Written Comment — Santa Monica City Council, September 30, 2025

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Peter Mezza <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.)
Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Peter Mezza 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Connor Webb <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin
Subject: 11B: Support Comprehensive Neighborhood Association Program Reforms

EXTERNAL
Dear Council,
I strongly support reforms to the Neighborhood Association Program. These reforms are needed to restore public trust in our neighborhood associations and ensure taxpayer funds support community building, not partisan political activities.

Santa Monica’s neighborhood associations are meant to foster civic engagement and help people get to know their neighbors. However, many have strayed from their mission, becoming vehicles for partisan political advocacy. These groups have polarized around opposing housing and development, creating echo chambers that fail to represent Santa Monica residents’ views and needs.

Examples of this political overreach are abundant, including direct calls to action to message legislators in opposition to housing projects and bills. For example, the Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition used calls and materials that grossly misrepresented SB 79 to fear-monger against the bill, which at no point even applied anywhere within their boundaries.

Reforms are clearly required, and City Council should ensure implementation of the following:

1. Candidate Endorsement Ban: Enforce a 5-year ban on city funding for neighborhood associations endorsing political candidates and apply this policy retroactively. When these groups engage in electoral politics while receiving city funding, it constitutes a total misuse of public resources and undermines the neutrality that should characterize publicly-funded community organizations.

2. Funding Restrictions: Grant funding should only support community events and programming that unite residents. City funds should not support newsletters, website hosting, administrative overhead enabling political activities, or membership recruitment mailers. These restrictions ensure public money benefits the community, not organizational infrastructure for political advocacy.

3. Equitable Funding Distribution: Funding based on the number of households served is common, reasonable, and ensures resources proportionally flow to associations that actually represent substantial residential communities, while allowing for flexibility as neighborhoods change over time.

4. Ending "Official Recognition" Status: No neighborhood organization should receive official recognition that grants preferential communication access or special resources simply because they receive city funding. This creates an unfair two-tiered system where residents’ access to government is based on their association membership rather than equal treatment. We are a city of only 90,000 people, and direct access to government via city-led outreach/community events and individual communications is a better way to ensure all voices are heard.

Our community has diverse opinions on housing, public services, general change, etc. and I support all Santa Monicans’ right to organize and advocate for those opinions. However, taxpayer-funded neighborhood associations should focus on community building, not political advocacy.

Sincerely,
Connor Webb
90404
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: nealcassidy1234 <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 1:46 PM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Josh Kurpies
Subject: Re: Neighborhood Grant Program

EXTERNAL
Of course none of you had the courtesy to respond, instead I get a generic email saying this will be part of the public record and i can come to speak at council. Sure...we speak and none of you even pay attention... this is another reason we need district elections...so we can have council members who actually want to represent residents. You are a bunch of hypocrites...retain power for smrr and deny voters direct representation. You like to say "well you have seven representatives." You know that is BS....you are no better than Trump...you don't give a shit about anything other than YOUR agenda. Oh...and by the way...why is that loser acting police chief officer Jacobs even still with department...wasn't he the one in charge when the riots happened where they failed to defend the city? You're just a bunch of hypocrites....who only know how to bankrupt and destroy a once great city...so long as you get five more new affordable homes....that some builder will give to his family or friends...

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

On Monday, September 29th, 2025 at 9:48 AM, nealcassidy1234 <[email protected]> wrote:

What is wrong with your people? A bunch of you want to defund the Neighborhood Grant Program. Why? These programs only serve the community and you. Oh... I forgot you don't care about serving the community at large...you only care about serving the SMRR agenda.

Whatever financial issues the city is having is a direct result of generations of Council and SMRR mis-management... I mean you even have changed the ability to speak with staff and city leadership with your centralized phone system.

This city has turned to shit because of all of you and the f'ing SMRR agenda. You can make my language and anger the issue if you want...but the real issue is you are all a bunch of mis-guided morons who keep looking for ways to isolate citizens who desire to reach their representatives and be a part of the city's governance. And, no....trying to speak at council meetings was always a waste of time...but from what I know, you've cut that too. Either way, speaking at a council meeting is not really participation and you know it..

This also goes back to your denying voters district elections...and the millions of dollars you have spent to protect the SMRR majority. A pox on all your houses for your hypocrisy. You are no better than Trump and the Republicans who only care about power.

P.S Go fuck yourselves.

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: SALLY STINER <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 1:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Sally STINER
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: OZ <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11B - OPPOSE funding for 501(c)4 neighborhood groups!!!

EXTERNAL
The heads of all the neighborhood organizations meet once a month as what they call “The Neighborhood Council,” where they discuss city business and invite guests to speak. However, they prohibit the public from attending those meetings. Why are these meetings secret? Does the Council support funding secret meetings?
A few years ago I spoke before the Council in opposition to the groups’ ability to make political endorsements while they receive city funding. In retribution for exercising my free speech that night, the head of one of the neighborhood groups in question removed me from her group’s mailing list. This made it impossible for me to see the group’s meeting agendas and attend the meetings. It took months corresponding with various city staff to force that group to post their meeting zoom link on their web page. Their agendas are still not publicly posted on their web page, and that is the case with other groups as well.

I urge this Council not to offer public funding to 501(c)4 neighborhood groups. The 501(c)4 IRS classification exists for a reason, and some of the Santa Monica groups chose to incorporate as a 501(c)4 organizations for a reason: so they can engage in political activity. Now they want to both have their ability to engage in political activity, and receive public funding from the city – that is unacceptable, and the Council must put an end to this.

If the groups want the public funding, they can choose to become 501(c)3 organizations. The argument that it is “difficult” to do so is neither true nor is it the Council’s problem. It is not the Council’s responsibility to coddle private organizations. The Council has real problems to deal with, empty coffers being the number one issue to focus on. Tailoring the available funding to the population size in a given neighborhood is a very good idea.

As part of the grant agreement please require that the agenda and link to the group’s meeting be provided online in advance of the meeting, and that each past agenda and past meeting recording be available on the group’s web page for the period of two years. Attendance of the meetings should not be conditional on giving up any personal information, being a member of the group or being on the group’s mailing list.

Any narrative that suggests the City placing conditions on public funding for neighborhood groups has anything to do with curtailing free speech is not based in the law.

Regards,
Olga Zurawska
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Tony Huizar <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 11B: Considerations for Reforming the Neighborhood Organization Grant Program

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Lana Negrete and Councilmembers,
The Neighborhood Organization Grant Program is one of the most cost-effective investments the City of Santa Monica makes. For less than $50,000 annually across seven recognized neighborhood groups, residents receive direct communication, trusted local forums, and meaningful engagement that connects households to city government.

The staff report proposes shifting away from this baseline funding toward City-managed print media, one-time mailers, and fee waivers. These options are outdated and ineffective. We live in a digital age where static print publications like Seascape no longer meet the needs of residents. A single postcard cannot replicate the dynamic, ongoing communication that digital platforms, events, and local outreach now provide.
 The role of neighborhood organizations extends far beyond newsletters. These groups strengthen the work of City government itself:
 Public Safety: Police and Fire rely on neighborhood associations to share timely updates, organize preparedness trainings, and build trust in emergencies.  Public Works: Infrastructure issues such as street repairs, community clean-ups, and traffic safety are surfaced and resolved faster when neighborhood groups serve as organized partners.
 Civic Engagement: Residents gain an accessible pathway to voice concerns, understand policies, and participate in decision-making without being filtered through City-managed channels.

Defunding these groups would not only silence residents but also reduce the City’s own capacity to communicate effectively with its people. Other cities recognize this: Los Angeles provides approximately $32,000 annually per Neighborhood Council, and cities like Mountain View, California (Santa Clara County, Silicon Valley) and Norwalk fund local groups at levels above Santa Monica’s $7,000. Compared to these models, Santa Monica’s program is already minimal. Reducing it further is inconsistent with the City’s stated progressive values.

A responsible path forward is clear:

1. Maintain and enhance the existing $7,000 baseline per group.

2. Use City tools like mailers or fee waivers only as supplements, not replacements.

3. Establish transparent guardrails to prevent political endorsements while fostering civic participation.

Item 11-B
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3 Neighborhood organizations are an asset. They extend the reach of the city government, strengthen public safety, and build community. To cut our funding is a gesture that you wish to silence our community.

In closing, with the annual budget provided by the city the Pico Neighborhood Association has managed to engage our community and establish meaningful engagement, supported by funds used to build a technology platform to host hybrid meetings, create and maintain a digital footprint, sponsor events such as music in the park, and develop and maintain creative brand strategies to inform and engage the public and it can be further enhanced if we continue to receive funding and find a way to work together.

Sincerely,
Tony Huizar
Chair, Pico Neighborhood Association
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP) and current board member, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

We keep our neighbors informed about what is going on in the city, which is practically a full-time job against the PR machine of city hall and the developers. We let residents know how the city's actions and decisions will impact our neighborhood. This education is essential. Any statements we make, political or otherwise, at protected by the First Amendment and in compliance with the law.

