve public safety at the Pier by supporting initiatives like the Direct Action Response Team (DART) to tackle criminal behavior and enhance vendor safety
Endorsed by several local leaders, including Santa Monica Councilmembers and labor unions, for his commitment to housing affordability, environmental justice, and community safety
Ellis Raskin
Environmental attorney and former Planning Commission Chair, advocating for sustainable housing and transit-oriented developments.
Focuses on renter protections, affordable housing, and equity in city planning.
Endorsed by environmental groups like the Sierra Club and the Los Angeles League of Conservation Voters for his leadership on climate and sustainability issues.
Vivian A. Roknian
Small business owner, oral surgeon, and long-time Santa Monica resident.
Focuses on public safety, homelessness solutions, and revitalizing local businesses.
Endorsed by police and fire departments and part of the "Safer Santa Monica" slate.
John Putnam
Small business owner and entrepreneur with over 40 years in the fashion industry, deeply committed to community service.
Focuses on public safety, tackling homelessness, and promoting pathways to home ownership.
Part of the "Safer Santa Monica" slate, endorsed by police and fire departments for his commitment to addressing crime and enhancing public safety.
Phil Brock
Lifelong Santa Monica resident, current Mayor, and City Councilmember, with a focus on community safety and quality of life improvements.
Prioritizes expanding the police force, tackling homelessness, and supporting local businesses through smart city policies.
Part of the "Safer Santa Monica" slate, endorsed by police and fire departments for his strong public safety stance.
Wade Kelley
Santa Monica resident and small business owner, known for advocating for community-oriented solutions.
Focuses on addressing homelessness and public safety through practical, hands-on approaches.
Running as an independent candidate without major endorsements from political organizations.
Barry A. Snell
A certified public accountant, small business owner, and longtime community leader.
Focused on keeping Santa Monica affordable by protecting renters, supporting affordable housing, and promoting public safety.
Served on the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees and the Santa Monica-Malibu School Board.
Natalya Zernitskaya
A financial analyst and good governance advocate.
Focused on social and economic justice, affordable housing, and sustainable transit.
Supports homelessness solutions like safe parking programs and expanding rent subsidies for low-income residents
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Member of the Board of Education
TLDR: WHO DO I WANT ON THE SM/MALIBU BOARD OF EDUCATION?
If you want to vote in line with various progressive organizations for candidates that value social justice and inclusion, as well as three candidates with board experience, vote for LEON-VAZQUEZ, KEAN, AND SMITH.
If you want new leadership, a fresh face, and a focus on education over broader governance, vote for FALAGUERRA.
Christine Falaguerra
Over 17 years of hands-on classroom experience, including teaching middle school English, providing K-8 reading intervention, and serving as a literacy coach for K-12.
One of her main priorities is to reduce class sizes across the district, which could lead to more personalized attention for students and better learning outcomes.
Advocates for a district-wide policy limiting personal technology use from bell to bell, promoting a distraction-free learning environment.
Committed to prioritizing teacher and family input, promising regular school visits, listening sessions, and increased community outreach to ensure decisions are made with the input of those directly affected.
Dedicated to supporting student well-being, including mental health initiatives, which are increasingly important in the post-pandemic educational landscape.
Maria Leon-Vazquez
Longest-serving member of the SMMUSD Board of Education (since 2000) and only Latina to serve on the board
Advocates for equity in education, social justice programs (like restorative justice and ethnic studies), and academic achievement
Supported by labor leader Dolores Huerta, CA State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, and Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR)
Emphasizes maintaining strong academic programs, supporting early learning, and enhancing student well-being.
Jon Kean
Vice President of the SMMUSD Board of Education with a background in education leadership and filmmaking
Advocates for individualized learning, student engagement, and support for marginalized groups while promoting fiscal responsibility
Backed by Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR), Santa Monica Democratic Club, and CEPS
Kean is dedicated to transparency, equity, and maintaining high academic standards in the district
Jennifer Smith
An incumbent on the SMMUSD Board of Education and has a long history of educational leadership. She previously served as PTA president at Roosevelt Elementary, Lincoln Middle School, and as president of the SMM Council of PTAs.
Prioritizes fiscal responsibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion. She is committed to enhancing mental health resources for students, supporting early childhood education, and improving special education services
Endorsed by Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR), the Santa Monica Democratic Club, and Communities for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS)
Dedicated to maintaining a balanced budget that supports both educational goals and long-term financial stability for the district