CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
APRIL 28, 2026
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Pro Tem Zwick at 5:31 .m., on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA and :
eleconference location at Conrad Washington. D.C. Hotel. 950 New York Avenue NW. Washington. D 20001.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Caroline Torosis (arrived at 5:44 p.m.) Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick
Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskir
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya (via teleconference)
Also Present: City Manager Oliver Chi
City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
Interim City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor Pro Tem, the City Council convened at 5:31 p.m., with all members present except Mayor Torosis. Councilmember Raskin led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land ACCOUNTABILITY Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Hall. (LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
LEVINE ACT No Councilmembers made disclosures regarding the Levine Act (Govt Code DISCLOSURE Section 84308).
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Comment; if Closed Session exceeds one hour, move the remaining Close 'ession to be heard at the end of the meeting; hear the Mayor's Highliet and City Manager's Report before General Public Comment, and hear bot Public Hearings before Closed Sessior
The vote was approved by the following vote:
1 April 28, 2026
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Torosis
CITY MANAGER The City Manager Report was presented.
REPORT
COUNCIL TRAVEL Councilmembers Negrete and Zernitskaya reported that they traveled to MAYOR'S HIGHLIGHT Sacramento for Cal Cities Conference, where they met with state legislator o push for AB218 reform to help the community resolve the issues unde i community in the midst of the current tederal administration's extrem nioranon entorcemen
Councilmember Hall was asked by the city manager to testify in Sacramento Assembly Member Zbur staff to discuss AB218 reform to make the case for amicipets hat would better protect real victims while preserving ability to continue providing critical services they are responsible for.
Mayor Torosis arrived at The Mayor honored Traffic Services Officer Jeffrey Pinkerton and Officer 5:44 p.m. Regan Mina for performing life-saving efforts to save a child's life.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR There were no members of the public present to comment on Special Agenda GENERAL PUBLIC items.
COMMENT AND
SPECIAL AGENDA Members of the public Matthew Hausle, Laura Wilson, Jajar, Bill Davids ITEMS: Brigid McBride, Barbara Olinger, Robin Rudisill, Tim Jones, Janesa Kurland, Morgan Hunter Gross, Darya Jones, Danna Garcia, Janet Gollery McKeithen, Wade Kelley, Sarah Wauters, Denise Barton Joanne Berlin, Joe PROCLAMATIONS/ 2.A. Proclamation: Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific COMMENDATIONS/ Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, was presented. 2 April 28, 2026
SPECIAL AGENDA 2.B. Proclamation: Historic Preservation Month, was presented, was ITEMS presented.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR Members of the public Dayquan Muller, Christine Novarro, Eli Quinones, CONSENT CALENDAR Cathy Gentile, Louis Watanabe, Deacon Joanne Leslie, Pastor Birdie AND CLOSED SESSION Roberts, Michael Attinello, Max Brown, Enrique Munoz, Cooper Brougher, ONLY: Stu Smiley, Debbie Jeffries, Jeff Jeffries, Jennifer Ordonez, William Thomas, Fred Croshal, Sean Ahaus, Hohan Ahaus, Melissa Ahaus, Tomas Mateo, Gail King, Steve Cohen, Diana Cook, Tiffany Walker, Linda Wilks, Billy Olsen, Christine Fazzino, Tom Kriss, Steve Stephens, Azar E, Vance Sadler, Zoe Muntaner, Harvey Eder, Johnathan Foster, Samrod Shenassa Heather Thomason, and Joe Nicoletti commented on Consent Calendar items.
There were no members of the public present to comment 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 Councilmember Hall, Item 4.A. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
At the request of Councilmembers Hall and Raskin, Item 4.I. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Items 4.A. and 4.I., reading resolutions by title only and waiving further reading thereof. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
FENCING AND GATE 4.B. Authorization of First Modification to Agreement No. 11510 ACCESS CONTROLS (CCS) with Burkhardt Custom for the Provision and Installation of Fencing and Gate Access Controls, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and 3 April 28, 2026
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11510 (CCS), in the amount of $520,000 with Burkhardt Custom (Burkhardt) for the provision and installation of fencing and gate access controls for the Public Works Department.
