1 David Yakobson
From: Pam Oconnor <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support 16I — Safety Streets for all users
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
As a Santa Monica resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a necessary step in making our streets safer for all. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Pam O’Connor
Former Mayor
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:05 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] Subject: Support Agenda Item 16-I to Draft Anti-harassment Ordinace Attachments: 2024-03 CC Support Item 16-I Anti-harassment ordinace .pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
Please find attached our letter of support for item 16-I to help protect some of the most vulnerable road users on tonights council agenda.
--
Cynthia Rose
Director
Santa Monica Spoke
SMSpoke.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
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.
March 19, 2024
RE: Support Agenda Item 16-I to Draft Anti-harassment Ordinace
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:
Santa MonicaSpoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance deeply appreciate and support the request to draft an ordinance to prohibit harassment of bicyclists - some of our most vulnerable road users - like people biking, and all who share our streets, deserve safe conditions that include no one harassing them. Riding a bike (or walking) is a free choice to move in a responsible way throughout the community where a small town feeling and vibrance can come alive and thrive – if we support it.
Harassment, even when it is focused on one bicyclist, is dangerous to everyone because harassment focused on people individually reverberates and threatens the public safety at large.
Sadly, this harassment may reflect ingrained transportation habits that have shaped attitudes for generations prioritizing speed or auto-centric / one-way of commuting. Having an ordinance prohibiting harassment helps make sharing streets in an egalitarian and civil manner the norm for safe, sustainable, welcoming streets that offer infrastructure and experiences enhancing the quality of life in Santa Monica as we together also move to reach our climate and sustainability goals.
Let us affirm how far we have come and prove determined to continue the advancements and innovations towards Vision Zero and street designs and policies that reduce barriers to healthy active transportation and safeguard public safety nested in positive community relationships.
Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
Director, Santa Monica Spoke Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SMSpoke.org
SaMoSafeStreets.org
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Mike Terranova <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:58 AM
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16(I) : Support cyclist anti-harassment ordinance Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step.
Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Mike Terranova
Sunset Park Resident
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: John Lin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:30 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a person who lives, works, and cycles in Santa Monica, I have been harassed and threatened by drivers... on Broadway...in an active construction zone. Everyone I know who rides in the city has been harassed or threatened by dangerous and violent drivers. Enabling cyclists to seek legal remedy is the absolute least that the city must do to protect its residents from violence and harassment.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
John Lin
500 Broadway
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Jahan Bruce <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:06 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a resident of Santa Monica, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a prioritized and safe environment on our streets. Providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of non-car road users, especially those who choose to travel by bicycle.
I am however surprised that this law is needed. As far as I'm aware it has always been against the law to physically assault or threaten anyone, be they bicyclist or not. The necessity of this ordinance perhaps points to deficiencies in the police department who do not properly address reports of harassment or crime against vulnerable road users.
A good avenue for the council to pursue in future might be to democratize policing. We all have cameras these days, and we need a system to send evidence of harassment or illegal behavior to the police, and get rewarded with part of the paid fine. I believe such a system could take the load off police officers while also ensuring the myriad of vehicle crimes in this city get addressed.
Sincerely,
Jahan Bruce
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; David White; [email protected] Subject: 3/19/2024 Council Agenda Item 16I - Support
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and City Councilmembers, I strongly support item 16I, the proposal by Councilmembers Zwick, Torosis, and Davis for the City Council to direct the City Attorney to draft an ordinance to prohibit the harassment of cyclists.
In our efforts to become a more cyclist and pedestrian friendly city, we must ensure that we are creating a safer and more inviting infrastructure for folks who choose not to drive a car. When we do this, more people who can choose to bike or walk will do so which in turn will make getting around Santa Monica a smoother process for everyone. There will always be some people who need to drive a vehicle and it is up to us to ensure that potential harm and potential risks of conflict between drivers in cars and cyclists and pedestrians are minimized and mitigated.
I have previously experienced harassment by drivers when riding my bike. An incident that particularly sticks out in my memory is when I was riding my bike down 23rd Street south of Ocean Park Blvd. and a group of young men in a car slowed down alongside me to open their windows and shout at me seemingly to frighten me, and then sped away laughing at their success in frightening me. I am very lucky that I did not lose control of my bike and crash as a result of this harassment. And I am very lucky that they did not try to hit me with their car during that incident. However, even though cyclists are, by law, entitled to the same rights as drivers of vehicles on the roads, we know that there are some drivers who find it difficult to treat cyclists with the same deference and respect that they show to drivers of vehicles.
