Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, January 13, 2026 (part 2 of 3)

I live in a residentially zoned neighborhood for residential buildings, not for commercial or multi-family. It’s singlefamily residential zoning, which is why I bought a house here and spent my life’s savings on it. I invested in a singlefamily residential neighborhood. Now, because developers with deep pockets are involved, they’re piggybacking zoning loopholes to find work arounds to develop what they want, where they want. They are combining these exemptions to maximize their developments, so they can maximize their profits. They see opportunity and are exploiting our neighborhood for their own financial benefit.

Today, developers do not adjust rents in accordance with the market – they don’t care about occupancy and don’t make money from rental income. Their money is from their assets and their portfolio. They use equity in their properties to leap between developments.

How do they demonstrate their equity? By showing what their units CAN rent for, not what the DO rent for. It behooves them to have high rents so their properties appear to be worth more. Because of this, they are taking advantage of leniency in laws that are a one-size-fits-all approach to a complex and multifaceted problem.

The city can and should help incentivize developers in areas where the zoning allows for this (like all of the office buildings surrounding the vacant Santa Monica Airport!). But circumventing the zoning of residential areas offers no protections for the homeowners of your city and allows developers to exploit vulnerable members of our community in a way that will severely damage our neighborhood.

By trying to solve the housing crisis with these exceptions to zoning and density, you’re creating a crisis amongst current homeowners and residents. We feel betrayed and helpless. Siding with large developers who will charge premium rents for vacant apartments in the name of “the housing crisis” will create a mass exodus of homeowners from Sunset Park and you will go from having an idyllic family neighborhood to having a vacant neighborhood of vacant apartments that no one can afford. The only people you will help will be the rich developers.

Item 11-C
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Chase
310-924-0436
> On Jan 11, 2026, at 6:34 PM, Chase Simpson <[email protected]> wrote:
> Dear Council Members,
>
> I’m writing as a concerned resident of Sunset Park, where I’ve lived for the past three years. My family chose this neighborhood for its peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere—a sanctuary that feels like a safe place to raise our children while still being near the city’s amenities. The proposed zoning ordinance you’re considering poses a significant threat to that sanctuary.
>
> Allowing new housing projects to reach three stories and exceed current floor area limits is simply not necessary.

This rushed process, which offers little opportunity for resident input, isn’t how such vital changes should be handled. It’s troubling to see our city’s landscape being altered without a thorough understanding of the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. >
> We shouldn’t be going beyond state law and adding density without careful consideration. Santa Monica residents deserve a transparent process that respects our voices. I urge you to roll back this unrequired ordinance and halt it from moving forward to the Planning Commission. We must protect our neighborhoods from irreversible changes that could overwhelm our community.
>
>
> Please take the time to reconsider this proposed ordinance and prioritize the well-being of Santa Monica’s families.
> Thanks,
> Chase Simpson
>
> Chase
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David Yakobson
From: Amber James <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:17 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

We are a coalition of Santa Monica residents and business owners writing to request that the Council void the December 17, 2025 DDAs with Hollywood Community Housing Corporation and restart the process in compliance with California law.

On December 17, 2025, Item 11.A was approved via motion by Councilmember Zwick. On January 9, 2026 an article in the Santa Monica Daily Press outlined conflicts of interest and ethics violations with council members who voted for Hollywood Community Housing Corporation DDA.

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

City of Sacramento (2001) confirms that participation by a single conflicted decision-maker invalidates the entire action. The proper remedy is not a revote, it is a restart from the point of violation.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich 2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused 3.

Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments 4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds
This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Amber James
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David Yakobson
From: Carly Ann <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:18 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Carly Ann
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January 13, 2026
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David Yakobson
From: Shaun Rosenberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:19 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 1-13-25 City Council Item 11C: OPPOSE - Rescind "Emergency" Supersized SB1123 and do NOT approve an ROI

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Sunset Park for 19 years and your supersized SB1123 ordinance threatens to transform our neighborhood.

This new ordinance goes far beyond what SB1123 allows and introduces three-story developments and 50% more floor area limits. We shouldn’t be pushing these changes when they aren’t necessary, especially considering this started with a fake emergency, which is now the subject of litigation.

Density does not equate to affordability, and we cannot simply add density without understanding its implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands.

NO OTHER CITY IS DOING THIS. Please stop assaulting us with zoning changes at each meeting and just let us relax and enjoy our neighborhood.

Perhaps most galling is this ordinance stems from ANOTHER JESSE ZWICK CONFLICT. Not only did he vote on this while employed by HAC, but he drafted it with a developer. They had a shared google doc wish list! The developer is represented by a law firm that is a paying member of HAC.

This wouldn't exist BUT FOR Zwick's conflict, yet this conflict isn't mentioned in the staff report. You cannot simply move it along by "confirming" it. All of the conflicts must be disclosed, and then someone without conflicts must start the process all over again. But you shouldn't restart it because we don't want or need a supersized SB1123.

I urge you to rescind the unfounded emergency ordinance and to NOT approve a resolution of intention to send this product of multiple conflicts of interest to the planning commission. The state law already applies and there is no need to do more. This needs to stop now.

Thank you for your consideration.
- Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
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David Yakobson
From: Adam Gross <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:30 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I'm opposed to the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow huge buildings towering over single story homes in my Sunset Park neighborhood. Before I moved to Santa Monica 18 years ago, I lived in Brentwood south of San Vicente. It is full of multistory buildings, the streets are backed with cars circling for parking at all hours, and people are out at all hours. I loved the walkability of my neighborhood and the feeling of space.

State law has already significantly increased density. Instead of doubling down, shouldn’t we see the effect of SB1123 before deciding even more density is better? The new ordinance you are considering would make people even more on top of one another. With reduced setbacks and three story buildings, light will be cut off from adjacent buildings and people will have no privacy when out on their porch or in their yard.

While many of you campaigned on smart growth, you didn’t campaign on cancerous growth. People didn’t sign up for this.

Sincerely,
Adam Gross
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members, As a proud resident of Santa Monica for 40 years, I've cherished our community’s charm—the beach town feel, the local shops, and the friendly faces I encounter on my walks around Montana. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to change the very essence of our neighborhoods. This ordinance allows for increases in density that are not just unnecessary; they could make our beloved areas unrecognizable. Increasing density does not equate to affordability, and I believe this is not what Santa Monicans voted for when electing this council. We need to pause and fully understand the implications of such drastic changes— especially regarding safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. I want to have faith that the city council wants to preserve the best of Santa Monica and not simply act in favor and at the best of developers. The process of rushing through this ordinance is alarming and sends a message that citizen input is not valued. I urge you to reconsider this ordinance and halt its progress. Let’s work together to protect the neighborhoods we love. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. Caron Block 716 26th St
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David Yakobson
From: Martyak, Lenna A <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose -STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Sunset Park for 12 years, drawn to its safety, family-oriented atmosphere, and close-knit, small-town feel. It’s heartbreaking to see the proposed zoning ordinance that could fundamentally alter our beloved community. Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% is simply unnecessary and could transform our neighborhoods into something unrecognizable.

This process feels rushed and doesn’t align with what we should expect from such significant changes.

Without proper opportunities for residents to voice their concerns, we risk making decisions that could have dire implications for safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. Adding density is not the same as enhancing affordability, and I believe we must consider the long-term effects on our community.

We elected this council to represent our interests, and I urge you to roll back this unneeded ordinance.

We cannot afford to make irreversible changes without fully understanding their consequences. Please do not send this ordinance forward. We need your leadership to prioritize the voices and safety of Santa Monica residents.

Thank you for considering the impact of your decisions on our neighborhoods.

SincerelyLenna Martyak, M.D.

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Item 11-C
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David Yakobson
From: Nancy Hicks <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 12:03 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Nancy Hicks
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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192
David Yakobson
From: Nancy Hicks <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 12:05 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

The rapid push for this change feels rushed for such a substantial rezoning. Increased density does not equate to affordability. It’s critical that we consider the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such irreversible decisions.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission. Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica Residents and rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Nancy Hicks
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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David Yakobson
From: Nancy Hicks <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 12:07 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasijudicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning.

Sincerely,
Nancy Hicks
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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David Yakobson
From: Carol Dickinson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 12:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: NO on Agenda Item 11 C

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
As a longtime Santa Monica resident, I urge you to withdraw Agenda Item 11C until a thorough investigation takes place. Please vote NO on these re-votes. Merely ratifying Item 11C will undermine the public’s trust in fair and transparent governance.

Please vote NO on Item 11C!
Sincerely,
Carol Dickinson
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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195
David Yakobson
From: Teri D Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 1:02 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose -Don't misinterpret and expand state law

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I'm deeply concerned--and baffled--by the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow three-story buildings and increased density in my neighborhood. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with this ordinance—SB1123 was already a significant shift.

Three stories? Minimal setbacks? No!
I am saying this as a resident who has lived on the west side of 29th street since 1993. Those on my block are EXEMPLARS of YIMBY--because R-4 zoning, with 2 story apartment buildings, are LITERALLY IN OUR BACK YARD! Many ethnicities live on our block, and in the block behind us.

Two story multi unit properties, with proper setbacks, are a way to increase density in a human-centered way--this has worked! Don't do what doesn't work!
WHY DO YOU THINK THE THIRD STREET PROMENADE IS IN DECAY? Because it is now surrounded by huge, imposing apartment and condo mid-to high rises that darken the area and create a barrier to residents and visitors. When I raised my kids, we were ALWAYS going to the promenade--several times a week. Now they consider the area "creepy" and parking a few blocks away and walking and shopping en route is no longer pleasant.

Your plans to make the whole city dark and dense and make CORPORATIONS our neighbors instead of single-property landlords and individuals will ruin our working, walking, neighborly, family-friendly city.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law.

Please do not send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica Residents and rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Stop being at war with your taxpaying voters!!
Thank you for listening to residents and voters instead of developers and lobbyists.

Sincerely,
Teri Davis Bernstein
Santa Monica Resident 1982-1985 and 1993-present
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
196
David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 1:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 1-13-25 City Council Item 11C: OPPOSE - Rescind Rezoning 2644 30th Street Moved By Zwick and Other Conflicts/Irregularities
Attachments: 2024-09 Emails HLKK and Staff re 2644 30th.pdf; 2025-07 Emails HLKK and Staff re 2644 Caroline and edits.pdf; 2025-02 Emails HLKK and Staff re 2644 edits.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers:

I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest, as well as other potential conflicts and procedural irregularities.

The rezoning from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial allows housing developments up to 85' tall with state bonuses. Two lawsuits have been filed alleging failure to comply with CEQA, violation of the general plan, and failure to follow required zoning change procedures.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
The FPPC determined that Councilmember Zwick could not legally participate in housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition (HAC). Since he made the motions to approve both the rezoning on September 30, 2025 and the limited covenant on October 14, 2025, these votes are invalid under California law.

HAC endorsed Jesse Zwick, Natalya Zernitskaya and Caroline Torosis in 2022 and Barry Snell, Dan Hall, Natalya Zernitskaya and Ellis Raskin in 2024. To receive such endorsements, candidates typically must affirm alignment with the group's legislative goals (such as upzoning and parking lot infill). This raises questions about whether other councilmembers may also have conflicts when voting on housing production items aligned with HAC's goals.

Additionally, multiple employees of the lobbying firm involved in this matter made donations in 2024 to CEPS, a PAC that endorsed Barry Snell, Dan Hall, Natalya Zernitskaya and Ellis Raskin. This web of financial and political relationships raises serious questions about the independence of the decision-making process.

HOUSING PRODUCTION ITEMS INVALID
The City Attorney placed certain housing production items in which Zwick participated on Item 11C for Council to reapprove or ratify. The 2644 30th Street rezoning is not included, despite being originally brought forward in a package of zoning changes intended to increase housing production.

During this time, Zwick also brought forward the upzoning of surface parking lots, which would apply to 2644 30th Street once upzoned. The elimination of surface parking for infill development is a specific policy HAC advocates for, reinforcing the pattern of conflicts.

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QUASI-JUDICIAL DECISION IS VOID
Because a zoning change is a quasi-judicial decision, Councilmember Zwick's motion to approve the rezoning on September 30, 2025 is invalid. The October 14, 2025 covenant motion is also invalid. Furthermore, the covenant flows from an invalid upzoning and is therefore moot.

PROCEDURAL IRREGULARITIES
This item was brought forward by a lobbyist without the standard application process or $34,000 fee. Emails show the lobbyist drafted much of the staff report, resolution and ordinance, which created a false narrative that they were correcting an error instead of changing the land use that was established 15 years ago (see attached).

Staff appears to have characterized this as "legislative" despite it being the quasi-judicial zoning change of one building on one parcel, seemingly to avoid higher scrutiny.

Council had voted to table this item and pursue amendments to the legal non-conforming use code instead, which would not increase housing production. While residents were told staff were too busy for that work, the lobbyist continued working with staff on the upzoning. Emails show Mayor Torosis was in discussions with the lobbyist during this period. The City Attorney wrote to the lobbyist: "Councilmember Torosis mentioned that you have additional facts/suggested edits for the resolution and ordinance... Would you mind sending along what you have so we can ensure we have everything?"
Residents were not afforded this same access. Instead, our public comment time is frequently cut to one minute—a change Mayor Torosis told me was made to align with the County, her employer. This creates a twotiered system where lobbyists draft city legislation while residents' voices are limited.

RESCISSION
To redo the rezoning, Council would need to start from the beginning with a public hearing, new motion, and new vote—not simply "ratify" an invalid motion. However, given that the rezoning violates the City's General Plan, ignored environmental implications, failed to follow required procedures, and is the subject of multiple lawsuits, the ethical approach is to formally declare the rezoning invalid and rescind it.

Thank you,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
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January 13, 2026
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From: Gabrielle Maher
To: Susie Ahn
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Meeting rg 2644 30th St?
Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 9:55:03 AM
Attachments: image002.png
Hi Susie,
I have booked CHE Room 120 which seats up to 10 people and has a TV monitor if you wish to connect a laptop. David and Jing will meet your team in the City Hall East Lobby and escort them to the conference room.

Thanks,
Gabrielle Maher
Executive Administrative Assistant
Community Development Department
(310) 458-2201 ext. 2586
From: Susie Ahn <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 9:32 AM
To: Gabrielle Maher <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Meeting rg 2644 30th St?

EXTERNAL
Gabrielle, may we do in-person for now and if we need to switch to virtual, I will let you know within the next few days.

And I would be happy to send the invite. Please let me know if I should specify a room/conference room in the invite. Thank you!
Susie N. Ahn | Senior Legal Assistant
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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1250 Sixth Street, Suite 200 | Santa Monica, CA 90401
O: (310) 393-1007 | [email protected]
NOTICE OF DISTRIBUTION: This e-mail message contains information that may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive messages for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose this message (or any information contained in it) to anyone. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message. Nothing in this message should be interpreted as a digital or electronic signature that can be used to authenticate a contract or other legal document.

From: Gabrielle Maher <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 8:51 AM
To: Susie Ahn <[email protected]>; Paula Larmore <[email protected]> Cc: Julia Daniels <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Meeting rg 2644 30th St?
Yes. Would you like me to send out the invite or will your office? Also, is this a virtual meeting or in person? If in person, I can schedule a conference room in City Hall East.

Let me know.

Thanks,
Gabi
Gabrielle Maher
Executive Administrative Assistant
Community Development Department
(310) 458-2201 ext. 2586
From: Susie Ahn <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 10, 2024 8:15 AM
To: Gabrielle Maher <[email protected]>; Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Cc: Julia Daniels <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: Meeting rg 2644 30th St?

EXTERNAL
Good morning, Gabrielle! May we book Thursday, September 19th at 11am please? Susie N. Ahn | Senior Legal Assistant
1250 Sixth Street, Suite 200 | Santa Monica, CA 90401
O: (310) 393-1007 | [email protected]
From: Gabrielle Maher <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, September 9, 2024 1:06 PM
To: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Cc: Julia Daniels <[email protected]>; Susie Ahn <[email protected]> Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: Meeting rg 2644 30th St?
Good afternoon,
David and Jing have the following times available for this meeting:

Wednesday, Sept 11 @ 10:30 am or 11:00 am
Wednesday, Sept 18 @ 2:00 pm
Thursday, Sept 19 @ 11:00 am
Let me know if any of the above work or if you need dates further out.

Thank you.

Gabrielle Maher
Executive Administrative Assistant
Community Development Department
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
(310) 458-2201 ext. 2586
From: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, September 6, 2024 9:05 AM
To: David Martin <[email protected]>; Jing Yeo <[email protected]> Cc: Gabrielle Maher <[email protected]>; Julia Daniels <[email protected]>; Susie Ahn <[email protected]>
Subject: Meeting rg 2644 30th St?

EXTERNAL
Hi David and Jing,
Can we schedule a time to meet about a lot that was inadvertently changed from commercial (C2) to R1 during the 2010 LUCE/2015 Zoning Ordinance? The lot is improved with a commercial office building and had been zoned C2 for decades. I’ve done a lot of research on the history and the remapping process during the 2015 Zoning Ordinance update that I would like to present to you virtually or inperson. I have gathered the list of these inconsistent parcels from the staff reports and the relevant pages discussing the inconsistencies, the relevant ordinances and resolutions. When you see the various maps side-by-side it is understandable to see how this lot was missed/not identified. I will send you my summary and all the relevant documents after we meet but we wanted to talk it through with you live and hopefully brainstorm opportunities to address the issue. (The full site involves 3 lots but it is only the southernmost lot with the commercial building on it that was rezoned. The surface parking lots to the north are also zoned R1 but these have been residential for many years.) From our side, the meeting would include the property owner PMI (Jeff Palmer and Gabrielle Ipale) and me. Given your schedules, perhaps Gabrielle could suggest a few times that work for both of you. I’ve copied our assistants Julia and Susie to help with scheduling for our team. This isn’t urgent but I wanted to get this on your radar in case there are any upcoming opportunities to address this.

Thanks,
Paula
Paula J. Larmore | Attorney at Law
1250 Sixth Street, Suite 200 | Santa Monica, CA 90401
O: (310) 656-4311 | [email protected]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
From: Heidi von Tongeln
To: Paula Larmore
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Additional Facts for 2644 30th Street Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 8:57:16 PM
Attachments: image002.png
Great, thank you.

From: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 8:36:39 PM
To: Heidi von Tongeln <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Additional Facts for 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Thanks Heidi. FYI I’m also going to forward to Oliver as we discussed this briefly today as well.

From: Heidi von Tongeln <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 8:27 PM
To: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Additional Facts for 2644 30th Street Thanks, Paula. Will do. Appreciate you sending everything along. Will review and be in touch with any questions.

Best,
Heidi
From: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 8:22:25 PM
To: Heidi von Tongeln <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Additional Facts for 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Hi Heidi,
Please use the attached version rather than the one sent a few minutes ago as I found a typo in one of the recitals.

Thanks,
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Paula
From: Paula Larmore
Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 8:20 PM
To: Heidi von Tongeln <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Additional Facts for 2644 30th Street Hi Heidi,
Thanks for reaching out. I included suggested revisions to the draft ordinance in the attached redline. The revisions include (a) additional relevant facts (in the recitals) and (b) clarification/use of legal description of the relevant lots to make it crystal clear that it is only the two lots that were previously designated/zoned commercial that are being brought back to commercial LUCE designation/zoning (and that the surface parking lots are not proposed to be changed from their long-standing designation as R1). Although I didn’t add it in the recitals, we could also add that there is 120 linear feet of r-zoned surface parking separating the lots that are proposed to be brought back to commercial LUCE designation/zoning from the residential homes to the north.

In addition, Oliver provided some interesting facts the other day about the office vacancy rate that I think might be helpful to add in the recitals if the data is publicly available.

I can also update the draft resolution with similar changes if it would be of interest to you; however, I thought it might be most efficient to first send you the attached draft ordinance for your review since the changes will be similar.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Paula
Paula J. Larmore | Attorney at Law
1250 Sixth Street, Suite 200 | Santa Monica, CA 90401
O: (310) 656-4311 | [email protected]
NOTICE OF DISTRIBUTION: This e-mail message contains information that may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive messages for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose this message (or any information Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
contained in it) to anyone. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message. Nothing in this message should be interpreted as a digital or electronic signature that can be used to authenticate a contract or other legal document.

From: Heidi von Tongeln <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 23, 2025 4:07 PM
To: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Additional Facts for 2644 30th Street Hi Paula,
Councilmember Torosis mentioned that you have additional facts/suggested edits for the resolution and ordinance to implement the proposed map amendments for the property located at 2644 30th Street. Apologies if you have already sent along, but I am unable to locate at the moment. Would you mind sending along what you have so we can ensure we have everything?
Thank you,
Heidi
Heidi von Tongeln
Chief Deputy City Attorney, Advisory Unit
1685 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8336
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is a confidential attorney client communication and attorney work product. This message is intended only for the use of the individual(s) it is addressed to above. Please do not forward or produce pursuant to a Public Records Act request. The information in this message may be protected by the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 USC Sections 2510-2521. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are notified that any distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you received this message in error, please immediately notify us by telephone (310-458-8336) and delete the original message. Thank you.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
From: Paula Larmore
To: Jing Yeo; Ross Fehrman; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] RE: 2644 30th Street Questions on Draft Resolution/Suggested Edits Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 3:42:05 PM
Attachments: image003.png

EXTERNAL
Thanks,
Paula J. Larmore | Attorney at Law
1250 Sixth Street, Suite 200 | Santa Monica, CA 90401
O: (310) 656-4311 | [email protected]
NOTICE OF DISTRIBUTION: This e-mail message contains information that may be confidential and privileged. Unless you are the addressee (or authorized to receive messages for the addressee), you may not use, copy or disclose this message (or any information contained in it) to anyone. If you have received this message in error, please advise the sender by reply e-mail and delete this message.

Nothing in this message should be interpreted as a digital or electronic signature that can be used to authenticate a contract or other legal document.

From: Jing Yeo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 3:28 PM
To: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>; Ross Fehrman <[email protected]>; Heidi von Tongeln <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] RE: 2644 30th Street Questions on Draft Resolution/Suggested Edits Thanks Paula – we will update the resolution to be consistent with the language in the staff report that speaks to addressing non-conformities.

From: Paula Larmore <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, February 15, 2025 11:30 AM
To: Jing Yeo <[email protected]>; Ross Fehrman <[email protected]>; Heidi von Tongeln <[email protected]>
Subject: 2644 30th Street Questions on Draft Resolution/Suggested Edits

EXTERNAL
Jing, Ross and Heidi,
For the mapping change for 2644 30th Street, I think the Staff Report (page 6, excerpt below) adequately explains the mapping issue; however, the language in the draft resolution is narrower.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
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The resolution only mentions consistency between the LUCE and Zoning Ordinance. For 2644 30th Street, the inconsistency is with the existing development/use and the historical zoning. Attached are a few suggested edits to the draft resolution. The two in highlight in Sections 1 and 2 are the most important but the one in the recital also adds clarity. In addition, I think it might be helpful to show on Exhibit A or at least preview that the new zoning being considered is NC with the adjacent parcel (and not some other more intense designation).

I’m happy to hop on a call early next week if you would like to discuss.

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Paula
Staff Report Excerpt:

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198
David Yakobson
From: Teri D Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 1:27 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process; staff report 7470 errors

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Many of my fellow citizens will address will address the clean process that the Zwick conflicts have made necessary. He was not just one voice--he is a mouthpiece for lobbyists, and he persuaded others on the Council to follow his lead. Only a clean restart will cleanse the Council of the taint of conflicted interests.

In addition, I urge you to stop listening to the logical fallacies promulgated in Staff reports, particularly 7470, as it relates to item 5, the ratification of the 2025 CA Building Standards Codes, where the Council takes an unnecessary leap in trying to apply a CEQA Common Sense Exemption.

Before we look at the specifics, PLEASE TAKE NOTE OF THE NUMBER OF RESIDENTS WHO HAVE MADE

NOTE OF THE CONSEQUENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SEVERAL OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHANGES IN THE CODE.

The Council proposes this language: "The updates to the Building Code are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption)of the CEQA guidelines, which states that CEQA does not apply 'where it can be seen with 7 of 7 certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.' The updates to the Building Code help maintain general public safety and welfare of the community. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that the building code updates would not result in a significant effect on the environment, and therefore, are exempt from CEQA." Staff uses the logical fallacy known as "begging the question" (circular reasoning), where the conclusion is already assumed in one of its premises:

1. Premise 1: The CEQA common sense exemption applies only when it can be seen with certainty that an activity has no possibility of a significant environmental effect.

2. Premise 2: Updates to the Building Code maintain general public safety and welfare.

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3. The Fallacious Leap: The argument then asserts that because these updates help public safety, it is "certain" they have no environmental effect.

4. Fallacious Conclusion: Therefore, the updates are exempt from CEQA.

This is a Logical Fallacy because:
 It assumes the Result: The argument assumes that "improving public safety" is mutually exclusive with "having an environmental effect." In reality, a safety-related building code update (such as requiring new materials or structural changes) could still have environmental impacts, such as increased resource consumption or changes to land use.
 It applies Circular Reasoning: To use the exemption, you must prove there is no environmental impact. By claiming the exemption applies simply because the project is "good" for safety, the arguer is essentially saying: "This project has no environmental impact because it is the kind of project that should have no environmental impact." In California law, the Common Sense Exemption (CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3)) requires a factual showing of certainty. Using a project's beneficial purpose (public safety) as a substitute for that factual evidence of "no environmental impact" fails to satisfy the legal or logical requirement.

In addition, since Building and Safety Guidelines are not applied in a vacuum, the "reasonable people" looking at the changes can anticipate serious changes to the environment to which the Council wants to remain oblivious.

Thank you for considering these issues,
Teri Davis Bernstein
Santa Monica Resident 1982-1985 and 1993-present
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
200
David Yakobson
From: Ann Tierney Kelly <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 1:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m reaching out as a concerned member of the Sunset Park community, where I’ve lived for six years with my three young children. We chose this neighborhood for its walkable streets, family-friendly vibe, and the safety it provides near Clover Park. This is the place we want to call home long-term, and we want to invest in our schools and community without the fear of overcrowding.

I’m deeply troubled by the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow new housing projects to rise to three stories and significantly increase density throughout our neighborhoods. This change is not just unnecessary; it’s being rushed through a process that doesn’t give residents like me the chance to voice our concerns. Density does not equate to affordability, and we can’t overlook how these changes will impact safety, evacuation capacity, and our infrastructure.

