City of Santa Monica
City Council Meeting
AGENDA
LANA NEGRETE
MAYOR
ELLIS RASKIN CAROLINE TOROSIS
COUNCILMEMBER MAYOR PRO TEM
DAN HALL BARRY SNELL
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
JESSE ZWICK NATALYA ZERNITSKAYA
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
DAVID WHITE
CITY MANAGER
DOUGLAS SLOAN
CITY ATTORNEY
NIKIMA NEWSOME
CITY CLERK
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR THAT PROMOTE CIVILITY AT ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS:
• Treat everyone courteously; • Embrace respectful disagreement and dissent as democratic rights, inherent components of an inclusive
public process, and tools for forging sound decisions
• Hate has no place in Santa Monica. The City opposes
abusive or threatening hate speech, intolerance, or
dehumanization, and supports basic civil respect and
human decency.
• Listen to others respectfully;
• Exercise self-control;
• Give open-minded consideration
to all viewpoints;
• Focus on the issues and avoid
personalizing debate;
Regular meetings are broadcast live on CityTV cable channel 16 and on the internet at santamonica.gov. Cable television re-broadcasts air on Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 AM. The agenda will air on CityTV on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and on Monday and Tuesday at 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 1/10/2025 2:02 PM Page 2
RULES OF ORDER FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS (Resolution No.11630(CCS))
WAYS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
If you are interested in providing public comment at a City Council meeting, there are several ways to participate:
(1) Written public comment. In lieu of oral public comment, the public is strongly encouraged to submit written public comment on agenda items via email to [email protected]. Written public comment submitted by 12:00 pm on the day of the meeting will be available for online viewing. Please note the agenda item number in the subject line of your written comments. (2) Oral public comment. Persons wishing to address the City Council regarding items on the agenda must be present and submit their name and address (optional) to the City Clerk before the public comment section is opened for that item or before the public hearing is opened where one is required by law. Register to speak at the Speaker Kiosk prior to the meeting. Remarks from the public are limited to a total of 6 minutes per City Council meeting, with a maximum of 2 minutes and a minimum of one minute per item. Except for the author of the request, public comment on 15-items are limited to 1 minute. Except on Public Input, speakers appearing at the meeting in person, may donate 2 minutes to another person present in-person at the meeting, who may speak for a total of 4 minutes on that item.
Both the donor of time and the designated speaker must register at the Speaker Kiosk in person together.
Oral public comment from any one individual is limited to a total of 6 minutes per City Council meeting, with a maximum of 2 minutes per agenda item; under some circumstances, Council may change the maximum to 1 minute per agenda item.
Levine Act Disclosure. Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution; the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made. Information regarding the Levine Act can be found here or you can contact the FPPC.
ORDER OF BUSINESS (may not be changed except by majority vote of the City Council.)
1. General Public Input
(members of the public may address the City Council
only on items not on the agenda, but within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the City).
2. Public Comment for Closed Session, Special
Agenda, and Consent Calendar Items Only
(Commendations and Proclamations presented).
3. Special Agenda Items (City Manager’s Report,
Presentations, etc.).
4. Closed Session.
5. Consent Calendar (All items considered in one
motion unless removed by a City Councilmember for
discussion. Public comment shall be heard prior
to City Council discussion).
6. Public Comment on remaining Agenda Items
7. Study Session.
8. Continued Items.
9. Administrative Proceedings.
10. Ordinances:
• 1
st Reading
• 2
nd Reading
11. Staff Administrative Item.
12. Public Hearings.
13. Reports of Boards and Commissions.
14. Resolutions.
15. Written Communications (other than
Reports of Commission and Officers).
16. Councilmember Discussion Items.
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 1/10/2025 2:02 PM Page 3
AGENDAS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
SPECIAL MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1685 MAIN STREET, ROOM 250,
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 2025
MEETING BEGINS AT 2:30 PM
HOW TO PROVIDE WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT:
Written public comment can be submitted via email to [email protected].
Written comments received prior to 12:00 pm on the day of the meeting will be available online. Please note the agenda item number in the subject line of your written comments.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
(This is a special City Council meeting. Public comment is restricted to only items listed on the agenda.)
City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) The City of Santa Monica is located on the land of Tovangaar. With great respect, the City acknowledges the Gabrieleño/Tongva as the First People of this ancestral and unceded territory of Kuruvungna, a village that we know as Santa Monica. We honor their elders, past and present, and the Gabrieleño descendants who are part of the Gabrieleño /Tongva tribes.
