Agenda packet — Santa Monica City Council, August 27, 2024 (part 7 of 7)

Oppose – Agenda item 16F:

We cannot solve our problems - in fact we create more grave problems - by ignoring the solutions to and needed compassion for those in crisis and in need. It is proven that to get our vulnerable population the help they need - we must meet them where they are. We must not vilify humans in crisis and deny them the very services they must have to survive and lift themselves out of homelessness and addiction. That is the essence of what we hope to live up to in Santa Monica – to be a compassionate and mature community.

Oppose - Agenda item 16G
As expressed in opposition to Agenda Item 16F: We cannot solve our problems - in fact we create more grave problems - by ignoring the solutions to and needed compassion for those in crisis and in need. It is proven that to get our vulnerable population the help they need - we must meet them where they are. We must not vilify humans in crisis and deny them the very services they must have to survive and lift themselves out of homelessness and addiction. That is the essence of what we hope to live up to in Santa Monica – to be a compassionate and mature community. We ALL need to do our part to support those in need – not kick them or the issue down the road or across city lines.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SaMoSafeStreets.org
Community Human Rights Advocate
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1796 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Daphne Dennis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 5:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Council Mailbox
Subject: Opposition to items 10 D, 16G, and 16J

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council members,
I urge you to reject items 10D, 16G and J on this evening’s agenda. As a 50-year resident of the City, a member of the City’s 1984-85 Homeless Task Force, and a social services professional, I am very aware of the many challenges in the fight to end homelessness. I find the proposed measures ill-advised because they are not solution-oriented and they are heartless. Please support the programs we know are working and build the housing with services we know provides safety and security for both people who were formerly unhoused, and their resident and business neighbors.

Respectfully,
Daphne Dennis
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1797 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 David Yakobson
From: Laura Joy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 4:37 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

All three of these proposals run counter to every evidence-based best practice for solving homelessness and will without a doubt make our current crisis worse. And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.

Re: Item 10D, Santa Monica already has an anti-camping ordinance, as well as laws against sitting, lying, and sleeping in doorways, sidewalks, parks, and countless other places. Making it illegal for unhoused people to use a blanket or pillow will not make them disappear. It will simply expose desperate people with nowhere to go to even more inhumane conditions, further jeopardizing their health and safety and quite possibly their lives, as more unhoused people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.

Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidence-based best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.

Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Laura Joy, 90405
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1798 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 3 David Yakobson
From: John Given <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 4:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Items 10D, 16G and 16J

In addition, it will jeopardize the financial
viability of the entire project, as competitive
state funding for affordable housing strongly
prioritizes proposals that include supportive
housing for formerly homeless individuals.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1799 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 4 I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a
compassionate, humane city that believed in
science and reason and treated everyone with
dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the
loudest and most hateful voices in our
community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and
counterproductive proposals and do what is
best for our city.

John Given
90405

JOHN GIVEN
[email protected]
310-430-1018
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1800 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 5 David Yakobson
From: AlanToy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused
person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.Re: Item 10D, Santa Monica already has
an anti-camping ordinance, as well as laws against sitting, lying, and sleeping in doorways, sidewalks, parks, and
countless other places.

Making it illegal for unhoused people to use a blanket or pillow will not make them disappear. It will simply expose desperate people with nowhere to go to even more
inhumane conditions, further jeopardizing their health and safety and quite possibly their lives, as more unhoused Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1801 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 6 people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.

Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidencebased best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious
disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more
preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers,
thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.

Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive
housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing
project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately
need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a
compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and
counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Thank you,
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1802 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 7 Alan Toy
90402
Sent from my iPad
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1803 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 8 David Yakobson
From: Stephen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Re: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am a resident of Santa Monica for close to 50 years.

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1804 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 9 affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Stephen Tarzynski, M.D.

Zip code: 90403
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1805 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 10 David Yakobson
From: Melissa Sweeney <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:22 PM
To: Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems
Subject: 10D, 16G, and 16J - OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers:

I strongly oppose items, 10D, 16G and 16J.

These proposals would deny unhoused people basic human needs and block access to life-saving services.

The reasons for homelessness are varied – and very well understood. The three proposals disregard the data.

They devalue the work of nonprofits, social scientists, and local volunteers who have striven to develop longterm solutions from the data. 10D, 16G and 16J fail to acknowledge and address existing conditions that the unhoused are compelled to live with.

If I were a cynical member of the community, I might conclude that 10D, 16G and 16J constitute, in aggregate, a transparent, politically motivated effort to eliminate altogether the unhoused from our streets. I hope that is not the case.

In recent years, my local faith community has joined a westside nonprofit to conduct a homeless memorial service, at which the names of scores of unhoused people who have died in our community in the preceding year are read. Their respective hometowns and survivors, if known, have also been noted. The service presents a moving and tragic reality. It underscores the humanity of those who are forced to live – and too often pass away – in our city from lack of basic needs and services. 10D, 16G and 16J represent an affront to core values, faith-based and secular, that most Americans are raised to uphold. The solutions that
10D, 16G and 16J set forth are short-sighted and inhumane. It’s hard to imagine how these proposed measures accomplish anything but shift the unhoused to surrounding communities.

Solving the problem of homelessness is a long process. Impatience and impulsivity should never guide Council decisions. If anything, our City and community should double down on the good work that has already been done, and build upon the efforts we’re presently undertaking. Please shelve these items and work with residents and local businesses to develop additional solutions that track with our principles.

Melissa Sweeney
Santa Monica 90404
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1806 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 11 David Yakobson
From: Vivian Rothstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Item 10D, 16G,and 16J: OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am a 40 year resident of Sunset Park who raised my children in this city and served as a member of the City Staff. For 10 years I served as Executive Director of the Ocean Park Community Center (now The People Concern) and learned what it takes to end homelessness in our community -- housing that is affordable and supportive services to maintain stability.

And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.

I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Sincerely, Vivian Rothstein
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1807 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 12 David Yakobson
From: Laila Taslimi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 12:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Council Agenda items 10D, 16G, and 16J OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing to express my strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.All three of these proposals run counter to every evidence-based best practice for solving homelessness and will without a doubt make our current crisis worse. And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.Re: Item 10D, Santa Monica already has an anti-camping ordinance, as well as laws against sitting, lying, and sleeping in doorways, sidewalks, parks, and countless other places. Making it illegal for unhoused people to use a blanket or pillow will not make them disappear. It will simply expose desperate people with nowhere to go to even more inhumane conditions, further jeopardizing their health and safety and quite possibly their lives, as more unhoused people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidence-based best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Sincerely,
Laila Taslimi
resident of 90402
from 긕긖긗긘긙긔긚
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1808 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Kyle Rebar <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: 16G: Opposing denying access to harm reduction services

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I oppose item 16G. This item is targeting a program that has already been proven to save lives in our city. The needles exchange where issues had been known for years and attempting to take the solution away from the problem will not help anyone. It would cost lives. Please oppose item 16G and support harm reduction programs.

I'm shocked to see so many punitive items on the agenda. Santa Monica needs to do better. Have a heart and mind enough to support programs that are effective.

Kyle Rebar, 90405
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1809 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Kathleen Sheldon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Council items on homeless issues in Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I have lived in Santa Monica since 1975, and have seen many attempts to deal with the tragedy of homelessness. The three items currently being raised are not solutions, but will add to the problem. We cannot treat people like this, but we do need some serious responses to make our city better for everyone who lives here.

Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on cityowned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1810 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Patricia Meyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Fwd: IMPORTANT: Earlier emails to city council not sending due to Action Network error, please see details here for resending

EXTERNAL
Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED
Dear Santa Monica City Council,I am writing to express my strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.All three of these proposals run counter to every evidence-based best practice for solving homelessness and will without a doubt make our current crisis worse. And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.Re: Item 10D, Santa Monica already has an anti-camping ordinance, as well as laws against sitting, lying, and sleeping in doorways, sidewalks, parks, and countless other places. Making it illegal for unhoused people to use a blanket or pillow will not make them disappear. It will simply expose desperate people with nowhere to go to even more inhumane conditions, further jeopardizing their health and safety and quite possibly their lives, as more unhoused people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidence-based best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on city-owned Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1811 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Meyer
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1812 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Zack <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,I am writing to express my strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.All three of these proposals run counter to every evidence-based best practice for solving homelessness and will without a doubt make our current crisis worse. And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.Re: Item 10D, Santa Monica already has an anti-camping ordinance, as well as laws against sitting, lying, and sleeping in doorways, sidewalks, parks, and countless other places. Making it illegal for unhoused people to use a blanket or pillow will not make them disappear. It will simply expose desperate people with nowhere to go to even more inhumane conditions, further jeopardizing their health and safety and quite possibly their lives, as more unhoused people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidence-based best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Zachary Coil, LCSW
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1813 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Anastasia Foster <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
I am opposed to these items. Please don't pass them.
--
Anastasia Foster
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1814 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 David Yakobson
From: Megan Kelly <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
Thank you for taking the time to read this email. I am a resident of Santa Monica, a mom, and a nonprofit professional. I care deeply about my neighborhood, city, and community. That's why I was particularly alarmed by some of this evening's agenda.

I am writing to express my strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.All three of these proposals run counter to every evidence-based best practice for solving homelessness and will without a doubt make our current crisis worse. And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.Re: Item 10D, Santa Monica already has an anti-camping ordinance, as well as laws against sitting, lying, and sleeping in doorways, sidewalks, parks, and countless other places. Making it illegal for unhoused people to use a blanket or pillow will not make them disappear. It will simply expose desperate people with nowhere to go to even more inhumane conditions, further jeopardizing their health and safety and quite possibly their lives, as more unhoused people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidence-based best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

My best,
Megan Kelly, 90405
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1815 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 3 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Forward <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: City Council Items 10D, 16G, and 16J:

EXTERNAL
To help
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Dear Santa Monica City Council,
We are writing to express our strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.All three of these proposals run counter to every evidence-based best practice for solving homelessness and will without a doubt make our current crisis worse. And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1816 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 4 costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city. - Santa Monica Forward
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1817 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 5 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:31 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
From: Dana Borowka <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:21 AM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1818 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 6 I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Dana and Ellen Borowka
90403
Have a great week!
Talk to you soon,
Dana
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1819 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 10:27 AM
To: Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSE
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete, and members of the Santa Monica City I am writing to express my strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.

I have always believed that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1820 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 what is best for our city.

