1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,
CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY,
FINANCING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING OF THE February 10, 2025
CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY 7:00 p.m.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY,
FINANCING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor O’Brien called the regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 6:04 p.m. at the Culver City Senior Center.
Present: Dan O’Brien, Mayor
Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor
Bubba Fish, Council Member
Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Council Member
Albert Vera, Council Member
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Closed Session
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported no requests to speak.
February 10, 2025
2 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD, CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY, FINANCING
AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
At 6:07 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to Closed Session to consider the following Closed Session Items:
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 – Existing Litigation Re: WCAB Case Nos. ADJ16898621 and ADJ16833615
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
CS-3 CC – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re Significant Exposure to Litigation (2 Items)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2)
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Regular Session
Mayor O’Brien called the regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority, Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order for recognition presentations at 7:48 p.m. with all Council Members present.
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Recognition Presentations – 6:45 p.m.
Item R-1
CC – Presentation of a Commendation to Katy Krantz in
Celebration of Her Accomplishments During Her Two -Year Tenure as Culver City’s Artist Laureate
A video was presented of Katy Krantz discussing community efforts to transform the former gun store.
February 10, 2025
3 Vice Mayor Puza presented the commendation to Katy Krantz in celebration of her accomplishments during her two -year tenure as Culver City’s Artist Laureate.
Katy Krantz, former Culver City Artist Laureate, thanked her predecessors, her family, staff, and the many people in Culver City who supported her ; discussed what her work and the term “Beloved Community” meant to her; manifesting the aspirational title; and doing the necessary work to repair the beloved community.
Jim Clarke, Culver City Arts Foundation, extended gratitude and congratulations to Katy Krantz for completion of her term o n behalf of the Board; discussed the role of the Culver City Arts Foundation; origin of the Artist Laureate position; Foundation support of the Artist Laureate program; and creation of a grant stipend to continue as Artist Laureate Emeriti and to be the Arts Ambassador.
Alexey Steele, former Culver City Artist Laureate, discussed the history of Culver City as a city of the arts; generational; leadership that understands the history of art in Culver City; appreciation for creation of the Artist Laureate program; the work of Katy Krantz; what it takes an artist to do the work; the two tenures of Katy Krantz; and the sacrifice required to achieve what she did.
Sehnita Joshua Mattison read a poem from Dr. Janet Cameron Hoult about Katy Krantz.
Brenda Williams spoke on behalf of the Cultural Affairs Commission and the Artist Laureate Subcommittee expressing appreciation to Katy Krantz for her service as Artist Laureate; discussed her accomplishments while serving the City; and thanked Katy Krantz for her commitment to promoting the arts in Culver City.
Tania Fleischer expressed appreciation to Katy Krantz for embodying the spirit of the Artist Laureate program; gratitude for her commitment to the arts and to the community ; and she thanked the City Council for supporting the important program for Culver City.
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February 10, 2025
4 Item R-2
CC – A Proclamation in Honor of Black History Month 2025
Council Member McMorrin presented the proclamation in honor of Black History Month 2025 and encouraged everyone to join the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on February 15.
Amber Kearney spoke on behalf of the Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee in appreciation of the proclamation; was grateful for a community that understands that Black history is American history; she discussed Black history; similarities between remembering Martin Luther King Jr. and Juneteenth; she encouraged people to do research and find out what MLK spoke about, learn about Black history, raise awareness at home and in the community, and use influence to adva nce equality; and she encouraged people to attend the MLK celebration on February 15 in Veterans Park.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Former Mayor Jim Clarke led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Land Acknowledgement
Mayor O’Brien read the Land Acknowledgement and stated that a more comprehensive version had been posted in Council Chambers.
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Report on Action Taken in Closed Session
Mayor O’Brien indicated nothing to report out from Closed Session.
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Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Commissions, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Jason Sims, Culver City Police Department (CCPD) Chief, introduced two new police officers.
February 10, 2025
5 Council Member Fish discussed attending a local progress seminar on Public Safety; the Soviet Jewry exhibit at the Wende Museum; the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on February 15 at Veterans Memorial; Black History Month; the Pan African Film and Arts Festival going on until February 17; events at Westfield Culver City Mall until February 23; a list of events happening in the area posted by Supervisor Holly Mitchell; and he indicated that he was currently reading How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith.
Council Member McMorrin gave a shout out to Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé and the Philadelphia Eagles; discussed increases to domestic violence on days when the NFL (National Football League) is playing noting the phone number for the Los Angeles County Domestic Violence Hotline : (800) 978 -3600 and more information available on the public health site; Black History Month; the Racial Justice Learning Exchange hosted by Supervisor Holly Mitchell on February 26; Pan African Film Festival at the Culver Theater; local celebrations at the Westfield Mall; she expressed gratitude to the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee for their work on the Martin Luther King Jr. event at Veterans Memorial on February 15; appreciation to young people who engaged in protests last week; a substack article entitled: Democracy is Crumbling – Is Anybody Doing Anything? Yes. And You Can Too ; and she requested that when the meeting is adjourned, that it be adjourned in memory of author and UCLA Professor Donald Shoup.
Council Member Vera asked that when the meeting is adjourned, that it be adjourned in the memory of Police Captain Gerry Galvin, and he expressed support for the Philadelphia Eagles in their victory at the Super Bowl.
Vice Mayor Puza echoed comments about Black History Month; expressed appreciation to the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) who responded to a carbon monoxide poisoning incident a few weeks ago; indicated being a member of the Southern Califo rnia Association of Governments (SCAG) Community and Economic Development Committee; discussed fire recovery; climate change; the need for Climate Emergency Plans; the rate at which the earth will get hotter; adding vegetation to building codes; National Black HIV AIDS Awareness Day on February 7; removal of access to essential HIV and AIDS websites by the Trump
Administration; the importance of awareness, education and support; and he announced the Screenland 5K on March 2.
