Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, May 26, 2026

1 David Yakobson
From: Carly Ann <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 10:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Attorney Mailbox Cc: Council Mailbox; [email protected]
Subject: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project

EXTERNAL
May 25, 2026
Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a concerned Santa Monica resident in support of Councilmember Lana Negrete’s request for increased transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding the Generations at Virginia Avenue rehabilitation project and Agenda Item 16-B on the May 26 City Council agenda.

This issue is not about opposing affordable housing. It is about ensuring that publicly funded housing projects are managed responsibly, transparently, and safely for the residents who depend on them.

Residents have repeatedly raised serious concerns regarding:
• Lack of transparency surrounding permits, inspections, and construction status updates • Known mold, water intrusion, and structural issues that were reportedly documented before construction began • Escalating project costs and requests for additional public funding • Frequent project management turnover and breakdowns in communication • Questions regarding delays, change orders, contractor obligations, and oversight responsibilities Residents deserve safe housing, honest communication, competent project management, and respect throughout this process. Many of these residents are seniors, working families, and vulnerable community members who have already endured years of disruption, uncertainty, and stressful living conditions. They should not have to fight for basic answers or accountability on a project funded with public dollars.

Santa Monica residents deserve better. These residents deserve better.

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
2 When millions in public funding are involved, particularly in housing intended to serve vulnerable residents, transparency and accountability are not optional. They are fundamental obligations.

I support the request for:
• Public review of project oversight and construction management • Greater transparency regarding inspections, permits, delays, and change order • Independent accountability measures tied to additional public funding • Improved communication with residents directly impacted by the project • Stronger oversight standards for future publicly funded housing developments Residents should not have to perform the oversight work that public agencies, consultants, and project managers are already being paid to provide.

I appreciate Councilmember Lana Negrete’s willingness to raise these concerns publicly and ask the difficult but necessary questions regarding oversight and fiscal responsibility.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support meaningful public accountability, require transparency from Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM), and ensure that any additional public funding is accompanied by enforceable oversight measures and public reporting requirements.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Carly Ann Port
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Amber James <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 10:19 AM
To: Council Mailbox
Cc: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Attorney Mailbox Subject: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project

EXTERNAL
May 26, 2026
Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a concerned Santa Monica resident in support of Councilmember Lana Negrete’s request for increased transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding the Generations at Virginia Avenue rehabilitation project and Agenda Item 16-B on the May 26 City Council agenda.

Residents have raised serious concerns regarding lack of transparency surrounding permits, inspections, escalating costs, project delays, communication failures, and questions about construction oversight and financial accountability.

Many residents are seniors, working families, and vulnerable community members who have already endured years of disruption and uncertainty. They deserve safe housing, honest communication, competent management, and respect throughout this process.

Santa Monica residents deserve better. These residents deserve better.

When millions in public funding are involved, transparency and accountability are not optional.

They are fundamental obligations.

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
4 I support requests for greater public transparency, independent oversight, improved resident communication, and stronger accountability measures tied to any additional public funding.

I appreciate Councilmember Lana Negrete’s willingness to raise these concerns publicly and ask the difficult but necessary questions regarding oversight and fiscal responsibility.

I respectfully urge the City Council to require transparency from Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM) and ensure that any additional public funding includes enforceable oversight and public reporting requirements.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Amber James
Wilmont

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 10:23 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; [email protected]; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Attorney Mailbox
Subject: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project

Santa Monica residents deserve better. These residents deserve better.

When millions in public funding are involved, transparency and accountability are not optional. They are fundamental obligations.

I support requests for greater public transparency, independent oversight, improved resident communication, and stronger accountability measures tied to any additional public funding.

I appreciate Councilmember Lana Negrete’s willingness to raise these concerns publicly and ask the difficult but necessary questions regarding oversight and fiscal responsibility.

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
6 I respectfully urge the City Council to require transparency from Community Corporation of Santa Monica (CCSM) and ensure that any additional public funding includes enforceable oversight and public reporting requirements.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Raven Littlewing
Pico Neighborhood
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Heather Hodges <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 10:25 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Attorney Mailbox
Subject: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project

Santa Monica residents deserve better. These residents deserve better.

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
8 When millions in public funding are involved, particularly in housing intended to serve vulnerable residents, transparency and accountability are not optional. They are fundamental obligations.

