September 3, 2024
1685 Main Street, Room 209, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8201 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity between sites, which creates an extra barrier and can lead to clients falling out of the system of care, particularly for people experiencing homelessness. Co-locating crisis and SUD with other planned services will help clients step down from higher levels of care and remain engaged in the system. Given that the Armory site is still in the planning phase, there is an opportunity to build more stories and accommodate these additional services.
We acknowledge that funding challenges have led to the scaling down of the originally planned services for the Armory. While funding has always been and will continue to be a challenge, it should not be a reason to limit access to essential services, especially at such a critical time when the region’s needs far exceed the availability of services. The City of Santa Monica is a member of the Westside Cities Council of Governments (WSCCOG), and this regional group is committed to helping identify sources of funding to sustain these services. We cannot allow this opportunity to slip by because offering enhanced services at this site does not feel feasible at this moment.
We respectfully ask the County to continue exploring how to make the inclusion of behavioral health and crisis stabilization beds at the Armory a reality. This expansion will significantly benefit our communities and ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness receive the comprehensive care they need in one accessible location, creating better outcomes for the individuals served and the communities who are desperate to see things change.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
PHIL BROCK
Mayor
Cc: Members of the Santa Monica City Council
Amy Perkins, Senior Housing & Homelessness Deputy, Office of Sup. Lindsey Horvath Austin Cyr, Deputy Director of Community Affairs, Office of Sup. Lindsey Horvath Mike Aguilera-Gaudette, Legislative Affairs Deputy, Office of Sup. Lindsey Horvath
11.B.e
Packet Pg. 978 Attachment: Attachment E_ Sup Horvath-BHS WLA Armory (6705 : Behavioral Health Strategy) 1 David Yakobson
From: Kelly Delich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 6:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SM City Council Meeting (2/25/2025)-Written Comment, Agenda Item 11B
EXTERNAL
Hello,
Please find my written comment below, on behalf of Family Service of Santa Monica.
My name is Kelly Delich. I’m a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the Clinical Director at Family Service of Santa Monica, a division of Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services. Family Service has a longstanding presence in the city, spanning over 90 years providing a broad spectrum of mental health care services that include individual and family counseling and psychotherapy, reflecting parenting (RPP), early intervention, and training for graduate students.
Family Service has supported the community in times of tragedy and crisis, offering intervention services and crisis/grief counseling. While we serve more than 1200 Santa Monica community members across all demographics each year through school and community events, and direct service, the majority of our clients are children and adolescents. For more than a decade, we have partnered with the City of Santa Monica to provide accessible mental health services to SMMUSD students, community members, and families with young children through our Early Childhood Well-Being Project (ECWP). We currently have full-time staff providing mental health services on campus at SAMOHI, John Adams MS (JAMS), McKinley Elementary School, Edison Language Academy, and Will Rogers Learning Center.
We’ve noticed an increase in the acuity of mental health conditions and the rise in individuals self-medicating in response to the COVID pandemic and on-going instability in the socio-political climate. More specifically, there has been an increase in substance use among the youth population. According to a recent SMMUSD California Healthy Kids Survey, 47% of 11th graders and 26% of 9th graders endorsed using drugs or alcohol to “get high”; with 28% of 11th graders and14% of 9th graders reporting current alcohol or drug use. Almost 100 youth in Santa Monica have been identified as needing treatment for substance use disorders. However, while programming has been aimed at assessment and diagnosis of substance use disorders, there is a noticeable gap in the availability of specialized treatment services.
Family Service of Santa Monica is committed to helping children and families thrive. The funding expansion proposed by the city would allow Family Service the opportunity to fill this gap, providing quality assessment and diagnostic services, as well as specialized substance use disorder treatment that includes psychoeducation and substance use prevention interventions. It would enhance our existing services, allow us to meet an unmet need, and increase our ability to support the Santa Monica community.
Item 11-B
February 25, 2025
Item 11-B
February 25, 2025
11.B.f
Packet Pg. 979 Attachment: Written Comments (6705 : Behavioral Health Strategy) 2 Kelly Delich, LMFT
Clinical Director
Phone: (310) 451-9747
Fax: (310) 451-6106
Email: [email protected]
Family Service of Santa Monica-Vista Del Mar
1533 Euclid Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404
www.vistadelmar.org
Vista Del Mar is a proud recipient of Charity Navigator’s and GuideStar’s highest rating! IMPORTANT NOTICE: This message and any attachments are intended solely for the addressee(s) named above and may contain confidential and legally privileged information. Healthcare information contained in this transmission is protected from misuse and unauthorized disclosure by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. Any unauthorized use, disclosure or copying in any manner is strictly prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender and delete this message and any attachments from your system immediately. Thank you for your cooperation.