February 10, 2025
6 Mayor O’Brien discussed the Blood Drive on February 12 hosted by CCPD and the Red Cross; the Pack 18 Pinewood Derby
Competition; and the Pan African Film Festival.
Mayor O’Brien asked to move Item A-3 before Items A-1 and A-2.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that Item P -1 would be scheduled for a different day.
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Presentations to City Council
Item P-1
Presentation from Culver City Students Regarding Their Respective Visits to the Sister Cities of Kaizuka, Japan and Iksan City, South Korea
This item was deferred to a future meeting.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, read the City Council statement regarding hate speech.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Al the Zionist discussed those still asking for a ceasefire in spite of the current ceasefire enacted; the goal to murder the Jews living in their homeland; release of the hostages; the preview of holocaust version 2.0; October 7, 2023; dissuading antisemites from coming to City Council meetings; racism; he wanted to see more aid for Israel; and he noted that Israel did not want or need the City Council of Culver City to pass a resolution.
Maria Beg, Culver City Citizens for Peace, discussed the saying “When they go low, we go local”; the role of local government to keep the community safe, protected, and community members feeling valued; frustration that concerns are being ignored; the importance of uplifting and protecting every community; she questioned why the City Council was being selective in who they February 10, 2025
7 protect and who are welcomed and valued; she wondered why the Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities were not being protected; she acknowledged the upcoming Community
Conversation; and she wanted to see recognition of pain and suffering.
Jeff Morrical, a local artist and architect in the Culver City Arts District, discussed agreement by Culver City to pause the plan to remove the 66 sculptural street light tree surrounds in the Arts District; he asked that consideration of whether to remove the items be opened up to public participation; discussed successful community input in consideration of medians and other public artwork; providing the same level of att ention to the historical placemaking elements; he provided background on the surrounds designed by Sussman Prejza in the 1990s that each depict a different film made in Culver City; the intent to unify the corridor in the early days of the Arts District ; the important placemaking element for the neighborhood; light, culture, and history provided; maintenance issues; and cultural values.
Mayor O’Brien received unanimous City Council consensus to send the item to the Cultural Affairs Committee for further
discussion.
Huong Nghiem Eilbeck discussed actions by the current
administration to turn its back on People of Color, Women, LGBTQ, the education system, persons with disabilities, and persons represented by DEI (Diversity Equity and Inclusion) initiatives; local ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) searches and investigations at health clinics and hospitals; threats in Culver City; well-received Know Your Rights sessions at schools; announcements for future assemblies; she recognized the youth movement noting successful walkouts against the harmful and hateful policies of the President; the actions of other high school and college students; the importance of recognizing the bravery of students and their the commitment to human rights and social justice; and youth-led movements to uphold inclusive policies that promote equality.
Michael Koppy discussed catching up to March of last year; the Planning Department’s efforts to postpone subcommittee meetings and gut engagement; he asked that the Policy Subcommittee meeting cancelled by the Planning Department be rescheduled; discussed plans to meet with local Culver City papers to provide information about the situation; community engagement;
documentation given to the City Council; “when they go low, we February 10, 2025
8 go local”; creating Trump voters by destroying faith in the responsiveness of government; mandated engagement for large projects; and the importance of community engagement.
Christian May-Suzuki provided background on Culver Crescent; discussed divisiveness of the Israel/Palestine conversation; writing an article about people’s feelings about the conflict; understanding why people feel uncomfortable in Culver City and why a ceasefire resolution from a local body is so important to many people; the proposed Community Conversation; and he invited community members to come talk to him at the Culver Steps to share their views and have dialogue.
Darryl Cherness discussed increases in the number of people who own electric vehicles; the need for the City Council to approve additional charger installations throughout Culver City; he proposed City Council approval of installation of Level 2 charging stations at all City parks and in the first floor garage at City Hall where stations previously existed but were removed; and he asserted that electric vehicles were the future.
Rebecca Rona Tuttle , Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC) Member, speaking on behalf of the Courageous Conversations Ad Hoc Subcommittee, thanked the City Council for approving the Courageous Conversation on February 25 at the Senior Center to provide a safe space for community members to be heard; discussed the planned program; communication; allaying concerns; clarification that the conversation would not be about consideration of a ceasefire resolution, or a debate about the details of the war, a history of the war, a rehash about what is happening, pushing an agenda, reaching an agreement, or group therapy; and she indicated that the intent was to facilitate conversations in small groups to address feelings of frustration at feeling invisible and unheard as well as assisting
participants in identification of their own biases and creating safety and healing for everyone in the community and more compassion for each other.
Andrew Lachman indicated speaking on his own behalf; thanked Rebecca Rona for listening to concerns and replacing one of one of the facilitators based on their public record of taking a position; discussed rules for engagement of the event; concern with adding to division if rules are not adhered to; recent events and effects to marginalized, disadvantaged communities; providing additional time for the community to be briefed on rules; participation; appreciation for what has been done; and the importance of communication and sharing experiences.
February 10, 2025
9 Roisa Cade discussed the budget for low -income seniors and families who need housing; lack of responsiveness by the Housing Department; concern with use of the Housing budget; lack of progress in helping people into safe housing; permitting criminal activity; she asked for help for law abiding citizens; and, in response to inquiry, she indicated that she would provide her information to the City Clerk.
Marci Baun discussed a recent study by atmospheric scientists examining the January 2022 eruption of the Tonga Tongva volcano and its effects on earth’s climate; crazy weather; and
recognition of other things in the world influencing the climate other than humans.
Judith Martin -Straw, Culver City Crossroads, provided
background on the publication; requested agendizing a discussion of a new system of supporting local news; discussed the antiquated law from the 1940s regarding notification to publications; communication; and support for Christian May Suzuki and a big, healthy ecosystem of local news.
