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SR 04-27-2021 5A City Council Report City Council Meeting: April 27, 2021 Agenda Item: 5.A 1 of 1 To: Mayor and City Council From: Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Appointments to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Committee. Continued from April 13, 2021. Prepared By: Esterlina Lugo, Deputy City Clerk Approved Forwarded to Council Attachments: A. Applicant List B. Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting C. Written Comments 5.A Packet Pg. 1043 City of Santa Monica Boards and Commissions Applicants Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission Name Application Date Jon-Patrick Allem 3/4/2021 Elaine V. Barringer 4/5/2021 Margaret Black 3/15/2021 Erin Borda 4/16/2021 Nirvana Bravo Papias 3/19/2021 Elizabeth Brown 3/15/2021 George Brown 2/18/2021 Michael Cahn 3/9/2021 George Centeno 2/23/2021 Alok Chanani 3/19/2021 Jeff Chanchuan 3/10/2021 Abraham Cohen 3/1/2021 Timothy Conley 4/22/2021 Maria Ochoa Conntreras 4/16/2021 Robert W. Crandall 3/29/2021 Jaime Cruz 3/19/2021 Derek Devermont 2/23/2021 William Dunne 4/16/2021 Shamshi España 3/19/2021 Jason Feldman 3/15/2021 Shovaughn Fisher 3/3/2021 Albin Gielicz 3/19/2021 Noah Gonzalez 3/15/2021 Darrell Goode 3/17/2021 Houman Hemmati 3/8/2021 Sonki Hong 3/1/2021 Arthur Jeon 3/1/2021 5.A.a Packet Pg. 1044 Attachment: Applicant List (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) Douglas Kaplan 3/8/2021 Carolyn Kelly 3/15/2021 Simirit Anand Khalsa 3/4/2021 Eun Kim 4/16/2021 Joel Koury 4/20/2021 Jason Kozma 2/19/2021 Robert Kronovet 3/9/2021 Rebecca Lantry 2/18/2021 Jason Lin 3/21/2021 Tod Lofing 3/1/2021 Nicolo Lucente 4/20/2021 Susan Mannara 4/16/2021 Miranda McLaughlin-Basseri 4/16/2021 Kymberli Miles Lawson 4/22/2021 Craig Miller 4/22/2021 Natasha Millman 4/20/2021 Joshua Moffie 3/31/2021 Greg Morena 3/18/2021 Marc Morgenstern 2/23/2021 Samantha Mota 4/16/2021 Matt Neco 04/06/2021 Lana Negrete 3/15/2021 Marlene Rico Nord 4/16/2021 Joseph Palazzolo 2/22/2021 Michael Payton 3/3/2021 Ivannia A. Perez-Schlamm 03/23/21 Killeen Pilon 3/4/2021 Manju Raman 3/18/2021 Luis Ramirez 3/1/2021 Carlos M. Samaniego 03/26/2021 Laurel Schmidt 3/15/2021 Angela Scott 2/18/2021 5.A.a Packet Pg. 1045 Attachment: Applicant List (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) David Schlosberg 4/22/2021 Michael Shotton 2/25/2021 Donald Singer 4/16/2021 Hootie Soleiman 2/18/2021 Paul Song 4/19/2021 Kristi Springer 4/22/2021 Robert Swerdlow 3/15/2021 Marbi-An Tejas 4/21/2021 Benjamin Wilson 03/25/21 Paul Winnemore 3/8/2021 Michele Wittig 2/23/2021 Scott Wolfe 2/22/2021 TOTAL APPLICANTS: 71 *Member Currently Serving on City Board/Commission *Not a Santa Monica Resident *18-22 Applicant 5.A.a Packet Pg. 1046 Attachment: Applicant List (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:OZ <zurawska@yahoo.com> Sent:Monday, April 12, 2021 11:37 PM To:councilmtgitems Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Lane Dilg; Winifred Wechsler; Denise Anderson-Warren Subject:13B - OPPOSE appointment of Elaine BARRINGER - 4/13/21 City Council meeting EXTERNAL This is to OPPOSE the appointment of Elaine Barringer to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Committee. Since August 2018 Ms. Barringer has been a Social Services Commissioner, with the attendance record of 36%. The most recent time Ms. Barringer attended a Social services Commission meeting was in May 2019. Ms. Barringer failed to attend the most recent SSC meeting (February 2021), which was conducted over Zoom. I understand that to date Ms. Barringer has not resigned from her position as a Social Services Commissioner, despite requests from the community. Ms. Barringer's blatant negligence toward her duties as a Social Services Commissioner, and her disrespect towards the community she had elected to serve, should prevent the Santa Monica City Council from considering her for an appointment on the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Committee. Enclosed is my 3/10/20 email to the City Council requesting that Commissioner Barringer be removed from the Social Services Commission so that her seat can be opened up to the citizens who are willing and able to serve the community as commissioners. It includes Commissioner Barringer's attendance record as of March 2020. Regards, Olga Zurawska To: Councilmember Kevin McKeown <kevin.mckeown@smgov.net>; Greg Morena <greg.morena@smgov.net>; Ana Maria Jara <anamaria.jara@smgov.net>; Terry O’Day <terry.oday@smgov.net>; Gleam Davis <gleam.davis@smgov.net>; Ted Winterer <ted.winterer@smgov.net>; Sue Himmelrich <sue.himmelrich@smgov.net>; Councilmtgitems <councilmtgitems@smgov.net> Cc: Winifred Wechsler <winifred.wechsler@smgov.net>; Elaine Barringer <elaine.barringer@smgov.net>; Derek Devermont <derek.devermont@smgov.net>; Kay Ambriz <kay.ambriz@smgov.net>; Cindy Akin <cindy.akin@smgov.net>; Nancy Coleman <nancy.coleman@smgov.net>; Eric Stoff <eric.stoff@smgov.net>; Brian Stedge-Stroud Item 13.B 4/13/21 1 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1047 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 <brian.stedge-stroud@smgov.net>; Bill Parent <bill.parent@smgov.net>; Madeleine Pauker <madeleine@smdp.com> Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2020, 11:04:58 AM PDT Subject: written public input - Please remove Commissioner Barringer from Social Services Commission - 3/10/20 City Council meeting Dear Mayor McKeown and Santa Monica City Councilmembers, I request that the Santa Monica City Council take action to remove Commissioner Barringer from the Social Services Commission so that Ms. Barringer's seat can be made available to a citizen who is willing and able to serve the community by attending the Commission meetings. Commissioner Barringer last attended a SSC meeting in May 2019. A public records request revealed that both the current Chair of the Social Services Commission Ms. Wechsler and the previous Chair Mr. Parent failed to send out the letters regarding attendance that they are required to send to any commissioner who has missed any two of any six consecutive commission meetings. Such letters are required to be sent to the commissioner in question and to the Mayor - per the SSC bylaws also known as the Social Services Commission Resolution no. 2. I am asking the Council for action because the Social Services Commission Chair Ms. Wechsler does not appear willing to address the issue they way she is supposed to according to the commission bylaws. This is despite the fact that Chair Wechsler has been asked several times via public input to follow the SSC bylaws. On November 27, 2019 I asked Commissioner Barringer via email to resign, and copied the City Council and the Social Services Commission on the email - to no avail. Below is Commissioner Barringer's attendance for the past two years, which I believe makes a mockery of the City Council who appointed Ms. Barringer, and the city commission system. 