Item 11-B
February 25, 2025
Item 11-B
February 25, 2025
11.B.f
Packet Pg. 980 Attachment: Written Comments (6705 : Behavioral Health Strategy) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: February 25, 2025
Agenda Item: 16.A
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Recommendation to accept James Kennedy's resignation from the Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy.
Prepared By: David Yakobson, Staff Assistant III
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Resignation Email
16.A
Packet Pg. 981
From: Xavier Mota
To: David Yakobson
Subject: FW: Your Appointment to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission Date: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 12:07:56 PM
Attachments: image002.png
image003.png
From: Maria Dacanay-Wisner <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 3:22 PM
To: Xavier Mota <[email protected]>
Subject: FW: Your Appointment to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission From: Jim Kennedy
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 10:16 AM
To: Maria Dacanay-Wisner <[email protected]> Cc: Jim Kennedy <[email protected]>; Joshua Carvalho <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Your Appointment to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission
EXTERNAL
Oh okay. Thanks Maria. Sorry about the timing.
And I want to say thank-you Josh for working with me on this committee. I truly appreciate the benefits and marvels of the water projects we were working on together. I'll commit to being at the Pico-Kenter outfall debri collection project ribbon cutting :) Much obliged to both of you,
Jim
On Wed, Feb 12, 2025 at 9:15 AM Maria Dacanay-Wisner
<[email protected]> wrote:
Good morning Jim,
I just wanted to add that since you’re technically a PSROC member now, you no longer need to attend tonight’s Clean Beaches meeting. However, you are still welcome to attend as a public member.
16.A.a
Packet Pg. 982 Attachment: Resignation Email (6926 : Resignation: Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Ove - J. Kennedy (2 mins.)) Congratulations on your appointment,
Maria Dacanay-Wisner
Assistant City Clerk, MMC
(310) 458-8211
santamonica.gov
Apply to a Board or Commission!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Subscribe to City of Santa Monica Email Updates
From: Xavier Mota <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 9:09 AM
To: Jim Kennedy <[email protected]>
Cc: Lisa Parson <[email protected]>; Maria Dacanay-Wisner <[email protected]>; Joshua Carvalho
<[email protected]>; Esterlina Lugo <[email protected]>; David Yakobson <[email protected]>
Subject: Your Appointment to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission Importance: High
Hello James Kennedy,
Congratulations on your appointment to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission! The appointment was made last night by the City Council at its meeting for a partial term ending on June 30, 2027.
Since you are currently serving on the Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee, and per Resolution 11510, Section 3, “No person shall serve simultaneously on more than one Santa Monica City Council appointed board, commission, committee, or task force,..”, you will need to resign from the Committee if you wish to serve on the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission.
Thank you for your willingness to serve!
16.A.a
Packet Pg. 983 Attachment: Resignation Email (6926 : Resignation: Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Ove - J. Kennedy (2 mins.)) Xavier Mota
Staff Assistant III
(310) 458-8211
santamonica.gov
Apply to a Board or Commission!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Subscribe to City of Santa Monica Email Updates
16.A.a
Packet Pg. 984 Attachment: Resignation Email (6926 : Resignation: Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Ove - J. Kennedy (2 mins.)) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: February 25, 2025
Agenda Item: 16.B
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Recommendation to rescind the January 28, 2025, appointment of Dennis Puri to the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee; and, continue the appointment to a future meeting.
Prepared By: Xavier Mota, Staff Assistant III
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Letter from Appointee
16.B
Packet Pg. 985
Hi Dennis,
Thank you for letting us know.
Best,
From: Dennis Puri
Sent: Wednesday, February 12, 2025 6:36 PM
To: Xavier Mota <[email protected]>
Cc: Luis Hernandez <[email protected]>; Adriana Franco <[email protected]>; Esterlina Lugo <[email protected]>; David Yakobson <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: Your Appointment to the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee
EXTERNAL
Hi Xavier and Luis,
Unfortunately I need to withdraw my application for this role. Apologies but I am in the midst of starting a business so I have a lot less time than when I originally applied.
