SR 01-11-2022 13D 13.D
January 11, 2022
Council Meeting: January 11, 2022 Santa Monica, California
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CITY CLERK’S OFFICE - MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, Records & Elections Services
Department
Date: January 11, 2022
13.D Annual Appointment to the Housing Commission for term ending
6/30/2023.
13.D
Packet Pg. 4046
From:Theresa Marasco
To:Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan
Cc:Clerk Mailbox; David White; Joseph Lawrence; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:Request re: Housing Commission Appointment
Date:Wednesday, January 5, 2022 4:01:39 PM
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
I am writing to humbly request that the City Council in its January 11, 2021 meeting
consider me for the 2-year Housing Commission seat designated for a Section 8
program participant with lived experience of homelessness.
While I am very grateful for the City Council’s unanimous vote that offered the 4-year
Housing Commission seat to me, this is not the seat I had applied for. Further, I have
not been sworn into the 4-year seat and I have not attended a Housing Commission
meeting since December 7, 2021 (the date of the Housing Commission
appointments).
I am informed by the City that I am not currently a Housing Commissioner and can
make a request to be considered for the 2-year designated seat.
Since there has been significant confusion and missteps surrounding my application
and the process of Housing Commission appointments on December 7, 2021, I would
like to describe the sequence of events leading up to my current situation.
I had originally applied for the designated 2-year seat for a Section 8 program
participant with lived experience of homelessness. I do meet all the requirements for
the designated seat. I was homeless throughout my childhood, as well as in 2013-
2014 and most recently (2019-2020) in Santa Monica. My section 8 program
participant experience spans 25 years and three jurisdictions: Colorado (17 years),
Culver City (10 months), and Santa Monica since February 2014.
I am a passionate advocate for citizens experiencing homelessness and those
navigating the federally subsidized housing programs administered by the Santa
Monica Housing Authority. I was humbled by the many letters of support for my
application for the 2-year seat from representatives of these groups, and their allies. It
would be an honor for me to serve in the specially designated seat on the Housing
Commission, a seat specifically reserved for someone representing the communities
that I deeply care about.
On June 14, 2021, I timely submitted my application for the designated 2-year seat for
a Section 8 participant with lived experience of homelessness. I checked off the
13.D.a
Packet Pg. 4047 Attachment: Letter From Theresa Marasco (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
specific boxes that asked what seat I was applying for. My application clearly
indicated that I was applying for the designated 2-year seat.
However, at the outset of the appointment deliberations on December 7, 2021, Mayor
Himmelrich stated one of the applicants for the designated two-year seats could be
appointed to a regular 4-year seat. (Please see the enclosed video clip.)
I was surprised and confused when Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmember Davis
protested Councilmember Brock’s nomination of me for the 2-year seat, by saying
that they preferred for me to be considered for the 4-year seat.
I was surprised and confused because I had never indicated that I was applying for
the 4-year seat, and the City Clerk had never reached out to ask if I would be
interested in being considered for the 4-year seat instead of the 2-year seat.
After Councilmember Brock’s nomination of me for the 2-year seat, I received three
votes (I would have needed four to be appointed), and the incumbent received four
votes (she would have needed five to be reappointed to her sixth term).
Thus the Council appeared to “reappoint” the incumbent even though she did not
obtain the five votes necessary for a lawful reappointment. The City Clerk did not
weigh in on the insufficient number of votes to lawfully reappoint the incumbent.
The “reappointment” of the incumbent was not valid, which the City has
acknowledged by now.
As a result, the 2-year designated seat remains open.
On January 4, 2021, I resubmitted my application for the 2-year designated seat. It
was rejected by the Clerk’s office. The email from the Clerk’s office stated:
"We have received the application you submitted today for the Housing Commission.
Since you were previously appointed to the Housing Commission, you would need to
resign from your current appointment, and then later apply, after the Council accepts
your resignation. This means the Council would accept your resignation at the
January 11th meeting, and the appointment for your vacancy would not happen for at
least 30 days. In the meantime there are still two Housing Commission appointments
that will be made on January 11th. That could mean the seat you are interested in,
could potential be filled at the January 11th meeting."
Today I received an email from City Clerk Anderson-Warren stating that upon further
review and advice from the Interim City Attorney it was determined that I did not in
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Packet Pg. 4048 Attachment: Letter From Theresa Marasco (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
fact need to resign from the 4-year seat as I had not accepted it. Ms. Anderson-
Warren encouraged me to write a letter to the Council requesting that I be considered
for the 2-year seat that I had originally applied for. Ms. Anderson-Warren stated that
my new application would be accepted by the Clerk’s office along with this letter, and
they would be forwarded to the Council for consideration.
At the City Clerk’s encouragement, I submit this letter to the Council. Please consider
me for the 2-year designated seat I had originally applied for on June 14, 2021, and
reapplied for on January 4, 2021.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Theresa Marasco
(720) 226-4051
Enclosure: Video of the December 7, 2021 City Council meeting is cued up at
7:50:50: https://youtu.be/oKiw7bfdjV4?t=28250
Powered bycloudHQ
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Packet Pg. 4049 Attachment: Letter From Theresa Marasco (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
City of Santa Monica
Boards and Commissions Applicants
Housing Commission
Name Application Date
Desmond Borresen 11/30/2021
Rene Jean Buchanan 11/30/2021
Gina DeBaca 12/08/2021
Kate Evarts 11/29/2021
Lydia Garcia 11/30/2021
Edmund Ha 11/30/2021
Ryan Hass 12/06/2021
Michael Jolly 12/06/2021
Theresa Marasco 1/4/2022
Mathew Millen 12/04/2021
Tanya White 7/26/2021
Olga Zurawska 1/4/2022
TOTAL APPLICANTS: 12
*Incumbent and meets specific requirement for seat reserved for an affordable
housing program participant, who is unhoused or formally unhoused.
*Meets specific requirement for seat reserved for an affordable housing program
participant, who is unhoused or formally unhoused.
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Packet Pg. 4050 Attachment: Applicant List (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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Vernice Hankins
From:Clerk Mailbox
Sent:Thursday, January 6, 2022 11:31 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Theresa Marasco appointment -2 Year Seat Housing Commission
From: Danielle Charney <shineshuge@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 5, 2022 7:12 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Clerk
Mailbox <Clerk.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Cc: David White <David.White@santamonica.gov>; joseph.lawrence@mgov.net; Theresa.Marasco@gmail.com
Subject: re: Theresa Marasco appointment ‐2 Year Seat Housing Commission
EXTERNAL
On January 11 I sincerely hope you appoint Ms.Marasco to the seat she
applied for in June of 2021. She brings recent and real life long
experience that gives her the edge of knowing what is needed in this
area. She brings all this lived experience, plus her accomplishments and
serious knowledge to this area. She is modest, professional and
enthusiastic. She is a major asset to the Housing Commission and this
City.
I have known Theresa since she first came to Santa Monica and have
tremendous respect for her.
I know you will be very glad you appointed her.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Danielle Charney
Resident Since 1982
Ocean Park
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Packet Pg. 4051 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
2
Vernice Hankins
From:Clerk Mailbox
Sent:Wednesday, January 5, 2022 4:30 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Request re: Housing Commission Appointment
From: Theresa Marasco <theresa.marasco@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, January 5, 2022 4:01 PM
To: Phil Brock <Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra
<Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Sue Himmelrich <Sue.Himmelrich@santamonica.gov>; Kristin McCowan
<Kristin.McCowan@santamonica.gov>
Cc: Clerk Mailbox <Clerk@santamonica.gov>; David White <David.White@santamonica.gov>; Joseph Lawrence
<Joseph.Lawrence@santamonica.gov>; Denise Anderson‐Warren <Denise.Anderson‐Warren@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Request re: Housing Commission Appointment
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
I am writing to humbly request that the City Council in its January 11, 2021 meeting consider me for
the 2-year Housing Commission seat designated for a Section 8 program participant with lived
experience of homelessness.
While I am very grateful for the City Council’s unanimous vote that offered the 4-year Housing
Commission seat to me, this is not the seat I had applied for. Further, I have not been sworn into the
4-year seat and I have not attended a Housing Commission meeting since December 7, 2021 (the
date of the Housing Commission appointments).
I am informed by the City that I am not currently a Housing Commissioner and can make a request to
be considered for the 2-year designated seat.
Since there has been significant confusion and missteps surrounding my application and the process
of Housing Commission appointments on December 7, 2021, I would like to describe the sequence of
events leading up to my current situation.
I had originally applied for the designated 2-year seat for a Section 8 program participant with lived
experience of homelessness. I do meet all the requirements for the designated seat. I was homeless
throughout my childhood, as well as in 2013-2014 and most recently (2019-2020) in Santa Monica.
My section 8 program participant experience spans 25 years and three jurisdictions: Colorado (17
years), Culver City (10 months), and Santa Monica since February 2014.
I am a passionate advocate for citizens experiencing homelessness and those navigating the
federally subsidized housing programs administered by the Santa Monica Housing Authority. I was
humbled by the many letters of support for my application for the 2-year seat from representatives of
these groups, and their allies. It would be an honor for me to serve in the specially designated seat on
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4052 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
3
the Housing Commission, a seat specifically reserved for someone representing the communities that
I deeply care about.
On June 14, 2021, I timely submitted my application for the designated 2-year seat for a Section 8
participant with lived experience of homelessness. I checked off the specific boxes that asked what
seat I was applying for. My application clearly indicated that I was applying for the designated 2-year
seat.
However, at the outset of the appointment deliberations on December 7, 2021, Mayor Himmelrich
stated one of the applicants for the designated two-year seats could be appointed to a regular 4-year
seat. (Please see the enclosed video clip.)
I was surprised and confused when Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmember Davis protested
Councilmember Brock’s nomination of me for the 2-year seat, by saying that they preferred for me to
be considered for the 4-year seat.
I was surprised and confused because I had never indicated that I was applying for the 4-year seat,
and the City Clerk had never reached out to ask if I would be interested in being considered for the 4-
year seat instead of the 2-year seat.
After Councilmember Brock’s nomination of me for the 2-year seat, I received three votes (I would
have needed four to be appointed), and the incumbent received four votes (she would have needed
five to be reappointed to her sixth term).
Thus the Council appeared to “reappoint” the incumbent even though she did not obtain the five votes
necessary for a lawful reappointment. The City Clerk did not weigh in on the insufficient number of
votes to lawfully reappoint the incumbent.
The “reappointment” of the incumbent was not valid, which the City has acknowledged by now.
As a result, the 2-year designated seat remains open.
On January 4, 2021, I resubmitted my application for the 2-year designated seat. It was rejected by
the Clerk’s office. The email from the Clerk’s office stated:
"We have received the application you submitted today for the Housing Commission. Since you were
previously appointed to the Housing Commission, you would need to resign from your current
appointment, and then later apply, after the Council accepts your resignation. This means the
Council would accept your resignation at the January 11th meeting, and the appointment for your
vacancy would not happen for at least 30 days. In the meantime there are still two Housing
Commission appointments that will be made on January 11th. That could mean the seat you are
interested in, could potential be filled at the January 11th meeting."
Today I received an email from City Clerk Anderson-Warren stating that upon further review and
advice from the Interim City Attorney it was determined that I did not in fact need to resign from the 4-
year seat as I had not accepted it. Ms. Anderson-Warren encouraged me to write a letter to the
Council requesting that I be considered for the 2-year seat that I had originally applied for. Ms.
Anderson-Warren stated that my new application would be accepted by the Clerk’s office along with
this letter, and they would be forwarded to the Council for consideration.
