1 September 22, 2026
(NOT APPROVED)
CITY OF SANTA MONICA
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
SEPTEMBER 22, 2026
A regular meeting of the Santa Monica City Council was called to order by Mayor Torosis at 5:36 p.m., on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at City Council Chambers, 1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA.
Roll Call: Present: Mayor Caroline Torosis
Councilmember Lana Negrete
Councilmember Dan Hall
Councilmember Ellis Raskin
Councilmember Barry Snell
Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya
Absent: Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Zwick
Also Present: City Manager Oliver Chi
City Attorney Heidi von Tongeln
Interim City Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren
City Clerk Walfred Solorzano
CONVENE/PLEDGE On order of the Mayor, the City Council convened at 5:36 p.m., with all members present except Mayor Pro Tem Zwick. Councilmember Snell led the assemblage in the Pledge of Allegiance.
STATEMENT OF
ACCOUNTABILITY
(LAND
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT)
The City of Santa Monica Statement of Accountability (Land Acknowledgement) was read into the record by Councilmember Zernitskaya.
LEVINE ACT
DISCLOSURE
No Councilmembers made disclosures regarding the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308).
AGENDA
MANAGEMENT
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to hear the City Manager Report, Manager's report, and Special Agenda items before the General Public comment, and to hear 11.B. before Closed Session. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, absent.
CITY MANAGER
REPORT
The City Manager Report was presented.
2 September 22, 2026
MAYOR' HIGHLIGHT The Mayor recognized Pier employee Dewey Walker for his 38 years of service to the city.
PROCLAMATIONS/
COMMENDATIONS/
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS
2.A. Commendation: Senator Ben Allen, was presented.
2.B. Proclamation: Filipino American History Month, was presented.
2.C. Proclamation: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, was presented.
2.D. Recognition of Outgoing Board & Commission Members, was presented.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
GENERAL PUBLIC
COMMENT AND
SPECIAL AGENDA
ITEMS:
Member of the public Leah Mendelsohn commented on Special Agenda items.
Members of the public Lauren Wyka, Jerry Rubin, Andrew Hoyer, Joe Dirosa, Susan Robertson, Clarence McDowell, Johnathan Foster, Dick Lucas, Christine Parra, John Medline, Mark Susser, Denise Barton, Zoe Muntaner, Bruce Leddy, Karen Melick, Diane Flores, John Berry, John C.
Smith, Maria Loya, Oscar de la Torre, and Mike Montgomery commented on various local issues.
SUSPEND COUNCIL
RULES
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to suspend the Council Rules to hear public comment on Item 4.N., a second reading of an ordinance. The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote, with Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, absent.
PUBLIC INPUT FOR
CONSENT CALENDAR
AND CLOSED SESSION
ONLY:
Members of the public Joe DiRosa, Christine Parra, Diana Flores, Zoe Muntaner, Karen Melick, Mea Tefka, Barry Rosenbaum, Maria Loya, Oscar de la Torre, Cecilia Haggerstrom, Loren Block, and John C. Smith 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 Raskin, Item 4.A. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
At the request of Councilmembers Zernitskaya and Raskin, Item 4.H. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
At the request of Councilmember Raskin, Item 4.N. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
3 September 22, 2026
At the request of Councilmember Hall, Item 4.M. was removed from the Consent Calendar.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to approve the Consent Calendar except for Items 4.A., 4.H., 4.M., and 4.N., 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 Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
ANNENBERG BEACH
HOUSE SECURITY
GUARD SERVICES
4.B. Approval of Second Modification to Agreement with AG Coast, Inc., dba California Panther Security, for Unarmed Security Guard Services at the Annenberg Community Beach House for the Recreation and Arts 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.
2. Authorize the City Manager to enter into a Second Modification of Agreement No. 11120 (CCS) with AG Coast Inc. dba California Panther Security to continue 24/7 unarmed security guard service at the Annenberg Community Beach House for the Recreation and Arts Department in an amount equal to $159,000 resulting in a new notto-exceed contract total of $1,403,268 through March 31, 2027.
