1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL,
CULVER CITY HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
FINANCING AUTHORITY BOARD,
AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD
REGULAR MEETING OF THE May 12, 2025
CITY COUNCIL, CULVER CITY 7:00 p.m.
HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD,
CULVER CITY PARKING AUTHORITY BOARD,
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 Board, Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board to order at 5:33 p.m. in Mike Balkman Council Chambers at Culver City Hall.
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.
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, reported that Kathy Brown had requested to speak but was not present online or in person.
May 12, 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 BOARD, FINANCING
AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE CULVER CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD ADJOURN TO CLOSED SESSION.
At 5:34 p.m. the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, 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)
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CS-2 CC – Conference with Legal Counsel – Anticipated Litigation Re: Initiation of Litigation (1 Item)
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4)
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CS-3 CC – Public Employee Appointment
Title: City Manager
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)
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Recognition Presentations – 6:30 p.m.
Mayor O’Brien reconvened the City Council meeting at 6:31 p.m. for Recognition Presentations with all Council Members present.
Item R-1
CC – Presentation of a Commendation to the Culver City Fire Department Fire Crew in Recognition of Heroic Actions on January 18, 2025
Vice Mayor Puza presented a Commendation to the Culver City Fire Department Fire Crew in Recognition of Heroic Actions on January 18, 2025.
May 12, 2025
3 The Davis family thanked Matt McCormick, Spencer Henry, and Tim Sullivan for saving their lives; discussed commitment of the Culver City Fire Department (CCFD) to community; and thanked the City Council for recognizing the actions of the CCFD.
Tim Sullivan, CCFD Captain, expressed appreciation for the recognition; noted it was a group effort; and was happy that everything turned out well.
Ken Powell, CCFD Chief, expressed pride in those recognized as an example of the entire CCFD and their commitment to provide public safety and to protect everyone.
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Item R-2
CC – Presentation of a Commendation to Jim Lamm, 2025 Senior of the Year
Mayor O’Brien presented a Commendation to Jim Lamm as 2025 Senior of the Year.
Jim Lamm thanked the President of Ballona Creek Renaissance (BCR) for nominating him, as well as others he has worked with over many years; discussed working with youth in the community; the BCR Club at Culver City High School (CCHS); and being asked to be an Eagle Scout advisor.
Deborah Gregory, BCR, thanked Jim Lamm for his service to the community noting that the Commendation was a small gesture for the service done.
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Item R-3
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 6-12, 2025 as Nurse’s Week in Culver City
Vice Mayor Puza presented the proclamation designating May 6- 12, 2025 as Nurse’s Week in Culver City.
Roger Braum, Assistant Fire Chief, presented flowers to Marie Aragon and her staff at Southern California Hospital in appreciation for the assistance from the hospital every day and he presented flowers to the CCFD Nurse Educator Adrienne Roel.
May 12, 2025
4 Marie Aragon, Southern California Hospital, expressed appreciation for the proclamation; discussed things that happen behind the scenes; frontline staff; and helping people when they are most vulnerable.
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Item R-4
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Culver City
Council Member Fish presented the proclamation designating May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month in Culver City.
Rabbi Levy, Chabad Culver City, thanked the City Council for the recognition; discussed Chabad Culver City; Culver City as an incredible home for Jewish life; the annual Channukah celebration; and appreciation for being able to experience their religion.
Rabbi Freedman, Temple Akiba, thanked everyone for creating the fabric of Culver City; discussed the sense of community in Culver City; the desirable place to live, work, and be Jewish; physical and spiritual protection; diversity of needs; and he thanked Culver City for the recognition.
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Item R-5
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 2025 as Historic Preservation Month in Culver City
Council Member McMorrin presented the proclamation designating May 2025 as Historic Preservation Month in Culver City.
Jack Bommarito, Culver City Historical Society President, expressed appreciation for the designation and invited everyone to visit on the first and third Sundays of the month noting regular programming on the fourth Tuesday of the month , four times per year.
Noelle Warner, Ambassador Girl Scout from Troop 135, reported currently working on her gold award , a self -guided Historic Walking Tour highlighting 14 locations in Culver City; she May 12, 2025
5 discussed social media outreach; in -person tours; she thanked Hope Parrish and Jack Bommarito for their assistance; and she shared copies of the self -guided walking tour booklets with Council Members.
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Item R-6
CC – Presentation of a Proclamation Designating May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Culver City
Mayor O’Brien presented the proclamation designating May 2025 as Older Americans Month in Culver City noting that the Senior Center was very busy when he visited it earlier in the day.
Jill Thomsen, Recreation and Community Services Supervisor, encouraged everyone to stop in to the Senior Center; discussed membership levels; and she thanked PRCS staff that work at the Senior Center and the CCSA (Culver City Senior Association) Volunteer Board, as well as other City departments that they work with on a daily basis for their efforts to create diverse and inclusive programming.
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Regular Session
Mayor O’Brien reconvened t he regular meeting of the City Council, Culver City Housing Authority Board, Culver City Parking Authority Board, Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board at 7:09 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Council Chambers at City Hall with all Council Members present.
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor O’Brien led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Land Acknowledgement
Mayor O’Brien read the Land Acknowledgement.
May 12, 2025
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Closed Session Report
Heather Baker, City Attorney, reported on Closed Session Item CS-2 noting that the City Council had directed the City Attorney to initiate or intervene in litigation and once litigation is formally commenced the particulars shall be disclosed to any person upon inquiry in accordance with the Brown Act unless doing so would jeopardize the ability of the City to serve a third party or the ability of the City to conclude the settlement negotiations.
