CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
NOVEMBER 18, 2025
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Negrete at 5:35 p.m., on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, and at a teleconference location in Miami, FL.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Lana Negrete
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya (arrived remotely at 5:35 p.m.,
Absent: Councilmember Jesse Zwick
Also Present: City Manager Oliver Chi
Interim City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
City Clerk Nikima S. Newsome
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:35 p.m., with all members present except Councilmember Zwick. Councilmember Snell led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT) that we know as Santa Monica. We honor their elders, past and present, and the Gabrieleño descendants who are part of the Gabrieleño /Tongva tribes.
We recognize that these peoples are still here, and as settlers and kuyam (guests), we recognize our responsibility and obligation to care for their land in partnership with them. The City of Santa Monica commits to work in partnership with the Gabrieleño/Tongva people to uplift their voices and visibility on their ancestral land.
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Snell.
LEVINE ACT Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a DISCLOSURE permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including 1 November 18, 2025
aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the Participatents ithin tharpreested 2 make ship disclosure as well.
The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agen and any other person making the contribution; the name of th recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made.
No Councilmembers recused from any items on the agenda pursuant to the Levine Act.
AGENDA Closed Session for both the regular and special meetings will be held at the MANAGEMENT end of the meeting after the Councilmember Discussion Items.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR Members of the public Rima Simon, Jerry Rubin, Alan Mont, Michael GENERAL PUBLIC Feinstein, Nikki Kolhoff, Charlie Loventhal, Denise Barton, Susan Finley, COMMENT AND Greg Morena, Dayquan Moeller, Johnathan Foster, Ishmael Tinsman, SPECIAL AGENDA Gonzalo Hernandez, Rabbi Neil Comess-Daniels, Matt Horn, Maria ITEMS: Espinoza, Aurelia Gonzalez, Marie Entoma, Ciera, Robbie Jones, Hajar Muqtasid, Mike Montgomery, and Stephen Price commented on various local issues.
No members of the public commented on Special Agenda items.
PROCLAMATIONS/ 2.A. Proclamation: World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic COMMENDATIONS/ Victims (November 16), was presented.
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS 2.B. Proclamation: Transgender Awareness Week (Nov 13-19), was presented.
2.C. Proclamation: Month of Movember, was presented.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR Members of the public Nikki Kolhoff, Denise Barton, Teri Davis Bernstein, CONSENT CALENDAR Mindi Shank, Eve Lopez, and Tricia Crane commented on consent calendar AND CLOSED SESSION items.
ONLY:
Member of the public Nikki Kolhoff commented on Closed Session items.
CONSENT CALENDAR: All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
At the request of Councilmember Hall, Item 4.A. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Hall stated that he would be recusing himself from voting on Item 4.A. due to a potential conflict of interest related to the proximity of 2 November 18, 2025
his residence to the project, pending further guidance from the FPPC.
At the request of Mayor Negrete, Item 4.S. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Item 4.A. and 4.S., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Zwick
UNDERGROUND 4.B. First Modification • with Fleming Environmental, Inc. for STORAGE TANK Tinderground Storage fank Removal at the Santa Monies Airport, was
REMOVAL
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15330 and Section 15308 of the California Environmental Ouality Act
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11478 (CCS) in the amount of disposal of four underground fuel storage tanks at the Santa Monic Airport for the Public Works Department. This will result in a five- year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $931,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
PURCHASE ORDER 4.C. Modification to Purchase Order with West Coast Sand and MODIFICATION Gravel, Inc. for Construction Aggregate and Asphalt Cold Mix, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a change order to purchase order #22600832 in the amount of $60,000 with West Coast Sand and Gravel for construction aggregate material for the Public Works Department. This would result in a revised purchase order 3 November 18, 2025
total not to exceed $310,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
PURCHASE ORDER 4.D. Modification to the Purchase Order with Hach Company for MODIFICATION Chemical Analyzer Equipment and Reagents, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a change order to purchase order #22600794 in the amount of $150,000 with Hach Company for water treatment chemical analyzer equipment and reagents for the Public Works Department. This would result in a revised purchase order total not to exceed $525,000, with future yea funding contingent on Council budget approval
FEMA PUBLIC Approval to accept FEMA Public Assistance Grant funds to ASSISTANCE GRANT reimburse the City of Santa Monica for January 2025 Palisades Fire and windstorm incident response costs, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant in the full amount awarded, of up to $1,541,271.89 from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management through the State of California, Governor's Office of Emergency Services Program for reimbursement of funds spent on The City of Santa Monica's Palisades Fire and windstorm emergency response
3. activities, in the City Manager's Office, and to accept all grant renewals; and Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all grant renewals.
