So Long Ken

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So Long Ken

January 11, 2010 -- The Lookout asked some of those who knew Ken Genser to share their recollections of the late mayor, who died Saturday at the start of his 22nd year in office.

We all know Ken's accomplishments, so we asked the contributors to focus on Ken as a person and tell a story or two. We hope their thoughts reflect what we all know: agree or disagree with him, Ken was one heck of a guy. Stay tuned throughout the week for more.

Jorge Casuso, Editor

Ellen Brennan, longtime community activist and member of the Pier Restoration Corporation

I first met Ken Genser at a South Beach neighborhood watch meeting hosted by Shutters Hotel in 1995. I was new to Santa Monica, having been active in neighborhood affairs in Los Angeles. There were at least 50 people present and the problems discussed were well chewed-over by neighbors who had agendas. No resolution was in sight. I reached the point where I couldn’t listen anymore and rose to leave. As I walked out, I was joined by Council member Genser – he walking with the help of his cane. When we had exited the room, I introduced myself and said, “I’m stunned that you would come to this meeting and sit through that discussion.” He said with a smile, waving away my concern. “No problem. This is what I do.” My respect for him at that moment knew no bounds.

The last time I saw Ken was at about 9:30 a.m.on a sunny fall morning in 2009. I now knew him as the PRC liaison, as a council member, and thought of him as a friend. I was on the corner of Colorado and Ocean when a convertible, with the top down, drove up and stopped for the traffic signal. I recognized Ken and called to him. He couldn’t turn his head, so he said, “Come here. I can’t see you.” I ran over to the car, intending to say “Hello.” With a smile, he said, “Hop in. Can I take you somewhere?” He seemed in good health and was obviously enjoying that convertible. (He had talked about it numerous times).

We drove along, chatting about his car, his family and life in Santa Monica. He was in very good spirits, obviously happy. He dropped me at a bus stop and as he drove away, I thought how wonderful it was that, after all the medical problems he’d had over his lifetime, he was now really enjoying his life. Although we all mourn his passing, I hold the memory of that autumn morning and remember how happy he was that day.

Council member Kevin McKeown:

Ken dazzled us all with his dogged ability to think through solutions that would make life better in Santa Monica. He had the vision to make great things happen, and the attention to detail to make them happen great. Time and again, faced with the most complex land use decisions, Ken could thread the needle -- when others couldn't even find a needle in the haystack of municipal zoning codes. Ken knew where everything was.

But there was much more to Ken than the dazzle. He pursued our City's well-being with superhuman endurance even though, as I came to learn, he sometimes needed an arm to lean on navigating the steps leaving City Hall. Ken lived with multiple infirmities, but endured discomfort, indignities, and pain with a cheerfully stoic "let's get it done" attitude. Few knew how hard life could be for Ken; the world will remember him for his endless compassion and mischievous twinkle.

City Manager P. Lamont Ewell:

In addition to Ken's extensive track record on housing, land use, environmental quality, worker's rights and education-- to name just a few of his passions-- Ken was tenacious to get results on the details that make cities run. We had regular lunches at IZZY'S, and he brought his list of action items for me to follow-up on.

Ken was responsive to everyone who brought an issue to him as well as looked at systems that offer lasting solutions. He made sure things got done!

Matt Dinolfo, Santa Monica physician, education activist and former City Council candidate:

I first met Ken at the start of my campaign for the City Council in 2002. We had lunch together, and I remember being struck by how gracious and kind he was to me, a newcomer to the Santa Monica political landscape. Ken’s willingness to be informative, and even helpful, was a singularly generous act and I will always remember it.

Ken's intellect was prodigious. He had an unwavering moral compass and was able to navigate the frequently turbulent waters of local politics without losing his foundation, his
vision, or his common sense. As a source of institutional memory his death is a huge loss to the Santa Monica community, but far more than that his steadying hand on the wheel, his contemplative and even-tempered consideration of the issues, and his bone deep loyalty to
Santa Monica will never be equaled or replaced.

Oscar de la Torre, School Board member and executive director of the Pico Youth and Family Center:

I saw Ken Genser as a role model, the wise man in our community who upheld the highest principles of integrity in representative leadership. Every conversation I had with Ken was related to matters of public service. Ken provided invaluable insight into the workings of government.

Ken voted to support our public schools with City funds and never wavered when it came to investing in our youth. Our City’s institutional culture promotes compassion for those in greatest need and Ken more than any other elected official in recent memory has done more to uphold this value in our government.

Rebecca Kennerly, Chair Community for Excellent Public Schools

Mayor Ken Genser’s passion to preserve and improve the lives of all Santa Monicans, particularly his work around land use and traffic issues, is well known here in his hometown. What might be less known is his strong advocacy in support of our local public schools. Ken Genser understood that excellent public schools are an integral component of a strong, healthy city.

City Council member Richard Bloom:

Robbie and I met Ken in the late 80s. Our neighborhood group, Friends of Sunset Park, was in formation and along came Councilman Ken. Here was a “big shot” that was willing to listen, counsel, and help! We rapidly became friends and confidantes. We were new parents then; Ken enjoyed our boys at every stage of their lives; conversing with them and watching them grow and mature.

Like everyone, I’ve always admired Ken for his extraordinary intellect; his power of recall and awesome ability to synthesize complex matters. He was compassionate and cared about people and their quality of life. Ken made every moment count and refused to let his physical restrictions hold him back. His constant energy and ability to go without sleep is the stuff of legend.

Yet, it may be that his sense of humor was the sine qua non that bound us over the years. Ken’s impish, frequently immature, quick and always on-target wit never failed to keep me laughing and give me perspective.

Thank you, my friend.