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 7.A.
March 19, 2024
Item 7.A.
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 7.A.
March 19, 2024
Item 7.A.
March 19, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Bijan Khajebag <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 18, 2024 1:27 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 74 A
EXTERNAL
Dear city council members, cannabis is a stimulant drug which will cause brain injury resulting in paranoia, depression and delusions which have and eventually affects individuals using it, smoking is not a solution to reduce people's anxiety, cannabis creates later or sooner more anxiety which creates more of depression and etc., smoking cannabis is a pathway for other and stronger drugs which we see the user all over the city of Santa Monica and elsewhere, city needs to reduce the smoking shops meaning to influence the drugs dealing with drugs dealing cartel growing in the city of Santa Monica, for the sake of ourselves, our youth and people's health.
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Item 7.A.
March 19, 2024
Item 7.A.
March 19, 2024