Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, December 19, 2023

1 Xavier Mota
From: Erik Lammerding <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 8:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: 👋 I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am wriƟng in support of item 16D.

We’re frequent cyclists as a family in SaMo and this measure would greatly benefit our enƟre community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

AddiƟonally, We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportaƟon.

Despite the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is sƟll a significant issue we’re facing. In addiƟon, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Gregg Chadwick <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident and small business owner, I am wriƟng in support of item 16D. As studies have shown, post‐ pandemic staƟsƟcs on pedestrian and cyclist deaths due to aggressive driving are horrifying.

This measure would greatly benefit our enƟre community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our students to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportaƟon.

Despite all of the amazing progress Santa Monica has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is sƟll a significant issue we’re facing. In addiƟon, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions.

These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

If we want a safe, clean, sustainable Santa Monica, we must give people the ability to safely and efficiently get around our city, both inside and outside a car. Please support this item! Thank you,
Gregg Chadwick
2308 Schader Drive #206
Santa Monica, CA 90404
hƩps://urldefense.com/v3/__hƩp://www.greggchadwick.com__;!!OfuUnHCITYtmmjM!pEZ2Ns0GMh1vvFMF‐AZM_gD‐ ww3qqu2w96uWVWbYYc7Swbp8AumRSp1CKiOmPGn79XlSDVG43Voh4l73Nw4uRP7GbRJVqfJCfQ4$ ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jonah <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:43 AM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would benefit our whole community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Michael Etzel <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:59 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock Cc: Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier; councilmtgitems; David White Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D. This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors. We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation. Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets. If we want a safe, clean, sustainable Santa Monica, we must give people the ability to safely and efficiently get around our city, both inside and outside a car. Please support this item! Thank you,
Michael Etzel 2400 Beverley Ave
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Sam Shapiro-Kline <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 10:20 AM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: John Farren <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 10:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Sarah-Doe Osborne <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 10:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am wriƟng in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our enƟre community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportaƟon.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is sƟll a significant issue we’re facing. In addiƟon, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jesse Budlong <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 10:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for

68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jeff Suer <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:17 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for City's Commitment to Zero Traffic Fatalities (16C)

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
I lost my father from a car hiƫng him while he rode his bicycle.

I support the moƟon by Councilmembers Zwick and Torosis and Mayor Davis to keep our city’s intersecƟons safer! Our city council must reaffirm Santa Monica's commitment to eliminate all fatal and severe‐injury crashes from Santa Monica’s roads in light of the recent tragic fatal crash involving a cyclist on Idaho Avenue Please vote to make Santa Monica's Streets safer for me and my family! ‐‐
Jeff Suer
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:22 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Cc: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier Subject: Support for Item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a car-owner, walker, biker, parent, and Santa Monica resident, I am writing in support of Item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users, for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020 that also caused us to lose many key city staff. This item could help restore some of these vital assets.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Eli Gill <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, December 16, 2023 9:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I fully support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in full support of item 16D.

We need a reliable source of funding for road safety measures. An increase to the parking tax will both discourage unnecessary car trips and help fund safer infrastructure.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users including both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Márcio Augusto Diniz <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 7:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Sirinya Matute <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 8:49 AM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

If we want a safe, clean, sustainable Santa Monica, we must give people - including our kids! - the ability to safely and efficiently get around our city, both inside and outside a car. Please support this item! Thank you,
Sirinya Matute
Santa Monica resident / parent
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Charlene Tritipeskul <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 10:40 AM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: April De Stefano <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 11:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users, both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our preK-12 children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help all our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. It is unacceptable that city residents are killed or injured while walking or riding a bicycle.

In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. We must do better.