FIBER OPTIC
INFRASTRUCTURE
SERVICES
4.C. Award Bid #4513 to and Authorize the City Manager to Execute an Agreement With VCI Construction, LLC to provide On-Call Fiber Optic Infrastructure Services for the Information Services Department, 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 # 4513 to VCI Construction, LLC to provide On-Call Fiber Optic Infrastructure Services (Construction, Maintenance and Repair) for the Information Services Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with VCI Construction, LLC, in a total amount not to exceed $3,000,000 over 4 September 22, 2026
a five-year period, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
PROCLAMATION ON
HOMELESSNESS
EMERGENCY
4.D. Adoption of Resolution No. 11796 (CCS) Ratifying Homelessness Emergency Proclamation, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Adopt proposed Resolution No. 11796 (CCS) ratifying the 2025 Proclamation of the City Council of the City of Santa Monica Declaring a Local Emergency on Homelessness.
BULLETPROOF VEST
PARTNERSHIP GRANT
4.E. Authorization to Accept United States Department of Justice (USDOJ) FY25 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant, 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;
2. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount of $63,937.24 from the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ”) for the 2025 Bulletproof Vest Partnership (“BVP”) Grant for the purchase of bulletproof vests by the Santa Monica Police Department; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all subsequent renewals; and
4. Authorize a budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
ABC GRANT PROGRAM 4.F. Adoption of Resolution No. 11797 (CCS) Authorizing Acceptance of the 2026-27 Grant from California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for Santa Monica Police Department, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11797 (CCS) authorizing the acceptance of grant funds in the amount of $92,673 from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (“ABC”) for the 2026-27 ABC Grant Program in the Police Department; 5 September 22, 2026
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all grant renewals; and
4. Authorize the budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
TEMPORARY STAFFING
SERVICES
4.G. First Modification to Agreement with Willdan Engineering for Temporary Staffing Services for the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends the Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Statutory Exemption 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 No. 11544 (CCS) in the amount of $250,000 with Willdan Engineering for temporary staffing services for the Building and Safety Division in the Community Development Department.
This will result in a five-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $500,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
PUBLIC HEALTH AND
SAFETY GRANT
PROGRAM
4.I. Adoption of Resolution No. 11798 (CCS) Authorizing to Accept Grant from the Board of State and Community Corrections for the Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant Program, Cohort 4, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines;
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11798 (CCS) authorizing the acceptance of a grant awarded in the amount of $4,500,000 from the Board of State and Community Corrections for the Proposition 64 Public Health & Safety Grant Program for use by the Police Department;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant, and all grant renewals; and
4. Authorize the budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report (requires 5 votes).
BUSINESS LICENSE
SOFTWARE
4.J. Approval of Third Modification to Agreement No. 9756 (CCS) with HdL Software, LLC for Business License Software for the Finance Department, was approved.
6 September 22, 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; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a third modification to Agreement No. 9756 (CCS) in the amount of $83,500 with HdL Software, LLC (“HdL”) for business license software services for the Finance Department. This will result in a 15-year amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $552,572, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
AUTOMATED TRAFFIC
ENFORCEMENT
SYSTEM PROGRAM
4.K. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2864 (CCS) of the Council of the City of Santa Monica adding Santa Monica Municipal Code Section 3.12.540 to Establish an Automated Traffic Enforcement System Program to Detect a Violation of a Traffic Control Signal, was adopted.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
BAY STREET BEACH
HISTORICAL DISTRICT
SIGNAGE PROJECT
4.L. Authorization to Accept a $50,000 Grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund for the Bay Street Beach Historical District Signage Project, was approved.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount of $50,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund for the Bay Street Beach Historical District Signage Project in the Recreation and Arts Department, and to accept all grant renewals;
2. Authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute all necessary documents required to implement the grant, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
3. Authorize the budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts and Budget Actions section of this report. (Requires five affirmative votes.)
MINUTES 4.O. City Council - Special Joint Meeting Minutes - Jul 27, 2026 4:00 PM, were approved.
