SR 03-11-2023 11A 202-001-01 / 100-001-09
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: March 11, 2023
Agenda Item: 11.A
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To: Mayor and City Council
From: David White, City Manager, City Manager's Office
Subject: 2023 Council Workshop to Select Council Priorities and Provide Direction on
the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Budget
Recommended Action
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Receive the FY 2023-24 through FY 2027-28 Five Year Financial Forecast;
2. Consider and approve the proposed organizational priorities;
3. Discuss and provide direction on items that will inform the preparation of the
Fiscal Year 2023-2025 budget, including:
a. A proposed allocation of Measure CS funds;
b. A Strategic Plan to address homelessness, funded on a one-time basis
using Measure CS funds;
c. A conceptual framework for a new organizational structure to align and
focus the City’s work on Council priorities, the implementation of newly
adopted tax measures including Measure GS, and the Moss Adams
Homelessness Study;
d. Potential reallocation of existing resources to reinvest in restorations and
initiatives that align with Council priorities.
Introduction
As Santa Monica plans for its next biennial budget, the process provides an opportunity
to reflect on the work of recent years and the state of the organization and to look ahead
to what is most important for our community.
Santa Monica, like the region, State and Nation, has weathered the impacts of COVID-
19 and has now sunset emergency orders related to the pandemic, acknowledging we
have developed the tools to live with the virus. Our businesses and neighborhoods
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have all felt the impacts resulting from this pandemic, which fundamentally changed our
local economy as the ways we socialize, gather and shop changed locally and the
ability and willingness to travel shifted globally. This has brought a focus on clean and
safe streets and spaces and the need to revitalize and diversify our local economy.
Likewise, our community has been increasingly impacted by the challenges of people
experiencing homelessness and we are called upon to work with our government and
non-profit partners to ensure everyone has secure housing and to address the impacts
of addiction, mental illness and economic injustice.
Through this turbulent period, Santa Monica continued to advance its work in the areas
of sustainability and community resilience, working to be more water self-sufficient,
encouraging the transition to electric vehicles and appliances that rely on power from
clean energy sources, and enhancing our open spaces where we can be active and
connect with our neighbors. We have also renewed our commitment to racial and social
justice, advancing dialogues within our community and City organization to address
systemic racism and ensure Santa Monica is equitable, just and welcoming for all.
Guided by our stated values of accountability, equity, inclusion, innovation, resilience,
safety, and stewardship (adopted by the Council in 2019), the City strives to serve our
community while grappling with a reduced workforce, reduced revenues, challenges in
recruitment and retention, and near total change in organizational leadership and
Council membership over a short period of time. We have also confronted
unprecedented costs from litigation. Through all of this, Santa Monica continues to
recover and current investment in our community well positions us to continue
on this trajectory.
The 2023 Council Workshop provides an opportunity, as we plan for the Fiscal Year
2023-2025 Biennial Budget and provide an updated picture of our financial forecast, to
ensure our budget is a reflection of our priorities and values, to hear from our Council
and community, to affirm and expand our priorities, and to better understand where we
need to make the best use of our limited and restricted new resources over the next two
years.
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Financial Forecast and the Biennial Budget
The City’s economy showed a strong recovery over the past 18 months but is now
showing signs of softening. Labor shortages, supply chain issues, historically high
inflation and economic volatility continue even as the world shifts from a pandemic
state. This is compounded by a continued slowdown in global tourism with political and
economic disruptions in Europe and Asia and realization that knowledge workers that
once filled our community in the daytime have yet to return to the office in the same
numbers.
The City’s General Fund relies on the revenue streams from our local economy,
including sales and hotel taxes, parking revenues, and property taxes. While our local
economy is recovering and General Fund revenues are growing, levels are still below
what they would have been had the economy not been disrupted by the pandemic.
At the same time, demands on the General Fund have reduced total non-restricted
reserves, which include Rainy Day reserves. As of June 30, 2022, General Fund non-
restricted reserves amount to 70% of what they were as of June 30, 2019. Strong
reserves are necessary to cushion the delivery of services from the impact of
emergency expenditures, contingent liabilities, and economic uncertainty. Since 2020,
demands on these reserves have been compounded by:
• Delivery of essential services during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
• Payments of over $107 million in legal settlement payments related to
allegations of sexual abuse by a former employee.
Looking ahead, the General Fund has multiple unprecedented liabilities that must be
planned for and addressing these liabilities will impact our ability to broadly address
community and organizational needs. The City is in settlement negotiations for another
set of claims related to allegations of sexual abuse by the same former employee.
Additionally, the City is in litigation over a request to transition to district elections. The
case is currently waiting to be heard in the California Supreme Court and if the City
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loses the case, the financial impacts to the City will be high. Finally, the City has
significant capital liabilities that must be addressed, including the seismic retrofit of
Parking Structure 1 at a cost of up to $25 million. The City has taken many actions to
strengthen our organization, but the impacts of these financial liabilities alone will limit
our ability to address much needed services, staffing restorations and the budgeting
process.
This situation is attenuated by the enduring economic volatility for local economies that
rely on a strong hospitality and retail sector powered by visitors and office workers. As
a result, the City must diligently balance program restoration and urgent needs with
rebuilding its reserves.
An earlier than expected economic recovery in FY 2021-22 provided one-time surplus
revenues that have been set aside for contingent liabilities and for working capital that
will be needed to supplement revenue growth as the pace of the General Fund’s
recovery is expected to slow.
Looking ahead, the City has the opportunity to expand services addressing its priorities
over the next biennial period and beyond using new funding streams approved by Santa
Monica voters in November 2022. While these measures will provide much needed
support for specific programs and services, the City continues to operate with extremely
limited resources for general services and many services, as well as infrastructure and
equipment maintenance, continue to operate at a reduced level. This landscape, three
years after the pandemic-induced closures and restructuring, is difficult for our
community and staff teams, who expect a return to full-service delivery and quick
progress on community priorities.
To continue moving forward in recovery, Council has the option to consider a
reallocation of funds from another purpose, which the City has done periodically
navigating volatility throughout the pandemic. Allocation of these funding streams will
require additional planning, community input, and Council direction. However, staff is
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highlighting potential uses and timelines along with this report to provide a suggested
path forward for the chosen priorities.
General Fund Forecast Update
The Five-Year Financial Forecast has been updated from the Forecast presented in
May 2022. The figure above shows the balance of General Fund revenues less
expenditures on an annual basis for the next five fiscal years. The Forecast shows the
probable scenario which incorporates the assumptions listed below. As shown, annual
revenues would slightly exceed expenditures (in the range of $100,000-$200,000) for
the next three years. This positive balance reflects the use of working capital reserves
beginning in FY 2024-25. Future projected negative balances of $0.6 and $1.5 million,
respectively, in FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 represent 0.1% and 0.3% of revenues for
those two years. These negative balances are at a level that can be managed over the
next three years.