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Community Announcements by Members/Updates from Commissions, Boards and/or Committees/Information Items from Staff
Council Member McMorrin shared a statement in solidarity with her Working Families Party colleagues; discussed the targeting of Newark Mayor Ras Baraka by IC E (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agents by throwing him in jail while he was doing his job; she asserted that Trump fears unity noting that solidarity wins every time; discussed being from New Jersey; her service as Mayor of Culver City; fa scism; May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month; Mental Health Awareness Month; stigma; she expressed appreciation to the Mobile Crisis Team (MCT) and all who work in the mental health fiel d; she noted that May is also National Foster Care Awareness Month; she encouraged everyone to support policy and initiatives that improve the well -being of all children in foster care; she suggested that people check out the community calendar at culvercity.org; discussed multiple events for Teen Mental Health Week; the Teen Center; the Standing Housing and Homelessness Committee meeting on May 14; and she expressed sincere
condolences to the family of Tyree Nichols
Vice Mayor Puza thanked the Culver City Education Foundation (CCEF) for another successful Taste of Culver City event; discussed the Westside Pacific Villages event for Older Adults Month; appreciation for the partnership with the Age Friendly Initiative Task Force being organized by Culver City; the Annual Achievable Health Gala; he wished mothers and mother-figures a Happy Mother’s Day; discussed labor statistics for mothers; and ways to support mothers and caregivers.
May 12, 2025
7 Mayor O’Brien discussed the successful CCEF Taste of Culver City event; expressed appreciation to staff and the Exchange Club for the 21st Annual Car Show, as well as to Scout Troops 15, 108 and 113 for leading the flag ceremony; discussed the Pancake Breakfast; the Non -Profit Convening at the Wende Museum; the Non-Profit of the Year Award for Grace Diner; and he thanked the A-Mark Foundation for funding Culver City hats that can only be gotten by volunteering in Culver City.
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Joint Public Comment – Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the City Council statement regarding hate speech.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Maria Beg was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Emily Dibiny read a statement on behalf of her friend Alice in opposition to a proposed resolution that is not about peace or using funds wisely, but instead is about avoiding a call for a ceasefire and wanting to stop hearing about Gaza in Council meetings; discussed two explicit stances on international conflicts taken by the City Council for Israeli and Ukrainian victims; proposing that conversations happen at the federal level; the October 23 resolution standing in solidarity with genocide; lack of clean water in Gaza; children going blind from lack of nutrition; child amputees; City Council prioritization of a few Zionists rather than saying that the maiming and killing of innocent children should stop; racism and hypocrisy; and she asked the City Council to vote no o n the resolution and to agendize a ceasefire.
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, pointed out that the previous comment related to Item A -3, and she reminded speakers that comment was being taken for Items NOT On the Agenda.
Mariah Fontijn , Culver City Residents for Peace, discussed blockage of all humanitarian aid to Gaza since March 2; starving people while they are being bombed; malnutrition and
dehydration; the resolution passed on October 23 condemning the October 7 attacks; she questioned why Culver City could not do May 12, 2025
8 the same for the children of Gaza; noted the refusal of the City to even allow discussion of a ceasefire resolution; clarity on whose lives the City values with time, effort, and resources; symbolism; the need to stand for all constituents; and she noted that with every delay, more people die.
Jeff Schwartz discussed the proposition that Council Members who are Fox Hills residents should not vote on the Fox Hills Specific Plan; lack of representation for decades; the silencing of elected officials; the number of renters and People of Color in Fox Hills; the history of exclusion for Fox Hills; the fact that Council Member Vera has not been prevented from voting on items that relate to CCPD (Culver City Police Department) even though his daughter is a police officer, or on regulations and taxes that affect his numerous properties and businesses; the vote of Council Member Vera against Hero Pay for grocery workers despite having inherited Sorrento Market; Council Member Vera’s attempts to shut down the housing registry while having not registered any of his rental properties; lack of recognition of a conflict of interest by the City Attorney; lack of hesitation by Mayor O’Brien to vote on matters relating to Michael Hackman’s properties even though Mr. Hackman personally spent over $600,000 to elect him; consistent application of impossible standards for progressives while covering for conservatives by the City Attorney; implicit bias; ideology; invisibility of the world view of the dominant class because it passes for common sense; and he asked Culver City to do better.
Huong Nghiem-Eilbeck discussed May as Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month; concern that commemoration of the fall of Saigon is characterized as liberation or reunification day; the 200,000 Vietnamese sent to reeducation camps; celebration of contribution s of Asian Americans; honoring icons; a recent Asian Gala for Local Heroes; the inability to ignore the current moment; the humanitarian crisis in Gaza; understanding what it means to ensure violence and injustice; and the need for cultural recognition to go hand in hand with a commitment to justice both locally and globally.
Art Nomura provided background on himself; discussed population growth in the world; climate change; acting as guardians of the planet; bicycling, walking, and use of public transportation as a way to reduce pollution, alleviate congestion; embracing the joy of a car -free lifestyle; and he wished everyone a Happy National Bike Month.
May 12, 2025
9 Dorothy Sadd indicated being a cyclist; expressed appreciation for the opportunity to volunteer with the BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee); highlighted some of her bike routes for National Bike to Work Month and discussed their status; expressed appreciation for the work of the City on Overland and Hannum; expressed support for the subcommittee structure; and she hoped to volunteer again in the future.
Ronald Davis wanted to see Culver City condemn the arrest of hundreds of student protestors at USC and UCLA last year; discussed ongoing activity throughout the Los Angeles area to protest fascism and genocide; concern with ongoing silence while student protesters are being denied free speech; growing anti - transgender hysteria; attempts to demean people for defending their transgender rights, just as people are being dehumanized daily in Gaza; he felt that responsible City leaders should take action; and he proposed holding open forum s to allow student protestors to be heard, and to discuss the issue of transgender hatred as part of the campaign against hatred.
Sebastien Cornic spoke on behalf of Café Vida, 33 Tap s, Sake House, Meet in Paris, Naldo Italian, and S&W Country Diners in opposition to the recent waste collection cost increase proposed under SB1383 compliance; noted their support of California’s sustainability goals and the intent to reduce landfill waste; discussed concerns with the abrupt shift in cost structure; the significant financial burden on small businesses; lack of a phase-in period or options for scaling the service to better fit actual output; and he requested that the City Council agendize consideration of a sliding scale or subsidy for small long-standing local businesses being hit hardest, and that the City provide detailed volume data that justifies the charges and a reassessment of actual waste levels including possible shared bins with neighboring businesses.
