2 David Yakobson
From: JEFFREY PARIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 4:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16k
EXTERNAL
I’m a 34 year resident of Santa Monica and I support this measure.
Jeffrey Paris
Sent from my handheld device
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Kerrianne Thomas <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 4:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Kathy Finn; Danny Garcia; Executive Office
Subject: UFCW 770 Letter: Reject Proposal to Limit Worker Free Speech Attachments: SantaMonicaCityCouncil_3.19.2024.pdf
EXTERNAL
Hello,
Please see attached letter on behalf of UFCW770 regarding rejecting the proposal to limit worker free speech.
Thank you,
Kerrianne
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024 Sent via Email
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main St.
Santa Monica, California 90401
RE: Reject Proposal to Limit Worker Free Speech
Dear City Council Members:
On behalf of the 28,000 UFCW 770 workers in LA county, several of whom work right here in Santa Monica, we urge you to reject this item.
An injury to one is an injury to all. When workers experience injustice in the workplace, their voice is one of the only tools they have to fight back. The right of free speech is fundamental to our democracy, and it is fundamental to the community workers have helped build here in Santa Monica.
The fact that some city council members are, yet again, trying to silence workers, is embarrassing and regressive. Instead, the council should be doing everything it possibly can to stand with the brave workers who have been on strike for 9 months.
Sincerely,
UFCW Local 770
Kathy A. Finn, President
KAF:kt
Cc: Danny Garcia, UFCW Local 770, Secretary-Treasurer
UFCW LOCAL 770
P.O. BOX 770
Hollywood, CA 90078
(213) 487-7070 or/o
(800) UFCW 770
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday
LOS ANGELES
MAIN OFFICE
630 Shatto Place
Los Angeles, CA
90005
BRANCH OFFICES
Arroyo Grande
Bakersfield
Camarillo
Huntington Park
Santa Barbara
Santa Clarita
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Carlos Rubio <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 4:04 PM
To: Council Mailbox
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16
EXTERNAL
I am speaking on behalf of Teamsters Local 911, which represents 10,000 workers in Southern California. We stand with the brave hotel workers who have been on strike for 9 months. We have been shocked to hear that migrant workers have been brought into Santa Monica hotels as strikebreakers, that women have come forward as silencebreakers, and that striking workers have faced retaliaƟon upon going back to work. An injury to one is an injury to all. We urge the Santa Monica city council to do everything in your power to stand with these workers. They will not be silenced, and neither will we.
We oppose item 16 and any bans on freedoms and protected acƟvity. Please do no approve a noise ban.
Thank you,
Carlos I Rubio
President
Teamsters Local 911
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Krystal Ziv <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 3:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Stand with Santa Monica Hospitality Workers (Oppose Item 16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I stand with the valiant workers, who have engaged in picketing in Santa Monica, and not the wealthy hotel corporations. Hotel workers have been fighting for a dignified contract with just wages, in what is the largest hotel workers’ strike in Southern California History. Nearly 15,000 workers at across 40+ hotels have walked out on the job since the July 4th weekend.
Workers can express themselves by picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments, and they are protected by the First Amendment in doing so.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s proposal to amend the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is simply asking for First Amendment issues.
At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Krystal Ziv
[email protected]
2329 Pier Ave.
Santa Monica, California 90405
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Jan Ludwinski <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: Noise Ordinance Enforcement
EXTERNAL
I should have included the Agenda item 16-K for this item. I hope that was obvious, but I wanted to be sure.
Jan Ludwinski
Begin forwarded message:
From: Jan Ludwinski <[email protected]>
Subject: Noise Ordinance Enforcement
Date: March 17, 2024 at 7:46:18 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Dear Councilmembers,
I have been awakened multiple times, the most recent at about 6:06 AM by trumpets and drums wielded by protestors at Le Meridien on Saturday, 17 February. I was told previously, see below, that the City Attorney implied that they were in violation of the noise ordinance if they started before 7 AM, which they did regularly. When I walked over I was told by the officer already on-site that the SMPD has been told not to enforce that ordinance. When I went to the police station shortly thereafter, the Sgt. indicated that the City Attorney’s Office indicated that they would not prosecute any violation of the noise ordinance by those protesters and so the SMPD would not arrest anyone.