Holli Braxton was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Elvina B eck provided background on herself; discussed her efforts to bring a supportive project for women to Culver City; communication with the Planning Department; conflicting information; barriers; permit fees paid; community meetings; and by -right community meetings that bleed small business owners.
Denise Neal discussed incorporation of the stalled Downtown Women’s Center project into revitalization of the Arts District; discretionary funding from Apple to build housing; and she asked for updates on Reimagine Fox Hills and other proposed projects.
Paul Matthews indicated wanting to speak on Item A-3.
Jessica Albers read a letter from members of the Jewish community and their allies indicating that they did not intend to attend the Community Conversation planned on February 25; she discussed the narrative that the Jewish community is not invested in Culver City; concerns expressed about the event; offers to collaborate with event organizers; things said in City Council and EHRAC meetings and posts on the official Culver City page; referring to the Jews as “they”; and concern that a February 10, 2025
10 minority group is being told to sit down with another group that has been publicly spewing hate at them.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the pod-share housing project; the acute housing situation; and agreement to request a report back.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR FISH AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY 3:00 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 10, 2025.
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Order of the Agenda
Item P-1 was deferred to a future meeting; Consent Calendar Item C-6 was considered separately ; and Item A -3 was considered before Item A-1.
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Consent Calendar
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY MAYOR O’BRIEN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE ITEMS C -1 THROUGH C-5 AND ITEM C-7.
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for January 18, 2025 to January 31, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR JANUARY 18, 2025 TO JANUARY 31, 2025.
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February 10, 2025
11 Item C-2
CC:HA:SA:DC:PA – Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting Held on January 27, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, DISASTER
COUNCIL, PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 27, 2025.
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Item C-3
CC - Receipt and Filing of the Biannual Written Reports of Culver City’s Commissions, Boards, and Committees
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL : RECEIVE AND FILE THE BIANNUAL WRITTEN REPORTS OF COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES.
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Item C-4
CC – Approval of Multiple Cooperative Purchase Agreements with the State of California for Purchase of Dell Product Hardware (Desktops, Laptops and Monitors)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT 1-22-70-31A PC GOODS - DELL PRODUCTS (DESKTOPS, THIN DESKTOPS, THIN LAPTOPS, RUGGED LAPTOPS); AND,
2. APPROVE THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT 1-22-70-31B PC GOODS - DELL PRODUCTS (MONITORS); AND,
3. APPROVE THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE PURCHASE AGREEMENT 1-22-70-31C PC GOODS - DELL PRODUCTS (LAPTOPS); AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY
DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY AND,
5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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February 10, 2025
12 Item C-5
CC – (1) Approval of a Two-Year Amendment to the City’s Professional Services Agreement with Hadronex, Inc., Increasing the Not-to-Exceed Amount from $174,837 to $182,924 for the Two- Year Term, for the Monitoring and Repair of Smart Cover Units; and (2) Authorization to the Public Works Director to Approve Additional Equipment Purchases in an Amount up to $10,000 Annually
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE A TWO-YEAR AMENDMENT TO THE EXISTING PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH HADRONEX, INC. (D.B.A. SMART COVER SYSTEMS) FOR THE MONITORING AND REPAIR OF 50 SMART COVER UNITS
AND THREE SUBSONIC DUAL SENSORS INCREASING THE NOT -TO-EXCEED AMOUNT FROM $174,837 TO $182,924 FOR THE TWO-YEAR TERM; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO APPROVE NEW EQUIPMENT PURCHASES IN AN AMOUNT UP TO $10,000 ANNUALLY; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-7
(Out of Sequence)
CC – (1) Authorization to Renew the City’s Existing Software Service Agreement with Box, Inc. Utilizing CDWG, LLC or an Approved Reseller for Cloud -Based Content Management Software in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $39,907.60 through December 31, 2025; and (2) Author ization to the City Manager to Approve
Amendment(s) to the Agreement in an Additional Amount Not -To- Exceed 10% of the Total Amount of the Agreement for
Unanticipated Costs
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. APPROVE THE RENEWAL OF CULVER CITY’S BOX SERVICE AGREEMENT THROUGH CDWG, LLC OR ANY APPROVED RESELLER THROUGH DECEMBER 31, 2025 IN AN AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED $39,907.60; AND,
February 10, 2025
13 2. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE AMENDMENT(S) TO THE AGREEMENT IN AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT NOT-TO-EXCEED 10% OF THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF THE AGREEMENT FOR UNANTICIPATED COSTS; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
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Item C-6
(Out of Sequence)
CC – Authorization to Prepare and Submit a Letter to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Supporting Alternatives 4 and 5, the Inclusion of a Direct, On- Campus Station at UCLA, and a Seamless Connection to the D Line at the Westwood/UCLA Station for the Sepulveda Transit Corridor Project
Diana Chang, Chief Transportation Officer, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff for the presentation and the work done; support for the item and the opportunity to join the coalition advocating for heavy rail along Sepulveda; serving the most people and the most destinations; the letter of support; the history of Culver City as not joining a non -governmental coalition; the letter of support as serving the same purpose to support the coalition; other westside cities that are part of the coalition; opportunities for Culver City to do new things; concern that Culver City cannot join the coalition;
unavailability of the EIR (Environmental Impact Report) or the cost analysis ; the construction timeline ; rough phasing estimates; including a stop at the Getty; waiting until the EIR is released to allow for consideration of more information before making a recommendation; making an informed decision; best options for Culver City; transformation of the area around the Expo Line; impacts on the Transit Oriented District (TOD); and the staff recommendation.
Mayor Vera moved to support the staff recommendation and Council Member Fish seconded the motion.
