1 Vernice Hankins
From: Peter DiChellis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 12:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16J: City Tries to Select Winner in Hotel Strike
EXTERNAL
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Peter DiChellis <[email protected]>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Cc: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>; "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 at 11:49:44 AM PDT
Subject: Item 16J: City Tries to Select Winner in Hotel Strike To: City Council
Copies: Wilmont and Ocean Park Neighborhood Organizations, Local news editors There is no public policy basis for the City to intervene in this private contract dispute by attempting to “pick a winner.” The Agenda Item declaration fails to recognize that the union has the same obligation to attempt a good faith settlement as the hotels.
Why not a Council declaration that, in the interest of the City, its residents, and visitors, simply urges a prompt good faith settlement between the two sides?
The item, as drafted, appears to be nothing more than Councilmembers Torosis and Zwick kowtowing to the special interest (hotel union) that contributed $5,000 to each of their election campaigns. (Source: public records.) Sincerely,
Peter DiChellis
Santa Monica 90403
Item 16.J
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1 Vernice Hankins
From: Scott Wolfe <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 9:47 PM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: Items 16.I and 16.J
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers:
I am writing to urge you to vote to support Item 16.I. Since the adoption of Rent Control in 1979, Santa Monica has worked hard to protect our renter residents against displacement. Santa Monica must continue to be second to none in renter protections, and at a minimum should adopt the new protections that the City of Los Angeles and the County of Los Angeles have recently adopted. Please vote to direct staff to work to expand renter protections as fully prescribed in Item 16.I.
With ballot measures CS, DTS and GS all being passed in 2022 with provisions and language focused towards Homeless Prevention, it is obvious that the People of Santa Monica have given City Council a mandate to do exactly that.
We must fight for everyone to have their human right of housing honored. We must fight against greedy landlords who look to take advantage of another's misfortune.
CM's Torosis, Zwick and Davis, I appreciate you raising this issue. I do want to also include another group that is left off of the request. Our hotel service workers are also fighting hard to make living wages and in some cases fight hard to move from their cars to a home. Just two weekends ago, SMPD stood by as they watched Fairmont Mirimar "security" attack striking workers fighting for the right of housing and a living wage.
I am deeply disappointed in both CM Torosis and Zwick for proposing impediments on striking workers in favor of the Hotel under the guise of "consumer protections". In what world are these "consumer protections" of a rich tourist MORE important than the workers of Santa Monica? The message you are sending is that some renters are more important than others.
While I support a resolution in support of Unite Here 11, I am very much against the city taking more and more efforts to remove our First Amendment rights.
Thank You,
Scott Wolfe
2339 29TH ST
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1 Vernice Hankins
From: Dan Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 10:37 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Item 16J - Resolution in support of striking hospitality workers
EXTERNAL
Mayor Davis, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete, and Councilmembers, I am writing in support of Item 16J, "A Resolution of the City Council for the City of Santa Monica Declaring Support for the Striking Workers of UNITE HERE Local 11."
The tourism and travel industry is a major economic engine in Santa Monica and Los Angeles County, yet many workers at our hotels are struggling to keep a roof over their heads and support their families. Meanwhile, infrastructure investments and development assure future growth, as Los Angeles and Santa Monica prepare to host the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
While future growth is promising, our immediate past economic data is very strong as well. In 2022, the U.S. hotel industry reported average daily rate and revenue per available room that were the highest for any year on record, and the Los Angeles region is number one in the nation for new hotel rooms.
The hospitality workers that keep our tourism industry functioning, safe, and profitable are primarily from Latino, Black, Indigenous, people of color, and immigrant communities and are facing housing insecurity as housing costs in Santa Monica rise. At current wage levels a hotel worker would have to work 14 hours a day to afford adequate housing; that is unacceptable. Inability to live where one works contributes to traffic, vehicle pollution, and causes workers to commute for hours, losing valuable family, free, and economically productive time.