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1. New Revenue Projections
The revenue forecast for the next five years is informed by actual revenues generated in
the first half of the year and updated assumptions based on economic trends and
projections by hospitality industry, sales tax and property tax experts.
In the April 11, 2023, Midyear Budget Adjustment staff report, staff will propose to
increase FY 2022-23 General Fund revenues by approximately $21.5 million (5.1%) in
FY 2022-23. While significant, these are primarily one-time adjustments as revenue
growth will moderate in FY 2023-24 due to a softening economy and the recovery
slows. More detail on each revenue source is included below. Changes to the FY 2022-
23 budgeted revenues will be included for adoption in the April 11, 2023, Midyear
Budget Adjustment staff report.
Looking at the next five fiscal years of the Forecast period, revenues are
anticipated to increase by an average of 3.5% a year, compared to the 30%
increase that occurred over the two years since FY 2020-21. It is anticipated that
revenues will not fully recover until FY 2027-28. While the City has already seen a loss
of nearly $170 million since 2020, revenues will still lag behind normal growth by nearly
$85 million over the next five years, for a total loss of approximately $255 million over 8
years. Included in the Forecast are the new digital kiosk revenues- an initial signing
bonus of $4 million followed by minimum annual guaranteed revenue sharing of $5
million starting January 1, 2025.
The following is a summary of major revenue source trends:
Sales Taxes Including GSH transaction and use tax
FY 2022-23 revenues are anticipated to be $7.3 million (~10%) above budget. Much
of this is carryforward of strong FY 2021-22 results which reached and even slightly
exceeded pre-COVID levels. However, FY 2022-23 levels are only 2% more than FY
2021-22 actuals, and a further softening is expected in FY 2023-24 before a more
typical annual growth rate of about 3% projected for the remainder of the Forecast
period. It is important to note that half of the $7.3 million is immediately transferred to
the School District and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund per Measure GSH.
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Utility Users Tax
FY 2022-23 estimated revenues are exceeding budget by $2.8 million (8%), mostly
due to spikes in electricity and gas costs. It is anticipated that these increases will
level off and, in the case of gas, decrease. Increases of about 1-2% annually in the
later years of the Forecast are mostly driven by increased water/wastewater rates.
Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)
FY 2022-23 estimated revenues are $3.1 million (5%) above budget, primarily due to
the impact of Measure CS increasing TOT rates, and higher than anticipated average
room rates, partially offset by a number of rooms being off-line due to property
renovations. Occupancy rates are not expected to hit pre-COVID levels until 2024.
International travel is slowly increasing, and business travel is still lagging. The
revenue forecast is also impacted by further property closures. Revenues from
Measure CS are programmed to address the impacts of homelessness and public
safety.
Parking Facility Taxes
FY 2022-23 estimated revenues are $1.3 million (14%) greater than budget, mostly
driven by higher than anticipated revenues from private parking facilities with another
5% increase projected for FY 2023-24. Thereafter, revenues are projected to grow 2-
3% annually, but not reach pre-COVID highs until at least FY 2027-28.
Property Taxes
FY 2022-23 estimated revenues are ~$1.9 million (2.5%) above budget. Santa
Monica assessed values are anticipated to continue to grow during the Forecast
period (3-4% annually), which reflects slower rates than the growth of the last few
years as higher interest rates impact activity.
Business License Tax
FY 2022-23 estimated revenues are ~$1 million (3%) more than budget. Increases
are expected to range from 1-4% annually during the Forecast period. There is still
uncertainty due to the lingering effects of remote work and office vacancies. As a
result, these revenues are not expected to reach pre-COVID levels during the
Forecast period. No impacts from business license modernization or the
implementation of Measure HMP (cannabis) are included.
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Documentary Transfer Tax
FY 2022-23 revenues are projected to be $1 million below budget and nearly $7
million below last fiscal year as the number of transfers has declined significantly.
However, a one-time bump in transfers may occur before March 1e as parties
involved in large property transfers may complete transactions before Measure GS
implementation. Revenues are projected to decrease by approximately $1 million in
FY 2023-24 and then increase moderately over the Forecast period.
Parking
FY 2022-23 revenues are approximately $0.7 million less than budget mostly due to
lower than anticipated parking meter revenue. Revenues are expected to moderately
increase annually thereafter until they reach pre-COVID levels in FY 2026-27. The
projections do not include the impact of potential parking rate increases to City-owned
facilities.
Fees/Charges
FY 2022-23 revenues are about $1.8 million more than budget primarily reflecting a
one-time SB 90 (mandated cost) reimbursement from the State. A 2.5% annual
increase is projected throughout the remainder of the Forecast.
2. Updated Expenditures
The Forecast includes negotiated and projected cost of living increases, as well as
projected pension rates informed by recent portfolio earnings trends, and projected
healthcare rates. Additionally, the Forecast includes approximately $11.4 million more
than previously projected in subsidies and advances to the Pier and Beach Funds,
primarily resulting from the exclusion of parking rate increases pending a review of past
and planned future rate increases by the California Coastal Commission (CCC). These
increases had previously been included in the funds’ projections as administrative
changes.
Built into the Forecast are the following service restorations or enhancements that were
previously funded with one-time funds in FY 2022-23:
• the Community Response Unit (CRU) in the Fire Department;
• Library services at their FY 2022-23 current level (which still does not include a
full reopening of all locations).
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Also included in the Forecast are allocations of Measure CS revenues to new
expenditures that will be proposed as part of the FY 2023-24 Proposed Budget in May
2023 and are discussed further below.
The following are not included in Forecast expenditures but could be funded to some
extent by a reallocation of funds discussed in item 7 below:
• the continuation of one-time payments to the School District to support the youth
sports program and the Playground Club supervised afterschool care at all
elementary schools;
• restoration of programs and capacity for City operated youth programs and
recreation; and
• additional restoration of Library services.
Staff will return to Council on April 11, 2023, with proposed FY 2022-23 Midyear Budget
adjustments. Increases in FY 2022-23 expenditures totaling approximately $11.5 million
reflecting updated pass-thru expenditures based on increased revenue estimates
(Measure GSH Transaction and Use Tax and parking revenue sharing agreements),
reappropriations of prior year commitments related to settlement agreements, and other
adjustments will be included in the April 11, 2023, report. Any projected Measure CS
revenues are set aside for Measure CS appropriations (see #3 below).
3. Use of Reserves
The May 2022 Forecast assumed that the General Fund FY 2022-23 budget would
require an infusion of $10.7 million from FY 2021-22 surplus revenues. However, given
the updated FY 2022-23 revenue projections, these funds will remain in reserves as
working capital. Due to lagging revenue recovery, staff has allocated this working capital
to fill budget deficits in years FY 2024-27.