2020: February - absent January - absent 2019: missed 7 out of the total of 11 meetings January - arrived at 7:17pm February - absent March - absent May - arrived at 7:06pm July - absent August - absent October - absent November - absent December - absent 2018: missed 6 out of the total of 11 meetings January - absent Item 13.B 4/13/21 2 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1048 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 3 February - absent March - absent August - arrived at 7:24pm September - absent October - absent November - absent December - left at 9:08pm Regards, Olga Zurawska Item 13.B 4/13/21 3 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1049 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Matthew Stevens <mastevens0131@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 13, 2021 11:06 AM To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock Cc:councilmtgitems Subject:Item 13-B EXTERNAL Dear City Council: Please try harder to recruit 18 ‐ 22 year olds for the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Committee. That no young people applied, when we know many young people in the community are interested in police oversight, speaks to issues with the application process and not the motivation of young people. Leaving the seats empty because no one applied is, quite frankly, a lazy response. Increasing diversity and representation requires hard work and I hope you all are willing to try a bit harder to recruit someone to the position. Was there an announcement made at SMC? At Samohi for seniors? Any targeted social media advertising for people between the ages of 18 and 22 who live in Santa Monica? Any of these strategies would probably have solicited at least a few names with minimal effort required. Please direct Staff to try these (or similar) strategies before throwing in the towel. Again, increasing diversity and representation requires hard work. Please put in that hard work so our new Public Safety Reform and Oversight Committee best represents the Santa Monica community as a whole. Regards, Matt Stevens Item 13.B 4/13/21 4 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1050 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Jonathan Friedman <jonathanjournalism@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 13, 2021 11:51 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:Item 13B EXTERNAL Mayor Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, and Councilmembers: Agenda Item 13B notes that there were no applications received from people ages 18 to 22 for the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Committee prior to the application deadline, so no appointments will be made representing that age group. I hope this means none will be made at this time and that an effort will be made to find people in this age group to apply. I have no doubt, there are plenty of Santa Monicans in this age group who would want to be on this committee. Many are likely not aware this opportunity exists. Outreach is needed. Please either delay making appointments to the committee until people can be found to represent the 18 to 22 age group, whose viewpoint is very important for this issue OR make the appointments representing other categories now with the caveat that the City will make sure to find 18 to 22 year olds for the committee prior to its first meeting. Thank you, Jonathan Friedman Wilmont Resident Item 13.B 4/13/21 5 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1051 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Jon Katz <tmbjon@gmail.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 13, 2021 12:54 PM To:councilmtgitems; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Sue Himmelrich; Lane Dilg Subject:Agenda Item 13B EXTERNAL Mayor Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, and Councilmembers, Thank you for voting a few months ago to establish the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Committee. It is encouraging to see this many Santa Monicans interested in making concrete reforms to public safety and policing efforts in our community. I wanted to make just a few suggestions from this list based on those who have already been doing this work as part of the previous incarnation, the Advisory Committee: Angela Scott, George Brown, Marc Morganstern, and Michelle Wittig. These four individuals have been key in implementing the changes we have seen so far, and those that we are building toward. I hope to see all four appointed to the Committee tonight. There are others on the list who are well qualified, and I am sure you will select wisely from that list to fill out the rest of the Committee. However, I wanted to voice strong support for these four people who have already invested time and resources into this project and would be able to hit the ground running immediately as part of this Committee. I also wanted to comment on the fact that no one between the ages of 18‐22 applied for the position reserved for them. It is crucial that we bring in the voices of young people to this Committee, and it is a shame that it will be starting without them. I hope that the City will look into new methods of outreach to these young people so we can include them in this important conversation, and that we figure out a way to get someone within that age range appointed to the Committee as soon as possible rather than waiting until the next appointment cycle. Thank you, Jon Katz ‐‐ tmbjon@gmail.com cell: (215) 962‐4357 Item 13.B 4/13/21 6 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1052 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) Houman David Hemmati’s Post and Comments in public group Santa Monica Now re: SMMUSD; key parts marked in red Item 13.B 4/13/217 of 9Item 13.B 4/13/215.A.dPacket Pg. 1053Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission 1 Vernice Hankins From:Council Mailbox Sent:Monday, April 12, 2021 9:06 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:FW: Public Safety R&O Commission: Houman Hemmati is not an appropriate choice Attachments:Houman David Hemmati posts about SMMUSD.pdf Follow Up Flag:Follow up Flag Status:Flagged From: Sarah Starks <slstarks@gmail.com> Sent: Friday, April 9, 2021 10:17 AM To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET> Subject: Public Safety R&O Commission: Houman Hemmati is not an appropriate choice EXTERNAL Dear City Council members, I would like to share my belief that applicant Houman Hemmati is not an appropriate choice for a seat on the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission. I became aware of him because of his posts on two public local Facebook groups, "Santa Monica Now" and "Santa Monica Government, Politics, Policies and People." I am attaching a PDF with five screenshots showing a post and comments that he wrote regarding our school district and teachers, including: "They're greedy, filthy CRIMINALS. I'm committed to breaking them." These comments were especially surprising given that they expressed an extreme reaction (and desire to speak publicly and act aggressively based on that reaction) despite, as he acknowledges, no first‐hand experience with the district. He has since deleted the comments under his post, which were the most alarming. Because a friend and I had been shocked at what we were seeing and sent screenshots to each other, I am able to attach them here. There is value in giving people the benefit of the doubt that they might be more open‐minded and considerate in real‐ world interactions than on social media. These screenshots, however, do not show an argument that got out of hand online. They show an out‐of‐the blue post by someone who appears to react quickly and angrily to what he hears or reads about a local policy situation. They demonstrate a willingness to publicly attack and discredit without any firsthand knowledge or effort to find out more before forming a judgment. This important oversight commission needs members who exhibit reasoned judgment and openness to seeking out and considering information before forming a conclusion and urging aggressive action. Sincerely, Sarah Starks Sunset Park resident and SMMUSD parent Item 13.B 4/13/21 8 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1054 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Abby Arnold <abby@abbyarnold.