The Santa Monica Democratic Club, of which I am an officer and leader, proudly stands behind the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy proposal for an increase in wages to $30/hr and benefits including quality health care, as well as worker protections as a matter of economic justice, housing justice, and public safety.
We, and I, stand in solidarity with workers and their union UNITE HERE Local 11 in their fight to improve workplace conditions in the Santa Monica tourism industry, including as they take action to win stronger contracts, respect, and dignity. We support workers' right to strike freely and without fear of violence. I am disgusted and alarmed that workers were subject to violence in recent events at the Fairmont Miramar and urge Council to support this resolution.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dan Hall
VP of Political Action, Santa Monica Democratic Club
Santa Monica Resident
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1 Vernice Hankins
From: Santa Monica Democratic Club <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, August 21, 2023 11:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; David White
Subject: Council Item 16-J: SUPPORT
Attachments: 8.22 Item 16-J.pdf
EXTERNAL
Mayor Davis, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete, and City Councilmembers:
The Santa Monica Democratic Club wholeheartedly supports Item 16-J, the resolution declaring our unwavering support for the striking workers of UNITE Here Local 11. This resolution reflects our community's deep-rooted history of standing with labor and embodies the core values that define our city.
Santa Monica, known for its strong sense of community and justice, has a rich tradition of supporting labor rights. Santa Monica Values celebrate fairness, equality, and justice, and this resolution aligns perfectly with these principles. It demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the well-being of our workers and our dedication to ensuring that they are treated justly.
The striking workers of UNITE Here Local 11, who represent a significant portion of Santa Monica's hotel industry workforce, are not just employees; they are an integral part of the fabric of our city. Their dedication and hard work at establishments such as the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows, Viceroy, Hampton Inn & Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, and Le Merigot Hotels contribute not only to the economic prosperity of our city but also to the warm and welcoming atmosphere that Santa Monica is known for.
It is disheartening to note that, despite the recovery of the hotel industry and the substantial profits generated, wages for these dedicated workers have not seen the deserved increase. The call for fair wages that align with the rising cost of housing echoes the essence of Santa Monica Values – ensuring that our workers can live and thrive in the city they serve.
The recent unfortunate incident during a demonstration in front of the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, where striking workers and their supporters were met with violent aggression from the hotel’s private security force, underscores the importance of community support. Santa Monica Values demand that we stand together to protect the rights of those who seek justice and fair treatment.
Moreover, this resolution recognizes the direct connection between escalating housing costs, stagnant wages, and the ongoing homelessness crisis. By urging hotels to negotiate in good faith and meet the workers' demands for fair compensation, affordable healthcare, secure retirement, and humane workloads, Santa Monica is not only standing with its workers but also addressing the core issues affecting our community.
In closing, we earnestly request your affirmative vote in favor of Item 16-J. By adopting this resolution, the Santa Monica City Council will reaffirm our city's commitment to its core values and its long-standing tradition of standing with labor. This resolution is not just a symbol of support; it is a testament to our dedication to fairness, equality, and justice.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued efforts to uphold the values that define our great city.
Sincerely,
Jon Katz
President,
Santa Monica Democratic Club On Behalf Of Its Members
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August 22, 2023
RE: Support for Item 16.J on City Council’s August 22, 2023 Agenda Dear City Councilmembers,
We are writing to express the strong support of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (“SMRR”) for the striking hotel workers of UNITE HERE Local 11, and to urge you to pass a resolution expressing the City’s strong support as proposed in Item 16.J.
Santa Monica hotel workers support all City residents every single day by doing the hard work needed to make Santa Monica hotels a destination for travelers, which in turn generates a large portion of the City’s tax revenues. The Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) paid by hotel guests raised more than $66 million in FY 2021-2022 (which represents more than 16% of all General Fund revenues raised in that fiscal year), and the TOT should generate even more in future years as the rate was increased by Measure CS (which was passed by the voters at the November 2022 Santa Monica general election). Many millions more of General Fund revenues come each year from the sales taxes paid by hotel guests while patronizing Santa Monica’s stores, restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues.
