Let the World In

June 26, 2008

Dear Editor,

What are we Santa Monica residents afraid of? Why can't we show the world our best? As Chairman of the Pico Improvement Organization my direction is clear. Pico is ready to step up. We want development. Bring it on. Everyone is welcome on Pico.

We plan to offer new and exciting mixed use retail services, restaurants, hotels, work force housing, art galleries and the new Waxman Communication center: a ground up, mixed use, state of the art U.S. Post office facility with underground parking, retail services, housing, restaurants. I am talking about a rebirth.

I say let the world into Santa Monica. Our dream is big enough for everyone. I am against RIFT and all it stands for.

First it is isolationism at its most obvious, "we have ours stay out." Second, RIFT cripples the wisdom and thoughtful LUCE plans that our elected officials and staff have developed with us for years.

This is no small matter. Are we Santa Monica voters going to side with small minded residents who that say there is "no room for you?" Of course not. I, like many of you, dream of a life that could be, should be and will be.

Friends, Santa Monica is home, our children attend one of the finest public school systems in our county, the city’s forward thinking policies have been duplicated nationally, and our community has become world famous.

I say build it and they will come.

Robert Kronovet
Chairman, Pico Improvement Organization