FWIW, I see Santa Monica as being more akin to Berkeley, or even San Francisco, than to LA. To me, Santa Monica's politics seem much more engaging, idealistic

FWIW, I see Santa Monica as being more akin to Berkeley, or even San Francisco, than to LA. To me, Santa Monica's politics seem much more engaging, idealistic and left-leaning than those of LA. Santa Monica is also much wealthier, on average, than LA. Because of its greater wealth (or its idealism, you decide) Santa Monica seems to be a better run city with what appear to be better maintained streets and public facilities. It's the kind of city LA residents like to escape to from time to time, if they can afford it. It's perhaps relevant that Stephen Miller, an influential element of the Trump administration, forged his identity as a reactionary provocateur in the politically correct crucible of Santa Monica High School. http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/trump-advisor-stephen-miller-booed-stage-high-school-article-1.2973670 http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/trump-advisor-steph... Just my 2 cents ...