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4053 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
4
At the City Clerk’s encouragement, I submit this letter to the Council. Please consider me for the 2-
year designated seat I had originally applied for on June 14, 2021, and reapplied for on January 4,
2021.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
Theresa Marasco
(720) 226-4051
Enclosure: Video of the December 7, 2021 City Council meeting is cued up at 7:50:50:
https://youtu.be/oKiw7bfdjV4?t=28250
Powered by
cloudHQ
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4054 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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Vernice Hankins
From:Clerk Mailbox
Sent:Wednesday, January 5, 2022 8:37 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: January 11th Appointment of Theresa Marasco and More
From: Danielle Charney <shineshuge@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 4, 2022 9:11 PM
To: Phil Brock <Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete <Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra
<Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; odelatorre16@yahoo.com; Sue Himmelrich <Sue.Himmelrich@santamonica.gov>;
Clerk Mailbox <Clerk@santamonica.gov>
Cc: zurawska@yahoo.com; Ann Maggio <annmaggio@gmail.com>; Theresa.Marasco@gmail.com
Subject: January 11th Appointment of Theresa Marasco and More
EXTERNAL
Happy New Year Mr.White,
You have received several emails by the best and brightest of our
community objecting to the insider games that slid Rene Buchanan
to a position she should not have held to begin with, while denying
there is a difference in the authority of said positions. No need to
reiterate their detailed letters citing the various illegalities that apply,
but rather express my dislike for the clever political shenanigans
that half our sitting Council, as well as the unqualified and corrupted
Council members that preceded them for over a decade apply, that
have helped to destroy our City. The transparent hypocrisy and
manipulation surrounding the appointment of Theresa Marasco to a
term and seat she had not applied for, to keep a clearly useful tool,
Rene Buchanan..of the local power groups in the position of power
is appalling and unacceptable, even for them.
Our City has long been controlled by this exact cronyism on the
part of players such as Denny Zane, Judy Abdo and others. These
games are how we have two completely unqualified people
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currently on Council, and many dominating our important
Commissions.
While the response of Denise Warren, our mayor and mayor pro-
tem support these acts, they scream the loudest when we object to
them walking all over the Brown Act, and are quick to label those of
us who object as "troublemakers" or worse, and people who have
'issues' with the City. So in essence, they do as they please, walk
all over laws, deny truth and seek to destroy and negate the voices
of those of us who call it out.
Where is the outrage regarding Gleam Davis and her eight years of
denying conflict of interest, while voting for the Miramar expansion,
for the benefit of her husband's consultancy with Michael Dell? This
has never been brought before the Council..why not?
It has been far too long our tax dollars have been used to fancy up
the City with lavish vanity spending..Early Child Center for the
children of he well paid employees of Rand and the City..with a
small amount of spaces going to lower income children..( wonder
who will end up with them ), the new City building, Tongva Park -
built with tax dollars for Rand and the rich condo purchasers of
Related..million dollar toilets, and crippling bonds that are loaded
on the backs low income renters and seniors so the Harding family
and their friends can erase our history and employ their developer
friends..with not much going to kids betterment ..all so we can be a
tasty appealing fat meal for the new big developers now coming to
wipe out what is left of our uniqueness..on what used to make us a
great little town. All on the backs of the taxpayers to make the
developers rich.
So welcome Mr.White..from what I hear you are a person of
integrity. I look forward to you doing what you can to stop the
nefarious goings on as much as possible. We just aren't Mayberry
anymore and we deserve a governance that is not owned by
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developers. One that actually knows what they are doing and isn't
controlled by a staff who care only about their salaries and
pensions. One that works for residents.
Please start the new year off right and stop the games that are
being played now and require Theresa Marasco to be appointed to
the two year term she applied for. There is a big difference or the
players wouldn't be fighting so hard to stop it and keep the status
quo.
Thank you for your time.
Danielle Charney
Resident Since 1982
of the beautiful Ocean Park
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Packet Pg. 4057 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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Vernice Hankins
From:Elaine Golden-Gealer <elaine@elaine360.com>
Sent:Saturday, January 8, 2022 11:57 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock; Lana Negrete
Cc:Elaine Golden-Gealer
Subject:13D- Housing Commission - OPPOSE Renee Buchanan SUPPORT Theresa Marasco
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Council Members,
This is to support Theresa Marasco for the Section 8 seat on the Housing Commission designated for
a formerly homeless individual.
Ms. Marasco has the skills, ability, and a demonstrated track record of advocacy around housing and
homeless issues.
I believe that as a person who recently experienced homelessness in Santa Monica, Ms. Marasco will
be able to represent the unhoused community well.
The current Commissioner who is supposed to represent the unhoused community, Renee
Buchanan, is not doing a good job. She has had the seat for ten years during which she hardly
contributed to the Commission meetings.
Renee Buchanan has a poor attendance record and as Chair she fails to allow public comments on
multiple agenda items per meeting.
Please appoint Ms. Marasco, who is a dedicated advocate, to the Section 8 seat designated for
formerly homeless individuals.
Sincerely,
Elaine Golden-Gealer
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4058 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:zinajosephs@aol.com
Sent:Sunday, January 9, 2022 8:22 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete;
Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; David White
Cc:zinajosephs@aol.com
Subject:City Council 1/11/22 item 13-D: Support Theresa Marasco for 2-year Housing Commission seat
EXTERNAL
January 9, 2022
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
From: Zina Josephs
RE: City Council 1/11/22 agenda item 13-D – Appointment to the Housing Commission of a Section 8
program participant, with lived experience of homelessness, to the designated 2-year seat
Agenda: http://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1288
I write to support the appointment of Theresa Marasco to this 2-year seat on the Housing Commission.
She meets all the requirements and has wide support in the community, witness the many letters written to
Council when this appointment was originally scheduled.
I also oppose the re-appointment of Rene Jean Buchanan to the Housing Commission.
Between 2013 and 2020, Ms. Buchanan seems to have been absent from 24 Commission meetings:
January 18, 2013
December 19, 2013
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Packet Pg. 4059 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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February 20, 2014
April 17, 2014
November 20, 2014
December 18, 2014
January 15, 2015
February 14, 2015
July 16, 2015
November 19, 2015
February 18, 2016
April 2, 2016
August 18, 2016
February 4, 2017
May 18, 2017
June 15, 2017
June 20, 2017
February 15, 2018
May 3, 2018
December 20, 2018
March 21, 2019
April 18, 2019
December 19, 2019
January 16, 2020
During the same period, Ms. Buchanan seems to have arrived late to another 18 Commission meetings:
September 19, 2013
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October 16, 2014
June 18, 2015
August 20, 2015
October 15, 2015
February 11, 2016
November 17, 2016
February 16, 2017
March 30, 2017
December 21, 2017
June 21, 2018
September 20, 2018
October 18, 2018
January 17, 2019
October 3, 2019
October 17, 2019
November 21, 2019
September 19, 2020
When there are numerous other applicants for seats on the Housing Commission, it’s not clear to me why the
City Council would re-appoint someone who seems to miss numerous meetings and also seems to arrive late to
many of the meetings she does attend.
Again, I support the appointment of Theresa Marasco to the designated 2-year seat for a Section 8
program participant with lived experience of homelessness.
Below is the letter I sent to the Council in June 2021 in support of Theresa's appointment:
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
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Packet Pg. 4061 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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From: Zina Josephs
RE: 6/21/21 agenda item 13-B: Annual Boards and Commissions Appointments
I support the appointment of Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission.
She is applying for the seat reserved for a Housing Authority Section 8 program participant.
Ms. Marasco was a paralegal for 12 years, working with low income clients who needed help in the
areas of eviction, subsidized housing, and Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers. She worked with social
workers, probation officers, family members, care providers, and therapists on behalf of clients. She also
assisted in conflict resolution.
She has expertise in ADA, Fair Housing, HUD, and renters’ rights. She is well-informed about housing
issues on the national, state, and local level.
She has attended Housing Commission meetings and has followed City Council discussions on housing
topics.
Having been homeless at one time, Ms. Marasco is a Section 8 voucher holder who would bring a
lifetime of experience as both a professional and a volunteer to the Housing Commission.
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Packet Pg. 4062 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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Vernice Hankins
From:David Morris <dhmdjm4@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 9, 2022 4:21 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Lana
Negrete; councilmtgitems; David White; Denise Anderson-Warren; Joseph Lawrence
Subject:13D – SUPPORT Theresa Marasco, OPPOSE Renee Buchanan
EXTERNAL
City Clerk Anderson‐Warren has refused to repost my previously submitted public comment so I am resubmitting it
below.
Please do not reappoint Renee Buchanan due to her unacceptable attendance record and repeated violations of the
Brown Act (not allowing public input before the Commission votes on an item, sometimes several times per meeting).
As a Santa Monica resident and a formerly homeless individual who sought change from the Housing Commission
during the past four years I have witnessed Commissioner Buchanan fail to represent the homeless or Section 8
communities even in one instance.
This leads me to believe that Ms. Buchanan needs to be replaced immediately by someone who would be of better
service to the Commission, the City and the homeless and Section 8 communities who need a voice on the Housing
Commission.
Please appoint Ms. Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission seat reserved for a Section 8 participant
who is homeless or formerly homeless. Ms. Marasco has extensive background in advocacy as a paralegal
and she was recently homeless in Santa Monica. I believe that she is the best candidate to hold this office.
Sincerely,
David Morris
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Packet Pg. 4063 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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Vernice Hankins
From:Elizabeth Lerer <elerer@elizabethlerer.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 9, 2022 3:14 PM
To:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Gleam
Davis
Cc:councilmtgitems
Subject:Agenda Item 13.D. Please Appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
Please appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission's 2‐year seat for a Section 8 participant with lived
experience of homelessness.
Also, it is my understanding that the removal of Housing Commissioner Buchanan has community support.
I join the efforts to oust Buchanan and support the appointment of Theresa Marasco to the 2‐year Housing Commission
seat.
Thank you,
Elizabeth Lerer
Resident in the NOMA neighborhood
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Packet Pg. 4064 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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Vernice Hankins
From:Steven Weinraub <steven.weinraub@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 9, 2022 3:07 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Lana
Negrete
Subject:13-D -- OBJECT to reappointment of Buchanan, SUPPORT Theresa Marasco!
EXTERNAL
Appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing
Commission's Designated Seat
Not Renee Buchanan Again!!!
I personally attended “every” Housing Commission
meeting “every” month for 3 years. And, during this
time I observed Ms. Renee Buchanan.
What I saw and experienced was when Ms. Buchanan
decided to attend a meeting (as she skipped quite a lot
of them) and she was called upon to speak on an issue
at hand, she almost always remained silent for one to
two minutes before she started to speak, as if she was
waking up from being asleep, and when she did begin
to talk what she said was very often not related to the
topic being discussed. When she spoke, she almost
always went on some extensive philosophical diatribe
explaining what was going on related to the thoughts
inside her mind and it was evident that she had not
been listening to what others in the room had been
saying.
I often found Ms. Buchanan to not only have been
insensitive and rude, but also dangerous to have the
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4
ability to vote on housing and homeless issues which
she clearly did not comprehend or understand.
Ms. Buchanan has spent a DECADE on the Commission,
without contributing much. It is time she made room
for a new representative of Section 8 housing and
homeless persons to be assigned to represent their
interests on the Santa Monica Housing Commission.
I urge the Council to not extend Ms. Buchanan's
already very long 10‐year tenure on the Housing
Commission. There are 11 other applicants to choose
from, who should have the opportunity to serve the
community. They will certainly do a better job than
Ms. Buchanan has done on the Housing Commission.