Council Member Vera received City Council consensus from Mayor O’Brien, Vice Mayor Puza, and Council Member Fish to look into providing relief for small business owners.
James Richardson echoed many sentiments expressed; asked what justice and peace meant to the City Council; discussed an opportunity to start talking as a community about the Martin B.
Retting gun building on Washington Boulevard; interconnected issues beyond race and poverty and what is going on between race and religion; the need for tangible movement; and he did not think things were as bad as they seem.
May 12, 2025
10 Mayor O’Brien noted that the gun store had been discussed several weeks ago and an RFP (Request for Proposals) had been issued.
Mary Daval wished everyone a Happy Bike Month 2025; discussed the 8th birthday of Women on Bikes Culver City; goals of the group; and she invited all women to the next ride on May 19.
Mark Herscovitz discussed concern with adding $16 million to the City budget with the Jubilo Village project; the proposal for low-income housing that includes new facilities for the church; money already granted by Culver City to get the project off the ground; plans to give all HUD (Housing and Urban Development) vouchers to the project; the inability to grant vouchers to anyone else for 20 years; the declaration of a fiscal emergency; the need to spend $500,000 for a special mail- in only election; lease payments to the church; t he potential for additional funds needed to complete the project; the project funded by Culver City tax dollars that is not guaranteed to house Culver City residents or workers; conflicts of interest; and he called for the removal of the money from the budget and that Vice Mayor Puza recuse himself from all future votes on any Jubilo projects.
Ashraf Hawari was called to speak but was not present online or in person.
Dakota O’Hara discussed being asked to take down their slacklines and hammocks at Carlson Park; research o n City statutes defining the rules for park usage; vague language in the Culver City Municipal Code; the California Supreme Court determination of liability; California Civil Code 831.7 Section A; recreational activities on public or private lands; the Assumption of Risk Doctrine; proof of negligence in maintaining the land; he asked that the City update the Municipal Code to reflect the Supreme Court rulings and work to implement common sense guidelines; and he discussed commitment to fostering diverse activities in public parks.
Ken Palmer expressed curiosity as to what other community members were saying; asked whether letters sent to the City Council could be made available for review before the meetings; discussed Jubilo Village; support for affordable housing; concern that no future Council Members w ould have funds or vouchers to promote affordable housing projects; he suggested that Culver City stick with helping other developing projects rather than helping a project that the City does not and will May 12, 2025
11 not own that has uncertainty as to what will happen to it after 30 years; and he wanted to see questions answered before the project was approved.
Erin McCarthy, 33 Taps, spoke on behalf of the owner expressing appreciation for City Council support for looking into SB1383; discussed other things to consider such as allowing for a grace period or transitional pricing structure to help businesses adapt without facing immediate financial strain; ensuring that all contracts are thoroughly negotiated and structured with long-term value in mind; local businesses recovering from the pandemic and facing rising costs; and the need to work together to push back against unsustainable cost increases whereve r possible.
Karim Sahli echoed comments made by Jeff Schwartz regarding conflicts of interest; discussed safety; lack of crime resulting from opening the Jackson Gate; proposed bike lanes and transit; financial distress; and he asked the City Manager to stop spending money on security for City Council meetings noting that police officers were already present and efficient.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding recommendations; concern with statements alleging lack of integrity; evaluation of issues; advice given and help guiding Council Members through the rules to make their decisions about recusal; potential legal conflicts; encouragement of Council Members to seek FPPC (Fair Political Practice s Commission) advice; objective evaluation; the ultimate decision of
individual Council Members as to whether to participate or to recuse themselves; lack of immunity for a Council Member if they have received advice from the City Attorney’s Office and a conflict arises; immunity granted if advice is received from the FPPC; the Public Generally Rule; privileged discussions between the City Attorney’s Office and Council Members; careful analysis of complex issues applied objectively across the board; and Council Member misunderstanding of their ability to make the choice to participate if advised against it by the City Attorney’s Office.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE RECEIVED BY 3:00 P.M. ON MAY 12, 2025.
May 12, 2025
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Order of the Agenda
Consent Calendar Items C-3, C-6, C-7 and C-8 were considered separately and Item A-2 was deferred to the next meeting.
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Consent Calendar
Item C-1
CC:HA:SA - Approval of Cash Disbursements for April 19, 2025 to May 2, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL , HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE CASH
DISBURSEMENTS FOR APRIL 19, 2025 TO MAY 2, 2025.
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Item C-2
CC:HA:SA:PA – Approval of Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting Held on April 28, 2025
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, HOUSING AUTHORITY BOARD, PARKING
AUTHORITY BOARD, AND SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY BOARD: APPROVE MINUTE S FOR THE REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING HELD ON APRIL 28, 2025.
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Item C-3
CC:SA:HA:PA - (1) Receipt of the City Manager’s/Executive Director’s Proposed Budget for Fiscal Year 2025 -2026; and (2) Setting the Date and Time of the Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget for June 9, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
May 12, 2025
13 Jamie Wallace was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Mario Washington, Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM), thanked Culver City for their continued support of the Jubilo Village Project and discussed funding applications submitted noting that any funding received would supplant those committed to by Culver City.
Jamie Wallace discussed the budget process and encouraged everyone to participate in the planned budget meetings.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL, AND THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY, HOUSING AUTHORITY AND PARKING AUTHORITY BOARDS:
1. RECEIVE THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026; AND,
2. SET THE TIME AND DATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR JUNE 9, 2025 AT 7:00 P.M., OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS MAY BE HEARD.
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Item C-4
CC – Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Culver City Municipal Code Chapter 15.02: Building, Structures, and Equipment by Adding Section 15.02.025 Contractor Transparency Requirements
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE AMENDING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 15.02: BUILDING, STRUCTURES, AND EQUIPMENT BY ADDING SECTION 15.02.025 CONTRACTOR TRANSPARENCY REQUIREMENTS.
