1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING OF December 21, 2022
THE CITY COUNCIL OF 6:00 p.m.
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Vera called the special meeting of the City Council to order at 5:33 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall.
Present: Albert Vera, Mayor
Göran Eriksson, Council Member
Freddy Puza, Council Member
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
Absent: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Vice Mayor
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Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Jamie Wallace was called to speak but was not present.
Melissa Sanders was called to speak but was not present.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR VERA THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
Closed Session
At 5:36 p.m. the City Council adjourned to Closed Session t o consider the following Closed Session Items:
December 21, 2022
2 CS-1 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Significant Exposure to Litigation - 1 Item
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
CS-2 CC - Conference with Legal Counsel – Public Employee Appointment
Title: Interim Chief of Police
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
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Regular Session
Mayor Vera reconvened meeting of the City Council to order at 6:00 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Vera led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Report on Action Taken In Closed Session
Mayor Vera reported that Assistant Chief Sims had been appointed in Closed Session to serve as Interim Chief as of January 16, 2023.
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Community Announc ements by City Council Members/ Information Items from Staff
Council Member Puza reported on the Kwanzaa Night Market on December 16 organized by former Mayor Daniel Lee; indicated that he, Mayor Vera, and Council Member O’Brien had attended the Menorah Lighting Ceremony and Hanukah Celebration; and he stated that all faiths were welcome in the City.
Council Member O’Brien echoed comments made by Council Member Puza about the Menorah Lighting, diversit y, and experiencing all traditions and cultures, and he hoped everyone would have a safe holiday with friends and family.
Council Member Eriksson encouraged everyone to watch the speech December 21, 2022
3 from President Zel ensky from Ukraine to the joint session of Congress.
Mayor Vera expressed concern with misinformation online about the meeting; he clarified the intent of the City to provide care first and serve the unhoused while also providing services to residents; he discussed current and former Council Members painting a false narrative that the City is trying to sweep out the unhoused in an inhumane fashion; and he received Council consensus from Council Members Eriksson and O’Brien to agendize consideration of a declaration of a state of emergency to match what Los Angeles is doing.
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Joint Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Meggie Kelly was called to speak but was not present.
Elizabeth Sharma was called to speak but was not present.
Jamie Filer was called to speak but was not present.
Danny Young felt the actions of Council Member Eriksson at the end of the December 12, 2022 meeting to repeal the $25 minimum wage for healthcare workers were a disgrace.
Frank Clark discussed the need for law and order to have a civilized society; expressed concern with lawlessness; a nd discussed comments from people who are not from Culver City.
Melissa Sanders expressed concern with litigation exposure for the City and indicated that she had not been aware that speakers could address Closed Session Items during Closed Session; she felt residents had a right to know what is going on and expressed regret that Chief Cid was leaving the City ; she wished Jason Sims the best of luck; discussed embracing resources and working together; loss of personnel; and the failure of the Circulator and of MOVE Culver City.
Kelli Estes thanked the City Council for reversing the minimum wage ordinance; encouraged healthcare workers to pressure their December 21, 2022
4 union to fight for higher wages; expressed disappointment that Chief Cid was leaving the City for a better job but wished him luck; she wished best of luck to Interim Chief Sims; and she thanked those at the Culver City Police Depar tment (CCPD) who continue to serve the City.
Erin Mauffr ay asserted that unhoused residents were still residents and the City Council was supposed to be working for them as well; she noted that there were not enough shelter beds; discussed poor conditions in shelters; anti-camping ordinances; unhoused seniors; the lethal impacts of sweeps; and she wanted to see humane and logical solutions.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reminded public speakers that comments for Item A-1 would be upcoming, and the current item was Public Comment – Items NOT On The Agenda.
Ruth Roofless was called to speak but was not present.
Ron Ostrin with one minute ceded, expressed hope for a new start in the City; discussed creating progress; constructive
compassion; obstructionism; Housing First; preventing the normal enforcement of laws; allowing open drug markets; the need for a regional solution; ordinances of adjacent cities; concern that the unhoused would flow into Culver City; and being on the defensive for not sounding progressive enough.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reminded public speakers that comments for Item A-1 would be upcoming, and the current item was Public Comment – Items NOT On The Agenda noting that if they spoke on the item now, they would not be heard during Item A-1.
