1 THESE MINUTES ARE NOT OFFICIAL
UNTIL APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 1, 2026
INTERVIEW OF APPLICANTS FOR 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONS, BOARDS, AND COMMITTEES
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
Call to Order & Roll Call
Mayor Puza called the special meeting of the City Council – Interview of Applicants for Commissions, Boards, and Committees to order at 6:12 p.m. in the Mike Balkman Chambers at City Hall and online.
Present: Freddy Puza, Mayor
Bubba Fish, Vice Mayor
Dan O’Brien, Council Member
Albert Vera, Council Member
Absent: Yasmine-Imani McMorrin, Council Member
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Pledge of Allegiance
Mayor Puza led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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Land Acknowledgement
Mayor Puza read the oral statement of Land Acknowledgement.
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Receipt and Filing of Correspondence
MOVED BY COUNCIL MEMBER VERA AND SECONDED BY VICE MAYOR FISH THAT THE CITY COUNCIL RECEIVE AND FILE CORRESPONDENCE.
June 1, 2026
2 THE MOTION CARRIED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:
AYES: FISH, O’BRIEN, PUZA, VERA
NOES: NONE
ABSENT: MCMORRIN
Adam Troy, Assistant City Manager, discussed an article published on June 1, 2026 with allegations about Project Homekey; immediate action taken by Culver City to conduct an investigation; a report that should be available within the next 24 hours; and communication with the MCT (Mobile Crisis Team) that is conducting a separate investigation with their report due on June 2, 2026.
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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 the item and for applicants making their statements; expressed appreciation to those applying to serve; noted that those speaking at the current meeting were not obligated to return to speak on June 8, though they were welcome to; indicated that appointed applicants would be required to complete ethics training on June 25; and directed those attending in person to where restrooms and parking validation were available at City Hall.
Mayor Puza expressed appreciation to those applying to serve and for the music prior to the meeting; noted that the Los Angeles Times had reported that Culver City is one of the hottest places to do business; he indicated that the City had released a balanced budget for the first time in three years; discussed planned improvements and progress made; the work done in Commissions, Boards, and Committees (CBCs); opportunities to participate and volunteer in Culver City; the engaged community of residents; meeting procedures; and clarified that applicants for multiple bodies would only be called to speak once.
June 1, 2026
3 Civil Service Commission (CSC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying to serve on the CSC.
Robinetta Campbell-Mack was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Hilton Creve indicated it was his third time applying to serve on the Civil Service Commission; provided background on himself and his experience noting that he had completed the Leadership Culver City seminar and was fortunate be chosen to be part of the Civic Assembly process; stated that he had spoken about what service on the Commission entails before; discussed how he could help the Commission; scheduling difficulties for current mediations; his availability; and his experience leading meetings.
Council Members indicated having no questions; expressed appreciation for Mr. Creve’s application; and it was noted that appointments would be considered and made at the June 8, 2026 City Council meeting.
Tamar Fuhrer provided background on herself; discussed the importance of a civil service; ensuring that employees can be heard by an impartial body; employee retention; providing a fresh set of eyes to review job specifications; investing in employees with civil service; and her past and current
experience.
Dani Zandel provided background on herself; discussed her previous application for the position in 2024; eagerness to serve; bringing an outsider’s view to the process; being open to appeals; honoring employees; the opportunity to serve the community; bringing good employees into the community and helping them want to stay; and she discussed her work
experience.
Scott Zeidman was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Cultural Affairs Commission (CAC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying to serve on the CAC.
June 1, 2026
4 Lauri Brown noted that she had also applied to the Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration and Juneteenth Celebration Advisory Committee (MLK/JCAC); discussed her understanding of the role of Commission and Committee Members; provided background on herself and her experience; discussed what she hoped to accomplish with her service; and, responding to inquiry, she indicated that her preference would be to be appointed to the Cultural Affairs Commission though she has had experience helping put on MLK and Juneteenth events in other cities and would be happy with either appointment.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reiterated that speakers would only be called up to speak one time and those applying for multiple bodies should indicate their first choice for service.