4. 15% Contingency Reserves Gradually Restored
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In FY 2022-23, revenues are set aside to increase the Rainy Day fund to 13% of
operating expenditures. The Forecast assumes that the City will continue to increase
the threshold level for its Rainy Day fund, or contingency, by 0.5 percentage point each
year, reaching 15% in FY 2026-27. On May 5, 2020, Council authorized staff to lower
the General Fund contingency reserve level from 15% of ongoing expenditures to
12.5% to help balance the budget while revenues experienced severe declines. Strong
reserves protect our ability to provide essential services and retain jobs during
emergencies and economic fluctuations. They are also a signal of a City’s financial
health and critical to maintaining the City’s AAA bond rating.
5. Capital Improvement Program
Prior to the pandemic, the General Fund allocated $21 million a year to its capital
improvement program (CIP). This amount was reduced to $7.3 million in FY 2020-21
and has increased to $12.4 million in FY 2022-23. The Forecast shows funding restored
to $21 million in FY 2025-26. The amount allocated to the CIP is not enough to address
deferred infrastructure and equipment maintenance, technology/computer and fleet
replacement, price escalation, and a renewed focus on community amenities that were
put on hold during the pandemic. At this time, a total of almost $300 million in projects
remain unfunded, including a complete remodel of Parking Structure 1 and other
parking structure upgrades, the Memorial Park Expansion project, Lincoln Blvd. (LiNC)
improvements, City Hall North building system upgrades, Pier deck and railing
upgrades, Fire station facilities, Gandara Park Restoration, the Public Landscape
Division relocation and City Yards Modernization improvements along Michigan Ave.
While the prior forecast assumed that an additional $4 million a year would be allocated
to the CIP, beyond the $21 million baseline, beginning in FY 2026-27, the current
circumstances do not allow for this additional investment.
6. Paying Deferred GSH Tax Revenue to Affordable Housing
Previous forecasts reflected the payment of the $6.3 million deferred amount to the
Affordable Housing Trust Fund over three years beginning in FY 2023-24. Council
deferred the annual transfer of Measure GSH tax revenues from the General Fund to
the Housing Trust Fund (per a November 2016 voter-approved advisory measure) in
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May 2020 to support critical General Fund services in the face of revenue losses. To
allocate funds to this payment during the forecast period would require program
reductions beyond current levels. As a result, this repayment continues to be deferred
throughout the forecast period.
Other Funds Forecast Update
A number (not all) of the City’s Enterprise Funds, which rely on user fees like water
utility fees, are anticipated to continue operating with appropriate levels of reserves and
sufficient revenues to cover their operating and capital needs, while others will require
adjustments discussed below.
Funds other than the General Fund (Other Funds) fall into three categories: 1) funds
that realize sufficient revenues to sustain operating and capital costs; 2) funds that will
require some attention during the forecast period in order to remain healthy while also
implementing critical programs; and 3) funds that will have an impact on the General
Fund, either because they will require subsidies or can no longer sustain funding
streams to the General Fund. Similar to the General Fund, the projections in the Other
Funds reflect economic impacts of the pandemic.
Self-Sustaining Enterprise Funds
The following enterprise funds are projected to bring in sufficient revenues to support
operations throughout the updated Forecast period:
The Water and Wastewater Funds will maintain a positive balance throughout the
forecast period. Rate adjustments approved by Council on January 28, 2020, as well as
a revenue bond issued in August 2021, a Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan, and
four recent grant awards are allowing the Funds to maintain current
operations while also completing $200 million in capital projects to increase local water
supply. It is important to note that the Water Fund broke ground in January 2022 on the
last project identified in the Sustainable Water Master Plan to significantly reduce
the City’s reliance on imported water by 2023, which is an upgrade and expansion of
the Arcadia Water Treatment Plant. The Wastewater Fund also recently completed the
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Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP) to add a sustainable, drought-resilient
water source to the City’s water supply and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held in
November 2022.
The Department of Transportation (DoT) Big Blue Bus (BBB) Fund will continue to
make strategic investments that will safeguard the reliability of transit service and
provide equitable and safe access to transportation for all while enhancing customer
experience through outreach and community engagement efforts. The BBB Fund will
continue to maintain a positive fund balance over the forecast period through the use of
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) funds.
This one-time federal funding provides financial support to transit agencies in response
to the adverse impact of the pandemic on transit operations and ridership. Big Blue Bus
ridership has increased 26% over FY 2021-22 ridership and is now at 60% of pre-
pandemic levels. BBB is providing 80% of pre-pandemic service reflecting a gradual
and steady recovery. The Department remains steadfast in its efforts to restore service
to pre-pandemic levels; however, these efforts have proven to be challenging due to the
national shortage of Motor Coach Operators.
The Airport Fund is projected to remain self-sustaining throughout the forecast period.
Included in the forecast are several capital improvement projects planned for FY 2022-
23 and FY 2023-24, including Parking and Airfield pavement maintenance and building
and facility improvements to enhance lease revenue opportunities.
The Cemetery Fund will maintain a positive fund balance throughout the forecast
period. Although the inventory for plots is expected to be depleted by FY 2029-30, staff
continues to assess overall Cemetery operations, projected plot sales, and
reconfiguration and development of the Cemetery area in order to extend inventory and
maintain fiscal sustainability.
The Housing Authority Fund is stable and will maintain a positive fund balance
throughout the forecast period. The CARES Act approved additional administrative
funding for the Santa Monica Housing Authority which will supplement traditional
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Section 8 administrative funding, ensuring a positive fiscal outlook through the five-year
forecast window.
The Stormwater Management Fund and Special Revenue Fund will generate
adequate revenues to remain sustainable throughout the forecast period.
Funds Requiring Attention
The Resource Recovery & Recycling (RRR) Fund will remain self-sufficient through
FY 2023-24, partially attributed to the infusion of one-time funds from the closeout of old
construction and demolition projects. Subject to proposed rate increases being adopted
by the City Council, the forecast includes a FY 2023-25 biennial proposal for the
addition of 15.12 FTE permanent positions to address service gaps in the collection of
solid waste, street sweeping, and compliance with the State’s Short-Lived Pollutants Act
SB 1383 and the City’s corresponding mandatory organics ordinance adopted in
November 2021.
To remain solvent and address operational and capital needs, staff presented rate
recommendations to Council on February 28, 2023, with the new rates anticipated to be
effective in August 2023. If approved, the recommended rate adjustments would
generate sufficient revenues to maintain a positive fund balance throughout the forecast
period and allow the fund to rebuild reserves.