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 13, 2021 2:43 PM To:councilmeetingitems@smgov.net; councilmtgitems Subject:Item 13-B, Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Council members, I hope that when you consider Item 13‐B this evening you maintain the Council’s commitment to the voices of youth on the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission. Among the many things we have learned as we work to overcome racism and exclusion is that authentic participation by marginalized people takes more than a general invitation. This is particularly true for youth, who have never been included in the public decisionmaking process in government with some exceptions in school settings. While City staff may not have the capacity to actively recruit applicants for this important Commission, I am confident that there are young people 18‐22 in our community who could serve effectively if invited and supported. They might be recruited through the library, instagram, SMC, UCLA, PYFC, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, and other nonprofit partners. They might be recruited through the faith community. They might be recruited through Community Corp, which has a strong program for youth living in their buildings. I hope you will ask the staff to create a flyer, email, and social media post that could be widely distributed throughout the community with the goal of recruiting applicants for this important role. Very truly yours, Abby Arnold 668 Marine St. Abby Arnold ______________________ (she, her, hers) Here's why Item 13.B 4/13/21 9 of 9 Item 13.B 4/13/21 5.A.d Packet Pg. 1055 Attachment: Written Comments 4/13/2021 Council Meeting (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Alejandro de Castro <alejandroldecastro@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:26 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:In Support of Houman Hemmati EXTERNAL To whom it may concern: My family first moved to Santa Monica almost 100 years ago, and I can't think of anyone better to serve the community than Houman Hematti. He speaks for me, and for a family that has generations of investments into the city of santa monica. He would be a much needed voice on the Public Safety Commission and I cannot speak more highly of him. With kind regards, Alejandro Luis De Castro Item 5.A 04/27/21 1 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1056 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Vernice Hankins From:Ani Sarkissian <ani.sarkissian7@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 10:46 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Santa Monica Council members, I’m writing this email to support Houman Hemmati’s candidacy for the SM Pablic Safety Commission. It is of outmost importance that he is selected in the commission as his stance on issues of our community reflects the opinions of the vast majority of residents. His ideas on safety, homelessness, police and community development are well thought‐out and strongly supported by the community of North of Montana and beyond. His brilliant mind and honorable intentions will greatly contribute to the enhancement of safety of Santa Monica. Sincerely, Ani Sarkissian Item 5.A 04/27/21 2 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1057 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 3 Vernice Hankins From:Fred Alexander <riverfred1@gmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:34 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:Item 5A EXTERNAL Dear council members, We need sensible solutions for Santa Monica therefor I support Dr. Houman Hemmati appointment to the commission. Sincerely, Fred Alexander, S M resident Riverfred1@gmail.com Item 5.A 04/27/21 3 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1058 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 4 Vernice Hankins From:Deborah Silverstein <Deborah@deborahsilverstein.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:45 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear City council members, I am writing you to give my support to allowing Houman on to the committee/council. He is well versed in the homeless matters that affect the residents of Santa Monica and has well thought out plan how to help them and at the same time make it safer for its residents to enjoy Santa Monica. He is very well educated, fair and will be an excellent addition to help come to a solution for all involved with the homeless situation that is confronting its residences every day. I ask you to vote to put him on the council. Thank you, Deborah Silverstein deborah@deborahsilverstein.com Santa Monica resident for over 30 years. Item 5.A 04/27/21 4 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1059 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 5 Vernice Hankins From:lawrence segal <info@westsidesharpening.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 11:50 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:Houman Hemmati for Safety Commission EXTERNAL To Whom it may concern , I know Mr Hemmati personally as I am a 25 year resident of our fine City of Santa Monica. Houman is a throughly good & decent person who is in the medical field that helps people for a living that would be an excellent addition with useful plans to help guide our policing policy’s & our out of control homeless population. I support him 100%........... Sincerely, Laurence Segal 820 3rd St #3 SM 90403 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1060 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Robert D Dean <sfpdean@icloud.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 1:48 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21' City Council Meeting EXTERNAL Dear council members, On 4‐27‐21 the City Council will appoint commission members for homelessness and police guidance, I recommend Dr. Houman Hemmati to counter the far far left. We need sensible solutions for Santa Monica, therefor, I support Dr. Houman Hemmati appointment to the commission. Kindest Regards Robert Dean sfpdean@icloud.com Phone 1(310) 962‐5436 eFax 1(310) 388‐1250 This e‐mail is covered by the Electronic communications Privacy Act, 18 U.S.C. 25 10‐2521 Item 5.A 04/27/21 6 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1061 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Vernice Hankins From:Samira Kordestani <forthecreative@yahoo.