David Metzler read a quote from Dan O’Brien’s campaign website about ending divisiveness, being accessibile, listening to concerns, and bringing the community together; discussed the action taken by Council Member O’Brien to reverse an action made by the previous City Council without taking any public comment; the power of the Mayor to delay a vote to allow new Council Members time to meet with constituents in their new role; hope that more time and consideration w ould be taken at future meetings to end divisiveness and bring the community together; and he congratulated new Council Members.
Mayor Vera received agreement from Mr. Metzler to organize a neighborhood meeting to facilitate constituent communication in January.
December 21, 2022
5 Dolores Lopez was called to speak but was not present.
LaRhonda Smith was called to speak but was not present.
Kathleen Pitman was called to speak but was not present.
Greta Espinoza was called to speak but was not present.
Maky Peters was called to speak but was not present.
Rebecca Rona Tuttle discussed the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee Awards; announced the January 31, 2023 deadline to submit an application ; and she indicated that additional information was available on the City website.
Melissa Sanders was called to speak but was not present.
Marci Baun welcomed new Council Members; thanked Chief Cid for his work noting that she was sorry to see him go; she wished everyone a Happy Solstice; and she wanted to see time limits extended and registration eliminated at The Plunge.
Meggie Kelly indicated wanting to speak on Item A-1; she stated that if the City proceeded with enforcement of an anti -camping ordinance, they would be contributing to the legacy of White Supremacy, classism, redlining, restrictive zoning, and criminalization of people living on the street who cannot afford a place to live; and she questioned why the item was on the agenda.
Triana Silton provided background on herself; discussed hospital workers who have placed their lives on the line to serve the City; issues that move civil rights forward; lawsuits; advocacy for the minimum wage; dirty politics; money spent on mailings before the election; and she wanted to meet with Mayor Vera and Council Member O’Brien to discuss what constituents want rather than what Culver Studios wants.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER ERIKSSON AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER O’BRIEN THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
December 21, 2022
6 AYES: ERIKSSON, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
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Item A-1
CC - (1) Discussion of an Anti -Camping Ordinance; (2) Direction to City Manager as Deemed Appropriate
Tevis Barnes, Acting Housing and Human Services Director, noted that staff always starts with shelter and services when engaging with the community; pointed out the focus to get people off the street; she provided a presentation about the homeless
community; discussed additional information to consider when making policy decisions related to homelessness ; terms and definitions; the annual homeless census of unhoused residents; Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) numbers; and location of encampments.
Arames White -Shearin, Assistant to the City Manager on Homelessness, discussed current procedures for trash removal and outreach at encampments , and collaboration with other departments and contractors.
Marian Aspnes, Enforcement Services Manager , discussed Code Enforcement; ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) violations; sidewalk obstructions; provision of services; posting of notices; team response; the amount of trash collected since July; and storage of collected belongings.
Lisa Vidra , Assistant City Attorney , reviewed current City ordinances and the ordinances of neighboring cities; discussed the Public Nuisance Section; and property maintenance
provisions.
Roger Brau n, Fire Chief, discussed concerns related to the unhoused population; fires; open flame used for cooking and heating; potential carbon monoxide poisoning with the use of generators; and concerns for neighboring communities and first responders.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need to bring housing online; care for the unhoused; the difficulty of living on the street; the Service First model; enforcement as a last resort; operating within the parameters December 21, 2022
7 of the City; identification of funding sources; the adoption of Measure H; money contributed vs. benefit received; implementing safe parking and safe camping areas; sweeps; the definition of unhoused individuals; the duty to serve the unhoused as well as residents; people who don’t feel safe in Vets Park; the recent need to bring the Winter Camp indoors; streamlining processes to move forward with housing; and providing pallet shelters with wraparound services.
Additional discussion ensued between Council Members regarding creating systems of care rather than systems of punishment; long and short-term solutions; providing access to water and power; tenant protections to prevent people from falling into
homelessness; addressing the root issue of affordable housing; the 405 underpass; work done on Skid Row; the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACHH); time and research put into the matter; advocating for structural changes to address the root causes; concern with the timing of bringing up the item during the holidays when people are busy or travelling; the need for community input, especially fr om those experiencing homelessness; educating the community; limited staff resources; the budget as a reflection of values; the need to fund
departments that deal with issues; scaling up resources to address issues; delays to the motels due to supply chain issues; Mobile Crisis Intervention Units (MCIUs) ; the continuing pandemic; economic downturn; the need to come together; people who are afraid; negative experiences; telling people where they can be rather than where they can’t be; creating borders; ticketing; jailing; creation of more service -resistant individuals; developing networks of community care; concern with spending City resources on enforcement rather than on providing help; violence against homeless individuals; criminalization; barriers to exiting homelessness; the county Coordinated Entry System; displacement; the difficulty of getting into housing; shelter availability; underfunded, understaffed, and overworked service providers; the spirit of Karen Bass’s ordinance; treating the situation like the emergency that it is; providing opportunities for people to come inside; establishing safe camping and safe parking; additional hotel conversions; work with partners; funding; support for cities from the Board of Supervisors; number of beds planned by Karen Bass; the sunset of the Los Angeles emergency order; monitoring; alignment of the timeline with the opening of the hotels and MCIUs; concern with litigation and harm; and working together to ensure shelter for all unhoused persons according to the last homeless count in the City.
