Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, June 10, 2025

1 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 11:59 AM
To: Barry Snell; [email protected]; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Mtg. - 6/10/25 - Wilmont Board OPPOSES -- Request for Pilot Program Allowing Market-Rate Housing Projects.

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council Members,
The Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmot) Board of Directors opposes Item

12.C, which misuses the Council’s emergency powers in order to rush through a massive increase in residential density limits. The Council undoubtedly knows this will be unpopular with, and unwanted by, residents of this city, and by declaring a farcical “emergency,” the Council would knowingly and deliberately circumvent the normal process of public deliberation and review.

According to the proposed resolution, “the City is still evaluating all aspects of SB 1123,” and the Staff Report is based on staff’s preliminary understanding of the bill. And yet, through a proposed misuse of the Council’s emergency powers, facing the effective date for SB 1123 mere weeks away, the Council is presented with an emergency interim ordinance – no review, deliberation, or public vetting by the Planning Commission, and no guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) about adding ADUs to the ordinance.

In the nearly nine months since SB 1123 was signed into law, has the City sought technical assistance from HCD? In the nearly nine months since SB 1123 was signed into law, has the City assessed the impacts of adding ADUs to our city’s SB 1123 implementing ordinance, such as impacts to infrastructure, public services (including fire, police, and other emergency response), and environment? Why now, nearly nine months after SB 1123 was signed into law, would the Council bypass review by our city’s Planning Commission by fabricating an “emergency”? Does the Council view a thorough public vetting by the Planning Commission as an unnecessary inconvenience, not wanting to be bothered by views that are contrary to those of the developers that requested this Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance? How could you in good conscience possibly accept that “there exists a current and immediate threat to public health, safety, and welfare” that requires allowing developers to include ADUs in development projects that could already convert single-family lots into ten-unit subdivisions? The Council must reject this proposed misuse of its emergency powers, reject the reckless and unwarranted addition of ADUs, and instead consider an Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
2 SB 1123 implementing ordinance through the normal process of public deliberation and review. Failing to do this would destroy the Council’s credibility to challenge the misuse of emergency powers at another level of government, which the Council members should be very circumspect about doing at this particular moment in time.

Many Thanks,
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition
Board of Directors
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Edward Cronin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 12:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 12.C - City Council Meeting 6/10/25

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I would like to submit a public comment statement regarding the below agenda item:

12.C. Public Hearing and Adoption of an Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance to Permit the Establishment of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as Part of Projects Utilizing Senate Bill 1123 on Vacant Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential.

I would like to express my support for the adoption of ADU's in conjunction with SB1123. The addition of ADU's with the primary dwelling units provides the necessary flexibility to create more missing middle housing in the City of Santa Monica.

I would also urge City Council to consider removing objective zoning, subdivision and design standards to the ADU's as well, to be consistent with the intent of the state code 65852.28(b)(2):
65852.28(b)(2)
'a local agency shall not impose on a housing development an objective zoning/subdivision/design standard that does or is any of the following:' (c) - Requires a setback between the units, except as required in the California Building Code (Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations).

Specifically, City Council should consider the adjustments to the following objective design standards to ensure that a minimum of 1750sf of livable area per primary unit can actually be built, as well as the necessary flexibility to build ADU's:
 Removal of all setbacks from any newly created interior lot line.  Removal of all stepbacks to the primary units and ADU's  A reduction of the front setback requirement to a minimum of 15ft in single unit residential zones.
 An increase of one storey in height and an additional 11ft.  An increase in FAR to achieve a minimum of 1750sf of livable area per primary unit.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
4 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Edward Cronin, RA, ARBV, Architect
Founding Principal
e: [email protected]
p: 971 303 4641
OPEN Office
5880 Blackwelder St.

Culver City, CA 90232
openoffice.design
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 11:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Armine Chaparyan
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: FOSP: City Council 6/10/25 agenda item 12-C -- OPPOSE

EXTERNAL
June 9, 2027
To: Mayor Negrete and City Council Members
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 6/10/25 agenda item 12-C -- OPPOSE
The FOSP Board opposes Item 12-C, which misuses the Council’s emergency powers in order to rush through a massive increase in residential density limits. The Council, by declaring an “emergency,” is circumventing the normal process of public deliberation and review.

According to the proposed resolution, “the City is still evaluating all aspects of SB 1123,” and the Staff Report is based on staff’s preliminary understanding of SB 1123.

