1 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 5:00 PM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Cc: John Alle
Subject: The Santa Monica Coalition Is Hosting A Public Space on X Account Today Beginning at 5 PM
EXTERNAL
The Santa Monica Coalition is hosting a Public Space on X @TheSMCoalition accessible beginning today at 5 PM.
Engaged citizens must often travel at dusk then wait hours for the Council to hear certain items on the Agenda, most of which come after they leave and enter 'Closed Session' and enjoy a catered dinner for 1, or 2 + hours, forcing the public to wait, leave and return, or leave altogether.
As Elon Musk calls X the Public Square, it only seems right we make available a place for Public Comment through our Public Space on X . Residents and business owners will not be restricted to 1, 2 or even 3 or 4 minutes or more.
Here in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, and in cities across LA County, too many items are placed on the Agendas of City Councils. Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete, the City Council and City Council Presidents throughout LA have limited and reduced speaking time to dissuade or cut off participation and comment from the public. We’re big fans of Twitter/X and we hope to meet all of Santa Monica there to continue this conversation.
Santa Monica Coalition X
https://x.com/TheSMCoalition/status/1937656778415833264 X
https://x.com/John__Alle/status/1937656457962643907
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLTV236CC9a/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/vI3M-K5x7pw
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1 David Yakobson
From: Diana Hernandez
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 12:31 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Subject: Airport Commission Recommendations for a Preferred Scenario at the Santa Monica Airport Site
Attachments: 6-23-25 AC Approved Motion for CC.pdf
Importance: High
Good afternoon City Council,
On behalf of the Airport Commission, please find the attached unanimously passed motion from the June 23, 2025, Airport Commission meeting.
Regards,
Diana
Diana Hernandez
Airport Operations Administrator
OƯice (310) 458-8591
santamonica.gov
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1 To: Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, City Council Members, and Interim City Manager Elaine Polachek
From: Diane Reynolds, Chair, Santa Monica Airport Commission Date: June 24, 2025
Subject: Recommendations for a Preferred Scenario at the Santa Monica Airport Site On June 23, 2025, the Airport Commission unanimously passed (4-0, with one member absent) the following motion providing Recommendations for a Preferred Scenario at the Santa Monica Airport Site:
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
The planned closure of Santa Monica Airport presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reclaim nearly 200 acres of public land to meet long-standing needs for open space, climate resilience, biodiversity, and equitable access to nature and wellness.
Santa Monica and surrounding communities remain critically underserved in parkland, with just
1.4 acres per 1,000 residents (santamonica.gov - Open Space). More than 75% of Santa Monica residents live in multifamily housing without access to private yards (SCAG, 2021) .
As Santa Monica continues to densify, this singular opportunity to create urgently needed green and recreational space must remain our shared north star. There are more appropriate places across the city where additional housing can and should be developed – but there is only one place where a 192-acre park can be reclaimed for the benefit of all.
In alignment with Measure LC, broad community sentiment, and the public good, the Airport Commission respectfully recommends that the City Council direct staff to:
1. Create a preferred scenario exclusively featuring open space, parks, recreation, and arts/cultural uses, aligning clearly with Measure LC and recent community engagement data.
2. Ensure that all community engagement results from the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project – as well as the statistically valid 2025 RAD Survey – are transparently presented to City Council, commissions, and the public, with clear summaries of community priorities. Notably, the data reflects the community’s strong preference for an LCCompliant Great Park (no ballot measure, large-scale commercial development, or housing development).
3. Develop a realistic, phased timeline and financing plan utilizing existing site revenues and government funding sources to methodically and affordably build the Great Park over time.
4. Avoid any ballot measures regarding alternate land use (if ever) prior to the airport’s closure.
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2 5. Permanently protect public ownership by prohibiting the sale or privatization of any portion of the 192-acre site.
6. Reaffirm Measure LC as the City’s guiding framework for all SMAC Project planning and policy decisions, reinforcing the “airport-to-park” expectation voiced repeatedly by residents.
Thank you for your continued leadership and commitment to community-driven planning. The Airport Commission stands ready to support the City’s efforts to realize this generational opportunity: the creation of an inclusive, resilient, and inspiring Great Park.
Respectfully,
City of Santa Monica Airport Commission
Diane Reynolds, Chair
Andrew Wilder, Vice Chair
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1 David Yakobson
From: Noe Mendoza
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 11:09 AM
To: Council Mailbox; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: Clerk Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Micah Akerson; Elaine Polachek Subject: Recreation and Parks Commission Letter Re: Phase 3A Layers Survey Results & the 3 Scenarios
Attachments: SMAC Preferred Scenario Letter.pdf; 2025 Santa Monica Parks (061125).pptx Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
Hello,
I hope you have all had a great weekend!
I have attached to this email a letter written by the Recreation and Parks Commission in regard to the Phase 3A Layers Survey Results & the 3 Scenarios.
I have also attached a Power Point presentation of the Needs Assessment survey that was presented to our Commission. I was able to record the presentation in which the consultants were able to better explain their findings: RPC Special Meeting Presentation Link-20250613_021500-Meeting Recording.mp4
Thank you.
