CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
JANUARY 27, 2026
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Torosis at 5:35 p.m., on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present:
Also Present:
CONVENE/PLEDGE
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNT ABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE (GC 84308)
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Mayor Caroline Torosis
Mayor Pro Tern Jesse Zwick (arrived at 5:42 p.m.
Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
City Manager Oliver Chi
Interim City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
Assistant City Clerk Maria Dacanay-Wisner
On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5 :35 p.m. to hear the 5:30 p.m. regular meeting and the 5:35 p.m. concurrently, with Mayor Pro Tern Zwick absent. Councilmember Snell led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Zernitskaya.
No Councilmember made Levine Act disclosures.
Motion by Mayor Torosis. seconded by Councilmember Hall to: approve staff's request to pull items 4.C. and 11.B.; hear comments on item 16.I. (ONESAMO People's Academy) along with item f (General Public Input); present the Mayor's Highlight after item 1; combine the City Manager's Report with item 16.l and hear both items after item 2 (Special Agenda Items); hear item 12.A. after the Consent Calendar and give priority to hear students speaking on items 11.C. and 11.D. upon arrival. The motion passed with the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
None
January 27, 2026
(Councilmember Zwick
arrived at 5:42 p.m.)
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
GENERAL PUBLIC
COMMENT AND
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS:
MAYOR'S HIGHLIGHT
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
ONESAMO PEOPLE'S
ACADEMY
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
CONSENT CALENDAR
AND CLOSED SESSION
ONLY:
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
Motion by Councilmember Negrete, seconded bv Councilmember Zernitskava to recess from Closed Session at 8:30 p.m. and continue with Closed Session after the public session. The motion passed with the following roll call vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Members of the public Brigit, Matthew, Verena, Jerry Rubin, Laurence Cohen, Johnathan Foster, Auston Stamm, Hajar, Gali Golnaz, Denise Barton, Mike Montgomery, Steven Price and Mica Jordan commented on various local issues.
Members of the public Robbie Jones commented on the Special Agenda item.
Students Lanikai Parker, David Johnson, Neve Garcia-Langley, Andrew Lau, Sahana Lindsey, and Judisma Siddhi commented on items 11.C. and
11.D.
The Mayor's Highlight was presented.
2.A. Proclamation: Black History Month, was presented.
The City Manager Report was presented with item 16.1.
16.1. A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council Consider Directing the City Manager to Agendize the ONESAMO People's Academy and provide an update on the timeline and launch of the program, was presented with the City Manager's Report.
Members of the public Jacob Wasserman commented on 4.G.
Members of the public Tom Casparian commented on 5.A. to 5.C. under the special meeting.
Members of the public Cindy Pfeiffer and Jim Harris commented on 5.H. 2 January 27, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR:
(Councilmember Raskin left
the dais at 7:08 p.m.J
Members of the public Denise Barton commented on various Closed Session items.
All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Due to conflicts of interest: Councilmember Raskin will recuse himself from item 4.G.; and Mayor Pro Tern Zwick and Councilmember Snell will recuse themselves from 4.H.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Raskin. to approve the Consent Calendar except for Item 4.G. and 4.H., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
None
None
Motion by Councilmember Snell. seconded by Mayor Torosis, to approve item 4.G., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Snell, Zernitskaya,
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
None
Councilmember Raskin
(Councilmember Raskin Motion by Mayor Torosis. seconded by Councilmember Raskin. to approve returned. and Mavor Pro Tern 4.H., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof.
Zwick and Councilmember The motion was approved by the following vote:
Snell left the dais at 7:09
P.J11l
(Mayor Pro Tern Zwick and
Councilmember Snell
returned at 7:10 p.m.)
