Meet Natalya Zernitskaya, running for Santa Monica City Council
Natalya is an affordable housing advocate, a former President of the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica, a Financial Analyst, a longtime community activist, and a Pico neighborhood renter.
Born in Belarus, Natalya and her family immigrated to the U.S. as Jewish refugees after the fall of the Soviet Union. She grew up in San Francisco, where living in a rent-controlled apartment allowed her to attend excellent public schools. These early experiences shaped her lifelong dedication to housing reform and tenant protections, key pillars of her platform in Santa Monica. Natalya is driven to protect and expand resources and programs that provide opportunities for everyone to live fulfilling, joyful lives.
Before running for office, Natalya served as president of the League of Women Voters of Santa Monica for four years. During her tenure, she led initiatives promoting transparency, civil discourse, and voter education, empowering residents to be more informed and engaged in local politics. Her leadership at the League underscores her commitment to making government accessible and accountable to the community.
In 2022, Natalya was encouraged by then-Mayor Pro Tem Kristin McCowan to run for city council. Although she joined the race late, she came within 1,000 votes of unseating an incumbent. That experience gave her invaluable insight into the electoral process and strengthened her resolve to advocate for her community.
Natalya’s top priority is addressing Santa Monica’s housing crisis. She believes the city has not built enough housing for decades, leading to skyrocketing rents that affect residents across income levels. Her goal is to prioritize people-first policies, ensuring affordable housing is available to everyone, from young professionals to longtime residents. Natalya envisions a city where housing is accessible, allowing Santa Monica to retain its diversity and character.
Public safety is another key issue for Natalya, but her approach goes beyond traditional crime prevention. She believes in addressing the root causes of safety concerns, including housing insecurity, mental health, and economic instability. Instead of relying on reactive solutions, she advocates for preventative measures that tackle these challenges before they escalate.
Economic recovery is also central to Natalya’s platform. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognizes the need to support small businesses and streamline processes like permitting. Natalya is committed to fostering a business-friendly environment that encourages innovation and sustainable industries, helping Santa Monica grow its identity as a tech hub known as “Silicon Beach.”
Outside of politics, Natalya is deeply involved in her community. She treasures time with friends and her rescue dog, Sadie, a Staffie mix. Natalya also has a variety of hobbies, including knitting scarves and crafting, which she finds particularly therapeutic. After her dog Preacher passed away, she channeled her grief into creating buttons and magnets with his face to commemorate his memory. Besides crafting, Natalya loves spending time with friends and is a big fan of Marvel movies, with Groot being her favorite character.
As Natalya campaigns for the city council, her personal background, political experience, and deep community ties make her a candidate dedicated to building a more equitable and inclusive Santa Monica. With a focus on housing, public safety, and economic recovery, she hopes to create a city where all residents have the opportunity to thrive.
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