There was zero evidence of any wrongdoing before some of you issued a press release to investigate us. This is intended to silence and is not acceptable. It's also dangerous in our current environment.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and FOSP Board Member
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: John Cyrus Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:59 AM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: Item 11B Neighborhood grant

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor, Council, Mr. Chi and Staff, (And anyone who is reading this now or plans to attend or watch tonight’s City Council meeting) I’m a Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commissioner, but I’m writing as a Board member of the Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood Coalition, one of seven cityfunded neighborhood groups.

I’m a little disappointed in this Council but also a bit grateful… so I’m just going to say a few things and tell you why…
--I’m disappointed because I was at the Council meeting back on June 24th when the Council was about to vote on a new $800 million dollar budget, and the $7,000 dollars that funds each volunteer-powered neighborhood group was on the chopping block. I mention this because when certain Council members talk tonight about how much they value neighborhood groups, please remember they were going to cut our funds just a few weeks ago, without any due process.

I am also grateful, because Council members Zernitskya, Raskin, and Negrete, as well as former Police Chief Batista stood up for residents and neighborhood groups that night, and the funding was restored in the budget by a narrow 4-3 vote.

I hope Council will agree to support a continued Neighborhood Grant Program and embrace a hybrid solution built around OPTION 2 that accomplishes three things:
--Preserves a BASE amount of $4,000-$5,000 for each of the seven groups to cover basic and recurring expenses such as insurance, websites, community events and other costs...

Item 11-B
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3 --Re-establishes an annual one-page, tri-fold newsletter for each neighborhood group, to be printed and delivered to each residence in the most cost-effective way possible…
--Allows for the continued funding of specific events such as the 4th of July Parade, MMD, etc...

IMHO:
--Council should reject OPTION 1. $200,00 is too expensive and Seascape would not support neighborhood groups or cover any basic group expenses... --Council should also reject OPTION 3, which only provides money for specific events and nothing for basic group expenses...
--Council also reject any proposal (discussed by some Council members) that forces 501-c4's to become c3's in order to qualify for funding. I say this because I know first-hand what an arduous effort that would entail. It took more than two years of work by myself and others before the IRS re-established non-profit status to Mid-City Neighbors in 2015, and that was only after I contacted the office of departing Congressman Henry Waxman and asked for his help. Two weeks later we got word from the IRS, which determined we were a 501c4. Forcing groups to change would be a time-consuming and unfair burden, especially given the IRS layoffs carried out by the current administration. Good luck trying to change anything now.

One final thought… it would be blatantly unfair if this Council punishes other groups for the actions of one or two others. Council already places restrictions on how the money is used. Wilmont has always followed those rules and we’ve been doing so since our founding 35 years ago in 1990.

Thank you,
John Cyrus Smith
John Cyrus Smith
[email protected]
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:52 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall
Cc: Heidi von Tongeln; councilmtgitems
Subject: 11B 9/30/25 remove dedicated public funding and official recognition for Santa Monica's neighborhood groups

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers, city council should remove dedicated public funding and official recognition for the existing neighborhood groups. Much of the discussion of this has revolved around the fact that many of these groups have become explicitly political organizations, and while that is certainly a good reason to remove their funding and recognition, it's not the only one.

These groups are tiny, exclusionary cliques which are overwhelmingly older and whiter than the population of the city. Other than OPA, the meetings of these groups are mostly the same 10-20 group of longtime regulars each time. If a newcomer who doesn't share their political views attends a meeting, they'll be met with overt hostility, as I wrote for Santa Monica Next about experiencing at a Wilmont meeting in 2024. And this doesn't even require speaking up and saying something that challenges the group's political orthodoxy—if they recognize you as an opponent, they'll likely kick you out before you even have the chance to say anything.

In August, FOSP held a meeting at which California State Senator and Senate Housing Committee chair Aisha Wahab was speaking regarding state housing legislation, an event of clear interest to any observer of California state government. I was removed twice from this meeting simply while sitting and watching, and a third time immediately after trying to participate in the chat. I have spoken to other members of Santa Monica Forward who were also removed from this meeting without even saying anything in the meeting, which would indicate that we were removed from the meeting because we're members of Santa Monica Forward. Tricia Crane, who was running this FOSP meeting, claimed that this was the result of various technical problems. But this does not pass the smell test given the aforementioned details, and given Tricia's previous attempt in 2024 (which I also wrote about for Next) to threaten me with summoning the police to eject me for trespassing from a public park while waiting to hear from four councilmembers whom she supported, who like these neighborhood groups apparently felt that they could run a public meeting while screening attendance (see email chain with then-City Attorney Doug Sloan below). This behavior is also in flagrant violation of California's open meeting laws, as neighborhood group meetings are public meetings by virtue of the groups' public funding and official status.

Insular groups like Wilmont and FOSP, which overtly function as private membership groups (including requiring paying dues to vote on the groups' business), should not receive public funding to do so. They certainly should not be treated as being the official voices of the neighborhoods they claim to represent.

That said, these organizations can still apply just like any other group for public funding for any bona fide public community building events they may want to hold, such as OPA's Open Main Street events.

Having these organizations go through the regular events proposal process is far more practical, less Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 onerous on city staff, and fairer to everyone (including the groups themselves) than requiring continuous city staff monitoring of the content of their communications to determine whether they've breached eligibility for dedicated public funds.

On Tue, Aug 5, 2025 at 2:32 PM Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]> wrote:

Tricia, you removed me from the meeting three separate times last night. Twice while I was simply sitting and silently observing, and the third time immediately after I participated in the chat. The intent was extremely clear, and sending a video after the fact does not correct the inability to participate in the meeting as it was happening.

Doug, for additional context on how Tricia operates and as you may remember, at the needle rally at Reed Park last year Tricia was under the impression that she could have the police remove me from a public park simply for sitting and waiting for four city council members to speak.

On Tue, Aug 5, 2025, 2:23 PM T2crane <[email protected]> wrote:

Jason,
Unfortunately we had some technical problems at last night's meeting such that even a featured speaker had trouble getting in. Sorry you were disappointed.

I am happy to send you a video of the segments with Mayor Negrete and Senator Wahab. Both video recordings will also be posted on the Northeast Neighbors website this afternoon so you won't feel that you missed out.

Tricia
On Monday, August 4, 2025 at 07:52:14 PM PDT, Jason Mastbaum <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Doug, I attempted to join the Northeast Neighbors meeting tonight as the Santa Monica mayor and a state senator are at the meeting tonight. However, despite simply sitting listening, I was removed by Tricia from the meeting. This is illegal, as these are public meetings. Can you please remind Tricia that she has to run her meetings accordingly? Thanks,
Jason
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Michele Biagioni <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:03 AM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Josh Kurpies
Subject: Tuesday Sept 30 Vote on Neighborhood Grant Program

EXTERNAL
As a resident of Santa Monica for more than 30 years, I have seen and been part of many changes, some quite favorable, others less so. What has remained constant is the importance of vibrant neighborhood organizations.

As we look for more ways for our city’s upward trajectory - despite its many serious challenges - I ask that the vitality of neighborhoods be supported. Healthier neighborhoods support a healthier community and contribute to our City’s growth.

Welcoming residents to the 2025 State of the City in Reed Park illustrates the benefits of neighborhood groups.

I ask that you vote for Option 2 with a base amount of at least $4,000 per group and one annual newsletter for each neighborhood association. Please consider this an opportunity to extend and increase resident engagement and participation. Thank you for your consideration. -Michele Biagioni (4th St, 90403)
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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1 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:06 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Vanessa McCarthy
90405
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September 20, 2025
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2 David Yakobson
From: Jeffrey Gordon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 9:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: Item 11B City Council Agenda for September 30, 2025

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Santa Monica Neighborhood Associations provide a vital and unique component of our city. Their boards and supporters are made up of volunteers committed to fostering an engaged community.

The Council should not attempt to weaken them or the special forums and voices they offer. This is so even if sometimes they raise points of views that some of you may disagree with—you should instead welcome this. I urge the Council to reject proposals to weaken, restrict or defund the neighborhood associations. With our democracy under attack nationwide, this is important now more than ever.

As just one example of their role in fostering an involved community is the recent NOMA Annual meeting at the Franklin school. Over 200 residents attended in person. Others saw it on-line. The Boy Scouts greeted people at the door. A jazz group from SAMO played. Over 10 small businesses on Montana offered prizes. Other organizations, including the SM Fire Department, had tables.

The newly appointed Interim Police Chief Darrick Jacob, welcomed warmly, spoke at length answering questions and hearing comments from the community. This was probably the largest resident audience the Chief has had. Senator Allen and Mayor Negrete also spoke and responded to concerns from residents.

Thank you, Jeffrey Gordon
SM Resident and NOMA Board Member
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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3 David Yakobson
From: Cathy Larson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Santa Monica neighborhood organizations are an essential component to the community fabric.

They are a direct forum for community members to voice their concerns, inform residents on topics of local concern, and encourage community engagement with City Councilmembers, City Boards/Commissions, and encourage community engagement.