ON-CALL SERVICES 4.A. Contract Award and Modifications for On-Call Civil Design, Surveying, Transportation Planning, and Engineering Services Contracts for the Public Works Department, was presented. 7 September 22, 2026
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to Sections 15262 (Feasibility and Planning Studies) and 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 No. 11702 (CCS) in the amount of $1,500,000 with Tetra Tech for on-call civil engineering design services for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with new a total amount not to exceed $3,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11703 (CCS) in the amount of $1,500,000 with Stantec Consulting for on-call civil engineering design services for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $3,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
4. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11704 (CCS) in the amount of $1,500,000 with Willdan Engineering for on-call civil engineering design services for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $3,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
5. Award RFP #SP2721 to Egis USA, Inc. (formerly A. Lochner Company) and Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. as additional qualified firms for on-call civil engineering design services for the Public Works Department;
6. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Egis USA, Inc. (formerly A. Lochner Company) in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 for five-years, with one additional five-year renewal option on the same terms and conditions, for a total amount not to exceed $3,000,000, with future funding contingent on Council budget approval;
7. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with KimleyHorn and Associates, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $3,000,000 for five-years, with one additional five-year renewal option on the same terms and conditions, for a total amount not to exceed $3,000,000, with future funding contingent on Council budget approval;
8. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11721 (CCS) in the amount of $250,000 with PSOMAS, for on-call surveying services the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $500,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
8 September 22, 2026
9. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11722 (CCS) in the amount of $250,000 with KDM Meridian, for on-call surveying services the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $500,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
10. Award RFP #SP2539 to Cannon Corporation as an additional qualified firm for on-call surveying services for the Public Works Department;
11. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Canon Corporation, in an amount not to exceed $500,000 for five-years, with one additional five-year renewal option on the same terms and conditions for a total amount not to exceed $500,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
12. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11622 (CCS) in the amount of $1,000,000 with Fehr & Peers, for on-call transportation planning and engineering services the Department of Public Works. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $2,000,000, with future funding contingent on Council budget approval;
13. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11624 (CCS) in the amount of $1,000,000 with Kimley-Horn, for on-call transportation planning and engineering design services for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $2,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
14. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11625 (CCS) in the amount of $1,000,000 with Egis USA, Inc., for on-call transportation planning and engineering design services for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $2,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
15. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11626 (CCS) in the amount of $1,000,000 with Michael Baker International, for on-call transportation planning and engineering design services for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed $2,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval;
16. Authorize the City Manager to execute a first modification to Agreement No. 11628 (CCS) in the amount of $1,000,000 with Toole Design Group, for on-call transportation planning and engineering design services for the Public Works Department. This will result in an amended agreement with a new total amount not to exceed 9 September 22, 2026
Councilmember Raskin
excused at 7:32 p.m.
$2,000,000, with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval; and
17. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Iteris, Inc., in an amount not to exceed $2,000,000 for one year, with two additional one-year renewal options, on the same terms and conditions with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
Councilmember Raskin recused himself from this item Tetra Tech is a former client of his law firm, Hanson Bridgett LLP. Neither he nor his law firm have any financial interest in the contract that is subject to Agenda Item 4.A, but out of an abundance of caution and to avoid any appearance of impropriety, he recused himself from this item.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to approve the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Negrete, Hall, Snell, Zernitskaya, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Councilmember Raskin
2134 STEWART STREET
Councilmember Zernitskaya
excused at 7:34 p.m.
4.H. Adoption of Resolution No. 11799 (CCS) Approving Final Parcel Map No. 84874 for the Property Located at of 2134 Stewart Street to Create Four Residential Parcels, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of Statutory Exemption (Approval of Final Subdivision Map) pursuant to Section 15268(b)(3) of the California Environmental Quality Act; and
2. Adopt attached Resolution No. 11799 (CCS) approving Final Parcel Map No. 84874 for the property located at 2134 Stewart Street to create four residential parcels.
Councilmembers Raskin and Zernitskaya recused themselves from this item due to the close proximity of their residence.
Questions asked and answered of staff included, is staff going to address parking concerns.
Motion by Councilmember Snell, seconded by Councilmember Hall, to approve the staff recommendation.
10 September 22, 2026
Mayor Torosis proposed an amendment to add direction for staff to talk with residents about a preferential parking district. The amendment was considered friendly by the maker and seconder.