These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused thr loss of many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

Because we want a safe, clean, sustainable Santa Monica, we must give people the ability to safely and efficiently get around our city, by car, bus, train, bicycle, or foot. Please support this item!
Thank you,
April De Stefano
April De Stefano
[email protected]
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 1447 Franklin St
Santa Monica , California 90404
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Guy 19123 <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 2:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am wriƟng in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our enƟre community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportaƟon.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Frank J Gruber <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 4:37 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Dec. 19 agenda - Item 16.D - in support of councilmembers' request

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am wriƟng in support of the request by Council Members Zwick, Davis and Torosis for the City Manager to study the idea of increasing the parking tax to fund various programs relaƟng to safety, etc. My only addiƟon would be to see about applying parking taxes and parking revenues to increasing the frequency of buses that serve downtown Santa Monica and the business district around 26th Street. I suspect that motorists would be more inclined to pay more for parking if the money was going to improve transit service so that there would be fewer motorists compeƟng for space on our crowded streets and for parking.

Thanks,
Frank Gruber
Ocean Park
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: John Lin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 5:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I emphatically support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users, residents and visitors alike.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Council's efforts so far have been grossly inadequate. Traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

If we want a safe, clean, sustainable Santa Monica, we must give people the ability to safely and efficiently get around our city, especially outside of a car. Please support this item! Parking is too cheap.

Thank you,
John Lin
500 Broadway

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Cian Ormond <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 5:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: greg chasen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 7:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Brian Sweeney <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, December 17, 2023 9:03 PM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete
Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier; Devon Porter Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and City Council members,
My wife Devon and I are writing in support of item 16D. I know that budget cuts over the last few years have meant fewer resources for meeting our transportation and mobility goals, and this measure would go a long way toward funding essential safe streets programs.

We walk our oldest son to/from school every day in Sunset Park, and -- as is -- it's unfortunately all too common to encounter drivers speeding or running through stop signs or red lights, so we're especially hopeful that we can restore and increase funding for the Safe Routes to School program.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Andrew Allison <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:37 AM
To: David White; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Re: Safe streets resolution

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing in support of Item 16D. I’m grateful for your recent action in the wake of the tragedy on Idaho Avenue. My in‐laws, who live on that corner, have reported that the new stop sign has transformed the street.

Cars no longer cut through the intersection at high speed. Anxiety about crossing the street — and anxiety on behalf of others approaching the intersection — has dissipated. It is evidence of how quickly we can improve safety and well‐being if we simply act to implement practices that have been proven to work elsewhere in our community and around the world.

The improvement at Idaho and 19th is also a reminder of how much more we have the power to do — of how many more trips in our community still bring anxiety and risk for pedestrian, cyclists, and drivers. Item 16D will help us mitigate those needless risks before other tragedies occur.

My daughter became a 9‐month‐old this past weekend. Among the gifts waiting for her under our Christmas tree is a small, brightly‐colored bicycle helmet. I am looking forward to us biking down to the beach, and eventually to preschool and, a few years from now, Franklin Elementary. But in the wake of preventable car crashes across town, these daydreams now come with questions:
“Will we take Montana Ave, where the (unprotected) bike lane disappears at 20th Street, and where we will be squeezed between parked cars (and their opening doors) on one side and passing traffic on the other for four white‐knuckled blocks every morning?”
“Or, will we take Alta Ave, where the absence of north‐south stop signs leads to speeding cars racing through nearly every intersection, and where oncoming traffic is usually not visible until one enters the intersection?” “Or, finally, will my wife and I feel compelled to drive her to these destinations, replacing trips that should be made on foot or by bike with a car trip, where we add to the traffic through these neighborhoods, occupy a parking space on Ocean Ave, or put one more car on the Incline?” Hundreds of parents in our school catchment area alone are facing the same decisions. Across the city, that number is in the thousands. And every day, parents are either taking a bicycle trip that carries preventable risks or a very short car trip that brings costs for them (time, money) and everyone else in the community (traffic, pollution, wear and tear). I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that we would like the opportunity to decide whether that is a choice that we want to keep making.

I hope we can once again see your unanimous support for this common‐sense safety measure.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 Thank you,
Andrew Allison
733 18th St
On Mon, Nov 13, 2023 at 9:28 PM Andrew Allison <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Council Members,
I'm writing to ask you to adopt the resolution proposed by Mayor Davis and Councilmembers Zwick and Torosis to make our streets safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

My mother‐ and father‐in‐law live at the corner of Idaho and 19th Street. They heard the fatal crash on October 27th and witnessed its aftermath.