Cathy Larson
Sunset Park resident
PS As a note of perspective, staff’s suggestion of offering $.50/per household doesn’t even cover the cost to mail an announcement (currently $.78 for a letter size)
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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4 David Yakobson
From: Lmkmanning <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:06 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
s a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Linda Manning
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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September 20, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: lmarreola <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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September 20, 2025
6 David Yakobson
From: lmarreola <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Larry and Carol Arreola
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
7 David Yakobson
From: Heather Thomason <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to continue the Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

These grants are essential for civic engagement and community building. FOSP uses its modest $7,000 annual grant to mail membership appeals to all 7,800 households in our neighborhood—a service the City provided before 2020. That yellow letter, delivered within months of my moving to Santa Monica, showed me where to turn with neighborhood concerns. Without it, I wouldn't have known how to get involved with the city this year, after I had some concerns.

Since getting involved with FOSP this year, I've attended nearly every monthly meeting and witnessed healthy dialogue firsthand. Even on contentious issues like airport closure—which most Sunset Park residents I know support—dissenting board members voice their concerns and are heard.

The strongest reason to continue funding is this: neighborhood organizations seem to be some of the only independent structures within our city government's broader ecosystem. When nearly every other body reports through the same hierarchy, dissenting views get filtered out. Independent groups can advocate for positions outside the majority consensus—preventing a government of yes-men where uncomfortable truths never surface. Healthy governance requires formal spaces where differences can be raised and amplified without fear of retaliation.

I'm deeply concerned that sidelining these organizations reflects the same polarization tearing apart our nation. The vast majority of people in these groups share significant policy agreement with council members. Yet treating them as enemies over a few areas of disagreement isn't just unproductive—it's unhealthy. Santa Monica should model something better than the all-or-nothing politics we see everywhere else.

Defunding over political disagreement tells residents their civic access depends on agreeing with whoever holds power. This erodes trust and weaponizes what should be neutral infrastructure. You don't eliminate opposition by cutting funding—you just push it into less constructive channels while losing valuable feedback.

Most importantly, council majorities change. The principle you establish today will govern how your constituents are treated when you're in the minority.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
8 Strong neighborhoods make strong cities. Political disagreement isn't a bug to suppress—it's a feature that makes better decisions possible.

Thank you,
Heather
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
9 David Yakobson
From: Dan Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Dan Kolhoff
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
10 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Hom <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 10:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
11 David Yakobson
From: Karen Croner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, Our Neighborhood Organizations amplify the voices of the residents, and provide residents with essential information. I am aghast that this city council would even consider limiting this community service, I can only see it as an attempt to limit free speech. At this moment in our nation’s history, when our streets are filled with No Kings marches, I am dismayed to see the city staff and council wishing to act as “kings.” This is truly a dark day in our city’s history, and I promise you, if you try to cut the Neighborhood Organizations, it will get enormous media attention and you will be seen as anti first amendment, forever.

We have a diverse membership with people with many different opinions, but unified in loving our city.

If you limit neighborhood organizations, sadly you will be marching in lock step with the current administration in limiting basic civil and human rights.

The neighborhood organizations are volunteers who love Santa Monica, have put roots down here, who keep us informed about crime, and also organize all kinds of fun events that help create community. Are you truly against that??? Do the right thing. Support the neighborhood organization grant program.

I agree with the FOSP letter:

As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Karen Croner
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
12 Karen Croner
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
13 David Yakobson
From: Sue Edwards <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Funding for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
Please continue to provide funding to the city’s neighborhood organizations at the current level.

Sue Edwards
428 - 15th St.
52 year Santa Monica resident.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
14 David Yakobson
From: danilobach <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:29 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item ll B on September 30, 2025 Agenda

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
As a long-time resident of Santa Monica and a former chair of the North of Montana Neighborhood Association, I cannot agree more with the sentiments and recommendations presented to you today in the letter from NOMA's current chair Bruce Leddy. The neighborhood associations are a vital asset and sounding board for community involvement and have deserve the continuing support of City Council and staff.

Respectfully,
Danilo Bach
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
15 David Yakobson
From: Ria McVeigh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:39 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Katrina McVeigh
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
16 David Yakobson
From: phillis dudick <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 ITEM 11-B

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers:

Regarding Neighborhood Associations, why not leave funding minimally at the level it has been for several years with the caveat that personality politics, including endorsements, will not be permitted under City guidelines.

It stands to reason that organizations, or bodies, "sponsored" by the City shall not engage in partisan politics. Neighborhood Associations were conceived to play a vital role in civic life and will continue to do so, though funding at least at the current level is critical.

Sincerely,
Phillis Dudick
NOMA Board Member
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
17 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Hicks <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 11:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. Sincerely, Nancy Hicks
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Crystal Reed <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 3:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
Just as Los Angeles is a collection of unique neighborhoods, so is our tiny, world-famous Santa Monica. Our neighborhoods have their own specific concerns reflecting their particular sets of residents and business owners. The relatively robust NGP as it exists is a proud and beautiful tradition within our city that doesn't need to be modeled after other cities that aren't us.

My family has been a member household of FOSP for almost two decades. (Our family has owned and resided in this house since it was originally built for the Douglas employees back in the '40s.) I won't repeat the FOSP talking points from the standardized letter because you've received it multiple times already, but I will ask you to consider maintaining the program as-is, or perhaps even enhancing it in some of the ways proposed in your optional plans. Definitely not scaling it back.

Thank you.

Crystal Reed
2817 11th Street
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Rachel Powell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 8:09 AM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Josh Kurpies
Subject: Morning! And a gentle plea

EXTERNAL
Hello dear Santa Monica servants!
I’ve just discovered that our neighborhood coalitions may be defunded and I’m hoping you don’t do that.

Each community comes together, considers what is best for all residents in our treasured city and are proactive for the good of all, we are not partisan - all are welcome.

The fees help build, (neighbor) awareness and community. And they are nominal in the whole scheme of our City budget.

Thank you for your attention and please continue our funding! SincerelyRachel
Powell Now Creative

WRITING & CONSULTING
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Stuart Grusin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 8:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Stuart Grusin
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: LINDA KNAB <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 8:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I believe that the FOSP is an important community program that should be recognized, by the city council, as an excellent tool to help create a bond between community members and is essential for keeping residents informed about issues in the neighborhood that they are living in. Please vote to continue funding for this very important program.

As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Linda Reinbold
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: suzie roth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 5:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Suzie
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: leona mason <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Leona Mason
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: ALICE ELLIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Alice Ellis
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:16 PM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Josh Kurpies
Subject: AGENDA ITEM 11. B. SUPPORT ITEM 2 MTG 9/30/2025

EXTERNAL
To all,
Please, if you are to wrongly punish the residents' voices, while cleverly violating our right to free speech, then go with Option 2 as drafted by staff.

I find it so odd that staff would even suggest resurrecting the Seascape corpse, a former lackluster zine costing four times the amount that funding the neighborhood groups at $49,000 does. But of course Seacape is controlled by the City, and staff that are horribly rude to residents, and that is what this Council is going for at every turn. It also doesn't want us gathering or talking to each other, comparing notes and information. So, with Option 2, we will save a whopping $21,000. a year from a budget of over half a billion plus.

Wow, that will go a long way. You may say "every dollar helps".. but that is not the response when we objected to Natalya going to the Yimby convention, or other Council members traveling all over the place. Or how about those catered dinners that you order for Council to feast upon while we, the tired residents wait for the Closed Sessions to be over so we can express our views to the well fed council who are not really listening or caring. Not you Lana. Those who most of the time have a pre-planned agenda. It all adds up. So does hiring upper level management for inflated salaries and benefits, as with our new unimpressive City Manager who is being paid twice Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
6 his worth. We also might investigate many of the retiring employees who have violated residents' civil rights, and caused damage to so many who are vulnerable. We have management who have done this, along with questionable deals that violate law, then go on to collect inflated pensions.. How about looking into this instead of cutting community group funding? I bet we could save a few wampum there.

Or how about doing discovery on the current 180 ULLER victims waiting for their $1,000,000. each. You allowed these abuses to go on over a long period of time and did zero to stop it after repeated warnings. Then you gripe about $49,000 for residents' voices? First you cover up the molestation for decades, then you cover up finding out who was really involved besides ULLER.

Amazing.

Please don't pretend you care or know how to run anything. The only thing you should run for is the bus out of town. Not you Lana..you are terrific.

Fund the damn community groups and shut the hell up about it. It's peanuts.

Not you Lana, you can talk all you want because you are the only voice on that dias that represents us, the taxpayers
Danielle Charney
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
7 David Yakobson
From: Robin Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Robin Anderson
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
8 David Yakobson
From: JORDAN ELLIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Jordan Ellis
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
9 David Yakobson
From: Deborah Roetman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:29 PM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Josh Kurpies
Subject: Neighborhood Associations

EXTERNAL
I am a member of the Wilmont Neighborhood Association. Please do not defund us! The neighborhoods ARE the city. They are the liaison between the city and the people. They are a chance for residents to get involved in the affairs of the city. To meet the members of the city council, the police department and many other city representatives. Why would any council member choose to defund the neighborhood associations? They are such a small fraction of the city's budget and are such a valuable asset for the community.

