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SR 01-11-2022 13D 13.D January 11, 2022 Council Meeting: January 11, 2022 Santa Monica, California 1 of 1 CITY CLERK’S OFFICE - MEMORANDUM To: Mayor and City Council From: Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, Records & Elections Services Department Date: January 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 13.D.a 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 13.D.a 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. 13.D.c Packet Pg. 4050 Attachment: Applicant List (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 1 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 2 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 3 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 4 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4054 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 5 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 5 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4055 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 6 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 6 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4056 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 7 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 7 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4057 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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 8 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 9 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4059 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 10 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4060 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 3 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 11 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4061 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 4 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 12 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4062 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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       Item 13.D 01/11/22 13 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4063 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 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    Item 13.D 01/11/22 14 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4064 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 3 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 15 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4065 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 16 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4066 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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    Item 13.D 01/11/22 17 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4067 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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    | Item 13.D 01/11/22 18 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4068 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 19 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4069 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 20 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4070 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 3 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 21 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4071 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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.  Item 13.D 01/11/22 22 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4072 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 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 23 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4073 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 24 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4074 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 25 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4075 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 26 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4076 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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 27 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4077 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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      Item 13.D 01/11/22 28 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4078 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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   Item 13.D 01/11/22 29 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4079 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 30 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4080 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 31 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4081 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 32 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4082 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 DANIELLE CHARNEY   Item 13.D 01/11/22 33 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4083 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 34 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4084 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 3 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 35 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4085 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 36 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4086 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 37 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4087 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 3 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   Item 13.D 01/11/22 38 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4088 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 4 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    Item 13.D 01/11/22 39 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4089 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 5 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        Item 13.D 01/11/22 40 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4090 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 6 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    Item 13.D 01/11/22 41 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4091 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 42 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4092 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 43 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4093 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 44 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4094 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 45 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4095 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 Santa Monica Resident      Item 13.D 01/11/22 46 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4096 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 3 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 47 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4097 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 4 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 48 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4098 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 5 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 49 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4099 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 50 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4100 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 2 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 51 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4101 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 3 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 52 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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    Item 13.D 01/11/22 53 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4103 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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   Item 13.D 01/11/22 54 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4104 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 55 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4105 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 56 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4106 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 57 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4107 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 1 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    Item 13.D 01/11/22 58 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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. Item 13.D 01/11/22 59 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 60 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 61 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 62 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 63 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 64 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 65 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 66 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 67 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 68 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 69 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 70 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 71 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 72 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 73 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 Share Tweet 0 Comments January 9, 2022 Item 13.D 01/11/22 74 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d 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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 75 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4125 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) "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 Item 13.D 01/11/22 76 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4126 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins)) 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  Item 13.D 01/11/22 77 of 77 Item 13.D 01/11/22 13.D.d Packet Pg. 4127 Attachment: Written Comments (4879 : Housing Revote Appointment (5 mins))