December 21, 2022
8 Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the City policy to start with shelter and services; acceptance of services offered; the internal motel program; the By Name List; those waiting for the Project Homekey opening; waiting for interim and permanent housing; Upward Bound House; St. Joseph Center; metrics and quarterly statements; people who are in process; the number of encounters necessary to build trust; emergency hotel vouchers; availability; ADA concerns; refuse; compliance with cleanups; the Outreach Team;
relationships with the unhoused community; personal belongings; storage; staffing levels; departmental resources devoted to the issue on a daily basis; costs of safe camping; wraparound services for safe parking; different populations served; homelessness due to economic reasons; security; increased costs for safe camping situations related to addiction and mental health services; the budget for the Project Homekey motels; the Exodus contract; property improvements; the timeline for opening; reallocation of funding for safe camping or safe parking; the Inside Safe Program; and moving people at Venice and the 405 inside.
Mayor Vera invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Victoria Gomez, Supervisor Mitchell’s Office, noted that removing and displacing people did not solve the problem and the problem was not created, nor could be solved overnight; discussed the Housing First model; lessons learned from past experience; exacerbating the situation; creating barriers to housing; increased time, money, and resources spent on clearing records rather than on housing people; and she encouraged anyone with questions to email her.
Daniel Behrendt, Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACHH) Chair, spoke as a private citizen; discussed finding the best path forward; staffing constraints; and he was looking forward to working with the City Council and Subcommittee to identify solutions.
Neal Tabachnick discussed living adjacent to the Creek; lack of Creek cleanups until recently; issues with fires and noise related to the homeless living there; he felt it was not a kindness to permit the human suffering to continue; he wanted money spent to build housing and return quality of life back to the neighborhood; and he asked fo r coordination with other December 21, 2022
9 agencies to identify who w ould patrol the Creek to get the unsupervised area under control.
Stephen Jones noted that under existing law, anyone living on the sidewalk is already guilty of a misdemeanor; discussed wasting valuable staff time that could be used to get people housed; the ultimate goal to displace “service resistant” individuals; couples and fami lies that do not want to be separated into different shelters; violence and theft in shelters vs. in encampments; conflicts with work schedules; location; forcing people to move under the threat of arrest; and he questioned where people were expected to go when housing is not available and there are not enough shelter beds.
Bubba Fish, ACHH Vice Chair with one minute ceded by David Metzler, spoke on behalf of himself; expressed appreciation for the privilege of serving but concern with the lack of
consultation of the ACHH on the ordinance; discussed the ACHH recommendation that the City Council fund safe camping and safe parking and expedite housing and other proven solutions to care for unhoused populations; staff dedicated to housing the unhoused vs. staff levels in the CCPD; the focus on enforcement; proven failure of anti -camping ordinances; money spent on sweeps; the failure of sweeps to house people; increases in homelessness; interactions between homeless individuals and sweeps teams; the return of homeless individuals to the streets; loss of contact; unavailability of shelter beds in the county; lack of safe camping and s afe parking sites or permanent supportive housing units that are ready; and the inadequate number of units being built.
Elias Platt Bermeo discussed the need for increased investment to tackle structural issues; the need for safe parking, safe camping, and additional support services; he asserted that criminalization and anti -camping ordinances would waste staff time; expressed concern with spending time on cruel policies rather than working on lasting solutions; concern with Council Members who characterize homeless individuals as separate from City residents; and he noted the importance of representing constituents from all backgrounds.
Cynthia Hart asserted that unhoused people were not trash, but rather people who were down on their luck, and she did not see how moving them from one street to another would create more housing.