February 10, 2025
14 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding providing supplemental letters or instruction after the EIR is available; urgency of wanting to join the Westside Council of Governments (COG); ensuring that something gets built; length of the process; the need for additional
information; requesting a report once the EIR is out; including language in the letter to make the intent clear; and staff agreement to provide a report back to the City Council on the findings from the EIR.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: AUTHORIZE STAFF TO PREPARE AND SUBMIT A
LETTER TO LOS ANGELES METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SUPPORTING ALTERNATIVES 4 AND 5, THE INCLUSION OF A DIRECT, ON-
CAMPUS STATION AT UCLA, AND A SEAMLESS CONNECTION TO THE D LINE
AT THE WESTWOOD/UCLA STATION FOR THE SEPULVEDA TRANSIT CORRIDOR
PROJECT AND DIRECT STAFF TO COME BACK TO THE CITY COUNCIL WITH THE EIR ONCE IT IS COMPLETED.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, VERA
NOES: PUZA
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Action Items
Item A-3
(Out of Sequence)
Adoption of a Resolution Adopting the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department’s 15-year Culver City Parks Plan
Ted Stevens, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, provided a summary of the material of record; discussed changes to the language in the final plan regarding the Cultural Affairs Trust based on comments received from the Cultural Affairs Division and a correction to the reference to the MOU
(Memorandum of Understanding) with the Dog Park; and he provided background on, and introduced the consultant who worked on the Parks Plan.
Jesica Hansen, Olin, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work with the community and interact with them; she provided an engagement recap; discussed project schedule; the planning process; vision, mission, and goals of the plan;
February 10, 2025
15 recommendations, costs, and priorities; the public draft comment period; feedback received; and she indicated that the plan was available online.
Mayor O’Brien invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Sally Unsworth, Cultural Affairs Manager, spoke in her capacity as a new resident of Culver City; expressed support for the ambitious, arts-forward Parks Plan; discussed positioning the arts in partnership with all of the other recreation,
environmental and conservation objectives; thanked those who lifted up the arts and arts programming; she advocated for maker spaces in the parks noting the value of allowing people to create and experi ment; and she pointed out the importance of providing tactile creative experiences.
Crystal Alexander addressed the City Council as an individual Parks, Recreation and Community Services ( PRCS) Commissioner; expressed appreciation for the process; thanked staff, the consultant, and the community for their input; discussed work on the budget letter from the PRCS Commission to the City Council; an additional funding request for Tellefson Park improvements; pickleball courts; meeting equity requirements and the desire for something new; the Fees and Charges Study; and the Joint Use Agreement with the Culver City Unified School District (CCUSD).
Steve Siegel spoke representing 20 residents who live around Veterans Park; discussed retaining the use of the paddle tennis courts on Elenda; best use of real estate; efforts to
soundproof; the need for kids to be outside running around; support for courts rather than a gallery or maker space in the park; support for retaining both baseball diamonds; he asserted that they did not want a parking garage at Vets; and he indicated that he would send his other comments via email.
Jim Clarke, Culver City Arts Foundation, urged the City Council to approve the Parks Plan and support arts as a priority in implementation of the plan; discussed lack of current
facilities; the inability to rehabilitate Vets Auditorium; inefficient use of valuable real estate; the Feasibility Study to create a Performing Arts Facility to replace Veterans Auditorium; the need for plans and funding for running programs and for ongoing maintenance; new and ongoing investment in staffing; continuing agreements with non-profit organizations; February 10, 2025
16 and he thanked staff and the consultants for efforts to include the Culver Arts Foundation in the process.
Brian Vabulas, Culver City Little League, provided background on the organization; discussed diversity; supporting school athletic programs; appreciation for time and effort that has gone into the arts proposal; support for keeping the Johnson Favaro Study as a key par t of discussions moving forward; and he was looking forward to continuing to work with the Parks Department.
Sehnita Joshua M attison expressed appreciation for including the Culver City Arts Foundation in community outreach for the Parks Plan; discussed many priorities for open space in the community; prioritizing the arts; funding for staffing arts programs, facilities management, and ongoing maintenance; ensuring facilities reflect the cultural richness of the City; and support for building and beautifying Culver City.
Jane Leonard indicated being a PRCS Commissioner speaking on behalf of herself; discussed appreciation for the work of staff and the consultant on the Parks Plan; proposed elements; elements of the Feasibility Study that did not make it into the Parks Plan; and the recurring theme in the document that PRCS staffing be expanded in the 2025-2026 budget in order to execute the planned goals.
Mike Cimmarrusti was called to speak but could not be heard.
Eddie Zetina spoke representing AYSO (American Youth Soccer Organization) Region 19; provided background on the
organization; discussed Bill Botts; number of children served; volunteers; the need for more fields; and other soccer teams in Culver City.
Rafael Alvarez was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Mario Gonzalez, AYSO, provided background on himself; noted the need for more space; discussed number of games played; ages served; the need for additional space; concern with losing Lower Bill Botts Field; the importance of soccer to children; and available hours.
Marci Baun indicated speaking on behalf of herself; expressed appreciation for the work of staff to present the document; discussed her excitement at the proposed blueprint; continued February 10, 2025
17 engagement to ensure that the parks represent the community; the need for additional staffing; and she asked the City Council to take the budget letter from the PRCS Commission into consideration.
Seth Rosenzweig provided background on himself; discussed coaching a group of 8 and 9 year old boys representing Culver City in the semi-finals of the AYSO National Games; City Council recognition; costs per season; limited access to space; the barely functioning system; significant issues; recent hosting of the Palisades league ; and he noted that Culver was one of the most successful AYSO programs in the country.
Krist Colocho, Culver City FC, provided background on the group; was pleased to hear about the plan to upgrade fields; discussed concern that the enhancements would not adequately support the growth of soccer, address specific needs for soccer players, and could potentially hinder progress; he urged the City Council to consider their expertise when finalizing the plans for the parks; discussed valuable insight on what measures could truly benefit youth sports; willingness to collaborate; and ensuring that proposed changes align with the needs of young athletes and promote their continued growth.
