Questions on Traffic & Development
(from Friends of Sunset Park questionnaire):

• In your opinion, is there a limit to the level of traffic congestion acceptable in Santa Monica?

Yes there is a limit.  We may be past it - like the proverbial frog in boiling water. 

• The City is commencing an update of the land use and circulation elements of the General Plan. What is your position regarding down-zoning the industrial/commercial core bound by Lincoln Blvd., the 10 freeway, and Centinela, with the objective of limiting the amount of traffic that can be added to an already overburdened infrastructure?

I support this objective. We risk a breakdown of the street system.

 3. What is your position regarding "traffic calming" measures implemented by the City in residential neighborhoods, including speed humps, islands, curb extensions/chokers, and traffic circles?

I support measures that promote pedestrian safety and neighborhood quality, while at the same ensuring adequate response time by public safety personnel.

 4. Cut-through traffic is a problem in many residential neighborhoods. What specific measures do you support or suggest for limiting traffic intrusions? Do you have other suggested solutions for the problem of traffic congestion in our city and especially in Sunset Park?

First, its important that we limit future any traffic growth through Sunset Park.  In that vein, I have played a lead role opposing Playa Vista, including recently voting to sue to stop the project.  I will work to ensure that future SMC development at the Airport does not bring more traffic down Airport Ave./23rd St.

I also support improved public transit, all the way down the coast to the South Bay along the Lincoln Bl./Sepulveda corridor, as a way of lessening pass-through traffic generated as a result of Lincoln being like a parking lot.

We additionally need to protect the health and neighborhood-serving nature of the commercial districts on Ocean Park and Pico boulevards, because that reduces car trips.

I do not support more major physical, systemic changes to the streets and sidewalks -- we’ve already made so many over the last few years that we have to learn to live with them a little first.  At the same time, if there are small refinements that would improve things, I believe we should be open to that.

I support exploring neighborhood-based shuttles that have flexible routing, if the demand were demonstrated.

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