Best,
Dennis
On Wed, Jan 29, 2025 at 4:35 PM Xavier Mota <[email protected]> wrote:
Hello, Dennis Puri,
Congratulations on your appointment to the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee! The appointment was made by the City Council at its meeting held on January 28, for a partial term ending on June 30, 2025.
Attached please find the welcome letter and supplemental material. Two items are requested from you at this moment:
1. Please fill out your Form 700 electronically, instructions are in the welcome letter.
2. Please sign and return the attached »Memo.Regarding.Code.of.Ethics‹ acknowledging that you will complete future required trainings.
16.B.a
Packet Pg. 986 Attachment: Letter from Appointee (6932 : Rescind Appointment: TOTAC (2 mins)) The staff liaison to the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee, Luis Hernandez and Adriana Franco, are copied on this email and will contact you regarding upcoming meetings.
Thank you for your willingness to serve!
Xavier Mota
Staff Assistant III
(310) 458-8211
santamonica.gov
Apply to a Board or Commission!
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Subscribe to City of Santa Monica Email Updates
16.B.a
Packet Pg. 987 Attachment: Letter from Appointee (6932 : Rescind Appointment: TOTAC (2 mins)) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: February 25, 2025
Agenda Item: 16.C
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Request of Councilmembers Hall and Zernitskaya that in order to reaffirm our commitment to the protection of Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex persons, the Council direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution banning the use of City resources and personnel to aid the federal government or other states in blocking gender-affirming healthcare.
Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. 20250225 16 Item - Protecting Gender Affirming Healthcare in Santa Monica - Hall, Zernitskaya
B. Written Comments
16.C
Packet Pg. 988
Meeting: February 25, 2025
1 16 ITEM BY COUNCILMEMBERS DAN HALL AND NATALYA ZERNITSKAYA 2 Request of Councilmembers Hall and Zernitskaya that in order to reaffirm our 3 commitment to the protection of Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex 4 persons, the Council direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution banning the use 5 of City resources and personnel to aid the federal government or other states in 6 blocking gender-affirming healthcare.
7 On December 17, 2024, Council directed City Staff to re-examine City Resolution 8 11028 of February 28, 2017 which implemented significant protections for undocumented 9 residents in Santa Monica. That same meeting, Council reaffirmed our community’s 10 commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and reasserted that the 11 City would not enforce federal immigration laws, nor share information with federal 12 immigration authorities absent a judicial warrant. Additionally, Council designated all City 13 facilities and property as safe spaces that the City will not permit to be used to assist or 14 facilitate federal immigration enforcement.
15 Since the inauguration, the federal administration has issued several Executive 16 Orders, including Orders 14168 and 14187, that attack transgender, gender diverse, and 17 intersex (TGI) healthcare and gender-affirming care for both adults and minors. Gender18 affirming care, as defined by the World Health Organization, encompasses a range of 19 social, psychological, behavioral, and medical interventions “designed to support and 20 affirm an individual’s gender identity” when it conflicts with the gender they were assigned at birth.1 21 The interventions help transgender people align various aspects of their lives — 22 emotional, interpersonal, and biological — with their gender identity. As noted by the 23 American Psychiatric Association (APA), that identity can run anywhere along a continuum that includes man, woman, a combination of those, neither of those, and fluid.2 24 25 Interventions fall along a continuum as well, from counseling to changes in social 26 expression to medications (such as hormone therapy). For children in particular, the 27 timing of the interventions is based on several factors, including cognitive and physical 28 development as well as parental consent. Surgery, including to reduce a person’s Adam’s 29 Apple, or to align their chest or genitalia with their gender identity, is rarely provided to people under 18.3 30 “The goal is not treatment, but to listen to the child and build 31 understanding — to create an environment of safety in which emotions, questions, and 1https://www.who.int/standards/classifications/frequently-asked-questions/gender-incongruence-andtransgender-health-in-the-icd 2https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/diversity/education/transgender-and-gender-nonconformingpatients/terminology 3 https://www.aamc.org/news/what-gender-affirming-care-your-questions-answered
16.C.a
Packet Pg. 989 Attachment: 20250225 16 Item - Protecting Gender Affirming Healthcare in Santa Monica - Hall, Zernitskaya (6927 : Banning the blocking of 16 ITEM BY COUNCILMEMBERS HALL AND ZERNITSKAYA
Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare and Preventing City Resources from Assisting Federal Investigations into TGI Persons and Healthcare
32 concerns can be explored,” says a policy statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on gender-affirming care.4 33
34 In 2023, California implemented the “Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex 35 (TGI) Inclusive Care Act” which protects the right of Californians to access genderaffirming healthcare services. 36 5 While state law requires access to such healthcare, there 37 are increasing concerns among the LGBTQ+ community that, as seen with immigration 38 and reproductive health care, federal or other-than-California state investigations will be 39 launched against individuals seeking gender-affirming care, those aiding individuals 40 seeking such care, medical providers providing such care, and organizations that fund 41 such care, particularly those that cross state-lines to do so. 42 The City of Santa Monica has a long and proud history of promoting equitable 43 policies that protect our residents, whether over immigration status or for persons seeking 44 reproductive healthcare. The City does not allow law enforcement or City resources to 45 aid federal investigations on these matters. This is a conscious choice to build trust 46 between law enforcement and our immigrant community and medical professionals. With 47 the actions taken by this administration, it is clear we must establish similar protections 48 for transgender, gender diverse, and intersex persons, their loved ones, and healthcare 49 providers who seek or provide gender-affirming care at our hospitals and clinics in Santa 50 Monica.
