Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, March 19, 2024

1 David Yakobson
From: ASG <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 5:01 PM
To: Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16.J The County Needle Exchange at Reed Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Esteemed Santa Monica Council Members,
Please don't forget our most vulnerable population- the children.

I feel it is logical to say that the County Needle Exchange Program attracts drug users who may be unhoused to the park and subsequently to St. Monica Prep and the Church.

Normally around schools the law is not only upheld, but fines are increased, speed limits are decreased and there is an overall sense of care for the children who attend the school With the needle exchange program at Reed Park, this is not the case for the children of St. Monica Prep. The unhoused from Reed park frequently come across the street to try to use the restrooms, to enter the café, to sit outside the café, to sit outside the steps of the church, and to attempt to set up a sleeping area around the school behind the bushes.

Since my youngest child started attending St. Monica Prep seven years ago, there have been many traumatic incidents on the church/school property due to the unhoused who frequent or reside at Reed Park. Children have either witnessed first hand or been privy to most of these.

Examples of these incidences include:

1. a woman who was undressing near the first grade classroom in front of children (including my own) that needed to be physically restrained

2. one or more dead bodies around the perimeter of the school/church

3. a man who slit his throat in the Church’s café

4. an unhoused man and his belongings stationed outside of the boys' bathroom windows just last week As you make your decision, please remember our most vulnerable population- the children.

Thank you,
Annie Santana-Grush
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 3:15 PM
To: David White; Community Affairs; Phil Brock; councilmtgitems Subject: Taxpayers Want you to HALT Needle Distribution in Our City until it Can Move to a Medical Facility!!

EXTERNAL
PLEASE HALT THE DISTRIBUTION UNTIL YOU HAVE A PROPER MEDICAL FACILITY.

Dear City AƩorney. While we appreciate the significant posiƟve progress with homeless iniƟaƟves..

It’s incredibly DisappoinƟng and Shocking that our Children’s Safety @ our Cherished parks is being undermined with this reckless Needle DistribuƟon.. aŌer We, the taxpayers advocated and paid for renovaƟon of our once beauƟful parks To be Safe Spaces for our Children over the last several Decades.

It appears you all…allowed the Wishes of 17000+ Santa Monica consƟtuents to be overridden in favor of allowing homeless drug addicts outside of Santa Monica to overtake our Cherished parks…. where needles are not monitored or retrieved….

CreaƟng another Public Health Hazard for Our Children, Residents, First Responders and Tourists!!! *This program can be easily halted unƟl you and the city Find a Proper Medical Facility..

What happens when an innocent Child or Resident or First Responder gets infected with HIV, hepaƟƟs c etc..or Worse from this Reckless approach.. Isn’t it The City of Santa Monica’s Responsibility to keep Everyone Safe.. This is Completely Preventable….

Aren’t Our Children just as important as Homeless Drug addicts from outside of Santa Monica? It makes no Medical or ethical sense that you, the city of Santa Monica, Mayor Bass Dr Barbara Ferrer and Dr Tsai cannot find a Proper Medical Office anywhere in LA to distribute needles...

While choosing to Defy and Endanger Your ConsƟtuents, Taxpayers and First Responders!! PLEASE HALT THE DISTRIBUTION UNTIL YOU HAVE A PROPER MEDICAL FACILITY.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: HALLIE FEDERMAN <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: End the Unsafe Open-Air Needle Distribution Program in Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Begin forwarded message:

From: hallie federman <[email protected]>
Date: March 19, 2024 at 10:54:03 AM PDT
To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] Subject: End the Unsafe Open-Air Needle Distribution Program in Santa Monica Mayor Phil Brock and team,
I request that you ask the County to prevent or move their distribution program indoors under medical supervision with support services. The program should be moved from our Parks, the 3rd Street Promenade and the 7 Eleven at 7th and Wilshire.

This program has been an abject failure without the necessary collaboration between the County, the City and the Public to assure the wellbeing of our community. The City controls our parks and we should not allow for the County to play out their failed programs at the expense of the safety of our community. Any drug related program should mandate accountability and require a method to measure the success of the program. That means, people should not just gain easier access to get high but rather gain more opportunities to stop getting high and end the cycle of addiction.

We are in the midst of a drug epidemic and we need to address this matter with great urgency and care so that we are assisting those in the throes of addiction, while protecting our community from the safety issues caused by drug use, and resulting in murders, attacks, robberies and desperation on our streets.

Best, Hallie Prince
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Michele Cole <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I oppose item 16J

EXTERNAL
I OPPOSE ITEM 16J
Needle exchange programs are a vital public health and public safety measure.

Please make your decision based on well founded years of public health data from The National Institute of Health and the CDC.

Please don’t give in to misinformation and loud voices.

Please vote to improve the health of our community and not stand in its way.

Thank you
Michele Cole
Santa Monica
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Ferris Kawar <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16J - Vote No. - I support Harm-reduction services

EXTERNAL
I am a resident and employee in Santa Monica with two daughters. I worry about the drug use we witness and I know that these individuals need more help, not cuts to the services that are having an impact.

The campaign to get you to cut funding for harm reducƟon services and needle exchanges is disingenuous. I hope you see through this fear- based message and vote it down.

Thank you
Ferris Kawar
Sunset Park resident.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Assaf Lotan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Subject: I am oppsed to getting rid of harm reduction services

EXTERNAL
Hello City Council
I am aware that the City Council is considering eliminating a county-sponsored program for harm reduction in drug use that primarily services the homeless population.

I admit, I don't fully know the details surrounding this vote. However, many folks I know and trust are opposed to it and I am writing this letter to voice my support. These friends consist of seasoned professionals, social workers, SMMUSD district employees and county Public Defenders. I trust them to guide me in matters such as this and I am convinced that their views are ones with which I align.

I ask that you consider the facts that have been presented by the County and Venice Family Clinic and to vote No regarding “expressing disapproval for the ‘Harm Reduction Services’ program, or ‘needle exchange program,’ in the City of Santa Monica.” Sincerely,
Assaf Lotan
Sunset Park Resident
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
5 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; David White Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Oppose Item 16-J to Disapprove of Harm Reduction Services Attachments: 2024-03 CC Oppose item 16-J Harm Reduction Services.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
Please find attached our letter to oppose Item 16-J on tonights council agenda. --
Cynthia Rose and Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chairs
Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance
SaMoSafeStreets.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024
RE: Oppose Item 16-J Harm Reduction Services
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:

We oppose this counterproductive request to create a resolution to disapprove of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” that provides critical services to some of the most vulnerable in our community. These services and programs are critical components to health and safety that ARE proven to be effective in reducing harm.

These “problems or harms” will not go away of we simply turn our backs on these issues and those in need by reducing or eliminating these life saving human services.

For the council to vote in support of this “resolution to disapprove” of and attempt to reduce or eliminate these vital programs and services that are critical lifelines is dangerous and would undermine proven public health measures and threaten lives.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SaMoSafeStreets.org
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Julia Socolovsky <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:03 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Please keep harm reduction services

EXTERNAL
Hello City CouncilI am a Santa Monica resident. I’ve lived and worked here for over 15 years. I have 3 daughters in the Santa Monica school district. We love enjoying the city’s wonderful resources such as parks, libraries, beaches, etc.

I, like many community members, am deeply saddened by the homelessness situation in our community. I am also aware of the larger context of homelessness and the unaffordability of living throughout our country. I am certainly aware of the presence of drug use in many areas of our city and hope very much for the wellness of those in our community for whom drugs and alcohol are a barrier to living happy and healthy lives. Harm reduction services are an integral part of helping people reduce the negative effects of drugs and alcohol in their lives. I wholeheartedly support the County-sponsored programs for harm reduction and wish that they were increased rather than eliminated.

I beg of you to consider the facts that have been presented by the County and Venice Family Clinic and to vote No regarding “expressing disapproval for the ‘Harm Reduction Services’ program, or ‘needle exchange program,’ in the City of Santa Monica.”
Respectfully,
Julia Socolovsky
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
LMFT 90993
www.juliamft.com
Please keep in mind that communications via email over the internet are not secure. Please do not include personal identifying information such as your birth date, or personal medical information in any emails you send to me.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Jose Parra <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:28 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: City Council 3.19.24 Agenda Item 16J (Needle Exchange)

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Why are our city leaders allowing a needle exchange program in any of our Santa Monica parks and more importantly, next a school? As a parent of three kids who have or are currently attending St Monica Elementary, my children have witnessed narcotics addicts shooting up, acting deranged and taking over the use of this public space. Over the last 2 years, 2 dead bodies have been recovered next in the park and next to the church. We should not be condoning the use of drugs and offering needle services of any sort.

Children in our middle and high schools walk by to and from school watching this behavior be unchecked by local authorities. At a time where school age overodose is running rampant, we need to remove this from our parks and relocate the service outside of Santa Monica.

Please show your support and remove the needle exchange program from our city.

Thank you,
Jose Parra
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Casey Garner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public Comment: City Council agenda item 16.J, 3/19/2024

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
My name is Casey Garner. I’m a Santa Monica resident, and I would like to express my objection to agenda item 16.J, and my support for harm reduction programs, including the needle exchange program in our city.