So please, it is time to place Ms. Buchanan on
sabbatical and appoint Theresa Marasco to fill the 2‐
year designated seat on the Santa Monica Housing
Commission.
Steven Weinraub
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:T GROSSMAN <tina.grossman@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 9, 2022 5:23 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich; Oscar de la Torre; Gleam Davis; Lana
Negrete
Subject:item 13-d - housing commissioner
EXTERNAL
Writing in support of Theresa Marasco for housing commissioner. We need a commissioner who will show up for the
meetings! The attendance record of commissioners should be considered. Term limits should be considered.
Thank you
Tina Grossman
90405
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Gina DeBaca <ginadebaca@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 9, 2022 6:52 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Gleam
Davis; David White; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:Letter of Support
EXTERNAL
Greetings City Council Members,
This is a Letter of support for Theresa Marasco for the 2 year seat on
the Housing commission.
1. Theresa has been an Advocate for the homeless population and those at risk of becoming homeless.
2. Theresa has extensive knowledge of HUD regulations
3. Theresa holds a HUD voucher.
4. Ms. Marasco has experienced homelessness herself. This first-hand knowledge of living on the street
makes her an effective advocate for those in need.
5. As a longtime paralegal working to represent renters, Theresa is an asset to the Housing commission.
Blessings,
Gina DeBaca
“Dance is the hidden language of the soul”
― Martha Graham
|
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Denise Anderson-Warren
Sent:Monday, January 10, 2022 10:50 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Housing Commission Needs Fresh Blood
From: Danielle Charney <shineshuge@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, January 9, 2022 1:53 PM
To: art is the answer <shineshuge@gmail.com>
Cc: Sue Himmelrich <Sue.Himmelrich@santamonica.gov>; Kristin McCowan <Kristin.McCowan@santamonica.gov>; Phil
Brock <Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra
<Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete <Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis
<Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Denise Anderson‐Warren <Denise.Anderson‐Warren@santamonica.gov>; David
White <David.White@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Housing Commission Needs Fresh Blood
EXTERNAL
13-D Support for Theresa Marasco for Housing Commission
We need your voices to help remove special interest control of the
Housing Commission by the local lobbyist groups..SMRR and
SMF. If you agree that the City needs equity for housing and
authentic voices, not puppets for these groups- please send an
email to Lana Negrete today, ( Lana.Negrete@smgov.net ) urging
her to give Ms. Marasco the pivotal 4th vote. Please also send an
email to the above copied people before Tuesday at 2PM..and call
in to the meeting on Tuesday. Calls count more than emails..I know
it's late at night ..but this is important.
In essence..the City cannot allow a rule to be ignored that permits
the re-appointment of Ms. Buchanan without getting FIVE or 2/3rds
of the Council votes for either the 2 year, 4 year or any partial term.
They are attempting to ignore this rule. Please let them know you
do not approve of this violation. The rules require that those
seeking an 11th or 12th year on the Commission must have five
votes for any seat. It also requires attendance and participation.
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2
Ms. Buchanan has missed two years worth of meetings in her ten
year term, has no letters and no community support for her
continued position.
Here is some basic information regarding both why Buchanan must
step down and talking points for the calls if you can do it ..but
always good to put in your own style and words..
In the interest of participatory democracy allow a new
commissioner to replace Buchanan who has been on the
Commission for a decade, with poor performance. There are
11 other applicants, we need new people and fresh ideas on
the HC
Buchanan has missed two years’ worth of meetings while on
the Commission, and has been late or left a meeting early on
over twenty occasions. She should have been removed from
the HC a long time ago due to her poor attendance record
The Council has recently stressed the importance of
commissioner attendance, Buchanan’s poor attendance record
MUST be considered now and prevent her reappointment to
her 6th term
Buchanan has received a vote of no confidence from the
community: she has not received one letter of support while
her challenger for the designated seat, Theresa Marasco, has
received 20 letters of support.
The community has made it clear through their input to the
Council that Buchanan’s performance on HC is subpar.
Buchanan despite her 10-year tenure regularly fails to allow
public comment during HC meetings, sometimes for multiple
items per meeting. This is a serious violation of the Brown Act
and a blow to democracy. Buchanan is not fit to be Chair.
Why Ms Marasco deserves to represent us on the Commission:
Marasco has been an outspoken advocate who enjoys the
support of the unhoused, formerly unhoused and Section 8
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community. Marasco is passionate about serving these
communities and deserves a seat on the HC
The Council should support effective advocates like Marasco
and listen to the wishes of the community instead of pushing to
keep a political puppet like Buchanan on the HC to the
detriment of the community.
Buchanan already received a vote of no-confidence from the
Council for her reappointment on December 7, 2021 – she
failed to obtain the 5 votes necessary for her reappointment to
the 6th term
Marasco has received a unanimous vote from the Council on
December 7 for the 4-year seat she had not applied for.
Marasco should receive a unanimous vote from the Council for
the 2-year designated seat on January 11 as well.
Let's loosen the grip of the special interest groups here and see
someone installed who will do a great job. I have known Theresa
personally since she arrived in our town, she is tireless, modest,
effective..and she shows up ..why would we take less?
Oh and while you are at it- a word of support for Gina De Baca on
Item 13-E. She deserves a 4 year term. Gina is a very active
participant in cultural programs and knows the goings on here very
well. She would present a fine face of diversity here as this town
struggles with what is fair.
We need to bust-a-move if we are to see progress and not let the
special interests continue to control us.Thank you for your time and
effort..please feel free to call me if you wish to discuss this further
or discuss world news or existential theory. Be safe.
Danielle Charney
Resident of Ocean Park since 1982
424-238-5470
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Tricia Crane <1triciacrane@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 10, 2022 11:08 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete;
Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; David White; Clerk Mailbox
Subject:Support for Theresa Marasco - Agenda Item 13-D, Jan. 11, 2022
Attachments:Public Comment in support of Marasco appointment submitted in June, 2022.pdf
EXTERNAL
January 10, 2022
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
From: Northeast Neighbors
Re: SUPPORT for Theresa Marasco from Northeast Neighbors
Agenda item 13-D (1/11/2022): Appointment to the 2-year seat on the Housing Commission of a
Section 8 program participant, with lived experience of homelessness
The Board of Northeast Neighbors write to express our support for Theresa Marasco who has applied
for and is willing to serve on the Housing Commission for the 2-year seat reserved for a participant in
the Housing Authority Section 8 program.
Ms. Marasco is a highly regarded advocate for the homeless and for those in danger of losing their
housing.
This designated seat on the Housing Commission exactly fits Ms. Marasco’s knowledge, experience,
skill set, and passion.
Ms. Marasco has experienced homelessness herself, which is the foundation of her deep
understanding of the needs of homeless individuals. This first-hand knowledge of living on the street
makes her an effective advocate for those in need.
As a longtime paralegal working to represent renters and families, Ms. Marasco has the training and
knowledge to understand, explain and implement complex HUD regulations and Fair Housing laws.
We are indeed lucky that Ms. Marasco has applied for this appointment. Our City needs her energy
and compassion on the Housing Commission, especially in this special position, which has been held
for a decade by one person with an unacceptable record of attendance.
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Theresa Marasco is known and respected in the community. We have every reason to expect that
she will serve as an excellent advisor to the Housing Commission in this very specialized area and
her appointment will benefit the City Council in your challenging work addressing housing issues.
Thank you
Tricia Crane and the Board of Northeast Neighbors
Note: Please see the attached file of letters submitted last summer when this appointment was
originally discussed. Many spoke passionately in support of Ms. Marasco. We request that the City
Clerk include these letters in the Public record for Agenda for 13-D, Jan. 11. 2021
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Andrew Wilder <andrew@andrewwilder.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 17, 2021 9:26 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13-B, Board & Commission Appointments
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I encourage you to appoint Andrew Gledhill to the Urban Forest Task Force.
I have worked with Andrew on the Airport 2 Park advisory board, and he consistently provides
valuable insights and perspectives. I'm confident he would be a valuable member of the Urban
Forest Task Force.
Best Regards,
Andrew Wilder
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2
Vernice Hankins
From:Andrew Wilder <andrew@andrewwilder.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 17, 2021 9:18 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13-B, Boards & Commission Appointments
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I encourage you to re-appoint Neil Carrey to the Travel & Tourism Board.
I have worked with Neil on the Airport 2 Park board, and he consistently impresses me with his
intelligence, diplomacy, insights, and connections gained through decades of service to our
community.
He is an asset to the City and residents -- any time we have the opportunity to utilize his
experience and expertise we should jump at it.
Best Regards,
Andrew Wilder
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3
Vernice Hankins
From:Andrew Wilder <andrew@andrewwilder.com>
Sent:Thursday, June 17, 2021 9:16 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 13-B, Boards & Commission Appointments
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I encourage you to appoint Steven Johnson to the Recreation & Parks Commission.
Steven is an advocate and enthusiast of outdoor sports and activities, and is a valuable member on
the Airport 2 Park Advisory Board. I believe he would be a great asset to the City on this
Commission.
Best Regards,
Andrew Wilder
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:John Fairweather <johnfairweather@earthlink.net>
Sent:Friday, June 18, 2021 9:52 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Gleam Davis; Sue Himmelrich; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra
Subject:June 22 agenda item 13-B -- Appointments to Boards & Commissions
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong endorsement for the following appointments before you on the June 22
agenda:
Andrew Wilder ‐ Airport Commission. Andrew has done an outstanding job as chair of the Airport
Commission. His chairmanship has brought an order and discipline to the meetings that had been somewhat absent in
prior years. Andrew has worked tirelessly for the community impacted by on‐going Airport operation, and has been a
strong supporter of the Great Park that we all hope will replace it when it closes on Jan 1, 2029. Please re‐elect Andrew
to the Airport Commission so he can continue the good work.
Neil Carrey ‐ Travel & Tourism. I have worked closely with Neil for many years now, and you could not find a
more dedicated, well informed, and well connected person to serve in this critical role, particularly as tourism in the City
comes out of pandemic impacts. As I am sure you all know Neil has worked tirelessly for the community in many roles
and on multiple commissions over the years. Please re‐elect Neil for another term on the Travel & Tourism commission.
Steven Johnson ‐ Recks & Parks. Steven is a long time Santa Monica resident and SMUSD parent, as well as
being active in the Santa Monica sports scene, and as an ardent supporter of park space and playing fields. Steven also
serves on the advisory board of the Santa Monica Airport2Park foundation. With the anticipated revival of the new
Parks Master Plan, and the need to plan for a future where Santa Monica has a world class parks system including a
Great Park, having someone like Steven on the board to balance all competing interests is critical.
Andrew Gledhill ‐ Urban Forest Task Force. I have known and worked with Andrew for a long time and beleive
he would be an excellent, dedicated, and eloquent member of the Urban Forest task force. A vibrant urban forest
promotes well‐being and makes a city a place it's people love and feel part of. Andrew is the perfect choice to serve in
this role of enhancing the urban forest and integrating it with the city’s parks infrastructure, districts, and pathways.
Sincerely,
John Fairweather
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Vernice Hankins
From:Vivien Flitton <vflitton@earthlink.net>
Sent:Saturday, June 19, 2021 10:13 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Gleam Davis; Sue Himmelrich; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra
Subject:June 22 Agenda Item 13-B: Appointments to Boards & Commissions
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Council Members,
I am writing to express my endorsement for the following appointments.
