VOL. 35March 2014

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Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage1608 Montana AvenueSanta Monica, CA 90403

310.395.1133Kate@NorthOfMontana.comwww.NorthOfMontana.com

By KATE BRANSFIELD

It’s amazing what can happen whenpeople come together.The residents have spoken and it’s

clear that we need to pump the brakeson development.

We volunteers with the burgeoningResidocracy.org movement, this monthcollected over 13,440 signatures, in theprocess of overturning the proposedBergamot Transit Village at the corner of26th Street & Olympic Boulevard.

We believe that the traffic generated bythis project would even further grind to ahalt an already congested part of town.

With double the number of signaturesgathered than required to place the project on the ballot, we sincerely hopethat the Council will rescind this project in its entirety.

Most importantly, what this successfulpetition drive proves is that we, SantaMonicans are ready to stand up and fightfor our quality of life.

We were out collecting signatures in frontof local businesses, on street corners, infront of local churches and communitycenters to make sure that City Hall hears us loud and clear.

The county clerk has yet to verify all ofthe signatures, so we wait with baitedbreath, but we’re confident that we have thenecessary signatures to make what startedout as a dream into a reality.

The 13,440+ signatures we gathered,were over double the number necessary toforce a referendum.

This was a labor of love and proves thatnot everybody in Santa Monica is ready tolay down and let special interests & CityHall do what they will with our beloved city by the sea.

So, to you that circulated and/or signedpetitions, I say thank you. I would also beremiss not to thank the tireless efforts ofmy fellow Residocracy.org CommitteeMembers that made this happen.

I’m proud to have been a part of it, butour fight is not over. For all SantaMonicans, to stay informed & to ensureyour voice is heard,

Please Register @ www.Residocracy.org

About this publicationThis publication was produced by local Realtor Kate Bransfield to keep the North of Montana neighborhood

up to date on some of the more interesting happenings in this unique corner of Santa Monica. As a Santa Monican for over 23 years, Kate takes pride in being a part of this vibrant community.

| Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage | 1608 Montana Avenue | Santa Monica, CA 90403

310.395.1133 | Kate@NorthOfMontana.com | www.NorthOfMontana.com

North of MontanaSingle Family Homes Sold December 2012, January 2013, February 2013

Compared with December 2013, January 2014, February 2014From ALL agents in ALL companies

Uniting the community

Montana Library eventsMarch 29Organic Gardening Workshop12 p.m.Get ready for spring and summer veggiesand herbs with master gardener Emi Carvell.

April 2Mindful Meditation6 p.m.The library invites you to enjoy a pause inthe day to refresh yourself by simply sittingand paying attention to your senses, feelingsand thoughts. You are welcome to stay for 5minutes or for the entire 30 minutes.Natalie Bell, mindful wellness consultant,will guide the session.

April 3Poetry Reading: Noah Blaustein7 p.m.In honor of national poetry month, localpoet Noah Blaustein reads from anddiscusses his debut collection of poetry,“Flirt,” a look into the complexities thatshape life: adolescence, fatherhood, ourresponsibility for the lives of others, theexhilaration of romantic love and memory.A book sale and signing follows thediscussion.

April 8Laughter Yoga7 p.m.Get the endorphins flowing! The group willbe laughing, stretching gently, clapping,breathing, and relaxing. Join the fun.

April 9

Writing the Short Story: Workshop 1 p.m.In this four-week workshop, learn some

basic rules, participate in writing exercises,and explore a creative and lively approach todeveloping your story ideas in an interactivegroup. Instructor Anna Stramese has yearsof professional and academic experience inLA, NYC and Paris.

The Montana Branch Library is somuch more than just a library.

It offers free Internet access and is a meeting place for the North ofMontana neighborhood. The library is located at 1704 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, Ca., 90403. For more information, call (310) 458-8682.

North of Montanaschool calendarLincoln Middle School1501 California Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-4305(310) 393-9227www.lincoln.smmusd.org

March 27Band ConcertHear the beautiful music Lincoln’s studentscan make during this special presentation.

April 4Minimum DayClasses let out at 12:50 p.m.

April 7-18Spring BreakTake a few weeks off to recharge. Rememberto keep up your reading.

April 23STAR TestingAre you ready for the big test?

May 1Coffee with the Principal8:45 a.m.Spend some time with the school’s topadministrator and tour the campus.

May 5-9Book FairBe sure to pick up some good reads.

May 26No SchoolClasses are out of session for Memorial Day.

Roosevelt Elementary School801 Montana Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-1591(310) 395-1472www.roosevelt.smmusd.org

April 7-18Spring BreakTake a few weeks off to recharge. Rememberto keep up your reading.

April 24PTA Executive Board Meeting8:35 p.m.Find out what’s going on around campusand get involved with your schoolcommunity.

May 1PTA General MeetingCall for timeThe school’s budget will be discussed.

May 16Bike It/Walk It DayDitch the car and make your way to campuson wheels or by foot. It’s great for theenvironment.

May 26No SchoolClasses are out of session for Memorial Day.

Franklin Elementary School2400 Montana Ave.Santa Monica, CA. 90403-2199(310) 828-2814www.franklin.smmusd.org

April 7-18Spring BreakTake a few weeks off to recharge. Rememberto keep up your reading.

April 24PTA Meeting8:30 a.m.Meet other parents and some of the school’sstaff during this regular meeting.

May 21Open HouseGrades K-2 will hold their open house at7:30 p.m. Grades 3-5 will be at 8 p.m.

May 26No SchoolClasses are out of session for Memorial Day.

Santa Monica Police Sgt. Mike Boyd throwsout the first pitch during the Santa MonicaLittle League's opening day.