Julio Ramirez, AYSO, discussed appreciation for the ability to use space; the importance of soccer in the Culver City
community; representation of Culver City throughout southern California; and the need for more space to practice.
Denise Neal expressed appreciation for the work on the Parks Plan; discussed levelling out Botts Field and offering it as a practice space for the FIFA World Cup to generate revenue; she asked whether the barbecue areas in the park would be upgraded; discussed incorporating community gardens; adding adequate benches for seating; having parks double as emergency meeting space; and she noted the importance of makers space and gardening.
Paul Mathews, AYSO Region 19, discussed area and number of people served; welcoming everyone who signs up ; ensuring everyone has a place on a team with guaranteed playing time; challenges with a lack of high quality soccer fields to play on in Culver City; number of games in a season; lack of dedicated soccer fields; schedule adjustments to accommodate increasing demand; parking challenges; and providing space for every child who wants to play.
February 10, 2025
18 Garrett Williamson was called to speak but was not present in person or online
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin urged the City Council to support the Parks Plan; advocated for the community involvement and inclusion of the arts; discussed the importance of ensuring that the aging parks meet the need and are climate friendly; the need for arts and performance facilities for cultural programming; neighborhoods that need access to greenspaces; the upgraded Snickett in the Farragut Corridor; and small, but signi ficant wins.
Alexey Steele commended everyone on the work done on the Parks Plan; discussed building a bridge between the past and the future; the power of creativity; the Creative Economy;
opportunities for a permanent municipal gallery; and the importance of providing community infrastructure for the next generation of creatives.
Kevin Knopf, AYSO Region 19, expressed appreciation for efforts of the City Council to balance interests; he discussed building community and providing a safe haven for children; appreciation for the arts; decreased amount of space available to play soccer; and he noted the need for more space for soccer.
Mike Cimmarrusti was called to speak but could not be heard.
Discussion ensued between the consultant, staff, and Council Members regarding appreciation for the presentation by Olin , the work of staff, and for the public input; meeting different needs in different areas of Culver City; detail and thought put into the planning; concern with a lack of drop off zones; coordination with Transportation; prioritizing streets; proposals for crosswalk improvements and sidewalk bump outs; bridging gaps; slowing down cars; budget line items;
opportunities when Transportation dollars can meet conditions around the parks; safe access routes; lack of space for activities; programming; biggest constraints to expanding programming; lack of space; growing programs where possible; expansion of the Joint Use Agreement with CCUSD; staffing costs; use of the Plunge by CCUSD; providing priority use at no cost; outside organizations that have to pay to rent the fields; opportunities for access during non-school hours; wear and tear; damage; providing accessibility; avoiding exacerbating the climate crisis; allowing for more housing near parks;
benefitting more families; afterschool programming; planned density increases in Fox Hills; prioritizing projects; ensuring February 10, 2025
19 traditionally underinvested communities are prioritized; the City budget process; and investing in things that make life wonderful in Culver City.
Additional discussion ensued between the consultant, staff, and Council Members regarding the timeline; benchmarking and best practices of other cities that have undergone similar processes; including benchmarking data in the final plan; maintenance in Culver City as compared to other cities in the region; per capita spending and per acre spending; appreciation for the public input; the push for arts; efforts to incorporate the arts back into parks; Culver City as an exemplar; the inaugural grant opportunity from the state; similar cities that have a dedicated park for soccer; pressure on the parks; acquisition of new park land; identification of an acreage shortfall that will get significantly worse by 2045; areas of pressure; specific plans to dedicate land; the need for more soccer fields; upgrading the fields at Lindberg; levelling out land at Bill Botts; the push for passive space; difficulty of finding new space; the growing demand; prioritization of local non -profit resident teams; concern that the fie lds never get a time to rest; difficulty of maintaining fields; community engagement; concern with the low amount of engagement around Fox Hills Park; lack of information about race, gender, and age of survey
respondents; appreciation for clarification of resident status; self-identification; lack of diversity in the outcome; informing future engagement; institutional knowledge; cost of the process so far; support for hiring staff and paying them more; best practices for balancing needs; priorities; equitable strategies that prioritize high need rather than the loudest voices; historic investment; SB1000 neighborhood work; evidence that parks improve the quality of life; advocacy for a Master Parks Plan to figure out how to invest; charting a path forward; concern with naming facilities; funding suggestions; support for improving accessibility and providing adequate access to the parks; ensuring sustainability goals are met ; synergy between Public Works and Transportation; keeping equity at the center; being mindful of investment made; and support for the highest and best use of parks for as many neighbors as possible.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work done; flammable plants; non- native species; replacement of trees when they reach their natural lifespan; the great need for shade; invasive species in the understory that create issues; returning the hillsides to a native ecosystem over time; the difficulty of prioritization; support expressed for the arts and AYSO; capitalizing on two February 10, 2025
20 tiered systems; ideas for Culver City Park; fundraising; the proposed parking structure for Veterans Memorial Park; multiple tiered parks in the coming decades; creating open passive greenspace; surface parking lots; opening up an area for passive space; appreciation for incorporation of public comment; support for public/private partnerships; prioritization o f Tellefson Park by the PRCS Commission; grant opportunities; lack of extensive input on diversity; statistically valid surveying going forward as projects are developed; and appreciation for the outreach and thorough plan and for multiple opportunities to provide input.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding a request to have a conversation between PRCS, Public Works, and the City Council to clarify misunderstandings and figure out how to work together better; clarif ying where responsibility lies; working together to streamline processes and improve efficiency; CIPs (Capital Improvement Projects); a suggestion that the PRCS Commission meet with Public Works and PRCS staff and provide a report back to the City Council to clarify responsibilities; finger pointing when there is split