Thank you.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1821 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 3 David Yakobson
From: Allon Percus <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 9:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSE
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Council Comments ,
Dear Mayor Brock Mayor Pro Tempore Negrete, and members of the Santa Monica City I am writing to express my strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.

Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidence-based best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1822 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 4 Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.

Thank you.

Allon
California
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1823 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 8:01 AM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis
Cc: councilmtgitems; David White; Susan Cline; Jenny Rogers Subject: City Council - 8/27/24 - Item 16.G - Eliminate drug and smoke material distribution in our parks - SUPPORT - Wilmont Board of Directors

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete and City Council Members, Call to Action: Take the reasonable, common sense code amendments in Item 16.G and have Council direct the City Attorney’s office to review what’s proposed and to bring these and any needed amendments to create a “Clean and Safe Santa Monica” back to Council for a Council vote to amend within 30 days.

We also invite everyone to join Wilmont at our final Second Saturday music/outdoor movie event on Saturday September 14th at Reed Park for live music @ 6 pm and our outdoor movie (bring camp/beach chairs, picnics, blankets, jackets)-Monsters, Inc. @ 7ish. ________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________
The Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont) Board of Directors supports Item 16.G by Councilmember de la Torre to provide reasonable and common sense efforts to move the distribution of addicts of free needles/syringes and free glass pipes for smoking methamphetamine out of our parks. We are focused in our neighborhood on the activity in Reed Park as well a Palisades Park.

Item 16.G addresses the following issues:
 Smoking is illegal in our parks
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1824 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2  Allowing distribution of needles and smoking pipes in our parks is a public policy failure
 The County and the Venice Family Clinic are not in compliance with the requirements of the enabling State statute
The city needs to do whatever it can to relocate “harm reduction” programs from our parks to a secure location. We recommend under a tent in front of City Hall where support service providers can connect directly with addicts and where used needles can be more effectively reclaimed and recycled, but the new location can be wherever the county and the city agree upon and approved by Council in a public meeting that will not negatively impact the public and the community’s right to clean and safe public spaces.

One of the Council’s top five priorities for 2023-2025 is a “Clean and Safe Santa Monica” so taking action on this issue is consistent with what the Council has prioritized as a group that is most important for you to achieve.

To effect real change on this issue, the city’s municipal code needs to be amended and to be amended in such a way as to not violate the State’s enabling statute on harm reduction.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1825 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 10:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I oppose item 16G

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I oppose item 16G. This item is targeting a program that has already been proven to save lives in our city and that is not controlled by our city anyways.

Please stop making us look like fools by coming up with these items.

Oppose item 16G.

Caro Vilain, 90404
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1826 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 9:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: 16G: oppose denying access to harm reduction

EXTERNAL
Hello council
Please oppose item 16G. Harm reduction is a known way to help combat this issue.

The city has no jurisdiction over county programs, what's the city manager even supposed to do if this passes?
Why is narcan the only exemption? "Naloxone" is made by other companies under other names, is that supposed to be prohibited? Pedantic I know, but this is written to somehow take immediate effect with no time to clarify it's actual intent to folks that might save lives.

How's the public supposed to provide meaningful input on some halfbaked item like this? Can we put some effort into effective governance and work with the county instead of throwing out laundry lists of talking points?
No thanks
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1827 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 3 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 8:59 PM
To: Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16.G: Against Efforts to Undermine Harm Reduction Programs that Keep Our Parks Safe

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

Sincerely,
Jacob Wasserman
11th Street and Washington Avenue
90403
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1828 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 4 David Yakobson
From: Dan Charn. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 7:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; [email protected]; David White Subject: Agenda Item 16-F & G

EXTERNAL
JUST DO IT......STAND UP FOR RESIDENTS - STOP MAKING NICE WITH THE COUNTY ..NO MORE GAMES, DEALS OR BRIBES ..

YES TO THIS:
"Eliminate the distribution by the County or any County-affiliated, non County-affiliated, third party, and/or independent private entity, of all drug paraphernalia and equipment, including but not limited to any and all drugs, opioids, needles, syringes, glass pipes, straws, rolling paper, miniature spoons, etc., in our parks, other City-owned spaces and anywhere closer than 1,000 feet away from any school, other educational facility, church, senior center or senior living facility, YMCA/YWCA, or Boys and Girls Clubs. The only exception would be Narcan, which can help revive someone who is unresponsive. The terms of this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage." GET CONTROL OF OUR CITY - TAKE IT BACK FROM THE COUNTY..

STOP SELLING US OUT TO THEM - AND TO WAYMO, BITCOIN, COCO AND EVERY PEDDLER THAT COMES TO TOWN..

JUST STOP IT

DANIELLE CHARNEY
Yes I am yelling
so tired of the terrible inept leadership of this City
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1829 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 5 and the overpaid people who only think about their own coffers and pensions

THINK OF THE RESIDENTS
------------------------------------------------------- Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1830 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Christine Romero McCoy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 6:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Narcan at Reed park

EXTERNAL
Hello City Council,
Im writing to you all because I am so exhausted and outraged with the drug problem and homeless crisis we hare having in Santa Monica. LA county’s needle and pipe distribution program is making the problem significantly worse! So many times I remember the days of walking through Reed Park and having a picnic or listening to a concert there. I walked through there last Wednesday after years of avoiding it and I saw the Venice Family Clinic van there, employees on their phones in the van and a group of homeless folks grouped together about 15 feet away huddled together. The area was dirty and the folks were disoriented and incoherent. Behind them I see trash and Narcan boxes!
This is wrong on so many levels! This is just enabling folks to keep doing drugs. I will not vote for this in November. I will not re-elect any present SM City council members or LA county rep Horvath until these programs are out of our parks and in a medical rehab facility. This is Ferrer trying to appear concerned and compassionate. This is unethical and a cycle of violence and dependency that the City is enabling. If smoking is not even allowed in our parks, why are we tolerating lethal drugs? If parks are supposed to be closed at night, why isn’t SM police out there patrolling and enforcing folks to leave the park especially if they’re using drugs! Just like Manhattan Beach, Pacific Palisades and El Segundo, the citizens of SM should not accept “harm reduction” programs in their parks.

Thank you.

Christine Romero McCoy
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1831 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Noe Mendoza
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 7:05 PM
To: Council Mailbox; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Cc: Clerk Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Micah Akerson; Jenny Rogers; David White; Steven Johnson; Andrew Gomez; Lori Brown; John Smith; Ann Bowman; Greg Morena; Maryanne LaGuardia
Subject: Re: Recreation and Parks Commission Letter for Council Meeting 8-27-24 Attachments: Letter Re Recreation & Parks Commission for Council Meeting 8-27-24.pdf Hello,
I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend.

I have attached to this email a letter from the Recreation and Parks Commission to City Council for their meeting on August 27, 2024.

Thank you.

Noe Mendoza
Staff Assistant III
santamonica.gov
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Subscribe to City of Santa Monica Email Updates
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1832 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity Recreation and Parks Commission
August 26, 2024
Mayor Brock and City Council Members
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: Recreation & Parks Commission
In reference to Items 16.F and 16.G
Council Meeting Tuesday, August 27
https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1413 Esteemed Council Members,
Thank you for Council's continued robust discussion around the County Health Department's "Harm Reduction" programs in Santa Monica, including delivery of needles and "Safe Smoke Materials" by sub-contractors in three of our public parks.

At our Thursday, August 22, meeting of the Recreation & Parks Commission, the members present voted unanimously to once again reaffirm our objective of ending needle distribution at Reed, Tongva and Palisades Park. This is a repeat of past unanimous votes and previous letters to Council.

Additionally, we agreed that this and other paraphernalia hand-outs, such as glass smoking pipes, contribute to a practice of consumption "in place", and that the current program has been observed to support active, open-air drug use in our parks at all hours of the day and night, and in close proximity to children's play areas, community groups and recreation. This is not okay.

The Recreation & Parks Commission, under chair Lori Brown, sent its first letter to Council on the topic in June of 2022, asking specifically to remove what was then thought to be a needle exchange in Reed Park, and to relocate the program to existing brick-and-mortar facilities where related, supportive services are available.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1833 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity As an attachment to the current Item 16.F, you also have the September 14, 2022, letter from Mayor Himmelrich to the County Board of Supervisors asking the County to immediately bring the program indoors and out of our City parks. As the Mayor wrote at the time, "roughly 70% of Santa Monicans are renters, our community relies on the City’s parks and open spaces as they do not have access to private open space."
In the two years since, as details of this furtive program came to be widely understood by our community, the County has not changed course, even as overdose deaths have steadily climbed in Santa Monica, and despite increased public outcry and subsequent Council motions.

Since that time, the Recreation & Parks Commission has continued to engage deeply with this issue as a key component of its advocacy for improved park safety.

On February 15, 2024, the Recreation & Parks Commission hosted Dr. Gary Tsai, who gave an in-person presentation and answered questions about the County’s “Harm Reduction” program. We appreciate the visit, since it was the first time a County spokesperson had appeared to answer questions about needle distribution in a public forum in Santa Monica.

There were several key facts that came to light, which bear repeating:

1. This is not a needle exchange program. There is no one-for-one exchange of needles. By the County's own metrics, many more needles are going into our parks than are coming out of our parks. The risk to children, pets and City staff is unacceptable.

2. There is no site-specific data tracking the success or failure of the program in Santa Monica. Statistics proffered around overdose reversals or service referrals are entirely unsubstantiated, and in multiple meetings, the County has admitted that their metrics are modeled or estimated.

3. The only other park location in ALL of Los Angeles County where the Health Department contracts an open-air distribution of needles and pipes is MacArthur Park in Los Angeles. No other city or neighborhood is being asked to share this burden in their parks in this way.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1834 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity It's timely to mention that in this Sunday's 8/26 Los Angeles Times, columnist Steve Lopez writes about the unmitigated disaster that LA City and County policies at 35-acre MacArthur Park have meant to LA's Westlake neighborhood, the Los Angeles region's second-most dense neighborhood.

This award-winning journalist observed "a zombie-like scene of contorted people gathered in the northwest corner of the park, their bodies rigid from overdoses of fentanyl or other killer drugs."
https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-08-24/column-langers-deliowner-is-starving-for-city-to-clean-up-macarthur-park-and-thinking-of-closing That apocalyptic vision could also regularly describe corners of our three Santa Monica parks, with just 5-acre Reed Park being the beating heart of Santa Monica's most dense neighborhood. A future Santa Monica with 9,000 more apartment units has only this to look forward to?
After the February 15 presentation by Dr. Tsai, there were several encouraging follow-up communications, but further efforts by our group to directly liaise with Dr. Tsai and his team on possible solutions were abruptly shut down in April.