Outside of more typical harassment or threatening behaviors such as honking or driving too close, aggression and hostility towards women bicyclists can be even worse with women cyclists experiencing nearly twice as much harassment as others (see: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/jun/11/female-cyclists-baddriving-harassment-study-uk-women-men-near-miss). There is a documented history of female-identifying bike messengers being subjected to street harassment just for trying to do their jobs (see:
https://www.vice.com/en/article/gvzayx/for-female-bike-messengers-street-harassment-is-literally-lifethreatening) As a community who is serious about public safety, an anti-harassment ordinance for cyclists is crucial in our efforts to make this City safer for all. Luckily, we have a local example of the Los Angeles law and a few others throughout California we can use as resources in crafting our own ordinance.
I urge the Council to vote Yes on Item 11I and use the lessons learned from other cities’ ordinances to craft a thoughtful and enforceable anti-harassment ordinance that shows we care about safe streets for all who use them.
Sincerely,
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
5 Natalya Zernitskaya
Natalya Zernitskaya (she/her)
[email protected]
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Public Comment for Item 16.I
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a necessary step in making our streets safer for all. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
I would however ask that this be expanded to include pedestrians. I primarily get around Santa Monica on foot, and not a day goes by where I don't have motorists driving dangerously close to me while I'm in the middle of crossing in order to try to bully me into running through the crosswalk.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Tatheer Adnan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis
Subject: March 19 Santa Monica City Council Meeting
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
Sharing my thoughts on some agenda items below
AGAINST 16J: While concerns about public drug use are valid, many studies examining the impact of needle exchange programs on community safety have failed to find an increase in drug-related crime or disorder following the implementation of such programs. On the contrary, by facilitating the safe disposal of used needles and syringes, SSPs reduce dangerously exposed needles and protect the public and first responders. Needle exchange programs operate within a harm reduction framework at the population health level. They reach people who inject drugs, an often hidden and marginalized population, successfully reducing the transmission of viral hepatitis, HIV, and other infections, and the incidence of opioid overdose deaths through the provision of naloxone. Research also shows that new users of SSPs are five times more likely to enter drug treatment and about three times more likely to stop using drugs than those who don’t use the programs.
AGAINST 16K: The ordinance will prevent hotel workers from striking. I agree with the fundamental reasons for the strike and support workers’ ability to exercise their First Amendment rights. The right to strike is a fundamental labor right, crucial for workers to negotiate fair pay, safe working conditions, and equitable treatment. Striking is a last resort when other negotiation tactics have failed, and hindering this right undermines the balance of power between employers and employees, potentially leading to exploitative working conditions. Workers in the hospitality industry, particularly in hotels, are often frontline defenders of public health, ensuring clean and safe environments for guests.
Hindering their ability to operate in an environment that just, might be directly compromising public health and safety and discouraging tourist activity.
SUPPORT 16I: Fully support! Cyclists play a vital role in promoting sustainable transportation and fostering a healthier, more vibrant community. It is incumbent upon us to create an environment where cyclists feel safe and respected while navigating our streets. Implementing a cyclist harassment ordinance will not only enhance cyclist safety but also contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable transportation system for all residents. 7A. I am excited about an equity lens to cannabis licensing and have been considering the logistics around a cannabis licensing program that prioritizes individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by the War on Drugs, such as low-income neighborhoods and communities of color. This program would provide preferential treatment or additional incentives for applicants who meet specific equity criteria, such as residency in designated areas, prior cannabis-related convictions, or demonstration of financial need. Contingent upon defining clear eligibility criteria for equity applicants, comprehensive assistance and mentorship through the licensing process can further ensure that the program reaches those who would benefit from it most. To ensure that cannabis licensing is coupled with protective restrictions, businesses could be required to obtain conditional use permits (CUPs) subject to specific locational criteria and review processes. CUPs can provide the city with additional discretion and oversight to evaluate the compatibility of proposed cannabis businesses with their surroundings (complemented by buffer zones) and address potential concerns raised by stakeholders. To design the program circularly, a portion of the revenue or fees can be funneled into Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
2 community reinvestment initiatives- job training programs, youth education, substance abuse prevention, and economic development in neighborhoods affected by the War on Drugs.
