Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, October 28, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving the him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. After the decision to not notify the public about Ocean Avenue potential disaster, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular we are referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."
We have had enough of this city council’s secrecy and being body slammed by surprise projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security and way of life.

Sincerely
Kairi Harvig
535 12th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
126
David Yakobson
From: Michael Wise <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 9:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you because I am incredulous over your handling of the proposal to open the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath Approved Open Door Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Facility on 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. Your process failed on every measure to provide transparency to the public community which will be materially impacted by the facility. A facility of this type located immediately near schools, families and our park would significantly alter our way of life in Santa Monica and impact all those who enjoy Palisades Park including tourists.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 measure proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving the him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. After the decision to not adequately notify the public about the Ocean Avenue proposal, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular I am referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."
I am outraged by this city council’s lack of transparency and surprise approval of projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on the safety and security our community.

Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
127
Sincerely
Michael Wise
201 Ocean Avenue, Apt 506P
Santa Monica, CA. 90402
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
128
David Yakobson
From: Katherine Griffith <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 9:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F.

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you because I am still reeling over your decision to conceal and then only give weeks notice to open the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath Approved Open Door Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Facility on 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue from the public. Any facility of this type right near schools, families and our park would alter our way of life in Santa Monica and all those who enjoy Palisades Park including tourists.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects." We have had enough of this city council’s secrecy and being body slammed by surprise projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security and way of life.

Sincerely,
Katherine Griffith
129 Alta Ave, Santa Monica CA 90402
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
129
David Yakobson
From: Tim Davis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 9:38 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Housing Projects 413 & 825 Ocean Ave
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
October 27, 2025
The Honorable Lindsey P. Horvath
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Third District 500 W. Temple Street, Room 866
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Re: Clarification Requested on Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Projects at 413 & 825 Ocean Avenue Dear Supervisor Horvath,
I am writing to respectfully request detailed information regarding the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH)-funded projects located at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. This inquiry is made in the interest of transparency, accountability, and alignment with state and county standards established under the BHBH Interim Housing Program RFA released on October 7, 2024, and in conjunction with Mayor of Santa Monica Lana Negrete’s City Council Item, 16.F.

Given the dearth of information and given that these Santa Monica projects previously advanced by the County of Los Angeles without clear public documentation have now been paused, can you help our community better understand the goals, good neighbor policies, and accountability metrics of these facilities? Specifically, we have the following questions:

1. Funding and Cost Efficiency: Has the County verified that the per-bed costs at 413 and 825 Ocean comply with the BHBH cap and cost-justification requirements? What proportion of total funding was directed to the property operator for deployment of services versus the property owner/operator? The RFA caps awards at $75,000 per bed and requires applicants to identify leveraged funds and demonstrate solvency, per Section 5.2. Please provide the full line-item budget, identify the use of County versus operator funds, and disclose any matching or supplemental sources used for these sites.

2. Target Population: The RFA defines eligible participants as adults experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness (SMI), including those with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs), and that “abstinence from alcohol or other substances cannot be a requirement or prerequisite for housing.” We respectfully request clarification on what this means in practice for the Ocean Avenue sites:
 What specific diagnoses or behavioral health conditions would qualify a person for placement (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or other forms of severe impairment)?  What types of substance use disorders are included under “co-occurring SUDs” and if sobriety is not required, what off-site supervision will be provided to participants?  From where will potential participants be referred or drawn? For example, can you describe if participants will be referred from CARE Court participants, hospitals, law enforcement referrals, or other jurisdictions within or outside Santa Monica?
 How many participants are expected to meet the dual-diagnosis criteria at these specific sites? Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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3. Harm Reduction Policy: The BHBH and IHP guidelines state that operators must employ harm reduction strategies that do not require sobriety or cessation of risky behavior, but permit removal only if behavior “poses a threat to the safety of others.” What specific safeguards are in place to protect surrounding schools, senior living facilities, residents, and businesses under this framework? What role does the city play in partnership in providing services, and what funding does the state or county provide to the City of Santa Monica for any city-funded resources being deployed to respond to issues arising from these facilities?

4. Deed Restriction & Site Terms: Section 7 of the RFA requires a deed restriction of up to five years on properties improved with BHBH funds. What are the recorded terms for these properties?

5. Environmental and Zoning Compliance: Section 6.1 mandates compliance with all local land use, zoning, and environmental regulations before contract execution. Please provide CEQA or Coastal Commission clearance documentation for both 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue, and if they were not required, provide a reasoning.

6. Application Review and Award Evaluation Process: The RFA lists key dates for application review, including on-site assessments between November 19, 2024 and January 17, 2025, and conditional awards beginning January 2, 2025. Section 8 establishes a scoring rubric for application evaluation and selection. Please provide the completed scoring sheets, evaluators’ notes, conditional award letters, and all comparative rankings for all applicants considered for BHBH funding in Santa Monica. What criteria, if any, were applied to assess the appropriateness of these Ocean Avenue sites relative to nearby sensitive uses?

