1 December 16, 2025
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
DECEMBER 16, 2025
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Torosis at 5:30 p.m., on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA. There was no longer a teleconference site at Four Points Sheraton San Rafael Hotel, 1010 Northgate Drive, San Rafael, CA 94903.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Caroline Torosis
Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick (arrived at 5:35 p.m. and left at 11:44 p.m.) Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
Also Present: City Manager Oliver Chi
Interim City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
Assistant City Clerk Maria Dacanay-Wisner
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:30 p.m., with all members present except Mayor Pro Tem Zwick. Councilmember Raskin led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Negrete.
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE
No Councilmembers made disclosures pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308).
Councilmember Raskin announced that he will recuse himself from items
10.A. and 12.B - 12.E.
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Snell to hear: the Mayor’s Highlight after 1.A. (General Public Input); Closed Session items 5.F. – 5.I. after the 16-items (Councilmember Discussion Items); and items 11.A. (Major Events) and 12.A. (Self-Certification Pilot) before 10.A. (Digital Display District). The motion was approved by voice vote with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick absent.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR Members of the public Jeff Wynne, Jerry Rubin, Denise Barton, Johnathan Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 2 December 16, 2025
GENERAL PUBLIC
COMMENT:
(Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
arrived at 5:35 p.m.)
Foster, Sean Del Gaudio, Steven Price and Michael Montgomery commented on various local issues.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
CONSENT CALENDAR
AND CLOSED SESSION
ONLY:
Member of the public Denise Barton commented on item 5.A.
Member of the public Harvey Eder commented on various local issues.
MAYOR’S HIGHLIGHT The Mayor’s Highlight was presented.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
JOINT MEETING WITH
THE REDEVELOPMENT
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
REPORT ON MEETING
COMPENSATION
There being a Consent Calendar for the City Council and the Redevelopment Successor Agency, motion by Council/Agency Member Hall, seconded by Council/Agency Member Raskin to hear the two Consent Calendars concurrently. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council/Agency Members Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor/Chair Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor/Chair
Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
The Council convened to a joint meeting with the Redevelopment Successor Agency at 5:59 p.m. Pursuant to State law, the Clerk announced that Council will receive no compensation for meeting as the Redevelopment Successor Agency.
All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion. The Clerk announced a correction for item
4.I. (December 9, 2025 minutes), that item 5.A should state that it was “Not heard”.
Motion by Council/Agency Member Snell, seconded by Council/Agency Member Zernitskaya, to approve the Consent Calendar including the correction for Item 4.I, reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council/Agency Members Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor/Chair Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor/Chair Torosis NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 3 December 16, 2025
CALRECYCLE
BERVARAGE
CONTAINER
RECYCLING PROGRAM
4.A. Adoption of Resolution No. 11724 (CCS) Authorizing Participation in the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling City/County Payment Program, 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; and
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11724 (CCS) authorizing the City Manager to submit and execute applications, agreements, and annual reports for the CalRecycle Beverage Container Recycling City/County Payment Program.
TRACT MAP 4.B. Adoption of Resolution No. 11725 (CCS) Approving Final Parcel Map No. 83963 for a Three Unit Condominium Project at 2012 19th Street, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Adopt a finding of Statutory Exemption (Approval of Final Subdivision Map) pursuant to Section 15268(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act; and
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11725 (CCS) approving Final Parcel Map No. 83963 for a Three Unit Condominium Project at 2012 19th Street.
AGING AND DISABILITY
CONSULTING SERVICES
4.C. Approval of First Modification to Agreement No. 11564 (CCS) with Elizabeth Anderson Consulting for Aging & Disability Strategic Planning Implementation Consulting Services, 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 negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11564 (CCS) in the amount of $63,000 with Elizabeth Anderson Consulting to provide consulting services for the citywide Aging and Disability Action Plan for the Housing & Human Services Department. This will result in a 5-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $218,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 4 December 16, 2025
EMERGENCY
FINANCIAL
ASSISTANCE SERVICES
4.D. Approval of Third Modification of Grant Agreement No. 11433 (CCS) for Haven Neighborhood Services for Emergency Financial Assistance Services for the Housing and Human Services Department, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that 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 negotiate and execute a third modification to Agreement No. 11433 (CCS) in an amount of $250,000 with Haven Neighborhood Services, for emergency financial assistance services for the Housing and Human Services Department. This will result in a fouryear amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $804,173, with future funding contingent upon Council budget approval.
