City of Santa Monica
City Council Meeting
AGENDA
CAROLINE TOROSIS
MAYOR
ELLIS RASKIN JESSE ZWICK
COUNCILMEMBER MAYOR PRO TEM
DAN HALL BARRY SNELL
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
LANA NEGRETE NATALYA ZERNITSKAYA
COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILMEMBER
OLIVER C. CHI
CITY MANAGER
HEIDI VON TONGELN
CITY ATTORNEY
DENISE ANDERSON-WARREN
INTERIM CITY CLERK
STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR THAT PROMOTE CIVILITY AT ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS:
• Treat everyone courteously; • Embrace respectful disagreement and dissent as democratic rights, inherent components of an inclusive
public process, and tools for forging sound decisions
• Hate has no place in Santa Monica. The City opposes
abusive or threatening hate speech, intolerance, or
dehumanization, and supports basic civil respect and
human decency.
• Listen to others respectfully;
• Exercise self-control;
• Give open-minded consideration
to all viewpoints;
• Focus on the issues and avoid
personalizing debate;
Regular meetings are broadcast live on CityTV cable channel 16 and on the internet at santamonica.gov. Cable television re-broadcasts air on Thursday and Saturday at 11:30 AM. The agenda will air on CityTV on Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and on Monday and Tuesday at 12:30 PM and 6:00 PM.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 2
RULES OF ORDER FOR THE CONDUCT OF CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS (Resolution No.11663(CCS))
WAYS TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT
If you are interested in providing public comment at a City Council meeting, there are several ways to participate:
(1) Written public comment. In lieu of oral public comment, the public is strongly encouraged to submit written public comment on agenda items via email to [email protected]. For written public comment submitted by 12:00 pm on the day of the meeting, best efforts shall be made to have them available online for viewing. Please note the agenda item number in the subject line of your written comments.
(2) Oral public comment.
- In-person: Persons wishing to address the City Council regarding items on the agenda must be present and submit their name and address (optional) to the City Clerk before the public comment section is opened for that item or before the public hearing is opened where one is required by law. Register to speak at the Speaker Kiosk prior to the meeting. - Telephone: Persons wishing to address the Council by telephone must register at santamonica.gov/public-comment no later than 5:00 p.m. the day before a meeting. Showing electronic presentation materials are not permitted when commenting by telephone.
Oral public comment from any one individual is limited to a total of 6 minutes per City Council meeting, with a maximum of 2 minutes per agenda item if speaking on multiple items. A member of the public may allocate time between items in one-minute increments up to 2 minutes and those requesting to speak on only one agendized item for the meeting may speak for up to 4 minutes on that one item. Except for noticed public hearings or quasi-judicial items, if more than 25 speakers are registered to speak during a public input section, the amount of time shall be reduced to 1 minute per speaker during that section.
Except for the author of the request, public comment on 15-items are limited to 1 minute.
Levine Act Disclosure. Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $500 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution; the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made. Information regarding the Levine Act can be found here or you can contact the FPPC.
ORDER OF BUSINESS (may not be changed except by majority vote of the City Council.)
1. General Public Input
(Members of the public may address the City Council
only on items not on the agenda, but within the
subject matter jurisdiction of the City and on Special
Agenda Items.)
2. Special Agenda Items (Commendations and
Proclamations presented).
3. Public Comment for Consent Calendar and Closed
Sessions Only.
4. Consent Calendar (All items considered in one
motion unless removed by a City Councilmember for
discussion. No public comment is permitted on
second readings.)
5. Closed Sessions.
6. Public Comment on remaining Agenda Items
7. Study Session.
8. Continued Items.
9. Administrative Proceedings.
10. Ordinances:
• 1
st Reading
• 2
nd Reading (No public comment is
permitted on second readings.)
11. Staff Administrative Item.
12. Public Hearings.
13. Reports of Boards and Commissions.
14. Resolutions.
15. Written Communications (Other than
Reports of Commission and Officers.)
16. Councilmember Discussion Items.
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 3
AGENDAS
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
REGULAR MEETING
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
1685 MAIN STREET, ROOM 250,
TUESDAY, JULY 14, 2026
MEETING BEGINS AT 5:30 PM
HOW TO PROVIDE PUBLIC COMMENT BY TELEPHONE
Participants may join a meeting by phone via Zoom. Dial, the phone number to access Zoom’s audio system, and enter the Zoom Meeting ID to join the meeting.