And yet, through a proposed misuse of the Council’s emergency authority, facing the effective date for SB 1123 mere weeks away, the Council is presented with an emergency interim ordinance – no review, deliberation, or public vetting by the Planning Commission, and no guidance from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) about adding ADUs to the ordinance.

In the nearly 9 months since SB 1123 was signed into law, has the City sought technical assistance from HCD? In the nearly 9 months since SB 1123 was signed into law, has the City assessed the impacts of adding ADUs to our city’s SB 1123 implementing ordinance, such as impacts to infrastructure and public services, including fire, police, and other emergency response? Why now, nearly 9 months after SB 1123 was signed into law, would the Council bypass review by our city’s Planning Commission by fabricating an “emergency”? Does the Council view a thorough public vetting by the Planning Commission as an unnecessary inconvenience, not wanting to be bothered by views that are contrary to those of the developers that requested this Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance?
How could you in good conscience accept that “there exists a current and immediate threat to public health, safety, and welfare” that requires allowing developers to include ADUs in development projects that could already convert single-family lots into ten-unit subdivisions? Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
2 The FOSP Board urges the Council to reject this proposed misuse of its emergency powers, reject the reckless and unwarranted addition of ADUs, and instead consider an SB 1123 implementing ordinance through the normal process of public deliberation and review. Failing to do this would destroy the Council’s credibility to challenge the misuse of emergency powers at another level of government, which the Council members should be very circumspect about doing at this particular moment in time.

Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Richard Milanesi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 11:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; [email protected]; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; Ellis Raskin
Subject: REJECT 12 C

EXTERNAL
To the Members of the City Council,
I respectfully urge you to reject Item 12C—the proposed emergency interim ordinance permitting ADUs on SB1123 projects.

A. There Is No Legitimate Emergency
SB1123 was signed into law in September 2024, with a delayed effective date of July 1, 2025— intentionally allowing local jurisdictions time to develop thoughtful, compliant ordinances. Rather than using this time to engage with SB1123’s potential for moderate-income housing, the Council instead focused on SB9—legislation unrelated to the kind of projects SB1123 was meant to support. A few prospective applicants and an approaching implementation date do not constitute an emergency. If urgency exists, it is a result of the Council’s own inaction, which does not satisfy the legal threshold for emergency legislation.

B. The Ordinance Appears Tailored to a Single Developer The only known parcel that would immediately benefit is a vacant lot on Stanford Street, reportedly owned by an out-of-state corporate developer with ties to Councilmembers Hall and Zwick. Crafting an emergency ordinance to benefit one private entity undermines public trust and sets a troubling precedent. Any project on that site should be evaluated through standard procedures, not expedited under questionable claims of emergency.

I urge you to reject—or at the very least, table—this ordinance. It is neither justified nor in the public interest.

Respectfully,
Richard Milanesi
Santa Monica

Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 11:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: June 10, 2025 City Council Item 12C - OPPOSE - Another Fake Emergency

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council members,
THERE IS NO EMERGENCY.

It is so disgusting that this City Council is claiming that we have an emergency in order to push this zoning change through. Really, an emergency? As a reminder, the President is citing an "emergency" to send federal agents into our town and we all understand that was manugactured. Yet you expect us to believe “there exists a current and immediate threat to public health, safety, and welfare” in Santa Monica? And you expect us to believe that "emergency" is solved by allowing developers to build more market-rate ADUs?
We have a state-approved Housing Element. We are not required to do more, certainly not without following our established public process.

You are already proposing to implement SB1123, the law passed by the State Legislature. We are not required to do more, certainly not without following our established public process.

THERE APPEARS TO BE ONLY ONE PARCEL ELIGIBLE FOR THIS SOLUTION.

It is is very disturbing that no data is presented by staff or council to show how this "solution" solves for the "emergency." Residents have only been able to identify ONE vacant R-1 lot. ONE. And that lot is suspiciously owned by a developer who has unsuccessfully tried to build on an R-1 lot and appears to be lobbying certain councilmembers and staff to make new law to benefit their desired projects.

And this "solution" of course takes years to permit and build, with absolutely no immediate impact on the claimed "emergency". This merits an investigation, not a concession.

I urge you to reject this "solution" to a manufactured "emergency". We have an established process for zoning changes and it should be followed. Vote NO on 12C.

Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Noma Boardmember <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:28 AM
To: Barry Snell; [email protected]; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Bruce Leddy; Nancy Coleman
Subject: 6-10-25 ITEM 12.C - OPPOSE

EXTERNAL
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

TO: Mayor Negrete and Council Members
RE: ITEM 12.C, June 10, 2025 – OPPOSE
The Board of NOMA opposes Item 12.C, which misuses the Council’s emergency powers in order to rush through a massive increase in residential density limits. The Council undoubtedly knows this will be unpopular with, and unwanted by, residents of this city, and by declaring a farcical “emergency,” the Council would knowingly and deliberately circumvent the normal process of public deliberation and review.

In the nearly nine months since SB 1123 was signed into law, has the City sought technical assistance from HCD? In the nearly nine months since SB 1123 was signed into law, has the City assessed the impacts of adding ADUs to our city’s SB 1123 implementing ordinance, such as impacts to infrastructure, public services (including fire, police, and other emergency response), and environment? Why now, nearly nine months after SB 1123 was signed into law, would the Council bypass review by our city’s Planning Commission by fabricating an “emergency”? Does the Council view a thorough public vetting by the Planning Commission as an unnecessary inconvenience, not wanting to be bothered by views that are contrary to those of the developers that requested this Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance? How could you in good conscience possibly accept that “there exists a current and immediate threat to public health, safety, and welfare” that requires allowing developers to include ADUs in development projects that could already convert single-family lots into ten-unit subdivisions? The Council must reject this proposed misuse of its emergency powers, reject the reckless and unwarranted addition of ADUs, and instead consider an SB 1123 implementing ordinance through the normal process of public deliberation and review. Failing to do this would destroy the Council’s credibility to challenge the misuse of emergency powers at another level of government, which the Council members should be very circumspect about doing at this particular moment in time.

The Board of NOMA
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
2 NOMA'S Next Meeting: Thur. Aug. 7th
at 7PM on ZOOM
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81526517066
smnoma.org
[email protected]
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 10:07 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

Housing costs are too high, and working families and essential workers are being pushed farther away because there aren’t enough homes that meet people’s needs. Right now, it’s too easy to tear down an old home and build a luxury mansion, but it’s not as easy to build modest starter homes that help families and workers stay rooted in our community.

SB 1123 is a chance to change that and create more affordable housing options in our single-family neighborhoods. I urge you to make sure Santa Monica’s implementation of SB 1123 is clear, transparent, and focused on unlocking the full potential of this new law.

Please also ensure that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed as part of these new housing opportunities, so that families, seniors, and caregivers have more options to stay in the communities they love.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
90404
Cynthia Rose
Sent from imobile device, please excuse random acts of autocorrect....

Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 9:53 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Mark Borenstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 9:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: You should reject Item 12C on the Agenda today Attachments: City council email.docx

EXTERNAL
Please provide my comments to the council members. Thank you very much.

Mark Borenstein
Sent from my iPad
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
To the Members of the City Council:

I urge you to reject Item 12C, on your Agenda for June 10, 2025, which concerns adoption of an emergency interim ordinance to allow ADUs on projects developed under SB1123.

A. THERE IS NO EMERGECY. SB 1193 was signed into law last September, but was not effective until July 1, 2025. There are both mandatory and discretionary provisions in the new law that requires thoughtful consideration by local jurisdictions, and the legislature wisely gave cities and counties 10 months to develop local ordinances to implement SB1123. Instead of focusing on SB1123 which actually has the potential for creating near moderate income housing, our council improperly and illegally tinkered for most of that 10 months with the local SB9 ordinance. SB9 was never designed for developer constructed multifamily moderate income projects.

The claim there are “numerous applicants” or just “several applicants” who allegedly want to build ADUs on SB1123 projects, even if true, does not create a emergency. Nor does the July 1, 2025 effective date for SB1123. The urgency, if there really is an urgency, is entirely caused by the inaction of the City Council. And that inaction does not create an emergency.

Even if there were inquiries about ADUs (and there is no evidence it is true), there is absolutely no need to adopt this ordinance on an emergency basis. Not only is the public peace, health and safety NOT impacted if this ADU law is not immediately passed, there is no emergency as a practical matter. After the City approves any tentative tract map under SB1123 to divide an R-1 lot into as many as 10 separate parcels, the developer must then have the tentative map approved by Los Angeles County, a process that could take up to a year. The City cannot issue any building permits until a final tract map is approved. The developer will have many months before it can submit the actual plans-whether the plans include an ADU or not, for building anything.

In addition, as noted below, there is only one vacant lot that may currently qualify for development under SB1123. Developers will first need to make an existing lot “vacant” by demolishing an existing single family home. That process also takes time, and certainly not something that justifies “emergency” action by the City Council.

