OFFICIAL MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
June 2, 2025
6:00 p.m.
Mayor O'Brien called the special meeting of the City Council - Interview of Applicants for Commissions, Boards, and Committees to order at 6:08 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall and online.
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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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor O'Brien led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Land Acknowledgement
Mayor O'Brien read the Land Acknowledgement.
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Connnunity Announcements by Members/Information Items from Staff/Updates from Commissions, Boards, and/or Committees None.
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Joint Public Comment - Items NOT on the Agenda
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, read the statement on hate speech.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Jamie Wallace, Culver City Neighbors United, provided background on the organization; discussed the petition to receive feedback on the $20 million dollar Jubilo issue; she provided a copy of the petition with feedback included; and she stated that spending the money on a private, non-City item was not a good idea.
Margaret Rainey discussed her efforts to communicate with staff and Council Member Vera concerning street construction at Jackson/Revere/Farragut; over-engineering of the project for a residential neighborhood; number of residents who drive in the residential area; number of accidents in the area; money spent on the project; the outlet at the end of Jackson; potential safety concerns; and she questioned the goal of the project.
Ethan Greenspan provided background on himself; discussed the dead end at Revere and Jackson; lack of accidents in the area; design of an intersection that resembles a freeway offramp; nine new signs that have created unsafe conditions; design of an unsafe, ugly system; he asked that the City Council visit the area; felt that putting two stop signs going both ways would address any safety issues; expressed concern with cars coming at each other with a yield sign; discussed the bus lane in Downtown Culver City; concern with a lack of public input in the design; the walk-through; and he asked that the design be removed and looked at.
Council Member Vera asked that Mr.
information.
Greenspan leave his
Sara Greenspan reported living on the street for 39 years; discussed addressing additional traffic due to the snicket with stop signs or a lighted crosswalk; computer design; four streets intersecting that go from different directions; narrow lanes; people that will no longer be able to park their cars in front of their houses; difficulties for delivery trucks due to lack of a turning radius; confusion with the intersection; concern 2 June 2, 2025
with tax dollars going to something no one in the neighborhood wants; she reported being told that the garbage trucks could just drive over the curb; and she asked everyone to visit the site.
Denise Neal was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Patrick Godinez reported being a Culver City unhoused neighbor serving on the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH) and on the Outreach and Engagement Subcommittee; he advised against adding staff or funds to the Housing and Human Services Department for mental health as proposed in the upcoming budget; felt that adding more staff and services during a fiscal crisis was unnecessary as there were plenty of providers available to treat and pay for services besides the taxpayers of Culver City; expressed concern that taking services in-house would expose Culver City to potential malpractice suits; he proposed adding to the CCPD Mental Health program with CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System); discussed 24 hour coverage vs. the 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. hours proposed; and he suggested working with universities and the public sector to build a metropolitan state mental hospital in the area such as exists in Norwalk.
Liz Reinstein reported living on Revere, expressed concern that no notice was given about the changes made; discussed the unsafe eyesore on their street; addressing the issue with two stop signs and a crosswalk; the opening of the Jackson Gate; unsafe conditions for her elderly neighbor backing out of his driveway; reduced property values; lights shining in windows; and she asserted that the changes were overkill and the money should be spent somewhere else.
Shirley Gonzales echoed comments of previous speakers about Revere Place; noted that the project was still not done and piles of cement were still there; discussed frustrated drivers; irate neighbors who were not notified about the changes; lack of an accident history in the area; the snicket; negative changes since the opening of the Jackson Gate; and she reported that neighbors were getting upset.
Chris Grossman was called to speak but was not present online or in person.
John Nachbar, City Manager, reported that Public Works staff was scheduled to meet with residents on June 3 at 1:00 p.m. 3 June 2, 2025
Audience members made inaudible comments and Mayor O'Brien indicated that he would try to be at the June 3 meeting. oOo
Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA, SECONDED BY MAYOR O'BRIEN AND
UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
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Order of the Agenda
No changes were made.
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Action Items
Item A-1
CC - Interview of Applicants in Consideration of Appointment to Various Commissions, Boards and Committees (CBCs)
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, introduced the item; discussed procedures for applicants making their statements; expressed appreciation to those applying to serve; and indicated that those who signed up to speak but were not applicants would be called first.