The scientific evidence supporting this type of program is clear: harm reduction saves lives. Medical sociologist Peter Davidson, quoted today in the LA Times, describes harm reduction as “probably the best studied public health intervention of the last 70 years.” Counter to common misconceptions, ensuring access to clean needles and syringes does not encourage or enable people to start or increase injectable drug use. It does, however, reduce the economic and human costs associated with sharing and reusing needles and syringes, such as HIV infection, hepatitis C infection, bacterial infection, sepsis, and death, and increased utilization of emergency medical associated with these conditions - all of which is paid for with taxpayers’ money.

Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra: by expressing your disapproval of harm reduction programs, you are placing personal feelings of distaste above years of public health data showing the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of these interventions, and ultimately, prioritizing personal feelings above human lives. I urge the Council to support those working to improve the health of our community, rather than getting in their way.

Sincerely,
Casey Garner
500 Broadway, Apt 445
Santa Monica, CA 90401
References and further reading:

Aspinall, E.J., Nambiar, D., Goldberg, D.J., et al. (2014). Are needle and syringe programmes associated with a reduction in HIV transmission among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

International Journal of Epidemiology 43(1), pp. 235-48. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24374889/ Reyes, E.A. (2024, March 19). “California communities are banning syringe programs. Now the state is fighting back in court.” Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-03-19/california-syringeprogram-bans-public-health-lawsuit Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Angela DiGaetano <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 16J 3/19/24

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members and Mayor Brock,
The need to end the needle distribuƟon in our parks and public land is urgent. We have to take some accountability as a community for the mess the city is becoming. Not a single resident I have been in contact with is NOT upset about this program. Our city is at a breaking point due to the excess homeless and frequent over doses.

Furthermore, there is ZERO evidence that this program or any like it does any good for persons whom are addicted.

Having knowledge in the recovery community, it is shameful and baseless to allow this program to occur.

Thank you.

Looking forward to our city council listening to their consƟtuents.

Angela DIGaetano
Resident and Homeowner in SM
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Bruce Leddy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:24 AM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; David White; Douglas Sloan
Cc: councilmtgitems; Clerk Mailbox
Subject: SUPPORT ITEM 16.-J 3/19/24 (NOMA)

EXTERNAL
Mayor Brock, Council Members, City Manager, and City Attorney - The Board of NOMA supports Item 16.-J, the resolution to direct our City Attorney to draft an official objection to the County's needle exchange program in our public parks. While we understand the theory of harm reduction that forms the basis for the program, the harm being done to our residents and families by making parks unsafe through this program is far greater. Needle exchanges need to be done somewhere other than where children are playing.

Thank you to Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, Council Member Parra, and City Manager David White for proposing this important item. We endorse it fully.

Bruce Leddy
Chair, NOMA
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:00 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 City Council Agenda Item 16J - Oppose Attachments: SSP-FactSheet.pdf; SSP-FAQs.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and City Councilmembers, I am disappointed by the proposal brought forth in Item 16J and by this misguided attempt to eliminate or restrict the harm reduction services provided by the County’s syringe exchange program.

I urge the Council to reject the proposed action in Item 16J as the program does not “encourage continued use of illegal and dangerous drugs” and in fact, it actually saves lives by not only reducing potential transmission of dangerous blood-transmitted diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, or bacterial infections but also by connecting people who use (illegal) drugs to treatment programs for drug use disorders. According to the CDC, people who participate in syringe services programs or syringe exchange programs are 5 times more likely to enter treatment for drug use disorders (see: https://www.cdc.gov/ssp/syringe-services-programs-faq.html) Syringe exchange programs have been shown to not only improve health outcomes for people who use drugs, but also provide a safer pathway for drug users to enter treatment, and reduce healthcare costs for municipalities by limiting disease transmission. These programs do not cause more needles in public places (because they provide a place for people to safely dispose of used syringes), and they do not lead to increases in crime or drug use. You don’t have to take my word for it- I have attached a factsheet and FAQs from the CDC on Syringe Exchange programs for your convenience and reference. (the factsheet and FAQs are also available on the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/ssp/docs/SSP-FactSheet.pdf and https://www.cdc.gov/ssp/docs/SSP-FAQs.pdf )
Restricting access to such programs would cause real harm to the people who use them and our community as a whole.

Please vote no on item 16J and reject the false narrative that proven harm reduction methods like syringe exchange programs hurt our community.

Sincerely,
Natalya Zernitskaya
Natalya Zernitskaya (she/her)
[email protected]
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March 19, 2024
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March 19, 2024
What is an SSP?
Syringe services programs (SSPs) are also referred to as syringe exchange programs (SEPs) and needle exchange programs
(NEPs). Although the services they provide may vary, SSPs are community-based programs that provide access to sterile needles and syringes, facilitate safe disposal of used syringes, and provide and link to other important services and programs such as
• Referral to substance use disorder treatment programs. • Screening, care, and treatment for viral hepatitis and HIV. • Education about overdose prevention and safer injection practices.
• Vaccinations, including those for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. • Screening for sexually transmitted diseases.
• Abscess and wound care.
• Naloxone distribution and education.
• Referral to social, mental health, and other medical services.

CS 300156-H March 29, 2019
Syringe Services
Programs (SSPs) FAQs
Are SSPs legal?
Some states have passed laws specifically
legalizing SSPs because of their life-saving
potential. SSPs may also be legal in states where
possession and distribution of syringes without a
prescription are legal.

Decisions about use of SSPs as part of prevention
programs are made at the state and local levels.

The Federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of
2016 includes language that gives states and
local communities meeting certain criteria the
opportunity to use federal funds provided through
the Department of Health and Human Services
to support certain components of SSPs, with the
exception of provision of needles, syringes, or
other equipment used solely for the purposes of
illicit drug use.

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March 19, 2024
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March 19, 2024
Do SSPs help people to stop
using drugs?
Yes. When people who inject drugs use an SSP, they
are more likely to enter treatment for substance use
disorder and stop injecting than those who don’t use
an SSP.1,2,3,4 New users of SSPs are five times as likely to enter drug treatment as those who don’t use the
programs. People who inject drugs and who have
used an SSP regularly are nearly three times as likely
to report a reduction in injection frequency as those
who have never used an SSP.2
Do SSPs reduce infections?
Yes. Nonsterile injections can lead to transmission
of HIV, viral hepatitis, bacterial, and fungal infections and other complications. By providing access to
sterile syringes and other injection equipment, SSPs
help people prevent transmitting bloodborne and
other infections when they inject drugs. In addition to being at risk for HIV, viral hepatitis, and other bloodborne and sexually transmitted diseases, people who inject drugs can get other serious, life-threatening,
and costly health problems, such as infections of the
heart valves (endocarditis), serious skin infections,
and deep tissue abscesses. Access to sterile injection
equipment can help prevent these infections, and
health care provided at SSPs can catch these
problems early and provide easy-to-access treatment
to a population that may be reluctant to go to a
hospital or seek other medical care.5,6,7
Do SSPs cause more needles in
public places?
No. Studies show that SSPs protect the public and
first responders by providing safe needle disposal
and reducing the presence of needles in the
community.8,9,10,11,12,13
Do SSPs lead to more crime
and/or drug use?
No. SSPs do not cause or increase illegal drug use.

They do not cause or increase crime.14,15
Are SSPs cost effective?
Yes. SSPs reduce health care costs by preventing HIV, viral hepatitis, and other infections, including endocarditis, a lifethreatening heart valve infection. The estimated lifetime cost of treating one person living with HIV is more than $450,000.16 Hospitalizations in the U.S. for substance-use-related
infections cost over $700 million each year.17 SSPs reduce these costs and help link people to treatment to stop using drugs.

Do SSPs reduce drug use and
drug overdoses?
SSPs help people overcome substance use disorders. If
people who inject drugs use an SSP, they are more likely to enter treatment for substance use disorder and reduce or stop injecting.1,2,3,4 A Seattle study found that new users of SSPs were five times as likely to enter drug treatment as those who didn’t use the programs.2 People who inject drugs and who have used an SSP regularly are nearly three times as likely to report reducing or stopping illicit drug injection as those who have never used an SSP.2 SSPs play a key role in preventing overdose deaths by training people who inject drugs how to prevent, rapidly recognize, and reverse opioid overdoses.

Specifically, many SSPs give clients and community members “overdose rescue kits” and teach them how to identify an overdose, give rescue breathing, and administer naloxone, a medication used to reverse overdose.18,19,20,21,22,23
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1. Wodak A, Cooney A. Do needle syringe programs reduce HIV infection among injecting drug users: a comprehensive review of the international evidence. Subst Use Misuse. 2006;41(6-7):777–813.

2. Hagan H, McGough JP, Thiede H, Hopkins S, Duchin J, Alexander ER.

Reduced injection frequency and increased entry and retention in drug treatment associated with needle-exchange participation in Seattle drug injectors. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2000;19(3):247–252.