I appreciate Councilmember Lana Negrete’s willingness to raise these concerns publicly and ask the difficult but necessary questions regarding oversight and fiscal responsibility.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Heather Hodges
Wilmont Neighborhood
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Ashley Oelsen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 10:32 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Attorney Mailbox
Subject: RE: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project

EXTERNAL
May 26, 2026
Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: Support for Councilmember Lana Negrete and Agenda Item 16-B — Request for Transparency, Oversight, and Accountability Regarding the CCSM Virginia Avenue Project Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a concerned Santa Monica resident in support of Councilmember Lana Negrete’s request for increased transparency, oversight, and accountability regarding the Generations at Virginia Avenue rehabilitation project and Agenda Item 16-B on the May 26 City Council agenda.

Residents have repeatedly raised serious concerns regarding:
• Lack of transparency surrounding permits, inspections, and construction status updates • Known mold, water intrusion, and structural issues that were reportedly documented before construction began
• Escalating project costs and requests for additional public funding • Frequent project management turnover and breakdowns in communication • Questions regarding delays, change orders, contractor obligations, and oversight responsibilities Residents deserve clear answers regarding how taxpayer dollars are being spent and whether appropriate oversight has been exercised throughout this project.

When millions in public funding are involved — particularly in housing intended to serve vulnerable residents — transparency and accountability are not optional. They are fundamental obligations.

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
10 I support the request for:
• Public review of project oversight and construction management • Greater transparency regarding inspections, permits, delays, and change orders • Independent accountability measures tied to additional public funding • Improved communication with residents directly impacted by the project • Stronger oversight standards for future publicly funded housing developments Residents should not have to fight for basic information about a publicly financed project affecting their homes, safety, and community.

I appreciate Councilmember Lana Negrete’s willingness to raise these concerns publicly and ask the difficult but necessary questions regarding oversight and fiscal responsibility.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Ashley Oelsen
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: ALAN MONT <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 10:57 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Please support Item 16-B on tonights agenda for city council

EXTERNAL
Council Members,
As a resident concerned about the impacts of the CCSM construction project on Pico, I ask that we take a serious look at what we are spending, the burden this is placing on tenants, and how we are treating hardworking people in our city. These are people trying to live their lives and deserve to be treated with dignity.

We should also ask why we are relying on this model of construction at all. There are many ways to complete projects through professional builders that may be far more efficient than working through a nonprofit. A for-profit builder would likely provide a more accurate bid and be much less likely to return later requesting an additional $6 million, leaving us feeling obligated to keep funding a project that has gone off track.

Greater transparency could have revealed many of these problems earlier and allowed them to be corrected before they became such a hardship for residents and such a strain on the city budget.

Thank you for your time and consideration and please support Item 16-B. I look forward to the discussion this evening.

Alan Mont
818-261-8172
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 11:52 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin
Subject: May 26, 2026 - City Council - Item 16B (Support)

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council -
I support Item 16-B put forth by Lana Negrete. We need:
 A full public accounting of project spending
 Clear timelines and progress updates
 Greater oversight of taxpayer-funded housing projects  Transparency for residents and the public
 Accountability on how decisions are being made
Residents deserve to know:
 Where is the money going?
 Why have costs continued to rise?
 What protections exist for the families affected?
 Why doesn't the city get title to the land for all projects it funds so we can exercise control when conditions deteriorate and also when the deed restrictions wear off? Why would anyone oppose more transparency and accountability when public dollars and longtime resident families are involved?
Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: tony ponce <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3:17 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Council Meeting Agenda Item 16-B

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I am writing in support of Lana Negrete’s call for support of Agenda Item 16-B regarding transparency, oversight, and accountability for the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Residents deserve transparency throughout the planning and implementation process, including accessible information about project costs, timelines, impacts, and decision-making.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Antonio Ponce
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: sonia sweet <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3:19 PM
To: Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Council Meeting Agenda Item 16-B

As a resident, I believe it is essential that public projects involving community resources and taxpayer funds are handled with clear communication, responsible oversight, and full public accountability. Residents deserve transparency throughout the planning and implementation process, including accessible information about project costs, timelines, impacts, and decision-making.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Sonia Ortiz Sweet
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: William Flores <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3:24 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Agenda Item 16-B

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
William
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: david luis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3:30 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: AGENDA item 16-B

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
David Luis
40 year Santa Monica resident
Born and Raised
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Freddy Luis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3:31 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Council meeting agenda item 16B

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,

I am writing in support of agenda item 16B. Transparency is something we all keep asking for and CCSM needs to be held accountable to the transparency they promised in the rehabilitation the CCSM Virginia Ave project. Not only do we need it for this current project, but for any other future projects that will be proposed in the future of this beautiful city.

Thank you all for your time and service you provide to Santa Monica. Thank you for taking the time to read my comment on this item.