This would result in the five-year term amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $1,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
PURCHASE OF 4.C. Award Bid #4512 to Brenntag Pacific, LLC, for the Purchase of SULFURIC ACID 93% Sulfuric Acid for the Water Resources Division, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid # 4512 to Brenntag Pacific, LLC for the purchase of 93% sulfuric Acid for the Public Works Department; an
3. Authorize the Procurement Manager to issue a purchase order wit Brenntag Pacific, LLC for 93% Sulfuric Acid in the amount not to exceed $218,000 for one year, with four additional one-year renewal option(s) to extend on the same terms and conditions, for a total amount not to exceed $1,300,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
CHARNOCK WELL 4.D. Approval of the First Modification to Agreement No. 11326 FIELD (CCS) with Grace Environmental Services, Inc., for Operations, Maintenance, and Management Services (OMMS) at the Charnock Well Field, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11326 (CCS) in the amount of $850,000 with Grace Environmental, Inc. for operations, maintenance, and management services (OMMS) at Charnock Well Field for the Public Works Department, resulting in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $3,350,000, with future year funding COMMUNITY CLASSES 4.E. Approval of Modifications to Recreational Services Agreements AND INSTRUCTION To Provide Revenue Supported Community Classes and Instruction for the Recreation and Arts Department, was approved.
4 April 28, 2026
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 execute a first modification to Agreement 11835 (CCS), formerly agreement #5092, in the amount of $250,000 with Damian Mooney, to provide tennis instruction. This will result in a two-year amended agreement for a new total amount not to exceed $500,000; and,
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11836 (CCS), formerly agreement #5116, in the amount of $250,000 with Peter Fox, to provide tennis instruction.
This will result in a two-year amended agreement for a new total amount not to exceed $500,000;
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11837 (CCS). Formerly agreement #5099, in the amount of $250,000 with Richard Goldenson, to provide tennis instruction. This will result in a two-year amended agreement for a new total amount not to exceed $500,000.
5. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11838 (CCS), formerly agreement #5098, in the amount of $250,000 with SMBA, to provide youth sports instruction.
This will result in a two-year amended agreement for a new total amount not to exceed $500,000.
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11839 (CCS), formerly agreement #5093, in the amount of $250,000 with Parker Anderson, to provide enrichment camps and classes. This will result in a two-year amended agreement for a new total amount not to exceed $500,000.
TRANSITIONAL 4.F. Approve Modification to Grant Agreement No. 11427 (CCS) EMPLOYMENT with Chrysalis to Increase Transitional Employment Services for the SERVICES Public Works Department, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Agremen the i Ma (cr (Cr incan a first of 5490116 rin 'hrysalis for increased transitional employment services for th 'ublic Works Department. This will result in a new total amount no to exceed $1,635,060, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
5 April 28, 2026
HAZARDOUS WASTE 4.G. Award Bid #4514 to Clean Earth Environmental Solutions, Inc.
DISPOSAL for Sewer Diversion Unit Cleaning and Hazardous Waste Disposal for the Water Resources Division, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Award Bid # 4514 to Clean Earth Environmental Solutions, Inc. for sewer diversion unit cleaning and hazardous waste disposal for the Public Works Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No. 11841 (CCS) with Clean Earth Environmental Solutions, Inc, in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 over a 5-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
USDA FARMERS 4.H. Authorization to Accept the 2025 USDA Farmers Market MARKET PROMOTION Promotion Program (FMPP), was approved.
PROGRAM
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.
Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount
2. 0 to 32 the
of $85,526.65 from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and to accept all subsequent grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant, grant renewals, and modifications; and • Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts i Budget Actions section of this report. (requires 5 votes PROPERTY 4.J. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2855 (CCS) of MAINTENANCE the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Amending Santa Monica Conditions Codic Render a 2, peling y Mi Untenanta ble Uhde California Civil Code Section 1941.1 as Violations of the Santa Monica Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
SINGLE-UNIT 4.K. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2856 (CCS) of RESIDENTIAL PARCELS the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Amending the Text of the 6 April 28, 2026
Zoning Ordinance Related to Projects Consisting of Duplexes and Lot Splits on Parcels Zoned for Single-Unit Residential, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
MAJOR SPECIAL 4.L. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2857 (CCS) EVENTS Amending Chapters 4.08 (Disorderly Conduct, Nuisances, Etc.), 4.12 was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
MINUTES 4.M. Minutes of City Council - Regular and Special Meeting - April 14, 2026 5:30 PM, were approved
SAFER OUTCOMES 4.A. Authorization to Accept Grant from the Office of Community PROGRAM GRANT Oriented Policing Services FY25 Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De- Escalation and Crisis Response Training Grant Program, 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 Calitornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant award in the amount of $486,760 from the 2025 Office of Community Oriented Policing Services ("COPS) for Department of Justice projects in the Police Department and to accept all grant renewals;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all subsequent grant modifications; and
4. Authorize budget changes as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
Councilmember Hall pulled this item to ask questions of staff including:
given the injunction in the Chicago versus Department of Justice (DOJ, is there any risk that if we accept this grant under the current injunction that later if the courts rule that the administration is okay to reimpose those conditions, particularly around our Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs, or if we're required to cooperate on immigration, and that we have to accept those conditions because we accepted the grant or if there is some sort of claw back, what would potentially happen; is it correct that the terms have been removed from grant language; if on appeal the DOJ prevails, and we are barned from DEI programs, and we are required to 7 April 28, 2026
cooperate with Federal immigration policies and sharing of data, what happens to the city; when do we expect to expend these funds, will it be during this fiscal year ending June 30%h, when is this application due, and do we need to take action tonight, or can we return once there is more clarity; will bringing this back impact the Police department; why was this brought to Council if we didn't have these answers; and, if this motion passes and this is brought back, is it accurate that we won't if there's permanent injunction until early July, and until we know whether or not there's a permanent injunction, the temporary injunction stands.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya. • continue this to the next meeting so that statt can come back with clarit round some of these questions. The motion passed by the following vote AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
256 SANTA MONICA 4.I. Approval of Lease Agreement No. 11840 (CCS) with California PIER LEASE Roadhouse, Inc. for 256 Santa Monica Pier, was presented Recommended Action
statt recommends that City Council
. Adopt a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 1530 of the Calitornia Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute Lease Agreement No. 11840 (CCS) with Calitornia Roadhouse, Inc. for 256 Santa Monica Pier.
This item was pulled by Councilmembers Hall and Raskin to request a staff report.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: in the staff report, it references an interview process, explain what that means; is the definition of an eligible worker going to track the definition that's in the recall retention ordinance; are there any other ways in which the lease would deviate from the recall and retention ordinance; were there over 100 inquiries received for this space; has there been a discussion with the California Roadhouse to determine what steps are going to be taken to notify all eligible Rusty's employees about the potential of coming back; and, is the interview process really a meeting, because if someone is a former employee, they are guaranteed to have their job back for 90 days.
Considerable discussion ensued on, but not limited to: support workers being treated fairly, and support unions; as an elected official, it is our job 8 April 28, 2026
to apply policy fairly and legally; concern that the city is setting a precedence by forcing a new operator to bend to accept terms based on outside political pressure; this has been a tough process, proud that both sides were able to get to a viable solution, and excited to see this venture come to fruition; grateful that the city can open a business, and support employees as well and align priorities; excited for this opportunity to have live music back on the Pier; this was difficult to work through, but can see an operator that cares about their employees, therefore this is a win-win; understand protecting employees' rights, but this potential lease does not really meet the right to recall definition legally; publicly owned asset, and this is a good lease and good operator for the Pier; the city owns the improvements made to this asset; and, recalling former workers is an asset.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to themselves. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
MOTION TO 4.A. Authorization to Accept Grant from the Office of Community RECONSIDER Oriented Policing Services FY25 Safer Outcomes: Enhancing De- Escalation and Crisis Response Training Grant Program, was
SAFER OUTCOMES
PROGRAM GRANT
The City Manager asked for this item to be reconsidered because of new knowledge that the grant has a deadline prior to the next meeting.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to reconsider and reopen Item 4.A. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
Questions asked and answered of staff included: is there any way we can put guardrails on this, in the event that the preliminary injunction is dissolved, and when was the last time this training was held in the Police department; and are there other alternative ways to fund this training; is the worse case scenario, if we were to accept the grant today, should the preliminary injunction be dissolved, or a permanent injunction not be granted before we 9 April 28, 2026
are able to expend the funds, we may choose to return the remainder of the non-spent funds, but we wouldn't have to reimburse the federal government for any of the monies that are expended; and what have other cities in this position done.