The Vehicle Management Fund and Information Technology Replacement &
Services Fund will maintain positive balances through the forecast period. However, to
maintain a positive balance, the Funds have had to defer scheduled replacement
and maintenance of equipment, primarily due to a two-year suspension/reduction in FY
2020-21 and FY 2021-22 in funding from the General Fund associated with revenue
shortfalls from the pandemic. In the Vehicle Management Fund, the suspension totaled
$8.8 million and resulted in the majority of the 227 vehicles scheduled for replacement
to be deferred to FY 2022-23 and beyond. In the Information Technology Replacement
& Services Fund, the suspension totaled $3.4 million and resulted in the deferment of
all computer equipment replacements for two years beyond their scheduled
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replacement. This is not sustainable and funding needs to be restored. As General
Fund revenues continue to gradually improve, funds will need to be earmarked to
immediately address areas that cannot withstand the replacement timing lag and to
gradually resume the previous schedules for replacement and maintenance. The
General Fund will begin partial repayment to the Information Technology Replacement
& Services Fund in the amount of $1.1 million over three years beginning in FY 2025-
26, which will help the fund maintain a positive fund balance throughout the forecast
period; however, it is projected that costs for software subscriptions and cloud-based
services will continue to outpace the established revenue contributions to the fund.
Funds That Will Impact the General Fund
The Pier Fund was severely impacted by the pandemic and the forecast shows a
structural deficit. The fund is reliant on General Fund subsidies to offset some of the
impacts of COVID-19 and maintain a positive fund balance. The primary revenue
sources for the Pier Fund are lease payments and parking income. The updated
forecast includes an increase in lease rental revenue for FY 2022-23, reflecting the
anticipated recovery to pre-pandemic levels. The Pier Deck parking lot closed to
vehicles in the spring of 2020 and did not re-open until December 2022 for Monday
through Thursday only. In the first two months that the Pier Deck parking lot has been
open, it has generated about a third of the revenues that it generated for the same
period pre-pandemic. Given the amount of time the parking lot has been closed, the
uncertainty of full reopening and the limited data currently available, it is difficult to
project when parking revenues will return to previous levels. Additionally, the City is in
the planning stages of the Pier Bridge Replacement (funded through the Caltrans
Highway Bridge Program), which will impact parking revenues once construction begins
in FY 2026-27, as access to the Pier Deck parking lot will be impacted. Staff continues
to seek efficiencies and revenue generating opportunities to support unfunded capital
expenditures and address the structural deficit. However, the Capital Budget includes
over $20 million in unfunded Pier projects and it is projected that the fund will require
General Fund subsidies of $5-10 million over the forecast period depending on how
quickly parking revenues return to pre-pandemic levels.
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The Beach Fund, which supports Beach and Beach House operations, is also
projecting a structural deficit during the forecast period. The fund was impacted by
pandemic closures and required prior year advances from the General Fund and a loan
from the Special Revenue Source Fund. The primary revenue source for the Beach
Fund is parking revenues, which returned to pre-COVID levels in FY 2021-22. However,
the forecast includes a reduction in parking revenues due to setbacks in the
implementation of a projected rate increase pending California Coastal Commission
(CCC) approvals, a key step in the process to implement a rate increase. A rate
increase will be added back to the forecast when CCC approvals have been obtained.
Staff continues to seek efficiencies and revenue generating opportunities to support
unfunded capital expenditures and address the structural deficit. However, over $5
million in identified capital projects remain unfunded and it is projected that the fund will
require General Fund subsidies of $14.4 million over the forecast period, if a parking
rate increase is not implemented.
The Community Broadband (CBB) Fund, supporting CityNet operations, will maintain
a positive fund balance throughout the forecast period by eliminating a transfer to the
General Fund. This transfer, totaling $1.2 million over three years, was established
during the restructure to help the General Fund recover from revenue losses related to
the pandemic. While the elimination of the transfer negatively impacts the General
Fund, this measure will ensure that CBB has the capacity to address critical operational
needs and continues to support the City in its economic recovery. Community
Broadband operations have been impacted by the shift to teleworking and
accompanying office closures. While the execution of service agreements with Verizon
Wireless and T-Mobile for their 5G deployments help maintain the fiscal stability of the
CBB Fund, operating cost growth is projected to outpace revenue growth absent
significant operational changes. To that end, for FY 2023-25, staff will evaluate changes
to the structure of CityNet operations to identify ways to control costs.
State of the Organization
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Santa Monica is a community that has thrived for several decades thanks to our
reputation as a world class tourist destination, a robust local economy with a focus on
health, tech and entertainment, and a strong retail sector, along with our actively
engaged community members and committed workforce. The COVID-19 pandemic
introduced a scale of disruption to our community and local economy, the impacts of
which will be felt for many years.
Impacts of COVID-19
Once viewed by employees, existing and future, as a stable organization where jobs
were secure and the work aspirational, the restructuring narrowed the organization’s
focus. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City was faced with having to
undertake a major restructuring that reduced the workforce by approximately 20% and
the budget by approximately 24% in the spring of 2020. The outlines of the plan were
first presented in “A Plan for Our Future” on May 5, 2020. Revisions were subsequently
made and the restructuring was formalized with the adoption of the FY 2020-2021
Budget on June 23, 2020. This resulted in the elimination of 298.7 permanent full-time
equivalent (FTE) positions and 122.4 as-needed FTE positions, of which 234.0
permanent FTE positions and 103.4 as-needed FTE positions were in the General
Fund. Reducing the total workforce from 2,298.3 to 1,877.2.
In addition to significant reductions in service levels and community programming,
results of the restructuring included many employees taking early retirement, being
demoted, and temporary pay cuts. Staff worked on the restructuring, in an immediate
and abrupt fully remote capacity, over just a one-month period not knowing what the
status of their jobs would be as a consequence. The resulting impacts to morale from
the budget reductions continue to be felt across the organization exist to this day.
The news of this restructuring came as employees shuttered and reengineered City
services in the face of a public health emergency. And this was shortly followed by
some of the greatest community unrest experienced in Santa Monica as the nation
wrestled with vivid depictions of racial injustice in America.
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While emergency orders are lifted and people strive towards pre-Covid normalcy, the
pace of service restoration to 2019 levels is the source of great frustration among our
community and staff. As outlined in the above budget status update, financial conditions
have incrementally improved, however looming liabilities and numerous planned
temporary, yet significant, constraints specific to Santa Monica will continue to slow our
recovery. This report and Council Workshop are intended to provide clarity and
transparency to these impactful, but not necessarily obvious constraints to the pace of
recovery in Santa Monica as we endeavor to restore service levels and address
community need and council priorities.