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Item C-5
CC – (1) Award of Construction Contract to Alfaro Communications Construction, Inc., as the Lowest Responsive and Responsible Bidder, in the Amount of $3,015,454.67 for the Signalized Intersections Improvements Project, PL013; and (2)
Authorization to the Public Works Director to Approve Change Orders to the Contract in an Amount Not -to-Exceed $211,082 to Cover Contingency Costs (7%)
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
May 12, 2025
14 1. AWARD THE CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO ALFARO COMMUNICATIONS CONSTRUCTION, INC., AS THE LOWEST RESPONSIVE AND RESPONSIBLE BIDDER, IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,015,454.67 FOR THE SIGNALIZED INTERSECTIONS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PL013; AND,
2. AUTHORIZE THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR TO APPROVE CHANGE ORDERS TO THE CONTRACT IN AN AMOUNT NOT -TO-EXCEED $211,082 TO COVER CONTINGENCY (7%); 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
CC – Approval of Renaming the Palm Room and Yanji/Iksan City Room at Veterans Memorial Building to the Capo d’Orlando Room and the Iksan City Room Respectively
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Craig Schoenbaum expressed support for renaming the Palm Room to the Capo d’Orlando Room at Veterans Memorial Building; discussed his experience visiting Sister Cities ; the upcoming centennial celebration; and renaming the Yanji/Iksan City Room to the Iksan City Room.
Mara Bommarito, Culver City Sister City Committee, expressed support for the proposed name changes; discussed the delegation visiting as honored guests for the 100 th anniversary of Capo d’Orlando; she discussed Culver City delegates participating; the student program; and she hoped that one day all Council Members would have the opportunity to visit Capo d’Orlando.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE RENAMING THE PALM ROOM AND THE
YANJI/IKSAN CITY ROOM AT VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING TO THE CAPO D’ORLANDO ROOM AND THE IKSAN CITY ROOM RESPECTIVELY.
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May 12, 2025
15 Item C-7
CC – Approval of Final Plans and Specifications and
Authorization to Publish a Notice Inviting Bids for Construction of Huron Avenue Sidewalk and Drainage Improvement Project, PS- 035
Council Member McMorrin received clarification regarding the process for selecting the area to provide improvements.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS AND
SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZE THE PUBLICATION OF A NOTICE
INVITING BIDS FOR THE HURON AVENUE SIDEWALK AND DRAINAGE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, PS-035.
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Item C-8
CC – (1) Authorization to Submit Applications to the Surface Transportation Block Grant Program (STBG) and/or Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) for (a) the Culver City Bus Facility Partial Electrification Project; (b) the Culver City Transit Center Future Visioning Study; and (c) the Culver City Hydrogen Bus Pilot Project, with a total
11.47% Local Match Commitment in the Amount of $1,804,349; and (2) Approval of a Letter in Support of the Applications for STBG and/or CMAQ funding to be signed by the Mayor
Kevin Ded icatoria expressed concern about flammability and upkeep of hydrogen buses; wanted to see improvements and potential relocation of the Culver City Transit Center; discussed looking at other ways to get around Culver City and elsewhere; honoring seniors; Autism Awareness Month;
accommodating seniors and those living with disabilities; public misconceptions; and ensuring that transit is available for everyone.
Vice Mayor Puza thanked Mr. Dedacatoria for his comments and congratulated the Transportation Department for pursuing their grants.
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AUTHORIZE THE SUBMISSION OF A COMPETITIVE GRANT APPLICATION
TO THE SURFACE TRANSPORTATION BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (STBG) AND/OR
CONGESTION MITIGATION AND AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CMAQ) May 12, 2025
16 FOR (A) THE CULVER CITY BUS FACILITY PARTIAL ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT; (B) THE CULVER CITY TRANSIT CENTER FUTURE VISIONING STUDY; AND (C) THE CULVER CITY HYDROGEN BUS PILOT PROJECT, WITH A TOTAL 11.47% LOCAL MATCH COMMITMENT IN THE AMOUNT OF
$1,804,349; AND,
2. APPROVE A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR THE CMAQ/STBG PROGRAM, TO BE SIGNED BY THE MAYOR; 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-9
CC – Approval of a Budget Amendment Appropriating $55,000 from the West Washington Benefit Assessment District #1 Fund Balance to CIP #PZ638 for Refurbishment of Medians at Zanja Street and Washington Boulevard
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: APPROVE A BUDGET AMENDMENT APPROPRIATING THE AMOUNT OF $55,000 FROM THE WEST WASHINGTON BENEFIT
ASSESSMENT DISTRICT #1 TO CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT #PZ638 (REQUIRES A FOUR-FIFTHS VOTE).
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Item C-10
CC – Adoption of an Ordinance Approving City -Initiated Zoning Code Amendment (P2025-0012-ZCA) Amending Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) Title 17 Zoning Code, Section 17.400.095 Residential Uses - Accessory Dwelling Units to Clarify and Update Existing Code Sections to Conform to State Accessory Dwelling Unit Law
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL: ADOPT AN ORDINANCE APPROVING CITY - INITIATED ZONING CODE AMENDMENT P2025-0012-ZCA, AMENDING CULVER CITY MUNICIPAL CODE (CCMC) TITLE 17 ZONING CODE, SECTION
17.400.095 RESIDENTIAL USES - ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS TO
CLARIFY AND UPDATE EXISTING CODE SECTIONS TO CONFORM TO STATE ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT LAW.
May 12, 2025
17 MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS C-1 THROUGH C-10.
Council Member Vera asked that Item A -2 be pulled from the agenda; noted that the City Attorney would discuss whether the Public Generally Exemption applies since he is a small business owner; he indicated that he would like to participate in the item; stated that he had great ideas to share; wanted to ensure no conflict of interest; and he noted that if the item is not pulled he would have to recuse himself.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the backlog of things to be considered by the City Council; Mayor O’Brien, Vice Mayor Puza, and Council Member Fish agreed to defer the item; and the City Attorney indicated that the item could return for consideration at the next meeting.