December 21, 2022
10 Michelle Weiner discussed losing track of people and asked that the City Council not disrupt relationships that staff has worked hard to cultivate; she asked that funds not be diverted from Project Homekey; and she requested that City resources continue to be directed toward the issue of homelessness.
Jeanne Black quoted H.L. Menken regarding solutions to problems; discussed the cruelty of leaving people on the streets; impacts of enforcing anti-camping laws; fines; criminalization and incarceration; and she questioned what would happen to the work of staff to move people into Project Homekey if people are scattered.
Ross Piro discussed fires; mentally unstable individuals walking around naked screaming at children; drugs; theft; the need for regulations that balance compassion for everyone; vilifying the unhoused to support the housed; finding a solution that works for everyone; ensuring that the voices of housed residents are being heard; and he noted that the issue was not black and white.
Elise Pon requested help with the encampment at the Creek and Overland; discussed harassment experienced by her tenants; and reported repeated calls to CCPD for assistance with mentally ill individuals.
Olga Lexell was called to speak but did not respond.
Frances Rosenau discussed the Bible; those who sleep outside; clean, polished, and appealing things vs. reality; Measure H funding; she asserted that tents did not cause homelessness and that taking them away would not solve homelessness; and she encouraged more housing and services at St. Josephs Center and other partners.
Alejandro Larson expressed sympathy for the homeless; discussed fires at the Creek over the past year; arson; mental illness; safety issues; and he asserted that something needed to be done.
Mary Daval discussed the delicate process of rehousing individuals; building relationships necessary to bring people indoors; concern that adopting an aggressively punitive approach to remove people from public view without adding housing options would undermine work done by staff; the difficulty of rebuilding trust; the need for safe parking and safe camping sites with onsite toilets and showers as well as support services; she noted that being uncomfortable is not the same as being at risk; December 21, 2022
11 and she asked the City to focus resources on those who are truly at risk.
Sebastian Hernandez, Culver City Action Network (CCAN), felt that the wrong conversation was being had; asserted that solutions should be discussed; noted camping ordinances in place; discussed care first; funding for staff; fast -tracking housing; crisis intervention; expanded care; prioritizing aesthetic pleasure of some over the actual well-being of others; undermining public health; using a control group of cities with no camping bans; unique individuals with unique problems; he asked that other stakeholders be included in the process; and he invited everyone to visit the CCAN webpage for interviews with the unhoused.
Ndindi Kitonga discussed people dying on the streets of the City; actual services available; clarification on who has actually been housed and who was responsible; regular working class people who help feed the homeless; and she questioned why an ordinance would be enacted to further criminalize people.
Meggie Kelley echoed comments of the previous speaker; discussed starting with care and shelter for unhoused neighbors; video documentation of encampment clearing without services offered or items stored noting that the words did not match the actions; stated that ordinances restricting where a person can exist are unconstitutional, a violation of 8 th Amendment rights, and the City Council would be guilty of conspiracy if they enable the law; and she asked that the focus be placed on wraparound services and permanent supportive housing.
Elizabeth Sharma was called to speak but was not present.
Jamie Filer was called to speak but was not present.
Melody Hansen asserted that an anti -camping ordinance would serve to further divide the house d and unhoused in the City; discussed equity; the need for interim services until housing is available; dedicating more resources to solve issues; and she asked the City not to enact the ordinance or conduct sweeps.
Megan Oddsen Goodwin was called to speak but did not respond.
Margaret Peters reported living by the Venice underpass; asserted that the ordinance would just push the problem across the street into Los Angeles and would not deal with the issue; reported that the homeless encampments did not cause a problem December 21, 2022
12 for her; she proposed prov iding bathrooms or increasing the frequency of trash pickup to address issues; and she noted that the problem would not be addressed as those who live on the border with Los Angeles w ould continue to see unhoused residents.
Philip Lelyveld thanked staff for the excellent presentation; expressed appreciation for the public comment; he asserted that the regional problem required a coordinated regional solution so that people are treated compassionately, fairly, and equally regardless of where they reside.
Megan Oddsen Goodwin requested compassionate alternatives to an anti-camping ordinance; asked that work done by staff to establish relationships not be disrupted; discussed providing solutions; and she encouraged the City to choose love even when it is uncomfortable, inconvenient, smelly, and unattractive.