Noe Mendoza
Staff Assistant III
santamonica.gov
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1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity June 16, 2025
Re: The Airport Conversion Planning Process - Phase 3A Layers Survey Results & the 3 Scenarios Dear Mayor Negrete and Esteemed Councilmembers,
The Recreation & Parks Commissioners voted at our Thursday, June 12th, meeting to write this letter to you regarding the SMAC Project community engagement process to date and the 3 Scenarios that City Staff debuted on May 17th.
We respectfully request --
1. The creation of an LC-compliant Great Park, meaning selection of a preferred scenario composed only of open space, parks and recreation, and continued arts/cultural uses (as Measure LC voters affirmed).
2. Presentation of all the survey and community engagement results that endorse such a Great Park fully and clearly to Council, boards & commissions, and the public. The overwhelming majority of the community engagement data favors an LC-compliant (i.e., no ballot measure, no large-scale commercial development, no housing development) Great Park.
3. A realistic development timeline and financing plan that starts with existing on-site revenue sources and other government funding sources for water and other environmental projects that allow for the phased, step-by-step building of the park.
4. Avoidance of any ballot measure on alternate land use of the site (if ever) until after the airport closes.
5. No sale or other privatization of any of the 192 acres of this public land, ever.
6. Reaffirmation and recognition by Council of the community's understanding of Measure LC (airport-to-park) as the continued guiding assumption and frame of reference for all SMAC Project planning going forward.
(cont.)
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1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity We call your attention to the Recreation and Arts Department's (RAD) Arts & Parks Priorities Community Interest and Opinion Survey Findings presented to our Commission on June 12th, copy attached. The RAD Survey is a statistically-valid confirmation of our community's strong support for the creation of more (in order of community prioritization) –
• Walking trails/loops
• Community parks
• Large regional parks
• Neighborhood parks
• A swim/aquatics facility
• Pocket parks
• Community gardens
We thank Council for supporting and City Staff for executing a broad-based and inclusive community engagement process for the SMAC Project that is in keeping with our City's long, strong history of robust community engagement.
We are grateful for the opportunity afforded our Commission to work side-by-side with Staff, the community, and Council to achieve this Great Park!
Sincerely,
City of Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission
Steven Johnson, Chair
Maryanne LaGuardia, Vice Chair
Lori Brown
John Cyrus Smith
Ann K. Bowman
Barry Rosenbaum
Karen Melick
CC: Elaine Polachek, plus Boards and Commissions
ATTACHMENT: Community Interest and Opinion Survey Findings Item 1
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City of Santa Monica
Community Interest and
Opinion Survey Findings
BY ETC INSTITUTE
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For more than 35 years, our mission has
been to help municipal governments
gather and use survey data to enhance
organizational performance.
ETC Institute is a National Leader
in Market Research for Local
Governmental Organizations
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Purpose
To gather objective feedback from residents to help determine arts, parks, and recreation priorities for the community To assist in taking a resident-driven approach to decision making To develop priorities for investment based on our Priority Investment Ratings Analysis
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Methodology
Survey Description
• Six-page survey
Method of Administration
• By mail and online to a random sample of households in the City Sample Size
• 418 completed surveys
Margin of Error
• +/- 4.7% at the 95% level of confidence
Sampling
• In addition to the random sample, 203 respondents complete the survey as part of a non-random sample of results
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Location of
Survey
Respondents
The map shows the approximate
location of each respondent to the
survey
Home addresses are located to the
nearest block level latitude and
longitude coordinates to ensure that
responses remain anonymous while
not loosing out on the geographic
information associated with
responses.