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Public Hearing Items
Item PH-1
CC - (1) Adoption of a Negative Declaration per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Finding the Subdivision Ordinance will not have a Significant Effect on the Environment; (2) Introduction of an Ordinance Approving a Municipal Code Amendment (P2024 -0237-ZCA) Replacing the City’s Subdivision Ordinance in its Entirety and Amending Portions of the Zoning Code; and (3) Adoption of a Resolution Approving Small Lot Subdivision Design Standards (Project)
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVITS OF MAILING, PUBLISHING, AND POSTING OF PUBLIC NOTICE.
Emily Stadnicki , Advance Planning Manag er, introduced the proposed update to the Subdivision Ordinance; provided
background on the item; and discussed reasons for the update.
Jose Mendivil, Project Manager, noted that the ordinance would incorporate state legislation; discussed small lot subdivision standards; the process; approval authority; CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act); public comment received; the staff recommendation to adopt a negative declaration; the Planning Commission recommendation; facilitation of housing production; May 12, 2025
18 and the intent of the changes to bring the subdivision ordinance into compliance with state law.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the amount of Culver City that is eligible to take advantage of the new law; requirements to be eligible; whether the presence of a tenant affects eligibility; ensuring that the definition of vacant is consistent with state law; and community outreach to raise awareness of the law.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Kathy Brown declined to speak.
Kevin Ded icatoria spoke in support of the item ; discussed different housing situations; and appreciation for providing more opportunities to make it easier to accommodate those who want to live and work in Culver City.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Council Member McMorrin expressed support for and
acknowledgement of the work of staff.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. ADOPT A NEGATIVE DECLARATION, FINDING THE INITIAL STUDY
DEMONSTRATES THERE IS NO SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE THE SUBDIVISION
ORDINANCE WILL HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE ENVIRONMENT (ATTACHMENT 3); AND
2. INTRODUCE A NEW SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE REPLACING THE CURRENT
ORDINANCE IN ITS ENTIRETY, AND AMENDING PORTIONS OF THE ZONING
CODE, AS STATED IN EXHIBIT A OF THE DRAFT ORDINANCE (ATTACHMENT 1); AND,
May 12, 2025
19 3. ADOPT A RESOLUTION APPROVING SMALL LOT SUBDIVISION DESIGN
STANDARDS AND INCORPORATE THE STANDARDS INTO THE OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (ATTACHMENT 2).
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Item PH-2
CC - Introduction of an Ordinance Approving City -Initiated Annual Zoning Code Amendment (P2025-0023-ZCA) Amending Various Sections of Title 17: Zoning Code of the Culver City Municipal Code (CCMC) for Clarifications, Corrections, and Updates, and Exemption from CEQA
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA , SECONDED BY MAYOR O’BRIEN AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE THE AFFIDAVITS OF MAILING AND PUBLICATION OF PUBLIC NOTICE.
Emily Stadnick, Current Planning Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work of staff and the staff report; consequences of changes; potential impact to housing production; the timeline; and evidence that changes are generally made after receiving input from the public at the first meeting rather than the second.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR PUZA AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
The following member of the public addressed the City Council:
Kevin Dedicatoria asked about ways to provide input; discussed people who do not want to own a car; whether the code relate d to transit and Transit Oriented Development (TOD); and addressing those who want to take the bus.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that automobile parking is not required for future development but long -term and short -term bicycle parking is required; new projects that are required to post bus routes and encourage carpooling; the existing TOD near the Metro station; May 12, 2025
20 and clarification that the item being considered does not affect those standards or the boundaries of the district.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation for the work done by staff; excitement to move forward; agreement regarding the decision about public meetings; effects to designs in response to public comment; and the feeling that developers go big with the expectation that there will be push back from the public.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER
MCMORRIN AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
INTRODUCE AN ORDINANCE APPROVING CITY -INITIATED ZONING CODE AMENDMENT P2025-0023-ZCA, AMENDING VARIOUS SECTIONS OF TITLE 17: ZONING CODE OF THE CCMC TO MAKE THE CORRECTIONS,
CLARIFICATIONS, AND UPDATES OUTLINED IN EXHIBIT A, AND ADOPTING
AN EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) PURSUANT TO SECTION 15061(B)(3).
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - (1) Award of Special Event Grants in the Aggregate Amount of $192,000 for the Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and Designation of Events as City Sponsored as Recommended by the Special Events Grant Program City Council Ad Hoc Subcommittee; (2) Allocation of $18,000 in Contingency Funding for Off-Cycle Event Support; and (3) Authorization to the City Manager to Administratively Approve Applicable City Permits and Licenses Needed to Conduct the Events
Edgar Varela, Special Events Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the increased allocation; hard costs; funds being put forth; the request for an additional $54,000 for the Special Event Grants and Contingency; in -kind grants; instances of direct funding; costs paid back to the City for their services vs. direct cash reimbursement or funding to an organization; policy around which events get the full amount and which do not; fee May 12, 2025
21 waivers; event policy; the ability of the grant to be a combination of in -kind and grant funding; direct vs. in -kind funding; clarification of the policy allowing for a combination of direct and in-kind funding at the mandatory meeting for grant recipients; the process to determine the amount for each event; guidelines in order the qualify for the program; incentives for new events; signature events; efforts for equitable
distribution; the goal of funding everyone in some amount; support for a variety of ev ents; application of the equity framework once completed; and appreciation for the work of staff.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding a request that staff provide information on how much the event costs vs. how much people are requesting; providing a rubric to ensure the process and evaluation is transparent; understanding what was requested and what was given; need exceeding the amount available; support for providing
opportunities for new partnerships; and the application process.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding work to create structure and criteria to apply funding equally; adjustments to City fees; increased costs for CCPD; guidelines for police officer assignments to events; the permit section; analysis of each event; traffic control ; different factors that impact costs; offsetting costs; use of civilian support as much as possible; use of officers that are already on duty to offset overtime costs; use of the SET team at the Drone Show last year; traffic control required at the Car Show; the recent Walk and Rollers event; use of security personnel rather than police officers; crowd control and management; mitigation of liability; high visibility patrol officers; mutual aid partners; and collabo ration with CCPD to make sure that events are well-produced and safe for everyone.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding clarification that there is no specific policy; examination of events on a case -by-case basis; discretion of CCPD; different factors taken into consideration; clarification that an officer per attendee ratio does not exist; providing slightly more clear guidelines; mandated CCPD presence for events involving alcohol; and CCPD costs related to the Olympics event that is under consideration for Town Plaza.
