SR 02-23-2021 8A
City Council Report
City Council Meeting: February 23, 2021
Agenda Item: 8.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: Lane Dilg, Interim City Manager, City Manager's Office
Subject: Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Affirm the City’s existing strategies to address homelessness in our community.
2. Affirm continuation of the City’s recent, added strategies to address
homelessness, including Multidisciplinary Street Teams and Park Ambassadors,
for consideration in the FY2021-23 biennial budget process.
3. Confirm that potential projects listed in “Four Pillars Roadmap – Next
Steps” (Attachment G) align with Council’s vision for a safe and healthy Santa
Monica, identify Council’s 3-5 top priorities among those projects, and direct staff
to assess feasibility and develop cost estimates for priority projects for Council
consideration during the FY2021-23 biennial budget process and direct staff to
return with cost estimates for additional projects should these become feasible
and further resources become available.
Executive Summary
Prior to the global pandemic, homelessness in Los Angeles County had been an on-
going crisis for decades, caused by factors including national and regional housing
shortages and economic and social policies that have kept low-income and people of
color in poverty for generations. For a year now, the emergence of COVID-19 has
upended the daily life of every American, disrupting systems that people rely on for
health, social wellness and economic stability. In the spring of 2020, the City was
preparing to announce that local coordination and smart investments in effective
practices had resulted in a local reduction in the annual Point-In-Time (PIT) homeless
count. Instead, the City quickly joined government agencies around the globe in pivoting
to focus on emergency response while adjusting to severely diminished revenue
streams and grappling with social upheavals brought about by public health orders and
calls for social justice.
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While the regional stay-at-home orders led to the cancellation of the 2021 Homeless
Count for Los Angeles County, it is clear that the regional homelessness crisis has been
exacerbated by these multiple stressors. Public health orders have reduced availability
of shelter beds in a county where 72% of the homeless population already lacked
shelter. The closures of indoor dining and public facilities such as libraries have left
even more people in public spaces with nowhere to go. The economic crisis has put
previously stable households on the verge of homelessness. The impacts are sharply
felt by those living without shelter and all who live, work, or spend time in Santa Monica
and Los Angeles County.
This report provides a summary of the City’s Four Pillar strategy for addressing
homelessness, which had succeeded in reducing homelessness in Santa Monica prior
to the pandemic, as well as the changes that occurred after March 2020. It also offers a
path forward for adapting the Four Pillar strategy in the midst of a still unpredictable
public health and economic crisis. Introduced in 2019, the Four Pillars are:
1. Preventing housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless and increasing
affordable housing opportunities;
2. Addressing the behavioral health needs of vulnerable residents;
3. Maintaining equitable access to safe, fun, and healthy open spaces; and
4. Strengthening regional capacity to address homelessness.
Staff seeks guidance from Council on priorities for addressing homelessness in
FY2021-23 as outlined throughout this report and summarized in the Next Steps
section. Staff seeks Council’s guidance in affirming continuing effective strategies
already in place, committing to funding proven practices, and considering opportunities,
if there is any ability for the City to use upcoming Federal or State stimulus funding,
whether it is restricted for specific programming or discretionary, or consider tradeoffs
within the City’s already very limited resources, for potential new investments.
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Background
Santa Monica has a long history of investing in housing and supportive services to
prevent and address the impacts of homelessness. Previous staff reports have
chronicled key, interdepartmental initiatives. On May 8, 2017, staff presented an
Information Item (Attachment A) describing the City’s evolution from a first-come, first-
served approach to strategic prioritization of limited housing and services based on
vulnerability (an approach that served as a model across the County) as well as the
City’s adoption of the Housing First approach and emphasis on permanent solutions.
On March 26, 2019, a staff report to Council (Attachment E) introduced the Four
“Pillars” upon which the City’s homeless strategies are built:
1. Preventing housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless and increasing
affordable housing opportunities;
2. Addressing the behavioral health needs of vulnerable residents;
3. Maintaining equitable access to safe, fun, and healthy open spaces; and
4. Strengthening regional capacity to address homelessness.
These strategies have been implemented through interdepartmental and community
partnerships that contributed to a sustained reduction in homelessness in the downtown
and beach areas, as well as an overall reduction in the City’s 2020 Point-In-Time
homeless count. In contrast, the 2020 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count
(conducted pre-COVID) identified 66,436 experiencing homelessness across Los
Angeles County – an increase of 12.7% from 2019 – with 72.3% living unsheltered on
the streets. On the Westside (County Service Planning Area 5), homelessness
increased by 14% from 2019, with 6,009 people experiencing homelessness in West
Los Angeles County. These numbers mirror trends recorded in communities across
California: of the 22 Continuums of Care (CoC) that conducted homeless counts in
January 2020, 17 CoCs (77.3%) observed an increase in homelessness, and the
number of people experiencing homelessness across the state increased 10.7% from
2019.
Despite these double-digit increases in homelessness on the Westside, across the
County, and throughout California, coordinated efforts to advance the Four Pillar
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Strategy in 2019 helped contribute to an 8% local reduction in the City of Santa
Monica’s annual Homeless Count, where 907 homeless individuals were counted in
January 2020. Steeper, sustained decreases were recorded in the Downtown and
Beach areas where more intensive targeted interventions were focused. These efforts
are most effective when there is participation and partnership from all segments of the
community.
The City’s approach has been marked by a careful balance between providing
compassionate services and housing options while enforcing applicable laws to address
anti-social behaviors through consistent engagement by first responders and restorative
justice alternatives as appropriate. The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has
been actively engaged in these successful initiatives. SMPD’s Homeless Liaison
Program (HLP) team utilizes a regionally and nationally recognized model focused on
outreach, education, enforcement, and collaboration with a variety of local and regional
partners. For many years, a “stick and carrot” approach helped direct hundreds of
people experiencing homelessness to housing and services, while addressing unsafe
and illegal behaviors. The collaborative partnership between SMPD, the City Attorney’s
Office (CAO), and the Community Services Department (CSD) has utilized the criminal
justice system to leverage connections to treatment through alternative sentencing
options and to manage disruptive behaviors through court-issued stay-away orders.
For the past several decades, increasing rents and stagnant wages across Los Angeles
County have driven the number of people experiencing homelessness up nearly every
year. Adding to this ongoing housing crisis, the pandemic and subsequent impacts on
City revenues and the criminal justice system, as well as renewed calls for social justice
reforms, have required the City to double-down on some strategies while re-assessing
others, including the role of law enforcement, through the lens of public health best
practices and racial equity. Even after the current public health emergency subsides
and some system capacity is restored, lasting economic and social changes, coupled
with the continued lack of affordable housing, will continue to shape the homeless
services system in ways that will require the local and regional systems to bolster
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strategies that were working pre-COVID while evolving to meet new challenges with
creative solutions.
Past Council Actions
Meeting Date Description
5/8/17 (Attachment A) Council received Information Item: Local Homeless Efforts in a
Regional Context
11/28/17 (Attachment B) Council received Annual Homelessness Report and endorsed Strategic
Goal Action Plan
11/27/18 (Attachment C) Council received City Manager Report: Homelessness Update
3/22/19 (Attachment D) Council received Information Item: Response to SAMOSHEL
Complaints
3/26/19 (Attachment E) Council received Annual Homelessness Report and approved the Four-
Pillar strategy
5/26/20 (Attachment F) Council approved restoration of priority services not included in the May
5, 2020 restructuring plan
Discussion
This staff report is separated into sections for each of the Four Pillars of the City’s
approach to preventing and addressing homelessness. Within each pillar, the report
describes current efforts, as well as those interrupted or suspended due to COVID-19 or
its economic impacts, and identifies opportunities to enhance effective strategies within
each pillar and explore new ways to meet developing needs.
Homelessness is a pressing challenge regionally and locally, driven by a multitude of
factors, including inadequate housing supply at all affordability levels and rising rents
that have outpaced stagnant wages. These challenges are compounded by insufficient
and inconsistent access to medical and behavioral healthcare, as well as other essential
supportive services. Systemic racism reflected in, for example, discriminatory housing
and employment policies, has further contributed to a disproportionate number of Black
people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County while the proportion of other
racial and ethnic groups are either under or equal to their prevalence in the general
population, making it clear that homelessness is also a social justice issue. As the
number of people experiencing homelessness in the City and County of Los Angeles
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continues to rise, Santa Monica suffers the impacts of this very transient population,
even while the local homeless count has gone down.
The 2020 Affordable Housing Needs Report by the California Housing Partnership
showed that even prior to the COVID pandemic, Los Angeles County experienced a
shortage of more than 500,000 affordable homes. Across the County, at least 79% of
extremely low-income households were spending more than half of their income toward
housing. The growing housing affordability gap, coupled with massive impacts of the
pandemic and the imperative of social justice reform that began in the last quarter of
FY2019-20, will have lasting effects on the availability of resources to address
homelessness even after the COVID-19 crisis is over locally and regionally. In March
2017, Los Angeles County voters resoundingly approved Measure H – a ¼ percent
sales tax increase that provided over $400 million last year to fund a comprehensive
regional approach to homelessness, including services, rental subsidies, and housing;
today, the County is struggling to keep Measure H funding commitments in the face of
projected revenue gaps. Regional policy decisions and court orders placed upon the
City of Los Angeles even before the pandemic are diverting housing and outreach
resources that were previously available to the entire region. Criminal justice decisions
at the Federal, State, and County level are impacting enforcement of local laws and
misdemeanor prosecution. Within Santa Monica, COVID-19’s devastating impacts on
the City’s tourism-based economy and the absence of meaningful federal stimulus
funds directed to cities with smaller populations resulted in an adopted City budget for
FY2020-21 that reflected substantial revenue losses resulting in expenditure and
staffing reductions across the City, including but not limited to the loss of three of the
four positions that were dedicated to homelessness coordination, policy, and
administration of services. (One position was restored as part of the Mid-Year Budget
adjustments.)
By July 2020, in response to alarming calls from local residents unable to pay rent and
the sudden congregation of unsheltered people in parks, the City had redirected its
reduced capacity and narrowed its homelessness efforts to focus on keeping people
housed and maintaining clean and safe public spaces. As planning begins for the next
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biennial budget and beyond, staff recommends that, as resources permit, the Council
commit resources to continue longstanding interventions that have produced results,
review programs suspended due to resource limitations, and discuss opportunities to
implement new programs and activities, which, absent a substantial infusion of federal
funds, would require tradeoffs or allocation of new resources to implement as well as
sustainable funding for any on-going operations. Careful restoration of some capacity
has already begun through the repurposing of vacant SMPD police officer positions to
support service enhancements. Staff also recommends seeking ways to elevate
opportunities to advance public-private partnerships while connecting residents and
community members with meaningful ways to donate, volunteer, and advocate for local
and regional solutions. In the midst of overwhelming challenges both old and new,
disruptions offer an opportunity to review the City’s approach to addressing
homelessness, recommit to those areas that show results in the face of these
challenges, and alter and adapt the City’s approach where appropriate.
I. Pillar One: Prevent housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless and
increase affordable housing opportunities
Despite housing more people experiencing homelessness than ever recorded in Los
Angeles County, the regional homeless count numbers continue to rise as more people
enter homelessness than the number of people re-housed. According to the Los
Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), three years into Los Angeles County’s
10-year investment from Measure H sales tax revenues, the County’s homeless
services system had doubled its number of annual housing placements. Still, increased
inflow has outpaced the number of people moving off the streets: according to LAHSA,
207 people across the County exit homelessness every day, while 227 people become
homeless. Locally, in order to mitigate inflow into homelessness while promoting a
diverse and inclusive community, City efforts continue to focus on ensuring an adequate
supply of affordable housing, while preventing evictions of vulnerable renters.
A. Affordable Housing Policy and Programs
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Santa Monica has consistently sought to lead the way in adopting policies and
programs to keep residents in their homes and produce affordable housing.
Santa Monica is one of approximately 16 rent control jurisdictions in the State of
California. Santa Monica’s Rent Control Charter Amendment was adopted by the
voters in April 1979 in response to a shortage of housing units, low vacancy rates, and
rapidly rising rents. The law was intended to alleviate the hardship of the housing
shortage. While rent control is one of the City’s overarching strategies focused on
housing affordability, rent control regulations are adopted by the Rent Control Board,
which bears responsibility for implementing and enforcing the Rent Control Law. The
City has also taken strong action to preserve housing for use as residential housing
through, for example, its Home-Sharing Ordinance, which prohibits short-term,
vacation rentals of units that are not owner-occupied.
The Community Services Department maintains the City’s portfolio of affordable
housing programs. In FY 2019-20, over $20 million was used to support 1,537
households with rental housing vouchers. Housing vouchers, which are mostly
funded by the federal government and administered by the Santa Monica Housing
Authority, pay a portion of each participant’s monthly rent. Most participants in the
Housing Authority’s voucher programs are very low-income or extremely low-income
households who would generally be unable to afford housing in Santa Monica in the
absence of the voucher program. In FY 2019-20, the City committed over $49 million in
housing trust funds for the preservation or development of 161 affordable
residences. Housing trust funds are loaned to non-profit affordable housing
organizations to either purchase existing apartments buildings, which are then
rehabilitated and dedicated for occupancy by low-income households, or to purchase
land upon which deed-restricted affordable housing can be built. Housing trust funds
come from a variety of sources, including an allocation from the General Fund of 50
percent of the proceeds from Measure GSH, a half-cent transaction and use tax
approved by Santa Monica voters in 2016. For FY 2020-21, $1 million of GSH funds
are being transferred from the General Fund to the housing trust fund. The remaining
funds are being used to address the City’s severe budget challenges related to COVID-
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19. The uncommitted housing trust fund balance of approximately $14 million was also
maintained to ensure sufficient funds for long-term continuity of the Preserving Our
Diversity program (see below).
The City also seeks to provide and facilitate direct rental assistance where possible to
keep Santa Monicans in their homes. The City provides “Flexible Funds” to help
households move off the streets and/or prevent eviction by providing security deposits,
furniture and emergency rental assistance. In FY 2019-20, the Housing & Human
Services Division (HHSD) provided $111,457 in assistance to 79 households. In July
2020, the Community Services Department implemented the COVID Emergency
Rental Assistance Program (COVID ERAP) using federal Community Development
Block Grant funds (CDBG) ($2,549,979) and General Funds ($251,535) to provide an
estimated 650 households economically impacted by COVID with three months’ rent up
to $5,000. Funding for program administration came from CDBG and the re-purposing
of a County homeless grant through the Westside Cities Council of Governments. More
recently, Congress authorized $26 billion in federal rent relief funds in December of
2020, and the State of California has received $2.6 billion of these funds, to be
used for state-wide rental assistance in the months to come.
The City’s Preserving Our Diversity (POD) program provides cash-based assistance
to low-income, long-term rent control senior households to help them achieve a
minimum monthly after-rent income. In FY 2019-20, the POD program assisted 51 low-
income, senior households. The Council maintained funding for the POD program
throughout the pandemic as a budget priority in May 2020, and, as of January 2021,
145 low-income senior households have enrolled in the POD program, which is
ongoing.
An interagency Senior Housing Task Force (led by the Community Services
Department and comprised of representatives from the City Attorney’s Office, Housing
Authority, Rent Control, SMPD, SMFD, WISE & Healthy Aging, LAFLA, Community
Corporation of Santa Monica [CCSM] and Code Enforcement) helps vulnerable senior
households avoid eviction and maintain stable housing. In FY 2019-20, the Task Force
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helped 26 vulnerable senior households. After a brief suspension, the Senior Housing
Task Force began monthly meetings again virtually in September 2020.
At the beginning of the pandemic, in March 2020, the Los Angeles County Department
of Public Health ordered regional congregate interim housing sites to reduce their
maximum occupancy based on new physical distancing and safe meal and
bathroom requirements to slow the transmission of COVID-19. This “decompression”
reduced interim housing capacity in half, and has effectively halted new admissions to
interim housing since that time. As of January 4, 2021, 4,578 people experiencing
homelessness countywide had tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic began,
while only two positive tests have been recorded among clients across The People
Concern’s three interim housing sites in Santa Monica.
In April 2020, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority initiated its Project
Roomkey program, which brought approximately 4,100 motel rooms online countywide
to relocate people from congregate interim housing programs and offer safe sheltering
for unsheltered people at high-risk of COVID. The City assisted the County in
considering and pursuing a site in Santa Monica, but the state and county requirements
created barriers for local motels. With only 187 Project Roomkey rooms located on the
Westside, these resources quickly filled up, with little turnover of rooms. In partnership
with The People Concern and The Palm Motel, the City implemented an emergency
motel shelter program modeled after Project Roomkey beginning in May 2020 using
existing multidisciplinary team (MDT) staff and repurposing $220,000 in public and
private grants; 26 homeless individuals facing the highest risk of death due to COVID
successfully sheltered in place during the 15-week program, with 18 individuals (69%)
exiting the motel to destinations other than the street, and no participants or staff testing
positive for COVID. This program ended in September 2020 when available funding
was exhausted.
In July 2020, Governor Newsom made $600 million in funding available for Project
Homekey, a program aimed at acquiring hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings and
other properties, to convert them into permanent long-term housing for people
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experiencing or at risk of homelessness. An additional $200 million was allocated to
Project Homekey in October 2020, and at least 94 Homekey projects, including 10 in
Los Angeles County, have closed escrow to date. The State has recently announced
additional funding for Project Homekey, and a federal proposal pending in Congress
would utilize an additional $5 billion nationwide for this purpose. In Santa Monica, high
costs of real estate and a lack of City resources to support acquisition and development
of a site limit the likelihood of a viable Project Homekey within the City. However, staff
is exploring potential opportunities to collaborate with other Westside Cities Council of
Governments (WSCCOG) members to identify a Project Homekey site to serve the
Westside.
B. Tenant Protection and Legal Representation
The City has long been committed to protecting tenants from unlawful harassment or
eviction. The City’s Tenant Harassment Law creates potential civil and criminal liability
for landlords that unlawfully harass tenants. The City Attorney’s Office Public Rights
Division brings affirmative litigation to enforce tenant-protection laws and also helps
tenants and property owners understand their legal rights and responsibilities. The
Division has recently filed actions, for example, against landlords who have or are
alleged to have violated affordable housing deed restrictions, who have discriminated
against potential tenants who seek to use affordable housing vouchers to obtain
housing, who have engaged in price-gouging during declared emergencies, and who
have tried to evict tenants unlawfully during the pandemic.
On March 14, 2020, the City was one of the first local governments in the nation to
put in place a local eviction moratorium to keep renters who lost jobs or income due
to COVID-19 in their homes. The City’s residential eviction moratorium protections for
COVID-19 related nonpayment of rent were in effect through September 30, 2020, at
which time they were replaced by State legislation.
The City has also long supported direct legal representation to senior, disabled and
formerly homeless households through Human Services Grants Program (HSGP)
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funding to the Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA). LAFLA provides
consultation and helps people fight discrimination, eviction and denial of benefits. In FY
2019-20, LAFLA served 695 households utilizing $506,149 in funding. After Council
designated keeping tenants in their homes as a budget priority in May 2020, LAFLA
maintained full City grant funding for this purpose for FY 2020-21 despite other cuts to
HSGP grants as the City reduced expenditures to account for reduced revenues in the
FY 2020-21 budget.
On January 26, 2021, Council authorized additional funding for a two-year pilot
program to provide full-service legal representation by a non-profit provider to
tenants facing eviction as a result of COVID-19, either during the eviction moratorium or
after its expiration. Council authorized funding up to $120,000 for each of the two years
of the pilot program; the City Attorney’s Office has issued a request for proposals for
selection of a legal services provider in accordance with SMMC 2.24.080.
C. Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, staff recommends:
Continued investment in current efforts
• Continue to advance homelessness prevention efforts through strong
affordable housing and tenant protection policies and programs,
including maintaining funding for POD and other core services that promote
housing affordability and help seniors, people with disabilities, and other
vulnerable households remain in their homes. Continued funding for these
programs is included in financial forecasts.
• Implement the approved two-year eviction full-service legal
representation pilot program and study results to inform future eviction
prevention interventions.
Potential opportunities/new projects (would require new resources)
• Explore opportunities to collaborate with other WSCCOG members to
identify a Project Homekey site to serve the Westside.
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• Monitor Federal and State rental assistance funding and, if necessary to
prevent evictions resulting from lost income due to COVID-19, consider
directing We Are Santa Monica funds to or utilizing one-time funds if
received from the federal government to keep residents in their homes.
II. Pillar Two: Address the behavioral health needs of vulnerable residents
The City has developed and expanded collaborative partnerships to effectively address
the complex behavioral health needs of residents – both housed and unhoused. Teams
deliver integrated services right where people are – in their homes, in public spaces,
and in jails, hospitals, and other institutions. New tools have been developed to further
strengthen interdepartmental and interagency data-sharing and individualized service
coordination for people experiencing homelessness. LAHSA estimates that 41% of
people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the County report substance use
disorders (SUD) and/or serious mental illness. While behavioral health conditions may
contribute to some individuals becoming homeless, many others develop illnesses
resulting from the complex trauma associated with prolonged homelessness. Current
state mental health laws make it very difficult to provide involuntary care for even the
most vulnerable suffering on the streets. While long-term system changes will take time
and the commitment of considerable resources, multidisciplinary teams deliver critical
medical and behavioral health interventions directly to people right where they need
them.
A. Multidisciplinary Street Teams and Alternative Response
The City has utilized one-time funds to pilot three full-time multidisciplinary teams
(MDTs) operated by The People Concern with specific areas of focus. Launched in
2016, the Homeless Multidisciplinary Street Team (HMST) serves a by-name cohort of
25 chronically homeless individuals identified by the City as the highest utilizers of local
emergency services. Two C3 teams (“City + County + Community,” reflecting the
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partnership between the City, Los Angeles County, and The People Concern) focus on
the geographic areas of the city with the highest concentrations of homelessness. The
City’s first C3 team started in 2018 with a focus on the Downtown Santa Monica area
and adjacent parks. A second C3 team was added in FY2019-20 to extend operations
to the Pier and beach. The MDTs go beyond traditional homeless outreach with staffing
that includes mental health clinicians, substance use disorder specialists, housing case
managers, licensed medical practitioners, and a peer with lived homeless experience.
HMST has permanently housed 90% of the initial client cohort, and maintained 94%
housing retention for those housed, all while reducing clients’ interactions with
emergency services. A June 2019 evaluation by RAND Corporation conservatively
estimated that HMST yielded cost savings to the City that offset 17 to 43% of the City’s
$600,000 annual investment in HMST. In FY 2019-20, the C3 teams provided direct
services to at least 1,400 unduplicated people experiencing homelessness, offering an
array of resources and street-based medical and behavioral health treatment. The two
Point-in-Time homeless counts since the C3 teams were launched recorded reductions
of 19% (2019) and 14% (2020) in the areas where C3 had been deployed.
Throughout the pandemic, the three City-funded MDTs operated by The People
Concern have continued ceaselessly providing field-based integrated care but have
also pivoted to take on new roles to address widespread hunger and prevent the
spread of COVID-19. Through partnerships with Los Angeles County Department of
Health Services, Department of Public Health, LAHSA and Venice Family Clinic, the
MDTs have distributed nutritious meals, public health education and personal protective
equipment, and facilitated COVID tests and flu vaccinations to people experiencing
homelessness in Santa Monica.
While these three teams remain active today, they are funded with one-time funding that
does not extend beyond June 30, 2021. Council will need to allocate $1.4 million in
ongoing funding for these teams in the biennial budget process to ensure their
continued operation beyond June 2021.
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The City’s sworn personnel also seek to deploy the most effective combinations of
resources to address behavioral and mental health concerns. The Police Department
continues its partnership with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
(DMH), with two full-time clinicians working alongside sworn SMPD officers. One
DMH Clinician is assigned to assist patrol and the other is embedded with the HLP
Team. These mental evaluation units combine resources and engagement techniques
to assess a person’s need and eligibility for emergency mental health services, work
with chronically mentally ill people (both housed and those experiencing
homelessness), and assist external service providers with locating and identifying
subjects enrolled in their services. In 2020, the DMH clinicians embedded with SMPD
completed at least 189 crisis evaluations, resulting in 119 linkages to psychiatric urgent
care or hospitalization. For 2021, the police department is continuing discussions with
DMH to obtain an additional clinician for night and weekend coverage.
In FY 2019-20, SMFD responded to 2,946 homeless-related calls, representing over
18% of total Fire Department responses. SMFD attempted to address the behavioral
health needs of individuals experiencing homelessness by providing information about
services 756 times during those responses. A six-month SMFD Community Response
Unit (CRU) pilot program from January to June deployed a two-person paramedic team,
enhanced relationships between SMFD and social service providers, and provided
training to SMFD personnel on how to connect vulnerable individuals to resources.
On October 27, 2020, Council approved the use of $400,000 in one-time CARES Act
funds to support a potential partnership with the Los Angeles County Department
of Mental Health (DMH) to support an alternative dispatch emergency response
model to enhance mental health services and access to care for vulnerable populations
and people experiencing homelessness. This model, which is the subject of active
partnership conversations between City staff and DMH would integrate Los Angeles
County mental health experts directly into emergency response by allowing the dispatch
of vans operated by a Psychiatric Mobile Response Team to respond to individuals
experiencing mental health crisis and rapidly initiate supportive case management. This
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partnership would implement alternative dispatch recommendations made by the
community-based Public Safety Reform Advisory Committee.
To support efforts to address homelessness across providers and responders, the City
partnered with Akido Labs, a subsidiary of USC’S D-Health Lab and the Milken
Institute to develop Santa Monica Project Connect. In February 2019, the Connect
mobile application launched to link local homeless service providers and first
responders in near-real-time to strengthen care coordination for people experiencing
homelessness. The app securely integrates previously siloed data systems and allows
first responders and care managers to communicate in near real-time directly to
coordinate care plans for the highest users of police and fire services. Data from the
initial Project Connect pilot found that arrests for the City’s top 120 high utilizers
reduced by 37% in seven months, reinforcing that effective service coordination results
in improved client-level outcomes while also reducing interactions with emergency
services. Project Connect remains in place and its efficacy will continue to be assessed
as the roles of first responders evolve.
Prior to COVID, in April 2019, the Santa Monica Public Library (SMPL) and the
Community Services Department launched a new partnership, bringing two As-Needed
Social Workers to the Library. These clinicians worked in close collaboration with
SMPL staff (including Library Services Officers) and Community Outreach Specialist
from The People Concern to provide effective interventions to individuals in need, while
also addressing problematic behaviors to promote a safe and welcoming environment
for all. Social workers met regularly with CSD and SMPL staff to develop the following:
1) Regular Drop-in hours to connect to resources in library study rooms 2) Outreach
walks with Library Service Officers (LSO) throughout library buildings 3) Monthly and
weekly programs to encourage art and writing therapy 4) Support for bi-monthly
Resource Fairs connecting people experiencing homelessness to regional service
providers and 5) Staff training around issues such as mental health and resource
sharing for people experiencing homelessness. This multi-pronged approach in a library
setting had positive impacts on both new and regularly visiting patrons experiencing
homelessness. These joint efforts and inclusion of Library programs and services, in
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addition to steady communication established between the Community Services
Department, SMPD’s Homeless Liaison Program (HLP), and Library staff, resulted in an
increased connection to case management services and housing placements for people
experiencing homelessness. This Library-based program has not operated during the
pandemic, when indoor Library services have been closed. With the reduction in staff
and operational changes this past year, the Library no longer has the structural capacity
to restore dedicated services for people experiencing homelessness. Staff and
leadership will need to re-evaluate how to support our unhoused in light of limited
resources, once public health restrictions are lifted and indoor Library services resume.
B. Recidivism Reduction and Diversion Programs
While the City and County are actively reimagining crisis response systems, people
experiencing homelessness and either mental health or substance use disorders are
still likely to have encounters with the justice system. The Santa Monica Police
Department, City Attorney’s Office, and Community Services Department continue to
collaborate to address behavioral health needs. Santa Monica’s Homeless
Community Court (HCC) is a problem-solving court program that addresses the legal
issues of homeless individuals with the purpose of connecting them to services and
permanent housing. Since its inception, the Homeless Community Court program has
helped move 120 program graduates into permanent housing. This program has
continued during the pandemic with sessions held virtually via teleconference. As justice
reforms reframe the use of criminal courts to address antisocial behavior, pre-filing
diversion alternatives may supersede therapeutic court programs like HCC.
Prior to the pandemic, the City launched the Jail Outreach and Linkage to Treatment
(JOLT) pilot program in January 2020 as a collaboration between Community Services
Department (CSD), SMPD, the City Attorney’s Office (CAO), and substance use
treatment provider CLARE|Matrix. Methamphetamine remains the dominant drug in Los
Angeles County; due to its accessibility and low cost, it is also the most common drug
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among the area’s homeless population. Both the SMPD and SMFD have observed a
decrease in alcohol-related behavior and significant increase in methamphetamine use
in recent years. Between 2014 and 2019, SMPD public intoxication arrests decreased
78%, while persons in possession of methamphetamine increased by 152% across all
populations. In 2020, there were fewer total arrests for possession, but an increasing
percentage of those arrests were of people experiencing homelessness. In 2015, 50%
of methamphetamine possession arrests were homeless suspects. In 2018, people
experiencing homelessness accounted for 69% of methamphetamine arrests, and 75%
in 2020. Through JOLT, 27 individuals arrested for certain drug-related charges were
outreached in the Santa Monica jail and offered an opportunity to divert their cases from
the court system by participating in substance use disorder (SUD) treatment. Forty-eight
percent of participants successfully completed a multidimensional substance use
assessment, and 11% of participants graduated from the program and their criminal
cases were never filed. Only 15% of JOLT participants were re-arrested by SMPD in the
month following outreach. The JOLT pilot was halted in mid-March 2020 due to COVID
Public Health orders that limited jail use for most misdemeanors, but conversations to
revive JOLT or similar pre-court diversion within new parameters are ongoing.
State and County-led criminal justice reform measures, such as the Public Safety
Realignment Bill (AB 109) in 2011 and voter adoption of Proposition 47 in 2014, have
elevated behavioral health diversion programs from innovative options to imperative
mandates. In 2020, the State Legislature limited misdemeanor probation to 12 months
and reinstituted court-led diversion. Newly elected LA County District Attorney George
Gascón also recently implemented a series of sweeping directives addressing justice
reform and eliminating cash bail, decriminalizing drug possession, and implementing a
presumption for diversion for all misdemeanors. In the past, people suspected of
misdemeanor criminal offenses (e.g. trespassing, public intoxication, assault and
battery) were often arrested and held in custody until their arraignment before a judge.
Under new State and County guidelines, the penalties for almost all of these behaviors
are citations issued in the field, with a promise to appear at a future court date (in some
cases, four months after the incident). These changes alter the effectiveness of long-
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held City strategies that relied on coordination and partnership with SMPD to provide
the motivation that criminal enforcement has on managing disruptive behavior.
The City Attorney’s Office (CAO) has responded to regional shifts by increasing
opportunities to connect individuals to pre-plea diversion. During the pandemic,
the CAO – in partnership with SMPD and Community Services Department – has
provided quarterly POP (People, Outreach Providers) citation clearing events to
create meaningful opportunities for homeless individuals to connect with a variety of
resources in lieu of their criminal cases being filed; and the CAO and SMPD are also
working with the County Alternatives to Incarceration Initiative (ATI) to implement a
pretrial diversion program that would allow arresting officers, as necessary in
consultation with the CAO, to provide arrestees with an immediate option to accept
diversion to County-funded services through a full-time diversion coordinator.
C. Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, staff recommends:
Continued investment in current efforts
• Continue to invest in a spectrum of engagement tools, including the
HMST and C3 multidisciplinary teams. Staff recommends that Council
prioritize continued funding for the City’s existing three MDTs in the biennial
budget process. This will require the dedication of $1.4 million in ongoing
funding, likely using a portion of the additional $3 million staff has forecasted
as available for ongoing programming beginning in FY 2021-22, as
highlighted in the January 26, 2021 Midyear Budget Review. Expanding the
capacity, including additional teams or extended hours, would require
additional resources. Investments in the MDTs have shown not only to
increase service connections, but also to reduce the number of people
experiencing homelessness in the areas where they have been deployed.
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• The Community Services Department, SMPD, and CAO will also continue to
build off promising pre-trial diversion pilot programs (e.g. JOLT and
POP) to create meaningful opportunities to connect vulnerable individuals to
behavioral health treatment and other resources.
• Continue to develop and implement an alternative response pilot
program with Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to
provide an effective and cost-efficient model for responding to individuals in
crisis. Funding of $400,000 is available for the first year of this program.
Continuation of the pilot after these resources expire would require identifying
additional resources.
Potential opportunities/new projects (would require new resources)
• Low Acuity Crisis Response - While alternative crisis response has focused
on reducing law enforcement interactions, resources permitting, a
specialized homeless response unit could also be implemented to divert
SMFD calls for services. Based on a prior pilot program conducted by the
Fire Department, such a program would require an ongoing commitment of
$500,000 that is not currently included in the budget. There is also a need to
revise state and local laws and directives that limit where paramedics can
take individuals in need of mental health care and substance use disorder
care to support alternative responses.
• Behavioral Health Triage Center - To address the growing need for 24/7
alternatives to hospital emergency rooms and jails, the City should explore
the feasibility of partnering with a third party and/or converting an
existing property to provide a behavioral health triage center in Santa
Monica. Staff recommends that the City continue to advocate for legislation
and policies that remove barriers to vulnerable individuals accessing
appropriate care.
III. Pillar Three: Maintain equitable access to safe, fun, and healthy open spaces
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According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA), more than 70
percent of the 66,000 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County are
unsheltered. The impacts of the regional homelessness crisis are felt sharply in Santa
Monica’s parks, beach, commercial districts, and other open spaces. During the first half
of FY2019-20, the City’s approach focused on consistent engagement of people living in
public spaces by a variety of sworn and non-sworn City and non-profit staff. Before the
pandemic upended daily life for everyone, the City had implemented several promising
programs and partnerships to promote public health and safety. The number of
homeless individuals counted on the beach and in the Downtown Santa Monica area
decreased by 14% between 2019 and 2020, following a 19% decrease the prior year.
The pandemic brought new challenges that put enormous strain on public spaces,
limited the resources available to maintain them, and diverted the focus of local
enforcement. Guidance from Los Angeles County Public Health and the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) significantly reduced local shelter capacity and
discouraged the displacement of people living unsheltered to prevent the spread of
COVID-19. Prior to the Public Health-directed decompression, Santa Monica was home
to: 186 year-round interim housing beds for individuals, 67 interim housing beds for
families with children, and 116 substance use treatment beds. The availability of local
and regional interim housing options has been a key factor in the City’s ability to enforce
local laws. Local businesses and residents have voiced concerns about safety and
cleanliness related to homelessness in the Downtown Santa Monica area and
throughout the city. While growing regional homelessness will continue to impact public
spaces locally, the City’s targeted, coordinated efforts were demonstrating positive
impacts, and will be the foundation of rebuilding those successes post-COVID.
A. Parks, the Beach, and Downtown
In addition to the treatment-based Multidisciplinary Teams discussed above, which
operate in the beach and downtown areas, the City partnered with Downtown Santa
Monica, Inc., in 2017 to bring their popular Ambassador program to Tongva and
Palisades Parks. Based on the early success of this partnership, the City launched its
Reed Park Ambassador pilot in August 2019. In FY2019-20, DTSM’s Park
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Ambassadors provided more than 5,000 social service referrals to people experiencing
homelessness in Palisades, Reed, and Tongva Parks; Referrals to date remain steady
(1900 through January 2021) as the Ambassador program has continued operating
during the pandemic. Ambassadors – in these parks and throughout the Downtown area
- have also served as “force multipliers,” helping homeless outreach teams locate
specific individuals to access follow-up care and housing opportunities.
The Police Department has also refocused its Public Service Officer (PSO) program
to monitor the parks and coordinate, alongside the officers of SMPD’s Homeless
Liaison Program (HLP) Team, to effectively engage more people experiencing
homelessness and also respond to citizen complaints.
The HLP Team, budgeted for eight officers and a sergeant, is committed by the Police
Department to focus its work exclusively on homelessness-related issues within Santa
Monica’s city limits. Though the primary role of the HLP Team is daily interaction and
problem solving in our City’s public spaces, HLP also coordinates livability operations in
collaboration with various social services agencies, Public Works, Community Services,
Code Compliance, the Library, and the City Attorney’s Office. As part of their work, the
HLP Team assists people experiencing homelessness in Santa Monica to navigate the
DMV, Department of Social Services, and the Veterans Administration, among other
programs. In the past month, the HLP Team helped a person experiencing
homelessness in Santa Monica public spaces with registering at the West Los Angeles
VA, making contact with family in Taiwan and Orange County, and obtaining a
replacement DMV ID card with a voucher from The People Concern. In essence, the
HLP Team is a critical juncture for partnerships between law enforcement, City
departments and social service outreach providers.
With Los Angeles County at the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic, the indefinite
closure of indoor seating at coffee shops, fast food locations, and public facilities, as
well as capacity limits at homeless service agencies, have resulted in higher visibility of
homeless people in parks and open spaces, straining the resources to maintain these
spaces for all to enjoy. The drain on staff resources to constantly clean key hotspot
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areas (e.g. the Pier, Third Street Promenade and Downtown Santa Monica, parks and
public restrooms) takes away from other assigned activities and contributes to a gradual
erosion in the quality of the City’s public spaces. The reality of a homeless population
that depends on public spaces for shelter and restrooms contributes to a growing
tension between the City’s ability to maintain the traditionally high expectations of the
community and simply holding the line. The COVID emergency has significantly
impacted court operations, and with that, the efficacy of using police and court
proceedings to enforce consequences for municipal code violations. Criminal jury
trials have essentially been suspended since March 2020, and courts were
automatically rescheduling cases for many months in 2020. The State and County have
implemented emergency bail schedules, meaning that all individuals except those
arrested for serious and violent felonies are released within hours and ordered back to
court no earlier than 120 days from the incident.
In the Spring of 2020, the City re-purposed staff to serve as Parks Safety
Ambassadors, to share public health information and encourage compliance with
public health orders (social distancing, mask compliance, etc.). As restaurants and other
business re-opened, the City expanded COVID-19 compliance efforts by deploying
Health Ambassadors to key areas. Health Ambassadors serve as force multipliers for
the City’s Code Enforcement and Police Department, with a focus on education and
compliance to protect community health. The City’s Emergency Operations Center
(EOC) deployed portable toilets and handwashing stations throughout the city,
including parks, the beach, and the downtown area. The City utilized $14,315 in
grant funds from the Westside Cities Council of Governments (WSCCOG) to deploy
seven additional toilets and three handwashing stations in areas of significant need.
These units were discontinued after six months when grant funds were exhausted due
to costly maintenance related to repeated vandalism and misuse. Public Works staff
have managed to continue daily maintenance of the Pier, parks, public restrooms
and hundreds of trash cans throughout the pandemic. However, even with twice
daily cleanings, the excessive dependence on, and frequent vandalism of, restroom
facilities have overwhelmed staff and eroded public perception of safety. To this end,
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interdepartmental teams are tightening coordination between park-based field staff,
human services providers and Police to address these issues.
The City has long focused on activating its public spaces to ensure they remain healthy
and desirable for all. The “Meet Me at Reed” program offered outdoor cultural and
recreational programming at Reed Park throughout the Summer and Fall months of
2019. During the pandemic, the City has not been able to promote public gatherings
but has sought to utilize public spaces fully for the public benefit when permissible
under County public health orders through, for example, expanded outdoor dining on
the Promenade, continued City youth recreation programs, and permitting of park
spaces and even the Pier parking lot for outdoor fitness classes by local providers.
In an effort to enhance safety and cleanliness around the Promenade, the City
contracted with Allied Universal to provide security patrol services for eight downtown
Parking Structures (Structures 1-6, 9, and 10) to ensure safe public access and use of
the parking areas, elevators, and stairwells. Additionally, the City is upgrading the
refuse enclosures in parking structures 3, 5, and 6 by installing new perimeter fencing
and replacing access gates. Promenade Maintenance in collaboration with Downtown
Santa Monica Ambassadors continue to ensure the cleanliness and sanitary conditions
of the Downtown District during the pandemic. City staff are on hand from 5 a.m. to
10:30 p.m. to scrub, sweep, pressure wash all hardscape surfaces, empty all trash
receptacles, sanitize trash enclosures, elevators, and stairways and maintain as well as
remove graffiti from the downtown areas.
The City continues its longstanding partnership with West Coast Care, a local
nonprofit that engages unsheltered people in public spaces that are newly arrived
in Santa Monica with the goal of reuniting them with family or friends in their
communities of origin. In FY 2019-20, West Coast Care recorded 1,174 contacts with
people experiencing homelessness, with the goal of diverting individuals from the
overburdened local and regional homeless services system by tapping into existing
social supports whenever possible.
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Due to the limited availability of shelter and affordable housing, sometimes the most
cost effective and immediate option for a person who is unsheltered is to reconnect with
loved ones who are willing to give them a place to live. The City’s Project
Homecoming helps participants reconnect with hosts, and the City provides a
Greyhound bus ticket or comparable transportation assistance. Agencies conduct
follow-up calls to confirm arrival and again at 3 months and 6 months. In FY 2019-20,
Project Homecoming housed 149 individuals with family and friends at an average cost
of $308 per person. Funding for this program remains intact and to date in FY 2020-21,
46 participants have utilized Project Homecoming to secure housing and ongoing
support.
B. Santa Monica Public Library and Big Blue Bus
Challenges in ensuring that the City’s beloved outdoor public spaces are healthy, safe,
and accessible to all persist in other City facilities and services as well.
An expansion of the SMPL Library Service Officer team in 2019 allowed the Library
to consistently address and better track behaviors and violations of the Rules of
Conduct, empowering staff to hone in on specific problematic areas in and around
library buildings. Through joint efforts and communication between the City Attorney’s
Office, Public Works, and SMPD, the Library updated its Rules of Conduct to include
stronger language around behaviors that are welcome and unwelcome in the library. In
addition to updating the Rules, the consistency in the enforcement of these rules was
addressed through: 1) Regular meetings and visits from SMPD, 2) Inclusion of CAO and
Library Social Workers interventions for certain Library behaviors and situations, 3)
Regular training and reporting to frontline staff and supervisors, and 4) Consistent
engagement and explanation of Rules of Conduct by LSO’s, Supervisors and staff
throughout the building. These strategies helped maintain a more welcoming and open
environment in libraries while also strengthening the Library’s relationships with SMPD,
CAO, and CSD.
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In 2018, the Big Blue Bus (BBB) began tracking and reporting incidents involving
passengers experiencing homelessness by upgrading its Operator Scheduling
Software (Trapeze), updating its incident reporting form, and training Motor
Coach Operators (MCOs) on how to document incidents and interactions. In 2019,
BBB collaborated with SMPD on “Just Say Hello,” a pilot project designed to assist
passengers experiencing homelessness that ride the BBB service with the goal of
offering social service referrals and decreasing quality of life issues. With buy-in
throughout the department, training was provided to all front-line staff and pamphlets
that included information of local social and health services were placed on each bus
that went into service. MCOs leveraged their ability to build positive rapport with riders
to provide resource information to riders in need. The Big Blue Bus (BBB) adjusted
its service to ensure the safety of its drivers and passengers during the
coronavirus crisis. Suspension of fares reduced contact between Motor Coach
Operators (MCO’s) and passengers, and MCO’s coordinated with the Emergency
Operations Center (EOC) to distribute face coverings to those needing assistance
complying with safety guidelines, primarily riders experiencing homelessness.
C. Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, staff recommends:
Continued investment in current efforts
• Consistent Field-Based Engagement Tools – Staff recommends that the City
continue to invest in a range of resources including SMPD HLP Team and PSOs,
as well as Park Ambassadors to address the impacts of homelessness in public
spaces, in addition to relying on police and fire personnel, as well as an
alternative dispatch system when and as appropriately implemented, to respond
to criminal and disruptive behaviors in public spaces. The Reed Park Ambassador
Program will exhaust its one-time funding on June 30, 2021, and an additional
appropriation of $0.52 million will be needed in FY 2021-22 and beyond to
continue this program at its current level. As with the multi-disciplinary street
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teams, the Council may elect to use a portion of the $3 million availablefor
reopening and continuation of unfunded activities next year.
Potential opportunities/new projects (would require new resources)
• Modifications to Open Spaces - Changes to enforcement protocols, budget
cuts, and personnel shortages have reduced police support in addressing beach,
park, and public restroom maintenance issues. With only four or five team
members actually out in the field currently, HLP coverage is strained. In addition,
officers are limited by COVID-related changes in enforcement and county court
directives that eliminated bail and lessened the penalty for all misdemeanors and
some non-violent felonies. Without the effectiveness of previously relied upon
police interventions, City staff may need to look at alternative and costly measures
to disincentivize the misuse of public spaces. To continue to provide foundational
services for a clean and safe Santa Monica, certain modifications to public spaces
such as lighting improvements, installing security cameras, adding fencing, and/or
modifying park features may be explored to restrict entry during closed hours and
reduce vandalism. Through the currently budgeted Park Safety Enhancement
Project, the City is planning to install priority cameras and blue phones at Tongva,
Reed and Palisades parks in addition to enhanced lighting inside Tongva Park
and along the Olympic corridor. Pending Council direction, when staff returns to
Council with a construction contract for the existing project, additional
improvements can be budgeted for at that time with available funds.
• Support Library Reopening - As the City seeks to resume indoor Library
services in advance of the recovery of our revenues, additional resources will be
needed to proactively address the needs of people who are homeless and re-
evaluate what support for our unhoused patrons looks like in a library
environment. At a minimum, as-needed LSO hours and additional staff dedicated
to programs and outreach would need to be restored. With potentially long waits
for services, limited seating, and stricter rules in place for health and safety, these
resources will be needed to manage compliance and provide pathways and
connections to service for individuals both inside and outside of library buildings.
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• Alternative Non-Congregate Shelter - To help restore and preserve the beach,
parks and open spaces that have been overburdened by the impact of hundreds
of people experiencing unsheltered homelessness the City could explore the
feasibility of investing in alternate non-congregate sheltering options weighing
pros and cons, community impacts and costs. The availability of these or other
shelter alternatives may often be a prerequisite to enable enforcement of certain
City ordinances. Any such solution would require community support and
significant new sustainable resources beyond what is currently available, including
one-time set-up costs and on-going operating expenses.
o Safe Parking/Sheltering models – Safe Parking models offer safe overnight
parking to individuals and families living in their vehicles. Safe Shelter
models offer similar areas for tent-based shelter. These programs are
frequently operated in cooperation and by written agreement with local
non-profit agencies, businesses, and/or faith-based organizations and have
been employed in Santa Barbara and Goleta, among other cities.
o Modular (“Pallet”) shelters – Other cities, including Los Angeles, Riverside,
and Tacoma, Washington, have explored small, modular homes varying in
cost from approximately $130,000 to $12,000 per unit.
IV. Pillar Four: Strengthen regional capacity to address homelessness
For decades, Santa Monica has invested deeply in developing local infrastructure that
supports the entire LA County Service Planning Area (SPA) 5 region (Westside). LA
County Departments of Mental Health (DMH) and Health Services (DHS) and LAHSA
partially fund beds and services at interim housing sites in Santa Monica operated by
The People Concern, as well as providing access to county housing vouchers and
support services.
A. Advocating for Regional Capacity
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Bordered by the City of Los Angeles on three sides, Santa Monica faces the challenges
of a regional crisis in addressing homelessness and must be part of a regional solution.
City staff have remained active participants in the WSCCOG Homelessness Working
Group. Through 2020, the City’s Senior Advisor on Homelessness chaired a
Homelessness Strategic Planning sub-committee of the Westside Cities Council of
Governments (WSCCOG). This term limited City position was eliminated during the
City budget cuts to address revenue reductions, and staffing cuts have reduced the
City’s capacity to coordinate internal and external partners, as well as the City’s
presence at policy discussions regionally. Some of this capacity will be restored after
the hiring of a Senior Human Services Analyst, a position that was added through the
City’s mid-year budget process. The WSCCOG remains committed to working with a
variety of public and private entities to develop strategies that equitably distribute
homeless services and affordable housing across the region. Efforts to increase the
availability of interim housing throughout the Westside may reduce some of the regional
reliance on Santa Monica-based programs. In February 2020, the City of Los Angeles
opened its latest A Bridge Home shelter in Venice. The Pacific Sunset shelter, built on
a former Metro bus lot, provides 100 beds for homeless adults and 54 beds for
transitional age youth. This represents one of the largest year-round shelters on the
Westside.
The County reported substantial reductions in Measure H sales tax revenue that
supports regional homeless strategies and has projected additional substantial revenue
reductions for FY2020-21, threatening the capacity of programs to prevent and address
homelessness throughout the region. Federal and state assistance has helped fill
immediate gaps to keep programs operating. Reduction in funding may impact the
capacity of local programs, and subsequently impact the effectiveness of local
strategies.
B. Interjurisdictional Collaboration and Coordination
City CSD staff regularly participate in meetings of the County’s Coordinated Entry
System (CES), which manages and allocates resources to match vulnerable individuals
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to available housing opportunities. City staff continue to advocate for policies and
services that meet local needs. Regional housing resources have recently been
diverted away from participants on the CES to those exiting the County’s Project
Roomkey motels and, at the direction of U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, to people
living near LA City freeways. This will result in longer waits for housing for other
sheltered and unsheltered individuals, some of whom have been on the Coordinated
Entry list for years.
In 2020, Santa Monica became the first city to participate in LA County’s
Assembly Bill (AB) 210 implementation efforts. This state legislation provided the
framework for the creation of interagency multidisciplinary teams and permits regional
data-sharing and service coordination from previously siloed systems.
C. Looking Ahead
Continued investment in current efforts
• Advocate for Regional Fair Share – Staff recommends that the City
continue to actively participate in the WCCOG, CES, and other spaces to
advocate for local access to regional resources that address homelessness
and provide effective and meaningful alternatives to incarceration (e.g.
County Measures H and J)
V. Supporting the Pillars: Homeless Services Infrastructure
The strategies and programs of the Four Pillars are built upon a foundation of local and
regional social services, coordinated through the Community Services Department’s
Housing and Human Services Division. For decades, Santa Monica has been home to a
robust service delivery infrastructure that is relied upon by the County and Service
Planning Area 5 neighboring communities, providing interim housing, substance use
treatment and recovery programs, a daytime Access Center with showers and other
essential services, street outreach teams, care management and housing navigation
teams, and permanent supportive housing. Local agencies receive the majority of their
funding through non-City sources and are obligated to serve the wider region. This use
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of non-City funds amplifies the impacts of local investments and ensures local people
experiencing homelessness have access to county services.
The City supports this local service system with both one-time capital investments and
ongoing annual support in the form of below-market leases of City property and, for over
40 years, with direct operating grants through the Human Services Grants Program
(HSGP). In FY 2019-20, the HSGP distributed $8.4 million in grants to 20 nonprofit
agencies and 39 programs that serve low-income families, vulnerable youth, seniors,
people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness. While all of these
programs can be considered preventative measures against homelessness, and many
programs serve people who are experiencing homelessness, five programs exclusively
serve people who are currently or formerly homeless: The People Concern’s Interim
Housing and Wellness (SAMOSHEL and Turning Point); The People Concern’s
Cloverfield Services Center (Daybreak Women’s program and Safe Haven); The People
Concern’s Access Center; Upward Bound House Family Transitional Housing; and
CLARE/Matrix Coordinated Case Management. FY2020-21 funding for each of these
programs was reduced due to Citywide budget reductions resulting from the economic
impacts of COIVD-19: TPC funding was reduced by $198,031; Upward Bound House
was de-funded due to the level of staff administration required for their small grant
($16,577); and CLARE/Matrix was reduced by $97,106 to align with their actual fee-for-
service expenditure rates. An additional three programs provide support to prevent
eviction of vulnerable residents at imminent risk of homelessness: Legal Aid Foundation
of Los Angeles’s (LAFLA) General Legal Services; St. Joseph Center’s Housing and
Family Self-Sufficiency; and Step Up on Second’s Sanctuary. While Council action on
May 26, 2020 (Attachment F) maintained funding to LAFLA’s program, FY2020-21
funding for Step Up was reduced by $15,888 and St. Joseph Center‘s housing retention
program was reduced by $55,648. In total, these homeless-related programs received
$2.9 million in HSGP grants in FY 2019-20, while collectively securing more than $1.9
million in non-City cash match funding to serve 1,431 Santa Monica program
participants. In FY 2019-20, these programs:
• Served 111 Santa Monica program participants in interim housing, with only 17
(15%) exiting to the streets. By comparison, LAHSA reported that 31% of
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participants exiting the City of L.A.’s “A Bridge Home” program returned to the
streets.
• Retained permanent housing for 492 low-income and/or formerly homeless
Santa Monica residents. Across HSGP agencies, 97% of program participants
successfully maintained their housing. By comparison, LAHSA reported a
permanent housing retention rate of 88% for people placed by the homeless
service system in 2018.
• Provided legal services to 695 low-income Santa Monica residents.
Even before the economic crisis brought on by COVID-19, City resources have been
insufficient to serve everyone who may be experiencing homelessness in Santa Monica.
Therefore, City-funded services are directed to a small subset of the population
identified as Santa Monica program participants: people who were last permanently
housed in Santa Monica; those who work in the city; people who have been homeless in
Santa Monica for five years or more; and people who are high users of first responder
services. Within this Santa Monica participant population, those who are identified as
highly vulnerable based on the County’s universal assessment tool are placed on the
City’s Service Registry. This by-name list of the most vulnerable individuals are
prioritized for local housing and services, and are the focus of monthly coordinated case
conferencing meetings to ensure agencies are working together to house and support
these individuals. Of the 466 individuals currently on the Service Registry, 63% are
permanently housed and another 14% are in interim housing.
The global pandemic and calls for racial justice put a spotlight on the plight of people
experiencing homelessness who are uniquely vulnerable to communicable diseases
and are disproportionately impacted by structural and institutional racism and poverty.
Addressing homelessness through collaboration and meaningful investments in staffing,
resources and infrastructure is a critical component of maintaining a healthy, safe and
equitable Santa Monica.
Next Steps
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The arrival of vaccines provides hope that the social, civic, and public health impacts of
the pandemic may be abating, with a slow economic recovery beginning thereafter as
consumers begin to feel safer eating out, shopping, and, ultimately, traveling. However,
homelessness is a lagging indicator, and the impacts of the economic devastation to
low- and moderate-income households may not be evident in the number of people
newly experiencing homelessness until well into 2022. In addition, social justice reform
measures will continue to impact who and how marginalized populations, including
people who are homeless and people suffering from mental illness and addiction,
receive care, thus forcing innovation and opportunities to create new tools to address
anti-social behavior and untreated behavioral health issues in public spaces. Over the
next 18 months, the City’s strategies will be evolving and reacting to anticipated
stressors. The future is still uncertain, and the City’s homeless strategies will need to be
flexible in order to adjust to new local and regional priorities, resource availability and
system capacity. Staff recommends continuing investments in efforts that have shown
to be effective, such as the multidisciplinary teams, Ambassador program, and
interdepartmental coordination. Continuation of these existing programs will require
Council to dedicate $1.9 million of the $3 million available for reopening beginning in FY
2021-22. As City revenues ultimately recover, there will be opportunities for renewing
investments or restoring programs that support a safe and clean Santa Monica for all.
However, City revenues are not anticipated to recover to pre-COVID-19 levels until FY
2024-25. Attachment G lists some of the immediate, medium- and long-term
opportunities for which staff seeks Council guidance and prioritization.
Staff requests that Council review, discuss and prioritize the projects and opportunities
outlined in this report and summarized in Attachment G. Staff seeks Council’s direction
to specify those opportunities upon which staff should focus and return with proposals
and specific recommendations as needed. In most cases, additional resources will be
needed, and timelines for implementation will vary depending on the size and scope of
each project. Visible, tangible change may take time to materialize beyond the
implementation, especially against the backdrop of new and persisting challenges
discussed above and an overwhelmed regional homeless services system. An
8.A
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investment of staff resources to develop and implement new projects may result in a
divestment of efforts in projects re-classified as lower priorities.
Finally, staff recommends that the City promote opportunities to strengthen public-
private partnerships to advance solutions to homelessness that are creative,
responsive, and scalable. Many of the City’s local nonprofit service provider partners
have experienced declines in public and private funding sources since the COVID-19
pandemic began. While many opportunities to volunteer at local agencies are on hold
due to Public Health guidance, people can donate directly to these agencies or the We
Are Santa Monica fund to meet essential needs during this prolonged crisis. Residents
and community members may be encouraged to advocate for local and regional
housing opportunities, siting of programs citywide, and supporting state and federal
efforts to prevent and address homelessness.
Financial Impacts and Budget Actions
While there are no immediate financial impacts or budget actions necessary as a result
of the recommended actions in this report, any expansion of current services, as well as
the continuation of services that are now operating with one-time funds (the Multi-
Disciplinary Street Teams and the Reed Park Ambassador Program) would require
additional funding to be appropriated to the FY 2021-22 Budget. Without Federal
stimulus funds or new State or County funding, the expansion of programming using
General Funds is very difficult at this time. While the report mentions tradeoffs as a
source of funding, the FY 2021-22 restructured budget is operating with a 20%
decrease in staffing and ongoing operating costs, and this lower level of operations will
soon be challenged as health restrictions are pulled back and facilities reopen. Staff has
identified $3 million in ongoing funds beginning in FY 2021-22 to assist in the
continuation of the most critical services that do not have ongoing funding, and to allow
for an extremely limited reopening of City facilities as health restrictions are pulled back.
It should be noted that the use of $3 million, under current revenue assumptions,
requires the City to delay the transfer of Measure GSH funds to Affordable Housing for
an additional one-year. Without meaningful stimulus funds or the use of other resources
8.A
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from the State or County, the City is not in a position to fund additional programs in the
short term. However, Council’s guidance can assist in developing a strategy to commit
new funds as they become available. Staff will return to Council if specific budget
actions are required in the future to implement Council direction.
Prepared By: Anuj Gupta, Assistant City Manager
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. May 8, 2017 Information Item (Web Link)
B. November 28, 2017 Staff Report (Web Link)
C. November 27, 2018 City Manager Report
D. March 22, 2019 Information Item (Web Link)
E. March 26, 2019 Staff Report (Web Link)
F. May 26, 2020 Staff Report (Web Link)
G. Four Pillars Roadmap - Next Steps
H. Written Comments
8.A
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Homelessness in Santa MonicaCity Manager’s ReportNovember 27, 2018City of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 182Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Sequencing of Council Calendar•November 13th- Council presentation on park safety by the Recreation and Parks Commission •November 27th– City Manager’s Report•January 26th– City Council Budget Retreat •February (TBD) – Study Session on public safety in open spaces•March (TBD) – Full Homelessness Briefing with 2019 Homeless Count ResultsCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 183Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Los Angeles is facing a regional homelessness crisisCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |•Over 53,000 people are experiencing homelessness countywide•Nearly 5,000 people experience homelessness on the Westside•957 people were counted in Santa Monica8.A.cPacket Pg. 184Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
City of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |A sustainable well-being city for all 8.A.cPacket Pg. 185Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Santa Monica’s approach to homelessnessWe strive to:•Protect housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless,•Address the behavioral health and housing needs of our most vulnerable residents, •Maintain equitable access to safe, fun, and healthy open spaces; and •Grow regional capacity to address homelessnessCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 186Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
PreventionCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 187Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Compassionate EngagementCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 188Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Kevin’s StoryCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 189Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Safe, Shared, Open SpacesCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 190Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Building Regional CapacityCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 191Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Homelessness Steering CommitteeCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |Email: Homelessness@SMGOV.netto sign up8.A.cPacket Pg. 192Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
City of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 193Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Challenges•Increased transient nature of people experiencing homelessness•Limited supply of regional bridge housing and permanent housing units•Increased behavioral health complexities among persons experiencing unsheltered homelessness •Rising housing costsCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 194Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Dennis’ StoryCity of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 195Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
2/16/2021City of Santa Monica | City Manager’s Update |8.A.cPacket Pg. 196Attachment: November 27, 2018 City Manager Report (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including
Four Pillars Roadmap – Next Steps Attachment G
Council Update February 23, 2021 Item 8A
FUNDED ACTIVITIES
Activities Status Notes
Alternative Behavioral
Health Dispatch
Response
Negotiation of
pilot ongoing
Pilot is fully funded. Negotiating terms with the
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
for initiation and implementation of pilot
Pre-trial Diversion Ongoing Working with County provider to develop policies,
procedures, and scope. Negotiate agreement
with County.
Eviction Prevention
Coordination
Ongoing Fully funded. Current capacity is limited by staffing
constraints
Housing Vouchers Ongoing Fully funded
Preserving our Diversity
(POD)
Ongoing Fully funded but enrollment processing capped by
staff capacity
Alternative Justice models
(ex: POP)
On-going pilot Fully funded. Staff will assess program impact and
determine if POP program should continue into
FY2021 or be modified into other Alternative
Justice programs (e.g., neighborhood justice,
office hearings)
Eviction Legal
Representation Pilot
Pilot
(FY 2021-22)
Pilot is fully funded through 2021-22.
Procurement process in progress
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Four Pillars Roadmap – Next Steps Attachment G
Council Update February 23, 2021 Item 8A
UNFUNDED ACTIVITIES
Activities Status Notes
Emergency Rental
Assistance
Initial phase
completed.
Could be renewed with new Federal, State, or
County funding. Would require securing a new
agency to administer the funds.
Alternative Non-
Congregate Shelter
New program Program costs vary. CSD would return with
program proposal (including alternatives), costs,
and possible funding sources for Council
consideration
Behavioral Health Triage
Center
New program New program, costs to be determined. CSD would
return with program proposal (including
alternatives), costs, and possible funding sources
for Council consideration
Low Acuity Crisis
Response
New program New program, annual cost of $500,000. SMFD
would return with program proposal based on
prior Community Response Unit pilot
Reed Park Ambassadors Ongoing $521,000 annually needed for continuation in FY
2021-23
Advocate for Regional
Fair Share
Ongoing Additional staffing would expand regional
connections but would require additional funding
Affordable Housing
Development
Ongoing The City is not accepting applications for new
projects due to temporary suspension of
allocations to the Housing Trust Fund as well as
staffing constraints.
Multi-Disciplinary Teams
(MDTs)
Ongoing $1.9 million annually needed for continuation in
FY2021-23
Resources to support safe
and healthy re-opening of
Libraries
Ongoing As the City looks to re-open Library facilities,
funds will be needed for Public Works staff as well
as staff to support safety and security
Open space modifications
(fencing, cameras,
existing infrastructure)
Ongoing Park Safety Enhancement CIP of $427,900
includes funds for installation of priority cameras
and blue phones at Tongva, Reed and Palisades
(scope complete, work in progress) and
approximately $100,000 for lighting inside Tongva
Park and along the Olympic corridor
(modifications to scope possible)
Park Impact Fee funds may also be available in
FY2021-23 biennial budget process, depending
on amounts remaining after playground safety
upgrades at Marine and Douglas Parks
8.A.g
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Vernice Hankins
From:M <maiquynhly@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, February 17, 2021 9:37 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Charlotte Mallo
Subject:written public comment for next town hall
EXTERNAL
To whom it may concern,
We would like to inquire regarding Santa Monica's strategy to combat the affordable housing crisis and food insecurity
issues that are just down the street in Venice and spreading to Santa Monica, and have been magnified by covid 19. We
were hoping to both educate ourselves regarding Santa Monica's policy and to submit a suggestion we'd like to see in
our neighborhood.
We currently volunteer at a program called Feed Culver which relies on local restaurants to provide meals which are
then distributed to anyone who lines up (some homeless, and some food insecure). In our time volunteering we have
seen people get off the street, become healthier, more talkative, etc etc, and overall build a sense of community. The
program has done immeasurable good for both businesses and the community by providing a humane solution to food
insecurity. Feed Culver at just one location serves approximately 200 meals per day, 5 days a week, and relies on private‐
public funding.
We'd love to talk about how we can get a similar program instituted in Santa Monica and learn more about how to get
involved and contribute to an empathetic, community‐based solution here in SM.
Thank you
Mai & Charlotte
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Vernice Hankins
From:Carl Kesselman <carlkesselman@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, February 18, 2021 11:54 AM
To:Council Mailbox
Cc:councilmtgitems
Subject:Homeless Encampment at Reed Park
EXTERNAL
I am a longtime Santa Monica resident and homeowner at 832 California Ave.
I am increasingly concerned that the California Ave side of Reed Park has turned into what is essentially a homeless
encampment. There has been persistent bedding and belongings being stored along the sidewalk and park for quite
some time. Recently it has become significantly worse, with pervasive litter, public drinking, storage of large amounts of
personal items, and blocking the sidewalk. While I understand that homelessness is a significant problem, allowing Reed
park to become a campsite is not an acceptable solution, and I believe the camping restrictions on use of the park need
to be enforced.
The park is no longer a resource that I can use, and I would be concerned about the proximity of this encampment with
the playground and the young children who are attempting to use this.
I would appreciate it if the city would address this issue.
Regards,
Carl Kesselman
832 California Ave
Santa Monica, CA.
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Vernice Hankins
From:T <tie.ryder@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, February 21, 2021 7:31 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:ITEM 13A , ITEM 8
Attachments:ProposalSantaMonicaAirport.TieiraRyder.7394-ND.pdf;
ProposalSantaMonicaAirport.TieiraRyder.7394-ND2.pdf
EXTERNAL
ITEM 13A
The Santa Monica airport should be included in the upcoming housing cycle so that an affordable, walkable
community can be created for working class families, individuals, seniors, students, and those living with
disabilities. The city should be challenging the FAA to close the airport SOONER not later. To see the
airport space, a space that seems to be incorrectly zoned intentionally, go mostly unused during a
pandemic is truly disappointing. If the city can challenge the FAA to close the airport by January 2022, the
city could begin preparing for a new community that the working class deserves. Every PERSON on the
Earth has a right to safe, clean, and affordable housing. Please reconsider the closure of the airport!
60,000 or more people are unhoused in LA, we can't have a "playground for the wealthy" at the airport
space for their cars and airplanes as locals struggle to secure housing! I believe Asm. Richard Bloom has
introduced a bill to repeal article 34 which should***/could*** take care of measure LC. Challenge the
FAA, partner with LA City to create a walkable community with the full acres of the airport including the 17
acres they own.
https://htwws.org/santamonicaairport/
"Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies"
Regarding ITEM 8, #2
People in the field addressing unhoused residents should be allies of our unhoused neighbors that have experience likely
in Social work or have just shown concern for the unhoused community. I'm not sure how a "Park Ambassador" can help
someone dealing with deeper internal issues related to housing and/or substance dependency issues. I believe we need
social workers in the field,actively assisting neighbors with their health related needs and also working to get them into
interim housing. If the council feels necessary, the social worker can have a safety/security team member with them.
Also please keep in mind that everyone who is unhoused is not dealing with health related or substance dependency
issues, many of the new homeless/car dwellers we see are dealing with economic hardship. Consider parking lot
temporary shelters if necessary to save money until federal funds arrive. Stabilize the working class to prevent more
homelessness and it should be done quickly.
Thank You for your time.
‐‐
Best,
Tieira R.
www.HTWWS.org
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Vernice Hankins
From:laurie delgado <ethicsmediasb1191@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, February 22, 2021 10:40 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 8-homelessness-2/23/21
EXTERNAL
I have many concerns after hearing about several elderly clients of the City’s homeless services provider, The People
Concern, that clients who are seniors are often warehoused in the shelters for years without efforts by the organization
to permanently house them, which constitutes elder neglect.
As an Advocate/Activist for the prevention of elder abuse Law Enforcement must enforce the law.
Penal Code: 368 Special Protection for elders and dependent adults. The legislature finds and declares that crimes
against elders and dependent adults are deserving of special consideration and circumstances.
Penal Code: 368.5 Specifies that Law Enforcement and social services have exclusive jurisdiction and exclusive
jurisdiction to investigate crimes against elders and dependent adults and NOT social services.
I helped support a bill SB‐1191 in 2019 that was to improve improvements in Law Enforcement Policy regarding elder
abuse among our elders and dependent adults, I am still supporting these two Penal Codes with Law Enforcement. Ouur
elders and dependent adults are the most vulnerable and your police department doesn't even recognize what elder
abuse is? Most police manuals have no reference to Penal Code: 368 that's the elder abuse policy that passed state
legislation 27 years ago.
It seems pretty clear to me that SMPD doesn't seem to be enforcing these laws, I know a couple of seniors who were
homeless clients sought assistance from SMPD regarding the neglect and mistreatment at Samoshel but were blown
off!
Thank you.
Laurie Delgado
Advocate/Activist for the prevention of elder abuse
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Recreation and Parks Commission
February 22, 2021
Mayor and City Council Members
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street, Room 209
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and City Council Members:
At its February 18, 2021 meeting, the Recreation and Parks Commission discussed
Item 8.A., Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies,
on the City Council’s February 23, 2021 agenda.
Following an extensive discussion, the Recreation and Parks Commission voted to
recommend that the Council take the following actions as it relates to
homelessness and Santa Monica’s parks and recreation system:
•Provide on-going, stable funding for the Park Ambassadors in Reed Park
•Continue forward expeditiously with the existing Park Safety Capital
Improvement Project to install enhanced lighting, security cameras, and
emergency phones in Reed, Tongva, and Palisades Park AND include Chess
Park within the capital improvement project as it is also in dire need of safety
improvements.
Thank you for your continued support of our parks and recreation system.
Sincerely,
Lori Brown
Lori Brown
Chair
cc: Maryanne La Guardia, Vice Chair
Andy Agle, Director of Community Services
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Vernice Hankins
From:OZ <zurawska@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:31 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Councilmember
Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Lane Dilg; George S. Cardona; Andy Agle; Jorge Casuso;
editor@smdp.com; sam@mirrormediagroupla.com; Santa Monica Observer
Subject:item 8A - addressing homelessness
EXTERNAL
Interim City Manager Dilg's report is missing a lot of vital information about the City's homeless
services that should be discussed in detail.
First I would like to see copies of any documents detailing the annual evaluations by the Council of
homeless services and each agency that provides homeless services in Santa Monica - as mandated
by the Municipal Code. Unfortunately my public records request for such documents did not yield any
results, which leads me to believe that such mandatory annual evaluations have not been conducted.
Santa Monica Municipal Code
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Article 2 ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 2.69 COORDINATED DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO THE HOMELESS
2.69.020 Annual review.
At least once during every twelve-month period after adoption of the coordinated plan required by
Section 2.69.010, the City Council shall assess the effectiveness of the plan in accomplishing its
primary goal and various objectives, and shall evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and cost of
services to the homeless provided by the City and each social service agency receiving City funding.
To aid this annual review, the City Council may commission an independent audit of City funding
provided for services to the homeless. At the conclusion of the City Council’s annual review, the City
Council shall make such changes in the plan as are appropriate in order to most effectively implement
the plan’s primary goal and objectives and shall make related findings. (Added by Ord. No. 1768CCS
§ 6, adopted 9/13/94)
More questions regarding homeless services in the City of Santa Monica that Ms. Dilg's report
conveniently neglects to answer:
- How does staff monitor the performance of the homeless service provider as required by the grant
agreement between the City and OPCC dba The People Concern?
- At a Social Services Commission meeting Human Services Manager Setareh Yavari stated that staff
does not perform any evaluations of the Human Services Grantees, why is that?
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- How does the City collect and evaluate the feedback from the participants of homeless services? If it
doesn't, how can the City determine the quality of the services?
- Where is the city grievance process that staff was supposed to prepare for all the participants in the
City's social service programs? The Council directed staff to prepare such a new grievance process
back in 2019... Had we had such a process in place, perhaps the abuse of minors at the Police
Academy League would have been curbed earlier... Staff won’t respond to my requests for updates
on the citywide grievance process - Human Services Administrator Margaret Willis in particular. Since
when is staff allowed to repeatedly ignore residents' inquiries about City business?
- Why the $690K allotted to the remodelling of the dilapidated Samoshel tent in early 2019 has not
been utilized yet? Please don't cite the pandemic as an excuse. The pandemic is a great opportunity
to rehab the almost empty tent. Where is the $690K now?
- When is the last time the City's ADA Coordinator evaluated the provider's compliance with the ADA?
The grant agreement with OPCC dba The People Concern mandates such compliance as most
homeless clients are individuals with disabilities. How do we know the homeless services provider is
compliant if the ADA coordinator has not evaluated the program in about a decade?
- When is the next ADA evaluation scheduled for? A couple years ago the Federal Office for Civil
Rights found ADA violations at Samoshel. Have they been corrected? How?
- What is the current number (and percentage) of clients who have been in City shelters operated by
OPCC dba The People Concern for more than one year, more than two years, more than three years,
more than four years, and more than five years? How come an elderly disabled lady has been a
resident of Samoshel for EIGHT years? (Currently at a hotel due to the pandemic). She is a perfect
cash cow for The People Concern who are clearly not interested in permanently housing her. How
can a professional homeless services provider not be able to house a disabled senior in EIGHT
years???
- What is the number of OPCC dba The People Concern clients in Santa Monica who have died per
year in the last five years? How are those deaths recorded with the city (e.g. cause and
circumstances?)
- Has the case of the death of Richard Segura, a homeless client and lifelong resident of Santa
Monica, been investigated? He died homeless due to The People Concern failing to provide
continuous services and care after he completed a temporary stay at a nursing facility.
- How come the Social Services Commission has failed for over three decades to provide the Council
with a report on how the City's the homeless services meet the City's goals for social services, as
mandated by the Municipal Code?
- When will the Social Services Commission be providing such a report in the near future?
Santa Monica Municipal Code
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Article 2 ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 2.60 SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION
2.60.030 Powers and duties.
http://www.qcode.us/codes/santamonica/view.php?topic=2-2_60-2_60_030&frames=on#startContent
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The Commission shall have the power and the duty to:
(a) Schedule periodic hearings to determine the unmet social service needs of the residents of the City.
(b) Recommend to the City Council policies to guide the provision of social services to residents of the City and
review and comment on procedures developed by the City Manager for the development of a comprehensive delivery
system to provide social services.
(c) Recommend to the City Council specific social service programs necessary to serve the unmet needs of the
residents of the City.
(d) Review the City Manager’s proposed budget for social services and make its recommendations thereon to the City
Council.
(e) Prepare an annual assessment for the City Council on the extent to which agencies and programs of the City,
County of Los Angeles, and other entities are achieving goals and objectives for social services. (Prior code § 2922;
added by Ord. No. 1241CCS, adopted 1/12/82)
Santa Monica Municipal Code
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Search Print No Frames
Article 2 ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 2.60 SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION
2.60.050 Reports.
http://www.qcode.us/codes/santamonica/view.php?topic=2-2_60-2_60_050&frames=on#startContent
The Commission shall render written reports of its activities to the City Council not less than once every three months
and at such other times as requested by the City Council. (Prior code § 2924; added by Ord. No. 1241CCS, adopted
1/12/82)
Santa Monica Municipal Code
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Article 2 ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 2.60 SOCIAL SERVICES COMMISSION
2.60.010 Findings and purpose.
2.60.010 Findings and purpose.
The City Council finds and declares:
(a) The City annually expends funds on the provision of social services to residents of the City.
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(b) The need for social services increases at the same time that Federal and State funds for social services decrease.
(c) Each year the City is requested to provide funds to agencies and programs in excess of the funds available for
social services.
(d) It is the policy of the City that funds for social services be distributed in a manner that will maximize the direct
benefits to residents in need of such services.
(e) It is the policy of the City that distribution of funds for social services be based on a planned system in order to
maximize efficient use of resources and minimize duplication of services.
(f) There is a need for the regular and ongoing assessment of social service needs and of those programs delivered
in the City by service providers including the City, County of Los Angeles and private organizations.
(g) There is a need for citizen participation in the process of evaluating and funding social service programs. (Prior
code § 2920; added by Ord. No. 1241CCS, adopted 1/12/82)
DO THE COUNCIL, INTERIM CITY MANAGER AND INTERIM CITY ATTORNEY EVEN CARE ABOUT THE SANTA MONICA MUNICIPAL CODE
AT ALL, OR DO THEY THINK IT IS OPTIONAL TO FOLLOW IT?
By Olga Zurawska
Is It Time for a Taxpayer Lawsuit Regarding Homeless
Services in Santa Monica?
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February 23, 2021
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Olga Zurawska
Mural on 7th Street inSanta Monica
If you are wondering how your tax dollars are spent on addressing the homeless crisis in Santa Monica,
do not ask the City as they would likely not be able to answer. They would probably even think it is
impolite of you to ask.
The lack of oversight and accountability in homeless services has been brought up to the City's attention
by advocates and former and current clients of homeless services for years now. Such inquiries routinely
fell on the City's deaf ears or were met with vague blow offs, as if they were out of place amid the
homeless crisis surrounding us. Then, lo and behold, a new scathing state audit released on February 11,
2021, confirmed that regional and local agencies charged with overseeing billions of state and federal
dollars to address homelessness do not track where the money goes. But Santa Monica, a self-professed
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leader on addressing homelessness, will be hard pressed to acknowledge this disturbing fact, or seek to
rectify it.
For years advocates and clients have been speaking up about the poor quality of the City's sole homeless
services provider, and pet grantee, OPCC dba The People Concern. Allegations have included the
warehousing of clients for years in "temporary" shelters without proper housing case management. In one
case a disabled senior citizen has been living at Samoshel for eight years. Many have lived in the shelters
for more than two years. There are horrid conditions at the facilities. There are civil rights violations such
as disability, gender and racial discrimination, as well as retaliation for asserting one's rights. The
disturbing issue of avoidable deaths of clients who somehow "fall through the cracks" while being served
by the nonprofit, has been presented to the Council and City commissions, but met with indifference as
well.
The City's only response has been dispensing more money to the nonprofit organization without any real
accountability or effective monitoring mechanisms. Since 2015 the City has not had an RFP process for
the Human Services Grants, which also pay for homeless services. Twice now the Council voted to extend
the funding for the existing grants for two more years. Thus, the Council gave the grantees, including The
People Concern, money for eight years instead of four. Most people call that easy cash. There also appears
to be more than a tinge of cronyism here, considering that other organizations – perhaps better ones –
have been prevented from participating in the RFP process since 2015.
The City does not monitor the performance of The People Concern, even though monitoring is required by
the grant agreement. Pictures of the unsanitary conditions inside Samoshel, the dilapidated tent that has
served as a shelter for over a quarter of the century, make one question whether a City staff member has
ever set foot at the shelter to perform a basic visual inspection. The semi-annual financial reports
submitted to the City by the provider are self-reported. They are never questioned or audited, nor are they
available on the City or provider's website for the public to examine. Instead, they are routinely rubber
stamped by City staff and more funding is dispensed.
You will be shocked (or perhaps not) to learn that the City has failed for years to perform the mandatory
annual evaluation of homeless services along with each agency providing those services, as required by
the Municipal Code. To aid this annual review, the City Council may commission an independent audit of
the City's funding provided for services to the homeless, but has never chosen to do so.
Similarly, the Santa Monica Social Services Commission has failed for decades to prepare for the Council
the mandatory annual report on how the social service programs are meeting the City's social services
goals. In fact, Human Services Administrator Margaret Wills has been unable to answer my question,
"what are the City's goals for social services?" The then City Manager Rick Cole was unable to answer the
question as well. Perhaps, Interim City Manager Lane Dilg can answer it for the taxpayers who foot the
bill for the City's social services? Because oftentimes I wonder if effectively addressing homelessness is
actually one of the City's social service goals, considering how flippant the City is about dispensing public
funding for the cause.
Perhaps Ms. Dilg can also let the taxpayers know what happened to the $690K the Council allotted to the
People Concern for the remodeling of Samoshel two years ago? Apparently the remodeling has not started
yet, even though the shelter is empty due to the pandemic, and nothing prevents construction from taking
place. Human Services Administrator Margaret Willis has been stubbornly refusing to provide an update
on the project. So much for transparency.
And where is the citywide grievance procedure for all participants of social service programs that the
Council directed the staff to draft in 2019? Why is the City so scared of receiving feedback directly from
the program participants, especially from the homeless clients? Perhaps because it would paint a very
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different picture from the glossy bureaucratic report on addressing homelessness prepared by Ms. Dilg.
On February 23, 2021 Ms. Dilg will be asking the Council to affirm and continue the City's approach,
which she believes has worked.
source: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2021/02/23/opinion/is-it-time-for-a-taxpayer-lawsuit-regarding-homeless-
services-in-santa-monica/5337.html
‐‐‐‐‐
California’s auditor finds agencies don’t track spending on
homelessness or coordinate services
The report says better oversight and less fragmentation is needed to be effective.
Theresa Walker
February 11, 2021 at 6:08 p.m.
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In this 2018 photo, a homeless person in Riverside County holds a sign asking for help as cars whiz
by. A new state audit released Feb. 11, 2021, found that the agencies charged with overseeing
billions of state and federal dollars to address homelessness don’t track where the money goes.
State and regional agencies charged with providing housing and services to address the
crisis of more than 150,000 homeless people in California have failed to keep track of how
billions of dollars are being spent, don’t adhere to federal policies and need better
coordination to be effective, a report released Thursday, Feb. 11, by the state auditor said.
The report issued by State Auditor Elaine M. Howle, “Homelessness in California,” looks at
California’s Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council, an arm of the state government
established in 2017 with the chief task of coordinating state and federal funding earmarked to address
homelessness – an amount that has added up to about $13 billion over the past three years.
California has the nation’s largest homeless population; the majority of those people, more than
100,000, have no shelter.
“Although the Homeless Coordinating and Financing Council (homeless council) was created, in part,
to coordinate existing funding and establish partnerships with stakeholders to develop strategies to
end homelessness, it has not done so,” Howle wrote.
“As a result, the State continues to lack a comprehensive understanding of its spending to address
homelessness, the specific services the programs provide, or the individuals who receive those
services.”
The report can be found at auditor.ca.gov/reports/2020-112/index.
Those state and federal dollars are allocated to geographic “Continuum of Care” networks
that can encompass several cities, an entire county or more than one county, and typically
include government agencies, nonprofits, school districts and other organizations. The
“CoCs,” as they are known, are charged with addressing homelessness in their defined
areas.
But, the state audit found, the regional networks are not consistent in meeting regulations or following
best practices in “identifying, planning for, and provided services.”
California should mimic other states to centralize oversight of the myriad efforts to address
homelessness and perhaps develop a statewide strategic plan, the audit recommends, and the
homeless council should collect and track program funding and data from “all state agencies”
involved in addressing homelessness.
The report also warns that the coronavirus pandemic is likely to make homelessness in California
worse.
The audit more closely reviewed five such CoCs, including the system of care for homeless people in
Riverside County. The other areas examined were: Fresno-Madera, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara and
Mendocino.
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“Some do not have comprehensive plans with strategies to address homelessness, some still
manually conduct counts and record data, and some lack a dedicated hotline for assisting the
homeless,” the report said.
And, according to the audit, none of the five networks knows whether they have enough service
providers to meet the needs of homeless people in their region.
Riverside County, the report said, has yet to do an analysis to see where it has gaps in services,
although the Riverside CoC plans to complete its first such “gaps analysis” by July. And Riverside
County, along with the Fresno CoC, also did not have a comprehensive plan outlining the strategies
and plans of action it is undertaking to prevent and address homelessness.
The report includes responses from a Continuum of Care representative from each of the five regions
studied for the audit.
In an emailed statement to the Southern California News Group, Riverside County spokeswoman
Brooke Federico said Thursday that the county is still reviewing the report “and notes that the
(county’s Continuum of Care approach) to addressing homelessness is unified among several county
programs and partner agencies.”
Last March, the county created a stand-alone department to create a unified approach to
homelessness, Federico said. “The consolidation of different programs into one department
streamlines countywide services, making it easier for Riverside County residents experiencing
homelessness and stakeholders to participate in programs.”
Almost 900 homeless people have been sheltered in hotels and motels through the county’s version
of Project Roomkey, with 301 later being placed in permanent housing, Federico added.
Staff writer Jeff Horseman contributed to this report.
Source: https://www.ocregister.com/2021/02/11/californias-auditor-finds-agencies-dont-track-
spending-on-homelessness-or-coordinate-services/
Regards,
Olga Zurawska
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Vernice Hankins
From:Santa Monica City Manager's Office
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:24 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: City Prioritites
From: Frank Greenberg <fakgeb@gmail.com>
Date: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 at 3:22 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>, Santa Monica City Manager's Office
<manager.mailbox@SMGOV.NET>, "editor@smdp.com" <editor@smdp.com>
Subject: City Prioritites
EXTERNAL
The number one priority of the city needs to be having clean and safe streets and parks without homeless people
committing anti social behavior. We can be compassionate and lobby state and federal officials to do something, but we
do not need to tolerate violence, drug use, prositution and the use of our public spaces as toiltes. The vast majority of
homeless are not from Santa Monica. It is not fair that they ruin our city.
If we don’t have clean and safe public areas, the tourists will not return and businesses will choose to locate elsewhere
(there are many suburbs and states with good schools, low taxes and less social issues). Obviously without those two
economic drivers we won’t have the resources to provide any of the services our community has enjoyed. We can’t tax
our way out of the problem as we are already subject to some of the highest taxes (property, sales and licenses) around
which have already driven businesses and residents away. There used to be an attitude that no matter what the costs,
tourists and businesses would be in Santa Monica. We see now this is not true.
International tourists had been put off visiting our city pre‐covid and what locals are going to want to come here now
when they need to be concerned about what they may fine in the elevator. Sure the Grove, etc. may be a little sterile,
but how nice that would be. One of the council members stated that edgy places were some of the places we liked to
visit the most. I don’t mind visiting them, but I don’t want to live in them. I used to enjoy going to Venice, but was
equally glad I could come home to Santa Monica.
When Third Street was first redeveloped, there was no competition. I remember growing up we used to go to
Westwood ‐ then there was the gang violence and Westwood never recovered. We started going to Santa Monica and
for several decades it was the place to be. Now there are multiple competitors which are clean and safe.
I believe the city needs to reprioritize its services. Sure it's nice to have a cultural affairs department with 11 staff (what
is the cost with benefits and pension ‐ $1.5‐2.0 million p.a.?) and big blue bus routes that don’t even go within city limits
(I assume there is hopefully some subsidy for these, but I’m sure they do not cover the full vehicle and pension
expenses). However we can’t afford these and in these times there are certainly higher priorities for our limited
resources to take our city back. Hopefully someday we can have some of the nice to haves, but this is not that time.
I am always greatly surprised by the people who want more parks. We can’t even take care of the ones we have. Have
any of you spent time in Reed Park? It is disgraceful. Why can’t we lock the parks and parking garages at night? I saw
the assistant city manager say that some residents rented parking spaces therefore the garages couldn't be locked at
night. Move them to say the library lot. Our police have never had a strong street presence despite a huge budget. I
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certainly do not want to defund the police, but I want them out and visible. Business and residents should not have to
fund private security.
These are hard times for all of us and hard choices and strong leadership are needed. Of course some special interests
will be upset by any changes, but decisions for the greater good of all stakeholders needs to be made now.
Thank you for your attention to this and for your work on trying to improve our city.
Stay well.
Frank.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:08 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: HOMELESSNESS
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Dolores Grijalva <dgrijalva08@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:25 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: HOMELESSNESS
EXTERNAL
SM streets are looking more trashy, and more filthy and terrible smell due to human feces with the increase of
encampments.
Recommend SM provide large trash bins, porta potty’s and portable hand wash stations near the encampments. I saw
parts of the City of LA in Venice (by Golds Gym) and Venice Blvd (near 405 Frwy) has placed the items near the
encampments.
Thank you,
Dolores Grijalva
SM Native
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:04 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: strategy
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Carol Joffe <caroljoffe@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:50 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: strategy
EXTERNAL
I don't notice a strategy.
It seems to be to do nothing.
Please let me know where I can get this information before I speak out thank you carol joffe
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:03 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homelessness in SM
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Daniela Pavlin <dpavlindds@outlook.com> On Behalf Of Daniela Pavlin
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:21 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness in SM
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members!
As a doctor I feel that having homeless set up tents in parks and sidewalks is a public health travesty!
Not only do they bring diseases such as TB, Covid and
1. The content of this email is confidential and intended for the recipient specified in message only. It is strictly forbidden
to share any part of this message with any third party, without a written consent of the sender. If you received this
message by mistake, please reply to this message and follow with its deletion, so that we can ensure such a mistake
does not occur in the future.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:47 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless issue in SM
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Christian C. Holland <holland@westmac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:28 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless issue in SM
EXTERNAL
It’s getting worse & worse and still worse. What strategy is being employed by the city? When you have no rules being
enforced how can we or anybody expect change or improvement.
It seems to me that the only citizens currently being protected are the homeless? Tax paying citizens , property owners
and store owners get ZERO???????
Homeless are growing in number and they are becoming more aggressive & brazen. My wife and I were told to “ go fuck
our selves “ the other day when we politely told the homeless couple that we were not carrying any money.
Our local government is failing us!!!
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:42 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Rising crime and homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: t f <tmf@rogers.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:26 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Rising crime and homelessness
EXTERNAL
We need to do something ASAP about homelessness and about opening up all businesses. In addition, I believe that the
train is the cause of rising crime and burglaries in SaMo.
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:42 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Resident Feedback for SM City Council
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Taylor Trandahl <taylor.trandahl@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:29 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Resident Feedback for SM City Council
EXTERNAL
Hello, I received a Santa Monica Pulse text asking me for my thoughts as a resident regarding the homeless situation
ahead of tonight's discussion by the Council.
I have been in LA for several years but moved to Santa Monica (12th & Wilshire) in June 2020. I heartily agree with the
80% of resident survey respondents who say that homelessness is getting worse and do not agree with the staff report's
finding that the current strategy is "working."
I remember even a year ago the problem was bad, but not bad enough to deter me from moving to SM. Since moving
here, though, it's become unlivable. A homeless man sleeps in the alcove of my building several nights a week. He
recently defecated about ten yards from my floor‐level front door. I have repeatedly called the police to have him
removed, but they either don't come unless I say "suspicious person" instead of "homeless" and even if he is confronted
by police, the man simply returns after a few nights. My fiancée has begun calling me to walk her inside my apartment
when she parks in my reserved space in the alley behind our building because she feels unsafe.
My family won't visit me anymore because the area is too unsafe, dirty, and run down. Nearly every day when I get in
my car for work, there's a homeless person digging through the trash in our alley. A coworker who lives a few blocks
away caught a hooded man peeping through their window while they were home and confirmed this with their personal
surveillance footage.
I sympathize that these are people who are down and out and often suffering from drug addiction and mental illness.
However, it's not compassionate nor helpful to them to simply allow them to set up shop on our sidewalks, overrun our
parks and public spaces, and regularly trespass on private property with zero consequences. There are ways to help
these people, but in no way does the "current strategy" seem to be doing so. What it IS doing is making Santa Monica
unlivable and nowhere near worth paying the premium in rent prices.
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How many more businesses need to shutter and taxpaying residents need to depart and tourists need to avoid us before
the city finally wakes up and saves itself? I won't be waiting around to find out. As soon as my lease ends in June, I will
be moving somewhere safer, cleaner, and hopefully run by officials who care about the fact that their city is literally
falling apart.
Sincerely,
Taylor Trandahl
P.S.: Open the volleyball courts.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:40 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness in Santa Monica
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Vladimir Vaynshteyn <vladimirvayn@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:58 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
Homeless individuals should be restricted from “camping” in crowded areas and streets. It’s unsafe for tourists and
Santa Monica residents and visitors.
Thank you,
Vladimir V.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:40 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Yahoo <sgd_9@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:52 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
It’s out of control. Do something about it
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:31 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homelessness in Santa Monica
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Timothy Gomez <timothylouisgomez@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:15 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
Good Afternoon.
I am writing as a long term resident in the Wilmont neighborhood. I have a major issue regarding the responsiveness of
SMPD in regards to the homeless. Over the past year, I have made 2‐3 calls regarding aggressive behavior, shouting of
profanity, and direct threats made towards me and/or my residence. I have called to request assistance from dispatch.
On one occasion, no officer arrived. On two occasions, an officer drove by, slowed down, but did not stop or engage
with the individual(s).
Additionally, when I take my two young toddlers to Reed Park, they are at times subjected to loud, profanity laced
shouting, and the strong odor of marijuana. The Santa Monica ambassadors have stated, “I’d call, but the police won’t
come out, or do anything.” I don’t believe that shouting profanity next to a public toddler park is legal, but I could be
mistaken.
It seems like SMPD has a “hands‐off” approach to the issue unless they happen to witness criminal activity personally.
They don’t approach, engage, or even stop their cruisers. It has become common knowledge amongst families that there
is no point in calling the police, because they will not assist.
This is why we elected new officials in Santa Monica. Because it seemed like the old guard only cared about
development & tourism, not the actual residents or the culture of Santa Monica.
Why is the expensive SMPD mobile unit not parked at Reed, a notorious place of crime in our city, on a daily basis? Why
is there not an officer staffed in the community center, doing rounds on foot, for the safety of our citizens?
I would be happy to discuss further.
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Timothy Gomez
(310) 663‐3225
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Leonora <leonorasc@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:29 PM
To:Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin
McCowan; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems
Subject:Comment on 8-A - our unhoused neighbors
EXTERNAL
Dear City Councilmembers,
I am a mom in Santa Monica, a member of the housing commission, and Executive Director of Abundant
Housing LA, a pro-housing organization.
I am writing in my personal capacity to ask you to publicly recognize the dignity and humanity of our unhoused
neighbors tonight in both your words and actions.
Personally as a mom here in Santa Monica, I am distressed at having to explain to my kids why we treat our
unhoused neighbors without the dignity they deserve. Why don't we provide them more help? Why don't we
provide them housing? There is no honest way to explain this to my kids other than to explain that our city is
failing these neighbors, because they are seen as not being valuable members of our community.
This is wrong. We are a wealthy city and we should be doing everything we can to provide for our most
vulnerable neighbors. It doesn't matter what their background is, or where they came from. Banning them,
making their lives more difficult, punishing them for their situation, or pushing them somewhere else would be
unconscionable and an embarrassment for our city.
The only path forward is to provide services and housing as much as possible. Homes end homelessness.
Thank you for considering my comments on this.
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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5
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:28 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Crime and homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Terri Faith <terrimf@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:44 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Crime and homelessness
EXTERNAL
I am a Psychologist in SaMo. 80% of my patients have anxiety. Many people have had their apartments and homes
broken into. People are afraid. Homelessness is a health risk to those who live in squalor and in the neighborhood.
People shouldn’t have to live that way. There needs to be more money and effort put into getting people off the streets.
This past year I hear sirens at least 2 or 3 times per day or night. SaMo has changed. Also, many people tell me that the
electric signs telling people not to gather after a year of this, is humiliating. Please discuss removing them. We should
trust that people will do the right thing.
Sent from my iPhone
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:24 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homeless in Santa Monica
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Nicole Picard <picard.nicole@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:21 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
There are homeless everywhere you look in Santa Monica because they have no desire or place to quarantine.
They need to be taken off the street and provided with covid care so once that is done there needs to be a system in
place to keep them off the street.
The system we have isn't working, the police need to have the means and the directive from council to have more
effective actions to get the homeless off the street.
It is a matter of the tax payers of this city to stand up for their civil rights. We DEMAND that this situation be remedied
immediately!
It has gone on for far too long!
Nicole Picard
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:22 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness and other stuff
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Andy Scherer <mr_scherer@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:18 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness and other stuff
EXTERNAL
Hi‐
First, homelessness is terrible compared to normal. That said, it's improved immeasurably since last summer. In fact, it
seems to have improved dramatically since December. Those are my thoughts. Whatever you can do to improve it is
wonderful. My perspective is that now it's close to normal, even though normal is hardly an attractive situation.
Second, I would place business as a higher priority. A few restaurants are starting gofundme accounts just to stay in
business. Of course they deserve sympathy, but the real culprit is our government's current obsession of so much safety
its unhealthy. Florida and Tennessee restaurants are open and have never shut; Arizona likewise has indoor dining.
Nobody is falling dead in the streets over there; there's been enough time to observe that this baloney has gone on long
enough. Yes, there's a new disease going around, but doctors know how to treat it effectively and half the country is
back to normal with no problems. Meanwhile our city inspectors appear to harass local shops like the Sheriff of
Nottingham! Ease up! Outsource the health department to Pasadena, or hire me (or anyone) to visit them all and get
them back in business! Santa Monica is economically depressed and spiritually depressing... Do what you can, and then
do some more.
Thank you. Respectfully,
Andrew Scherer
Born and raised in SM, and a current resident.
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:21 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Diana Peters <dianatpeters@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:20 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless
EXTERNAL
City of SM is dying. Go to downtown SM rhe promenade is basically homeless. Stores have closed. It’s a ghost town and
who would want to shop, anything in downtown SM? Walking down Wilshire Blvd and accosted by homeless yielding a
knife. SM is a disgusting mess. Clean it up. And open up.
Sent from my iPhone
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:20 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: The new design in the streets
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Carmengaray <womanrunner2003@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:02 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: The new design in the streets
EXTERNAL
I don’t think you guys though out the idea of moving the parked cars out into the street lane and making the lane for
cycling. Personally I think it’s unsafe and your looking for trouble. You did it on Broadway between 14th and 17th. First
of all the seniors which I am one, are having trouble parking there and it’s just a matter of time someone will get hurt.
This is a bad way to spend tax payers money.
We should be spending that money into housing for homeless.
Please don’t tell me you are doing that. Providing 4 low income apartments in those boxes you want to call homes.
Those boxes are creating too much traffic. Please take a ride during high traffic hours on Lincoln. It takes 25 min from
Broadway to pass the 10 freeway. Now with that badly though out change on Ocean it takes 20 mins to get to The
towers. Ocean Ave. had too much traffic and doesn’t need to lose a lane.
So that’s the reality of our city. We are building ugly boxes that don’t reflect the people of S.M. and they are just sitting
empty.
I believe that we should try to help the homeless people not just transplant from cities that make 4500 for 600 sq feet
look cheap.
Those buildings that are empty why not use them for putting homeless in them that need help. Have you going to
Christine’s Park across from St. Monica’s lately? They have now taken over the sidewalk as there are too many.
So if you guys want to help that is your opportunity to do so.
Please don’t take away anymore lanes for cycling.
Cyclist should follow all the safety rules of cars. So you should leave them by the car lane. You have created confusion
for everyone. Then you put the meters on the other side of the bike path. How is that safe for anyone.
Well I have live in S.M. since 1984 and I can’t believe what’s going on in City Hall.
Who is making these decisions?
Yours truly,
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Carmen Garay
Long time Santa Monica Resident
Sent from my iPhone
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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3
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:01 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Karin Morris <karinkmorris@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:55 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
We are in a pandemic. We have little or no medical help for many of our homeless people. At this time, I believe it to be
a humanitarian issue. We cannot end a spread of this virus by ignoring a population who has little or no resources. I’ve
lived in Santa Monica since 1980. I love and am proud of my city. Viruses don’t check passports or ID. Surely there’s a
way to affordable housing or shelter. Many businesses and jobs have been lost. Our Nation must rebuild our economy.
And I believe we will if we consider the future possibilities.
Thank you
Karin Morris
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:01 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness: needs to be addressed ASAP
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Tatiana <tatiana@yyk.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:57 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness: needs to be addressed ASAP
EXTERNAL
I am reaching out as a local resident fir almost 30 years. The homelessness situation in Santa Monica is far beyond
acceptable, jeopardises well being of our residents, especially the most vulnerable ones ‐ our elderly and our children.
We work hard to pay highest tax ‐ not for the beautiful library to be used as a homeless shelter, and not for the parks
and playgrounds to become a drug sharing spot, not for the tents to use free real estate on our sidewalks. And the
starting point should be removal of that monument on 26 and Wilshire: homelessness is an issue and should be
addressed and resolved, not commemorated. Destroying our city is not going to help resolving the homeless issue. The
city should take care of the residents as a first priority.
With all respect,
Tatiana Khmilinina
1325 Arizona Ave., #202
Santa Monica CA 90404
310‐800‐8222
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:00 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Madi Hertz <srahertz@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:52 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
Hi all,
Maybe the study Says it’s not getting worse, but it is getting closer and more violent. And that is why I as a citizen am
concerned about homelessness and it should be the first priority in our city.
You can’t hide with a study from people experiencing more crime and more attacks by the homeless population.
We need to know the options that the city has within the law to control the homeless population. We know that we are
constrained by the state rules and sometimes there isn’t anything that can be done, but the citizens need to know this.
Madeleine Hertz
Sent from my iPhone
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Antonina Romano <antonina@lifewellmade.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:55 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 8A - Efforts to Address Homelessness - 2/23/2021City Council Meeting
EXTERNAL
The People Concern is a service organization that capitalizes on homelessness, they are not in the business of
solving or helping reduce homelessness either. The organization ironically is the monopolist in Santa Monica
Homeless Services and the creator, enabler & perpetuator of a homeless mentality, treatment & reality of
clients.
They do not encourage clients to get better as their mission claims to "Empower People to Rebuild Their
Lives", but instead project false advertisement, fostering the continuation of the client to thinking and expect
never ending change in situation, definitely not with their services.
Their services have a turning door staff with every level of leadership including Director, fired, quit or some
scandal, and lower level staff quitting outright, completely dropping all cases, no one follows up. So many client
cases who are told to the client are submitted, and are not in fact submitted. To think I've had over 5 Case
Managers, all who quit, who never actually submitted my application to the housing authority, after telling me
"my housing application was submitted" and that "all I could do was wait to hear something in return."
No resources, no support, no encouragement, and they never actually submitted my housing application, along with
many others.
Last year I got matched with a voucher through the People Concern in March 2020 after I became pregnant and shortly
after a case manager in the housing department who told me i'd for sure have my apartment before my daughter was
born in Sept 2020 ‐ my daughter is now 4 months old, and still no progress.
In fact, The People Concern requested the same information 3x from me due to expiration because they delayed and
never actually submitted. The whole time the application was never submitted, while I had to just continue to provide
them the same private information with NO PURPOSE!!!! Christina Bair, the Director of Permanent Housing, Westside
has recently in the past couple weeks asked me for the same information again, then asked me AGAIN.
They delay the whole process, when it's simple. They all get paid, and nothing moves forward. Their services are a joke.
This is Christina Bair's (424) 291-0179 & email:cbair@thepeopleconcern.org
As of this month, I've chosen to stop working with The People Concern as a client as their services are a distraction,
highly ineffective, a big waste of time and a disgrace to the City of Santa Monica & the homeless community.
I've worked on myself over 4 years with mental health & my daughter motivated me to believe in myself more than
waiting for them to change.
The poor leadership, lack of accountability and failed oversight of staff and funding will slap the city of Santa Monica in
the face if they are not paying attention to the actions of The People Concern, failed client services with no client
progress, deteriorating infrastructure on their own land, while The People Concern exploits the homeless community for
financial gain.
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If there is no intervention in the services, there will be even more wasted time, money tax payer dollars, donor
funding, city funding gone to misused, in reality the organizations only purpose is to pay salaries of people who do no
real work, and definitely dont produce any real results nor impact in the solution or improvement of the homeless
community or individual livelihoods.
Antonina
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Vernice Hankins
From:ml.verville@verizon.net
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:44 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de
la Torre; Kristin McCowan; councilmtgitems
Subject:City Council 02-23-2021 - Item 8A - Homelessness Strategies
Mayor Himmelrich and City Council Members,
I have read with disappointment the Staff Report accompanying Item 8.A. The report is long
on process narrative but entirely deficient on hard objectives and measurable milestones to
achieve those objectives.
The City must stop focusing on the process and focus on quantifiable OBJECTIVES and the
measurable milestones required to achieve them.
The Staff Report does not provide any indication of the total amount being either received nor
spent on the unhoused issue in Santa Monica. The required analysis must include not just the
grants but general fund monies (from all sources including County, State and Federal, both
monetary and in‐kind) and planned expenditures by service and service supplier. Separately,
all homeless services being provided by SMFD i.e., medical/EMT and SMPD (via services calls
and outreach), as well as monies being expended on behalf of the City by affiliated groups
such as Downtown Santa Monica (DTSM). This can be accomplished through project
accounting with monthly reporting provided.
You can see from the chart below that we have NOT been successful in reducing
homelessness, even during the City’s revenue rich years. So doing the same things or waiting
until 2025 for full economic recovery is not a path to success.
To achieve the key priorities of the City for residents, 3rd Street Promenade and businesses, we
need to better understand available resources, expended resources and what we want to
achieve and work toward our objectives on a monthly, not an annual basis.
Santa Monica ‐‐ Street, Shelter and Institution Counts
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Sources: 2016, 2017 Annual summaries; 2019 Annual Report (Staff Report 3376); 2020 Staff
Report 4430
The staff report does acknowledge that the problem stems from a very transient
population. Given this, there is no mention of the required coordination with LA County, LA
City and the state to address what is clearly not a Santa Monica origin or specific
problem. Without aligning policies to the actual problem, there is no hope of progress.
A key example of policy misalignment is the Staff acknowledgement that justice system
changes have reduced the effectiveness of long‐held City strategies that relied on coordination
and partnership with SMPD to provide the motivation that criminal enforcement has on
managing disruptive behavior. But staff is not addressing the effectiveness of the local
measures being taken with the regional and potentially out‐of‐state nature of the underlying
problem.
The City needs to focus on the real problem and real, relevant, solutions. Without solving the
homeless issue, no other agenda item in the city to improve livability for all constituents can
succeed.
Thank you,
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Marc L. Verville
Resident, Sunset Park
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:47 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW:
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Ramon Del Castillo <r1delcas66@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:54 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject:
EXTERNAL
I ama resident of Santa monica, and it is embarrassing how dirty and unsafe our streets are. All this because of the
homeless who live in santa monica, there drug being used in front of kids, some having sex on the side walk, others
urinating everywhere, it is sad the the city does not support our law enforcement officers. City council prefer to support
criminal acts then helping the citizens who pay high taxes to live in a city that use to be safer.
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Elaine Golden-Gealer <elaine@elaine360.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:44 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich
Cc:Elaine Golden-Gealer
Subject:8A - addressing homelessness
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Santa Monica Council Members,
I was a social worker for over 10 years and therefore have a great concern for individuals experiencing homelessness.
It is my firm belief that there needs to be a thorough public evaluation of the City’s homeless services provider, The
People Concern.
I have talked to enough clients of The People Concern over the years, most of them at Douglas Park, which is only a
block from my home, to know that the organization is not doing the job it is being funded to perform.
Sincerely,
Elaine Golden‐Gealer
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:37 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: macrimach@gmail.com <macrimach@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:54 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless
EXTERNAL
Hi
My name is Mariacristina Young
I’m a SM resident, and I totally agree with the complaints about the homelessness situation getting worst, I cannot even
walk my dog after sunset because in my neighborhood, Mid City ,Berkeley ste.mr. people gets assaulted pretty often!
Also we learned that at the corner Wilshire/ Berkeley str. the City Council approved a new 7/11 Store , which we
collected signatures against, 7/11 will bring even more homeless to our neighborhood endangering our life even more !
So yes the actual solutions aren’t solving the issue at all, the homeless situation is getting worst and this in unacceptable,
we pay as residents a huge amount of taxes, so please take care of solving the homelessness issue !
It’s a matter of safety and decency
King regards
Mariacristina Young
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:35 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Monique <moniquemoffitt@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:50 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
Homelessness is getting worse and it is driving businesses and residents away from our beautiful city. Please do
something to keep our streets safe and clean. Santa Monica is going downhill fast.
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:35 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: February 22, 2021 discussion: Homelessness in SM
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Olena Sholomytska <olena.sholomytska@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:47 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: February 22, 2021 discussion: Homelessness in SM
EXTERNAL
Dear Council,
In one of the recent surveys, 80% of SaMo residents said homelessness is getting worse. But a new staff report says the
city should stick with the current strategy.
I understand you plan to discuss it tonight.
Please consider a couple of points
Increased crime ‐ bikes, strollers, storage boxes ‐ and per video cameras we can see that repetitively same
people (often homeless) do those crimes in the condo / apartment buildings
Usage of parks by children ‐ have anyone tried to play a game of soccer with toddlers in Reed?
Best,
Olena
olena.sholomytska@gmail.com | ph (916) 690-1778
https://www.linkedin.com/in/olena‐sholomytska‐549733/
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:34 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Santa Monica has turned into a shithole
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Jacob Winkler <jwink89@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:39 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Santa Monica has turned into a shithole
EXTERNAL
Please send the homeless back to Riverside where they belong. How much did the city council get paid off by NMS?
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Vernice Hankins
From:Jason Islas <jason.islas@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:27 PM
To:Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Sue Himmelrich; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis;
Phil Brock; Kristin McCowan; Lane Dilg; Denise Anderson-Warren; councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 8-A: Efforts to Address Homelessness
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and City Council,
I am writing to you about our city's approach to homelessness. I imagine you will receive emails and comments from
people who are frustrated with the state of homelessness in Santa Monica. Rightly so. Homelessness in LA County ‐‐ of
which, I remind you, Santa Monica is very much a part ‐‐ has reached the scale of humanitarian crisis. But also, it is
essential not to lose sight of the fact that the people who are living on our streets and in our parks are just that: People.
And they are our neighbors. I urge the City not to give in to inhumane calls to simply get rid of those people who are
struggling with homelessness. This is not a problem that Santa Monica can simply sweep under the rug ‐‐ or over the
border into Los Angeles.
We need to build on and, yes, improve our approach of outreach, providing services, and connecting with our neighbors
who are experiencing homelessness. And, in the long term, continue to and redouble our investment in efforts to create
housing and services.
Homelessness is a multi‐faceted crisis and many who struggle with it are no different than you or I except for the
vagaries of misfortune. Draconian ideas like sweeps of our parks, fencing off public spaces, or other such ideas that
simply displace people are not solutions, nor are they humane and, frankly, they are likely illegal.
Passing the buck is not progressive and not in line with the values of my hometown of Santa Monica. I encourage you to
think about the true depth of and root causes of this issue and recognize that Santa Monica is part of a larger, regional
community to which we are morally responsible to do our part.
Housing and services first, not fences and sweeps.
Thank you,
Jason Islas
(310) 977‐0645
jasonislas.com
LinkedIn
Twitter
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:19 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Kara‐Lee Pool <pool.kara.lee@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:43 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
It is getting worse.
More aggressive attacks on families, caretakers and young children‐ including violence with guns and knives.
I know it is difficult. Please find a safe solution for all involved‐the homeless and the community members.
Concerned citizen, mom and MD in ocean park Santa Monica.
Kara‐Lee Pool
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:18 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless in Santa Monica
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: John Thomas <john.thomas@huntcompanies.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:47 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council:
I have lived in the Wilmont area for nearly 3‐years and, in my personal daily experience, Santa Monica residents have
undoubtedly been more regularly and negatively impacted by a marked increase in transients and the homeless
population.
These are extraordinary times, and continuing with the status‐quo approach will most likely lead to Santa Monica
becoming a mirror image of the deplorable conditions that currently exist in Venice.
These people must be pushed on, to live somewhere else, or eventually Santa Monica will not be an attractive place for
members of a healthy and thriving population.
John V. Thomas
: Please consider the environment before printing this e‐mail
This e-mail, including all information contained therein and any attachments, is intended solely for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain
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please do not transmit account information or instructions by e-mail or include account numbers, Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, passwords or
other personal information.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Ryan Ole Hass <ryanolehass.re@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:17 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Homelessness in SaMo
EXTERNAL
From: Ryan Ole Hass <ryanolehass.re@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:03 PM
To: council@smgov.net
Subject: Homelessness in SaMo
Dear Councilmebers and Mayor McKeown.
I am concerned about the future approach that the City of Santa Monica will be taking regarding addressing
homelessness.
A few years ago I got involved with what was then the Santa Monica Homeless Steering Committee at its very beginning.
This was the kickoff for the 'We Are Santa Monica' initiative working with residents, businesses, and providers of
services to effectively address and communicate the role we all need to play in combating homelessness. It was very
disappointing when the City pulled funding from that program and it essentially died. I still have my t‐shirt and wear it
proudly, and I'm very involved in this challenge that we face regarding homelessness.
I have remained involved with our volunteer effort that began with that steering committee, and additionally have been
very involved with West Coast Cares and Pastor Ron Hooks efforts to reunite homeless with their families and connect
them with services around the greater LA area. Because of my intimate involvement with that organization I am well
aware of the funding that has been cut to their efforts. As an organization, we have stepped up and createded an
ambassador program to be more organized and proactive with our fundraising. So that we can keep this very successful
program alive and hopefully grow it from the beaches of Santa Monica to the parks of Santa Monica! However we
cannot do that alone or without the support, both financially and morally, of your Council and the City of Santa Monica.
It is said that there are reports or the beliefs of your Council that the challenge has gotten less within our city, but I
assure you it has not. The impacts of Covid‐19 on our economy will definitely have long standing effects that we have
not seen yet. You cannot believe that eviction moratoriums and such have completely avoided the issue of more people
going into homelessness. It may not be seen for many months after the lift of such moratoriums the true impact on
adding to our homelessness challenge/crisis.
As you all are aware by living and working in the community, homelessness has massive impacts on the economy,
tourism, housing values, and people from all over Southern California coming to Santa Monica to shop and dine. Those
four categories are the lifeblood of our economy in Santa Monica and they're all being negatively impacted by
homelessness. I implore you to not do what we've just been doing or less but to dig deep and do more. I'm well aware of
the budget constraints, but this will only get worse before it gets better if we don't do something drastic and come
together for our community and those without shelter/services.
Thank you for your time and your consideration, and I hope you do what is right.
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Stay Safe. Be Well. Make Change ᤻᤹᤺ؠءآ┭┮┯┰
With Gratitude,
Ryan
Ryan Ole Hass Broker | Owner
Align RE | a global real estate collaboration
Commercial & Residential
Serving Los Angeles since 2004
Mobile +1 323.893.7253
Social @RyanOleHass
2020 President, Greater L.A. Realtors®
M.B.A./C.I.P.S.
CA DRE License# 01417826
Sent from my mobile device
Please consider the environment before printing this e‐mail
This is a confidential communication. If you are not the intended recipient, please email back to advise us and delete the
email without reading or opening any attachments. Nothing contained in this e‐mail shall be considered a legally binding
agreement, amendment or modification of any agreement, each of which requires a fully executed agreement to be
received and mutually signed. This email (including any information herein and any attachments hereto) is covered by
the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Sections 2510‐2521 and is legally privileged. This information is
confidential information and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. This e‐mail was
checked for virus contamination before being sent ‐ nevertheless, it is advisable to check for any contamination
occurring during transmission. We cannot accept any liability for virus contamination.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Scott Wolfe <scott.a.wolfe@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:13 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Phil Brock; Sue Himmelrich; Oscar de la Torre; Councilmember Kevin
McKeown; Christine Parra
Subject:Council Meeting 2021/02/23 - Public Comment for Item 8.A
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
Thank you for hearing the City Staff’s plan to move forward on the Four Pillars strategy. In general, I want to
voice my support for this strategy. The more we can do to help the unhoused and prevent people from being
displaced, the better. It is great to hear that the City’s efforts are helpful for our unhoused neighbors.
However, I do want to address two key points throughout the strategy.
First, there is too much reliance on having SMPD present during behavioral and mental crises. When people
are in the middle of a traumatic episode, seeing a police officer can be incredibly triggering. Regardless of any
training, the interaction is already escalated because of the gun, handcuffs, taser, and baton on the hip of an
officer.
I would strongly recommend the City reviews programs like Eugene’s CAHOOTS where 911 calls are routed
outside of the Police system and towards a team that can interact directly. In the CAHOOTS program, the team
can escalate to the Police only if necessary.
https://whitebirdclinic.org/cahoots/
A team like this could be utilized for any of the police interactions the City Staff has outlined in the proposal.
Keeping the community safe includes keeping our unhoused neighbors safe.
For the second point, I would like to draw attention to the desire for short-term housing. Especially as we are in
the midst of a pandemic, it is critical to house our displaced neighbors in non-congregate settings. It is
disappointing that the City abandoned the efforts of PRK and only focused on motels. It is further disappointing
that the City’s own program was no longer funded, leaving folx on the streets.
The Biden Administration signed an Executive Order allowing full 100% reimbursement from FEMA for housing
our displaced neighbors in hotels. Additionally, multiple city attorneys, including LA’s City Attorney Mike Feurer,
have concluded that City’s have a right to commandeer hotels without having to secure upfront funds. And
don't depend on just motels. We can avoid clutching our pearls and let our neighbors stay in the Proper.
I implore the City to also Seize The Hotels and get our neighbors into a room!
I will leave with one last thought on the homelessness and housing issue. Please review my comment on 13.A.
We have a long-term ability to provide Social Housing on 215 acres of City owned land. Let's not waste that
opportunity.
Housing is a Human Right!
Thank you
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Scott Wolfe
Sunset Park Santa Monica Resident
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Vernice Hankins
From:Kathryn Boole <kboole@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:30 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:RESOURCE FOR CITY HOMELESS SERVICES - SALVATION ARMY SM CORPS
EXTERNAL
SM City Council Members,
Please consider this idea for a partnership that would add effectiveness to our city’s homeless services.
The Santa Monica Corps of the Salvation Army is run by Corps Officers Chris and Erin Wickle. This branch of the national
organization has been very successful at aiding people who are living on the streets because of lack of income or
addiction problems. This is what they do, they have a wealth of experience at it, and they know how to do it effectively,
efficiently and with heart. Their transition program for those overcoming addiction is exceptional.
I believe the City of Santa Monica would benefit greatly from forming a partnership with the Santa Monica Corps of the
Salvation Army to assist with our homeless problem.
Below is an email from Erin Wikle detailing some statistics of those helped from March 2020 to January 31, 2021.
Kathryn Boole
Member, Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps Board
Please be reminded that these reflect a tremendous increase in services to the community as a result of COVID, since
March 2020 through January 31, 2021.
Current COVID‐19 response period (March 13 – January 31, 2021) we are reporting the following statistics:
• 4,598 people received help for the first time from our Social
Services office
• 5,209 food boxes have been distributed through walk‐in or
mobile delivery to housed individuals
• 17,413 to‐go lunches have been provided to unhoused individuals
• 983 hygiene kits have been distributed
• Over 1,000 hours of device charging provided to unhoused
individuals, helping them stay connected to a network of resources
• 24,385 hot to‐go meals have been served to the homeless community
Other services provided to housed individuals:
• 51 families provided with Electric and Gas utility assistance
for the first time (aiding in homeless prevention)
• Initiated partnership with LA County to provide onsite COVID
testing for unhoused individuals
• Biweekly Wellness Checks continue to 125 residents at the
Silvercrest Senior Residents to ensure their overall wellbeing and provide for basic needs, particularly those who are
homebound.
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Our hope is to continue providing ongoing direct care for those experiencing hardship because of homelessness and
COVID‐19, itself. We are working to launch a capital campaign to renovate our chapel which would allow us to use this
oversized space to expand resources to the community and help those presenting readiness to transition out of
homelessness to take the next step.
Erin L. Wikle
Corps Officer & Silvercrest Coordinator
The Salvation Army Santa Monica Corps
1533 4th Street Santa Monica, CA 90401
o: 310.451.1358 x2113 | c: 615.495.9082
santamonica.salvationarmy.org
Sent from my iPad
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Vernice Hankins
From:shannonyoshikawa@hotmail.com
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:07 PM
To:Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Councilmember Kevin McKeown;
Gleam Davis; Lane Dilg; George S. Cardona; Andy Agle; councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich
Subject:8A - failure to address homelessness
EXTERNAL
Hello Mayor Himmelrich and Council Members,
At yesterday’s meeting of the Santa Monica Social Services Commission, Human Services Administrator Margaret Willis
was asked when the City last performed an annual evaluation of the homeless services and the agencies providing
homeless services in Santa Monica.
Ms. Willis became flustered, started stuttering, and was unable to answer the question as asked.
I have no doubt that such evaluations of the homeless services and providers have not been performed as required by
the law.
So my understanding is that when Interim City Manager is asking the Council to affirm the current way the City is
addressing homelessness, Ms. Dilg is in fact asking the Council to continue violating the Municipal Code?
And this is our former City ATTORNEY???
Santa Monica Municipal Code
Up Previous Next Main
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Article 2 ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 2.69 COORDINATED DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO THE HOMELESS
2.69.020 Annual review.
At least once during every twelve-month period after adoption of the coordinated plan required by
Section 2.69.010, the City Council shall assess the effectiveness of the plan in accomplishing its primary goal
and various objectives, and shall evaluate the effectiveness, efficiency and cost of services to the homeless
provided by the City and each social service agency receiving City funding. To aid this annual review, the City
Council may commission an independent audit of City funding provided for services to the homeless. At the
conclusion of the City Council’s annual review, the City Council shall make such changes in the plan as are
appropriate in order to most effectively implement the plan’s primary goal and objectives and shall make
related findings. (Added by Ord. No. 1768CCS § 6, adopted 9/13/94)
Santa Monica Municipal Code
Up Previous Next Main
Search Print No Frames
Article 2 ADMINISTRATION
Chapter 2.69 COORDINATED DELIVERY OF SERVICES TO THE HOMELESS
2.69.030 Public hearings.
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In connection with the annual review required by Section 2.69.020, the City Council shall hold one or more
public hearings regarding:
(a) The impact of the City’s homeless population on other residents of the City;
(b) The effectiveness of the delivery of services to the homeless by the City and various social service
agencies;
(c) The cost of those services; and
(d) The changes which should be made in the plan in order to carry out its primary goal and its objectives
as required under Section 2.69.010. (Added by Ord. No. 1768CCS § 6, adopted 9/13/94)
Sincerely,
Shannon Yoshikawa,
Santa Monica resident since 1991
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Vernice Hankins
From:rena kirsch <renakirsch44@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:03 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Gabriel (pilot) Engle; Sanah Chung; Randy (Waverly) Lynch; LFH; Michael Lurey; Lee, Michael; Eileen
Singer; Jillian Cycon; Jeff Romano; Stan A. Shayer; Georgia Lee; Seamus McMahon; Hilary DeCamp
Subject:Homeless in Tongva Park
EXTERNAL
I am one of many concerned residents who live next to Tongva Park in Santa Monica. As you are aware, the homeless population has
risen to a dangerous level in our area and specifically in Tongva Park. We have had a significant amount of assaults on nearby
residents, vandalism (recorded with SMPD), and many scary encounters including observing drug deals and usage.
All of this has forced us to avoid using our very own park and even walking outside which is unacceptable and totally unfair. We
residents pay taxes and should be able to use our park and feel safe in our own neighborhood. We have been cooperative, patient, and
have even attempted to work in conjunction with police and social groups to find solutions that will work for everyone but nothing has
changed. We are losing our patience.
We demand action.
The closing time for the park is 11:00 pm but it is not being enforced. It hasn’t been enforced since the start of COVID, even after many
requests and conversations with SMPD. This doesn't seem difficult to enforce. What do we have to do to get our police to do their job?
Phil Brock suggested putting a fence around the park to keep the homeless people from sleeping there at night. Can we install fencing?
This seems like an easy first step. What would it take to begin that process?
Phil Brock had a lot of other good suggestions that would help. Is his voice being heard? What is SM City Council actually doing to
address this problem?
What do we residents have to do to get our City Council and police to take action?
We were told by SMPD that they were told by City Council to let the homeless stay in Tongva Park. Is this true?
I’m writing this letter expecting my questions to be answered tonight at the meeting. I will be attending the meeting along with other
concerned residents from our building and the area.
To recap my questions:
1) Can we install fencing around Tongva Park?
2) Will the police enforce the 11:00 pm closing time?
3) What action steps does SM City Council have in place to address the homeless problem?
4) Have you heard and discussed Phil Brock’s suggestions regarding the homeless in Tongva Park and Santa Monica in general?
5) What do you suggest residents do to get our police and City Council to take action?
6) Is it true that SM City Council has directed SMPD to let the homeless sleep in Tongva Park?
Concerned,
Rena Kirsch
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February 23, 2021
Subject: City Council meeting, 2/23/21- Item 8.A – Efforts to Address
Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies
Mayor Himmelrich and City Council Members,
I have read with disappointment the Staff Report accompanying Item 8.A. The
report is long on process narrative but woefully short on hard objectives and
measurable milestones to achieve those objectives.
The City needs to stop focusing on the process and focus on the OBJECTIVES they
want to achieve. If you cannot identify the objectives, then don’t go forward until
you can. Objectives are measurable, have real meaning in reflecting the results
you want, are time based and are NOT activities.
In the Staff Report, Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Affirm the City’s existing strategies to address homelessness in our community.
2. Affirm continuation of the City’s recent, added strategies to address homelessness, including Multidisciplinary Street Teams and Park Ambassadors,
for consideration in the FY2021-23 biennial budget process. 3. Confirm that potential projects listed in “Four Pillars Roadmap – Next Steps” (Attachment G) align with Council’s vision for a safe and healthy Santa Monica, identify Council’s 3-5 top priorities among those projects, and direct staff
to assess feasibility and develop cost estimates for priority projects for Council consideration during the FY2021-23 biennial budget process and direct staff to return with cost estimates for additional projects should these become feasible and further resources become available. My recommendation: Do not affirm/confirm the above strategies to address homelessness in our community until Staff has provided the following:
• A comprehensive analysis of all resources allocated to the City’s homeless initiative
that are included in the FY 2021-23 Adopted Budget (as amended). This analysis must include not just the grants but general fund monies (from all sources including County, State and Federal, both monetary and in-kind) and planned expenditures by service and service supplier. Separately, all homeless services being
provided by SMFD i.e., medical/EMT and SMPD (via services calls and outreach), as well as monies being expended on behalf of the City by affiliated groups such as Downtown Santa Monica (DTSM).
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This can be accomplished through project accounting with monthly reporting provided.
• Work with Council to identify for the existing strategies (which I assume are the Four Pillars) key objectives i.e., not more than 2-3 for each strategy. These objectives are not volumes or activities but actual results we are looking the strategies to deliver. Identify targets and trends, develop measure gathering systems and generate monthly measurement system with a feedback loop to improve the efforts
to achieve targets and objectives. One approach would be to use a Balanced Scorecard framework.
You can see from the chart below that we have NOT been successful in reducing
homelessness, even during the City’s revenue rich years. So doing the same things or waiting until 2025 for full economic recovery is not a path to success. To achieve the key priorities of the City for residents, 3rd Street Promenade and businesses, we need to better understand available resources, expended resources
and what we want to achieve and work toward our objectives on a daily, not an annual basis. Santa Monica -- Street, Shelter and Institution Counts
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Sources: 2016, 2017 Annual summaries; 2019 Annual Report (Staff Report 3376); 2020 Staff Report 4430
The City has often focused on too many things. Homelessness requires the full attention of the City and staff. Again, it shouldn’t be an annual focus, but a daily one.
Thank-you,
Elizabeth Van Denburgh, Chair
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition
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Vernice Hankins
From:Shu Li Kuo <shulikuo@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 9:56 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:item 8A (addressing homelessness)
EXTERNAL
Please do something to get rid of the homeless and not allow them to sleep in public areas
This becomes a big issue in Santa Monica City. So many homeless move into SM city due to the free foods, free shulters
etc
3rd street should not become a homeless camp ground.
Many of the homeless have addiction/mental illness problems which lead to crime and violence. Get rid of the homeless
by citation and increasing policies to keep our neighborhood safe.
Sincerely,
Shu Li KUO
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Vernice Hankins
From:Floyd Mathews <slkfm@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 9:39 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:ITEM 8A: Homeless Crime
EXTERNAL
For years Santa Monica has provided freebies to the homeless which has encouraged more homeless to move here.
Some of our neighboring cities, such as Beverly Hills, do not provide freebies and have fewer homeless camps. Many of
the homeless have addiction/mental illness problems which lead to crime and violence. Get rid of the homeless, or
increase police protection.
Sincerely, C. Mathews
Sent from my iPad
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Vernice Hankins
From:Sanah Chung <sanah.chung@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 9:32 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Phil Brock
EXTERNAL
We made a major push to get friends and family to vote for Phil Brock due to his commitment To clean up Tongva and
enforce the law
There was an initial improvement after he got elected with 4:00 am raids by the police but since then there are
encampments back at Tongva
We were also told by Phil he would be putting in an evening patrol officer and security cameras
Can we pls be told what the plans are
We are vigilant in making our neighborhood safe for our families.
Pls help before it’s too late and something terrible happens to one of our residents.
Sanah Chung
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Vernice Hankins
From:Sanah Chung <sanah.chung@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 9:10 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Waverly Residents
EXTERNAL
We have a large community at the Waverly that do NOT feel safe ‐
One neighbor’s daughter was accosted‐ another neighbor was struck in the head by a homeless .
We routinely see drug deals in Tongva and encampments that are illegal
The part is legally closed at 11
Why is this not being enforced ?
What is city council doing about enforcement of encampments and the park closure and protecting SM from a growing
homeless problem?
Waverly Residents
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February 23, 2021 Dear Santa Monica City Council Members: Last night, in our first meeting since the COVID suspension, The Santa Monica Social Services Commission discussed and took action on the report and recommendations put forth in the 2021 Staff Report on Homelessness before you tonight. Following a presentation by Margaret Willis, the discussion reflected admiration and support for the city staff and service providers who, despite city budget cuts, have been effective in leveraging COVID relief funds to continue to serve the homeless population and the city. Their necessary and narrowed focus on keeping people housed and maintaining safe spaces during the crisis, along with assuring that homeless residents of Santa Monica have had continuous access to information, PPE, and continued outreach, not to mention administering efforts remotely, has been an impressive achievement given the circumstances, even as the challenges have increased. The clear consensus in the discussion was that, going forward, the city should recognize that 1) pre-COVID, city policies and investments were yielding improved results, 2) restoring resources in support of those efforts should be a priority of the council when and as revenue becomes available, and 3) as we emerge from COVID, we will be facing a new set of local and regional challenges with regard to homelessness that will require creativity, innovation, and commitment moving forward. In this light, The Social Services Commission unanimously approved the following motions: 1. That the Santa Monica Social Services Commission, in recognition of the challenges, constraints, and service adaptations concerning support for the homeless residents of Santa Monica in the COVID environment, urges the Santa Monica City Council approve the staff recommendations specified in the memorandum of the Interim City Manager, “Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies.” These are: 1. Affirm the City’s existing strategies to address homelessness in our community. 2. Affirm continuation of the City’s recent, added strategies to address homelessness, including Multidisciplinary Street Teams and Park Ambassadors, for consideration in the FY2021-23 biennial budget process.
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In addition, we encourage the City Council to prioritize two items from Attachment G, item 8A. While we recognize the importance and need for all of the Four Pillar initiatives described in the G document, these two ambitious and necessary measures deserve study and eventual support. 1. Alternative Non-Congregate Shelters 2. Behavioral Health Triage Center Comment: Alternative Non-Congregate Shelters: The Social Service Commission also anticipates that given the shortage, time to build, and costs of conventional transitional and supportive housing; as well as post-COVID changes in the policy and political environments, judicial actions - including a possible regional consent decree - and best practices elsewhere, it is necessary to prepare for the design and local and regional siting of such alternatives as sanctioned encampments, tiny homes, and other short and medium-term shelter strategies. While this is far from an ideal alternative, it is prudent to begin soliciting advice on non-congregate shelters from other jurisdictions, Santa Monicans with lived experience in homelessness, service providers, and health and safety experts for non-congregate shelters. Behavioral Health Triage Center: The Social Services Commission, before being suspended for COVID, had begin to focus on the lack of adequate, immediate behavioral health support, with particular attention to methamphetamine addiction. A Behavioral Health Triage Center, in Santa Monica or in the immediate vicinity, focused on the homeless population, is a necessary step in mitigating and ending homelessness in Santa Monica. The Social Service Commission understands that these two priorities are potentially the most complex, expensive, controversial, and future-oriented proposals offered in the attachment. They are also most needed and potentially effective medium- and long-term strategies for managing and decreasing homelessness in Santa Monica. Respectfully, Winnie Wexler, Chair Cindy Akin Nancy Coleman Derek Devermont Bill Parent Rick Stoff Members Present, Brian Stedge-Stroud, recused from discussion and vote.
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:25 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness in Santa Monica
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Meg Robertson <megrob7@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:55 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
As a 15 year resident in Santa Monica, I know the homelessness has always been an issue. I have been scared for my life
on several occasions, walking on Santa Monica blvd years ago I had a man with a bloody face run up to me and start
screaming at me. Where I live on the corner of Harvard and Santa Monica Blvd there seems to be a place by the AAA
where homeless are always located. The other week my husband was riding his bike when a man yielding a type of
machete was screaming and smashing it into his own head, bleeding. My husband was scared.
I don’t feel safe to walk around without pepper spray, much less go for an evening run on our beach paths. These people
need medical care, as I’m sure many are suffering from mental disorders. It’s apparent that the homeless in Santa
Monica aren’t just poor people out of work‐ they are disabled. This is what needs to be addressed and we need to feel
safe in our city.
Thank you,
Megan
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:24 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness-Council Meeting Topic
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Mad Man <bigbuttonhelper@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:57 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness‐Council Meeting Topic
EXTERNAL
To Whom it May Concern,
Homelessness is getting much worse in Santa Monica.
The locations where I have traditionally seen a concentration of homeless is in full effect. Under bridges or at the beach. However, I am
now seeing people migrate into areas that they had not previously occupied. There are more homeless folks in front of businesses that
are open and trying to get back on their feet. They are in smaller parks in residential neighborhoods defecating where children are
playing and leaving mounds of trash.
Whatever the City has been doing is not working and so adopting a plan that is based on information from prior months or years will not
suffice as a solution. I hope the City works on a broad based solution to help the homeless find better circumstances then living
outdoors in areas not meant to be lived in.
Thank you,
Steven
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:24 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless problem
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Patric Wiesmann <patricwiesmann@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 11:57 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless problem
EXTERNAL
The homeless situation is getting worse and unsafe. We all feel for the homeless and recognize this is a complex
problem but the safety and charm of our streets and community is being ruined by the situation. I’m extremely
disappointed in elected officials lack of plan to resolve the situation and reduce the number of homeless in our city. It
has negatively affected tourism, Healthcare, commerce for shopping and restaurants and overall quality of life. Santa
Monica is globally known now as a dirty city, smells like urine and plagued by an overwhelming number of homeless
littering the streets and sidewalks!
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:14 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Christine Parra;
Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness in SaMo
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Ryan Ole Hass <ryanolehass.re@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:03 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness in SaMo
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmebers and Mayor McKeown.
I am concerned about the future approach that the City of Santa Monica will be taking regarding addressing
homelessness.
A few years ago I got involved with what was then the Santa Monica Homeless Steering Committee at its very beginning.
This was the kickoff for the 'We Are Santa Monica' initiative working with residents, businesses, and providers of
services to effectively address and communicate the role we all need to play in combating homelessness. It was very
disappointing when the City pulled funding from that program and it essentially died. I still have my t‐shirt and wear it
proudly, and I'm very involved in this challenge that we face regarding homelessness.
I have remained involved with our volunteer effort that began with that steering committee, and additionally have been
very involved with West Coast Cares and Pastor Ron Hooks efforts to reunite homeless with their families and connect
them with services around the greater LA area. Because of my intimate involvement with that organization I am well
aware of the funding that has been cut to their efforts. As an organization, we have stepped up and createded an
ambassador program to be more organized and proactive with our fundraising. So that we can keep this very successful
program alive and hopefully grow it from the beaches of Santa Monica to the parks of Santa Monica! However we
cannot do that alone or without the support, both financially and morally, of your Council and the City of Santa Monica.
It is said that there are reports or the beliefs of your Council that the challenge has gotten less within our city, but I
assure you it has not. The impacts of Covid‐19 on our economy will definitely have long standing effects that we have
not seen yet. You cannot believe that eviction moratoriums and such have completely avoided the issue of more people
going into homelessness. It may not be seen for many months after the lift of such moratoriums the true impact on
adding to our homelessness challenge/crisis.
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As you all are aware by living and working in the community, homelessness has massive impacts on the economy,
tourism, housing values, and people from all over Southern California coming to Santa Monica to shop and dine. Those
four categories are the lifeblood of our economy in Santa Monica and they're all being negatively impacted by
homelessness. I implore you to not do what we've just been doing or less but to dig deep and do more. I'm well aware of
the budget constraints, but this will only get worse before it gets better if we don't do something drastic and come
together for our community and those without shelter/services.
Thank you for your time and your consideration, and I hope you do what is right.
Stay Safe. Be Well. Make Change ᤻᤹᤺ؠءآ┭┮┯┰
With Gratitude,
Ryan
Ryan Ole Hass Broker | Owner
Align RE | a global real estate collaboration
Commercial & Residential
Serving Los Angeles since 2004
Mobile +1 323.893.7253
Social @RyanOleHass
2020 President, Greater L.A. Realtors®
M.B.A./C.I.P.S.
CA DRE License# 01417826
Sent from my mobile device
Please consider the environment before printing this e‐mail
This is a confidential communication. If you are not the intended recipient, please email back to advise us and delete the
email without reading or opening any attachments. Nothing contained in this e‐mail shall be considered a legally binding
agreement, amendment or modification of any agreement, each of which requires a fully executed agreement to be
received and mutually signed. This email (including any information herein and any attachments hereto) is covered by
the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. Sections 2510‐2521 and is legally privileged. This information is
confidential information and is intended only for the use of the individual or entity named above. This e‐mail was
checked for virus contamination before being sent ‐ nevertheless, it is advisable to check for any contamination
occurring during transmission. We cannot accept any liability for virus contamination.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:14 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Nicole Smith <luckycoley13@me.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:04 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
To Who It May Concern,
I understand your having a city council meeting this evening on the topic of homelessness. I live north of Wilshire and
work on Arizona ave, I have been a resident of the area for 12 years this year and have watched the homeless problem
increase exponentially over the last few years.
I live alone and am in my mid 30’s. I do not walk the four blocks to work anymore because of the excrement, drug
paraphernalia, erratic behavior and unpredictability of the homeless that surround the 7‐11 on Wilshire and 7th st.
I work in an office of all women and we keep our business door locked to avoid vagrants from entering our medical
office through the breezeway and am constantly walking over passed out homeless on my way to pick up lunch or in our
alley.
The issue has become unbearable and has been reason for many to leave the area this past year.
I am begging for the city to make some changes. Please remove the 7‐11 from Wilshire and 7th st, it’s a breeding ground
for the homeless. Please protect the residents and community members who come to our city for employment.
I have wanted to reach out and make my voice heard but wasn’t sure how. Today I received a text asking my opinion,
here it is.
Help me feel comfortable living here. Help me feel safe and like my tax dollars and high rent are a reflection of the
beautiful beach city I reside in. It’s unfair to us residents that this issue isn’t more of a priority.
It seems these days the only people roaming our streets are homeless, how did this happen?!
I hope that this email reaches the eyes and ears it needs too.
Sincerely,
Nicole C. Smith
Love Integrity Fuel Exercise
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https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=http‐3A__www.thishealthylife.org&d=DwIFaQ&c=MAPW6jERgCI‐
QasJk8afF5SdlVhEdJGfy4ukc‐
3xZwo&r=8uzb0ArOFCL0YA2LaocW5r9LFsUKiRgvYNQJxDc3ay0&m=vVQCZYpZ4wmzmItJ9aJyxfbScezdnbs3tuJorTiHD‐
8&s=Pi6RaDJ9toOKFPkmauNToXLXfx8fwgd9B_87VAFD‐rM&e=
Sent from my iPhone with ᤻᤹᤺
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:13 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Christine Parra;
Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Steven Phillips <stevebird91510@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:04 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
We live on 3rd Street just across Wilshire from The Promenade, and we think the problem is getting worse.
Steve Phillips
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:08 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Tongva Park Safety Concerns
From: Gabriel Engle <gabrielengle@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:04 PM
To: Sue Himmelrich <Sue.Himmelrich@SMGOV.NET>; Kristin McCowan <Kristin.McCowan@SMGOV.NET>; Oscar de la
Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@SMGOV.NET>; Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; Santa Monica City Manager's
Office <manager.mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>; Councilmember Kevin McKeown
<Kevin.McKeown@SMGOV.NET>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@SMGOV.NET>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@SMGOV.NET>; Police Chief <policechief@smgov.net>; Attorney Mailbox
<Attorney.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; Community Affairs <Community.Affairs@SMGOV.NET>; Lane Dilg
<Lane.Dilg@SMGOV.NET>; Anuj Gupta <Anuj.Gupta@SMGOV.NET>; Debbie Lee <Debbie.Lee@SMGOV.NET>; Lindsay B.
Call <Lindsay.Call@SMGOV.NET>; Lisa Parson <Lisa.Parson@SMGOV.NET>; Constance Farrell
<Constance.Farrell@SMGOV.NET>; Erin Taylor <Erin.Taylor@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Tongva Park Safety Concerns
EXTERNAL
Dear esteemed Santa Monica city professionals,
Since the stabbing of a young man in Tongva Park approximately two years ago, my neighbors who live
adjacent to the park have asked repeatedly for a semblance of safety when walking around Santa Monica,
specifically in the vicinity of Tongva.
We have compiled police reports, photographed the encampments, and reached out dozens of times to City
Council, SMPD, and even the press. So far only a local news station, Phil Brock, and certain professionals
within SMPD have been responsive.
When I spoke to SMPD, several officers stated that they did not feel supported by City Council as far as
enforcing the park rules, which DO include no camping or sleeping overnight in the park.
Several women who live adjacent to Tongva Park have been repeatedly harassed, threatened, intimidated and
assaulted by our “without home neighbors” who the city allows to camp and sleep in the park.
The writer of this email had his girlfriend assaulted in Tongva park, and since then, has only seen more
instances of women being victimized in and near Tongva (reference police reports related to Tongva park if
you need verification of anything stated in this email).
As other beach cities, such as Manhattan Beach, seem to be able to provide cleanliness and safety to their
citizens, I would like to know why Santa Monica has allowed its own 42 million dollar park to be a place where
the topic of conversation includes murder, assaults, indecent exposure, public urination & defecation.
As the https://www.la-alliance.org is hopefully putting pressure on the county to take meaningful action
regarding the homeless crisis in LA, do we as citizens need to form an alliance at the local level?
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Please let us know. As stated before, we have asked for help from the City Council numerous times before. So
far, only Phil Brock has responded and communicated that he also wants a safe and clean city.
Sincerely,
A concerned Santa Monica citizen.
Date Incident Description Reference No. Unit
8/29/2020 Transient using drugs (shooting himself up with needle) on Living Street 301
9/10/2020 Reported encampments in Tongva park 86404 415
9/23/2020 Reported encampments in Tongva park 90979 415
9/28/2020 Reported transients camping in Tongva 92841 415
9/30/2020 Reported transient exposing himself and another transient threatening him and others. 93171 415
9/30/2020 Reported numerous encampments in park surrounded by trash 93545 415
10/2/2020 Reported transient trying to hit ambassador with a chair 94079 415
10/4/2020 Reported hostile transient while walking through park 95011 415
10/8/2020 Encampments at Tongva Park 420‐96495 415
10/9/2020 Reported transient verbally threatening passersby on Olympic. Had police come to take report. did not get one 407
10/10/2020 Reported encampments and trash all over park. operator hung up 415
10/15/2020 Transients assaulting each other on Olympic 98869 301
10/21/2020 Reported transient in patio of townhouse living street. SMPD came to remove no report concier
11/2/2020 Reported transient urinating on wall on living street 96455 ml
12/30/2020 Encampments at Tongva Park 200‐121‐925 415
1/23/2021 Reported numerous encampments throughout Tongva Park 21‐3360 415
1/31/2021 Reported homeless man spitting on resident and chasing a family at park. operator hung up 415
2/1/2021 Reported transient brandishing knife on Living Street operator hung up 415
2/1/2021 Reported transient breaking building windows. pending ml
2/6/2021 Reported transient exposing himself to children 10172 415
2/18/2021 Reported Encampment at Tongva Park, hammock and weapons. operator hung up 415
pending
Resident was hit chased and assaulted by a transient at Tongva park. pending
301
‐‐
Best Regards,
Gabriel & the residents of The Waverly
gabrielengle@gmail.com
(559) 708‐6464
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:07 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Santa Monica Homeless
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Spectra <pq@spectraresources.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:09 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: RE: Santa Monica Homeless
EXTERNAL
For over nine years I was a resident of Santa Monica. I moved from Manhattan New York to this once charming city.
Over the years I have seen and experienced a dramatic change in the safety and sanitary conditions. Living on the corner
of fifth and Arizona I had the first hand experience of witnessing countless mentally unstable people living in destitution
and squander outside my door step. Feces and needles were and every day occurrence not to mention the constant
outbursts in the late hours of the night. During the riots over the summer I watched the city being destroyed for hours
while the local authorities were absolutely no where in sight.
I have traveled to third World countries for my job where there is more law and order than in Santa Monica. It’s not a
matter of funding it’s a matter of leadership. It’s a complete ineptitude and unwillingness to try something different and
challenge the ways that things have been going. Have you ever heard of Einstein’s definition of insanity? Thinking that if
you provide more services and make life more comfortable for people living in the street you are a major source of the
problem. To even take the first step to address the problem there needs to be a plan to move people away from the
street and into facilities. Where you may ask? Anywhere but the street!! If they are not mentally stable the state needs
to take responsibility. If they have a criminal record the state needs to take responsibility. If they are a danger to law
abiding citizens the state needs to take responsibility. If they are single Moms, veterans or people who have suffered,
the state needs to take responsibility.
I have seen military build tent facilities in the Middle East. I’m not saying we just ship the homeless to the desert. I’m
making the point that cities can be built in a very cost effective way. People can be evaluated, given treatment both
mentally and with medication. They can be given their dignity until a suitable home or facility is found. You don’t need to
buy a high rise on the ocean that houses twelve families. Although I’m sure some lobbyist would love that deal.
Above is the solution. Until someone is brave enough to stand up and start the process I’m afraid Santa Monica will be
the next San Francisco.
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I have no faith in the leadership who has let us down and I have no doubt will continue to do so. I know my words will
land on deaf ignorant ears.
For me my chapter in Santa Monica has ended and I moved out along with my business in September 2020.
I hope and pray that someone proves me wrong.
Best regards,
Paul
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:06 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Christine Parra; Phil
Brock; Oscar de la Torre
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Despicable!
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Steve <steveoliver@email.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:09 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Despicable!
EXTERNAL
The fact that we need to discuss this problem and what it does me and the community just shows how incompetent our
leaders are. ABSOLUTELY 1000% DESPICABLE!!
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2
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:05 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Meeting 2/23/2021
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Barbars King <kingbees444@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:11 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Meeting 2/23/2021
EXTERNAL
Homelessness
80% of residents surveyed said the Homeless situation in Santa Monica is getting worse. The Council MUST come up
with solutions. Keep doing the same IS NOT the answer. There are laws that can be used to safeguard residents against
the crime, and destruction and decay of our city.
We voted in the new council members to address and rectify this ballooning problem.
Barbara King
Taxpaying resident
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 5:05 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Imani T <irt823@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:21 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
The city's approach to homelessness is abysmal. In the 5 years I've lived here, it just gets worse and worse. No one is
invested in housing or helping these people. Many people who end up homeless don't need much assistance to get back
on their feet, and the assistance needs to be free, no strings attached housing for these individuals. You cannot get your
life together if you don't have a roof over your head.
I would think with the ludicrous rent in this area, there should be some money invested in getting homeless people off
the streets if for no other reason than to justify charging so much money.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:47 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness issues
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: James Damiano <jimmyd210.jd@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:40 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness issues
EXTERNAL
It has gotten better here on Ocean Avenue not sure about other areas of Santa Monica...
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Vernice Hankins
From:Matthew Stevens <mastevens0131@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:43 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock;
Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre
Cc:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 8-A
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, and members of the City Council,
As you discuss homelessness tonight, please keep in mind that those experiencing homelessness are people just like you.
Most have just fallen on bad luck and do not deserve the scorn, condemnation, and inhumane treatment so many want
to send their way.
We often lie to ourselves about the causes of homelessness. Some say the homeless come from elsewhere. For most,
that’s not true. Some say it’s a lifestyle choice. For most, that’s not true. Some say experiencing homelessness is a sign of
a personal moral failing.
Absolutely not true.
Whatever approach you take tonight, please keep their basic dignity in mind. The only thing separating any of you from
experiencing homelessness is luck. All it takes is one bad injury, or one unwanted substance abuse problem, to tear your
life apart and put you in the same situation so many of our neighbors are unfortunately experiencing today.
The solution to homelessness is more shelters and homes. Please focus on that above all else. Not fences, not sweeps ‐
homes.
Regards,
Matt Stevens
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:42 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless Issue: Dear Santa Monica City Council
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Chris Galtt <chrisgaltt@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:51 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless Issue: Dear Santa Monica City Council
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a concerned resident of Santa Monica I am deeply worried with the escalating homeless issue that our city has been
facing for the past decade. Today it is worse than ever!
We all know it’s a very complicated issue that has been mishandled for far too long. The biggest issue is that Santa
Monica gives the homeless population more civil rights than the City’s taxpayers, residents and businesses owners. This
is pure insanity. Our kids and elderly are in the crosshairs of an increasingly violent and defiant homeless population
group. Our City officials have for too long been way to sensitive on this issue. The City council needs to step up to the
plate as elected officials and make some hard decisions for once! You claim that you represent the residents of Santa
Monica. Show that you do by getting the homeless issue under control. Clean our streets up! There are many ways to do
this amd you could look to Europe for ideas.
I’m very sensitive to the horrible situation our homeless population is facing, but Santa Monica and other neighboring
cities are allowing homeless encampments and wandering homeless people to endangerment of our community and
alienating our booming business community.
Best,
Chris concerned Resident
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:42 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Helene Zimmerman <hbzimmerman@yahoo.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:54 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
The current strategy is not working. The city needs a new, aggressive, multi pronged approach that addresses this issue
with measurable results now. Enough of the same old rhetoric.
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:40 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Christine Parra;
Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness in santa monica board meeting 2-23-2021 my response regaridng the issue from
reading a text I just recieved ..
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Michael Pina <mikeyapina@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:56 PM
To: RentControl Mailbox <RentControl.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; 1035459625@QQ.com; merrick@stmonica.net; Josh
Barre <josh@wpmla.com>; Santa Monica Housing Division ‐ Displaced <displaced@santamonica.gov>; Dennis Block
(dennis@evict123.com) <dennis@evict123.com>; Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>;
Rebecca.Figueroa@lacda.org
Subject: Homelessness in santa monica board meeting 2‐23‐2021 my response regaridng the issue from reading a text I
just recieved ..
EXTERNAL
On March 31st, 2021 I will once again face this homeless crisis in my life. This has happened to me for 15 years now and
the formula to my success is simple. Too many politicians having meetings about how bad they feel and then at the end
of the night going home to their nice home having done nothing but talk like the wind blows the sand on the beach.
Almost 100 years ago politicians in the federal government made a promise to America to stamp out homelessness
meanwhile they continued to allow big corporations to receive handsome tax credits for humanitarian efforts in foreign
countries.
Yep I'm looking at everyone on this SAMO board and saying now it's your turn. Are you the sand or the wind? Or are
you the salt of the earth?
Santa Monica was named after the mexican catholic saint Saint Monica. She wept for her sons failures in life and it is
rumored did so until her death.
I hear a lot about what is passing whimsy of fact regarding Santa Monica past. But, what I am not hearing is solutions
that are as salty as a construction worker braw. I hear about glassy projects for the few lucky. But what I am not seeing is
a reach out to the community to help and move those who are in the streets trapped by life's cruelty they call
compassion today. May I suggest that cannot be some jail cell one room box painted colors of the rainbow and porta
potties outside. Jesus even burning man has better hope of life than those prisons being build by poltical visionaries.
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There are 70k homeless in the Los Angeles region all who for the most part lived safely during the most pandemic
focused psyche of desperation ever experienced in my 60 year life time. Few have died at a higher rate than the plagues
before it. They did so with tents and cardboard boxes. No running water no gloves no contact washing themselves
definitely no clean masks.
I live, for a few more days, across from a park where I saw a stranger of an ethnicity I rarely see in this park. He was
walking his cute dog, a puppy filled with energy and spunk, who pooped in the dirt clearly in sight of my window. The
newcomer walked to it then quickly kicked the dirt to cover the poop.
Now, as it has been proven to us by a 100 years of no tears by polticians, this poop is just brushed over with never a
thought of a trash receptacle to call itself home. I wonder in two years when I look back at this boards work will the
message sent to me by text to ask my opinion will I reflect in wind or the making of dirty pushed over poop and another
hot mess of look at us we care?
In exactly 38 days, my future looks like no alternatives but to join the successful homeless covid‐19 avoiders and the
puppy droppings. I am not a normal citizen, I'm specially justifiably hated by people of power and specialness I am the
wild common dog hunted in some cities for game and justification of worth. I have, living here, I have less status than
those here illegally and I breath more daylight than those listed imprisoned.
I live everyday starring at hate amd smile knowing they are naive but have good hearts only in ther just cause. Just to
give reference I am gay and that's how I learned such ignorance.
Humanity begins at home from lessons of adults that waters their children's future. Saint Monica a Mexican catholic the
salt of the city taught us this. Sadly that puppies poop will not tender the earth the manure it needs to bring it new life.
Only Saint Monica tears will.
M.
This is my response to a smgov text I just got ..
In our recent survey, 80% of SaMo residents said homelessness is getting worse. But a new staff report says the city
should stick with the current strategy. The Council will discuss it tonight. You can email them your thoughts at
council@smgov.net. Santa Monica Pulse ‐ Reply Stop
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:37 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Strategy
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Lorraine Rodriguez <dreambody@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:17 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Strategy
EXTERNAL
There is not a strategy‐ the homeless are left to do whatever they want ‐ The have mire rights then we do‐ I feel scared
to walk at night ‐ they are waking drug addicted zombies‐ I wish we were a city like Manhattan Beach‐ you can’t be
homeless there u have to go to a shelter or get out‐ They have taken over the promenade so i don’t go there either ‐
I see tents on the california incline ‐ need i say more‐ success leaves clues‐ call Manhattan Beach leadership and get
some clues !!!!
Lorraine
Sent from Lorraine's IPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:32 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless Problems in Santa Monica
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Lee Rossignol <leerossignol@mac.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:31 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless Problems in Santa Monica
EXTERNAL
Hi,
Just wanted to let the council know‐ this issue isn’t getting better here in Santa Monica. My family and I cannot feel safe
at any point in Palisades park or walking to the beach.
The homeless are camping in the Palisades park. They are screaming at us and in the air as if they are on drugs. I’ve
called the Poice but the don’t even get out of their patrol car. We are afraid to walk anywhere in the city, we now avoid
the Vons at Broadway and Lincoln.
Please address the homeless issue here in Santa Monica. It’s getting worse.
Thank you, Lee Rossignol
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:32 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homelessness and crime tearing the city apart
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Helios Julia <sacredten@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:22 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness and crime tearing the city apart
EXTERNAL
Good afternoon Council,
I apologize for my late email, I have been busy with work and my family who are all at home. I will describe what I see in
Santa Monica on my daily routes to buy groceries and/or doctors’ appointments—I don’t drive, I walk.
As described in my Subject line, Santa Monica is being torn apart by homelessness to such degrees that as an active
pedestrian—I walk every day from 7th st to 26th street on a daily basis—I am constantly a victim of this deterioration
and it’s causing me and my loved ones distress. Our distress is caused by FEAR and no one should live in FEAR! These
people are sick and need to be cared for somewhere else and not in the street on their own! The following enumeration
will describe the type of squalor Santa Monica has become, once the acclaimed Pearl of Los Angeles:
1. The streets smell like urine—solution? Pressure hose the streets down with a safe disinfectant AND have the
homeless urinate SOMEWHERE ELSE!
2. There is excrement everywhere—solution? Have the homeless defecate in a toilet SOMEWHERE ELSE!
3. There are homeless people running up to folks SHOUTING! —Solution? Get them to an institution that CAN treat them
professionally, not local volunteers whom make the PROBLEM WORSE by providing clothing and blankets that end up in
piles of RUBBISH AND ATTRACT RATS causing a potential for fleas, it clogs the drains, and may cause typhoid! [1] This
behavior can emotionally and psychologically affect a population—you CAN BE SUED.
4. They are LEAVING TRASH BEHIND! —Solution? Have more trash cans but point #3, above, is the ONLY SOLUTION! This
is so BAD FOR THE ENVIRONMENT! You harangue others and preach about Santa Monica’s only problem which is plastic
bags and plastic wares! Laughable, your priorities are skewed. There are masks, filthy clothes and other debris scattered
everywhere! Are you living among the homeless? I DON’T THINK SO!
5. The homeless are violent!! —Solution? Santa Monica is NOT A PSYCHIATRIC INSTITUTION it’s a city that is under siege
by these violent individuals who shout, throw THINGS AT PEOPLE, fling their stool, deal drugs, and are constantly
flashing their genitals at people! These people have thrown things at me and I have filed a police report and/or have had
police IGNORE my report because of the POLITICAL CLIMATE surrounding us. It’s okay to bash the police but it’s not okay
to arrest criminals? What backwards mentality is this? Your priorities again?
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6. Increase in crime, causes by the above and the train. —solution? Inevitable but NOT HOPELESS. Have police patrol 3rd
street promenade, all of Colorado (people sell drugs there, violence abounds and homeless people pass out with feces
all over them) 12th street is replete with shady vehicles with people dealing drugs, Broadway on 15th, 16th, and 17th,
streets are the same! All of Wilshire from staring from 3rd and onward is a constant crime scene, filthy and horrid. My
husband has been mugged twice at knifepoint on this path, all because the cops are bad...you break the social order
with your draconian policies! Does that make sense?
Now I ask myself, what will you do for me? Well, I hope you act because a Quo Warranto or something resembling it can
be effected to remove you incapable actors immediately!
We will not be living in fear or harassment by people who don’t belong here and need to be treated by the City of Los
Angeles in a psychiatric ward.
Yours truly a concerned and VERY traumatized citizen.
1. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/medieval‐diseases‐flare‐as‐unsanitary‐living‐conditions‐proliferate/
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:31 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Floyd Fouquette <floyd@fouquette.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 1:24 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: homelessness
EXTERNAL
Hello! and thank you for taking on this discussion with tonight's City Council discussion.
As evident with much more than usual reporting and personal accounts, homelessness, loitering,
vandalism, larceny, assault, property damage are all reaching crisis level in the city of Santa
Monica.
I'm very sorry but if City Council decides to stay the course then unfortunately for City Council
Members it is time to take action and replace our City Council Members with Citizens who are
able to work-hard and develop solutions, programs and outreach to BOTH community members
as well has homeless members to create a safe & secure community.
Our current City Council can still rise up and make a positive impact on our community.
Crisis level is very serious. If we do not want to see our communities turn into walls & gates
with barbed-wire, cupertino-wire & broken-glass-topped-walls, then we need to move beyond
discussions and in-action and move into ACTION & RESULTS ORIENTED EFFORTS.
Communicating effectively will be key. Actions will be essential. Results will indicate if we are
doing something right! OR something wrong! Whether we keep our then current leadership OR
move-on again to new leadership.
The community of Santa Monica is smart enough, resourceful enough, wealthy enough to tackle
the homeless crisis to make our community safe and thrive.
Thank you for your patience and attention on my comments.
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Kindest regards,
-Floyd
Floyd Fouquette
310-420-9760 CELL/TEXT
TALIESIN & TALIESIN WEST
LOVE IS THE VIRTUE OF THE HEART
SINCERITY THE VIRTUE OF THE MIND
COURAGE THE VIRTUE OF THE SPIRIT
DECISION THE VIRTUE OF THE WILL
THE ORGANIC COMMANDMENT
-1940, Frank Lloyd Wright
Culture Corner:
a good read/audio book: Jon Meacham's "The Soul of America"
fun technology: Happy New Year, S Korea 5G drone style
a favorite musical artist: Mat Kearney (ask Alexa, Siri, Google to play his station)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:27 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homeless
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: rebecca kapsis <r.kapsis@icloud.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:16 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless
EXTERNAL
What strategy are you using for the homeless? It doesn’t look like there is anything in place .
Rebecca Kapsis
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:23 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: City Prioritites
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Frank Greenberg <fakgeb@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:23 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; Santa Monica City Manager's Office
<manager.mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; editor@smdp.com
Subject: City Prioritites
EXTERNAL
The number one priority of the city needs to be having clean and safe streets and parks without homeless people
committing anti social behavior. We can be compassionate and lobby state and federal officials to do something, but we
do not need to tolerate violence, drug use, prositution and the use of our public spaces as toiltes. The vast majority of
homeless are not from Santa Monica. It is not fair that they ruin our city.
If we don’t have clean and safe public areas, the tourists will not return and businesses will choose to locate elsewhere
(there are many suburbs and states with good schools, low taxes and less social issues). Obviously without those two
economic drivers we won’t have the resources to provide any of the services our community has enjoyed. We can’t tax
our way out of the problem as we are already subject to some of the highest taxes (property, sales and licenses) around
which have already driven businesses and residents away. There used to be an attitude that no matter what the costs,
tourists and businesses would be in Santa Monica. We see now this is not true.
International tourists had been put off visiting our city pre‐covid and what locals are going to want to come here now
when they need to be concerned about what they may fine in the elevator. Sure the Grove, etc. may be a little sterile,
but how nice that would be. One of the council members stated that edgy places were some of the places we liked to
visit the most. I don’t mind visiting them, but I don’t want to live in them. I used to enjoy going to Venice, but was
equally glad I could come home to Santa Monica.
When Third Street was first redeveloped, there was no competition. I remember growing up we used to go to
Westwood ‐ then there was the gang violence and Westwood never recovered. We started going to Santa Monica and
for several decades it was the place to be. Now there are multiple competitors which are clean and safe.
I believe the city needs to reprioritize its services. Sure it's nice to have a cultural affairs department with 11 staff (what
is the cost with benefits and pension ‐ $1.5‐2.0 million p.a.?) and big blue bus routes that don’t even go within city limits
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(I assume there is hopefully some subsidy for these, but I’m sure they do not cover the full vehicle and pension
expenses). However we can’t afford these and in these times there are certainly higher priorities for our limited
resources to take our city back. Hopefully someday we can have some of the nice to haves, but this is not that time.
I am always greatly surprised by the people who want more parks. We can’t even take care of the ones we have. Have
any of you spent time in Reed Park? It is disgraceful. Why can’t we lock the parks and parking garages at night? I saw
the assistant city manager say that some residents rented parking spaces therefore the garages couldn't be locked at
night. Move them to say the library lot. Our police have never had a strong street presence despite a huge budget. I
certainly do not want to defund the police, but I want them out and visible. Business and residents should not have to
fund private security.
These are hard times for all of us and hard choices and strong leadership are needed. Of course some special interests
will be upset by any changes, but decisions for the greater good of all stakeholders needs to be made now.
Thank you for your attention to this and for your work on trying to improve our city.
Stay well.
Frank.
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Packet Pg. 296 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies)
10
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:16 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Anuj Gupta; Andy Agle
Subject:FW: Homelessness
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: Ivana <ivanalsuvak@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 2:38 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homelessness
EXTERNAL
Hello City Council,
I have been a Santa Monica resident for 20 years.
My children went through the SMMUSD system and I own a local gift shop for 11 years on Ocean Park Blvd.
I received a text today that there is a meeting tonight regarding the homelessness so I would like to take an opportunity
to express my frustration and fear for the future of this City.
Not sure what the staff report is but it stated that the city strategy towards homelessness should stay the same and that
sounds so concerning since the situation is getting worse not better!
Do any of the Council members walk down the Third Street Promenade? Do they ever walk the local parks, beaches ?
Did they ever see a person shooting up at 8am ? Or smocking crack in front of a kid? Do they ever try to use a public
restroom but can’t because there is a fight that broke out?Or because they are using the sinks to wash themselves and
their clothes? Because if they did, they would not think their current strategy is working.
As a local family we use these outdoor spaces every day! And every day there is at least one incident where a homeless
individual is screaming and swearing half naked after which my 11 year old son wants to go home.
Few blocks from our house on Centinela there is a growing encampment, Clover park (for now!) has at least 4 homeless
Individuals “residing “ there during the day. The other day one of them was urinating against a wall right in front of my
son. What would happen if I was doing that? Why are we turning a blind eye to this? Why are there two set of rules?
People in our neighborhood are sick and tired of being governed by a meek administration. Please start thinking about
us residents, residents who also pay high taxes and want to live in a safe city.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Ivana Suvak
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11
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Packet Pg. 298 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies)
12
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 4:15 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar
de la Torre; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Homeless issue in SM
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
‐‐‐‐‐Original Message‐‐‐‐‐
From: WINGPING CHU <wingping@me.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:23 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Homeless issue in SM
EXTERNAL
Can we please relocate the homeless people? They’re making the neighborhood feel unsafe....
Item 8.A 2/23/2021
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Packet Pg. 299 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, February 23, 2021 3:36 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; Andy Agle; Anuj Gupta
Subject:FW: Comments for Tonight’s Meeting
Council‐
Please see the email below in regards to the efforts to address homelessness item on tonight’s agenda.
Thank you,
Stephanie
From: Bernard Yin <lariver@aol.com>
Sent: Tuesday, February 23, 2021 12:16 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Comments for Tonight’s Meeting
EXTERNAL
Hi,
- Per a text I received this morning I wish to re-iterate that YES addressing homelessness should be a
huge priority.
- I wish to also add that growth and development unless it is for affordable housing should be curbed.
I have been in S. Monica for over 20 years and it is very clear that it cannot sustain an increase in
population; especially should this population have cars in their possession - and the intent to drive
around town. This is exacerbated, especially in the summer (even during Covid), when people from
outside of S. Monica are visiting and adding to the congestion.
- Last but not least, figuring out creative ways (marketing etc.) to support and nurture the one of a
kind/mom and pop businesses would be nice too. Santa Monica has already lost too many of these.
These remain a huge part of the City's charm. Examples: El Texate, Gilbert's, Chez Jay's.
Thank you,
Bernard Yin
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Packet Pg. 300 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies)
Homelessness – Another View At Providing Shelter and Services HOMELESSNESS IS A NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT The following is not a comprehensive program, but some concepts to consider in future planning.
Shelter without treatment, training and supportive services is destined to fail. We will not build ourselves out of the problems in the short term. There is little disagreement that unsheltered people living on the streets and alleys is both a State and
National embarrassment exasperated by 40 years of neglect of individuals and families suffering from
mental illness and addiction to drugs and alcohol. This neglect is similar to the mistreatment of the mentally ill who were warehoused in State hospitals before the 1970’s.
IMMEDIATELY BUILD FIELD HOSPITALS & TRIAGE CENTERS
The response to natural disasters has taught us that temporary shelters can be created for 50,000+ people in days. See Red Cross’s Katrina response (1,400 shelters in 27 states within days) and “Mobile Disaster Field Hospitals” set up by FEMA in 48-72 hours).
Each Triage site will evaluate and refer persons to Program sites.
Each person must sign on to and participate in a treatment or placement program.
Allow the use of individual tents for those who prefer tents. Augment tents with adverse weather “warming” or “cooling” shelters.
Dedicate Program Sites by age and/or need for services attempting to maintain friendship groups and communities previously developed.
IMMEDIATELY ENFORCE CAMPING LAWS
Camping, including vehicles and RVs, is allowed only in designated areas which provide toilet, showering, food, medical and safety services. It’s a zoning issue.
SET UP TRIAGE TEAMS
Immediately set up triage teams to develop treatment plans that are tracked in a statewide database so each jurisdiction knows what was done previously. Plan for mobility.
All Outreach workers are reassigned to centralized triage and program centers except for a small group to direct people to triage centers.
Appoint California State Homeless Czar with sufficient administrative flexibility to quickly
change rules and programs if they prove to be unsuccessful and to remove legal obstacles to solving the many problems of the homeless.
SET UP PROGRAM SITES WITHIN ALL 50 STATES WITH FEDERAL SUPPORT
In conjunction with Federal Government locate excess capacity for social services, jobs and
housing from other States.
Recognize acute vs chronic problems and establish long term care for some.
Each Program Center will provide shelter, clothing, self-care facilities, nutrition, medical & psychological & spiritual services, educational and life skills training, assistance with
government financial programs, retrieval and centralized saving of important documents, storage facilities, and for RV parks, sewage disposal.
Set up program for young adults transitioning from Foster Care.
Continue support after program graduation for each level of independence, as necessary.
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Packet Pg. 301 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (4430 : Efforts to Address Homelessness including Local and Regional Strategies)
EXPAND HOUSING OPTIONS TO ALL 50 STATES WITH FEDERAL SUPPORT
Those with jobs or with a good prospect of finding a job get priority access to permanent and transitional housing (including car parks) in city centers near transportation & jobs.
Current homeless non-profits should concentrate on transitional housing and skills.
Expand concept of housing:
Include boarding houses with common kitchens and bathroom, independent living with roommates, mobile home parks, RV Parks, etc.
Seek 50 State solution by expanding the search for placement of clients in supportive
services, housing and and/or jobs within the entire United States, including moving expenses, especially if there is no current familial or cultural attachment to LA.
♦ LA is an expensive housing option. There are lower cost areas throughout the United States with large vacancy rates and/or are looking for workers.
• Match placement location to person’s current income or family resources.
♦ Attempt to keep current friendship groups together.
For people who want or need to live in a tent or RV, provide a safe place with services as
long as they are participating in a program.
Make a commitment to local neighborhoods that any placement in a community setting will not involve a known or active safety risk or disruptive person.
SET PRIORITIES IN PROVIDING RESOURCES AND SERVICES
Funding should recognize the 80/20 Rule with a Triage model that identifies and gives
priority to those that can be helped quickly and successfully through existing systems.
80% of people will succeed with 20% of budget and 20% will require 80% of budget.
CONSIDER DAILY FEES AS ADDITIONAL FUNDING SOURCE
Every program should lead with compassion with expectation that each homeless person has a
corresponding responsibility to be an active partner in the solution.
In exchange for shelter, food and medical services all clients with a steady income, including SSI, Social Security, Insurance, VA Benefits, work, etc., will pay a sliding-scale daily fee.
After 90 days, if a person receives any source of income, set up a Direct Deposit
Conservatorship for those funds while a person is in Triage, hospital, or a program.
In exchange, provide moving expenses and costs of new clothes and housing set-up.
Maintain limited Conservatorship to pay housing and utilities post transitional housing.
Refund a small stipend to a debit card for attending program classes re life skills.
Establish work training opportunities that provide services to program centers.
PROVIDE SAFETY
The safety of staff and residents is a top priority. To insure safety, there needs to be a strong security and medical and social services present at each program site.
• Use National Guard, if necessary until sites can be properly staffed.
Establish special on-site conservatorship courts to quickly and compassionately decide least restrictive environment for disruptive persons with jail as a last resort.
Alcohol and illegal drugs are not allowed while on the premise of any facility.
PROVIDE LIABILITY PROTECTION TO SERVICE PROVIDERS
Provide liability protection to all governmental agencies and homeless organizations, including employees and volunteers, unless the harm is caused by an affirmative action that is intentional or grossly negligent with no liability for self-harm.
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