Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, May 14, 2024

1 David Yakobson
From: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; David White; [email protected] Subject: Agenda Item 10A - City Council Agenda 5/14/2024

EXTERNAL
May 14, 2024
Re: City Council Agenda Item 10A- Support
Dear Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and City Councilmembers, I urge the Council to unanimously vote yes on approval of an ordinance to provide for a private right of action for bicyclists who have experienced harassment.

As I noted in my email on March 9, 2024 when this was proposed as item 16I, in our efforts to become a more cyclist and pedestrian friendly city, we must ensure that we are creating a safer and more inviting infrastructure for folks who choose not to drive a car. When we do this, more people who can choose to bike or walk will do so which in turn will make getting around Santa Monica a smoother process for everyone. There will always be some people who need to drive a vehicle and it is up to us to ensure that potential harm and potential risks of conflict between drivers in cars and cyclists and pedestrians are minimized and mitigated.

As a community that is serious about public safety, an anti-harassment ordinance for cyclists is crucial in our efforts to make this City safer for all.

Sincerely,
Natalya Zernitskaya
Natalya Zernitskaya (she/her)
[email protected]
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Christine Parra Cc: David White; Anuj Gupta; [email protected]; Jason Kligier; Kyle Kozar Subject: Support Agenda Item 10A Anti Harassment Ordinance Attachments: 2024-05 CC Support Item 10A Anti Harassment Ordinance.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor, City Council Members, City Management and Staff, Please find a letter of support from Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance for Agenda Item 10A.

Cynthia Rose & Cris Gutierrez
--
Cynthia Rose
Director
Santa Monica Spoke
SMSpoke.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
A community group dedicated
to biking in Santa Monica.

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

May 14, 2024
Support Agenda Item 10A
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:

Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance strongly support this vital initial step of the Anti-Harassment of Bicyclists Ordinance. We believe we must bring our City’s and community’s efforts together to move beyond an automobile-driven existence and meet our Vision Zero commitment for street safety along with our climate goals by now providing for a private right of action against anyone harassing people riding bicycles. In our opinion it is a lost opportunity to not have a broader ordinance that includes all vulnerable road users, including people walking while traveling on our streets.

Santa Monica's best message is that we welcome people bicycling – and walking – and in fact prioritize the safety of our most vulnerable road users, people biking and walking! With the proposed ordinance, we appreciate the staff considering an effective means of conveying that message meaningfully and enabling people biking to have confidence that our City and community support their rights while also having the wherewithal to bring a civil action against harassment.

As Council has requested this ordinance to become part of our Municipal Code, we look forward to an authentic advancement of the Anti-Harassment of Bicyclists Ordinance Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
Director, Santa Monica Spoke Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SMSpoke.org
SaMoSafeStreets.org
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 4:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: FOR items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, & 16E

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I strongly support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

Considering our current climate and traffic violence crises, these items are crucial in making our city safer, healthier, and more sustainable. These items will greatly benefit our city as a whole.

Implementing infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, speed cushions, safer and more accessible sidewalks, curb extensions, upgraded crosswalks, turn restrictions,... is the most effective way to make our streets better for all users, regardless of how they get around. I look forward to seeing each of these projects get implemented.

However, since our resources aren’t unlimited and these projects can’t be implemented overnight, it is important that we take measures that empower people to take action when their safety is jeopardized on our streets today. This is the intent of item 10A, which I strongly support. Harassment of vulnerable road users is unacceptable and shouldn;t go without consequences..

I urge to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Thank you,
Dustin Shahan (zip 90401)
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Alfonso Hernandez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 2:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I strongly support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E. These initiatives are critical steps toward creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city, especially given our current climate and traffic violence crises.

Implementing infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, speed cushions, safer and more accessible sidewalks, curb extensions, upgraded crosswalks, and turn restrictions is the most effective way to make our streets better for all users, regardless of how they get around.

Furthermore, the use of solid materials such as concrete barriers for these projects not only significantly increases safety but also sets Santa Monica up as a leader in multimodal infrastructure, as proven by the numerous awards the city earned for the 17th St bike lane.