2025 City of Santa Monica Community Interest
and Opinion Survey Respondents
(boundaries are by Census Block Group)
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Household Composition: Good Representation
2025 City of Santa Monica Survey Demographics
(based on U.S. Census Estimate: https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP1Y2023.DP05?q=Santa+Monica+city,+California) Q1. Including yourself, how many people in your household are... Survey Census Under age 5 5.4% 3.5%
Ages 5-9 5.1% 2.7%
Ages 10-14 4.5% 4.5%
Ages 15-19 5.0% 3.1%
Ages 20-24 4.5% 2.8%
Ages 25-34 15.8% 19.8%
Ages 35-44 13.5% 15.2%
Ages 45-54 14.9% 12.0%
Ages 55-64 14.6% 14.0%
Ages 65-74 11.1% 11.7%
Ages 75-84 4.8% 7.0%
Ages 85+ 0.7% 3.7%
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Race/Ethnicity and Gender: Good Representation
2025 City of Santa Monica Survey Demographics
(based on U.S. Census Estimate: https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP1Y2023.DP05?q=Santa+Monica+city,+California) Q23. Your race Survey Census
White 69.9% 64.7%
Hispanic, Latino/a, or Spanish 16.7% 13.1%
Asian or Asian American 10.4% 12.2%
Black or African American 5.0% 3.9%
American Indian or Alaska Native 0.7% 0.5%
Native Hawai'ian or other Pacific Islander 0.2% 0.0%
Something else 2.0% - Multiple options could be selected, totals will not add up to 100% Q24. Your gender identity Survey Census
Man 47.4% 46.6%
Woman 50.0% 53.4%
Non-binary 1.0% -
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Income: Good Representation
2025 City of Santa Monica Survey Demographics
(based on U.S. Census Estimate: https://data.census.gov/table/ACSDP1Y2023.DP05?q=Santa+Monica+city,+California) Q28. Your total annual household income Survey Census
Under $40K 12.40%
Median: $109,739
$40K to $69,999 13.30%
$70K to $99,999 14.20%
$100K to $129,999 13.90%
$130K to $149,000 12.10%
$150K to $199,999 10.30%
$200K to $249,999 12.10%
Census estimates provide a median income, and the goal is to ensure representation at all levels of income Item 1
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What to Know
96% of respondents visit a parks, arts, or recreation facility in a typical year
Nationally, 81% of respondents visit parks or facilities 49% of respondents participate in a City program/event in a typical year
Nationally, 36% of respondents participate in programs Most respondents (51%) get information from friends and neighbors, but emails, flyers, websites, and Instagram are most preferred
Overall system usage is among the highest ETC Institute has ever seen in over 40 years of conducting surveys Item 1
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Top Priorities Based on PIR Analysis
FACILITIES & AMENITIES
1. Walking trails/loops
2. Community parks
3. Large regional parks
4. Neighborhood parks
5. Swim/aquatics facility
6. Pocket parks
7. Community gardens
PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES
1. Arts and Culture Events
2. City Sponsored Events
3. Beach House Events
These items were determined to the high priorities based on the Priority Investment Ratings Analysis
ARTS & CULTURE
1. Art in public places
2. Theater programs and events
3. Art gallery spaces
4. Adult Fine Arts/Visual Arts
5. Youth and adult arts and enrichment
camps/classes
6. Art studios
7. Adult Performing Arts
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Usage and
Ratings of the System
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Ratings based on 96% of respondents who indicated they have used amenities and facilities offered by the City Item 1
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Based only on 16 responses (4% of respondents have not visited) – 10 selected the “do not feel safe” item Item 1
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49% of respondents have participated
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This is based on 213 responses (51% who did not participate) Item 1
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2025 Importance-Satisfaction Rating
City of Santa Monica
Parks, arts and recreation services
Category of Service
Most
Important %
Most
Important
Rank
Satisfaction
%
Satisfaction
Rank
ImportanceSatisfaction
Rating
I-S Rating
Rank
Overall feeling of safety at parks, recreation and arts facilities 51.50% 1 35.10% 15 0.3342 1 Number of walking/biking trails 46.40% 4 37.60% 12 0.2895 2 Overall maintenance and upkeep of Santa Monica parks, recreation, arts, and culture amenities and facilities 49.30% 2 52.80% 2 0.2327 3
Number of City parks 48.80% 3 56.10% 1 0.2142 4
Number of leisure recreation areas 22.30% 5 41.70% 6 0.1300 5 Number of City playgrounds 17.50% 6 41.40% 7 0.1026 6
Availability of field space (rectangular sports fields - rec. and competitive) 13.40% 9 30.20% 18 0.0935 7 Number of active recreation areas 15.50% 7 40.50% 8 0.0922 8 Number of recreation facilities 13.50% 8 38.90% 10 0.0825 9 Quality of adult programs 11.50% 10 36.50% 13 0.0730 10 Community spaces for gatherings, recreation, and performances 11.20% 11 35.80% 14 0.0719 11 Number of Arts and Cultural facilities 8.60% 13 30.60% 17 0.0597 12 Quality of youth programs 10.30% 12 46.00% 4 0.0556 13
Opportunities to participate in Arts Programming 7.40% 15 32.30% 16 0.0501 14 Number of professional performances and art exhibitions 6.40% 16 29.40% 19 0.0452 15 Quality of special events 7.90% 14 43.40% 5 0.0447 16
Ease of registering for programs 6.30% 17 40.00% 9 0.0378 17 Rehearsal spaces for artists and arts organizations 3.60% 19 18.20% 20 0.0294 18 Number of special events 4.60% 18 37.70% 11 0.0287 19
Customer assistance by Recreation staff 2.90% 20 51.40% 3 0.0141 20 Item 1
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Amenity Priorities
UNMET NEEDS AND PRIORITIES FOR AMENITIES
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First, we determine the overall need for the amenities listed Item 1
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Those respondents who have a need are asked to indicate how well their needs are currently being met Item 1
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The final piece of the Priority Investment Ratings is the important of the amenities to households Item 1
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Top Priorities
(high importance/higher unmet need)
Continued
Emphasis
(high importance/lower unmet need)
Lower Need
(lower importance/lower unmet need)
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Program Priorities
UNMET NEEDS AND PRIORITIES FOR PROGRAMS
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First, we determine the overall need for the programs listed Item 1
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Those respondents who have a need are asked to indicate how well their needs are currently being met Item 1
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The final piece of the Priority Investment Ratings is the important of the programs to households Item 1
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Top Priorities
(high importance/higher unmet need)
Continued
Emphasis
(high importance/lower unmet need)
Lower Need
(lower importance/lower unmet need)
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Art and Culture
Priorities
UNMET NEEDS AND PRIORITIES FOR ART AND CULTURE
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First, we determine the overall need for the programs listed Item 1
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Those respondents who have a need are asked to indicate how well their needs are currently being met Item 1
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The final piece of the Priority Investment Ratings is the important of the programs to households Item 1
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Top Priorities
(high importance/higher unmet need)
Continued
Emphasis
(high importance/lower unmet need)
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Communication
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The most preferred sources are highlighted with arrows (only 11% selected Friends & Neighbors) Item 1
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Funding and Support
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The items that received high levels of “support” are highlighted 93%
77%
79%
78%
77%
80%
Existing
New
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Questions?