It is not right that the neighbors are subjected to this impact to our health and well being.
Furthermore, it is simply wrong to try to cure an injustice with an injustice, as these selfish protestors are attempting to do. I understand that they have 1st Amendment rights to protest but no 1st Amendment rights are absolute and should be reasonably circumscribed to avoid disturbing the neighborhood’s peace outside of reasonable business hours.
Loss of sleep is clearly implicated in deleterious health affects. Furthermore, from a social justice perspective, the neighbors surrounding the hotel are preferentially impacted; perhaps the protesters should be required to rotate their protests throughout all Santa Monica neighborhoods to distribute the burden and spread the message, which is designed, of course, to further a social benefit.
You should also know that my several attempts to speak with the City Attorney, or anyone in his office for that matter, have been ignored for weeks. Whether or not my opinion should prevail, do you think it is proper that a citizen of the City should be ignored completely? Jan Ludwinski
Ocean Park
310-663-0182
From: Santa Monica – Customer Service <[email protected]> Subject: Your request has been closed - CS0098671
Date: October 24, 2023 at 1:20:49 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
5 Reply-To: [email protected]
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.
City of Santa
Monica Logo
Hello -
Your submission CS0098671 has been closed, please refer to the notes below for more information.
Reason For Closing: Question Answered
Closure Notes: Per City Attorney's Office, protestors are within their rights and not in violation of any municipal or labor codes if conducted after 0700 hours. The Noise Ordinance exempts from enforcement non-commercial activity conducted outdoors on public property between 0700-2200.
Please call Dispatch at 310-458-8491 if occurring outside of the permitted hours or if criminal activity is witnessed.
This is in reference to the request you submitted on 10-21-2023 09:40:45 PDT for Noise Concerns.
Description: Strikers in front of Le Meridien Delfina are using megaphones earlier than 8 AM on weekends which is waking me up even 3 blocks away. I understand that they have 1st amendment rights to protest but they shouldn't be waking the neighborhood outside of business hours.
Please contact the 311 customer service team if you have any questions.
For more information about our full list of 311 services, how to download our mobile app, or ways to contact us, visit SantaMonica.gov/311.
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Joani Gibbs <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 SUPPORT Noise ordinance
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
EXTERNAL
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Ales Kot <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Stand with workers, not the wealthy corporations (Comment against Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are siding with the wealthy corporations and against free speech by proposing to change the city’s municipal code to restrict people’s ability to fully express themselves.
Nine months into Santa Monica hospitality workers historic struggle for dignified contracts with just wages, and while five Santa Monica hotels operate without new contracts Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are once again tampering with first amendment rights in the interest of big hotels against Santa Monica residents and workers.
I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Ales Kot
[email protected]
658 Marr St
Los Angeles, California 90291
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:03 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-K Noise Ordinance Amendment
Attachments: 2024-03 CC Opppse item 16-K Noise Ordinance Amendment.pdf
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
Please find attached our letter to oppose Item 16-K on tonights council agenda that could restrict the first amendment rights in our community.
--
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.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: Tyler Ruggeri <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 2:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Believe in Workers’ Right to Free Speech (Opposition to Agenda Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I believe in free speech and that includes standing with workers as they are picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to change the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is unnecessary. Santa Monica should be a place where working people can exercise their voice, which is often their only tool to express themselves.
I ask why we should risk First Amendment issues, if the City already has a noise ordinance written with the intent of restricting “unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration.” At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Tyler Ruggeri
[email protected]
1522 Hi Point St.
Los Angeles, California 90035
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: Merigan Mulhern <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Believe in Workers’ Right to Free Speech (Opposition to Agenda Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I believe in free speech and that includes standing with workers as they are picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to change the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is unnecessary. Santa Monica should be a place where working people can exercise their voice, which is often their only tool to express themselves.