51 In order to reaffirm our commitment to safety and access to gender-affirming care for all 52 transgender, gender diverse, and intersex persons,
53 WE THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE COUNCIL:
54 1. Direct the City Attorney to return to Council no later than March 25, 2025 with a 55 resolution that:
56 1.1. Prohibits the use of City monies, resources, and personnel to investigate, 57 question, detect, apprehend, detain, or register persons whose only 58 violation is or may be a violation of civil provisions of federal executive 59 orders or law related to seeking, receiving, aiding, providing, funding, or any 60 other relation to gender-affirming care in Santa Monica or elsewhere. 61 1.2. Prohibits the use of City resources in support of any federal program 62 requiring the unlawful or unconstitutional registration or detention of 63 individuals for seeking, receiving, aiding, providing, funding, or any other 64 relation to gender-affirming care in Santa Monica or elsewhere, or share 4https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/142/4/e20182162/37381/Ensuring-Comprehensive-Careand-Support-for 5 https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB923
16.C.a
Packet Pg. 990 Attachment: 20250225 16 Item - Protecting Gender Affirming Healthcare in Santa Monica - Hall, Zernitskaya (6927 : Banning the blocking of 16 ITEM BY COUNCILMEMBERS HALL AND ZERNITSKAYA
Protecting Access to Gender-Affirming Healthcare and Preventing City Resources from Assisting Federal Investigations into TGI Persons and Healthcare
65 any data that may have been collected or will be collected which contains 66 any of this information.
67 1.3. Prohibits the City and its staff, including law enforcement officials, within 68 their official capacity, from aiding in the creation of a registry or database 69 that is based on the acts of seeking, receiving, aiding, providing, funding, or 70 any other relation to gender-affirming care.
71 1.4. Prohibits the City and its staff from entering into any agreement that 72 obligates the City, including the Santa Monica Police Department, to 73 perform any law enforcement functions to investigate, question, detect, 74 apprehend, detain, or register persons whose only violation is or may be a 75 violation of the civil provisions of federal executive orders, federal law, or 76 other states’ (not California) laws or to require the registration or detention 77 of individuals on the basis of seeking, receiving, aiding, providing, funding, 78 or any other relation to gender-affirming care, or share any data that may 79 have been collected or will be collected which contains any of this 80 information.
81 2. Direct the City Manager to make any appropriate and necessary changes to 82 comply with the above direction and resulting resolution. 83 # # #
16.C.a
Packet Pg. 991 Attachment: 20250225 16 Item - Protecting Gender Affirming Healthcare in Santa Monica - Hall, Zernitskaya (6927 : Banning the blocking of 1 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Item 16C
EXTERNAL
Good morning council,
Please support item 16C. Santa Monica should not provide any support to the federal gov't and other states' attempt to block access to fundamental healthcare. Our city's commitment to the equity of all persons is critical to our own identity and success.
Thanks
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
16.C.b
Packet Pg. 992 Attachment: Written Comments (6927 : Banning the blocking of gender-affirming healthcare) 1 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 8:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Douglas Sloan; [email protected]; David White
Subject: ITEM 16- C. : OPPOSE IF NEED BE
EXTERNAL
C. Request of Councilmembers Hall and Zernitskaya that in order to reaffirm our commitment to the protection of Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex persons, the Council direct the City Attorney to draft a resolution banning the use of City resources and personnel to aid the federal government or other states in blocking gender-affirming healthcare.