Nevertheless, one or more of our commissioners have attended every public hearing the County has offered on the subject; though the meetings are usually announced at the last minute and with locations far out of our jurisdiction; including Van Nuys and Willowbrook. Questions submitted online mostly go unaddressed.

Questions posed in person are generally stone-walled or condescended to.

County officials seem visibly annoyed that Santa Monica people keep finding out about these meetings and attempt to participate.

Without hope that the County will alter course on their own, we ask once again that our City Council move to enhance our municipal codes and increase enforcement of already existing rules to not only bring an end to the distribution of drug paraphernalia in our parks, but also to actively remove repeat offenders of our city's existing no-smoking, anti-littering and anti-camping codes.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1835 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity As you consider items that seek to address needle and meth pipe distribution in our parks, please consider first and foremost the harm that is being done to our community by failing County policies and inadequate and irregularly enforced City statutes.

As Parks Commissioners, it is our great sadness that Tongva has become a dangerous asylum; a no-go area for residents and tourists alike. Palisades Park, once our proudest park, is now a daily spectacle of flagrant lawlessness. But worst of all, Reed Park … with its proximity to a K-12 school and a senior living facility; and within the park, a children's playground, community meeting rooms and the soon to be reopened Miles Playhouse … Reed Park most of all is failing to meet the needs of its neighbors, and as a magnet for illegal and anti-social behavior, spills over crime and disruption throughout the surrounding residential community.

So lastly, we unfortunately leave you with this picture of someone smoking meth just a few feet away from the door of a community room at Reed Park. This is happening just as a Narcotics Anonymous group is about to start their weeknight meeting. There is no calculus in which folks earnestly trying to shake their addiction must be subjected to this behavior in the name of "Harm Reduction".

Councilmembers, please find agreement amongst yourselves and take action to make our parks and public spaces "safe and clean" for our entire community.

Recreation and Parks Commission
Steven Johnson, Chair
Andrew Gomez, Vice Chair
Ann Bowman
Lori Brown
Maryanne LaGuardia
Greg Morena
John C. Smith
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1836 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Ann Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 10:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; David White
Cc: Heather Averick; Susan Cline; Douglas Sloan; Susan Cola; Jenny Rogers; Ramon Batista; Matthew Hallock; Erika Aklufi; Steven Johnson; Andrew Gomez; John Smith; Lori Brown; Maryanne LaGuardia; Greg Morena
Subject: August 27, 2024 Council Meeting - Item 16.G - Eliminate drug and smoke material distribution in our parks - SUPPORT

EXTERNAL
Item 16.G - SUPPORT
Dear Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, Mr. White, and Esteemed Councilmembers - I am one of the City's Recreation and Parks Commissioners but am writing just as a resident today. I truly respect and am deeply grateful to Councilmember De La Torre's continued reasonable and common sense efforts to move the distribution to addicts of free needles/syringes and free glass pipes for smoking methamphetamine out of our parks.
(1) Smoking is illegal in our parks. First, smoking of any combustible substance is illegal in Santa Monica's parks, parklets, at our beaches, and in many other public spaces detailed in Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.44.020. So to allow the distribution of smoking materials in places in our City where smoking is illegal makes no sense and effectively violates the law. Therefore, distribution of pipes for alleged "harm reduction" purposes needs to stop and be tolerated only in places where smoking is allowed, which is not in our parks.
(2) Allowing distribution of needles and smoking pipes in our parks is a public policy failure. Second, no one disputes the asserted benefits of "harm reduction" when conducted in a vacuum, but it's an abject failure of public policy when this type of program is allowed to operate in public parks, disenfranchising 1000s of residents (including seniors and children), visitors to our City, and businesses/employees, while deeply burdening our police, fire, emergency response teams, public landscape workers, and social service and outreach teams and also while deeply taxing the public purse to deal with problems the program creates.
(3) The County and the Venice Family Clinic are not in compliance with the requirements of the enabling State statute. Further, Dr. Gary Tsai in his presentation to the Recreation and Parks Commission earlier this year could not substantiate that the addicts in our parks are receiving referrals to support services like housing and drug/alcohol rehabilitation. On that metric alone, the County's "harm reduction" program is not in compliance with the enabling state statute - California Health and Safety Code Section 121349.

Our City needs to do whatever it can to relocate "harm reduction" programs from our parks to a secure location. I recommend under a tent in front of City Hall where support service providers can Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1837 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 connect directly with addicts and where used needles can be more effectively reclaimed and recycled, but the new location ultimately can be wherever the County and the City agree upon and approved by Council in a public meeting that will not negatively impact the public and the community's right to clean and safe public spaces.
"Clean and Safe Santa Monica" is one of Council's top 5 priorities for 2023-2025, so taking action in this regard is consistent with what you have said as a group is most important to you to achieve.

To effect real change on this issue, the City's municipal code needs to be amended and to be amended in such a way as to not violate the State's enabling statute on harm reduction.

So for your review and consideration below are proposed amendments to the municipal code that (1) make the County's operation of a "harm reduction" program in our jurisdiction more consistent with existing Santa Monica code and policies, and (2) clarify the City's position on where "harm reduction" programs may operate and where it is permissible in our City to distribute clean needles and "safe smoking" materials for "harm reduction" purposes.

These are reasonable, common sense code amendments and I hope Council tonight will direct the City Attorney's office to review what's proposed and to bring these amendments back to Council for a Council vote to amend within 30 days.

Thank you so much -
Ann Bowman
Resident, 28 years
Recreation and Parks Commissioner
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
FOR REFERENCE - Santa Monica's Smoking prohibitions:
https://ecode360.com/42727715

ATTACHMENT A
PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY CODE:

ADD the following new Section 4.44.020 (b) and re-letter the subsequent provisions as (c) through (f):
(b) Distribution of Smoking Materials for "harm reduction" purposes. No person or organization (public or private) may distribute smoking materials for "harm reduction" purposes in any of the Specific Locations where smoking is prohibited in our city as listed in Section (a), above, or in any other Cityowned or City-controlled spaces (unless such City space is not listed in Section (a) and is approved by a Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1838 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 3 vote of Council in a noticed public meeting with opportunity for public comment), or anywhere closer than 1,000 feet from any school, other educational facility, church, senior center or senior living facility, child care facility, YMCA/YWCA, or Boys and Girls Club. "Smoking Materials" include glass pipes, electronic smoking devices and all paraphernalia that enable smoking as defined in Section 4.44.010 (Definitions).

ADD NEW Code Section 4.95.010 REGULATION OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA DISTRIBUTION as follows:
(a) Distribution of clean needles or other drug paraphernalia. No person or organization (public or private) may distribute clean needle(s) or other drug paraphernalia or equipment, including but not limited to any and all drugs, opioids, needles, syringes, glass pipes, straws, rolling paper, miniature spoons, etc. to any group or individual for the purpose of "harm reduction" as authorized by California Health and Safety Code Section 121349 within any of the "Specific Locations" listed in Section

4.44.020(a) of this Chapter or in any other City-owned or City-controlled spaces not listed in Section

4.44.020(a) (unless such City space is approved by a vote of Council in a noticed public meeting with opportunity for public comment) or anywhere closer than 1,000 feet from any school, other educational facility, church, senior center or senior living facility, child care facility, YMCA/YWCA, or Boys and Girls Club.
(b) Exception for Naloxone. The provisions of this Section 4.95.010 shall not apply to the distribution of naloxone for the purpose of reversing drug overdose.
(c) Enforcement and Penalties.
(1) Misdemeanor. A violation of this Section regarding locations for distribution of "harm reduction" materials is a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as follows: A fine of 50 dollars shall be issued for the first offense, one hundred dollars for the second offense occurring within one year of the first offense, two hundred dollars for the third offense occurring within one year of the second offense, and five hundred dollars for the fourth offense occurring within one year of the third offense. (2) Administrative Citation. Any person or organization (public or private) violating any provision of this Section also may be subject to administrative citation pursuant to Chapter 1.09 of this Code. (3) Organization Receiving City Funds. If any organization (public or private) or if a person representing, employed by or authorized by an organization receiving City funds commits a third offense under Subsection (c)(1), above, the organization shall be prohibited from receiving City funding for a period of one year following such third offense. Determination of such third offense is not appealable and such determination is within the sole discretion of the City and/or its authorized representatives. (4) Nonexclusive Remedies and Penalties. Penalties under this Section shall not preclude punishment pursuant to any provision of California's Health and Safety Code, pursuant to California Penal Code Section 374.4 (prohibiting littering on public property), and/or pursuant to any other law proscribing the act of drug paraphernalia distribution or proscribing the act of littering. Nothing in this Section shall Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1839 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 4 preclude any person from seeking any other remedies, penalties or procedures provided by law for actions addressed by this Section.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1840 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 5 David Yakobson
From: Peter DiChellis <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 2:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 16 G DRUG PARAPHERNALIA

EXTERNAL
I strongly support this Item, and will be interested to note opposing arguments from those who favor distributing drugs, opioids, and glass pipes near schools and other sensitive locations.

Sincerely,
Peter DiChellis
Santa Monica
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1841 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2024 6:19 PM
To: Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; David White; Douglas Sloan Subject: Santa Monica City Council 16 Item *Eliminate Drug Paraphernalia in SM Parks/PublicTues Aug 27, 2024- Pls support- Thx:) Importance: High

EXTERNAL
I support Item 16 Aug 27, 2024:

Where a proposed Ordinance is going to clarify the specific language regarding the May 2024 Needle Distribution ordinance in our SM parks and public spaces.

Dear Council and City Attorneys..

Please support this item 16 Tuesday August 27, 2024
To make our SM Parks and Public Spaces Safer for our children, residents, tourists and help our businesses..

Needle distribution, pipes and all drug paraphernalia should be provided Only in medically supervised spaces…
Not in our Santa Monica parks and public spaces.. or any parks or public spaces..

Thank you for your support to make Santa Monica safer and cleaner! 28+ yr resident, business and homeowner.
"Eliminate the distribution by the County or any County-affiliated, non County-affiliated, third party, and/or independent private entity, of all drug paraphernalia and equipment, including but not limited to any and all drugs, opioids, needles, syringes, glass pipes, straws, rolling paper, miniature spoons, etc., in our parks, other City-owned spaces and anywhere closer than 1,000 feet away from any school, other educational facility, church, senior center or senior living facility, YMCA/YWCA, or Boys and Girls Clubs.