This intersection was known to be dangerous. In fact, my mother‐in‐law wrote to the city in August of this year requesting a 4‐way stop. In her letter, she wrote:
"There are many, many walkers…children, families, seniors, etc. It is very hard to see around the cars parked on both sides of 19th. It's an accident waiting to happen especially when there is a speeding car coming out of nowhere! Please put a four way stop at this intersection before someone gets killed or maimed." The day before the crash that killed Tania Mooser, the City responded to my mother‐in‐law, providing her with an application for a stop sign.

This was too little, too late. And as last week's second crash at the same intersection makes clear, every day we wait to do what is necessary to keep our streets safe is a day that may result in another needless loss of life, as well as the cascading trauma that affects their loved ones, those that witness the accidents, and the rest of our community.

Adopting the resolution is a necessary first step, but I also urge the council to go further. We know the solutions that will keep our intersections safe: daylighting, guaranteed by traffic furniture like bollards; bulbed sidewalks and marked/raised crosswalks; mini‐roundabouts and other permanent, resilient installations designed to compel lower speeds; and more.

Last Friday, the City responded again to my mother‐in‐law. They wrote, in part:
"We are in the process of hiring a consultant to perform the traffic evaluation and warrant analysis for this proposed stop sign and several other locations within the City of Santa Monica. Your request for a stop sign will be carefully reviewed by our city's traffic management team. They will assess various factors, including traffic volume, crash history, and compliance with traffic regulations. This comprehensive evaluation process ensures that decisions related to traffic control devices prioritize the safety and efficiency of our roadways." We don't need to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars of taxpayer money on outside consultants to learn what other cities already know: engineered solutions, not increased enforcement or public relations campaigns, are the only answers to the intolerable frequency of these tragedies.

I hope to see this resolution pass unanimously tomorrow, and I'm looking forward to subsequent resolutions that will take these critical next steps.

Thank you,
Andrew Allison
733 18th Street
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Chasen Daniels <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 9:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jason DeVita <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 1:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: Support for item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I’d like to express my strong for item 16D.

Rather than going into personal or “anecdotal” stories to express my support for this item, I’d like to share some data that can help guide you when making decisions around this item and future items relating to transportation and mobility.

You all invest a lot of time and effort into being in the position that you’re in today, and I think the community you’re serving would greatly benefit from you putting your differences aside and basing your decisions on data.

I hope that you remember to use your power for the greater good, rather than to satisfy small groups of residents that you may interact with on NextDoor, Facebook, or via neighborhood associations.

Our community is MUCH more than that. And let’s not forget the impact that many of your decisions will have on future generations.

Here are some quotes from our Local Roadway Safety Plan, which I recommend looking into when making decisions around mobility:

From 2015‐2019, there were 2,334 crashes on Santa Monica’s local streets. [Let’s not forget that this number only includes crashes that were reported. Many crashes involving people on foot and on bikes are not.].

There were 125 fatal and severe injury (FSI) crashes during the 2015‐2019 timeframe. Of the five years included in the analysis, 2019 saw the highest number of fatal and severe crashes.

Bicyclists of color, specifically Black and Hispanic or Latino people, are overrepresented in fatal and severe crashes, at 25% of involved bicyclists and only 19% of the Santa Monica population.

Hispanic or Latino people and those whose race was categorized as “other” appear to be disproportionately involved in fatal and severe crashes while walking and bicycling.

The Priority Network is comprised of the 14% of Santa Monica’s streets that see the top 50% of weighted crashes. Much of the Priority Network falls in and around areas of the city that bear the greatest pollution burden according to CalEnviroScreen’s equity tool, which combines environmental, health, and socioeconomic factors.

I’d also recommend looking into our greenhouse gas emissions inventory, which shows that motor vehicles represented

68.5% of our emissions in 2022.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 Electric cars might slightly help reduce these emissions, but they’re not a real solution. They emit more tire particles, which are extremely polluting. The production of their batteries is also still very unsustainable. Not to mention that the weight of electric cars makes them more dangerous than other cars, especially to anyone outside of a car.