Andrew Wilder for Airport Commission
Andrew has done an outstanding job as chair of the Airport Commission. He has brought an order and discipline to the
meetings and has worked tirelessly for the community impacted by the noise, pollution and potential safety issues of the
Airport operation.
Please re‐elect Andrew to the Airport Commission so he can continue his excellent work.
Neil Carrey for Travel & Tourism
Neil has worked tirelessly for the community in many roles and on multiple commissions over many years. He is
experienced and has a wealth of information which makes him perfect for this position.
Please re‐elect Neil for another term on the Travel & Tourism commission, which is of utmost importance to the recovery
of the tourism industry in Santa Monica
Steven Johnson for Recreation & Parks Commission
Steven is a long time Santa Monica resident and SMUSD parent, as well as being active in the Santa Monica sports scene,
and as an ardent supporter of park space and playing fields. With the anticipated revival of the new Parks Master Plan,
and the need to plan for a future where Santa Monica has a world class parks system including a Great Park, having
someone like Steven on the board to balance all competing interests is critical.
Please elect Steven to the Recs & Park Commission
Andrew Gledhill for Urban Forest Task Force
Andrew has been active in OPA and has experience on many community issues including increasing our parks and
recreation spaces. Andrew is an ideal choice to serve in this role of enhancing the urban forest and integrating it with
the city’s parks infrastructure, districts, and pathways.
Please elect Andrew to the Urban Forest Task Force
I would like to take this opportunity to also thank you for all you do on behalf of the residents of Santa Monica.
Regards,
Vivien Flitton
Sunset Park
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Vernice Hankins
From:Chelsea Lawson <chelsea@cityfi.co>
Sent:Sunday, June 20, 2021 6:15 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Comment for 6/22 meeting- Chelsea Lawson for Santa Monica Rec and Parks Commission
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council and other viewers,
My name is Chelsea Lawson and I would like the join the Recreation and Parks Commission. For the past 7 years, I have
lived in Santa Monica. During that time, I worked for three years for the City of LA in the Mayor’s office and then for
three more as an advisor to cities around the country with a company called Cityfi. The work has all been rewarding, but
the pandemic has made it clearer to me than ever that what I really want is to work on behalf of my home city and
neighbors.
Santa Monica’s parks and recreational activities are the envy of other cities, and the commission has some excellent
plans for the years to come. I aim to contribute my skills and experience in analytics, civic engagement, and public‐
private partnership facilitation to build on the city’s successes and move its worthy plans along smoothly and efficiently.
I will serve all of our residents and will also be cognizant of our greater responsibility to the environment, such as by
pursuing drought‐resistant landscaping or preventing trash from ending up in waterways/the ocean.
I also very much like the ideas of parklets and “urban acupuncture,” where small areas of green space can transform a
person’s experience of living in the city. I understand that these sorts of interventions cross over with city entities such
as the Community Development Department, and I look forward to the opportunity to effectively collaborate.
Thank you for your consideration!
Chelsea
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Vernice Hankins
From:Michele Cole <michelecole2@aol.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 12:27 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:6/22/21 Council Aganda ITEM 13.B Annual appointment to Boards and Commission
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers
6/22/21 Council Agenda Item 13.b
HOUSING COMMISSION
Please consider appointing Theresa Marasco for commissioner on the housing
commission. It's time for new ideas and new talent. She is well qualified.
Thank you item 13.b
Michele Cole
Santa Monica Resident
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Mike Salazar, Architect
Ocean Park
June 20, 2021
Santa Monica City Council and Staff
RE: Support for the Reappointment of Airport Commissioner Andrew Wilder
Dear City Council:
I am writing to you today as a resident of Santa Monica/Ocean Park to express my strong support for the
reappointment of Andrew Wilder to the Santa Monica Airport Commission. I served on the Board of the
Measure LC (CLCSMAL) campaign committee, and am also a founding member of airport2park, but today I am
expressing my support of Andrew as an individual resident and an involved and concerned citizen.
Andrew has shown incredible leadership, superior organizational skills and a breadth of knowledge of not only
airport operations but his stewardship of Measure LC goals and intentions in guiding the operations toward
eventual closure of Santa Monica airport in order to be come a future Great Park.
Anti-neighborhood forces would have you believe that the airport operations are being neglected and could be
better served only by pro-aviation/anti-neighborhood/anti-Measure LC folks. Andrew has proven this bias to not
only be wrong, but likely detrimental to neighbors and the will of Santa Monica voters.
The best interests of all of Santa Monica is to reaffirm Andrew’s proven fairness and leadership on the Airport
Commission, not just for his individual performance, but also as a great working group of current Commissioners
that span all levels and areas of airport land interests.
I hereby ask that the City Council unanimously support the reappointment of Andrew Wilder to the Santa
Monica Airport Commission at the upcoming June 22, 2021 City Council meeting. A future of change and
inclusion for our airport land uses depend on his continued stewardship.
Sincerely,
Mike Salazar, Architect
Ocean Park
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Vernice Hankins
From:Danielle Charney <shineshuge@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 1:28 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Subject: Agenda Item 13B - Appointments - Housing Section 8 tenant/ Audit/Fire Safety
EXTERNAL
Please support the following residents for these commission seats.
THERESA MARASCO
for the HOUSING COMMISSION
Please appoint Theresa Maresco to the Housing Commission Seat open for a Section 8 tenant under the age of 62 yrs.
RICHARD HILTON
for the HOUSING COMMISSION
Please appoint Theresa Maresco to the Housing Commission Seat open for a Section 8 tenant age of 62 yrs +
Marc Verville
for the Audit Subcommittee Seat
Daniel Jansenson
for the Building and Fire‐Life Safety Commission
Nathaniel Jones
for the Commission for the Senior Community
Samuel Tolkin
for the Planning Commission
Steven Johnson
for the Recreation and Parks Commission
PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER RENE BUCHANAN FOR ANOTHER TERM - SHE IS
NOT COMPETENT - HER HOMELESS EXPERIENCE IS NOT RELEVANT TO
CURRENT TIMES.. SHE HAS ALWAYS HAD CONFLICT OF INTEREST DUE TO HER
FAMILY'S ASSOCIATION WITH OPCC/TPC AND SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN
APPOINTED TO BEGIN WITH.. SHE IS BASICALLY TOLD WHAT TO DO BY
POWER GROUPS IN THIS CITY.. SHE BRINGS NOTHING TO THE TABLE .. WE
NEED NEW VOICES THAT AREN'T "OWNED" BY THE CITY GROUPS.. NOT MORE
TOADIES - LIKE BUCHANAN OR MORE LAND USE ATTORNEYS WORKING FOR
SMF LIKE CAMNER ..
THANKS
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2
DANIELLE CHARNEY
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Vernice Hankins
From:Danielle Charney <shineshuge@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 3:10 PM
To:councilmtgitems; George S. Cardona; Clerk Mailbox
Subject:City Council Agenda Item 13-B Annual Appointments to Boards and Commissions June 22, 2021
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members,
I am writing to support Theresa Marasco in her application to the Housing Commission for the seat reserved
for a Housing Authority Section 8 Program participant.
Ms. Marasco is a highly regarded advocate for the homeless and for those in danger of losing their housing.
This designated seat on the Housing Commission exactly fits Ms. Marasco’s knowledge, experience, skill set
and passion.
Ms. Marasco has experienced homelessness herself, which is the foundation of her deep understanding of the
needs of homeless individuals. This first‐hand knowledge of living on the street makes her an effective
advocate for those in need.
As a longtime paralegal working to represent renters and families, Ms. Marasco has the training and
knowledge to understand, explain and implement complex HUD regulations and Fair Housing laws.
We are indeed lucky that Ms. Marasco has applied for this appointment. Our City needs her energy and
compassion on the Housing Commission, especially in this special position, which has been held for a decade
by one person with a very uneven track record of attendance.
Theresa Marasco is known and respected in the community. She will serve as an excellent advisor to the
Housing Commission in this very specialized area and her appointment will benefit the City Council in your
challenging work addressing housing issues.
Please appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tricia Crane
( seconded by Danielle Charney)
In addition to supporting Theresa all the way ‐ i want to add to this statement regarding Rene Buchanan. Rene
should have long been removed from the Housing Commission for a few reasons.. Conflict of interest for
one..and that is a big one. Her experience of homelessness is very old and not current. She is incompetent in
many ways. It's time we have someone with real value and something to offer. I am afraid that will mean you
will not consider her. I hope you do. She is terrific.
Danielle Charney
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Vernice Hankins
From:Tricia Crane <1triciacrane@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 2:26 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre;
Gleam Davis; George S. Cardona; Clerk Mailbox; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:Support for Theresa Marasco's appointment to the Housing Commission, City Council Agenda Item
13-B, 6/22/2021
EXTERNAL
City Council Agenda Item 13‐B
Annual Appointments to Boards and Commissions
June 22, 2021
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members,
I am writing to support Theresa Marasco in her application to the Housing Commission for the seat reserved
for a Housing Authority Section 8 Program participant.
Ms. Marasco is a highly regarded advocate for the homeless and for those in danger of losing their housing.
This designated seat on the Housing Commission exactly fits Ms. Marasco’s knowledge, experience, skill set
and passion.
Ms. Marasco has experienced homelessness herself, which is the foundation of her deep understanding of the
needs of homeless individuals. This first‐hand knowledge of living on the street makes her an effective
advocate for those in need.
As a longtime paralegal working to represent renters and families, Ms. Marasco has the training and
knowledge to understand, explain and implement complex HUD regulations and Fair Housing laws.
We are indeed lucky that Ms. Marasco has applied for this appointment. Our City needs her energy and
compassion on the Housing Commission, especially in this special position, which has been held for a decade
by one person with a very uneven track record of attendance.
Theresa Marasco is known and respected in the community. She will serve as an excellent advisor to the
Housing Commission in this very specialized area and her appointment will benefit the City Council in your
challenging work addressing housing issues.
Please appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Tricia Crane
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Vernice Hankins
From:Steven Weinraub <steven.weinraub@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 10:04 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock
Subject:13B – Support THERESA MARASCO for Housing Commission's Section 8 seat
EXTERNAL
Appoint “Theresa Marasco” to the Housing Commission
I personally attended every Housing Commission meeting, every
month for 3 years. And during this time I observed commissioner
Renee Buchanan.
What I saw and experienced was when Ms. Buchanan decided to
attend a meeting (as she skipped quite a lot of them) and she was
called upon to speak on an issue at hand, she almost always remained
silent for one to two minutes before she started to speak, as if she was
waking up from being asleep, and when she did begin to talk what she
said was very often not related to the topic being discussed. When she
spoke, she almost always went on some extensive philosophical
diatribe as if she was describing what was going on related to the
thoughts inside of her mind and it was evident that she had not been
listening to what others in the room had been saying.
I often found Ms. Buchanan to not only have been insensitive and
rude, but also dangerous in that she had the ability to vote on housing
and homeless issues which she clearly did not comprehend or
understand.
It is well past the time that Ms. Buchanan is forced to go onto a break
and that a new representative of Section 8 housing and homeless
persons be assigned to represent their interests on the Santa Monica
Housing Commission.
It is my observation that Ms. Buchanan has been a member of this
Commission for “many” more than two terms, she has never legally
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been allowed a third term by a 2/3rd vote of the City Council and it is
certainly time that she takes off for a year before being allowed back
onto the Housing Commission or any other Board or Commission of
the City.
I have not found any Santa Monica Municipal Code or Regulation
which allows the Section 8 representative on the Housing Commission
unlimited consecutive terms or which allows the Section 8
representative to be treated differently than the other members of the
Housing Commission?