7. Public Access to Applications: The RFA explicitly states that applications become the property of Shine BC LA and part of the public record. When will the full applications, including Exhibits C through H, reference letters, and property certifications be made publicly available? Can you please provide them to our community directly?

8. Eligibility and Compliance: Exhibit G requires attestations that applicants have no history of contract noncompliance with any funder. Does this review include the property owner (Bourne Financial Group) and developer (Leo Pustilnikov of SLH Investments), or only the service operator (St. Joseph Center)?

9. Ownership Disclosure and Conflicts of Interest: Exhibit H requires full disclosure of ownership and management interests to prevent conflicts of interest. Please provide all ownership disclosure forms submitted for 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue and confirm whether Robert Bourne, Bourne Financial Group, BFG Santa Monica PropCo LLC, Hope for SaMo LLC, Leo Pustilnikov, and SLH Investments disclosed any related-party interests.

10. The Pause, Performance Metrics, and Conditions for Operation: Please also clarify what performance benchmarks, safety protocols, or compliance conditions must be met before operations resume at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. Can you please clarify the terms of the pause, and what requirements being met would support operations commencing at 413/825 Ocean Avenue?
These questions are intended to ensure that County-administered programs funded through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program (established by AB 179, 2022) are implemented with full transparency, community participation, and fiscal accountability. Clear communication about the scope, population served, and operational safeguards will help build public trust and support for evidence-based behavioral health solutions in our community.

I respectfully request that this information be provided publicly before any facility operations commence at 413 or 825 Ocean Avenue, and that all relevant documentation be shared with the City of Santa Monica and affected community members immediately.

Sincerely,
Timothy Davis MD
1615 Georgina Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90402
[email protected]
cc: Honorable Members of the City Council, City of Santa Monica The Honorable Ben Allen, California State Senate, District 24 The Honorable Rick Zbur, California State Assembly, District 51 Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
131
Vishesh Anand, Deputy Director, Office of the California State Governor Oliver Chi, City Manager, City of Santa Monica
Ryan Smith, Chief Executive Officer, St. Joseph Center
Robert Bourne, CEO Bourne Financial Group, Owner of 413/825 Ocean Ave.

Leo Pustilnikov, Owner, SLH Investments, Operator of 413/825 Ocean Ave.

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE : This e-mail and any files transmitted with it may contain privileged and confidential information subject to such privacy regulations as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). This information is intended solely for the use of the individual or entity to which they are addressed. If you are not the intended recipient or the person responsible for delivering the e-mail to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination or copying of this e-mail or any of its attachment(s) is strictly prohibited. If you have received this e-mail in error, please immediately notify the sending individual or entity by e-mail and permanently delete the original e-mail and attachment(s) from your computer system. Thank you for your cooperation"
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
132
David Yakobson
From: ciliegina2 <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 9:39 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D AND 16.F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
I strongly oppose 4.D
I strongly support 16.F
Cheryl Gisondo
937 2nd Street
Santa Monica CA
Sent from my Galaxy
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
133
David Yakobson
From: Ann Kono <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 9:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
134
Sincerely
Ann Kono
537 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica CA 90402

Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
135
David Yakobson
From: Larry Shapiro <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 9:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: October 28th Agenda 4.D and 16F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving the him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. Furthermore, you are effectively using reserves to take away critical funding for police officers and placing it your projects to help the homeless. After the decision to not notify the public about Ocean Avenue potential disaster, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular we are referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
136
We have had enough of this city council’s secrecy and being body slammed by surprise projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security and way of life.

Sincerely
Larry Shapiro
1721 Carlyle Ave
Santa Monica CA 90402
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
137
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
138
David Yakobson
From: Kelly Siegel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F."
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you because I am flabbergasted over your decision to conceal and then only give weeks notice to open the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath Approved Open Door Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Facility on 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue from the public. Any facility of this type right near schools, families and our park would alter our way of life in Santa Monica and all those who enjoy Palisades Park including tourists.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving the him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. Furthermore, you are effectively using reserves to take away critical funding for police officers and placing it your projects to help the homeless. After the decision to not notify the public about Ocean Avenue potential disaster, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular we are referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
139
We have had enough of this city council’s secrecy and being body slammed by surprise projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security and way of life.

Sincerely
Michael and Kelly Siegel
2927 Washington Ave.

Santa Monica 90403
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
140
David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D AND 16.F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you because I am still reeling over your decision to conceal and then only give a week’s notice to open the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath Approved Open Door Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Facility on 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue from the public. Any facility of this type right near schools, families and our park would alter our way of life in Santa Monica and all those who enjoy Palisades Park including tourists.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. After the decision to not notify the public about Ocean Avenue potential disaster, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular we are referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Sincerely

DAVID GOLDBERG
515 OCEAN AVENUE UNIT 306S
SANTA MONICA, CA 90402-2622
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
141
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
142
David Yakobson
From: Artie Westerfield <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:06 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F.

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,

I am writing to you because I am still reeling over your decision to conceal and then only give weeks notice to open the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath Approved Open Door Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Facility on 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue from the public. Any facility of this type right near schools, families and our park would alter our way of life in Santa Monica and all those who enjoy Palisades Park including tourists.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."