Please reconsider moving this ordinance forward. We didn’t vote for a drastic overhaul of our neighborhoods when we elected you. Let’s roll back this proposal and work together to ensure Santa Monica remains a safe, welcoming community for families like mine.

I urge you to prioritize our neighborhoods and the voices of your constituents. Stop this ordinance now.

Sincerely,
Ann Kelly
Sunset park resident
Grant elementary school family
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
201
David Yakobson
From: Kathleen Murphy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 1:57 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely
Kathleen Murphy
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
202
David Yakobson
From: Patty Laurie <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 5:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for 70 years, and I’ve seen our community evolve, but I’ve never felt as concerned as I do now with the proposal to adopt this new zoning ordinance. This isn’t what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. The idea of allowing three-story buildings in our neighborhoods, especially with reduced setbacks and increased floor area limits, feels like a drastic departure from what has made Santa Monica home for so many of us.

My friends and neighbors in Sunset Park cherish the unique character and spirit of our community. We understand the need for housing, but density does not equate to affordability. This rushed process, bypassing thorough citizen input, is not acceptable. It is vital that we consider the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such irreversible changes.

Please, I urge you to reconsider this ordinance. We need to protect our neighborhoods, not densify them to the point of unrecognizability. Roll back this proposal and ensure that any changes truly reflect the will of the community, not just a rush to meet arbitrary numbers.

We deserve a zoning plan that prioritizes our community’s needs and values.

Patricia, patty, Laurie
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
203
David Yakobson
From: Amy Kutis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:03 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Amy Kutis
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
204
David Yakobson
From: Amy Kutis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in South Sunset Park for 24 years, drawn to this charming area for its great neighbors and that unmistakable Santa Monica vibe. I love being able to walk to local shops, restaurants, and the ocean. But right now, I’m deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that would forever alter the character of our beloved community.

The thought of three-story buildings popping up in neighborhoods like Sunset Park and the Pico Neighborhood is alarming. We don’t need to go beyond state law with SB1123; it's simply unnecessary.

Increasing density does not equate to affordability, and this rushed process is not what we signed up for when we elected this council. We need to consider the implications on our safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such sweeping changes.

This ordinance could densify our residential neighborhoods to the point where they become unrecognizable. It's crucial that you roll back this proposal and listen to the voices of your constituents before sending it to the Planning Commission, where it might be too late for meaningful input. Let’s preserve what makes Santa Monica special.

Please take a stand for our community and reconsider this ordinance.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Amy Kutis
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
205
David Yakobson
From: Amy Kutis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:12 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted council member' participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning.

Sincerely,
Amy Kutis
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
206
David Yakobson
From: s. g. <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; Peer Chacko; Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Josh Hamilton; Jim Ries; [email protected] Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning.

Sincerely,

SUSAN GRANT
1030 CEDAR STREET
SANTA MONICA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
207
David Yakobson
From: s. g. <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating. Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust. I request that the City Council:

Sincerely,
Susan Grant
1030 Cedar St. SM.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
208
David Yakobson
From: Mitch Nahass <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:17 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision.

Petrovich v. City of Sacramento (2001) confirms that participation by a single conflicted decision-maker invalidates the entire action. The proper remedy is not a revote, it is a restart from the point of violation.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Mitch Nahass
310-985-5954
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
209
David Yakobson
From: Kara Boccella <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in North of Montana for 13 years, drawn to the neighborhood for its schools and safety. I appreciate the strong sense of community here, but I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to change everything we love about Santa Monica.

This plan to allow three-story buildings and increase floor area limits by 50% is excessive and unnecessary. We shouldn’t be going beyond what state law allows, especially when it seems to disregard the voices of the very residents who elected you. This rushed process is not how major zoning changes should be handled; it feels like a decision made without the careful consideration and input we all deserve.

Adding density does not equate to affordability, and we must recognize the implications on our safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure. This ordinance could transform our beloved neighborhoods into unrecognizable spaces, and I fear the consequences will last for generations to come.

I urge you to roll back this proposed zoning change. Don’t send it to the Planning Commission; we need to stop it now. Please listen to our community's concerns and prioritize our safety and well-being over hastily made decisions.

Sincerely,
Regards,
Kara
---------------------------------------------------------- Kara Boccella
Managing Partner
Office (accepts text messages): 310.218.1520
1299 Ocean Avenue, Suite 710
Santa Monica, CA 90401
www.serenusadvisors.com
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210
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Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
211
David Yakobson
From: Michael Boccella <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 6:33 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived north of Montana for 13 years, drawn to the safe environment, excellent schools, and the convenience of being close to the beach and local amenities. My family and I cherish our home, the palm tree-lined streets, and the easy walks to Montana Avenue. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to change Santa Monica forever.

This new ordinance goes far beyond the already-expanded limits of SB1123 and allows for three-story buildings in neighborhoods like mine. This is not necessary and could lead to a level of density that renders our beloved community unrecognizable. The rushed and unusual process behind this proposal has deprived residents of meaningful input, and it isn’t what we voted for when we elected this council.

We must not move forward with a plan that prioritizes density over safety, infrastructure, and the overall well-being of our neighborhoods. Adding density without understanding the implications on evacuation capacity and public safety is reckless.

Santa Monica's city council has done a terrible job by enacting bad policies regarding the homeless, construction, policing and prosecuting crime, and most of all, SM has been fiscally mismanaged. I urge you to roll back this un-required ordinance and ensure that our community's voice is heard before any irreversible changes are made.

Please do not send this ordinance forward.

Michael Boccella
Concerned Resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Norm Rille <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:02 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; Mia Rille

EXTERNAL
January 12, 2026
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: Conflicts of interest and misplaced priorities - Conflicted Votes Housing Votes and SB 1123 Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a Santa Monica resident to express serious concern about the City’s continued consideration SB 1123 related actions while unresolved conflicts of interest and procedural defects remain.

At the same time, I want to be clear about priorities. The most immediate and destabilizing threat facing Santa Monica today is not high-rise development in Downtown, but the permanent upzoning of R1 single-family neighborhoods now being advanced under the banner of state housing compliance.

Santa Monica is currently experiencing declining rents, property owners returning keys to lenders, reduced demand following the Palisades fire, and additional downward pressure from the mansion tax and broader market conditions. In this context, rushing to permanently loosen single-family zoning and incentivize small-scale market-rate redevelopment is disconnected from present realities and risks locking in long-term harm during a period of instability.

While state laws such as SB 9 and SB 1123 require certain changes, the Council majority has gone well beyond state minimums. In August 2025, the City adopted an emergency interim ordinance that immediately loosened R1 zoning rules and is now in effect through December 2026.

Developers may already apply under these relaxed standards while permanent rules are debated.

The current effort to lock these changes in permanently raises profound concerns. If adopted as proposed, R1 neighborhoods would be opened to three-story, multi-unit buildings mid-block, with strong financial incentives for developers to purchase and demolish single-family homes. Fee Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 waivers for projects under six units make five-unit market-rate developments particularly attractive, yet there is little guaranteed affordable housing in return and no serious infrastructure analysis addressing water, parking, or emergency evacuation constraints.

These policy choices are being advanced despite unresolved conflict-of-interest issues tied to prior votes on SB 79 and SB 1123. Under California law, participation by a conflicted councilmember at the motion stage renders the action legally defective. A simple revote does not cure that defect.

Proceeding as though it does only compounds the problem and further erodes public trust.

Santa Monica does not need to permanently rewrite its single-family neighborhoods at a moment of market weakness and procedural uncertainty. The City should pause, resolve the conflicts, restart tainted actions through a lawful process, and refocus on the most pressing challenges facing residents today.

I respectfully urge the Council to halt further efforts to permanently upzone R1 neighborhoods, reject Charter-level escalation tied to SB 79, and restore integrity, transparency, and restraint to housing decision-making.

Respectfully, 50-year Santa Monica residents
Norman Rille and Mia Rille
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Chuck Husting; Sally Brunon
Subject: Destruction of single family neighborhoods

EXTERNAL
Dear council members:

It is hard to understand the antipathy toward single family residential areas. I know the council has members that are supported by Santa Monica Renters Rights but that does not justify the destruction of neighborhoods traditionally occupied by families. No one disputes that additional housing is needed but the answer does not lie in the destruction of neighborhoods that have been homes for families for decades or longer. The developments on the main boulevards such as Wilshire boulevard and Lincoln boulevard should be sufficient to meet the future housing requirements. Please consider the wishes of all of the neighborhoods in Santa Monica and do not vote to destroy the tranquility of the single-family neighborhoods. Respectfully Brad and Sally Brunon,Yale Street Santa Monica So
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: rmlanday <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:20 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]
Subject: Conflicts of interest and misplaced priorities - Conflicted Votes Housing Votes and SB 1123

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a Santa Monica native, and on behalf of my elderly mother who has been a resident and property owner since 1962, to express serious concern about the city’s continued consideration SB 1123- related actions while unresolved conflicts of interest and procedural defects remain.

Santa Monica is currently experiencing declining rents, property owners returning keys to lenders, reduced demand following the Palisades fire, and additional downward pressure from the mansion tax and broader market conditions. In this context, rushing to permanently loosen single-family zoning and incentivize smallscale market-rate redevelopment is disconnected from present realities and risks locking in long-term harm during a period of instability.

While state laws such as SB 9 and SB 1123 require certain changes, the Council majority has gone well beyond state minimums. In August 2025, the city adopted an emergency interim ordinance that immediately loosened R1 zoning rules and is now in effect through December 2026. Developers may already apply under these relaxed standards while permanent rules are debated.

The current effort to lock these changes in permanently raises profound concerns. If adopted as proposed, R1 neighborhoods would be opened to three-story, multi-unit buildings mid-block, with strong financial incentives for developers to purchase and demolish single-family homes. Fee waivers for projects under six units make five-unit market-rate developments particularly attractive, yet there is little guaranteed affordable housing in return and no serious infrastructure analysis addressing water, parking, or emergency evacuation constraints.

Santa Monica does not need to permanently rewrite its single-family neighborhoods at a moment of market weakness and procedural uncertainty. The city should pause, resolve the conflicts, restart tainted actions through a lawful process, and refocus on the most pressing challenges facing residents today.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 I respectfully urge the Council to halt further efforts to permanently upzone R1 neighborhoods, reject Charterlevel escalation tied to SB 79, and restore integrity, transparency, and restraint to housing decision-making.

Respectfully,
Roseanne Landay & Carolyn Landay
322 12th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
212
David Yakobson
From: John <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Wilshire Montana for over thirty years, drawn here by its quiet, safe streets and the wonderful sense of community. It’s disheartening to see that the proposed zoning ordinance threatens to change everything I love about my neighborhood. Three stories are simply unnecessary; Santa Monica isn’t meant to resemble crowded urban centers. This rushed process isn’t normal for a change of this scale, and it’s unacceptable that our community has been sidelined.

Densifying our neighborhoods without a clear understanding of the implications on safety and infrastructure is reckless. Adding more buildings won’t magically create affordability; residents deserve housing solutions that truly meet their needs without compromising their quality of life. This isn’t what we voted for when we elected you to represent us.

I urge you to reconsider this ordinance before it’s too late. Let’s not send it to the Planning Commission, where they lack the power to stop it. Roll this back and listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents who care deeply about the future of our city.

Please take action to protect our neighborhoods and the community we’ve built together.

Sincerely, John Martin
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
213
David Yakobson
From: Sophia H. <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:37 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council: We are a coalition of Santa Monica residents and business owners writing to request that the Council void the December 17, 2025 DDAs with Hollywood Community Housing Corporation and restart the process in compliance with California law. On December 17, 2025, Item 11.A was approved via motion by Councilmember Zwick. On January 9, 2026 an article in the Santa Monica Daily Press outlined conflicts of interest and ethics violations with council members who voted for Hollywood Community Housing Corporation DDA. On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition. Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v. City of Sacramento (2001) confirms that participation by a single conflicted decision-maker invalidates the entire action. The proper remedy is not a revote, it is a restart from the point of violation. I request that the Council: 1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich 2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused 3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments 4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Sophia Haass
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
214
David Yakobson
From: Ugo Pascarella <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 7:53 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
215
David Yakobson
From: Howard Alpert <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:00 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Howard Alpert
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
216
David Yakobson
From: Christopher Knauf <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:17 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on. He proposed, moved, and seconded these items while he should have been disqualified from participating.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them
Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Christopher H. Knauf
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
217
David Yakobson
From: MARY JENSEN <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:20 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Mary Ellen Jensen
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
218
David Yakobson
From: David Walther <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 13, 2026 8:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for 20 years, drawn by its quiet streets and strong sense of community. But I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could forever change the very essence of our neighborhood and all of Santa Monica. This rushed process is not the norm for such a significant rezoning, and it feels like a disservice to the residents who care deeply about our city.

Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% is not necessary, and it risks densifying our neighborhoods beyond recognition. This isn’t what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. Density does not equate to affordability, and we must not overlook the implications this will have on safety, evacuation capacity, and our infrastructure.

Please take a step back and reconsider this ordinance. We need to ensure that any changes reflect the will of the community and prioritize our quality of life. I urge you to roll back this proposed plan and allow for a more transparent discussion that includes meaningful citizen input. Now is the time to protect our beloved Santa Monica.

Thank you for considering the future of our neighborhoods.

David Walther
32nd st
90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Paula Goldman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: OPPOSITION to agenda item 11C

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
Please vote NO on Agenda Item 11C.

Do not allow items that were influenced by Councilmember Zwick’s conflict of interest to be rubber-stamped with your approval.

We need a NEW, clean, and transparent process.

It’s incredible to us that Council allowed these items to be shepherded by Mr. Zwick, knowing about these conflicts of interest.

Regardless of your stand on development, it should have been clear that his influence on the process was inappropriate.

Thank you.

Paula Goldman and Brian Wolf
2821 Washington
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: chuck chuckhusting.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Opposed - Pull Back on this Initiative, it is not a good one.

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica Council Members,
I am very unhappy with the proposed alteraƟons to SB1123, and the emergency ordinance, which threaten to unnecessarily change Santa Monica for the worse. These acƟons/modificaƟons will harm our community, not improve it.

And I feel that the process to date has lacked the transparency and community input we should be able to expect.

The decision to allow three-story buildings in our residenƟal neighborhoods feels hasty. The implicaƟons for safety, evacuaƟon capacity, and adequate infrastructure need to be considered more carefully. I urge you to prevent the alteraƟons to SB1123 from moving forward. Please listen to the community and prioriƟze our safety and well-being over haste and outside interests.

Let's ensure that we preserve the Santa Monica we love.

Charles HusƟng
1045 Yale Street, Santa Monica.
310-770-6353
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Elliot Gordon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing to express my concerns about the proposed zoning ordinance that is in direct contravention of the statement of the LUCE of preserving neighborhoods as a priority.

I understand that state law already is allowing for a substantial increase in density in R1-zoned neighborhoods. However, the ordinance at issue goes well beyond what the state is already mandating, and there has been no demonstration that the additional height and density is necessary. The idea of allowing three-story buildings – not to mention granting reduced setback requirements–in residential neighborhoods is excessive and fundamentally alters the scale of the neighborhoods without good cause for doing so other than lining the pockets of developers. Furthermore, there is no reason to conclude that increased density will make more affordable housing available. Density does not equate to affordability, and we cannot simply add more housing without considering the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and our already strained infrastructure. The impact in Sunset Park, where I live, is particularly significant as the Ocean Park and Pico corridors already have major multi-family residential projects they will have to absorb due to the density bonus laws.

Please reconsider moving forward with this unnecessary ordinance. All of us will already have to adjust to the major changes brought on by state law. However, there is no demonstrated need to go beyond that and turn our neighborhoods into something unrecognizable.

Thank you,
Elliot Gordon
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in the Stanford Street neighborhood for 27 years, drawn here by the promise of safe, clean surroundings and a strong community. I am extremely frustrated and alarmed by the recent push for a new zoning ordinance that threatens to irrevocably change all of Santa Monica. This proposal goes well beyond state law, SB1123, and allows for three-story buildings and a staggering 50% increase in floor area with minimal setbacks. This level of densificaƟon is not only unnecessary but could transform our beloved neighborhoods into something unrecognizable.

We shouldn't be exceeding state laws, especially when safety and evacuaƟon planning haven't been thoroughly considered. This rushed process is not acceptable; residents like me deserve a meaningful opportunity for input on decisions that impact our homes and lives. Density does not equate to affordability, and this isn't what we voted for when we elected this council.

The Santa Monica City Council needs to STOP exceeding State Laws. NO to 3 Stories, NO to 50% Increase in Floor Area, NO Irresponsible DensificaƟon Without Public Safety and EvacuaƟon Planning. It’s Ɵme to roll back this unneeded ordinance before it’s too late.

Respecƞully,
Arunas Bruozis
Property owner
1040 Stanford St, Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Dede Robbins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:16 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; [email protected]; Caroline Torosis; [email protected]; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]
Cc: Dede Robbins
Subject: Request to Pause Housing Vote Ratifications

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica City Council
City Hall
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: January 13, 2026 City Council Meeting – Request to Pause Housing Vote Ratifications and Oppose SB 1123 Local Amendments
Honorable Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Members of the City Council:

I am writing as a concerned Santa Monica resident of over 31 years to urge the Council to:
(1) pause all housing-related votes currently scheduled for ratification until a full assessment of Councilmember Zwick's conflict of interest can be completed, and (2) remove from consideration any local zoning amendments related to SB 1123 that exceed state requirements.

Pause on Housing Vote Ratifications
On December 8, 2025, the California Fair Political Practices Commission ruled that Councilmember Jesse Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition. While the FPPC's ruling is forward-looking, it raises serious questions about the integrity of housing-related votes taken between August and September 2025.

The Council is now being asked to ratify these votes "out of an abundance of caution." However, ratifying votes that may have been tainted by a conflict of interest – without first understanding the full scope of how that conflict may have influenced Council deliberations and outcomes – does not serve the public interest.

We do not yet have a full understanding of the impact of Councilmember Zwick's conflict of interest and how it may have shaped Council decisions and votes. Rushing to ratify these items without that understanding undermines public trust in our local government.

I urge the Council to:
• Pause all housing-related votes currently scheduled for ratification Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 • Commission an independent review to assess the full scope of the conflict and its potential impact on past Council actions
• Ensure meaningful public process and transparency before any ratification votes proceed Opposition to Local SB 1123 Amendments That Exceed State Requirements State Senate Bill 1123 requires cities to ministerially approve certain housing subdivisions. Santa Monica must comply with this state law. However, the local zoning amendments currently under consideration go far beyond what state law requires.

These proposed local modifications – including increased floor area ratios up to 1.5, building heights up to three stories in single-family zones, reduced setbacks, elimination of stepback requirements, and waivers of affordable housing fees – are
unnecessary changes to our Municipal Code that exceed state mandates. They should not be up for consideration.

Our Planning Commission has already raised concerns about these modifications, with commissioners noting the lack of meaningful public process and the risks of going "above and beyond" state requirements. Several commissioners expressed discomfort with waiving affordable housing fees and concerns about potential downzoning problems if these aggressive standards prove unworkable.

Santa Monica should comply with state housing law – nothing more. Local modifications that exceed state requirements should be removed from consideration entirely.

Conclusion
Residents deserve a Council they can trust to make decisions based on what is best for our city – not what benefits special interests or advances ideological agendas. The FPPC ruling has created legitimate questions about the integrity of recent housing votes. Until those questions are answered, ratification is premature.

I respectfully request that the Council:

1. Pause all housing vote ratifications pending a full independent review

2. Remove from consideration local SB 1123 amendments that exceed state requirements Thank you for your consideration and your service to our community.

Respectfully submitted,
L. Dede Robbins
219 Montana Avenue #304
Santa Monica, CA 90403
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Vida Bruozis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Re: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

This level of densification is not only unnecessary but could transform our beloved neighborhoods into something unrecognizable.

We shouldn't be exceeding state laws, especially when safety and evacuation planning haven't been thoroughly considered. This rushed process is not acceptable; residents like me deserve a meaningful opportunity for input on decisions that impact our homes and lives. Density does not equate to affordability, and this isn't what we voted for when we elected this council.

The Santa Monica City Council needs to STOP exceeding State Laws. NO to 3 Stories, NO to 50% Increase in Floor Area, NO Irresponsible Densification Without Public Safety and Evacuation Planning. It’s time to roll back this unneeded ordinance before it’s too late.

Respectfully,
Vida Bruozis
Property owner
1040 Stanford St, Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: ejs2514 <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: Flyer by FriendsofSunsetPark.org

EXTERNAL
As a long-time resident and homeowner on 30th Street, I am in favor of upzoning efforts within Santa Monica. Today I received a flyer from FriendsofSunsetPark.org regarding 'Agenda item number 11-C', and I do not agree with its content.

We need more housing; additionally, the Ocean Park Blvd and Pico Blvd retail scenes continue to struggle, with merchants noting that there aren't enough customers. [If Ocean Park can't keep a Starbucks open, something is wrong...]
Best wishes,
Ed Salisbury
2514 30th Street
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Richard Milanesi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Northeast Santa Monica for 35 years, drawn to the excellent schools and the close-knit, family-oriented community. My neighborhood is quiet, kid-friendly, and low-density, which is exactly what I value. That’s why I’m frustrated to see the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to reshape our community forever.

The push for three-story buildings goes beyond what even state law allows. This isn’t just a minor tweak; it’s a drastic change that will densify our neighborhoods to the point of unrecognizability. This process has felt rushed and abnormal for such significant zoning changes, and it disregards the voices of those of us who call Santa Monica home. We elected you to represent our interests, not to fast-track developments that prioritize quantity over quality of life.

Adding density does not equate to affordability, and we cannot overlook crucial implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. This isn’t what we voted for when we chose you to lead. I urge you to roll back this unnecessary ordinance and rescind the "Emergency IZO." We need to ensure Santa Monica remains a safe, vibrant place to live, not just another densely populated area.

Please reconsider this proposal before it’s too late.

Sincerely
Richard Milanesi / Stanford St Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Lee Rosenbaum <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers, City Manager, and other interested parties:

I will spare you a long email repeating what many others have already stated. Simply put, all matters on which Councilmember Zwick has voted or voiced an opinion that may be tainted by his apparent conflict of interest between his day job and his council duties should, if already voted on by council, be re-examined in light of the revelations of his involvement or, if pending before council, be postponed until a thorough investigation is conducted, completed, and made public about his role in advancing and advocating for matters that are clearly or even possibly subject to his conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Lee Rosenbaum
211 Marguerita Avenue
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Stark <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve called North of Montana home for 30 years, drawn here by the quiet streets, open spaces, and the strong sense of community. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could irreversibly change our beloved neighborhood. The idea of three-story buildings and increased density feels unnecessary and out of touch with what we value in Santa Monica.

This rushed process is not how significant changes should be handled. We need a thorough discussion about how this ordinance will impact safety, evacuation routes, and our existing infrastructure. Adding so much density without fully understanding these implications is reckless. We deserve a chance to voice our concerns, but this ordinance is moving ahead without adequate community input.

I urge you to reconsider sending this proposal forward. It’s crucial to roll back this unnecessary ordinance before it reaches the Planning Commission. We elected you to represent our interests, not to push through changes that risk the very fabric of our neighborhoods. Let’s ensure that Santa Monica remains a place where we can thrive together.

Please take immediate action to protect our community.

Nancy Stark
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: J Fens <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for nine years, drawn to its friendly neighbors, quiet streets, and the ability to park in front of my house. It’s a neighborhood where everyone respects each other's space, and I can walk to Trader Joe’s without a care. However, I’m deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could irrevocably change Santa Monica.

The idea of allowing three-story buildings in our neighborhoods is alarming. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law, especially with significant changes that have been rushed through the process, denying residents any meaningful opportunity for input. This isn’t what we voted for when we elected this council.

Why are you so intent on destroying Santa Monica? Before I moved here, it was my favorite place to be, but it is slowly becoming someplace I’d rather not live—too many McMansions and traffic. We cannot add density without understanding how it will affect our safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure.

I urge you to reconsider this ordinance. Please do not send it to the Planning Commission or forward it at all. Let’s preserve the Santa Monica we love.

Sincerely,
Jeff Fenske
2909 Pearl St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Gail Denney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am writing to express my frustration over the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to irrevocably change Santa Monica. Having lived in this community for 38 years, I've cherished its charm, safety, and sense of community.

The friendly neighbors and great schools drew me in, but this ordinance is pushing us toward a future I never signed up for.

We shouldn’t be going beyond the limits set by state law, particularly when it comes to allowing three-story buildings in our residential neighborhoods. This isn't necessary and feels like a rushed decision that doesn't allow for the thoughtful consideration Santa Monica deserves. The implications for safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure cannot be overlooked. Density does not equate to affordability; we need to be careful about what we're trading for the sake of development.

This process lacks the transparency and community input we expect from our council. It’s disappointing that this isn’t what Santa Monicans voted for when we elected you. I urge you to roll back this ordinance and prevent it from moving forward. Please listen to the community and prioritize our safety and well-being over haste and unnecessary density.

Let's ensure that we preserve the Santa Monica we love.

Gail Denney / Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Leslie Bogart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:32 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Leslie Bogart
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Leslie Bogart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:32 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Leslie Bogart
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Leslie Bogart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:32 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Leslie Bogart
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Jacquelyn Lawson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Jacquelyn Lawson
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: John Machtinger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:47 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
John Machtinger
90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: George Guttman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

Thank you. Sincerely,
George Guttman
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: George Guttman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers, I'm deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow three-story buildings and increased density in my neighborhood. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with this ordinance—SB1123 was already a significant shift. The rapid push for this change feels rushed for such a substantial rezoning. Increased density does not equate to affordability. It’s critical that we consider the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such irreversible decisions. We don’t need to go to three stories. We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5. We don’t need reduced setbacks. We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission. Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica Residents and rescind this unnecessary ordinance. Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city. Sincerely,.

Please stop this madness.

George Guttman
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: George Guttman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers, I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest. The rezoning from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial allows large projects, including housing developments up to 85’ tall with state bonuses. The FPPC has determined that Councilmember Zwick could not legally participate in housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition. Since he made the motions to approve both the rezoning on September 30, 2025 and the limited covenant on October 14, 2025, these votes are invalid under California law. According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision.

