Emergency Ordinance 

SOS Santa Monica is exploring suing the City of Santa Monica over its abuse of Emergency Orders.  According to the law, in Santa Monica, an “emergency” requires an imminent threat to the public’s “peace, health, and safety.” It is defined as “a sudden unexpected occurrence demanding immediate action to prevent or mitigate loss or damage to life, health, property or essential public services.” SMMC 9.52.020. No such threat exists. The council is using fast-tracked measures, avoiding the usual Planning Commission and public requirements, to benefit developers — not the residents of Santa Monica.

At the recent Council meeting where the last SB1123 “emergency” ordinance was adopted, Council Members Zwick and Hall labeled R-1 residents as racists for supporting R-1 zoning. We have seen this deflection tactic before. It will not work to redirect attention away from the terrible substance of the “emergency” ordinance.