I ask why we should risk First Amendment issues, if the City already has a noise ordinance written with the intent of restricting “unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration.” At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Merigan Mulhern
[email protected]
2425 Purdue Ave
Los Angeles, California 90064
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
10 David Yakobson
From: Melanie Abrams Fierstein <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Believe in Workers’ Right to Free Speech (Opposition to Agenda Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I believe in free speech and that includes standing with workers as they are picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to change the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is unnecessary. Santa Monica should be a place where working people can exercise their voice, which is often their only tool to express themselves.
I ask why we should risk First Amendment issues, if the City already has a noise ordinance written with the intent of restricting “unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration.” At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Melanie Abrams Fierstein
[email protected]
3964 fredonia Drive
los angeles, California 90068
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
11 David Yakobson
From: Hilary Galanoy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Believe in Workers’ Right to Free Speech (Opposition to Agenda Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I believe in free speech and that includes standing with workers as they are picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to change the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is unnecessary. Santa Monica should be a place where working people can exercise their voice, which is often their only tool to express themselves.
I ask why we should risk First Amendment issues, if the City already has a noise ordinance written with the intent of restricting “unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration.” At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Hilary Galanoy
[email protected]
2636 32nd Street
Santa Monica, California 90405
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
12 David Yakobson
From: Laura Jacqmin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Stand with Santa Monica Hospitality Workers (Oppose Item 16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I stand with the valiant workers, who have engaged in picketing in Santa Monica, and not the wealthy hotel corporations. Hotel workers have been fighting for a dignified contract with just wages, in what is the largest hotel workers’ strike in Southern California History. Nearly 15,000 workers at across 40+ hotels have walked out on the job since the July 4th weekend.
Workers can express themselves by picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments, and they are protected by the First Amendment in doing so.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s proposal to amend the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is simply asking for First Amendment issues.
At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Laura Jacqmin
[email protected]
1002 HILL ST
SANTA MONICA, California 90405
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
13 David Yakobson
From: ssleah <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16-K Oppose - Noise Ordinance Changes.
EXTERNAL
Do not restrict the first amendment rights of our local hotel workers to organize and protest. You're in the U.S. not Russia.
--
Santa Monica resident since 1995
*Please consider the environment before you print this do everything.
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
14 David Yakobson
From: Joelle Luman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 1:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Stand with workers, not the wealthy corporations (Comment against Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are siding with the wealthy corporations and against free speech by proposing to change the city’s municipal code to restrict people’s ability to fully express themselves.
Nine months into Santa Monica hospitality workers historic struggle for dignified contracts with just wages, and while five Santa Monica hotels operate without new contracts Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are once again tampering with first amendment rights in the interest of big hotels against Santa Monica residents and workers.
I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Joelle Luman
[email protected]
121 Fleet Street, Apt A
Marina Del Rey, California 90292
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
15 David Yakobson
From: Gelya Frank <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16-K - Oppose
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I'm a long term homeowner and resident of Santa Monica since 1978. I am staunchly opposed to Item 16-K, which threatens the right of legally and consƟtuƟonally protected protesƟng workers to publicly demonstrate and be heard.
Please vote No on Item 16-K.
Thank you,
Gelya Frank
1528 Yale Street #7
SM 90404
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
16 David Yakobson
From: Patrick GILFILLAN <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Believe in Workers’ Right to Free Speech (Opposition to Agenda Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I believe in free speech and that includes standing with workers as they are picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to change the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is unnecessary. Santa Monica should be a place where working people can exercise their voice, which is often their only tool to express themselves.
I ask why we should risk First Amendment issues, if the City already has a noise ordinance written with the intent of restricting “unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration.” At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Patrick GILFILLAN
[email protected]
1147 16th st. AptB
Santa monica, California 90403
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
17 David Yakobson
From: Olga Lexell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Stand with Santa Monica Hospitality Workers (Oppose Item 16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I stand with the valiant workers, who have engaged in picketing in Santa Monica, and not the wealthy hotel corporations. Hotel workers have been fighting for a dignified contract with just wages, in what is the largest hotel workers’ strike in Southern California History. Nearly 15,000 workers at across 40+ hotels have walked out on the job since the July 4th weekend.
