1 April 14, 2026
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 14, 2026
A regular and special meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Torosis at 5:34 p.m., on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Caroline Torosis
Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
Also Present: City Manager Oliver Chi
City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
Interim City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:34 p.m., with all members present except Mayor Zwick. Councilmember Negrete led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Zernitskaya.
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE
No Councilmembers made disclosures regarding the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308).
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to General Public
comment. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, absent.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
GENERAL PUBLIC
COMMENT AND
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Andrew Hoyer, Morgan Hunter Gross, Jerry Rubin, Francisco Juarez, Patrick Bolek, Lizzy Moore, Christine Mele, Frank Mele, Denise Barton, Yvonne Bush, Cory Bales, Anna Ghaemi, Eugene Naruse, Mark Schneeman, Debbie Berstein, Raj Salecha, Laurence Cohen, Susan Dobscha, Bill Davis, Jake Zortman, Jamie Marie Davis, Laurie Delgado, John Lisk, Steve Steiner, Alfred Areyan, David Razo, Heather Thomason, Anne Cartegnie, Ashley Oelsen, Johnathan Foster, Jon Doe, Gina Debaca, Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 2 April 14, 2026
Jeff Vertun, Rachel Vertun, and, Jerald Baker commented on various local issues.
Members of the public Zakiya, and Ethan Karetsky commented on various local issues under the Special Agenda.
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
The City Manager Report was presented.
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
2.A. Proclamation: Arts, Culture & Creativity Month, was presented.
2.B. Proclamation: National Gardening Month (50th Anniversary Community Gardens Santa Monica), was presented.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
CONSENT CALENDAR
AND CLOSED SESSION
ONLY:
There were no members of the public present to comment on Consent Calendar items.
Members of the public Arlo Tisman, Gonzalo Hernandes, Cristina Navarro, Birdie Roberts, Danny Ivanov, Brett Morrow, Tommy Kriss, Scott Comarota, Angela Scott, Samrod, Russell Barnard, Nic Jackson, Jason Coggins, Tiffany Walker, Ricardo Greer, Richard Zaehringer, Scott Reed, Sean Ahaus, Jason Reed, Mo Ahaus, Cooper Brougher, Steve Cohen, Perry, Cory Lambe, and Johnathan Foster commented on Closed Session items.
CONSENT CALENDAR: All items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
At the request of Mayor Torosis, Items 4.B. and 4.E. were removed from the Consent Calendar. Item 4.A. was removed, because it was a duplicate item that was approved at the 3/24/2026, meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Items 4.A., 4.B. and 4.E., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof, and have Councilmember Hall serve as temporary Chair during Mayor Torosis absence. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
PARKING AND
AUTOMATED BIKE
LANE CITIATION
ENFORCEMENT AND
4.A. Approval of Second Modification of Agreement with Modaxo for Parking Citation Processing and Automated Bike Lane Enforcement Citations for the Department of Transportation, was previously approved at the 3/24/2026, meeting.
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PROCESSING
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15321 (Enforcement Actions by Regulatory Agencies) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute a second modification to Agreement No. 11031 (CCS) in the amount of $120,000 with Modaxo Corporation for parking citation processing and payment services for automated bike lane enforcement citations for the Department of Transportation. This will result in a nine-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $13,520,000 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
BEACH RESTROOMS
PROJECT
4.C. Award Bid SP2658 to JM Communications for the Sewer Lateral Beach Restrooms Project, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Statutory Exemption pursuant to Section 21080.21 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15302 (Replacement/Reconstruction) of the CEQA Guidelines.
2. Award Bid #SP2658 to JM Communications for construction services of the Beach Restrooms Sewer Lateral Repair Project for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute Contract No. 11827 (CCS) with JM Communications, in an amount not to exceed $438,926 Beach Restrooms Sewer Lateral Repair.
ADVANCED PROVIDER
UNIT (APU) PROGRAM
4.D. Adoption of Resolution No. 11750 (CCS) to Join Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management (PRISM), a Joint Powers Authority for City's Advanced Provider Unit (APU) Program, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11750 (CCS) approving the City of Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 4 April 14, 2026
Advanced Provider Unit (APU) Program.