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
No requests to speak were received.
May 12, 2025
22 Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to staff for their efforts; nailing down ambiguities; ensuring that equity is part of the process; prioritization of important events that may not have the means but are important to the community; the amount of money being allocated vs. what is gained; community building; appreciation for recommendations to add more criteria and structure to the process; appreciation to those who submit applications and hold events; support for the work of Economic Development; support for uniformity and transparent guidelines for decision -making; and clarification that the motion should read $192,000, rather than $191,000 as noted.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR VERA AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL:
1. AWARD $192,000 IN GRANTS AND DESIGNATE 27 EVENTS AS CITY - SPONSORED THROUGH THE FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026 SPECIAL EVENTS GRANT PROGRAM; AND,
2, ALLOCATE UP TO $18,00 IN CONTINGENCY FOR OFF-CYCLE EVENT SUPPORT; AND,
3. AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO ADMINISTRATIVELY APPROVE
APPLICABLE CITY PERMITS AND LICENSES NEEDED TO CONDUCT THE
EVENTS, PROVIDED SUCH PERMITS AND LICENSES ARE CONSISTENT WITH THE SCOPE OF THE EVENT AS SET FORTH IN THE GRANT APPLICATION.
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Item A-2
CC - Discussion and Direction Regarding Pilot Micro-Grant/Small Business Assistance Programs
This item was deferred to a future meeting.
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Item A-3
CC - (1) Discussion of and, if Desired, Adoption of a Resolution on Peace and Diplomacy in Times of International Conflict and the Wise Use of City Funds; and (2) Direction to the City Manager, as Deemed Appropriate
May 12, 2025
23 Shelly Wolfberg , Assistant to the City Manager, provided a summary of the material of record.
Council Member Fish received clarification that the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC) had not provided feedback on the item.
Mayor O’Brien invited public input.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Maria Beg, with one minute ceded by George Ressler, expressed strong opposition to the resolution; reported being shocked when she saw the item on the agenda; felt that the resolution was a direct attempt to silence their attempts for City Council recognition of the genocide in Gaza; discussed the actions of the federal government to aid in the genocide with taxpayer dollars; the message that their voices don’t matter and the way that they feel has no bearing on the City; Council Members she voted to elect; Council Members who have voted in support of Israel and Ukraine; concern that the City Council is suddenly shying away from international conflicts; and pain being experienced by constituents and residents that make it a local issue that should be dealt with on a local level.
Stephanie Sharp discussed Council Members who walked out on a presentation from a place where she works; appreciation for the word peace; placating so others feel comfortable while she feels tortured; wanting to believe that the City Council means well by the proposed actions; safety being used as a weapon that protects a specific subset of the population; vulnerable members of the community; inequity; terror ; starvation; cruelty; she asked the City Council to not dismiss them; and she hoped that the current and future City Council would act equitably.
Emily Dibiny expressed opposition to the proposed resolution; discussed the racist statement made back on October 23; making amends by denouncing or removing the old statement; the new statement that is a slap in the face; disconnection from voters; bigot constituents; and she questioned whether Council Members would defend their properties if they were seized.
Mariah Fontijn, with one minute ceded by Alice Kim, read a statement from Thistle Boosinger urging the City Council to reject the agenda item; discussed witnessing her friends being attacked for advocating that Palestinians should be allowed to live in their home land, free from occupation; the violence of May 12, 2025
24 Edan On as arising from being a product of his environment; the fact that Culver City is not separate from the world; the stance of neutrality; people in Culver City directly impacted by what is going on; being diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) due to her brutalization at the UCLA encampment that caused a life-altering injury with daily pain; her inability to work; cowardice of Culver City; the ceasefire resolution as the bare minimum; the message being sent that lived diverse cultural experiences of residents do not matter; she asked the City Council to reject Item A-3; noted the responsibility of the City Council to represent all residents; and Ms. Fontijn added her own comments that the action seemed hypocritical and unfair.
Huong Nghiem-Eilbeck spoke in opposition to Item A-3; noted that silence in the face of mass suffering was complicity rather than neutrality; discussed the number of children who have died and those who are starving; documented deaths; lack of response by the federal government; lack of medical facilities; health care workers who have been killed; assassinations; mass graves; the man-made famine; she asked Culver City to express support for a ceasefire resolution and to stand behind humanitarian efforts that will be necessary following the war; noted the past practice of taking a moral stance; precedent; concern with souring relationships with Sister Cities and Olympic
partnerships by silencing the stories of immigrant and refugee families; and she asked that the humanitarian crisis be acknowledged.
Ronald Davis echoed opposition to the proposed resolution; discussed the importance of listening to constituents; mo ving in a new direction; Pope Francis and Pope Leo; the rebuke of the views of the Vice President; the White Citizen’s Councils in Mississippi; and he felt the Pope would say that not speaking about the genocide going on is not only immoral, but probably a sin.
Taylor Vivanco asked the City Council to vote no on Item A -3; felt it was not smart to put limits on what the City Council can and cannot do; discussed people coming to express their right of free speech; representation; democracy; making one’s voice heard; repeated requests for a ceasefire resolution; efforts to silence the people who have come forward; eroding rights and civic engagement; democracy; and further degradation into fascism.
Edward Wolkowitz discussed a statement on the agenda that requests the community limit its comments to items within the May 12, 2025
25 jurisdiction of the City Council; the October 2023 resolution expressing solidarity with the state of Israel which is clearly beyond the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council; giving the people of Palestine equal dignity in Gaza; and he proposed that the City Council adopt a resolution supporting the ceasefire in Gaza and then limit future Council comments to those matters that are within the subject matter jurisdiction.