UNITE HERE’s striking members are seeking wages and benefits sufficient to allow them to live in or near Santa Monica, rather than having to spend hours each day away from their families traveling from and returning to distant homes. The City has always stood up for its workers’ right to receive a true living wage, and it should continue to do so now. It would be unconscionable for the City and its residents to enjoy the fiscal benefits that flow from the hard work of its hotel workers without insisting that those workers enjoy a true living wage.
Thank you for your consideration of SMRR’s views on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Denny Zane Mike Soloff
Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights Item 16.J
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1 Vernice Hankins
From: Rachel Sene <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 11:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]
Subject: Item 16: J: council agenda : August 22, 2023
EXTERNAL
8/22/2023 11:09:19 AM
Item 16: J: council agenda : August 22, 2023
Progressive Landlords of Santa Monica support the
proposals to expand rent control protections to tenants.
Legal Aid eligibility criteria for any legal assistance programs. thank you,
Jay Johnson et al.
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August 21 2023
Subject: 16J Support for Striking Workers,
Dear Mayor Davis, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete and City Councilmembers, We are writing to express our wholehearted support for City Council item 16J, proposed by Councilmembers Torosis and Zwick, requesting the adoption of a resolution in support for the striking workers of UNITE HERE Local 11.
Santa Monica Forward advocates for a vibrant, equitable, and inclusive community. The proposed resolution, which expresses solidarity with the striking workers, aligns seamlessly with these principles. Our hospitality workers are essential to our local economy and we support their right to organize and strike in pursuit of fair wages and supportive programs, in a city where the cost of living and housing costs continue to skyrocket.
We also support the additional request directing the City Manager and City attorney to explore and present recommendations regarding the adoption of hotel consumer protection and service disruption laws. We hope we can learn from best practices in other progressive communities and ensure the strong protections of workers’ right to organize and strike.
Sincerely,
Bradley Ewing and Carl Hansen
Co-Chairs, Santa Monica Forward
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From: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 22, 2023 12:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; David White; Attorney Mailbox
Subject: City Council Agenda Item 16J - 8/22/23
EXTERNAL
Re: Santa Monica City Council Agenda Item 16J
Dear Mayor Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and City Councilmembers, Our City relies on the tourism industry for a significant portion of our City budget and many tourism workers in our community work in the hospitality space, but cannot afford to live in our community. Hospitality workers who are members of UNITE HERE Local 11 are currently striking as they are in the process of trying to obtain a fair contract with unionized hotels all over the Los Angeles area, including here in Santa Monica.
I understand that strikes and demonstrations are disruptive, but that is the point. I stand in solidarity with the striking workers.
I support the recommendations made in agenda item 16J and urge the City Council to approve the direction to the City Manager and City Attorney to explore and return to Council with recommendations concerning the adoption of hotel consumer protection and service disruption laws as noted, and especially for the City to sign the proposed resolution to declare the City Council’s support for the striking workers of UNITE HERE Local
11. Sincerely,
Natalya Zernitskaya
Natalya Zernitskaya (she/her)
[email protected]
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August 22, 2023
Santa Monica City Council
c/o City Clerk
1685 Main St., Room 250
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: Agenda Item 16-J (Request of Councilmembers Torosis and Zwick that the City Council adopt the resolution titled “A Resolution of the City Council for the City of Santa Monica Declaring Support for the Striking Workers of UNITE HERE Local 11”) Dear Hon. Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to SUPPORT the proposed resolution in support of the striking workers of UNITE HERE Local 11.
All workers deserve a living wage. Many members of UNITE HERE Local 11 are forced to sleep in their cars, commute 4+ hours per day, sacrifice meals, and bear other burdens simply to be able to live and work in our community. Those who have stood up to fight for their right to organize and to seek better working conditions have been met with violence.
Now is the time for our City’s leaders to stand up and support the workers who are the backbone of our City’s economy. Your support of this proposed resolution is crucial. Silence is complicity.
This is not complicated. Please support the basic rights of all workers.
Best,
Ellis Raskin
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