We have had enough of this city council’s secrecy and being body slammed by surprise projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security and way of life.

Sincerely

Arthur Westerfield
601 9th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90402
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
143
David Yakobson
From: Camille-Claire Grayson <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:07 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; Oliver Chi; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Ben Grayson Subject: Gratitude for the Pause at 413 & 825 Ocean Avenue; But Performative Engagement Is Not Real Consultation

EXTERNAL
We appreciate the recent pause on the mental health housing projects. However, we are concerned that due process was not followed and that government officials did not fulfill their legal obligation for community engagement, especially on such a sensitive matter.

This situation has created a break in trust between government officials and their constituents. Therefore, a closer examination is needed, not just a temporary pause, but a look into the future of our city. My husband and I previously left Los Angeles between 2021 and 2025 due to the mismanagement of the homelessness crisis and the lack of safety and security for tax-paying citizens who contribute to the city's operation. We regularly woke up to human feces, naked persons, and knives being pulled on us, and that was not a place we wanted to raise our children or live and work.

The tax-paying citizens are speaking up and asking not to be punished for following the law. Instead, we request to be treated legally and with transparency by our elected officials. 10/27/2025
The Honorable Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Linday Horvath Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street, Room 383
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Via Email: Supervisor Lindsey Horvath (Third District): [email protected] Dear Supervisor Horvath,
I write to express appreciation for the recently announced pause on the mental health housing Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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October 28, 2025
144
projects at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. This temporary step suggests an acknowledgement that community engagement is important. However, many residents, myself included, are deeply concerned that this “pause” may serve more as a symbolic gesture than a genuine effort to involve the public in decisions that have already been made.

While Santa Monica residents value compassion and fully support effective, humane mental-health and housing services, authentic engagement means community input is sought before funding is approved, sites are selected, and contracts are executed — not after.

Community members were only informed of these projects after renovations were underway and agreements finalized. Holding town halls or issuing statements after-the-fact creates the appearance of inclusion without its substance. Genuine consultation requires early transparency, shared decision-making, and respect for both data and community expertise.

Residents and local leaders should have been invited into the process from the beginning, to help identify sites that balance access to care with proximity to schools, senior facilities, and tourism corridors that sustain Santa Monica’s economy.The community’s concerns are not about whether people in crisis deserve care, they absolutely
do. Our concern is how that care is delivered and where facilities are placed. Every person deserves dignity, safety, and a path to long-term stability.

That means programs must:

Ensure quality and continuity of treatment for clients
Include measurable outcomes for recovery and housing retention Maintain safety for both clients and surrounding residents Be implemented transparently, with independent oversight Compassion without accountability helps no one, not those struggling with mental illness or addiction, nor the neighborhoods striving to remain safe, inclusive, and functional.

By presenting these projects as “paused for engagement” while proceeding with leases, funding, Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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and construction, the County risks violating both public trust and the spirit of Welfare and Institutions Code §5604.2(a)(4), which requires community participation at all stages of planning.

Checking a procedural box after decisions are locked in is not engagement, it’s damage control.

We call on the Board to demonstrate integrity through actions, not optics. Specifically, we ask for:

Immediate suspension of all contracts, renovations, and vendor work until public input can meaningfully inform outcomes.

Transparent publication of all planning documents, funding allocations, and site selection criteria.

Independent review of how these projects were approved without prior notice to local officials or residents.

Genuine community collaboration invites residents, service providers, and mental-health professionals to co-design a plan rooted in data, compassion, and accountability.

Equitable regional distribution of facilities, ensuring no single community bears a disproportionate burden.

The residents of Santa Monica are not opposing mental-health care or supportive housing. We are demanding that these efforts be done right, with honesty, data, transparency, and measurable success for those in crisis. We stand ready to collaborate toward solutions that truly work, rather than participate in the appearance of consultation after the fact.

A performative pause risks deepening public cynicism and setting back trust in both local and county governance. Real partnership, conducted in the open, can instead model the compassionate and transparent governance Los Angeles County aspires to lead with.Thank you for your attention and for your service. I urge you to take this opportunity to Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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October 28, 2025
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transform what feels performative into something truly participatory — an example of what government can be when it listens before it acts.

Respectfully,
Camille-Claire and Benjamin Grayson
400 East Rustic Road, Santa Monica, 90402
[email protected], [email protected]
cc:
· Mayor Lana Negrete and Santa Monica City Council
· Oliver Chi, Santa Monica City Manager
· California State Senator Ben Allen
· California Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur
· Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
147
David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:09 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Clarification Requested on Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Projects at 413 & 825 Ocean Avenue
Attachments: Letter to Supervisor Horvath re RFA and 413825 Application.pdf

EXTERNAL
Please see the attached letter.

Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
October 27, 2025
The Honorable Lindsey P. Horvath
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Third District 500 W. Temple Street, Room 866
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Re: Clarification Requested on Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Projects at 413 & 825 Ocean Avenue
Dear Supervisor Horvath,
I am writing to respectfully request detailed information regarding the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH)-funded projects located at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica. This inquiry is made in the interest of transparency, accountability, and alignment with state and county standards established under the BHBH Interim Housing Program RFA released on October 7, 2024, and in conjunction with Mayor of Santa Monica Lana Negrete’s City Council Item, 16.F. Given the dearth of information and given that these Santa Monica projects previously advanced by the County of Los Angeles without clear public documentation have now been paused, can you help our community better understand the goals, good neighbor policies, and accountability metrics of these facilities? Specifically, we have the following questions:

2. Target Population: The RFA defines eligible participants as adults experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness (SMI), including those with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs), and that “abstinence from alcohol or other substances cannot be a requirement or prerequisite for housing.” We respectfully request clarification on what this means in practice for the Ocean Avenue sites:
● What specific diagnoses or behavioral health conditions would qualify a person for placement (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or other forms of severe impairment)?
● What types of substance use disorders are included under “co-occurring SUDs” and if sobriety is not required, what off-site supervision will be provided to participants? ● From where will potential participants be referred or drawn? For example, can you describe if participants will be referred from CARE Court participants, hospitals, law enforcement referrals, or other jurisdictions within or outside Santa Monica? ● How many participants are expected to meet the dual-diagnosis criteria at these specific sites?
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025

4. Deed Restriction & Site Terms: Section 7 of the RFA requires a deed restriction of up to five years on properties improved with BHBH funds. What are the recorded terms for these properties?

8. Eligibility and Compliance: Exhibit G requires attestations that applicants have no history of contract non-compliance with any funder. Does this review include the property owner (Bourne Financial Group) and developer (Leo Pustilnikov of SLH Investments), or only the service operator (St. Joseph Center)?

10. The Pause, Performance Metrics, and Conditions for Operation: Please also clarify what performance benchmarks, safety protocols, or compliance conditions must be met before operations resume at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. Can you please clarify the terms of the pause, and what requirements being met would support operations commencing at 413/825 Ocean Avenue?
These questions are intended to ensure that County-administered programs funded through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program (established by AB 179, 2022) are implemented with full transparency, community participation, and fiscal accountability. Clear Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
communication about the scope, population served, and operational safeguards will help build public trust and support for evidence-based behavioral health solutions in our community.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Chang
515 4th St., Santa Monica, CA 90402
310-418-2209
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
148
David Yakobson
From: Sunny Chang <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:15 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Clarification Requested on Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Projects at 413 & 825 Ocean Avenue
Attachments: Letter to Supervisor Horvath re RFA and 413825 Application.pdf

EXTERNAL
Please see the attached letter.

2. Target Population: The RFA defines eligible participants as adults experiencing homelessness with serious mental illness (SMI), including those with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs), and that “abstinence from alcohol or other substances cannot be a requirement or prerequisite for housing.” We respectfully request clarification on what this means in practice for the Ocean Avenue sites:
● What specific diagnoses or behavioral health conditions would qualify a person for placement (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or other forms of severe impairment)?
● What types of substance use disorders are included under “co-occurring SUDs” and if sobriety is not required, what off-site supervision will be provided to participants? ● From where will potential participants be referred or drawn? For example, can you describe if participants will be referred from CARE Court participants, hospitals, law enforcement referrals, or other jurisdictions within or outside Santa Monica? ● How many participants are expected to meet the dual-diagnosis criteria at these specific sites?
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025

4. Deed Restriction & Site Terms: Section 7 of the RFA requires a deed restriction of up to five years on properties improved with BHBH funds. What are the recorded terms for these properties?

10. The Pause, Performance Metrics, and Conditions for Operation: Please also clarify what performance benchmarks, safety protocols, or compliance conditions must be met before operations resume at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. Can you please clarify the terms of the pause, and what requirements being met would support operations commencing at 413/825 Ocean Avenue?
These questions are intended to ensure that County-administered programs funded through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program (established by AB 179, 2022) are implemented with full transparency, community participation, and fiscal accountability. Clear Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
communication about the scope, population served, and operational safeguards will help build public trust and support for evidence-based behavioral health solutions in our community.

Sincerely,
Sunny Chang
918 9th St. Unit C, Santa Monica, CA 90403
310-408-5899
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
149
David Yakobson
From: Noma Boardmember <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:19 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; [email protected]
Cc: [email protected]; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; [email protected] Subject: ITEM 16.F (SUPPORT): Questions for Clarification Regarding County-Approved Facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue and the Broader City–County Coordination Process

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

October 27, 2025
The Honorable Lindsey P. Horvath
Los Angeles County Supervisor, Third District
500 West Temple Street, Room 866
Los Angeles, CA 90012
The Honorable Members of the City Council
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dr. Ryan Smith
St. Joseph Center
204 Hampton Drive
Venice, CA 90291
Re: ITEM 16.F: Questions for Clarification Regarding County-Approved Facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue and the Broader City–County Coordination Process
Dear Supervisor Horvath, Mayor Negrete, Honorable Members of the City Council, and Dr. Smith:

On behalf of the North of Montana Association (NOMA), we respectfully submit the following questions and requests for clarification related to the Los Angeles County-approved facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue and, more broadly, to SUPPORT the framework for City-County coordination discussed under Agenda Item 16.F.