Deborah Roetman
Santa Monica resident
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
10 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Owens <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Nancy Owens
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
11 David Yakobson
From: PAULINE YANO <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Pauline Yano
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
12 David Yakobson
From: Julie Rhee <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Julie Rhee
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
13 David Yakobson
From: Michelle LoMonaco <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Michelle LoMonaco 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
14 David Yakobson
From: Warren Allen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Warren and Sally Allen
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
15 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: FOSP: City Council 9/30/25 item 11-B -- Neighborhood Organization Grant Program

EXTERNAL
September 29, 2025

To: Mayor Negrete and City Council members

From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park

RE: 9/30/25 item 11-B -- Neighborhood Organization Grant Program

Below is the email we sent you in July 2025.

The FOSP Board urges you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

How FOSP uses the grant: We use the annual $7,000 grant for mailing a membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood.

Before the 2020 restructuring, the City mailed the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.

FOSP membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns, which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

As you can see from the grant application form, we need to list how we plan to spend the grant, get it approved by city staff, and in the end-of-the-year Final Report, provide invoices and copies of any printed materials for approval by City staff.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of city meetings and other events, and links to articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

FOSP community events this year have included
--an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park,
--the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, --FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
16 --FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

Again, the FOSP Board urges you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program, which is already funded in the 2025-27 budget.

From: [email protected]
To: [email protected] , [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected] Sent: 7/7/2025 9:32:28 PM Pacific Daylight Time
Subject: City Council 7/8/25 item 16-E -- Neighborhood Organization Grant Program July 7, 2025

To: Mayor Negrete and City Council members

RE: Neighborhood Organization Grant Program
Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP) was founded in 1989. We are a nonprofit and all volunteer group dedicated to improving the quality of life for renters and homeowners in the Sunset Park neighborhood.

Along with the other 6 city-recognized neighborhood organizations, we are listed on the city website. If you search for “neighborhood organizations,” our names are linked to our websites. https://www.santamonica.gov/neighborhood-organizations
If you scroll down, there is information about the grant program. https://www.santamonica.gov/media/CMO/neighborhood%20grants/Neighborhood%20Org%20Grant% 20Program%202023-2024%20final%20(1).pdf
As you can see from the application form, we need to list how we plan to spend the grant, get it approved by city staff, and in the end-of-the-year Final Report, provide invoices and copies of any materials we may have copied for for approval by City staff. This year, Friends of Sunset Park used our grant for 1) a membership appeal letter that was mailed to all residents in Sunset Park, and 2) a newsletter which was flyered to all residents in Sunset Park.

Our newsletters, which are flyered to the entire neighborhood 1 to 4 times per year, are posted here:
https://friendsofsunsetpark.org/newsletter/
Our weekly "What's new" emails include city announcements, the weekly SMPD Blue Notebook, a calendar of events, including city meetings, library events, summer swimming pool schedules, National Night Out, fun events, etc., plus titles and links to articles from the previous week in our local newspapers. Various city departments email us information to share with our members.

Our monthly meeting agendas include updates from our SMPD NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator, and information about upcoming meeting dates and agendas of the City Council, Planning Commission, Airport Commission, Recreation & Parks Commission, Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment, SMC Board of Trustees, SMMUSD Board of Education, and events at Fairview Library.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
17 Our guest speakers in past years have included the City Manager, City Council members, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Public Works Director, Airport Director, Planning Director, City Traffic Engineer, head of Emergency Management, Urban Forester, Water Resources Manager, and other city staff Our FOSP website and FOSP Facebook page provide additional information for our members.

We donate to Samohi’s Grad Nite and participate in National Night Out every year. This year we also participated in Art in the Alley and Art in the Park, plus we are planning a large meeting/celebration in Clover Park on July 19th. We also participate in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street with our FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team.

Each year, our members tell us on their membership forms what they like best about living in Sunset Park and what their greatest concerns are. That helps our board establish priorities, such as getting additional crossing guards assigned near neighborhood schools, advocating for Runway Safety Areas at both ends of the Santa Monica Airport runway, opposing the sale of Fairview Library, and encouraging residents to participate in organics recycling, free paper shredding and electronics recycling, and free and safe disposal of hazardous household waste.

We also encourage members to sign up for SM Alerts, get an emergency preparedness kit, have a plan, and participate in CERT classes.

FOSP members have served on the City Council and on the Airport, Arts, Housing, Landmarks, Planning, Recreation and Parks, Senior Community, and Social Services Commissions, Architectural Review Board, Personnel Board, Urban Forest Task Force, Lincoln Boulevard Task Force, Pico/Lincoln Action Team, Pico Improvement Organization, SMC Board of Trustees, SMC Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, SMMUSD Board of Education, Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City, Santa Monica Transparency Project, and the Santa Monica Neighborhood Council.

Our members tell us that they appreciate our efforts to keep them informed and to keep them engaged in the life of the city.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
18 David Yakobson
From: Caitlin Lili <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Caitlin Lili
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
19 David Yakobson
From: Julia Nicholls <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Julia Nicholls
90404
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
20 David Yakobson
From: Tali Ekstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Tali Ekstein
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
21 David Yakobson
From: Sean Besser <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Message Submission re City Council 9/30 item 11-B

EXTERNAL
Hello, my name is Sean Besser. I am the president of the Ocean Park Association, but this message is coming from me personally and not on behalf of OPA. I’m here to urge you to continue funding Santa Monica’s neighborhood organizations.

These organizations are the backbone of civic life. They bring neighbors together, keep residents informed, provide a trusted channel for sharing community concerns with City staff, advocate for neighborhood priorities, and help cultivate the next generation of City leadership. In fact, several councilmembers and citywide board members — including Ted Winterer, Jeff Jarow, and myself — first got involved through neighborhood organizations.

OPA’s track record shows the value of this investment. We played a leading role in shaping the outdoor dining parklet laws and beautifying barricades in 2020 and 2021 — projects that were widely praised and embraced nationally. We also pioneered neighborhood street-closure events that foster connection and vibrancy. These initiatives would have been difficult, if not impossible, without City funding.

At the same time, I believe public funding carries responsibilities. Organizations receiving City support should not endorse candidates or engage in political advocacy. I also support distributing funds fairly, based on neighborhood population.

I also want to encourage the City to work with the organizations on creative and economic ways to spread the word about the organizations. For example, iif the City includes messaging about the organizations and their events in water bills that go to every home owner and in rent control mailings that go to all renters, this would be a very cost effective way of communicating with virtually all Santa Monicans.

In short, continuing this funding is an investment in civic engagement, innovation, and leadership — all of which strengthen Santa Monica.

Thank you.
~~Sean Besser
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
22 David Yakobson
From: Jeanne Laurie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Laurie
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
23 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Josh Kurpies; Oliver Chi Subject: Agenda Item 11-B.. Meeting 9/30/2025

EXTERNAL
I would like to send one more on this subject- the funding of Community Groups..

No group works harder ( and many work very hard ) than Wilmont... they need and deserve every cent of this money ..

They do wonders for the community and invite all
to join these events..
my god don't listen to the developer owned voices of Santa Monica Forward or John Prindle ..
voices that have nothing to do with caring about this City and its residents - only for power and developers.. only for their egos..

Wilmont ..John, Elizabeth and Susan work so hard - not a bit for developers and egos -but for us..
they make this City good ..
fund them please
they make a dollar go a long way
Danielle Charney
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
24 David Yakobson
From: ALICEANN GRUSIN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Aliceann Grusin
90405
Sent from my annoying device.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
25 David Yakobson
From: Peter A Donald <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
蚋蚌蚍蚎Peter A Donald
2618 32nd St.

Santa Monica, CA 90405
310 871-4862
[email protected]
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
26 David Yakobson
From: Amanda O'Brien <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
27 David Yakobson
From: Amanda O'Brien <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Amanda OBrien
1744 Bryn Mawr Ave
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
28 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Charles Blum
90405
Dr. Charles L. Blum
[email protected]
1752 Ocean Park Boulevard
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-392-9795
www.drcharlesblum.com
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This E-Mail communication (including attachments) is covered by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act 18, U.S.C 2510-2521, is confidential and may be legally privileged. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
29 retention, dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. Please reply to the sender that you have received this message in error, and then delete it. Thank You.

Ferpa Notice: Additionally, these records are protected by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act and are provided to the intended recipient under an exception to the Act found in Section 99.32.

These records must be maintained confidentially and may not be re-disclosed. They must be destroyed when your legitimate educational interest no longer exists.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
30 David Yakobson
From: Bruce Leddy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:54 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11B - 9/30/25

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers -
The Staff Report for Item 11B is supposed to provide accurate information and recommendations for the possibility of modifying or eliminating grants to neighborhood organizations. You should know that, to my knowledge, none of the SM neighborhood groups or their leadership were interviewed or participated in the information gathered for this report. No paperwork was requested or submitted; no inquiries were made. The Staff Report is wholly opinion based on... well, I'm not sure what it's based on because no one from the City bothered to talk to us. If you were going to find out how groups use their City grant money and whether they are being transparent (the ostensible reason for this study session), don't you think you might speak with someone from the groups themselves, or ask to see if they are abiding by the rules? Doesn't City Council deserve some due diligence on this issue before making a decision?
Instead, what you're presented with are some spitballed ideas as to what you could do to neighborhood groups if you feel like it. There is no evidence that money was misused for political purposes as was insinuated in the initial request for a study session, or that any of the other criteria for NGP participation has been violated (tax exempt status, public bylaws and open meetings, active board, a general membership annual meeting, a member threshold) in all the decades we have existed.