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 1:12 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear SM City Council, My name is Samira Kordestani, a close friend of Dr. Houman Hemmati. and fellow community leader, artist and activist in LA County. Dr. Hemmati, not only as an exceptional human being, but also as both another Middle Eastern immigrant who has suffered from both crime and racism and a Jew who has suffered from anti‐semitism to serve as a Santa Monica Public Safety Commissioner to represent our interests. Dr. Hemmati is considered a major leader in the Middle Eastern and Jewish communities. He has tirelessly spent his entire life giving free medical care to homeless and immigrant and Black people both here in Los Angeles and in Baltimore Maryland. He has proposed sensible, compassionate and prolific ideas for addressing homelessness and reducing crime. He has fought for women's rights and minority rights both here and globally. “Social justice“ are not just empty words to Dr. Hemmati but he always steps up and turns them into actions. I highly recommend and proudly nominate Dr. Houman Hemmati for Santa Monica Public Safety Commissioner. With his ever‐lasting compassion for social justice and minority rights, he will never let you down. That’s a promise I can confidently make to you. Thank you for your time, Samira Kordestani Item 5.A 04/27/21 7 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1062 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:zz guy <zzmale@hotmail.com> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 5:30 PM To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Oscar de la Torre Subject:Dr. Houman Hemmati for Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear members of the Santa Monica City Council: I am writing you at this critical moment in our city's history, when we create a Public Safety Commission to oversee the police and other key safety arms of city government, to give my highest possible endorsement to our neighbor and committed activist Dr. Houman Hemmati for a seat on this Commission. I am basing my endorsement on two years of witnessing Houman's commitment to keeping our city safe while also keeping it equitable for all, through his actions and words as well as direct personal interactions with him in which it has become clear to me that he is honest, selfless, has great ideas for our city and most importantly is open to listening to others, regardless of who they are. Over the last couple years, many in our community including I have been impressed by how Houman uses his background as a both a global human rights activist and volunteer physician with prisoners, homeless, and undocumented immigrant patients at various hospitals throughout LA County and the nation, to propose sensible, realistic, affordable, and effective solutions to crime and homelessness. He doesn't want to jail the homeless ‐‐ he wants them to receive the individualized care they need to address their root cause of homelessness, whether that be drug addiction, physical or mental illness, or economic challenges. At the same time, Houman believes that social justice and criminal justice aren't mutually exclusive. He believes in keeping our city safe by empowering police to investigate and prevent crimes that make a meaningful impact on our quality of live in both our residential and commercial areas. He's a refugee from a nation where the police threatened to harm him and his family based on his racial background and uniquely knows how people need to trust their government and law enforcement. There is therefore no better person to represent all of us than Dr. Houman Hemmati. I urge you to appoint him to the Commission so he can help translate his openness and passion into policies that benefit us all. Thank you. Kevin He Item 5.A 04/27/21 8 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1063 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:kelly passante <kellypassante@me.com> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 8:03 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 item 5A EXTERNAL Dr Houman Hemmati is a perfect candidate for the Santa Monica Public Safety Commission. He is a man of compassion, thoughtfulness and intelligence and the public would benefit greatly with this man in public service. Dr. Hemmati is not interested in power, but instead will work for the greater common good of society. With more people like him in office, the world would simply be a better place. Kelly Passante Sent from my iPad Item 5.A 04/27/21 9 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1064 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Vernice Hankins From:Dr. Anna Rogers <beagle.family@gte.net> Sent:Saturday, April 24, 2021 7:21 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item5A Endorsement of Houman Hemmati for Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Honorable Councilmembers, It is with the utmost of confidence that I highly recommend Dr. Houman Hemmati for the position of Commissioner to our Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission. Dr. Hemmati has not only advocated locally, nationally, and internationally for the critical necessity and obligation to recognize equity and inclusion in order to improve factors such as safety, quality of life, integrity and justice, but has significant experience with incorporating these fundamental values in a practical, useful manner into areas of public policy and law enforcement. Houman consistently demonstrate a great respect for all who live and work within our community with a genuine, sincere desire to be of service and advocate for all residents of all neighborhoods-our housed as well as our unhoused. His proposed ideas and solutions encompass the components of diplomacy, creativity, compassion, and a great understanding of the human factor and what it takes to peacefully resolve even the most challenging situations. Because 21st Century Policing is critical to the foundation of our Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission, so should the selection of an experienced, dedicated public servant, scientist, diplomat and community advocate such as Houman be a conclusive part of that selection process. Thank you for your service and consideration, David and Anna Rogers Item 5.A 04/27/21 10 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1065 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 3 Vernice Hankins From:Leslie Murray <starr1001@hotmail.com> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 8:47 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Council Members, I am writing in support of Dr.Houman Hemmati"s candidacy for the Santa Monica Public Safety Commission. Voices like his are essential to fairly represent All the people in our community and failure to include him would