Zoom Dial-In Information: Phone Number (669) 900-6833 (US), Meeting ID:978 8290 3006# Persons wishing to address the Council by telephone must register at santamonica.gov/public-comment no later than 5:00 p.m. the business day before a meeting. Donation of time and showing electronic presentation materials are not permitted when commenting by telephone.
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE / LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ROLL CALL
City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) The City of Santa Monica is located on the land of Tovangaar. With great respect, the City acknowledges the Gabrieleño/Tongva as the First People of this ancestral and unceded territory of Kuruvungna, a village that we know as Santa Monica. We honor their elders, past and present, and the Gabrieleño descendants who are part of the Gabrieleño /Tongva tribes.
We recognize that these peoples are still here, and as settlers and kuyam (guests), we recognize our responsibility and obligation to care for their land in partnership with them.
The City of Santa Monica commits to work in partnership with the Gabrieleño/Tongva people to uplift their voices and visibility on their ancestral land.
LEVINE ACT DISCLOSURES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS / PROCEDURAL
MOTIONS
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 4
1. GENERAL PUBLIC INPUT AND COMMENT ON SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS (For regular meetings, public comment is permitted on Special Agenda Items and items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City. State law prohibits the City Council from taking any action on items not listed on the agenda, including issues raised under this agenda item. For special meetings, public input is limited to scheduled Special Agenda Items only.)
1.A. Written Comments
2. SPECIAL AGENDA ITEMS
2.A. Proclamation: Disability Pride Month
2.B. Proclamation: National Parks and Recreation Month
3. PUBLIC INPUT (ITEMS UNDER CONSENT CALENDAR AND CLOSED SESSION ONLY)
4. CONSENT CALENDAR
(All items will be considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption.)
4.A. Award Agreement with Omgivning for Design Services for the Reimagining Camera Obscura
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Sections 15301 (Existing Facilities) and 15331 (Historical Resource
Restoration/Rehabilitation) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Omgivning, Inc. for design services for the Public Works Department. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to Section 2.24.250(g) and is for a total amount to exceed $613,838, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
4.B. Approval of First Modification to Agreement #11613 with Advanced Problem Solving LLC and Third Modification to Agreement #11339 with Fire Resources LLC to Assist the Los Angeles Area Fire Chief's Association Regional Training Group Hosted by the Santa Monica Fire Department
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 5 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 third modification to agreement #11339 in the amount of $200,000 with Fire Resources, LLC to assist the Los Angeles Area Fire Chief’s Association Regional Training Group for the Fire Department. This will result in a new total contract amount not to exceed $940,000, with future year funding contingent on the availability of grant funds and Council budget approval; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to agreement #11613 in the amount of $203,600 with Advanced Problem Solving, LLC for video and curriculum Training Delivery development services for the Fire Department. This will result in a new total contract amount not to exceed $1,453,600, with future year funding contingent on the availability of grant funds and Council budget approval.
4.C. Approval of the Santa Monica Tourism Marketing District Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and Work Plan
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061 (b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Receive and approve the Santa Monica Tourism Marketing District Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget and Work Plan.
4.D. Approval of the Downtown Santa Monica Inc.'s Fiscal Year 2026 -27 Budget and Work Plan and Community Event License Agreement for Lot 27 Recommended Action
Staff recommend that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) and a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15301 of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Receive and approve the Downtown Santa Monica, Inc. (DTSM) Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget and Work Plan; and
3. Approve a Community Events License Agreement for Lot 27 (1325 5th Street) for a term of two years, with three annual options to renew (through July 1, 2031), to allow DTSM to continue operating events and activations on the City-owned parking lot.
4.E. Award Bid #4468 and Authorize City Manager to Enter into Agreement With Cal Interpreting & Translations for Citywide Language Access Program Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 6
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. Award Bid #4468 to Cal Interpreting and Translations Corporation for translation and interpretations services for the City Manager’s Office Citywide Language Access Program;
3. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Cal Interpreting and Translations Corporation, in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for five years, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
5. CLOSED SESSIONS
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 # 24STCV08239; 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 (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; John Doe 71, et al. v.