Instead, the report cherry picks three California jurisdictions out of several hundred, as evidence that our grant allocation may be too lax or too exorbitant. The last of these – West Hollywood – isn't even a true neighborhood group example; it's a bunch of city-supported "neighborhood watch" groups. That's comparing apples to hammers, it's so unrelated to what we do.

There is nothing in this report which allows you to judge the success of neighborhood organizations or the way they use their funds. If it were accurate, it would say, "There is no evidence that neighborhood groups have used their City grant money for political purposes. They provide receipts every year as required. In fact, this annual accounting from all 7 groups shows that they have consistently and reliably used the money for great public benefit by providing free events, open meetings, informational emails and newsletters, and entertainment for residents that makes them more engaged and informed citizens. Therefore, we recommend that the neighborhood grant program remain as is." THAT would be a truthful and candid assessment.

But that isn't even one of the options you were presented with. You can either resurrect Seascape Magazine (which has absolutely nothing to do with neighborhood groups and will cost 4 times as Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
31 much as the grants themselves), give us a per household allowance and make us promise to be neutral on all issues (per household is fine but neutrality is vague and effectively wrecks civic engagement), or co-sponsor everything we do so that we are essentially an obedient appendage of City Council. Do you have any idea what that will look like, if you take control of the neighborhood groups? Hint: it rhymes with "plump."
I know and I appreciate all that City Council members do for this city. It is an incredibly difficult and under-appreciated job. You have the same goals that we do, to make Santa Monica the best it can be. So why does the appreciation not run the other way as well? Your staff and City leaders come to us every time they want to present important information from the City. We're putting out information on our websites and email blasts, highlighting the programs and policies and events that you want residents to know about. Do we push back on some things you're doing that we don't agree on? Of course! That's democracy and if you cannot abide by some dissent, I would suggest you are in the wrong business. Instead of trying to curb or curtail public opinion, you should be encouraging it. You will better serve the public if you know where we stand, and that's what we consistently try to do in our letters and statements to you.

To my mind, this is an intense waste of your time and staff's time because you are talking about kneecapping some of the most active, engaged, and dedicated volunteers in this community. We work hard to keep residents informed. We spend countless hours organizing events for our community. We fight to make Santa Monica a great city in everything we do.

Do the right thing, and let us continue our mission to support the residents of this community, and in so doing, support City Hall as well.

Bruce Leddy
25 Year Resident of NOMA
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
32 David Yakobson
From: Leanna Einbinder <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 12:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Leanna Einbinder
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
33 David Yakobson
From: Bill Josephs <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 4:05 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Bill Josephs, 2454 23rd Street, Santa Monica, CA
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
34 David Yakobson
From: Taunya Post <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Taunya Post
2247 24th Street
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
35 David Yakobson
From: trisha roth <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 6:24 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Trisha Roth
90405
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
36 David Yakobson
From: Gail Gordon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2025 7:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Gail Gordon
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Wilder <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

FOSP has had a positive impact on our quality of life in Sunset Park for the last 14 years we have lived here -- they help keep us informed on issues in our neighborhood (and in the City generally), and help us feel like a part of the community.

FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters.

The $7,000 grant replaced that service.)
Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Andrew Wilder
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Summer Wedertz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: William Schoene <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the
2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Alan Kennedy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:28 PM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems
Subject: Funding for neighborhood groups

EXTERNAL
Please do not cut funding for neighborhood groups in Santa Monica! Thank you,
Alan Kennedy, 11-year resident of Santa Monica
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: julie anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 3:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Julie Anderson
2641 4th st, #1
Santa Monica
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Katherine Reuter <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 3:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Katherine Reuter 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Elaine Becker <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. Sincerely, [Your Name] 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: oesr <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, and FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP cosponsoring.

Jane Dempsey
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Debbie Millar <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

These letters help remind everyone to become involved in the issues facing our neighborhood and city. FOSP helps bring community together
with their general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP cosponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

I live in Santa Monica because of its community feel, please don't chip away at all that makes this city special! I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Debbie Millar
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
6 David Yakobson
From: Kathy Knight <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As members of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), we urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, we urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Kathy Knight and Joe Faris
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Danielle Charney
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Levin, Amy C <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Amy Levin
90405
*****************************************
Amy Levin, LCSW, PhD
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Terrence Marre <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Terrence Marre
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Kathleen Kelleher McCarthy <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Kathleen Kelleher McCarthy
1306 Grant St.

Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Gail Block <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
6 David Yakobson
From: Gail Block <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Gail Block
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
7 David Yakobson
From: Burt Goldstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:05 PM
To: [email protected]; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; Ralph Rudzinski; Stanley Rubin Subject: In re Sept 30, 2026 Agenda Item 11B: Considerations for Reforming the Neighborhood Organization Grant Program

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:

Please consider increasing the grants given to neighborhood and ceasing and desisting in ‘supervising” or “reforming” their activity.
501C(3) organizations are supervised by the State and are not doing political partisan campaigning.

If you have evidence they are acting politically in violation of State Law, file complaint with the State.

The attempt by the Council to ‘reform’ them eliminates their proper independence. Leave them alone. Maybe thank them. Maybe listen to the concerns of the citizens they are hearing.

As our outgoing police Chief said, these organizations - without any ‘help’ from the Council are doing good job and have the unintended side effect of reducing neighborhood crime and/or making policing easier for the understaffed force we have. Understaffed in part due to the Council’s failure to meet the Chief’s request for 5 additional officers.

At the same time the Council is oddly eager to increase high rise, 80%*unaffordable housing and add thousands of residents, it is unable or unwilling to increase police protection. This despite ’safety’ being a concern expressed through the Councils and by word of mouth on the streets. * 80% unaffordable by definition at a minimum, more if the proposal to allow developers to buy their way out of the 20% “affordability” clause goes through.

Best wishes,
Burt GOldstein
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
8 David Yakobson
From: Susan Shapiro <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Susan Shapiro
Wellesley Drive
90405
Sent from Outlook
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
9 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Wendy Dembo
90403
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
10 David Yakobson
From: Elias <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Elias Davis
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
11 David Yakobson
From: Patty McCollim <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 1:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Richard Sproul
& Patty McCollim
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
12 David Yakobson
From: rob arocd.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 2:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Rob Levin
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
13 David Yakobson
From: Marilyn Elias <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 2:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Marilyn Elias
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
14 David Yakobson
From: Mary Donovan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 2:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely.

Mary donovanme]
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program as is and to not reform it.

These neighborhood organization are vital to our communities. They are an important connections to our neighborhood and the city of Santa Monica.

Our neighborhood organizations are welcoming and everyone is encouraged to share comments and concerns.

Additionally they provide vital information. For example the weekly Friends of Sunset Park emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Amazing community events are also put on every year by these neighborhood organizations.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Kelly Hsiao
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Hilary Galanoy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Hilary Galanoy
2636 32nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Jackie Stansbury <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Jackie Stansbury
[email protected]
(310) 339-9417
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:02 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Todd Sherman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 12:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations - I

URGE YOU TO CONTINUE THE CURRENT NEIGHBORHOOD ORGANIZATION GRANT

PROGRAM

EXTERNAL
To: Mayor Lana Negrete and City Councilmembers
9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Todd Sherman
90405
Todd Sherman
2800 28th Street, Suite 130
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310.780.5565 mobile
310.664.6705 ext. 101
310.664.6706 (fax)
[email protected]
www.FirstPacific1.com
DRE #00925920
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
6 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message and/or any attachment(s) is confidential and intended for the use only by the recipient(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you are not authorized to disclose, reproduce, or distribute the contents of this message. If this e-mail is received in error, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Michael Rosenberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Michael Rosenberg
2254 22nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: nealcassidy1234 <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:49 AM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Josh Kurpies
Subject: Neighborhood Grant Program

EXTERNAL
What is wrong with your people? A bunch of you want to defund the Neighborhood Grant Program. Why? These programs only serve the community and you. Oh... I forgot you don't care about serving the community at large...you only care about serving the SMRR agenda.

This city has turned to shit because of all of you and the f'ing SMRR agenda. You can make my language and anger the issue if you want...but the real issue is you are all a bunch of misguided morons who keep looking for ways to isolate citizens who desire to reach their representatives and be a part of the city's governance. And, no....trying to speak at council meetings was always a waste of time...but from what I know, you've cut that too. Either way, speaking at a council meeting is not really participation and you know it..

P.S Go fuck yourselves.

