Ana Maria Jara

Ana Maria Jara was appointed in January 2019 to fill the seat vacated by Tony Vazquez after his election to the State Board of Equalization. Jara is endorsed by Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights (SMRR), Santa Monica Forward, the Coalition of Santa Monica City Employees (CSMCE), the Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS) and the Santa Monica Democratic Club, all of which are spending money to back candidates.

1. Should Santa Monica try to build the 8,874 new housing units by 2028 mandated by SCAG?

Yes, all cities need to do their fare share

2. The Plaza project should be
a) approved
b) changed
c) rejected

When item comes to Council, I will consider all aspects of it.

3. The City needs more major developments to help balance the budget.

Yes, we had a DCP process that planned the downtown area for 3 major projects, which is 4 percent of the city's land mass. The city would receive much needed revenue.

4. The Council should have delayed voting on the Miramar project until after the election.

No. This project was initially brought forth ten years ago. Major projects like this one take years to complete and start a revenue stream.

5. When it comes to hotel developments, the City Council has consistently sided with Unite HERE Local 11.

True. The unions and council have similar interests in the benefits provided both for labor and the jobs gained by the community.

6. Is Santa Monica's City government racist?

No. But we all have work to do. I urge people to vote YES on Measure AB that will reform our hiring practices.

7. Should the police budget be reduced?

We need to look at community needs and priorities and perhaps re-allocate funds to some social services, like mental health.

8. If coronavirus cases spike, should the City order another economic shutdown?

No, it is not the City's decision to make.

9. Santa Monica is one of the few Southern California cities to issue fines for not wearing a face mask. Do you support that policy?

Yes

10. The budget cutbacks forced by the coronavirus shutdown were the inevitable result of the City's decades' long spending spree.

False. The nation -- cities, counties and states -- have faced the same impacts that produced deficits.

11. City workers are paid too much.

False

12. Unions wield too much power over the City Council.

False

13. Do you feel safe in Santa Monica when it comes to crime?

Yes, an example is the Pico Neighborhood, where I live, is now a safer place for all residents.

14. The City Council is doing enough to make public parks safer for families.

False. We continue to work to make things better.

15. Santa Monica is doing a good job addressing homelessness.

True -- but we must continue the trend of reducing homelessness which was down 8 percent while the County's was up. This is a regional challenge and should be addressed on a regional basis.

16. Who is responsible for the Police Department's response to the May 31 riots?
a) The Police Chief
b) The City Manager
c) The City Council
d) All of the above

The Police Chief

17. The police used excessive force against protesters.

We have hired consultants for an after-action report. Once the report is received, we will know the facts. In addition, the Safety Task Force was created, and they have made recommendations to Council.

18. Should Santa Monica switch from an at-large election system to districts?

No. Voters have spoken in the past and do not support districts and recently, the courts ruled against a local lawsuit that would create districts.

19. Despite caps on individual contributions, money remains the biggest factor in winning an election.

We do not yet have public financing.

Do you think Councilmembers are transparent when they disclose their personal and political finances?

Yes

21. Was the $77 million "uber-Green" City Hall annex a good investment?

Yes. I was not on Council when the decision was made, and I hope this is a net positive for the City.

22. The City spends too much money fighting climate change?

False