FY 2024-25 ANNUAL
WATER, WASTEWATER,
AND NON-POTABLE
WATER MAIN
REPLACEMENT
PROJECT
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Raskin, Hall, Negrete,
Mayor Torosis
None
Councilmember Snell, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick
4.A. Award Bid SP2666-CT and the Construction Contract to Big Ben Inc., and RFP SP2666-CM and the Construction Management Agreement to Z&K Consultants, Inc., for the FY2024-25 Annual Water, Wastewater, and Non-Potable Water Main Replacement Project, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
3 January 27, 2026
ASSISTANCE TO
FIREFIGHTERS GRANT
REAL TIME BUS
ARRIVAL PREDICTIONS
I. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301, 15302, 15303, and 15304, and a finding of Statutory Exemption pursuant to Section 21080.21 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid #SP2666-CT to Big Ben Inc. to provide construction services for the FY 2024/25 Annual Water, Wastewater, and NonPotable Water Main Replacement Project for the Public Works Department;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Contract No. 11798 (CCS) with Big Ben Inc. in an amount not to exceed $18,729,326 (including a 15% contingency);
4. Award RFP #SP2666-CM to Z&K Consultants, Inc. for construction management services for the FY 2024/25 Annual Water, Wastewater, and Non-Potable Water Main Replacement Project and the FY 2025/26 Annual Paving Project for the Public Works Department; and
5. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11799 (CCS) with Z&K Consultants, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $1,500,000 over a three-year period with future funding contingent on Council budget approval.
6. Authorize budget amendments as outlined in the Financial Impacts and Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
4.B. Acceptance of FY2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Award, was accepted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
I. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded to the City in the amount of $119,056.36 from the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Emergency Management Agency, for the FY 2024 Assistance to Firefighters Grant in the Fire Department, and to accept all grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant, all grant renewals, and modifications; and
4. Authorize a budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
4.C. Approval of Third Modification of Contract with Swiftly, Ltd. for Real Time Bus Arrival Predictions, was pulled at the request of staff.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
4 January 27, 2026
HOMELESS OUTREACH
EFFORTS
GEOTECHNICAL
ENGINEERING
SERVICES
TOBACCO GRANT
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant environmental effects pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a third modification to agreement #11000 in the amount of $718,751, with Swiftly Ltd., for a cloud-hosted Software as a Service (SaaS) solution for customer-focused real-time schedule information and service performance metrics for staff for the Department of Transportation.
This will result in an eight-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $2,403,205, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.D. Approval of First Modification of Agreement No. 11424 (CCS) with The Salvation Army for Homeless Outreach Efforts, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3)(Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11424 (CCS) in the amount of $433,365 with The Salvation Army to provide homeless outreach efforts, including supporting the City's 311 Outreach effort and assisting the City's Homeless Liaison Program for the Police Department. This will result in a 3-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $879,615, and with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.E. Approval of First Modification to Agreement with Cotton, Shires & Associates for Geotechnical Engineering Services, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of signification effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11275 (CCS) in the amount of $180,000 with Cotton, Shires and Associates, Inc. for geotechnical engineering services for the Community Development Department.
This will result in a five-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $405,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.F. Adoption of Resolution No. 11730 (CCS) Authorizing Acceptance 5 January 27, 2026
PROGRAM
FY 2026-2028 SHORT
RANGE TRANSIT PLAN
OFF-SITE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING PILOT
PROGRAM
of a Grant from the California Department of Justice for the Tobacco Grant Program, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding that the Tobacco Grant Program is categorically exempt pursuant to Section 15321 (Class 21, Enforcement Actions) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11730 (CCS) authorizing the acceptance of a grant awarded in the amount of $13 8,138 from the California Department of Justice Tobacco Grant Program for the Tobacco Enforcement program at the Police Department, and to accept all grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all grant renewals; and
4. Authorize budget changes as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
4.G. Receive and File Short Range Transit Plan and Adoption of Resolution No. 11731 (CCS) Authorizing the City Manager to File the FY 2026-2028 Short Range Transit Plan with Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and Execute Related Grant Agreements, was filed and adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15262 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Authorize the City Manager to file the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-2028 Short Range Transportation Plan (SRTP) with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro);
3. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11731 (CCS) authorizing the City Manager to: (a) apply for and execute grant agreements and execute related certifications and assurances with the Federal Transit Administration (FT A), Metro, and other Federal, State, Regional or Local agencies; and (b) enter into agreements for transportation funds for the pass-through of funds and agreements for planning, programming, and implementing transportation services and capital projects during FY2025-26 through FY2027-28.