Workers can express themselves by picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments, and they are protected by the First Amendment in doing so.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s proposal to amend the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is simply asking for First Amendment issues.
At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Olga Lexell
[email protected]
1115 S Elm Drive
Los Angeles, California 90035
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Mike Royce <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Stand with workers, not the wealthy corporations (Comment against Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are siding with the wealthy corporations and against free speech by proposing to change the city’s municipal code to restrict people’s ability to fully express themselves.
Nine months into Santa Monica hospitality workers historic struggle for dignified contracts with just wages, and while five Santa Monica hotels operate without new contracts Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are once again tampering with first amendment rights in the interest of big hotels against Santa Monica residents and workers.
I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Mike Royce
[email protected]
2221 Linnington Ave
Los Angeles, California 90064-2339
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Forward <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Item 16 K: OPPOSE -- Proposed Noise Ordinance Changes -- & Other Items Attachments: SM Forward Letter - Item 16K Proposed Noise Ord Changes.pdf
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Santa Monica City Councilmembers,
Please find attached a letter from Santa Monica Forward Opposing Item 16K and commenting on other agenda items.
Best,
Brad Ewing and Carl Hansen
Co-Chairs, Santa Monica
--
We are working for a diverse, progressive, sustainable and equitable Santa Monica.
SantaMonicaForward.org
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024
Subject: Item 16-K – Proposed Noise Ordinance Changes
Dear Mayor Brock and City Councilmembers,
We are deeply disturbed that we are again hearing of proposed amendments to our city’s noise ordinance that could restrict the ability of our hotel workers to organize and protest. When similar proposals were recently made, the community opposition was resounding, and the item was pulled. Why must we turn out for this again? Please reject this item.
These service and hospitality workers are protesting because their wages have not kept up with the cost of living. There will be future strikes and protests if these trends continue. Please focus your efforts on addressing the structural causes of the cost of living gap, such as the housing shortage, instead of curtailing their first amendment right to protest.
OTHER ITEMS
• 11 - A: Affordable Housing on Three City Owned Sites
We strongly support and look forward to seeing this desperately needed affordable housing built.
• 16 - i: Ordinance to Prohibit Harassment of Cyclists
Thank you for this proposal. We strongly support.
• 16 - J: Disapproval of LA County's Needle Exchange Program We strongly oppose this recommendation, and recommend you instead look at Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
the data regarding the importance of programs like this, rather than react to inaccurate fear mongering. According to the CDC, “new users of [Syringe Service Programs] are five times more likely to enter drug treatment and three times more likely to stop using drugs than those who don’t use the programs.”
• 16- L: Ebony Beach Club - Repairing Past Harms
We strongly support this item and are unclear why there is a separate item (16 - M) proposed with less substance.
Sincerely,
Bradley Ewing and Carl Hansen
Co-Chairs, Santa Monica Forward
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Mike Terranova <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16-K Oppose - Noise Ordinance Changes
EXTERNAL
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the proposed amendments to existing ordinances aimed at prohibiting excessive noise (and by extension to exercise first amendment rights) as introduced by Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra.
While the intent behind ensuring a peaceful environment for residents is commendable, I believe that directing the City Manager and City Attorney to prepare such amendments may not be the best use of city resources, particularly those of the City Attorney's office. First and foremost, it is important to recognize that the City Attorney's office is tasked with a wide array of responsibilities, many of which directly impact public safety and the overall well-being of our community.
These include addressing legal matters related to liability and risk management, homelessness, public infrastructure, the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists, etc. Allocating resources to draft and enforce noise ordinance amendments may divert attention and resources from these critical areas.
Noise complaints, while potentially disruptive to residents, do not typically constitute a public safety concern in the same manner as other issues faced by our community. Aggrieved parties have existing avenues through which to address excessive noise, including civil litigation if someone is harassed or injured. This approach allows for a more targeted resolution to specific incidents without burdening the city's legal and public safety resources.
In light of the above, I suggest the City Council reconsider the allocation of resources towards the amendment of noise ordinances. Instead, focus should remain on pressing public safety concerns and the provision of essential services to our residents.
