1 David Yakobson
From: Alison Boyle <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Thank you,
Alison Boyle
Resident of Santa Monica
Agenda Item 16-H
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
2 Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Thea Phillips <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Thank you,
Thea Phillips
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: George Ferrell <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 2:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting, "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Peggy and George Ferrell
338 15th Street
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Shari Phillips <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:52 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Thank you,
Shari Phillips
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:56 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Mtg. - 1/27/2026 - Item 16-H - Support Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, Councilmembers and City Manager Chi, The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my STRONG SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government. I have lived in Santa Monica, and as a resident have considered this one of the most activated cities that I know about. We historically have been encouraged to have resident input on a proactive and reactive basis. The neighborhood groups were encouraged to form by the city! For 35 years, Wilmont has provided education, advocacy and outreach for its residents and members.
Learning about a city council and attending a city hall meeting is a privilege, responsibility and a rite of passage.
Process improvements have many objectives, time and cost being two, but another objective is quality, are the customers i.e., residents satisfied with the interaction and processes of the provider. Does the city council consider Santa Monica residents its customers?
We believe that the two-way discussion between residents and city council create a better city. Do you? There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for residents of Santa Monica community.
Many thanks,
Elizabeth Van Denburgh
Wilmont, 45 years
_________________________________________
16H.
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
##
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
3 Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers. • Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation.
Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Council members could allow a speaker to finish a comment without being cut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting, "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Thank you,
Jack Phillips
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Teri D Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; FOSP - Zina Josephs
Subject: Add Lana Negrete's CC Improvement item: Ethical, de facto, allowance for public input
EXTERNAL
Greetings, Councilpeople:
Please support Lana Negrete's efforts to improve integrity of public input.
She requests that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
2 You can adapt these, but you get the drift: Things are way off key, out of balance. I have recently been reviewing City Council Minutes and public comment from 2008-2015, and the tone and integrity was at a higher ethical standard--even though there was a vast difference of opinion, as there is now.
Please step up!
Teri Davis Bernstein
longtime Santa Monica resident and heartfelt devoted community enthusiast Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Lerer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:01 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Agenda Item 16.H. Improving Public Participation Process at Council Meetings (January 27, 2026)
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I support item 16.H. and thank Councilmember Negrete for bringing this forward.
Please support a review of and improvements to public participation procedures at City Council Meetings.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Lerer
Santa Monica resident
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Laurie Yehia <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: Correcting extreme process limits on public comment
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Tricia Crane
Chair, Northeast Neighbors of Santa Monica
16 H.
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings. ##
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
5 Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2- minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen midagenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: lmarreola <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 1-27 CC mtg tonight
EXTERNAL
We fully Support Item 16-H and Councilmember Negrete's posistion on the need for resident's rights.
Carol and Larry Arreola
Lifelong Sunset Park Residents.
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall
Cc: Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I was at a Wilmont meeting where Ellis Raskin was speaking. I was able to ask him a question about parcel taxes. He answered my question, but suggested that I go to a Community Council meeting. I responded, it is hard to spend 5 hours waiting to speak for one minute.
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting, "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Wendy Dembo
Board Member, Wilmont
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: DONALD LLOYD <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:39 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Donald Lloyd
Member, Northeast Neighbors of Santa Monica
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
We give our personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Thanks,
Arunas & Vida Bruozis
Property Owners
1040 Stanford St, Santa Monica
16 H.
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings. ##
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
4 Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: ron miller <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Council Members,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Council Members could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Council Member could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Council Member Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Regards,
Ronald Miller
16-
H.
A request of Council Member Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings. ##
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Council Member
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Council Member Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
6 • Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: D'Orsogna, Maria R <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: STRONG SUPPPORT for Public Process Repair - Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
Let the people speak. Let the people participate. The time has come for you to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Maria R D'Orsogna, PhD
Santa Monica
16 H.
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings. ##
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
8 Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Katharine Dreyfuss <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Full support to Agenda Item 16-H
EXTERNAL
Please add my name to your list of citizen supporters.
Thank you.