responsibility; the budget process; completely reorganizing staffing; differing opinions; potential disruptions; the complicated issue; and agreement that staff meet to formulate recommendations to the City Council.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the extensive public outreach and acknowledgement that there is always room for improvement; reducing staff turnover; compensation; funding and budget; support for increasing pay; examination of a sustainable maintenance plan and informati on on parks usage; creative alternative uses for Media Park; use of underutilized space; storage; ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance; cultural competency; input from the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC); staff training; appreciation for a potential community recreation center at Fox Hills Park; support for the arts; and appreciation for the data to help Culver City parks right now and in the future.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the City-commissioned Parks Plan fr om 2009 that was never adopted; spot improvements; lack of significant
improvement; massive shortage in arts and athletic space; the park acreage assessment; current and projected shortfalls; the need to update and maximize the current space; the living February 10, 2025
21 document; accommodating arts, sports, and passive recreation; Quimby Fees; ensuring that the plan does not sit on a shelf; City Council consensus from Mayor O’Brien, Vice Mayor Puza, and Council Members Fish and Vera to agendize a discussion about funding; relationship to the budget conversation; the structural deficit; the current unsustainable fiscal situation; the need for a new source of funding in order to move forward;
consideration of all potential funding opportunities; concern with elevating the plan; evaluation of existing plans awaiting action; determining needs as a City; the commitment to parks and ensuring access to parks for everyone; concerns with procedures; prioritization; what receives funding and what does not; addressing the structural deficit; providing services to residents, community members , and stakeholders; and ensuring that Culver City is financially sound.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding a previous plan to bridge space from BioScience LA to the Senior Center and activating the property; the Johnson Favaro plan for Bill Botts that connected to the Transportation building; elevated space; creative thinking; the plan in 2017 to activate the east side of City Hall as park space; Media Park; the Ballona Bike Path; the Inglewood Oil Field; the Baldwin Hills Conservancy; and land acquisition.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CULVER CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT A
RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S 15-YEAR CULVER CITY PARKS PLAN.
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Item A-1
CC - Consideration of Whether to Approve (1) Award of a $15,000 Off-Cycle Special Events Grant to Walk n’ Rollers and
Designation of the Proposed Earth Day Elenda Open Street Event as a City -Sponsored Event; (2) A Street Closure along Elenda Street between Culver Boulevard and Farragut Drive on Tuesday, April 22, 2025; (3) Authorization to the City Manager to Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Required to Implement the Street Closure; and (4) FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE REQUIREMENT: Approval of a Related Budget A mendment Appropriating $14,075 from the General Fund Unassigned Fund Balance
Edgar Varela, Special Events Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
February 10, 2025
22 Jim Shanman, Safe Routes to School Coordinator and Walk and Rollers, provided background on himself; discussed the Culver City-specific Earth Day Elenda Open Streets event; selection of Earth Day to consolidate activities; creating a car -free path to school for one day; parent education; the Three Block Challenge; providing opportunities for education, safety and transit; outreach; potential street closures; ensuring
residents are not land -locked; staffing for key spots; minimizing costs; the low impact event; addressing challenges; communication; alternative drop off sites; coordination with schools and their clubs; next steps; resident feedback; and transparency.
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Bryan Sanders asked that the agenda be followed in the order as printed; provided background on himself; expressed concern about the process behind the item; discussed financial
irresponsibility; money received by Walk and Rollers over the last seven years; concern with lack of communication with residents who would be directly affected; lack of money in the City budget; discretionary spending on non-essential projects; inadequate public process; zero public meetings about closing the street; lack of consid eration of the item at the City Council/Culver City Unified School District Liaison Committee meetings; and he requested proper engagement.
Adrian Killigrew, parent representative for Walk and Rollers, shared his support for the event; discussed past events; providing the opportunity to get to school safely; kids who are conditioned to be dropped at the door; giving kids a chance to get to school with no cars for one day; and building on the event for the future.
Larry Berliner provided background on himself; expressed concern about the proposed event; discussed pushing traffic to the side; current drop off space provided; parents who already drop off their students away from the congested area; the fact that there is already a linear mile of drop off space provided; whether the event should happen or not; what can be learned; and the Wende parking lot.
Michelle Weiner, former Chair of the Bicycle and Pedestrian February 10, 2025
23 Advisory Committee (BPAC), speaking on her own behalf; discussed agreements about experimenting with the idea of dropping off children in the parking lot; whether driving would be prohibited or discouraged; communication; logistics; and she asked that the City Council support the experiment.
Marci Baun reported living adjacent to Elenda; acknowledged the business of the area; discussed confusion about what is being proposed; information received; effects to neighbors on the side streets; the traffic backlog; lack of outreach to the residents; concern with the request for funding; the budget shortfall; the closure as creating a traffic nightmare and increased pollution; and she supported having children walk more but she did not think the event would work.
Carolyn Libuser indicated that she was speaking as an
individual; expressed concern with costs; discussed concern that parents w ould not know what is happening; intense traffic; stressed out parents; people who come from outside of the City to drop off their kids; and she felt the event was not fair to the parents involved.
Krist Colocho was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding support for the hard work that has gone into the event; the difficulty of changing perspectives and habits; support for creating and encouraging more open streets events; stewardship of public money; understanding traffic needs and costs; number of police officers required; estimated figures; use of a traffic management company; set up and break down time for the event; lack of an approved street plan to date; working through the process; clarification that without City sponsorship, a street closure cannot occur; u se of mobile barriers; looking at ways to reduce costs; the planning phase of the project; preliminary conversations about the plan; and facilitating the event in a way that is fiscally responsible without sacrificing safety.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the contingency fund; funding of the event from the unassigned General Fund balance; the $1000 minimum for a City sponsored event; liaison work; special event grants that are not fully utilized; reallocation of funds back into the budget; the reconciliation process; the new special event program for February 10, 2025
24 the next fiscal year; and off-cycle grants vs. the regular process.