SUSTAINABLE WATER 4.F. Award RFP #SP2456 to Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. for INFRASTRUCT peration, Maintenance and Management Services of the Sustainabl PROJECT SERVICES Nater Infrastructure Project (SWIP) Advanced Water Treatmen Facilities, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; 4 November 18, 2025
2. Award RFP #SP2456 to Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. to provide operation, maintenance and management services for the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP) advanced water treatment facilities for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Contract No. 11785 (CCS) with Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $16,000,000 (including a 10% contingency) over a five- year period.
COMPRESSOR 4.G. First Modification to Agreement #4980 with Natural Gas MAINTENANCE AND Systems, Inc. for Compressor Maintenance and Repair Services, was REPAIR
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11786 (CCS), formerly agreement #4980, in the amount of $257,000 with Natural Gas Systems, Inc., a California-based company, to continue providing maintenance, service, and repair for Compressed Natural Gas compressors and related equipment for the Santa Monica City Yards. This will result in a five-year amended agreement with a new total not-to-exceed amount of $503,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval
RATIFICATION OF 4.H. Ratification of Purchase Orders to Walter P Moore and PURCHASE ORDER Associates, Inc., Contech Services, Inc., and Commercial Scaffolding of California Incorporated for Emergency Repairs to Parking Structure #5, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of statutory exemption pursuant to Section 15269 and a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Ratify the Procurement Manager's issuance of a purchase order with Walter P. Moore and Associates, Inc. for the assessment of emergency structural repair, design, and permitting work for Parking Structure 5. The emergency purchase was made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(i) and is for a total amount not to exceed $105,950 (including a 20% contingency;
3. Ratify the Procurement Manager's issuance of a purchase order with Contech Services, Inc. for the non-destructive testing related to the 5 November 18, 2025
assessment for emergency structural repair work for Parking Structure 5. The emergency purchase was made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(i) and is for a total amount not to exceed $2,800; and
4. Ratify the Procurement Manager's issuance of a purchase order with Commercial Scaffolding of California Incorporated for an emergency temporary shoring installation for Parking Structure 5.
The emergency purchase was made as an exception to the
competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(i) and is for a total amount not to exceed $175,260 (including a 20% contingency).
SELECTIVE TRAFFIC 4.I. Authorization to Accept Grant from the Office of Traffic Safety ENFORCEMENT for the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, was approved.
PROGRAM GRANT
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15321 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount of $285,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety for the Police Department to accept all grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all subsequent grant renewals; and
4. Authorize the budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
HAZARDOUS WASTE 4.J. Fifth Modification to Agreement No. 11052 (CCS) with Clean DISPOSAL Earth Environmental Solutions for Hazardous Waste Disposal, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a fifth modification to Agreement No. 11052 (CCS) in an amount of $350,000 with Clean Earth Environmental Solutions, Inc. (formerly Stericycle Environmental Solutions), for hazardous waste services for the Public Works Department. The term of the contract will remain unchanged, resulting in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $1,700,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
COMPUTERIZED 4.K. Reinstatement of and Fourth Modification to Contract No. 10419 6 November 18, 2025
MAINTENACE (CCS) with Infor Public Sector, Inc. for the Computerized Maintenance MANAGEMENT SYSTEM Management System for the Public Works Department, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect on the environment pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a reinstatement of and fourth modification to Agreement No. 10419 (CCS) in the amount of $100,000 with Infor Global Solutions for the
Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) for the Public Works Department. This will result in a twenty-five-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $1,269,334, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
HAZARD MITIGATION 4.L. Resolution No. 11722 (CCS) Authorizing the Application for GRANT PROGRAM Grant Funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency's GRANT Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for the Riviera Reservoir Seismic Retrofit Project, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11722 (CCS) authorizing the application for grant funds in the amount of approximately $7,250,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the Riviera Reservoir Seismic Retrofit Project in the Public Works Department - Water Resources Division; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to apply for the grant, accept the grant, if awarded, and accept all grant renewals, if awarded.