We recognize that these peoples are still here, and as settlers and kuyam (guests), we recognize our responsibility and obligation to care for their land in partnership with them.
The City of Santa Monica commits to work in partnership with the Gabrieleño/Tongva people to uplift their voices and visibility on their ancestral land.
1. PUBLIC INPUT
(Public comment is permitted only on items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City. State law prohibits the City Council from taking any action on items not listed on the agenda, including issues raised under this agenda item.) . Public input under this item will not be heard at this meeting. This is a special meeting and public input is limited to agenda items only.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 1/10/2025 2:02 PM Page 4
2. PUBLIC INPUT (AGENDA ITEMS UNDER CLOSED SESSION, SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS, CONSENT CALENDAR ONLY)
3. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS
No items
4. CLOSED SESSIONS
No items
5. CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items will be considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption.)
No items
6. PUBLIC INPUT ON REMAINING AGENDA ITEMS
7. STUDY SESSION
No items
8. CONTINUED ITEMS
No items
9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
No items
10. ORDINANCES
(Public comment is permitted on ordinances for introduction and first reading. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents.)
No items
11. STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
No items
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City of Santa Monica Generated: 1/10/2025 2:02 PM Page 5 No items
13. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
No items
14. RESOLUTIONS
14.A. Confirm and Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire - Order of attachments revised 01/10/2025
Recommended Action
Staff Recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt resolution ratifying Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire; and
2. Adopt a finding of no possible significant effect on the environment under CEQA Guidelines.
ADJOURNMENT
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at www.smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Members of the public unable to attend a meeting but wishing to comment on an item(s) listed on the agenda may submit written comments prior to the meeting by meeting by mailing them to: City Clerk, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or to [email protected]. Written comments received from the public by 12 PM on the day of the City Council meeting will be distributed to the City Council prior to the meeting and posted online. Members of the public who submit written public comment on an agenda item may be subject to the Levine Act which requires disclosure of campaign contributions of more than $500 to an officer of the City within the preceding 12 months.
City Hall and the Council Chambers are wheelchair accessible. If you require any special disability related accommodations to either attend or provide public testimony at a Council meeting (i.e. sign language interpreting, access to an amplified sound system, remote option, etc.), please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or TDD: (310) 917- 6626 or via email at [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Best efforts shall be made to accommodate requests received after the 72-hour deadline. In the case of special meetings, requests should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than noon the day of the special Council meeting.
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
Santa Monica Blue Bus Lines #1, #2, #3, #5, #9 and the EXPO Line serve City Hall.
Parking is available on Main Street, on Olympic Drive, and in the Civic Center Parking Structure (validation free).
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: January 10, 2025
Agenda Item: 14.A
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Douglas Sloan, City Attorney, City Attorney's Office Subject: Confirm and Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire Recommended Action
Staff Recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt resolution ratifying Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire; and
2. Adopt a finding of no possible significant effect on the environment under CEQA Guidelines.
Prepared By: Douglas Sloan, City Attorney
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Resolution for Ratification of Emergency Proclamation (Palisades Fire) 01.10.25 B. Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire
C. Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire
14.A
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1 City Council Meeting: January 10, 2025 Santa Monica, California RESOLUTION NUMBER _________ (CCS)
(City Council Series)
AN EMERGENCY RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 2.16 OF THE SANTA
MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE RATIFYING THE PROCLAMATION OF EXISTENCE OF
LOCAL EMERGENCY AND SUPPLEMENTAL PROCLAMATION THERETO
WHERAS, a life-threatening, destructive, widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather system commenced on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and is expected at least through Thursday, January 9, 2025, and possibly extending indefinitely, impacting the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the City of Santa Monica, County and City of Los Angeles, and threatening life and safety, public and private property and structures, and other critical infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service has advised that damaging N/NE gusts of 50- 80 mph, as well as isolated 80-100 mph in the mountains and foothills, are expected across most of Los Angeles metropolitan area; and
WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire ignited in Los Angeles County, burning over 20,000 acres to date; and
WHEREAS, high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions have increased the intensity and spread of the Palisades Fire, causing imminent threat to life with Red Flag warnings in effect in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and widespread dangerous windstorm conditions with damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph forecasted; and WHEREAS, the Palisades Fire and windstorm conditions threaten structures, homes, and critical infrastructure, including power lines and water tanks, and have
14.A.a
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Attachment: Resolution for Ratification of Emergency Proclamation (Palisades Fire) 01.10.25 (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency 2 prompted evacuation orders and warnings and impacted the access route to the Palisades Highlands community; and