4.H. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2846 (CCS) to Add Section 9.64.065 to the Santa Monica Municipal Code to Establish the Off-Site Affordable Housing Pilot Program for 1000 Units and Add Section 9.64.075 to the Santa Monica Municipal Code to Extend and Expand the Off-Site Affordable Housing Pilot Program, was adopted. 6 January 27, 2026
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
"YIELD RIGHT-OFWAY" SIGNAGE
CLOSED SESSIONS
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
12.A. Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 11734 (CCS) Approving and Adopting "Yield Right-of-Way" Signage on Big Blue Bus Buses Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1904, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Counci I:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(6)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt a Resolution No. 11734 (CCS) approving and adopting the "Yield Right-of-Way" signage on Big Blue Bus buses
Questions asked and answered of staff included how soon the decals will be installed. Council commented on the low cost of the recommendation and the safer experience for City buses.
Member of the public Jacob Wasserman spoke to the recommended action and the public hearing was closed.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Negrete to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Due to conflicts of interest: Councilmember Zernitskaya announced that she will recuse herself from item 5.C. of the regular meeting; Councilmember Hall will recuse himself from 5.1. and 5.J.; and Mayor Pro Tern Zwick will recuse himself from 5.C., 5.0. and 5.G. of the regular meeting.
On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 7:22 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 8:30 p.m., with all members present, to report the following:
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(l): - John U.N.B. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV12746; John Doe 1, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV15009; Hector Orozco v. John Doe: Does 1-2; LASC # 23SMCV03120; John JPC Doe v. Doe City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV22020; John AD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV26548; John CW Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; 7 January 27, 2026
LASC # 23STCV29623; John Doe (A.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al; LASC # 23SMCV06066; John GA DOE, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06484; John U.L.W. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06768; Joseph Garcia v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV01368; John Doe 15, et al. v.
City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV07647; John Doe 18, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV0239; John RR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV09398; John Doe 33, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15580; John Doe 48 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15420; John Doe 49 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV19296; John DD Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV04421; Jane EB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV24146; John Doe (V.D.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05049; John Doe (D.F.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05050; John Doe (D.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05051; Jane Doe 13, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV27233; John AM Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV28433; John Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05527; John Doe 53 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV31763; John Doe (Y.M.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV06355; Jane Doe 16, et al. v. a Public Entity, et al.; LASC # 25STCV02235; John Doe 62, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV04414; John Doe 23 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV05850; John Doe (E.B.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06354; Jane PB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06880; John Doe 67 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV10142; John Doe 68 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV12089; John Doe 69, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV14031; John OR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV16251; John RD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV24158
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(l): City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC # 30-2022-01261243 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.E. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code§ 54956.9(d)(l): Edgar Espinoza v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV00473 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.F. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 8 January 27, 2026
54956.9(d)(l): Anthony J. Stone v. City, et al.; LASC # 25SMCV00044 The City Attorney advised this matter was not heard.