So please, it is time to place Ms. Buchanan on sabbatical and appoint
“Theresa Marasco” to become the newest member of the Santa
Monica Housing Commission.
Steven Weinraub
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Vernice Hankins
From:Elaine Golden-Gealer <elaine@elaine360.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 9:45 PM
To:Gleam Davis; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin
McCowan
Cc:Elaine Golden-Gealer
Subject:13B Support Theresa Marasco for Housing Commission's Section 8 Seat
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Council Members,
This is to support Theresa Marasco for the Section 8 seat on the Housing Commission designated for
a formerly homeless individual.
Ms. Marasco has the skills, ability, and a demonstrated track record of advocacy around housing and
homeless issues.
I believe that as a person who recently experienced homelessness in Santa Monica, Ms. Marasco will
be able to represent the unhoused community well.
The current Commissioner who is supposed to represent the unhoused community is not doing a
good job. She has had the seat for ten years during which she has not done as enough for the
community.
Please appoint Ms. Marasco to the Section 8 seat designated for formerly homeless individuals.
Sincerely,
Elaine Golden-Gealer
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Vernice Hankins
From:laurie delgado <ethicsmediasb1191@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 9:02 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock;
Gleam Davis
Subject:13B – Support THERESA MARASCO for Housing Commission's Section 8 seat
EXTERNAL
It's time for a change! I Vote for Theresa Marasco for the position of Housing Commission! The status Quo doesn't apply
anymore! We need innovators , community cultivators, bridge builders, people who are moving humanity forward and
their continued effort on social justice work!
Thank you.
Laurie Delgado
Elder Abuse Advocate
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Vernice Hankins
From:Danielle Charney <shineshuge@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 8:41 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Ann Maggio; Theresa.Marasco@gmail.com
Subject:Subject: Agenda Item 13B - Appointments
EXTERNAL
I hope you decide to appoint people based on their actual worth .. people who bring more to the table than those
promoting their employer or sponsor agendas, while using the current buzzwords ‐ diversity, homelessness, etc..
If we haven't gotten to a point where all see the need for the best..those with more to offer than their real estate and
developer clients wishes.. then we are missing a great opportunity to expand our scope..
I have seen the councils of yore continuously appoint those who have kissed up ..not those who can affect important
change...and,
there is one thing we need now.. change...the old just isn't really working so well....time for fresh blood.
Thank you for your consideration..
Danielle Charney
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Vernice Hankins
From:andrew@agledhill.com
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 8:01 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:June 22 agenda item 13-B -- Appointments to Boards & Commissions
EXTERNAL
Mayor Himmelrich, Councilmembers,
Please give your support to the following Santa Monicans who wish to serve:
Travel & Tourism
Neil Carrey, for his vast experience and history of achievement.
Airport Commission
Andrew Wilder, for his proven leadership as Commission Chair.
Recreation & Parks
Steven Johnson, who appreciates the vital role of parks in our city’s wellbeing.
Thank you,
Andrew Gledhill
Ocean Park
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Vernice Hankins
From:zinajosephs@aol.com
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 10:55 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock
Cc:zinajosephs@aol.com
Subject:City Council 6/21 item 13-B: Housing Commission - Richard Hilton - SUPPORT
EXTERNAL
June 21, 2021
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
From: Zina Josephs
RE: 6/21/21 agenda item 13-B: Annual Boards and Commissions Appointments
I support the re-appointment of Richard Hilton to the Housing Commission.
He is applying for the seat reserved for a Housing Authority Section 8 program participant, and he is over the
age of 62.
Mr. Hilton has been an exemplary member of the Housing Commission, serving as both Chair and Vice Chair.
He comes to the meetings well prepared, never misses a meeting, and is always on time – i.e., a role model for
some of the other members of the Commission.
He has expertise regarding HUD, Fair Housing, ADA compliance, reasonable modifications vs. reasonable
accommodations, the current inclusionary housing program in the City of Santa Monica aka the
Affordable Housing Production Program (AHPP), the city’s POD program, and the city’s Housing
Trust Fund.
During the recent Housing Element Update process, he served on the Technical Working Groups on
both Housing Production and Housing Stability.
Mr. Hilton is a hard-working and knowledgeable member of the Housing Commission, and I
hope the Council will re-appoint him.
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Vernice Hankins
From:zinajosephs@aol.com
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 10:30 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock
Cc:zinajosephs@aol.com
Subject:FOSP: City Council 6/21 item 13-B: Airport Commission - Andrew Wilder - SUPPORT
EXTERNAL
June 21, 2021
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 6/21/21 agenda item 13-B: Annual Boards and Commissions Appointments
The FOSP Board wholeheartedly supports the re-appointment of Andrew Wilder to the Airport Commission.
Mr. Wilder has done an excellent job as Chair of the Commission and his expertise in communication, technology, and
leadership balances and complements the strengths of the other Commissioners. Since he was elected Chair, the
Commission meetings are being run very efficiently and very effectively. All the current Commissioners work well together.
Airport Commissioners whose terms are not expiring yet:
Aviation – Joe Schmitz -- Retired Air Force Major, aviation safety expert, former university professor, PhD from the USC
Annenberg School for Communication
Aviation – Bruce Malarky -- Instrument-rated commercial pilot, with 25 years of experience as an Army flight instructor,
currently employed as an engineer at Boeing
Environment – Chris Waller – Professional Civil Engineer licensed in the State of California and a SCAQMD Certified
Permitting Professional
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Law – Geoff Neri – Attorney, former federal appellate law clerk, with substantial trial and appellate litigation experience in
both state and federal courts
Again, we support the re-appointment of Andrew Wilder to the Airport Commission.
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Vernice Hankins
From:fospairport@rocketmail.com
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 11:52 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan;
Christine Parra
Subject:Item 13-B Appointments to Boards and Commissions
EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
I support the appointments and re‐appointments of the following applicants:
Andrew Wilder‐Airport Commission
Mr. Wilder currently serves as the Airport Commission Chair. Under his stewardship, the Commission Meetings have
become more efficient and productive. His technologic and analytic skills have been valuable contributions to the
variety of expertise of current commission members. Mr. Wilder has the vision to fulfill the direction of Santa Monica
voters (Measure LC) to shepherd the transition of SMO into a park space for the benefit of the public.
Steven Johnson‐Rec & Parks
Mr. Johnson has been active in a variety youth sports as coach and participated in adult sports leagues. His hands on
(and feet too) experience would allow him to bring the perspective of direct users of the City’s Rec and Park facilities to
the management and develop of those assets. He also views the priority of the City’s Rec and Parks is for the health and
well‐being of the community.
Neil Carrey‐Travel & Tourism
Mr. Carrey is a long time Santa Monica resident who has been a contributing board member and officer of many
community organizations and non‐profits. His reappointment to Travel and Tourism would allow his depth of
knowledge of the inner workings of Santa Monica, extensive community contacts, legal expertise, and hospitality
experience steer Santa Monica on the road to the economic recovery of its Tourism market.
Andrew Gledhill‐Urban Forest Task Force
Mr. Gledhill would be an excellent addition to the valued incumbent Urban Forest Task Force applicants. He
championed Urban Forest development in his own Ocean Park neighborhood while a Board Member and President of
the Ocean Park Association. He is currently on the Airport 2 Park Advisory Committee and sees the complementary
positions of the A2P Advisory Committee and UFTF as a path to promote the development and expansion of Green
Space in Santa Monica.
Natalya Zernitskaya‐Audit Subcommittee
Partial term incumbent, Ms. Zernitskaya, has championed transparency as a member, treasurer, and current president
of the Santa Monica League of Women Voters. She also brings her work experience in the financial services industry to
promote her goals of fiscal transparency and good governance.
Santa Monica is fortunate in having depth of talent and a culture of public service among its residents. I realize that
appointments by the Council can often be challenging choices given the wealth of qualified applicants but the above
endorsements are particularly exceptional choices.
Sincerely,
Cathy Larson
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Santa Monica Resident
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Vernice Hankins
From:zinajosephs@aol.com
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 11:23 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock
Cc:zinajosephs@aol.com
Subject:City Council 6/21 item 13-B: Housing Commission - Theresa Marasco - SUPPORT
EXTERNAL
June 21, 2021
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
From: Zina Josephs
RE: 6/21/21 agenda item 13-B: Annual Boards and Commissions Appointments
I support the appointment of Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission.
She is applying for the seat reserved for a Housing Authority Section 8 program participant.
Ms. Marasco was a paralegal for 12 years, working with low income clients who needed help in the areas of
eviction, subsidized housing, and Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers. She worked with social workers,
probation officers, family members, care providers, and therapists on behalf of clients. She also assisted in
conflict resolution.
She has expertise in ADA, Fair Housing, HUD, and renters’ rights. She is well-informed about housing issues
on the national, state, and local level.
She has attended Housing Commission meetings and has followed the City Council's discussions on housing
topics.
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Having been homeless at one time, Ms. Marasco is a current Section 8 voucher holder who would bring a
lifetime of experience as both a professional and a volunteer advocate to the Housing Commission.
There is a Section 8 voucher holder on the Commission who has missed many meetings and, for whatever
reason, often arrives late. She is applying for re-appointment, but it might be nice to finally give someone else a
chance to fill this seat on the Housing Commission.
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Vernice Hankins
From:David Morris <dhmdjm4@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, June 21, 2021 11:11 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis
Subject:item 13b – please appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing commission
EXTERNAL
As a Santa Monica resident and a formerly homeless individual who sought change from the Housing Commission during
the past four years I have witnessed Commissioner Buchanan fail to represent the homeless or Section 8 communities
even in one instance.
This leads me to believe that Ms. Buchanan needs to be replaced immediately by someone who would be of better
service to the Commission, the City and the homeless and Section 8 communities who need a voice on the Housing
Commission.
Please appoint Ms. Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission seat reserved for a Section 8 participant who is
homeless or formerly homeless. Ms. Marasco has extensive background in advocacy as a housing paralegal and she was
recently homeless in Santa Monica. I believe that she is the best candidate to hold this office.
Sincerely,
David Morris
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Vernice Hankins
From:Elizabeth Van Denburgh <emvandenburgh@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 8:24 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre;
Gleam Davis
Subject:Fwd: City Council 6/21 item 13-B: Housing Commission - Richard Hilton - SUPPORT
EXTERNAL
June 22, 2021
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh
RE: 6/21/21 agenda item 13-B: Annual Boards and Commissions Appointments
I support the re-appointment of Richard Hilton to the Housing Commission.
He is applying for the seat reserved for a Housing Authority Section 8 program participant, and he is
over the age of 62.
Mr. Hilton has been an exemplary member of the Housing Commission, serving as both Chair and Vice
Chair. He comes to the meetings well prepared, never misses a meeting, and is always on time – i.e., a
role model for some of the other members of the Commission.
He has expertise regarding HUD, Fair Housing, ADA compliance, reasonable modifications vs.
reasonable accommodations, the current inclusionary housing program in the City of Santa
Monica aka the Affordable Housing Production Program (AHPP), the city’s POD program,
and the city’s Housing Trust Fund.
During the recent Housing Element Update process, he served on the Technical Working
Groups on both Housing Production and Housing Stability.
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Mr. Hilton is a hard-working and knowledgeable member of the Housing Commission,
and I hope the Council will re-appoint him.