Sincerely,
Tatheer Adnan
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Brodsky, Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 11:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: Support for Item 16.I
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I have been honked at, yelled at, and pushed off my bike while riding on the streets of Santa Monica.
Please support an ordinance to provide legal protecƟons against harassment while biking on our streets.
Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
Santa Monica
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Dan Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 10:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Gleam Davis
Subject: SUPPORT: Item 16I
EXTERNAL
Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, Councilmembers Davis, de la Torre, Parra, Torosis, and Zwick, I strongly support item 16I. As someone who regularly bikes to work and member of a one car household, I have personally experienced plenty of road rage harassment while sharing the road, even here in Santa Monica.
Traffic violence is a serious issue in our city, and as much progress as we’re making with our infrastructure, it will take years before our streets truly become safe for all road users.
The current state of our streets is such that getting around without a car often involves being harassed by people using vehicles to threaten or hurt you.
This isn’t acceptable. Harassing, threatening, or assaulting someone while behind the wheel of a motor vehicle shouldn’t go without consequences.
Please support item 16I,
Dan Hall
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Public Comment for Item 16.I
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a car-owner, walker, biker, parent, and Santa Monica resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I.
Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets and providing legal protections against harassment is a necessary step in making our streets safer for all. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle. I would feel much safer biking myself and my child with such an ordinance in place.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Jacob Wasserman
11th Street and Washington Avenue
90403
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Michele C <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 7:31 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am a 24-year resident of this wonderful city and it is my chosen home town. Because of our ever-growing bike infrastructure, my household has gone from 2 cars to 1, and that car gets left at home in favor of bikes more than 90% of the time. As I am out living life, I often talk with people who see I am on my bicycle, and the #1 reason I hear from people as to why they don't cycle is safety. They don't feel safe riding on the street near cars. This ordinance would address one thing that makes cyclists fearful of the road and send a message that harassing someone on a bicycle from the safety of a multi-ton vehicle is not acceptable. While benefiting cyclists, this ordinance does no harm to law-abiding drivers, costs them no time or money, and changes nothing for people already doing the right thing.
Please pass this ordinance!
Sincerely,
Michele Christensen
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Shahab Yarmohammadi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 5:31 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Council Members,
As a concerned resident, and an educator at multiple schools in our beautiful city whose sole means of transportation is a bike, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step.
Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Shahab Yarmohammadi
[email protected]
+1 424 977 9878 (USA GMT-7)
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: Erin Hoops <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 5:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Public Comment for Item 16.I
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a frequent visitor of Santa Monica, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a necessary step in making our streets safer for all. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Erin Hoops
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Sam Shapiro-Kline <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 4:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Public Comment for Item 16.I
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a necessary step in making our streets safer for all. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Sam Shapiro-Kline
90403
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Chuslo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 4:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Public Comment for Item 16.I
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a necessary step in making our streets safer for all. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Jacob Chuslo
4108 tujunga ave, studio city CA 91604
Jacob Chuslo
[email protected]
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 2:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Automatic reply: Public Comment for Item 16.1
EXTERNAL
My apologies. The subject should be for 16i , not 16.1
On Mar 18, 2024, at 2:42 PM, councilmtgitems <[email protected]> wrote:
Thank you for your email. Please be advised that this email will: 1) become part of the public record, 2) be filed with the City’s official records, and 3) be posted online at smgov.net/council/agendas. Comments will not be redacted and appear online as they are submitted.
If you plan to speak at the meeting and have an electronic presentation to show, please submit it to [email protected] no later than 12 PM on the day of the meeting.
Levine Act Disclosure. Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $250 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution; the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made.
Thank you,
The City Clerk’s Office
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 2:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Public Comment for Item 16.1
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a necessary step in making our streets safer for all. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
As someone who gets around Santa Monica by bike every day, I get assaulted, harassed, and threatened by drivers on a regular basis, and it is incredibly terrifying.