The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning. Sincerely, George Guttman
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Annette Blum <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 4:10 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Annette Blum
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 Sent from my iPhone 
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Diana Gordon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 3:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SMCLC request for investigation of Councilmember Zwick conflict issues RE: 1.13.26 City Council Agenda Item 10 and conflict disqualification on Agenda Item 16

EXTERNAL
January 12, 2026

VIA EMAIL

Heidi von Tongeln
Interim City Attorney
City of Santa Monica

RE: Second Request to Investigate and Determine When Councilmember Zwick’s Conflict of Interest Arose in relation to Council Agenda Item 10A(2) Before Voting on the Item; and Zwick Disqualification as to Agenda Items 16(A)1 and 16(A)5
Dear Ms. Von Tongeln,
The Santa Monica Coalition for a Livable City (“SMCLC”) again formally requests that the City Attorney’s office investigate the conflict of interest involving Councilmember Zwick’s pivotal role in crafting an emergency pilot housing ordinance (“emergency ordinance”) between June and August 2025, due to documents you turned over to the FPPC on November 10 for its conflicts review. The facts giving rise to Councilmember Zwick’s conflict of interest are briefly described below and also detailed in Exhibit “A”.

In addition, SMCLC requests that the City Attorney advice Councilmember Zwick that he may not legally participate in any way, whether privately (Brown Act group), or publicly on Council Agenda Items 10(A)2 or 16(A)1-WSCCOG or 16(A)5-SCAG regarding Councilmember appointments to these organizations at tomorrow’s Council meeting based upon the FPPC conflicts ruling discussed below.

Councilmember Zwick’s actions to enact the emergency ordinance while negotiating for a job as a housing lobbyist with the Housing Authority Coalition (“HAC”) created a conflict of interest.

The City’s documents, and the two related Council meetings videos, establish that as of June 2025, Zwick was communicating with HAC’s executive director about future employment with HAC while he was discussing the emergency ordinance with City staff and two other Councilmembers to be agendized for Council discussion on June 10. The HAC employment negotiations continued until August 15, when Zwick secured a formal job offer from HAC’s executive director, which he accepted with alacrity. Only three days earlier - on August 12 - Zwick participated fully in the Council action to enact the emergency ordinance without revealing any conflict of interest or recusing himself.

It is undisputed that: 1) Councilmember Zwick took these actions without recusing himself; 2) he did not acknowledge that he was negotiating employment with HAC at the August 12 Council meeting when HAC’s executive director appeared before the Council to lobby for the emergency ordinance’s adoption; and 3) only three days later HAC’s executive director sent Zwick a written job offer, requiring turnaround acceptance and was promptly accepted.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 The conflicts issue regarding this emergency ordinance has not been disclosed or determined as it must be before the Council can vote on the matter.

There is no legitimate basis for the City Attorney’s continuing failure to review and publicly report on this serious conflicts issue. The City Council cannot amend the emergency ordinance on Tuesday as though no conflict exists: The proper remedy will depend on whether the emergency ordinance itself is legally infirm because of Zwick’s involvement and failure to disclose his communications with HAC in that time period.

Here are the reasons that no vote can be taken on Tuesday and the ethics review must commence now:
1) The FPPC conflicts opinion disqualifying Councilmember Zwick from any participation in future housingrelated actions also gave guidance to the City to review whether his past housing-related actions “while negotiating prospective employment” should also be determined for a possible conflict of interest. 2) The City appears to be following the FPPC’s advice only as to some past housing-related actions on which Zwick voted, including remedies such as rescinding emergency ordinances and requiring full planning commission/public review process. (See Agenda item 11(C) and accompanying staff report). 3) The City has no grounds to disregard the FPPC’s advice as to the very impactful and controversial emergency ordinance that Zwick championed in the same time period that enacted sweeping changes to the City’s housing production. Staff’s recommendation to recast the emergency ordinance as though no conflict exists at this Tuesday’s Council meeting is fatally flawed. 4) Likewise, the City Attorney has failed to consider Zwick’s existing conflict, made no determination as to whether his conflict requires that the ordinance be rescinded and reintroduced, and has not explained why it has been specifically excluded as part of the conflicts reviews or remedies that were conducted for the other housing-related actions involving Zwick which are the subject of Council Agenda Item 11(C).
5) While the law firm representing Cypress Equity – the developer who benefited hugely from the adoption of the “emergency” housing ordinance - is threatening to sue the City unless the City “permanently codif[ies]” the previous ordinance without changes, the City Attorney cannot cede her legal and ethical obligations to independently review this serious conflict issue because of a developer threat. She must determine the conflicts issue as to the emergency ordinance and advise the Council and the public as to the proper legal remedy along with the remainder of the Zwick conflict housing-related actions on the agenda.
6) This emergency ordinance involves a major housing policy that generated a high level of public concern.

Acting as though the “emergency” ordinance can be readopted as though no conflict exists would render any subsequent ordinance legally infirm and would also erode the public’s confidence as to whether the City will uphold the required ethical standards for its public officials once a developer threatens the City with a lawsuit.

Conclusion:

Given all this, and the lack of any conflicts investigation or transparency as to the emergency ordinance’s infirmity, Council item 10(A)2 must be taken off calendar until the City, including the City Manager, the City Council, and the public receive a conflicts determination by the City Attorney and a recommendation as to the proper remedy based on that determination.

In addition, the City Attorney must enforce the FPPC opinion that disqualifies Councilmember Zwick from any participation in Council Agenda Items 16(A)1 and 16(A)5 regarding Councilmember appointments to these two important organizations that consider local and regional housing issues, with SCAG determining the RHNA allocations for Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Victor Fresco
Diana Gordon

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 Co-Chairs, SMCLC
Cc: City Council
City Manager
Santa Monica Neighborhood Associations

Exhibit “A”
November – December 2025
SMCLC’s Request for an investigation/determination/remedy regarding Councilmember Zwick’s conflict of interest as to the emergency pilot housing ordinance.

On December 1, SMCLC advised the City Attorney and the City Council that Ms.von Tongeln’s November 10 letter to the FPPC and exhibits concerning Councilmember Zwick’s potential future conflicts of interest raised additional questions as to significant actions he previously took in June and August to enact a controversial emergency pilot housing ordinance when he was in communications with HAC over prospective employment. https://smclc.net/PDF/SMCLCsQsforJZ120125.pdf
Our letter: A) sought a determination as to when in June those communications began relative to his sponsorship of that emergency ordinance, B) provided specific facts as to his leadership role in requesting its enactment, and C) detailed the closeness in time between his subsequent Council vote on August 12, 2025, and his HAC written employment offer only three days later. There is no dispute that Zwick was negotiating employment with HAC at the time.

The FPPC’s advice to the City to review Councilmember Zwick’s past actions in the time period when he was negotiating with HAC for employment.

In December, the FPPC issued its ruling that Zwick is prohibited from participating in any way in long-range and short-range planning decisions, related to zoning and housing policy as well as distinct development projects.

While the FPPC could not advise the City as to past conflict conduct involving Councilmember Zwick, it cautioned that it was up to the City to determine whether he may have engaged in conflicted housing production activities “while negotiating prospective employment:” “Because we only advise as to future conduct, this letter should not be construed as assistance on any conduct that may have already taken place, including any prior involvement in the housing production decisions the official may have engaged in while negotiating prospective employment. (See Section 87407 and Regulations 18329(c)(4)(A) and 18747.)” (FPPC Opinion Letter December 8, 2025, to Heidi von Tolgeln)

Councilmember Zwick was heavily involved between June - August 2025 in an emergency housing ordinance pilot program allowing market-rate housing projects and off-site affordable housing with incentives for housing production

June 10, 2025 Council Agenda item 16(B) (Requesting a pilot market-rate housing ordinance that led to the adoption of the emergency ordinance)

Councilmember Zwick brought this item forward at the June 10 Council meeting. He introduced the item, spoke passionately about the many reasons to enact such an ordinance, spoke at length during the ensuing discussion, was complimented by Councilmember Tsorosis for taking the lead and having done the previous hard work with staff to bring the item forward and successfully moved the item for a 6/1 vote for staff to prepare an emergency ordinance. (6.10.25 Council Agenda Item 16(B) minutes and webcast).

August 12, 2025 Council Agenda Item 10(B) (Enactment of the pilot market-rate housing program ordinance with incentives for housing production)

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 Members of the public spoke, including HAC’s executive director, who lobbied for the emergency ordinance.

Councilmember Zwick did not disclose he was on the verge of receiving an employment offer from HAC’s executive director and Zwick did not recuse himself.

He participated in the lengthy Council discussion over the benefits of such an emergency ordinance, said he’d talked to profit and non-profit developers about getting affordable housing built, that he was confident that wherever off-site affordable housing would go in Santa Monica it would offer an incredible opportunity, that he didn’t see any downside – only an economic upside, mused as to whether enough housing would be built under the emergency ordinance but supported it as the “best chance” to see if housing gets built, made the motion and voted to approve the emergency ordinance. (8.12.25 Council Agenda Item10(B) minutes and webcast).

To date, the City Attorney has not investigated Councilmember Zwick’s conflict with respect to the emergency ordinance or responded to SMCLC’s request for an investigation.

The staff report for Tuesday’s Council meeting on January 12 does not include any mention of a possible conflict involving Councilmember Zwick with respect to Agenda Item 10(A)2. It recommends the Council vote to amend the ordinance as a “non-emergency” ordinance without further explanation.

As to the remaining prior housing-related actions taken when Councilmember Zwick’s conflict arose, the staff report does recommend ratification or rescission to cure the defective enactments.

Agenda Item 10(A)2 must be included in a full conflicts review alongside the other affected housing-related actions because Councilmember Zwick’s conflict arose before the emergency ordinance was adopted as occurred with the rest of these items.

###

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Forward <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:51 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Items 10.A and 11.C

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council,
Santa Monica Forward supports housing, and I support the Council members who are taking action to deliver it.

We are writing in support for Agenda Items 10.A and 11.C and for the Council’s continued efforts to make it easier to build all kinds of housing in Santa Monica. Removing barriers to housing production is essential if our city is to meet unmet demand, welcome new neighbors, and revitalize the local economy for the future. Additionally, it is crucial that the city does not expose itself to legal liability by attempting to change the terms of the interim ordinance establishing the offsite affordable housing program.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to Santa Monica’s long-term success.

Sincerely,
Sam Shapiro-Kline and Brad Ewing
Co-Chairs, Santa Monica Forward
--
We are working for a diverse, progressive, sustainable and equitable Santa Monica.

SantaMonicaForward.org
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Jennifer J <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:50 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Jennifer Jacoby
Santa Monica resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Kelly
Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Petroff, Laura <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:54 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; '[email protected]'; '[email protected]'; Natalya Zernitskaya Subject: Conflicts of interest and misplaced priorities - Conflicted Votes Housing Votes and SB 1123January 10, 2026

EXTERNAL
January 10, 2026
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am wriƟng as a Santa Monica resident and property owner to express serious concern about the city’s conƟnued consideraƟon SB 1123-related acƟons while unresolved conflicts of interest and procedural defects remain.

At the same Ɵme, I want to be clear about prioriƟes. The most immediate and destabilizing threat facing Santa Monica today is not high-rise development in Downtown, but the permanent upzoning of R1 single-family neighborhoods now being advanced under the banner of state housing compliance.

Santa Monica is currently experiencing declining rents, property owners returning keys to lenders, reduced demand following the Palisades fire, and addiƟonal downward pressure from the mansion tax and broader market condiƟons. In this context, rushing to permanently loosen single-family zoning and incenƟvize smallscale market-rate redevelopment is disconnected from present realiƟes and risks locking in long-term harm during a period of instability.

The current effort to lock these changes in permanently raises profound concerns. If adopted as proposed, R1 neighborhoods would be opened to three-story, mulƟ-unit buildings mid-block, with strong financial incenƟves for developers to purchase and demolish single-family homes. Fee waivers for projects under six units make five-unit market-rate developments parƟcularly aƩracƟve, yet there is liƩle guaranteed affordable housing in return and no serious infrastructure analysis addressing water, parking, or emergency evacuaƟon constraints.

These policy choices are being advanced despite unresolved conflict-of-interest issues Ɵed to prior votes on SB 79 and SB 1123. Under California law, parƟcipaƟon by a conflicted councilmember at the moƟon stage renders Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 the acƟon legally defecƟve. A simple revote does not cure that defect. Proceeding as though it does, only compounds the problem and further erodes public trust.

Santa Monica does not need to permanently rewrite its single-family neighborhoods at a moment of market weakness and procedural uncertainty. The city should pause, resolve the conflicts, restart tainted acƟons through a lawful process, and refocus on the most pressing challenges facing residents today.

I respecƞully urge the Council to halt further efforts to permanently upzone R1 neighborhoods, reject Charterlevel escalaƟon Ɵed to SB 79, and restore integrity, transparency, and restraint to housing decision-making.

Respecƞully,
Laura Petroff
723 Ozone Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
cc:

Oliver Chi, Santa Monica City Manager
Santa Monica Daily Press
Westside Current
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 LAURA PETROFF

PARTNER
T +1 (213) 615-1736
[email protected]
333 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90071-1543
Admitted to practice in California
The contents of this message may be privileged and confidential. If this message has been received in error, please delete it without reading it. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable privilege. Please do not disseminate this message without the permission of the author. Any tax advice contained in this email was not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by you (or any other taxpayer) to avoid penalties under applicable tax laws and regulations.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Kelly
Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I to urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Kelly
Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Vivien Flitton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:00 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Vivien Flitton
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: megan spencer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I live in North of Montana, and after moving back here, I was drawn to the walkability, access to parks, and the sense of community that felt so vibrant. Unfortunately, I feel that the current push for a new zoning ordinance threatens the essence of our neighborhoods. The idea of allowing three-story buildings and significantly increased floor area limits is alarming, especially when it could change the character of these areas forever.

This process has felt rushed and out of step with what our community needs. It’s not acceptable to move forward without comprehensive understanding and input from residents about the implications for safety, evacuation, and infrastructure. We didn’t vote for a council that would prioritize density over the quality of life.

I am not happy that some employees of the city council are easily swayed to further their personal agendas without proper oversight. There needs to be accountability and transparency. We need to stop this ordinance now and reconsider the so-called "Emergency IZO" version as well. Please listen to the voices of your constituents and roll back this unnecessary change before it’s too late.

We must protect what makes Santa Monica special.

Respectfully,
Ms. Spencer
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Vivien Flitton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:01 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Vivien Flitton
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Ann Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Lana Negrete; Heidi von Tongeln; Susan Cola; Oliver Chi Cc: Jennifer Taylor; Nia Tang; Susan Cline; Peter James; Jenny Rogers; Sofia Klatzker; Steven Johnson; John Smith; Maryanne LaGuardia; Barry Rosenbaum; Karen Melick; Sonam Makker; Jesse Zwick; Bea Nemlaha; Diana Gordon; Victor Fresco; Lori Nafshun; jaleh mirhasemi
Subject: January 13, 2026 Council Meeting - Item 11.C. - Please add Oct. 14th Vote on Civic Center to Zwick housing-related votes for reconsideration

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Manager Chi, and Councilmembers - In addition to the many housing-related items Council now must reconsider in light of Councilmember Zwick's conflict-of-interest as determined by the FPPC, the Council majority's direction to Staff to explore scraping the Civic Center area for redevelopment on October 14, 2025 must be reconsidered as well.

Every time the Civic Auditorium has been discussed by Council, Councilmember Zwick mentioned or advocated for a housing development at that site.

This is public land, our Civic Center, yet Councilmember Zwick has viewed it exclusively as an opportunity to advance a development agenda and successfully encouraged several of his fellow councilmembers to follow suit.

Accordingly, please recognize that Zwick's conflict has impacted this important project as well. May Council please further both fundamental fairness and the public trust by adding that vote - on Item 11.C. (ENA with RPG for the Civic Auditorium) from the October 14, 2025 City Council agenda - to the votes for reconsideration given Zwick's conflict.

Thanks very much,
Ann Bowman
Santa Monica Resident, 29 years
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Vivien Flitton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:02 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Vivien Flitton
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: H2O Swim Team <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:01 PM
To: Tati Simonian
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Introduction — Santa Monica Business Owner

EXTERNAL
Hello Tati,
I hope you’re doing well and had a wonderful holiday season. I just wanted to follow up on my message below in case it was missed during the holiday period.

Congratulations again to Mayor Caroline Torosis on her new role. My name is Walid, and I am the Head Coach of H2O Swim Team as well as a local small business owner serving the Santa Monica community.

I would welcome the opportunity to briefly introduce myself, share what we are seeing on the ground as a small business, and learn more about the Mayor’s priorities for the local business community.

I would be happy to meet for 15–20 minutes at your convenience, either in person or virtually, and I am flexible with timing.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you when convenient.

Best regards,
Walid
H2O Swim Team
Website: www.h2oswimteam.org
Follow us on Instagram: @h2oswimteam
Phone: (424) 487-9397
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 On Sat, Dec 20, 2025 at 2:43 AM H2O Swim Team <[email protected]> wrote:

Hello Tati,
Congratulations to Mayor Caroline Torosis on her new role.

My name is Walid, and I am the Head Coach of H2O Swim Team as well as a local business owner serving the Santa Monica community. I would welcome the opportunity to briefly introduce myself, share what we are seeing on the ground as a small business, and learn more about the Mayor’s priorities for the local business community.

I would be happy to meet for 15–20 minutes at your convenience, either in person or virtually, and I am flexible with timing.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Susan Grayson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in North of Montana for 50 years, drawn to its quiet, clean streets and the sense of safety that allows me to enjoy evening walks to the beach. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow three-story housing projects throughout our neighborhood. This plan feels rushed and lacks the thoughtful deliberation that such a significant change requires.

Increasing density without careful consideration of safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure is not the way to address our housing needs. We’ve all seen how the city has struggled with issues related to homelessness and the safety of our streets. The idea that three stories are necessary ignores the unique character and needs of our community. Density does not equate to affordability, and this isn’t what we voted for when we elected this council.

I am frustrated by the deterioration of our once-beautiful city. Does city government ignore our complaints? Is Santa Monica broke after the sexual harassment payout to victims of an official who wasn’t fired? I urge you to roll back this unrequired ordinance and rescind the "Emergency IZO." We must preserve the quality of life we cherish in Santa Monica.

Thank you for considering the voices of long-term residents.

Sincerely,
Susan B. Grayson
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Paula Mazur <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for 30 years, and I’m frustrated by the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to fundamentally change our cherished neighborhood. We moved here because it’s a closely knit, family-friendly area—where kids go to local schools and families engage with one another. This new ordinance would allow threestory buildings and increased density that isn't going to necessarily give us more affordable housing.

I'm upset that we have not been brought into the conversation about what is going to happen with the neighborhood. I am pro-affordable housing, but I’m not seeing a true increase in that with these changes. Density does not equate to affordability, and I fear this plan will lead to a loss of the unique character we love.

The rushed nature of this process is alarming. It doesn’t allow for the community input we deserve, especially on something so impactful. We should not go beyond state law, particularly when it comes to issues of safety, evacuation capacity, and the demands on our infrastructure.

Please roll back this unnecessary ordinance and rescind the “Emergency IZO.” Our community deserves better planning and transparency. We need to protect what makes Santa Monica special before it's too late.

Yours truly,
Paula Mazur
3204 Pearl Street
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:12 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
To the mayor and council members,
I attended and spoke at the meeting where 1123 was voted on. I urged the council to reject the proposal, and this is a chance for the council to correct their mistaken vote.

While I agree with state law on sb1123, I strongly disagree with the council’s juicing up the ordinance.

Like a roided up athlete whose results will always be questioned and won’t stand the test of time, this will forever negatively impact the future of our beautiful R1 neighborhoods. I get the council may think their actions will spur development, increase supply and make housing affordable, but in santa monica, where it is expensive to buy land and build, and especially where our location and climate offer make it a desirable place to live, demand will always exceed supply. There are plenty of commercial and multiunit parts of the city where the council can promote denser development, but NOT in R1.

Think of this:
 Where these upzoned developments are built, street parking will become impossible. The existing roads will be throttled to first responders. Safety will be compromised.  None of these developments will result in lower cost housing. Think multimillion dollar townhomes or condos, or rents of $3-5k for a one bedroom. Consider the inflationary effects on residents who are retired.
 The added density will strain city resources which already have challenges with homeless, petty crimes, trash, degraded sidewalks, potholes on our streets and alleys.  Overcrowding, reduction in quality of life, reduced privacy due to setbacks and height, loss of community character will change santa monica into one of the super dense beach communities of hermosa or Manhattan. Is that why we moved here?
As a 35+ year resident of the city, here’s my plea to this council. We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica Residents and rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Daniel Funk, 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:12 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I ask you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on. He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating. Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust. While the city needs to work within the laws of the state and federal government, the city council must represent the interests of the electorate.

I request that the City Council:
 Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
 Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them  Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Daniel Funk, 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Cori Lable <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I moved from Asia to North of Montana just 18 months ago, drawn by the blend of urban vibrancy and the peacefulness of residential life that Santa Monica offers. The charming architecture and my proximity to retail and the waterfront were major selling points in our choice of North of Montana over the Palisades, Brentwood, and other Westside communities. We specifically wanted a more diverse city and a place where we didn’t have to be wedded to our cars 100% of the time. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to change everything I love about this neighborhood.

Allowing new housing projects to rise to three stories and increasing floor area limits by 50% is not only unnecessary but could turn our neighborhood into an unrecognizable landscape of density. This isn’t simply about more apartments; it’s about the unique balance we have here. Density does not equate to affordability, and the rushed process behind this ordinance has sidelined meaningful citizen input. This isn't how we should approach such significant changes. Making the Sunset Park, Ocean Park, and North of Montana neighborhoods less desirable will only reduce property values and damage Santa Monica’s property tax base (something we can ill afford given the city’s broader financial challenges).

More broadly, I have been disappointed as a liberal voter at the extent of demonization I’ve felt by the current Council for the apparent sin of being a single-family homeowner in Santa Monica. I love my house and neighborhood; I want Santa Monica to have more affordable housing; I voted for much of the progressive slate in the most recent elections. These things should not be incompatible, but in Santa Monica, they are treated as though they are. I urge the Council to work with progressive homeowners (I assure you there are many) rather than alienating them.

I urge you to roll back this unneeded ordinance entirely and to rescind the "Emergency IZO" version as well. Our neighborhoods deserve thoughtful consideration, not rapid adjustments that disregard safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. Please listen to your constituents and prioritize our community’s integrity over hastily imposed zoning changes. Turning this city into a mini-Houston is not in anyone’s best interest, and will not preserve Santa Monica’s status as the best location on the Westside.

Kind regards,
Cori Lable
303 9th Street
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: Brenda Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in the North of Montana neighborhood for 47 wonderful years, drawn here by the high quality of our schools and the walkable community that fosters friendships with neighbors. Sadly, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could forever alter the fabric of Santa Monica.

This new ordinance allows for three-story buildings and increases floor area limits by 50%, which is not only unnecessary but goes beyond what state law permits. Such drastic changes have been rushed through without the meaningful citizen input that our community deserves. We need to make sure that all residents, not just a loud contingent, are made aware of the choices we can make to ensure that our city remains livable.

Increased density does not guarantee affordability, and we must consider the implications of these changes on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. This is not what we voted for when we elected you. I urge you to roll back this proposed ordinance and rescind the "Emergency IZO" version.

Let’s ensure Santa Monica remains a place where families can thrive and neighborhoods are preserved.

Please listen to your constituents and prioritize our community’s needs over rushed decisions.

Respectfully,
Brenda Anderson
475 24th Street
Santa Monica 90402
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Strong opposition to 11C
From: Marc Abraham <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:52 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Strong opposition to 11C

EXTERNAL
January 12, 2026
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing this as a 40-year resident of Santa Monica. During this time, I have lived in rent-controlled buildings, converted garages and then was fortunate enough to realize a dream of owning a home. I am now politely asking the City Council to finally do the right thing for the citizen of Santa Monica; to protect the city from the sad state it has clearly, unequivocally fallen into… in its governance and in its integrity. This is not a hysterical perception. This is reality. The downward spiral of the city (including the recent need for a bankruptcy declaration) has been nurtured and amplified by the actions of a compromised City Council.

Council members - you must realize at this point that the actions taken by the Council in support of cynical developers who think they can ( and have) manipulate elected oƯicials will not prevail.

The actions of several Council members, not just Mr. Zwick have been revealed to be compromised and obviously questionable. It is is time for the Council to rectify the previous actions. The issues you are dealing with tomorrow are not going away. The tide is turning to honesty and transparency Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
22 and more and more citizens are going to become engaged and frankly aware of the compromised votes of at least three of the Council’s members.

You must begin tomorrow to clean up this mess that.

You must not ratify or reconfirm the Item 11C . You must work together restore trust, to come up policies that are aligned with the residents, not the developers who have essentially through jobs, influenced city Council members.

Start fresh, do your job, created a vetted plan.

The FPPC did not issue their advice letter casually.

These issues are not going anywhere. Be realistic, people are fed up and now that they know the truth behind some of the decisions and the relationships that have benefited some of the council.

A NO VOTE and a new honest agenda is the only responsible and prudent action.

Sincerely,
Marc Abraham
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: Katherine A Beckendorf <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived North of Montana for 10 years, drawn to this beautiful, quiet neighborhood with its long-time residents and a sense of safety that makes it feel like home. I have always loved this neighborhood and want it to retain its character and its neighborhoods without being disrupted with multi-family apartments and condos meant for single-family houses.

I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could change Santa Monica forever. The idea of allowing three-story buildings with reduced setbacks in our residential areas feels rushed and reckless. This process isn't what we expect when it comes to making changes to our community. We deserve a thorough and open discussion regarding such a significant alteration.

The push to surpass state law with this ordinance isn’t necessary and doesn’t align with what Santa Monicans voted for when electing this council. Increased density doesn’t guarantee affordability and can have serious implications for safety and infrastructure.

I urge you to stop this ordinance in its tracks and not send it forward to the Planning Commission. Please also consider repealing the "Emergency IZO" version of this ordinance. Our neighborhoods deserve better than this hurried approach.

Let’s work together to protect the essence of our community.

Kathy Beckendorf
Esparta Way
Santa Monica, CA
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Steve Rogers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Agenda+Item+11C(2)+-+Oppose+-+STOP+EXCEEDING+STATE+LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear+Council+Members,
I’m+writing+as+a+longtime+resident+of+the+Santa+Monica+College+Streets+neighborhood,+where+I’ve+enjoyed+the+wonde rful+community+and+thoughtful+governance+for+the+past+15+years.+I+moved+here+for+the+excelle nt+school+system+and+the+charming,+small-city+feel+that+makes+Santa+Monica+special.