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Leslie Neale <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Leslie Neale
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Rosie Lee <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:33 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Rosie Lee
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Bronwyn Barkan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

Sincerely,
Bronwyn Barkan
Resident 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Morse <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the
2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Nancy Morse
90404
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
6 David Yakobson
From: Mindi Shank <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
Where is any sense of democracy? Freedom of speech? You know, for the PEOPLE??? Not for the rulers! Let the people have an official say in our community. You are elected to represent us- NOT to rule OVER us! This is a new low for a city that cannot balance a budget or even pretend you care about the constituents you are supposed to serve.

As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Mindi Shank
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
7 David Yakobson
From: Will von Bernuth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 10:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP cosponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Will von Bernuth
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
8 David Yakobson
From: Nina Girvetz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:01 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Nina Girvetz
member Ocean Park Association
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
9 David Yakobson
From: Robert Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Robert Bernstein
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
10 David Yakobson
From: Jerry <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:27 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Jerry Nodiff
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
11 David Yakobson
From: Jerry <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant 90405 Jerry Nodiff
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
12 David Yakobson
From: Aram Kadish <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. Sincerely,
Aram Kadish 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
13 David Yakobson
From: Gavin Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 11:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP cosponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Gavin and Nicola Scott
1801 Marine street,
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Lauren Wyka <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:29 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Lauren Wyka
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Cheryl Downey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Downey
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Mary Hubbell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Mary Hubbell
90405
Sent from Mary's iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Janet Heinle <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:06 AM
To: Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Josh Kurpies
Subject: I support OPTION 2, but with a base amount of at least $4,000 per group, PLUS one annual newsletter for each group per year.

EXTERNAL
A lot of people have worked hard to resurrect Reed, but few have worked harder than Wilmont.

And we do more. SAVE WILMONT
Janet Heinle
1047 Lincoln 90403
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Dolores <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 9:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
IDear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Forward <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, September 26, 2025 12:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi Cc: Santa Monica Forward
Subject: 11B Supporting Comprehensive Neighborhood Association Program Reforms

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Council Members,
We are writing on behalf of Santa Monica Forward to express strong support for reforms to the Neighborhood Association (NA) Program. This is an opportunity to restore public trust in our neighborhood associations while ensuring taxpayer funds support community building rather than partisan political activities.

The Need for Reform
Santa Monica's neighborhood associations were created to foster civic engagement and help people "to know their neighbors" (1). However, many of these organizations have strayed from their original mission, becoming vehicles for partisan political advocacy that alienates significant portions of our diverse population. The majority of these groups have polarized around opposing housing and development, creating echo chambers that fail to represent the full spectrum of Santa Monica residents' views and needs.

Evidence of Political Overreach
Recent activities by several neighborhood associations demonstrate how far these organizations have drifted from community building toward political advocacy:
 North of Montana Association (NOMA) has actively opposed new housing in their neighborhood, the most unaffordable in the city, and most recently opposed the removal of owner-occupancy requirements for lot splits (2).
 Northeast Neighbors prominently features "community links" to partisan political organizations including Livable California, United Neighbors, Our Neighborhood Voices, and the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association; all groups with explicit political agendas rather than neighborhood-focused missions (3).
 Friends of Sunset Park operates what is essentially an anti-housing advocacy platform, with their land use section exclusively featuring opposition to development projects (4). Their recent June 2025 newsletter opens with "Tired of Overdevelopment" and includes direct calls for residents to lobby state legislators Ben Allen and Rick Zbur, while promoting links to statewide political organizations that oppose new housing (5).
 Wilshire/Montana Neighborhood Coalition has engaged in legislative lobbying, including calls to oppose SB79 with materials that misrepresent the bill's impacts and use fear-mongering tactics typical of political campaigns rather than community education (6). At no point in the legislative process did this bill impact a single parcel represented by Wilmont.

Recent reporting has documented how these organizations have become "insular" and operate more like political action committees than representative community groups (7). A demographic analysis reveals Item 11-B
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2 significant disparities in representation, with the smallest neighborhood association being only one-fifth the size of the largest while maintaining equal access to city resources and recognition (8).

It's important to note that neighborhood boundaries are not static—neighborhoods grow, evolve, and change over time. Downtown Santa Monica residents currently have no representation through any neighborhood association, highlighting how these organizations fail to adapt to our city's growth and evolution.

This partisan drift undermines the democratic principles these associations should embody and creates an environment where city resources indirectly subsidize political activities that divide rather than unite our neighborhoods. Members of Santa Monica Forward have been ejected from neighborhood association meetings—which are supposed to be public—without notice or cause, demonstrating how these organizations have abandoned their commitment to inclusive civic engagement.

Key Reform Priorities

1. Candidate Endorsement Ban
We strongly support implementing a minimum 5-year ban on city funding for any neighborhood association that endorses political candidates. This policy should include clear enforcement mechanisms and apply retroactively.

Political endorsements transform neighborhood associations from community-building organizations into political action committees. When these groups receive city funding while engaging in electoral politics, it creates an inappropriate use of public resources and undermines the neutrality that should characterize citysupported community organizations.

The "Wilmont Rebels" saga provides a stark example of how political fights can disrupt neighborhood associations. When the Wilmont board decided to weigh in on the Fairmont Miramar project, the acrimonious fight saw leadership purge membership rolls to eliminate dissent, ending with the resignation of longtime board members (9, 10). This response to community disagreement demonstrates the danger of politicizing these groups, transforming what should be inclusive community forums into exclusive political clubs (11).

2. Funding Restrictions
Grant funding should be explicitly restricted to community events and programming that bring residents together. City funds should not support:
 Newsletters
 Website hosting and maintenance
 Administrative overhead that enables political activities  Membership recruitment mailers
Money is fungible; funds ostensibly spent on "non-political" membership building can indirectly support political activity when the resulting membership lists are later used for political advocacy. These restrictions ensure public money serves community-building purposes rather than subsidizing organizational infrastructure that may later be used for political advocacy.

Cities like Palo Alto have successfully implemented targeted community-building grants through programs like their "Know Your Neighbors Grant," which funds specific events and activities that bring residents together without supporting political infrastructure (12).

Neighborhood associations should be responsible for their own membership recruitment and retention.

Removing city-funded mailers forces these organizations to engage authentically with residents and build grassroots support rather than relying on taxpayer-subsidized outreach.

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3 3. Equitable Funding Distribution
We support funding formulas based on the number of households served rather than a fixed amount. This approach ensures resources proportionally flow to associations that actually represent substantial residential communities, and allows for flexibility as neighborhoods change over time.

4. End "Official Recognition" Status
No neighborhood organization should receive "official recognition" from the city that grants preferential communication access to city staff or special access to resources simply because they receive city funding.

This creates an inappropriate two-tiered system where some residents have enhanced access to their government based on their association membership rather than equal treatment as Santa Monica residents.

Benefits to Santa Monica
These reforms will:
 Restore Public Trust: Clear boundaries between community building and political advocacy will rebuild confidence in these organizations.
 Increase Participation: Less partisan associations will welcome residents across the political spectrum.
 Improve Resource Allocation: Funding will support events and programs that bring neighbors together.

We are blessed to have a rich and engaging civic culture in Santa Monica. We understand there is a diversity of opinions on housing, development, and change throughout our community. While we may disagree on policy, we support the right of all Santa Monicans to organize and advocate for their vision of the city. However, taxpayer-funded neighborhood associations should focus on their foundational mission of community building rather than serving as vehicles for political advocacy.

Sincerely,
Brad Ewing, Co-Chair
Carl Hansen, Co-Chair
Santa Monica Forward
Citations:
(1) Kann, Mark (1986) Middle Class Radicalism in Santa Monica pg 73. (2) NOMA Letter on Lot Splits: https://www.smnoma.org/uploads/2/1/1/8/21184590/noma_16n_letter.pdf (3) Northeast Neighbors Community Links: https://www.neneighbors.org/community-links.html (4) Friends of Sunset Park Land Use Page: https://friendsofsunsetpark.org/land-use-circulation/ (5) Friends of Sunset Park June 2025 Newsletter: https://friendsofsunsetpark.org/wpcontent/uploads/2025/06/FOSP-newsletter-June-2025-as-of-5-28-25.pdf (6) Wilmont June 3rd Meeting Agenda: https://www.wilmont.org/meetingsagendas/tue-june-3rd-agenda (7) "Mayor Phil Brock's Presentation at Wilmont Neighborhood Coalition Offers Glimpse into Santa Monica's Insular Neighborhood Organizations," Santa Monica Next, February 2024:

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4 https://santamonicanext.org/2024/02/mayor-phil-brocks-presentation-at-wilmont-neighborhood-coalition-offersglimpse-into-santa-monicas-insular-neighborhood-organizations/ (8) Santa Monica Neighborhood Organizations Demographic Analysis: https://github.com/BradEwing/smneighborhood-orgs# (9) "Three Longtime Wilmont Board Members Resign," Santa Monica Daily Press:
https://smdp.com/news/three-longtime-wilmont-board-members-resign/ (10) "Wilmont Purges Membership," Santa Monica Daily Press: https://smdp.com/news/wilmont-purgesmembership/ (11) "Michael Dell's Miramar-geddon," LA Weekly: https://www.laweekly.com/michael-dells-miramar-geddon/ (12) Palo Alto Know Your Neighbors Grant: https://www.paloalto.gov/Departments/Community-Services/OtherServices/Know-Your-Neighbors-Grant --
We are working for a diverse, progressive, sustainable and equitable Santa Monica.