The motion, with the amendment was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Snell, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Raskin, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
PERFORMANCE AND
ASSESSMENT SERVICES
Councilmembers Raskin and
Zernitskaya returned at
7:35 p.m.
4.M. Award Professional Services Agreement with Raftelis for Organizational Performance and Operational Assessment Services, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant environmental effects pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Raftelis for organizational performance and operational assessment services for the City Manager’s Office. This recommended award is made as an exception to the competitive bidding process pursuant to the City’s Procurement Policy pursuant to Section 2.24.250 (b) and is for a total amount not to exceed $326,600 with future year funding contingent on Council budget approval.
This item was pulled by Councilmember Hall to receive a report and ask questions of staff. Questions asked and answered of staff included: why wasn't there a competitive process for this contract; is this part of the new OneSamo staff training; can the staff do this training ourselves, and how is this being paid for; what is the timeline for this project, and will it be on the city's website; can we do measures of effectiveness, not just how many cases were closed; on the habitability assessment, is staff talking with the Rent Control agency to make sure anything we’re working on, as it intersecting with their work is aligned; and, would this set up some sort of systematic code enforcement program of units.
Considerable discussions included: effectiveness of achieved outcomes; understanding of baselines, and it's important to do competitive bidding versus sole sourcing;
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to approve the staff recommendation, with additional direction. The motion was approved by the following vote:
11 September 22, 2026
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
DEVELOPMENT
STANDARDS
4.N. Second Reading and Adoption of Ordinance No. 2865 (CCS) to Amend the Text of the Zoning Ordinance to Increase Development Standards for Parcels Located Within the R1 (Single-Unit Residential) Zoning District and the Area Bounded By the I-10 Freeway to the South, Dorchester Avenue to the West, Exposition Boulevard to the North, and Centinela Avenue to the East to Allow for the Exclusion of Certain Sites That Are Located Within One-Half Mile of the Expo/Bundy Station from Senate Bill (SB) 79 Implementation Until One Year Following the Adoption of the 7th Cycle (2029-2037) Housing Element of the City's General Plan, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Ordinance.
Questions asked and answered of staff included: what would spot zoning look like; could staff have looked at a geographical map that included R1 and R2 and R3 zones; what's coming next, if this ordinance is adopted, and what flexibility do we have to; did staff discuss with HCD the harm that this could have on the historical Pico neighborhood; if we don't do anything tonight, what happens; are people coming in and applying for projects because we don't have an ordinance in place; what is the realistic timeline to get the daycare carve-out done; is there a world where we could an ordinance tonight to put a pause while directing staff to come back with an updated ordinance; is there a separate timeline for the anti-displacement overlay for the rent-controlled part, or the five that are potentially rent-controlled; and, are the three developments under SB79 in the Pico neighborhood.
Motion by Councilmember Raskin, seconded by Councilmember Snell, to approve the staff recommendation.
Mayor Torosis proposed an amendment, to come back with additional options for further constraining the zone to the minimal number of parcels.
To meet the densification requirements, and to think a little bit more expansively than just all the ones in a radius that’s defensible. Also look at displacement risk as a factor for the upzoning. Come back as quickly as possible with those options to amend the ordinance, in addition to the adoption of this current ordinance. The amended direction was considered friendly by the maker and seconder.
The City Attorney commented for clarification the direction for the amendment to state: This would be to amend that ordinance to include the 12 September 22, 2026
TOD zone that is portion near the Pico neighborhood. The Expo Bundy station, what you are directing is to come back to amend the exclusion ordinance again, prior to completing the TOD work, the TOT alternative plan work in order to do a smaller number of parcels for the exclusion ordinance.
The motion, with additional direction to staff was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, Snell, Mayor Torosis NOES: Councilmembers Negrete, Zernitskaya
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
Councilmember Zernitskaya explained her No vote was because of the additional amendment to ask staff to do the research of how we could effectively spot zone, and it gives residence false hope that we’re going to be able to reduce the number of parcels impacted, and as a this is a temporary upzoning, effectively from what is currently allowed. She would prefer staff to use their time on more pressing matters.