Freddy Luis
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Archie Ortiz <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Meeting Agenda subject 16-B

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Archie Ortiz
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Luigi Flores <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 4:13 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Agenda item 16:B

If you say no then we will hold you all personally responsible for the mistakes that CCSM has made. It we never return home it with be because you all didn’t do your job. I thought you looked out for residents not scheme with developers behind our backs.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

I
Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Luigi Flores
Of Virginia Ave.
------------------------------------------
Estimado Alcalde y Miembros del Concejo Municipal:

Le escribo en apoyo al llamado de Lana Negrete para respaldar el Punto 16-B de la agenda relacionado con la transparencia, supervisión y rendición de cuentas del Proyecto CCSM Virginia Ave.

Como residente, considero esencial que los proyectos públicos que involucran recursos comunitarios y fondos de los contribuyentes se manejen con comunicación clara, supervisión responsable y plena rendición de cuentas al público. Los residentes merecen transparencia durante todo el proceso de planificación e implementación, incluyendo acceso a información sobre los costos del proyecto, cronogramas, impactos y toma de decisiones.

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
8 Respetuosamente, exhorto al Concejo Municipal a apoyar el Punto 16-B de la agenda y a tomar medidas significativas para garantizar una mayor transparencia y fortalecer la confianza pública respecto al Proyecto CCSM Virginia Ave.

Gracias por su servicio a nuestra comunidad y por considerar las preocupaciones y las voces de los residentes.

Atentamente,
Sent from my iPhone
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Sylvia Luis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 3:53 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Virginia ave project

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Sylvia Luis
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Magdalena Renteria <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 4:41 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall
Subject: Virginia Avenue Project

Residents deserve transparency throughout the planning and implementation process, including accessible information about project costs, timelines, impacts, and decision-making.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Magdalena Renteria
2041 Virginia Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: abby <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 4:47 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Virginia Ave Project

Residents deserve transparency throughout the planning and implementation process, including accessible information about project costs, timelines, impacts, and decision-making.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Abigail Hernandez
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Tony Ponce <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 5:03 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: Council Meeting Agenda Item 16-B

Residents deserve transparency throughout the planning and implementation process, including accessible information about project costs, timelines, impacts, and decision-making.

I respectfully urge the City Council to support Agenda Item 16-B and take meaningful steps to ensure greater transparency and public trust regarding the CCSM Virginia Ave Project.

Thank you for your service to our community and for considering residents' concerns and voices.

Sincerely,
Antonio Ponce
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026

GENERATIONS OF VIRGINIA AVE
2000’S
1970’S
1990’S
1980’S
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
THE

MURILLO
FAMILY
1 ST , 2 ND AND 3RD

GENERATION
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
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THE JIMENEZ
FAMILY
1 ST AND 2 ND

GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
May 26, 2026

THE PUC

FARFAN FAMILY
1 ST , 2 ND AND 3 RD

GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
May 26, 2026

THE RENTERIA
FAMILY
1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE GARCIA
FAMILY
1 ST, 2 ND AND 3RD

GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE OLMEDO
FAMILY
1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE LUIS
FAMILY
1 ST, 2 ND AND 3 RD

GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE JIMENEZ
FAMILY
2 ND AND 3 RD GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE FLORES FAMILY
1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE FLORES
FAMILY
2 ND AND 3 RD

GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE PONCE FAMILY
2 ND AND 3 RD GENERATION
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
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THE SERRANO
FAMILY
1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATION
Item 16-B
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Item 16-B
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THE DANIELS
FAMILY
1 ST AND 2 ND GENERATION
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Denise Anderson-Warren
Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 11:02 AM
To: David Yakobson
Subject: FW: [EXTERNAL] Issue with Temporary Move for Virginia Ave Apartments David, please save the correspondence below, and include it in the public record for Item 16.B.

Thank you.

Denise Anderson-Warren
Interim City Clerk
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
From: Tara Barauskas <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 9:18:02 AM
To: Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Brittany de Guzman <[email protected]> Cc: Diana Alfano <[email protected]>; Adrian Servetnick <[email protected]>; Linda Flores <[email protected]>; Tony <[email protected]>; Heather Averick <[email protected]>; Oliver Chi <[email protected]> Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Issue with Temporary Move for Virginia Ave Apartments

EXTERNAL
Thanks Lana for your concern. We are delivering packing materials today, and Linda/Adrian will be letting residents know. In terms of being ‘flexible’ with government agencies, we have recorded regulatory agreements, and unfortunately we must comply. But our professional relocation experts are working to identify units that each household can quality for, that will meet their needs. I agree Lana, our system is not set up to account for expenses. I am also a single parent so I understand personally that income isn’t the whole story, as you say. But – our society hasn’t gotten there as of yet. Anyway, please know we are doing everything we can to make this bumpy road less bumpy, and we are very invested in supporting our residents through this period.