City of Santa Monica, et al., # 25STCV32120; John Doe 76 v. Roe 1, a public entity; et al., # 25STCV32032; John Doe 77 v. City of Santa Monica, et al., # 26STCV07769
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1):
City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC # 30-2022-01261243
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1):
Martha Garcia, et. al. v City, et. al., LASC # 24SMCV00971 City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 7
5.D. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1):
Glen Mastroberte v. City of Santa Monica; LASC # 25SMCV02226
5.E. Conference with real estate negotiator - Gov. Code § 54956.8; property - 1855 Main Street (Civic Auditorium) (APN 4290-013-901); City negotiators: Oliver Chi, City Manager; owner of record: City of Santa Monica; parties to be negotiated with: Melissa Ormand, COO Goldenvoice, and Shawn Trell, EVP / COO & General Counsel of AEG Presents; under negotiation: price and terms of payment
CITY MANAGER REPORT
TRAVEL ANNOUNCEMENT AND MAYOR'S HIGHLIGHT
6. PUBLIC INPUT ON REMAINING AGENDA ITEMS
. Public Input for 12-Items will be heard at the time when the Public Hearing is called.
7. STUDY SESSION
No items
8. CONTINUED ITEMS
No items
9. ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS
No items
10. ORDINANCES
(Public comment is permitted on ordinances for introduction and first reading. No public discussion is permitted on ordinances for second reading and adoption. In accordance with Charter section 615, the adoption of all ordinances and resolutions shall be by reading of title only unless a Councilmember present dissents.)
No items
11. STAFF ADMINISTRATIVE ITEMS
11.A. Certification of Qualified an Initiative Measure Establishing a Parcel Tax Collected by the City of Santa Monica for Funding for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District and Adoption of Resolution to place Measure on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 8
1. Adopt a finding that the resolution below is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act;
2. Receive and file the attached Certification of Qualification regarding an Initiative Measure Establishing a Parcel Tax Collected by the City of Santa Monica for Funding for the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District by adding, Chapter 2.74 to the Santa Monica Municipal Code and establish an annual parcel tax of $495 per parcel of taxable real property located within the City of Santa Monica (“City”); and,
3. Adopt the attached resolution requesting and directing the actions necessary to place the measure on the November 3, 2026, General Municipal Ballot.
11.B. Adoption of Resolutions Placing Proposed Ballot Measures Amending Articles XVIII, Rent Control Law, and XXIII, Housing Policies, of the City Charter on the November 3, 2026 Ballot
Recommended Actions
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemption pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (common sense exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Per Rent Control Board recommendation and staff recommendation, adopt the attached resolution (Attachment A) placing a measure on the November 3, 2026, ballot that would amend Articles XVIII and XXIII of the City Charter to reaffirm the application of local just cause eviction laws, update term limit provisions for Rent Control Board Commissioners, update and clarify procedures for increasing the maximum annual rent controlled rental unit registration fee, clarify Rent Control Board authority to regulate time limits for deciding individual rent adjustment petitions, and add requirements for owners to evict tenants for non-compliance with affordable housing deed restrictions; and
3. Per Rent Control Board and staff recommendation, adopt the attached resolution (Attachment B) placing a measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot that would amend Articles XVIII and XXIII of the City Charter to prohibit evictions based on non-payment of rent when the tenant owes less than a fair threshold amount of rent; and
4. Per Rent Control Board and staff recommendation, adopt the attached resolution (Attachment C) placing a measure on the November 3, 2026 ballot that would amend Articles XVIII and XXIII of the City Charter to revise requirements for owners to evict tenants for breach of a rental agreement based on the addition of new occupants, revise eviction protections for certain occupants remaining in a rental unit after the original tenant vacates, add just cause eviction protections to single-unit dwellings and condominiums, and modify requirements for good faith owner move in evictions from non-rent controlled rental units; and
5. Authorize City Councilmembers to file written arguments for or against and direct the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis for each measure.