OCCUPATIONAL
MEDICAL TESTING
PROGRAM
4.E. Approval of Second Modification to Professional Services Agreement No. 11727 (CCS) with USMD Direct Inc. and Pacific Harbor Medical Group Inc. for Occupational Medical Testing Program Services, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no significant effect 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 second modification to Agreement No. 11727 (CCS) in the amount of $138,000 with Pacific Harbor Medical Group Inc. for occupational medical testing services for the Human Resources Department. This will result in a 23- month amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $369,850, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
ON-SITE
OCCUPATIONAL
MEDICAL TESTING
SERVICES
4.F. Approval of Second Modification of Agreement with USMD Direct Inc. for On-Site Occupational Medical Testing Services, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no significant effect 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 second modification to Agreement No. 11001 (CCS) in the amount of $76,000 Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 5 December 16, 2025
with USMD Direct Inc. for on-site Occupational Medical Testing Services for the Human Resources Department. This will result in a 6- year, and 1-month amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $476,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
LOW-MODERATE
INCOME HOUSING
ASSET FUND
4.G. Annual Report on Low-Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommend the Redevelopment Successor Agency:
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. Receive the Annual Report on the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25 and authorize the City Manager to post the report on the City's website by December 31, 2025; and
3. Direct the City Manager to present the independent audit of the Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund to the City Council upon completion of the independent audit of the City’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and authorize the City Manager to post the results of the audit on the City's website after presentation to City Council.
MINUTES 4.H. Approval of Minutes for Redevelopment Successor Agency Meeting, were approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Redevelopment Successor Agency approve the minutes of the December 9, 2025 meeting.
MINUTES 4.I. City Council - Regular and Special Meeting - Dec 9, 2025 5:30 PM, were approved as corrected.
RATIFICATION OF
HOMELESSNESS
EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION
4.J. Adoption of Resolution No. 11726 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation, 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; and
2. Adopt proposed Resolution No. 11726 (CCS) ratifying the 2025 Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Declaring a Local Emergency on Homelessness.
Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 6 December 16, 2025
RATIFICATION OF
REGIONAL FIRES
EMERGENCY
PROCLAMATION
4.K. Adoption of Resolution No. 11727 (CCS) Ratifying Regional Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). 15268 (Ministerial Projects), and 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt proposed Resolution No. 11727 (CCS) ratifying the Executive Order issued by the Director of Emergency Services declaring the existence of a local emergency in the City of Santa Monica and the Supplements to that Order.
ADJOURNMENT OF
SPECIAL MEETING
The joint meeting with the Redevelopment Successor Agency meeting adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 6:02 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions 5.A.–5.E. and 5.J. and returned at 7:39 p.m., with all members present to report the following:
5.A. 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 # 23SMCV06066; 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 # Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 7 December 16, 2025
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.
5.B. 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.
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Narine Sulahian Keshishian v. City; LASC # 24SMCV02912
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.D. Conference with legal counsel - potential initiation of litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(4): 1 case (SMF Property Holdings LLC; Santa Monica EV Holdings, LLC; and Waymo LLC)
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.E. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Measure LC Defense et al. v. City of Santa Monica et al., LASC # 25STCP04361
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.J. Consider appointment of unrepresented employee - Gov. Code § 54957(b); City negotiator: Mayor/City Manager; Unrepresented employee: City Clerk/Interim City Clerk; conference with labor negotiator - Gov. Code § 54957.6; City negotiator: Mayor/City Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 8 December 16, 2025
Manager; Unrepresented employee: City Clerk/Interim City Clerk The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
The City Manager Report was presented.
COUNCIL TRAVEL No Councilmembers gave travel reports pursuant to State law.
PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Jerry Rubin, Brad Ewing, Sam Shapiro-Kline, Gabrielle Ipale, Dennis Zane, Ali Bilal, Justin Nelson, Berta Negari, Nancy Daniels, David Rindlaub and Jacob Wasserman commented on item 10.A.
Member of the public Hunter Hall commented on items 10.A. and 11.A.
Members of the public Steve Wever, Jim Harris, and John Prindle commented on item 11.A.
Member of the public Harvey Eder commented on various local issues.
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS:
UPCOMING MAJOR
EVENTS
11.A. Approval of Negotiations for Upcoming Major Events, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommend that the City Council:
1. Make findings that approval of an exclusive negotiating agreement (ENA), letter of intent (LOI), or a term sheet for real estate negotiation purposes do not constitute an approval of a project requiring CEQA review because they do not commit the City to any specific terms of a project; and that the City’s actions contemplated in this report constitute planning and feasibility studies which are exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15262.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Letter of Intent (LOI) term sheet and negotiate and execute License Agreement No. 11789 (CCS) subject to CEQA compliance, with the French National Olympic and Sport Committee to host a hospitality house activation at the Annenberg Community Beach House during the 2028 Summer Olympic Games.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a term sheet (Term Sheet) and negotiate the terms of License Agreement No. 11790 (CCS) subject to CEQA compliance with LOIDL LLC dba Hochsitz to host a Nations Village to include International Olympic Committee (IOC) satellite broadcast center, National Olympic Committee hospitality house, and brand hospitality house activation at Crescent Bay Park and portions of Lot 4 South during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games.
Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 9 December 16, 2025
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) No. 11791 (CCS) and negotiate the terms of a license agreement subject to CEQA compliance with ESPN Productions Inc. to explore a multi-day fan festival experience and international broadcast studio in conjunction with a major sporting event at SoFi Stadium in winter 2027.
5. Award RFP#462 to Goldenvoice LLC, to assess the viability of developing a music festival event on Santa Monica Beach in the fall of 2026 and authorize the City Manager to enter into Exclusive Negotiation Agreement No. 11792 (CCS)and negotiate the terms of a license agreement subject to CEQA compliance.
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) No. 11793 (CCS) and negotiate the terms of a license agreement subject to CEQA compliance with Anheuser-Busch to explore a World Cup fan festival experience at the Santa Monica Pier in June 2026.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: the various length of terms for the Exclusive Negotiation Agreements (ENA) and if they provide sufficient time for execution; how existing vendors and tenants with empty commercial spaces will be incorporated in events; how the unified pricing methodology will ensure full compensation; the sustainability of managing large scale events by an inter-departmental working group; and examples of potential legacy benefits such as infrastructure improvements.
The Council expressed an interest in: electronic dance music as the theme and genre for the music festival; final license agreements to clarify and define legacy investments; prioritizing local businesses, workers and vendors to the extent feasible; and making events free or low-cost to ensure accessibility to all. The Council also requested that staff follow up on the communications toolkit for LA28 to help prepare the community, and measure and quantify economic impacts such as consumer spending, hotel bookings and local job creation.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya to adopt the staff recommendation with direction on an electronic dance music festival. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 10 December 16, 2025
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
SELF-CERTIFICATION
PILOT PROGRAM
12.A. Approval of Establishment of a Self-Certification Pilot Program and Introduction and First Reading of Ordinances to (1) Amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 8.108 to revise the Construction and Demolition Material Recycling Compliance Process and to transition from a deposit-based system to a fine-based enforcement approach, and (2) Establish Interim Zoning Regulations Updating Applicability Thresholds and Standards for Resource and Recycling Room Dimensions; and Adopt Resolution of Intention 11728 (CCS) to Amend the Text Section 9.21.130 of the Zoning Ordinance Related to Resource Recovery and Recycling Standards, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Statutory Exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code Section 15061(b)(3).2.
2. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 8.108, Subpart B, to amend the construction and demolition material recycling compliance process and to transition from a deposit-based system to a fine-based enforcement approach.
3. Introduce for First Reading an Interim Zoning Ordinance updating applicability thresholds and standards for resource and recycling room dimensions set forth in Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.21.130 in order to further economic recovery efforts by facilitating a selfcertification building permit program.
4. Adopt Resolution of Intention 11728 (CCS) directing the Planning Commission to initiate amendments to the text of Section 9.21.130 of the City’s Zoning Ordinance to update applicability thresholds and resource and recycling room dimensions in order to further economic recovery efforts by facilitating a self-certification building permit program.
Members of the public Mati Fuchs-Lynch, Brad Ewing, Sam Shapiro-Kline, and Todd Lynch spoke to the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: which licensed professional is the project lead submitting on behalf of the business; why Certified Access Specialist (CASp) approval was recommended; if requiring additional liability insurance is standard in other jurisdictions; accommodations or exceptions for restaurants required to comply with new State laws such as upgrading trash enclosures; if there is a distinction for safety requirements between restaurant and bars/clubs; confirmation that strikes are violations that applicants have control over and how warnings are communicated after two strikes; the percentage of applicants who meet the pre-qualification requirements, clarification on the scope of similar projects within the City and why the 15 year time period was recommended; the differences between the degrees of occupancy hazards, what places a project Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 11 December 16, 2025
(Mayor Torosis left the dais
at 9:43 p.m.)
(Mayor Torosis returned the
dais at 9:45 p.m.)
in a higher degree, and if change of uses are allowed; success indicators of the program; and potential conflicts for board members such as the Architectural Review Board who may be involved in projects. The Council expressed concerns over applicants and restaurants meeting requirements as currently proposed.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to adopt the staff recommendation with direction to allow for self-certification of building codes for restaurant tenant improvements (TI), and revise prequalification requirements from three to two projects of similar scope or greater.
