Observations from City Council Meeting of May 10th, 2011

The meeting which was scheduled at 5:30 P.M. precisely as always, began 25 minutes late at 5:55 P.M. when the oath of allegiance was taken. Both council members Pam O'Connor and Robert Holbrooke were absent for the entire meeting. Bobby Shriver had to leave at 11:15 P.M. The agenda was so large that starting on time would have been beneficial to all that were present.

City Planning director Eileen Fogarty gave a staff report on what downtown Santa Monica might look like in the next 10-20 years with renderings that were very appealing in a preliminary sense. Everybody supported developing those changes over time with some closer scrutiny, and all agreed that the seasonal skating rink would be kept and possibly for year round.

Parking of the future is anticipated to go underground with parking structure #1 going down at a undetermined date in the future.

Raising campaign contributions for council members from $250 to $400. was discussed but tabled for a future meeting, when the entire council would be there. Bobby Shriver was passionate on veterans homelessness as usual and makes an eloquent argument on the subject.

One resident made several important points by complaining about the council eliminating "special needs and handicapped people" from speaking early due to their infirmaties, since last Sept. She held up the council to being hypocritical and insensitive to this part of society, which on observation one has to agree with and question the legalities.

This resident also rapped the council for hiring a former city manager whom she alluded to was under federal investigation at the time of his hire.

Council members Kevin McKeown, Gleam Davis, and Terry O'Day were all especially eloquent last night on most subjects discussed.

The meeting was adjourned at 12:20 A.M.

Eddie Greenberg