5.G. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 1333 4th/1324 5th Street ("4th/5th/Arizona") and 1234 4th Street ("Parking Structure 1), Santa Monica, California; City negotiators: Natalie Verlinich, Housing Manager, and Agustin Aleman, Senior Development Analyst; owner of record: City of Santa Monica; persons to be negotiated with: Mee Heh Risdon, Director of Housing, A Community of Friends; Jeff Edgren, Director of Acquisitions, Affirmed Housing; Frank Chang, Vice President of Acquisitions, Linc Housing; Gary Steinhardt, Metropolitan Pacific Real Estate Group; Jay Stark, Principal, The Pinyon Group; Bill Witte, CEO, Related California; David Grunwald, Executive Vice President, RMG Housing; Steven Spielberg, Senior Vice President, Alliant Communities; Andrew Bueno, Bueno Group; Charles Cohen, Project Manager, EAH, Inc.; Daniel Hanasab, Principal, Orum Capital; Luis de la Rosa, Pacific Urbanism; Shant Samuelian, Samuelian Group; Jason Yap, Director of Acquisitions, Sola Impact; Anup Patel, Director of Real Estate Development, West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation; Hunter Simmons, Partner, Bridge Realty Advisors; Mike Lanza, Project Manager, People Assisting the Homeless; Ian Fishburn, Managing Director, Vitruvian Development; under negotiation:
disposition of property, price and terms of payment
The City Attorney advised this matter was not heard.
5.H. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 256 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; owner of record: City of Santa Monica; persons to be negotiated with: Sean Ahaus, California Roadhouse, Inc., a California corporation d.b.a. California Roadhouse; under negotiation: price and terms of payment for lease The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.1. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 2019 and 1905 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; owner of record: Dennis Wylder; persons to be negotiated with: Dennis Wylder; under negotiation: price and terms of payment of lease
The City Attorney advised this matter was not heard.
9 January 27, 2026
REPORT ON COUNCIL
TRAVEL (AB 1234)
PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
ORDINANCES:
RIGHT TO RECALL
5.J. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property: 2020 14th Street, Santa Monica, California; City negotiator:
Oliver Chi, City Manager; owner of record: Thea Cappiccille; persons to be negotiated with: Thea Cappiccille; under negotiation: price and terms of payment of lease
The City Attorney advised this matter was not heard.
No Councilmembers reported on travel.
Members of the public Cindy Pfeiffer, Jim Harris, Louis Watanabe, Cathie Gentile, Ishmael K, Daquan Moller, Ely Quinonez, Patti Walker, Matthew Hom, Christina Santiago, Roberto Mazariegos, Liliana Hernandez, Bridie Roberts, Miguel M, Denny Zane, Dora Hernandez, Don Camacho, Peter Trinh, Fred Deni, Jim Christel, Jackie Romero, Sean Ahaus, and Patricia Ibanez commented on 1 0.A.
Members of the public Gleam Davis, Laurie Lieberman, Alicia Mignano (representing the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board), and Gerardo Cruz commented on 11.A.
Members of the public Ellie Kay, Cody Kay, Andrew Hoyer, Jerry Rubin, Dianne Woelke, Steven Johnson (representing the Recreation & Parks Commission), Gloria Shen, Ashley Oelsen (representing the Commission on Sustainability), Mike Feinstein, Benjamin Kay, Brian Sweeney, Grady Hall, John Cyrus Smith, Jackie Romero, and Hanna Leshner commented on 11.C. and 11.D.
Member of the public Daniel Campbell commented on 11.D.
Members of the public Denise Barton, Angela Scott, Cheryce Cryer, and Ailsa Ortiz commented on 11.E.
Member of the public Gleam Davis commented on 16.C.
Members of the public Connor Webb and Jacob Wasserman commented on
16.E.
Member of the public John Cyrus Smith commented on 16.F.
Members of the public Mike Feinstein, John Cyrus Smith, and Peter Trinh, commented on 16.H.