However, since our resources are limited and these projects can’t be implemented overnight, it is important that we take measures that empower people to take action when their safety is jeopardized on our streets today. This is the intent of item 10A, which I strongly support. Harassment of vulnerable road users is unacceptable and shouldn't go without consequences.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Alfonso hernandez, 90291
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Mario Melgarejo Torres <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:56 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I'm writing as a concerned community member to urge your approval of the following five Safe Street agenda items:
 5I: Construction contract for pedestrian improvements at 6 Santa Monica elementary schools.  5A: Construction contract for a protected bike lane on 26th Street, with intersection improvements near the 26th Street Expo station. We must continue the momentum started with the Stewart Street project.  5C: Consulting agreement to conduct the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Enhancement Study. This study is a vital step toward improving pedestrian safety.
 10A: Cyclist anti-harassment ordinance to provide cyclists with additional rights to protect them from aggressive motorists.
 16E: Enhancements for pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety on Neilson Way.

These projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Mario Melgarejo
Lincoln and Pacific (Yes, that's in Santa Monica, Christine) Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Tony Rodriguez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I strongly support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E. These iniƟaƟves are criƟcal steps toward creaƟng a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city, especially given our current climate and traffic violence crises.

ImplemenƟng infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, speed cushions, safer and more accessible sidewalks, curb extensions, upgraded crosswalks, and turn restricƟons is the most effecƟve way to make our streets beƩer for all users, regardless of how they get around.

Furthermore, the use of solid materials such as concrete barriers for these projects not only significantly increases safety but also sets Santa Monica up as a leader in mulƟmodal infrastructure, as proven by the numerous awards the city earned for the 17th St bike lane.

However, since our resources are limited and these projects can’t be implemented overnight, it is important that we take measures that empower people to take acƟon when their safety is jeopardized on our streets today. This is the intent of item 10A, which I strongly support. Harassment of vulnerable road users is unacceptable and shouldn't go without consequences.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Jose Rodriguez, 90032
Sent from my iPhone
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Leonora <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 11:04 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Leonora Camner
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Phil's Eighty Grand Electric Mercedes <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers, your agenda for tonight is loaded up with so-called safe streets measures, but all I'm seeing is making the streets—which I'll remind you all were invented for cars, thank you very much—far more hazardous for cars like me.

Does the city not care that speed humps could scratch my belly when Phil drives over them too fast, or that my fenders will get dented and scratched after Phil hits a concrete curb that jumped out of nowhere from behind a parked car? The status quo where Phil having an oopsie means I hit a soft, spongie cyclist or pedestrian sounds far safer from where I'm parked!
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 10:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

I would ask that 10A be expanded to include all vulnerable road users. As a daily walker, I experience much of the same harassment and threats of physical harm that motorists inflict on cyclists.

Thank you,
Jason
90403
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 8:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Caro Vilain, 90404
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Paula Cizek <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 8:00 AM
To: Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick
Subject: In Favor of Mobility Items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am not able to attend today's session as I will be taking the E line to DTLA for an event (public transit for the win!). That said, I wanted to voice my support for items 10A, 5A, 5C, 5I, and 16E.

While all these measures would contribute to making Santa Monica a safer community, I can speak directly to the importance of 16E as I live 2 blocks away from Nielson Way, and have to cross it every time I go to the beach. I can't tell you the number of times that I have watched cars blatantly speed through red lights—not yellow turning red, fully red— as I'm about to cross.

The beach is one of the best parts of living in Santa Monica, and we should make it safe and easy to access. Quite frankly, improving road safety would most likely also benefit properties along Nielson, as right now it feels dangerous to walk along next to speeding cars.

Thanks for your support of these items, and the work you do to make our community safer.

Paula Cizek
227 Strand St. #20
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Noel E Deis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 2:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Pro-bicyclist ordinance agenda item May 14, 2024

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica City Council April 14, 2024
Dear Councilmembers,
Today I chanced to read the Santa Monica Daily Press and discovered the pro-bicyclist ordinance on tonight's agenda. This proposed ordinance apparently is going to use the same playbook as the Texas antiabortion agenda: Encouraging private-citizen lawsuits with the tacit help of the City of Santa Monica. There are so many things wrong with this approach I can't believe it.

I have not read the text of the ordinance, but it seemingly will codify and hand bicyclists a huge legal cudgel via private lawsuits to use against anyone who criticizes their already disgusting behavior, under the guise of "harassment." Give me a break. There are already laws in place to punish people who legitimately harass bicyclists. So is it right to foist on the public a law that uses the same tactics as the Texas antiabortion crowd by allowing and encouraging lawsuits by private citizens? It's horrifying to me that our City Council would stoop so low. This law WILL be abused. I consider this a betrayal on the Council's part.

