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

1 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 16E - Neilson Way
Attachments: 2024-05 CC Support Item 16E Neilson Way.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 16E to improve safety on Neilson Way.

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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 Item16E Neilson Way
Dear Mayor and City Council Members:

Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance enthusiastically support the efforts by Councilmember Zwick, Councilmember Torosis, and Councilmember Davis to prioritize measures that would aim to improve safety by reducing vehicle speeds, and therefore by default, help mitigate crashes on Neilson Way.

Neilson Way has long been a narrow corridor plagued by crashes with vehicles often traveling erratically and at excessive speeds creating an environment in desperate need of robust safety enhancements to protect pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers on the corridor.

In order to make thoughtful and efficient progress, it is imperative we have critical supportive data. With Council's direction the City Manager can prepare cost estimates and identify potential funding sources — along with potential tradeoffs — for installing “speed cushions” along Neilson Way. With this forethought of data collection the project can be included for consideration as part of the upcoming Biennial Capital Improvement Program Budget Process.

The data is necessary so that Neilson Way can effectively be prioritized as a next phase and be included as part of the next Capital Improvement Program and the important ongoing partnership between the Department of Transportation, Santa Monica Fire Department, and Public Works Department to reinitiate the deployment of speed tables, speed cushions, “humps/bumps” and other effective important traffic calming measures that do not impact emergency response times.

The time is now to plan and build a safer Santa Monica for today and future generations.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
Director, Santa Monica Spoke Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SMSpoke.org
SaMoSafeStreets.org
Item 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
May 14, 2024
2 David Yakobson
From: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 12:44 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 16E - City Council Agenda 5/14/2024

EXTERNAL
May 14, 2024
Re:City Council Agenda Item 16E- Support
Dear Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and CIty Councilmembers, I urge you to support item 16E, the request of Councilmember Zwick, Councilmember Torosis, and Councilmember Davis for the City Council to direct the City Manager to prioritize measures to reduce vehicle speeding and mitigate crashes on Neilson Way in order to enhance safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers on the corridor.

As we know, the speed at which vehicles travel is a major determinant of street safety and drivers will drive at the speeds that they feel safe which is a function of the street infrastructure than posted speed limits. It is up to us to improve street design to make our City safer for all.

According to the California Safe Speeds Toolkit (https://safetrec.berkeley.edu/tools/california-safe-speedstoolkit/california-safe-speeds-toolkit-research-speeds-speed-limits-and) developed by UC Berkeley’s Safe Transportation Research and Education Center, “While reducing the posted speed limit is a proven mechanism to reduce actual speeds (Grembek et al. 2020, 21(link is external)), most studies suggest that effective speed management also relies on other factors such as roadway geometry, traffic control devices, traffic calming devices (vertical and horizontal deflection, such as speed tables and chicanes), signage, enforcement, and land use (Grembek et al. 2020, 21 (link is external)). ” I appreciate your consideration of this opportunity to make our streets safer for all.

Sincerely,
Natalya
Natalya Zernitskaya (she/her)
[email protected]
Item 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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.

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 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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
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 16-E
May 14, 2024
Item 16-E
May 14, 2024

Santa Monica City CouncilMay 14, 2024

Santa Monica City Council
May 14, 2024