12. PUBLIC HEARINGS
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 9
12.A. Adoption of a Resolution to Amend the Text of the Downtown Community Plan and Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Text of the Zoning Ordinance to Implement the City’s Realignment Plan by Increasing the Development Potential of City-Owned Sites in the Downtown and Sites Located Within the Gateway Master Plan Area
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding that the potential environmental effects of the Ordinances have been previously analyzed as part of the certified Downtown Community Plan Environmental Impact Report, the 6th Cycle Housing Element Environmental Impact Report and subsequent addendum, and a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines;
2. Adopt a Resolution to Amend the Text of the Downtown Community Plan to Effectuate the Goals of the Realignment Plan by Increasing the Potential of City-Owned Sites in the Downtown Community Plan Area and Sites Located Within the Gateway Master Plan Area; and
3. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance Amending the Text of the Zoning Ordinance to Effectuate the Goals of the Realignment Plan by Increasing the Potential of City-Owned Sites in the Downtown Community Plan Area.
12.B. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance to Amend the Text of The Zoning Ordinance to Exclude Certain Sites from Senate Bill (SB) 79 Implementation Until One Year Following Adoption of the 7th Cycle (2029- 2037) Housing Element and to Increase Development Standards for Parcels Zoned Multi-Unit Residential That Are Located Within One-Half Mile of the Metro E/Expo Bundy Station
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of statutory exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Government Code Section 65912.160(c); and
2. Introduce for First Reading an Ordinance to Amend the Text of the Zoning Ordinance to Exclude Certain Sites from Senate Bill (SB) 79 Implementation Until One Year Following the Adoption of the 7th Cycle (2029-2037) Housing Element and to Increase Development Standards for Parcels Zoned MultiUnit Residential That Are Located Within One-Half Mile of the Metro E Expo/Bundy Station.
12.C. Introduction and Adoption of Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance Establishing Standards and Procedures for Light Fleet-Based Service for Autonomous Vehicles
City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 10 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. Introduce and Adopt an Emergency Interim Zoning Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica to Establish Standards and Procedures of Approval for Light Fleet-Based Service For Autonomous Vehicles and Creation of a Use Classification for Light-Fleet Based Service For Autonomous Vehicles.
13. REPORTS OF BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
No items
14. RESOLUTIONS
No items
15. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS OTHER THAN REPORTS OF COMMISSION AND
OFFICERS
No items
16. COUNCILMEMBER DISCUSSION ITEMS
16.A. Appointments to seven seats on the new Restorative Justice Commission - Four seats available for terms ending June 30, 2030 and three seats available for terms ending June 30, 2028. The members first appointed shall so classify themselves by lot that the term of three members shall expire in 2028.
Thereafter, these seats would be for 4-year terms
16.B. Appointments to seven seats on the consolidated Housing & Human Services Commission with three 4-year terms ending on June 30, 2030, three 2-year terms ending on June 30, 2028, and one term ending on June 30, 2027
16.C. Request of Mayor Caroline Torosis that Council approve use of $5,000 of discretionary funds to support the Pico Business Improvement District for its Dia de los Muertos event at Woodlawn Cemetery
ADJOURNMENT
Agendas and reports are accessible on the City's webpage at www.smgov.net/council/agendas. They are also available at the City Clerk's Office and in alternate formats upon request. For a free email subscription to the City Council Agendas, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or [email protected].
Members of the public unable to attend a meeting but wishing to comment on an item(s) listed on the agenda may submit written comments prior to the meeting by meeting by mailing them to: City Clerk, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 or to City of Santa Monica Generated: 7/15/2026 12:19 PM Page 11 [email protected]. Written comments received from the public by 12 PM on the day of the City Council meeting will be distributed to the City Council prior to the meeting and posted online. Members of the public who submit written public comment on an agenda item may be subject to the Levine Act which requires disclosure of campaign contributions of more than $500 to an officer of the City within the preceding 12 months.
City Hall and the Council Chambers are wheelchair accessible. If you require any special disability related accommodations to either attend or provide public testimony at a Council meeting (i.e. sign language interpreting, access to an amplified sound system, remote option, etc.), please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (310) 458-8211 or TDD: (310) 917- 6626 or via email at [email protected] at least 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Best efforts shall be made to accommodate requests received after the 72-hour deadline. In the case of special meetings, requests should be submitted as early as possible, but no later than noon the day of the special Council meeting.
Si desea comunicarse con alguien en español, llame a nuestra oficina al (310) 458-8211 y pida hablar con Esterlina Lugo.
Santa Monica Blue Bus Lines #1, #2, #3, #5, #9 and the EXPO Line serve City Hall.
Parking is available on Main Street, on Olympic Drive, and in the Civic Center Parking Structure (validation free).