3. Strathdee SA, Celentano DD, Shah N, et al. Needle-exchange attendance and health care utilization promote entry into detoxification. J Urban Health. 1999;76(4):448-460.

4. Bluthenthal RN, Gogineni A, Longshore D, Stein M. (2001). Factors associated with readiness to change drug use among needleexchange users. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2001;62(3):225-230.

5. Robinowitz N, Smith ME, Serio-Chapman C, Chaulk P, Johnson KE.

Wounds on wheels: implementing a specialized wound clinic within an established syringe exchange program in Baltimore, Maryland.

Am J Public Health. 2014;104(11):2057-2059. doi:10.2105/ AJPH.2014.302111.

6. Grau LE, Arevalo S, Catchpool C, Heimer R. Expanding harm reduction services through a wound and abscess clinic. Am J Public Health. 2002;92(12):1915-1917.

7. Pollack HA, Khoshnood K, Blankenship KM, Altice FL. The impact of needle exchange-based health services on emergency department use. J Gen Intern Med. 2002;17(5):341-348.

8. Tookes HE, Kral AH, Wenger LD, et al. A comparison of syringe disposal practices among injection drug users in a city with versus a city without needle and syringe programs. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2012;123(1-3):255-259. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.12.001.

9. Riley ED, Kral AH, Stopka TJ, Garfein RS, Reuckhaus P, Bluthenthal RN. Access to sterile syringes through San Francisco pharmacies and the association with HIV risk behavior among injection drug users. J Urban Health. 2010;87(4):534-542. doi:10.1007/s11524-010-9468-y.

10. Klein SJ, Candelas AR, Cooper JG, et al. Increasing safe syringe collection sites in New York State. Public Health Rep. 2008;123(4):433-440. doi:10.1177/003335490812300404.

11. de Montigny L, Vernez Moudon A, Leigh B, Kim SY. Assessing a drop box programme: a spatial analysis of discarded needles. Int J Drug Policy. 2010; 21(3):208-214. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2009.07.003.

12. Doherty MC, Junge B, Rathouz P, Garfein RS, Riley E, Vlahov D. The effect of a needle exchange program on numbers of discarded needles: a 2-year follow-up. Am J Public Health. 2000;90(6):936-939.

13. Bluthenthal RN, Anderson R, Flynn NM, Kral AH. Higher syringe coverage is associated with lower odds of HIV risk and does not increase unsafe syringe disposal among syringe exchange program clients. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2007;89(2-3):214-222.

14. Marx MA, Crape B, Brookmeyer RS, et al. Trends in crime and the introduction of a needle exchange program. Am J Public Health. 2000;90(12),1933–1936.

15. Galea S, Ahern J, Fuller C, Freudenberg N, Vlahov D. Needle exchange programs and experience of violence in an inner city neighborhood. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2001;28(3),282-288.

16. Farnham PG, Gopalappa C, Sansom SL, et al. Updates of lifetime costs of care and quality of life estimates for HIV-infected persons in the United States: Late versus early diagnosis and entry into care. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr. 2013;64(2):183-189. doi:10.1097/ QAI.0b013e3182973966.

17. Ronan, M., & Herzig, S. (2016). Hospitalizations related to opioid abuse/dependence and associated serious infections increased sharply, 2002-12. Health Affairs (Millwood). 2016;35(5):832-837. doi:

10.1377/hlthaff.2015.1424.

18. Seal KH, Thawley R, Gee L. Naloxone distribution and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training for injection drug users to prevent heroin overdose death: A pilot intervention study. J Urban Health. 2005;82(2):303–311. doi:10.1093/jurban/jti053.

19. Galea S, Worthington N, Piper TM, Nandi VV, Curtis M, Rosenthal DM. Provision of naloxone to injection drug users as an overdose prevention strategy: Early evidence from a pilot study in New York City. Addict Behav. 2006;31(5):907-912. doi:10.1016/j. addbeh.2005.07.020.

20. Tobin KE, Sherman SG, Beilenson P, Welsh C, Latkin CA. Evaluation of the Staying Alive programme: Training injection drug users to properly administer naloxone and save lives. Int J Drug Policy. 2009;20(2):131-136. doi:10.1016/j.drugpo.2008.03.002.

21. Doe-Simkins M, Walley AY, Epstein A, Moyer P. Saved by the nose:

Bystander-administered intranasal naloxone hydrochloride for opioid overdose. Am J Public Health. 2009;99(5):788-791. doi:10.2105/ ajph.2008.146647.

22. Bennett AS, Bell A, Tomedi L, Hulsey EG, Kral AH. Characteristics of an overdose prevention, response, and naloxone distribution program in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. J Urban Health. 2011;88(6):1020-1030. doi:10.1007/s11524-011-9600-7.

23. Leece PN, Hopkins S, Marshall C, Orkin A, Gassanov MA, Shahin RM.

Development and implementation of an opioid overdose prevention and response program in Toronto, Ontario. Can J Public Health. 2013;104(3):e200-204.

Endnotes
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Sue Bailey <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 'I support Item #16 - Stop the outdoor needle distributions!

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica is a dangerous cesspool of drugged out zombies thanks to moronic failed policies like this one. Time for change!
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: J.L. Jacobson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Stop needle distribution in Santa Monica.

EXTERNAL
To Santa Monica City Council.

You are responsible for attracting dangerous people to Santa Monica with your needle exchange program. Addiction is never reduced under these programs which make it easy to get high and stay addicted. You are not helping solve the problem, you are making it worse.

Stop now.

James L Jacobson
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: hallie federman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; Council Mailbox; David White; [email protected]
Subject: End the Unsafe Open-Air Needle Distribution Program in Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Mayor Phil Brock and team,
I request that you ask the County to prevent or move their distribution program indoors under medical supervision with support services. The program should be moved from our Parks, the 3rd Street Promenade and the 7 Eleven at 7th and Wilshire.

Best, Hallie Prince
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Joyce Urode <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: item 16

EXTERNAL
i support item 16! dint encourage drug use! stop giving away needles! Sent from my iPhone
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: stop outdoor needle distribution

EXTERNAL
Needle distribution programs encourage continued illegal drug use and people are dying... the program also makes playgrounds for children unsafe - nobody should be seeing people using illegal drugs in the open. These programs do not belong in parks and public spaces.

Thank you,
Concerned Santa Monica resident.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: Stacy Gruenloh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Subject: In Support of Harm Reduction Services

EXTERNAL
Hello City CouncilI have lived and worked in Santa Monica for the past 23 years and have 2 young children in Santa Monica schools. I am a healthcare provider and work with our vulnerable populations here in Santa Monica. My family is an avid user of the city's many wonderful resources including the parks, beaches, libraries, buses, and our downtown district. I, like many community community members, am deeply saddened by the homelessness situation in our community. I am also aware of the larger context of homelessness and the unaffordability of living throughout our country. I am certainly aware of the presence of drug use in many areas of our city and hope very much for the wellness of those in our community for whom drugs and alcohol are a barrier to living happy and healthy lives. Harm reduction services are an integral part of helping people reduce the negative effects of drugs and alcohol in their lives. I wholeheartedly support the County-sponsored programs for harm reduction and wish that they were increased rather than eliminated.

Please don’t give in to misinformation and demonization of this integral program. The drug and homelessness crisis deserve intelligent, factual, and informed responses. Going along with disingenuous, fear mongering campaigns does not serve the citizens of this community. I beg of you to consider the facts that have been presented by the County and Venice Family Clinic and to vote No regarding “expressing disapproval for the ‘Harm Reduction Services’ program, or ‘needle exchange program,’ in the City of Santa Monica.” Sincerely,
Stacy Gruenloh
2666 31s Street Unit 7
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
10 David Yakobson
From: girltunes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J. City Council meeting of March 19, 2024

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council, City Manager, and City Attorney,
I stand with NE Neighbors' stance on advocating that the needle distribution in our parks be ended and moved indoors under medical supervision and support services:

We live in a parks poor city. For the 70% of Santa Monicans who are renters, access to public open space is critical.

Families without back yards need our parks to run and play. But because of the way the County is addressing the drug problem in our city, our public spaces are contaminated.

The County programs have subordinated the rights of Santa Monica residents to a transient minority of drugusing individuals who have succeeded in putting our rare city assets off limits.

Once the needle distribution has ended, the next steps our city should take are:
- Demand that the County dismantle its “end of line” practice of nightly disembarking into Santa Monica from the light rail up to 60 homeless persons;
- Reinstate the SMPD drug interdiction unit to stop the out-of-control flow of drugs into our city.

It is urgent that we end the public needle program and address our present day reality. Our parks are not fit to be enjoyed by the citizens of Santa Monica with the present situation.

I would like to express gratitude and support Councilmembers who have brought this item forward:

Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra.