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Vernice Hankins
From:Tricia Crane <1triciacrane@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 7:58 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre;
Gleam Davis; George S. Cardona; Clerk Mailbox; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:SUPPORT for Richard Hilton to be re-appointed to the Housing Commission, Agenda Item 13-B,
6/22/2021 City Council meeting
EXTERNAL
City Council Agenda Item 13‐B
Annual Appointments to Boards and Commissions
June 22, 2021
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members,
Richard Hilton is a wise, diligent and knowledgeable member of the Housing Commission whose long standing
experience we cannot afford to lose.
Well known for his studious and thorough approach to his responsibilities as a Housing Commissioner, Richard
Hilton is respected in the community and is always willing to educate us on the complexities of the
intersecting requirements of Fair Housing, ADA compliance, reasonable modifications vs. reasonable
accommodations, the Affordable Housing Production Program, the city’s POD program, and the city’s Housing
Trust Fund.
He is applying for the seat reserved for a Housing Authority Section 8 program participant, and he is over the
age of 62.
Please re‐appoint Richard Hilton to the Santa Monica Housing Commission.
Tricia Crane
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4102 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Tricia Crane <1triciacrane@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 10:27 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre;
Gleam Davis; George S. Cardona; Clerk Mailbox; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:SUPPORT for Marc Verville to be appointed to the Audit Subcommittee, Agenda Item 13-B,
6/22/2021 City Council meeting
EXTERNAL
City Council Agenda Item 13-B
Annual Appointments to Boards and Commissions
June 22, 2021
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members,
This letter is to SUPPORT Marc Verville's application to the Audit Subcommittee.
Verville is an individual with talent and energy who is committed to helping his native City address the
real fiscal challenges we face. He lives in Sunset Park and has resided here for over a half century.
In public meetings and in the local press, his deep concern for the health of Santa Monica’s economic
future and our community's quality of life are always at the fore.
Verville's credentials are stellar. Only recently retired, he earned an MBA in Finance from UCLA and
a C.P.A. from a Big Four accounting firm. Verville served as Vice President of Finance for both
Warner Brothers and Walt Disney Company.
As his application makes plain, Verville is capable of and committed to leading efforts to analyze our
city's business model by digging into city-specific data and modelling capability. He will bring to the
Audit Subcommittee his expertise in strategic business planning and financial analysis.
Please vote to appoint Marc Verville as a member of the Audit Subcommittee.
Sincerely,
Tricia Crane
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Vernice Hankins
From:Yvonne c <yvonneroyal1@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 10:41 AM
To:councilmtgitems; oscardelatorre@smgov.net; Christine Parra; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Phil
Brock; Gleam Davis
Subject:13B: Support for THERESA MARASCO – Housing Commission's Section 8 seat
EXTERNAL
---------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Council Members,
Please appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing
Commission.
When I went before the Housing Commission multiple times,
to advocate for my family which was experiencing
homelessness, Renee Buchanan showed no interest in our
plight.
It is time for new representation for unhoused people on the
Housing Commission.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Yvonne Chavez
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Vernice Hankins
From:Eric Phillips <ericphillips813@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 11:21 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:13B – Support THERESA MARASCO for Housing Commission's Section 8 seat
EXTERNAL
Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
As a member of the formerly homeless community I urge you to appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission
seat reserved for a Section 8 tenant who is homeless or formerly homeless.
Ms. Marasco is a powerful advocate for the unhoused due to her experience as a housing paralegal and because she
recently was homeless in Santa Monica.
The commissioner currently occupying the special seat on the Housing Commission, Ms. Renee Buchanan, does not
seem to be interested in advocating for the community she is supposed to be representing. I have spoken before and
written to the Housing Commission in the past only to be ignored.
Please appoint Ms. Marasco so the unhoused people can have proper representation.
Thank you.
Eric Phillips
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
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Packet Pg. 4105 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
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Vernice Hankins
From:Nancy Cetner <nancet511@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 11:40 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:13 B Support THERESA MARASCO for Housing Commission Section 8 Seat
EXTERNAL
I am supporting THERESA MARASCO for the Housing Commission Section 8 Seat.
With her background in the legal field and advocating for the homelessness and
the knowledge of how Santa Monica City works, I believe she is the right
candidate for the Housing Commission Seat.
Thank you,
Nancy Cetner
‐‐
Nancy Cetner
nancet511@gmail.com
310‐998‐7988
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Vernice Hankins
From:Thania Montoya
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 12:55 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Application for Social Services Commission
From: Kay Ambriz <Kay.Ambriz@SMGOV.NET>
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 12:54 PM
To: Sue Himmelrich <Sue.Himmelrich@SMGOV.NET>; Kristin McCowan <Kristin.McCowan@SMGOV.NET>; Gleam Davis
<Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@SMGOV.NET>; Oscar de la Torre
<Oscar.delaTorre@SMGOV.NET>; Phil Brock <Phil.Brock@SMGOV.NET>
Cc: Clerk Mailbox <Clerk.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>; Thania Montoya <Thania.Montoya@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Application for Social Services Commission
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Members of the City Council:
After careful consideration and some kind encouragement from community members, I made a last‐minute decision to
re‐apply for a position on the Social Services Commission. I understand that you may not be making appointments
tonight, but if you are, I hope that you will consider my application. Here is a link in case you would like to see my
application: https://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/Clerk/Boards_and_Commissions/Application
s/SSC.Ambriz.20210622.pdf
Thank you very much!
Best,
Kay Ambriz
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Vernice Hankins
From:M S <iemailmichael@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 1:24 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Gleam Davis; Oscar de la Torre;
Phil Brock
Subject:13B – Support THERESA MARASCO for Housing Commission's Section 8 seat
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
I am writing in support of Teresa Marasco to fill the Housing Commission Section 8 seat. I speak not only for
myself as a member of the community that this seat is intended to represent, but I speak for countless others in
this community whose voices cannot be heard.
We are all counting on the City Council to appoint the right person for the job.
Santa Monica needs a solid advocate for this particularly vulnerable community on the Housing Commission. A
powerful voice such as Ms. Marasco’s, with her specialized skills, vast knowledge, and hands-on (up-to-date)
experience with this community, simply does not exist in Santa Monica municipal government, let alone the
Housing Commission. Her capacity to understand, navigate and communicate the labyrinthine regulations,
rules, and policies of the Americans with Disabilities Act, HUD, the Fair Housing Act, the Santa Monica
Housing Authority, and other legal and administrative aspects, is an asset that must be embraced.
I have attended and spoken before the Housing Commission and written to them (as well as other Santa
Monica Commissions and the SM City Council) many times since November 2017, regarding the current
issues affecting the homeless and Section 8 community. It has become the unmistakable conclusion of so
many in this community that Commissioner Buchanan has shown little real interest in the most vital issues that
affect them. To put it more succinctly, she has not been actively engaged in implementing policies that
unequivocally
promote (and help secure) the material needs of this community. She too often simply disregards or diminishes
the public input from the community she is supposed to represent and champion. Simply, Miss Buchanan is out
of touch with the most essential needs (especially in 2021) of the community she is supposed to vigorously
advocate for. I and too many others in this community have felt ignored. This needs to change.
For ten years Ms. Buchanan has been given an opportunity to serve as a volunteer on the Housing
Commission, but she has had a poor attendance record. It is time for her to move on so that another resident
can have the honor to serve.
With all the urgent issues facing the unhoused and Section 8 community (and their allies and residents
concerned about these issues) in 2021, it is not the time to go with the status quo. It is not the time for a
business as usual establishment/insider to be re-installed into this seat. We cannot look to the past. We must
look to the future.
I urge you — along with so many others in this community — to appoint Teresa Marasco to fill this critically
important seat on the Housing Commission.
Thank you for considering my public input in making your decision.
Michael Louis
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Packet Pg. 4108 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:OZ <zurawska@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 2:00 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock; Gleam Davis
Subject:item 13B - pls appoint Theresa Marasco to HOusing Commission seat for Section 8/unhoused
individual
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
Why are the appointments to the two special seats on the Housing Commission designated for
Section 8 program participants made by the Council instead of the Santa Monica Housing Authority
Board, which per federal regulations must include at least one Section 8 tenant and at least one
homeless or formerly homeless individual? Please see 24 CFR part 964 and
24 CFR 578.75(g)(1)
There is so much talk about diversity and representation, but tonight the Council comprised of six
people who (to the best of my knowledge) have not been Section 8 participants or have experienced
homelessness, will be appointing commissioners to the special designated Housing Commission
seats.
Please ensure that next time appointments are made to those seats, it is the Santa Monica Housing
Authority Board inclusive of a Section 8 tenant and a homeless or formerly homeless person who
makes the appointments.
I support Theresa Marasco for the Housing Commission seat reserved for the homeless or formerly
homeless person.
Since this is currently the only seat within the City government through which unhoused citizens can
seek representation, please take great care in considering who you appoint tonight. The City has
been grappling with the homeless crisis for years now, but the voices of homeless or formerly
homeless individuals, who are the true experts on homelessness, have been repeatedly ignored.
The only seat to represent the homeless community has been occupied by the same person for the
past DECADE.
Unfortunately, this commissioner has shown no leadership on issues relative o Section 8 or
homelessness. As a frequent attendee of the Housing Commission meetings since November 2017 I
can attest to the poor representation by Ms. Buchanan of the communities she is supposed to serve
in her role as a commissioner.
It starts with the poor attendance record. Ms. Buchanan has missed more than two-years' worth of
Commission meetings, and has been late or left early about twenty times.
Ms. Buchanan missed what was arguably the most important meeting for the unhoused community:
the joint meeting of the Housing Commission and the Social Services Commission in 2019.
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Packet Pg. 4109 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
2
Ms. Buchanan's input into Commission meetings is negligible and apparently not based on a
thoughtful analysis of the agenda packets. The Commission's proceedings are often slowed down by
Ms. Buchanan's philosophical musings that are unrelated to the agenda in a meaningful manner.
Ms. Buchanan has failed to support the other Section 8 representative on the Commission in his
efforts to correct the protected class terminology – an issue vital to the Section 8 and unhoused
communities whose members are predominantly individuals with disabilities.
Additionally, at a recent Commission meeting Ms. Buchanan expressed her displeasure with the
public input the Commission received, and stated that "sometimes people just like to complain," or
word to the effect, thus dismissing the citizens' concerns. In my opinion, this kind of attitude
dismissive of public input in a City official is unacceptable. It is, however, indicative of Ms. Buchanan's
performance as a commissioner as she has repeatedly ignored and dismissed the concerns brought
before the Housing Commission by members of the communities Ms. Buchanan is supposed to
represent and serve.
Please appoint Theresa Marasco to the Housing Commission so that the Section 8 and unhoused
communities can have a vocal advocate and a leader representing them in the municipal government.
Ms. Marasco's impressive application speaks for itself.
Regards,
Olga Zurawska
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4110 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:joeldrobinson20@netscape.net
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 1:54 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:3B - Please appoint Theresa Marasco to Housing Commission
EXTERNAL
Tuesday June 22, 2021
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
As a member of the formerly unhoused community, I support Ms. Marasco for the seat reserved for a
formerly homeless person. Ms. Marasco’s track record of advocacy will ensure that our community is
represented well on the Housing Commission.
Sincerely,
Joel Robinson
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4111 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, June 22, 2021 2:16 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Nancy Corshen | Applicant for Recreation & Parks Commissioner
From: Arati Desai Wagabaza <Arati.DesaiWagabaza@santamonica.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, June 22, 2021 2:10 PM
To: Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>; Phil Brock <Phil.Brock@SMGOV.NET>; Christine Parra
<Christine.Parra@SMGOV.NET>; 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>
Subject: Nancy Corshen | Applicant for Recreation & Parks Commissioner
Dear Councilmembers,
Please consider this endorsement for Nancy Corshen for Recreation & Parks Commissioner. Nancy is highly
qualified and would be an excellent addition to the group. She's a thoughtful and collaborative problem‐solver
and, as a longtime Santa Monica resident, cares deeply about our city's open spaces and programming.