We ought to ensure that Santa Monica remains a safe, welcoming, and peaceful place to live for all residents, without unnecessarily diverting resources from critical areas of need.
Thank you.
Mike Terranova
Sunset Park Resident
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Ellis Kirschenbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Noise ordinance changes
EXTERNAL
I think it is premature to oppose the proposed ordinance until we know specifically what is being proposed.
Sincerely,
Ellis Kirschenbaum
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 11:02 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 16K - Oppose
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and City Councilmembers, Despite the vague wording of the proposal in item 16K that seems to suggest that the efforts to “prohibit excessive noise” by amending the existing noise ordinances is for the benefit of residents, it is easy to see that this item is yet another attempt to stifle the free speech rights of members of Unite HERE who have been fighting for over 8 months for fair contracts with their employers.
At this time, there are still 5 hotels in Santa Monica that have not yet reached tentative agreements with the workers and although I fully understand the challenges and distress that excessive noise may cause, seeking to limit constitutionally-protected rights is not the right way to try to address the issue. There is a better waythe Council should do the right thing and stand with the workers by urging the remaining hotels to come to the table, negotiate in good faith, and reach fair agreements with workers.
In the past 8+ months when I have had the opportunity to join the picket line in solidarity with striking workers, what I have seen is people who are eager to get back to work and contribute to our City’s economic recovery.
People who would like nothing more than to go back to their jobs and not have to spend their valuable free time demanding justice instead of spending time with their families. There is an imbalance of power between an employee and an employer so the striking workers are using the primary tool they have available to seek a positive resolution to this labor conflict- their voices.
As the City Council, you represent our City and I urge you to do the right thing- stand with the striking workers and reject the proposed action of seeking to amend the noise ordinance that would target people exercising their rights. And perhaps consider taking it one step further by urging the remaining hotels that have not signed agreements with their workers to do so.
Sincerely,
Natalya Zernitskaya
Natalya Zernitskaya (she/her)
[email protected]
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Barry Snell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 8:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Stand with workers, not the wealthy corporations (Comment against Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are siding with the wealthy corporations and against free speech by proposing to change the city’s municipal code to restrict people’s ability to fully express themselves.
Nine months into Santa Monica hospitality workers historic struggle for dignified contracts with just wages, and while five Santa Monica hotels operate without new contracts Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra are once again tampering with first amendment rights in the interest of big hotels against Santa Monica residents and workers.
I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Barry Snell
[email protected]
2020 Delaware Ave, 100
Santa monica, California 90404
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
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.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
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.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Dan Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 19, 2024 12:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Subject: OPPOSE: Item 16K
EXTERNAL
Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, Councilmembers Davis, de la Torre, Parra, Torosis, and Zwick:
This is the second time that Mayor Brock has brought forth an item to tighten our noise ordinance to limit the freedom of expression of striking workers in our community. At the same time, there has been no effort to direct an investigation into the violence, which happened months ago, against those same workers. We've all seen the videos. Sadly, our own incident in Santa Monica is one of a string of such horrendous affronts to the First Amendment and the National Labor Relations Act.
Has anyone consulted with the ACLU on this proposal? What about any law professors or lawyers on the First Amendment? A simple internet search of "ACLU" and "noise ordinance" will pull up a laundry list of court cases where judges and justices have ruled time and time again across the country that noise is permitted at labor strikes. These cases, all brought by the ACLU, target municipal noise ordinances such as the one being proposed tonight.
Our hospitality workers are the backbone of the very tourism industry that drives our community's economic engine. It's disappointing that some in our city's elected leadership would choose to target workers seeking living wages and benefits (which hotels across the Southern California region are now agreeing to - why aren't ours?) instead of focusing their energy on brokering a resolution to the strikes and investigating acts of violence on the picket line. That would be real leadership.
Santa Monica's very values are on the line with Item 16K. I urge you to vote against it.
In solidarity with our striking workers,
Dan Hall
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:18 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.K
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident, I oppose any ordinance ostensibly about noise regulation that curtails people's rights to protest publicly. The First Amendment protects these activities. I regularly pass by the current hotel protests and have never been disturbed nor noticed excessive noise.