Sincerely,
Ferris Gluck
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
11 David Yakobson
From: Karen Croner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16 J Needle Program

EXTERNAL
Begin forwarded message:

From: Karen Croner <[email protected]>
Subject: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16 J Needle Program
Date: March 19, 2024 at 9:48:43 AM PDT
To: [email protected], [email protected], David White <[email protected]>, [email protected], Phil Brock <[email protected]>
Cc: John Alle <[email protected]>
I am writing to express complete opposition of the needle exchange program in the parks. It clearly doesn’t work. To continue to do so, is choosing to
traumatize the children of Santa Monica. The parks were built to give nature and health to the 70% of SM residents who live in apartments. Instead you are risking the health and life of residents every single day. I have picked up and disposed of over 100 needles myself from the grass where kids play, terrified a baby learning to walk in our parks will instead fall and be injected with a deadly disease. I see the horror on family’s faces, residents and tourists, as they seek spaciousness, fresh air, healthy play in the park, only to instead face desperate addicted individuals, many committing crimes to buy the drugs, unable to control themselves, deficating and even attacking residents. I don’t know WHO made the decision BEHIND CLOSED DOORS to allow this program in our parks, but sadly the blood is on YOUR hands.

We residents were never given a choice in the matter. Why are we paying taxes for parks that are too dangerous for us to use? It would be so easy for you to move the needle distribution to an indoors facility. Or hey, perhaps even at City Hall, where health care could also be offered. Just do that! And If you’re not willing to go to work amongst our addicts, then you simply cannot force that danger on our residents. It borders on sadistic. Let’s care for our most desperate residents in a different way.

To choose to continue this program is immoral, and perhaps illegal.

Sincerely,
Karen Croner
Santa Monica Resident
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
12 Mother who raised kids in a safer Santa Monica
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
13 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:06 AM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; David White; Douglas Sloan; councilmtgitems Subject: SUPPORT Item 16.J. - Resolution expressing the City's disapproval of the County's implementation of the "Harm Reduction Services" program, or "needle exchange program," in the City of Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Residents of Santa Monica need to be able to safely visit their neighborhood parks. We should not be turning our parks over to County service programs that render our parks unusable.

I support this effort (City Council Agenda Item 16.J) being advanced by Mayor Brock and Councilmembers Negrete, and Parra in their effort to help the people of Santa Monica.

Thank you.
- Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
14 David Yakobson
From: Lynne-Michelle Henney <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 'I support Item #16 - Stop the outdoor needle distributions

EXTERNAL
My mother and I and my three kids were BORN in Santa Monica Hospitals. Keep the damn needles IN the hospitals and acupuncture offices and AWAY from the druggies. This is SO RIDICULOUS!! Stop the insanity.

All the best,
lynn Michelle Henney
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
15 David Yakobson
From: Maria Moore <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 10:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I support Item #16 - Stop the outdoor needle distributions!

EXTERNAL
Please stop this program. It is NOT harm reducƟon and it is dangerous to everyone. I can’t take my grandchildren to the parks. Please listen to the tax-paying residents of Santa Monica and think about our family's safety as well as those using the drugs. I am not heartless, I lost my son to an overdose 8 years ago and I miss him every day. If I thought this pracƟce helped, I would support it.

Thank You,
Maria Moore
Phone: 310-428-1668
Email: [email protected]
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
16 David Yakobson
From: Ann Maggio <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 END SOCIOPATHIC NEEDLE Distro Program

EXTERNAL
There are no metrics attached to a program instituted by sociopaths resulting in community terror, violence and death on our streets.

This illegally imposed behavioral modification (community terrorism) to force residents to MOVE or remain SHUT INSIDE must END NOW.

Thank you,
Ann Maggio Thanawalla
"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." - Albert Einstein Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
17 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; David White; Douglas Sloan Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: FOSP: City Council 3/29/24 agenda item 16-J -- SUPOPORT

EXTERNAL
March 19, 2024

To: Mayor Brock and City Council members

From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park

RE: 3/19/24 agenda item 16-J -- SUPPORT

The FOSP Board of Directors supports the request below from Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Council member Parra.

“Request by Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and return for Council approval within 30 days a resolution expressing the City’s disapproval of the County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in the City of Santa Monica.

The resolution should reflect the City’s opposition to the program in Santa Monica, as it is misguided and does not achieve the goal of reducing harm. The program encourages continued use of illegal and dangerous drugs, and people are dying as a result. Residents should not have to see people shooting up in our neighborhood parks, nor the behavior that results from illegal drug use. Drug use and needles simply do not belong in our parks and other public spaces.”
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Andres Drobny <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Comment: City Council meeting of March 19, 2024

EXTERNAL
To: [email protected]
I write in SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J for the City Council meeting of March 19, 2024 to disapprove the County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in the City of Santa Monica.

The program is misguided, does not achieve the goal of reducing harm, and instead encourages continued use of dangerous drugs. Residents should not have to see people shooting up in our neighborhood parks, nor the behavior that results from rampant drug use.

Drug use and needles simply do not belong in our parks and other public spaces. Our public spaces are contaminated by this program
The County programs have subordinated the rights of Santa Monica residents to a transient minority of drug-using individuals who have succeeded in putting our rare city assets off limits.

Andres Drobny
Santa Monica
Sent from my iPad.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
18 David Yakobson
From: Ron Reyes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I support Item #16 - Stop the outdoor needle distributions!

EXTERNAL
Please help us protect the city we all love. Stop the outdoor needle distribuƟons - I support Item #16 and I hope you will support it as well.

Cordially,
Ron Reyes
(323) 646-3090
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
19 David Yakobson
From: Sheri Swist <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Stop the Needle Distribution program! I support Item #16

EXTERNAL
This has to stop. The city has become completely unsafe and this program is not helping anyone! Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
20 David Yakobson
From: M.A. Fulton <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I support Item #16 - Stop the outdoor needle distributions!

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:

PLEASE stop the outdoor needle distributions in our parks. Move it indoors.

Let us reclaim our parks as recreation areas for legitimate purposes.

Thank you,
M.A. Fulton
1443 Yale Street
Santa Monica
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
21 David Yakobson
From: Alison StOnge <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 9:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Stop the needle distribution

EXTERNAL
Please.

Sent from my iPhone
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
22 David Yakobson
From: Sabra Gandhi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please Keep Needle Distribution Programs in Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Re: VOTE AGAINST Agenda Item 16.J.

City Council meeting of March 19, 2024
I have two young children in Santa Monica and I love all of our wonderful parks. There is plenty of space here and no reason that the city of Santa Monica cannot continue a needle exchange program that is proven to save lives.

As one of the wealthiest cities in the country, the county and the region and as one of the most park abundant areas in the region it is our duty to help those less fortunate.

And we need to stop dehumanizing the homeless population.

Sabra Gandhi Sellers Esq.

Sabra Sellers Real Estate
Tel: 310-966-0643
DRE# 01887296
Instagram | Facebook
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Irene Hovey <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I support item 16

EXTERNAL
Hello,
Please stop the needle distribution. It it dangerous for our children playing in parks and also for anyone walking around.

They could get AIDS or other diseases.

Thank You,
Irene Hovey
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
23 David Yakobson
From: Alyssa G <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Needle Distribution Program

EXTERNAL
As a longtime Santa Monica resident, I ask that you express your opposition to the distribution of drug paraphernalia of any kind in our public spaces.

These beknighted drug addicts need help, not an enabling of their addiction. Yet such help is not offered along with the needles to shoot up.

In addition, the public is subjected to an unnecessary and dangerous influx of drug addicts looking for the free handouts.

They use these to continue their drug addiction, during which they act out in severely anti-social ways, sometimes involving criminal and violent behavior, and they leave their dirty, dangerous needles in our public spaces.

The whole idea is indefensible, and there is no evidence to support its continuance.

Alyssa Ganezer
Santa Monica
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
24 David Yakobson
From: Tricia Crane <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:09 AM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; David White; Douglas Sloan
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT Item 16.J. - Resolution expressing the City's disapproval of the County's implementation of the "Harm Reduction Services" program, or "needle exchange program," in the City of Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
We have lost our parks to drug addicts and we want them back. If you have children or grandchildren, you understand that there are no clean and safe parks in Santa Monica where they can safely play.

We must demand that the County stop dumping on Santa Monica and restore access to our precious open space. Ending the open-air needle distribution is a first step.

The city's own “Open Space Element” demonstrates that our city is and has always been parks poor.

Here’s an excerpt:
"Santa Monica is a unique community within California because of its density. Most California cities of similar geographic size have much smaller populations. For instance, Santa Barbara has a comparable number of residents but with half the density and more than three times the amount of open space.

With a density of over 10,000 people per square mile, Santa Monica is more akin to a big city than are many other California coastal towns. Seventy five percent of our residents live in multifamily housing without private backyards and gardens." I support this effort (City Council Agenda Item 16.J) being advanced by Mayor Brock and Councilmembers Negrete, and Parra in their effort to help the people of Santa Monica.

The County should not continue to abuse the people of Santa Monica with programs that misunderstand addiction and do not address the current drug crisis.

Thank you
Tricia Crane
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
25 Below is the full text to an Atlantic article that explores the true nature of the current drug crisis.

Why Oregon’s Drug Decriminalization Failed
The sponsors of the law fundamentally misunderstood the nature of addiction.