Grazia Caroselli was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Eric Frazier was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Van Johnson, applicant for the CAC and the Finance Advisory Committee (FAC), provided background on himself; discussed his journey to, involvement in, and service to Culver City; participation in Leadership Culver City; and, responding to inquiry, he indicated his first preference to serve on the FAC.
Brandi M. Jones was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Rosie Luo provided background on herself; discussed the importance of building strong community with connection, education, and cultural understanding; her work with Culver City to organize the first Lunar New Year Celebration in Culver City in 2026; the power of cultural programming to bring people together; she wanted to introduce more Asian cultural events, education programs, and community activities to promote understanding, inclusivity, and meaningful connection; felt that she could bring a unique perspective to the CAC; and she wanted to help make Culver City an even more welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.
Vice Mayor Fish congratulated Ms. Luo on a great first event.
Ehsaan Mesghali, current member, indicated seeking
reappointment; noted the amount of work involved with serving on the Commission; discussed his service and accomplishments June 1, 2026
5 during the past four years on the CAC; and his plans for the next for years, should he be reappointed.
Heather Moses, current member, reported that she had recently joined the Commission; discussed her background; service on the CAC so far; the impact of the arts on students; support of the arts by Culver City; arts in the School District; her
understanding of the role of Commissioners; she hoped to continue her service and strengthen the partnership between the School District and Culver City; expressed interest in
participating in the Olympics Subcommittee; and she wanted to build a thriving younger generation who understands the importance of the arts.
Melissa Sanders, applicant to the FAC, Disability Advisory Committee (DAC), and the CAC, provided background on herself; discussed diversity in Culver City; the upcoming Olympics; working on Culver City in a positive way to make things better for everyone and keep Culver City a small town in the middle of a large City; indicated that she did not feel represented in Culver City; expressed support for collaboration between Culver City and the School District; indicated that she wanted what is best for Culver City overall; reported doing the Leadership Academy and the Citizen Academy; and noted her order of preference to serve being the CAC, FAC, and the DAC.
Nirvair Stein was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that Katee Rosloff had chosen to have her name removed from consideration.
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Commission (PRCSC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the PRCSC.
Seth Rosenzweig was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Thomas Whitaker, current member, discussed his service and accomplishments while serving on the Commission and
subcommittees; the importance of listening to the community to understand their needs; work to keep the momentum going to push forward and update and create new third spaces; the previously cutting edge parks in the area; work still to be done and new ideas to be pursued during his next term; showcasing Culver City June 1, 2026
6 to the world with the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the Olympics; he thanked PRCS staff and Council Members for their work; and, responding to inquiry, discussed his ideas about new revenue streams and cross departmental collaboration to streamline processes, the 2045 General Plan, and potential advertisement revenue.
Planning Commission
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the Planning Commission.
Juliet Chang provided background on herself and her experience; acknowledged that a current member was reapplying noting that if not appointed this year, she would reapply; discussed her understanding of the role of Commissioners; her approach, personal qualities, and goals; and she felt that her expertise and perspective would provide balance.
Discussion ensued between Ms. Chang and Council Members regarding trends in urban design and the importance of a sense of human scale in urban design.
Debbie Gambino indicated applying for positions on the Planning Commission, the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH) and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC); provided background on herself and her experience; discussed the family environment in Culver City; she wanted to see thoughtful development rather than runaway development with 1300 empty apartments in Culver City; reported having a non- profit to help the homeless community; discussed people who die on the street because they refuse to get help; alternative ideas to encourage people to get help; addressing issues in temporary housing environments; churches that are more adept at helping people than governmental agencies; she felt that anything with wheels should be obeying the road; and, responding to inquiry, she indicated her preferences for serving, discussed her dealings with homeless individuals in front of her business noting that if basic needs are taken care of and care is shown, people will be more open to help, and she discussed partnerships with churches.