Nancy Barba questioned what Council Members had done to fund housing; discussed votes against the original Homekey
investment; safe camping and safe parking sites previously identified in the City; enga gement and consultation with advocacy organizations that center the needs of the unhoused; addressing issues humanely; she noted that there was no need to call a special meeting for work that the entire community already supports: services first, safe parking, safe camping and increasing staffing and funding for housing, homeless, and human services; and she asserted that the only thing that would address homelessness is housing.
Amaris Beller was called to speak but did not respond.
Danny Young read a quote about the prohibition of anyone sleeping under the bridge and discussed relocating visible poverty from privileged people who see themselves as victims.
Leah Pressman was called to speak but was not present.
Robert Zirgulis with one minute ceded from David Hoyt, discussed the effects of the homeless encampment at Sepulveda and the 405 on the neighbors who live on Globe Avenue; victimization of home owners; assault; those on hard times; thought police; sheep; political correctness; predator homeless people; theft at the 7-11 at Culver and Venice; and he asserted that 80% of the homeless individuals camping on the street with drug addiction and mental health issues were ruining the City and needed to accept help.
December 21, 2022
13 Prisca Gloor discussed compassion; the need for services; the budget that allocates most of the tax money toward weapons; shielding the privileged from seeing the houseless and living in fear; right wing practices; and legal bribes to politicians.
Frank Clark discussed the failure of past practices and the need for change.
Olga Lexell provided background on herself; discussed Roomkey vs. Homekey; felt that Council Members who lacked clarity on basic issues should not vote on policies they don’t know about; cited statistics indicating the increased odds of people dying in the 9 months after their encampment is swept ; increased healthcare expenses; and she asserted that sweeps did not work, noting a 1% success rate in Los Angeles.
Mark St. John was called to speak but was not present.
Meg Sullivan, housing provider in the Arts District, expressed relief that the City Council was considering an ordinance that would bring Culver City in line with surrounding municipalities; wanted the Expo Line Bike Path along National included, noting an uptick in camping since Los Angeles started enforcing its ordinance; discussed loss of a tenant due to harassment by a homeless man; repeated efforts to clean up drug paraph ernalia, trash, human excrement, and fire remnants; concern with the safety of those using the Bike Path; and she asked for help keeping people housed and safe.
Melissa Sanders discussed those who did not listen to the presentation; pallet housing; parking lots for camping; the multi-tiered issue; and addressing different situations and reasons people are unhoused.
Pete Rockwell read from the fiscal impact analysis of the proposed ordinance; discussed impacted departments; potential costs; experiences of other cities that indicate the approach is a waste of money; and he felt there should be a coordinated approach with Los Angeles city and county along with other area cities.
Kelli Estes expressed support for having the discussion and appreciation for the staff report; felt that the current program was not working; discussed potential impacts to Culver City as a result of changes made by Karen Bass in Los Angeles; the need to reevaluate St. Josephs and look at other programs; and she December 21, 2022
14 felt that more action was necessary than creating another department and spending more money.
Erin Mauffray was called to speak but was not present.
Ruth Roofless reported living in an en campment on the wash; expressed disappointment that the unhoused people in the City had not been invited or involved in the meeting as they should be involved in decisions made about them; discussed Homeless Person’s Memorial Day on the Winter Solstice ; the number of homeless people who died in the first year of the pandemic; making the lives of unhoused people longer; the absence of truly affordable housing; and she expressed appreciation to the City for their recent efforts including sidewalk bulb -outs and the purchase of two Homekey hotels.
Arielle Little indicated that she lived in Los Angeles on the border of Culver City; expressed opposition to the anti-camping ordinance; discussed procedures and costs for sweeps; loss of critical items during sweeps; the cruel and disruptive policy; undermining and undoing the work of service providers; the ineffectiveness and costliness of sweeps; and she noted that sweeps had already proven that they do not solve homelessness.
Shelly Rosekelly discussed undermining humanity and empowering dangerous rhetoric; concern with treating people as less than human; the proposed cruel, expensive, and ineffective ordinance; money being spent to criminalize people instead of on support services; the large police budget; and she proposed addressing causes rather than reacting to them.
Jesse Goldsh ear provided background on himself; discussed efforts to provide harm reduction supplies to encampments on the westside; research indicating the harmful nature of sweeps; condemning people to disease and death; and he reported that more people die of hypother mia on the streets in Los Angeles than do in New York City.
Gary Zeiss discussed “the perfect being the enemy of the good”; the emergency; dealing with the problem right now; providing safe places for the unhoused and for the community around them; and he asserted that both sides needed to be heard.