WHEREAS, along with the windstorm, the Palisades Fire has already spread across more than 20,000 acres damaging or destroying structures and prompting evacuation orders and road closures and continue to threaten structures, homes and critical infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the National Weather Service issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag warning for 19 million people in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which means there is a high risk of extreme fire behavior and very rapid growth due to dangerously high winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation; and WHEREAS, this weather system has caused, or is substantially likely to cause, extreme conditions such as power outages, damage to power poles, fallen trees, and extreme fire behavior, impacting significant transportation arteries, requiring long-term repair and threatening the integrity of the critical infrastructure; and WHEREAS, based upon the above events, by reason of its magnitude, and the need to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and property of the City of Santa Monica, and aid in the assistance of those affected by the Palisades Fire there exists the potential that these events are likely to become beyond the control of the normal services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the regularly constituted branches and departments of the City Government, and that such emergency conditions require the mobilization of mutual aid resources and the ability to coordinate a multiagency response; and
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Attachment: Resolution for Ratification of Emergency Proclamation (Palisades Fire) 01.10.25 (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency 3 WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, as a result of the widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a Local Emergency in the County of Los Angeles; and
WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles declared the existence of a Local Emergency throughout the City of Los Angeles to take such steps that are necessary for the protection of life and property WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, the Governor of the State of California declared a state of emergency to make additional resources available; and WHEREAS, the City of Santa Monica (the “City”) has a population of over 90,000 residents, is a major tourist destination, has two major hospitals and an airport within its jurisdiction, is a significant destination for business travel, and is adjacent to and contiguous on three sides with the City of Los Angeles, resulting in high volumes of residents and visitors traveling within and across the City’s borders; and WHEREAS, on January 7, 2025, the City activated its Emergency Operations Center to support ongoing emergency actions in response to the spread of the Palisades Fire; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to continue to take bold and aggressive actions to protect the public health and safety during this local and state emergency; and WHEREAS, That the above described events are creating conditions of extreme peril and such conditions are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the City, requiring the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat; and
14.A.a
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Attachment: Resolution for Ratification of Emergency Proclamation (Palisades Fire) 01.10.25 (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency 4 WHEREAS, on January 8, 2025, the City Manager, in his role as the Director of Emergency Services, (“Executive Director of Emergency Services”) issued an Executive Order of the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Santa Monica Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency (“Executive Order”) (“Exhibit A”) declaring a local emergency pursuant to Chapter 2.16 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to ensure the availability an effective response to the Palisades Fire; and WHEREAS, pursuant to the Executive Order, the Executive Director of Emergency Services further: 1) relaxed permitting requirements for schools and child care and early education facilities that were displaced by the Palisades Fire; 2) suspended preferential parking rules and enforcement of Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 6.20, HomeSharing and Vacation Rentals, and 6.22, Residential Leasing Regulations for persons who provide alternative accommodations to persons displaced by the Palisades Fire; 3) triggered prohibitions on price-gouging under the Santa Monica Municipal Code and the California Penal Code; 4) prohibited landlords from evicting residential tenants based on the presence of unauthorized occupants or pets, if the occupant or pet has been displaced due to a Palisades Fire evacuation order or poor air quality conditions; 5) imposed a curfew in all areas subject to a mandatory evacuation order; 6) suspended all previouslyissued building permits for areas subject to mandatory evacuation orders and evacuation warnings; 7) triggered emergency procurement and expenditure provisions under Chapter 2.16; and 8) permits bed and breakfasts and hotels and motels to allow stays beyond 30 days; and
WHEREAS, on January 10, 2025, the City Manager, in his role as the Director of Emergency Services, issued a Revised Executive Order of the Director of Emergency
14.A.a
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Attachment: Resolution for Ratification of Emergency Proclamation (Palisades Fire) 01.10.25 (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency 5 Services of the City of Santa Monica Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency (“Revised Executive Order”) (“Exhibit B”) restating the declaration of local emergency, and 1) prohibiting landscaping activities in areas subject to a Mandatory Evacuation Order; and 2) making other minor amendments and clarifications; and WHEREAS the findings included in each Executive Order referenced herein are included herein as if stated in full; and
WHEREAS in the interest of public health and safety, as affected by the state, and local emergency caused by the Palisades Fire, it is necessary to exercise the City Council’s authority pursuant to Section 2.16.060 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to ratify the actions of the Executive Director of Emergency Services related to the protection of life and property.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DOES RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The Executive Order of the Director of Emergency Services Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency (“Executive Order”) (“Exhibit A”) is hereby ratified.