Further discussion ensued between Jim Shanman and Council Members regarding concerns about the Wende parking lot; clarification that the parking lot is City property; the existing park and walk zone by the tennis courts; ingress and egress; support f rom the Wende Museum; the partnership with CCUSD; getting the word out; advance signage in key spots; number of officers used; safety and efficiency; clarification that Jim Shanman was asked to facilitate the event; conducting a follow up survey; additional meetings to determine effective ways to collect feedback and data; getting student groups involved; classroom conversations; involvement of the PTA; appreciation for the responsiveness to community calls for alternatives; gratitude for the work to expand mobility options; outreach conducted; start of the process with approval of the item; encouragement to any members of the public who are interested in helping to contact Jim Shanman; group meetings; contact information and email communication; personal outreach with postcards on doorsteps in the neighborhood; and the informal discussion of the event and request made at the liaison meeting.
Discussion ensued between Jim Shanman, staff, and Council Members regarding ingress and egress to the Wende Museum; mitigating traffic issues that arise; the need for police officers; overtime costs; providing adequate staffing to facilitate the event in a safe way; access through Huron and Harter; a lley exit routes; concern with ensuring proper outreach; reliance of word of mouth; clarification that outreach starts with approval of the item; previous outreach to solicit ideas; letters mailed to alert people to the agenda item being considered; the permitting process for the street closure that includes outreach; the street use and special event permits; the process; mandated outreach; next steps; the feeling that outreach should be done before the street closure is approve d; development of a plan after the event is approved; the ability to pull the permit if the outreach is negative; and ensuring the participation of residents in the process.
Additional discussion ensued between Jim Shanman, staff, and Council Members regarding signage; early notification; no parking allowed between the alley and Elenda; providing exit routes; the detailed plan that will be developed and vetted all through City staff; public safety as the first priority; collaboration with CCUSD: the ability to communicate with the February 10, 2025
25 community through social media and public notification systems as has been used for other City events; approval of the detailed plan before the street closure; the plan for buses that drop off students; adjustments to be made by Culver City Bus; the Safe Routes to School program; trainings provided; and support for the opportunity to put things into practice.
Further discussion ensued between Jim Shanman, staff, and Council Members regarding allowing cars to turn onto Wagner and other streets to reduce congestion; communication; handing out flyers to parents during drop off; taking a census of the number of cars entering the campus at drop off; motivating families to drop off children three blocks away and walk to school from there; replicating conditions on other days; feedback from neighbors on Elenda who feel disenfranchised; distrust; transparency; historical challenges; discussion of the event at the BPAC meeting scheduled before the proposed date; confidence in staff to ensure that the event is safe and efficient; helping create habits and awareness; whether the project would be pulled if community feedback is negative; taking sufficient precautions to ensure that any concerns can be worked out; facilitation of conversations; and support for scheduling a special meeting for the event.
Council Member Vera indicated that he would support the even t with the proper outreach.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD A $15,000 OFF-CYCLE SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT AND DESIGNATE
THE EARTH DAY ELENDA OPEN STREET EVENT AS A CITY -SPONSORED EVENT; AND
2. APPROVE A REQUEST FROM THE WALK N’ ROLLERS TO CLOSE ELENDA
STREET, BETWEEN CULVER BOULEVARD AND FARRAGUT DRIVE AND BETWEEN
HURON AND COOMBS AVENUES TO ACCOMMODATE THEIR EARTH DAY OPEN STREET EVENT ON APRIL 22, 2025; AND,
3. APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING UP TO $14,075 FROM THE GENERAL FUND UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE TO ACCOUNT NO. 10116100.517560 (SPECIAL EVENTS GRANTS) (FOUR -FIFTHS VOTE REQUIRED); AND,
4. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO APPROVE APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES REQUIRED TO IMPLEMENT THE STREET CLOSURE; AND,
February 10, 2025
26 5. AUTHORIZE THE CITY ATTORNEY TO REVIEW/PREPARE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS; AND,
6. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE SUCH DOCUMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE CITY.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding City Council consensus to have the BPAC discuss the event; amending the workplan to add the event; discussion of the event at the next CC/CCUSD liaison committee meeting; and
communication with Mr. Shanman.