The only exception would be Narcan, which can help revive someone who is unresponsive. The terms of this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage." Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1842 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 David Yakobson
From: Alyssa G <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2024 7:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete
Subject: Eliminate needle distribution - all drug paraphernalia 16 Agenda Item August 27

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Please vote to eliminate the distribution of ALL drug paraphernalia of any kind in our city parks, public spaces, and near schools, senior facilities, and religious buildings. This is not the place to handle harm reduction, if such activities even actually reduce harm.

Parks should not have discarded needles or drug pipes in them. It is not safe. Nor are they places drug addicts should be encouraged to come. Drug addicts should be encouraged to go inside where services are available to them for health care and drug counseling. Their addiction should be addressed and not enabled.

Narcan is not a drug but is used to combat drug overdose. I do not oppose distribution of Narcan anywhere.

Alyssa Ganezer
9th Street
Santa Monica CA 90403
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1843 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: The Santa Monica Coalition <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2024 1:41 PM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Subject: Santa Monica City Council 16 Item Tuesday August 27, 2024

EXTERNAL
UPDATE:

Santa Monica City Councilmember Oscar de la Torre has enthusiastically agreed to sponsor the following proposed Ordinance intended to fill in the loopholes and remove ambiguity from a similar Ordinance that was passed in May regarding Needle Distribution in our parks and public spaces.

The language proposed (shown below) should remove loopholes that have been used by the Venice Family Clinic, the LA County Department of Public Health and other 'nonprofit' agencies to hand out glass pipes, needles and drug paraphernalia (with the exception of Narcan) in Santa Monica's parks and public spaces, and near schools, senior living facilities and boys and girls clubs.

The Santa Monica Coalition hopes that one or more Councilmembers co-sponsor the proposed Resolution. Regardless, Councilmember de la Torre has assured us he will sponsor it alone if need be, and the votes from the remaining 6 Councilmembers will provide a "yes or no" litmus test on their sincerity and resolve for a safer city.

Written letters of support should be sent to the City Clerk with a copy to Councilmembers, by next Tuesday August 27th, at 12 noon. In-person public comment is welcome, but the Item may not be heard until late evening or early morning. Email addresses are listed below.

We are counting on your support. Please reach out to the Council. Mayor Phil Brock has told us he reports to the County first, and second to residents. Vice Mayor Lana Negrete has told us she "doesn't want to push the County and Board of Supervisors too hard on this issue, because she and Council may lose funding and support for future 'pet' projects." So anticipate an interesting meeting.

The only exception would be Narcan, which can help revive someone who is unresponsive. The terms of this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage." ------------------------------------------------------- Dear Oscar,
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1844 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 Thanks for taking my call yesterday, and thanks for agreeing to propose a new 16 Agenda Item in the next City Council Meeting, scheduled for August 27, 2024.

Here is the proposed language:
"Eliminate the distribution by the County or any County-affiliated, non County-affiliated, third party, and/or independent private entity, of all drug paraphernalia and equipment, including but not limited to any and all drugs, opioids, needles, syringes, glass pipes, straws, rolling paper, miniature spoons, etc., in our parks, other City-owned spaces and anywhere closer than 1,000 feet away from any school, other educational facility, church, senior center or senior living facility, YMCA/YWCA, or Boys and Girls Clubs. The only exception would be Narcan, which can help revive someone who is unresponsive. The terms of this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage." Unfortunately, a copy of the prior resolution was modified by City Attorney Doug Sloan, and when passed, included only needles and syringes. The Venice Family Clinic quickly switched from distributing free needles and syringes to glass meth pipes. Venice Family Clinic employees stopped arriving in their marked van, and instead began using a white 4-door sedan to arrive and depart, and canvassed all areas of the parks asking those lying on the grassy areas or benches and tables, if they wanted supplies.

The current procedures and City's tolerance violate State law and place the the City of Santa Monica at great legal and financial risk.

Every resident, business owner and local needs to openly hear from every Councilmember during the next Council Meeting about whether he or she is in favor of needles, glass pipes and drug paraphernalia being distributed in our parks and/or curbside, or in a City or County-owned building where there are other services for transient junkies, or not at all.

The People Concern and Samoshel currently offer similar medical services in Downtown Santa Monica at 503 Olympic Blvd, and share other building facilities in Santa Monica with both the Venice Family Clinic and Clare Matrix non-profit agencies, where the Harm Reduction program could be moved immediately. Venice Family Clinic also owns a large underutilized 2-floor building facility in Santa Monica at 2509 Pico.

The Santa Monica Coalition and majority of residents are opposed to any outdoor and medical unsupervised distribution of needles, glass pipes and other types of drug-related paraphernalia, with the exception of Narcan.

The City Council's inattention to this matter has pushed the issue and voter outrage into the election season. This will be an easy 'litmus test" for the Mayor and Councilmembers - - More talk and no action? Clean and safe parks, or dangerous and dirty, junkie-filled parks? As soon as possible, please confirm receipt of this email, and that you will propose the 16 Agenda Item as written above.

Thanks for your time and all you do for Santa Monica, Oscar.

Respectfully,
John Alle
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1845 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 3 Cofounder, The Santa Monica Coalition
Phil Brock <[email protected]>, Christine Parra <[email protected]>, Lana Negrete <[email protected]>, Oscar de la Torre <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, Cc: David White <[email protected]>, Doug Sloan <[email protected]>
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1846 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 1 David Yakobson
From: Gary Freedman <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2024 7:22 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; David White; Douglas Sloan Subject: Item 16 on August 27, 2024 City Council Meeting Agenda

EXTERNAL
To The City Council and City Clerk:

I request that you put this email in the City records and consider it in your deliberations.

My name is Gary Freedman. My wife and I have been residents of Santa Monica for just under 50 years. My wife grew up in Santa Monica. Her family lived in Santa Monica from the 1950s.

We raised our two children in Santa Monica. They attended Santa Monica public schools and Santa Monica programs in our parks.

Anyone who lives in Santa Monica knows that we have a "homelessness problem".

The Governor has given a directive to each City in California to dismantle homeless encampments. I certainly hope Santa Monica will follow this directive.

The Governor has stated that cities which do not follow the directive will be subject to reduced State funding.

I find it ironic that some of our City Council members are concerned about the loss of County funding if they vote for the proposed resolution quoted below, but are not taking decisive action to dismantle encampments.

Our parks were built for the citizens of Santa Monica to enjoy recreational activities and open space, not for distribution of drug paraphernalia. With all due respect, this program of distribution is a counter productive "solution" to a problem.

Either tackle the problem head on or don't. But, please do not exacerbate it by facilitating bad conduct.

I urge you to vote in favor of the below quoted resolution.

Sincerely,
Gary Freedman
533 9th Street
Santa Monica, CA
"Eliminate the distribution by the County or any County-affiliated, non County-affiliated, third party, and/or independent private entity, of all drug paraphernalia and equipment, including but not limited to any and all drugs, opioids, needles, syringes, glass pipes, straws, rolling paper, miniature spoons, etc., in our parks, other City-owned spaces and anywhere closer than 1,000 feet away from any school, other educational facility, church, senior center or senior living facility, YMCA/YWCA, or Boys and Girls Clubs.

Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1847 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) 2 The only exception would be Narcan, which can help revive someone who is unresponsive. The terms of this Resolution shall take effect immediately upon passage." Item 16-G
August 27, 2024
Item 16-G
August 27, 2024

16.G.a
Packet Pg. 1848 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6582 : Request de la Torre: Eliminate Distribution Drug Para./Equip) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: August 27, 2024
Agenda Item: 16.H
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Request of Vice Mayor Negrete and Councilmember Parra that the City Council, as part of October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, approve City sponsorship of American Cancer Society Making Strides of Santa Monica Walk Against Breast Cancer Presented by O Positiv Health taking place October, 27, 2024 on the Santa Monica Pier by directing the City Manager to waive the City’s portion of fees for use of the Pier. City fees related to the Making Strides of Santa Monica Breast Cancer Walk include, the application, administrative, neighborhood notification, business license, parking, and zero waste plan fees associated with the use of the Pier in an amount up to $16,000 in waived fees.

Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:

A. Written Comments

16.H
Packet Pg. 1849
1 David Yakobson
From: Dan Charn. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 2:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; [email protected]; David White Subject: CC MTG 8/27/24 ITEM 16-H Breast Cancer -Support

EXTERNAL
There are only two types of women ..those who have or have had breast cancer..and those who dread getting that diagnosis..

Please support this item fully..
for all women and all those who love them..

Thank you,
Danielle Charney
Item 16-H
August 27, 2027
Item 16-H
August 27, 2027

16.H.a
Packet Pg. 1850 Attachment: Written Comments (6580 : Waiving Fees for Making Strides) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: August 27, 2024
Agenda Item: 16.I
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Request of Vice Mayor Negrete, Mayor Brock, and Councilmember Parra that the City Council, as part of National Seafood Month, approve City sponsorship of the OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival taking place October, 13, 2024 on the Santa Monica Pier by directing the City Manager to waive the City’s portion of fees for use of the Pier for Spin PR Group, the Santa Monica-based PR, Marketing and Events agency producing the event. City fees related to the OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival include the application, administrative, neighborhood notification, business license, parking, and zero waste plan fees associated with the use of the Pier in an amount up to $16,000 in waived fees.

Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:

A. Written Comments

16.I
Packet Pg. 1851
1 David Yakobson
From: Kim Koury <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 11:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems; David White
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre
Subject: Re: Please consider OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival for an Item 16

EXTERNAL
Hello City Council,
Thank you for adding OFF THE HOOK to Item 16. Please note the date of this event has since been changed to SUN. OCT. 13th. I look forward to tomorrow’s meeting.

Best, Kim

Dear City Manager, Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete, and City Council; I am reaching out to present my community event, the Off the Hook Santa Monica Seafood Festival, to city council to ask that it be added as an Item 16 on the next agenda. My hope is that the City will consider waiving it’s portion of the Santa Monica Pier rental fee in order to help with the costs to produce this hyper-local event that supports our local chefs and restaurants.

I self-produced this festival for 5 years in a row before Covid and have been asked repeatedly by restaurants and members of the community to bring it back after a 5-year hiatus. However, with increased fees to produce an event of this nature, I am looking to the City and community partners for financial support. The festival is tentatively scheduled to return on Sat. Oct 12 from 3-7pm for National Seafood Month.