THANK YOU
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1 David Yakobson
From: Arian Motavasseli <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, June 24, 2025 6:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Urgent Action Needed on Public Safety and Homelessness in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
I am a lifelong resident of Santa Monica, and I write to you today out of deep concern for the state of our city. Over the past decade—particularly since the E Line was extended to Santa Monica—we have witnessed a steady decline in public safety and overall quality of life.
What was once a safe, vibrant community has become a place where residents are increasingly fearful to walk down the street. It’s now common to encounter individuals suffering from severe mental illness or substance abuse on nearly every block of our major thoroughfares. Wilshire Boulevard, especially between Euclid and 4th, has become a particularly troubling area.
This is not a fringe issue. It affects all of us, every day. My wife and I no longer feel safe in our own neighborhood, and many of our neighbors share this sentiment. It’s hard to reconcile the high cost of living in Santa Monica with the reality we now face.
While I understand that compassion has a role to play in addressing homelessness and mental illness, we also need a strategy that prioritizes public safety, accountability, and results. We need firm, decisive action—not just empathy. This issue should be at the very top of your agenda. Frankly, it should be our city’s top priority.
We urge you to act with urgency. Residents are frustrated, and our patience is wearing thin. Santa Monica is on the brink of losing what has always made it special. It’s time to restore safety, dignity, and order to our streets.
Sincerely,
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From: Mary Anne Roberto <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 8:19 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; City of Santa Monica Cc: Mary Anne Roberto; Debbie Axel
Subject: Proclamation Request - Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day Attachments: Sandwich_Generation_Proclamation_With_Logo.docx; TMC- Sandwich Generation Proclamation Supporting Statement.docx; TMC - LETTER OF SUPPORT (S. Aung Lofaro).docx; TMC - LETTER OF SUPPORT (Michael Williams).docx; TMC - LETTER OF SUPPORT (Bob Feller).docx; TMC - LETTER OF SUPPORT (Jamie Allee).docx
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Esteemed Members of the Santa Monica City Council, On behalf of The Memory Connection, a Santa Monica-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, I am honored to submit a formal request for the City of Santa Monica to proclaim September 25 as Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day.
This proposed observance is intended to recognize the growing number of individuals in our community who are simultaneously caring for aging parents or grandparents while raising children or supporting younger family members. These sandwich generation caregivers often juggle full-time jobs, complex family responsibilities, and significant emotional and financial strain—quietly providing the essential care that helps hold our city together.
In the wake of recent fires and ongoing displacement across California, our Santa Monica community has grown—and with it, the number of residents now serving in caregiving roles across multiple generations. Many have welcomed loved ones into their homes or assumed new responsibilities for family members affected by trauma, relocation, or health crises. These evolving dynamics make this recognition not only timely, but essential.
To support our request, we have included:
A supporting statement outlining the background and goals of the proposed proclamation; Letters of support from local residents and caregivers who share their real-world experiences; Additional documentation illustrating the vital importance of acknowledging this caregiving population.
We believe that establishing Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day would reflect Santa Monica’s deep commitment to equity, public health, intergenerational care, and family resilience. It would offer meaningful recognition to a group whose contributions are often unseen—and it would create space for important conversations about how we can better support caregiving families.
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2 Thank you for your time, leadership, and thoughtful consideration of this request. We welcome the opportunity to speak at a future Council meeting or provide further information as needed.