SantaMonicaForward.org
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1 David Yakobson
From: Kevin McKeown <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 25, 2025 6:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Christopher Smith; Josh Kurpies Subject: Item 11-B, Neighborhood Organization Grant Program

EXTERNAL
As a former Councilmember for over 22 years, a former Mayor, and former Chair of one of our neighborhood groups (Wilmont), I may be able to provide some historical perspective on the vexing neighborhood group funding issue now before you.

The neighborhood groups were not created by the City, but enjoyed solid City support in the 80s and 90s. The City established a Neighborhood Support Center on Colorado near Sixth, where meetings could be convened and where newsletter and other outreach efforts were assisted by paid staff.

I don’t recall an official City process at the time for identifying a group eligible for Neighborhood Support Center involvement. The neighborhood groups able to use the space were effectively “city-recognized,” although exact neighborhood boundaries were sometimes fluid or in dispute.

The neighborhood groups organized themselves. I believe the Ocean Park Association (OPA), then known as the Ocean Park Community Organization (OPCO) was the first. Wilmont’s Articles of Incorporation were filed in 1990, and specifically prohibited political candidate endorsements:
> B. No substantial part of the activities of this corporation shall > consist of carrying on propaganda, or otherwise attempting to > influence legislation, and the corporation shall not participate or > intervene in any political campaigning (including the publishing or > distribution of statements) on behalf of any candidate for public office.

When I was elected chair of Wilmont (1996 or 1997), there was no active neighborhood group north of Montana. I prevailed upon Parks Commissioner Doris Sosin to form one, and she was the founding chair of the North of Montana Association (NOMA).

It became clear neighborhood group members wanted to be heard on citywide issues as well as their more local ones, so I organized a multi-group committee to explore commonalities and ascertain where interests converged.

This became the “Neighborhood Council.”’
When the neighborhood groups were served by the Neighborhood Support Center on Colorado, City support came through rent and staffing for that location. The paid staff assisted with preparation of the newsletters, so inappropriate political content never became an issue. Helping neighborhood groups reach out to better represent resident voices was seen as an obvious good thing.

Sometime in the late 90s, just before I went from neighborhood group to City Council, that all changed. I think one of the incumbent Councilmembers had a spat with a neighborhood group. The Neighborhood Support Center was defunded and closed. Instead, annual grants were assigned to each neighborhood group. I believe this was seen as a temporary stopgap, never intended to persist for decades.

Item 11-B
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2 While the grants were part of the budget process, they weren’t controversial. It didn’t seem all that challenging for neighborhood groups to sequester the grant funds for outreach purposes only. We probably should have instituted closer monitoring, which might have forestalled the situation in which you find yourselves.

While there may not have been a formal process for making particular neighborhood groups “City-recognized,” City funding became the de facto recognition. The City, and the public, had and have a strong and legally mandated interest in making sure municipal grants are used as intended, and only as intended. Staff and the Council may want to review the recent newsletters of some of the groups, some of which appear to have strayed from outreach into politicking. It’s hard to know how the two can be teased apart when they appear in the same printed mailer with the same imprimatur of a “City-funded” neighborhood group.

Decades ago, the distinction between outreach and politicking was simply a given, understood by all. If documentation is hard to find, it may be because no one had cause to feel any documentation was needed.

Consider a parallel with the Council itself. The City Council apparently didn’t have clear rules on consequences for leaking information out of closed sessions, because until a few years ago no Councilmember had even considered doing that. We either had too strong an ethical compass, or were just too unimaginative.

I’m not touching on the federal tax status of the different groups, as you have no jurisdiction over that. Federal tax compliance is parallel to, but separate from, Santa Monica's local concerns over funding and official recognition.

Should the City be recognizing and/or funding neighborhood groups, and, if so, under what guidelines? The current “grant for outreach” solution is almost 30 years old, and, at the least, deserves re-evaluation.

Some of us have always, even when the neighborhood groups disagreed with us, felt having an organized way for residents to be heard was A Good Thing and worth subsidizing. There do exist other resident groups, not “recognized” or funded, generally formed around a single issue or opposition to a particular development. How are they different? Why are they different? Why do certain neighborhood groups get funding, and not those other associations? Is it because the other groups are more transparently political? What definition can the Council put in place to clarify this?
It’s a shame that something once so simple (supporting neighborhood voices) has become so complicated, but the old rules are of questionable applicability today, and some (but not all!) groups appear to have over-reached their City-funded mission.

The money grant was, I believe, originally tied to the cost of postage and printing to do physical mailer outreach. In our digital age, is that still the proper metric? I see that the staff report suggests one option might be to revive SeaScape and use it to promote neighborhood group outreach, but that comes with a $200,000 price tag. Why spend that money rather than simply inserting appropriate neighborhood group outreach one-sheets into water bills and Rent Control Board newsletters, piggybacking at minimal cost on physical mailings already being done on a regular basis?
The neighborhood groups serve an important function in our community. They were not created by the City, and their independence is part of their relevance. Assisting their outreach to maximize resident participation is an appropriate use of public resources in the public interest, but letting any of the groups use public money for political campaigning is clearly unacceptable. I hope you can come up with definitions and rules that preserve the positive aspects of independent resident organizing without letting public money and the public trust be abused.

Thanks,
Kevin
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K e v i n M c K e o w n
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3 https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.mckeown.net__;!!OfuUnHCITYtmmjM!tplXjB8ZLquefUJmAHq51kTjSBlVE a2TfRvcmtqKUjzyiQBV63bQLnC74O56OKnLG89oraBj0hRvXgUcZkb7gtGutDE$ Choose to be conscious
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4 David Yakobson
From: John Prindle <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2025 5:11 PM
To: Santa Monica City Manager's Office; councilmtgitems Subject: Item 11B - The importance of ending city recognition of the existing Neighborhood Groups

EXTERNAL
Mayor Negrete, CouncilMembers
The public discourse on the benefits of eliminating the city’s official recognition of our existing Neighborhood Associations has been practically non-existent. The staff report, which was just released, does not mention eliminating city recognition nor direct subsidies. Eliminating city recognition and direct subsidies will allow more voices to be heard, force outreach to recruit new members and funding sources thereby breaking the monopoly they have enjoyed for decades. The city should be empowering any group of neighbors to form a neighborhood org to promote their views and issues.

Here are easy to understand reasons why elimination is the best path forward:

Stopping the continuation of systemic racism. It is simply undisputable that the boundaries we see today are a direct result of the redlining practices we inherited from our predecessors. Social justice demands that these boundaries be eliminated. Removing the racism based geographical perimeters will motivate residents to seek other avenues to organize in their neighborhoods. Why should the Pico Neighborhood Association, led by the same family for years, be the only voice for minorities and the new residents that live there?
Enabling more diverse voices that are on equal footing with all other voices. For decades the practices of the existing neighborhood groups have subtly eliminated voices that don’t agree with them. They have used the legitimacy the city gives them to stifle viewpoints they don't agree with and to make themselves appear to speak for thousands of people. If residents want to organize around the block they live on the city should empower them instead of forcing them into organizations that will silence them.

While staff has recognized the inequality associated with fair representation their solution does not have the flexibility to adjust to changing demographics. How unfair would it be to force new residents of new dense buildings on Wilshire east of 26th into Northeast Neighbors? Empowering resident advocacy on more issues. Today we see most groups simply advocate for a single issue: stopping progress. Santa Monica residents have diverse views on issues like housing, mobility, the environment and many others but lack the legitimacy conferred by city recognition. By giving these diverse voices a chance to organize and be seen and heard on equal footing is a public good that is fundamental to our democracy. Santa Monicans like to publicly express their views and feelings and yet only a statistically irrelevant majority of residents have a platform that legitimizes their points of view.

Increased outreach: Over the last 25 years our city recognized groups have been led by the same people.

They have not reached out to those with different viewpoints, to their local businesses nor have they done a good job of notifying their constituents of the issues that don't concern them personally. Their Item 11-B
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5 attempts to raise funds from neighborhood stakeholders has been non-existent. Not a single business on Ocean Park Blvd is a member of FSOP.

Eliminating direct city funding is a necessary action. As one of the key leaders that has helped to occasionally close Main Street to cars, I encourage you to adopt staff’s recommendation eliminating internal fees. They are simply a "process" roadblock to local efforts to bring neighbors together. OPA has also demonstrated that alternatives to city funding are easily obtainable – all that is required is outreach and effort!
Social Media: When I look at my calendar I can’t help but notice it is 2025. The city already has several ways to communicate with residents and has been using them for years. Social Media is much more effective at reaching residents where they are. It creates more touches for a far lower cost.. If staff would have taken a hard look at eliminating Santa Monica’s relationship with these groups they would have noticed any organized group could this method of outreach - and saved the city hundreds of thousands of dollars.