NOMA is one of Santa Monica’s seven officially recognized neighborhood associations working to improve the quality of life in our community. We represent over 5,000 households in Santa Monica from Montana Ave. to San Vicente, and Ocean Ave. to 26th Street.

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Our intent is to help establish a baseline of facts that can support a productive, transparent, and informed public dialogue between residents, the City, the County, and nonprofit partners – particularly as the community engages with you at the previously publicized November 5th Townhall and NOMA prepares for our next Community meeting on this very subject.

In preparation for those meetings, and generally moving forward, these questions are meant to clarify how decisions are being made, what standards apply, and how our community can participate constructively going forward.

In the absence of clearly communicated information, we fear that many numerous incorrect statements are currently being distributed within the community – and we are hoping to be a source of accurate information for all stakeholders.

In such spirit, we hope Supervisor Horvath, the LA County Department of Mental Health, and Santa Monica City Council can provide answers to the following in advance of the community meeting hosted by St. Joseph on November 5th:

1. Pause
a. It is our understanding that the opening of the facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Ave. have been “paused,” but for how long?
b. What is the earliest these facilities could open, and who would determine if a successful community engagement process has been met?
c. What is the process moving forward, and who will have authority and governance over this process? Is it a county, city, or will there be a county-citywide partnership?

2. Program Overview
a. What amount of funds were provided for these facilities, and for how long will these facilities be funded?
b. Is there a breakdown of funding that is publicly available? c. What improvements and operation requirements are tied to county funding?

3. Site Identification and Vetting
a. What is the formal process by which sites are identified, vetted, and selected for County-funded or County-operated mental health and housing programs within the City of Santa Monica? b. What criteria or guideline or scoring system was used to determine the suitability of 413 and 825 Ocean Ave. and who conducted that evaluation?
c. How long are these specific facilities funded?
d. What is the process in which the residents are taken care of should the facility close – which is an issue Santa Monica is dealing with at The Manor currently.

4. Operator Selection
a. Which service providers or nonprofits applied or were considered to operate these facilities? b. What was the evaluation process that led to the selection of St. Joseph Center, and what performance or outcome measures informed that decision?

5. Citywide Context
a. What other locations across Santa Monica are currently being considered, funded, or negotiated for this and similar County programs?
b. Is there an inventory or public database showing the total number, type, and operator of existing and pending County- or nonprofit-run facilities within city limits?

6. Community Engagement
a. What community engagement or notification standards does the County follow before approving and funding new facilities?
b. How will the City’s process under 16.F ensure that future projects include early and transparent communication with affected neighborhoods, schools, and businesses?

7. Program Eligibility and Definitions
a. How does the County define “severe mental illness” in determining eligibility for these programs? Are there any diagnosis or symptom severities that would be excluded from eligibility. b. What behavioral health conditions or diagnoses are expected among participants? c. For how long will residents be eligible to stay at these facilities? Item 16-F
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8. Public Safety and Support Resources
a. What resources, staffing, and coordination protocols will be in place to support individuals when they leave these facilities during non-curfew hours?
b. How will potential calls for service involving participants be handled between County agencies and the Santa Monica Police Department?

9. Impact and Compatibility
a. How are nearby schools, senior living facilities, local businesses, and residential blocks factored into the site-selection analysis?
b. Are there objective standards or impact assessments that measure compatibility or risk for sensitive surrounding uses?

10. Success
a. How does the County and City measure “success” for these facilities, and is there a review process to ensure there is accountability for the funding and that established goals are achieved? b. How many similar programs have been run to date, where have they been located, what are their rates of success and what impact have they had on the neighborhood where they are located? We believe that answers to these questions will create a shared foundation of facts, will dispel misinformation and enable the City, the County, and residents to engage in a constructive, solutions-focused conversation about how to responsibly deliver mental-health and housing services within Santa Monica.

Thank you for your attention and for ensuring that transparency, coordination, and communication remain central to this important public discussion.

With respect,
North of Montana Association (NOMA)
cc: Senator Ben Allen
Assembly Member Rick Zbur
City Manager Oliver Chi
smnoma.org
[email protected]
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David Yakobson
From: Michelle Darrow <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28 – Agenda Items 4.D and 16.F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing because I am still reeling from your decision to conceal, and then only give a few weeks’ notice about, the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath–approved Open Door Facility for the severely mentally ill homeless population at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue.

A facility of this type, placed directly near schools, families, and Palisades Park, would dramatically alter the safety and character of our community—as well as the experience for residents and visitors who enjoy our coastal parks.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of the June 2025 “Homeless Emergency” and extending these powers to the new City Manager, Oliver Chi, you are effectively granting him unrestricted authority to relocate homeless shelters wherever he chooses—without public input. This includes his proposed plan to move the two existing shelters out of downtown and away from the end of the transit line.

