Doug Trussler for Santa Monica City Council

I lived in Santa Monica for over 33 years. I raised five kids here, in rent-controlled buildings. My kids go/went to Samo public schools and SM college. I've worked with youth for the SM Boys and Girls Club at various school playgrounds and volunteer coached youth for many seasons in AYSO. Our kids swim at the beach, go to the libraries, play at the parks, skate at the Cove. At its heart, this is a great town, and it should be a great town for our kids to fully enjoy.

But our city has lost its way. Policies enacted over the past decade have allowed street homelessness, open drug use, and crime to grow unchecked, and it has affected families' safety, our neighborhoods, and the businesses and tourism our Santa Monica economy depends on. Third Street storefronts sit empty while other beach towns have bounced back.

Feels like there's multiple bikes, scooters and items stolen daily in Santa Monica. I have had to chase out vagrants from the backyard and/or parking garage too many times. Kids can learn that theft happens and to be aware, but it shouldn't happen every day, and it should not keep residents from moving around freely, safely and at ease enjoying our great beach town.

In years past, I helped a few local guys get back on their feet assisting me in rebuilding old cars...one came back sober, years later, to thank me personally.

But the unhoused population on our streets now has grown exponentially with the Expo, and it's a more transient and unstable crowd as meth and fentanyl have taken hold.

Compassion and public safety aren't opposites - we need leadership that delivers both.

That's why I'm supporting Doug Trussler's campaign. I've known Doug for more than 20 years, first playing soccer together, then coaching our sons. Doug is not a politician. He owns and runs a firm that fixes businesses for a living - and Santa Monica needs fixing. His volunteer record speaks for itself: AYSO, Chrysalis, homeless shelters here and downtown. And look at his endorsements - one of the most uncommon coalitions in our city's history. He brings people together.

Doug and I've been canvassing evenings door to door, and I hope you'll get the chance to meet him yourself. Learn more at doug4santamonica.com

and please vote.

Stephen Salko