With appreciation,
Debbie Axel/Mary Anne Roberto
Co-Founders
The Memory Connection
310.466.1390
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CITY OF SANTA MONICA
PROCLAMATION
Recognizing Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day
September 25
WHEREAS, the “Sandwich Generation” refers to individuals who care for their aging parents while simultaneously supporting their own children or younger family members—often navigating dual caregiving responsibilities with limited recognition or resources; and
WHEREAS, these caregivers exemplify dedication and resilience, frequently balancing full-time employment, parenting, and elder care while making personal and financial sacrifices to support multiple generations of their families; and WHEREAS, within the City of Santa Monica, many residents belong to the Sandwich Generation and quietly provide compassionate, essential care that strengthens the health and wellbeing of our entire community; and
WHEREAS, The Memory Connection, a Santa Monica-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is committed to supporting these caregivers through education, therapeutic engagement, respite opportunities, and advocacy—particularly for those caring for loved ones living with dementia or cognitive decline; and
WHEREAS, recognizing and celebrating the vital contributions of the Sandwich Generation aligns with The Memory Connection’s mission to reduce caregiver isolation, raise public awareness, and promote policies and programs that support caregiving families; and
WHEREAS, increasing visibility and support for the Sandwich Generation is critical to ensuring the stability of families, the dignity of our aging population, and the strength of future generations;
NOW, THEREFORE, The Memory Connection, in its ongoing mission to champion Alzheimer’s caregivers and multigenerational care partners, proudly proclaims September 25 as Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day in the City of Santa Monica.
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We call upon residents, civic leaders, organizations, and businesses to recognize, honor, and support these caregivers who selflessly serve both the generation before them and the generation after.
Presented this 18th day of June
By: The Memory Connection
www.thememoryconnection.org
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6/17/25
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I am writing in full support of The Memory Connection and their proposal to proclaim Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day in the City of Santa Monica.
Like so many others, I find myself pulled in multiple directions—supporting my aging parent, while also helping children who are still in need. My mother, now in her 90s, lives alone in New York City. While she is thankfully still mentally sharp, she faces ongoing medical needs, and financial concerns are an increasing burden. The rising cost of living has made it difficult for her to manage rent and essential expenses, and as resources are being cut across the board, her ability to continue living independently becomes more uncertain every year.
At the same time, I am a parent of two daughters here in Los Angeles—both of whom are still somewhat dependent on me, their father. Finding steady, meaningful work has been difficult for them in today’s economic climate, and it’s a constant balancing act to support them emotionally, financially, and logistically while managing the needs of an elderly parent in another state.
To complicate things further, I travel for work and am not always readily available to be there for my mother or my children when they need me most.
I know I’m not alone in this—many in the Sandwich Generation are also working professionals whose jobs require them to be away from home, compounding the emotional and logistical stress of caregiving on both ends.
This is the reality of the Sandwich Generation—an often-invisible group of caregivers who are stretched thin and overlooked. It’s not just about juggling time and money; it’s about carrying the emotional weight of being there for both our elders and our children, day in and day out.
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That’s why I stand behind The Memory Connection in their work to raise awareness and provide resources to families navigating the challenges of dementia, caregiving, and multi-generational support. Their commitment to underserved communities and caregivers is crucial. Creating a day of recognition through a Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day Proclamation would be a powerful and meaningful step forward—not just to honor those of us living this experience, but to help bring attention and compassion to a role that so many quietly carry.
Thank you for considering this important proposal. I hope you will join The Memory Connection in uplifting and acknowledging the caregivers who hold our families together.
Warm regards,
Bob Feller
Producer, ESPN
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Jamie Allee
2571 Wellesley Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064
8182317747
6/15/2025
City of Santa Monica
Santa Monica, CA
Dear City Council Members,
I’m writing to express my strong support for the recognition of Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day in the City of Santa Monica.
As a full-time working mother of two and the primary caregiver for my aging parents, I live this reality every single day. My father is a proud veteran, and while he once served as the strong protector of our family, he now faces significant health and mobility issues. My mother also suffers from chronic medical conditions, and my father is no longer able to adequately care for her alone. As their daughter, I’ve stepped in—managing hospital runs, coordinating medical care, grocery deliveries, and making sure their emotional and physical needs are met.
At the same time, my daughter Hannah is preparing to leave for college, and my son Toby is in middle school—both in important, formative phases of life. My husband and I both work full-time jobs, and it’s a daily challenge to ensure everyone in our family gets the support, care, and attention they deserve. Balancing the needs of two generations on either side of me is not only exhausting—it’s emotionally overwhelming at times.
That’s why I’m so grateful for The Memory Connection, an organization working tirelessly to provide resources, support, and compassion to families like mine. Their work shines a light on the reality so many of us face and gives us a sense of community and hope. The Memory Connection not only supports caregivers and those living with dementia, but they also advocate for those in underserved and overlooked communities, including people like me who are often quietly doing it all.
Recognizing Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day would send a powerful message: that we see these caregivers, we appreciate them, and they are not alone. It would honor the emotional labor and love that goes into caring for both aging parents and growing children—and it would acknowledge a population that is too often left to struggle in silence.
Thank you for considering this important and meaningful recognition.
Sincerely,
Jamie Allee
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LETTER IN SUPPORT OF SANDWICH GENERATION APPRECIATION DAY To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in support of the proposed proclamation recognizing the Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day in the City of Santa Monica.
My unexpected journey into being a part of the mostly unrecognized community of the Sandwich Generation began when I lived with and helped care for my Father while he struggled with cancer. During that time, I was also a single parent caring for my 2 elementary aged twins.