By Keith Humphreys and Rob Bovett
America’s most radical experiment with drug decriminalization has ended, after more than three years of painful results. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek has pledged to sign legislation repealing the principal elements of the ballot initiative known as Measure 110: Possessing hard drugs is again a crime in Oregon, and courts will return to mandating treatment for offenders. Oregonians had supported Measure 110 with 59 percent of the vote in 2020, but three years later, polling showed that 64 percent wanted some or all of it repealed. Although the measure was touted by advocates as a racial-justice policy, support for its repeal was especially strong among African American and Hispanic Oregonians.

The key elements of Measure 110 were the removal of criminal penalties for possession of small amounts of drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl, and a sharper focus, instead, on reducing the harm that drugs cause to their users. More than $260 million were allocated to services such as naloxone distribution, employment and housing services, and voluntary treatment. The original campaign for the measure was well funded by multiple backers, most prominently the Drug Policy Alliance, based in New York. Supporters hoped that ending penalties—and reducing the associated stigma of drug use—would bring a range of benefits. Once drugs were decriminalized and destigmatized, the thinking went, those who wanted to continue using would be more willing to access harmreduction services that helped them use in safer ways. Meanwhile, the many people who wanted to quit using drugs but had been too ashamed or fearful to seek treatment would do so. Advocates foresaw a surge of help-seeking, a reduction in drug-overdose deaths, fewer racial disparities in the health and criminal-justice systems, lower rates of incarceration, and safer neighborhoods for all.

But disappointments stacked up rapidly. Measure 110 failed because its advocates misunderstood addiction, and also because they misunderstood the culture and Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
26 political history of Oregon. Both of these misunderstandings should be of keen interest to other states and municipalities contending with the fentanyl crisis, and to the federal government. An appreciation of what went wrong can help other places land on a drug policy that is both humane and effective, instead of veering toward one extreme or another.

Measure 110 did not reduce Oregon’s drug problems. The drug-overdose-death rate increased by 43 percent in 2021, its first year of implementation—and then kept rising. The latest CDC data show that in the 12 months ending in September 2023, deaths by overdose grew by 41.6 percent, versus 2.1 percent nationwide. No other state saw a higher rise in deaths. Only one state, Vermont, ranks higher in its rate of illicit drug use.

Neither did decriminalization produce a flood of help-seeking. The replacement for criminal penalties, a $100 ticket for drug possession with the fine waived if the individual called a toll-free number for a health assessment, with the aim of encouraging treatment, failed completely. More than 95 percent of people ignored the ticket, for which—in keeping with the spirit of Measure 110— there was no consequence. The cost of the hotline worked out to about $7,000 per completed phone call, according to The Economist. These realities, as well as associated disorder such as open-air drug markets and a sharp rise in violent crime—while such crime was falling nationally—led Oregonians to rethink their drug policy.

Both of us have spent the better part of our careers studying and working on drug policy. Both of us watched this deterioration in Oregon’s public health and safety with dismay, and tried to help stanch the damage. We testified before the Measure 110 legislative implementing committee in 2022 in the hopes that the spirit of Measure 110 could be maintained if some reforms were allowed, such as the elimination of open-air drug markets and the resumption of mandated treatment for those suffering from severe addiction. But tweaking the measure proved very difficult. Last year, one of us, Rob Bovett, began working closely with a number of groups trying to reform Measure 110 through legislation, including a bill based on a proposal developed by Oregon’s city governments, sheriffs, police chiefs, and district attorneys, and a bill based primarily on a petition filed by a coalition of Oregonians that had grown weary of the measure’s ongoing failure.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
27 He testified before the Measure 110 reform committee and participated in negotiations that led to the reform package that just passed.

We were not surprised that a trivial pressure to seek treatment was ineffective.

Fentanyl and meth addiction are not like depression, chronic pain, or cancer, conditions for which people are typically motivated to seek treatment. Even as it destroys a person’s life, addictive drug use by definition feels good in the short term, and most addicted people resist or are ambivalent about giving that up. Withdrawal, meanwhile, is wrenchingly difficult. As a result, most addicted people who come to treatment do so not spontaneously but through pressure from family, friends, employers, health professionals, and, yes, the law.

But it wasn’t just that the measure’s proponents misunderstood addiction. They also did not understand Oregon, a state in which the measure’s biggest funders did not live. Branding Measure 110 as a rebuke to the War on Drugs made no sense, because Oregon had never fought such a war. In 1973, it became the first state to decriminalize possession of marijuana. When federal and state mandatory-minimum sentences for drug crimes flowered in the ’80s and ’90s, Oregon went the other way, making it impossible for someone to go to prison for simple drug possession.

Overall, the state had the country’s lowest rate of imprisonment for nonviolent crimes. Short local-jail sentences for drug possession were permitted, but diversion programs, including drug courts and community supervision with drug testing, were widely used. However, after Measure 110 was passed and the threat of jail time eliminated, the flow of people into these programs slowed.

Does the repeal of Measure 110 mean that drug-policy reform is dead? Oregon’s drug policy attracted national and international attention, and its high-profile failure will likely discourage other states and countries from pursuing maximalist decriminalization policies, at least for a time.

But the lessons from Oregon’s troubles should not be overdrawn. One thing Measure 110 got right, at least in principle, is that Oregon’s addiction-treatment system was grossly underfunded, with access to care frequently ranking at the bottom of national indicators. The mechanism that the measure created to manage new spending was clumsy and didn’t work well, but the new law acknowledges the problem and provides extensive new funding for immediate needs, including detox Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
28 facilities, sobering centers, treatment facilities, and the staff to support those services.

Though our polarized politics tends to frame policy choices as on-off switches, in truth they are more like a dial with many intervening settings. That dial can be productively turned in many parts of the country. Many states are far more punitive toward drug users than Oregon was before Measure 110 passed. They overemphasize incarceration of people who use drugs, they do not provide adequate, publicly funded health treatment and health insurance, and they do not use criminal justice productively to discourage drug use (for instance, by using arrests and probations as leverage to get people into drug courts and treatment). If these states could be persuaded to dial down their criminal-justice approach to approximate what Oregon had before Measure 110, except with adequately funded, evidence-based prevention and treatment, substantial gains in public health and safety would likely follow. The future of successful drug-policy reform is not greater laxity in states that are already quite progressive in their approach to drug use; it is using criminal justice and public health together in a balanced, pragmatic fashion, as Oregon is now poised to do.

Keith Humphreys is a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University and the author of Addiction: A Very Short Introduction. He is a member of the Stanford Network on Addiction Policy.

Rob Bovett is the vice chair of Oregon’s Criminal Justice Commission and an adjunct professor at Lewis & Clark Law School, in Portland, Oregon, where he teaches drug policy and cannabis law and policy. He is a member of the Stanford Network on Addiction Policy.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

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.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

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.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Richard Milanesi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:33 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 16.J

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
Show some guts & vote against this madness.

Thank you,
Richard Milanesi
SM Resident
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Jennifer Barrett <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:21 AM
To: Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: 16J - Concerns Regarding Needle Exchange Program at Reed Park

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing to express my concerns about the city hosting a needle exchange program at Reed Park, located directly across from St. Monica School. As a parent within the community, I strongly believe that this program's placement poses a significant risk to the safety and well-being of our children who frequently play in the park after school.

Reed Park has unfortunately become a gathering place for homeless individuals, and the presence of a needle exchange program has exacerbated the existing issues of substance abuse and public safety in the area. Our children should not be exposed to such environments, especially when they are simply trying to enjoy outdoor activities in their neighborhood.

While I understand the importance of providing resources and support for individuals struggling with addiction, I believe that the location of the needle exchange program should be carefully reconsidered to ensure that it does not negatively impact the surrounding community, particularly our children.

I urge you to take immediate action to address these concerns and explore alternative locations for the needle exchange program that prioritize the safety and well-being of all residents, including our children.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Jenn Barrett - parent from St. Monica School
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Steven H. Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:06 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc: Jessie Brown
Subject: Item 16.J

EXTERNAL
Good morning -
I’m writing as an almost 15 year resident of Santa Monica. My wife and I moved here from across the country for our careers and to enjoy this beautiful part of the world. We have since had two children and continue to raise them here, with both attending St Monica prep across from Reed Park. We live in Sunset Park, near Clover Park.

I have to say our confidence in the local government, and in particular the ability to police and provide basic services like clean parks, is waning. As property owners and tax payers this is concerning and has frankly driven away some of our closest friends, who continue to leave for other states.

Our kids grew up going to Reed Park during their free time (and still go today) and we have had to endure years of harassment and fear given the harboring of massive amounts of homeless people. They have witnessed things no children should be subject to. Their activity and actions are always disturbing, and the policies like needle exchange have created a perverse incentive for those who are engaging in illicit activities to do it in our most treasured places…outside, in the open and in the sun! The exact places that the public should be able to enjoy. Santa Monica is an expensive place to live, and very few people have their own outdoor space. And ours are overrun by people polluting the experience to the point where they are essentially off limits for anyone who isn’t homeless.