For those of you who don’t know me, my company Spin PR Group is a Santa Monica-based PR, Marketing and Events agency. We have been self-funding community events and representing local small businesses in Santa Monica for over 17 years. All of our events have the same mission - To bring the community together, support local businesses, and give back to a noteworthy cause. I have been a Santa

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1852 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 2 Monica resident for 22 years and serve/ed on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Foundation. I have a deep love our city and supporting local businesses.

As you know, the Pier’s rental fee is $16,000 (plus $300 for the staff supervisor for the day, plus $400 for hookup/access to City electricity). Other hard Pier costs include an additional $5-$8,000 for harbor patrol, police, fire, coast guard, recycling, security, and neighborhood notification fees. Of those fees, the City collects $5,940 for the buyout of the parking spaces.

In addition to managing the production of the event, my firm handles all of the PR, marketing, promotions and promotions and can guarantee incredible press for the City and our expansive variety of dining offerings. The festival includes restaurants from all 4 bids - Main, Montana, DTSM and Pico in addition to the restaurants on the Pier.

I believe it should be easier for local event producers to host events on our beloved Pier and be given a special rate.

With this said, I would like you to kindly consider the following:

Why should the City waive your fee?
 Off the Hook brings revenue to the city (parking, hotels, etc) and attracts nearly 1000 locals and tourists alike
 The event garners over 30 million media impressions from our PR outreach to over 400 print, online and broadcast media and secures positive press for the City  It is one of the only festivals that emits zero-waste and is 100% free of single-use plastics  The City does not have a food festival celebrating our local chefs and restaurants  Off the Hook is FUN, builds community, and raises awareness for keeping our beautiful Santa Monica ocean clean!!!
 We are planning to have Heal the Bay as our charity partner again but would be willing to change it and donate a portion of net ticket sales to SM Pier Corp, Sustainable Works or another City nonprofit if need be.  It is a great way to promote Locals Night on the Pier to the target demo  It will allow us to keep a low ticket price to keep it accessible for everyone  It will help us make a larger donation to charity
Here’s the recap video from 2019 to give you a feel for the event.

Other community events Spin has produced or supported include the annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street (500 ppl), Day of the Dog Festival on Main Street (10,000 ppl), the 1st SANTA Monica Pride on the Promenade Festival (10,000), Buy Local Health & Fitness Expo, the City’s Endless Summer CAMP at Tongva Park (500), and the annual SANTA Monica Pub Crawl (4,000 ppl) which has raised over $200,000 for the Westside Food Bank over the last 15 years and is consistently one of the bars busiest nights of the year.

Please see attached for more info on my company along with a past press report from OFF THE HOOK’s 2019 event and one-sheet. I have also included sample press clips from our last event, MAINopoly Taste of Main Street in May. For more information on OFF THE HOOK, please visit www.offthehookseafoodfest.com.

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1853 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 3 I greatly appreciate your consideration!
Thank you,

KIM KOURY

KIM KOURY
President
s p i n
public relations | marketing | social media | promotions | events [email protected]
www.spinPRgroup.com
P: 323-330-9559 C: 310-497-6324
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LINKEDIN
Click Here to Join our VIP List
<About Us_Spin PR Group_2023_FINAL.pdf>
<Off the Hook Press Clippings 2019 (1)-compressed.pdf>
<OTH 2024 One Sheet.pdf>
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Santa Monica Daily Press
Main Street’s board game twist a boon for
local restaurants
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Avatar photo
by Thomas LefflerMay 15, 2024
 Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
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16.I.a
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The annual “MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street” event serves as an attention grabber for restaurants and bars along Main
St Credit: Courtesy photo
Main Street restaurants will be passing “Go” this weekend, collecting business from local patrons with a board game twist.

The ninth annual traversing of the Monopoly board takes place Sunday, as popular bars and eateries take part in the “MAINopoly:

Taste of Main Street” event that’s continued to bring the board game to life. Attendees will don their best monocles and bowties, but instead of taking properties from other players, they’ll be roaming Main Street between Strand and Pier Ave. for a unique walking tour.

16.I.a
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Beginning at 1pm, locals can check in at The Victorian and California Heritage Museum lawn to begin their dice rolls, landing in over 20 locations like Jameson’s Pub, Tavern on Main, Rabano and Ashland Hill. Heading into each spot and taking part in a food or drink sampling will give participants a “stamp” of their dedicated game board. Once the board is complete, attendees are entered into raffles for prizes like the “Taste of Main Street” prize back valued at $1,000.

Those who want to take a break from main gameplay can dive into the Community Chest of other activities, such as the “Go To Jail” beer garden with beverages from Venice Duck Brewery and the “Just Visiting” Photo Booth. A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Main Street Business Improvement District, aiding community
programming and keeping Main Street “in the public conversation,” according to the district’s Executive Director Hunter Hall.

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1856 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 6 To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. “The side benefit of all the events we do is that it’s always just reminding people that Main Street exists, which of course spills into people’s daily shopping habits, whether it’s going to Main Street restaurants or going to a boutique on Main Street … that’s a misunderstood and overlooked benefit of events in general is that there’s an after-effect, an afterglow if you will, to any event in a district like Main Street,” Hall said.

Hall took over the business improvement district in 2017 after his time in the restaurant industry, and has made entertainment a priority, bringing events like MAINopoly and Day of the Dog to the neighborhood. This event specifically aids the eateries of Main Street that have been hit by a bevy of economic factors in recent years.

Aside from the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and the ever-present issue of inflation, Hall said local restaurants have

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1857 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 7 been dealing with rising labor costs and regulations that bring down already-shrinking profit margins.
“It’s hard, there’s no other way to put it,” Hall said. “There’s lots of headwinds, lots of things changing … there’s a laundry list of [things] affecting restaurants that don’t get much press.”
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He added that locations have attempted to combat these changes with creativity, crafting new employee schedules and new menus to save on labor and food costs. Main Street itself has been buoyed by the opening of several restaurants and cafes in 2024, such as Sushi Vegan, Zona Little Italy, Rabano and MUD\WTR.

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1858 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 8 More additions will be coming to the neighborhood as well, Hall said, including a new concept from the creators of Met Him At A Bar and Met Her At A Bar on La Brea Ave. The openings and events are what keep Hall going in his endeavor to bring attention on Main Street. “I think it’s the best commercial neighborhood in Santa Monica … in terms of a good and eclectic mix of restaurants and funky shops and proximity to the beach … I was just lucky to fall into it,” Hall said.

Tickets for MAINopoly are $35 for general admission, $20 for the beer garden only, $20 for kids aged 5-12 and $60 for a VIP beer garden ticket. For more information, visit mainopolysm.com
[email protected]
MAINopoly: A Taste of Main Street
Returns to Santa Monica on Sunday, May
19th
May 15, 2024 Stephan Martin Events 0
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The 9th Annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street returns Sunday, May 19th from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. This allages, pet-friendly tasting experience is an interactive twist on the classic board game offering a culinary walking tour of Santa Monica’s Main Street. MAINopoly allows attendees to exchange their “MAINopoly dollars” for tastings at over 20 of the street’s best restaurants, bars, and eateries. Once the players complete their official game board and go to every location, they can win a “Taste of Main Street” Prize Pack valued at $1,000.

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Other activities include “Go To Jail” Beer Garden with brews from Venice Duck Brewery, beverages from Dulce Vida Tequila and JuneShine, food from Pasjoli and Papille Gustative, DJ, lawn games, “Just Visiting” photo booth, free rides up and down the street courtesy of Green Goddess Pedicabs, pet adoption from the VCA, and more boardgame-inspired fun!

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1859 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 9 Some of the many food offerings include Slow Cooked Pulled Pork with Kimchi on Danish Rye from Papille Gustative, Falafel Bites with Hummus & Tahini and Chicken Shawarma with Tzatziki from Ashland Hill, French Onion Tart from Pasjoli, Acai Bowls from Ubatuba Acai, Original Sin Taro Donut from Holey Grail Donuts, Tomato Arancini from The Victorian, and so much more! So, throw on your top hats and monocles, get your “dice” ready, and make your way around the gameboard to experience Main Street’s finest! A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Main Street Business Improvement District to help fund community programming.

Attendees are encouraged to dress in Monopoly-inspired attire for added fun and costume contests.

WHERE:

Main Street (5 blocks between Strand Ave. and Pier Ave.) CHECK-IN LOCATION:

The Victorian / California Heritage Museum Lawn | 2640 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405 WHEN:

Sunday, May 19th
1pm – 5pm (VIP check-in starts at Noon)
COST:

Tickets start at $30 in adv. for GA, $60 in adv. for VIP, and $20 for kids ages 5-12. Kids under 5 are free.

GA tickets include the official gameboard, 20 “MAINopoly dollars” to exchange for tastings at participating locations, access to food & drink specials, photo ops, and more.

VIP ticket holders get everything in GA, PLUS – 1-hour early entry (12pm) and access to the “Go To Jail” VIP Beer Garden, with 2 cocktails courtesy of Venice Duck Brewery, JuneShine, and Dulce Vida Tequila, food from Pasjoli, Papille Gustative, and Triple Beach Pizza, DJ, games, “Just Visiting” photo booth, and more!
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TICKETS:
www.mainopolysm.com
Loop Magazine


16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1860 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 10 MAINopoly: A Taste of Main
Street Returns to Santa
Monica
 By: Ashley Joy Parker
 May 10, 2024

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Do not pass go, head straight to fun….

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1861 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 11 Throw on those top hats and monocles, the 9th Annual MAINopoly: Taste of Main Street is returning on Sunday, May 19 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m..

This all-ages, pet-friendly tasting experience is an interactive twist on the classic board game offering a culinary walking tour of Santa Monica’s Main Street. MAINopoly allows attendees to exchange their “MAINopoly dollars” for tastings at over 20 of the street’s best restaurants, bars, and eateries.

Once the players complete their official game board and make their way to every location, they can win a “Taste of Main Street” Prize Pack valued at $1,000. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Monopoly-inspired attire for added fun and costume contests.

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1862 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 12 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Some of the many food offerings include Slow Cooked Pulled Pork with Kimchi on Danish Rye from Papille Gustative, Falafel Bites with Hummus &

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1863 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 13 Tahini and Chicken Shawarma with Tzatziki from Ashland Hill, French Onion Tart from Pasjoli, Acai Bowls from Ubatuba Acai, Original Sin Taro Donut from Holey Grail Donuts, Tomato Arancini from The Victorian, and so much more.