DOWNTOWN CORE
ENTERTAINMNT ZONE
4.F. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2851 (CCS) Amending Santa Monica Municipal Code (SMMC) Chapter 6.44, to Establish Entertainment Zones in the Downtown Core, on Portions of the Santa Monica Pier, and Along Portions of Main Street and Montana Avenues, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
TRANSPORTATION
DEMAND
MANAGEMENT
4.G. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2852 (CCS) Amending SMMC Chapter 9.53, Transportation Demand Management, to Modify Mandatory Average Vehicle Ridership Survey Requirements by Modernizing Employer Survey Requirements Through a SelfAttestation Model, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
CIVIL SERVICE
APPOINTMENT AND
PROMOTIONAL RULES
4.H. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2853 (CCS) to Amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 2.04 Relating to Civil Service Appointment and Promotional Rules, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
ENTERTAINMENT
ZONES AND UPCOMING
MAJOR EVENTS
4.I. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2854 (CCS) to Provide for Additional Regulations Related to Sitting and Lying in the Public Right-of-Way and Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Containers to Coordinate with the Establishment of Entertainment Zones and Upcoming Major Events, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
MINUTES 4.J. Minutes of City Council - Regular and Special Meeting - Mar 24, 2026 5:30 PM, were approved.
MINUTES 4.K. Minutes of City Council - Special Meeting - Mar 24, 2026 5:35 PM, were approved.
PERMITTING AND LAND
USE MANAGEMENT
SYSTEM
4.E. Award Contract to Clariti Software, Inc. for Permitting Software Licensing, Maintenance, and Support for Permitting and Land Use Management System, was presented.
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Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Agreement No. 11828 (CCS) with Clariti Software, Inc., for software licensing, permitting and land use management system for the Information Services Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section
2.24.250(b), and is for a total amount not to exceed $1,403,705 (including a $127,610 contingency) for three years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
This item was pulled by Mayor Torosis to ask questions of staff including, why does the staff report not say that this land use management system was put through a competitive request for proposal (RFP) process that occurred in 2024, and why is this being categorized as a sole source; and contract transparency is important, so going forward when staff brings a contract back from a prior competitive process, can it be more clear in the staff report.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to approve the recommended action. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
GENERAL SERVICES
AGREEMENT
Mayor Torosis was excused
at 7:17 p.m.
Councilmember Hall took
over as temporary Chair at
7:17 p.m.
4.B. Adoption of Resolution No. 11749 (CCS) Authorizing Renewal of General Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines; and
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11749 (CCS) authorizing the Mayor Pro Tem to execute General Services Agreement (GSA) No. 11826 (CCS) with the County of Los Angeles for a five-year period through June 30, 2031, covering a variety of offered services such as street maintenance and engineering, and emergency and health services.
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Mayor Torosis pulled this item to recuse herself out of an abundance of caution, even
will not have any direct impact on her salary or employment with Los Angeles County. She will recuse herself to avoid even the appearance of a conflict.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the recommended action. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
CLOSED SESSIONS
Mayor Torosis returned at
7:21 p.m.
On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 7:21 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 8:59 p.m., with all members present, to report the following:
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): John U.N.B. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV12746; John Doe 1, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV15009; Hector Orozco v. John Doe: Does 1-2; LASC # 23SMCV03120; John JPC Doe v. Doe City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV22020; John AD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV26548; John CW Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV29623; John Doe (A.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al; LASC # 23SMCV06066; John GA DOE, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06484; John U.L.W. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06768; Joseph Garcia v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV01368; John Doe 15, et al. v.
City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV07647; John Doe 18, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV0239; John RR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV09398; John Doe 33, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15580; John Doe 48 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15420; John Doe 49 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV19296; John DD Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV04421; Jane EB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV24146; John Doe (V.D.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05049; John Doe (D.F.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05050; John Doe (D.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05051; Jane Doe 13, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV27233; John AM Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV28433; John Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05527; John Doe 53 v. City, et al.; LASC # 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.; Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 7 April 14, 2026
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 would be heard at the end of the meeting.
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC # 30-2022-01261243 The City Attorney advised this matter would be heard at the end of the meeting.
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Lisa Parson v. City; LASC # 25STCV37574
The City Attorney advised this matter would be heard at the end of the meeting.