I+am+deeply+concerned+about+the+proposed+zoning+ordinance+set+to+be+discussed+this+Tuesday .+This+ordinance+pushes+us+beyond+the+limits+of+state+law,+and+allowing+threestory+buildings+in+our+residential+areas+is+simply+not+necessary.+The+rushed+process+surroundin g+this+change+feels+neither+fair+nor+transparent,+leaving+little+room+for+meaningful+input+from+t hose+of+us+who+call+this+city+home.

While+I+understand+the+need+for+more+housing,+we+cannot+overlook+the+implications+such+dens ity+will+have+on+safety,+evacuation+capacity,+and+the+demands+on+our+already+stretched+infrastr ucture.+This+isn’t+what+we+voted+for+when+we+elected+this+council,+and+we+shouldn’t+be+makin g+hasty+decisions+that+could+forever+alter+the+fabric+of+our+neighborhoods.

I+urge+you+to+roll+back+this+proposed+ordinance+and+rescind+the+“Emergency+IZO.”+Let’s+prioriti ze+a+thoughtful,+measured+approach+that+truly+serves+our+community’s+best+interests.

Thank+you,
Steve+Rogers
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: Margaret Bach <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11C

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
Who, among your constituents, supports the dramatic expansion of development standards in our neighborhoods that is contained in the proposed zoning ordinance? Three-stories? 50% more floor area? removal of protections for side-by-side lots? Smaller setbacks? None of this is necessary. Nor is it desired by the citizens of Santa Monica, residents of neighborhoods that risk irreparable, irreversible damage if such zoning standards are adopted.

Again: WHO WANTS THIS?
You, as our representatives, are charged with representing your constituents' interests.

How do you justify a zoning revision that will dramatically change the character of our residential neighborhoods?
Please listen to us and, at the very least, postpone action on the zoning ordinance until there has been a robust and equitable community discussion. And in addition, rescind and repeal the "Emergency IZO" version of this same ordinance.

Sincerely,
Margaret Bach
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: Stacey Ravel Abarbanel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:41 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
Our community is at a critical moment. Mistrust has been allowed to fester, in large part due to concerns that Councilmember Zwick (and perhaps others) have troubling conflicts of interest vis a vis housing policies. Now that the FPPC has confirmed these suspicions, it’s time to take a step back to restore trust in our processes.

With this is mind, I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated. Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

Thank you.

Stacey Ravel Abarbanel
[email protected]
310/736-5300
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
27 David Yakobson
From: Abby Adams <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As someone who has lived in north of Montana for 35 years, we continue to be deeply frustrated by the proposed zoning ordinance that aims to change the very fabric of our community. We chose this neighborhood for its charm, walkability, and the quality of our public schools and the ease and ability of knowing our neighbor; which has fostered and does foster a strong sense of community.

The idea of allowing three-story buildings and significantly increased floor area limits IS excessive and unnecessary. We shouldn’t be pushing beyond what state law requires. This rushed process is not typical for such a substantial rezoning effort and reflects a disregard for the voices of residents like my family and thousands of others. The implications of increased density extend far beyond housing; they touch on safety, evacuation capacity, and the strain on our infrastructure, all of which must be carefully considered. And I don't know who you think you are fooling to bill these proposed housing units as affordable!
This isn’t what Santa Monicans voted for when electing this council. If this ordinance moves forward, it could irreversibly change our neighborhoods. We implore you to roll back this ordinance and refrain from sending it to the Planning Commission. Please also consider rescinding the "Emergency IZO" version that accompanies it. Our community deserves better.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.

Patrick, Abby, Kellogg, Cooper and Riley's Adams
Santa Monica Voters
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
28 David Yakobson
From: Karen Oi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing to you as a long-time resident of Ocean Avenue, where I've enjoyed calling this vibrant community home for the past 15 years. The ocean view, the charm of Palisades Park, and the accessibility to shopping and dining have always made Santa Monica feel like the perfect blend of upscale and down-to-earth. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to change everything I love about my neighborhood.

Moving to a place that felt like a sanctuary, I never imagined I would see a proposal that would allow three-story buildings across Sunset Park, Pico Neighborhood, North East, and North of Montana. This “over-densifying” of Santa Monica is changing our city in ways we cannot afford to overlook. Densifying our neighborhoods does not equal affordability; it can compromise our safety, evacuation capacity, and strain our infrastructure.

This rushed process lacks the public engagement that such a significant change demands. We elected this council with the expectation that our voices would matter, and this proposal does not reflect what Santa Monicans voted for. I urge you to reconsider moving forward with this ordinance and to repeal the "Emergency IZO" version. Let’s protect the essence of our city and ensure that any changes truly serve our community's needs.

Please take a stand for Santa Monica.

Karen J. Oi
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
29 David Yakobson
From: John Levy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As a longtime resident of Sunset Park, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could dramatically alter our neighborhoods. I moved here nine years ago to start my family in a community that is friendly, residential, and full of families. However, this new ordinance threatens to unravel the very fabric of our community.

Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% is unnecessary and goes beyond what state law requires. We shouldn’t rush into such significant changes without understanding the implications for safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. This isn’t just about adding density; it’s about ensuring that our neighborhoods remain livable and safe for all residents.

This process feels rushed and not in line with what we expect from our City Council. We need to pause and allow for meaningful citizen input, as this decision could have irreversible consequences for our community. I urge you to roll back this proposed ordinance and rescind the "Emergency IZO" version. We must prioritize our community’s needs over unchecked development.

Please listen to the voices of your constituents and keep Santa Monica the vibrant, family-friendly place we cherish.

John Levy
2673 33rd St.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
30 David Yakobson
From: Stacey Ravel Abarbanel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:53 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I’ve lived in College Streets for almost 30 years, drawn to its quiet, walkable neighborhoods, friendly atmosphere, lovely gardens, and proximity to local schools and a park. It’s disheartening to see a proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to upend the very essence of our beloved Santa Monica neighborhood.

This ordinance, pushing for three-story buildings and increased density, goes so far beyond what is necessary by state law. Adding more structures without a thoughtful consideration of safety and infrastructure demands is reckless. It feels like this process has been rushed, cutting out meaningful opportunities for residents to voice their concerns. This isn’t how such significant changes should be handled.

We don’t need to go to three stories. I shudder to think how a three-story building would block the light and space around the many one-story houses on my block.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5. The state law as it stands is already a HUGE upzoning.

We don’t need reduced setbacks. Already our homes are so close to each other! I urge you to roll back this unrequired ordinance before it goes to the Planning Commission, where it won’t be able to be stopped. Let’s not allow our neighborhoods to become unrecognizable in the name of density. We need to prioritize what truly matters for our community. Please rescind the "Emergency IZO" version of this ordinance and take a step back to engage with the community.

Thank you for considering my concerns.

Stacey Ravel Abarbanel
[email protected]
310/736-5300
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
31 David Yakobson
From: mwdobbs <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:58 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on.

He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Michael Dobbs.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Sam Shapiro-Kline <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:42 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Items 10.A and 11.C

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council,
I support housing, and I support the Council members who are taking action to deliver it.

I am writing to express my support for Agenda Items 10.A and 11.C and for the Council’s continued efforts to make it easier to build all kinds of housing in Santa Monica. Removing barriers to housing production is essential if our city is to meet unmet demand, welcome new neighbors, and revitalize the local economy for the future.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to Santa Monica’s long-term success.

Sincerely,
Sam Shapiro-Kline
90403
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: ci dixon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox
Subject: Item 11C Is Procedurally Invalid and Must Be Withdrawn

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge you to immediately withdraw Item 11C from this Tuesday’s agenda.

As you know, the Fair Political Practices Commission has ruled that Councilmember Jesse Zwick has a conflict of interest due to his paid employment with the Housing Action Coalition (HAC) and must recuse himself from housing-related matters. In response, the City Manager has bundled five housing-related votes into Item 11C for a cursory re-vote. That approach is deeply inadequate and procedurally improper.

Councilmember Zwick did not merely vote on these items - in several cases he proposed, moved, or shaped them. Those items should not be re-voted at all unless they are first reintroduced by a non-conflicted Councilmember after a full legal review. Moreover, there are additional housing-related votes beyond the five listed in 11C that were tainted by Zwick’s conflict and must also be evaluated. Proceeding with a narrow, bundled re-vote now risks laundering invalid actions into permanence.

This concern is heightened by recently revealed Brown Act violations. Public records show that Councilmember Zwick was texting with a member of a housing advocacy group during a Council meeting to seek guidance on how to respond to public opposition. That kind of ex parte communication during a legislative session is unlawful and further calls into question the legitimacy of these housing votes. These facts alone require investigation by the City Attorney before any revotes occur.

But this is not just a legal technicality. The substance of these housing decisions is deeply consequential, particularly because they are being used to justify sweeping zoning changes, including the Emergency IZO and dramatic increases in density across Santa Monica.

I have lived North of Montana for 30 years. I chose this community for its human-scale neighborhoods, safety, and livability. We have already seen what unchecked upzoning produces on Lincoln Boulevard - walls of concrete, traffic, and a loss of the Santa Monica character residents cherish. That model must not be imposed on residential neighborhoods through rushed, conflict-tainted decision-making.

Even more alarming is that these zoning changes are being pushed forward without basic safety and infrastructure analysis. No comprehensive evacuation or emergency-response study has been done. North of Montana has limited access points. In a wildfire, earthquake, or other emergency, traffic gridlock would trap thousands of people. We have also been warned that our water system is not designed to fight large-scale fires. We have watched nearby communities burn under exactly these conditions. Increasing density without first addressing evacuation routes, fire protection, and water capacity is not just irresponsible - it is dangerous.

Density also does not equal affordability. Granting developers the right to build bigger does not guarantee homes for teachers, seniors, or working families. It does guarantee more people, more strain on infrastructure, and higher stakes if something goes wrong.

Given the legal conflicts, the Brown Act concerns, and the profound real-world consequences of these housing and zoning decisions, Item 11C must be withdrawn. The City Attorney must conduct a full, independent review of all housing-related actions taken by conflicted Councilmembers before any attempt is made to re-vote or ratify them.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 Santa Monica deserves lawful, transparent, and safety-conscious governance. Please do not rush to legitimize tainted votes that will reshape our city and put residents at risk.

Sincerely,
Caroline Dixon
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Susanne Jacobson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:31 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Susanne Jacobson
521 Montana Ave., #108
Santa Monica, 90403
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Susanne Jacobson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:32 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Susanne Jacobson
521 Montana Ave.

Santa Monica, 90403
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Soledad Ramos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Sunset Park for 20 years, drawn initially by the proximity to the beach, but I stayed for the incredible community and the joy of raising my kids here. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to change our neighborhoods irreparably.

The idea of allowing new housing projects to reach three stories and exceed current floor area limits by 50% is alarming. This isn’t just a minor adjustment; it fundamentally alters the character of our beloved neighborhoods and does not reflect what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. We should not be going beyond state law, especially when the safety and well-being of residents are at stake.

Density does not equal affordability, and we cannot simply add more residents without fully understanding the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and the demands on our infrastructure.

This rushed process has left little room for meaningful citizen input, which is unacceptable for such a significant change.

I urge you to roll back this unnecessary ordinance and to rescind the "Emergency IZO." Our community deserves better planning that considers the long-term impact on our families and neighborhoods. Please stop this process now—our future depends on it.

Soledad Ramos
2609 Cloverfield blvd
Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Susanne Jacobson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:33 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Susanne Jacobson
521 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, 90403
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Cheryl Downey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:35 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Cheryl Downey
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Bettina Kaplan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in the North of Montana for two and a half years, drawn to the quiet charm of our neighborhood and the ease of walking to Palisades Park and the beach. It’s a place I love, and yet I’m deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could fundamentally alter our community.

The idea of three-story buildings and increased density is unsettling. It seems unnecessary, especially since we shouldn't be going beyond state law. Densifying our neighborhoods won’t automatically create affordability, and it’s critical to recognize that this isn’t what we voted for when we elected you. The rushed process for this ordinance leaves little room for meaningful citizen input, which is unacceptable for such a significant change.

We cannot overlook safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands when adding density. I urge you to reconsider this ordinance. Please roll it back and do not send it forward. We need to ensure that any changes made truly reflect the desires and needs of our community.

Let’s protect the unique qualities that make Santa Monica special and work towards solutions that serve all residents.

Sincerely,
Bettina Kaplan
Homeowner, San Vicente Blvd.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Craig Kaner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for 28 years, drawn here by the charm of single-family homes and the convenience of being within walking distance to groceries, restaurants, and shops. But now, I’m frustrated with the city council’s plan to adopt a new zoning ordinance that threatens the very essence of our neighborhoods.

This proposal goes far beyond state law, SB1123, allowing for three-story buildings and significantly larger projects with smaller setbacks. This isn’t just unnecessary; it’s reckless. I am tired of all the multi-unit complexes being built in the area without any concern for infrastructure. I walk because it’s too hard to drive on the congested streets with crazies about with carts yelling at me while passing by. We am not making affordable housing. We have lots of property available at market rates.We simply can’t add density without understanding the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands.

The rushed process of this rezoning is unacceptable. It doesn’t reflect what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. Density does not equal affordability, and we shouldn’t be pushing through these changes without meaningful citizen input.

I urge you to roll back this unrequired ordinance and rescind the “Emergency IZO." Let’s protect our neighborhoods and prioritize thoughtful planning over hasty decisions that could change Santa Monica forever.

Please put the brakes on this before it’s too late.

Craig Kaner
Santa Monica. 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Heather Mont <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in the Noma neighborhood for 15 years, drawn here by the beach, family, and a vibrant community. The trees, flat streets, and open spaces contribute to the charm of our area, along with access to wonderful businesses and healthcare. I want to live here forever, but I don’t like the path we are on. The livability is not what it was 15 years ago. Too much building of high-rise apartments is eroding the essence of our neighborhoods.

The proposed zoning ordinance that allows for three-story buildings across Sunset Park, Pico Neighborhood, North East, and North of Montana is unnecessary and goes beyond what the state law requires. This rushed process for such significant changes is not how we should address our community’s needs. We can’t simply add density without understanding the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands.

This isn’t the vision we voted for when we elected this council. The focus should not be solely on density; it should also be about maintaining the quality of life for all residents. I urge you to roll back this ordinance and rescind the “Emergency IZO.” Let’s prioritize responsible growth that truly serves our community.

Please take action now to protect our neighborhoods.

Thank you,
Heather Mont
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: ivana letica suvak <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Sunset Park for 26 years, drawn here for the promise of a better quality of life…a strong sense of community, great public schools, not overcrowded like west Hollywood where we moved from when our daughter was born. However I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could dramatically alter the very fabric of our neighborhoods. This isn't what Santa Monicans voted for when we elected you.

The idea of allowing three-story buildings and significantly increased density in our residential areas is alarming.

We shouldn’t be pushing beyond state law, especially when our community has been built around safety and quality of life. Adding density without a thorough understanding of its implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands is not only irresponsible but could pose serious risks to our residents.

Moreover, the rushed process of this proposal denies us, the community, a chance to voice our concerns. This is not an acceptable way to approach such a significant change. I urge you to roll back this ordinance and not send forward the “Emergency IZO” version. We need to prioritize thoughtful planning over rapid development.

Please consider the long-term impacts on Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Ivana Suvak
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: JACK BROWN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Santa Monica for 42 years because of its small-town feeling, safety, and proximity to the ocean. I cherish the clean air, the trees, and the friendly community on Montana Avenue. It’s disheartening to see a rushed zoning ordinance that threatens to alter the very essence of our neighborhoods. This isn’t just a zoning change; it’s a potential transformation into a densely populated area that we never voted for.

Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% goes beyond what’s necessary. Density does not equate to affordability, and we need to consider the implications this has on our infrastructure, safety, and evacuation capacity. This process feels uncharacteristically hasty and lacks the community input that such significant changes demand.

I urge you to reconsider moving forward with this ordinance. It’s essential to roll it back and not send it to the Planning Commission. We must ensure that the voices of Santa Monica residents are heard and respected before making decisions that could irreversibly change our beloved city. Please rescind and repeal the "Emergency IZO" version as well.

This is our chance to protect the Santa Monica we love.

Dr Jack and Samantha Brown
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Maura McCabe <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:47 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Maura McCabe
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Deanna Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:20 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Deanna C Smith
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Deanna Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:21 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Deanna C Smith
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: David Stewart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:31 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: MICHAEL GRUNING <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:32 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Dr Mike Gruning
Mike Gruning | Pence Hathorn Silver
310.741.1713 | www.phsrealty.com
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
1333 Montana Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90403
***WIRE FRAUD IS REAL***

ALWAYS CALL THE SENDER AT A KNOWN NUMBER TO VERIFY ACCOUNT INFORMATION Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Kenneth Legaux <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C (2) - Oppose

It’s critical that we consider the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such irreversible decisions.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance. This is so critical.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city and for listening.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Legaux
Sent from Outlook
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Phil Brock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I'm deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow three-story buildings and increased density in my neighborhood. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with this ordinance— SB1123 was already a significant shift.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Phil Brock / Mayor (ret)
[email protected]
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: oesr <[email protected]> on behalf of [email protected] Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: SUBJECT: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jane Dempsey
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: oesr <[email protected]> on behalf of [email protected] Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: SUBJECT: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Jane Dempsey
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Kenneth Legaux <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Legaux
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Phil Brock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Rescind upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Phil Brock / Mayor (ret)
[email protected]
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: oesr <[email protected]> on behalf of [email protected] Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: SUBJECT: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning. As a resident of Santa Monica, I feel our city is in enough Law Suits that residents do not agree with.

Sincerely,
Jane Dempsey
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: David Forbes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:47 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
David Forbes
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: David Forbes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:48 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
David Forbes
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Sandbank <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for 15 years, drawn here by the spacious lots and the friendly, peaceful vibe of the neighborhood. It's a place where neighbors look out for one another, and I cherish that sense of community. That's why I’m deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could fundamentally change our beloved city.

This new ordinance goes beyond what state law, SB1123, allows, pushing for three-story buildings and increased density that our neighborhoods simply don’t need. This rushed process seems far from normal for such significant changes – it feels like our voices are being sidelined at a time when we should be having meaningful conversations about our city’s future.

Adding density doesn't automatically mean affordability. More importantly, we can’t overlook the implications this has on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. This isn't what we voted for when we elected this council.

I urge you to reconsider this ordinance, roll it back, and rescind the "Emergency IZO" version as well. We must prioritize thoughtful growth that preserves what makes Santa Monica special, rather than rushing into irreversible changes. Let’s ensure our community’s needs are at the forefront.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Lisa Sandbank
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: David Forbes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:50 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
David Forbes
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Aaron Steinberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:53 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,

I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void,
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them, Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process.

Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Aaron Steinberg
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: Aaron Steinberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:00 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - Don't exceed State law

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,

I'm deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow three-story buildings and increased density in my neighborhood. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with this ordinance—SB1123 was already a significant shift.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Aaron Steinberg

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Johanna Jenkins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Please VOID Conflict-Tainted Votes - Require a Clean Process

EXTERNAL
TO:

SUBJECT: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Johanna Jenkins
Johanna Jenkins
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: Aaron Steinberg <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:03 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,

I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Aaron Steinberg
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: TROY PARR <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:04 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Troy Parr (voter!)
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: TROY PARR <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:05 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Troy Par - Santa Monica Voter!!
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: TROY PARR <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:05 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Troy Parr
(I vote!!)
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Johanna Jenkins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
TO: See Above
SUBJECT: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I to urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Johanna Jenkins
Johanna Jenkins
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: Hilary Galanoy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:08 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Hilary Galanoy
2636 32nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: George William Birrell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in the Noma neighborhood for 34 years, drawn here by the promise of low-density residential housing that fosters a sense of community and tranquility. Today, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to transform Santa Monica into something unrecognizable. Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% is not just excessive; it goes beyond what our state law, SB1123, requires.

This rushed process feels out of step with the careful deliberation our community deserves. Such drastic changes need ample discussion and input from residents, not to mention an understanding of the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. It’s crucial to remember that adding density does not equate to making housing more affordable.

This isn’t what we, the Santa Monicans, voted for when we elected you. I urge you to roll back this unnecessary ordinance and rescind the "Emergency IZO." It’s time to listen to the voices of the community before we lose the essence of what makes Santa Monica special.

Please take action now and reject this proposal before it’s too late.

Yours truly,
George William Birrell
144 Alta Ave.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
27 David Yakobson
From: TONY STENGER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:09 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
[Name]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
28 David Yakobson
From: TONY STENGER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:10 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Name]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
29 David Yakobson
From: Jennifer Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Noma for 10+ years, drawn here by the beautiful gardens, peaceful atmosphere, and the sense of community that comes from living away from the hustle and bustle. It’s disheartening to see the proposed zoning ordinance that could forever change what makes my neighborhood special. Building three-story structures in Sunset Park, Pico, and beyond is simply unnecessary and would disrupt the tranquility we cherish.

This rushed process is unacceptable. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law, and I’m frustrated that there hasn’t been a meaningful opportunity for residents like me to weigh in. Density does not equate to affordability, and increasing it without considering the implications for safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure is shortsighted.

I urge you to roll back this zoning ordinance and not send it to the Planning Commission. This isn't what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. Let’s preserve our neighborhoods and the quality of life that drew us here. Please rescind the “Emergency IZO” version as well.

We need to stop this now before it’s too late.

Regards,
Jennifer Scott
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
30 David Yakobson
From: Hilary Galanoy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:11 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest. The rezoning from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial allows large projects, including housing developments up to 85’ tall with state bonuses. The FPPC has determined that Councilmember Zwick could not legally participate in housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition. Since he made the motions to approve both the rezoning on September 30, 2025 and the limited covenant on October 14, 2025, these votes are invalid under California law. According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning.

Sincerely,
Hilary Galanoy
2636 32nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
31 David Yakobson
From: Victoria Jensen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Ocean Park for 48 years, drawn here by its diversity, beauty and the quiet, peaceful environment that feels like a world apart from the hustle of Los Angeles. I cherish the sense of community, the lovely weather, and being able to walk or bus to so many places. This is why I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to change Santa Monica forever.

The City of Santa Monica's unique desirability and liveability is being forever changed for the worse by overdevelopment. Allowing three-story buildings with significantly increased density in neighborhoods like Sunset Park and Pico is not only unnecessary but dangerous. We shouldn't be exceeding state law with a rushed process that lacks meaningful public input. This isn't what we voted for when we elected this council.

Adding density does not equate to affordability; it risks our safety, evacuation capacity, and strains infrastructure. It's turning our charming beach city into an overdeveloped, densely populated arm of mega-Los Angeles. I urge you to listen to the residents of our city and roll back this unrequired ordinance and rescind the "Emergency IZO" version. We must halt this before it's too late; once passed, these changes will be irreversible.

Please listen to the voices of your constituents and protect our neighborhoods.

Regards,
Victoria Jensen
2310 6th St. #3
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
32 David Yakobson
From: Hilary Galanoy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:14 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 11C(2) -- OPPOSE

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Hilary Galanoy
2636 32nd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
33 David Yakobson
From: TONY STENGER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Agenda+Item+11C(2)+-+Oppose+-+STOP+EXCEEDING+STATE+LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear+Council+Members,
I+have+lived+in+North+of+Montana+for+48+years,+drawn+to+this+neighborhood+for+its+tranquility+a nd+excellent+schools.+But+I+am+deeply+frustrated+by+the+proposed+zoning+ordinance+that+threat ens+to+change+everything+I+love+about+Santa+Monica.+It’s+alarming+that+this+new+ordinance+goe s+beyond+the+already+expanded+limits+of+SB1123.+We+don’t+need+to+allow+threestory+buildings+or+to+increase+floor+area+limits+by+50%.+This+isn’t+just+a+minor+adjustment;+it’s +a+fundamental+shift+that+could+irreversibly+impact+our+community's+character.

This+rushed+process+is+unacceptable.+It+feels+like+a+grave+disservice+to+the+residents+who+have +entrusted+you+with+our+city’s+future.+We+didn’t+vote+for+this+kind+of+hasty+decisionmaking,+and+we+certainly+didn’t+vote+for+increased+density+without+fully+considering+the+implica tions+on+safety,+infrastructure,+and+our+neighborhood's+unique+charm.+Density+does+not+equate +to+affordability,+and+we+shouldn’t+be+going+beyond+state+law+when+it+isn’t+necessary.

I+urge+you+to+roll+back+this+proposed+ordinance+and+rescind+the+"Emergency+IZO"+version.+Let’ s+prioritize+thoughtful+planning+over+rushed+decisions+that+could+forever+alter+Santa+Monica.+No w+is+the+time+to+listen+to+the+community,+not+push+through+changes+we+never+wanted.

Anthony and Mary Jo Stenger
718 15th st
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
34 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:29 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Yelena Sonkin 90404
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Johanna Jenkins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Please Follow State Law

EXTERNAL
TO: See Above
SUBJECT: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I'm deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow three-story buildings and increased density in my neighborhood. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with this ordinance—SB1123 was already a significant shift.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Johanna Jenkins
Johanna Jenkins
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Linda Bullock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:35 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Linda and Tim Bullock
1739 Pine St., SM 90405
[Name]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Lise Reilly <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing to express my deep concern regarding the proposed zoning ordinance that could drastically alter our beloved Sunset Park and other residential neighborhoods in Santa Monica. Having lived here for 29 years, I chose this community for its walkability, small businesses, and low-density development. The thought of three-story buildings and significantly increased density feels not only unnecessary but also harmful to the character we cherish.

We're being asked to go beyond state law with no compelling need. This rushed process, which limits citizen input, is not what we voted for when we elected this council. The implications of such density reach far beyond housing; they impact safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. Simply increasing density does not equate to affordability, and we shouldn’t make these changes without fully understanding the consequences.

I urge you to reconsider this ordinance. Let’s not push forward with a plan that could irreversibly transform our neighborhoods. Please roll back these changes and prioritize meaningful community engagement instead. Our neighborhoods deserve better.