After the lack of transparency surrounding the Ocean Avenue decision, the community cannot afford to be left out again. Specifically, I refer to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686, and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I support Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F., which requests that the City Manager provide community engagement, zoning clarity, and accountability for all LA County and nonprofit-operated housing projects.

Santa Monica residents have had enough of secrecy and surprise decisions that threaten our safety, security, and quality of life. We deserve transparency and a voice in shaping the future of our neighborhoods.

Sincerely,
Michelle Darrow
123 Georgina Ave, SM CA 90402
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David Yakobson
From: Cyrus Partow <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F.

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Sincerely
Best Regards,
Cyrus Partow
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David Yakobson
From: Liane Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: October 28 Agenda item 4.D 16F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving the him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. Furthermore, you are effectively using reserves to take away critical funding for police officers and placing it your projects to help the homeless. After the decision to not notify the public about Ocean Avenue potential disaster, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular we are referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

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I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."
We have had enough of this city council’s secrecy and being body slammed by surprise projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security and way of life.

Sincerely
YOUR NAME Liane Hall
YOUR ADDRESS 357 18th Street. SM
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David Yakobson
From: Eric Hirshberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 10:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: URGENT: Items 4.D and 16.F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am still reeling from your recent attempt to conceal and then only give weeks notice to open the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath Approved Open Door Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Facility on 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue from the public. Any facility of this type right near schools, families and our park would alter our way of life in Santa Monica and all those who enjoy Palisades Park including tourists.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s Item 16.F. request that the City Manager provide “community engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."
We have had enough of this city council’s secrecy and being surprised by projects with no community input that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security and way of life.

Sincerely
Eric Hirshberg
528 24th St.

Santa Monica, CA
90402
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David Yakobson
From: WILLIAM STADIEM <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 413/825 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Subject: : "OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16F"
Date: October 27, 2025 at 8:34:05 AM PDT
To: [email protected]
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to you because I am still reeling
over your decision to conceal and
then only give two weeks notice to open
the LA County Supervisor Lindsay
Horvath-Approved Severely Mentally Ill
Homeless Facility on 413 and 825
Ocean Avenue from the public. Any facility
of this type right near schools,
families, and a park would alter our way of
life in Santa Monica and all those who
enjoy Palisades Park.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025
proclaiming a homeless emergency and
extending these powers to the New City
Manager, Oliver Chi, you are giving the
him unrestricted authority to move homeless
shelters wherever he deems
appropriate without public input, including
his plan to move the two current
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shelters out of downtown and away from the
translation, and after your decision to
not notify the public about Ocean
Avenue's potential disaster we cannot afford
to be
excluded. In particular, we are referring to:

CCS 11658, 11669, 11686, and
11697[Where as Agenda Item 16.f on
October 28, 2025.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete’s request
that the City Manager provide
“community engagement, Zoning Clarity,
and Accountability for LA County and
Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects.

We have had enough of this city council’s
secrecy and being body slammed by
surprise projects that will have a
dramatically negative impact on our way of
life.

Sincerely
William Stadiem, 101 California Ave, Apt
607, SM, CA 90403
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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October 28, 2025
162
David Yakobson
From: PATRICK GIGLIOTTI <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:19 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Fwd: Homeless shelters on Ocean Ave.

EXTERNAL
Begin forwarded message:

From: PATRICK GIGLIOTTI <[email protected]>
Subject: Homeless shelters on Ocean Ave.

Date: October 25, 2025 at 11:37:39 AM PDT
To: [email protected]
Dear Supervisor Horvath,
My wife and I have lived here, at 216 Georgina Ave. for over forty years. We raised our seven children here, they attended Santa Monica Schools, Roosevelt, Lincoln, SAMO and Crossroads. We now have grandchildren attending some of those same schools. We are one block from Carl Thorpe School, five blocks from Roosevelt Elementary and just up the hill from Canyon Elementary where two of our grandchildren attend school. I have been a runner and now a walker through Palisades Park for forty years, I have seen it all. I have seen the drug and alcohol abusers, the fights, the threats made against innocent people using the Park and once my grandson and I saw a deranged woman jump from the cliff to PCH. A neighbor in her late eighties who used to daily walk in the Park is now afraid to get her much needed exercise, I’m sure she’s not the only elderly person to now avoid the Park.