Michael Gotz was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Stephen Jones was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
June 1, 2026
7 Chris Nuñez was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Can Zhou was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Mark Zuckman indicated applying for the Planning Commission, the ACOHH, and the Landlord Tenant Mediation Board (LTMB); provided background on himself and his experience; and discussed skills he could bring to the bodies he applied to.
Council Members encouraged Mr. Zuckman to apply for Leadership Culver City if he did not end up getting appointed to a CBC.
Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the ACOHH.
Sulman B. Adeyemi was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Marie Aragon was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Cole Fitzgerald indicated also applying for the Disability Advisory Committee (DAC); provided background on himself; discussed his commitment to Culver City; and his job experience noting that his first preference is to serve on the DAC.
Trilby Francis-Gustafson discussed her understanding of the role of Committee Members; provided background on herself and her experience; discussed difficulty navigating systems; housing insecurity; acknowledging realities of both housed and unhoused residents; goals if appointed to the Committee; she hoped to bring a perspective rooted in empathy, understanding thoughtful problem-solving, and a willingness to listen; she felt that she would be able to work collaboratively toward solutions to improve quality of life for everyone in Culver City; and she reported working with the homeless population in Spokane.
Olivier Glaser indicated also applying to the FAC and the LTMB; discussed his order of preference to serve; his understanding of the roles of the bodies; provided background on himself; indicated wanting to be a part of civilian oversight to ensure that trust in Culver City to spend wisely is honored; and he June 1, 2026
8 noted that he would serve as in the tenant position if appointed to the LTMB.
Nicholas Golowko provided background on himself; discussed his work experience and its applicability to the position; his understanding of the role of a Committee Member and his goals if appointed to serve; and, responding to inquiry, he expressed support for Safe Parking.
Nancy Lazar was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Vanessa Martin was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Jamila Ramzy indicated also applying for a position on the DAC; provided background on herself; reported living in Gardena noting that her city did not have any positions available; discussed graduating from health administration and science and her applicable experience relating to service on the bodies she applied for; and, responding to inquiry, she sta ted that her first choice would be to serve on the DAC.
Council Members expressed congratulations on Ms. Ramzy’s graduation and thanked her for applying.
Yokymia Roberts was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Faik Yetgin was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the BPAC.
Tamar Christensen was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Noah Cook indicated being a sophomore and also applying for positions on the BPAC and the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC); discussed his understanding of the role of the youth positions; goals if chosen to serve; and, responding to in quiry, he indicated a preference to serve on the EHRAC and discussed volunteering at the Art Walk N Roll in 2024.
June 1, 2026
9 Nina Faeh was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Randall Fallows was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Nikolai Lafuge was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Carolyn Libuser, current Resident Senior Member, provided background on herself; discussed having to stop riding her bicycle due to hearing issues; appreciation to staff for ensuring that closed captions are available at the meetings; indicated that she takes her position very seriously and always comes prepared; discussed her advocacy for pedestrians; sidewalk accessibility for everyone; observed that most seniors are strictly pedestrians for one reason or another; and reported being the only cyclist and female serving on the BPAC noting the importance of diversity.
Travis Morgan, current Resident Member 1, noted that he was also eligible for the Business Community Member position; discussed successes and failures during his tenure on the BPAC; personal successes and advocacies; and goals for the upcoming term.
Arvin Ranjbari was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Adam Rich applicant for Resident Member, provided background on himself; discussed opportunities to build on work done and continue improvement in the City; coming visitors; changes to the community with SB 79; benefits to getting people out of their cars; and being a leader in sustainable development and biking infrastructure.
Elle Roberti, applicant to serve as a Resident Member, Parent Member or Business Community Member, provided background on herself; discussed her work experience; feedback received from clients who walk to her business; appreciation for the
opportunity to get involved; and, responding to inquiry, she discussed lack of lighting on her street, attention to safety while cycling or walking, and her support for getting children involved with something even younger than Walk ‘n’ Rollers.