be, not only unfair, but completely undemocratic. The current homeless situation needs all of our attention and not only from the same view point, but from different sides of the issue. Thank you for your consideration, Leslie Murray Item 5.A 04/27/21 11 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1066 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 4 Vernice Hankins From:Madi Hertz <srahertz@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 9:33 AM To:councilmtgitems Cc:Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Oscar de la Torre Subject:Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Councilmembers, I am writing in support of Houman Hemmati to be appointed to the Santa Monica Public Safety Commission. I agree with many of the ideas that Dr. Hemmatii has expressed in the past. I know he is thoughtful, has a balanced view of the police, how they carry out their responsibilities in our city. We need residents that consider all possible police regulations, policies and who are most qualified to serve in all aspects of our city no matter what their race or creed . Thank you for your consideration, Madeleine Hertz 2326 California Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90403949-412-4118 Item 5.A 04/27/21 12 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1067 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 5 Vernice Hankins From:Horace Hertz <hhertz@premierbh.net> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 9:46 AM To:councilmtgitems Cc:Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Oscar de la Torre Subject:Dr Houman Hemmati EXTERNAL Dear Commissioners: it has come to my attention by several of my acquaintances that Dr Hemmati is no longer considered for the position in the Public Safety Commission because he is “too white” and “too conservative”. I find it reprehensible that the City Council is not sufficiently inclusive to select a qualified individual because a handful of people complained about his ethnicity, views and policies. There are numerous people like me who want to be represented in the Public Safety Commission by Dr. Hemmati or someone who shares our views. Although I don’t believe that ethnicity should be the primary factor in selecting a person for the Public Safety Commission, you need to keep in mind that Santa Monica is 64.3% white (non‐hispanic) and that population wants and needs to be represented. Also notwithstanding what the Council believes, there are numerous people in this city who would like our police force to be supported more than they are today. As it was shown in the last Council race, the people of Santa Monica want a council that represents all of their views not just the views of a minority of people who use social media to voice their complaints. Sincerely, Horace Hertz The materials in this message are private and may contain information that is privileged and confidential, Protected Health Information within the meaning of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and/or Medical Information within the meaning of the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act (CMIA). If you are not the intended recipient, be advised that any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, copying, forwarding, printing, distribution or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is STRICTLY PROHIBITED and may be unlawful. If you have received this message by error, or have reason to believe that you are not authorized to receive it, please notify the sender immediately to arrange for return or destruction of these documents and delete this message. Disclaimer The information contained in this communication from the sender is confidential. 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Item 5.A 04/27/21 13 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1068 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Nellie <lmft2000@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 3:01 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Council members and advocates for change, I am a long-standing resident of Santa Monica and have felt the pain of witnessing the deterioration of my community in the past few years. Crime and homelessness have been on the rise, with an influx of incidents since the pandemic. I am writing in support of Dr. Houman Hemmati who is an exceptionally fair, well spoken and knowledgeable community member. I have listened to Dr. Hemmati on several occasions and he often mediates community concerns through a watchful eye and unbiased ear. His character is upstanding and as an immigrant, he has a profound interest and demonstrated concern for issues that concern diversity and equity as they relate to crime, homelessness and issues of racism. I strongly urge all interested parties to provide Dr. Hemmati with an opportunity to serve the community through the Public Safety Commission. I am confident that our community would benefit from his service as many of us rely on his sound judgment and voice of reason. Dr. Hemmati genuinely cares for the public and his community. He is a consummate professional and a family man who is determined to create a better Santa Monica for his family and others. It pains us to sit back and watch what is happening in our streets. Residents are fearful of being spat on or assaulted by the homeless or other individuals who are committing crimes on a daily basis. We helplessly watch in horror as they defecate on the streets and start dumpster fires. Mothers pushing strollers are followed and accosted. Individuals walking leisurely are now forced to carry pepper spray and other mechanisms of self-defense because it's no longer safe to walk alone. Business owners are faced with petty crime (or larger incidents) and are forced to close their doors. These are relevant issues that must be faced and dealt with immediately and with creativity and concern for all parties involved. Our community is hurting; that's an understatement. We need reform and perhaps most important, is to have relevant individuals, like Dr. Hemmati, who are selflessly willing to give of their time, to support causes that the commission will be tackling. He is someone who is desperately needed to serve on this commission and be part of a group of individuals who are motivated to return the community back to the residents. Again, I sincerely hope that my email in strong support of Dr. Hemmati will be heeded and I thank you for the opportunity to voice my support. Item 5.A 04/27/21 14 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1069 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Respectfully submitted, Nellie Goodarznia Item 5.A 04/27/21 15 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1070 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 3 Vernice Hankins From:Pouya Shafipour <pshafipourmd@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 2:20 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/17/21 item 5A Dr Houman Hemmati for public safety commission EXTERNAL Hello, My name is Dr Pouya Shafipour and am a resident at 922 san Vicente blvd in Santa Monica. I’ve known Houman for a few