Lastly, did you know that the parking operator SP+ made $1.75B this year? Considering how much their operations contribute to congestion, pollution, and traffic safety issues in our city, I personally think it wouldn’t be a bad idea to ensure that a small portion of their revenues is allocated to helping undo some of this harm.

If any of you actually read this email, thank you, and I hope you support this item, and continue to support safer streets for all, for as long as you can. We all need it, regardless of how we get around.

Thank you,
Caro Vilain
90404
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Mario Melgarejo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 1:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for

If we want a safe, clean, sustainable Santa Monica, we must give people the ability to safely and efficiently get around our city, both inside and outside a car. Please support this item! Thank you,
Mario Melgarejo
Lincoln and Pacific
Mario Melgarejo
[email protected]
835 PACIFIC ST
Santa Monica, California 90405
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ted Winterer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:09 PM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; David White
Cc: nicole faries
Subject: Item 16-D 12/19/23 Council agenda

EXTERNAL
Mayor and Councilmembers,
The Executive Committee of Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS) enthusiastically endorses a study of a new funding mechanism for Safe Routes to School and for other measures to protect our children as they walk and bike to their schools.

Please approve this item and initiate a feasibility study.

Regards,
Ted Winterer
CEPS Co‐Chair
‐‐
Ted Winterer
Realtor @Compass, 2115 Main Street Santa Monica
DRE #02047989
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Brian Stedge <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,
Brian Stedge
[email protected]
1955 18th St
santa monica, California 90404
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Eric Kraft <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,
Eric Kraft
[email protected]
851 19th St , Unit 2
Santa Monica, California 90403
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Sirinya Matute <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Michael Etzel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,
Michael Etzel
[email protected]
2400 Beverley Ave , Apt 15
Santa monica, California 90405
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Colleen O'Brien <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,
Colleen O'Brien
[email protected]
1326 sunset ave
Santa Monica , California 90405
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jennifer Swan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,
Jennifer Swan
[email protected]
224 South Venice Boulevard, Unit B
Venice, California 90291
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ian Dutton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:23 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta
Subject: I Support Item 16D Advisory Measure to Fund Safer Streets

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I support item 16D by Council Members Zwick, Davis and Torosis.

Thank you for prioriƟzing the most vulnerable street users, especially given recent tragedies and backsliding in driver behaviors.

This measure can provide meaningful resources to restore Safe Routes to School programs and benefit everyone in our community and everyone who visits Santa Monica, making our streets safer for everyone, regardless of their transportaƟon mode. If we want a safe, clean and sustainable Santa Monica, we must provide people with the ability to safely and efficiently move around our city with or without a motor vehicle, reduce GHG emissions and conƟnue to advance us toward our climate and sustainability goals.

Despite momentum and the amazing progress Santa Monica is making to improve overall street safety for everyone, traffic violence and equitable road safety remain significant and potenƟally catastrophic issues that we must conƟnue to prioriƟze.

Please support this item!
Ian DuƩon
525 Broadway
Santa Monica 90401
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Diana Williams <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:27 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Diana Williams
Diana Williams
[email protected]
1039 25th Street
Santa Monica, California 90403
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Liliya Jones <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,
Liliya Jones
[email protected]
923 5th st, Apt 3
Santa Monica , California 90403
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Mayor Brock Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete, and members of the Santa Monica City Council,
Please support Item 16-D to explore how increasing our parking facility tax could reduce traffic congestion and the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Monica, while preserving free 90-minute parking in the downtown lots. 2nd and 4th Sts are extremely dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists on a daily basis. On multiple occasions I've nearly been hit by motorists barreling out of the parking structures only looking for opposing car traffic. Downtown safety improvements are urgently needed.

Thank you.

Jason Mastbaum
[email protected]
4th St
Santa Monica, California 90403
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Kent Strumpell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 16 D, parking revenue opportunity

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Council Members,
A modest increase in the parking facility tax could provide much-needed revenue to help address mobility needs in our city while preserving the 90 min free parking downtown.