Best,
Arati Desai Wagabaza, Commissioner
Recreation & Parks Commission
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4112 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:emsmail135@gmail.com
Sent:Monday, January 10, 2022 1:48 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:13-D Public comment on City Council 11 Jan 2022 meeting agenda item 13-D
EXTERNAL
Hello Councilmembers,
I'm writing to support and strongly encourage Theresa Marasco's appointment to the 2‐year seat of the Santa Monica
Housing Commission reserved for people with affordable housing and experience of homelessness.
Ms. Marasco is a dedicated advocate for affordable, accessible, and equal housing in Santa Monica. Her personal and
professional experience make her the best candidate to represent the housing concerns of all Santa Monica residents
and a unique asset to the Housing Commission.
Please vote to appoint Theresa Marasco to the 2‐year Housing Commission seat.
Thank you for your attention and consideration.
Best wishes,
Michelle Gray
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4113 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:M S <iemailmichael@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 10, 2022 4:49 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Kristin McCowan; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Gleam
Davis; David White; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:13-D -- Housing Commission – SUPPORT Theresa Marasco, OPPOSE Renee Buchanan, SUPPORT new
voices
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
I am writing to reaffirm and amend my public comment in support for Teresa Marasco to fill the Housing
Commission Section 8 seat and to oppose Rene Buchanan's re-appointment, in favor of new voices. Please
see below my original emailed public comment sent to the City Council on June 22, 2021.
With regards to any other open seats you’ll be voting on tonight, I reiterate what I wrote in my previous public
comment on this matter:
“For ten years Ms. Buchanan has been given an opportunity to serve as a volunteer on the Housing
Commission, but she has had a poor attendance record. It is time for her to move on so that another resident
can have the honor to serve."
I have been told Miss Buchanan has missed 24 meetings and was late to 28 meetings during her tenure.
Aside from the attendance issue, allowing new people from different backgrounds from Ms. Buchanan to serve,
is extraordinarily healthy for our representative democracy. It is reasonable and fair — the right thing to do.
New voices should be given a chance to be heard for at least a fraction of the time Ms. Buchanan’s voice has
been heard for 10 years.
As I wrote in my previous email: "...it is not the time to go with the status quo. It is not the time for a business
as usual establishment/insider to be re-installed into this seat. We cannot look to the past. We must look to the
future.”
Thank you for considering my public comment.
Michael Louis
-------------------- Forwarded message —----------------------------
From: M S <iemailmichael@gmail.com>
Date: Tue, Jun 22, 2021 at 1:23 PM
Subject: 13B – Support THERESA MARASCO for Housing Commission's Section 8 seat
To: <councilmtgitems@smgov.net>, <sue.himmelrich@smgov.net>, <kristin.mccowan@smgov.net>, Christine
Parra <christine.parra@smgov.net>, <gleam.davis@smgov.net>, <oscar.delatorre@smgov.net>,
<phil.brock@smgov.net>
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4114 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
2
I am writing in support of Teresa Marasco to fill the Housing Commission Section 8 seat. I speak not only for
myself as a member of the community that this seat is intended to represent, but I speak for countless others in
this community whose voices cannot be heard.
We are all counting on the City Council to appoint the right person for the job.
Santa Monica needs a solid advocate for this particularly vulnerable community on the Housing Commission. A
powerful voice such as Ms. Marasco’s, with her specialized skills, vast knowledge, and hands-on (up-to-date)
experience with this community, simply does not exist in Santa Monica municipal government, let alone the
Housing Commission. Her capacity to understand, navigate and communicate the labyrinthine regulations,
rules, and policies of the Americans with Disabilities Act, HUD, the Fair Housing Act, the Santa Monica
Housing Authority, and other legal and administrative aspects, is an asset that must be embraced.
I have attended and spoken before the Housing Commission and written to them (as well as other Santa
Monica Commissions and the SM City Council) many times since November 2017, regarding the current
issues affecting the homeless and Section 8 community. It has become the unmistakable conclusion of so
many in this community that Commissioner Buchanan has shown little real interest in the most vital issues that
affect them. To put it more succinctly, she has not been actively engaged in implementing policies that
unequivocally promote (and help secure) the
Simply, Miss Buchanan is out of touch with the most essential needs (especially in 2021) of the community she
is supposed to vigorously advocate for. I and too many others in this community have felt ignored. This needs
to change.
For ten years Ms. Buchanan has been given an opportunity to serve as a volunteer on the Housing
Commission, but she has had a poor attendance record. It is time for her to move on so that another resident
can have the honor to serve.
With all the urgent issues facing the unhoused and Section 8 community (and their allies and residents
concerned about these issues) in 2021, it is not the time to go with the status quo. It is not the time for a
business as usual establishment/insider to be re-installed into this seat. We cannot look to the past. We must
look to the future.
I urge you — along with so many others in this community — to appoint Teresa Marasco to fill this critically
important seat on the Housing Commission.
Thank you for considering my public input in making your decision.
Michael Louis
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4115 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
3
Vernice Hankins
From:Elizabeth Van Denburgh <emvandenburgh@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 10, 2022 4:48 PM
To:Gleam Davis; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Lana
Negrete; councilmtgitems
Cc:David White; Susan Cline
Subject:City Council Mtg. 1/11/22 Item 13D: Support Theresa Marasco for 2-Year Housing Commission seat
and oppose re-appointment of Rene Jean Buchanan to Housing Commission
EXTERNAL
Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members,
I support the appointment of Theresa Marasco to the 2‐year seat on the Housing Commission. Ms. Marasco was a
paralegal for 12 years, worked with low income clients who needed help in the areas of eviction subsidized housing, and
Section 8/Housing Choice Vouchers. She has worked with social workers, probation officers, family members, care
providers and therapists on behalf of clients as well as assisting in conflict resolution. She has experience with ADA, Fair
Housing, HUD and renters' rights and is well informed about housing issues on the national, state and local levels. She
has attended Housing Commision meetings and has continually followed City Council discussions on housing
topics. Having been homeless at one time, Ms. Marasco is a Section 8 voucher holder who would bring a lifetime of
experience as both a professional and a volunteer to the Housing Commission.
I oppose the reappointment of Rene Jean Buchanan to the Housing Commission. From analyses performed by Ms.
Josephs, Ms. Buchanan was documented to have been absent from 24 Housing Commission meetings from 2013
through 2020, and during the same period arrived late to another 18 Housing Commission meetings. This record
indicates a lack of interest, commitment and professionalism for her position on the Housing Commission. I recommend
we appoint a new member who provides the effort and commitment needed for this important position in the city.
Thank‐you
Elizabeth Van Denburgh
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4116 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
1
Vernice Hankins
From:OZ <zurawska@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, January 10, 2022 5:09 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Sue
Himmelrich; David White; Joseph Lawrence; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:item 13D ––>>OPPOSE RENEE BUCHANAN for Housing Commission, 1/11/22 Council meeting
EXTERNAL
FACT: Any commissioner who has served eight or more years in the 2-year designated seat, and any
commissioner who has served eight years in a regular 4-year seat MUST obtain FIVE votes from the Council in
order to remain on the commission.
Ms. Buchanan, who has already served 10.5 years on the Housing Commission, would need to obtain
FIVE votes in order to stay on the Housing Commission, regardless of which seat the Council might
consider appointing her to, be it the 2-year designated seat, or the partial term of the 4-year seat
vacated by the Mayor’s husband.
In order for Ms. Buchanan to remain on the Commission, FIVE Councilmembers would have to give their
stamp of approval for the following past conduct by Ms. Buchanan as a Commissioner, and recently as Chair
of the Commission (nominated for Chair by the Mayor’s husband):
24 absences from Commission meetings (equivalent of two years of meetings), which should have
caused for Ms. Buchanan to be removed from the Commission a long time ago
18 instances of tardiness (thus missing part or the entirety of public input which is heard at the
beginning of the meeting
failure to attend the very important joint meeting of the Housing Commission and Social Services
Commission on homelessness
a May 20, 2021 statement by Ms. Buchanan during a Commission meeting in response to public
comments that “some people just like to complain” or words to that effect (this was reported to City
Attorney George Cardona)
since Ms. Buchanan became Chair of the Commission in July 2021: repeated, ongoing violations of
California law (The Ralph M. Brown Act) which mandates that public comments be allowed for each
agenda item. Such violations by Chair Buchanan sometimes occur multiple times per meeting. A
complaint has been filed with Interim City Attorney Joseph Lawrence but it has not been investigated
and I am not aware that any action was taken to curb these violations.
lack of support from the community, including members of the unhoused, formerly unhoused and
Section 8 community, as evidenced by the many written public comments submitted to the Council
which mention Ms. Buchanan’s lack of initiative and negligible input to the Commission's work.
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4117 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
2
There are two other qualified applicants the Council can choose from to fill the designated 2-year seat on
the Housing Commission, both of whom have recent lived experience of homelessness in Santa Monica, which
is something that cannot be said of Ms. Buchanan. One of those applicants, Ms. Marasco, enjoys the
enthusiastic support of the community, as evidenced by the many written comments the Council has received
since June 2021.
The democratic process requires that the Council listens to and considers the community’s input in the
appointment process.
How many of the Councilmembers have experienced homelessness or participated in the Section 8 program?
My guess is not too many, if any at all.
That is even more reason for the Councilmembers to listen to the community, and particularly the unhoused or
formerly unhoused community and Section 8 community, while making the appointment to the Housing
Commission seat specifically designated for a Section 8 program participant with lived experience of
homelessness. These communities know best what kind of representative would be of most assistance to
them.
It is my hope that the Council will remember that Ms. Buchanan may not be lawfully appointed to any seat on
the Housing Commission without obtaining FIVE votes, and that the appointments are supposed to benefit the
community, not special interests.
As a resident I particularly count on the Change Slate to ensure the democratic process unfolds without any
influence from the power groups in the City, who are interested in reappointing Ms. Buchanan at any price,
even unlawfully, to maintain control over the Housing Commission through her as their puppet.
Enclosed is Ms. Buchanan’s attendance record.