Carolyn Libuser and Denise Neal were called to speak but were not present in person or online.
Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC)
Delaram Ahmadyveasi indicated that she had applied to serve on the CAC as well as on the Martin Luther King Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (MLK/JCAC); provided background on herself; discussed her experience; willingness to serve; putting the community first; advising Cultural Affairs and events around Martin Luther King Day and Juneteenth; she indicated that her term as the Chair of the Education Arts Committee was ending at the end of the month; and responding to inquiry, she discussed the opportunity to serve everyone in the 4 June 2, 2025
community on the CAC or the MLK/JCAC by bringing people in the community together to learn, to appreciate, and to celebrate each other.
Nikki Diloreto provided background on herself; discussed her interest in serving on the CAC; making the arts and culture central in the design of City life; her understanding of the position; her recent work; skills she can bring to the position; arts as a human right and civic necessity; inspiration to apply for the position; amplification of the role and purpose of the Commission; program advocacy; communicating the value of cultural investments to the public; and, responding to inquiry, she discussed the human experience, self-expression, and allowing for a more unified and empathetic society.
Shona Gupta provided background on herself; discussed her reasons for wanting to serve; the role of Commissioners; and she indicated being an advocate of the work that Tony and Heather Moses do.
Lauren Harper was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Ellen Jong provided background on herself; discussed arts programming; dynamic efforts; her interest in serving; her strengths rooted in arts and culture; advocating for others; the opportunity to stay in Culver City as well as being a resident; and, responding to inquiry, she discussed her work in photography and sculpture.
Nicole Moreno-Deinzer was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Anasia Obioha indicated that she had applied to serve on the CAC as well as the MLK/JCAC; provided background on herself; discussed her reasons for applying; her understanding of the role of the positions; and, responding to inquiry, she indicated that her first choice was to serve on the CAC.
Roberta Sergant was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (PRCSC) T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the PRCSC.
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Daniel Behrendt was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Jennifer Chen provided background on herself; indicated wanting to give back to the community; discussed the ways that PRCS gives back to the community; her family's participation in PRCS activities; helping to carry out the Parks Plan; the role of Commissioners; and, responding to inquiry, she stated that the most pressing need for PRCS is to figure out how to expand and further develop infrastructure to allow them to grow with the community noting demand from residents and neighbors.
Adam Gallagher was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
William Larsen III provided background on himself; indicated applying for the PRCSC and the Disability Advisory Cammi ttee (DAC); discussed the need for balance between development needs of a growing community as well as community services; the need for housing; bringing stakeholders together to consider different opinions on the best way to move forward; strong parks and community services as being foundational for the community; and, responding to inquiry, he discussed his interest in serving on the DAC, the importance of being aware of differing needs, and providing opportunities and access for all people in the community.
Margaret Peters indicated being the current Vice Chair of the PRCSC; discussed her desire to continue her service; work and accomplishments of the PRCSC during her tenure; and the importance of consideration of the needs of all users.
Brian Sousa provided background on himself; discussed his understanding of the role of a PRCS Commissioner; his experience as providing perspective to bring new ideas and collaborative solutions to help combat challenges; his work on a Parks Master Plan in 2024; prioritization of staff resources and City Council objectives; setting realistic expectations for residents; he indicated wanting to serve his community and enhance quality of life; and, responding to inquiry, he discussed challenges faced by Huntington Beach in creation of their Master Plan.
Freddy Weinberg indicated that he was applying to serve on the Planning Commission, Advisory Committee on Housing and
Homelessness (ACOHH), and the PRCSC; discussed his reasons for wanting to serve on each body; challenges faced by Culver City; inspiration to serve from watching the AYSO (American Youth 6 June 2, 2025
Soccer Organization) volunteers; the goal to listen, learn, and serve stakeholders; he provided background on himself; and, responding to inquiry, he ranked his order of preference for service noting that he would serve at the discretion of the City Council.
