Bloom Takes Seat on Council

'By Jorge Casuso

Greeted by a crowd of some 150 clapping and whistling supporters, City Councilman Richard Bloom was sworn in Tuesday night, giving tenant advocates a five-vote super majority on the seven member council.

"I'd like to thank you for remodeling this chamber for me," joked the family practice attorney as he took his seat in the newly renovated high tech-chamber.

Bloom was greeted with hugs from the four other members of Santa Monicans for Renters Rights and handshakes from the grassroots tenant group's two opponents.

"I'm thrilled to have you up here," said Mayor Pam O'Connor. "I'm excited about the contribution you are going to make to the community."

Bloom, who fell just 92 votes short of winning a council seat in November, was the winner of a special two-day weekend election for the seat vacated by Councilwoman Asha Greenberg.

"It wasn't easy," said Bloom, who failed in his first two attempts. "I have the distinction of being defeated by every one of the council members."

Bloom, a homeowner and leader of the neighborhood group Friends of Sunset Park, said his major goal is preserving Santa Monica's diversity.

"The council will face a multitude of decisions," Bloom said. "To me it all boils down to one thing - what kind of Santa Monica will we preserve for our children and grandchildren."

Correction: In a previous version of this story Councilman Richard Bloom was identified as a landlord. He is a homeowner. He has never owned rental property.