Lise and Kevin Reilly
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Mary Stewart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:36 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Mary Stewart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:36 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Ken Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:37 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; councilmtgitems
Cc: Ken Smith
Subject: SUBJECT: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
January 12, 2026
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
As a current resident of Santa Monica and the areas in question, I'm deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that would allow three-story buildings and increased density in my neighborhood. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with this ordinance—SB1123 was already a significant shift.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Ken Smith
2606 30th Street Santa Monica, CA
510 714 5055
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Ken Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick
Cc: [email protected]; Ken Smith
Subject: SUBJECT: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
January 12, 2026
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
As a resident of Santa Monica, I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Ken Smith
2606 30th Street Santa Monica, CA 90405
510 714 5055
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Connor Stewart <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:50 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Connor Stewart
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Deanna Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:00 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Deanna C Smith
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Jerry <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:04 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jerry Nodiff
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Jerry <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:05 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Jerry Nodiff
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Jerry <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:06 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Jerry Nodiff
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Phil Brock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 12:14 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Phil Brock / Mayor (ret)
[email protected]
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Phil Brock / Mayor (ret)
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Aimee Bell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 11C

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Aimee Bell
2274 Cloverfield Blvd.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Lillian Lim <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:26 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Lillian Lim
1353 Ashland Ave
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Lillian Lim <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:28 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Lillian Lim
1353 Ashland Ave
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Lillian Lim <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:28 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Lillian Lim
1353 Ashland Ave
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Christina wioch <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Heather Averick; Dan Hall
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on.

He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them
Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Christina Wioch
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Andrea Ferrer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:53 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Andrea Ferrer
646-207-4620
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: grace necci <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:53 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Grace Akazawa
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: grace necci <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 10:54 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Grace Akazawa
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Mary <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:01 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mary Hubbell
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Mary <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:02 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Mary Hubbell
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Emily Froelich Levy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:02 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I’ve called Sunset Park home for the past ten years, drawn here by its quiet charm and the welcoming feel of single-family homes lining the streets. I cherish the sense of community and the small-town vibe that makes this area in Santa Monica unique. However, I’m deeply concerned by the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to drastically change our neighborhoods.

This ordinance is not just a minor adjustment; it will allow three-story buildings and significantly increased density that simply isn’t necessary. More density does not equate to more affordability. I worry this will transform our beloved neighborhoods into areas that feel unrecognizable, ignoring the very reasons many of us chose to live here.

Furthermore, the rushed process surrounding this ordinance is alarming. There’s been little opportunity for meaningful public input, and I believe it reflects a disconnect from what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. We need to prioritize understanding the real implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before pushing forward with such sweeping changes.

I urge you to reconsider this ordinance and roll it back. Let’s ensure that any zoning changes truly reflect the needs and voices of our community. Please do not send this forward to the Planning Commission— let’s stop it now before it’s too late.

Best,
Emily Levy
Resident of Santa Monica on 33rd street
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Mary <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:03 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Mary Hubbell
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Will von Bernuth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Will von Bernuth
_____________________________
Will von Bernuth
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Apter <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:11 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely, Andrew Apter
______________________________________
Andrew Apter
Professor,
Departments of History and Anthropology/International Institute University of California, Los Angeles
"Revolutionary transformation is what we need to secure our future." Erald Kolasi, The Physics of Capitalism: How a New Political Ecology can Change the World.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Will von Bernuth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Will von Bernuth
_____________________________
Will von Bernuth
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Will von Bernuth <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.  We don’t need to go to three stories.
 We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.
 We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Will von Bernuth
_____________________________
Will von Bernuth
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Dirk van de Bunt <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m a nine-year homeowner and resident of Sunset Park, and I’m alarmed by this zoning ordinance. It pushes far beyond what state law requires and would permanently change our neighborhoods by allowing three-story buildings and dramatic increases in density—with no clear justification and a rushed, opaque process.

This isn’t anti-housing. It’s pro-community. Density alone does not guarantee affordability, and it certainly doesn’t excuse ignoring impacts on safety, infrastructure, evacuation planning, or neighborhood character. Santa Monica works because renters and homeowners share livable streets, small businesses survive, and growth is deliberate—not imposed.

You were not elected to fast-track irreversible changes without genuine public buy-in. Pause this ordinance. Roll it back. Do it right, with transparency and real community input.

Once this is done, it can’t be undone. Please stop before that happens.

Thank you,
Dirk van de Bunt
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Ken Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:21 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
As others that live in the area and are very concerned with your actions and this issue, I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Smith
2606 30th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
510 714 5055
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: janine autolitano <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:29 AM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Agenda+Item+11C(2)+-+Oppose+-+STOP+EXCEEDING+STATE+LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear+Council+Members,
I’ve+lived+in+Santa+Monica+for+decades,+drawn+to+its+friendly,+creative+beach+community+and+th e+preservation+of+unique+structures+and+neighborhoods+that+tell+our+city’s+story.+The+idea+of+a dopting+a+new+zoning+ordinance+that+allows+threestory+buildings+in+our+beloved+neighborhoods+feels+like+a+direct+threat+to+everything+we+cherish +about+Santa+Monica.+We+shouldn’t+be+going+beyond+state+law+with+this+proposed+ordinance,+ especially+when+it’s+not+necessary.

This+rushed+process+is+simply+not+acceptable+for+such+a+significant+change.+To+push+this+throu gh+without+meaningful+citizen+input+is+a+disservice+to+the+community+that+elected+you.+Increasi ng+density+will+not+magically+create+affordability;+it+risks+overwhelming+our+infrastructure+and+c ompromising+safety.+We+can’t+just+add+more+units+without+considering+the+implications+on+eva cuation+capacity+and+vital+services.

This+isn’t+what+we+voted+for+when+we+elected+this+council.+I+urge+you+to+stop+the+destruction +of+our+city.+Please+roll+back+this+proposed+ordinance+and+ensure+that+Santa+Monica+remains+ a+place+where+we+can+all+thrive.+It’s+crucial+that+we+act+now+before+this+becomes+irreversible. +
Thank+you+for+listening+to+the+voices+of+your+constituents.

Janine+Autolitano
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Laura London <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:29 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Attorney Mailbox; [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v. City of Sacramento (2001) confirms that participation by a single conflicted decision-maker invalidates the entire action. The proper remedy is not a revote, it is a restart from the point of violation.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Audrey London
Personal note:

I will add a note that I am not a fan of affordable housing being built in santa monica--and I am a low income renter.

I can only get access to apartments in class C buildings, which are never up to date, and frankly pretty dangerous to live in if you're not cautious about filtering water--these properties were all supposed to be torn down 20 years ago, but they haven't been because landlords lose so much money. I don't think santa monica should build more affordable housing or housing at all because the demand to live there, ultimately, is nearly infinite. The city of santa monica, instead, should focus on making it liveable for the tenants who do live there by making the environment more amenable for landlords. How nice would it be to have working a/c, a dryer, and an apartment that does expose me to lead! but because of policies that are not friendly to the economic environment, low income residents like me are exposed to bad living situations.
thank you,
audrey
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Linda Bullock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:32 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Linda and Tim Bullock
1739 Pine St. SM 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Linda Bullock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 11:33 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Linda and Tim Bullock
1739 Pine St. SM. 90405
(Name)
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Karen Fisher <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 8:44 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Karen M. Fisher
Mobile: 310-600-1040
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Barbara Simkin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:12 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]; Oliver Chi
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara Simkin
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Holly Silvers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda 11c(2) - Don't exceed the state law!!!

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Holly Granelli
Homeowner and business owner
Parent to two Grant Elementary students
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Holly Silvers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Holly Granelli
Homeowner and Business owner in Santa Monica
Parent to two Grant Elementary Students
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:34 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Karen M Fisher
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:35 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Karen M Fisher
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Mary Ichiuji <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:50 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
[Name]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Emily Arms <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:50 AM
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

The FPPC has determined that Councilmember Zwick could not legally participate in housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition. Since he made the motions to approve both the rezoning on September 30, 2025 and the limited covenant on October 14, 2025, these votes are invalid under California law. According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision.

Sincerely,
Emily Arms
Pine Street
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Mary Ichiuji <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:51 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Mary Ichiuji
Homeowner and Resident since 1986
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Mary Ichiuji <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:52 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Mary Ichiuji
Homeowner and resident since 1986
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Mary Ichiuji <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:52 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Mary Ichiuji
Homeowner and Resident since 1986
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Jason Bergsman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:56 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Jason Bergsman
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Lauren de la Fuente <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Jesse Zwick Needs to Resign or Recuse Himself.

EXTERNAL
To: Mayor and City Council
Subject: OPPOSITION to 11C: Ratification of Previously Discredited Votes on the January 13, 2026, Santa Monica City Council Agenda
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
We strongly urge the City Council to OPPOSE Agenda Item 11 C “Consideration of Certain Prior HousingProduction Related Votes and Repeal of Interim Zoning Regulations Related to Projects Utilizing State Law for Small Lot Subdivisions and Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential” scheduled for re-vote on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

We urge you to vote NO on these “re-votes” AND come together to start over to conduct an unbiased and unconflicted process.

Our unity on this matter reflects widespread concern about both the substance and the process behind these policies.

These items tainted with conflicts of interest (COI) return to the agenda solely because the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) determined that Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated in these votes while holding a disqualifying financial conflict of interest. The COI is Mr. Zwick’s employment and role at HAC is to advocate for other cities to pass the same housing-specific zoning changes, that in many cases, he voted on as an elected Council Member of the city of Santa Monica.

As confirmed by the FPPC Advice Letter (No. A-25-153) issued on December 8, 2025, Councilmember Zwick’s employment with the Housing Action Coalition (HAC) created a "nexus" conflict, rendering him ineligible to vote on housing production decisions.

However, the procedural concerns extend beyond Councilmember Zwick's vote in favor of each item. The majority of these items were proposed, motioned, or seconded by him - meaning someone with a nowconfirmed conflict of interest, which disqualified him from participating, played a central role in bringing them forward and building support by participating in the discussion.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 Simply “ratifying” or re-confirming these items will undermine public trust in fair governance. Renters and homeowners alike are affected by these housing policies, and will all live with the consequences of decisions that were made by a councilmember with disqualifying financial conflict of interests. That is why the City Council should act to void the previous votes and only bring back the items if an eligible councilmember makes a motion and it is seconded. Only then, can Santa Monica housing policy be crafted without the tainted and compromised process that previously took place.

We are MOST concerned because these compromised votes steered Santa Monica away from affordability and from YOUR responsibility to uphold the Santa Monica City Charter. Specifically, the City Council must at all times, by ordinance, require that no less than 30% of all new multi-family residential housing is permanently affordable to and occupied by low- and moderate-income households. As you well know, this requirement was established by voters through the passage of Proposition R in 1990.

As an example of the tainted outcome of the process inappropriately and significantly influenced by Mr.

Zwick’s disqualifying COI, the Off-site Affordable Housing Pilot Program, incentivizes market-rate housing with less than 10% affordable units being created. 10% affordable is 90% unaffordable! Not only does this violate Santa Monica City Charter, but this also elevates displacement risk for rent-controlled renters and undermines the economic diversity that has long defined Santa Monica.

In addition to our concern over violations of the City Charter, as our elected officials, you must care for and focus on the safety of the citizens of Santa Monica. Over the past year, Santa Monica has opened its doors to neighbors displaced by the Pacific Palisades wildfires. As we have reached the one-year anniversary of that disaster, this Council has a responsibility to lead - not just on affordability, but on safety, preparedness, and public trust. The fires were traumatic and devastating, and they laid bare that land-use decisions and government planning directly affect how communities withstand and recover from disasters.

Bringing these votes back without a comprehensive, unbiased and publicly vetted plan is irresponsible. Density decisions cannot be made in isolation, without addressing evacuation, infrastructure, emergency response, and quality-of-life impacts. Our community deserves a serious, transparent discussion of how these policies fit into the Council’s and City Manager’s “realignment plan” - not piecemeal votes that ignore the very risks recent events laid bare.

A NO vote puts an end to the previous process that was promoted by a disqualified Councilmember to maximize the yield of special interests (which are the SAME personal interests disqualified him by the FPPC).

These five items account for a tiny fraction of all of the tainted items and policies. For you to fully understand the scope and the significance of the tainted items/policies, a full accounting and review must occur in order to identify all of the items that should come back before you. You should seek to have all of the available information before voting again.

For example, there is a significant number of Housing-Production items (see Exhibit A) and Housing-Related items (see Exhibit B) where Mr. Zwick either brought the item to the council for discussion, made the motion, or seconded it and we encourage you to vote to rescind ALL of the previous tainted votes and only bring back for discussion and a vote IF a non-disqualified member of Council moves to do so.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 There are also many additional Housing-Production (see Exhibit C) and Housing-Related (see Exhibit D) items where Mr. Zwick voted, when he was disqualified and should have recused himself. We encourage you to rescind all of these votes and similarly bring them back for a full discussion and vote in an unbiased and unconflicted process.

Santa Monica deserves housing policies that prioritize residents, genuine affordability and safety. If you want the same, please vote NO and give Santa Monica a clean slate from which we can build from together.

If you feel that you need further clarity as to the scope, legal implications, and/or additional guidance on the recommended next steps, we encourage you to ask the City Attorney to conduct a full investigation and/or request an independent investigation. We encourage you to move forward once you have all of the information before you, so that you can exercise your fiduciary responsibility to our great City.

Sincerely,
Lauren de la Fuente
Lauren de la Fuente
2110 Pearl Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90405
[email protected]
310.283.8488
www.pearlstreetmarketing.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurendelafuente/

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Holly Silvers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: 2544 30th Street

Sincerely,
Holly Granelli
Homeowner and business owner (Watt building which is also scheduled for demolition) Parent of two Grant Elementary students
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Lauren de la Fuente <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 9:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: stop exceeding state laws. it overreach!

EXTERNAL
To the Santa Monica City Council,
Please stop exceeding state laws. State Laws already enable streamlined density and subdivision.

We don’t need this height and there is no evidence that this is necessary. This is densification for developers not for the people of Santa Monica. We have housing that has fallen into default. We don’t need to overbuild.

There has been no public safety or evacuation notice and it’s unsafe.

What the clearly need, and what you should be laser focused on is the homelesss situation, the crime situation and revitalizing downtown and retail.

Until retail and downtown returns, we are doomed to fail. Focus on the important issues, fix those issues, and then tackle others.

Look at Mayor Daniel Laurie of San Francisco, he’s doing it right. Take your cues from him about fixing a city that has fallen on hard times.

Listen to the voters, the longtime residents, not the developers.

Sincerely,
Lauren de la Fuente
Lauren de la Fuente
2110 Pearl Street,
Santa Monica, CA 90405
[email protected]
310.283.8488
www.pearlstreetmarketing.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurendelafuente/

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
17 Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Karen Kushi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 8:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman; Hisao Kushi Subject: OPPOSITION to 11C: Ratification of Previously Discredited Votes on the January 13, 2026, Santa Monica City Council Agenda
Attachments: clip7252364.mp4

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
We have lived in Santa Monica for 30 years and although we mostly reside in NYC now, we still visit our home in Monica. We are appalled at how the city looks - abandoned buildings, For Lease signs everywhere, more and more unhoused and mentally ill people, yet extensive building in progress. So many people have asked us, What has happened to Santa Monica? All we can say is just look at City Council. You have failed a beautiful city. You need to do better.

We strongly urge the City Council to OPPOSE Agenda Item 11 C “Consideration of Certain Prior Housing-Production Related Votes and Repeal of Interim Zoning Regulations Related to Projects Utilizing State Law for Small Lot Subdivisions and Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential” scheduled for re-vote on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

We urge you to vote NO on these “re-votes” AND come together to start over to conduct an unbiased and unconflicted process.

Our unity on this matter reflects widespread concern about both the substance and the process behind these policies.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 As confirmed by the FPPC Advice Letter (No. A-25-153) issued on December 8, 2025, Councilmember Zwick’s employment with the Housing Action Coalition (HAC) created a "nexus" conflict, rendering him ineligible to vote on housing production decisions.

However, the procedural concerns extend beyond Councilmember Zwick's vote in favor of each item. The majority of these items were proposed, motioned, or seconded by him - meaning someone with a now-confirmed conflict of interest, which disqualified him from participating, played a central role in bringing them forward and building support by participating in the discussion.

Simply “ratifying” or re-confirming these items will undermine public trust in fair governance. Renters and homeowners alike are affected by these housing policies, and will all live with the consequences of decisions that were made by a councilmember with disqualifying financial conflict of interests. That is why the City Council should act to void the previous votes and only bring back the items if an eligible councilmember makes a motion and it is seconded. Only then, can Santa Monica housing policy be crafted without the tainted and compromised process that previously took place.

As an example of the tainted outcome of the process inappropriately and significantly influenced by Mr. Zwick’s disqualifying COI, the Off-site Affordable Housing Pilot Program, incentivizes market-rate housing with less than 10% affordable units being created. 10% affordable is 90% unaffordable! Not only does this violate Santa Monica City Charter, but this also elevates displacement risk for rent-controlled renters and undermines the economic diversity that has long defined Santa Monica.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 Bringing these votes back without a comprehensive, unbiased and publicly vetted plan is irresponsible. Density decisions cannot be made in isolation, without addressing evacuation, infrastructure, emergency response, and quality-of-life impacts. Our community deserves a serious, transparent discussion of how these policies fit into the Council’s and City Manager’s “realignment plan” - not piecemeal votes that ignore the very risks recent events laid bare.

There are also many additional Housing-Production (see Exhibit C) and HousingRelated (see Exhibit D) items where Mr. Zwick voted, when he was disqualified and should have recused himself. We encourage you to rescind all of these votes and similarly bring them back for a full discussion and vote in an unbiased and unconflicted process.

We encourage you to move forward once you have all of the information before you, so that you can exercise your fiduciary responsibility to our great City.

Sincerely,
Hisao and Karen Kushi
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 Jesse Zwick Conflict of Interest List
Housing Production and Housing Related Items
July 9, 2025 - December 16, 2025
Exhibit A: Housing Production Items Zwick Moved/Seconded  07/29/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Direct the City Manager to return with options for revising development standards to effectively implement Housing Element Program 1.C. Despite prior best efforts, our City continues to see underutilized parking lots remain vacant on commercial corridors. Updates to development standards may be needed in order to incentivize housing projects along transit corridors and near a future “Great Park.” Specifically, additional incentives may include new zoning/ development standards for housing projects on surface parking lots associated with commercial corridors that match the zoning/ development standards of the commercial corridors they abut and removal of the requirement that new housing projects replace code-required parking at 50% (brought 16 Item, seconded)
 08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.L Adoption of Resolution No. 11695 (CCS) of Intention to Amend the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance Related to Projects Utilizing State Law Permitting Small Lot Subdivision Under 10 Units and Projects Consisting of Duplexes and Lot Splits for Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential (Seconded)  09/30/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.A Off-site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program Status Update (seconded)
 09/30/2025 R Public Hearing 12.A Adoption of Resolution No. 11702 (CCS) to Amend the Santa Monica General Plan Land Use Map and the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Official Districting Map for a Portion of the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street (moved)
 10/14/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.D Acceptance of Agreement 11779 (CCS) Imposing Restrictions on Real Property for the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street and Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2833 (CCS) Amending the Official Districting Map for a Portion of the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street (Moved) Exhibit B: Housing-Related Items Zwick Moved/Seconded
 07/29/2025 R Public Hearing 12.A Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 11690 (CCS) Approving Proposed Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment; and Introduction for First Reading to Adopt the Second Amendment to the Development Agreement for RAND’s existing institutional office building located at 1776 Main Street (Seconded)
 09/09/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.S Resolution No. 11698 (CCS) Outlining the City's Current Fiscal Distress (Seconded)
 10/14/2025 R Staff Administrative 12.A Approval of 2025 Report on Water Quality and Public Health Goals (Seconded)
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6  10/28/2025 Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.A Resolution Nos. 11709 through 11711 (CCS) Approving Historic Property Preservation Agreements (Mills Act Contracts) with the Owners of the Properties Located at 137 Hart Avenue, 1958 20th Street, and 226 Palisades Avenue (Pulled from Consent by Hall and Zwick)  12/16/25 Public Hearing 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 finebased enforcement approach, and (2) Establish Interim Zoning Regulations Updating Applicability Thresholds and Standards for Resource and Recycling Room Dimensions; and Adopt a Resolution of Intention to Amend the Text Section 9.21.130 of the Zoning Ordinance Related to Resource Recovery and Recycling Standards (Moved) Exhibit C: Housing Production Items Zwick Voted On/Participated  07/29/2025 R Closed Session 5.C Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Stanford Neighbors Against City Overreach v. City
 07/29/2025 R Closed Session 5.D Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Ashland Neighbors v. City
 07/29/2025 R Public Hearing 12.B Public Hearing and Adoption of Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2821 (CCS) of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Extending and Amending Regulations Established by Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance 2816 (CCS) to Permit the Establishment of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as Part of Projects Utilizing Senate Bill (SB) 1123 on Vacant Parcels Zoned for SingleUnit Residential, Ensure Project Feasibility of SB 1123 Projects by Providing for Certain Relaxed Development Standards, and Expand the Establishment of ADUs to All Projects Utilizing Government Code Sections 65852.28 and 66499.41 Which Includes Parcels Within Multiple-Unit Zoning District as Permitted Pursuant to SB 684  08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.E Adoption of Resolution No. 11693 (CCS) and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a Housing Trust Fund Loan to Community Corporation of Santa Monica for the Rehabilitation of 2033-2101 Virginia Avenue,
 08/12/2025 R Ordinance 10.A Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance 1) Amending the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance to Promote Economic Recovery and Increase Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area; and 2) Amendments to Interim Zoning Regulations to Promote Economic Recovery by Increasing Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area and Establishing a Pilot Program to Allow Exclusively Outdoor Commercial Uses in the Office Campus District  08/12/2025 R Ordinance 10.B Introduction and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2824 (CCS) Establishing Off-site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program  09/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.N Second Reading and Adoption of Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2825 (CCS) Amending Interim Zoning Regulations Established to Promote Economic Recovery by Increasing Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area and Establishing a Pilot Program to Allow for Exclusively Commercial Outdoor Uses in the Office Campus District
 09/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.O Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2826 (CCS) Amending the Text of Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 9 Planning and Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 Zoning to Promote Economic Recovery and Increase Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area
 09/09/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.C "Approval of Proposed Regulatory Updates to High-Rise Building Definitions and Single Stairway Multi-Family Building Provisions"  09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.J "direct the City Manager to create an online portal and mapping feature to track the application status and progress of all Development Entities taking advantage of the new Off-Site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program"
 09/30/2025 R Ordinance 10.A Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Adoption of Resolution No. 11701 (CCS) making Findings of Climatic, Geological and Topographical Conditions  09/30/2025 R Public Hearing 12.B Adoption of Resolution No. 11703 (CCS) to Amend the Santa Monica General Plan Land Use Map and the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Official Districting Map for the Parcel Located at 1331 Wilshire Boulevard
 09/30/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Directing the City Manager to assess options for enhanced On-Site Public Notice Requirements for Development Projects that will provide greater transparency and accessibility that will provide community members with additional project information and engagement opportunities  10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.H Adoption of Affordable Housing Production Program Fee Resolution No. 11705 and 11706 (CCS)
 10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.N Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2831 (CCS) to Adopt the 2025 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Green Building, Wildland-Urban Interface, Historical, and Existing Building Standards Codes and Local Amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards Code
 10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.O Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2832 (CCS) Amending the Official Districting Map for the Parcel Located at 1331 Wilshire Boulevard
 10/28/2025 Closed Session 5.E Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 1640 14th Street, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; persons to be negotiated with: Nick Bode, Redcar Properties/1640 14th OWNER LLC; under negotiation: price and terms of payment  10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.F Request of Mayor Negrete that the City Council consider directing the City Manager to provide Community Engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects  12/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Recommendation to accept Dolores Sloan's resignation from the Landmarks Commission
 12/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.D Request of Mayor Negrete that the City Council consider directing the City Manager on Ensuring Accountability, Safety, and Transparency for Sober Living and Congregate Recovery Housing  12/16/25 Consent Calendar 4.B Adoption of Resolution No. 11725 (CCS) Approving Final Parcel Map No. 83963 for a Three Unit Condominium Project at 2012 19th Street Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 Exhibit D: Housing-Related Items Zwick Voted On/Participated  07/29/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.B Authorize Councilmember Zernitskaya travel funds for YIMBYtown 2025 conference
 07/29/2025 S Councilmember Discussion 16.A Remove all six current DTSM Board members
 07/29/2025 S Councilmember Discussion 16.A Suspend rules (emergency) and appoint interim DTSM Board members: Gregory, Besser, Patterson, Davis, Bloom, Polachek  08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.C Accept Grant Award from Softwood Lumber Board for Mass Timber Accelerator Program
 08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.M Second Reading and Adoption of Second Amendment No. 2822 (CCS) to the RAND Development Agreement  08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.L Adoption of Resolution No. 11695 (CCS) of Intention to Amend the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance Related to Projects Utilizing State Law Permitting Small Lot Subdivision Under 10 Units and Projects Consisting of Duplexes and Lot Splits for Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential  08/12/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.A Appointment to one vacancy on the Building & Fire-Life Safety Commission for a term ending June 30, 2029: James Wilson  08/12/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.B Appointment to one vacancy on the Housing Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2027 (postponed)  09/09/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.A Approval of Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan
 09/09/2025 R Closed Session 5.C Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, California; City negotiators:

Oliver Chi, City Manager and Heidi von Tongeln, Acting City Attorney; persons to be negotiated with: Chris Neilson, Trigild IVL, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, solely in its capacity as receiver for the specific assets of Macerich SMP LP; under negotiation: price and terms of payment
 09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.E Accept Analise Wells resignation from Housing Commission
 09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.A Appointment to three unscheduled vacancies for terms ending on June 30, 2026, and three unscheduled vacancies for terms ending on June 30, 2028 on the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board: Hodge Patterson IV, Judy Kruger, Sean Besser, Gleam Davis, Richard Bloom, Albin Gielicz  09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Appointments to five scheduled vacancies on the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee for terms ending on June 30, 2029: Milan Ramsey, Sam Shapiro-Klein, Mark Bertler, David Goltsman  09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.D Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Disabilities Commission for a term ending on June 30, 20: Nicole Nguyen  09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.I create a pilot microgrant program to address the habitability of Rent-Controlled/Deed Restricted Unit Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9  09/09/2025 S Closed Session 5.A Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Leonid Pustilnikov, Jon Farzam v. City of Santa Monica, City Council, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.; LASC # 25STCP0346  09/30/2025 R Closed Session 5.B Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 3100 Donald Douglas Loop North, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; persons to be negotiated with: Delux Public Charter, LLC dba JSX Air (JSX); JSX negotiator: Alex Wilcox, CEO; under negotiation:
lease price and terms of payment
 09/30/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.B Considerations for Reforming Neighborhood Organization Grant Program
 10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.E Adoption of Resolution No. 11704 (CCS) on the SB 1205 Annual Fire Inspection Report
 10/14/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.C Approval of First Modification to Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Revitalization Partners Group (RPG), LLC for the Civic Center Auditorium Renovation, Programming and Operation  10/14/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.A Request of the Disabilities Commission to declare Arlene Frames' seat vacant due to absenteeism and lack of communication  10/28/2025 Consent Calendar 4.F Authorization to Enter into Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement with Bank of America for City-Owned Property Located at 1301 Fourth Street
 10/28/2025 Consent Calendar 4.G Resolution No. 11712 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation
 10/28/2025 Consent Calendar 4.H Adoption of Resolution No. 11713 (CCS) Ratifying Regional Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements
 10/28/2025 Staff Administrative 11.A "Santa Monica Realignment Plan - adopt staff recommendation items 1, 3-11, 16-19, removing the gondola: 1. Approve all budget adjustments and personnel authorizations required to implement the Realignment plan (Attachments A, B, & C); 3. Adopt Credit Card Convenience Fee Resolution No. 11716 (CCS) (Attachment E); 4. Adopt Resolution No. 11717 & 11718 (CCS) authorizing nonsworn employee benefit enhancements, a Citywide winter closure, and a wellness benefit for equity alignment (Attachment F & G); 5. Introduce for first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 13.04, Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code to require the registration of vacant properties (Attachment H); 6. Authorize staff to assess options for expanding the SaMo Bridge facility and development of a vehicle habitation ordinance; 7. Introduce for first reading an ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.25 regarding the registration of rental housing units not subject to local rent control (Attachment I); 8.

