The next candidate eligible for a plot in the Santa Monica community gardens has been on the waitlist for over TWELVE years. They still have to wait until someone dies or gives up their plot to have a chance to garden in Santa Monica. Despite the City advising citizens to expect to wait at least 7 years, they have not implemented term limits because "The Community Gardens Advisory Committee and the Recreation and Parks Commission have considered this topic on several occasions and determined term limits for assigned community garden plots should not be implemented at this time." One can only imagine this is due to committee members benefiting from indefinite and exclusive access to this community resource.

The gardens are on city-owned land - the City of Santa Monica exists to serve all citizens.

These community gardens are spaces of unity, sustainability, and enrichment that should be open and accessible for all Santa Monica citizens to experience, not just a select few indefinitely. They sit on city-owned land which is meant to serve and benefit everyone in this community. We believe that imposing a three to five-year term limit is a fair solution that allows for more residents to have the chance to enjoy and benefit from these gardens.

We ask for fair use of our shared spaces and equitable practice. Thus, let's call on the Community Gardens Advisory Committee to take immediate, decisive action and implement a three to five-year term limit on plot assignments in our community gardens. It's time for us to cultivate change within our community. Sign this petition to support implementing term limits for Santa Monica’s community gardens.