I’ve lived in Santa Monica most of my life, but was born just outside New York City.  When I was thirteen, my family moved to New Haven.  Graduating from a public high school at 16, I won a full scholarship to Yale, where I was music director of the campus radio station in the late 60s. 

In 1973 I drove cross-country to California, and by 1977 was general manager of KROQ.  Later I became creative director of an L.A. ad agency, did numerous voice-overs, and owned a small commercial radio recording studio on

In the 80s, with an early Apple II computer, I became publisher of an international online newsletter and a local activist on Santa Monica’s Public Electronic Network.  As chair of the PEN Users' Group, I was increasingly involved in homelessness issues, and fought a proposed hotel on the beach at 415 PCH (three decades later, it’s our stunning public beach house!).

I served on SMMUSD's technology advisory committee, the City’s Telecomm Working Group, the steering committee of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights, and as chair of the Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition, before being elected to City Council in 1998. Volunteering my computer skills to Santa Monica public schools led to my 25-year career as Macintosh consultant to our district.

In six terms on the City Council, including two as your Mayor, I focused on affordable housing, workers’ rights, and environmental sustainability. I also represented Santa Monica on the Westside Cities Council of Governments, on the state’s Santa Monica Bay Restoration Commission, and as your Director on the Board of the Clean Power Alliance, now bringing 100% renewably sourced electricity to Santa Monica.  I remain as vice chair of the Irish-American Caucus of the California Democratic Party — but I retired from the Santa Monica City Council on June 11, 2021.

I helped to start the top-rated FM rock station in Connecticut (WPLR), and radio became my first, very fulfilling, career.

Santa Monica’s Main Street.

I’m honored by, and grateful for, your support in electing me six times!