LOCAL RENT CONTROL 4.M. Second Reading of Ordinance No. 2835 (CCS) Amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.25 Regarding the Registration of Rental Housing Units Not Subject to Local Rent Control, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
REGISTRATION OF 4.N. Second | Reading of Ordinance No. 2836 (CCS) Amending VACANT PROPERTIES Chapter 13.04, Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood 7 November 18, 2025
Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code to Require the Registration of Vacant Properties, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
OUTDOOR DINING 4.0. Second Reading of Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2837 (CCS)
PROGRAM
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
MINUTES 4.P. Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - Aug 12, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved.
MINUTES 4.Q. Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - Oct 28, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved.
MINUTES 4.R. Minutes of the City Council - Regular Meeting - Oct 14, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved.
LOCAL HAZARD 4.S. Resolution No. 11723 (CCS) Approving and Adopting the City of MITIGATION PLAN Santa Monica's Updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt a resolution of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica approving and adopting the updated Hazard Mitigation Plan;
3. Direct staff to forward copies of the approved and adopted City of Santa Monica Hazard Mitigation Plan and Resolution as necessary or as required by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and/or the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency before the next formal five-year update; and
4. Authorize staff to make modifications to the City of Santa Monica's Hazard Mitigation Plan as necessary or required by the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services and/or the Federal Emergency Management Agency before the next five-year update Questions asked and answered of staff included: are these plans required by FEMA for federal funding; is FEMA approval necessary for certain grant 8 November 18, 2025
funding; has FEMA ever said that anything the city has submitted was ineligible; has the city used Earth Consultants International before, are they reputable, and do other jurisdictions use them; which departments were on the resilience planning committee; were city emergency response experts on the committee; did the public have an opportunity for comment via public survey, workshops, comment period, commissions, etc.; is FEMA expected to approve this plan; clarification that fire, police, and planning departments were active in the planning team; why is it being recommended to evacuate by foot in a tsunami; where is the tsunami zone, and how should someone located in these particular areas evacuate, especially those with mobility issues; is the city required under AB 747 to do a (quantitative) capacity analysis for the evacuation plan; are there plans to do more detailed analyses of evacuation routes in the future; are FEMA delays expected, and can mitigation measures be implemented while awaiting approval; what's the latest on a broader tsunami warning system; are there plans for more emergency response training, especially on the Pier; how does the safety element, hazard plan, and housing element interrelate in city planning; has future population growth been contemplated in planning; are safety planning nd hazard mitigation a continual, ongoing process: clarification for how th ity is evaluatine alternate evacuation routes: is it accurate that the plan wil continue to be a living document and will be updated as new hazards and information arise; how will the plan address those with mobility, language, or accessibility barriers in evacuation planning; are evacuation drills being densificatini not just educational initiatives; does the plan account for increased population, and evacuation needs; is the city addressing the fire hydrant limitation issue in densifying areas, and does this require council direction; what's the status of tsunami public address/warning systems and signage, and are there improvements planned for inclusivity/clarity; and can language be added to address "future densification" explicitly.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to appreciation for the comprehensive work done; acknowledgment that these plans are required for FEMA funding and that it's important the city ontinues with the plan to pursue FEMA funding eligibility: the value o avina a renutable consultant who has worked on the safetv element fo consistency and expedience; the resilience planning committee including a wide range of departments and emergency response experts; reinforcing the plan's breadth and stakeholder involvement; the importance of public omment and outreach in the process; confirmation that the plan is expecte , receive FEMA approval and that this is important for moving forwara confirmation that fire, police, and planning departments were actively engaged in planning; curiosity over the tsunami by-foot evacuation recommendation; highlighting limited resources but a willingness to improve as feasible; practical interest in the ability to start implementation of mitigation measures pending FEMA approval and in making sure public 9 November 18, 2025