Introduce for first reading an interim zoning ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.31.200, Outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks, to promote economic recovery by simplifying the City’s outdoor dining program (Attachment J); 9.

Adopt Outdoor Dining Fee Program Resolution No. 11719 (CCS) to institute an updated fee reduction program for parklets and sidewalk dining (Attachment K); 10. Authorize staff to assess possible expansion of the Entertainment Zone program for the Downtown, the Pier, and business improvement districts; 11. Authorize staff to assess the Pier-to-Pier ferry, beach gondola, and regional fire dispatch concepts; 16. Authorize staff to pause Transportation Demand Management (TDM) survey requirements for businesses; 17.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 Authorize staff to extend the Master Facilities Agreement (Measure YY / GS) with the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) beyond its current 2028 expiration date; 18. Authorize staff to continue assessing a possible 2026 parcel-tax ballot measure to sustain City-SMMUSD funding through the Joint Use Agreement; and 19.

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.
 10/28/2025 Staff Administrative 11.A Santa Monica Realignment Plan - adopt staff recommendation item 2: 2. Adopt Parking Fee Update Resolution No. 11715 (CCS) (Attachment D);
 10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.A Accept Ann Bowman resignation from Recreation and Parks Commission
 10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.B Accept Deborah Lynch resignation from Housing Commission
 10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.D Appointments to two vacancies on the Housing Commission for terms ending on June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2028 (tabled to January)
 12/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.G Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2838 (CCS) Amending Chapter 13.04, Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code to Require the Registration of Vacant Properties
 12/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.I Approval of Minutes for Redevelopment Successor Agency Meeting
 12/09/2025 R Closed Session 5.A 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 # 25STCP04362
 12/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.B Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Disabilities Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2029  12/16/25 Consent Calendar. 4.G Annual Report on Low-Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25
 12/16/25 Consent Calendar 4.J Adoption of Resolution No. 11726 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation
 12/16/25 Consent Calendar 4.K Adoption of Resolution No. 11727 (CCS) Ratifying Regional Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements
 12/16/25 Closed Session 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
 12/16/25 Councilmember Discussion 16.C 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
 12/16/25 Councilmember Discussion 16.E Establish a formal performance evaluation process for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Kara Fox <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 12:20 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; rob daly
Subject: please show us that you do care about us. We, who live in santa monica

EXTERNAL
January 11, 2026
Santa Monica City Council
City Hall
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: January 13, 2026 Meeting – Ethics, Transparency, and the Integrity of Housing Decisions Honorable Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Members of the City Council:

I am writing to express serious concerns about the integrity of housing-related decisions before the Council. The recent FPPC ruling regarding Councilmember Zwick's conflict of interest is not an isolated issue – it is part of a broader pattern that demands transparency and accountability before the Council proceeds with any ratification votes or new housing ordinances.

The Full Scope of the Conflict Remains Unknown
On December 8, 2025, the California Fair Political Practices Commission ruled that Councilmember Zwick must recuse himself from housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition – an organization whose stated mission is to advance pro-housing policies and whose members include developers, architects, and other housing industry stakeholders.

Six neighborhood associations raised these concerns months ago. The FPPC has now validated them. Yet we still do not have answers to fundamental questions:
• How many votes were affected by this conflict?
• Did the conflict influence not just votes, but the substance of deliberations and policy direction? • What other housing-related matters may have been impacted beyond the items identified for ratification? Rushing to ratify these votes "out of an abundance of caution" without independent review does not restore public trust – it undermines it. The Council should pause all ratification votes until these questions are answered.

SB 1123 Local Amendments: Beyond State Requirements
Separately, I urge the Council to reject local zoning amendments related to SB 1123 that exceed what state law requires. Santa Monica must comply with state housing law – but the proposed local modifications are policy choices that go far beyond compliance:
• Floor area ratios increased to 1.5
• Three-story buildings permitted in single-family residential zones • Reduced setbacks and elimination of stepback requirements • Waiver of affordable housing fees for projects of five or fewer units These are unnecessary changes to our Municipal Code. The Planning Commission has already expressed concern about the lack of meaningful public process and warned that aggressive upzoning could create future downzoning problems. Commissioner Nina Fresco noted that waiving affordable housing fees means "we're not helping anybody."
State compliance does not require these modifications. They should not be considered.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 Santa Monica residents have watched as major housing decisions have moved forward with minimal public notice and maximal speed. We have seen emergency ordinances, last-minute agenda items, and now votes tainted by conflicts of interest. This is not the transparent, accountable government our community deserves.

I call on the Council to:

1. Pause all housing vote ratifications until an independent review assesses the full scope and impact of the identified conflict of interest

2. Remove from consideration all local SB 1123 amendments that exceed state requirements

3. Commit to meaningful public process before advancing significant zoning changes The integrity of our local government depends on the Council taking these concerns seriously. I urge you to put transparency, accountability, and the public interest first.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Respectfully,
[Kara Fox
235 14th street
Santa Monica
california
310-395-2228
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Gail Drayton <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 12:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Integrity of housing, conflict of interest....re Jan 13 , 2026 council meeting

EXTERNAL
from A Worswick:

RE: January 13, 2026 Meeting – Ethics, Transparency, and the Integrity of Housing Decisions Honorable Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Members of the City Council:

I am writing to express serious concerns about the integrity of housing- related decisions before the Council.

The recent FPPC ruling regarding Councilmember Zwick's conflict of interest is not an isolated issue but is part of a broader pattern that demands
transparency and accountability before the Council proceeds with any ratification votes or new housing ordinances.

The Full Scope of the Conflict Remains Unknown
On December 8, 2025, the California Fair Political Practices Commission ruled that Council member Zwick must recuse himself from housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition,
an organization whose stated mission is to advance pro-housing policies and whose members include developers, architects, and other housing industry stakeholders.

Six neighborhood associations raised these concerns months ago. The FPPC has now validated them.

Yet we still do not have answers to fundamental questions:
• How many votes were affected by this conflict?
• Did the conflict influence not just votes, but the substance of deliberations and policy direction? • What other housing-related matters may have been impacted beyond the items identified for ratification?
Rushing to ratify these votes without independent review does not restore public trust – it undermines it.

The Council should pause all ratification votes until these questions are answered SB 1123 Local Amendments: Beyond State Requirements
Separately, I urge the Council to reject local zoning amendments related to SB 1123 that exceed what state law requires.

Santa Monica must comply with state housing law – but the proposed local modifications are policy choices that go far beyond compliance:
• Floor area ratios increased to 1.5
• Three-story buildings permitted in single-family residential zones Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 • Reduced setbacks and elimination of stepback requirements • Waiver of affordable housing fees for projects of five or fewer units

These are unnecessary changes to our Municipal Code. The Planning Commission has already expressed concern about the lact of
meaningful public process and warned that aggressive upzoning could create future downzoning problems. Commissioner Nina Fresco noted that waiving affordable housing fees means not helping anybody.

State compliance does not require these modifications. They should not be considered.

A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Santa Monica residents have watched as major housing decisions have moved forward with minimal public notice . We have seen emergency ordinanes ,
last-minute agenda items, and now votes tainted by conflicts of interest.

This is not the transparent, accountable government our community deserves.

I call on the Council to:

1. Pause all housing vote ratifications until an independent review assesses the full scope and impact of the identified conflict of interest

2. Remove from consideration all local SB 1123 amendments that exceed state requirements

3. Commit to meaningful public process before advancing significant zoning changes

The integrity of our local government depends on the Council taking these concerns seriously. I urge you to put transparency , accountability and the
public interest first.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Respectfully,
Andrew Worwick
1221 San Vicente Blvd
Santa Monica, Ca 90402
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: rob arocd.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 8:50 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Rob Levin
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Tony O'Connell <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 3:14 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause 11.C Due to Conflict of Interest
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

Under FPPC Regulation 18704, making a motion constitutes participation in a governmental decision. Petrovich v.

I request that the Council:

Respectfully submitted,
Tony O’Connell
3044 Paula Drive, 90405
(310) 200-1853
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Richard Cooper <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 11:39 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: Request to Void and Restart Hollywood Community Housing DDA - Item 11.A / Pause

11.C Due to Conflict of Interest
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

On December 8, 2025, the FPPC ruled that Councilmember Zwick has a disqualifying conflict of interest on housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.

I request that the Council:

1. Pause Item 11C pending a formal City Attorney opinion on whether revote cures a defect under FPPC Regulation 18704 and Petrovich

2. Void the December 17, 2025 DDA vote and restart with conflicted members recused

3. Require binding Good Neighbor Agreements with enforceable security commitments

4. Ensure meaningful replacement parking before development proceeds This is not about opposing affordable housing. This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Rich Cooper
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Julia Nicholls <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:58 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Julia Nicholls
Resident of Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Owens <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:53 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Nancy Owens
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Brian Lanich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:56 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Brian Lanich
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Sheila Forsander <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], natalya.zernitskaya@santamonica .gov, [email protected]
SUBJECT: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Sheila Forsander
Sunset Park Resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Phyllis Chavez <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void

2. Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them

3. Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Phyllis Chavez
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Pamela S. Hausman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:04 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: URGENT

A Call for Transparency and Accountability
Santa Monica residents have watched as major housing decisions have moved forward with minimal public notice and maximal speed. We have seen emergency ordinances, last-minute agenda items, and now votes tainted by conflicts of interest. This is not the transparent, accountable government our community deserves.

I call on the Council to:

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 1. Pause all housing vote ratifications until an independent review assesses the full scope and impact of the identified conflict of interest

2. Remove from consideration all local SB 1123 amendments that exceed state requirements

Thank you for your service to our community.

Respectfully,
Pamela S. Hausman CFP
Direct: 310.393.0746
[email protected]
449 24th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90402
This message is Proprietary & Confidential. The information transmitted is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination, or other use of this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:00 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
This is bananas! I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Wendy Dembo
Santa Monica resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Alex Novakovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:52 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Alex Novakovich
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Sandy Laderas <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:54 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
[Name]
Sandra Laderas
Sent from Gmail Mobile
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Owens <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:56 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted council member's participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning.

Sincerely,
Nancy Owens
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Adam Cohen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:14 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Adam Cohen
Cedar street, Santa Monica
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Hom <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:17 PM
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

The rezoning from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial allows large projects, including housing developments up to 85’ tall with state bonuses. The FPPC has determined that Councilmember Zwick could not legally participate in housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition. Since he made the motions to approve both the rezoning on September 30, 2025 and the limited covenant on October 14, 2025, these votes are invalid under California law. According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasijudicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning.

THIS IS A MASSIVE OVERREACH AND NOT REQUIRED BY THE STATE.

Sincerely, tracey Hom and Lenny Hom
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: janet rt <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:29 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Janet Tunick
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Katherine Reuter <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:35 PM
To: Barry Snell; [email protected]; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

The rezoning from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial allows large projects, including housing developments up to 85’ tall with state bonuses. The FPPC has determined that Councilmember Zwick could not legally participate in housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition. Since he made the motions to approve both the rezoning on September 30, 2025 and the limited covenant on October 14, 2025, these votes are invalid under California law. According to the Petrovich v. City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void.

Given that this rezoning:
 violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law,  failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning,  and already faces multiple lawsuits,
I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning.

Sincerely,
Katherine Reuter
1210 Grant Street
90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Alison Havel <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:43 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I URGE you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th Street, which was approved through votes made by Councilmember Zwick despite his disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Alison Havel
Sunset Park Resident - 26 Years
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: becky turk <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to rescind the upzoning of 2644 30th
Street, which was approved through votes made
by Councilmember Zwick despite his
disqualifying conflict of interest.

Sincerely,
Becky Turk
2510 26th Street
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:06 PM
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Vanessa McCarthy
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Jeanne Laurie <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:44 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Jeanne Laurie
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Jenny Blum <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:47 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Jennifer Blum
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Elaine Golden-Gealer <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 11:43 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
[Name]
Sent by Elaine Golden-Gealer
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Allison Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:21 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Allison Greene
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: John Reynolds <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:46 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Since he made the motions to approve both the rezoning on September 30, 2025 and the limited covenant on October 14, 2025, these votes are invalid under California law. According to the Petrovich v.

City of Sacramento ruling, a conflicted councilmember's participation in a quasi-judicial decision invalidates the entire decision. The City cannot simply "re-vote"—the original approval is void. Given that this rezoning violates the City’s General Plan and environmental law, failed to follow the required procedure to change zoning, and already faces multiple lawsuits, I respectfully request that you rescind this invalid upzoning. Sincerely,
John Reynolds
3217 17th
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Julia Nicholls <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:58 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Julia Nicholls
Resident of Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: pierre-yves delaunay <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:09 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Pierre-Yves Delaunay
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: John Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:33 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
John Greene
2211 Pier Ave.

Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: Maureen Jennings <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:51 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Maureen Jennings
1824 Euclid Street #3
Santa Monica CA 90404
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: rob arocd.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 8:50 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Rescind Upzoning at 2644 30th Street

Sincerely,
Rob Levin
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Ashley Oelsen <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 9, 2026 11:08 AM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: URGENT: Request to Include HCHC Agenda Item 11A in Ratification Proceedings Due to Ex Parte Communications and Council Member Conflicts of Interest Attachments: Request to Include HCHC Agenda Item 11A in Ratification Proceedings Due to Ex Parte Communications and Council Member Conflicts of Interest.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Ms. von Tongeln,
Attached please find a letter submitted on behalf of Mid-Wilshire residents requesting review of the Santa Monica City Council’s December 17, 2024 approval of Development and Disposition Agreements with Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (Agenda Item 11A).

The letter requests that Agenda Item 11A be included in the City’s ongoing ratification review of housingrelated actions and outlines concerns regarding undisclosed ex parte communications, potential conflicts of interest, and related procedural issues affecting the vote.

We respectfully request that your office review the enclosed materials and advise regarding next steps.

We are available to provide any additional information or documentation if helpful.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Respectfully,
Ashley Oelsen
On behalf of concerned Mid-Wilshire residents
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 January 8, 2025

VIA EMAIL
Heidi von Tongeln
Interim City Attorney
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street, 3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: URGENT: Request to Include HCHC Agenda Item 11A in Ratification Proceedings Due to Ex Parte Communications and Council Member Conflicts of Interest Dear Ms. von Tongeln:

We respectfully request that the City Attorney’s Office investigate potential conflicts of interest, undisclosed ex parte communications, and procedural violations related to the Santa Monica City Council’s December 17, 2024 vote approving Development and Disposition Agreements with Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) for the properties located at 1217 Euclid Street, 1211–1217 Fourteenth Street, and 1402 Wilshire Boulevard (Agenda Item 11A).

We further request that this matter be placed on a forthcoming City Council agenda for consideration of ratification or rescission, consistent with the remedial actions currently being undertaken in response to Councilmember Jesse Zwick’s documented conflict of interest arising from his simultaneous service on the City Council and employment as a housing lobbyist.

City staff has requested that the City Council ratify prior housing-related actions taken since July 2025, when Councilmember Zwick’s conflict arose. Agenda Item 11A involving Hollywood Community Housing Corporation should be included in that ratification review alongside other affected housing-related actions.

I. VOTING RECORD – DECEMBER 17, 2024
The following Councilmembers voted in favor of Agenda Item 11A: Jesse Zwick, Natalya Zernitskaya, Caroline Torosis, Dan Hall, Barry Snell, and Ellis Raskin. As detailed below, substantial conflicts of interest and procedural violations affected at least three of these votes.

II. MAYOR PRO TEM ZWICK – IMPROPER EX PARTE COMMUNICATIONS California Public Records Act responses document private communications between Council Member Zwick and HCHC Executive Director Sarah Letts during active City Council proceedings.

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2 June 25, 2024 (CPRA Response R031384):

During an active council meeting while residents provided public comment opposing the HCHC project, Council Member Zwick emailed Sarah Letts from the dais: "I'm writing from council, where 30 mid-city neighbors are angrily denouncing the project and possessed with a lot of misinformation. Hopefully some of it can be cleared up at these meetings… but fair warning I imagine they will be hot."
August 27, 2024 (CPRA Response R033709):

During an evening council meeting, Council Member Zwick sent a private email directly to Sarah Letts asking: "Is this the course of action you want to pursue, or would you prefer to stick to the original proposal?" Ms. Letts replied directly to Zwick: "We are now fully behind this alternate proposal."
Legal Analysis:

DDA approvals are quasi-judicial proceedings requiring impartial decision-makers who base decisions solely on the public record. Under Government Code Section 11430.10 et seq. and established due process principles, ex parte communications are prohibited unless disclosed on the record with opportunity for all parties to respond. Council Member Zwick's communications—characterizing resident concerns as "misinformation" and soliciting the applicant's preferred course of action—were not disclosed on the record and constitute grounds for invalidating subsequent HCHC-related votes.

DDA approvals are quasi-judicial proceedings. When the City Council decides whether to approve a specific contract with a specific applicant, it acts in a judicial capacity—weighing evidence, determining facts, and applying legal standards to a particular matter affecting identifiable parties. Constitutional due process requires that decision-makers in quasi-judicial proceedings: remain impartial and free from bias; base their decisions solely on the record developed at public hearings; avoid private communications with parties about the substance of pending matters; disclose any ex parte contacts on the record so other parties can respond.

Council Member Zwick violated every one of these principles III. MAYOR TOROSIS – UNDISCLOSED PROFESSIONAL CONNECTIONS Councilmember Caroline Torosis serves as a Senior Policy Director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell.1
This employment relationship creates a significant and
undisclosed conflict of interest with respect to the December 17, 2024 City Council vote.

According to HCHC’s own public website and project materials, the Office of Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell is specifically identified as the government partner for multiple HCHC developments operating throughout Los Angeles County. Los Angeles County, acting through Supervisor Mitchell’s office, is also listed as the public sponsor or governmental partner for several of these 1 Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell Office, Senior Policy Director role description and policy portfolio, including workforce development and economic opportunity (County organizational materials and public staff listings).

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3 projects. These designations reflect formal intergovernmental relationships involving public financing, approvals, and County participation.2
As a senior staff member in Supervisor Mitchell’s office, Councilmember Torosis holds policy responsibilities over workforce development and economic opportunity, subject areas that are directly implicated in affordable housing development and related public funding decisions. The intergovernmental financial relationships publicly attributed to Supervisor Mitchell’s office therefore directly intersect with Councilmember Torosis’s professional role and responsibilities.3 During the December 17, 2024, City Council meeting, Councilmember Torosis remarked to HCHC representative Sarah Letts that she had “heard great things about you,” indicating prior familiarity or communications.4
Despite this, Councilmember Torosis made no disclosure on the record of any preexisting professional relationship with HCHC or its representatives, nor did she recuse herself from participation.

Critically, Councilmember Torosis moved the motion to approve the HCHC agreement, which was seconded by Councilmember Jesse Zwick.5 Her direct role in advancing the item, combined with her employment in the office that HCHC itself identifies as its government partner, raises serious questions regarding compliance with Government Code section 87100 et seq.6 and the City’s Code of Ethics7 and warrants immediate review.

IV. COUNCIL MEMBER ZERNITSKAYA – LEVINE ACT VIOLATION
An FPPC complaint has been filed regarding Councilmember Zernitskaya’s potential violation of Government Code section 84308 (the Levine Act).

John Maceri, CEO of The People Concern, contributed $400 to Councilmember Zernitskaya’s campaign ($250 on May 28, 2024 and $150 on June 26, 2024). On December 17, 2024, less than twelve months later, Councilmember Zernitskaya voted in favor of the HCHC DDA. 2 Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC), Project Descriptions and Partner Listings, publicly identifying the Office of Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell as the government partner for multiple HCHC developments (HCHC website, project pages). See also Los Angeles County, acting through Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell’s office, listed as public sponsor or governmental partner for HCHC developments involving public financing and intergovernmental participation.
3 See note 2, supra. 4 City of Santa Monica City Council Meeting, December 17, 2024, video recording and meeting transcript, remarks by Councilmember Caroline Torosis directed to HCHC representative Sarah Letts (“I’ve heard great things about you”), reflecting prior familiarity (meeting observation and public record). 5 City of Santa Monica City Council Meeting, December 17, 2024, agenda item record and motion history, reflecting that Councilmember Caroline Torosis moved approval of the HCHC agreement and Councilmember Jesse Zwick seconded the motion (official minutes and agenda materials). 6 Gov. Code § 87100 et seq. (Political Reform Act of 1974) (prohibiting public officials from making, participating in, or influencing governmental decisions in which they have a financial interest). 7 City of Santa Monica Code of Ethics and Conduct, conflict of interest and disclosure provisions applicable to City Councilmembers (City of Santa Monica Municipal Code and ethics policies).

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4 The People Concern is expressly identified in the staff report as HCHC’s designated supportive services provider for the project, responsible for case management and services for the permanent supportive housing units.

Government Code section 84308 prohibits an official from participating in a proceeding involving a party who has contributed more than $250 within the preceding twelve months. We request that your office review Councilmember Zernitskaya’s disclosures and determine whether her participation violated the statute.

V. PUBLIC TRUST & FINANCIAL COMMITMENT
The HCHC project entails a 99-year commitment of public land and approximately $13.5 million in Housing Trust Fund resources. Residents, particularly those in the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood directly affected by these developments, are entitled to confidence that the decision was made free of undisclosed ex parte communications, prohibited campaign influence, or professional conflicts of interest.

VI. APPLICABLE LEGAL STANDARDS

1. Government Code section 84308 (Levine Act)

2. Government Code section 87100 et seq.

3. Government Code section 11430.10 et seq.

4. Due Process Clause, U.S. Constitution, Fourteenth Amendment

5. California Constitution, Article I, section 7
VII. REQUESTED ACTIONS
We respectfully request that the City Attorney’s Office:

1. Include Agenda Item 11A involving Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (December 17, 2024) in list of City Staff’s recommended ratifications alongside other affected housing-related actions.

2. Investigate Councilmember Zwick’s undisclosed ex parte communications.

3. Investigate whether Councilmember Torosis had undisclosed relationships requiring disclosure or recusal.

4. Provide a written determination regarding whether any votes were legally compromised.

5. If violations are confirmed, declare the approval void and require a new vote with conflicted members recused.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
5 CONCLUSION
If Councilmember Zwick’s housing votes require ratification due to employment-related conflicts, then votes affected by undisclosed ex parte communications, campaign contributions from direct beneficiaries, and professional conflicts warrant equivalent scrutiny.

The documented communications demonstrate conduct incompatible with the impartiality required in quasi-judicial proceedings. Prompt action is necessary to ensure that any corrective measures can be addressed alongside other affected housing-related actions.

Respectfully submitted,
Elaine Korowitz
Mid-Wilshire Resident
Kazia Schulloff
Mid-Wilshire Resident
Soon Chung
Mid-Wilshire Resident
Vadim “Dima” Volovik
Mid-Wilshire Resident
Monique Medolovitz
Mid-Wilshire Resident

MID-WILSHIRE NEIGHBORS
Ashley Oelsen

SANTA MONICA NEIGHBORS
On behalf of concerned residents of the Mid-Wilshire neighborhood cc:

Santa Monica City Council
City Manager Oliver Chi
Fair Political Practices Commission
California Attorney General’s Office
Northeast Neighbors
SM Mid City Neighbors
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition
Friends of Sunset Park
North of Montana Association
Pico Neighborhood Organization
Santa Monica Daily Press
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 Enclosures:

1. CPRA Response R031384 – Email Exchange: Zwick/Letts (June 25, 2024) [attached]

2. CPRA Response R033709 – Email Exchange: Zwick/Letts (August 27, 2024) [attached]

3. HCHC Government Partners: https://hollywoodhousing.org/about-hchc/

4. Supervisor Holly Mitchell’s Team Roster: https://mitchell.lacounty.gov/teammitchell/

5. December 17, 2024 Staff Report, Agenda Item 11A:
https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1421

6. NetFile Campaign Finance Records (Maceri contributions to Zernitskaya):
https://public.netfile.com/pub2/?aid=CSM

7. News articles re: Jesse Zwick FPPC ruling (December 2025):

Santa Monica Daily Press: https://smdp.com/state-regulators-say-councilman-zwick-isconflicted-on-housing-votes/ Westside Current: https://www.westsidecurrent.com/santa_monica/former-bonin-advisorchallenged-over-potential-conflicts-on-santa-monica-council/article_0129454b-0f6c-4a0e-81d4- 595f8c626fb5.html
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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From: Sarah Letts
To: Jesse Zwick
Subject: Re: Wilshire Sites - proposed affordable housing Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 7:41:12 PM
Attachments: image001.png

EXTERNAL
Hello Jesse,
Thank you for letting me know. I’m busy tonight and plan to listen to the public comment tomorrow.

All my best,
Sarah
On Jun 25, 2024, at 6:26 PM, Jesse Zwick <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Sarah,
I’m writing from council, where 30 mid-city neighbors are angrily denouncing the project and possessed with a lot of misinformation.

Hopefully some of it can be cleared up at these meetings… but fair warning I imagine they will be hot.

