1 David Yakobson
From: Ashley Sundquist <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 4:09 PM
To: Lana Negrete
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; [email protected]; Rebecca Cannara Subject: Request for Letter of Commendation from City of Santa Monica | Noah Bardach
EXTERNAL
Hello City Council,
As a proud board member of The Salvation Army Santa Monica, it is with immense delight and profound respect that I officially request a well-deserved commendation from the City of Santa Monica for my dear friend and neighbor, Noah Bardach. His selfless dedication and remarkable contributions embody the very best of our community, and he is a true inspiration to our team. This request comes not only from a place of personal admiration but also from a deep recognition of Noah's profound and sustained contributions to our beloved community.
Noah is a software executive, UI/UX expert and human rights advocate. He holds a PhD in Art History, with a focus on political art and propaganda theory. Noah has worked in diverse fields, from leading an organic agriculture project in Southern Mexico to serving as an expert in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress. Together with Hope Farley, Noah co-founded Universal Human Rights Initiative in 2016.
Noah is the quintessential Angeleno, a man whose entire life has been woven into the vibrant fabric of this remarkable region. His roots run deep, beginning with his upbringing in Pacific Palisades.
Further cementing his connection to our community, he has lovingly raised his two wonderful daughters right here in Santa Monica, a testament to his unwavering commitment to our city and its future.
At the core of Noah's being is an extraordinary and palpable passion for people—a quality that illuminates every facet of his life. He is not merely an observer of human suffering but a fierce and unwavering advocate for human rights, perpetually striving to uplift, protect, and empower the vulnerable among us. Beyond his overarching humanitarian concerns, Noah possesses a truly remarkable and rare ability to forge deeply compassionate connections with individuals grappling with immense and often overwhelming struggles. Whether they are battling the insidious grip of alcohol or drug addiction, enduring the harsh realities of homelessness, or grappling with the debilitating weight of poverty, Noah approaches each person with genuine empathy and an open heart. His compassion is far from theoretical; it is a powerful, animating force that drives his every action and interaction.
It is specifically in profound recognition of his unparalleled and sustained contributions to The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps that I am requesting this commendation. For nearly 5 years, Noah has served with unwavering dedication as the Thursday Night chef for Vintage Church’s “Love LA” Dinner, tirelessly preparing a hearty burrito meal that is not only delicious and incredibly nutritious. This is a consistent beacon of hope and sustenance. This vital service feeds approximately 150 of our unhoused neighbors every single week, without fail. This incredible act of generosity and Item 1
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Within the vibrant and often demanding kitchen of The Salvation Army, Noah transcends the role of a mere chef; he is an inspirational leader, a mentor, and a guiding force. He is widely renowned for his fresh ideas, perpetually pushing the boundaries to enhance the quality, nutritional value, and overall impact of the meals provided. His commitment to excellence is not just a standard but an unwavering ethos, meticulously evident in every single dish he meticulously prepares. Don’t leave seeds in the peppers under his watch! Colleagues and the countless recipients of his generosity alike speak with immense admiration of his profound dedication and the sheer, consistent quality of the food. They understand implicitly that every minute detail is of paramount importance to Noah, reflecting his deep respect for those he serves. And, of course, a quintessential part of Noah's compassionate spirit is his warm, comforting hugs—a small yet profoundly significant gesture that embodies his genuine care and connection. The boundless, loving care he pours into preparing these meals for our neighbors each week is not just observed; it is truly palpable, resonating deeply with everyone who benefits from his kindness.
Beyond his extraordinary community work, Noah is equally devoted in his personal life. He is a loving and committed husband to Rebecca Cannara, an educator and a devoted human rights advocate, and father to their two cherished daughters, Anya and Deva. His personal life is as rich, fulfilling, and dedicated as his public service, showcasing a man of profound integrity and unwavering commitment to all aspects of his life.
As a proud and active board member of The Salvation Army Santa Monica, it is with immense delight, profound respect, and an undeniable sense of urgency that I officially request this deeply welldeserved commendation from the City of Santa Monica for Noah Bardach. His selfless dedication, his boundless compassion, and his remarkable contributions embody the very best of our vibrant community. Noah Bardach is not merely a valuable asset to Santa Monica; he is a true inspiration, a shining example of what it means to live a life dedicated to service, empathy, and excellence.
Please let me know if I can provide additional information to support this request for commendation.
With gratitude for your consideration,
Ashley
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Ashley Sundquist
mobile: (443) 742-4342
email: [email protected]
josh: www.joshsundquist.com
me: www.adventureunabashedly.com
linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleysundquist/
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1 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:46 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Cc: John Alle
Subject: REUNIFICATION
EXTERNAL
Three years ago in Santa Monica, then-Mayor Gleam Davis welcomed this homeless transient and many others to the City, declared them "sidewalk citizens," and stated ANYONE on the streets or public spaces 5 months or more had the same rights as any other resident. The "Housing First' strategy with lots of "wrap around" services has not worked. What if the City had instead spent its time and money trying to reunify these homeless with their families and hometowns?
Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLprAkBC3Iv/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/vhaZU2pcgPk
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2 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 8:59 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Cc: John Alle
Subject: 4th of July, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
May the Stars and Stripes fly forever! The Santa Monica Coalition/Safe Cities commemorates our country's adoption of the Declaration of Independence and our nation's founding principles in 1776.
Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLsOWy2i5Lq/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/rUUy-bznomM
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3 David Yakobson
From: input25 <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 7:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public input Item 1
EXTERNAL
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5 David Yakobson
From: Gina Debaca <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 12:02 PM
To: Council Mailbox
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Boards Commissions
EXTERNAL
Good Afternoon Council Members
Please Remember the Importance of the Neighborhood Boards and the Committees.
The Housing Commission is crucial as well as the other committees.
Please when reviewing any Boards & Committees that ONLY Santa Monica Residents be allowed to serve on any Board or committee.
Our current Commissions & Neighborhood Boards are the voices of Your Constituents.
Thank You,
Gina DeBaca
310-266-2810
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