Please support this proposal to explore this opportunity! Thank you,
Kent Strumpell
1211 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica
Kent Strumpell
[email protected]
6483 Nancy Street
Los Angeles, California 90045
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: ANNE BUTTYAN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 2:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,

ANNE BUTTYAN
[email protected]
1225 Princeton St
Santa Monica, California 90404-1475
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Luke Willoughby <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 3:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for

If we want a safe, clean, sustainable Santa Monica, we must give people the ability to safely and efficiently get around our city, both inside and outside a car. Please support this item.

Thank you for taking the time to consider what is best for our future.

Thank you,
Luke Willoughby
[email protected]
1034 14th St. APT 1
Santa Monica, California 90403
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Katina Metzidakis <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 3:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

Thank you,
Thank you,
Katina Metzidakis
[email protected]
1805 Warwick Avenue
Santa Monica, California 90404
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Anastasia Clarke <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 3:57 PM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am wriƟng in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our enƟre community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportaƟon.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Tomas Chor <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 5:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Sienna Block <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 5:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am wriƟng in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our enƟre community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportaƟon.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 6:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; [email protected]; Emery Cunningham Subject: SUPPORT ITEM 16D
Attachments: 2023-12 CC Support Item 16D parking facility tax.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
Please see the attached letter of support for Item 16D on the Dec 19th City Council Agenda.

Through creative, responsible measures like this Santa Monica can generate critical resources to create a safer, cleaner and more sustainable Santa Monica, and support our collective commitment to make our streets safer for our most vulnerable and everyone – now and for future generations! We urge you to pass Item 16D to invest in a brighter future.

Cynthia Rose, Cris Gutierrez and Emery Cunningham
‐‐

Cynthia Rose, Director, Santa Monica Spoke and Co‐Chair Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance Cris Gutierrez, Co‐Chair Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance Emery Cunningham, Chair, Youth Leadership Collective, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
A community group dedicated
to biking and walking in Santa Monica.

Working to make the
City of Santa Monica a
more sustainable,
bikeable & walkable place to live, work and play.

December 18, 2023
Support Item 16D to Resource Improved Street Safety and Support Safe Routes to School funding Dear Santa Monica City Council,
Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance express our support for the Item 16D motion by Councilmembers Zwick, Davis and Torosis. The revenue generated by the intention of Item 16D, potentially placing a measure on the November 2024 ballot to increase the parking facility tax while preserving free 90- minute parking in the downtown lots, can help to address traffic congestion and with it the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Monica.

We applaud the allocation of the resources of the measure that would generate funding to be used to prioritize today's youth and future generations by restoring essential resources to Santa Monica's Safe Routes to School programs to fund safety-enhancing street infrastructure to protect children, elderly and disabled residents; hire additional school crossing guards and traffic enforcement officers, and provide funding to address the deferred maintenance needs of the City’s downtown parking structures.

Prioritizing today's youth and future generations must mean providing resources for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) that support and encourage healthier active-transportation options and improve street safety, reduce GHG emissions by supporting active-transportation options that can safely move us around our city without a car and continue to advance us toward our climate and sustainability goals.

To do this Santa Monica must create and allocate resources to realize these critical safety and climate action goals. The city is still recovering from 2020 budget cuts. Those cuts reduced mobility planning staff and cut resources for SRTS programing. This measure can help restore some of these critically necessary assets and resources to improve safety.

Public safety requires reasonable revenue-streams that enable essential investments. We again thank Councilmembers Zwick, Davis and Torosis for yet another motion that can create a significant and positive impact for street safety in Santa Monica through the creation of resources to fund safety-enhancing street infrastructure and to protect the most vulnerable in our community, and all who live in or visit Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose, Director, Santa Monica Spoke
Cynthia Rose and Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance
Emery Cunningham
Chair, Youth Leadership Collective
Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance

SMSpoke.org
SaMoSafeStreets.org
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Krista Shennum <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 6:37 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta
Subject: SM resident in favor of 16D Advisory Measure to Fund Safer Streets

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I support item 16D by Council Members Zwick, Davis and Torosis. As a Santa Monica resident who is dependent on my bicycle for transportaƟon, I believe this measure will make Santa Monica streets safer and healthier for our community.