years and am very impressed with his level of knowledge, passion and care about our beautiful city. I highly support him being a part of the public safety commission to be a voice to guiding this city in these uncertain times. He is a very knowledgeable physician, entrepreneur and family man with passion to improve safety and prosperity of our city and its residents and improve our public school system. Best, P Shafipour MD Sent from my iPhone please excuse the typos! Item 5.A 04/27/21 16 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1071 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 4 Vernice Hankins From:Grace Byers <gracebyers@yahoo.com> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 1:37 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:Item 5A EXTERNAL To ALL Council Members, I want to voice my support for Houman Hemmati to be selected to be on the Public Safety Commission. He has the ability to be able to make great inroads into the problems that Santa Monica has with the increase in crime and homelessness. The people on this commission need to be selected on their ability to problem solve and in order to solve these problems they need to be able to admit that these issues are problems for the community and then provide and implement solutions. I think that he will do this. Regards, Grace Byers 944 17th St. #6 Santa Monica, Ca 90403 Item 5.A 04/27/21 17 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1072 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:zev <thegodol@gmail.com> Sent:Sunday, April 25, 2021 1:18 PM To:councilmtgitems Cc:Council Mailbox; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Oscar de la Torre Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission Dear city council members, There is an important item on your agenda this coming week which I feel I must address: The selection of members for a "SM Public Safety Commission". The riots last year were horrible. The city's preparedness and response were even worse! Imagine calling 911 and being told "sorry we can't help you"? That indeed happened to the music store on 19th and Santa Monica (and I'm sure many others). My block was graffitied, and a neighbor of mine was beaten for trying to stop the vandals. How many of those thugs were caught and charged? Less than 10, according to my count; disgusting! You now have an opportunity to give a small number of community members a voice - which you (as a group) seem to ignore time and again. Make the right choice! Dr. Houman Hemmati is an immigrant. A person of color by the way. He was a renter, and is now a homeowner. He is an active member of the community, and has successfully worked with other cities and governments on various difficult projects. He understands poverty. He understands the feeling of being excluded. He understands the difficulty of being a minority - person of color, immigrant, and Jewish. Make the right choice, and give him - and us - a voice in the path forward. Zev Levitansky ‐‐ ה כ ז נ ו ןהעז ך י ז ןטימ יבר א ד הטמל ןיא א ף ו ג אוהו ו נ י ל א ג י Item 5.A 04/27/21 18 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1073 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:yaniv maddahi <yayamad26@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 7:16 AM To:councilmtgitems Cc:Council Mailbox Subject:Su4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL To whom this may concern, I am a neighbor of Dr. Hemmati and how I want him as both another Middle Eastern immigrant who has suffered from both crime and racism and a Jew who has suffered from anti‐Semitism to serve as a Santa Monica Public Safety Commissioner. He is, to both myself and the rest of the citizens, a major leader in the Santa Monica and Middle Eastern and Jewish communities. He has spent spent his life and time giving free medical care to homeless and immigrant not only here but also in Baltimore, Maryland. He has sensible and compassionate ideas for addressing homelessness and reducing crime and believe they should be heard. There are currently no middle eastern people in city government and we need someone who can represent us and the community and our values. Thank you ‐‐ Thank you, Yaniv Maddahi Item 5.A 04/27/21 19 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1074 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Vernice Hankins From:Gina Shayefar <ginashayefar@icloud.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 9:16 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear council members, I am writing this email in support of Dr Houman Hemmati who is being considered on the 4/27/21 Item 5A, for SM Public Safety Commission. Santa Monica, contrary to what many believe, has a very large Iranian and Middle Eastern Immigrant population and at this point as it stands, we have zero representation anywhere in city government. Aside from that, I can not recommend Dr Hemmati enough as there are very few other applicants who are as committed to having sensible solutions to crime and homelessness and few who have personally confronted homelessness, racism, and other related issues as much as he has throughout his career and personal life. Bellow is a small selection out of his long list of accomplishments throughout his short years are quite impressive and a source of pride to our Santa monica community and beyond. I urge you to give him your very serious consideration and hope you agree that he deserves your votes. Most appreciative, Dr Gina Shayefar Santa monica resident for over 25 years Dr Houman Hemmati has: -been a board member of nation’s oldest human rights group for nearly 2 years. -working with Urban League in support of better opportunities for young Black individuals. -volunteered countless hours over nearly 2 decades to offer free medical care to homeless, prisoners and undocumented immigrants. -a leader in Iranian Immigrant community -political centrist with sensible and compassionate ideas for addressing homelessness and crime including mandatory drug rehab instead of prison and cleaning up our parks so that homeless can live in more suitable places that are safer for everyone -Belief that social justice and law enforcement aren’t mutually exclusive. Item 5.A 04/27/21 20 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1075 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 3 Vernice Hankins From:Houman Hemmati <houmanhemmati@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 9:27 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr Paul Y Song for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Honorable members of the Santa Monica City Council, Although I am personally an applicant to the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission, I am not writing regarding my own application but rather writing in support of the application put forth by my neighbor, friend, fellow advocate and colleague Dr. Paul Y. Song for a seat on this important body. Please not that this is not a solicited endorsement ‐ Dr. Song is unaware that I am writing this. Rather, having seen his name on the list of applicants, I felt compelled to write you regarding his suitability