October 11, 2024

Dear Editor,

As the election season intensifies, renters in Santa Monica are banding together to counter misinformation campaigns aimed at discrediting the Safer Santa Monica candidates: John Putnam, Dr. Vivian Roknian, Oscar De La Torre and Mayor Phil Brock.

In recent weeks, texts, robo calls, and door-to-door campaigners have been alarming renters by stating that the Safer Santa Monica slate will raise rents and take away renters rights.

This could not be further from the truth. Rent control was adopted by Santa Monica voters in April 1979 and only Santa Monica voters, who are predominantly renters, can amend the law.

However, these false messages -- which are nothing but gaslighting and manipulation -- persist, and they have raised concern among tenants. They are an attempt to distract from the real issues facing Santa Monica residents today.

Safer Santa Monica incumbents Mayor Phil Brock and Councilmember Oscar de la Torre have fought for low income families and seniors and have vowed to protect rent control and tenant protection laws.

To combat the false narratives tenants are getting involved, informing neighbors of the misinformation.

“They are misleading us to try to get us to vote for them,” said María González, a long time Pico neighborhood resident. “We’re focusing on the facts!”

“We want our community to understand what’s really at stake. Our safety and well being are at stake in this election.”

Local resident Kazia Schulloff shared her experience: “I’ve lived in Santa Monica for over three decades, and I’ve seen how dangerous Santa Monica has become. I know that my rights are protected as a tenant as they are enshrined in the City Charter.”

In response to the misinformation, many voters are expressing skepticism toward the tactics employed by the Establishment slate.

“It feels desperate,” said renter Mary Cornejo. “I want candidates who are honest and who genuinely care about our community.”

This sentiment was echoed by decades-long renters, Elaine Korowitz and Monique Mendelovitz. As Election Day approaches the mobilization of renters aims to ensure their voices are heard.

“We will not listen to the misinformation. We will support the candidates who will listen to us and and stand up for us,” affirmed Cornejo.

With community support growing, Santa Monica tenants remain determined to push back against falsehoods and secure a future where we are all safe and renters’ rights continue to be protected.