10.A. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.66 to Provide for Recall of Workers January 27, 2026
at Hotels on City-Owned Property and Hospitality Businesses on the Santa Monica Pier and Adding Chapter 4.69 to Provide for Retention of Workers at Hospitality Businesses on the Santa Monica Pier, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Sections 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for First Reading the proposed Ordinance amending Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 4.66 to provide for recall of workers at hotels on City-owned property and hospitality businesses on the Santa Monica Pier and adding Chapter 4.69 to provide for retention of workers at hospitality businesses on the Santa Monica Pier.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: a list of Pier businesses and the number of employees that would be affected; how similar positions are determined for recall and retention; the ordinance's impacts on the City's efforts to be business-friendly; if the ordinance would apply to retail carts; the Subcommittee's recommendation setting the threshold to two hours/week for recall and the definition of full-time employees; the definition of "substantiated cause", including how it would be documented; if the proposed ordinance is standard with other jurisdictions for government-owned property and applies to new businesses replacing existing businesses or when new businesses change control of existing ones; the recommendation to set the threshold to five workers, and how many businesses would be affected if the threshold for hotels on City-owned property and hospitality business on the Pier was increased to 25; the City of West Hollywood's definition of "substantiated cause" compared to the City's; the recommendation of an incumbent Pier employer to provide the successor with a list of eligible workers within 15 days of control instead of before operations commences; after a change of control, how the 90-day retention period supports business continuity and confirmation that employers may terminate employees for misconduct and cause within the 90-day period; if private right of action must be included in the Municipal Code to be enforced; if the City's Hotel Worker Retention ordinance includes Remedies and Attorneys' Fees and Costs; and if Pier Leasing Guideline include right to recall.
Comments ensued on topics including, but not limited to: concerns that the proposed ordinance creates difficulties for small businesses and that owners should be able to hire staff and operate their businesses independently; incentivizing new and substantially similar businesses to recall workers from a prior business instead of mandating it; the importance of job security and workers rights when affordability is challenging; the limited scope to City 11 January 27, 2026
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS:
MEASURE YY /GS
MASTER FACILITIES
USE AGREEMENT
(Councilmember Negrete left
the dais at 10:52 p.m.)
property while still giving employers the flexibility to try out employees and let them go for cause; the ordinance's enforcement mechanisms incentivizing litigation vs. protecting workers; setting a limit to Attorneys' Fees and Cost and State law provisions that provide for Attorneys' Fees; the desire for more information on alternative thresholds and tabling the item; and the Council's right and responsibility to demand public good on City-owned property.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded bv Mayor Torosis, to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof with the edits read into the record by the Interim City Attorney for Sections 4.69.0lO(c)-(d), (n) and (p) and 4.69.020(b)-(c).
Substitute motion by Mayor Pro Tern Zwick to add back the language on reasonable and substantiated cause and remove the language on Attorneys' Fees and Costs. The motion died for lack of a second.
Motion to amend the main motion bv Councilmember Hall to provide direction to: include the reference of Right to Recall and Retention in Pier Leasing Guidelines, and return with information on increasing the threshold for number of employees. The amendment was friendly to the maker and seconder.
Point of clarification from the Interim City Attorney to revise Section B.
Incumbent Pier Employer Responsibilities under 4.69.020 Pier Worker Retention to provide a list of eligible workers within 15 days of entering into an agreement with the successor Pier operator, and remove Section D.
Attorneys' Fees and Costs under 4.66.060 and 4.69.050 Remedies. The maker and seconder incorporated the clarification to the amended motion.
The amended motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall,
Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
Councilmember Negrete
None
Councilmember Negrete recused herself from the item due to a conflict of interest.
11.A. Authorization of Modification to the Measure YY/GS Master Facilities Use Agreement with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommend that the City Council:
12 January 27, 2026
POLLING RESULTS
2025 PARKS &
RECREATION VISION
PLAN
(Councilmember Negrete
returned to the dais at 10:57
p.m.)