for this position. Even though Dr. Song is a neighbor and fellow physician‐scientist‐entrepreneur who also cares for patients while developing new life‐saving drugs for patients with cancer and other diseases, that is not how I know him. I initially met Dr. Song when he spoke at an event jointly hosted by the American Jewish Committee (AJC) and Network of Korean American Leaders (NetKAL), which which he has been involved. Dr. Song’s message of unity, of finding common ground and shared values despite outward differences, and his personal stories of growing up as a Korean American kid in a diverse neighborhood, are all things I remember to this day and which deeply resonate with me. Dr. Song has long been a selfless champion of for the freedom and safety of people who have very different backgrounds than his own, both racially and socioeconomically. He is a thoughtful leader, a talented public speaker, and a person who listens before he speaks. Santa Monica would be privileged to have Dr. Song as one of 11 members on the Commission as he would bring leadership, experiences, and unique perspectives that we badly need here. And if I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve our city alongside him, I would feel honored and thrilled. Thank you for embarking on such an important process. It makes me proud to be a Santa Monican. Very best regards, Houman David Hemmati MD PhD Item 5.A 04/27/21 21 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1076 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:epeanut1@aol.com Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 10:30 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:Item 5 A Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL I support Dr. Houman Hammati. He is a rare individual who actually cares about his community and city . Here is what happened when I posted this message on a Nextdoor : ou shouldn't be shocked Houman. You are one of the very few ( besides Phil Brock) who actually speak up. I posted one thing on this site,,,about a strange car that had blacked out windows parked in front of my house (on and off for several days).I was concerned, as we have so many young lady joggers running by constantly. I got so shot down in minutes.I was vilified by least 6 people within 10 minutes about how insensitive I was to someone who might be homeless due to covid. To say the least, I will not post again.A lot of the people on Nextdoor and in our neighborhood have zero common sense...Looking out my window right now, most people are still not wearing masks.. You speak a lot of truths, and it is very rare ( at least around here) , in this day and age. So...thank you Houman...and if you need some campaign help (other than on Nextdoor),,,shoot me an email .stay well, -Ellie Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission ! I stand by this man. thank you , Ellie Johansson Item 5.A 04/27/21 22 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1077 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Vernice Hankins From:Daniel Norman <normandanny@hotmail.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 10:35 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear City Council, I am writing as a citizen and business owner in the City of Santa Monica to express my support for Dr. Houman Hemmati as a member of the Public Safety Commission. Dr. Hemmati has a history of volunteering his service for indigent individuals at County USC Medical Center, and has a level‐headed approach that balances compassion for those who have had challenges in their lives with the responsibility of providing a safe environment for the citizens and visitors to the City. I think he would be a great addition to the commission, and welcome his input. Sincerely, Daniel Norman Item 5.A 04/27/21 23 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1078 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Jon Katz <tmbjon@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 2:07 PM To:councilmtgitems; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Sue Himmelrich; Lane Dilg Subject:Item 5A - PSROC Appointments EXTERNAL Mayor Himmelrich, Mayor Pro Tem McCowan, and Councilmembers, Before the last meeting I wrote to you with my recommendations for four individuals ‐ Angela Scott, George Brown, Marc Morganstern, and Michelle Wittig ‐ who have already been doing the work of the Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission when it was established as an Advisory Committee. My previous comments still stand with regard to these four candidates whom I believe to be crucial for the new Commission. I was also pleased to see many new applicants have signed up since the deadline was extended, and I wanted to add three more names to my list: Dr. Paul Song, Joel Koury, and Kymberli Miles Lawson. I know all three of these candidates to be serious thinkers on the subject of public safety oversight and criminal justice. I am sure Mr. Koury and Dr. Song are not new names to most of you, so I wanted to take a moment to praise my friend Kymberli, a student at Santa Monica College, who in the time she has been active in our community has already become a student leader at SMC as well as the Director of Youth Outreach on the Diversity & Inclusion Committee of our Democratic Club. Although she is a few years older than the 18‐22 age range that the Commission is specifically targeting, I think that Kymberli would bring another important perspective to the Commssion that I do not see in any of the other applications. Thank you so much for your consideration, and I look forward to the Council seeing through the formation of this Commssion tomorrow evening. ‐Jon Katz ‐‐ tmbjon@gmail.com cell: (215) 962‐4357 Item 5.A 04/27/21 24 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1079 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Vernice Hankins From:Elizabeth Comley <ebethc@aol.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 2:02 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:4/27/21 Item 5 A Dr. Houman Hemmati for Santa Monica Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Santa Monica City Council, I am writing to you today to express my support for Dr. Houman Hemmati for a seat on your newly created Public Safety Commission. Dr. Hemmati is uniquely qualified for this position as he himself has been personally confronted by the homeless in his neighborhood and has been the victim of Middle Eastern and religious racism along with other issues pertaining to this committee. He emboldens sensible solutions to combat these issues and will be an asset while guiding and overseeing the Santa Monica Police Department. He is committed to rectifying the burgeoning dilemma created by the homelessness plight and also for the public’s desire to defund the police department. He is intelligent, possesses the power of reason and has high moral standards. He will be a much needed voice for conservative values that we are currently lacking on the council. Please consider Dr. Houman Hemmati and help restore our beautiful beach community to its once magical place. Thank you for your consideration. Elizabeth Comley Item 5.A 04/27/21 25 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1080 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Don Mehrabi MD FAAD <dmehrabi@bhskin.