B. There is No SB1123 Implementing Ordinance. The City has not started drafting an ordinance to implement SB1123. Like SB9, SB1123 is a new approach to building housing in R-1 zones. The City took more than a year to develop the SB9 ordinance Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
because there was many important policy issues to consider, which demanded an intensive public debate. Not only was there a detailed and lengthy staff report concerning the implications of different policy options, there was a public hearing before the Planning Commission, and there were several recommendations from the Commission which the Council considered, at another public hearing. There was meaningful public input. That could have happened with SB1123; the Legislature gave the City plenty of time.

That process should happen now. There are even more issues too consider under SB1123. This statute would benefit from careful and extensive consideration by City staff, the Planning Commission and, importantly, the public. Remember that the statute SB1123 amended was originally for projects in multifamily housing zones.

The addition of vacant lots in R-1 zones in SB1123 was a last minute add on.

SB1123 requires review to reconcile a multifamily statute grafted onto a single family lot.

In addition, SB1123 is designed to create very small parcels on which small homes can be constructed. An additional ADU would likely also be quite small. How to apply the City’s ADU ordinance, designed for larger lots, to the smaller parcels created by SB1123, is not obvious.

City Staff has not developed an SB1123 draft ordinance; it has not analyzed all of the impacts for our City that SB1123 could cause. This is especially important since any developer could buy a home in any R-1 zone and make that parcel “vacant” simply by demolishing the house. Instead of developing the primary SB1123 ordinance, the Staff suggests an emergency interim ordinance that is attached to nothing, without any meaningful evaluation by anyone and without an emergency.

C. The “Emergency” Is Designed to Impact Only One Vacant Lot. It is no less improper for the City to govern by “emergency” action, than it is for the White House to govern by executive order. That is especially true when the only vacant lot currently available for SB1123 subdivision in Santa Monica is a lot owned by an out of state corporate developer on Stanford Street. The apparent owners of the corporation are close friends with council member Dan Hall and worked closely with council member Jesse Zwick to increase the overall number of possible units on the parcel. The result of the “emergency” ordinance is to increase the value of this developer’s vacant R-1 lot. It is never responsible government to declare an “emergency” to help one company. That LLC may eventually create high end Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
housing of some sort on the vacant lot, which if done respectfully might even be supported by the neighborhood. But ramming an “emergency” ordinance down the throats of the voters never creates sensible housing policy.

The Council should reject this ill-concieved “emergency” ordinance.

Thank you for considering my comments.

Mark Borenstein
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
6 David Yakobson
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2025 8:52 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Jason
90403
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: kent Strumpell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 10:42 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

SB 1123 is a chance to change that and create more affordable housing options in our single-family neighborhoods.

I urge you to make sure Santa Monica’s implementation of SB 1123 is clear, transparent, and focused on unlocking the full potential of this new law.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Kent Strumpell
1211 Michigan Ave
Santa Monica 90404
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Barbara Filet <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 10:42 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

SB 1123 is a chance to change that and create more affordable housing options in our single-family neighborhoods.

I urge you to make sure Santa Monica’s implementation of SB 1123 is clear, transparent, and focused on unlocking the full potential of this new law.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Barbara FIlet
90404
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: T GROSSMAN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Lana Negrete
Subject: Re: Do not support 16.B

EXTERNAL
CORRECTION: this is. Re item 12 c
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 10:57 PM T GROSSMAN <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
I DO NOT support Santa Monica Forward’s call to pass Item 16.B. This item is poorly written and will NOT improve living conditions for our residents.

It is essential that feasibility analyses or additional justifications be required to use these flexible options. These kinds of studies are essential for rational planning that will incorporate our residents’ needs for environmental justice, adequate public utilities and sewer lines, open space, and locations suitable for groundwater permeability, the water source we will increasingly rely on in the future. Do not turn your back on the important information and analysis that feasibility studies give you, our city decision makers! While I support a family's decision to add an ADU on their lot according to their family needs, our city leaders must not ignore the value that green space found in SFR neighborhoods adds to our environmental needs. The yards found around SFR can provide green space that helps to cool off hot spots, hot spots being created by the use of cement and glass found in the dense housing now commonly found in our city, a city that is “park deprived” considering the growing number of housing units. Santa Monica is must be very thoughtful about allowing development that potentially destroys habitat for migrating birds and thoughtful about allowing buildings that do nothing to discourage bird strikes and heat islands. The drawbacks of particular developments must be carefully analyzed so the city can assist in mitigating harms to the environment, some of which could be permanent yet avoidable. Be smart. You can only pay attention if you receive the information
It is high time the city recognizes that cement is the third largest source of greenhouse gases in the world. Allowing building without carefully managing the development will contribute significantly to the GHG our City, County and State know is damaging to life on earth. Our city residents are expecting you to have integrity on environmental issues. Respect the positive contribution of green space, including that provided by SFR yards.