Salina Rahim, King Fahad Mosque, expressed opposition to the anti-camping ord inance; discussed harm caused; time and resources allocated to police; the need to increase affordable housing and address root causes of homelessness; data from LAHSA December 21, 2022
15 indicating that encampment sweeps do not result in homeless individuals being brought in doors; the expensive homelessness jail cycle; harming people’s well-being; and costs to taxpayers.
Maggie Clarke acknowledged great points already made about the negative effects of sweeps; reminded everyone that compassionate people act in compassionate ways; discussed justifying a lack of compassion; and she encouraged the City Council to act compassionately.
Matt Zarro reported being a volunteer working with the unhoused, asserted that a compassionate City does not start a conversation about an anti -camping ordinance but rather a conversation is had about building public housing; discussed housing controlled by the community and not reliant on landlords; concern with the demonization of drug users, mentally ill, the disabled, and the elderly; and he en couraged the City Council to go to a 4118 Sweep before considering passing such an ordinance.
Michael Cousineau, Los Angeles County Hospital and Healthcare Commission, expressed opposition to the ordinance as he felt it would probably not work; discussed the need for a comprehensive plan to address meeting the needs of the unhoused; treatment needs that are not available to the unhoused; expansion of services; the difficulty of engaging people; and the need for sufficient time for engagement to move people into housing.
Ulysses Smith indicated being homeless; noted the need to address mental health issues; expressed sympathy for people living by the Creek; discussed safety of the homeless; the need for temporary housing; support for pallet housing; and he noted the difficulty of waking up and going to work in the morning when being mildly hypothermic.
Monica Richardson felt that Culver City should take help from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors; expressed support for the ordinance; discussed a ffordable housing in New York City; cleaning up the streets for taxpayers; her choice to be homeless when she was younger; and she cited instances of indecent exposure and assault.
Dolores Lopez was called to speak but was not present.
Greta Espinoza was called to speak but was not present.
Maky Peters spoke in opposition to the item; discussed actions taken last week to overturn the healthcare minimum wage; the December 21, 2022
16 link between low wages and housing insecurity; people who are one emergency away from homelessness; healthcare workers living in shelters while fully employed; equivocation by the Mayor on every issue; actions being taken to exacerbate crises; evidence- based solutions; the belief that cruelty is a necessary cornerstone of a well-functioning society; elementary bootstrap logic; and she asked that the City Council reverse the decision on the healthcare minimum wage and to not pass the anti-camping ordinance.
Rebecca Rona Tuttle was called to speak but was not present.
Doug Osborne was called to speak but was not present.
Carol Oblack was called to speak but was not present.
Meghan Sahli -Wells discussed cruelty in interrupting the holidays to target the poorest; twisted logic to believe that pouring money into a police model to criminalize homelessness is the answer to the state-wide humanitarian crisis; the model ordinances proposed; enforcemen t; criminalization of
homelessness; diverting staff time and resources; taking away tents in the dead of winter rather than investing in real solutions; the false premise that Los Angeles will send its houseless residents to Culver City over the holidays; and she asserted that the ordinance would not solve the problem and was fear-based and regressive.
Thistle Boosinger with one minute ceded from Sky Rice, discussed her interaction with a homeless individual and her promise to address the City Council to fight for those struggling to stay alive in the City; the fact that the homeless are not seen as individuals; oppressive minimum wage jobs; tax write -offs; capitalistic hierarchy; benefits to corporations; usefulness vs. inconvenience; the ordinance as mak ing it harder for marginalized individuals struggling to stay alive; re-awakening a precedent that rich homeowners are the only ones who are entitled to life, liberty, and property; stealing the few blankets the homeless have; money in the police budget to give everyone a home; the fact that every human deserves to live comfortably and safely; the privilege of property ownership; land stolen by rich white men; and she expressed hope that those Council Members who support the ordinance would look back and realize how much time was wasted on oppression.
Mayor Vera asked audience members not to disrespect those who have addressed the City Council.
December 21, 2022
17 Carolyn Libuser expressed gratitude to the City Council for addressing the issue; discussed her previous requests to get the area by the Senior Center cleaned up; compassion for the seniors who are terrorized by those camping there; she suggested that those espousing comp assion invite the homeless to their homes; requested compassion for the seniors afraid to use the Senior Center; and she asked that the people camping around the Senior Center be moved.