Darrel Menthe hoped tha t the City Council would adopt the resolution; stated that the City Council was not empowered to make foreign policy; discussed complex issues in dispute around the world and in Culver City; support for controversial foreign policy positions; being at odds with the State Department; use of City resolutions to score points against neighbors on inflammatory issues; rhetorical battles; concern with bringing the warfare home; the work of the City to bring people together rather than alienating them; he felt the proposed resolution would bring people together ; and he thanked Council Member McMorrin for bringing it forward and staff for agendizing it.
Elly Levy provided background on himself; asserted that textbook genocide was not an international conflict; questioned why the proposed resolution was brought forward; asked about the timing of the resolution; stated that the resolution was an attempt to silence speech about particular content; questioned whether the next step would be physically plucking people out of meetings to suppress speech; and discussed actions of the federal branch of government.
James Richardson acknowledged not being able to read through the entire resolution; noted the complex issue; sided with constituents; noted the difficulty of being unaffected by what is going on in the world; discussed issues of language and authority; disappointment that the City Council cannot say ceasefire; context regarding the surrounding war; concern with condemning one side but not the looking at what is going on on the other side; things going on in the United States; voices that do not have the privilege to speak without being harmed; and he expressed support for a resolution th at uses the word ceasefire.
Kathy Brown expressed opposition to the proposed resolution; discussed the importance of allowing the City Council to speak up and weigh in; support for a ceasefire resolution such as many other towns and cities have done; the importance of thinking globally and acting locally; and she asked that the City Council stand strong in providing support to Jubilo Village.
May 12, 2025
26 Jasmine Delgado was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Jamie Wallace discussed the complex, personal issue; issues going on all over the world; the job of the City Council; lack of interest in what Culver City thinks from foreign leaders; she asserted that people were not being denied their right of free speech and Council Members were not experts on the foreign policy nor was is not their job; discussed time and effort being spent; and she noted that people could keep speaking to each other, but the City Council should not be responsible.
Sam A. urged the City Council not to adopt the resolution that would essentially stop discussion of international matters by the City Council; discussed the desire to focus on local government; real and personal ways that global events affect communities; increased Islamophobia and Asian -hate in Culver City; sending a message that lived experiences shaped locally and internationally are not welcome by sile ncing conversation about global events and humanitarian crises that affect people in Culver City; democracy; promoting compassion and resilience by allowing space for discussion; and she asked that Culver City uphold space for discussion for everyone to acknowledge that lives are shaped by more than just their borders.
Soe S. expressed opposition to the proposed resolution; asserted that the resolution showed where they stood with certain people in the community; discussed efforts to deter a decision on a ceasefire; the message being sent to those with family in Palestine; funding genocide with tax dollars fr om the United States; concern expressed about spending funds wisely while the City Council has delayed making a decision; making a statement in support o f peace prevailing for all rather than peace prevailing for some ; accountability; length of time the ceasefire resolution has been asked for; rescinding the resolution from October 23 standing in solidarity with Israel and from February 24 condemning Russia’s attack on Ukraine; and she asserted that there could be no peace is there is oppression.
Jeff Cooper was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Anthony Higgins discussed the issue that rises above race and religion; genocide; starvation as a weapon of war; the
elimination of 90% of the hospitals; suffering on a huge scale; the obligation as a human being to do what you can with what May 12, 2025
27 you have; the need to speak out for a ceasefire; concern that Culver City would support resolutions on Ukraine or October 7 and not speak out against the genocide; the opportunity to do something however small; and he asserted that it was time for a ceasefire resolution.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding appreciation to community members who shared their feelings; the feeling that Council Members do care about the community and about reducing harm in the world; providing structure for something that has been prone to bias; who gets support and when and for what reasons; proposed language; the process; the message the resolution would send; the appearance of wanting to sidestep moral questions; concern with making people feel more silenced when sp eaking out is already dangerous; incidents across the country harming people who speak out; resolutions passed in support of Israel and Ukraine quickly, without hesitation and without public input; delays to repeated calls for a ceasefire resolution such as has been passed by 100s of other cities; the right to question funding of the conflict by the United States while communities at home go without
healthcare and education; advocating at the federal level for transportation and at the state level for housing; having a role in where public resources are going and who is being harmed; the fact that values do not stop at city borders; ensuring that actions match words; examining where Culver City dollars go; residents at risk of being targeted for speaking out; education; referring the item to the EHRAC to be shaped with public input and rooted in community needs; making the statement count ; taking substantive action; having the courage to stand on principles and involve the community in taking meaningful action; appreciation for bringing the item forward to have the conversation; and support for making sense of a clearly inequitable process.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the intention in bringing the item back; identity; fighting to be treated fairly in the country; recognition of countless international conflicts; lack of an intent to silence people; the inability of the current City Council to bind future City Councils; processes; data about the loss of life
collectively happening; collective grief; conflicts in the Black community; feedback that there is no need to worry about people who do not live in the community; acknowledgement of grief and loss of life that continues to happen; ensuring that the lives of all peoples are valued; building a community fostering equity and accountability; modeling; maintaining the right to speak; May 12, 2025
28 appreciation for support from the EHRAC; loss of life happening; voices being lifted up; dire losses and proportionality; continued violence against Black people; police violence; the importance of seeing the humanity in one another; moving forward as a community; lifting up shared values; focusing on the work of supporting more housing, transit, and sustainability in the community; items the City Council can have impact on in a meaningful way; openness to receiving more community input; and the intention in the call for peace.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding timing; optics; requiring people to jump through hoops; getting things right; ensuring that something meaningful is accomplished; the complex item; acknowledgement of concerns expressed about being silenced; respecting the diverse community and perspectives; the goal of encouraging dialogue to bring about peaceful resolution; peace as a process and a goal; promoting dignity, equity, and cooperation; peaceful resolution of disputes; and concern with the way the resolution is written.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the reference to the Pope; comments about a “third world war in pieces”; suffering and injustice around the world;
disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities;
protecting free speech and due process; using platforms to advocate; directing collective efforts toward what ca n be shaped; acknowledging the broader world; direct impacts of global conflicts and atrocities to community members ; the resolution as clarifying supporting peace through local action; building systems to resolve conflict without harm; encouraging dialogue over division; acknowledging that international conflicts will put communities at odds; the position of the City to take a moral stance on all conflicts when it comes to the cost of human lives; diplomacy; having a standard City policy for all conflicts; opening up the process to the community; and crafting the resolution in a more meaningful way.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the purpose of City Councils; capability of rendering resolutions; previous resolutions for Ukraine and October 7; ongoing issues; history behind conflicts; making the effort to get things right; time taken away from City business; tears and frustration; lack of understanding of each p erson’s personal history and the history of the issue; different demands from different communities; peace as an ongoing effort to work together and uplift one another; important steps in the ongoing conversation; and continuing dialogue vs. a proclamation.