About a month ago, I was assaulted by a driver who was upset that I was in the middle of an intersecƟon as he was about to run a stop sign, and that interacƟon made me seriously fear for my life.
I don’t usually ever aƩempt to report these incidents, because I know from experience that PD does not take these things seriously.
People who saw the video evidence convinced me to try to report it this Ɵme, as the drivers’ acƟons were parƟcularly disturbing.
When I first called PD, they told me this wasn’t worth a report. Once I menƟoned that lawyers recommended I file a report, they agreed to take it.
When taking the report, they saw the video evidence and told me that the only infracƟon they saw was the driver running the stop sign, but the rest didn’t maƩer because there are currently no laws against road rage.
These kinds of things happen to me and many other people very regularly, and they’re terrifying. It is clear that many drivers know that nothing will happen to them for threatening a people in a vulnerable posiƟon while in their 2 ton metal.
For the health and well-being of our community, for the future of our children, and in order to achieve a safe and sustainable Santa Monica, we must do everything we can to make our streets safe for all road users; and this is unfortunately a necessary step in the current environment.
Such an ordinance won’t magically solve traffic violence on its own, and it won’t lead to all harassment from drivers being reported and taken seriously. But it is a very important step in making it clear that this kind of behavior isn’t acceptable in our city. Harassing and assaulƟng vulnerable road users shouldn’t be legal.
I sincerely hope you all support this item.
Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Caro Vilain
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
4 90404
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Gina Garcia <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:59 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Gina Garcia
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:17 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 16L
EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I strongly support item 16L.
As a city, we cannot simply acknowledge over a century of racial injusƟces and discriminaƟon and move on.
We must take acƟon to repair these harms, and return the land that was stolen from Silas White and his descendants.
It is a small but necessary step in recƟfying the harm done to the white family, and it sets a significant precedent for land reparaƟons.
It is a moral imperaƟve.
Let’s be on the right side of history,
Sincerely,
Caro Vilain
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: April DS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:32 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
April De Stefano
90404 resident
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Vanessa Sorensen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:12 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.Sincerely, Vanessa Sorensen Sent from my mind….
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Noelle DiMarco <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 12:04 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle. Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Noelle DiMarco
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Marius Facktor <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 11:31 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I would like to express my support for a cycling anƟ-harassment ordinance. I was assaulted while riding my bike in Santa Monica on July 22, 2023. I was riding to the beach on Colorado Ave near 7th street. A driver came up behind, me laid on the horn, and as he passed me, he rolled his window down and spat on me. Then when I caught up to him at a red light, he ran me off the road with his car. This was on Colorado Ave— a bike route. I filed a police report with SMPD (23-65523 Calderon and follow up 23-66791 Burns). I gave the police the license plate number and descripƟon of the driver. They were kind but told me it would be a waste of mine and their Ɵme to press charges because the city aƩorney would not prosecute a non-violent assault. I felt shaken up and scared aŌer the encounter but I found out I had no recourse to what happened to me.
I think there should be some kind of deterrence for this behavior in the future. If not criminal, then civil. Otherwise drivers who harass and assault people outside their car face no repercussions for their acƟons.
My name is Marius Facktor. I live in Sawtelle (Los Angeles) and I bike a lot in Santa Monica because it’s my preferred way to get around. I bike to Santa Monica for many reasons. For doctor’s visits, to meet friends at the park, to shop, and to get to the beach. I know I’m not alone in my experience being harassed by a driver while biking. I fear they will keep doing it to us because they keep geƫng away with it.
Thank you,
Marius Facktor
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Rachel Moeckel <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 9:57 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc: Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems; David White
Subject: Support for Cyclist Anti-Harassment Ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. I do not own a car and get around Santa Monica solely by biking. I really appreciate the large investment in bicycle infrastructure that Santa Monica has made; however, I still have plenty of nerve-wracking interactions with drivers — with some that are oblivious, but also with some that are not happy to share the road with me. When this happens in areas with no cycling infrastructure (e.g., sharrows only), it is particularly scary. That said, I have a recent, relevant story to share.