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061 (b )(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a modification to Agreement No. I 0658 (CCS), the Measure YY/GS Master Facilities Use Agreement with the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, to extend the term indefinitely.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: clarification on the revised recommendation from the staff report to extend the agreement for IO years with the same terms and the process to cancel the agreement; and a request for staff to confirm operating hours of facilities due to conflicting hours and closures.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Negrete
11.B. Polling Results On Potential 2026 Parcel Tax Ballot Measure, was pulled at the request of staff.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
I. Adopt a finding that the report provided herein is not a "project" subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA); Receive the results of a statistically reliable community survey of Santa Monica voters, conducted in October 2025, to gauge sentiment around a potential parcel tax ballot measure; and provide direction to staff on whether to continue preparations to place the measure on the November 2026 general election ballot.
11.C. 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(6)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Receive and approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to:
13 January 27, 2026
MEMORIAL PARK
REDEVELOPMENT &
incorporating beach space in this and future plans; options to increase park space in the Mid-City and WilMont neighborhoods; the total acreage of private parks in the City; the possibility of implementing short-term actions in medians such as installing temporary benches and lighting; when the field at Airport Park will be replaced and the amount of use between youth and adult sports; if the City has identified underused land or parking space that can be converted to usable rectangular park space for joint-use; reinstating a memorial bench program; prioritizing park space for youth programs in the day and adult programs at night; creating not only accessible park space but inclusive space; the pros and cons of turf vs. natural grass; and clarification on the compromise policy, the pilot program and City's long-term goals replacing artificial turf.
Comments ensued on topics including, but not limited to: generating revenue from parks, such as hosting events and vending carts/stands; devoting resources to public health and preventing risks to the environment; keeping beach space separate in the City's needs assessment; prioritizing youth programs during day; making better use of medians for green space such as community gardens; consider housing locations and creating nearby recreational space; reusing freeway land for parks; dog parks at the beach; more recreational areas on private land with public access; informational signs providing the history of the diverse communities that made up the City; concerns over immediately replacing the Airport Park field with natural grass and its capacity to continue hosting high-intensity adult sports; and boards and commissions' varying input and recommendations.
Motion by Ma or Pro Tern Zwick. seconded by Council member Negrete. to adopt the staff recommendation with an amendment to the third policy for City-Owned Sports Fields that existing City-owned artificial turf fields will be re-evaluated at the end of their natural life to determine if durable natural grass alternatives may feasibly replace them. Feasibility analysis should include cost, intensity of use, capacity needs and public health issues.
Motion to amend by Councilmember Raskin to provide direction on the feasibility analysis to incorporate public health, and determine how streets and the freeway could potentially be reutilized for public recreational purposes. The amendment was friendly to the maker and seconder. The amended motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
None
None
11.D. Approval of the Revised Plan for Phases 1 and 2 of the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project, was presented. 14 January 27, 2026
EXPANSION PROJECT
SANTA MONICA
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE
PROGRAM
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11732 (CCS) certifying the attached Environmental Impact Report for the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project;
2. Adopt mitigation measures set forth in the Environmental Impact Report; and
3. Approve the revised plan and direct staff to proceed with design development and construction documents for Phases 1 and 2 of the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: the cost, process, on-going maintenance and accountability of LEED Certification; the plan and timeline for displaced programming; the shortfall for the various phases of the project, if the project can proceed to the next phases if funding is not meet, and alternatives to reduce the shortfall; the recommendation for combination baseball fields if certain games cannot be played simultaneously; Field Five's proposed direction towards sunset and its affect on the playground; and confirmation of the pickleball court recommended by the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Comments ensued on topics including, but not limited to: exploring ways to complete the project when resources are restrained; and partnering with private businesses to temporarily replace displaced programming.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin. seconded by Mavor Torosis, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
None
None
11.E. Establishment of a Santa Monica Restorative Justice Program, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council establish the Santa Monica Restorative Justice Program by taking the following actions:
1. Establish a dedicated Restorative Justice Fund by allocating the $3 .5 million received by the City following adoption of the Second Amendment to the Development Agreement with the RAND
Corporation.
15 January 27, 2026
2. Create a formal City Council established Santa Monica Restorative Justice Commission to develop Restorative Justice Program details and criteria.