May 12, 2025
29 Mayor O’Brien reminded the audience that the time for public comment had ended and he was available to meet with individuals privately.
Further discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding the need for additional dialogue on the item; a suggestion that the Standing Governance Subcommittee consider the item in addition consideration of potential recommendations from the EHRAC; requesting the statement be centered around Palestinian and Arab neighbors and consideration of a ceasefire resolution; crafting a resolution centering around the
experience of the community that has not been recognized; prior ceasefire resolutions that have made some in the Jewish community feel unsafe; and people who do not come to address the City Council because they are afraid.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding other international conflicts affecting neighbors; concern with listing specific groups as tying the resolution to this point in time; consideration by the EHRAC and the Policy Subcommittee; scope of the Policy Subcommittee; creating an ad hoc subcommittee specifically for the discussion; and caution around continuing to workshop the idea if it is just words on a page and there are no actionable steps.
Council Member McMorrin moved to send the resolution to the EHRAC and, if possible, to the Policy Subcommittee, seeking their input and lifting up the intention of the resolution, and tying in actionable steps or programming with collaboration between Human Resources and the Equity Team to ensure
programming, education and dialogue to go along with the resolution.
Additional discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding concern s with costs; existing staffing for EHRAC; budgetary allocations for events; repurposing budgeting for actionable next steps; working to support the community by meeting them where they are; consideration of recommendations and requests by the City Council; determining whether a resolution is the right move; ensuring that the community is served; appreciation to the City Council and the community for their thoughtfulness on the serious and upsetting issue to many people; the importance of including community input into the proposed resolution to see if the item is worth pursuing; concern with mandating future programming; comments made about requiring people to jump through hoops and concern with sending May 12, 2025
30 the matter back to the EHRAC again; concern with receipt of feedback from only one point of view; obtaining balanced feedback; making it clear that EHRAC is not mandated to create programming; next steps; those who are not comfortable attending meetings; providing a hybrid meeting to allow feedback from those not comfortable attending in person ; and the ability to submit written comment to be received and filed.
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER MCMORRIN AND SECONDED BY MAYOR O’BRIEN
THAT THE CITY COUNCIL SEND THE PROPOSED RESOLUTION TO THE EQUITY
AND HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE (EHRAC) AND, IF POSSIBLE,
TO THE POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE SEEKING THEIR INPUT AND LIFTING UP
THE INTENTION OF THE RESOLUTION, INCLUDING ACTIONABLE NEXT STEPS
AND PROGRAMMING WITH COLLABORATION BETWEEN HUMAN RESOURCES AND
THE EHRAC TO INCLUDE EDUCATION AND DIALOGUE AND A PROGRAMMING
PIECE TO GO ALONG WITH THE RESOLUTION TO MEET THE COMMUNITY
WHERE THEY ARE, RECEIVE INPUT FROM THE COMMUNITY ON THE PROPOSED
RESOLUTION AND WHETHER THE RESOLUTION SHOULD MOVE FORWARD, RECEIVE EHRAC’S TAKE AWAYS FROM THE RESOLUTION AND BACKGROUND
ON THE RESOLUTION AND TEXT OF THE RESOLUTION AND THE REASONING
BEHIND IT WITH A NOTE THAT EHRAC IS NOT MANDATED TO CREATE PROGRAMMING.
THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWEING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, MCMORRIN, O’BRIEN, PUZA
NOES: VERA
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Malik Mahmoud was called to speak but was not present in person or in Council Chambers.
Maria Beg read a poem written to the mothers of Gaza for Mother’s Day noting that the goal of representing humanity should be at the forefront of every conversation.
Denise Neal asked about the status of reparations for the African American community; discussed opportunities since DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) is being phased out to set up fiscally responsible, financially feasible opportunities for May 12, 2025
31 Foundational Black Americans (FBA) to build their businesses and to contribute to their own reparations; set aside and subcontracts and merit contracts for the particular population; and she asked about having dialogue to create a multi-agency law enforcement agency at Ivy Station and in Fox Hills.
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Items from Council Members
None.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
Council Member Fish discussed the MOU (Memorandum of
Understanding) with the New Zealand Olympic Committee; the ability of Culver City to recoup the costs of the event; and he asked that staff provide information to help the City Council make the recommendation to spend the money.
Discussion ensued between staff and Council Members regarding lack of in-house expertise to conduct the analysis; staffing to address people coming to Culver City for the Olympics whether New Zealand headquarters in Culver City or not; and consensus was received from Mayor O’Brien, Vice Mayor Puza, and Council Members Fish and McMorrin to direct the Olympics Subcommittee to discuss creation of an analysis of the ability of Culver City to recoup the costs of hosting Team New Zealand in Culver City for the Olympics.
City Council consensus was achieved on the following items:
• Direct the Olympic Subcommittee to discuss creation of an analysis of the ability of Culver City to recoup the costs of hosting New Zealand in Culver City for the Olympics
(Fish)
• Consideration of providing relief for small business owners with regard to compliance with SB1383 (Vera)
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May 12, 2025
32 Adjournment
There being no further business , at 10:46 p.m., on the City Council, Housing Authority Board, Parking Authority Board, Redevelopment Financing Authority Board, and Successor Agency to the Culver City Redevelopment Agency Board adjourned to a meeting to be held on May 19, 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, Redevelopment Financing Authority Board,
Culver City Parking Authority Board 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,
Redevelopment Financing Authority Board, Culver City Housing Authority Board, and Culver City Parking Authority Board
Date: _________________________