Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Community, Diversity, Sustainability and other Overused Words
Nathan Hochman speaking at the event
Santa Monica, CA – In a powerful demonstration of local support, over 100 residents and business owners gathered for a reception in Santa Monica to back Nathan Hochman, candidate for Los Angeles County District Attorney. The event, hosted by Dominic Appleby, Leana Greene, Kristi & Curtis Estes, Samantha & Barry Nugent, D'Lynda & Craig Kaplan, George Kahwaji, and Santa Monica Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete, underscored the growing concerns of increased crime and lack of public safety in the city.
Santa Monica has been hit hard by rising crime, a trend many attribute to the policies of the current DA George Gascón. According to California Department of Justice statistics, both violent and property crimes have increased in Los Angeles County since Gascón took office. Santa Monica, a city known for its vibrant community and tourism, has not been spared. Local residents and business owners are expressing frustration over what they see as a lack of accountability and safety under the current DA's administration.
Leana Greene, CEO of Santa Monicans United (SMU) and a local small business owner, shared her thoughts at the event, stating, "Santa Monicans want a change. I believe Nathan Hochman is the candidate who will bring the necessary leadership to restore safety and security to our community."
Despite these growing concerns, Santa Monicans For Renters Rights (SMRR) candidates for Santa Monica City Council Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, Barry Snell, and Natalya Zernitskaya, and the Santa Monica Democratic Club are, unfortunately, supporting Gascon's re-election. " said Greene. "Meanwhile, crime continues to rise in Santa Monica and all over LA county."
Ashley Oelsen, a representative of Santa Monicans United, echoed the sentiments of many in attendance. "It feels like the SMRR candidates are tone-deaf to the needs of the community," she remarked, referencing the growing discontent over rising crime and the policies of the current DA's office.
Business owners, like Tom Williams, owner of Burn Fitness on the Third Street Promenade, who attended the event, are feeling the strain firsthand. "Every day, I have to deal with addicts and mentally ill people harassing my clients as they walk into the gym," Williams said. He recounted multiple incidents where violent individuals caused disturbances, damaged property, and made his clients fear for their safety because of Gascon's policies. The police have their hands tied. Gascón does not prosecute criminals.
Hochman with John Putnam, candidate for SM City Council
Also in attendance at the fundraiser was John Putnam, a 30-year Santa Monica resident and small business owner who is running for Santa Monica City Council with Mayor Phil Brock, Councilmember Oscar De La Torre, and Dr. Vivian Roknian on the Democrats for a Safer Santa Monica Slate. Democrats for a Safer Santa Monica support Nathan Hochman and share concerns for public safety in the community.
The event concluded with a sense of urgency from attendees to support Nathan Hochman's candidacy.
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