Councilmember Negrete explained her No vote because she’s voted No the whole time for reasons she’s previously discussed, she thinks the Pico neighborhood and the assessment that is being taken, that as policymakers, the Council has the ability to look at things just beyond a map and are not looking at the historical harms in the way that we should be. She thinks there is a lot more information and work that could have, should have been done, and now we’re here, so that’s why she voted no.
WALLIS ANNENBERG
LEGACY FOUNDATION
GRANT
11.B. Authorization to Accept Grant from Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation to the Annenberg Community Beach House, 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. Authorize the City Manager to accept a grant awarded in the amount of $1 million from the Wallis Annenberg Legacy Foundation to the Annenberg Community Beach House in the Recreation & Arts Department, and to accept all grant renewals.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute all necessary documents to accept the grant and all grant renewals.
4. Authorize budget amendment as outlined in the Financial Impacts & Budget Actions section of this report. (requires 5 votes) Questions asked and answered of staff included: when is it expected for these main events and new programs to begin, and are there plans to start bringing 13 September 22, 2026
in people from outside of Santa Monica.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Zernitskaya, to adopt the staff recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
CLOSED SESSIONS On order of the Mayor, the City Council recessed at 8:44 p.m., to consider Closed Sessions and returned at 9:50 p.m., with all members present, to report the following:
5.A. Uller 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. 14 September 22, 2026
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
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.B. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): City v. ICSOP, et al.; OCSC # 30-2022-01261243 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.C. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Amie Cooper v. Shores Barrington, City; LASC # 24SMCV02414
The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
5.D. Conference with legal counsel - existing litigation - Gov. Code § 54956.9(d)(1): Maria Elena Mendez v. City; LASC # 25SMCV02682 The City Attorney advised this matter was heard with no reportable action taken.
COUNCIL TRAVEL Councilmember Snell reported that he traveled to Vienna, Austria for a conference on social housing. They were there with 50 other Californians.
One of the things that was inspiring was how the government ties transit with their housing. One ratio he was really impressed with in Vienna is 40-40-20 (40% cars, 40% rail and bus transportation, 20% bicycles). He was also impressed that their goal is anything in your daily life would be 15 minutes away. Every development that they look at, they consider young people. For housing, they considered low-income, middle-income, and higher-income individuals together.
PUBLIC INPUT ON
REMAINING AGENDA
ITEMS:
Members of the public Denise Barton, and Andrew Hoyer commented on item 7.A.
Members of the public Denise Barton, Johnathan Foster, Chris Harshman, Mike Hendricks, Kris Maine, Ever Lopez commented on item 11.A.
Member of the public Zoe Muntaner commented on item 11.B. 15 September 22, 2026
Member of the public Daniel Campbell commented on item 16A.
Member of the public Kim Koury commented on item 16.D.
STUDY SESSION:
SUSTAINABLE WATER
MASTER PLAN
7.A. Sustainable Water Master Plan Update, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption) of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines and a finding of categorical exemption pursuant to Section 15307 of the CEQA Guidelines; and
2. Receive and provide direction on the 2026 Sustainable Water Master Plan Update.
Dr. Mark Gold and Sunny Wang, Water Utilities Manager, made a presentation and responded to questions posed by the City Council regarding the City’s progress toward local water self-sufficiency, noting that Santa Monica is currently at approximately 80–85% local supply due to projects such as SWIP, Arcadia Plant efficiency upgrades, Olympic Well Field restoration, and citywide AMI deployment. They highlighted updated groundwater sustainability limits (roughly 9,000–10,000 AFY instead of the previously assumed 15,000 AFY), the projected future supply-demand gap driven by growth and climate impacts, and evaluated five alternatives:
enhanced conservation, maximizing local reuse via direct potable reuse (DPR), airport groundwater remediation, regional potable-reuse/exchange partnerships, and potential future seawater desalination. Staff recommended a “portfolio” approach with near-term focus on conservation and DPR, and long-term exploration of regional partnerships and any future, technically and financially viable desalination.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Raskin, to: (1) adopt a finding of no possibility of significant effect pursuant to CEQA’s common-sense exception; (2) receive and file the Sustainable Water Master Plan Update; and (3) direct staff to implement the near-term portfolio by fully advancing the 2024 Water Conservation Master Plan and proceeding with planning and design for a DPR connection from SWIP through the Olympic Advanced Water Treatment Plant to the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant (up to a 10% contribution, consistent with 2023 DPR regulations), and to pursue the long-term portfolio by initiating formal discussions with the Metropolitan Water District (regarding Pure Water SoCal and potential exchanges) and the City of Los Angeles (regarding Pure Water LA/Hyperion, possible recharge of the Charnock well field, and potential shared underground treatment facilities at or near the airport), while continuing to monitor (a) remediation progress and future production potential in the Santa Monica Airport 16 September 22, 2026
groundwater sub-basin, and (b) emerging seawater desalination technologies (such as OceanWell) and related regional/Arizona exchange concepts for possible future, but not near-term, consideration.
