Last Thursday evening, Mayor Phil Brock took the stage at the John Adams Middle School Auditorium to give his “State of the City” Address. Preliminary remarks were given by Vice Mayor Lana Negrete with the keynote following the mayor provided by City Manager David White. This focus will be on Brock’s remarks.

Local Volunteers

Brock opened his remarks by thanking those in attendance, particularly those who serve on city boards and commissions. “They are the grassroots of our city council. They’re the people who give us advice, counsel, and bring forward great initiatives,” he said.

He then complimented the “vibrant neighborhood associations” and singled out a local man who not only brought Martin Luther King Jr. to speak at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium but fought tirelessly and against council resistance over 25 years to establish Virginia Avenue Park. His name is Lloyd Allen, and he is now 102. Brock indicated that he intends to bring forth local legislation to rename the park after Mr. Allen.

“Santa Monica government needs to be from the bottom up, not the top down. It is important to all of us that you participate,” said Brock, adding, “This is a participatory city. Please join in. Please make sure your voice is heard.” For his own part, Brock boasted that, “I live and breathe Santa Monica. I have walked every block and alley of this city.”

Land and Parks

The mayor then recognized that Santa Monica rests on Tongva land belonging to the First Peoples, and the modern founding of Santa Monica in 1875. More than once, he noted that July 2025, will mark Santa Monica’s 150-year celebration.

Brock, a former Recreation and Parks Commissioner, enthusiastically described events and activities that re-invigorated our parks in 2023. He also discussed the newly re-organized Recreation and Arts Department (RAD) and praised its director, Jenny Rogers, for her exemplary work.

Brock grew particularly animated announcing that a new pickleball program will be introduced in 2024, shouting “Yay for pickleball!”

He also announced that Douglas Park will get a new playground, Memorial Park will finally expand into the old Fisher Lumberyard, and the city’s parks will be outfitted with new historical signage. “It’s high time that there is simple, historical signage in each and every city park that embraces the history of the park,” he said. “And we will get that done this year.”

Jabbing at Housing Developers

In discussing the importance of trees, Brock admonished multi-family housing developers, saying, “Do us a favor: Plant copious amounts of trees in your new developments, damnit! If we’re not allowed to alter your height, and density, please give us trees and open space in every one of these new buildings.”

While negotiating for public benefits like this in building and amenities design is often successful, the more open space insisted upon within a building can lead to fewer units being constructed, which may be the mayor’s intention*.

Saying that state government has trampled on local and often exclusionary zoning codes, Brock encouraged residents to petition the governor and legislature for a return of local control over development decisions, “While still welcoming residents of diverse incomes into our city.”

Arts & Culture

Turning to the arts, the mayor praised the “Art of Recovery” program that highlighted Santa Monica as “A place of culture and unique experiences.” He noted that last year, the city provided 105 arts grants to local artists and organizations totaling about $1 million. “This includes $350,000 to 22 artists, arts producers, and community partners,” said Brock.

He complimented the breadth and diversity of the city’s public art, saying “Our public art collection remains a true gem that can be seen by all who stroll throughout the city.” He encouraged all residents to take part in a new self-guided walking tour that’s been developed and is available on the city website.

Brock received applause when he announced the return of Cirque du Soleil to the big pier parking lot this coming fall.  He also said that there would soon be news about the city’s first-ever selection of a Poet Laureate. “We are, by all measures, one of the most artistic cities in the world,” he said. “A city of culture and arts – and I mean all the arts.”

Public Safety and Economic Challenges

“Now,” Brock stated, “We have work to do. Continuing to invest in public safety is paramount,” to which he received delayed but significant applause. “For Santa Monica to truly thrive, our businesses, visitors, and residents must feel safe in our community,” he said, slamming his left hand down on the lectern. He said that all mayors and city councilmembers “Have one primary duty: to keep their residents as safe as possible.”

Praising the 22 new sworn police officers hired in 2023, and a large firefighter recruiting class, the mayor said, “Our streets, parks, and businesses will be safer by the end of 2024 – right chief?” he said, pointing to Santa Monica Police Chief Ramon Batista in the audience.

But despite praising the progress made, Brock then claimed that local, state, and federal laws have often worked against keeping residents safe. “We must recognize it’s not compassionate to let people live and die on the streets of Santa Monica,” he said, a note on housing encampments.

On the local economy, Brock acknowledged, “The last four years have been tough. We lost restaurants and stores we loved.” He added, “We have vacancies in our shopping districts – the impacts are quite real.” But rather than suggest the city is economically depressed, the mayor said, “I believe economic recovery is not coming – it’s already here. We are recovering, Santa Monica. It’s our chance to find a new favorite spot or rediscover an old favorite haunt.” He also spoke of the opportunity to re-activate our public spaces and business districts.

He spoke of tourism returning to form with more than $1 Billion being put into local hotels, and added, “Our iconic Ocean Avenue is having a Renaissance.” He added that the city’s “culinary scene” will soon be welcoming dozens of new restaurants.

“Again, Santa Monica is open for business,” he said as he drew to a close, a few seconds later adding, “We’re on our way back. We’ve suffered through a malaise of spirit. But that time, I declare, is over!

Photo of Brock acquired via screen capture

* Brock responded: