SR 01-12-2021 13D 13.D
January 12, 2021
Council Meeting: January 12, 2021 Santa Monica, California
1 of 1
CITY CLERK’S OFFICE - MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, Records & Elections Services
Department
Date: January 12, 2021
13.D Request of Councilmember McKeown that the City of Santa Monica
implement by executive order or return with an emergency ordinance to
implement “hero pay” measures to require large grocery store chains and
drug retailers to provide an extra $5 per hour to frontline workers
temporarily during the pandemic consistent with any such measures
imposed in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.
13.D
Packet Pg. 343
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Andrew I. Moss <aimoss@cpp.edu>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 3:03 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Supporting Councilmember McKeown's Request for Implementation of $5 Extra "Hero Pay" (Agenda
Item #13.D)
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of Councilmember McKeown's call for an executive order or emergency ordinance
requiring large grocery store chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily an extra $5 per hour in "hero
pay" for frontline essential workers during the pandemic (January 12 Agenda Item 13.D). I am writing as a lay
member of CLUE-Santa Monica (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that frontline
essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge of the Coronavirus
in Los Angeles County.
.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is awarded to
workers in such fields as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are encountered in the
course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist in our
society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
Andrew Moss
Item 13.D 01/12/21
1 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 344 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Scott Wolfe <scott.a.wolfe@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 8:25 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Public Comment for Jan 12th 2021 Council Meeting - Item 13D - “Hero Pay”
EXTERNAL
I want to commend Councilmember McKeown for raising the issue of “Hero Pay”. I voice my support in
Solidarity towards the workers of Santa Monica who continue to work to provide essential services to Santa
Monicans.
I do believe that this pay should be extended towards ALL workers who are forced to continue to toil so the
privileged Santa Monicans can work from home. Our Food Service Workers are not on this list and also
deserve additional monetary compensation for putting their lives on the line.
Thank you for raising this issue.
Thank you,
Scott Wolfe
Item 13.D 01/12/21
2 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 345 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Ashley Gonzales <agonzales@cluejustice.org>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 8:28 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox
Subject:Supporting Council Member McCowen's Request for Implementation of Hero Pay (Agenda Item #
13.D)
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
My name is Ashley Gonzales, I am a faith rooted organizer with Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice
am writing in support of Council Member McCowen's call for an executive order or emergency ordinance
requiring large grocery store chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily an extra $5 per hour in "hero
pay" for frontline essential workers during the pandemic (January 12 Agenda Item 13.D).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that frontline
essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge of the
Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is awarded to
workers in such fields as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are encountered in the
course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist in our
society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
‐‐
Ashley Gonzales
Faith Rooted Organizer
She/her/hers
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE)
464 Lucas Avenue, Suite 202 Los Angeles, CA 90017
Office: 213.481.3740
Cell: 424-337-3880
Your donation makes a difference. Support CLUE today!
La misión de CLUE es educar, organizar y mobilizar a la comunidad de la fe para acompañar a
los trabajadorxs y sus familias en la lucha por conseguir buenos empleos, dignidad y justicia.
CLUE's Mission is to educate, organize and mobilize the faith community to accompany workers
and their families in their struggle for good jobs, dignity, and justice.
Item 13.D 01/12/21
3 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 346 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Curtis <curtisraynor@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 8:57 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:YES to Approving Hero Pay (Agenda item 13.D)
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am a member of the Santa Monica Quaker Meeting and of CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice) and I
strongly urge your approval of the “hero pay” measure proposed by Council member McCowen (agenda item 13.D).
These workers are presently incurring a greater degree of risk in working at these essential businesses and there should
be some tangible recognition of this.
This “hero pay” or perhaps more appropriately termed “hazard pay” or even “combat pay” is an appropriate, short‐term
acknowledgement of the real service these essential workers are providing to the rest of us.
Thank you for your consideration of this request and my best wishes for your continued health and safety.
Curtis Raynor
Item 13.D 01/12/21
4 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 347 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Victoria Best <vectord7@hotmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 10:38 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:IN SUPPORT of "HERO PAY" - Tonight's Agenda Item #13.D
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As a longtime Santa Monica resident, I'm writing in support of Council Member McKeown's call for an
executive order or emergency ordinance requiring large grocery store chains and drug retailers to temporarily
implement an extra $5/hour "hero pay" for frontline essential workers during the pandemic (January 12
Agenda Item 13.D).
I am also writing as a member of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE).
Although this compensation is being called "hero pay," it should be seen as the same kind of hazard pay that is
awarded to workers in high‐risk jobs, such as the fields as mining and construction, where workers must
contend with significant levels of danger every day in their jobs.
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that frontline
essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge of CoViD‐19 in
Los Angeles County.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist in our
society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and nation's history.
Thank you for taking this seriously and giving it your consideration.
SIncerely,
Victoria Best
Item 13.D 01/12/21
5 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 348 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Vivian Rothstein <vivroth46@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:27 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Implementation of Hero Pay Pay Agenda Item #13D
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As a Board Member of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice and a long-time Santa Monica
resident, I am writing in support of Council Member McKeown's call for an executive order or
emergency ordinance to support front line workers during the current pandemic.
The action would require large grocery store chains and drug retailers to temporarily implement an
extra $5 per hour in "hero pay" for frontline essential workers during the pandemic (January 12
Agenda Item 13.D).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that
frontline essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge
of the Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is
awarded to workers in such fields as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are
encountered in the course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist
in our society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and
nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
Vivian Rothsten
Item 13.D 01/12/21
6 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 349 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Rev. Jim Conn <urbconn@aol.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:38 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Supporting 13-D & E
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am writing as a member of CLUE to support Council Member McCowen's call for an executive order or emergency ordinance requiring
large grocery store chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily an extra $5 per hour in "hero pay" for frontline essential workers
during the pandemic (January 12 Agenda Item 13.D). I am writing as a member of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice
(CLUE).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that frontline essential workers now
face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge of the Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is awarded to workers in such fields
as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are encountered in the course of work.
I also support the effort to keep jobs from joining the gig economy so employees receive not only fair pay but also health and retirement
benefits. Item 13-E asks staff to explore what SM can do in this regard.
Voting "yes" on these measures mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist in our society. It will afford
some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
JIM
Rev. Jim Conn
230 Pacific St #108
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310/392-5056
Associations:
CLUE - A Founding Member: www.cluejustice.org
Climate Action Santa Monica - Advisory Board
Asset Based Community Development: www.abcdinstitute.org/
United Methodist Minister - Retired: www.calpacUMC.org
Former Council Member and Mayor of Santa Monica
Item 13.D 01/12/21
7 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 350 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
CALIFORNIA GROCERS ASSOCIATION | 1005 12th Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814
P: (916) 448-3545 | F: (916) 448-2793 | www.cagrocers.com
January 12, 2021
The Honorable Sue Himmelrich
Mayor, City of Santa Monica
200 Santa Monica Pier, Ste. J
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: Hazard Pay for Grocery Workers
Dear Mayor Himmelrich,
On behalf of Santa Monica grocers, I write with concerns about the recommendation regarding
hazard pay to grocery workers. Our industry shares your appreciation for critical infrastructure
employees across the grocery spectrum. This is why grocery companies were at the forefront of
implementing COVID-19 safety protocols, before being asked to do so, and have been leaders in
providing additional compensation to employees.
Unfortunately, the agenda item and its reliance on the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
action means it is missing important information and relying on data not fully applicable to Santa
Monica or which is inaccurate. Without consultation with the grocery industry to provide additional
information, we are concerned the Council will make policy decisions based on flawed information
and reasoning.
The impact of a less than fully informed decision will result in unintended and avoidable negative
consequences for the city and grocers that could include increased grocery prices, limit access to
grocery stores, and impact workers. This issue is best served by an immediate and genuine
discussion with the grocery industry, not minimal notice of a decision coupled with a threat of
action.
In addition to the concerns above, the recommendation limits its scope to only a small subset of
essential critical infrastructure workers and ignores all other workers interacting regularly with the
public in the same manner. As we all sadly know, COVID-19 impacts do not discriminate in any way.
If a situation has risen to an emergency level in one work setting it would only be reasonable to
assume the same concern exists in other similar settings with other critical infrastructure
employees.
COVID-19 and its impacts are nothing short of a tragedy and have required a number of emergency
responses. For the last ten months, the grocery industry, often in partnership with state and local
governments, has implemented unprecedented efforts to ensure the safety of our employees and
consumers. These efforts include implementing social distancing protocols, expansive leave for
workers impacted by COVID-19, record levels of additional compensation, hiring of new workers
numbering in the tens of thousands in Los Angeles County alone, and remaining open with a still
impacted and limited supply chain.
Item 13.D 01/12/21
8 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 351 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
CALIFORNIA GROCERS ASSOCIATION | 1005 12th Street, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95814
P: (916) 448-3545 | F: (916) 448-2793 | www.cagrocers.com
PAGE 2
January 12, 2021
CGA and the grocery industry have successfully partnered with numerous California local
jurisdictions, many in Los Angeles County, on several emergency issues during the pandemic.
Unfortunately, on this specific issue the Santa Monica has chosen not to engage the grocery
industry or provide any reasoning or justification to raise this issue to the point of requiring the
extraordinary powers granted by the city declaration of emergency. Again, the best course of action
is an immediate and genuine consultation with the grocery industry. Failing this we believe there
are significant policy and legal concerns and ask the Council not to move forward with the
recommendation as proposed.
Thank you for your consideration and we look forward to a partnership with Santa Monica to
combat COVID-19.
Sincerely,
Tim James
California Grocers Association
CC: Members, Santa Monica City Council
Ms. Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, City of Santa Monica
Item 13.D 01/12/21
9 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 352 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Mary Jo Dalton <m.mjdalton@verizon.net>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:39 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Jan 12 agenda Item 13.D
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I, Mary Jo Dalton, as a member of St. Monica Catholic Community am writing in support of Council
Member McCowan's call for an executive order or emergency ordinance requiring large grocery store
chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily an extra $5 per hour in "hero pay" for frontline
essential workers during the pandemic (January 12 Agenda Item 13.D). I am writing as a member of
Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that
frontline essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge
of the Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is
awarded to workers in such fields as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are
encountered in the course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist
in our society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and
nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
Mary Jo Dalton
Item 13.D 01/12/21
10 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 353 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Rev. Jim Conn <urbconn@aol.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 1:19 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13-D Support
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am writing as a member of CLUE to support Council Member McCowen's call for an executive order or emergency ordinance requiring
large grocery store chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily an extra $5 per hour in "hero pay" for frontline essential workers
during the pandemic (January 12 Agenda Item 13.D). I am writing as a member of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice
(CLUE).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that frontline essential workers now
face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge of the Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is awarded to workers in such fields
as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are encountered in the course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist in our society. It will afford some
measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
JIM
Rev. Jim Conn
230 Pacific St #108
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310/392-5056
Associations:
CLUE - A Founding Member: www.cluejustice.org
Climate Action Santa Monica - Advisory Board
Asset Based Community Development: www.abcdinstitute.org/
United Methodist Minister - Retired: www.calpacUMC.org
Former Council Member and Mayor of Santa Monica
Item 13.D 01/12/21
11 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 354 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Dennis Hardwick <dennisphardwick@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 3:04 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Supporting Council Member McCowen's Request for Implementation of Hero Pay (Agenda Item #
13.D)
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
My name is Dennis Hardwick, I am a volunteer at St. Monica Catholic Community, as chairperson of
the parish's JustFaith Social Justice Ministry. I am writing as a member of Clergy and Laity United for
Economic Justice (CLUE).
I am in support of City of Santa Monica Council Member McCowen's call for an executive order or
emergency ordinance requiring large grocery store chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily
an extra $5 per hour in "hero pay" for frontline essential workers during the pandemic (January 12
Agenda Item 13.D).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that
frontline essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge
of the Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is
awarded to workers in such fields as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are
encountered in the course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist
in our society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and
nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
Dennis Hardwick
Item 13.D 01/12/21
12 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 355 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Doris Hausmann <dhausmann99@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 2:25 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Supporting Council Member McCowen's Request for Implementation of Hero Pay (Agenda Item #
13.D)
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am Doris Hausmann Kogut and I am a member of Santa Monica CLUE (Clergy and Laity United for
Economic Justice) am writing in support of Council Member McKeown call for an executive order or emergency
ordinance requiring large grocery store chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily an extra $5 per hour
in "hero pay" for frontline essential workers during the pandemic (January 12 Agenda Item 13.D). I am writing
as a member of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that frontline
essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge of the
Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is awarded to
workers in such fields as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are encountered in the
course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist in our
society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
Doris Hausmann Kogut
Item 13.D 01/12/21
13 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 356 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Cathie Gentile <cathiegentile1953@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:36 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Supporting Council Member Kevin McKeown's Request for Implementation of Hero Pay (Agenda
Item #13.D)
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am Catherine Gentile with the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Santa Monica. I am
writing in support of Council Member Kevin McKeown's call for an executive order or emergency
ordinance requiring large grocery store chains and drug retailers to implement temporarily an extra $5
per hour in "hero pay" for frontline essential workers during the pandemic (January 12 Agenda Item
13.D). I am also writing as a member of Clergy and Laity United for Economic Justice (CLUE).
The additional pay will provide an essential measure of recognition for the hazardous conditions that
frontline essential workers now face during this period of severe crisis brought on by the current surge
of the Coronavirus in Los Angeles County.
This compensation is popularly called "hero pay," but it is really the same kind of hazard pay that is
awarded to workers in such fields as mining and construction, where significant levels of danger are
encountered in the course of work.
Voting "yes" on this measure mitigates to some extent the significant inequalities of risk that now exist
in our society. It will afford some measure of justice during a very dark period of our city's and
nation's history.
Thank you for your consideration,
Catherine Gentile
Item 13.D 01/12/21
14 of 14 Item 13.D 01/12/21
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 357 Attachment: Written Comments (4410 : Hero Pay for frontline workers)