Considerable discussion ensued on, but not limited to: fully support deescalation training, tactics and alternatives to the use of force, but cannot consciously accept any risk of conditions that require us to cooperate with the Trump administration on immigration or capitulate to the removal of our DEI programs; and concern that seeing the federal government enforce false claims acts in this space, particularly around federal contractors, don't want to put the city in a position where we may fall under that risk, or courts ruling that we are required to share this kind of data with the federal government because we accepted any portion of the grant.
Motion by Mayor Torosis. seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to approve the recommended action, with guardrails to direct statt in the City Attorney's Office to continue monitoring and return to Council if concerns are raised. immediately return to Council to make a plan to return funds, if ever aske to agree to any of the terms that the Council does not agree with.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: Councilmember Hall
ABSENT: None
PUBLIC HEARINGS: 12.A. Public Hearing and Approval of the Proposed 2026-27 Annual 2026-27 ANNUAL ACTION • Action Plan Allocating Federal Community Development Block PLAN (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Act Program (HOME) Funds, 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;
2. Hold a public hearing to receive input on the Proposed 2026-27 Annual Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) funds (Attachment A);
3. Approve the Proposed 2026-27 Annual Action Plan; and
4. Authorize the City Manager to submit all necessary documents required to receive the City's annual allocation of CDBG and HOME 10 April 28, 2026
entitlement funds to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Member of the public Harvey Eder, spoke to the recommended action.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: considering comments regarding other federal grants, has there been any consideration for a contingency plan if HUD funding goes away; and, in the upgraded playground at Virginia Avenue Park, does the plan include a variety of seating options.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to: hope that staff is working with the City Managers' Office and our federal lobbyist to ensure that the funding is there; CBDG is an opportunity to plug into our economic development priorities, and making sure that these are the highest priority items, specifically with economic recovery work, and also economic opportunity, particularly for people in our highest opportunity area, which i he Pico neighborhood; and, want to make sure funding is directly targetin Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RENAMING OF STREET 12.B. Public Hearing and Adoption of Resolution No. 11756 (CCS) to Rename a Portion of Vicente Terrace as Silas White Street, was 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. Conduct a public hearing and adopt attached Resolution No. 11756 (CCS) to rename a portion of Vicente Terrace between Main Street and Ocean Avenue, that does not include any mailing addresses-as Silas White Street.
There were no members of the public present to speak to the recommended action.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the 11 April 28, 2026
following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 8:41 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 9:51 p.m., with all members present, except Councilmember Zernitskaya, 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.; 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
12 April 28, 2026
The City Attorney advised this will be heard after the remaining portions of open session.
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 will be heard after the remaining portions of open session.
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - significant exposure to litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2) - 1 case
The City Attorney advised this will be heard after the remaining portions of open session.
5.D. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
properties: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA, Sandbox South (approximately 85,000 square feet of sand area south of the Santa Monica Pier to Acadia Terrace and bordered by the beach bike on the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west), Beach Parking Lots (1 South, 1SA and 2S); City of Santa Monica; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; parties to negotiate with: US Olympic and Paralympic Committee; under negotiation: price and terms of payment for license.
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
properties: 1450 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA Camera Obscura and all exterior grass areas immediately adjacent to the building to the north and west; City of Santa Monica; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; parties to negotiate with: Swiss Federal Government/Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (House of Switzerland); under negotiation: price and terms of payment for license.
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.F. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
properties: 1450 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, CA Camera Obscura; City of Santa Monica; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; parties to negotiate with: British Olympic Association (Team GB); under negotiation: price and terms of payment for license.