SECTION 2. The Revised Executive Order of the Director of Emergency Services Declaring the Existence of a Local Emergency (“Exhibit B”) is hereby ratified.
SECTION 3. It is hereby proclaimed that a local emergency now exists throughout the City. It is further proclaimed and ordered that during the existence of this local emergency the powers, functions, and duties of the Director of Emergency Services and the emergency organization of this City shall be those prescribed by State law and by the ordinances and resolutions of this City.
14.A.a
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Attachment: Resolution for Ratification of Emergency Proclamation (Palisades Fire) 01.10.25 (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency 6 SECTION 4. The City Council authorizes the City Manager, in his capacity as the Director of Emergency Services, to take all actions related to the protection of life and property that are reasonably necessary to respond to the local emergency caused by the Palisades Fire.
SECTION 5. The local emergency shall be deemed to continue and exist until its termination is proclaimed by the City Council. As required by law, the City Council shall review the need to continue the state of emergency every 60 days until this resolution is terminated.
SECTION 6. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase of this Resolution, the Executive Order, or the Revised Executive Order ratified herein is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Resolution the Executive Order, or the Revised Executive Order. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed this Resolution, the Executive Order, and the Revised Executive Order and each and every section, subsection, sentence, clause, or phrase not declared invalid or unconstitutional without regard to whether any portion of the ordinance would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 7. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution, and thenceforth and thereafter the same shall be in full force and effect.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_________________________
DOUGLAS SLOAN
City Attorney
14.A.a
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Attachment: Resolution for Ratification of Emergency Proclamation (Palisades Fire) 01.10.25 (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency 1 PROCLAMATION OF EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY
(by the Director of Emergency Services)
AN EXECUTIVE ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL
EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, Section 2.16.060 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code empowers the Director of Emergency Services to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency when the City of Santa Monica is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity and the City Council is not in session, subject to ratification by the City Council within seven days; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Santa Monica does hereby find:
That, a life-threatening, destructive, widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather system commenced on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and is expected at least through Thursday, January 9, 2025, and possibly extending indefinitely, impacting the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the City of Santa Monica, County and City of Los Angeles, and threatening life and safety, public and private property and structures, and other critical infrastructure; and
That the National Weather Service has advised that damaging N/NE gusts of 50- 80 mph, as well as isolated 80-100 mph in the mountains and foothills, are expected across most of Los Angeles metropolitan area; and
That on January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire ignited in Los Angeles County, burning over 15,800 acres as of the time this Proclamation is issued; and Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 2 That high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions have increased the intensity and spread of the Palisades Fire, causing imminent threat to life with Red Flag warnings in effect in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and widespread dangerous windstorm conditions with damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph forecasted; and That the Palisades Fire and windstorm conditions threaten structures, homes, and critical infrastructure, including power lines and water tanks, and have prompted evacuation orders and warnings and impacted the access route to the Palisades Highlands community; and
That, along with the windstorm, the Palisades Fire has already spread across 15,800 acres damaging or destroying structures and prompting evacuation orders and road closures and continue to threaten structures, homes and critical infrastructure; and That, the National Weather Service issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag warning for 19 million people in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which means there is a high risk of extreme fire behavior and very rapid growth due to dangerously high winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation; and That, this weather system has caused, or is substantially likely to cause, extreme conditions such as power outages, damage to power poles, fallen trees, and extreme fire behavior, impacting significant transportation arteries, requiring long-term repair and threatening the integrity of the critical infrastructure; and That, based upon the above events, by reason of its magnitude, and the need to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and property of the City of Santa Monica, and aid in the assistance of those affected by the Palisade there exists the potential that these events are likely to become beyond the control of the normal services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the regularly constituted branches and departments of the City Government, and that such emergency conditions require the mobilization of mutual aid resources and the ability to coordinate a multiagency response.
Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 3 That on January 7, 2025, as a result of the widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a Local Emergency in the County of Los Angeles; and
That, on January 7, 2025, the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles declared the existence of a Local Emergency throughout the City of Los Angeles to take such steps that are necessary for the protection of life and property That, on January 7, 2025, the Governor of the State of California declared a state of emergency to make additional resources available; and That the City of Santa Monica (the “City”) has a population of over 90,000 residents, is a major tourist destination, has two major hospitals and an airport within its jurisdiction, is a significant destination for business travel, and is adjacent to and contiguous on three sides with the City of Los Angeles, resulting in high volumes of residents and visitors traveling within and across the City’s borders; and That, in consultation with the Chief of Police, it has been determined that in light of the continued threat of theft and looting in areas subject to mandatory evacuation orders, the safety of the public, and public and private property, within the City of Santa Monica, requires the imposition of a curfew within evacuated areas of the City of Santa Monica; and
That California Government Code 8634 empowers the City to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property during a local emergency, including orders or regulations imposing a curfew within designated boundaries where necessary to preserve the public order and safety; and That, in the interest of public order and safety, as affected by this emergency, it is necessary to exercise my authority pursuant to Section 2.16.060 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to issue this order imposing a curfew related to the protection of life and property in certain areas of the City; and
Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613
14.A.b
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 4 That, on January 7, 2025, the City activated its Emergency Operations Center to support ongoing emergency actions in response to the spread of the Palisades Fire; and That the City intends to continue to take bold and aggressive actions to protect the public health and safety during this local and state emergency; and That the above described events are creating conditions of extreme peril and such conditions are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the City, requiring the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat; and
That the City Council of the City of Santa Monica is not in session and cannot immediately be called into session.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED and restated that a local emergency and now exists throughout the City;
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that during the existence of said local emergency, the powers, functions, and duties of the emergency organization of the City shall be as prescribed by federal and state law, and by City ordinances and resolutions of this City.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED THAT:
1. Schools, as that term is defined by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section
9.51.030(A)(11), and Child Care and Early Education Facilities, as that term is defined by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.51.030(A)(3) that were displaced by the Palisades Fire may operate within the City’s non-residential zones on a temporary basis without first obtaining a Conditional Use Permit.
2. Preferential parking rules are hereby suspended for residents that provide accommodations to persons displaced by the Palisades Fire.
3. Enforcement of the provisions of Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters
6.20, Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals, and 6.22, Residential Leasing Regulations, Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 5 as against persons who provide alternative accommodations within the City of Santa Monica to persons displaced by the Palisades Fire only, is suspended.
4. The prohibitions on price gouging for goods and services set forth in Penal Code Section 396 and Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.36.161, including but not limited consumer goods, emergency cleanup supplies, and repair and reconstruction services, and for housing costs, including hotel and motel rates and rental housing prices, are hereby triggered by this proclamation and shall remain in effect for the time periods set forth in Penal Code Section 396 and Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.36.161;
5. During the period of the local emergency, no landlord shall endeavor to evict a residential tenant, including serving a notice to terminate tenancy based on the presence of unauthorized occupants or pets, if the occupant or pet has been displaced due to a Palisades Fire evacuation order or warning or poor air quality conditions related to the Palisades Fire.
6. A curfew is hereby imposed in the City of Santa Monica in all areas subject to mandatory evacuation order. Pursuant to the curfew, no persons shall be upon the public streets, avenues, alleys, parks, ways, or any other public place or upon unimproved private real property in the specified areas of the City of Santa Monica between the hours between sunset and sunrise, for so long at the mandatory evacuation order is effective.
The City shall take all reasonable measures to provide notice to the public of the existence and terms of this curfew order.
a. The law enforcement personnel of this City along with other law enforcement authorities cooperating with the City are hereby authorized and charged to the extent provided by law with the responsibility of enforcing this curfew, and are further authorized to arrest any such person as does not obey this curfew after due notice, oral or written, has been given to that person.
Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 6 b. A violation of the curfew shall be punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to Section 2.16.100(2) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. c. The curfew shall also be enforceable through the issuance of administrative citations in accordance with Chapter 1.09 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. Pursuant to Section 1.09.040 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, the amount of the fine for a violation of the curfew shall be up to a maximum of $1,000 per violation. Administrative citation may be issued by and City Officer or employee granted authority to issue written notices to appear pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.36.090.
d. Law enforcement personnel, firefighting personnel, emergency health care providers, civilians engaged in police or emergency work, individuals traveling to and from work, individuals traveling to and from medical appointments or to seek medical care, and representatives of the media are exempt from this Order.
7. All previously-issued building permits for areas subject to mandatory Evacuation Orders or an Evacuation Warning are suspended. The time to complete work under such previously-issued building permits shall be tolled during the period of suspension under this paragraph.
a. Violations of this seventh paragraph shall be enforceable by the Santa Monica Police Department and any City Officer or employee granted authority to issue written notices to appear pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.36.090 as misdemeanors pursuant to Government Code Section 8665 and Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 2.16.100, or through the issuance of administrative citations in accordance with Chapter 1.09 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.
Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 7 b. Pursuant to Section 1.09.040 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, the amount of the fine for a violation of any provision of this seventh paragraph, the amount of the fine for a violation of the curfew shall be up to a maximum of $1,000 per violation. Violations of this provision may result in suspension or revocation of any building permit previously issued.
c. Each day or portion of a day that any person violates or continues to violate this seventh paragraph constitutes a separate violation and may be charged and punished separately.
8. In accordance with Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 2.24.240, Procurement for Emergency Needs, the City Manager, the Emergency Services Manager, the Purchasing Agent, or designees delegated in accordance with Section
2.24.240(b) may:
a. Shorten or waive all required notice periods and competitive solicitation procedures set forth in this Chapter;
b. Secure in the open market at the best reasonable price, contracts for public works projects, goods and services;
c. Negotiate or execute such contracts, agreements, applications or other documents with such other federal, state or local agencies or other groups and organizations as are necessary to provide or obtain emergency aid, assistance or services to the City of Santa Monica; and
d. Contract for the immediate expenditure of public funds to safeguard life, health or property.
9. In accordance with Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 2.16.090, any expenditures made in connection with the emergency activities under this Proclamation, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of the City of Santa Monica.
Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 8 10. Bed and Breakfasts, as that term is defined by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.51.030(B)(15)(a), and hotels and motels, as that term is defined by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.51.030(B)(15)(b), may allow hotel stays beyond 30 days.
ADOPTED this 8th day of January 2025.
ATTEST:
______________________ By: ______________________
NIKIMA NEWSOME
City Clerk
DAVID WHITE
City Manager
Director of Emergency Services
This proclamation has been issued in accordance with applicable law and is in effect and carries the force of law until January 15, 2025, on which date it expires unless confirmed and ratified by the City Council.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
DOUGLAS SLOAN
City Attorney
Docusign Envelope ID: C7EE10B6-C985-40EF-9AA7-0CFEEC710613 1/8/2025
1/8/2025
1/8/2025
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Attachment: Emergency Order - 2025 Palisades Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 1 REVISED PROCLAMATION OF EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY (by the Director of Emergency Services and ratified
by the City Council on January 10, 2025)
AN EXECUTIVE ORDER OF THE DIRECTOR OF EMERGENCY SERVICES
OF THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA DECLARING THE EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL
EMERGENCY
WHEREAS, Section 2.16.060 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code empowers the Director of Emergency Services to proclaim the existence or threatened existence of a local emergency when the City of Santa Monica is affected or likely to be affected by a public calamity and the City Council is not in session, subject to ratification by the City Council within seven days; and
WHEREAS, the Director of Emergency Services of the City of Santa Monica does hereby find:
That, a life-threatening, destructive, widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather system commenced on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, and is expected at least through Thursday, January 9, 2025, and possibly extending indefinitely, impacting the Los Angeles metropolitan area, including the City of Santa Monica, County and City of Los Angeles, and threatening life and safety, public and private property and structures, and other critical infrastructure; and
Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 2 That the National Weather Service has advised that damaging N/NE gusts of 50- 80 mph, as well as isolated 80-100 mph in the mountains and foothills, are expected across most of Los Angeles metropolitan area; and
That on January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire ignited in Los Angeles County, burning over 15,800 20,000 acres as of the time this Proclamation is issued; and That high winds, low humidity, and dry conditions have increased the intensity and spread of the Palisades Fire, causing imminent threat to life with Red Flag warnings in effect in Los Angeles and Ventura Counties and widespread dangerous windstorm conditions with damaging wind gusts of 50 to 80 mph forecasted; and That the Palisades Fire and windstorm conditions threaten structures, homes, and critical infrastructure, including power lines and water tanks, and have prompted evacuation orders and warnings and impacted the access route to the Palisades Highlands community; and
That, along with the windstorm, the Palisades Fire has already spread across 15,800 more than 20,000 acres damaging or destroying structures and prompting evacuation orders and road closures and continue to threaten structures, homes and critical infrastructure; and
That, the National Weather Service issued a rare Particularly Dangerous Situation (PDS) Red Flag warning for 19 million people in the Los Angeles metropolitan area, which means there is a high risk of extreme fire behavior and very rapid growth due to dangerously high winds, low humidity and extremely dry vegetation; and That, this weather system has caused, or is substantially likely to cause, extreme conditions such as power outages, damage to power poles, fallen trees, and extreme fire Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 3 behavior, impacting significant transportation arteries, requiring long-term repair and threatening the integrity of the critical infrastructure; and That, based upon the above events, by reason of its magnitude, and the need to protect the health, safety and welfare of the residents and property of the City of Santa Monica, and aid in the assistance of those affected by the Palisade there exists the potential that these events are likely to become beyond the control of the normal services, personnel, equipment and facilities of the regularly constituted branches and departments of the City Government, and that such emergency conditions require the mobilization of mutual aid resources and the ability to coordinate a multiagency response.