3. Authorize staff to secure the services of an independent administrator to support the efforts of the Restorative Justice Commission in developing and administering the City's Restorative Justice Program.
4. Consider a future allocation of the remaining $2 million in funding that the City will receive from the RAND Corporation, which will occur within 3 years based on the Second Amendment to the Development Agreement with RAND Corporation, to the Restorative Justice Fund.
Questions asked and answered of staff included but was not limited to: the practice of upgrading temporary task forces to permanent commissions; if the task force's work and recommendations will be presented to the proposed commission or the Council; the commission's responsibilities on claims and decisions on programming vs. the Council's; if the $3.SM is the program's initial or maximum budget and if it will fund claims or invest in programming; the timeline to submit claims; if the independent Program Administrator will be a City staff member or consultant, and if an external Administrator is best practice in other agencies; and if the program is moving away from reparations as the program's name is different.
Comments ensued on topics including, but not limited to: the work and recommendations of the task force being incorporated; the creativity on finding sufficient resources and dedicating it to the program; honoring commitments made in the Black Apology; and the desire to offer financial literacy programs, including partnering with local businesses.
The Council requested a presentation or an Information Item on Task Force's work and recommendations.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to adopt the staff recommendation but refrain from committing the additional $2M until more information is provided on the Restorative Justice Program.
Motion to amend by Councilmember Raskin to include direction on looking at how freeway land can be reused to promote restorative justice. The amendment was friendly to the maker and seconder. The amended motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
16 January 27, 2026
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
SCAG REGIONAL
COUNCIL DISTRICT 41
SPECIAL ELECTION
In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Item 16.A., 16.C., and 16.H. was removed and considered separately m accordance with Council Rule 6(y).
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Hall. to approve items 16.B., 16.D., 16.E., 16.F. and 16.G. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
16.A. Selection of Councilmembers to Participate in SCAG Regional Council District 41 Special Election, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Select five of its seven Councilmembers available to attend the Westside Cities Council of Governments (WSCCOG) Board
Meeting to participate in the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council District 41 Special Election by each casting one of the City's five authorized votes;
2. Designate a sixth Councilmember as an alternate, authorized to cast a vote in the event that one of the initially selected five Councilmembers is unable to cast a vote;
3. Authorize the seventh Councilmember to cast a vote only if fewer than five votes have been cast on behalf of the City after all other authorized Councilmembers present have cast their votes; and
4. 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
Nomination from Mayor Torosis, seconded bv Councilmember Hall to:
appoint Mayor Pro Tern Zwick and Councilmembers Hall, Negrete, Raskin and Snell to represent the City at the Board meeting; designate Councilmember Zernitskaya as the Alternate; and authorize Mayor Torosis to vote if there are fewer than five votes for the City. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
None
17 January 27, 2026
PERSONNEL BOARD
AFFORDABILITY
STRATEGIES
GENDER-AFFIRMING
HEALTHCARE
CURB RAMP
STANDARDS
ABSENT: None
16.B. Recommendation to accept Melanie Luthern Allen's resignation from the Personnel Board and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was accepted with regret.
16.C. Request of Mayor Torosis and Councilrnernbers Hall and Raskin to direct the City Manager and City Attorney to evaluate and advance targeted affordability strategies addressing food costs, early-childhood expenses, worker wage protection, consumer pricing fairness, and tenant displacement, using proven local and national models, was presented.
Comments ensued on topics including, but not limited to: numerous Councilmember items becoming unfunded mandates, staffs bandwidth, and the need to continue to provide basic City services and focus on core priorities; some recommendations falling under State or Federal authority and a request for more information before launching pilot programs or adopting ordinances; the Baby Basket Program and parents' need for financial assistance over physical goods; providing financial or child-care assistance to middle-income parents who over-qualify for State and Federal programs; the high-cost of food and childcare and Federal funding freezes, and the urgency to pro-actively help community members; and consultation with local parents and community organizations.