To help align signs of economic recovery we are all experiencing with current service
levels, context provided by an historic and current organization status update will help to
address the cognitive dissonance between our general experiences and current City
resources. The restructuring, outlined in the May 5, 2020, staff report, shifted the City in
key ways. Nearly every department had to reduce its budget and workforce. The table
below compares, by department, current staffing levels to pre-Covid levels. This
includes incremental restorations or urgent service enhancements that have taken place
since June 2020. The delta compares where staffing levels are today compared to
2019. The level of vacancies identified across departments exemplifies recruitment and
retention challenges across a wide swath of the organization (see Issues Facing the
Organization, below).
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Staffing by Department FY 2019-2020 vs FY 2022-2023 and Current Vacancies
Department
FY 19-20
FTE FY 22-23 FTE Delta Vacancies*
Council 1 2 +1 1
City Manager 66.1 55.9 -10.2 12
City Attorney 48.9 43.5 -5.4 1
Clerk 13.5 12 -1.5 0
Comm. Dev. 103.5 85 -18.5 7.6
Comm. Services 189.7 145 -44.7 13.4
Finance 77.8 65.3 -12.5 4
Fire 136 138 +2 3
Human Resources 28.2 28 -0.2 2
Info. Services 54 52.5 -1.5 8
Library 112 68 -44 5
Police: All Staff 443.3 406 -37.3 26
PD-Sworn 229 221 -8 5
PD-Non-Sworn 181 166.5 -14.5 26
PD-A/N 33.3 18.5 -14.8 10
Public Works 525.9 462.4 -63.6 43.5
Transportation 498.4 469.2 -29.2 53.5
TOTALS 2,298.3 2,032.6 -265.7 180
*Notes: Permanent Budgeted Vacancies as of Pay Period Ending 02/25/23; Hourly as-needed employee
vacancies are not tracked due to the way they are budgeted. Example: a budget for 1.0 FTE as-needed
Crossing Guard can be filled with four employees, each working approximately 10 hours per week, and
stay within budget.
In addition to the loss of FTE positions across the organization, bargaining units also
made sacrifices to support their membership as well as help the organization navigate
pandemic impacts. Some of the key measures taken are outlined below.
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2020 Restructuring Impacts by Bargaining Unit
Bargaining
Unit
No COLA
2 yrs
Temporary
Pay Cuts Loss of Sick
Leave Cash Out
(2 Years)
Loss of Salary
Survey
ATA X X
EPP X 5-20% of base salary
for 1 Year
IBT X
FEMA X 2.5% of base salary for
1 Year, 1% for 1 Year
X
1109 X 2.5% of base salary for
1 Year, 1% for 1 Year
X
MEA X X
AFSCME X X
PALSSU X X
PAU X 10% of base salary for
2 Years
X
POA X X X
SMART TD X X
STA X X
Following the restructuring,
• Santa Monica Public Library had to eliminate operations in all of its branch
libraries as did many other beloved City facilities;
• The City combined the Housing and Economic Development and the Community
and Cultural Services Departments to form the Community Services Department;
• Many positions responsible for responding to customer inquiries and supporting
operations were eliminated leaving departments to struggle to effectively serve
customers; and
• Operations across the City focused on ensuring a clean and safe Santa Monica,
responding to the health emergency, and sustaining our local economy meaning
most staff saw a significant shift in their daily work life.
As our economy returns, most City revenue streams are beginning to return. This has
allowed the City to incrementally restore City services as well as make important
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investments in the community priorities of addressing homelessness, a clean and safe
Santa Monica, and an equitable economic recovery.
Today, the organization stands at 88% of the staffing levels Citywide compared with
2019 and many programs and services continue to operate in a manner that does not
match community need. With the help of one-time funds and some revenue recovery,
the City has been able to partially reopen all of its branch libraries, restore some youth
services, and resume some of the essential maintenance of the public infrastructure that
was put on hold during the pandemic. However, there remains a persistent gap
between staff’s ability to deliver services and meet community expectations to return to
a desired level of services:
• Youth enrollment and program offerings at CREST, Virginia Avenue Park and
Police Activities League (PAL) are limited and in jeopardy due to the need for
additional permanent and as-needed staff resources to operate aligned with
Child Protection Program staffing ratios and serve people on waitlists
• Afterschool Sports and Playground Club one-time funding to SMMUSD ends
6/30/23
• Summer Lunch program in jeopardy
• 3 of 5 libraries partially open with full services, though with reduced hours
(currently 44% of pre-pandemic levels); the remaining two branches open on a
self-service basis only
• Miles Playhouse, Camera Obscura Art Lab closed and requiring staffing and
maintenance resources
• Limited permitted park events due to insufficient Facilities Maintenance support
• Graffiti removal, alley paving, tree pruning, at reduced frequencies
• Public counter hours of service limited
• Reduced support for business and permit applicants
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Issues Facing the Organization
The slowing economic recovery combined with heavy workloads leading to burnout,
high cost of living, and extreme commute times is resulting in the City organization
experiencing greater levels of turnover among newer and younger employees as they
seek more compensation, schedule flexibility and growth opportunities. The following
outlines some of the issues facing the City organization today:
High Staff Turnover
Today, the City’s attrition rate is close to 10%, with many opting to retire or
leave for other career options. The City organization had operated with an attrition
rate of approximately 5% for many years. While exceptionally low, this ensured
stability in the workforce. It is possible that attrition could rise to about 20% in the
coming years with many staff eligible to retire and individuals seeking other
employment options in this very competitive labor market. The City could once draw
talent because of its reputation for stability and focus on priorities and attractive
retirement formula and pay. However, today Santa Monica’s retirement formula is
consistent with all other agencies and the City’s payrates are not as attractive in this
economy.
Extremely Competitive Labor Market
The City had over 630 requests for recruitments in the past 12 months. These
recruitments yielded far fewer qualified candidates, receiving anywhere between
20%-50% of the number of applicants compared to 2019. Many of these recruitments
had to be conducted multiple times to draw sufficient qualified candidates, impacting
City services and operations.
Staff Burnout and Low Morale
28% of staff who took the City-sponsored engagement survey state/reference
burnout and low morale as a contributing factor in their current work
experience. The increased demands from COVID-19 combined with striving to
provide excellent service with fewer staff has taken its toll on the organization. A
2022 Staff Engagement Survey showed high levels of burnout and stress among the
City workforce. Staff burnout is also fueled by the high level of disruption in City
priorities and focus, staff turnover, and near complete turnover in City leadership.
Staff today long to feel a connection with their peers, to be valued and appreciated by
their management, and feel an alignment of personal and organizational values.
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City leadership is taking all of these issues seriously as the workforce is essential to
excellent service delivery and responsiveness to community needs and Council
priorities. As Council affirms its priorities for the next two years, there is an opportunity
to signal to staff that the era of high disruption is ending and that the organizational
leadership is focused on priorities important to the community and to the workforce.