While I certainly empathize and sympathize with the homeless plight, and am a significant supporter of the Union Rescue Mission, I ask you when is enough, enough? When will we turn the direction of our treasured outdoor spaces? With all the investment in more and more multifamily housing across Santa Monica, where exactly do we think people can go to enjoy the weather that this part of the country is blessed with? Because let’s be sure…if we didn’t have the weather we did, we wouldn’t have the tax base or populous to support our bloated public spending.

I thank you for your service to the city and hope you will take charge. You should feel confident that you have the support of your electorate. Almost everyone feels the same way I do.

Best Regards,
Steve
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Bill Lischak <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 7:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: End the Unsafe Open-Air Needle Distribution Program in Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
I request that you ask the County to prevent or move their distribution program indoors under medical supervision with support services. The program should be moved from our Parks, the 3rd Street Promenade and the 7 Eleven at 7th and Wilshire.

William Lischak
[email protected]
517 , 9th Street
Santa Monica, California 90402
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Tatiana <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 11:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J. City Council meeting of March 19, 2024

EXTERNAL
Sending the email in support of the effort by City Councilmembers to stop the needle distribuƟon. This jeopardizes the well-being of our tax-paying residents, children, elderly, in favor of mentally-ill, anƟ-social elements is irresponsible and needs to be fixed immediately to avoid further crimes.

Thank you,
TaƟana Khmilinina
1325 Arizona Ave., #202
Santa Monica CA 90404
310-800-8222
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Ashley and Diego Covarrubias <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 10:43 PM
To: Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: 3/19: Santa Monica City Council Meeting re: Item # 16 J

EXTERNAL
To Whom It May Concern,
My children attend Saint Monica Preparatory School. We have been members of the Saint Monica community for over 10 years. Reed Park, directly across from the school, has been one of our most treasured public spaces as our kids have grown. For many years, the kindergarten class would spend every Friday morning at Reed Park. While we have always had an issue with the unhoused in the community, we have shared the space with our fellow community members. Unfortunately, post COVD coupled with the County's "Needle Exchange Program," which operates one location out of Reed Park, we have been experiencing a rise in transients frequenting the park, not to enjoy the public space, but to obtain needles for continued drug use, many times causing angry, sometimes violent outbursts. Drug use has often been in full view, witnessed by our children. Sadly, this has prevented us from enjoying Reed Park. We are very concerned about the transient community it is attracting. While we fully appreciate the intent of the needle exchange program, I wholeheartedly believe the program is not working as intended and overdoses in Los Angeles have not decreased. Sadly, allowing this program to continue at Reed park not only robs our children of safe spaces to enjoy their childhood, but also prevents actively involved parents and community members from gathering and enjoying the public spaces we work so hard for! Please end the Needle Exchange Program at Reed park, and all public spaces. It isn't proving to be a beneficial program for the unhoused community or the tax paying citizen.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Ashley Covarrubias
Saint Monica Preparatory Parent
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Ellen Mark <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 10:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16j

EXTERNAL
Dear CityCouncilmembers,
Request by Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and return for Council approval within 30 days a resolution expressing the City’s disapproval of the County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in the City of Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Ellen Mark
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: rowan sullivan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 10:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Subject: I Challenge Agenda Item 16J

EXTERNAL
Good Evening City Council,
As a resident that regularly takes my young children to Reed Park and Douglas Park, I would like to challenge the portrayal of the needle exchange program in this agenda item. We have never seen people shooƟng up in these two parks - the unhoused residents that this rhetoric is targeƟng have always been kind and respecƞul to my kids and I.

Instead of outright banning needles, please can you work with the unhoused people and the non-profits that work with them to help them instead of making their lives more dangerous. This might mean creaƟng a task force of the non-profits and social workers within our City to provide care to addicts in the street and helping them find employment and housing. We should try and upliŌ all residents and visitors to our beauƟful city instead of trying to make anyone’s life more difficult.

Many thanks,
Rowan
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: Michael Sage <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Needle Distribution Program

EXTERNAL
Sent from my iPhone
Council Phil Brock,
I request that you ask the County to prevent or move their distribution program indoors under medical supervision with support services. The program should be moved from our Parks, the 3rd Street Promenade and the 7 Eleven at 7th and Wilshire.

Mike Sage
[email protected]
Santa Monica, California 90405
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
10 David Yakobson
From: lori brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Needle distribution in Santa Monica parks

EXTERNAL
Council
I request that you ask the County to prevent or move their distribution program indoors under medical supervision with support services. The program should be moved from our Parks, the 3rd Street Promenade and the 7 Eleven at 7th and Wilshire.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
11 David Yakobson
From: Steven Prince <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: End the Unsafe Open-Air Needle Distribution Program in Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Council
I request that you support the request by Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and return for Council approval within 30 days a resolution expressing the City’s disapproval of the County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in the City of Santa Monica. The resolution should reflect the City’s opposition to the program in Santa Monica, as it is misguided and does not achieve the goal of reducing harm. The program encourages continued use of illegal and dangerous drugs, and people are dying as a result. Residents should not have to see people shooting up in our neighborhood parks, nor the behavior that results from illegal drug use. Drug use and needles simply do not belong in our parks and other public spaces.

Steven Prince
[email protected]
1172 Centinela Ave Apt 2
Santa Monica, California 90403
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
12 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Rx <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oscar de la Torre
Cc: Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Tricia Crane; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete
Subject: SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J. City Council meeting of March 19, 2024

EXTERNAL
Hon. Council Members:

Please be advised that Santa Monica Residents Cross-City (smRx) unanimously urges your support of the following request (Agenda Item 16.J, cited below).

Respectfully,
Derek Altmann, Secretary
Santa Monica Residents Cross-City (smRx)
#
Agenda Item 16.J.

Request by Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and return for Council approval within 30 days a resolution expressing the City’s disapproval of the County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in the City of Santa Monica. The resolution should reflect the City’s opposition to the program in Santa Monica, as it is misguided and does not achieve the goal of reducing harm. The program encourages continued use of illegal and dangerous drugs, and people are dying as a result. Residents should not have to see people shooting up in our neighborhood parks, nor the behavior that results from illegal drug use. Drug use and needles simply do not belong in our parks and other public spaces. #
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
13 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:15 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.J

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident, parent, and regular park user with my child, I support needle exchange harm reduction programs and thus oppose Item 16.J. Needle exchange saves lives, as supported by reams of scientific evidence. I also do not want to run into needles in the park, and it is for that exact reason that I support needle exchange programs. Please do not fight against these programs that support our city's most vulnerable.

Sincerely,
Jacob Wasserman
11th Street and Washington Avenue
90403
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
14 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Born <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: against needle distribution!

EXTERNAL
Hi Council Members,
We now have more dirty needles in the parks and more crime!! If we give free needles, where do the drugs come from? Who sells them? How do you get the money to pay for your drugs since you are living on the street? I'm sorry but I do not believe in "free needles." Free mental health, free drug withdrawal and free drug rehab programs but complicity in an addiction??? No. Not complicated. Read the history of Needle Park in Zurich and see what has happened to SF. People need to take responsibility for their problems and we should be able to offer help with solving the problem...not be complicit in keeping the addiction going.

Nancy Bo
resident of SM since 1978, RN since 1973
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
15 David Yakobson
From: madeleine hertz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J.

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I had signed the petition circulated by the Santa Monica Coalition last year. I cannot support any needles or drug paraphernalia allowed to be distributed at all in our city. I think since the LA County Supervisors think that this is such a good idea, they can take all our homeless and the Needle Exchange to any park where they live. I don't believe any live in Santa Monica, but if they do...not here.

Thank you for supporting the residents and neighbors, as you promised in your campaigns.

Madeleine Hertz
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
16 David Yakobson
From: Elaine Golden-Gealer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Elaine Golden-Gealer
Subject: I SUPPORT ITEM 16 - STOP THE OUTDOOR NEEDLE DISTRIBUTION PROGRAM

EXTERNAL
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
17 David Yakobson
From: Mary Rushfield <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J. City Council meeting of March 19, 2024

EXTERNAL
Agenda Item 16.J.

Thank you.

Mary Rushfield
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
18 David Yakobson
From: Marc Verville <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:59 PM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: SMCC Meeting 2024-03-19: Item 16.J. - Resolution expressing the City's disapproval of the County's implementation of the "Harm Reduction Services" program, or "needle exchange program," in the City of Santa Monica.

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
Imagine a vendor to the city of Santa Monica whose defecƟve product, and defecƟve product management, has created a public safety crisis resulƟng in resident, city employee, visitor and business injuries, some of them life-threatening.

In response, the vendor proposes a new product that (1) leaves the exisƟng public safety crisis unaddressed and (2) creates a new public safety crisis that severely limits the resident’s access to the city’s core parks that serve the densest residenƟal areas. The deleterious impact of this new product is ongoing since on the days it is not primarily acƟve, the detritus it leaves behind serves as an ongoing safety hazard, especially to children. Compounding the seriousness of the issue, these dangerous products are concentrated in the city’s mulƟ-family areas where residents have no other open space opƟons.