Over the years most of the negativity has been south of the Incline because that’s where the drug dealers congregate. The proposed homeless shelter, I am afraid, will act as a magnate and draw drug dealers and more problems into the residential area. It should be noted that the Park is not just our little neighborhood’s spot, people come from all over LA County to enjoy the Park
I was on the Board of West Coast Cares for many years and raised considerable money for the Ron Hooks organization. I have seen the problems in Santa Monica as both an involved community member and as a resident. It is my opinion that a shelter in this area or any family residential area will create a large number of problems for the residents and the city.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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Sincerely
Patrick Gigliotti
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David Yakobson
From: Stephanie Weston <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Oct 28, Agenda Items 4.D and 16.F
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Sincerely
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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Stephanie Weston
123 Georgina Avenue #7
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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October 28, 2025
166
David Yakobson
From: Gisela Friedman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: "OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F."
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.:

Please take back new City Manager Oliver Chi's unrestrained increased authority. He should NOT be allowed to move homeless shelters, least of all without community input.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.:

I fully support Mayor Lana Negrete's Item 16.F. that requests the City Manage to provide "community engagement, zoning clarity and accountability for LA County and non-profit operated housing projects." Sincerely,
Gisela Lesin
1936 La Mesa Drive
Santa Monica 90402
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David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica City Manager's Office
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: OPPOSE 413-825 OCEAN SM Mental Facility-***Use for Palisades Fire Victims Seniors
-----Original Message-----
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, October 26, 2025 8:02 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Santa Monica City Manager's Office <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected]; Council Mailbox <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Re: OPPOSE 413-825 OCEAN SM Mental Facility-***Use for Palisades Fire Victims Seniors

EXTERNAL
Please Consider Using these facilities for *Palisades Fire Seniors and Victims..

This is a win-win-win for our community, neighbors and will please your constituents..

While helping Palisades Fire Victims who are still struggling..

Thanks for your consideration...

On Oct 11, 2025, at 11:17 AM, <[email protected]> wrote:

SM Leadership and Sup Horvath:

After the NOMA meeting Oct 9, it is evident SM- LA may still have an opportunity to push back and Halt this project this with the crucial fact of a School within .3 miles and the lack of transparency.. It appears this project may not have been vetted properly with the appropriate powers of LA City and SM City.. and residents..

It does not have to move forward ..and with our new City Manager Oliver Chi and the Mayor and Council’s and residents’ Powers, we can try to push back and move this to Another appropriate location...

This is the wrong place period, immersed in a residential area.. next to a School! You can do the right thing and Stop this project.. before there are major issues and consequences… This should be a top priority for our SM Leadership and Sup Horvath.. ****This Facility Should be Reappropriated for LA and Santa Monica Seniors and/or Housing for Victims and Families of the Palisades Fire!!!!
****Helping Palisades Fire Victims and displaced Seniors would be a Win Win Win and Viewed Extremely Favorably by All Your LA, Palisades and Santa Monica Constituents! Thank You!!
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On Oct 7, 2025, at 12:11 AM, [email protected] wrote:

Dear Supervisor, Senator Ben Allen, Mayor Negrete, Santa Monica Council, Councilmember Park Santa Monica and this area on Ocean is a Tourist Destination for all of LOS ANGELES!!! This Residential and Tourist location is Not suitable for any Mental Health Facility… Not to mention the Exorbitant Costs for this expensive recreational area...

AS a 30 yr SM resident and homeowner and 60 Yr LA Resident… You need to place this type of facility near hospital services and/or medical services or a Commercial area.. NOT in the middle of Residential and Tourist area @ Exorbitant Costs!!!
Please Reconsider and I’m sure there are Many other options for this type of facility in LOS ANGELES in Areas that are not residential and close to needed medical services … ****This Facility Should be Reappropriated for LA and Santa Monica Seniors and/or Housing for Victims and Families of the Palisades Fire!!!!
****Helping Palisades Fire Victims would be a Win Win Win and Viewed Extremely Favorably by All Your LA, Palisades and Santa Monica Constituents!
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David Yakobson
From: Barry Wilen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Oct 28 Agenda items 4.D and 16.F

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
Many of us are still shocked by the apparently secretive plans to create the homeless mental health facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. These were plans in which at least some city council members and other city officials were involved during June and July 2025, per information provided by St. Joseph Center at the North of Montana Association meeting on October 9, 2025. Unfortunately, the city chose to keep all of these plans secret until they were finalized.

As a result, due to the egregious lack of transparency on this issue which is clearly critical to all city residents and businesses, our trust in the city council and the city government has been severely eroded.

For the city to earn back our trust, residents and businesses must no longer be kept in the dark on these matters. Therefore, I support agenda item 16.F to improve transparency and communication regarding these and future housing projects like this one.

In addition, I oppose agenda item 4.D as it currently stands. Because the homeless emergency proclamation extends to a single person, the City Manager, essentially unlimited power to move and establish homeless shelters without community communication and input, the extension of the emergency declaration contributes to and is a continuation of the lack of transparency from the city regarding housing in general and specifically homeless shelter placement.

I urge the city council to revise item 4.D in order to remove the ability of a single person, the City Manager, from unilaterally making decisions regarding placement of homeless shelters in the city without transparency and community input.

Thank you,
Barry Wilen
Marguerita Avenue
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170
David Yakobson
From: Caroline Matthews <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:33 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Oct 28 meeting, Agenda Items 4.G & 16.F

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing to you because I am still reeling over your decision to conceal and then only give a few weeks' notice of the plans to open the LA County Supervisor Lindsay Horvath Approved Open Door Severely Mentally Ill Homeless Facility at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. Any facility of this type near schools, families, and our park would alter our way of life in Santa Monica and affect all those who enjoy Palisades Park, including tourists.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.G.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 action proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from being close to the end of the transit line. After the decision to not notify the public about the proposed homeless facilities at Ocean Avenue, I strongly disagree with any action to exclude the public from providing input on these decisions. In particular I am referring to:

CCS 11658, 11669, 11686, and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

I SUPPORT Mayor Lana Negrete's Item 16.F request that the City Manager provide "Community Engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects."
I am disappointed in this city council's secrecy with regard to surprise projects that will have a dramatically negative impact on our safety, security, and way of life.

