Why I'm Running for City Council

It’s time for CHANGE in Santa Monica.

I have lived in Santa Monica for the last 20 years and I know what it feels like to reach out to the City Council for help only to be ignored and dismissed. I know that the disregard I have experienced in interactions with our elected officials is not the way it should be.

As a career public servant in a neighboring city, I have witnessed a very different kind of relationship between the City Council and the residents.  Respect is essential to trust. Sadly, distrust for Santa Monica City Hall is widespread.

If elected, I will bring to the City Council a commitment to the residents that goes beyond lip service. I will bring the experience I have gained as a career public servant working in fire safety and emergency preparedness. I know how to balance a budget.  My educational background in City Planning equips me to understand the complexities of zoning and city planning.

Now more than ever, city development and revitalization are necessary, but not at the expense of the quality of life of our residents. As a mother of three and an engaged community member, I would like to see Santa Monica become a more livable city, one where developers have less influence.

As your representative, I come with an open heart and willingness to listen and learn. I am dedicated to protecting residents’ quality of life and ensuring that decisions are equitable and fair for all. I vow, as your councilwoman, to uphold the highest standards of integrity, character and ethics. 

    CHRISTINE PARRA UNDERSTANDS THE POWER OF COMMUNITY. 

“When we come together and  organize, we can accomplish more than any one of us can alone.”  

Christine was born and raised in the City of Culver City and in 2000 moved to her mother's hometown of Santa Monica.  She is married and has three sons.

Christine began her career serving others working for the Culver City Fire Department in 1999.  During her 21 years of service, she has held multiple positions including Fire Inspector and most recently, the City’s first Emergency Preparedness Coordinator.  

Christine's work in her City

• Modernizing and restructuring the Culver City  Emergency Operations Center (EOC) 
• Writing the City's Emergency Operations Plan (EOP)
• Revitalizing Culver City's Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
• Activating the City EOC in response to COVID-19
• Activating the City EOC in response to the George Floyd  Civil Unrest
• Co-chairing "Ready Culver City" Community Disaster Resilience Coalition pilot program through the County of Los Angeles
• Steering committee member to update Culver City's Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Steering committee member to update the Fire Department's Strategic Plan

Christine's work in the community

• Launching the first City-wide Disaster Drill, now in its 16th year in Culver City
• Providing Disaster Preparedness trainings for residents, schools and small businesses
• Presenting Disaster Preparedness trainings to large companies, including Apple, Teledyne Controls, Culver City Unified School District, French Consulate, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Southern California Hospital, Connections for Children,

Education

• BA from California State University - Northridge in Urban Studies (City Planning) with an Environmental Emphasis
• California State Certified as a Fire Inspector and Emergency Management Specialist

Professional organizations

• California Emergency Services Association
• Women in Homeland Security
• International Emergency Managers Association
• Mentor to those seeking careers in Emergency Management and Fire Service 

Volunteer work

• Emergency Preparedness Committee for St. Monica Catholic Church, Elementary and High School
• Shoes for the Homeless
• Santa Monica Community College Women's Career Day
• Santa Monica Conservancy
• Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood engagement

Christine is an active member of her neighborhood and co-chairs their annual block party, always inviting representatives of the Santa Monica Police Department and Santa Monica Fire Department.