The motion was unanimously approved by voice vote by all members present, with Councilmember Zwick absent.
STAFF
ADMINISTRATIVE
ITEMS:
2025 PALISADES FIRE
AFTER-ACTION
REPORT
11.A. 2025 Palisades Fire and Windstorm After-Action Report, was presented.
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council review and comment on the Palisades Fire After-Action Report, and direct staff to proceed with evaluating and completing the report’s identified improvement actions. This report is not a “project” subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”). The report is administrative and informative in nature. Pursuant to CEQA Section 21065, the project does not meet the definition of a “project” subject to CEQA as it will not “cause either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.”
Lindsay Call, Chief Resilience Manager, made a presentation and responded to questions posed by the City Council on the City’s response to the January 2025 Palisades Fire and windstorm and answered Council questions. Staff reported key strengths, including early EOC activation, proactive Fire up-staffing and monitoring, effective Police curfew and evacuation support, strong public communications, and rapid debris removal by Public Works, and key challenges, including leadership absences, limited Council familiarity with disaster roles, some interagency communication issues, and the need for more detailed evacuation planning under new state fire-hazard maps. Staff noted that implementation of the report’s 36 recommendations is underway, including expanded EOC staffing and training, updated evacuation zones and mapping tools, a multi-department evacuation planning group, an SMFD up-staffing and recall policy, enhanced web resources, the Community Connect platform, and additional leadership training.
The City Council received and filed the report directed staff to continue implementing the report’s 36 recommendations; to complete a detailed multi-hazard evacuation response plan coordinated with the separate quantitative evacuation capacity study being led by Community Development; to provide periodic written updates to the Council on implementation progress; and to finalize and distribute the Council disaster handbook and associated training in advance of the upcoming El Niño season and other major events.
17 September 22, 2026
COUNCILMEMBER
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
In accordance with Council Rule 6(y), all Councilmember Discussion items were considered and approved in one motion unless removed by a Councilmember for discussion.
Items 16.A., 16.B., and 16.E. were removed and considered separately in accordance with Council Rule 6(y).
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to approve Items 16.C. and 16.D. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
RECREATION AND
PARKS COMMISSION
16.A. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission for a term ending on June 30, 2027, was presented.
On order of Mayor Torosis, the floor was opened for nominations, which was followed by a ranked-choice voting protocol as follows:
Councilmember Zernitskaya nominated Julie N. Stephens, Adam Badawy, and Evan McGee.
Councilmembers Raskin and Hall nominated Daniel Campbell.
ROUND 1 VOTES
Council 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice 4th Choice
Zernitskaya Julie N.
Stephens
Adam
Badawy
Evan McGee Daniel
Campbell
Torosis Julie N.
Stephens
Snell Evan McGee Adam
Badawy
Julie N.
Stephens
Daniel
Campbell
Raskin Daniel
Campbell
Julie N.
Stephens
Adam
Badawy
Evan McGee
Hall Adam
Badawy
Julie N.
Stephens Evan McGee Daniel Campbell
Negrete Julie N.
Stephens
Adam
Badawy
Evan McGee
Round 1 Results
Julie N. Stephens 3
Daniel Campbell 1
Evan McGee 1
18 September 22, 2026
Adam Badawy 1
Determination: Daniel Campbell eliminated following weighted tiebreaker.