Thanks to all of you, we’re in it together!
Tara
Tara Barauskas, LEED AP
Executive Director
Community Corporation of Santa Monica
1410 2nd Street, Suite 200
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-8487 ext. 133
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
2 [email protected]
www.communitycorp.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

From: Lana Negrete <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, October 9, 2025 12:04 AM
To: Tara Barauskas <[email protected]>; Brittany de Guzman <[email protected]> Cc: Diana Alfano <[email protected]>; Adrian Servetnick <[email protected]>; Linda Flores <[email protected]>; Tony <[email protected]>; Heather Averick <[email protected]>; Oliver Chi <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Issue with Temporary Move for Virginia Ave Apartments

Good evening, everyone!
I have been following along and allowing the folks in charge at CCSM to respond, but I’m getting a little concerned. We are approaching the weekend and I want to make sure that at the very least the families have all the packing supplies because I know that the process of packing up your life can take quite a while.

I also want to point out that I do find it odd and frustrating that you guys cannot contact government agency reps to inform them as to what is happening to make an exception, considering this is Already stressful for these families. Because these income requirements don’t take into account expenses, my question is do they take into account the medical expenses for the family member who is receiving dialysis and for the cost surrounding their care.

Can we get creative? Can we find ways to make this unit work? If we could all, please put our heads together and get this settled before Friday that seems reasonable given the original email was sent out last week.

I want to confirm that Adrienne is getting these emails as well as I see. He’s the day-to-day contact but I only see your responses Tara.

Thank you to everyone who is working on this? Let’s make this go as smooth as possible! Lana Negrete
MAYOR, Santa Monica
From: Tara Barauskas <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 2:04:50 PM
To: Brittany de Guzman <[email protected]>
Cc: Diana Alfano <[email protected]>; Adrian Servetnick <[email protected]>; Linda Flores Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
3 <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Tony <[email protected]>
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Issue with Temporary Move for Virginia Ave Apartments

EXTERNAL

Totally understandable, it’s been a bumpy road. We appreciate the additional information. Please feel free to work directly with Adrian, he really is committed to figuring this out just as soon as possible.

Best,
Tara

Tara Barauskas, LEED AP
Executive Director
Community Corporation of Santa Monica
1410 2nd Street, Suite 200
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 394-8487 ext. 133
[email protected]
www.communitycorp.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

From: Brittany de Guzman <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 1:52 PM
To: Tara Barauskas <[email protected]>
Cc: Diana Alfano <[email protected]>; Adrian Servetnick <[email protected]>; Linda Flores <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Tony <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Issue with Temporary Move for Virginia Ave Apartments

Hi Tara,

Thank you for taking the time to look into our situation and for your thoughtful response during what has been a very stressful time for our families. We truly appreciate your understanding of our unique circumstances and the effort from you, Adrian, and the Monument team in helping identify a suitable ADA-accessible unit for us.

If it helps expand the options, a unit on the second floor or higher would also work as long as there’s elevator access. I just wanted to mention that in case it helps with the search.

We know this process hasn’t been easy on anyone, and we’re very grateful for your continued support and communication as we work through these next steps together.

Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
4 Best,
Brittany

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 8, 2025, at 1:25 PM, Tara Barauskas <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Diana and Brittany,

Please excuse my delay, it does sometimes take a little time to research to be able to provide the proper response.

Unfortunately we are bound by legal agreements that mean that even temporary residents must income qualify for certain units. We've determined that Brittany’s household exceeds the maximum income for these units. Monument and the Community Corp teams are well aware of your household’s unique circumstances, including the need for a ground-floor ADA-accessible unit to accommodate your family’s accessibility and medical requirements. Monument is actively identifying alternate three-bedroom ADAaccessible options that meet your family’s needs.

Adrian has called you, Diana, and will reach out to Brittany but there is definitely urgency to getting this figured out for you. We appreciate your patience as we work diligently on finding suitable housing for you. Adrian is the day to day contact and working round the clock on this. We know this has been a long and frustrating journey and are anxious to get the property rehabilitation started asap so we can get your homes rebuilt.

Respectfully,
Tara
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026
Item 16-B
May 26, 2026

Santa Monica City CouncilMay 26, 2026

Santa Monica City Council
May 26, 2026