Please support this item!
Thank you,
Krista Shennum
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ferris Kawar <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 18, 2023 10:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Mayor Brock Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete, and members of the Santa Monica City Council,
Please support Item 16-D. I used to live in Burbank, where free parking was everywhere in the city. This created incentives for people to drive more, which made the roads less safe for my daughters and I, who walk and cycle. I'm so glad to live back in Santa Monica where we see the value of protecting all users of our streets, not just automobiles.

Thank you,
Thank you,
Ferris Kawar
[email protected]
2666 31st Street, #7
Santa Monica, California 90405
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jasper Kok <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 8:42 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta
Subject: I Support Item 16D Advisory Measure to Fund Safer Streets

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I bike to school with my kids almost every day, so I support item 16D by Council Members Zwick, Davis and Torosis.

This measure can provide meaningful resources to restore Safe Routes to School programs and benefit everyone in our community and everyone who visits Santa Monica, making our streets safer for everyone, regardless of their transportation mode. If we want a safe, clean and sustainable Santa Monica, we must provide people with the ability to safely and efficiently move around our city with or without a motor vehicle, reduce GHG emissions and continue to advance us toward our climate and sustainability goals.

Despite momentum and the amazing progress Santa Monica is making to improve overall street safety for everyone, traffic violence and equitable road safety remain significant and potentially catastrophic issues that we must continue to prioritize.

Please support this item!
Jasper Kok
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Matthew Robinson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 9:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all modes of transportation for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. I know that it might seem like taking transit or biking or walking is a luxury, but I want to emphasize that it shouldn’t be a luxury to use money-saving options.

I rent an electric bike from a company in Culver City for $150 per month. It has a cargo and secure lock system. I can do my grocery shopping and run errands all while climbing hills. I rent the bike on a month to month basis. This saves me and my family thousands of dollars each year because we can now get around with one car that we share, instead of needing at least two cars.

We must give people the ability to safely and efficiently get around our the West Side, both inside and outside a car. Please support this item!
Thank you,
Matthew Robinson
[email protected]
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 11781 W Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles , California 90049
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 9:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please Support Exploration of 16D in Order to Facilitate Safer Streets

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Councilmembers,
As you all know, Santa Monica has recently experienced a traffic fatality at the intersection of Idaho and 19th involving a biker and vehicle. The traffic accident would have surely been avoided if there were speed bumps or a four-way stop at that intersection. After Tania's death, the City sprung into action and finally implemented a four-way stop at this intersection.

However, Idaho and 19th was only the beginning of the problem. There are countless other dangerous intersections in our residential neighborhoods that threaten to injure or kill our children -- many of whom walk or bike to school.

A potential tax on parking, with its proceeds then earmarked for necessary traffic-related improvements would greatly assist the City's Dept of Transportation in finally implementing changes to these critical intersections. As I understand it, tonight's vote is just to explore the option, and any final tax change proposal will have to come back for Council approval (followed by voter approval). I implore you to vote yes and take a step in the right direction toward safer streets in our city. Please support this item! Thank you,
Ali Moghaddas
(Resident who lives a block away from where Tania died) Jesse Zwick
[email protected]
858 21st
santa monica, California 90403
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Samantha Jamali <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:01 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Ellis Raskin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Cc: Douglas Sloan; David White; Clerk Mailbox
Subject: Agenda Item 16.D

EXTERNAL
Dear Hon. Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of the proposed modifications to the City's existing parking facility tax. Empirical data shows that parking taxes are an effective method of regulating and offsetting negative externalities associated with car culture (see, e.g., https://cityobservatory.org/parking_pay_way/). I hope that you will embrace data‐driven solutions to our City's mobility solutions.

Best,
Ellis Raskin
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Dan Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 10:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Item 16D - Support for Exploring an Increase to the Parking Facility Tax

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete, and members of the Santa Monica City Council, Please support Item 16D to explore how increasing our parking facility tax could reduce traffic congestion and the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Monica, while preserving free 90-minute parking in the downtown lots.

Smarter parking pricing has the potential to reduce traffic, pollution, and car-related injuries, while providing additional revenue for alternative transportation options and even support deferred maintenance costs on the parking structures themselves.