Obviously, the city would terminate the vendor agreements, file mulƟple lawsuits on behalf of the residents, including for child endangerment, and demand damages that would run into the hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars. Public shaming of the vendor would occur.

Incredulously, this exact product scenario is taking place but, rather than terminate the vendor, the city is embracing both the vendor and it’s highly defecƟve and dangerous products!
The vendor in this case is the County of Los Angeles. The iniƟal defecƟve and mismanaged product is the county-managed light rail that is used has a mobile homeless shelter and has an official end-of-line policy that disgorges upwards of 60 mostly mentally ill and heavy substance abusing individuals into the city of Santa Monica nightly. An addiƟonal undetermined number are also disembarked in Santa Monica from the Metro Bus end-of-line policy. The follow-on dangerous public-safety product is the open air needle exchange program.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
19 These highly defecƟve and dangerous policies are from a service vendor who, along with the City of Lios Angeles, ineffecƟvely spends about $2 billion per year (roughly $27,000 per person) on the homeless demographic. And, rather than shield surrounding communiƟes from their dangerously failed policies, they instead allow the symptoms to propagate to communiƟes ill-equipped to deal with such a massive influx. The light rail throughput alone would generate up to 21,900 persons in Santa Monica annually. Given the round trip nature of a significant segment of this demographic, the city has historically recorded about 6,000 annual unique homeless individuals flowing through Santa Monica. With PIT counts in the 800 to 900 ranges, the average stay has been about 2 months.

The boƩom line is that the city has allowed County programs to enƟrely subordinate the rights of Santa Monica residents to safe and secure public open access to a County and LA City-origin transient minority of drug-abusing and mentally ill individuals. Beyond ignoring the core problem, this city policy allowing the needle exchange policy to operate has succeeded in puƫng our irreplaceable and criƟcal city assets off limits to residents that have no other opƟons. Well, they do have one opƟon – leaving. Is it any wonder that the city’s populaƟon has declined by 3,128 (3.4%) residents since the 2020 census? We live in a parks poor city. For the 70% of Santa Monicans who are renters, access to public open space is criƟcal. Families without back yards need our parks to run and play. But because of the way the County is addressing the drug problem in our city has contaminated our public spaces.

City conƟnuance of this policy clearly amounts to legislaƟve malpracƟce, at best. This must stop. The city must reclaim these spaces for the residents by prohibiƟng the needle exchange programs in our public spaces. The County and City of Los Angeles have the resources to prevent their problems from overflowing into Santa Monica and other adjacent jurisdicƟons. They must be held accountable. They can only be held accountable if they are forced to deal with the problems they have created. Lawsuits should be used by Santa Monica, if necessary.

AddiƟonally, the City must reinstate it’s drug interdicƟon unit within the SMPD to cut off the supply of lethal narcoƟcs that has made Santa Monica one of the top four areas in Los Angeles County for fentanyl deaths.

I wish to thank Councilmembers Brock, Negrete, and Parra for bringing this item forward.

Marc Verville
Sunset Park
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
20 David Yakobson
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: 3/19/2024 item 16J

EXTERNAL
Phil proudly proclaimed at the Wilmont NC meeting that he goes by what he sees and feels and doesn't care about data, and this 16 item is true to form for both him and his slate members on that front. Needle exchange programs are a vital public health and public safety measure. It's nothing more than Fox News fearmongering to claim that needle exchange programs are killing people.

Here's our own county supervisor Lindsay Horvath talking about why needle exchange programs are important. Also note that she says that this program is run all over the county, not just in Santa Monica, as many of the slate's lowinformation base insists. https://youtu.be/hd2u2Ddo7yY?si=rpTNHgZw1u7UCqo0&t=813 Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
21 David Yakobson
From: lori brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 16. J

EXTERNAL
Agenda Item 16.J.

The resolution should reflect the City’s opposition to the program in Santa Monica, as it is misguided and does not achieve the goal of reducing harm.

The program encourages continued use of illegal and dangerous drugs, and people are dying as a result.

Residents should not have to see people shooting up in our neighborhood parks, nor the behavior that results from illegal drug use.

Drug use and needles simply do not belong in our parks and other public spaces.

Thank you
Lori Brown
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: AGNES KAZMIERCZAK <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 7:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Petition letter

EXTERNAL
Council Phil Brock,
I request that you ask the County to prevent or
move their distribution program indoors under
medical supervision with support services. The
program should be moved from our Parks,
the 3rd Street Promenade and the 7 Eleven at
7th and Wilshire.

This program has been an abject failure without
the necessary collaboration between the County,
the City and the Public to assure the wellbeing of
our community. The City controls our parks and
we should not allow for the County to play out
their failed programs at the expense of the safety
of our community. Any drug related program
should mandate accountability and require a
method to measure the success of the program.

That means, people should not just gain easier
access to get high but rather gain more
opportunities to stop getting high and end the
cycle of addiction.

We are in the midst of a drug epidemic and we
need to address this matter with great urgency
and care so that we are assisting those in the
throes of addiction, while protecting our
community from the safety issues caused by
drug use, and resulting in murders, attacks,
robberies and desperation on our streets.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 Agnes Kazmierczak
[email protected]
2619 2nd street #5
Santa Monica, California 90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
22 David Yakobson
From: Judy Hopkins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 7:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J.

EXTERNAL
I don’t think the needle exchange program should be carried out in our parks.

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
23 David Yakobson
From: Catherine K <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 7:27 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: End needle exchange program in Santa Monica

Catherine Kirbyson
[email protected]
1204 Bay St
Santa Monica, California 90405
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
24 David Yakobson
From: lmarreola <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 7:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16-J

EXTERNAL
We support Item 16-J
Larry and Carol Arreola
Sunset Park Residents
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
25 David Yakobson
From: Heidi Ross <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:51 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: Please keep harm reduction programs in our city

EXTERNAL
Hello City Council,
I have lived and worked in Santa Monica for the past 20 years and have 2 children in Santa Monica schools. My family is an avid user of the city's many wonderful resources including the parks, beaches, libraries and downtown district. I, like many community members, am deeply saddened by the homelessness situation in our community. I am also aware of the larger context of homelessness and the unaffordability of living throughout our country. I am certainly aware of the presence of drug use in many areas of our city and hope very much for the wellness of those in our community for whom drugs and alcohol are a barrier to living happy and healthy lives. Harm reduction services are an integral part of helping people reduce the negative effects of drugs and alcohol in their lives. I wholeheartedly support the Countysponsored programs for harm reduction and wish that they were increased rather than eliminated. I am dismayed that people in our elected government have allowed themselves to be swayed by a misinformation campaign, directed at the city and county. The program operated out of Venice. Family clinic is small, and in no way responsible for many of the public quality of life issues it gets blamed for. People from Santa Monica coalition have pushed a false agenda in order to further their own interests and ignore the facts. Nothing can be done about private citizens expressing their opinions, but elected officials have a responsibility to find out if allegations are true and when they are provided ample evidence that they are false, they must push back on those that seek to sew misinformation. Please don’t give in to misinformation and demonization. The drug and homelessness crises deserve intelligent, factual, and informed responses. Going along with disingenuous, fear mongering campaigns does not serve the citizens of this community. I beg of you to consider the facts that have been presented by the County and Venice Family Clinic and to vote No regarding “expressing disapproval for the ‘Harm Reduction Services’ program, or ‘needle exchange program,’ in the city.

Thank you,
Heidi Ross
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
26 David Yakobson
From: Amani Abou-Zamzam MBA <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 6:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Agenda Item 16.J. City council meeting March 19, 2024

EXTERNAL
Agenda Item 16.J.

We Request Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and return for Council approval, within 30 days, a resolution expressing the
City’s disapproval of the County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in the City of Santa Monica.

The resolution should reflect the City’s opposition to the program in Santa Monica, as it is misguided and does not achieve the goal of reducing harm.

The program encourages continued use of illegal and dangerous drugs, and people are dying as a result. Residents should not have to see people shooting up in our neighborhood parks, nor the hazards that results from illegal drug use.

Drug use and needles simply do not belong in our parks and other public spaces! Discarded needles create an avoidable public Health Hazard to Children, Residents and First Responders of
The City of Santa Monica!
Thanks, Amani and Chris Spielman
Amani A. Abou-Zamzam MBA
UrologyConsulting.com | UrologyStrategist.com
[email protected] | 310.780.0881
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
27 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 5:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Item 16. J - Needle Program... END IT OUTDOORS From: Dan Charn. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 5:16 PM
To: Phil Brock <[email protected]>
Cc: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>; David White <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 16. J - Needle Program... END IT OUTDOORS

EXTERNAL
Council Phil Brock,
I request that you ask the County to prevent or move their distribution program indoors under medical supervision with support services. The program should be moved from our Parks, the 3rd Street Promenade and the 7 Eleven at 7th and Wilshire.