Tourandokht Saed was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
June 1, 2026
10 Kayhler Tomlinson, Youth/Student Member applicant, discussed safety; goals if appointed; wanted to see more bike lanes and sidewalk repair; noted danger to pedestrians when people ride on the sidewalk; and the importance of ensuring safety for everyone.
Mayor Puza received clarification regarding Brown Act issues and members of the same household serving on the same body.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, reported that Robyn Tenensapf indicated that she did not want to apply for the BPAC but would retain her application for the DAC.
Disability Advisory Committee (DAC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the DAC.
Jolly Glover was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Robin Langman, current member, hoped to be reappointed; provided background on herself; discussed her professional background; accomplishments while serving on the DAC; and her insight and enthusiasm.
Ayannah Mills was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Jacob Petway was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Danna Sigal discussed her understanding of what the position entailed; what she hoped to accomplish if appointed; advocacy for those with invisible disabilities; welcoming people rather than accommodating them; her experience in community-building; and opportunities with the upcoming Olympics.
Responding to inquiry from Vice Mayor Fish, Robin Langman discussed how Culver City could be doing a better job of helping people with vision impairment; reported that she mostly gets around as a pedestrian; discussed the importance of repairing sidewalks and creation of curb cuts; placement of openings in bike lanes; and the importance of improving lighting throughout Culver City.
June 1, 2026
11 Mayor Puza exited the dais.
Marta Valdez provided background on herself; expressed pride in seeing so many alumni from Leadership Culver City; discussed the Sister City Committee; her reasons for applying to the DAC; park accessibility; relevant job experience; community-based integration; and dangerous streets and sidewalks in Culver City.
Mayor Pua returned to the dais.
Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee (EHRAC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the EHRAC.
Lucine Linnemayr applicant for the Youth Representative seat, provided background on herself; discussed her service on Student Government as a Junior at Culver City High School (CCHS); her work on a recent cultural assembly celebrating the diversity of the school; serving as a student election worker; her work in speech and debate; skills she can bring to the EHRAC; her experience representing Culver City in Iksaan, South Korea as part of the Culver City Sister City Exchange Program; and her understanding of the focus of the EHRAC.
Zofia Nikhanj applicant for the Youth Representative seat, provided background on herself and her leadership experience noting that she is a Sophomore at CCHS; discussed the role of the EHRAC; her interest in serving; underrepresentation of youth perspectives; issues of identity and representation; and her goals if appointed.
Finance Advisory Committee (FAC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the FAC.
Manjit Asrani was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Thomas Hayes, applicant for Resident Member, provided background on himself; discussed his work and leadership experience; his completion of Leadership Culver City; reasons for wanting to serve; and, responding to inquiry, he discussed ways Culver City could better support the business community.
June 1, 2026
12 John Hennessy was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Kevin Lachoff, current Resident Member, discussed his service and accomplishments on the FAC during his term; providing continuity of service as the Finance Department is experiencing a transition in leadership; goals for future service; commitment to schools, youth sports programs, local businesses and community organizations; and he indicated that he would be honored to continue his service.
Andrew Reilman, Resident Member applicant, provided background on himself; discussed his previous service on the Planning Commission; his experience volunteering and being part of the community; his participation in Leadership Culver City; understanding how the YMCA can better partner with Culver City; the role of Committee Members; and he wanted to help continue to enable services to the community through budget support.
Marshall Smith was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Mayor Puza noted that no one had applied for the employee position on the BPAC and received clarification that in order to have another resident member instead, the City Council would have to amend the bylaws.
Landlord Tenant Mediation Board (LTMB)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the LTMB.
Kenneth Corsino was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Ben Hyatt was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Monica Richardson indicated applying for the Landlord
Representative position as a non-resident; provided background on herself; discussed her understanding of what the position involved; her job experience; and goals if appointed to serve.