Katharine Dreyfuss
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Noma Boardmember <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:06 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: Oliver Chi
Subject: STRONG SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2027) Public Process Improvements at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
NOMA SUPPORTS (Agenda Item 16 – H) adjusting the City Council schedule and agenda management to increase BOTH efficiency AND community engagement. We thank Councilmember Negrete for bringing it forward. We ask that the Council takes the time to discuss and support Councilmember Negrete’s important call for a review of the current process.
The goal should be to ask staff to develop recommendations that cultivate and support a strong and engaged community/Council relationship.
We hope that you will direct staff to consider all options, including implementation of the following two meeting protocol / logistical adjustments, as we feel these will increase engagement from residents of NOMA and other Santa Monica neighborhoods:
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • Two-minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full twominute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
11 • Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder Council agendas such that Closed Session takes place either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than midagenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, please also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
Respectfully,
The Board of NOMA
CC: City Manager Chi
smnoma.org
[email protected]
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: girltunes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis & Councilmembers,
I stand with Northeast Neighbors of Santa Monica in the following letter submitted January 27, 2026:
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Tricia Crane
Chair, Northeast Neighbors of Santa Monica
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
13 Sincerely,
Ferris Gluck
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Paula Goldman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 16-H
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s measure tonight, regarding Council’s relationship to the public.
We realize there are always going to be cranks, and that public comments add time. But the suggestions to handle Closed Sessions differently, and varying start times would help. It is important to Santa Monica governance that you know what citizens are thinking.
This is such a difficult, polarized time. Please return civility and respect to your meetings.
Thank you,
Paula Goldman and Brian Wolf
2821 Washington Avenue
Paula Goldman
PaulaGoldman.com
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Tricia Crane <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:24 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: STRONG SUPPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H - Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits that have been implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Tricia Crane
Chair, Northeast Neighbors of Santa Monica
16 H.
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings. ##
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
2 Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Ann Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Cc: Oliver Chi; Susan Cline; Peter James; Heidi von Tongeln; Susan Cola; Denise AndersonWarren; Nikima Newsome Subject: January 27, 2026 Council Meeting - Item 16.H. - Process Improvements for public input - SUPPORT
EXTERNAL
SUPPORT
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers -
Please support the Process Improvements recommended in Item 16.H. They will help ensure truly meaningful input for stakeholders and provide more equitable opportunities for all in our community to participate in our City Council meetings and the deliberative public process.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Ann Bowman
Resident, 29 years
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: David Misch <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I support Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our government.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
David Misch
Northeast Neighbors
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Faustino Garza <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements
EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers:
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Faustino Garza
Sunset Park
Santa Monica 90405
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Amani Spielman, Northeast resident
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Gary Freedman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: Agenda Item 16-H
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
We give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Sincerely,
Gary and Donna Freedman
533 9th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90402
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Phil Brock <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: 16H SUPPORT
EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question. 16 H.
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
6 • Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Phil Brock / Mayor (ret)
[email protected]
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Bruce Leddy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: Item 16H - Support
EXTERNAL
I fully support item 16H which will increase residents' ability to better inform City Council on community opinion. The time limits as they currently stand make it nearly impossible to make any cogent points. To avoid meetings becoming too long, it makes sense to move closed sessions to separate meetings, in order to accommodate more public input.
Please vote to support 16H.
Bruce Leddy
26 year resident
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Gavin Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Cc: Nicola Scott
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
My wife and I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly top-down local government.
There was a time when City Council members could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Sincerely,
Gavin and Nicola Scott
1801 Marine Street,
Santa Monica
CA 90405
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: melissa94306 <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Cc: Lana Negrete
Subject: Agenda Item 16-H
EXTERNAL
To Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers:
I fully support item 16-H on today’s agenda. It promises to improve opportunities for Santa Monica residents to provide needed input, and I believe it may improve Council relations with our community.
Thank you.
Melissa Campbell
1040 - 22nd St
Santa Monica, CA. 90403
650 283-7234
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:32 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Thank you -
Danielle Charney
Resident Since 1982
16 H.
A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings. ##
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
11 Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers.
• Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings.
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation. Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Dan J. <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
Santa Monica’s current public comment rules have crossed a critical line. Policies adopted in the name of efficiency now function to suppress participation, limit dialogue, and distance elected officials from the residents they serve.