A portion of all proceeds will benefit the Main Street Business Improvement District to help fund community programming. To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Details

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1864 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 14 WHERE: Main Street (5 blocks between Strand Ave. and Pier Ave.) CHECK-IN LOCATION: The Victorian / California Heritage Museum Lawn | 2640 Main St. Santa Monica, CA 90405
WHEN: Sunday, May 19th from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (VIP check-in starts at noon)
COST: Tickets start at $30 in adv. for GA, $60 in advance for VIP, and $20 for kids ages 5-12. Kids under 5 are free. GA tickets include the official gameboard, 20 “MAINopoly dollars” to exchange for tastings at participating locations, access to food & drink specials, photo ops, and more.

VIP ticket holders get everything in GA, PLUS – 1-hour early entry and access to the “Go To Jail” VIP Beer Garden, with two cocktails courtesy of Venice Duck Brewery, JuneShine, and Dulce Vida Tequila, food from Pasjoli, Papille Gustative, and Triple Beach Pizza, DJ, games, “Just Visiting” photo booth, and more
BUY TICKETS: HERE
PARTICIPATING LOCATIONS:
 Ashland Hill
 Holey Grail Donuts
 JuneShine
 Jameson’s Pub
 Tavern on Main
 Pasjoli
 The Victorian
 Ubatuba Acai
 Alfalfa
 Sunny Blue
 Triple Beam Pizza

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1865 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) 15  MUD\WTR  Sea Shore Motel  Rabano  Papille Gustative  Library Alehouse  Mystic Journey Bookstore  Jinya Ramen Bar  Blow Me Candle Co.  Samosa House  Holy Guacamole  VCA Santa Monica  LuLa’s Cocina Mexicana

16.I.a
Packet Pg. 1866 Attachment: Written Comments (6581 : Waiving Fees for Seafood Festival) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: August 27, 2024
Agenda Item: 16.J
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Request of Vice Mayor Lana Negrete, Councilmember Oscar de la Torre and Councilmember Christine Parra that after hearing community feedback, direct the City Manager to explore Hollywood Community Housing Corporation revising its proposed housing projects on surface parking lots (1217 Euclid Street, 1211-1217 Fourteenth Street, and 1146 Sixteenth Street) owned by the City to replace all proposed permanent supportive housing units with senior affordable housing. The City Manager is also being asked to return to City Council with an evaluation of the impacts of replacing the permanent supportive housing units with senior affordable housing within 45 days.

Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:

A. Written Comments

16.J
Packet Pg. 1867
1 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Support for PSH and Affordable Housing in SM From: Cuff, Dana <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:20 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Oscar de la Torre <[email protected]>; Gleam Davis <[email protected]>; Phil Brock <[email protected]>; Christine Parra <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>; Caroline Torosis <[email protected]> Subject: Support for PSH and Affordable Housing in SM

EXTERNAL
To the City Council,
I want to register my STRONG SUPPORT for the permanent supportive housing that is being planned for Santa Monica. Along with the affordable housing sites that Hollywood Community Housing Corps is planning for former city-owned parking lots, these developments will add to our strength as a city, will assist those who are struggling to find housing in our over-heated market, and will help us meet our RHNA goals. All of this is a plus, and I trust the development team to create neighborhood friendly solutions. Please, do not bend to the wishes of a few loud residents when over a hundred new units of housing will bring us new neighbors and help some unhoused folks move indoors. Once the housing is built, no one will be complaining. Look at all the beautiful affordable housing we have scattered across the city. The same people who are complaining now will want to move in once they see these developments.

DANA CUFF
……………………………………………………………….

Dana Cuff
653 Raymond Ave
Santa Monica 90405
310-804-0045 cell
……………………………………………………………………………..

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1868 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: Housing and Homelessness
From: Rev. Jim Conn <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:18 PM
To: Susan McCorry <[email protected]>
Subject: Housing and Homelessness

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members...

I am writing to urge you to NOT criminalize homelessness and to continue supporting housing for lowwage working people.

Because people cannot afford a place to live, should not make them criminals.

Because hard-working low wage people cannot afford a place to live and raise their family, should be a reason for providing affordable housing.

I urge you to support housing for low income workers AND to not add more desperation to the lives of people who have no place to live.

JIM
Rev. Jim Conn
230 Pacific St #108
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310/392-5056
Associations:

CLUE - A Founding Member: www.cluejustice.org
Climate Action Santa Monica - Advisory Board
Asset Based Community Development: www.abcdinstitute.org/ United Methodist Minister - Retired: www.calpacUMC.org
Former Council Member and Mayor of Santa Monica
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1869 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 3 David Yakobson
From: Rev. Jim Conn <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:18 PM
To: Susan McCorry
Subject: Housing and Homelessness

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members...

I am writing to urge you to NOT criminalize homelessness and to continue supporting housing for lowwage working people.

Because people cannot afford a place to live, should not make them criminals.

Because hard-working low wage people cannot afford a place to live and raise their family, should be a reason for providing affordable housing.

I urge you to support housing for low income workers AND to not add more desperation to the lives of people who have no place to live.

JIM
Rev. Jim Conn
230 Pacific St #108
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310/392-5056
Associations:

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1870 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Susanne Jacobson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: Item 16J: SUPPORT

EXTERNAL
Dear Council, There is a long wait list of Seniors living in Santa Monica who NEED affordable housing. The PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) off of Wilshire Blvd. does not have neighborhood support. Does it make sense to house people with addiction issues next door to our City's two newest Marijuana dispensaries? Building Senior Housing makes sense. I live in the neighborhood and have a teenage son. We often don't feel safe walking by the unhoused people at Von's or near the Tehran Market. I don't like my son to walk alone in that area. It doesn't feel safe and I worry about him being influenced by some of the unhoused we encounter. Parking is already such an issue. I want to verify that the people living in these buildings will not receive permit parking. Also, the City must ensure that when they add more housing for families, they must add green space for the kids to play. Currently, there is too little green space North of Arizona Blvd. Together, we can make Santa Monica a safe and convenient place for all to
live. Best
regards
Susanne
Jacobson
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
--
Susanne Jacobson
310-720-5092
[email protected]
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1871 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 David Yakobson
From: ALEX MADDALOSSO <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 12:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: 16J

EXTERNAL
Dear Council,
There is a long wait list of Seniors living in Santa Monica who NEED affordable housing.

The PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) off of Wilshire Blvd. does NOT have neighborhood support.

It Does not make any sense to house people with addiction and mental issues next door to the two newest Marijuana dispensaries in Santa Monica!!!
Building Senior Housing makes MORE sense.

I live in the neighborhood and have teenage daughter and son, we often don't feel safe walking by the unhoused people at the park on California and 7th across from Saint Monica’s church, on 3rd street Promenade, douglas park, the park’s along Ocean Avenue, Von's or Tehran Market or any of Downtown SM or any of the parks in SM.

I don't like my teenagers walking alone in any of those areas or taking the bus, It doesn't feel safe.

Parking is already such an issue. & I want to verify that the people living in these buildings will not receive permit parking.

Also, the City must ensure that when they add more housing for Seniors, families, they must add green space for the kids to play.

Additionally there is too little green space North of Arizona Blvd.

We need to make good decisions for the future Santa Monica.

Best regards,
Alex Maddalosso
Santa Monica Resident and voter.

Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1872 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 3 David Yakobson
From: ALEX MADDALOSSO <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 12:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: 16J

EXTERNAL
Dear Council,
There is a long wait list of Seniors living in Santa Monica who NEED affordable housing.

The PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) off of Wilshire Blvd. does NOT have neighborhood support.

It Does not make any sense to house people with addiction and mental issues next door to the two newest Marijuana dispensaries in Santa Monica!!!
Building Senior Housing makes MORE sense.

I don't like my teenagers walking alone in any of those areas or taking the bus, It doesn't feel safe.

Parking is already such an issue. & I want to verify that the people living in these buildings will not receive permit parking.

Also, the City must ensure that when they add more housing for Seniors, families, they must add green space for the kids to play.

Additionally there is too little green space North of Arizona Blvd.

We need to make good decisions for the future Santa Monica.

Best regards,
Alex Maddalosso
Santa Monica Resident and voter.

Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1873 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 4 David Yakobson
From: lauralee asch <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 12:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse Zwick
Subject: 8/27/24 Agenda Item 16 J - Support to replace all proposed permanent supportive housing units with senior affordable housing

EXTERNAL
Mayor Brock, Vice Mayor Negrete and Council Members:

I continue to stand allied with my neighbors from the Mid-Wilshire Neighborhood to express my concerns about the proposed housing developments at 1217 Euclid, 1211-1217 14th, and 1146 16th Streets which were presented to you at the March 19, 2024 City Council Meeting during the RFP selection process.

While we totally understand the need for affordable housing and the challenges posed by the California state mandate, we strongly believe that these projects, as currently planned, will have severe negative impacts on the safety, livability, and the character of our neighborhood.

We are most concerned about neighborhood safety in light of the proposal to place 40 units of Permanent Supportive Housing among the 130 unit total.

Over 728 seniors who currently live in Santa Monica are stranded on a waitlist.

I support the replacement of all Permanent Supportive Housing, with Senior Affordable Housing at the14th Street building via Item 16 J on tonight’s Council Agenda.

Adding 130 units of housing, which includes 40 units of Permanent Supportive Housing, into the hub of the City, only three blocks apart and less than two blocks from Lincoln Middle School will further strain an already understaffed police force and make residents, businesses and their customers much less safe.

We have 215 police officers out of the 232 currently budgeted positions. SMPD Chief Ramon Batista has confirmed at neighborhood meetings that our Police Department needs closer to 290 officers to keep up with anticipated demands.

The profound affect these projects will have on our neighborhood is not in the best interest of creating safe, cohesive and livable neighborhoods.

I respectfully request all of your support of Item 16 J to make these affordable housing projects a better fit for our neighborhood and the business community.