I was working full time in Real Estate and just trying to manage it all. After my father’s passing, I continued to provide emotional support for my Mom. Unfortunately, within a year she had a devastating stroke that left her with many mental and physical deficits. I once again stepped in to live with her and raise my children. Quietly you learn to do what is needed without expectation of acknowledgment and not even sure where to look for support. I try now to be more proactive in reaching out to friends who are in a similar situation. This is why this day of appreciation is so necessary and important. It will raise awareness while also making someone like me feel seen and heard.
I support and hope the Council will vote to recognize a Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day in Santa Monica.
Best,
Michael Williams
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6/14/25
Re: SANDWICH GENERATION APPRECIATION DAY
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing in support of the proposed proclamation recognizing the Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day in the City of Santa Monica.
To begin, as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California for 25 years I have treated many adults who suffer from compassion fatigue due to the countless hours of love, care, financial burden, worry and anxiety that goes into caring for an aging parent, while also having to manage the activities and raising of your own child. In addition, I myself care for my father who has Dementia. His diagnosis a few years ago was devastating and unexpected. But, I quietly took the lead and care for most aspects of his well-being. When I first heard of the term “Sandwich Generation” I found it reassuring and comforting to know I wasn’t alone. I have shared it with clients, friends and with my life partner who also had to support both of his parents before their passing over the last 5 years. Once I began opening up about this experience, I realized how many of us are in Santa Monica and throughout the country. And, the numbers are increasing. I also believe the lack of awareness about “The Sandwich Generation” is why this Proclamation for an Appreciation Day is so very important.
Therapists like me are not the only ones supporting these caring adult children during this time. Non-Profits like the Memory Connection are vital to Santa Monica. We are all working together to maintain a strong sense of a caring and cohesive community in Santa Monica, we need to set the stage for what’s to come in the future. So, I support and urge the Council to recognize a Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day as a victory on our great city.
Sincerely,
Stacey Aung Lofaro LMFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
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Supporting Statement for Proclamation Request
Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day
Proposed Date: September 25
Submitted by: The Memory Connection, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Santa Monica Overview
The Memory Connection respectfully submits this request for the City of Santa Monica to officially recognize September 25 as Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day.
This observance honors the millions of individuals—including many in Santa Monica—who find themselves in the sandwich generation, caring simultaneously for two or more generations of family. While traditionally defined as those raising children while caring for aging parents, today’s sandwich generation also includes those supporting adult children, grandchildren, or spouses or partners with chronic illnesses or disabilities, all while balancing the needs of younger dependents.
These caregivers, often in their 30s to 50s, shoulder immense physical, emotional, and financial responsibilities. Their role is vital to the health, resilience, and stability of our community—yet their efforts often go unseen, unsupported, and undervalued.
Why This Day Matters
• The Sandwich Generation now represents nearly 1 in 4 Americans in their 30s to 50s— and growing—with demographic trends suggesting this number will rise significantly over the next decade.
• Many caregivers work full-time, manage households, and are navigating the needs of children, teens, and older adults—all while sacrificing their own physical health, financial stability, and mental well-being.
• According to the AARP Public Policy Institute, unpaid family caregivers provide over $600 billion in uncompensated care annually in the U.S. • Over 60% of caregivers report emotional stress, and more than 1 in 3 experience clinical symptoms of depression.
• The vast majority of this care is unpaid and unrecognized, particularly among those managing memory loss-related illnesses like Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
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• Without sustainable support, many caregivers face burnout, job loss, or worsened health outcomes—consequences that ripple across families and communities. • Raising awareness now also helps to educate future generations—children, teens, and young adults—about the realities of caregiving, preparing them to compassionately support aging loved ones and participate in care with empathy and knowledge.
The Memory Connection’s Role
The Memory Connection, based in Santa Monica, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting caregivers of loved ones with dementia and other cognitive conditions. We provide education, therapeutic tools, respite support, and community advocacy—especially for those in underserved households.
Our initiatives include:
• Caregiver education and support workshops
• Youth-friendly programming to help children and teens understand dementia and caregiving roles
• Respite partnerships with adult day centers and service providers • Awareness campaigns to reduce stigma and connect residents to practical resources We believe that honoring caregivers—and supporting the caregiving community—is essential to building healthy, compassionate communities.
Santa Monica’s Unique Connection
Santa Monica is home to a growing population of older adults, many of whom are living longer and may require increasing levels of care—especially those experiencing dementia or cognitive changes.
The city also includes a vibrant mix of young families, professionals, and multigenerational households, many of whom are already quietly fulfilling the dual role of caring for aging loved ones while supporting children or teens.
As a highly desirable and dynamic community, Santa Monica attracts families who value quality of life, excellent schools, and engaged neighborhoods—but with these benefits come increased caregiving demands, including time, coordination, and resource access. Many residents—especially those in caregiving roles—are navigating complex family responsibilities, sometimes without the formal support networks or flexible systems they need. Schools, youth organizations, and local employers all play a part in this caregiving ecosystem—highlighting the need for intergenerational education and engagement, particularly for students who may become future caregivers themselves.