From: Sarah Letts <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 3:55 PM
To: Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>
Subject: Wilshire Sites - proposed affordable housing

EXTERNAL
Hello Councilmember Zwick,
I hope you are doing well. I’m reaching out to make sure you’ve heard that Hollywood Community Housing will host two more community meetings to discuss the proposed affordable housing on the city-owned parking lots near Wilshire. Attached is the flyer for the community meetings on Monday, July 8th (in-person at St. Anne’s) and Wednesday, July 10th (Zoom). If you want to share information with your constituents, we are asking people to register for the community meetings via the project website so we can estimate the number of attendees. https://hchcsantamonica.org/community-meetings/ Please let me know if you have questions or would like to schedule a time to talk.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
From: Sarah Letts
To: Jesse Zwick
Subject: Re: Agenda Items 16-J - comment submitted by HCHC Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 8:00:20 PM
Attachments: image001.png

EXTERNAL
Good question and thank you for asking. We are now fully behind this alternate proposal.

Our Gramercy Place Apartments in mid-City LA is 64 units for people 55 and older and half of the units are PSH for seniors aged 55+. Gramercy is serving the residents and the neighborhood really well, and we think our alternate proposal for Santa Monica will also be an excellent project.

On Aug 27, 2024, at 6:55 PM, Jesse Zwick <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Sarah,
Is this the course of action you want to pursue, or would you prefer to stick to the original proposal?
Jesse
From: Douglas Sloan <[email protected]>
Date: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 6:46 PM
To: Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>
Subject: Fwd: Agenda Items 16-J - comment submitted by HCHC Doug Sloan
City Attorney

CONFIDENTIAL ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGED
From: David White <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 3:31:16 PM
To: Heather Averick <[email protected]>; David Martin <[email protected]>; Douglas Sloan <[email protected]> Subject: FW: Agenda Items 16-J - comment submitted by HCHC FYI
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
<image002.jpg>
David White
City Manager
santamonica.gov
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Subscribe to City of Santa Monica Email Updates
From: Sarah Letts <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2024 11:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems <[email protected]>
Cc: David White <[email protected]>; Victoria Senna <[email protected]>; Kristin Gunther <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda Items 16-J - comment submitted by HCHC

EXTERNAL
The following comment is submitted for agenda item number 16 J.

Dear Mayor Brock and Councilmembers,
Thank you for selecting Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) as the developer for the Wilshire Sites and for authorizing the City to enter into the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement, signed in May 2024. Through the recent community engagement process, we have received, reviewed and categorized hundreds of public comments during in-person meetings, virtual meetings, public comment during council meetings and via the project’s website and email address. Based upon this feedback, we have explored other ways to configure the proposed project. The latest concept is to follow through with the plan to develop 45 units of affordable family housing located at 1217 Euclid Street, but to modify the proposal for the other 85 apartments.

As we explore alternate scenarios for the 85 apartments, our goal is to both address the needs of Santa Monicans and to bring housing resources to the City by competing for loans and tax credits from the State of California.

To the first point, we agree with community feedback that the development could prioritize low-income seniors aged 55 and over. The 2024 LA County homeless count identified nearly 1,400 people 55 and over experiencing homelessness in Service Planning Area (SPA) 5 which includes Santa Monica. This amounts to 25% of all homeless persons in SPA 5. As noted in the City’s Housing Element, Santa Monica’s senior population has grown to over 16,000 residents aged 65 and above. One of the policy priorities in the Housing Element is support for senior housing. Per state tax Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
credit application regulations Section 10325(g)(2)(A) for senior projects and the California Civil Code, qualifying residents of a senior building utilizing tax credit funding must be aged 55 years or older. This means if the building will include a senior age restriction, all units must be restricted by age not just a portion of the units.

To the second point, public financing from the state to build affordable housing is limited and highly competitive. For projects to successfully secure these resources they must be structured to maximize competitiveness based on funding program and policy priorities. Current public policy is focused on providing funds for developments that include supportive housing units. Projects that don’t include supportive housing units are unlikely to secure state resources. For example, on March 5th California voters passed Proposition 1, a $6.3 billion bond to fund housing for persons experiencing homelessness. There are also state funding programs with special set asides for senior housing that the project could access, but those funding programs also require a certain percentage of the project’s units be set aside for supportive housing. To put it simply, the inclusion of 40 supportive housing units for seniors aged 55 and over will allow HCHC to pursue state resources and minimize the amount of funding needed from the City.

For these reasons, HCHC recommends that in addition to developing 45 units of affordable family housing on Euclid, that the development include 85 units of senior housing, including 40 units of supportive housing for seniors aged 55 and over. We sincerely hope to have the opportunity to contribute to the City’s legacy of addressing the housing needs of all Santa Monicans.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sarah Letts and the HCHC Development Team
Sarah Letts | Executive Director (she/her – what is this?) <image001.png>
5020 Santa Monica Blvd. | Los Angeles, CA | 90029-2412
P: 323.454.6210 | F: 323.454.4677 | E: [email protected] www.hollywoodhousing.org | Facebook | Instagram
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:09 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL

Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11-C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:
1) Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
2) Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them 3) Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you for your consideration.

Zina Josephs
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Gail Drayton <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 11:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]
Subject: Integrity of housing, conflict of interest....re Jan 13 , 2026 council meeting

EXTERNAL
RE: January 13, 2026 Meeting – Ethics, Transparency, and the Integrity of Housing Decisions Honorable Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Members of the City Council:

I am writing to express serious concerns about the integrity of housing- related decisions before the Council.

The Full Scope of the Conflict Remains Unknown
On December 8, 2025, the California Fair Political Practices Commission ruled that Council member Zwick must recuse himself from housing production decisions due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition,
an organization whose stated mission is to advance pro-housing policies and whose members include developers, architects, and other housing industry stakeholders.

Six neighborhood associations raised these concerns months ago. The FPPC has now validated them.

Santa Monica must comply with state housing law – but the proposed local modifications are policy choices that go far beyond compliance:
• Floor area ratios increased to 1.5
• Three-story buildings permitted in single-family residential zones Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 • Reduced setbacks and elimination of stepback requirements • Waiver of affordable housing fees for projects of five or fewer units

State compliance does not require these modifications. They should not be considered.

This is not the transparent, accountable government our community deserves.

I call on the Council to:

1. Pause all housing vote ratifications until an independent review assesses the full scope and impact of the identified conflict of interest

2. Remove from consideration all local SB 1123 amendments that exceed state requirements

3. Commit to meaningful public process before advancing significant zoning changes

The integrity of our local government depends on the Council taking these concerns seriously. I urge you to put transparency , accountability and the
public interest first.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Respectfully,
Dr.Gail Drayton
1221 San Vicente Blvd
Santa Monica, Ca 90402
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Hom <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:15 PM
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers, I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated. The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on. He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating. Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust. I request that the City Council: Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves. Thank you. Sincerely, [Name] Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Hom <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:16 PM
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers, I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated. The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on. He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating. Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust. I request that the City Council: Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves. Thank you. Sincerely, Tracey Hom, Lenny Hom,Kelsey Hom and Jamie Hom
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: janet rt <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:18 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Janet Tunick
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Heinzle, Janet <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:34 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Janet Heinzle

JANET HEINZLE

LICENSED REAL ESTATE SALESPERSON

DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE
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January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 please respond to the sender to this effect. Please note that any views or opinions presented in this e-mail are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Company.

Douglas Elliman may engage a third party vendor to answer telephone, email, text, and internet inquiries. This vendor acts as an agent for Douglas Elliman, and keeps all information confidential.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Pamela S. Hausman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:04 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject: URGENT

I call on the Council to:

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 1. Pause all housing vote ratifications until an independent review assesses the full scope and impact of the identified conflict of interest

2. Remove from consideration all local SB 1123 amendments that exceed state requirements

Thank you for your service to our community.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Hom <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 1:26 PM
To: Attorney Mailbox; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: RE: city attorney and staff

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor, City Attorney, and Members of the City Council:

The amount of unethical behavior is more than disgusting. We the citizens are paying Heidi a huge salary and all of this is going on under her nose. Why have a city attorney You have pushed things through as emergencies which is nonsense. Oliver posting things on Friday before meetings is unethical
The citizens want set backs not zero lot lines. This is not New York.

We do not want three stories in R1
And we want each landowner to provide on site parking. You have added over 1000 cars to park on the streets adjacent to ocean park
Disgraceful
This is not about opposing affordable housing. You will never get enough “affordable “ housing if the builder only has to dedicate 10 percent
This is about following the law and restoring public trust.

Respectfully submitted,
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: janet rt <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:28 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Reject a Zoning Ordinance
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As someone who has lived in Sunset Park for 32 years, I have watched our community grow and change, but the proposed zoning ordinance feels like a step too far. I moved here because I cherish the familiarity and character of our neighborhood, yet the potential for three-story buildings and increased density—far beyond what state law requires—threatens to transform it into something unrecognizable.

This rushed process is concerning. It doesn’t align with how major changes to zoning should be handled, especially changes that could impact safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. Density does not equate to affordability, and what we really need is a thoughtful approach to housing that considers the well-being of our residents.

We elected you to represent our needs and concerns, and this ordinance is not what we voted for. It’s crucial to stop this ordinance now, before it goes to the Planning Commission, which lacks the power to halt it. Please roll back this unnecessary proposal and prioritize a more inclusive process that genuinely involves the voices of Santa Monica residents.

I urge you to reconsider and halt this ordinance immediately. Our community deserves better.

Thank you
Sincerely,
Janet Tunick
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:00 PM
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

Sincerely,
Vanessa McCarthy
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Jeanne Laurie <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:40 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Laurie
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Jenny Blum <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:43 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Blum
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: becky turk <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I recognize that doing the right thing has become
passé but I want Santa Monica to operate with
integrity. Therefore I urge you to vote NO on Agenda
Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy
votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick
participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not
restore public trust.

I request that the City Council.

1. Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void.

2.Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 without conflicts chooses to motion for them.

3.Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a
clean process.

Our community deserves decisions made with integrity,
regardless of where we stand on the policies
themselves.

Thank you. Let’s do the right thing not the easy thing.

Sincerely,
Becky Turk
2510 26th Street
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Eli Gill <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 4:59 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Items 10.A and 11.C

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council,
I support housing, and I support the Council members who are taking action to deliver it.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to Santa Monica’s long-term success.

Sincerely,
Eli Gill
Wilmont Resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: MIke Choe <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:52 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Demand to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process Importance: High

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on. He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating. Mr. Zwick’s work for an organization advocating for those housing policies CLEARLY disqualifies on the basis of conflict-of-interests.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:
 Declare these conflict-tainted votes NULL and VOID.
 Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them  Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process  Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Michael Choe
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Stolz <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 11:10 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely
Dr Andrew Stolz
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: Crystal Reed <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 2:42 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Crystal Reed
2817 11th Street
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Allison Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:20 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Allison Greene
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: John Reynolds <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 5:31 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust. I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely, John Reynolds
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: Tom Richards <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:23 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Thomas Richards
Resident,
2913 10th st, Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: Peter Mezza <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:48 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Peter Mezza
2504 30th Street
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:49 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
Please listen to your constituents and not the developers! I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

The FPPC confirmed that Mr. Zwick held a disqualifying conflict of interest—his employment advocating for the exact policies he voted on.

He proposed, motioned, and seconded these items while disqualified from participating.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Wendy Dembo
Santa Monica resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Hal Jaffe <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 6:59 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

HAROLD JAFFE
2626 34TH ST
SANTA MONICA CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: TAMRA RAVEN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:05 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Tamra
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: Shane Murphy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:29 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Shane Murphy
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
27 David Yakobson
From: John Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:31 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
John Greene
2211 Pier Ave.

Santa Monica, CA 90405
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
28 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:45 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Megan FitzGerald
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
29 David Yakobson
From: Maureen Jennings <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 7:49 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Maureen Jennings
1824 Euclid Street #3
Santa Monica CA 90404
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
30 David Yakobson
From: rob arocd.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 8:49 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request to Void Conflict-Tainted Votes and Require Clean Process

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void
Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Rob Levin
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Holbrook, Cindy <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 3:39 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]
Subject: Conflicts of interest and misplaced priorities - Conflicted Votes Housing Votes and SB 1123
Importance: High

EXTERNAL
January 10, 2026
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am wriƟng as a Santa Monica naƟve, resident, and property owner to express serious concern about the city’s conƟnued consideraƟon SB 1123-related acƟons while unresolved conflicts of interest and procedural defects remain.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 These policy choices are being advanced despite unresolved conflict-of-interest issues Ɵed to prior votes on SB 79 and SB 1123. Under California law, parƟcipaƟon by a conflicted councilmember at the moƟon stage renders the acƟon legally defecƟve. A simple revote does not cure that defect. Proceeding as though it does, only compounds the problem and further erodes public trust.

Santa Monica does not need to permanently rewrite its single-family neighborhoods at a moment of market weakness and procedural uncertainty. The city should pause, resolve the conflicts, restart tainted acƟons through a lawful process, and refocus on the most pressing challenges facing residents today.

Respecƞully,
Cynthia Holbrook
222 7th Street #307
Santa Monica, CA 90402
cc:

Oliver Chi, Santa Monica City Manager
Santa Monica Daily Press
Westside Current
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 CYNTHIA HOLBROOK

DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT-LITIGATION
T +1 (415) 591-6859
[email protected]
101 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94111-5891
The contents of this message may be privileged and confidential. If this message has been received in error, please delete it without reading it. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable privilege. Please do not disseminate this message without the permission of the author. Any tax advice contained in this email was not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by you (or any other taxpayer) to avoid penalties under applicable tax laws and regulations.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Jean Ann Holbrook <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 3:52 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]
Subject: Conflicts of interest and misplaced priorities - Conflicted Votes Housing Votes and SB 1123

EXTERNAL
January 10, 2026
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a more than 50-year-long resident of Santa Monica and as long-time Santa Monica property owner to express serious concern about the city’s continued consideration of SB 1123-related actions while unresolved conflicts of interest and procedural defects remain.

Santa Monica is currently experiencing declining rents, property owners returning keys to lenders, reduced demand following the Palisades fire, and additional downward pressure from the mansion tax and broader market conditions. In this context, rushing to permanently loosen single-family zoning and incentivize smallscale market-rate redevelopment is disconnected from present realities and risks locking in long-term harm during a period of instability.

While state laws such as SB 9 and SB 1123 require certain changes, the Council majority has gone well beyond state minimums. In August 2025, the city adopted an emergency interim ordinance that immediately loosened Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 R1 zoning rules and is now in effect through December 2026. Developers may already apply under these relaxed standards while permanent rules are debated.

The current effort to lock these changes in permanently raises profound concerns. If adopted as proposed, R1 neighborhoods would be opened to three-story, multi-unit buildings mid-block, with strong financial incentives for developers to purchase and demolish single-family homes. Fee waivers for projects under six units make five-unit market-rate developments particularly attractive, yet there is little guaranteed affordable housing in return and no serious infrastructure analysis addressing water, parking, or emergency evacuation constraints.

I respectfully urge the Council to halt further efforts to permanently upzone R1 neighborhoods, reject Charterlevel escalation tied to SB 79, and restore integrity, transparency, and restraint to housing decision-making.

Respectfully,
Mrs. Jean Ann Holbrook
760 Ermont Place
Santa Monica, CA 90402
cc:

Oliver Chi, Santa Monica City Manager
Santa Monica Daily Press
Westside Current
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
6 The contents of this message may be privileged and confidential. If this message has been received in error, please delete it without reading it. Your receipt of this message is not intended to waive any applicable privilege. Please do not disseminate this message without the permission of the author. Any tax advice contained in this email was not intended to be used, and cannot be used, by you (or any other taxpayer) to avoid penalties under applicable tax laws and regulations.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Noma Boardmember <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 7:27 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: OPPOSITION to 11C: Ratification of Previously Discredited Votes on the January 13, 2026, Santa Monica City Council Agenda

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

To: Mayor and City Council
cc: City Manager, City Attorney, and City Staff
Subject: OPPOSITION to 11C: Ratification of Previously Discredited Votes on the January 13, 2026, Santa Monica City Council Agenda
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
We strongly urge the City Council to OPPOSE Agenda Item 11 C “Consideration of Certain Prior Housing-Production Related Votes and Repeal of Interim Zoning Regulations Related to Projects Utilizing State Law for Small Lot Subdivisions and Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential” scheduled for re-vote on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

We urge you to vote NO on these “re-votes” AND come together to start over to conduct an unbiased and unconflicted process.

Our unity on this matter reflects widespread concern about both the substance and the process behind these policies.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 These items tainted with conflicts of interest (COI) return to the agenda solely because the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) determined that Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated in these votes while holding a disqualifying financial conflict of interest. The COI is Mr. Zwick’s employment and role at HAC is to advocate for other cities to pass the same housing-specific zoning changes, that in many cases, he voted on as an elected Council Member of the city of Santa Monica.

However, the procedural concerns extend beyond Councilmember Zwick's vote in favor of each item. The majority of these items were proposed, motioned, or seconded by him - meaning someone with a now-confirmed conflict of interest, which disqualified him from participating, played a central role in bringing them forward and building support by participating in the discussion.

Simply “ratifying” or re-confirming these items will undermine public trust in fair governance.

Renters and homeowners alike are affected by these housing policies, and will all live with the consequences of decisions that were made by a councilmember with disqualifying financial conflict of interests. That is why the City Council should act to void the previous votes and only bring back the items if an eligible councilmember makes a motion and it is seconded. Only then, can Santa Monica housing policy be crafted without the tainted and compromised process that previously took place.

We are MOST concerned because these compromised votes steered Santa Monica away from affordability and from YOUR responsibility to uphold the Santa Monica City Charter. Specifically, the City Council must at all times, by ordinance, require that no less than 30% of all new multifamily residential housing is permanently affordable to and occupied by low- and moderate-income households. As you well know, this requirement was established by voters through the passage of Proposition R in 1990.

In addition to our concern over violations of the City Charter, as our elected officials, you must care for and focus on the safety of the citizens of Santa Monica. Over the past year, Santa Monica has opened its doors to neighbors displaced by the Pacific Palisades wildfires. As we have reached the one-year anniversary of that disaster, this Council has a responsibility to lead - not just on Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 affordability, but on safety, preparedness, and public trust. The fires were traumatic and devastating, and they laid bare that land-use decisions and government planning directly affect how communities withstand and recover from disasters.

There are also many additional Housing-Production (see Exhibit C) and Housing-Related (see Exhibit D) items where Mr. Zwick voted, when he was disqualified and should have recused himself. We encourage you to rescind all of these votes and similarly bring them back for a full discussion and vote in an unbiased and unconflicted process.

Sincerely,
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 Friends of Sunset Park
North of Montana Association (NOMA)
Pico Neighborhood Association
Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors
Santa Monica Northeast Neighbors
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont)
Jesse Zwick Conflict of Interest List
Housing Production and Housing Related Items
July 9, 2025 - December 16, 2025
Exhibit A: Housing Production Items Zwick Moved/Seconded  07/29/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Direct the City Manager to return with options for revising development standards to effectively implement Housing Element Program 1.C. Despite prior best efforts, our City continues to see underutilized parking lots remain vacant on commercial corridors.

Updates to development standards may be needed in order to incentivize housing projects along transit corridors and near a future “Great Park.” Specifically, additional incentives may include new zoning/ development standards for housing projects on surface parking lots associated with commercial corridors that match the zoning/ development standards of the commercial corridors they abut and removal of the requirement that new housing projects replace code-required parking at 50% (brought 16 Item, seconded)
 08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.L Adoption of Resolution No. 11695 (CCS) of Intention to Amend the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance Related to Projects Utilizing State Law Permitting Small Lot Subdivision Under 10 Units and Projects Consisting of Duplexes and Lot Splits for Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential (Seconded)
 09/30/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.A Off-site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program Status Update (seconded)
 09/30/2025 R Public Hearing 12.A Adoption of Resolution No. 11702 (CCS) to Amend the Santa Monica General Plan Land Use Map and the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Official Districting Map for a Portion of the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street (moved)  10/14/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.D Acceptance of Agreement 11779 (CCS) Imposing Restrictions on Real Property for the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street and Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2833 (CCS) Amending the Official Districting Map for a Portion of the Parcel Located at 2644 30th Street (Moved)
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 Exhibit B: Housing-Related Items Zwick Moved/Seconded  07/29/2025 R Public Hearing 12.A Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 11690 (CCS) Approving Proposed Civic Center Specific Plan Amendment; and Introduction for First Reading to Adopt the Second Amendment to the Development Agreement for RAND’s existing institutional office building located at 1776 Main Street (Seconded)
 09/09/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.S Resolution No. 11698 (CCS) Outlining the City's Current Fiscal Distress (Seconded)
 10/14/2025 R Staff Administrative 12.A Approval of 2025 Report on Water Quality and Public Health Goals (Seconded)
 10/28/2025 Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.A Resolution Nos. 11709 through 11711 (CCS) Approving Historic Property Preservation Agreements (Mills Act Contracts) with the Owners of the Properties Located at 137 Hart Avenue, 1958 20th Street, and 226 Palisades Avenue (Pulled from Consent by Hall and Zwick)
 12/16/25 Public Hearing 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 a Resolution of Intention to Amend the Text Section 9.21.130 of the Zoning Ordinance Related to Resource Recovery and Recycling Standards (Moved) Exhibit C: Housing Production Items Zwick Voted On/Participated  07/29/2025 R Closed Session 5.C Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Stanford Neighbors Against City Overreach v. City
 07/29/2025 R Closed Session 5.D Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Ashland Neighbors v. City
 07/29/2025 R Public Hearing 12.B Public Hearing and Adoption of Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2821 (CCS) of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Extending and Amending Regulations Established by Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance 2816 (CCS) to Permit the Establishment of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) as Part of Projects Utilizing Senate Bill (SB) 1123 on Vacant Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential, Ensure Project Feasibility of SB 1123 Projects by Providing for Certain Relaxed Development Standards, and Expand the Establishment of ADUs to All Projects Utilizing Government Code Sections 65852.28 and 66499.41 Which Includes Parcels Within Multiple-Unit Zoning District as Permitted Pursuant to SB 684  08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.E Adoption of Resolution No. 11693 (CCS) and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute a Housing Trust Fund Loan to Community Corporation of Santa Monica for the Rehabilitation of 2033-2101 Virginia Avenue,  08/12/2025 R Ordinance 10.A Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance 1) Amending the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance to Promote Economic Recovery and Increase Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area; and 2) Amendments to Interim Zoning Regulations to Promote Economic Recovery by Increasing Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area and Establishing a Pilot Program to Allow Exclusively Outdoor Commercial Uses in the Office Campus District  08/12/2025 R Ordinance 10.B Introduction and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2824 (CCS) Establishing Off-site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12  09/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.N Second Reading and Adoption of Interim Zoning Ordinance No. 2825 (CCS) Amending Interim Zoning Regulations Established to Promote Economic Recovery by Increasing Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area and Establishing a Pilot Program to Allow for Exclusively Commercial Outdoor Uses in the Office Campus District  09/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.O Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2826 (CCS) Amending the Text of Santa Monica Municipal Code Article 9 Planning and Zoning to Promote Economic Recovery and Increase Land Use Flexibility in the City’s Downtown Area  09/09/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.C "Approval of Proposed Regulatory Updates to High-Rise Building Definitions and Single Stairway Multi-Family Building Provisions"  09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.J "direct the City Manager to create an online portal and mapping feature to track the application status and progress of all Development Entities taking advantage of the new Off-Site Affordable Housing Pilot Incentive Program"  09/30/2025 R Ordinance 10.A Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Adopting the 2025 California Building Standards Code and Adoption of Resolution No. 11701 (CCS) making Findings of Climatic, Geological and Topographical Conditions
 09/30/2025 R Public Hearing 12.B Adoption of Resolution No. 11703 (CCS) to Amend the Santa Monica General Plan Land Use Map and the Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Official Districting Map for the Parcel Located at 1331 Wilshire Boulevard  09/30/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Directing the City Manager to assess options for enhanced On-Site Public Notice Requirements for Development Projects that will provide greater transparency and accessibility that will provide community members with additional project information and engagement opportunities
 10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.H Adoption of Affordable Housing Production Program Fee Resolution No. 11705 and 11706 (CCS)
 10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.N Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2831 (CCS) to Adopt the 2025 California Building, Residential, Electrical, Energy, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Green Building, Wildland-Urban Interface, Historical, and Existing Building Standards Codes and Local Amendments to the 2025 California Building Standards Code  10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.O Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2832 (CCS) Amending the Official Districting Map for the Parcel Located at 1331 Wilshire Boulevard  10/28/2025 Closed Session 5.E Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property:
1640 14th Street, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; persons to be negotiated with: Nick Bode, Redcar Properties/1640 14th OWNER LLC; under negotiation: price and terms of payment
 10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.F Request of Mayor Negrete that the City Council consider directing the City Manager to provide Community Engagement, Zoning Clarity, and Accountability for LA County and Nonprofit Operated Housing Projects
 12/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Recommendation to accept Dolores Sloan's resignation from the Landmarks Commission
 12/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.D Request of Mayor Negrete that the City Council consider directing the City Manager on Ensuring Accountability, Safety, and Transparency for Sober Living and Congregate Recovery Housing
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13  12/16/25 Consent Calendar 4.B Adoption of Resolution No. 11725 (CCS) Approving Final Parcel Map No. 83963 for a Three Unit Condominium Project at 2012 19th Street Exhibit D: Housing-Related Items Zwick Voted On/Participated  07/29/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.B Authorize Councilmember Zernitskaya travel funds for YIMBYtown 2025 conference
 07/29/2025 S Councilmember Discussion 16.A Remove all six current DTSM Board members  07/29/2025 S Councilmember Discussion 16.A Suspend rules (emergency) and appoint interim DTSM Board members: Gregory, Besser, Patterson, Davis, Bloom, Polachek  08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.C Accept Grant Award from Softwood Lumber Board for Mass Timber Accelerator Program
 08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.M Second Reading and Adoption of Second Amendment No. 2822 (CCS) to the RAND Development Agreement
 08/12/2025 R Consent Calendar (Pulled) 4.L Adoption of Resolution No. 11695 (CCS) of Intention to Amend the Text of the City’s Zoning Ordinance Related to Projects Utilizing State Law Permitting Small Lot Subdivision Under 10 Units and Projects Consisting of Duplexes and Lot Splits for Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential
 08/12/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.A Appointment to one vacancy on the Building & FireLife Safety Commission for a term ending June 30, 2029: James Wilson  08/12/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.B Appointment to one vacancy on the Housing Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2027 (postponed)  09/09/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.A Approval of Santa Monica Aging and Disability Action Plan  09/09/2025 R Closed Session 5.C Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 395 Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, California; City negotiators: Oliver Chi, City Manager and Heidi von Tongeln, Acting City Attorney; persons to be negotiated with: Chris Neilson, Trigild IVL, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, solely in its capacity as receiver for the specific assets of Macerich SMP LP; under negotiation: price and terms of payment  09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.E Accept Analise Wells resignation from Housing Commission
 09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.A Appointment to three unscheduled vacancies for terms ending on June 30, 2026, and three unscheduled vacancies for terms ending on June 30, 2028 on the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. Board: Hodge Patterson IV, Judy Kruger, Sean Besser, Gleam Davis, Richard Bloom, Albin Gielicz
 09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.C Appointments to five scheduled vacancies on the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee for terms ending on June 30, 2029: Milan Ramsey, Sam Shapiro-Klein, Mark Bertler, David Goltsman
 09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.D Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Disabilities Commission for a term ending on June 30, 20: Nicole Nguyen  09/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.I create a pilot microgrant program to address the habitability of Rent-Controlled/Deed Restricted Unit
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14  09/09/2025 S Closed Session 5.A Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Leonid Pustilnikov, Jon Farzam v. City of Santa Monica, City Council, Downtown Santa Monica, Inc.; LASC # 25STCP0346
 09/30/2025 R Closed Session 5.B Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 3100 Donald Douglas Loop North, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; persons to be negotiated with: Delux Public Charter, LLC dba JSX Air (JSX); JSX negotiator:

Alex Wilcox, CEO; under negotiation: lease price and terms of payment  09/30/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.B Considerations for Reforming Neighborhood Organization Grant Program
 10/14/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.E Adoption of Resolution No. 11704 (CCS) on the SB 1205 Annual Fire Inspection Report
 10/14/2025 R Staff Administrative 11.C Approval of First Modification to Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) with Revitalization Partners Group (RPG), LLC for the Civic Center Auditorium Renovation, Programming and Operation
 10/14/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.A Request of the Disabilities Commission to declare Arlene Frames' seat vacant due to absenteeism and lack of communication  10/28/2025 Consent Calendar 4.F Authorization to Enter into Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Lease Agreement with Bank of America for City-Owned Property Located at 1301 Fourth Street
 10/28/2025 Consent Calendar 4.G Resolution No. 11712 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation
 10/28/2025 Consent Calendar 4.H Adoption of Resolution No. 11713 (CCS) Ratifying Regional Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements
 10/28/2025 Staff Administrative 11.A "Santa Monica Realignment Plan - adopt staff recommendation items 1, 3-11, 16-19, removing the gondola: 1. Approve all budget adjustments and personnel authorizations required to implement the Realignment plan (Attachments A, B, & C); 3. Adopt Credit Card Convenience Fee Resolution No. 11716 (CCS) (Attachment E); 4. Adopt Resolution No. 11717 & 11718 (CCS) authorizing non-sworn employee benefit enhancements, a Citywide winter closure, and a wellness benefit for equity alignment (Attachment F & G); 5. Introduce for first reading an ordinance amending Chapter 13.04, Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code to require the registration of vacant properties (Attachment H); 6.