Motion to amend by Councilmember Zernitskaya to include direction to implement phases 2 and 3 no later than 6 months after the prior phase; implement Option 1 in terms of removing leads from the Qualified List; and provide Council with updates of each phase. The amendment was friendly to the maker and seconder. The amended motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raksin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ORDINANCES:
(Councilmember Raskin left
the dais at 9:47 p.m.)
10.A. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Establish a Digital Display District to Permit Digital Displays to Be Approved by Development Agreement in Specified Locations Along the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place, was presented along with a revised proposed ordinance.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301, 15303, 15311, 15331, and 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines as described in Environmental Review, below; and
2. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance to establish a digital display district to permit digital displays to be approved by Development Agreement in specified locations along the Third Street Promenade and Santa Monica Place.
3. Adopt Digital Display Advertising Guidelines.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: the process of auditing public benefits and revenue; transition of the displays’ brightness and control mechanisms to adjustment brightness depending on ambient light; the process of reviewing violations, the penalties imposed and Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 12 December 16, 2025
the confirmation of the responsible party; the ability to change number of potential locations in the future; if 1,000 square feet is standard and why it was recommended; the difference between scrolling and animated text; if displays have sound capabilities; average costs of installation and operation of displays; if offering lower advertising rates to potential Promenade tenants were considered; why the projects were not reviewed by the Architectural Review Board or Landmarks Commission since six locations are landmarks; if other jurisdictions approved Development Agreements (DA) with shorter terms; why reviewing 16 locations was recommended instead of rolling them out in batches; if the City’s 20% of total annual operating time is reverted to private advertising if some of the time is not fully utilized; and if all displays have the capability of coordinating with one another for art installations or immersive experiences.
The Council expressed: concerns about not utilizing the allotted 20% of community time, and interest in dedicating resources to hire City staff or a third-party contractor to manage the allocation of screentime.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, to introduce and hold first reading of the revised ordinance reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, with the following direction to spend the first $5M to fund the approved Re-Alignment Plan, and on-going revenue above the first $5M to be divided to fund the Housing Trust Fund, revitalization efforts for downtown and businesses, and a new moving image media art program at the discretion of the City. To the extent possible, the division may be: 10% to repay Housing Trust Fund until paid; 85% for the revitalization efforts and business infrastructure and up to 5% for the creation and maintenance of an art program. Examples of revitalization funding may be tenant improvements, development of the Promenade 3.0 Plan, or 0% interest public loans for conversion of retail to businesses including but not limited to restaurants, bars or clubs.
Discussion ensued on topics including, but was not limited to: better lighting that would assist with public safety; concerns with the changing look of The Promenade, amount of signs, the long term of the DAs, and maintenance of displays; the process of rolling out the displays; and communicating how community benefits and funds are invested back to downtown and the revitalization efforts. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Raskin
Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 13 December 16, 2025
1202 THIRD STREET
PROMENADE DIGITAL
DISPLAY
12.B. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Approve a Development Agreement for a Digital Display Located at 1202 Third Street Promenade, was presented by staff and the City Manager read the Historic Findings into the record.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301, 15303, 15311, 15331, and 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Introduce an ordinance for first reading to approve Development Agreement 25ENT-0021 for a Digital Display at 1202 3rd Street Promenade.
No members of the public spoke on the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included the City’s options to cancel a Development Agreement (DA) for breach of content guidelines, maintenance standards or occupancy requirements, and the effectiveness of the enforcement tools in the DA.
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskaya, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to adopt the staff recommendation with the amendments to the presentation.
The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Raskin
301 ARIZONA
AVENUE/1253 THIRD
STREET PROMENADE
DIGITAL DISPLAY
12.C. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Approve a Development Agreement for a Digital Display Located at 301 Arizona Avenue/1253 Third Street Promenade, was presented by staff and the Council waived the presentation from the applicant.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301, 15303, Section 15311, and Section 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for first reading an ordinance to approve Development Agreement 24ENT-0233 for a Digital Display at 301 Arizona Avenue/1253 3rd Street Promenade.
No members of the public spoke on the recommended action.
Docusign Envelope ID: D6255081-1CE8-4C28-A35F-245CC691EFBD 14 December 16, 2025
Questions asked and answered of staff included if the ordinance allows applicants to install a second display, breakup the current display into two or split screens.
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskaya, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to adopt the staff recommendation with the amendments in the presentation.