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Recognizing this day within Santa Monica helps promote caregiver visibility, while encouraging civic organizations, employers, schools, and healthcare providers to offer inclusive, proactive support.
It also presents an opportunity to educate children and teens, helping them understand dementia, aging, and caregiving so they can become informed and compassionate future caregivers.
Proposed Annual Observance: September 25
Designating September 25 as Sandwich Generation Appreciation Day in the City of Santa Monica would:
• Publicly honor and acknowledge caregivers serving multiple generations with love, skill, and dedication
• Encourage employers, educators, and healthcare systems to recognize and support caregiving responsibilities
• Promote caregiver wellness, mental health, and access to respite • Educate children, teens, and young adults about caregiving as a normal, shared, and valued part of life
• Strengthen the caregiving ecosystem within Santa Monica through increased collaboration and visibility
Contact
Debbie Axel
Mary Anne Roberto
Co-Founders, The Memory Connection
[email protected]
www.thememoryconnection.org
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1 David Yakobson
From: John Cyrus Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, June 19, 2025 2:46 AM
To: John Cyrus Smith
Subject: THIS SATURDAY! Free Live Music! Four Bands! and Yoga! Attachments: 2025 CALENDER wilmont events.docx
EXTERNAL
Dear Wilmont Members, Neighbors, Families and Friends,
The Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood Coalition invites you to celebrate the start of Summer this Saturday, June 21st at "Reedstock", an afternoon of free live music at Reed Park in Santa Monica. This year's line-up features four local bands playing rock, pop, jazz, and country from 1pm-5pm.
We also have a free and vibrant yoga class for all ages and stages from 8-9 am at Reed.
I've included two flyers with details.
See you there!
Your Wilmont Board of Directors
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2025 WILMONT EVENTS CALENDAR as of 5/28/25
(Our most ambitious ever!)
Join us, volunteer, help at events, attend our monthly “First Tuesday” meetings via ZOOM, and help us make a difference and make our city better. Thank you! www.Wilmont.org
Sat --June 21st Wilmont Outdoor Yoga in Reed Park, 8-9am Sat-- June 21st Wilmont presents “Reedstock”, 1-5 pm. Reed Park Sat—June 28th Wilmont Outdoor Yoga in Reed Park, 8-9am
Fri -- July 4th Santa Monica 4th of July Parade
Th -- July 17th State of the City Address at Reed Park
Tue-- Aug 5th LIVE @ SMPD National Night Out (August Wilmont Meeting) Sat-- Aug 9th Wilmont “Second Saturday #1” (Live Music & Movie) Sat -- Sept 13th Wilmont “Second Saturday #2” (Live Music & Movie) Sat – Sept 27th Montana Avenue Art Walk (Wilmont tent & table) Sat -- Oct 11th Wilmont “Second Saturday #3” (Live Music & Movie) Sat -- Dec TBA Montana Avenue Holiday Walk (Wilmont tent & table) Sat – Dec TBA Wilmont Annual Meeting/Holiday Party (Details tba) Volunteer/Contact us: [email protected]
www.Wilmont.org
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1 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, June 23, 2025 12:12 PM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Cc: John Alle
Subject: Santa Monica's Unwillingness to Adequately Fund Its Police
EXTERNAL
Drug addicts and hard core criminals are seen DAILY stepping over Metro turnstiles entering Santa Monica from light rail stations in Skid Row and the MacArthur Park Westlake areas of LA. Now our team is told by some of those entering they are from south of the border and connected to the MS-13 and Sinaloa criminal gangs. Santa Monica welcomes its new sidewalk residents but is unwilling to fund even 5 of the 80 additional sworn officers Police Chief Batista says he needs. Santa Monica ranks below many, if not most cities in the amount of funding it allocates for Police and Fire. Should our Mayor and City Council even have to ask if reported and unreported crime are on the rise?
Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLQP_f0C2tO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/jRIrn2ZULxE
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2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 11:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Elana Buegoff; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Honoring and Remembering Roger Nichols - Item 1 Public Input
EXTERNAL
To the City Council Members:
I wanted to take the time to mention that on May 17th the passing of Roger Nichols. It would be nice to have a mention of his passing on record at a council meeting and maybe honor him with recognizing he wrote the unoƯicial City song for Santa Monica. Given this year is the City’s 150th anniversary, it would be nice to mention him for helping with the City’s 100th anniversary celebration.
Thank you for your consideration.
David Newberg
Summary:
Roger Nichols was a musician and songwriter, who teamed with Paul Williams to writer the hit songs for the Carpenters with the biggest being “We’ve Only Just Begun” and “Rainy Days and Mondays’ , Paul Anka “Time of Your Life” , and “Out of the Country” by Three Dog Night.
Roger may have been born in Montana but his family moved to Santa Monica shortly after his birth and he later become a graduate of SAMO.
In addition to living and attending school in Santa Monica, Roger during the height of his career in 1975 held a two-day concert (March 13th and 14th) at the Santa Monica Civic in honor of the City’s Centennial birthday. Roger wrote with others all of the songs. Copies of the Double LP are rare and go for $300.