Sincerely,
Jacob Wasserman
11th Street and Washington Avenue
90403
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Charles Carnow <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 4:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I Believe in Workers’ Right to Free Speech (Opposition to Agenda Item #16K)
EXTERNAL
Honorable Santa Monica Mayor and City Council,
I believe in free speech and that includes standing with workers as they are picketing, chanting, and using musical instruments.
Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to change the city’s municipal code to restrict workers ability to fully express themselves is unnecessary. Santa Monica should be a place where working people can exercise their voice, which is often their only tool to express themselves.
I ask why we should risk First Amendment issues, if the City already has a noise ordinance written with the intent of restricting “unnecessary, excessive, and annoying noise and vibration.” At a time when there are so many other priorities, I ask that you reject Mayor Brock and Councilmember Parra’s request to amend the municipal code. Thank you.
Charles Carnow
[email protected]
8821 Alcott St., 7
Los Angeles, California 90035
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 2:32 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; [email protected]; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 16K - 3/19/24 COUNCIL MEETING
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica Councilmembers,
Vote against noise ordinance 16K aimed at limiting union protest. Striking workers have the First Amendment right to make noise at their protests and this item is designed to literally silence their voices.
Thank you.
Steve Tarzynski
Santa Monica resident since 1975
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 2:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Subject: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16K: Noise Ordinance Aimed At Limiting Union Protests
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I support Item 16K Noise Ordinance Aimed at Limiting Union Protests.
I understand that the workers would like Union jobs. But frankly, most Hotels can't afford to pay the Union rate because the protesters have scared away visitors, who would be staying at those hotels.
My Mom's cousin lives on Ocean near the Viceroy. He is moving out of Santa Monica because he can't sleep. Protesters make loud noises early Saturday and Sunday mornings and sometimes during the week.
Voila! An apartment previously filled with a resident, who spent lots of money at Santa Monica restaurants every night that he was in town, will be gone. Instead, there will be an empty apartment that doesn't earn many tax dollars.
If I were visiting Santa Monica, and protesters woke me up every morning, I would tell my friends and family that Santa Monica is a terrible place and warn them not to visit.
Unfortunately, the City Council relies on money from tourists to pay for most everything, like employee pensions, lawyers fighting district voting, and trips to Vienna.
I feel sorry for the workers, but I feel even more sad for the sorry City of Santa Monica.
With deep regret,
Wendy Dembo
Santa Monica Resident (for now), and voter
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Kathy Seal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 1:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: Item 16K
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
Please vote against item 16K on tomorrow night's agenda. Please do not restrict hotel workers rights to free speech and their efforts to build decent lives for themselves.
Thanks for all your good work for us,
Kathy Seal
2431 32nd St, Santa Monica
--
--
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 9:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I oppose item 16K
EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I oppose 16K.
This item is an aƩempt at silencing workers who are using their free speech to defend their economic and professional well being.
Our city’s economy is strongly supported by these workers. Yet, most of them can’t afford to live anywhere near their job, and they’re treated as if their work wasn’t valuable.
These workers deserve fair wages and equality, and they should not be silenced for requesƟng these things.
As a Santa Monica resident, I am grateful for the work these people do for our city, and so should you.
Our city should support these workers in their fight, not silence them.
Sincerely,
Caro Vilain
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 8:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: CC Mtg 3/19/24 Item 16 K. Noise Reduction Residential Areas Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
From: Dan Charn. <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 7:10 PM
To: 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 K. Noise Reduction Residential Areas
EXTERNAL
My god yes.. this is even a question?
Of course no one should be allowed to disturb us in our last minutes of early morning precious sleep or late at night as while we enjoy our private moments in our short lives...
I am amazed the protestors haven't met with a lot of very unpleasant responses from residents. Try waking a group of menopausal insomniacs .. it won't be "cinematic".
Yes- no picketing or noise to anyone in a residential area no matter what it's for.
