Gruber Leads Santa Monica Council Fundraising Race

By Jason Islas
Staff Writer

August 23, 2012 -- Challengers Frank Gruber and Shari Davis took an early fundraising lead in the race for City Council, each raising more than $10,000 during the first six months of the year.

Gruber, an attorney and former Lookout columnist, led the pack with $19,937, followed by Davis, an education activist who raised $13,725 during the period of January 1 to June 30, 2012, according to the City Clerk’s office.

Of the six candidates who sought endorsements from Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (SMRR), which has raised $68,669 in the same period, Davis and Gruber were the only two who did not get the group’s blessing.

SMRR's backing ensures a hefty campaign war chest -- which now totals $73,374 -- and an army of volunteers.

“Regardless of what organization’s support I receive, I want to run my own campaign,” said Gruber. “If you want to reach the 60,000 registered voters in Santa Monica, it’s expensive.”

Davis said she has worked very hard to reach out to a wide constituency. The amount she has raised, she said, is “a reflection of the broad network of people who think I’d make a good City Council member.”

Torie Osborn, a community organizer who made a failed bid in the June primary to represent Assembly District 50, is among Davis’ 59 supporters.

Gruber’s support stems mostly from friends and family, he said. Council member Bobby Shriver is among Gruber’s donors.

The list also includes several prominent Santa Monica-based architects, including David Hibbert, Hank Koning, Eric Parlee, Douglas Suisman and Michael Folonis, as well as  Boris Dramov, whose San Francisco-based ROMA Design worked on the Promenade.

Sue Keintz, director of housing development at Community Corp of Santa Monica, is also among Gruber’s supporters.

Incumbent Council member Gleam Davis -- one of the four to receive SMRR’s endorsement in July -- is third in fundraising with $4,540.

Her supporters include Santa Monica College Board member Louise Jaffe, Parks and Rec Commissioner Phil Brock and the Ocean Lodge Hotel, as well as several realtors.

Planning Commissioner Ted Winterer, another SMRR-backed candidate, has managed to raise $3,250 with the help of Kevin McKeown for Council.

Steve Duron raised $500, while incumbent Terry O’Day reported that he has raised no money.

The other candidates eight candidates haven’t yet reported their campaign donations, including former Council member Tony Vazquez and Planning Commissioner Richard McKinnon. Candidates aren’t required to report their fundraising activity until they have reached $1,000, according to the City Clerk’s office.

Last November, the council voted 5 to 1 to raise the maximum donation amount from $250, set in 1992, to $325.

The next date for candidates to report their fundraising is October 5.