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Staff Report Printouta. 20250225 16 Item - Protecting Gender Affirming Healthcare in Santa Monica - Hall, Zernitskaya
There are many children, seniors, single moms and working people that may be thrown under the bus by the feds over this.. How wrong to be on your personal soap boxes over this and to potentially jeopardize the health care of so many for a few. Even if you want to pay Judy Abdo Zbur and Horvath back for their help to get you elected.. time to grow up and represent the main residents ..not a few. If it is not used by the feds as a bargaining or threatening chip -fine but if so - please don't be ridiculous.
Danielle Charney
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
16.C.b
Packet Pg. 993 Attachment: Written Comments (6927 : Banning the blocking of gender-affirming healthcare) 2 David Yakobson
From: Sara Roos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 9:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT -- 20250225 16 Item - Protecting Gender Affirming Healthcare in Santa Monica - Hall, Zernitskaya
EXTERNAL
I would like to thank the Santa Monica City Council for their forward-looking protection of gender affirming care for its residents and the personnel engaged in their health care.
Please SUPPORT Item 16 on the agenda of 20250225
Thank you.
Yours,
Sara Roos
Mar Vista, LA 90066
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
16.C.b
Packet Pg. 994 Attachment: Written Comments (6927 : Banning the blocking of gender-affirming healthcare) 1 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 1:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: In Support: Item 16C
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
Thank you for standing up for our LGBT residents and stakeholders. I support your efforts in Item 16C.
Jacob Wasserman
11th and Washington
90403
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
Item 16-C
February 25, 2025
16.C.b
Packet Pg. 995 Attachment: Written Comments (6927 : Banning the blocking of gender-affirming healthcare) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: February 25, 2025
Agenda Item: 16.D
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Request of Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, and Zernitskaya that in order to promote free and fair elections, the Council direct Staff to return with options to raise the individual contribution limit during political campaigns.
Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. 20250225 16 Item - Raising Individual Contribution Limits In Order to Limit the Influence of Independent Expenditures - Hall, Raskin, Zernitskaya B. Written Comments
16.D
Packet Pg. 996
Meeting: February 25, 2025
1 16 ITEM BY COUNCILMEMBERS DAN HALL, ELLIS RASKIN, AND NATALYA 2 ZERNITSKAYA
3 Request of Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, and Zernitskaya that in order to promote 4 free and fair elections, the Council direct Staff to return with options to raise the 5 individual contribution limit during political campaigns. 6 The 2024 City Council election was the most expensive Council race in Santa 7 Monica’s history, with individual candidate fundraising dwarfed by independent 8 expenditures (IEs) at a rate of 3 to 1. Per the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United v. 9 Federal Election Commission, IEs, which are a type of political action committee, have 10 no limit on raising for political campaigns in support or against candidates. Meanwhile, 11 we handicap local candidates by limiting how much they can raise. In aggregate, during 12 the 2024 election cycle, Council candidates raised $430,098, where IEs raised $1.3M+. 13 In 2022, the Council raised the individual contribution limit from $370 to $410 to 14 address rising inflation. Meanwhile, the State has lifted Levine Act reporting and recusal 15 requirements from $250 to $500 through the passage of SB 1243, signed into law by 16 Governor Newsom on September 30, 2024. The City of West Hollywood sets an individual 17 contribution limit of $1000 (West Hollywood Municipal Code §2.76.030). The City of 18 Culver City set an individual contribution limit of $1000 in 2016 that is automatically 19 adjusted annually per the Consumer Price Index rounded to the nearest $10 (Culver City 20 Municipal Code §3.06.015); the 2024 election cycle had a limit of $1,120 and will be 21 adjusted again in February 2025 for the 2026 election cycle. The City of Beverly Hills has 22 a maximum of $125 for individual contributions, but if candidates accept voluntary 23 expenditure limits, may accept contributions up to $500 (Beverly Hills Municipal Code §1- 24 8-3).
25 In order to promote free and fair elections, limit IE influence, and encourage greater 26 participation and access to municipal elections,
27 WE THEREFORE MOVE THAT THE COUNCIL:
28 1. Direct the City Attorney to return to Council no later than April 8, 2025, with a staff 29 report and recommendations for options to raise the individual contribution limit of 30 varying amounts up to $1500, with information including:
31 1.1. An environmental scan of peer cities - by size, association, and influence - 32 in the Los Angeles Region and State of California regarding their 33 contribution limits.
