1 David Yakobson
From: Daniel Ivanov <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 13, 2026 5:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Closed Session Item #5D
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:
My name is Danny Ivanov, Chair of the Rent Control Board. I'm writing in my personal capacity with respect to Closed Session item 5D discussing the price and terms of payment for lease with California Roadhouse, Inc.
I strongly urge the Council to approve the proposed lease agreement only if it explicitly contains written provisions offering protections for the former Rusty’s workers pursuant to the framework outlined in the Worker Protection Ordinance passed by this Council back in February. These provisions explicitly written into the terms of the lease must ensure that eligible former employees receive a meaningful opportunity to return to work at the leased premises and must also allow the City to monitor and verify compliance.
These loyal, dedicated workers are the backbone of our City's economy. Shame on us if we turn our back on them now. Thank you.
Best,
Danny
Item 5-D
April 14, 2026
Item 5-D
April 14, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Angela D. Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 5:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Support for UNITE HERE and Rusty's Workers
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro-Tem Zwick , and Members of the City Council, I am writing to express my strong support for the workers of Rusty’s Surf Ranch and the advocacy efforts of UNITE HERE as the City considers lease negotiations for 256 Santa Monica Pier.
While these discussions involve important considerations regarding pricing and lease terms, I urge the Council to prioritize the human impact of this decision. The Pier is a vital economic and cultural asset, as well as a primary place of employment for individuals who contribute significantly to Santa Monica’s hospitality and tourism sectors.
I strongly support the rehire of Rusty’s workers and believe that continuity of employment should be a key consideration in any lease agreement. Providing experienced workers a pathway back to their jobs reflects our city’s commitment to fairness and workforce stability.
Supporting workers in our visitor-serving industries strengthens our local economy and reinforces our community values. Thank you for your leadership and for considering both the economic and human dimensions of this matter.
Warmest,
Angela
Angela D. Scott (she/her), MBA/V, Certified ScrumMaster® Candidate, Doctor of Education, Ed.D.
Organizational Change and Leadership
"You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." - Shirley Chisholm
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.
Item 5-D
April 14, 2026
Item 5-D
April 14, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Zennon Ulyate-Crow (zennonuc) <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 1:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: California Roadhouse
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Council,
I am writing to urge you to move quickly and find a mutually-beneficial resolution so that California Roadhouse can open its doors to customers. It should not take 6 months to open a business in Santa Monica, and former Rusty’s workers need employment today, not tomorrow.
All the Best,
Zennon Ulyate-Crow
Item 5-D
April 14, 2026
Item 5-D
April 14, 2026