A Proven, Better Pathway Forward - OPA
The Ocean Park Association has shown a different path forward, one that gives all voices a chance to be heard. It has shown the importance and power of strong relationships with local businesses and has developed a different model for fundraising. Its fundamental mission of informing its members on data and facts has proven popular. Its newsletter is read by thousands. The continuous outreach for new members has kept the group vibrant. The legal structure of being a 501c(3) has brought stability to different generations of leaders. It has also kept the group out of city politics. It is a model that is easily replicated.

When it comes to providing staff direction on a pathway forward, I encourage you to choose one that rights the wrongs of redlining, gives more people a chance to have their voices heard and costs the city zero dollars at a time of fiscal distress. Please free our neighborhoods from the chains of city recognition and funding.

John Prindle
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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6 David Yakobson
From: Karen Melick <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2025 6:06 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Ellis Raskin; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: 9/30 meeting item 11 B, don’t limit free speech!

EXTERNAL
Don’t Limit Free Speech
Please do not follow Trump’s lead in stifling free speech by restricting political activity by the neighborhood organizations in order to get grant money or be recognized as an official city organization.
“Political Endorsements” Definition and Enforcement
501(c) 4 community organizations are allowed to do political activity as a minor part of their community work. The current system for the grant program allows this as long as none of the grant/city money is used for any political activity. There are procedures in place to ensure this doesn’t happen. The grant money system was put in place to subsidize communications that previously were provided by the City to Neighborhood organizations.

Option 2 says that any political endorsement will disqualify a group from the grant program and city recognition with a penalty of 5 years. Does that mean endorsements of candidates or legislation or both? Who will be monitoring that the line between political information versus endorsements has been crossed? Unless this is much more clearly defined, a 5 year penalty is much too harsh. If this is implemented at all, it should only restrict the formal endorsement of City Council candidates.

Reduces Transparency
The Neighborhood Groups are a critical resource for getting information on what’s going on in the City that affects its residents. It’s unreasonable to think many individuals are going to track when the City Council meetings are and review each agenda for pertinent topics to them. By restricting political activity by the Neighborhood groups you’re making it harder for the residents to know what’s going on in Santa Monica. This reduces transparency of the City and City Council and appears to be a way to reduce the amount of negative feedback for the interests of some City Council members.

Item 11-B
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7 The only “modernization” that’s needed is improving the communications and transparency with the residents, not stifling their input and free speech.

Karen Melick
Sunset Park Resident
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September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
8 David Yakobson
From: Harry Leshner <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2025 8:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public Comment - 9/30/25 - 11B - Considerations To Protect Our Neighborhood Groups

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the City Council,
My personal pathway into civic engagement in Santa Monica was through my neighborhood group. It was this group that connected me with city staff to advocate for sustainability and mobility, and it’s the forum where we discuss hyper-local issues that matter deeply to my family, like the future of Douglas Park and Franklin School. The candidate forums they host are an invaluable tool for understanding who is running to represent us.

I am writing because I’m concerned the proposed changes to the Neighborhood Grant Program will damage this vital pathway for residents. The staff report presents several options but offers no evidence on what the impacts of these changes might be. We risk undermining a positive force for community engagement without understanding the consequences.

Frankly, this effort has the appearance of an attempt by the Council to control groups that may not always agree with you, even if that is not the intent. A healthy democracy requires hearing from all voices, even critical ones. While I don't always agree with my neighbors, I believe the solution is always more speech and more participation, not less.

Instead of weakening these organizations, I urge you to find ways to strengthen them and encourage more residents to join. Please reject options that would diminish the autonomy and effectiveness of Santa Monica's neighborhood groups.

Thank you for your consideration.

Harry Leshner
Santa Monica, Northeast 2022 - Present
Santa Monica, Wilmont 2008 - 2022
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
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September 20, 2025
9 David Yakobson
From: Alex Novakovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2025 10:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Alex Novakovich
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
10 David Yakobson
From: Holly Silvers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Holly Granelli
Condo owner & business owner
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
11 David Yakobson
From: Holly Silvers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Holly Granelli
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
12 David Yakobson
From: John Reynolds <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely, John Reynolds
17th street 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
13 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Megan FitzGerald
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
14 David Yakobson
From: Lynn Novatt <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Lynn Novatt
90405
Sent from my mini computer
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
15 David Yakobson
From: Brian Lanich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Brian Lanich
90405
Brian Lanich
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
16 David Yakobson
From: Jenny Blum <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Blum
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
17 David Yakobson
From: Alan Kerner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:44 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Alan Kerner
1761 Sunset Ave
90405
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
18 David Yakobson
From: Tom Nunziato <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
19 David Yakobson
From: cathykarolc <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. Sincerely, [Your Name] 90405 Cathy Karol-Crowther
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
20 David Yakobson
From: Betty Green <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name] Betty L. Green
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
21 David Yakobson
From: yoko roach <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 6:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
22 David Yakobson
From: Tina <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers, As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week. Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP co-sponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Tina Cox
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
23 David Yakobson
From: Lynda M Rush <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Lynda Rush
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
24 David Yakobson
From: Fae Horowitz and Al Linton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Fae Horowitz
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
25 David Yakobson
From: Lori Petitti <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. We have lived in our Sunset Park residence for 30 years and feel that FOSP plays an important role in keeping us abreast of developments, issues and opportunities. It would be a severe disservice to residents if they should lose their annual small grant and have to curb activities. FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the 2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.)

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board. A great way to address local issues and inform neighbors of concerns.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting. Very informative!

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program. Our neighborhood groups are the heart of Santa Monica, help us keep them vibrant.

Sincerely,
Lori Petitti
Homeowner, 90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
26 David Yakobson
From: Mayra Herrera <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Mayra Herrera
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
27 David Yakobson
From: Diana Bianchini <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Diana Bianchini
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
28 David Yakobson
From: Dalila Fuentes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:24 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Dalila Fuentes
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
29 David Yakobson
From: RONNA JOSEPH <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Ronna Joseph
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
30 David Yakobson
From: Allyson Dworkin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
31 David Yakobson
From: Faustino Garza <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
32 David Yakobson
From: REM Thimble <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely
Ruth Ellen Moss
90405
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
33 David Yakobson
From: Jenny Monbouquette <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Jenny Monbouquette
90405
Jenny Monbouquette
(310)266-3665
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
34 David Yakobson
From: mwdobbs <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 7:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

FOSP uses the annual $7,000 grant for mailing an annual membership appeal letter to all 7,800 residences in our neighborhood. (Before the
2020 restructuring, the City used to mail the letters. The $7,000 grant replaced that service.) Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Michael Dobbs
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
35 David Yakobson
From: Adam Cohen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

It feels suspect the decision to defund based on political affiliations. That’s yelling into the wind in Santa Monica. We need our community organizations when our city approves sooo many variances for builders. They now allow developers an out with affordable housing (buy their way out… really?). The “political endorsement” line feels like a stretch to find an excuse, and it feels more Trumpian in that you want to silence community dissent. Not cool and it won’t fly with us. Asking you kindly to pay the few thousand dollars for our community organization and not to punish them because they’re a thorn in your side. They are, in fact, our checks and balance.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Adam Cohen
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
36 David Yakobson
From: The Gold Stanley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
90405
Sent from my iRaPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
37 David Yakobson
From: Ben <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Please Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Please continue the Neighborhood Organization Grant. FOSP uses it to inform, engage, and connect 7,800 households through mailings, meetings, events, and public safety updates.

Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
38 David Yakobson
From: Harold Monbouquette <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Harold Monbouquette
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
39 David Yakobson
From: Ellen Hiura <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Ellen Hiura
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
40 David Yakobson
From: Phyllis Chavez <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Community events this year have included an FOSP general membership meeting at Clover Park, the FOSP Beach Towel Drill Team marching in the 4th of July Parade on Main Street, FOSP tabling at National Night Out, and FOSP cosponsoring with local businesses “A Sunset Park Block Party: Art in the Alley” behind Bob’s Market. Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

We need the connectiveness that an organization like FOSP fosters for our neighborhood.

Sincerely,
Phyllis Chavez
Sunset Park/90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
41 David Yakobson
From: Geoff Coster <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 8:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 9/30/25 Agenda Item 11-B - Continue Support for Neighborhood Organizations

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of Friends of Sunset Park (FOSP), I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Membership forms include a section for members to list their concerns which help determine priorities for the FOSP Board.

At monthly FOSP Zoom meetings, everyone is encouraged to share comments and questions. Our Beat 2 NRO and Crime Prevention Coordinator participate in every meeting.

Informative weekly FOSP emails include city announcements, a calendar of meetings and other events, and a list of articles in local newspapers from the previous week.

Again, I urge you to continue the current Neighborhood Organization Grant Program.

Sincerely,
Geoff Coster
90405
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025
Item 11-B
September 20, 2025

Santa Monica City CouncilSeptember 30, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
September 30, 2025