Lauralee Asch
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1874 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 5 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Christine Parra Cc: David White; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Agenda Item 16J - Opposed
Attachments: 2024-08 CC OPPOSED Agenda item 16J .pdf

EXTERNAL
Please find our letter in opposition of Agenda Item 16J Cynthia Rose, Cris Gutierrez and Anya Baroff
--
Cynthia Rose
Co-Chair
Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance
SaMoSafeStreets.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1875 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Daphne Dennis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 5:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Council Mailbox
Subject: Opposition to items 10 D, 16G, and 16J

Respectfully,
Daphne Dennis
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1876 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 David Yakobson
From: Laura Joy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 4:37 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

Laura Joy, 90405
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1877 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 3 David Yakobson
From: John Given <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 4:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Items 10D, 16G and 16J

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1878 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 4 I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a
compassionate, humane city that believed in
science and reason and treated everyone with
dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the
loudest and most hateful voices in our
community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and
counterproductive proposals and do what is
best for our city.

John Given
90405

JOHN GIVEN
[email protected]
310-430-1018
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1879 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 5 David Yakobson
From: AlanToy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1880 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 6 people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.

Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive
housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing
project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately
need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a
compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and
counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Thank you,
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1881 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 7 Alan Toy
90402
Sent from my iPad
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1882 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 8 David Yakobson
From: Stephen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Re: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am a resident of Santa Monica for close to 50 years.

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1883 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 9 affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Stephen Tarzynski, M.D.

Zip code: 90403
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1884 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 10 David Yakobson
From: Melissa Sweeney <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:22 PM
To: Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems
Subject: 10D, 16G, and 16J - OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers:

I strongly oppose items, 10D, 16G and 16J.

These proposals would deny unhoused people basic human needs and block access to life-saving services.

The reasons for homelessness are varied – and very well understood. The three proposals disregard the data.

Melissa Sweeney
Santa Monica 90404
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1885 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 11 David Yakobson
From: Vivian Rothstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 2:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Item 10D, 16G,and 16J: OPPOSED

And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.

I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect.

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Sincerely, Vivian Rothstein
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1886 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 12 David Yakobson
From: Laila Taslimi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 12:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Council Agenda items 10D, 16G, and 16J OPPOSED

Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Sincerely,
Laila Taslimi
resident of 90402
from 긕긖긗긘긙긔긚
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1887 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Kathleen Sheldon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Council items on homeless issues in Santa Monica

Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1888 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Patricia Meyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Fwd: IMPORTANT: Earlier emails to city council not sending due to Action Network error, please see details here for resending

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1889 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Meyer
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1890 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Zack <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSED

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,I am writing to express my strong opposition to Items 10D, 16G, and 16J, which would deny blankets to those sleeping on our streets, deny proven harm reduction and drug treatment strategies to those struggling to get clean, and deny housing opportunities to those ready to come inside.All three of these proposals run counter to every evidence-based best practice for solving homelessness and will without a doubt make our current crisis worse. And yet most stunning of all is the sheer cruelty of what is being proposed. To simultaneously deny an unhoused person a blanket and an alternative place to sleep is both mean and absurd.Re: Item 10D, Santa Monica already has an anti-camping ordinance, as well as laws against sitting, lying, and sleeping in doorways, sidewalks, parks, and countless other places. Making it illegal for unhoused people to use a blanket or pillow will not make them disappear. It will simply expose desperate people with nowhere to go to even more inhumane conditions, further jeopardizing their health and safety and quite possibly their lives, as more unhoused people die from cold weather in Los Angeles each year than in New York City.Re: Item 16G, harm reduction programs are evidence-based best practices that have been continually proven to prevent fatal overdoses, curb the spread of infectious disease, reduce costly ER visits, and connect people to substance-use treatment options. Proposals to eliminate these programs in Santa Monica would lead to more preventable deaths and less opportunities for people to get clean – and, as it stands, state law and County Department of Public Health policies supersede our local powers, thereby rendering this request illegal and unenforceable.Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.I have always trusted that Santa Monica was a compassionate, humane city that believed in science and reason and treated everyone with dignity and respect. Please do not give in to the loudest and most hateful voices in our community. Instead, withdraw these cruel and counterproductive proposals and do what is best for our city.

Zachary Coil, LCSW
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1891 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 10:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: Item 16 J : Support

I live in the neighborhood and have a teenage daughter, we often don't feel safe walking by the unhoused people at Von's or near the Tehran Market. I don't like my daughter to walk alone in that area. It doesn't feel safe.

Parking is already such an issue. I want to verify that the people living in these buildings do not receive permit parking.

Also, the City must ensure that when they add more housing for families, they must add green space for the kids to play. Currently, there is too little green space North of Arizona Blvd.

Together, we can make Santa Monica a lovely place for all to live.

Best regards,
Wendy Dembo
Santa Monica Resident and voter.

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1892 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 David Yakobson
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 10:27 AM
To: Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSE

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1893 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 3 Thank you.

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1894 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 4 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 10:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16 J

EXTERNAL
Dear council members,
We are in favor to replacing all the proposed permanent support homeless housing with senior affordable housing. This is a better solution for our neighborhood (midWilshire) We are long term Euclid residents and also senior citizens.

Please also consider adding parking amenities to any new building. Most businesses on Wilshire lack parking of their own and rely on city lots. The loss of existing city lots will be more than an inconvenience to their customers and the community. Too many closed businesses now on Wilshire Blvd.

Sincerely,
Penelope McClowry
Richard Neuman
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1895 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 5 David Yakobson
From: Allon Percus <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 9:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Items 10D, 16G, and 16J: OPPOSE

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1896 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 6 Re: Item 16J, removing all the permanent supportive housing (PSH) from the proposed affordable housing project on city-owned surface parking lots off Wilshire would senselessly deny the housing we so desperately need to get people off our streets. In addition, it will jeopardize the financial viability of the entire project, as competitive state funding for affordable housing strongly prioritizes proposals that include supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals.

Thank you.

Allon
California
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1897 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 7 David Yakobson
From: natalie rothenberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 9:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 16 J

EXTERNAL
As a long time resident of 14th Street, I'm writing in support of replacing supportive housing with senior housing in the HCHC Affordable Housing Project being considered for 1217 Euclid; 1211-1217 14th St and 1146 16th St.

While sufficient parking for old and new residents and businesses remains a key concern, I agree that our neighborhood is well-suited for seniors who will benefit from short walking distances to shopping and other services; and that seniors will be a better fit for a family area in close proximity to a middle school than those for whom permanent supportive housing is necessary.

Thank you,
Natalie Rothenberg
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1898 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 8 David Yakobson
From: Zareh Boghozian <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 9:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 16J

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City council,
I’m writing to voice my support for Agenda Item 16J, which would remove the supportive homeless element from the housing projects and instead focus on housing for seniors.

Safety is a major concern for our neighborhood. The current PSH approach doesn't prioritize seniors or other long-time residents and workers in Santa Monica. The fact that the PSH waitlist allows people to qualify simply by being high utilizers of city services, rather than actual residents, is troubling. It’s important that we create housing that truly serves our community, and I believe senior housing is the right direction. Thank you for considering this.

Best regards,
Zareh B
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1899 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 9 David Yakobson
From: Sarah Biane <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 9:32 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Meeting August 27th 2024 agenda item 16 J

EXTERNAL
Hello, my name is Sarah Biane. This message is in regards to the Santa Monica City Council meeting on August 27th 2024 agenda item 16 J.

I have been a Santa Monica resident since 2017. I am a homemaker, mother of two and a very concerned resident of the Euclid block. The current HCHC plan of permanent supportive housing in our neighborhood is not only not supported by the residents, but was thrust upon us without any clear opportunity for input. The consequences of the current plan abandon Santa Monica elderly who are in need of housing and prioritize a non-native homeless waitlist who simply have to utilize city services to qualify.

I strongly urge the city to eliminate the PSH element of the new development and replace it with the proposed senior housing plan.

As a resident who plans to remain in the neighborhood and raise a family, our safety is of the upmost importance.

Thank you for your consideration.
-Sarah Biane
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1900 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Neighbors <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 8:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 16J
Attachments: SM Neighborhood Petition HCHC Building Projects_WORD _6_6_24-SHORT_3.pdf

EXTERNAL
The residents of Mid Wilshire want to be heard! We demand safety first! Over 1300 neighbors agree! Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1901 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) Safety and Trust at Stake: Residents Demand Transparent Process for Housing Developments at 1211-1217 14th St., 1217 Euclid St., and 1146 16th Street in Santa Monica.

June 4, 2024
Attn: Mayor Phil Brock [email protected]
Attn: Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete [email protected] Attn: Councilmember Gleam Davis [email protected] Attn: Councilmember Christine Parra [email protected] Attn: Councilmember Jesse Zwick [email protected] Attn: Councilmember Caroline Torosis [email protected] Attn: Councilmember Oscar de la Torre [email protected] Attn: David White, City Manager, [email protected] Attn: David Martin, Planning Director [email protected] Dear Mayor Phil Brock, Mayor Pro Tem Lana Negrete, Council Members, City Manager David White, and Planning Director David Martin,
We, residents of Mid-Wilshire, are writing this petition to express our deep concerns about the proposed housing developments at 1211-1217 14th St., 1217 Euclid St., and 1146 16th St.

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1902 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) While we understand the critical need for affordable housing and the challenges posed by the CA state mandate, we strongly believe that these projects, as currently planned without changes, will have severe negative impacts on the safety, livability, and character of our cherished neighborhood.

As engaged community members, we were dismayed by the lack of meaningful and timely outreach about these proposals. Many of us received no notice of the recent community meetings, despite the significant scale of these developments and their proximity to one another. The meetings, hosted by the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation, that did occur felt more like a sales pitch for a predetermined solution rather than a genuine opportunity for dialogue and collaboration. We didn’t get to hear the proposal from BRIDGE Housing Corporation, the runner-up proposal.

What we are most concerned about:
- Deepening community safety crisis in the neighborhood. Proposed placement of a homeless support housing complex at 1217 Euclid, complete with on-site mental health and drug support services, in the heart of our residential area and near Lincoln Middle School.

