10.10.2009

Slow Economy Leads to a Head-start on Campaigning

With more than a year left until elections for the Santa Monica City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Pam O'Connor has already began her campaign for re-election to serve a fifth term on the City's council.

O'Connor admitted that finances were a major factor in deciding to get a jump on the campaign. "this is a global recession. Spreading it over time, you might be able to accumulate (more money)."

With the economy the way it is, it would not be surprising for more candidates to declare themselves earlier than usual. this allows extra time for fundraising and donor outreach in a time when budgets and wallets are tight.

Starting this ahead of schedule, gives O'Connor sole access to donors. just a few weeks ago, she was able to raise $5,000 at a breakfast fundraiser. Those funds, according to O'Connor, will be used for start up costs.

While O'Connor mentioned that the money available early on might not be there come Spring of 2010, she also cited other reasons for begining her campaign early. Not only is she serving on the City Council as Mayor Pro Temp, but she also works with the Metropolitan Transit Authority(MTA), as well as doing work as a historical preservation consultant. So the head-start is really more agenda setting. allowing her to focus on her job and the campaign at the same time.

There are three seats up for election. Pam O'connor's, as well as Kevin McKeown, and Bob Holbrook. When asked about early campaining, McKeown said that he has not began his, because the residents do not start thing about the elections this much in advance. Bob Holbrook, who is running for a possible sixth term, will wait until late Spring 2010 to declare if he will run or not.

Bomb Threat Shuts Down Wilshire

Friday morning, the Bomb Squad was called into action at Wilshire and Fifth Street in Downtown Santa Monica. The call was in response to a suspicious package located in front of Panera Bread on Wilshire.

Traffic was rerouted and 30 people were evacuated from surrounding buildings. A Bomb Squad Robot ripped the package open, revealing it was nothing more than a bag of Cement wrapped in brown tape.

The package was most likely used to weigh down a street sign. SMDP Lt. Dan Salerno said that "In situations like this, we have to take every precaution."

SMMOA to Host Halloween Gala

The Santa Monica Museum of Art will be hosting a Halloween Gala on Saturday October 31st. At the Halla Gala you will find an evening of fashion, fantasy, and fun.

The Halloween Gala will be crucial in raising funds for SMMOA's exhibitions and art programs. Special hosts for the evening will be Susan and Leonard Nemoy.

There are a variety of ticket packages ranging from $350 to $25,ooo. the benefits of the different packages vary, but include custom costumes made by a list of celebrity fashion designers, a chance to have your secret self immortilized by famed photographer/host Leonard Nemoy, and a luxurious night at the Viceroy at Santa Monica.

but the expensive ticket does not guarantee admittance into the Gala. Costumes of some form are required. either a costume, head dress, or mask will be mandatory upon arrival.