Danielle Charney
Menopausal Insomniac
Resident Since April Fool's Day 1982
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Jan Ludwinski <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 17, 2024 7:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Noise Ordinance Enforcement
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I have been awakened multiple times, the most recent at about 6:06 AM by trumpets and drums wielded by protestors at Le Meridien on Saturday, 17 February. I was told previously, see below, that the City Attorney implied that they were in violation of the noise ordinance if they started before 7 AM, which they did regularly. When I walked over I was told by the officer already on-site that the SMPD has been told not to enforce that ordinance. When I went to the police station shortly thereafter, the Sgt. indicated that the City Attorney’s Office indicated that they would not prosecute any violation of the noise ordinance by those protesters and so the SMPD would not arrest anyone.
It is not right that the neighbors are subjected to this impact to our health and well being. Furthermore, it is simply wrong to try to cure an injustice with an injustice, as these selfish protestors are attempting to do. I understand that they have 1st Amendment rights to protest but no 1st Amendment rights are absolute and should be reasonably circumscribed to avoid disturbing the neighborhood’s peace outside of reasonable business hours.
Loss of sleep is clearly implicated in deleterious health affects. Furthermore, from a social justice perspective, the neighbors surrounding the hotel are preferentially impacted; perhaps the protesters should be required to rotate their protests throughout all Santa Monica neighborhoods to distribute the burden and spread the message, which is designed, of course, to further a social benefit.
You should also know that my several attempts to speak with the City Attorney, or anyone in his office for that matter, have been ignored for weeks. Whether or not my opinion should prevail, do you think it is proper that a citizen of the City should be ignored completely?
Jan Ludwinski
Ocean Park
310-663-0182
From: Santa Monica – Customer Service <[email protected]> Subject: Your request has been closed - CS0098671
Date: October 24, 2023 at 1:20:49 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected]
To help
protect your
privacy,
Micro so ft
Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.
City of Santa
Monica Logo
Hello -
Your submission CS0098671 has been closed, please refer to the notes below for more information.
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
3 Reason For Closing: Question Answered
Closure Notes: Per City Attorney's Office, protestors are within their rights and not in violation of any municipal or labor codes if conducted after 0700 hours. The Noise Ordinance exempts from enforcement non-commercial activity conducted outdoors on public property between 0700-2200. Please call Dispatch at 310-458-8491 if occurring outside of the permitted hours or if criminal activity is witnessed.
This is in reference to the request you submitted on 10-21-2023 09:40:45 PDT for Noise Concerns.
Description: Strikers in front of Le Meridien Delfina are using megaphones earlier than 8 AM on weekends which is waking me up even 3 blocks away. I understand that they have 1st amendment rights to protest but they shouldn't be waking the neighborhood outside of business hours.
Please contact the 311 customer service team if you have any questions.
For more information about our full list of 311 services, how to download our mobile app, or ways to contact us, visit SantaMonica.gov/311.
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Lowell Sandell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 4, 2024 4:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Whaler; Loud, Pulsing Noise
EXTERNAL
Dear Council:
I reside at 1431 Ocean Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401.
Under Santa Monica Ordinance 4.12 (Noise), sound levels are restricted by Noise Zone 1, Noise Zone 2, and Noise Zone
3. While the City Planning Map shows my address as "OT" (Ocean Transition), the fact is that I and several of my neighbors have recently had issues with loud, pulsing club music from the Santa Monica Whaler at all hours of the night, preventing our ability to sleep.
The specific issue is that the Santa Monica Whaler, located at the corner of Broadway and Ocean Ave., has been playing loud, pulsing music late at night, well past 10 p.m. this entire last weekend, often hours later. This occurred on the nights of March 1, 2, and 3 of this year (Friday through Sunday). I have contacted code enforcement about the foregoing.
Section 4.12.025 of Santa Monica's Noise Ordinance is broad enough to cover conduct, even if it does not fall within prohibitions of Zones 1-3, such as what I and my neighbors have been experiencing.
Last night, I was unable to sleep more than a few hours (less than five) due to pulsing sounds coming from the Santa Monica Whaler.
I would be happy to further discuss this issue, including via meeting participation, as it negatively impacts many individuals' ability to sleep in peace.
Thanks.
--
Lowell Sandell
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024
Item 16.K.
March 19, 2024