The extremist cycling faction is shamelessly all about themselves: profoundly selfish, impulsively aggressive, reckless, dangerous and appallingly asinine behavior by way of running stop signs and red lights, weaving in and out of traffic, shooting full speed out of alley ways and side streets onto busier neighborhood streets, riding on sidewalks and menacing pedestrians and motorists alike. I see this go on every time I either drive or go walking. While out walking, I almost saw a pedestrian in the crosswalk at 5th and Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 California get creamed by a bicyclist who was looking down at her cellphone while riding into the intersection. So the Council is going to reward this? The police here do absolutely nothing to stop their behavior, which is another problem with this ordinance: It punishes those of us who do obey traffic laws and try to be safe because we now have to fear getting sued by some bicyclist who makes false claims. It has to be said that motorists also need to be cited for running stops signs, which seems to now be an epidemic. Again, the police do nothing. This is also wrong! The Council seems to have considered only one side of the story, otherwise, how would an in-your-face ordinance like this get on the agenda? It favors only the cycling extremists and doesn't consider even a fraction of the majority of citizens here. It favors a poorly behaved, selfish, impulsive group of people who are supposed to be beholden to the vehicle code but instead get a hall pass. Why are you giving people like this these special privileges? Why are you not trying to punish bicyclists who flaunt laws and create hazardous conditions for drivers and pedestrians alike? A recent example of the extremist cycling agenda was an attempt by Michael Schneider who tried to convince the LA City Council, with some initial success, to convert the Marina del Rey freeway into a bicycle-only and pedestrian walkway. Thankfully, that asinine proposal failed altogether, though Mayor Karen Bass initially expressed her support. I mention it only because it illustrates how shameless and aggressive the cycling extremists are. The Council needs to understand this. The word "harassment" has an inherently sloppy definition. Does "harassment" include warning honks? Verbal interactions? I assume it does. I suppose we can now expect squads of cyclists wearing GoPros going trolling for automobile drivers to reel into lawsuits?
I would have thought here in Santa Monica that embracing Texas-style private citizen lawsuits by zealots would be considered completely unacceptable. Apparently, I was wrong. Please don't do this.

Sincerely,
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
3 Noel Deis, resident of Santa Monica for 33 years now.

Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Matthew Finlayson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 7:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
MaƩhew Finlayson
90404
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: nate woiwode <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
Hello, I write to you represenƟng the UCLA Bike Shop, West LA Bicycles, UCLA Campus Bicycle Advisory CommiƩee, and I am an instructor with the League of American Bicyclists.

I strongly support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E. These iniƟaƟves are criƟcal steps toward creaƟng a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city, especially given our current climate and traffic violence crises.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Nate Woiwode
310 487 9860
Sent from my iPhone
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Sam Shapiro-Kline <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 6:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Sam Shapiro-Kline
90403
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Dr Michael Cahn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 11:58 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Transportation Planning; [email protected]
Subject: Bikes and Pedestrian Bloom: In support of items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

EXTERNAL
Dear council, dear Antonio Shelton
Thank you for this lovely policy bouquet: 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E. These initiatives are critical investments toward creating a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city, especially given our current climate crisis and the motorized violence on our roads
In this bouquet, I want to highlight your ongoing work around the schools. I do hope you will work with the school district to make sure they understand the investment that the city is putting down here: Passing Lincoln Middle School when students come out, one wants to despair about the number of cars waiting for their precious cargo to drive them home in our little city of short distances. Bike lanes around the school are then blocked by cars parking with impunity and without fear of ticketing. The school district should be providing numbers on how their kids come to school, share these numbers with the parents and the students, and the wider public should be informed about efforts to reduce the driving of children to school. Bulb-outs and sidewalk improvements are only the beginning. Bike-it, Walk-it days are public health interventions that the school district should embrace with the help of the city Implementing infrastructure such as protected bike lanes, speed cushions, safer and more accessible sidewalks, curb extensions, upgraded crosswalks, and turn restrictions is the most effective way to make our streets better for all users, regardless of how they get around.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Dr Michael Cahn
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Galen Graham <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 11:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Writing in support of items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I am a local cyclist and driver. I try to complete trips within a 5 mile radius of my home by bike. I oŌen feel unsafe while biking and have been verbally harassed, honked at and inƟmidated by impaƟent drivers in Santa Monica who make commuƟng less safe for all. Therefore, I strongly support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E. These iniƟaƟves are criƟcal steps toward creaƟng a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city, especially given our current climate and traffic violence crises.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Galen Graham
90066
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Jahan Bruce <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 11:04 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Please support the Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am wriƟng to urge your approval of the following four safe streets agenda items at the May 14th City Council meeƟng:
5I-Safe Routes to Schools
5A-26th Street Bike Lane
5C-Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Enhancement Study.
10A-This ordinance will match the rights that vulnerable road users have in the City of Los Angeles. 16E- Enhancements for pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety on Neilson Way.

These projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I believe that the future of this city is one that is safe for a person of any age to walk or bike without fear. Furthermore these improvements are in line with our climate commitments. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items. Thank you for your Ɵme and consideraƟon.

Sincerely,
Jahan Bruce
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Jennifer Carter <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 10:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Jennifer Carter
90232
Sent from my iPhone
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: Jairo Avalos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Jairo
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
9 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 8:49 PM
To: Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra Subject: I support 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A and 16E

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council members,
As a senior ciƟzen and resident, I strongly support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A and 16E. These iniƟaƟves are criƟcal steps toward creaƟng a safer, healthier, and more sustainable city, especially given our current climate and traffic violence crises.

Also, the use of concrete barriers for these projects not only significantly increases safety but also sets Santa Monica up as a leader in mulƟmodal infrastructure, as proven by the numerous awards the city earned for the 17th St bike lane.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E. I have lived in Santa Monica since 1987, and I walk, bike (and someƟmes bus) as my primary transportaƟon around town. We need to improve the street safety for all of us, but especially for seniors like me.

Thank you,
John Williamson
90403
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
10 David Yakobson
From: Christian Sander <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 8:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, and 16E.

I urge you to support items 5A, 5C, 5I, 10A, 16E, and more in the future! Together, we can create a more inclusive and livable environment for all residents and visitors of Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Christian Sander 90293
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Steven Soo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 12:22 PM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing to express my concern about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists in our city. Drivers consistently exceed the speed limit, especially on 26th Street between Olympic and Wilshire.

While 5A would somewhat alleviate this issue, I would ask that the Council even consider extending traffic calming measures past Broadway up to Wilshire. This is a heavily residential area with narrow sidewalks, and the speeding traffic poses a serious risk to our children and other vulnerable road users.

I urge you to vote in favor of all five items that would improve traffic safety in our city. I believe these measures are necessary to protect our residents and make our streets safer for everyone.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Steven Soo
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Brodsky, Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 11:16 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E)

These projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Matthew Finlayson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 10.A

EXTERNAL
I support item 10.A. Threatening bicycles is unacceptable behavior. We need to protect our cyclists and empower them with the tools to keep our streets safe. More bikes on the road means fewer cars and more local business.

MaƩ Finlayson
CenƟnela Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 10:55 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Cc: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, and 16E) May 14th Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
As a Santa Monica resident and voter who drives, walks, and bikes regularly, the five projects in Items 5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, and 16E represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jacob Wasserman
90403
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Vanessa Sorensen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 10:43 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members, I am writing as a concerned community member to urge your approval of the following four safe streets agenda items at the May 14th City Council meeting:5I-Safe Routes to Schools5A-26th Street Bike Lane5C-Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Enhancement Study.10A-This ordinance will match the rights that vulnerable road users have in the City of Los Angeles.16E- Enhancements for pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety on Neilson Way.These projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items.Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely Vanessa Sorensen
[email protected]
(801) 362.7325
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Judy Branfman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 10:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: YES on item 16D Permanent Ceasefire in GAZA - from a resident

EXTERNAL
Hello Santa Monica City Council,
As a longƟme Jewish resident of Santa Monica, I am asking you to vote yes on the Ceasefire resoluƟon on the agenda for May 14.

While it is weak and missing key elements that would truly assure a lasƟng and permanent peace (resumpƟon of funding to UNRWA, which has been the key source of educaƟon as well as food and other essenƟal resources; release of PalesƟnian prisoners; and more), it seems to be the compromise Santa Monica came up with – so I urge you to vote YES.

Sincerely,
Judy Branfman
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
4 David Yakobson
From: Ryan Olson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 10:38 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
These five projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Better bicycle connections to the 26th St. Bergamot Center E line station is particularly needed, that is often not a pleasant station to cycle in and out of. (I'm thankful that my normal station is 17th St./SMC and is very well served by the 17th St. bike lane.)
Sincerely,
Ryan Olson
1021 Pine St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
5 David Yakobson
From: Carter Rubin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:45 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I commute every day via bicycle with my son to his school on the south side of Santa Monica, and then up to downtown Santa Monica.