Authorize staff to assess options for expanding the SaMo Bridge facility and development of a vehicle habitation ordinance; 7. Introduce for first reading an ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.25 regarding the registration of rental housing units not subject to local rent control (Attachment I); 8. Introduce for first reading an interim zoning ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.31.200, Outdoor Dining and Seating on Sidewalks, to promote economic recovery by simplifying the City’s outdoor dining program (Attachment J); 9. Adopt Outdoor Dining Fee Program Resolution No. 11719 (CCS) to institute an updated fee reduction program for parklets and sidewalk dining (Attachment K); 10. Authorize staff to assess possible expansion of the Entertainment Zone program for the Downtown, the Pier, and business improvement districts; 11. Authorize staff to assess the Pier-to-Pier ferry, beach gondola, and regional fire dispatch concepts; 16. Authorize staff to pause Transportation Demand Management (TDM) survey requirements for businesses; 17. Authorize staff to extend the Master Facilities Agreement (Measure YY / GS) with the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) beyond its current 2028 expiration date; 18. Authorize staff to continue assessing a possible 2026 parcel-tax ballot measure to sustain City-SMMUSD funding through the Joint Use Agreement; and 19. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
 10/28/2025 Staff Administrative 11.A Santa Monica Realignment Plan - adopt staff recommendation item 2: 2. Adopt Parking Fee Update Resolution No. 11715 (CCS) (Attachment D);  10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.A Accept Ann Bowman resignation from Recreation and Parks Commission
 10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.B Accept Deborah Lynch resignation from Housing Commission
 10/28/2025 Councilmember Discussion 16.D Appointments to two vacancies on the Housing Commission for terms ending on June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2028 (tabled to January)  12/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.G Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2838 (CCS) Amending Chapter 13.04, Vacant Properties, of Article 13, Neighborhood Preservation, of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code to Require the Registration of Vacant Properties  12/09/2025 R Consent Calendar 4.I Approval of Minutes for Redevelopment Successor Agency Meeting  12/09/2025 R Closed Session 5.A 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 # 25STCP04362  12/09/2025 R Councilmember Discussion 16.B Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Disabilities Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2029  12/16/25 Consent Calendar. 4.G Annual Report on Low-Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25
 12/16/25 Consent Calendar 4.J Adoption of Resolution No. 11726 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation
 12/16/25 Consent Calendar 4.K Adoption of Resolution No. 11727 (CCS) Ratifying Regional Fires Emergency Proclamation and Supplements
 12/16/25 Closed Session 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  12/16/25 Councilmember Discussion 16.C 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  12/16/25 Councilmember Discussion 16.E Establish a formal performance evaluation process for the City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk
smnoma.org
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Jessica (Enayati) Rafipour <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:26 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]
Subject: Re: Conflicts of interest and misplaced priorities - Conflicted Votes Housing Votes and SB 1123

EXTERNAL
January 10, 2026
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: Conflicts of interest and misplaced priorities - Conflicted Votes Housing Votes and SB 1123
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a Santa Monica resident to express serious concern about the City’s continued consideration SB 1123 related actions while unresolved conflicts of interest and procedural defects remain.

Developers may already apply under these relaxed standards while permanent rules are debated.

The current effort to lock these changes in permanently raises profound concerns. If adopted as proposed, R1 neighborhoods would be opened to three-story, multi-unit buildings mid-block, with strong financial incentives for developers to purchase and demolish single-family homes. Fee waivers for projects under six units make five-unit market-rate developments particularly attractive, yet there is little guaranteed affordable housing in return and no serious infrastructure analysis addressing water, parking, or emergency evacuation constraints.

Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
17 These policy choices are being advanced despite unresolved conflict-of-interest issues tied to prior votes on SB 79 and SB 1123. Under California law, participation by a conflicted councilmember at the motion stage renders the action legally defective. A simple revote does not cure that defect.

Proceeding as though it does only compounds the problem and further erodes public trust.

Respectfully,
Jessica Rafipour
cc:

Oliver Chi, Santa Monica City Manager
Santa Monica Daily Press
Westside Current
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: girltunes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 12, 2026 1:35 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: OPPOSITION to 11C: Ratification of Previously Discredited Votes on the January 13, 2026, Santa Monica City Council Agenda

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I stand with Santa Monica Northeast Neighbors and 5 other neighborhood associations in Santa Monica in their opposition to 11C.

We strongly urge the City Council to OPPOSE Agenda Item 11 C “Consideration of Certain Prior HousingProduction Related Votes and Repeal of Interim Zoning Regulations Related to Projects Utilizing State Law for Small Lot Subdivisions and Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential” scheduled for revote on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

We urge you to vote NO on these “re-votes” AND come together to start over to conduct an unbiased and unconflicted process.

I am alarmed at the degree of corruption that has taken over our city council, including members who are closely associated with the developers. It is clear that the residents' interests are not being represented. This must stop. A conflict of interest when you are in a position as a public servant results in unethical decision-making.

Once again, vote NO on 11C.

Sincerely,
Ferris Gluck
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Frank J Gruber <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 9, 2026 10:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Jing Yeo
Subject: Item 11.C, Jan. 13, 2026 City Council agenda

EXTERNAL
Dear Honorable Santa Monica City Council members:

Re: Item 11.C on the Jan. 13 agenda: I urge you to re-approve the measures that you previously approved before then-council member, now Mayor Pro Tem, Zwick was determined not to be eligible to vote on them.

While all the measures are important, let me highlight the measure to develop new zoning to utilize new state laws for small lot subdivisions. These kind of subdivisions offer the only realistic hope of developing significant numbers of townhomes for families in an urban area like Santa Monica, where so much of the land is zoned R1.

Thanks for your attention to this important matter.

Frank Gruber
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Richard Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2026 6:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Sunset Park for 32 years, a neighborhood I chose for its clean air, friendly community, and the charm of single-family homes. I cherish the walks I take through Clover Park and the welcoming conversations with my neighbors. However, the proposed zoning ordinance threatens to change everything I love about Santa Monica.

This new ordinance would allow three-story buildings and significantly increase the floor area limits in our residential neighborhoods. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with such sweeping changes that lack any real public input. The current process feels rushed and is not reflective of how such significant rezoning should occur. This isn’t just a simple adjustment; the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands must be thoroughly understood before we add density.

We elected you to represent our values and uphold our community’s spirit, not to push through changes that will lead to irreversible impacts. I urge you to reconsider this proposed ordinance and halt any plans that could forever alter the essence of Santa Monica. Please listen to your constituents and act in the best interest of our community.

Let’s work together to preserve what makes Santa Monica the vibrant place we all love.

Richard Bernstein
2606 29th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Sara Schifrin <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2026 7:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Sunset Park for 28 years, drawn here by the quiet, tree-lined streets and the charm of our residential community. Now, I am alarmed by the proposed zoning ordinance that could irrevocably change everything I've come to love about Santa Monica. The thought of multi-level housing sprouting up in our neighborhoods is not just disheartening—it's downright frightening.

We shouldn't be going beyond state law like this. Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% is excessive and unnecessary. This isn’t what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. Increasing density does not equate to affordability, and we need to grasp the full implications of these changes on safety, evacuation capacity, and our infrastructure. Traffic is bad now. By adding multi-level housing, the streets and intersections will be overwhelmed. These streets were not designed to handle the many more cars this will bring, and not enough parking exists as it is.

This rushed process is not normal for such a significant change, and it has left little room for meaningful citizen input. We must stop this ordinance before it moves to the Planning Commission. I urge you to reconsider and roll this back. Our community deserves better.

Frankly I don’t understand what you hope to accomplish by radically changing what our city is and by adding more housing to Santa Monica. This should be voted on by the Citzens of Santa Monica, not by the City Council.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Lawrence Karman and Sara Schifrin
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Marianne Borgardt <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2026 4:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As a 25-year resident of Sunset Park, I have grown to love our community's walkable streets, vibrant local businesses, and essential services like our public libraries and parks. It’s this sense of community and charm that drew me here, and it’s what I fear we could lose with the proposed new zoning ordinance.

This ordinance seeks to allow three-story buildings and increases in floor area by 50%, pushing our neighborhoods toward a density that doesn’t align with the needs of our community. Such drastic changes are not only unnecessary but also being rushed through the approval process without adequate input from residents. This isn’t how we should approach something so impactful; we deserve a thorough and thoughtful discussion about any proposed changes to our zoning laws.

I know Santa Monica can grow better without losing its charm and character. Density doesn’t equate to affordability, and we cannot simply add more buildings without considering the implications on our safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure.

I urge you to reconsider this rushed process and engage with the community before making decisions that could forever alter the fabric of Santa Monica. Let’s ensure that any growth reflects the values and wishes of our residents.

Marianne Borgardt
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Ping Ho <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 10, 2026 10:49 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As a long-time resident of the 90405 area since 1982, I’ve cherished the vibrant, diverse community of artists and educators that makes Santa Monica special. However, I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance which threatens to change our neighborhoods forever. Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% will not only alter the essence of Sunset Park and the Pico Neighborhood, but it will also lead to severe traffic impacts that we cannot afford to ignore.

This rush to adopt a new zoning ordinance goes beyond what state law requires, undermining the voices of Santa Monicans who expect thoughtful, inclusive planning. Density does not equate to affordability, and cramming more buildings into our neighborhoods without understanding the implications on safety and infrastructure is reckless. We need to recognize that adding density is not a one-size-fits-all solution to the housing crisis; it's about creating a balanced approach that retains our community's integrity.

I urge the Council to consider unintended consequences, such as severe traffic impacts, of exceeding state requirements in the generation of housing. We deserve a thorough discussion rather than a rushed process that shuts out our community's input. Please roll back this un-required ordinance and ensure that any changes reflect what we, the residents, truly value.

Sincerely,
Ping Ho
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Founder & Director
artsandhealinginitiative.org | (310) 452-1439
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Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
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Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Alex Ward <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 11:32 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Member -
Re: City Council Meeting January 13, 2026 Agenda Item 11.C.

As a concerned resident of Santa Monica’s Sunset Park neighborhood, I urge you to vote NOT to direct the Planning Commission to revise the Zoning Ordinance to make IZO 2821 permanent (previous City Council Resolution 25-015 (PCS).

State law already allows up to 10 independent small homes on a single unit residential lot, and this proposed change to the Zoning Ordinance only aggravates the potential problems of traffic, infrastructure overload, privacy, light, air and security that the state law creates.

I believe whole-heartedly in the need to create more affordable housing in our neighborhoods, and support and encourage the creation of ADUs, JADUs and small starter homes. However, by going beyond the state’s allowances for density, height and setbacks, this proposed ordinance revision is an unnecessary overreach that will harm the character of our neighborhoods - which the city’s LUCE so genuinely values and seeks to protect - while doing very little to actually increase our supply of affordable housing.

Please vote NO on directing the Planning Commission to amend the Zoning Ordinance as per IZO 2821.

Sincerely,
Alexander Ward
alex ward, architect
2409 cloverfield blvd
santa monica, ca 90405
310 339-2464
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Carol Schwartz <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 5:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for 20 years, and I chose this neighborhood because it offered a peaceful, familyoriented environment where my kids could play safely on the block. However, the proposed zoning ordinance that you are considering threatens to upend everything I love about my home. The privacy and peacefulness of our homes and yards will be lost when large three-story structures are built alongside.

Many more cars entering garages pose a hazard to pedestrians, especially children.

This isn't just about increased density; it's about what we, as Santa Monicans, voted for when we elected this council. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law with this ordinance, especially through a rushed process that doesn't allow for meaningful citizen input. Densifying our neighborhoods more than what is necessary is not the answer, nor does it guarantee affordability.

Furthermore, we can't ignore the implications that such drastic changes will have on our safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands. This is a critical moment for our community, and I urge you to roll this ordinance back and not send it forward. We need to protect the character and quality of life in Santa Monica that so many of us cherish.

Please consider the long-term impact of your decision on our neighborhoods.

Sincerely,
Carol Schwartz
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Chase Simpson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 6:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing as a concerned resident of Sunset Park, where I’ve lived for the past three years. My family chose this neighborhood for its peaceful, family-oriented atmosphere—a sanctuary that feels like a safe place to raise our children while still being near the city’s amenities. The proposed zoning ordinance you’re considering poses a significant threat to that sanctuary.

Allowing new housing projects to reach three stories and exceed current floor area limits is simply not necessary.

We shouldn’t be going beyond state law and adding density without careful consideration. Santa Monica residents deserve a transparent process that respects our voices. I urge you to roll back this unrequired ordinance and halt it from moving forward to the Planning Commission. We must protect our neighborhoods from irreversible changes that could overwhelm our community.

Please take the time to reconsider this proposed ordinance and prioritize the well-being of Santa Monica’s families.

Thanks,
Chase Simpson
Chase
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Bruce Leddy <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 7:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As someone who has lived in NOMA for over 25 years, I truly appreciate the quiet, safe, family atmosphere of my neighborhood. But I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could change everything I love about Santa Monica.

This plan goes far beyond the requirements of SB 1123 and would allow three-story buildings in our residential single family neighborhoods, with 50% more floor area and smaller setbacks. This is not just a minor adjustment; it could radically alter the character of our community. And worse, the proposed changes do nothing to address the affordable housing crisis. It will merely allow developers to cash in by turning single family homes into luxury apartment buildings. Density is not synonymous with affordability, and we must think critically about how much density we can add without compromising safety, evacuation capacities, and the demands on our infrastructure.

High housing density was one of the biggest contributors to the Palisades Fire disaster, a conflagration where houses were so close together, the fire could not be stopped from spreading. Given the recent inclusion of sections of NOMA in the High and Very High Fire Hazard Zone maps issued by the state, we should be aiming for less density, not more, in order to protect our neighborhoods from future disasters.

I urge you to reconsider moving this ordinance forward to allow for a more thoughtful discussion about its severe impact on the future of our neighborhoods.

Sincerely,
Bruce Leddy
Chair, NOMA
(writing as myself)
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: David McAllister <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 7:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Sunset Park for 44 years, and my love for this community has only deepened over the decades. It’s a place where neighbors look out for each other and share a sense of safety and camaraderie. But I am deeply concerned about the proposed zoning ordinance that could forever alter the neighborhoods we cherish.

This plan goes far beyond what state law allows, and allowing three-story buildings in our residential areas is not necessary. We should not be rushing into such monumental changes without fully understanding the implications for safety, evacuation capacity, and our infrastructure. Increasing density does not automatically equate to affordability, and it feels like this council is straying from the principles we, as Santa Monicans, voted for when you were elected.

I hope you will keep in mind the value of small, caring communities within the city that we all call home.

Please reconsider moving forward with this ordinance and provide our residents with the meaningful opportunity to engage in this process.

Let’s protect the character of Santa Monica and ensure that any changes reflect the needs and desires of our community. Please roll back this ordinance and allow for proper dialogue before any irreversible decisions are made.

With thanks for your consideration,
David McAllister
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Guy Zaczepinski <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 7:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in the Noma neighborhood for 20 years, drawn here by the clean, safe environment and the wonderful community that makes this area so special. It deeply concerns me that you are considering a new zoning ordinance that goes far beyond what is required by state law. This proposal, which allows for three-story buildings and significantly increased density, threatens to fundamentally change our beloved Santa Monica.

The rushed process surrounding this ordinance feels far from typical for such a significant re-zoning effort. It’s troubling that residents, including those of us who have called this city home for decades, have had little opportunity to weigh in meaningfully. This isn’t what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected this council—we expected thoughtful consideration of changes that directly impact our neighborhoods.

Densifying our residential areas to this extent, especially without a clear understanding of safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure impacts, is not in our community’s best interest. I urge you to reconsider this proposed ordinance and halt its progress. We must prioritize the needs of our neighborhoods and ensure that any changes reflect the values and wishes of the residents.

Please do not send this ordinance forward.

Thank you.

Best,
Guy Zaczepinski
Guy Zaczepinski
Century Park Capital Partners
880 Apollo Street, Suite 300
El Segundo, CA 90245
Tel: (310) 867-2227
[email protected] | www.cpclp.com
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Angela DiGaetano <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing to express my deep concern about the proposed zoning ordinance that could fundamentally alter our beloved Santa Monica. Having lived on Montana Avenue for the past ten years, I chose this neighborhood for its excellent schools, walkability, and the small-town feel amidst a larger city. The friendly neighbors and thriving small businesses are what make our community truly special.

However, the changes being considered—allowing three-story buildings and increased density throughout Sunset Park, the Pico Neighborhood, and beyond—are not what we envisioned when we elected you. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law, and the idea of three stories in our residential areas feels unnecessary and out of place.

This process has been rushed, and the lack of meaningful citizen input is troubling. It seems like there’s little regard for the impact on our infrastructure and safety. We can’t simply add density without considering how it affects our community’s well-being. Please stop ignoring the people who vote; this isn’t what Santa Monicans want.

I urge you to roll back this un-required ordinance and preserve the character of our neighborhoods. Let’s work together to find solutions that truly benefit our community.

Regards,
Angela DiGaetano
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Ann Maggio <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11c Jan 13, 2026 City Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’ve lived in Wilmont for 24 years, drawn to the charm of our neighborhoods and the sense of community we’ve built here. Now, I watch in frustration as you consider a new zoning ordinance that threatens to transform Santa Monica beyond recognition. The proposed allowance for three-story buildings and 50% more floor area is excessive and unnecessary. We shouldn’t be going beyond state law when it comes to housing.

This isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it’s about the implications for safety, evacuation capacity, and the strain on our infrastructure. Rushing through this process without adequate citizen input is unacceptable. We deserve a thorough discussion about how proposed changes will impact our lives before they are set in stone.

I urge you to halt this ordinance before it goes any further. This isn’t what Santa Monicans voted for when they elected you. Please reconsider this decision and roll back the proposed zoning changes. The future of our neighborhoods depends on it.

Let’s work together to find solutions that genuinely meet the needs of our community, rather than risking our beloved city for the sake of density.

Thank you for considering the voices of long-time residents like me.

Sincerely,
Ann Thanawalla
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Alex Novakovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11 C - Vote NO - Void housing policy votes

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I urge you to vote NO on Agenda Item 11C and take similar action on all housing policy votes in which Councilmember Jesse Zwick participated.

Simply ratifying these compromised votes does not restore public trust.

I request that the City Council:

Declare these conflict-tainted votes null and void.

Allow items to return ONLY if a councilmember without conflicts chooses to motion for them.

Require new motions, seconds, and votes through a clean process.

Our community deserves decisions made with integrity, regardless of where we stand on the policies themselves.

Sincerely,
Alex Novakovich
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Alex Novakovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:52 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

The rapid push for this change feels rushed for such a substantial rezoning. Increasing density does not mean more affordabie housing. It doesn't!
It’s also critical that we consider the implications of safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such irreversible decisions.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Sincerely,
Alex Novakovich
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Sheila Forsander <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 8:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law. Please do not send it back to the Planning Commission. I respectfully request that you rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Sheila Forsander
Sunset Park resident
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: Phyllis Chavez <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

The rapid push for this change feels rushed and unnecessary for such a substantial rezoning. Increased density absolutely does not equate to affordability. It’s critical that we consider the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such irreversible decisions.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city and for listening.

Sincerely,
Phyllis Chavez
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Brian Lanich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON’T DO IT!

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing to express my deep frustration regarding the proposed zoning ordinance that is being rushed through for approval. As a proud resident of Sunset Park for the past two years, I chose this neighborhood specifically for its family-friendly environment, the sense of community, and the quiet streets where my children can safely ride their bikes. The thought of seeing our beloved neighborhood transformed into a densely packed area with three-story buildings and reduced setbacks is alarming.

Density does not equate to affordability. This isn’t what we envisioned when we elected this council. We didn’t vote for such drastic changes that would alter the fabric of Santa Monica, especially not without meaningful community input. The accelerated process surrounding this ordinance feels disingenuous, and it’s vital that we take a step back to truly consider the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands.

I urge you to reconsider this proposed ordinance. Please do not send it forward to the Planning Commission. Let’s prioritize the unique qualities that make Santa Monica special, and roll back this unnecessary and rushed zoning change.

Thank you for listening. Please don’t do it. This is extreme.

Brian Lanich
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: KENNY GRANT <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:08 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,

K E N N Y G R A N T
[email protected]
310.422.9393
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: Adam Cohen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:13 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Adam Cohen
Cedar street, Santa Monica
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: City Council -- 1/13/26 agenda item 11-C

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I have lived in Sunset Park for 53 years and moved here because it felt like a welcoming, middle-class neighborhood where community matters.

But now, I am deeply frustrated by the proposed zoning ordinance that threatens to forever change Santa Monica in ways we never asked for. Allowing three-story buildings and increasing floor area limits by 50% isn’t just unnecessary; it will lead to the densification of our neighborhoods beyond recognition.

The rushed process for this ordinance feels completely out of step with how such significant changes should be handled.

We should not be moving beyond what the state law (SB 1123) allows without fully understanding the implications on our community’s safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands.

Increasing density does not equate to affordability.

I urge you to roll back this unnecessary ordinance and ensure that we have meaningful opportunities for community input before making decisions that could irreversibly alter our neighborhoods. Let’s prioritize the safety and well-being of our community over hastily made zoning changes.

Please reconsider this proposal.

Zina Josephs
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: Alison Havel <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 9:42 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Alison Havel
26-Year Santa Monica Resident
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Karrie <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:04 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

We don’t need to go to three stories.

We don’t need to increase FAR to 1.5.

We don’t need reduced setbacks.

We do not need to do anything more than the original SB1123 law.

Please do not send the ordinance back to the Planning Commission. Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica Residents and rescind this unnecessary ordinance.

Thank you for considering the future of our beloved city.

Sincerely,
Karrie Dvorchak
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Romerein <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Shawn Landres; Nina Fresco; Jim Ries; Josh Hamilton; Leslie Lambert; Peer Chacko; Jacob Wasserman
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - STOP EXCEEDING STATE LAW

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As a resident of Sunset Park for the past 21 years, I have come to cherish the tranquility, green spaces, and the sense of community in our neighborhood. It’s these qualities that make Santa Monica a special place to live. However, the proposed zoning ordinance threatens to fundamentally alter the fabric of our community, pushing for three-story developments that are entirely unnecessary.

I am deeply concerned about the rush to adopt this ordinance, which goes beyond state law and disregards the input of residents. This isn’t just about increasing density; it’s about understanding the real implications on our safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure. Densifying our neighborhoods without proper consideration is not what we signed up for when we elected this council.

Moreover, it’s critical to remember that density does not equate to affordability. The heavy-handed approach taken here is not what we envisioned for Santa Monica, and it’s imperative that you listen to the voices of constituents who love this community as it is.

I urge you to roll back this unrequired ordinance and preserve the character of our neighborhoods.

Please do not allow this rushed process to move forward. The future of Santa Monica depends on it.

Thank you for your attention.

Lisa Romerein
Best,
Lisa
*The Studio Manager is in the office 8:30am-5:30pm, Monday through Thursday Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
Item 11-C
January 13, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: becky turk <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2026 10:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Agenda Item 11C(2) - Oppose - DON'T EXCEED STATE LAW

The rapid push for this change feels rushed for such a substantial rezoning. Increased density does not equate to affordability. We already have housing that is vacant because it does not meet the needs of potential residents. It’s critical that we consider the implications on safety, evacuation capacity, and infrastructure demands before making such irreversible decisions.

Please listen to the voices of Santa Monica residents and roll back this unnecessary ordinance.

We don’t need to go to three stories.

Santa Monica City CouncilJanuary 13, 2026

Santa Monica City Council
January 13, 2026