5.D. 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 direction given to Staff to continue negotiations with California Roadhouse to include hiring of all
5.E. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; Monica, California; City negotiators: Oliver Chi, City Manager; owner of record: City of Santa Monica; persons to be negotiated with: Jeff Edgren, Director of Acquisitions, Affirmed Housing; Joey Hagen, Associate, Bridge Housing; Teresa Pakalski, Senior Development Manager, Community Development Partners et al; Mendel Grossbaum, Project Coordinator, Chabad; John Mimms, Vice President of Development, Michaels; Daniel Hanasab, Principal, Orum Capital; Jeremy Harris, Development Director, Owow; Luis de la Rosa, Pacific Urbanism; Jay Stark, Principal, The Pinyon Group; Anup Patel, Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 8 April 14, 2026
Director of Real Estate Development, West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation; under negotiation: price and terms of payment The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.F. Public Employee Evaluation Government Code Section 54957(b): Title: City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Brad Ewing and Jonathan Foster commented on item
11.A.
Member of the public Karen Bentancourt commented on item 16.C.
Member of the public Scott Ginsburg commented on item 16.D.
Members of the public Matt Goldenberg, Brad Ewing, Daniel Campbell, and Jessica Bauer commented on item 16.E.
COUNCIL TRAVEL Council had no reports on travel.
ORDINANCES 10.A. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 13.02.060 to Make Untenantable Conditions under California Civil Code Section 1941.1 subject to the City's Property Maintenance Code (Functioning Refrigerators & Stoves), was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect and Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Introduce for first reading an Ordinance amending the text of the Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapter 13.02, Property Maintenance, to include language making violations of California Civil Code 1941.1 also violations of the Santa Monica Property Maintenance code.
Questions asked and answered of staff included, can staff come back with other parts of the code that need to be incorporated, and that the definition of inhabitable that is being defined will not affect any cases that are in progress.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 9 April 14, 2026
introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, with direction to staff. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS:
11.A. Advancing Major Events: Authorization to Negotiate and Enter Into License Agreements for Upcoming Major Events, including a World Cup Fan Festival Experience at the Santa Monica Pier in June 2026; a Music Festival event on Santa Monica Beach in September of 2026, and a Nations Village to include International Olympic Committee (IOC) satellite broadcast center, National Olympic Committee hospitality house, and brand hospitality house activation at Crescent Bay Park and portions of Lot 4 South during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games; Adoption of Resolutions to Facilitate Upcoming Major Events and Community Events; and Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend Portions of the Santa Monica Municipal Code Chapters 4.08 (Disorderly Conduct, Nuisances, etc.), 4.12 (Noise), 4.55 (Park and Beach Code), 4.68 (Community Events), 6.112 (Street Performers), and 9.61 (Signs) to Facilitate Upcoming Major Events and Community Events, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), and Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering), of the CEQA Guidelines for Ordinance amendments to facilitate the planning and execution of major special events as set forth in the staff report;
2. Adopt for introduction and first reading an ordinance to amend Chapters 4.08 (disorderly conduct, nuisances, etc.), 4.12 (noise), 4.55 (park and beach code), 4.68 (community events), 6.112 (street performers), and 9.61 (signs) to facilitate community events, as set forth in the staff report;
3. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), and Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering) of the CEQA Guidelines for approval of the license agreement with AnheuserDocusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 10 April 14, 2026
Busch and Momentum to host a World Cup fan festival experience at the Santa Monica Pier in June 2026, as set forth in the staff report;
4. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute License Agreement No. 11829 & 11830 (CCS) with Anheuser-Busch and Momentum to host a World Cup fan festival experience at the Santa Monica Pier in June 2026;
5. Adopt Resolution No. 11751 (CCS) authorizing certain code exemptions during the Anheuser-Busch World Cup fan festival experience, subject to the adoption and effectiveness of the Ordinance;
6. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), and Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures) and Section 15323 (Normal Operations of Existing Facilities for Public Gathering) of the CEQA Guidelines for approval of the license agreement with Goldenvoice, LLC, to host a music festival event on Santa Monica Beach in September of 2026;
7. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute License Agreement No. 11831 (CCS) with Goldenvoice LLC, to host a music festival event on Santa Monica Beach in September of 2026;
8. Adopt Resolution No. 11752 (CCS) authorizing certain code exemptions during the Goldenvoice music festival in September of 2026, subject to the adoption and effectiveness of the Ordinance;
9. Adopt findings of categorical exemptions pursuant to Section 15301 (Class 1 Existing Facilities), Section 15303 (Class 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures), Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land), Section 15311 (Class 11 - Accessory Structures), and Section 15331(Historical Resource
Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the CEQA Guidelines for approval of the license agreement with Silverback, LLC, and LOIDL, LLC, and to host to host a Nations Village to include International Olympic Committee (IOC) satellite broadcast center, National Olympic Committee hospitality house, and brand hospitality house activation at Crescent Bay Park and portions of Lot 4 South during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games;
10. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute License Agreement No. 11832 & 11833 (CCS) with Silverback, LLC, and LOIDL, LLC, to host a Nations Village to include International Olympic Committee (IOC) satellite broadcast center, National Olympic Committee hospitality house, and brand hospitality house activation at Crescent Bay Park and portions of Lot 4 South during the LA28 Summer Olympic Games;
11. Adopt an amendment to Master Fee Resolution No. 11753 (CCS) removing beach parking lot fees; and
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12. Adopt Resolution No. 11754 (CCS) rescinding Resolution No. 11708 and adopting a revised policy establishing a signature events category, designating Santa Monica Signature Events Category, identifying Santa Monica Signature Events, and authorizing waiver of City event fees for designated signature events.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: how does the temporary signage in the Promenade effect local businesses with respect to their operations and businesses as far as activating the inside of their businesses; how long does typical business build-out take; public access plan; has staff considered any sort of all ages, family friendly accompanying programming for people who want to bring their kids to celebrate FIFA; for Goldenvoice, what is the traffic plan, and how will the city mitigate impacts to existing residents; and, looking at legacy, are we making sure that harvesting these events will be a positive impact on residence, businesses, and the community.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to:
thanking staff for moving forward with making the major events such a key districts; the local businesses are excited about the economic rebound being proposed; inclined to support a shorter duration towards temporary signage of less than 12 months; bring activation to other local parks and areas; would be favorable for temporary signage for 120 day.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt and approve all the staff recommendations, reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof, with the 120-day rule for temporary signage. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
MEETING OF THE
AND
THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD
On order of the Mayor, the regular City Council meeting w special meeting of the Housing Authority Board
at 9:48 p.m., with all members present, except Vice Pro Tem Zwick and Housing Authority Tenant Board member Hajar Muqtasid St. Claire , absent.
REPORT ON MEETING
COMPENSATION
Pursuant to State law, Interim City Clerk Denise AndersonWarren announced that Council will receive $50 compensation for meeting as the Housing Authority.
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RECESSED SPECIAL
MEETING
On order of the Mayor, the Special meeting recessed at 9:48 p.m., and reconvened the regular City Council meeting, to allow time for the Housing Authority Board Tenant member to arrive.
SINGLE-UNIT
RESIDENTAL DUPLEXES
AND LOT SPLITS
12.C. Public Hearing and Introduction for First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Text of the Zoning Ordinance to Align Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 9.31.125, Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential, with State Law as Modified , was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of statutory exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code Section 65852.21(k); and
2. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance amending the text of the Section 9.31.125, Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential, with State law as modified by Santa Monic
3. Alternatively, the City Council has the option to: 1) Adopt a finding of statutory exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Government Code Section 65852.21(k); and 2) Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance amending the text of the Section 9.31.125, Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential, with State law as modified by Santa ent to
maintain the State-authorized adjustment guaranteeing unit sizes of 1,500 square feet.
Member of the public Heather Thomason spoke on the recommended action.
Questions asked and answer of staff included: what is the mechanism to go above and beyond state law; how many SB9 applications have been seen; clarify if the 800 sq feet vs. 1500 sq feet, if it refers to a minimum required size or a minimum allowable size; if the city maintains the minimum guaranteed 1500 sq ft vs. 800 sq. ft, that from
being built; if the city wanted to remove the owner-occupancy requirement, would the city have to do their own separate ordinance; how long would it take to bring that separate ordinance back to Council; with the expansion to 1500 sq feet, what would that footprint look like; and, if Council rejected the recommended action and asked staff to bring back with a local ordinance, how would that affect things in the pipeline.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to: direct Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 13 April 14, 2026
staff to implement the other portions of the May 13, 2025, Council approved housing actions;
square footage will impact the neighborhoods;
housing that is actually affordable to the people who need it the most; the 1500 sq ft provision on paper sounds like protection, but in reality on many of our smaller lots ; local
reason to rush to get this done, if the city is not required to; the provision to expand to 1500 square feet proposed was to facilitate the development of three bedroom units; this is not going to get us out of the housing crisis overnight, but, this will gradually, over a period of time make more homes available for more people; and, this is seen as a developers windfall being set forth by lawmakers above the Council.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to introduce and hold first reading of the ordinance reading by title only and waiving further reading thereof, with direction to amend the size threshold from 800 feet to 1500 feet, and to come back with a separate ordinance that implements the direction given on May 13, 2025. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall,
Mayor Torosis
NOES: Councilmember Negrete
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
Councilmember Negrete, stated her No vote was because she agreed with the Planning Commission
COUNCIL RECESS On order off the Mayor, the City Council took a five-minute break at 10:27 p.m. to allow time for the Tenant Housing Authority member to arrive for the Special meeting.