Jay Garacochea encouraged the City Council to support the item; thanked staff for their presentation; discussed improving current programs; he reported increased crime, trash, rodents, and people defecating on the street or people passed out on the street near Venice and the 405; and he expressed confidence in the efforts of the City Council to put together a solution.
Cass Gualvez was called to speak but was not present.
Ron Bassilian discussed comments made by activists; fliers distributed asking the question about whether the City could compel people to leave if they don’t want to; number of available units vs. those who want them; meetings with the Globe Avenue stakeholders; and he encouraged people with concerns to contact [email protected].
Marci Baun expressed appreciation that the issue was being addressed; discussed what is being said by staff members; clarifying questions; the call for a City emergency to address the issue; hyperbole and histrionics; temporary housing that was vetoed by the majority City Council; and she acknowledged the need to address the complex issue.
Disa Lindgren discussed the holiday season; celebrating light and community; empathy and care for others; National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day on December 21; providing adequate staff resources and supportive services; Project Homekey; and the need to open safe parking and safe camping areas in the City.
Barbara Honig expressed appreciation for comments made by the Mayor about compassion; felt the item was about negativity; and she suggested calling a state of emergency but tabling t he discussion of the ordinance which she felt should be part of a larger discussion that includes solutions to the issue.
John Wacker congratulated the new City Council; discussed funding of services by citizens; paying for the individual December 21, 2022
18 expenses of others; and allowing those not paying property tax and not following sanitation laws to take over public spaces.
Gary Silbiger asserted that housing was a human right, not a privilege; discussed education, food, and medical care; other cities that have good ideas about housing people; short -term and long-term housing; he expressed support for safe parking and safe camping; and he felt the focus should be on housing.
Sara Hartley thanked the City Council for having the discussion out in the open; discussed accountability; the need for data; funds raised to get work done; monthly reports to illustrate progress; and the number of households in Culver City.
Dani Zandel asked why tho se people advocating compassion did not open up their space to the homeless and she expressed appreciation for the conversation.
Triana Silton was called to speak but was not present.
Cary Anderson discussed murders committed by a homeless person in 2011 ; people who attack others ; and he wanted homeless individuals to be kept 500 feet away from schools and the Senior Center.
Amy Ellzey expressed support for the City Council making the best decision for Culver City citizens; discussed rules to ensure the safety of people; camping; recent explosions and fires in the City; belongings blocking the sidewalk; and protecting the safety of Culver City citizens.
Karim Sahli noted the lack of compassion and cruelty of an anti- camping ordinance that requires expensive and harmful police enforcement instead of investing in proven solutions; pointed out that the fastest growing segment of the homeless population are seniors; discussed comments from the County Su pervisor’s representative indicating that such a measure would be a waste of resources, would undermine the work of staff , and would destroy trust they have worked to build; he asked that the budget be re-balanced and that the poor not be punished; and he asserted that enacting such an ordinance was cruelty.
River Lemus voiced her solidarity with the unhoused and those who had spoken in support of them noting that she agreed with points made.
December 21, 2022
19 Jeffrey Trupp reported being homeless; discussed being disabled; unsuccessful repeated efforts to get help; delays to placement; demographics; privilege; noted that 85% of them wanted jobs but face discrimination; indicated being unable to be in a shelter; and asked that people not be punished for experiencing hardship.
Albert Medina was called to speak but was not present.