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 7:02 PM To:councilmtgitems Cc:Council Mailbox Subject:Dr. Houman Hemmati for police commission EXTERNAL Dear members of the Santa Monica City Council, As a long‐term Santa Monica resident and member of two racial minority groups, I am deeply concerned about the rise in homelessness and crime in our communities, as well as concerns regarding basic public safety. I am writing you because with the appointment of the members of the Public Safety Committee, we have an opportunity to enact meaningful change that will improve quality of life for all who live in Santa Monica. I am therefore writing to strongly support the selection of my neighbor, longtime friend, and outspoken community activist Dr. Houman David Hemmati for a position on the commission. Anyone who knows Houman personally or has followed or engaged with his posts on NextDoor and various Facebook groups in Santa Monica, knows that he is a brilliant, ethical and compassionate individual with a passion for our city and all of its residents. He has voiced exceptionally sensible, affordable ideas to address crime and homelessness that are a win‐win for everyone, compassionately addressing the needs of all. One thing I would like to note about Houman is his outspokenness. While there are some who will criticize him for using powerful language both in person and in print, there are many of us who view this as his greatest strength — while so many people are afraid to speak up or do not feel they are able to have a voice, Houman has the courage and the command of language that allows him to be a very loud but clear voice for so many who otherwise would never be heard. On that note, Houman is not only a voice for his neighbors and his immediate community. As a physician, he has volunteered thousands of house of his time offering free medical care restoring vision and even saving the lives of African American residents of Baltimore, Maryland, veterans at the West LA VA medical center, and most recently, homeless, prisoners and undocumented immigrants at LA County USC in downtown. He came to the US as a poor, non‐English‐speaking immigrant and knows the struggles of immigrants, minorities, and the poor. His commitment is sincere. I therefore implore you to point Dr. Hemmati to the Public Safety Commission so that he can expand his impact on our city through his thoughtful leadership. Thank you very much. Sincerely yours, Don Mehrabi, MD FAAD Dermatologist | BHSkin Dermatology, Inc. www.BHSkin.com 1505 Wilson Terr. Ste 240 Glendale, CA 91206 16030 Ventura Blvd. Ste 140 Encino, CA 91436 Item 5.A 04/27/21 26 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1081 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 2 Mailing/Billing: 1112 Montana Ave Suite 912 Santa Monica, CA 90403 T: (310)205‐3555 | (818)914‐7546 F: (310)205‐3553 Item 5.A 04/27/21 27 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1082 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Ben Pouladian <ben.pouladian@gmail.com> Sent:Monday, April 26, 2021 7:36 PM To:councilmtgitems Subject:April 27 Item 5A; Houman Hemmati application to Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, and Distinguished members of the City Council, I am writing as a very active citizen and leader of the Iranian Jewish community, which has many people living and working in Santa Monica, to give my wholehearted endorsement to Dr Houman Hemmati’s application for a seat on the Public Safety Review and Oversight Commission. For most of his life, Dr. Hemmati has been a dedicated champion for human rights, including rights of women, racial and religious minorities, and children both locally and around the world. His impact has extended from meetings with foreign ministers, ambassadors and heads of state to lobbying the Secretary of Homeland Security in Washington to end racial profiling of Middle Eastern Americans to working locally with homeless individuals, veterans and immigrants from central and South America. In our culture, we have a concept known as “Tikkun Olam,” which literally translates into “repairing or healing the world.” Dr. Hemmati exemplifies this principle through his actions. He is not afraid to stand up to far stronger powers to fight for what is right and is not afraid to step into controversial or challenging issues of his work can make a difference for others. He is known throughout our community as well as the Muslim/Arab, Chinese, Black, and Asian communities as a person who speaks for those whose voice isn’t strong enough. In Santa Monica, he will continue to speak for children, racial and religious minorities, and the poor. I therefore urge you all to appoint Dr. Hemmati to this important commission. The entire city will be grateful that you did. Very best regards, Ben Pouladian Item 5.A 04/27/21 28 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1083 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:Linda Sypien <sypthepip@yahoo.com> Sent:Tuesday, April 27, 2021 12:14 AM To:councilmtgitems Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; kristine.mccowan@smgov.net Subject:5A: Dr. Houman Hemmati for SM Public Safety Commission EXTERNAL To the Honorable Council Members, I’m writing you in regards to appointing Dr. Houman Hemmati on the Public Safety Commission. I am thrilled to hear this commission will be working with our police department and I very confident Dr. Hemmati would be the best choice. Dr. Hemmati really loves Santa Monica and is very concerned for the safety of it’s residents. I myself have lived in Santa Monica 30+ years and have seen much more crime and have unfortunately experienced it multiple times firsthand. It is not the Santa Monica I once knew and loved. Dr. Hemmati is aware of these issues and deeply desires to make a safer environment for the people of Santa Monica. Homelessness, drug attic‘s, and criminals now walk our streets. Dr. Hemmati is aware of the affects of propositions like 47, 57 and a AB109 and the repercussions of crime that we are experiencing firsthand here in Santa Monica. I have discussed these issues with Dr. Hemmati his intelligence, vision and practical ideas will really benefit our city. His views represent the views of the majority of Santa Monica residents I know. I ask that you approve him for this committee. Sincerely, Linda Sypien 31 year Santa Monica resident Sent from my iPad Item 5.A 04/27/21 29 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1084 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes) 1 Vernice Hankins From:pbaumgarten52@yahoo.com Sent:Tuesday, April 27, 2021 9:28 AM To:councilmtgitems Subject:Item 5A: Houman Hemmati for SM Pubilc Safety Commission EXTERNAL Mr. Hemmati would be an asset to this position. Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android Item 5.A 04/27/21 30 of 30 Item 5.A 04/27/21 5.A.e Packet Pg. 1085 Attachment: Written Comments (4539 : Public Safety Commission Appointments - 30 minutes)