34 1.2. At least one option including automatic adjustments each election cycle, to 35 be implemented at the beginning of odd years following an election year, 36 that reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index for the preceding 37 calendar year (January - December) for the Los Angeles-Riverside-Orange
16.D.a
Packet Pg. 997 Attachment: 20250225 16 Item - Raising Individual Contribution Limits In Order to Limit the Influence of Independent Expenditures - Hall, 16 ITEM BY COUNCILMEMBERS HALL, RASKIN, AND ZERNITSKAYA Raising Individual Contribution Limits for Political Campaigns
38 County CPI-U as published by the United States Department of Labor, 39 Bureau of Labor Statistics rounded to the nearest Ten Dollars ($10.00). 40 2. Direct the City Clerk to make any appropriate and necessary changes to comply 41 with the above direction.
42 # # #
16.D.a
Packet Pg. 998 Attachment: 20250225 16 Item - Raising Individual Contribution Limits In Order to Limit the Influence of Independent Expenditures - Hall, 1 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 11:27 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin
Subject: City Council 2/25 - Item 16D - More $$ in Politics - Oppose
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council -
Most of my friends and neighbors sadly aren't involved in City politics. Most don't have an extra $1.5 K to donate to candidates, maybe they have $50. The people who have an extra $1.5 K probably don't live in Santa Monica, but have business in Santa Monica. And having the "right" candidates in office will help them. You know, pay to play.
You have a chance to lead by demonstrating true liberal behavior - if access to politics is your goal.
Here are two options that could increase democracy:
1. Push for PUBLICLY FUNDED CAMPAIGNS, instead of running toward the money.
2. Vote to settle the CVRA lawsuit and move to DISTRICT ELECTIONS so voters would have more equitable access to candidates, instead of allowing more money to be concentrated to control at-large elections.
The only thing that shouldn't be done is what you are suggesting - increase money in politics.
I oppose your anti-democratic efforts.
Wendy Dembo
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 999 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) 2 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin
Subject: City Council 2/25 - Item 16D - More $$ in Politics - Oppose
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council -
Wow, you have outdone yourselves on this one. At a time when the oligarchy is taking control of our country, your solution is to put MORE money into politics? You have done no analysis to show this is needed, or would benefit democracy. Just because you increase the individual limit doesn't mean the dark money stops flowing.
You have a chance to lead by demonstrating true liberal behavior - if access to politics is really your goal.
Here are two options that actually increase democracy:
1. Push for PUBLICLY FUNDED CAMPAIGNS, instead of running toward the money.
2. Vote to settle the CVRA lawsuit and move to DISTRICT ELECTIONS so voters would have more equitable access to candidates, instead of allowing more money to be concentrated to control at-large elections.
Pretty much the only thing that shouldn't be done is what you are suggesting - increase money in politics.
I oppose your anti-democratic efforts.
Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 1000 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) 3 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support Item 16D
EXTERNAL
Council,
Please support item 16D to help balance the political playing field. As described in the agenda item, individual contributions no longer hold an equivalent amount of financial influence as independent expenditures. The people of Santa Monica should be driving local elections.
I don't think it's currently possible, but I'd also encourage any course of action that could limit those independent expenditures.
Thank you
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 1001 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) 1 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 6:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Douglas Sloan; [email protected]; David White
Subject: ITEM 16- D : OPPOSE
EXTERNAL
This ' sounds good' but I think it may be a mistake.
"Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin and Natalya Zerntiskaya claim the increase is intended to "encourage greater participation and access to municipal elections." Exactly who are you making it more "fair and free" for ..candidates whose reach have deeper pockets ?
I fail to see how this is fair in any way..It is supposed to offset the injustice of Citzen's United. and the PACS... but I think it will do the reverse. The PACS will just spend more and negate the
individual gross contributions as they always do.
Example: Todd Wexman ..who spent massive money spreading lies and fan hate for you to be elected. Yes you Dan, Ellis, Barry and Natalya..
https://www.streetsforall.org/blog/time-for-real-change-in-santamonica This will level nothing and involve no one more.
It is simply self-serving
Danielle Charney
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 1002 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) 1 David Yakobson
From: JenniferSmith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 9:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell
Subject: Subject: Objection to Agenda Item 16Da, Council meeting of Feb. 25, 2025
EXTERNAL
February 24, 2025
Subject: Objection to Agenda Item 16Da, Council meeting of Feb. 25, 2025 Dear Mayor Lana Negrete, Council members, Caroline Torosis, Jesse Zwick, Ellis Raskin, Dan Hall, Barry Snell, Natalya Zernitskaya
I write to formally express my grave concerns regarding Agenda Item 16Da, which seeks to raise individual contribution limits for political campaigns. I strongly urge Council Members Dan Hall, Ellis Raskin, and Natalya Zernitskaya to immediately recuse themselves from voting or endorsing any ordinance related to this matter due to their receipt of substantial campaign contributions from BIG DEVELOPER interests, and other special interest groups. Their involvement in this decisionmaking process constitutes a clear and irreconcilable conflict of interest.
