Mar Vista has lost a longtime advocate and leader

Martin Rubin, Zone 2 Director for Mar Vista Community Council passed away on May 29 after a long battle with cancer.

Martin's community activism predates the birth of the Mar Vista Community Council (MVCC).

Martin and several neighbors were involved in forming the MVCC.   

After the formation of the MVCC, instead of running for a Board seat, Martin decided to help bring attention to the extreme air and noise pollution emanating from the private jet traffic at Santa Monica Airport (SMO).

He served as the Co-founder and Director of Concerned Residents Against Airport Pollution, for almost twenty years; giving him the experience of working with city, state, and federal officials as well as community leaders, activists, and the community-at-large.
 

Martin Rubin was not just an activist; he was a visionary who understood the intricacies of environmental issues tied to aviation and urban development. His efforts through CRAAP were pivotal in raising awareness about the detrimental effects of airport pollution on public health and the environment. Rubin’s leadership helped galvanize community members, local officials, and environmentalists to advocate for cleaner air and safer living conditions.

His passion for protecting the community from the adverse impacts of airport operations was evident in his tireless work. He organized numerous campaigns, rallies, and informational sessions to educate the public about the dangers posed by airport emissions, noise pollution, and other environmental hazards associated with aviation. His commitment to advocacy not only reflected his concern for the environment but also showcased his dedication to improving the quality of life for residents in Mar Vista and Santa Monica.

One of the hallmarks of Martin Rubin’s approach was his ability to build coalitions and foster alliances among various stakeholders. He recognized that a multifaceted issue like airport pollution required a collaborative approach. By bringing together residents, local government officials, and environmental organizations, he created a powerful network dedicated to enacting change.

Martin served as President of the North Westdale Neighborhood Association (NWNA) for eight years, and he then decided to run for Zone 2 Director for the Mar Vista Community Council. He felt it was incumbent to run because he knew he could do a more comprehensive job representing the interest of all stakeholders. 

Karen Bass, Traci Park and Ted Lieu visited Martin during his hospital stay. He was respected by many in our community for his dedication and love for Mar Vista and beyond. 

We will keep you posted on upcoming memorials for Martin. 

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The Mar Vista Community Council Elections are finalized. 

The Mar Vista Community Council Elections are finalized. 

Thank you to everyone who took the time to apply for a ballot. We know this was a very cumbersome process and the amount of ballots processed showed it. Other NC's expressed the same frustrations and their numbers were down as well. Mar Vista's numbers came in only second to Venice NC, so considering the hurdles, we gave it a good shot. 

Here are the final results. 

Thank you to everyone who ran, as well as our community who voted, as well as those who tried to vote. We appreciate all of you. We look forward to working with you all in the upcoming term.