That on January 7, 2025, as a result of the widespread windstorm and extreme fire weather, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors proclaimed a Local Emergency in the County of Los Angeles; and
That, on January 7, 2025, the Mayor of the City of Los Angeles declared the existence of a Local Emergency throughout the City of Los Angeles to take such steps that are necessary for the protection of life and property That, on January 7, 2025, the Governor of the State of California declared a state of emergency to make additional resources available; and That the City of Santa Monica (the “City”) has a population of over 90,000 residents, is a major tourist destination, has two major hospitals and an airport within its jurisdiction, is a significant destination for business travel, and is adjacent to and contiguous on three sides with the City of Los Angeles, resulting in high volumes of residents and visitors traveling within and across the City’s borders; and Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 4 That, in consultation with the Chief of Police, it has been determined that in light of the continued threat of theft and looting in areas subject to mandatory evacuation orders, the safety of the public, and public and private property, within the City of Santa Monica, requires the imposition of a curfew within evacuated areas of the City of Santa Monica; and
That California Government Code 8634 empowers the City to promulgate orders and regulations necessary to provide for the protection of life and property during a local emergency, including orders or regulations imposing a curfew within designated boundaries where necessary to preserve the public order and safety; and That, in the interest of public order and safety, as affected by this emergency, it is necessary to exercise my authority pursuant to Section 2.16.060 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code to issue this order imposing a curfew related to the protection of life and property in certain areas of the City; and
That, on January 7, 2025, the City activated its Emergency Operations Center to support ongoing emergency actions in response to the spread of the Palisades Fire; and That the City intends to continue to take bold and aggressive actions to protect the public health and safety during this local and state emergency; and That the above described events are creating conditions of extreme peril and such conditions are likely to be beyond the control of the services, personnel, equipment, and facilities of the City, requiring the combined forces of other political subdivisions to combat; and
That the Palisades Fire has already displaced thousands of residents who are in need of temporary housing; and
Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 5 That the City’s regulations related to home-sharing and residential leases as set forth in Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 6.20 and 6.22, and prohibition against stays of longer than 30 days in bed and breakfasts and hotels may impede the ability of residents, landlords and local businesses to house those displaced by the Palisades Fire; and
That tenants who wish to accommodate persons displaced by the Palisades Fire on a temporary basis may be restricted from doing so by lease terms limiting the number of occupants or pets in a residential unit; and
That in areas subject to Mandatory Evacuation Orders and Evacuation Warnings, the risk of fires being started by construction, and in areas subject to Mandatory Evacuation Orders, the risk of fires being started by landscaping activity is unreasonably high and could stretch already limited resources beyond their capacity; and That the City Council of the City of Santa Monica is not in session and cannot immediately be called into session.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROCLAIMED and restated that a local emergency and now exists throughout the City;
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED that during the existence of said local emergency, the powers, functions, and duties of the emergency organization of the City shall be as prescribed by federal and state law, and by City ordinances and resolutions of this City.
IT IS FURTHER PROCLAIMED AND ORDERED THAT:
1. Schools, as that term is defined by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section
9.51.030(A)(11), and Child Care and Early Education Facilities, as that term is defined by Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 6 Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.51.030(A)(3) that were displaced by the Palisades Fire may operate within the City’s non-residential zones on a temporary basis without first obtaining a Conditional Use Permit.
2. Preferential parking rules are hereby suspended for residents that provide accommodations to persons displaced by the Palisades Fire.
3. Enforcement of the provisions of Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters
6.20, Home-Sharing and Vacation Rentals, and 6.22, Residential Leasing Regulations, as against persons who provide alternative accommodations within the City of Santa Monica to persons displaced by the Palisades Fire only, is suspended.
4. The prohibitions on price gouging for goods and services set forth in Penal Code Section 396 and Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.36.161 4.32.161, including but not limited consumer goods, emergency cleanup supplies, and repair and reconstruction services, and for housing costs, including hotel and motel rates and rental housing prices, are hereby triggered by this proclamation and shall remain in effect for the time periods set forth in Penal Code Section 396 and Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 4.36.161 4.32.161;
5. During the period of the local emergency, no landlord shall endeavor to evict a residential tenant, including but not limited to serving or filing a notice to terminate tenancy or unlawful detainer complaint, based on the presence of unauthorized occupants or pets, if the occupant or pet has been displaced due to a Palisades Fire evacuation order or warning or poor air quality conditions related to the Palisades Fire.