Thomas Whitaker expressed appreciation for the comm.unity and for the opportunity to apply; provided background on himself; discussed issues in Fox Hills; the rapid expansion of Fox Hills; the Parks Plan; the need for a community center in Fox Hills; goals if appointed to the PRCSC; staff resources; encouraging community engagement to volunteer; expansion of social media; implementation of regular events throughout the community all year long; ensuring Culver City is a work/play/live community; and ensuring that people do not have to go out of the City to be engaged.
Lauren Harper was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Planning Commission
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the Planning Commission and noted those who had previously spoken.
Jeanne Black provided background on herself; discussed the role of the Planning Commission; the opportunity to apply policies with incoming development; the Fox Hills Specific Plan and the Hayden Tract Plan; creative applications; use of carefully put together tools; her goals if appointed to serve on the
Commission; she hoped to bring her hardworking, dedicated, fact based and objective analysis skills to the Commission; and, responding to inquiry, she noted her desire to not to push things forward without feedback from the community.
Jennifer Carter was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Dale Larson expressed appreciation for the process; reported previously applying to serve; provided background on himself; discussed his current work; his desire to be involved in the community; the role of Planning; goals for serving; and, responding to inquiry, he clarified that his previous
application was for the Civil Service Commission.
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Lida Mahabadi was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Karim Sahli provided background on himself; discussed the role of the Planning Commission; good planning; the strong General Plan Update created after years of community input; and his goals for service.
Dana Sayles requested that her letter be read into the record as she was not in a physical position to provide reasonable testimony.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that letters had not been read aloud in Council for many years and her letter would be included with correspondence.
Edward Sim was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
David Steinitz provided background on himself; discussed his knowledge base; collaboration with cities throughout the world; he indicated being non-partisan; and he noted that he wanted to give back to Culver City.
Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the ACOHH and noted those who had previously spoken.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that Suleman Babatunde Adeyemi, applicant for ACOHH, DAC, MLK/JCAC, had indicated having to leave and that he would send an email with his information.
Dan Beroukhim, ACOHH and Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) applicant, wanted to be a bigger part of the community; noted personal reasons expressed by other applicants; he felt he was a good listener and could help; and, responding to inquiry, he discussed what drew him to apply for the BPAC noting that ACOHH was his first preference to serve.
Seana Boyette was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Debora Bright-Laney was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
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Amy Cherness discussed her desire to continue her service on the ACOHH; her accomplishments while serving; and goals for the next term.
Shane Henson provided background on himself; discussed his current work; using his knowledge to give back to the corrununity; and main duties of the Committee.
Michael Mahurin provided background on himself; discussed bringing his experience to the Committee; the separate concerns of affordable housing and homelessness; rehousing homeless individuals and reintegrating them into society; frequent issues of providing affordable housing without service for the homeless; he felt that he could contribute to the Corruni ttee; and, responding to inquiry, he discussed his work to create affordable housing using private funding, per unit cost, making use of the private model in some situations, and he clarified that he works with SoLa Impact.
Patrick Spease provided background on himself; reported attending ACOHH meetings and thanked Committee Members; discussed Committee focus; the desire to tackle root causes of issues; skills he could bring to the Committee; he shared his ideas for service; and noted his personal drive to bring solutions that work for everyone.
Lapriest Valentine was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Leola Williams, applicant for ACOHH and DAC, provided background on herself; noted that homelessness and housing can be two separate issues; discussed mental health challenges; challenges with COVID; increased numbers of homeless individuals, including those with education; participation in the Homeless Count; people on the street who do not want to receive help; she indicated also being interested in serving on the DAC; discussed reducing the mental health stigma; ethical concerns and responsibilities; providing accessibility; the need for innovation in working with clients; the importance of autonomy; and providing supports for self-direction.
Suleman Babatunde Adeyemi, applicant for ACOHH, DAC, MLK/JCAC, provided background on himself; indicated being willing to help Culver City in any capacity; discussed care for the disabled who are privileged vs. for those who are under-privileged; the need for quantum AI to help the disabled; and, responding to 9 June 2, 2025
inquiry, he indicated that his first preference was to serve on the DAC and he discussed open land and the use of eminent domain.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the BPAC and noted those who had previously spoken.
Joel Falter indicated that he was seeking reappointment to the BPAC; provided background on himself; discussed the role of the BPAC; his accomplishments while on the BPAC; and he wanted to continue to examine how to provide equitable solutions to the community.