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action 13 April 28, 2026
taken.
5.G. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
properties: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA, Sandbox South (approximately 400,000 square feet of sand area south of the Santa Monica Pier to Parking Lot 3S and bordered by the beach bike on the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west), Beach Parking Lots (1 South and 3 South); City of Santa Monica; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; parties to negotiate with: ESPN; under negotiation: price and terms of payment for license.
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.H. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8:
JOU square feet of sanc
and bordered by the beach bike on the east to the Pacific Ocean on the west); City of Santa Monica; City negotiator: Oliver Chi, City Manager; Inc. (Island o
parties to ner nate with the Living termary of Water fornic isle The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
PUBLIC INPUT ON Members of the public Denise Barton, Heather Thomason, Jacob REMAINING AGENDA Wasserman, and Harvey Eder commented on item 11.A.
ITEMS:
Member of the public Jacob Wasserman commented on item 13.A.
Councilmember Zernitskaya
returned at 9:56 p.m. Member of the public Jeff Halpert commented on item 16.A.
STAFF 11.A. Overview of Implementation Options for Senate Bill 79 and
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS: Admonion I lete hiproces nemon ding the ter or Zoning Ordinance to Implement Senate Bill (SB) 79, was presented with Item
13.A.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant environmental effects
2. Disca stao So ioplemen Approach and Space as shown in Table 2 of the staff report; and
14 April 28, 2026
3. Adopt Resolution No. 11755 (CCS) of Intention Directing the Planning Commission to Initiate the Process of Amending the Text of the Zoning Ordinance to Implement Senate Bill 79.
Mayor Pro Tem Zwick recused himself from this item and 13.A. due to his employment as Southern California director of the Housing Action Coalition, which advocates for housing production, and specifically for Mayor Pro Tem Zwick SB79.
excused at 10:03 p.m.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: with the staff capacity, how much can get done sooner, and how would that affect other priorities; when looking at the analytics, does staff look at the impact on infrastructure; has there been any research on how many deed-restricted and rent controlled units we'll get out of this; what are the legal implications, if the city slows down the process; the 7' cycle of the Housing Element is beginning very soon, and when can we expect that to come out; what would the effect be to have two cities involved, and what would that look like with respect to SB79; when does Planning anticipate a response from Housing and Community Development (HCD); regardless of what we vote on, will the law still go into effect as written on July Ist; timeline for when Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) will release their map; how long will it take us to analyze the map from SCAG, and determine what matches up with what we're analysing; if the Council goes with the Planning Commission's recommendation, how long will it take to develop a local ordinance pursuant to a combination of approach two, and then subsequently develop a local implementation plan under approach three; since the statt report did identify a number of parcels that could potentially be impacted that have fewer than three rent controlled or deed restricted homes per parcel, would we be able to ask the Planning Commission to consider excluding these under approach two and three; regarding the minimum permitted density requirements under SB79, are these similar to the minimum guaranteed square footage that was adopted for lot splits where we would be required to allow a minimum density as defined by law; what is the realistic HCD review timeline; realistically, SB79 will go into effect July 1st, regardless; what took so long for this to just be coming before Council, when we knew this law passed; the Planning Commission asked for an impact analysis, specifically for the Pico neighborhood, has the City Attorney started that; would drawing a quarter a mile around transit as opposed to a half mile be something that HCD would view favorably; would it be feasible to move forward with option 2, and work on planning to meet the deadline within the next year; don't want to delay; to give ourselves more time just gives us more flexibility; have staff come back in 6 months with a status report; and, what about cash assistance.