I strongly and unequivocally support Agenda Item 16-H and thank Councilmember Negrete for bringing forward a necessary challenge to this trajectory.
Public comment is not an obstacle to governance; it is a core democratic function. Yet today’s process treats residents as interruptions to be managed rather than constituents to be heard. Rigid timers, automatic cutoffs, and the elimination of basic interaction have stripped City Council meetings of any meaningful exchange between the public and its representatives.
Efficiency cannot justify a system that prioritizes speed over legitimacy. A Council that cannot allow a resident to finish a thought—or seek clarification when appropriate—signals that public input is performative rather than substantive.
I urge the Council to support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a full review of the public comment process and to restore balance, discretion, and respect to community participation. Governing well requires listening, not merely moving on.
Respectfully,
Daniel Jansenson
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Rachel Harms <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I urge the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my full support to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for calling for a review of the current process. The time has come to restore respect for the community.
Sincerely,
Rachel Harms
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Bob Seldon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Council Members,
My wife and I have been residents of Santa Monica for 40 years, and I have been an active participant in City affairs since I co-founded Northeast Neighbors. Lately, I have been increasingly disturbed as I have watched the increasing marginalization of our residents by City government.
The time has come for the City Council to reduce extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency, and re-open much-needed opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
I can personally attest to the time when City Council members could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine; the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence.” and a Council member could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Respectfully,
Bob Seldon
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Corinne Koutsouros <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: SUPPORT for Council Agenda Item 16-H (Jan 27, 2026) Public Process Improvements are needed at Council meetings
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
It is important our local government keeps an open book and full transparency of decisions made for the people of our city. You are an elected representative. Representative means you are speaking on behalf of the people with open ears and minds. Not representing based on your own personal benefits.
I agree with everything posted below from Councilmember Negrete and Tricia Crane’s call to action.
The time has come for the City Council to fix the extreme limits implemented in the name of efficiency that have resulted in closing down opportunities for the people of Santa Monica to provide Public Comment on important City Council Agenda items.
I give my personal FULL SUPPORT to Agenda Item 16 – H and thank Councilmember Negrete for acting on behalf of opening up our increasingly
top-down local government.
There was a time when City Councilmembers could allow a speaker to complete a comment without being shut off by a machine. There was a time when the mayor would say to a community member speaking at a meeting "Please complete your sentence." There was a time when a Councilmember could even ask a member of the community a clarifying question.
Please support Councilmember Negrete’s call for a review of the current process and restore respect for the community.
Tricia Crane
Chair, Northeast Neighbors of Santa Monica
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
16 16H. A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
##
Memo To: Oliver Chi, City Manager
From: Lana Negrete, Councilmember
Date: January 19, 2026
Re: A request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider support directing staff to analyze process improvements for City Council Meetings.
Request that the City Council support directing the analysis and implementation of the following 3 meeting protocol / logistical adjustments.
1. Provide a Minimum Amount of Public Comment Time For Speakers • 2-Minutes of Guaranteed Minimum Speaking Time – Ensure that no member of the public receives less than two (2) minutes to speak on any agenda item or during general public comment, regardless of the number of speakers. • Separate Time for Separate Items – Confirm that speakers are afforded the full 2-minute minimum speaking time for each distinct agenda item they wish to address, regardless of the number of speakers we have on an item.
2. Meeting Structure & Scheduling Reforms
• Reorder Agenda for Closed Session – Reorder our agenda such that Closed Session takes places either at 3pm or at the end of Council meetings, rather than happen mid-agenda. • Consider Closed Session on 1st & 3rd Tuesday – Concurrently, we should also consider and analyze the feasibility of holding closed sessions on the first or third Tuesday of each month, separate from regular City Council meeting evenings."
3. Earlier Meeting Start Time Once Per Month
• 10am Council Meeting – Explore shifting one of our two regular monthly Council meetings to a 10:00 a.m. start time, to expand access for residents unable to attend evening meetings.
I am respectfully requesting that the City Council consider and implement the above referenced changes to facilitate process improvements for our Council Meetings that would improve resident and public participation.
Please place this item on January 27, 2026, agenda for full City Council consideration.
Thank you,
Corinne Koutsouros
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026
Item 16-H
January 27, 2026