The introduction of this motion not only creates the appearance of impropriety but exacerbates concerns regarding undue influence and corruption. It suggests an attempt to shield actions that would otherwise be deemed unethical, while misrepresenting the council's true interests to the citizens of Santa Monica. This raises significant ethical and legal issues, particularly given that the council members in question are financially beholden to large developers and special interest groups.
The receipt of political contributions from entities with direct financial stakes in city development projects, invites the inevitable perception if not the reality of a quid pro quo arrangement, undermining the integrity of the democratic process. Such actions call into question the ability of these council members to make impartial decisions that serve the best interests of the city and its residents. As a result, I implore these members to refrain from promoting or supporting any ordinances that could directly or indirectly benefit their financial backers.
A particularly concerning and recent example of such impropriety is Council Member Natalya Zernitskaya actions. During her 2024 campaign, Ms. Zernitskaya accepted a $400 contribution from The People Concern, a major stakeholder in city contracts. On December 17, 2024, she subsequently voted in favor of awarding a contract to the very same entity, clearly violating Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) Rule 84308, which prohibits "pay-to-play" practices. This violation has already been reported to both the Santa Monica City Attorney and the FPPC for investigation, but it raises serious questions about the council's ethical standing.
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 1003 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) 2 In light of these facts, I strongly urge the City Council to ensure that all members who have financial ties to developers or other special interests recuse themselves from any votes related to land use, development, or similar matters in Santa Monica. Failure to do so would represent a blatant disregard for ethical standards and invite not only an investigation but also a thorough audit of city expenditures to detect potential misuse of taxpayer funds and possible fraudulent activity.
Federal funding is contingent upon the proper use of tax payer dollars and transparency.
The seriousness of these concerns cannot be overstated. As stewards of the public trust, it is the responsibility of the City Council to act with the highest ethical standards and to ensure transparent governance. Any failure to do so will compel the taxpayers all available legal avenues to safeguard the interests of Santa Monica's residents and hold accountable those responsible for any misconduct.
This matter should be addressed with the urgency and seriousness it demands.
Sincerely,
Jen Smith
Mid City
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 1004 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) 3 David Yakobson
From: Ann Maggio <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 7:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; Douglas Sloan
Subject: Agenda Item 16.D for Feb. 25 2025
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
How many potential candidates have lots of friends with DEEP POCKETS? Does the average person have $1,500 to throw at an election?
Councilmembers Hall, Raskin and Zerntiskaya's suggestion to raise the minimum per campaign donor, from $410 to $1,500.
By their ACTION, each indicates their reelection campaigns game plan, which, should the majority agree, allows each of you to
reach out to far fewer people with much deeper pockets.
How undemocratic!
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 1005 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) 4 The correct thing to do is limit campaign
contributions to ZERO dollars and vote for
District Elections. Real and honest
representation involves District Voter
volunteers door knocking for their
candidates of choice. Free and Fair Elections
means cities encourage all candidates to
meet the public by stumping every District
block.
FREE and FAIR Elections for ALL!
Ann Maggio Thanawalla
"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." - Albert Einstein Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
Item 16-D
February 25, 2025
16.D.b
Packet Pg. 1006 Attachment: Written Comments (6928 : Raising Individual Contribution Limits) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: February 25, 2025
Agenda Item: 16.E
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Request of Councilmember Zwick, Hall, and Zernitskaya that, to align with the Westside Cities Council of Governments (WSCCOG) initiative to evaluate and design bus rapid transit (BRT) and related bus infrastructure on priority corridors in the subregion including Santa Monica Boulevard west of Beverly Hills and Caltrans’ efforts to implement bus lanes on Santa Monica Boulevard between Centinela Avenue and the 405, the City Council direct the City Manager to present transit priority measures and tradeoffs, including bus lanes, as part of the planned study session about the Santa Monica Boulevard Safety Study in summer 2025.
Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Written Comments
16.E
Packet Pg. 1007
1 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support 16E
EXTERNAL
Good morning,
I cannot express enough enthusiasm for Item 16E! Effectively connecting public transportation options to the surrounding area is critical to alleviating traffic, improving ridership, lowering emissions, and reducing traffic violence. Extending our neighbors' existing bus lanes is an absolute slam dunk for the entire region and the SM Blvd Safety Study is a perfect opportunity to implement it.
Keep it up!
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
16.E.a
Packet Pg. 1008 Attachment: Written Comments (6929 : Transit priority measures and tradeoffs to align with WSCCOG initiative) 1 David Yakobson
From: Caro Vilain <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 3:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I support item 16E
EXTERNAL
Dear council,
I strongly support item 16E.
Studying the implementation of bus lanes on Santa Monica Blvd seems like a no-brainer.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of arguments for it, in addition to the WSCCOG recent announcement:
- The average bus speed is low on there, despite the fact that it is used by major bus lines (BBB 1 and Metro 4). Line 1 is one of the busiest BBB lines.
- It’s incredibly wide for most of its length. There’s rarely congestion on most of it, so it makes it really easy for drivers to speed, drive mindlessly, and ignore pedestrians trying to cross on there to attend any of the businesses, restaurants, hospitals and other healthcare facilities,… which explains why it’s on our priority/high injury network. Bringing it down to 1 general traffic lane in each direction would help limit speeding and other forms of reckless driving. Yes, some drivers might feel inconvenienced at first, as they often do when road space is given back to other modes, but it’ll make them safer and give them more options than driving.
- While bus lanes would likely lead to “loss” of some parking on SM Blvd itself, quite a few of the residential perpendicular streets that intersect with it are insanely wide and could really use some angled parking. That would allow for more parking spots AND traffic calming all at once (people tend to really speed on these blocks, just because the width calls for it…). - With 2 major hospitals and multiple fire/ambulance stations nearby, it would make for a good place for emergency lanes, which is another use for bus lanes. - Once the D Line is extended to Westwood, we’ll need a good connection to it, and that opportunity seems to have been missed with the Wilshire safety study. But with the ridership on the BBB 1, it’s possible SM Blvd actually makes even more sense than Wilshire in some ways. We should also definitely have some good East-West bus lanes by the Olympics so we don’t look like fools. - As active mobility keeps growing in the city, the protected bike lanes on Broadway will be great, but too narrow for a wide variety of users to use them regularly. For instance, people riding e-bikes will quickly get tired of riding at 6mph behind newer riders on non-electric bikes, so they should have a safe alternative. Bus and bike lanes are a great opportunity for that, and the current headways would be appropriate for bus and bike lanes (longer than 4min).
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
16.E.a
Packet Pg. 1009 Attachment: Written Comments (6929 : Transit priority measures and tradeoffs to align with WSCCOG initiative) 2 - Speaking of headways, they’ll need to improve as new housing gets built, and efficient bus infrastructure allows for faster trips, leading to more frequent without the need for more buses or operators. Bus lanes are a cheap and efficient way to improve headways and reliability. And while frequency is essential, reliability is also huge for encouraging and maintaining transit ridership. - CalTrans will soon be implementing its bus lanes from Centinela to the 405, and LA’s mobility plan calls for bus lanes East of the 405. It’d be a shame if those disappeared once you arrive in Santa Monica.
Thank you for this item!
Caro Vilain, 90404
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
16.E.a
Packet Pg. 1010 Attachment: Written Comments (6929 : Transit priority measures and tradeoffs to align with WSCCOG initiative) 1 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, February 24, 2025 1:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; [email protected]
Subject: In Support: Item 16E
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a voter, resident, parent, driver, and transit rider (including on BBB Route 1 on Santa Monica Boulevard), I support improved bus infrastructure and bus rapid proposals across the City and on Santa Monica Boulevard in particular.
Jacob Wasserman
11th and Washington
90403
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
Item 16-E
February 25, 2025
16.E.a
Packet Pg. 1011 Attachment: Written Comments (6929 : Transit priority measures and tradeoffs to align with WSCCOG initiative) City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: February 25, 2025
Agenda Item: 16.F
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Request of Mayor Negrete and Councilmember Snell that the City Manager and City Attorney survey other cities and bring amendments to the Gift Resolution and Gratuity Ordinance to create exceptions for attending City of Santa Monica economic development and cultural events in which Councilmembers are expected to attend to represent the City.
Prepared By: Nikima Newsome, City Clerk
Approved Forwarded to Council
16.F
Packet Pg. 1012