Julieanna Thompson was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
June 1, 2026
13 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.
Tracy Lee was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Nicole Sims was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Tracey Walters was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Mercedes Jones was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
Los Angeles County West Vector Control District Board of Trustees (LACVCDBOT)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the LACWVCDBOT.
Walter Lamb provided background on himself; discussed he and his family’s civic engagement; leadership of a local non-profit that advocates for the wetlands; his relevant experience and qualifications; the importance of avoiding polarized discussion and focusing on the problem at hand; education; and goals if appointed to serve.
Nuriel Moghavem provided background on himself; asked Council Members questions related to public health; discussed his job experience and goals if appointed; elevating the role of education; diseases; risk; trust in public health; work being done in the background by the Vector Control District; the need to update the website and provide additional transparency; and, responding to inquiry, he discussed signs of West Nile Virus, the work of the Mosquito Control District to keep out malaria, growth of locally acquired malaria in Florida due to the distrust of public health, and he explained why the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is located in Atlanta.
Jeremy Bocchino, City Clerk, discussed the prioritized position of an Employee Member on the BPAC and clarified that bylaws indicated that in the absence of a qualified nominee, the City Council shall appoint an individual who is a qualified City June 1, 2026
14 resident with preference given to individuals residing in the area of Culver City not otherwise represented by other seats.
LAX Area Advisory Committee (LAXAAC)
T’Ana Allen, Deputy City Clerk, read the names of those applying for the LAXAAC.
Luciano Nocera was called to speak but was not present in person or online.
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Public Comment – Items Not on the Agenda (Continued)
Mayor O’Brien invited public comment.
The following members of the public addressed the City Council:
Michael Feinstein provided background on himself; discussed how the national gerrymandering fight could affect Culver City; single-seat winner-take-all districts as giving power to some and not to others; vote splitting with the governor’s race; momentum to repeal top 2; the need for proportional
representation; he recommended smaller single-seat districts by rank choice voting and larger multi-county multi-seat districts by proportional representation; and discussed sending regional representatives to Sacramento rather than lobbying SCAG (Southern California Council of Governments).
Jim Shanman was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Marci Baun was called to speak but was not present in Council Chambers or online.
Mary Daval thanked Culver City and Culver City Bus for their assistance during National Bike Month; discussed Practice Putting Your Bike on the Bike Rack Day and other events in May; encouraged business owners to reach out to Bike Culver City if interested in becoming a destination noting that they were always looking for new businesses and venues to support; she reported that Handlebar Happy Hour was a monthly event; and she thanked Dea Turner from CCBus for her help.
Bryan Sanders encouraged Culver City to follow the findings of the Tri-School Study indicating that Elenda Street did not meet June 1, 2026
15 national speed and traffic volume thresholds used to justify a protected bike lane; discussed examination of data related to risky driving behavior; lack of data for statistically
meaningful conclusions; support for reasonable safety
improvements in the high pedestrian environment; the importance of protecting the mature ficus canopy and preserving residential parking; felt the final recommendations should reflect the findings of staff and the consultants; and noted good faith participation in the process.
Bradford Smith reported being disqualified from applying for the LAX Advisory Committee as he lived one street away from the acceptable boundary; provided background on himself; discussed his use of public transit; his choice to take on aviation as a new career; he expressed pride in Culver City; and felt he would be a great candidate if boundaries were expanded to allow him to serve.
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Items from Council Members
Council Member Vera congratulated Culver City Baseball for being CIF 2026 Division Champions.
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Council Member Requests to Agendize Future Items
None.
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June 1, 2026
16 Adjournment
There being no further business, at 8:56 p.m., the City Council adjourned to a regular meeting to be held on June 8, 2025.
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Jeremy Bocchino
CITY CLERK of Culver City, California
EX-OFFICIO CLERK of the City Council
Culver City, California
DAN O’BRIEN
MAYOR of Culver City, California
Date: _________________________