As part of the 100th anniversary the city ran a contest for a new oƯicial song. Whoever wrote the winning song would receive $100 and the honor of being the city oƯicial song.
Roger Nichols with William Lane wrote a song called “Our Town by the Sea” and entered it , but before the contest was decided Kodak oƯered the duo $50,000 for the song and after re writing a few lyrics the withdrew from the contest and sold the rights to Kodak that became their long-time theme song “Times of your Life”.
New York Times Ob
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3 https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/07/arts/music/roger-nichols-dead.html Reference to 100th Anniversary concert at Civic – Roger is the songwriter and co-songwriter on the songs performed at the concert.
https://www.discogs.com/release/8409452-Roger-Nichols-Stairway-75-Santa-Monicas-Centennial-Year Original Song submitted in 1975 for the Santa Monica City OƯicial Song Contest:
Our Town by the Sea
(sung to the same tune as "Times of Your Life")
Roger M. Wilcox on his webpage tells the following story. http://www.rogermwilcox.com/ourtownbythesea.html
Way back in 1975, when I was in fifth grade, I heard the following tale:
In 1975, the City of Santa Monica, California, was due to turn 100 years old. To celebrate this great event, the City of Santa Monica ran a contest for a new official city song. Whoever wrote the song that won the contest would receive a modest prize of $100, plus the prestige of having his song be Santa Monica's official song.
Two songwriters by the name of William M. Lane and Roger S. Nichols rose to the challenge. They wrote a song titled "Our Town by the Sea," and entered it in the contest. However, before the contest had been decided, they received a call from the Kodak film company: If they were willing to withdraw their song from the contest — as the copyright on the winning song would become the property of the City of Santa Monica — Kodak would pay them $50,000 for the rights to the song. This being 1974 or 1975, when $50,000 was still a lot of money, the two songwriters eagerly accepted Kodak's offer. They then rewrote the lyrics, renaming the song "Times of Your Life" and turning it into the most well-known Kodak jingle in history. Paul Anka later recorded the song and released it on his own record label.
I don't know how much of this tale is true. But I do know that in the fifth grade, our class got to sing the allegedly original lyrics to this well-known tune.
Surprisingly, though, I haven't been able to find these earlier "Our Town by the Sea" lyrics anywhere since. I know I didn't dream them, because the song appeared on a recording from the 1975 edition of Santa Monica's annual Stairway of the Stars festivals (elementary, Junior High, and High School musicians performing in the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, along with a guest celebrity).
Then, in 2013, I discovered that somebody has apparently made this 1975 Stairway of the Stars recording available on YouTube. Roger Nichols, a native of Santa Monica, was the celebrity guest that year, and the story he told was somewhat different:
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4 "A few months ago, I was commissioned to write a song, or a theme, for Kodak. A couple of cohorts and myself decided to write a lyric about Santa Monica. It will not be used in the commercial, I'm sorry to say. But Mr.
John Allen, and Mr. Pete Blackman, and myself wrote a lyric about Santa Monica, and this is it." So, I would like to present here — from memory, and cleaned up a little by listening to the above recording — the lyrics to the song that should, by all rights, have become the official song for the City of Santa Monica, California:
Our Town by the Sea
by William M. Lane and Roger S. Nichols
We've wandered all around,
But one town is still our special town.
The times we strolled along the pier,
The ocean rolled, the sky was clear,
Remember — do you remember?
We've sailed from sea to sea,
But one town is still our special town.
It's where we walked along the sand,
And while we talked, you held my hand,
Remember — do you remember?
It's our town by the sea!
A place made for learning and growing,
Time meant for you and for me;
A feeling that comes just from knowing
That we've found the place made for living.
We'll never leave again,
This one town is still our special town.
And in the park not far away
You might at dark just hear us say,
"Forever we'll live together
In our town by the sea!"
[INSTRUMENTAL]
(A place made for learning and growing,
Time meant for you and for me;
A feeling that comes just from knowing
That we've found the right place for living.)
We'll never leave again,
This one town that's still our special town.
And in the park not far away
You might at dark just hear us say,
"Forever we'll live together
In our town by the sea!"
Santa Monica!
Santa Monica!
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5 Santa Monica!
Santa Monica!
Santa Monica still, to this day, has a pier, as mentioned in the song. I suspect "the park not far away" mentioned in the last verse may be a reference to Pacific Ocean Park, an amusement park which sadly closed down in 1967 and then burned to the ground in the early 1970s.
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6 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, June 18, 2025 4:41 PM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Cc: John Alle
Subject: ONE YEAR LATER -
EXTERNAL
In SANTA MONICA, history repeats itself too often. The SMRR-controlled City Council again refused to fund just 5 additional sworn officers Police Chief Ramon Batista requested in this year's budget. Chief Batista says he needs at least 80 more to keep residents, businesses and visitors safe. Would each Council Member's vote be different if their own spouse, child or parent was attacked?
Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLDzKl7ij65/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/7ckCpnW0C_o
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