Carrie Bassilian discussed compassion; vulnerable people in the City; wetlands that needed protection; camping locations; houses available while only 9 people have applied for housing; and she indicated that if people will not take advantage of housing it is superfluous.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to everyone who provided public comment;
dissatisfaction with current processes; the system of
punishment; the need for new systems of care and to build more trust; moving forward with services and housing urgency; the suggestion to educate the community; Council availability on the issue; conflating violence with unhoused people;
dehumanizing the homeless; housed people who also litter and do drugs; appreciation to the unhoused speakers who shared their perspective; common ground in providing housing, safe camping and safe parking; and lack of common ground on enforcement and law and order.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the number of people on the list for the motels; the ”By Name” list; those who have expressed interest; the Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (SPDAT); six people who are temporarily being house d while waiting for units to come online; ample opportunity for the former City Council to address issues; concern with the way the unhoused population is currently existing in inhumane conditions; combining work with available resources to identify and create programs for safe camping and safe parking while initiating an anti-camping ordinance; the ultimate goal of finding permanent housing; using the emergency declaration to acquire locations; bringing resources together to create a beautiful, welcoming place with 24/7 security; fire dangers; a fire that swept through an encampment; the actions of regional partners; comments from Supervisor Mitchell’s representative chastising the City for not doing enough; disappointment at not receiving proportional funding to what the City has contributed to Measure H;
clarification that arrests, swe eps, and citations are not the goal; moving those in tents on sidewalks or in parks to a secure December 21, 2022
20 place; research into Project Homekey; the goal to create a safe transitional space for those who are not ready to be inside; and finding a place for those not going into Project Homekey.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding issues caused by the emergency declared by Los Angeles; the timeline to enact an ordinance; collaboration with Los Angeles; shared encampments; disappointment in social media posts about holiday sweeps which were not being discussed; concern with turning people looking at the same issue into adversaries; concern that it is inhumane to live in a tent on the streets; weekly instances of people who overdose on the sidewalk; support for adjusting the Santa Monica ordinance; legal issues with the Los Angeles ordinance; the need for action to help the homeless; support for pallet shelters; short -term, long-term, and permanent solutions; actions to take while the ordinance is being adopted; visits to homeless camps; methadone; professionals working on issues; helping those with mental issues; the goal to save lives and improve living conditions for everyone; exploration of the Virginia parking lot for use as a safe camping site as soon as possible with washing stations, showers, staff, security, and county services; exploration of suggestions to coordinate with Los Angeles to erect a pallet shelter navigation center at the Venice parking lot; adding capacity and getting people into navigation centers; and long- term motel rooms controlled by the City on top of vouchers.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding fear-mongering; the power of addiction; people who need help; collaboration wit h the Salvation Army; lack of consensus on the past Council to implement pallet shelters; concern that no action was taken in the last two years; the need to act now to help people on the street; specific people on the streets who would benefit from help; exploring other options; the Caltrans property; the need for compromise and to listen to everyone’s concerns; the duty to all residents; the definition of a sweep; relationships between CCPD and homeless individuals; adding a clinician to engage with peopl e on the streets; vilification of CCPD; the need to work together; money
contributed to Measure H; partnerships and resources;
establishing a place for people to go; people who feel unsafe in the park; working with the Santa Monica ordinance; and allowing Council Member McMorrin a chance to weigh in on the item.
December 21, 2022
21 Mayor Vera moved to give staff to the end of January to come back with an ordinance to allow time to think about what they are trying to do.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding concern with statements indicating that the City Council has done nothing for the past four years; rent control; inclusionary zoning; increasing housing production; the Housing First system to get people into housing to heal and stabilize; the MCIUs; motel conversions; identification of safe camping sites; common ground; support for the safe parking lot, the motel conversions, increasing staffing, and providing a permanent budget item for housing; funding the motels and the MCIU; support for investigating pallet housing; and opposition to the anti-camping ordinance,
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the Santa Monica ordinance as it provides places to go; ensuring that other options are moving forward concurrently; the need for the anti -camping ordinance so that those who do not want to leave unsafe place s can be compelled to go to a safe, secure, and clean place; providing services first; and staff input as to how much time is needed to proceed.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need for direction on policy considerations set forth in the ordinance; ensuring consistency; the Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD); West Los Angeles College (WLAC); relocation of those camping in the parks for safety; support for providing services and housing, but not for an anti-camping ordinance; enforcing the existing ordinance prohibiting camping in the parks; recent calls involving people feeling threatened in the parks; providing services first; inclusion of CCUSD, but not WLAC; support for a Council majority to move forward to determine areas where camping is allowed; and Council consensus from Mayor Vera and C ouncil Members Eriksson and O’Brien that staff be directed to return with a draft ordinance modeled after Santa Monica with designated camping and safe parking areas established by a majority vote of the Council and ensuring that provisions of the current ordinance are updated in conjunction with the new ordinance for consistency which may include repeal of the parks section.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding direction to secure parking lots; locations for safe camping, parking, and motel rooms; direction to pursue every available method; enforcement of the current ordinance; concern December 21, 2022
22 with children in the parks being put at risk and exposed to indecent exposure and lewd acts by people from encampments; the need for Parks and Recreation staff to bring the kids inside and not use the parks; and different situations with individuals in the tents.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor Vera invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that no further requests to speak had been received.
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Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
None.
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December 21, 2022
23 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 9:56 p.m., the City Council adjourned to January 9, 2023.
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Jeremy Bocchino
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
ALBERT VERA
MAYOR of Culver City, California
Date: _________________________