Jack Galanty was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Greg Maron indicated that he was reapplying for the parent seat connected to CCUSD and had attached a letter from the CCUSD Superintendent in support of his reappointment; discussed notable accomplishments; his children who ride their bikes to school; safe bicycle infrastructure provided by Culver City; and ensuring that every family in Culver City has the same privilege of safe, accessible infrastructure.
Ben Parnas provided background on himself; wanted to give back to the community; discussed overlap between his work experience and ways he can help on the Committee; working toward the betterment of the community and the environment; his
understanding of the role of the BPAC; and, responding to inquiry he clarified that he could be considered as a resident or a business representative.
Disability Advisory Committee (DAC)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the DAC and noted those who had previously spoken.
Guillermo Orozco was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Lepriest Valentine was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
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Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the EHRAC.
Aranda Calum, applicant for the Youth Representative seat, provided background on himself; discussed goals for the position; he indicated that he would give 110% effort to serve the Committee; and felt that if appointed, he would gain experience on how to be of service to Culver City and any other community in the future.
Chaiya Jones applicant for the Youth Representative seat provided background on herself; discussed offering unique insight; integrating student voices into City-wide decisions; use of her knowledge to better serve the community; student leaders who can increase youth involvement; her experience that can aid in the creation of new events and activities around Equity and Human Relations; personal benefits gained from similar programming; increased opportunity to participate; expanding opportunities; and, responding to inquiry, she indicated being Junior Class Vice President and part of the Associated Student Body where she has worked to commission and organize activities for students.
Nathan Pugh applicant for the Youth Representative seat, provided background on himself; discussed his understanding of the role of the position; goals if appointed to serve; and he saw the position as an opportunity to give back, grow as a civic leader, and help ensure that the community continues to thrive through inclusivity and forward-thinking governance.
Council Member Fish thanked the student members for their applications noting that they had done well, and he received clarification regarding lack of applications for the Labor Seat.
Finance Advisory Committee (FAC)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the FAC and noted those who had previously spoken.
Keeshawn Andrew indicating applying for the FAC and the MLK/JCAC, provided background on herself; discussed her experience and her understanding of the positions she applied for; and seniors living on a fixed income.
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Landlord Tenant Mediation Board (LTMB)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the LTMB and noted those who had previously spoken.
Judy Scott was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (MLK/JCAC)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the MLK/JCAC and noted those who had previously spoken.
Waide Riddle was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Lepriest Valentine was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
LAX Area Advisory Committee (LAXAAC)
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the LAXAAC.
Kateryna Chunikhina provided background on herself; discussed potential improvements to LAX; and she noted that she spoke 13 languages and could help with translations.
Beth Hyatt was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Nocera Luciano was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Planning Commission (continued)
Jennifer Carter indicated currently serving on the Planning Commission; apologized for her lateness and appreciated the opportunity to speak; she wanted to be able to continue her service; discussed the steep learning curve; value she brought to the Commission; making a difference; looking at how projects can best serve the people of Culver City; high points of her tenure; and she expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve.
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Public Comment - Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor O'Brien invited public comment.
T'Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, indicated that no requests to speak had been received for Items Not on the Agenda.
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Items from Council Members
Council Member Vera requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros.
Mayor O'Brien expressed appreciation to those who applied to serve noting that there were many great applicants and he encouraged anyone who did not end up being selected to reapply in the future.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, indicated that those who spoke were not required to attend the meeting where appointments are made; stated that applicants could find the meeting and watch it online at culvercity.org/agendas; noted that those who did not speak at this meeting could be allowed to speak on that agenda item when it comes up next; and indicated that anyone who forgot something they wanted to share could email the City Council. oOo
Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
None.
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MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMEBR VERA, SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER FISH
AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED, THAT THE CITY COUNCIL ADJOURN IN MEMORY OF BALDWIN PARK POLICE OFFICER SAMUEL RIVEROS.
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Adjournment
There being no further business, at 8:27 p.m., the City Council adjourned in memory of Baldwin Park Police Officer Samuel Riveros to a regular meeting to be held on June 9, 2025. oOo
Jer: m Bocchino
of u.ver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City, California
Date: June 23, 2025
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