Parents of students from Lincoln Middle School were not notified of this development. With the city already grappling with a crisis of violent crime often associated with homelessness and mental illness, we fear for the safety of our children, our homes and our community. - Dramatically worsen parking situation. The proposed elimination of public parking spaces, which are essential to both residents, local businesses, UCLA hospital and places of worship. This directly contradicts the city's own Request for Proposals (RFP) and the clear direction from the City Council and staff.
- The lack of transparency and meaningful engagement. City is rushing these projects forward and relying too heavily on outside developers and contractors, rather than working in true partnership with the community.
- RFP Award Hollywood Community Housing Corporation selection was rushed through without public review of the runner-up RFP from BRIDGE Housing Corporation. Hollywood Community Housing Corporation appears to actively be vying for lease of majority of public land not only in Santa Monica but also in Venice, subject to the several legal actions. https://www.safecoastaldevelopment.org/
- Stress the already taxed infrastructure. Current water and power lines are already old & dilapidated.
- Increase traffic & create road safety risks for children walking to/from Lincoln Middle School and elderly. Utility trucks traffic is already difficult on the narrow /one-car alley of Euclid court. Commercial real estate in the old Wilshire building has a loading dock, facing the Euclid Court, which combined with new development will create unbearable challenge for the community.
- Lower & Devalue Property & Neighborhoods for all
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1903 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) - City presented no holistic neighborhood development plans instead opting out for on-off solutions. To that end, we request that the city pause the further development of this project until they:

1. Conduct a minimum of three community meetings over the next 90 days, led by city officials and including representatives from all relevant departments, the developer, and a diverse cross-section of neighborhood residents and business owners.

2. Share detailed information on the site selection process, the specific plans for each development, and the strategies for addressing our concerns around (1) safety, (2) homelessness and related crime, (3) parking, (4) traffic and infrastructure (5) livability and character (6) longer-term neighborhood development plans.

3. Commit to the public process of gathering comments, feedback and constructive alterations to the project.

We believe that by working together in good faith, we can find a path forward that addresses the urgent need for affordable housing while also preserving the safety, vitality, and unique character of our neighborhood. The residents of Mid-Wilshire are ready and willing to be your partners in this effort, but we need your leadership, transparency, and commitment to ensure that our voices are heard, and our concerns are addressed. The time for action is now! Sincerely,
Residents of Mid-Wilshire
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1904 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Debra Shepherd <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 8:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16i

EXTERNAL
Good evening council members:

I am deeply disappointed in the effort to direct the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation to scrap all permanent supportive housing units in exchange for senior housing. We should not be making marginalized groups compete against each other for this basic necessity. Asking this non profit organization to change their whole plan, because of the concerns of community members, who have an implicit bias against unhoused people, is unreasonable. When people are aging, the likelihood that they will need mobility devices increases, which may require a redesign of the entire building projects. That’s a delay that is at the expense of the people in need of the housing. My experience in this community is that delay equals denial.

If people hate unhoused people, they need to say that with their whole chest, and stop making excuses, pitting marginalized groups against each other. Just in case no one is paying attention, the City of Los Angeles is already being fined millions of dollars for failing to provide housing to people with disabilities. Mental illnesses are disabilities.

The federal courthouse is still open.

Regards,
Debra Shepherd
Santa Monica resident
Former Chair of SMMUSD Special Education District Advisory Committee Sent from my iPad Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1905 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Ramana Duvvuri <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 7:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16J for 8/27/24 meeting

EXTERNAL
I am in support of the proposed switch to senior affordable housing for the surface parking lot projects. This area is a wonderful locaƟon for those who might have limited mobility, with a major pharmacy, grocery store, and hospital/medical faciliƟes within 1 block of the 14th St. parking lot. Further, the area is vibrant with a mix of ages, which will promote social connecƟons for a group which is at risk of increased loneliness. Senior affordable housing is a much beƩer fit for the neighborhood than the current proposal and I hope that council members will listen to the concerns of neighborhood residents and support the switch. Thank you.

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1906 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 10:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: I oppose item 16J

EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I strongly oppose item 16J. After considering taking blankets away from unhoused people and denying them access to harm reduction programs, you now want to deny the ones who make it through rigorous processes from having access to housing. I am incredibly ashamed of my city council for this item.

The residents who have been complaining about this project seem to not even know that we already have permanent supportive housing in Santa Monica, because it is a non-issue. It is actually… a solution.

I urge you to oppose item 16J and to build more permanent supportive housing in our city. And unlike the people who claim to be supportive of it but oppose it when it’s close to them (yes, we call those NIMBYs), I’d happily welcome this on my own street. The more neighbors, and the more resources for people who need them the most, the better.

Please oppose item 16J and stop making it hard for people to have a home in our city, Caro Vilain, 90404
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1907 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 3 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 9:06 PM
To: Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16.J: Oppose Changes to Much Needed Supportive Housing

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a voter, resident, and parent, I oppose the efforts to undermine the well-planned, much needed supportive housing coordinated by the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation along Wilshire.

Living just blocks from the Euclid site, I would love to see any and all unhoused neighbors, not just seniors, able to move in. This will make our streets safer, not the other way around. Please stand up for not just compassion but the evidence that these units house our own residents and reduce crime—and the many, many neighbors of this city who want to help our neighbors, not expel them.

Sincerely,
Jacob Wasserman
11th Street and Washington Avenue
90403
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1908 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 4 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 8:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre Subject: 16J: Oppose eliminating supportive housing

EXTERNAL
Good evening,
Please oppose item 16J and move forward with housing people over cars.

This lazy proposal lacks any rationale or description of its intent. At the very least the council members need to come back with a real agenda item that the public can provide meaningful input on.

Thanks
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1909 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 5 David Yakobson
From: Tara Barauskas <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 8:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Comment on Item 16J (agenda for 8/27/24)

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,

As a developer and operator of affordable housing here in Santa Monica, I wanted to share our perspective regarding Item 16J. The properties on Euclid, 14th and 16th are city-owned sites that you wish to develop affordable housing on. It’s imperative that you work with HCHC, a strong and reputable nonprofit affordable housing developer, to ensure the feasibility of these developments. Changing the developments from PSH (permanent supportive housing) to affordable senior housing with no PSH will create several challenges – first off, there is a state of emergency of homelessness in the City and there is a long list of people on the homeless registry, so this would be counterintuitive to not include any PSH in the developments; this was also the original desire of the City. Second, eliminating all PSH will likely jeopardize financial feasibility if the City is requiring HCHC to use funding beyond City of Santa Monica Trust Fund, since all the other funding sources require PSH. It would likely be possible to build these developments without any PSH only if the City fully funds the gap. HCHC is a well-established organization that has been operating PSH, family and senior housing for many years and we hope you will work with them to ensure the feasibility of this much-needed development.

Tara

Tara Barauskas, LEED AP
Executive Director
Community Corporation of Santa Monica
We have moved! Our new address is:
1410 2nd Street, Suite 200
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-8487 ext. 133
[email protected]
www.communitycorp.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1910 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Dan Charn. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 3:11 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; David White; [email protected] Subject: CC MTG 8/27/24 ITEM 16 J SUPPORT -SENIOR UNITS

EXTERNAL
While everyone wants to see homeless people gone from the streets, they don't want them in their neighborhoods, especially the drug addicted and mentally ill. I feel the same, however, I have both in my market rate building. They inhabit market rate buildings all over every town. So, what is the main issue here?
By the time anyone qualifies for a unit they have been through a program, some for years..and are now able to be in a decent living situation. That said, as great as the need is, I would rather see these units go to seniors who are in real need, and have little time left.

Please give these units to seniors.

Danielle Charney
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1911 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 David Yakobson
From: Karen Peterson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 2:16 PM
To: Phil Brock; Lana Negrete; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; David White; David Martin; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems Subject: Item 6J

EXTERNAL
Dear esteemed Santa Monica leaders,
Please reconsider approving the development of a homeless support housing complex at 1217 Euclid Avenue.

This neighborhood is already overrun with mentally ill and addicted people. It's so bad, that I sometimes drive the one block to Vons at Wilshire & Euclid from my home at California & 12th because I so often feel unsafe in my own neighborhood. This site is also way too close to Lincoln Middle School--it's only a block away and many of the students walk this area going to/from school and visit the drug store, restaurants, and grocery within the blocks surrounding 1217 Euclid Avenue.

Thank you for considering the request of so many of us Santa Monica residents to reconsider approval of this project which will further destroy the quality of life of the neighborhood. And contribute to more people fleeing the area and taking their tax dollars with them.

Best,
Karen
Karen Peterson
917.553.7638
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1912 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: Mary Stewart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, August 26, 2024 12:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 16J I support

EXTERNAL
As a life long person from Santa Monica. Who grew up on 12 th street please remove the, “ permanent housing portion” of this new building that is going up. I am referring to item 16J. And please retain the public parking. Our young adults are struggling with anxiety and need to be more social. But you prevent them from going to see a friend if there is no place to park. Grandparents can’t see grand kids. I could never host a bible study at my apartment on a weekly basis because it’s already to hard to find a place to park.

I already don’t recognize this city please don’t add a 6th story building with very little parking. The people who live here now don’t deserve it.

Mary Stewart
Sent from my iPad
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1913 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 1 David Yakobson
From: yelena sonkin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2024 1:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item is 16 J

EXTERNAL
I strongly support Item 16 J on the agenda, to replace all proposed Permanent Supportive Homeless Housing with Senior Affordable Housing.

Our neighborhood is an ideal place for seniors to age in place close to markets, pharmacies, medical offices and other services.

This change would create a better fit for the families who will be new residents of the housing projects and all of us in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood. thank you
Yelena Sonkin 1519 Stanford st Santa Monica
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1914 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 2 David Yakobson
From: Peter DiChellis <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2024 9:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 16 J Senior Housing

EXTERNAL
I support the move to senior affordable housing. I believe public comment has already sounded, loud and clear.

Sincerely,
Peter DiChellis
Santa Monica
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1915 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing) 3 David Yakobson
From: Mid Wilshire Neighbors <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, August 23, 2024 5:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 16 J Comment HCHC

EXTERNAL
We are writing to express our strong support for revising the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation’s proposal for affordable housing developments on 14th Street, 16th Street, and Euclid.

Specifically, we advocate for replacing all Permanent Supportive Housing units with affordable senior housing.

Santa Monica is currently experiencing a critical shortage of affordable housing options for seniors, affecting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. Addressing this issue by prioritizing housing for seniors already living in Santa Monica is essential. The Mid-Wilshire neighbors believe that the focus should be on making housing accessible to seniors, not just those requiring supportive services. Therefore, we urge the council to remove the PSH component from HCHC’s proposal and replace the 40 proposed PSH units with 40 units dedicated to affordable senior housing.

Mid Wilshire Neighbors
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024
Item 16-J
August 27, 2024

16.J.a
Packet Pg. 1916 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6584 : Hollywood Community Housing)

Santa Monica City CouncilAugust 27, 2024

Santa Monica City Council
August 27, 2024