MEETING OF THE
AND
THE HOUSING
AUTHORITY BOARD
On order of the Mayor, the regular City Council meeting recessed and reconvened to a special meeting of the Housing Authority Board at 10:35 p.m., with all members present, except Vice Pro Tem Zwick, who was absent.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS:
MINUTES
12.A. Minutes for the Housing Authority Board, were presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the Housing Authority Board approve the minutes for the May 13, 2025, Housing Authority Board meeting.
There were no members of the public present to speak to the recommended action.
Motion by Authority Member Snell, seconded by Chair Torosis, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Authority Members Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, HAB Tenant Member Hajar Muqtasid St. Claire, Chair Torosis NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Chair Zwick
FY 2026-27 ANNUAL
PUBLIC HOUSING
AUTHORITY PLAN
12.B. Public Hearing and Adoption of Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Annual Public Housing Authority Plan, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Santa Monica Housing Authority Board:
1. Hold a public hearing and receive public comment
2. Adopt the Draft Fiscal Year FY 2026-2027 Annual Plan and Progress Report for the Five-Year Plan for 2025-2030
3. Adopt the FY 2026-2027 Administrative Plan
4. Authorize the Submission of the FY 2026-2027 PHA Plan which consists of the Draft Annual Plan and Progress Report, and Draft Administrative Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development
5. 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.
Member of the public, Denise Barton, spoke to the recommended action.
Questions included: how is the proposed HUD rule on mixed status family affecting us here in Santa Monica, or do we have an order of magnitude on what that might do to us, and are we going to comment on that; does the city collect housing data and how is that data used; and does Housing maintain home and start living
there.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to:
having a voucher is not the same as having housing; there is a gap between policy and lived reality; tenants hope for a RAB board to be implemented; Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 15 April 14, 2026
asking for a shift from outputs to outcomes, not how many vouchers are being issued, but how many are stably housed in Santa Monica; not how many landlords that are recruited, but how many that stay; whether our payment standards meet guidelines; are the equity programs truly working for the people they were designed to serve equity and delivery should be key to what we do here; and, include folks with lived experience in more of our decisions moving forward.
Motion by Authority Member Zernitskaya, seconded by Authority Member Hall, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Authority Members Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, HAB Tenant Member Hajar Muqtasid St. Claire, Chair Torosis NOES: None
ABSENT: Vice Chair Zwick
ADJOURNMENT OF
JOINT MEETING
On order of the Chair, the special meeting was adjourned at 10:52 p.m., and the regular meeting of the City Council, was reconvened with all members present, except Mayor Pro Tem Zwick.
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items could be considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
All Councilmember discussion items were heard separately.
BUILDING & FIRE-LIFE
SAFETY COMMISSION
16.A. Appointments to one unscheduled and one scheduled vacancy on the Building & Fire-Life Safety Commission for terms ending on June 30, 2028. (Continued from 03/24/2026), was presented.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Raskin nominated Mark Andrews.
There being no other nominations, Mark Andrews was appointed by a unanimous voice vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick absent, for a term ending June 30, 2028.
MEASURE GS RESIDENT
OVERSIGHT
COMMITTEE
16.B. Appointment to one scheduled vacancy on the Measure GS Resident Oversight Committee for a term ending on June 30, 2029. (Continued from 03/24/2026), was continued due to a lack of eligible applicants.
PERSONNEL BOARD 16.C. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Personnel Board for a term ending on June 30, 2027. (Continued from 03/24/2026), Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 16 April 14, 2026
was presented.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Hall nominated Christopher J. Smith
Councilmember Negrete nominated Karen Bentancourt
Christopher J. Smith was appointed to a term ending June 30, 2027, with Mayor Pro Tem absent, by the following vote:
Smith: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Mayor Torosis
Bentancourt: Councilmember Negrete
TRANSIENT
OCCUPANCY TAX
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
16.D. Appointments to one scheduled and two unscheduled vacancies on the Transient Occupancy Tax Advisory Committee for terms ending on June 30, 2027. (Continued from 03/24/2026), was presented.