Considerable discussion ensued on topics including, but not limited to: not interested in approach 1, because of the Transit-Oriented Development 15 April 28, 2026
(TOD) bill, support of approach 2; support moving as quickly as possible for option 2, delaying until 2030, in the meantime work towards a strong TOD process; work with state legislators to make sure cleanup bills fix the problems; not in a rush to get it done, but we need to take the time to get this right; take a very thoughtful approach; take into consideration displacement, transit stops, those affected in the Pico neighborhood; interested in the Planning commission's option 2 and 3; focus on anti-displacement measures, including right to return options, where appropriate; focus the increased density as close to the actual transit stops as possible; the closer people live near transit, the more they will use it; prefer to align with the 7' cycle of the Housing Element; concerns that this is kicking the can down the road; and, direct staff to come back with options and an update in six months.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to adopt the staff recommendation, to proceed with developing an option 2 what the HCD responds, with direction to partner with the Rent Control Agency to disseminate information to households that could be affected; work closely with partners in the legislators to work on a cleanup bill that will fix a lot of the concerns, in particular working on options for greater flexibility in the implementation of TOD zones; see some options for feasible local increased renter protection.
Councilmember Snell proposed a friendly amendment to look at flagging this and discuss the right to recall with some kind of dedicated legal planning.
The motion was considered friendly by the maker and seconder.
Councilmember Zernitskaya proposed a friendly amendment to include to explore the concept to potentially allow people to sell their density rights, if allowable under SB79, and giving the Planning commission the latitude to explore all options for tenant protections, and the best outcomes for existing tenants and renters. This was considered friendly by the maker and seconder.
Mayor Torosis proposed a friendly amendment to have staff come back in 6 months with a status report. The motion was considered friendly by the maker and seconder.
Councilmember Hall proposed a friendly amendment to add to direction to try to prioritize the Expo/Bundy stop TOD. This was considered friendly by the maker and seconder.
The motion, with amendments was approved by the following vote:
16 April 28, 2026
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS 13.A. Planning Commission Recommendation Regarding Senate Bill (SB) 79 (SB) 79 Implementation, was presented with 11.A., and was received and IMPLEMENTATION filed.
COUNCILMEMBER In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items DISCUSSION ITEMS: Councilmenbe and cassioved in one motion unless removed by a BUILDING & FIRE-LIFE 16.A. Appointment to one scheduled vacancy on the Building & Fire- SAFETY COMMISSION Life Safety Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2028. (Continued Mayor Pro Tem Zwick from 04/14/2026), was presented.
returned at 11:39 p.m.
On order of the Mayor, the floor was opened for nominations.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to appoint Jeffrey Halpert.
There being no other nominations, Jeffrey Halpert was appointed to a term ending June 30, 2028, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Raskin, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 11:45 p.m., to consider CONT. Closed Sessions and returned at 12:29 a.m., with all members present, except Councilmember Zernitskaya and Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, 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. 17 April 28, 2026
City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV07647; John Doe 18, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV0239; John RR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV09398; John Doe 33, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15580; John Doe 48 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV15420; John Doe 49 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV19296; John DD Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV04421; Jane EB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV24146; John Doe (V.D.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05049; John Doe (D.F.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05050; John Doe (D.G.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05051; Jane Doe 13, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV27233; John AM Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV28433; John Doe v. City, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV05527; John Doe 53 v. City, et al.; LASC # 24STCV31763; John Doe (Y.M.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 24SMCV06355; Jane Doe 16, et al. v. a Public Entity, et al.; LASC # 25STCV02235; John Doe 62, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV04414; John Doe 23 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV05850; John Doe (E.B.) v. Santa Monica Police Activities League, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06354; Jane PB Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV06880; John Doe 67 v. City, et al; LASC #
25STCV10142; John Doe 68 v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV12089; John Doe 69, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV14031; John OR Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV16251; John RD Doe, et al. v. City, et al.; LASC # 25STCV24158
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard, with no reportable action taken.
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(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 - significant exposure to litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(2) - 1 case
Councilmember Zernitskaya
and Mayor Pro Tem Zwick Councilmember Zernitskaya and Mayor Pro Tem Zwick recused themselves excused at 12:06 a.m. due to a potential conflict of interest under Government Code Section 87100.
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard, with no reportable action taken.
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 12:30 a.m. ir memory of Karl Edwin Schober and Don R. McCowan.
18 April 28, 2026
ATTEST: APPROVED:
denise Anderstan Calis
Denise Anderson-Warren Caroline Torosis
Interim City Clerk Mayor
Jesse Zwick
Mayor Pro Tempore
19 April 28, 2026