I highly encourage all of you to explore UCLA Professor Donald Shoup's research on parking. Here is a great 6-minute primer of his pre-eminent work "The High Cost of Free Parking": https://youtu.be/Akm7ik-H_7U?si=KiVJTPOLgufD4vn "Land is expensive for housing, but free for parking. And you wonder why we have a problem?" - Shoup Thank you for your consideration,
Dan Hall
Santa Monica, CA
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Johanna Kracke <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 11:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: I support item 16D!!!

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

I have 3 kids, two attending Will Rogers right now, and I would like nothing more than for them to be able to ride their bikes safely to school on their own as they get older. We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. With two recent cyclist deaths on our roadways, the commitment to Vision Zero in our community seems questionable, and that is incredibly disheartening. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for 68.5% of our greenhouse gas emissions. These issues were worsened by budget cuts made in 2020, that also caused us to lose many key city staff; and this item could help restore some of these vital assets.

ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Genise Schnitman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 12:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: In support of Item-16D

EXTERNAL
Please support Item 16‐D to give the voters of Santa Monica the opportunity to improve the health and safety of those who live, work in, and visit our city while reducing greenhouse emissions at a Ɵme when the indicators of the fossil‐fuel‐ caused climate crisis are hiƫng levels of unprecedented alarm.

The item directs staff to evaluate a proposed ballot measure creaƟng a tax on parking faciliƟes that would fund maintenance of those faciliƟes and a set of transportaƟon projects that would enhance the safety and usability of our streets for all users, including the young, the old, and those with various mobility challenges. Streets that are safe for our youngest and oldest users are streets that are safe for everyone, whether they are geƫng around in private motor vehicles — the worst contributors to traffic congesƟon and greenhouse emissions — or by means that are beƩer for the environment and for personal and public health, from public transportaƟon, to electric‐powered and human‐powered micromobility devices, to walking.

Next fall I will have reached four decades since moving across the country to Santa Monica, the enƟrety of which I have lived car free. I look forward to spending the years ahead, when I anƟcipate the likelihood that the physical changes of later life may pose various challenges to geƫng around on foot, bicycle, and public transit, in a city where measures, including physical modificaƟons to street and sidewalk form, will make it safer as well as more convenient go where I need and wish to, day and night.

The economic repercussions of the pandemic have straitened the City’s capacity to fulfill our Vision Zero goals. The proposed ballot tax will provide the resources to enable us to get back on track and make Santa Monica a safer and healthier place for all. From the great, recently concluded streaming series ReservaƟon Dogs I learned the chipper, c’mon‐now expression “skoden!” (“Let’s go then!”).

Yes, Santa Monica, skoden!
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Peter DiChellis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 1:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Cc: Editor santamonicalookout.com
Subject: Item 16 D: Oppose inequitable tax

EXTERNAL
To Santa Monica City Council:

The tax proposal described in Agenda Item 16D unfairly and inequitably targets drivers, conƟnuing an unjust war on drivers being waged by some councilmembers.

Note that City of Santa Monica data show bicyclists and motorists are nearly equally at fault in bicycle‐related Fatal and Severe Injury crashes, yet drivers are cited almost 3x more than bicyclists. (Data and references below.) Yet there is no discussion of taxes or fees on bicycles to fund needed roadway safety, only more taxes and restricƟons on drivers.

Every voter who holds a driver’s license must rebuff those at City Hall waging unjust war against them.

Sincerely,
Peter DiChellis
Santa Monica 90403
***
“Bicyclists Share Fault in Serious Crashes, Data Show”
hƩps://urldefense.com/v3/__hƩps://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News‐2023/December‐ 2023/12_14_2023_Bicyclists_Share_Fault_in_Serious_Crashes.html__;!!OfuUnHCITYtmmjM!s8pa5oKkPopqĩ8vhUm6iD kJUZfruY4ykRKn4wfr3SKgbZmRX25Xd1EoLTj4ytxYjQ0Nwryr6U6fPNMQIo3jsnQIFoLkHSU$ (Key data below. Source: City of Santa Monica via publicaƟon in The Santa Monica Lookout.) Bicycle‐involved Fatal and Severe Injury crashes in Santa Monica since 2010 Total: 72 =100%
Driver at Fault: 31= 43%
Cyclist at Fault: 26 = 36%
Other/No Fault: 15 = 21%
Most Recent Bicycle Safety OperaƟons
Total CitaƟons: 132 = 100%
Vehicle CitaƟons: 97 = 73%
Cyclist CitaƟons: 35 = 27%
(“AddiƟonal ‐ 9 speeding citaƟons”)
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 ‐END‐
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 2:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: David White; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete
Subject: 12/19/23 City Council Agenda Item 16D