Please DO NOT pass Item 16.B as written and insist that careful analysis and feasibility studies be required before development is given the go light.

Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
2 Thank you.

Tina Grossman
Resident since 1979
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: T GROSSMAN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Automatic reply: Do not support 16.B

EXTERNAL
Correction : this is in reference to item 12C
On Mon, Jun 9, 2025 at 10:58 PM councilmtgitems <[email protected]> wrote:

Thank you for your email. Please be advised that this email will: 1) become part of the public record, 2) be filed with the City’s official records, and 3) be posted online at smgov.net/council/agendas. Comments will not be redacted and appear online as they are submitted.

If you plan to speak at the meeting and have an electronic presentation to show, please submit it to [email protected] no later than 12 PM on the day of the meeting.

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 $250 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.

Thank you,
The City Clerk’s Office
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Leonora <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 3:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your ZIP]
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Allon Percus <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:56 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Allon Percus
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Hank Koning <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:03 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Hank Koning
Santa Monica Resident
909 25th St.
90403
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Stu Selonick <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 11:01 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Stu Selonick
90405
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 10:44 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Council Mailbox
Subject: Item 12.C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
As a Santa Monica resident and voter, I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Jacob Wasserman
90403
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Joanne Leslie <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 9:49 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your ZIP]
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Eleanor Huntington <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 9, 2025 5:35 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Eleanor Huntington
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Alexander <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 9:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

Please also ensure that accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed as part of these new housing opportunities, so that families, younger adults, seniors and caregivers have more options to stay in the communities they love.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and our workforce as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank-you for your dedication and leadership.

Sincerely,
Tracey Alexander
90272
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Boris Suchkov <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 3:38 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Boris Suchkov
90405
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Homegrown Recording & Collective <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 1:01 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Danny Pravder
90043
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Phoebe Kiekhofer <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 11:41 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

SB 1123 is a chance to change that and create more affordable housing options in our single-family neighborhoods.

I urge you to make sure Santa Monica’s implementation of SB 1123 is clear, transparent, and focused on unlocking the full potential of this new law.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Phoebe Garfinkel
90402
Sent from my iPhone
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
6 David Yakobson
From: Andy Herman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 10:59 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Rev Fr James J. Andrew Herman
retired priest of St. Monica Catholic Church
90025 (mailing ZIP)
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
7 David Yakobson
From: Eli Gill <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 10:17 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Eli Gill
90403
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
8 David Yakobson
From: Brent Cohen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 10:04 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Oppose Item 12.C – SB 1123 Needs Thoughtful Implementation

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
As a longtime Santa Monica homeowner, I support SB 1123’s goal of allowing modest new housing on vacant lots in single-family zones. But I urge you to pause before expanding it further under Item 12.C.

Adding ADUs and JADUs into SB 1123 implementation without a clear framework risks confusion, overbuilding, and unintended impacts on infrastructure and neighborhood character.

Homeowners like me aren’t anti-housing. We want to be part of the solution—and we support smallscale infill when it’s done with transparency, good design, and proper planning.

Please don’t rush this. SB 1123 can be a helpful tool, but it needs a measured approach—not policy-byadvocacy letter. We need time to get this right.

Thank you,
- Brent Cohen (90405)
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310-613-0204 | [email protected]
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Santa Monica, CA
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Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
9 David Yakobson
From: Sam Shapiro-Kline <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, June 8, 2025 7:07 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; [email protected] Subject: Item 12C: Allow ADUs and Please Support an Effective Framework to Implement SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to adopt a strong and effective framework to implement SB 1123 in Santa Monica.

More homes of all shapes and sizes strengthen Santa Monica. Let’s make sure it’s just as easy to build starter homes for families and workers as it is to build luxury homes for a few.

Thank you for your leadership.

Sincerely,
Sam Shapiro-Kline
90403
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025
Item 12-C
June 10, 2025

Santa Monica City CouncilJune 10, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
June 10, 2025