The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Raskin
1310 THIRD STREET
PROMENADE DIGITAL
DISPLAY
12.D. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Approve a Development Agreement for a Digital Display Located at 1310 Third Street Promenade Development Agreement, was presented by staff and Council waived the presentation from the applicant.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301, 15303, 15311, and 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce an ordinance for first reading to approve Development Agreement 25ENT-0086 substantially in the form attached hereto for a Digital Display at 1310 3rd Street Promenade
No members of the public spoke on the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included the direction of light towards the Victoria Secrets building; clarification on the standards of the lighting study and effects; and confirmation of the receiver and if they are amenable to the Development Agreement. A brief discussion ensued on the design and context-sensitivity of the display.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
NOES: Councilmember Snell, Mayor Torosis
ABSENT: Councilmember Raskin
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395 SANTA MONICA
PLACE DIGITAL
DISPLAY
12.E. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Approve a Development Agreement for a Digital Display Located at 395 Santa Monica Place, was presented by staff with a correction to the owner’s name listed in the ordinance and addition to the project plans for the display by the Tesla storefront that the minimum clearance is 11½ feet above the sidewalk.
Council waived the presentation from the applicant.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Sections 15301, 15303, 15311, and 15332 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Introduce an ordinance for first reading to approve Development Agreement 24ENT-0024 for four Digital Displays at 395 Santa Monica Place.
3. Approve license agreement 11794 (CCS) with Trigild IVL, CourtAppointed Receiver for the Santa Monica Place property, for installation and operation of a digital display on Parking Structure No. 7.
No member of the public spoke on the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to:
building occupancy requirements for retail space with multiple floors; addressing the concerns of office tenants by the 4
th/ Broadway display; and
the current occupancy of Santa Monica Place and when the occupancy thresholds go into effect.
Motion by Councilmember Zernitskaya, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to adopt the staff recommendation with the correction and addition made in the presentation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Raskin
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
(Councilmember Raskin
returned to the dais at 11:42
p.m.)
In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Negrete to continue items 16.A.-16.B. and approve items 16.C.-16.E. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
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AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY TAX
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
16.A. Appointment to one scheduled vacancy on the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee for a term ending on June 30, 2027 (Continued from 11/18/2025 and 12/09/2025), was continued.
DISABILITIES
COMMISSION
16.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Disabilities Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2029, was continued.
CITYWIDE
REALIGNMENT
PERFORMANCE
FRAMEWORK
16.C. Request of Mayor Torosis, Councilmember Hall, and Councilmember Raskin that the City Council direct the City Manager, in coordination with the City Attorney to establish a Citywide Realignment Performance Framework and public-facing dashboard that organizes outcome and output performance indicators across the Realignment Plan’s five priority areas, was approved.
SANTA MONICA CEO
ROUNDTABLE
16.D. Request of Mayor Torosis and Mayor Pro Tem Zwick that the City Council direct the City Manager to return within 30 days with a detailed framework for establishing the Santa Monica CEO Roundtable, was approved.
FORMAL
PERFORMANCE
EVALUATION PROCESS
16.E. Request of Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tempore Zwick, and Councilmember Hall that Council establish a formal performance evaluation process for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk, was approved.
AD HOC COMMITTEE 16.F. Establish and appoint a temporary ad hoc Council committee for the City Clerk recruitment process, was presented.
Councilmember Zernitskaya nominated herself, Councilmember Hall and Mayor Torosis. There being no other nominations, the motion was seconded by Councilmember Hall and the motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSIONS
(CONTINUED)
Mayor Pro Tem Zwick announced that he will recuse himself from items
5.F.–5.I. due to a conflict of interest.
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(Mayor Pro Tem Zwick left at
11:44 p.m.) On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed from the public session at 11:44 p.m. to consider Closed Sessions and reported the following:
5.F. Conference with legal counsel – existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): La Brea Washington Co, LLC v. City of Santa Monica, LASC # 25STCP00154
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.G. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
property: 1217 Euclid Street, Santa Monica, CA; owner of record/lessor: City of Santa Monica; City negotiators: Natalie Verlinich, Interim Director of Housing and Human Services; parties to be negotiated with: Sarah Letts, Executive Director, Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC); under negotiation: price and terms of payment for ground lease of property
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.H. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Stanford Neighbors Against City Overreach v. City of Santa Monica, LASC # 25STCP04108
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.I. Conference with legal counsel - significant exposure to litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2) - 1 case
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council adjourned from Closed Session at 12:22 a.m. in memory of Rob and Michele Reiner and Jubilant Sykes.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Maria Dacanay-Wisner Caroline Torosis
Assistant City Clerk Mayor
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