EXTERNAL
Re: 12/19/2023 City Council Agenda Item 16D
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and City Councilmembers, I strongly support item 16D, the “Request of Councilmember Zwick, Councilmember Davis, and Councilmember Torosis that the City Manager and City Attorney evaluate the potential to place a General Tax with an Advisory Measure on the November 2024 ballot to increase the parking facility tax to reduce traffic congestion and the risk of traffic fatalities and serious injuries in Santa Monica, while preserving free 90‐minute parking in the downtown lots. Specifically, the City Manager is being asked to evaluate the potential resources that can be generated by increasing the parking facility tax and the use of resources to restore the Safe Routes to School program and fund safety‐enhancing street infrastructure to protect children, elderly and disabled residents, hire additional school crossing guards and traffic enforcement officers, and address deferred maintenance needs of the City’s downtown parking structures. The City Manager and City Attorney are also being asked to enter into discussions with the California Coastal Commission and assess the impacts of a proposed increase in the parking facility tax on parking rates in the Coastal Zone.” We have made incredible strides in expanding our multimodal transportation network and making safety improvements, but there is still much more work to do to make our streets safe for all. As part of the Council's direction on this item, I urge you to encourage the City Manager and City Attorney to look into how cities that have achieved Vision Zero have funded mobility and safety enhancements.

While a general tax with an advisory measure is one option for funding safety enhancements, I believe that the Council will be able to make better decisions regarding how to best fund necessary safety enhancements, including restoring the Safe Routes to School program, if and when they are presented with a robust “menu” of options and could evaluate the pros and cons of different funding methods.

Other potential alternatives to review could include dynamic pricing for parking in locations with higher demand for parking, a congestion tax, or other creative solutions for funding necessary safety measures.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our community and making our streets safe for all who use them.

Sincerely,
Natalya Zernitskaya
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Jahan Bruce <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 2:40 PM
To: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Anuj Gupta; Jason Kligier Subject: Please Support Funding for Safe Streets (Item 16D)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am wriƟng in support of item 16D. This is a very important first step to making the streets safe for all vulnerable road users.

However I must object to the provision that the funds be used to maintain parking structures, and that the 90min free be maintained. We all want downtown to be more successful, but study aŌer study has shown that the vast majority of sales comes from foot traffic. By subsidizing driving via free parking, the city is intenƟonally making downtown extremely unpleasant for those that actually pay the bills of stores.

I recommend replacing all downtown parking with missing middle apartments, and pedestrianizing the enƟre area. We need only look to Europe to see that this model is extremely successful.

It should not be a surprise that stores are going out of business when you expect people to drive there to then walk around. But the act of driving there makes it unpleasant to walk around. By removing car access to downtown and increasing the density, shops will be able to support themselves with local residents. It’s Ɵme to return to Ɵme tested, economically proven tradiƟonal downtowns.

Thank you,
Jahan Bruce
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
1 Xavier Mota
From: Alison Pearson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2023 8:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Funding for Safe Streets in Santa Monica (16D)!!!

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing in support of item 16D.

This measure would greatly benefit our entire community by making our streets safer for all road users for both residents and visitors.

We owe it to our children to restore the Safe Routes to School program, and help our residents get around our city safely, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.

Despite all of the amazing progress our city has made to make our streets safer for all, traffic violence is still a significant issue we’re facing. In addition, motor vehicles are responsible for

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
2 ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023
ITEM 16.D.

December 19, 2023

Santa Monica City CouncilDecember 19, 2023

Santa Monica City Council
December 19, 2023