Sincerely,
Caroline Matthews
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood, Santa Monica
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David Yakobson
From: Dennis Puri <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Oct 28, Agenda Items 4.D and 16.F

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Sincerely,
Dennis Puri
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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172
David Yakobson
From: Hannah Wilen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Oct 28 agenda items 4D and 16F

EXTERNAL
Hi,
Many residents remain deeply concerned about the recently revealed plans to establish homeless mental health facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. According to information presented by St.

Joseph Center at the North of Montana Association meeting on October 9, 2025, these plans involved certain City Council members and city staff during June and July of 2025. However, the City did not disclose any information to the community until after the plans were effectively finalized.

This lack of transparency surrounding an issue of such significant impact to residents and businesses has seriously undermined public trust in both the City Council and the broader city government.

To begin restoring that trust, the City must ensure that residents and local businesses are no longer excluded from meaningful discussion and participation in decisions of this nature. For that reason, I support Agenda Item 16.F, which seeks to improve transparency and communication regarding current and future housing projects.

Additionally, I oppose Agenda Item 4.D in its current form. The existing homeless emergency proclamation grants the City Manager unilateral authority to select and establish homeless shelters without community notification or input. Extending this declaration would continue the pattern of nontransparent decision-making that has contributed to the present mistrust.

I respectfully urge the City Council to revise Item 4.D to remove the provision granting a single individual—namely, the City Manager—the authority to independently determine the placement of homeless shelters. Decisions of such significance must be accompanied by public transparency, accountability, and community engagement.

Thank you for your consideration.

Best,
Hannah Wilen
2234 22nd St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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173
David Yakobson
From: Howard Klein <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

After the decision to not notify the public about Ocean Avenue potential disaster, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular we are referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Sincerely
Howard Klein
1208 Georgina Avenue
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October 28, 2025
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174
David Yakobson
From: Lilly Wilen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda items 4D and 16F

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Many of us are still surprised by the recent plans to create homeless mental health facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue. These plans seem to have been developed behind the scenes, with some city council members and officials involved in June and July 2025, according to information shared by St. Joseph Center at the North of Montana Association meeting on October 9, 2025. Unfortunately, the city kept these plans under wraps until they were finalized.

This lack of transparency has understandably caused concern and eroded trust in our city council and government, especially on an issue that impacts everyone in our community.

To rebuild trust, it's crucial that residents and businesses are kept informed about these matters moving forward. That’s why I support agenda item 16.F, which focuses on improving transparency and communication around housing projects like this one.

On the other hand, I have concerns about agenda item 4.D as it stands. The current emergency proclamation gives the City Manager significant power to move and establish homeless shelters without community input or communication. This lack of involvement from residents only adds to the ongoing transparency issues, particularly regarding where homeless shelters are placed.

I strongly encourage the city council to reconsider item 4.D and adjust it so that decisions about homeless shelter placements are made with greater transparency and input from the community.

Thank you,
Lilly Wilen
Marguerita Avenue
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David Yakobson
From: Rebecca Pidgeon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:52 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: OCT 28, AGENDA ITEMS 4.D and 16.F.

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving the him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. Furthermore, you are effectively using reserves to take away critical funding for police officers and placing it your projects to help the homeless. After the decision to not notify the public about Ocean Avenue potential disaster, we cannot afford to be excluded on these matters. In particular we are referring to: CCS 11658, 11669, 11686 and 11697.

I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Sincerely
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
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October 28, 2025
176
Rebecca Pidgeon
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
177
David Yakobson
From: Kimberly Brooks <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2025 11:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Oct 28 Meeting, ITEMS 4.D., ITEM 11.A., ITEM 16.F

I OPPOSE ITEM 4.D.

By ratifying the powers of a June 2025 proclaiming a homeless emergency and extending these powers to the New City Manager Oliver Chi, you are giving the him unrestricted authority to move homeless shelters wherever he deems appropriate without public input, including his plan to move the two current shelters out of downtown and away from close to the end of the transit line. Furthermore, you are effectively using reserves to take away critical funding for police officers and placing it your projects to help the homeless.

I OPPOSE ITEM 11.A.

An entire city realignment should be a PUBLIC PROCESS, not something pushed by the city manager and voted on by council in the same meeting. Even our normal Budget Process has study sessions. This is insane and authoritarian
I SUPPORT ITEM 16.F.

Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
178
Sincerely
Kimberly Schneider
310.738.8800
Montana Avenue & 14th
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025
Item 16-F
October 28, 2025

Santa Monica City CouncilOctober 28, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
October 28, 2025