Just last week, on March 8th, 2024, I was unfortunately reminded how important it is to consider the safety of all road users. On a mere 20 minute ride, I was passed by TWO cars who sped around me with no more than a foot of space between us. The first, a middle-aged man, actually drove next to me for a small bit and was clearly angry and gesturing at me through his window. When I responded with confusion, he slammed on his gas to speed around me, leaving alarmingly little space. I caught up with him at multiple stop signs, and he eventually got caught in traffic, where I passed him. I clearly was not slowing him down in any significant way.
I was on a 30 mph neighborhood street in Santa Monica (traveling south on 11th St, between Ocean Park Blvd and Marine St). This street has only one bike lane — unfortunately going the opposite direction. On my side of the street, there were frequent (though faded) “sharrows” and multiple signs that said “bikes can use full lane”. The second time happened on a 25 mph neighborhood street also full of sharrows and signs.
These routes were clearly designated as roads that people on bikes can and should use, yet a couple people driving cars believed incorrectly that I shouldn’t be there and felt the need to make that known through intimidation.
Interactions like this are terrifying. I’m clearly in a place where I’m allowed to be as a road user, but I am fully vulnerable, not only to road aggression but also to any lapse in attention (e.g., car doors opening, cars turning into the bike lane, sharing space when bike lanes end, etc.), which I have to be constantly alert to. It’s not okay. If I’m on a street designated for bikes, I should feel safe and welcome as another road user, not fearful for my life.
Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle. Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Rachel
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Jonathan Balk <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 8:10 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc: Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems; David White
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council, As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle. Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica. Sincerely, Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: Craig Mulligan <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 7:28 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I+support+16(I)+cyclist+anti-harassment+ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear+Santa+Monica+City+Council,As+a+concerned+resident,+I+urge+you+to+vote+in+favor+of+Item+16.I.+Cyclists+des erve+a+safe+environment+on+our+streets,+and+providing+legal+protections+against+harassment+is+a+crucial+step.++ Our+city+should+prioritize+the+wellbeing+of+all+road+users,+including+those+who+choose+to+travel+by+bicycle.Thank+you+for+your+commitment+to+cr eating+a+more+livable+Santa+Monica.Sincerely,
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 7:27 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.Sincerely,
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Anne Kim <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 7:05 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance Dear Santa Monica City Council,As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Anne Kim
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
10 David Yakobson
From: Andy K. Liberman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 6:01 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.Sincerely,
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
11 David Yakobson
From: Sirinya Matute <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 5:26 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Sirinya Matute
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
12 David Yakobson
From: Michael Etzel <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 5:10 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc: Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems; David White
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle. Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
This photo attached is from one of my friends who was in a hit and run collision yesterday at the roundabout where Main Street ends. Yes this is Venice and not Santa Monica but this happens way too frequently in all part of our city borders as well.
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
13 Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
14 Sincerely,
Michael Etzel
2400 Beverley Ave
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
15 David Yakobson
From: Boris Suchkov <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 5:07 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Boris Suchkov
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
16 David Yakobson
From: Leonora <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 5:03 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protections against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioritize the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.
Thank you for your commitment to creating a more livable Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Leonora Camner
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
17 David Yakobson
From: Kush Mittal <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 4:54 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; councilmtgitems
Subject: I support 16(I) cyclist anti-harassment ordinance
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,As a concerned resident, I urge you to vote in favor of Item 16.I. Cyclists deserve a safe environment on our streets, and providing legal protecƟons against harassment is a crucial step. Our city should prioriƟze the well-being of all road users, including those who choose to travel by bicycle.Thank you for your commitment to creaƟng a more livable Santa Monica.Sincerely, Kush
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
18 David Yakobson
From: Kyle Rebar <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 15, 2024 11:13 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: I support item 16i
EXTERNAL
I regularly get yelled at by drivers when I’m biking—last Sunday, I was biking with a friend in a shared lane. A car tailgated us and proceeded to argue with my friend at a stop sign, saying “what are you doing, get off the road!!!” We were waiting for traffic to pass to make a left turn.
I’ve had run ins like this regularly, folks in cars like to get aggressive in shared lanes. Bikers do not have thousands of pounds of metal to protect us on the road. If a biker gets spooked when shouted at or tailgated and falls, we could be seriously injured.
Ideally, we need more protected bike lanes so we are insulated from potential run ins. Shy of that, we need protections against car aggression.
I strongly support 16i.
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.I.
March 19, 2024