announcement systems and public warning infrastructure are adequate; recognizing that state law now requires safety elements to keep pace with the housing element; supporting the city's approach to ongoing preparation and up-to-date ratho best pry pres ate nantanen precessa being a living document," continually updating the plan as new information is received and new hazards are learned and evaluate next steps to try to keep community safe; clarity for public benefit on what a de novo hearing is; underlining the Council's responsibility to weigh all evidence independently; the importance of ensuring that evacuation plans are inclusive of "folks who might not be very mobile, or might have language accessibility issues, or might have other qualities that might prevent them from being able to evacuate;" reinforcing a focus on equity and vulnerability in planning; appreciation of ongoing drills and the city's prioritization of public education around hazards; community conne to bour ip, easing for paid tan ability of cue pation and easily understand; request for clear confirmation that this plan takes into account he future development and increase in population; stressed the need for fir lydrant infrastructure to be sufficient as part of mitigation planning an connected this to the city's real-world experience, asking if council direction was needed to address known issues; strong belief that education and signage are essential; and that this plan "is a working plan" and that densification is always being looked at.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Zwick
10 November 18, 2025
CHARGING 4.A. Award Bid #SP2575 and Construction Contract to Vellutini INFRASTRUCTURE Corporation, DBA Royal Electric Company, for the Santa Monica PROJECT Department of Transportation Charging Infrastructure Project, Phases 2-4, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction of Small Structures) and Section 15311(Class 11 - Accessory Structures) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid # SP2575 to Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric for the construction, purchase, and installation of battery electric bus charging infrastructure and electric vehicle supply equipment for the Department of Transportation;
3. 417847 Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Contract No. 11784 (CCS) with Vellutini Corporation DBA Royal Electric Company, in an amount not to exceed $55,907,500 (including a $5,082,500 contingency);
4. Approve the position and dedicate a limited-term Senior Construction Manager for the project as described in the "Funding and Staffing Recommendations" section of this report; and Authorize budget amendments as outlined in the Financial Impacts and Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Zwick and Hall
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 10:00 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 12:21 a.m., with all members present, except (Councilmember Hall was Councilmembers Zernitskaya and Zwick to report the following:
excused from closed session
at 12:03 a.m.) 5.A. Conference with legal counsel - anticipated litigation - Gov't.
Code § 54956.9 - litigation claims of Constance White and Milana Davis (Councilmember Zernitskaya against City of Santa Monica pertaining to condemnation of property was excused from closed located at 1811 Ocean Avenue. One case. session at 12:20 a.m.)
The City Attorney advised that after mediation, the city and Constance White entered into a settlement including a payment of $350,000, recognition of her efforts, possible reparations process, establishment of a Silas White 11 November 18, 2025
exhibit at the main library, renaming a portion of Vicente Terrace to Silas White Street, a Silas White proclamation and day, mutual release of claims, and other logistical considerations. Settlement was authorized by the City Council by a vote of 7-0. In addition, by January 2026, the city will bring forward a plan for a citywide restorative justice program.
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1):
John U.N.B. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV12746; John Doe 1, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV15009; Hector Orozco v. John Doe: Does 1-2; LASC # 23SMCV03120; John JPC Doe v. Doe City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV22020; John AD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV26548; John CW Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV29623; John Doe (A.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al; LASC # 23SMC V06066; John GA DOE, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06484; John U.L. W. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06768; Joseph Garcia v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV01368; John Doe 15, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV07647; John Doe 18, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV0239; John RR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV09398; John Doe 33, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15580; John Doe 48 v.
City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15420; John Doe 49 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV19296; John DD Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV04421; Jane EB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV24146; John Doe (V.D.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05049; John Doe (D.F.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05050; John Doe (D.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05051; Jane Doe 13, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV27233; John AM Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV28433; John Doe v. City, et al.; LASC 24SMCV05527; John Doe 53 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV31763; John Doe (Y.M.) V. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV06355; Jane Doe 16, et al. v. a Public Entity, et al.; LASC # 25STCV02235; John Doe 62, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV04414; John Doe 23 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV05850; John Doe (E.B.) v.
Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06354; Jane PB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06880; John Doe 67 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV10142; John Doe 68 v. City, et al.; LASC : 25STCV12089; John Doe 69, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV14031; John OR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV16251; John RD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC #25STCV24158 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
12 November 18, 2025
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC #30-2022-01261243 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Teri Davis Bernstein v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCP04293 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.E. Conference with legal counsel - potential initiation of litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(4): 1 case
The City Attorney advised that the City will issue a demand for properties at 1222 Broadway and 1310 Broadway to cease overnight operations due to nuisance conditions; if not remedied quickly, litigation will be initiated.
Action was authorized on a vote of 6-0.
Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
property: 1640 14th Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90405; owner of record:
1640 14th OWNER LLC; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; party to be negotiated with: Jim Jacobsen, Founder, Industry Partners; under negotiation: price and terms of payment for purchase of property The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
property: 1639 and 1645 Euclid Avenue, Santa Monica, CA, 90405; owner of record: 1639 EUCLID LLC and 1645 EUCLID AVENUE LLC; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; party to be negotiated with: Jim Jacobsen, Founder, Industry Partners; under negotiation:
price and terms of payment for purchase of property
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
Public employee appointment - Gov. Code § 54957(b): consider public employee appointment; title: City Attorney; Gov. Code § 54957.6: conference with labor negotiator; City negotiator: Mayor/City Manager; unrepresented employee: City Attorney
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
November 18, 2025
5.I. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Alejandra Garcia v. City; LASC # 21STCV07940 [report out only]
The City Attorney advised that council approved a $150,000 settlement in Garcia v. City, a class action lawsuit concerning events from May 31-June 2, 2020. The city denies liability but agreed to settle in exchange for a release of claims. Settlement was approved by a vote of 7-0 at the October 28, 202:
Council meeting
CITY MANAGER The City Manager Report was presented.
REPORT
REPORT ON COUNCIL There was nothing to report on Council travel.
TRAVEL
PUBLIC INPUT ON Member of the public Johnathan Foster commented on item 16.C.
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 12.A. Appeal of Decision by Landmarks Commission to Designate the STRUCTURE OF MERIT Front Residence on the Property Located at 1125 18th Street as Structure of Merit, was heard.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Approve 25ENT-0135, appeal of the Landmarks Commission's decision to designate the front building, a 952 square foot rectangular one-story, single-unit wood-frame residence, on the property located at 1125 18th Street as a Structure of Merit; and
3. Deny Designation Application 25ENT-0069 to designate the front building, a 952 square foot rectangular one-story, single-unit wood- frame residence, on the property located at 1125 18th Street as a Structure of Merit.
Councilmembers reported the following ex-parte communications:
Councilmember Dan Hall reported that on Sunday, November 16, he spoke with Ruthann Lehrer of the Santa Monica Conservancy and received and responded to texts from Nina Fresco of the Conservancy.
Councilmember Raskin reported that he had a telephone conversation on 14 November 18, 2025
Friday, November 14, with Mario Fonda-Bonardi from the Conservancy and exchanged several emails and text messages with Nina Fresco.
Mayor Pro Tem Caroline Torosis reported that on Sunday, November 16, she had a conversation with Ruthann Lehrer and received emails related to the matter.
Councilmember Snell reported that he had breakfast with Ruthann Lehrer and Nina Fresco and he responded to an email from Ruthann Lehrer.
Mayor Lana Negrete reported that she attended the preservation awards ceremony where the topic was discussed and acknowledged the possibility of ex-parte communication by being present at the event.
Councilmember Zernitskaya reported that she had a brief phone call earlier that day with Ruthann Lehrer from the Santa Monica Conservancy and exchanged a few texts and one email with Ms. Lehrer to set up the call.