The appointment for one scheduled vacancy was continued due to a lack of eligible applicants.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations for the two unscheduled vacancies.
Councilmember Hall nominated Scott Ginsburg and Bryan Carrigan.
There being no other nominations, Scott Ginsburg and Bryan Carrigan were appointed by a unanimous voice vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick absent, for a term ending June 30, 2027.
RECREATION & PARKS
COMMISSION
16.E. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2027. (Continued from 03/24/2026), was presented.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Councilmember Negrete nominated Matthew Goldenberg
Councilmember Hall nominated Bradley Ewing and Daniel Campbell.
Bradley Ewing was appointed to a term ending June 30, 2027, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick absent, by the following vote:
Round 1
Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 17 April 14, 2026
Goldenberg: Councilmembers Negrete, Zernitskaya
Campbell: Councilmember Snell
Ewing: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, Mayor Torosis
Round 2
Goldenberg: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Negrete
Ewing: Councilmembers Snell, Raskin, Hall, Mayor Torosis Campbell: None
HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD
16.F. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Housing Authority Board for a term ending on June 30, 2026. (Continued from 03/24/2026), was continued due to a lack of eligible applicants.
DISABILITIES
COMMISSION
16.G. Recommendation to accept Joseph Antognini's resignation from the Disabilities Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was presented.
Motion by Councilmember Negrete, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to accept the resignation with regret.
The motion was approved by a unanimous voice vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick absent.
RESPONSIBLE AI USE
POLICY
16.H. Request of Councilmember Hall, Mayor Pro Tempore Zwick, Responsible AI Use policy, direct the procurement of one or more enterprise AI systems, incorporate AI upskilling into staff training, and commit to a policy of workforce protection, was presented.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to adopt the staff recommendation.
Councilmember Zernitskaya asked if the items included in the letter from the Disabilities Commission be included into the recommendation. The motion, with the amendment was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick absent.
THE GROWING PLACE 16.I. Request by Mayor Torosis that the City Council consider allocating up to $5,000 in Council Discretionary Funds for the City to Celebration, to be held on April 18, 2026, at Belmar Park. Mayor Torosis proposes to contribute up to $1,000 from her discretionary funds and requests that other Councilmembers consider contributing equal amounts from their respective discretionary funds to reach a total of $5,000, divided among the accounts of participating Councilmembers, Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 18 April 14, 2026
was presented.
Mayor Torosis, Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Zernitskaya, and Raskin each donated $1,000 of their discretionary funds for a total of $5,000.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
BUSINESS CRIME
RESPONSE &
RECOVERY PORTAL
16.J. Request of Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider directing the City Manager to return within 15 days with an implementation plan to create a centralized Business Crime Response & Recovery Portal and coordinated response system that provides immediate, streamlined access to all available City resources for businesses impacted by crime, was presented.
After much discussion, direction was given to staff, and no action taken on this item.
CLOSED SESSION CONT. On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 11:26 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 11:59 p.m., with all members present, except Mayor Pro Tem Zwick who was absent, to report the following:
5.A. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): John U.N.B. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV12746; John Doe 1, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV15009; Hector Orozco v. John Doe: Does 1-2; LASC # 23SMCV03120; John JPC Doe v. Doe City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV22020; John AD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV26548; John CW Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 23STCV29623; John Doe (A.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al; LASC # 23SMCV06066; John GA DOE, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06484; John U.L.W. Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV06768; Joseph Garcia v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV01368; John Doe 15, et al. v.
City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV07647; John Doe 18, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV0239; John RR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV09398; John Doe 33, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15580; John Doe 48 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15420; John Doe 49 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV19296; John DD Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV04421; Jane EB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV24146; John Doe (V.D.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05049; John Doe (D.F.) v. Santa Monica Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056 19 April 14, 2026
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)(1): City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC # 30-2022-01261243 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Lisa Parson v. City; LASC # 25STCV37574
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard and Settlement Agreement No. 11834 (CCS) was approved for $300,000 by a vote of 6-0, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick absent.
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 12:00 a.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Denise Anderson-Warren Caroline Torosis
Interim City Clerk Mayor
Docusign Envelope ID: 74F33E0E-B64E-87F8-83A9-1277D4C8C056