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Item A-2
Discussion and Direction Regarding Potential Culver City Actions to Ensure (1) Continued Access to Reproductive Health Services; and (2) Continued Protection of LGBTQ+ Rights
Jesse Mays, Assistant City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record and he reported a suggestion to designate a staff representative to serve as a liaison to provide resources.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the City policy against enabling or collaborating with regard to immigration enforcement; ALPR (Automate License Plate Reader) data; concern with sharing data with other police agencies that might not have the same policies with regard to not
collaborating with immigration enforcement; the prohibition of sharing ALPR data with any agencies related to immigration enforcement; other agencies who decide to share with immigration officials; the California Values Act, SB54; privacy provisions with regard to ALPR data; reproductive rights; challenges on the federal side; immigration; GPS trackers; protecting privacy and data; precautions addressed in the policy manual; data retention information; body -worn camera data; different policies for different tools; lack of a cohesive document that covers all the different policies; a suggestion to strengthen the 2015 Anti-Hate resolution passed by Culver City; changing current wording indicating: “pursuit of policy and legislation that affirms the civil and human rights of every person” to say that “the City affirms the civil and human rights of every person and commits to pursuing policy and legislation that implements that”; adding disability to the list of th ose protected from discrimination; staff agreement to bring back the changes; providing support for the trans community; February 10, 2025
27 executive orders being enacted; and a request for receipt of a presentation by the ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) on how to improve policy to protect resident privacy.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding expansion of Sanctuary City policies to include reproductive rights and LGBTQIA+ as well as ability and disability; Welcoming America cities; cities concerned with using the term sanctuary out of concern for targeting by the federal administration; allowing for specific platforms; modeling values of healthy democracy; inspiring others to join in; acknowledgement of pote ntial harm; neutrality and agency; sustained commitment; resources available at the Welcoming America and the Planned Parenthood websites; looking to the Southern California Alliance for Reproductive Justice as a resource; the Human Rights Campaign; the TransLatin@ Coalition presentation from last year; partnership; affirming that Culver City will be a safe space during this de -stabilizing time; a suggestion to post the resources discussed on the Culver City website and to consider becoming a Welcoming America City; support for the suggestion to change specific wording in the policy and receive an evaluation from the ACLU; ensuring support for the trans community and amplifying resources; confirmation that every Culver City department is bound by state laws as it pertains to not sharing with ICE; Huntington Beach; other cities in California that are proudly not serving as a Sanctuary City; and caution with data sharing to other cities that do not provide safety for their citizens.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the California Cares Act; clarification that
Huntington Beach, like all California cities, is bound by state law; possible response to the federal administration’s policies with regard to reproductive rights; the pause on all federal grants and loans on January 25, 2025 that was reversed in response to public outcry; the importance of engaging in public process; the unconstitutional and illegal order; overreach of executive powers; the fact that the Trump administration ignored the order to pause the funding freeze; clarification that not all federal funding has been unfrozen; lack of clarity with checks and balances; providing resources; the Human Rights Campaign; creation of a position within City government that becomes a resource within the community; building a relationship with Planned Parenthood; access to reproductive justice; the Los Angeles LGBTQ Center; the Transgender Law Center; the interconnectedness of everyone’s lives; ensuring that Culver February 10, 2025
28 City provides a safe and thriving space for everyone; and the basic principle that everyone is equal.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need to update the policy statement and resolution; number of protected classes to be considered; increases to gender hate; language removed from federal websites that had uplifted women; the 2016 Anti-Hate Resolution; ongoing antisemitism; the rise in crimes against Asian Pacific Islanders; the need to consider all classifications; providing a list or all -encompassing language; resources provided with best practices; ensuring that one class is not identified over others; and discrimination.
Mayor O’Brien invited public input.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Jeannine Wisnosky Stehlin felt that the discussion was needed and she was pleased to hear all the good ideas; noted the need to update the 2016 resolution; discussed citing of specific classes; words banned from federal documents; the attack on truth, science , and education as well as the funding of education to serve the community; erasing words; erased people; the responsibility of the City Council; prioritizing protecting and expanding LGBTQ+ and reproductive protections; reducing women’s rights to reproductive rights; th e broader fight for full equality; discrimination faced by women; and she asked that everyone be protected.
Huong Nghiem-Eilbeck was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that staff has enough direction and a motion is not needed; outreach to the TransLatin@ Coalition; the timeline for staff to bring the item back; concern with leaving someone off the list; finding a way to include catch - all language around supporting everyone in the community; examination of best practices; things that have happened since the last resolution was written; a request for a report back om privacy policies with regard to data; the importance of privacy moving into the next era; people migrating and seeking refuge; executive orders and laws being passed; protecting data from falling into the wrong hands; and City Council consensus was received for a report back on privacy provisions with regard to data collected.
February 10, 2025
29 o0o
Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
No additional public comment was received.
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Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Fish received City Council consensus to receive a report back on the Section 8 program and vouchers; he reported the first meeting of the Ad Hoc Police Policies Subcommittee with Council Member Vera; expressed appreciation for being able to consider the 2025 Strategic Plan and Immigration Policies; discussed the information shared with a small audience; allowing the public to hear that information and participate; he received consensus to agendize a discussion on whether to convert the Ad Hoc Police subcommittee to a Standing Public Safety Subcommittee to allow for public participation and creation of minutes; consideration of other things that encompass Public Safety; the commitment to transparency and accountability; enabling more people to have a s eat at the table; and producing policy that better reflects everyone.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the Chief’s Advisory Council; planning documents; information that needs to be vetted in a private setting; subcommittee consultation before things go public; Closed Session as an opportunity to consider confidential items; a reminder not to stray too far into the item; and City Council consensus was achieved from Vice Mayor Puza and Council Members Fish and McMorrin to agendize a discussion on whether to convert the Ad Hoc Police Policies Subcommittee to a Standing Public Safety Subcommittee to allow for public participation and creation of minutes.
February 10, 2025
30 Vice Mayor Puza received consensus from Mayor O’Brien and Council Members Fish and McMorrin to agendize consideration of a housing trust to provide financial resources to preserve and create affordable housing.
Consensus was achieved to agendize the following items:
• consideration of a housing trust to preserve and create affordable housing
• discussion of whether to convert the Ad Hoc Police Policies Subcommittee to a Standing Public Safety Subcommittee to allow for public participation and creation of minutes
• discuss funding for proposed PRCS staffing and improvements
Council Member Vera asked that the meeting be adjourned in memory of retired Lieutenant Gerry Galvin.
Council Member McMorrin requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of former UCLA professor and author of The High Cost of Free Parking, Donald Shoup.
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February 10, 2025
31 Adjournment
There being no further business , at 1:40 a.m. on Tuesday , February 11, 2025 the City Council , Housing Authority Board, Parking Authority Board, Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned in memory of retired Police Captain Gerry Galvin and author and UCLA Professor Donald Shoup to a meeting to be held on February 24, 2025.
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Jeremy Bocchino
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council and SECRETARY of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board, Financing Authority Board, Culver City Parking
Authority and Culver City Housing Authority Board
Culver City, California
DAN O’BRIEN
MAYOR of Culver City, California and CHAIR of the Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board,
Financing Authority Board, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Culver City Parking Authority
Date: _________________________