Danielle Charney
[email protected]
2505 4th ST Apt 214
Santa Monica , California 90405
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Zachary Coil <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 5:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; David White
Subject: Public comment on 16J- change lives and stop the misinformation campaign Hello City CouncilI have lived and worked in Santa Monica for the past 15 years and have 2 young children in Santa Monica schools. My family is an avid user of the city's many wonderful resources including the parks, beaches, libraries and downtown district. I, like many community community members, am deeply saddened by the homelessness situaƟon in our community. I am also aware of the larger context of homelessness and the unaffordability of living throughout our country. I am certainly aware of the presence of drug use in many areas of our city and hope very much for the wellness of those in our community for whom drugs and alcohol are a barrier to living happy and healthy lives. Harm reducƟon services are an integral part of helping people reduce the negaƟve effects of drugs and alcohol in their lives. I wholeheartedly support the County-sponsored programs for harm reducƟon and wish that they were increased rather than eliminated.

I am dismayed that people in our elected government have allowed themselves to be swayed by a misinformaƟon campaign, directed at the city and county. The program operated out of Venice. Family clinic is small, and in no way responsible for many of the public quality of life issues it gets blamed for. People from Santa Monica coaliƟon have pushed a false agenda in order to further their own interests and ignore the facts. Nothing can be done about private ciƟzens expressing their opinions, but elected officials have a responsibility to find out if allegaƟons are true and when they are provided ample evidence that they are false, they must push back on those that seek to sew misinformaƟon.

Please don’t give in to misinformaƟon and demonizaƟon. The drug and homelessness crises deserve intelligent, factual, and informed responses. Going along with disingenuous, fear mongering campaigns does not serve the ciƟzens of this community. I beg of you to consider the facts that have been presented by the County and Venice Family Clinic and to vote No regarding “expressing disapproval for the ‘Harm ReducƟon Services’ program, or ‘needle exchange program,’ in the City of Santa Monica.” Respecƞully,
Zachary Coil, LCSW
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Anjuli Kronheim Katz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 3:23 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Item 16J

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I hope you do not move dory with disapproval of the needle exchange program. When I have spoken with experts who deal with addiction, they say that this is one policy that supports addicts in a safe way without incarceration leading to further detriment to people’s lives.

I’ve heard the council discussing safety and challenges at Reed Park specifically about this, and I have to share that I take my 18 month old son to the playground and park there 2-4 times a week and we feel completely safe and comfortable there. The other people at the park and playground have never posed any risk to us and it’s a pillar of our day to day lives to visit the park. My son loves it and I wouldn’t change anything about our experiences there.

Thank you,
Anjuli Kronheim Katz
Former Housing Commissioner 2015-2019
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 1:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16 J Needle Program
From: lenka kabilka <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 1:10 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; David White <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]>
Subject: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16 J Needle Program

EXTERNAL
This needle exchange program had its run and it turned out to be a disaster! Let's admit this fact and learn from past mistakes. Crime is on the rise, drug use is out in open in front of our residences and widely on our streets. Only a "silly" person would not link these dots together.

All of our lives are directly affected by your choices which are not benefiting us nor those whom these programs are designed for, the mentally ill, addicts and and even the homeless people.

Please act in good faith with and consideration to your constituents.

Sincerely,
Lenka Kabilka
Santa Monica resident
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Faustino Garza <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 1:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16j - City Council Meeting of 3/19/24

EXTERNAL
I am a 37-year homeowner and resident of Santa Monica; a father and a grandfather.

I and my wife are outraged by the drug needle exchange program being conducted at our City's public parks. As we all know, this program attracts drug users and abusers, homeless people with erratic behavior, and criminals. We, along with many of our neighbors, feel unsafe at our parks and no longer able to visit our parks with our children and grandchildren. Our parks have been taken away from us.

Are these not OUR parks - of the city of Santa Monica? Does the City therefore not have control over what goes on there? Why does the County of Los Angeles have the right to over-ride our wishes and force this needle exchange program over our objections? Please explain.

I and my family fully support the proposed resolution being put forth by Mayor Brock, Vice-Mayor Negrete and Councilmember Parra, to oppose this program. And we urge the City Council, our City Manager and our City Police to do everything within their powers to discourage, oppose and end this harmful program and to return our parks to the residents of Santa Monica for our enjoyment without fear.

Faustino Garza
Sunset Park
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Bill Elswick <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 12:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Item 16j at the 3/19/24 Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I am wriƟng in support of Item 16j at the 3/19/24 Council MeeƟng.

Frankly I am astounded that the City Council did not take a posiƟon against the County's program as of several years ago when it started.

The devastaƟon wrought by policies such as these in San Francisco are well known to anyone who has been paying aƩenƟon, and were documented in Michael Shellenger's book "San Fransicko", which was published in October 2021.

QuoƟng from a review of Shellenberger's book by John McWhorter: "San Fransicko is a lucid lesson in how self-serving ideological fads yank progressivism into a ditch, creaƟng misery in the name of enlightenment. Shellenberger shows us one of the keys to running a
city: knowing the difference between virtue signaling and geƫng results." In addiƟon to approving item 16j, I suggest that you read "San Fransicko" if you have not done so already, because many of his points (unfortunately) map well to Santa Monica's (and LA County's) public policies.

Thanks,
--Bill Elswick
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Maryanne Laguardia <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 12:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock
Subject: Item 16j on the agenda

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
Let's be honest about the program this item is about and its effect on our community.

It is neither a "harm reduction" nor even a "needle exchange" program. It is a NEEDLE DISTRIBUTION program which enables continued drug use and discourages addicts from seeking help. Making it easier to use drugs was not the intention of this program, but it is its obvious and yes, harmful unintended consequence in Santa Monica.

Putting the program in public parks as it is in Santa Monica, far from any services an addict might be motivated to use if access were available at the place of distribution, benefits no one and has an adverse effect on the community as a whole.

Let our parks be available to the residents and visitors who would like to use them.

We can and should and do help people in need of addiction and other health services. The county should not be allowed to force their misnamed "harm reduction" program into our parks and public places, far away from where help is available, and at the expense of the public's health, safety and enjoyment.

Maryanne LaGuardia
Santa Monica Resident
Member of the Recreation & Parks Commission

Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Philip Traill <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 10:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems

EXTERNAL
Pls address the state of homelessness and mental illness / drug use in Santa Monica - starƟng with eliminaƟng the handing out of free needles to drug addicts in Reed Park (it seems so absurd that that’s even a thing that needs to be said!). Let’s prioriƟse the safety of kids and residents over the convenience of drug addicts. Thank you! Phil Traill Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I oppose item 16J
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I oppose item 16J.

As a Santa Monica resident, I’d like our city council to make decisions based on well-founded data and with everyone’s best interest in mind, rather than on gut feelings from a few loud voices.

For anyone who isn’t already familiar with existing data around syringe exchange programs, here are a few reliable sources:

National Institute on Drug Abuse:
"Syringe services programs help protect communities by preventing infectious disease outbreaks and facilitating safe disposal of used syringes. These programs are not associated with increased drug use, crime, or syringe litter in communities."
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/syringe-services-programs National Institute of Health:
"Based on a comprehensive review of the research literature, the panel concludes that well-implemented needle exchange programs can be effective in preventing the spread of HIV and do not increase the use of illegal drugs. “ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK232343/
CDC:
"SSPs also protect first responders and the public by providing safe needle disposal and reducing the presence of discarded needles in the community."
https://www.cdc.gov/ssp/syringe-services-programs-factsheet.html Please oppose item 16J,
Sincerely,
Caro Vilain
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Lerer <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 11:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: David White; Attorney Mailbox
Subject: Please support item 16.J.

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
While much more needs to done to make Santa Monica once again an attractive and safe place, discontinuing the “Harm Reduction Services” in our public gathering places is an important step.

For the sake of Santa Monica residents, businesses, workers and visitors please unanimously support Item 16.J, "Request by Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and Councilmember Parra to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and return for Council approval within 30 days a resolution expressing the City’s disapproval of the County’s implementation of the “Harm Reduction Services” program, or “needle exchange program,” in the City of Santa Monica.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16 J Needle Program
From: Dan Charn. <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 6:54 PM
To: [email protected] <[email protected]>; Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; David White <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Cc: JohnAlleCompany <[email protected]>
Subject: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16 J Needle Program

EXTERNAL
I understand that we were trying to be a progressive City, but the needle exchange program does not work. In fact. just the opposite, making us a very dangerous City. Our parks should be for our residents, not shooting galleries for drug addicted transients. There is no longer any way to justify this. I hope you listen to the many resident voices telling you we need change, we need it to end. Move it indoors to the Venice Family Clinic or another facility equipped to deal with it. We are tired, saddened and terrified. If you wish to help the people on the street, I urge you to do something that actually helps them get off drugs and get some help instead of making sure they remain drug addicts.

If you refuse to do this, then at least pipe some good jazz music into the parks.. try John Coltrane's recording of "My Favorite Things"...then we can all "get down with our bad selves."
Danielle Charney
Resident Since April Fool's Day 1982
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024
Item 16.J.

March 19, 2024

Santa Monica City CouncilMarch 19, 2024

Santa Monica City Council
March 19, 2024