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Selecting Council Priorities for FY 2023-2025
Council priorities are an important component of the City’s budgeting process, informing
recommendations on new investments and focusing staff efforts and projects,
particularly when financial and staff resources continue to be constrained. Priorities
inform what issues are most important to Council and how staff inform and analyze
projects and policy recommendations. They also serve as an important tool through
which to communicate information on work most important to the community.
In March 2021, following the restructuring of City operations and feeling the full impacts
of COVID-19 on our local community and economy, the Council adopted Addressing
Homelessness, Clean & Safe Santa Monica, and Equitable & Inclusive Economic
Opportunity & Recovery to inform the FY 2021-2023 Biennial Budget.
Staff recommends Council retain the existing three priorities and add – Racial Equity
and Social Diversity and Sustainable and Connected Community to create
opportunities to engage the Council and the community in these areas. In developing
these priorities for this Council workshop, staff reviewed survey results from a
community survey taken in May 2022 as well as reviewed Council actions and direction
to staff over the last two years. As a result of this analysis, staff proposes Council adopt
these priorities for the FY 2023-2025 budget.
As we think about priorities for the next two years, we find ourselves in a transitional
period. The COVID-19 health emergency is over but the impacts from the disruption to
our community and economy remain. In preparation for this workshop, staff looked at
input we have received from the community through our surveys as well as actions and
direction received from Council in the last two years.
The City conducted a Community Survey in May 2022 that captured community
sentiment on the most important issues in Santa Monica. The survey asked
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respondents about both the most urgent issues as well as priorities for once the COVID-
19 pandemic was over.
Urgent Issues for Santa Monica
Priorities for the Post-Pandemic Period
About the Survey
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• Results are based on a representative sample of 700 Santa Monica voters likely to
participate in the 11/22 general election
• The survey was fielded May 3 - 9, 2022 online via text and email invitations and by
land and cell phone
• Margin of error = +/- 3.67% at a 95% confidence level
• 1% of interviews completed in Spanish
In addition to reviewing these survey results, staff examined areas of focus from Council
over the last two years as well as department work plans. Staff examined Council
Discussion items placed on the agenda by Councilmembers and found a focus in the
areas of racial equity and social diversity and creating a sustainable and connected
community.
In the area of racial equity and social diversity, Council has taken important first
steps to advance City efforts, including the formation of the Diversity, Equity and
Inclusion Office in the City Manager’s Office to advance this work. Council adopted a
Racial Equity Statement in 2020, and since that time, has implemented resources to
ensure access to language services in City communications and public meetings,
initiated work to recontextualize the murals in Historic City Hall, and supported cultural
celebrations as annual events. Council also adopted a Statement Against Hate and
formally apologized to the City’s African American residents and their descendants for
harms caused by redlining and other systematic inequities. In April 2023, the City
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) team will provide Council with an update on the
City’s work, including data on the makeup of the City workforce, efforts to engage the
community on DEI issues, and work to further develop the City workforce’s
understanding of DEI principles.
For sustainable and connected community, Council has adopted aggressive goals to
support making Santa Monica sustainable and resilient, including the Climate Action
Plan, Zero Waste by 2030, Water Self-Sufficiency, Reducing Greenhouse Gas
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Emissions, and the Electric Vehicle Master Plan. These plans and the associated goals
have led to investments in water recycling and sourcing local water supplies,
transitioning to an electric bus fleet, electrifying buildings, and supported efforts to attain
water self-sufficiency, advance our electric vehicle infrastructure and electrify buildings,
and expand our EV charging network. Council also emphasized the importance of
sustainability in the planning for the future of the Santa Monica Airport following its
expected closure in early 2029. The language for this priority statement is taken from
the City’s Sustainable City Plan. Staff presented an overview of the City’s sustainability
efforts to Council at its February 14, 2023 meeting and will return in March 2023 to
report on the City’s progress on its sustainability goals and make recommended
updates to the Sustainable City Plan.
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Recommended FY 2023-2025 Council Priorities
Addressing Homelessness
Prevent housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless and increase the
supply of affordable housing; address the behavioral health needs of
vulnerable individuals; and advocate for regional capacity to address
homelessness.
Clean & Safe Santa Monica
Create an atmosphere marked by clean and safe public spaces and
neighborhoods, including parks for recreation and leisure activities.
Cultivate Economic Recovery and Expand Community and Cultural Amenities
Cultivate economic opportunity and recovery and invest in community and
cultural amenities for all community members.
Racial Equity & Social Diversity
The City of Santa Monica acknowledges the effects of generational and
institutional racism, and its consequences that continue to impact our
residents. These lessons of our history cannot be ignored. The City is
committed to advancing racial equity and social diversity to improve the
wellbeing of people who live, work, play, and do business in our City and
create a community where differences in life outcomes cannot be predicted by
race, class, gender, disability or other identities.
Sustainable & Connected Community
Ensure that City policies and programs enhance our resources, prevent
harm to the natural environment and human health, and benefit the social
and economic wellbeing of the community for the sake of current and
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future generations.
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Furthering Our Priorities: New Revenue Streams and
Potential Reallocations
The City has the opportunity to expand services addressing the City’s priorities over the
next biennial period using two new funding streams (Measure CS and Measure GS)
approved by Santa Monica voters in November 2022. Additionally, the Council may
authorize a change in the City’s Fiscal Policy related to the expedited paydown of
unfunded pension liability to free up to $2.5 million annually during the Forecast period
to assist in restoring General Fund services while revenues recover.
While voters also approved Measure HMP, which imposes an additional tax on
cannabis retailers and other licensed cannabis businesses, further work is required to
amend the amend the Municipal Code to allow for an increase of cannabis-related retail
establishments and revenues are not anticipated during the upcoming biennial period.
Priorities: Addressing Homelessness and Clean and Safe
The new on-going revenue streams that will be generated through Measures CS and
GS will provide the infusion of funds necessary to develop a comprehensive
Homelessness Strategic Plan (HSP) and accelerate the City’s work on addressing
homelessness, producing and preserving affordable housing, preventing homelessness,
and maintaining clean and safe public spaces.
Initial efforts will be focused on expending Measure CS funds to develop the HSP and
to implement investments prioritized in May 2022, with a plan for Measure GS to follow.
To move quickly on preliminary implementation work surrounding Measure GS, as this
tax will take time to generate resources and given the anticipated workload surrounding
its implementation, staff is proposing a new organizational structure to create capacity
for this work and formation and support of an oversight committee, that aligns with the
implementation of the HSP. A conceptual framework for a new organizational structure
to align and focus our work on this priority realigns the Community Services Department
(CSD), facilitating the creation of a Housing and Human Services Department
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committed to lead our interdepartmental work addressing homelessness and planning
for implementation of GS work while continuing the critical work on housing and
services for those in greatest need in our community.