ROUND 2 VOTES
Councilmember 1st Choice 2nd Choice 3rd Choice
Zernitskaya Julie N. Stephens Adam Badawy Evan McGee
Torosis Julie N. Stephens
Snell Evan McGee Adam Badawy Julie N. Stephens
Raskin Julie N. Stephens Adam Badawy Evan McGee
Hall Adam Badawy Julie N. Stephens Evan McGee
Negrete Julie N. Stephens Adam Badawy Evan McGee
Round 2 Results
Julie N. Stephens 4
Evan McGee 1
Adam Badawy 1
Following the ranked-choice vote, Julie N. Stephens was appointed to the Recreation and Parks Commission.
HOUSING AUTHORITY
BOARD
16.B. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Housing Authority Board for a term ending on June 30, 2028, was presented.
By common consent, the City Council continued the item until a qualified applicant is identified.
PUBLIC SAFETY
REFORM AND
OVERSIGHT
COMMISSION
16.C. Recommendation to accept Angela D. Scott's resignation from the Public Safety Reform & Oversight Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy, was accepted.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to accept Angela D. Scott’s resignation from the Public Safety Reform & Oversight Commission and authorize the City Clerk to publish the vacancy.
The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
ZONING ORDINANCE
TECHNICAL
16.D. Request of Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, and Zernitskaya that Council direct the City Manager and City Attorney to return no later 19 September 22, 2026
CLARIFICATIONS than November 17 with options to implement technical clarifications and refinements in Chapter 9.46 of the Municipal Code concerning the procedures for Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Map and other procedural clarifications, was presented.
The request of Councilmembers Hall, Raskin, and Zernitskaya was included in the consent calendar. The Council did not discuss the item separately. The request sought direction for the City Manager and City Attorney to return no later than November 17 with options for technical clarifications and refinements to Chapter 9.46 of the Municipal Code, concerning procedures for amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and Map, and other procedural clarifications.
Motion by Councilmember Hall, seconded by Mayor Torosis, to approve the recommendation. The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Raskin, Hall, Negrete, Mayor Torosis
NOES: None
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
OFF THE HOOK SANTA
MONICA SEAFOOD
FESTIVAL
16.E. Request of Mayor Torosis and Councilmember Negrete that the City Council consider approving the allocation of $10,000 from Council Discretionary Funds to support the OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival benefiting Heal the Bay taking place on Sunday, October, 11, 2026 on the Santa Monica Pier by the Spin PR Group, the Santa Monica-based PR, Marketing and Events agency producing the event. The funds would be appropriated as follows: $10,000 from the discretionary funds allocated to Mayor Torosis, $5,000 and $5,000 from Councilmember Negrete, was presented.
Councilmembers Negrete, Snell, Zernitskaya, and Mayor Torosis read the following statement into the record: “On August 26, 2026, I, along with the rest of the City Council, received an email from Kim Khoury, requesting support for the Off the Hook event at the Pier through a 16 Item. I worked with Ms. Khoury and Mayor Torosis to place the item on the agenda. I did not discuss with more than two additional Councilmembers, and I was not aware that Ms. Khoury had gotten commitments from a total of 4 Councilmembers. I am making this disclosure now on the record to ensure transparency and to allow for a full public discussion on the proposed 16 Item.”
Council discussion addressed the City’s event-funding process, the use of discretionary funds for event costs, and whether such funds should instead go directly to nonprofits or cultural programming. Councilmembers also discussed developing clearer event-funding tiers in the future. The City 20 September 22, 2026
Manager clarified that the proposed allocation would use Councilmembers’ discretionary funds, rather than waive the Pier rental fee; the broader event framework was being developed for future Council consideration.
Motion by Mayor Torosis, seconded by Councilmember Negrete, to allocate $20,000 from discretionary funds to support the festival, with $5,000 each from Councilmembers Negrete, Snell, and Zernitskaya, and Mayor Torosis.
The motion was approved by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Zernitskaya, Snell, Negrete,
Mayor Torosis
NOES: Councilmembers Hall, Raskin
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Zwick
ADJOURNMENT On order of the Mayor, the City Council meeting adjourned at 11:36 p.m.
ATTEST: APPROVED:
Walfred Solorzano Caroline Torosis
City Clerk Mayor