Safety improvements near schools and transit stations are dearly needed and will be popular.

These five projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Carter Rubin
Pico Neighborhood
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
6 David Yakobson
From: Adam Remba <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:43 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting

Sincerely,
Adam Remba
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
7 David Yakobson
From: Julie Williams <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:40 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
Bicyclist and pedestrian safety is a top concern for my family; I grew up here in SM and moved back home five years ago.

Since returning, my spouse has been hit by a car in either a crosswalk or on his bicycle three times (all were the fault of the driver, as determined by SMPD and insurance companies).

Walking our children to and from school every day, we are constant witnesses to unsafe and distracted driving.

I am writing as a concerned community member to urge your approval of the following five safe streets agenda items at the May 14th City Council meeting: 5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E.

These five projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Julie Williams
1513 Berkeley St
Santa Monica, CA 90404
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
8 David Yakobson
From: City of Santa Monica
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) Please see customer email below, thanks!
To submit a 311 request please visit 311.santamonica.gov, email [email protected], or call (866) 311-7266 City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8411
From: Cora H. Siegel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 9:05 AM
To: City of Santa Monica <[email protected]>
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing as a concerned community member to urge your approval of the following five safe streets agenda items at the May 14th City Council meeting:
 5I: Construction contract for pedestrian improvements at 6 Santa Monica elementary schools.  5A: Construction contract for a protected bike lane on 26th Street, with intersection improvements near the 26th Street Expo station. It's critical we continue the momentum started with the Stewart Street project.  5C: Consulting agreement to conduct the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Enhancement Study. This study is a vital step towards improving pedestrian safety.
 10A: Cyclist anti-harassment ordinance to provide cyclists with additional rights to protect them from aggressive motorists.
 16E: Enhancements for pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety on Neilson Way.

These projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Cora Siegel
3221 Carter ave.

Marina del Rey
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Jonathan Balk <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 8:39 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members, These five projects represent crucial investments in our community's wellbeing, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely,
Jony
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Timothy Nguyen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, May 13, 2024 8:35 AM
To: Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Safe Streets Agenda Items (5A, 5I, 5C, 10A, 16E) May 14th Council Meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
These five projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone.

As a cyclist, this will help enable my increasingly car-less lifestyle and help my fellow citizens of Santa Monica feel more confident in getting around our beautiful city by bicycle and by foot. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Timothy Nguyen
Citizen of Santa Monica
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
3 David Yakobson
From: Eli Gill <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, May 12, 2024 8:13 AM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Subject: Please Approve Important Street Safety Agenda Items Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing as a concerned community member to urge your approval of the following five safe streets agenda items at the May 14th City Council meeting:
5I: Construction contract for pedestrian improvements at 6 Santa Monica elementary schools. 5A: Construction contract for a protected bike lane on 26th Street, with intersection improvements near the 26th Street Expo station. It's critical we continue the momentum started with the Stewart Street project. 5C: Consulting agreement to conduct the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Enhancement Study. This study is a vital step towards improving pedestrian safety.
10A: Cyclist anti-harassment ordinance to provide cyclists with additional rights to protect them from aggressive motorists.
16E: Enhancements for pedestrian, cyclist, and driver safety on Neilson Way.

These projects represent crucial investments in our community's well-being, making our streets safer for everyone. I urge you to vote in favor of all five items.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Eli Gill
Santa Monica Resident
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
1 David Yakobson
From: Laura Temming <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, May 9, 2024 10:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Agenda Item 10A - 5.14.2024

EXTERNAL
Good morning
I am writing in support of agenda item 10A - Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Adding Section 3.75 to the Municipal Code to Prohibit Harassment of Bicyclists and Provide for a Private Right of Action for Violations As I'm sure members of council know, cycling in Santa Monica and surrounding areas is extremely hazardous due to deliberate harassment from drivers. This attitude of disregard or outright malice for cyclists is frequently driven (no pun intended) by the lack of consequences for the car operator. I encourage members of council to support this ordinance as it provides recourse for individual cyclists and accountability for individual drivers and because it is one important step towards reducing car vehicular aggression, overall in Santa Monica.

Thank you for your time and attention. Have a great day! --
Regards,
Laura Temming, PMP
(she/her/hers)
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024
Item 10-A
May 14, 2024

Santa Monica City CouncilMay 14, 2024

Santa Monica City Council
May 14, 2024