Staff would bring forward a proposed organizational realignment to support the
management and administration of Measure GS programs and projects as part of the
FY 2023-25 Biennial Budget process. Additionally, staff would bring forward a Midyear
proposal to transfer a vacant position from the Community Services Department to the
City Manager’s Office/Office of Communications to support the organization’s
communication and community engagement efforts associated with this priority.
An overview of the focus areas for the two new departments:
• A new Housing and Human Services Department would create a department with a
core focus—administering a comprehensive array of housing, educational, and social
services, programs, and investments to support vulnerable populations. This, in turn,
supports an inclusive and diverse Santa Monica, a place that dedicates local
investments in the community’s basic needs for education, housing, and stability.
• A new Recreation and Culture Department would create capacity and leadership to
focus on efforts and initiatives that build community and advance an agenda focused on
the arts and cultural affairs, which is essential to our economic revitalization. Some of
these initiatives include the future of the Miles Memorial Playhouse and Camera
Obscura buildings, reframing City Hall murals, and leveraging the Beach House as a
tourist destination and a key element of Santa Monica’s beachfront brand. Establishing
more focused leadership around recreation will align partnership opportunities
addressing the conflicts between demand for recreational amenities and capacity, and
support improving customer service through a new recreation management system,
park attendant program, and a 21st Century approach to community events.
Because we have ambitious goals to create housing, and Measures CS and GS have
created an historic, once-in-a lifetime infusion of new resources and community
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expectations, a new organizational structure is being proposed to focus leadership and
expedite implementation of these dedicated resources.
Measure CS funding (Effective March 1, 2023)
What it is Generated from an additional 1% Transient Occupancy Tax on hotel
stays and 3% on home-share stays.
Amount Staff projects that the tax will generate $1.4 million in FY 2022-23, $4.7-
$4.8 million in FY 2023-24 and FY 2024-25, respectively.
Restrictions While this is a general revenue tax, meaning that it is not restricted as
to its use, community polling done in anticipation of Council approving
the Measure for the ballot showed an urgent need for new funds to
address the impacts of homelessness and to enhance public safety.
The measure itself, which received 73% of the vote, noted the intent for
these funds to be spent, according to community and Council direction,
to address homelessness, improve 911 emergency response times and
neighborhood police protection, and improvements to the safety and
cleanliness of our public spaces.
Proposed Uses Staff proposes a set of uses for Measure CS funds that were presented
by staff in the May 2022 Update on Local Efforts Addressing the
Regional Homelessness Crisis and were included in descriptions for
potential use of Measure CS funds leading up to the November 2022
election, and further affirmed as high priority recommendations
presented by the City’s Internal Auditor in its November 2022
Homelessness Study. This list of enhancements represents a
coordinated effort across many City departments focused on
addressing homelessness and public safety:
• Expansion of the City’s homeless multidisciplinary outreach teams’
work beyond the Downtown and Beach area (Recommendation 18,
Homelessness Study);
• Redesign of the SAMOSHEL interim housing program to
accommodate 24/7 intakes, giving additional options for after-hours
intake and facilitating SMPD transports for people experiencing
homelessness and non-urgent behavioral health issues
(Recommendation 15, Homelessness Study);
• Expansion of the Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program
(HLP) (Recommendation 15, Homelessness Study);
• Continuation of Clean and Safe programs funded on a one-time
basis in the current budget.
These include:
• The Directed Action Response Team (DaRT), which further
increases resources responding to people experiencing
homelessness and allows public safety resources that had been
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shifted to deal with increased activity in the Downtown, Pier and
Beach to be redistributed to neighborhoods and patrols throughout
the City;
• Transition of an expanded security services program at Downtown
parking structures to a permanent program;
• Expansion of public space maintenance investments, including
enhancements to ensure higher-risk cleanup activities are
performed safely, using an additional, specialized team and higher
frequency cleanup efforts focusing on encampments
(Recommendation 10, Homelessness Study), and maintenance of
the water features at Ken Genser and Tongva Parks;
• Enhanced monitoring and enforcement of the City’s home-sharing
ordinance.
• The preparation of a comprehensive Homelessness Strategic Plan
(HSP) that builds on the City’s Four Pillars framework and the Moss
Adams Audit on Homelessness to set clear policy direction,
promote alignment across City stakeholders, and support regional
efforts. The HSP will lay out a coordinated and systemic vision for
the expansion of the homelessness response system, measurable
outcomes and goals, and accompanying strategies. The process to
develop the HSP will incorporate Santa Monica’s community
partners, people with lived experience of homelessness, service
providers, city agencies, and public and private sector partners to
align around a clear vision, set of outcomes, and investments. With
this plan, the City seeks to increase continuity in an inherently
shifting policy environment; improve focus on measurable
objectives; and increase internal alignment and regional
coordination; all towards the goal of preventing, ending, and
addressing homelessness in Santa Monica. (One-time funds,
Recommendation 1, Homelessness Study).
Implementation
Timeline
Programming of the funds would occur along with the adoption of the
FY 2023-25 Biennial Budget. The Measure CS Advisory Committee will
advise the City Manager in the programming of these incremental tax
revenues before each year’s budget adoption. While the Police
Department works to recruit and train its new HLP team, Measure CS
funds programmed for HLP team positions would be used in the shorter
term to reinforce and enhance public safety technology.
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Measure GS (Effective March 1, 2023*)
What it is A citizen’s initiative ballot measure that enacts a third tier Documentary
Transfer Tax of an additional 5% for property sales over $8 million, with
revenue going to fund homelessness prevention, affordable housing
projects, and schools.
Amount Documentary Transfer Taxes are a volatile revenue source. Using
property sales data from the past ten years, a recent consultant report
projected an average $49 million in annual revenue if the tax was
applied to these sales. The range of potential revenues from one year
to the next, however, reflects the volatility, ranging from $16 million to
$123 million. It is also possible that this revenue stream will skew lower
in its first few years, as impacted sellers may expedite sales to occur
before March 1, 2023, or delay sales indefinitely.
