<<< Go Back

President's Message, September 2003
By Gordon P. Gitlen, Esq., Action President

Ourquiet, peaceful city of 8 square miles was again on the front page around the country this past month, this time by the tragedy occurring at the Farmers Market. Apparently, an elderly gentleman lost control of his car, plowed through the crowd, and killed at least 10 people and wounded others. While clearly a tragedy, what’s left is the image of broken bodies, injured and bleeding people inscribed on the minds of all those that witnessed the event as well as the aftermath. Many commentators blame the City of Santa Monica for not placing concrete barriers around the public assembly, which is sponsored by the City of Santa Monica as opposed to the elderly gentleman who drove the vehicle. His driving privileges are suspended and an investigation is ongoing.

In other news, Kelly Olsen was dismissed from the Planning Commission for reasons that are yet to be announced, perhaps because he is a whistleblower concerning the allegations of behind the scenes corruption of the Planning Department, the destruction of the main Public Library in Santa Monica has occurred and there is talk that Arnold Schwarzenegger may become Governor, especially if the recall effort of our current Governor is successful, many of whom blame for the energy crises.

On a more optimistic side of things, the senior exemption from the parcel tax was granted, the long awaited grand opening of Whole Foods Market on the former site occupied by Madame Wu’s Chinese Restaurant has opened. Life goes on in Santa Monica where perhaps you have noticed many foreign license plates visiting our city during these summer months. Traffic has increased as the temperatures and tempers rise.

What does this mean for ACTION in Santa Monica? Nothing. With all of these events, the Rent Control Board, and the City of Santa Monica are still determined to take away property owners’ rights and give those rights to tenants who do not have a monetary investment in the City of Santa Monica. ACTION remains committed to preserving apartment owners’ and property owners’ rights and as you will see in the magazine, the City of Santa Monica has paid ACTION approximately $200,000 because of its commitment to steal from the rich and give to the poor. Specifically, when ACTION in Santa Monica prevailed against the City of Santa Monica concerning this City’s mandate that owners shall pay 3% interest on security deposits, in addition to the court victory striking that law, we were awarded $188,216 in attorneys’ fees. The Court of Appeal determined that the City violated property owners’ rights by creating the fee in excess of interest actually earned at the bank.

ACTION is committed to preserving your rights. See you at the next meeting.