6. A curfew is hereby imposed in the City of Santa Monica in all areas subject to mandatory evacuation order. Pursuant to the curfew, no persons shall be upon the Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 7 public streets, avenues, alleys, parks, ways, or any other public place or upon unimproved private real property in the specified areas of the City of Santa Monica between the hours between sunset and sunrise, for so long at the mandatory evacuation order is effective.
The City shall take all reasonable measures to provide notice to the public of the existence and terms of this curfew order.
a. The law enforcement personnel of this City along with other law enforcement authorities cooperating with the City are hereby authorized and charged to the extent provided by law with the responsibility of enforcing this curfew, and are further authorized to arrest any such person as does not obey this curfew after due notice, oral or written, has been given to that person. b. A violation of the curfew shall be punishable as a misdemeanor pursuant to Section 2.16.100(2) of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. c. The curfew shall also be enforceable through the issuance of administrative citations in accordance with Chapter 1.09 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code. Pursuant to Section 1.09.040 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, the amount of the fine for a violation of the curfew shall be up to a maximum of $1,000 per violation. Administrative citation may be issued by and City Officer or employee granted authority to issue written notices to appear pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.36.090.
d. Law enforcement personnel, firefighting personnel, emergency health care providers, civilians engaged in police or emergency work, individuals traveling to and from work, individuals traveling to and from medical appointments Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 8 or to seek medical care, and representatives of the media are exempt from this Order.
7. To avoid sparks that could lead to additional sources of fires,: 1) All previously-issued building permits previously issued to persons other than the City are hereby suspended in for areas subject to mandatory Evacuation Orders or an Evacuation Warning are suspended.; and 2) all landscaping activities are hereby prohibited in areas subject to a Mandatory Evacuation Order. The time to complete work under such previously-issued building permits shall be tolled during the period of suspension under this paragraph.
a. Violations of this seventh paragraph shall be enforceable by the Santa Monica Police Department and any City Officer or employee granted authority to issue written notices to appear pursuant to Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.36.090 as misdemeanors pursuant to Government Code Section 8665 and Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 2.16.100, or through the issuance of administrative citations in accordance with Chapter 1.09 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code.
b. Pursuant to Section 1.09.040 of the Santa Monica Municipal Code, the amount of the fine for a violation of any provision of this seventh paragraph, the amount of the fine for a violation of the curfew shall be up to a maximum of $1,000 per violation. Violations of this provision may result in suspension or revocation of any building permit previously issued.
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 9 c. Each day or portion of a day that any person violates or continues to violate this seventh paragraph constitutes a separate violation and may be charged and punished separately.
8. In accordance with Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 2.24.240, Procurement for Emergency Needs, the City Manager, the Emergency Services Manager, the Purchasing Agent, or designees delegated in accordance with Section
2.24.240(b) may:
a. Shorten or waive all required notice periods and competitive solicitation procedures set forth in this Chapter;
b. Secure in the open market at the best reasonable price, contracts for public works projects, goods and services;
c. Negotiate or execute such contracts, agreements, applications or other documents with such other federal, state or local agencies or other groups and organizations as are necessary to provide or obtain emergency aid, assistance or services to the City of Santa Monica; and
d. Contract for the immediate expenditure of public funds to safeguard life, health or property.
9. In accordance with Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 2.16.090, any expenditures made in connection with the emergency activities under this Proclamation, including mutual aid activities, shall be deemed conclusively to be for the direct protection and benefit of the inhabitants and property of the City of Santa Monica.
Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire) 10 10. Bed and Breakfasts, as that term is defined by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.51.030(B)(15)(a), and hotels and motels, as that term is defined by Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.51.030(B)(15)(b), may allow hotel stays beyond 30 days.
ADOPTED this 10th day of January 2025.
ATTEST:
______________________ By: ______________________
NIKIMA NEWSOME
City Clerk
DAVID WHITE
City Manager
Director of Emergency Services
This proclamation has been issued in accordance with applicable law and is in effect and carries the force of law until January 15, 2025, on which date it expires unless confirmed and ratified by the City Council.
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
______________________
DOUGLAS SLOAN
City Attorney
Docusign Envelope ID: 165751DF-ADF6-4F19-B24D-EBE4FB727869 1/10/2025
1/10/2025
1/10/2025
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Attachment: Amended_Local_Emergency_2025_-_Palisades_Fire (6839 : Ratify Proclamation of Local Emergency Due to Palisades Fire)