Regards,
Olga Zurawska
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
September, 15 2011 Present
October, 20 2011 Present
November, 17 2011 Present
December 2011 CANCELLED
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 19 2012 Present
February, 16 2012 Present
March, 15 2012 Present
April, 19 2012 Present
May 2012 CANCELLED
June, 21 2012 Present
July, 19 2012 CANCELLED
July 26, 2012 Present
August 2012 CANCELLED
September, 20 2012 Present
October, 18 2012 Present
November, 20 2012 Present
December, 20 2012 CANCELLED
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
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Packet Pg. 4118 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
3
January, 17 2013 Present
February, 21 2013 Present
March, 21 2013 Present
April, 18 2013 Present
May, 16 2013 Present
June, 20 2013 Present
July, 18 2013 ABSENT
August, 15 2013 CANCELLED
September, 19 2013 Arrived at 4.48pm
October, 17 2013 Present
November, 21 2013 Present
December, 19 2013 ABSENT
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 16 2014 CANCELLED
February, 20 2014 ABSENT
March, 20 2014 Present
April, 17 2014 ABSENT
May, 15 2014 Present
June, 19 2014 Present
July, 17 2014 Present
August, 21 2014 Left at 7.42pm
September, 18 2014 CANCELLED
October, 16 2014 Arrived at 4.37pm
November, 20 2014 ABSENT
December, 18 2014 ABSENT
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 15 2015 ABSENT
February, 14 2015 ABSENT
February, 19 2015 Present
March, 19 2015 Present
April, 16 2015 Present
May, 21 2015 Present
June, 18 2015 Arrived at 4.44pm
July, 16 2015 ABSENT
August, 20 2015 Arrived at 4.44pm
September, 17 2015 Present
October, 15 2015 Arrived at 4.35pm
November, 19 2015 ABSENT
December, 17 2015 Present
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 21 2016 Present
February, 11 2016 Arrived at 4.37pm
February, 18 2016 ABSENT
March, 17 2016 Present
April, 2 2016 ABSENT
April, 21 2016 Present
May, 19 2016 Present
June, 16 2016 Present
July, 21 2016 Present
August, 18 2016 ABSENT
September, 15 2016 Present
October, 20 2016 Present
November, 17 2016 Arrived at 4.41pm
December, 8 2016 Present
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 19 2017 Arrived at 4.46pm
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Packet Pg. 4119 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
4
February, 4 2017 ABSENT
February, 16 2017 Arrived at 4.48pm
March, 30 2017 Arrived at 4.37pm
April, 20 2017 Present
May, 18 2017 ABSENT
June, 15 2017 ABSENT
June, 20 2017 ABSENT
July, 20 2017 Present
August, 17 2017 CANCELLED
September, 21 2017 CANCELLED
October, 2 2017 CANCELLED
October, 19 2017 Present
November, 16 2017 Present
December, 21 2017 Arrived at 5.01pm
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January 2018 NO MINUTES
February, 15 2018 ABSENT
March, 15 2018 Present
April, 19 2018 Present
May, 3 2018 ABSENT
May, 17 2018 Present
June, 21 2018 Arrived at 4.38pm
July, 19 2018 Present
August, 16 2018 Present
September, 20 2018 Arrived at 4.36pm
October, 18 2018 Arrived at 4.35pm
November, 15 2018 Present
December, 20 2018 ABSENT
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 17 2019 Arrived at 4.36pm
February, 21 2019 Present
March, 21 2019 ABSENT
April, 18 2019 ABSENT
May, 16 2019 Present
June, 20 2019 Present
July, 18 2019 Present
August, 15 2019 Present
September, 19 2019 CANCELLED
October, 3 2019 Arrived at 4.45pm
October, 17 2019 Arrived at 4.37pm
November, 20 2019 Present
November, 21 2019 Arrived at 6.09pm
December, 19 2019 ABSENT
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 16 2020 ABSENT
February, 20 2020 Present
March, 5 2020 Arrived at 6.21pm
September, 17
(BlueJeans) 2020 Present
MONTH YEAR ATTENDANCE
January, 7 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
January, 21 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
April, 1 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
April, 15 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
May, 20 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
June, 10 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4120 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
5
June, 17 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
July, 15 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
August, 19 (BlueJeans) 2021 CANCELLED
September, 23
(BlueJeans) 2021 Present
October, 21 (BlueJeans) 2021 Present
November, 18
(BlueJeans) 2021 Present
December, 16
(BlueJeans) 2021 Present
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4121 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
6
Vernice Hankins
From:lmarreola <lmarreola@roadrunner.com>
Sent:Monday, January 10, 2022 5:05 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Agenda Item 13-D on 1-11-22
EXTERNAL
We support Theresa Marasco. She is smart and she cares about housing people.
Carol and Larry Arreola
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4122 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
From:OZ
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Lana Negrete; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; Phil Brock; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Sue Himmelrich;
David White
Subject:13D ––>> SUPPORT THERESA MARASCO for designated seat on Housing Commission, 1/11/22 Council meeting
Date:Monday, January 10, 2022 10:56:23 PM
EXTERNAL
I support Theresa Marasco for the 2-year designated seat on the Housing
Commission for a Section 8 participant with lived experience of homelessness.
Ms. Marasco has been homeless several times, most recently in 2019-2020 in Santa
Monica, which positions her to be well informed about the issues unhoused
individuals currently experience in the City.
With 25 years as a participant in the Section 8 programs in three different
jurisdictions, Ms. Marasco has gained a wealth of knowledge about the intricacies of
the program. Such knowledge will serve Ms. Marasco well while she is representing
the unhoused, formerly unhoused and Section 8 communities.
The community has submitted to the Council many letters of support for Ms.
Marasco's application for the special designated seat on the Commission – currently
the one and only seat within the entire Santa Monica government designated for ununhoused or formerly unhoused citizen.
Please listen to the community wishes and appoint Ms. Marasco to the designated
seat she is passionate about serving in.
Regards,
Olga Zurawska
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4123 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
Housing Commission Chair Renee Buchanan during a recent
Commission meeting on Zoom
From:OZ
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Lana Negrete; Kristin McCowan; Gleam Davis; Sue Himmelrich; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre;
David White; Denise Anderson-Warren; Joseph Lawrence
Subject:13D ––>>OPPOSE political trickery to keep a puppet (RENEE BUCHANAN) on Housing Commission, 1/11/22Council meeting
Date:Monday, January 10, 2022 10:28:06 PM
EXTERNAL
Special Interests Fight Dirty to Maintain Control over Santa
Monica Housing Commission Appointments, Agenda
Urged by Mayor
Himmelrich (a
supporter of SMRR),
and Councilmember
Davis (a supporter of
Santa Monica
Forward), Council
attempted to
unlawfully reappoint
Chair Buchanan to her
sixth term, and
strategically appointed
Ms. Marasco to a seat
she did not apply for.
The City Council is
expected to attempt
again on January 11,
2022 the appointments
to two seats on the
Housing Commission: a
2-year designated seat
for a Section 8 program
participant with lived
experience of
homelessness
(currently held by Chair Buchanan who has been on the Commission for a decade), and a
regular 4-year seat.
The second attempt is necessary because on December 7, 2021 the Council made two
errors during the appointment process. Those errors, or as some believe, strategic moves
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January 9, 2022
Item 13.D 01/11/22
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Packet Pg. 4124 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))
by Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmember Davis, included the "reappointment" of Housing
Commission Chair Renee Buchanan to her sixth term in the designated 2-year seat, even
though she failed to obtain the five votes necessary for the reappointment. Neither City
Clerk Denise Anderson-Warren nor Interim City Attorney Joseph Lawrence intervened when
the Council "reappointed" Ms. Buchanan, despite the insufficient number of votes for her.
The nomination by Councilmember Brock of Ms. Buchanan's only qualified challenger, Ms.
Theresa Marasco, met with immediate resistance from both Councilmember Davis and
Mayor Himmelrich. Both protested that they wanted Ms. Marasco in the regular 4-year seat
instead. This was surprising, as Ms. Marasco clearly marked on her application that she was
applying for the 2-year designated seat, and expressed no desire to be considered for the
4-year seat.
Some believe that the goal of Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmember Davis was to do
anything within their power to keep Chair Buchanan on the Commission in order to control
the agenda of the Housing Commission through her. Never mind the insufficient number
of votes for her reappointment and a clear vote of no confidence from the community Ms.
Buchanan had received. This commissioner, despite her decade-long tenure, did not
receive a single letter of support. In contrast, approximately twenty letters were submitted
to the Council in support of her challenger, Ms. Marasco. Some of the letters cite Ms.
Buchanan's poor attendance record, repeated failure to allow public comments during
Commission meetings, a lack of initiative, poor leadership, and consistent failure to
advocate for the interests of Section 8 tenants and the unhoused community she is
supposed to represent.
Ms. Buchanan appears to be aligned with Santa Monica Forward and SMRR, two special
interest groups who controlled Santa Monica's politics until last year's City Council election,
when they suffered significant losses.
As of today, a month after what appears to have been two manipulated appointments (one
of them unlawful) to the Housing Commission, the City still has not issued any public
statements about them. The City did not apologize to the applicants or the public, and it
has not publicly disclosed how it plans to rectify the situation.
Ms. Marasco has written several letters to the City and offered public input at the
December 14, 2021 City Council meeting asking to be considered for the two year
designated seat she had applied for, but she received no response. However, the City
Manager admitted in an email that Ms. Buchanan failed to obtain the five votes necessary
for her reappointment to the 2-year seat, and the appointment would be attempted again
by the Council, likely on January 11, 2022. There is still no word on what the City plans to do
regarding Ms. Marasco's appointment to a 4-year seat – against her will.
After Ms. Marasco resubmitted her application for the 2-year seat on January 4, 2022, the
City Clerk's office rejected it and informed Ms. Marasco that she would have to first resign
from the 4-year seat. A Clerk's office staffer explained that after the City Council accepts
Ms. Marasco's resignation on January 11, she would be able to reapply, but by that time the
two-year seat she is interested in might be already filled.
This was yet another twist in the already bizarre story, as Ms. Marasco had never been
sworn in to the 4-year seat, nor did she attend a Housing Commission meeting since her
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"appointment." Therefore, it was hard to understand exactly what Ms. Marasco would be
resigning from. In the past, the Clerk's office had no problem accepting applications from
city commissioners who were applying for a seat on another commission. Those
commissioners, if appointed to a second commission, simply then resigned from the first
commission.
Finally, on January 5, 2022 Ms. Marasco was encouraged by the City Clerk to submit a letter
to the Council requesting to be considered for the 2-year seat again. City Clerk Anderson-
Warren wrote an email to Ms. Marasco that upon further review and on advice by the
Interim City Attorney, it was established that Ms. Marasco did not have to resign from the
4-year seat after all. Ms. Marasco did submit such a letter to the Council, and it is believed
that she will in fact be considered for the 2-year seat she had twice applied for.
The Santa Monica Housing Commission has been no stranger to power struggle and drama
since the 2020 election. The annual appointments to the Commission were delayed by
almost six months, without a legitimate reason. Some believe the delay was politically
motivated. Mayor Himmelrich's husband, Michael Soloff, left the Commission in recent
months after the new nepotism policy disqualified him from serving on city boards and
commissions. Calls for the resignation of Housing Commissioner and expenditure lobbyist
Leonora Camner continue as the Fair Political Practices Commission's investigation of her
alleged conflict of interest enters its seventh month.
source: https://www.smobserved.com/story/2022/01/09/opinion/special-interests-fight-
dirty-to-maintain-control-over-santa-monica-housing-commission-appointments-
agenda/6353.html
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Eric Phillips <ericphillips813@yahoo.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 11, 2022 11:39 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:13-D -- SUPPORT Theresa Marasco, OPPOSE Renee Buchanan for Housing Commission
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Councilmembers,
As a member of the formerly unhoused community I urge you to appoint Theresa Marasco to the
Housing Commission seat reserved for a Section 8 tenant who has lived experience of
homelessness.
Ms. Marasco will be able to provide effective, powerful advocacy for the unhoused due to her recent
experience of homelessness in Santa Monica, and experience in her career where she provided
paralegal services to low-income families.
The commissioner currently occupying the special seat on the Housing Commission, Ms. Renee
Buchanan, does not seem to be interested in advocating for the community she is supposed to
represent.
I have spoken before and written to the Housing Commission in the past only to be entirely ignored.
Commissioner Buchanan has already served for over ten years, which is a very long time. She has
missed 24 commission meetings and arrived late to 18 of them.
Such poor attendance record alone shows that Commissioner Buchanan does not take her
participation on the Commission seriously.
Please appoint Ms. Marasco to the designated seat so the unhoused people in Santa Monica can
have proper representation.
Thank you.
Eric Phillips
Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android
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