Motion by Councilmember Hall. seconded by Mayor Torosis to approve the request, with direction to: analyze what can legally and feasibility be under the City authority vs. State or Federal; analyze community needs, what resources are already available in the City, and if existing programs can be expanded; and prioritize restoring former City programs such as Childcare, Recreation, Enrichment, Sports Together (CREST) and including programs such as the Growing Place and Connections for Children. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
A YES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
16.D. Request of Councilrnernbers Hall and Zernitskaya that the Council direct City Staff to publicly comment on proposed federal rules and consider joining litigation to protect gender-affirming healthcare for Transgender, Gender Diverse, and Intersex youth, was approved.
16.E. Request of Mayor Pro Tern Zwick and CouncHrnember Hall that the City Council direct the City Manager to formalize a policy with 18 January 27, 2026
2027 TOURNAMENT OF
ROSES PARADE
PEDESTRIAN AND BIKE
PATHS
COUNCIL MEETING
IMPROVEMENTS
regard to curb ramp design standards in the city, was approved.
16.F. Request of Mayor Torosis, Councilmember Snell and Councilmember Zernitskaya to Pursue Santa Monica Entry into the 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade through a Community-led Planning, Fundraising and Volunteer Effort, was approved.
16.G. Request of Mayor Torosis, Councilmember Snell, and Councilmember Hall to Strengthen Safety, Accessibility, and Enforcement on the Santa Monica's Pedestrian and Bike Paths, was approved.
16.H. A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings, was presented.
Comments ensued on topics including, but not limited to: the meeting serving as an example for reducing public speaking time when there are 25+ speakers due to delayed discussions and prolonging the meeting; the parttime status of Councilmembers, the need to maintain full-time work, and difficulty of attending daytime meetings; additional meetings taking Councilmembers from familial and personal obligations; day-time meetings preventing working individuals from serving on Council and losing representation from certain community members; finding a balance to give time to hear public members who are at school, working during the day or tend to family in the evenings, the ability to conduct the people's business and not prolonging meetings; other bodies capping public speaking time on general public comment and agenda items; general public comments speakers being unable to stay until the end of the meeting; and a process for large organized groups to register one speaker for the group and give additional time similar to board and commission representatives, and offer real-time translation to save time on public comment.
Motion bv Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin to direct staff to return with: options to schedule Closed Session meetings on alternate Tuesdays when regular meetings are estimated to run long; moving Item 1 (General Public Comment) to the end of the meeting allowing speakers on agenda items to be heard earlier; revising the rule on reducing time for more than 25 speakers registered to speak during a public input section, to reducing time for more than 25 speakers on an agenda item, while maintaining the 6 minutes per Council meeting limit; options to increase collaboration or support from multiple Councilmembers or local organizations on 16-item instead of agendizing items from only one Councilmember; offering more public comment opportunities outside of Council meetings similar to last year's Council Budget Workshop; and Council compensation information from other jurisdictions that meet earlier 19 January 27, 2026
CLOSED SESSIONS
(Continued)
ADJOURNMENT
in the day or have full-time Council members. The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tern Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
On order of the Mayor, the City Council to adjourn to Closed Session at 1 :51 a.m. The City Attorney and City Manager returned at 2:33 a.m., and the City Attorney reported the following:
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - significant exposure to litigation - Gov. Code§ 54956.9(d)(2) - 2 cases
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.D. Conference with legal counsel - consider filing amicus brief - Gov.
Code§ 54956.9(d)(4): Harris, et al. v. City of Los Angeles (9th Cir. No. 25-5029)
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard and Council approved to file amicus brief on a 6-0 vote with Mayor Pro Tern Zwick absent.
On order of the Clerk, the City Council meeting adjourned at 2:34 a.m. in memory of Alex Jeffrey Pretti.
ATTEST:
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Assistant City Clerk
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Mayor
January 27, 2026