Members of the public Jack Hillbrand, John Prindle, Neil Risch, Anne Pomeroy, Elizabeth Van Denburgh, Zennon Ulyate-Crow, and Shahab Ghods, spoke to the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: is staff now asserting that the city's historic resources inventory (HRI) should not be relied on, even though the ordinance explicitly uses it as a designation criterion; has staff ever told the council or commission to ignore an HRI listing when applying criterion A; does the ordinance say that an HRI identification may be disregarded if staff later disagrees with it; is the burden for structure of merit intentionally lower than that for landmark designation, and is the city applying the correct level of scrutiny here; will the city need to update the current ordinance, because the way our ordinance is being applied here seems inconsistent with the written letter of the law; is it still staff's assessment in Section A that, "It technically meets the wording of this criteria;" how many other surviving craftsman bungalows are in the Green Acres tract; has the Landmarks Commission, in the past, looked at neighborhood location and the geographic scope of parts of the city in determining whether something is a rare example; are we not supposed to read parts of statutes and ordinances as surplusage; isn't there an intentionally lower bar for structures of merit; hasn't the Landmarks Commission in the past looked at neighborhood location for deciding rarity of a building type; what is a "windshield survey;" how does a property get added to the historic resources inventory and how frequently is that assessed; what is a "de novo hearing," and what is the city's obligation or responsibility within the context of this type of hearing; the Conservancy's argument is that the structure is unique because of the side entrance and the bank of windows; do we have other craftsman homes with such features or is that unique among 15 November 18, 2025
craftsman homes; what is the difference between a landmark and a structure of merit, and what would the practical implications be if the property were designated a structure of merit; if the structure were designated a structure of merit, would it effectively pause demolition for at least six months while negotiation happens; if a structure is more than 50 years old and is rare, does that mean it automatically qualifies; can you explain the process that the Landmarks Commission follows when deciding whether structure of merit applies; does historic preservation preclude new development on a property; would this preclude new development on the property; and can a property be developed in the rear and still keep the historic designation.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to whether the property meets the legal criteria for a structure of merit; that criterion A (being identified in the historic resources inventory) is not discretionary and is sufficient to meet the designation; the house has several distinctive features and represents a rare variation of a craftsman bungalow; that the decision was serious and evidence-based, and that the property met preserving a unique craftsman home:
the intention behind the structure of merit category and that it is meant to enable a pause for collaborative solutions that can incorporate both preservation and new housing; concerns about potential impacts of redevelopment (like parking) were not relevant to this decision; that council merit designation under its provisions; and the broader implications of historic preservation, affordability, and the character of the neighborhood.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to adopt the staff recommendation to deny the appeal and uphold the Landmarks Commission's designation of 1125 18th Street as a structure of merit. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall,
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Zwick
COUNCILMEMBER In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items DISCUSSION ITEMS: were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Items 16.A. and 16.B. were removed and considered separately in accordance with Council Rule 6(y)
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to approved Councilmember Discussion Items 16.C. and 16.D. The motion was 16 November 18, 2025
approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Mayor Negrete
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Zwick
TRANSIENT 16.A. Appointment to one scheduled vacancy on the Transient OCCUPANCY TAX Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee for a term ending on June 30, ADVISORY COMMITTEE 2027, was continued to the December 9, 2025 Council meeting.
HOUSING COMMISSION 16.B. Appointment to one vacancy on the Housing Commission for terms ending on June 30, 2028. Continued from the October 28, 2025 meeting to meet quorum requirements, was made.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Hall nominated William Kozicki.
William Kozicki was appointed unanimously by roll call vote with all members present except Councilmember Zwick.
COUNCIL 16.C. Request of Councilmembers Hall and Zernitskaya that Council COUNCIL 16.D. A Request of Councilmember Snell and Mayor Pro Tem Torosis DISCRETIONARY FUNDS that the City Council approve use of up to $2,000 of Council discretionary funds to support Santa Monica College's 9th Annual GIVING THANKS(giving) taking place Monday and Tuesday,
November 24th and 25th to help provide holiday groceries and support for SMC students, was approved with an additional $1,000 contributed from the discretionary funds of Councilmember Zernitskaya.
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council adjourned at 12:26 a.m. in memory of Barnabe Cano and members of the transgender community who lost their lives due to transphobia and hate.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
JU Nikima S. Newsome Lana Negrete
City Clerk Mayor
17 November 18, 2025