Restrictions Funds are restricted according to the ballot measure as follows:
• First $10 million in incremental revenue is provided to the School
District;
• Next $40 million in revenue is allocated to homelessness prevention
and affordable housing, with the following restrictions on uses:
• Compliance, implementation, administration, including supporting
the Resident Oversight Committee (6% maximum)
• Income Assistance (ongoing or emergency) to rent-burdened Santa
Monica households and Extremely Low, Very Low, and Low Income
(ELI, VLI, LI) households with seniors, minors, or people with
disabilities priority (30% -50%)
• Acquisition and rehabilitation of rental properties as deed-restricted
affordable housing or create new deed-restricted affordable housing
for ELI, VLI, LI, or MI households with the addition of prior year
unspent income assistance to the fund balance (50% minimum)
• Programs and services to preserve tenancy of ELI, VLI, LI, MI
Households including code compliance, legal services, loans,
grants for earthquake retrofit or other unit improvements (remaining
funds)
• Incremental revenue above $50 million a year would be shared
between the School District (20%) and homeless prevention and
affordable housing uses (80%)
Proposed Uses Measure GS will provide resources to produce and preserve affordable
housing and prevent homelessness at a scale far beyond the City’s
current administration of rental assistance programs, disbursement of
Housing Trust Funds to support affordable housing projects, and
programs to prevent homelessness. Such a significant level of
investment presents a ground-breaking opportunity for the City to
embark on implementing the recommendations laid out in the
Homelessness Study. The first step will be the preparation of a
Homelessness Strategic Plan. Staff expects to award a contract for the
HSP in the coming months.
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Implementation
Timeline
The volatile nature of this revenue source, especially in its first year, the
level of planning that must occur, and the timing of the lawsuit points to
a longer horizon for the programming of these funds. However,
planning and organizational adjustments can begin as early as FY
2023-24 for what will likely be a multi-year Measure GS implementation
strategy.
*There is currently a reverse validation action that seeks to invalidate Measure GS.
Because there is no pending request to stay the implementation of the tax, the tax will
go into effect on March 1, 2023. The lawsuit may take several months to resolve; as a
result, any tax collected and spent by the City would be considered a contingent liability
until resolution of the lawsuit.
Priorities: Equitable & Inclusive Economic Opportunity and Recovery, Racial
Equity and Social Diversity, and Sustainable and Connected Community
As shown in the Forecast, the General Fund does not currently have the financial
capacity to restore services or further efforts focusing on economic and community
revitalization, racial equity and social diversity, or sustainability. Council may consider
suspending its Fiscal Policy related to making additional discretionary paydowns of the
City’s unfunded pension liability (Principles for Pension Funding) until further notice.
Council had suspended these payments in May 2020, with a planned resumption in FY
2022-23. While paying down unfunded liabilities at an accelerated rate is a prudent
fiscal management tool, mitigating future year interest costs, the City needs to weigh
this long-term fiscal management tool against the current state of our community
services.
In 2019, Council adopted the policy to make additional discretionary payments to
CalPERS, the City’s pension fund, over a period of 13 to 15 years in order to expedite
the repayment of the unfunded pension liability. This policy superseded a prior policy
that required the City to make additional paydowns of at least $1 million per year. The
expedited payment schedule would lower interest costs and result in cost avoidance
over a period of 30 years. In 2019, the City’s programs were operating at full strength,
reserves were strong, and the General Fund had the capacity to take on additional
payments of $2.5 to $3.5 million a year beyond the annual required pension
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contribution. To date, the City has made additional paydowns of over $88 million under
the umbrella of these policies, making it a leader in this achievement among other
members of CalPERS. Additionally, in March 2020, Miscellaneous staff negotiated the
end of the Employer Paid Member Contribution (EPMC) with no commensurate salary
increases, which lowered pension benefits for Miscellaneous employees hired prior to
July 2012 and further lowered the City’s unfunded liability by $35 million (projected
amount at the time).
Given the work done so far to mitigate pension costs, and in the face of continued
reduced programs and services that put stress on members of the community, from
families seeking afterschool care, to community members who rely on library resources
and small businesses still struggling to regain their foothold, staff proposes that Council
consider suspending implementation of the unfunded pension liability paydown policy to
allow the reallocation of $2.5 million in the General Fund to cover service restoration in
key areas. Suspending the paydowns would make funds available in other operating
funds as well, ranging from $8,000 to $100,000 for most funds, and approximately
$455,000 for the Big Blue Bus fund. It is not feasible to continue the paydowns for some
funds and not others as payments are not separated by fund in the PERS portfolio.
Council may choose to resume payments in the future once revenues recovery
sufficiently to cover restored services.
An allocation of $2.5 million in General Funds could be used to restore City services in
key areas to deliver critical services and deliver new programs that support the City’s
work in economic and community revitalization, racial equity and social diversity, and
sustainability. A $2.5 million allocation in funds could:
• Support public, free, art and cultural programming and events through the Art of
Recovery program
• Further restore Library hours and services
• Support restoring the permanent and as-needed staff required to meet the
staffing ratios, per the City’s Child Protection protocols, at Youth Programs, and
to continue funding for the Playground Club program
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• Implement a program offering reduced Resource, Recycling and Recovery rates
for qualifying low-income households
• Establish a Tenant Improvement Fund to assist small businesses
• Add Planning and Economic Development staffing to support economic
development
In addition to these investments, staff recommends the City establish a fund for
diversity, equity and inclusion. As part of the Out of Home Wayfinding franchise
agreement, Big Outdoor agreed to return two percent of its earnings to the City. Staff
recommends allocating this portion of funding (approximately $100,000-$250,000 per
year starting in FY 2025-2026) to an Equity Fund that can be used to support the City’s
work to advance equity.
The City’s work addressing the Sustainability priority is largely funded by the City’s
Enterprise Funds, including the Water, Wastewater, Resource Recovery and Recycling,
and Big Blue Bus Funds, which have all made significant and strategic investments and
operational shifts to advance this work.
Allocating resources, as outlined above, is needed to address City Council priorities and
address community need. Despite these allocations, there is no doubt that we still have
a long way to go. The financial forecast presented to City Council well demonstrates
our financial challenges, but these investments represent a positive step forward and an
opportunity to advance our recovery.
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Next Steps
The Council workshop is the first step in the City’s biennial budget process, which will
culminate in the FY 2023-25 budget being presented for adoption on June 27, 2023.
Between the workshop and budget adoption, there will be a series of opportunities to
further inform the City’s work on its priorities and refine the proposed budget, including:
March 14 Sustainability Report Card and Sustainable City Plan Updates
April 11
April 25
FY 2022-23 Midyear Budget Review
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Update and Workplan
May 9 Annual Report on Homelessness
May 15 Publication of Proposed FY 2023-25 Biennial Operating Budget
and FY 2023-24 Proposed Capital Improvement Program Budget
May 23 Budget Study Session
June 27 FY 2023-25 Budget Adoption
Prepared By: Christopher Smith, Assistant to the City Manager
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Santa Monica's Homeless Strategic Plan RFP Overview
B. Written Comments
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HOMELESSNESS STRATEGIC PLAN RFP Overview, Timing, & Next Steps
SANTA MONICA’S EVOLVING APPROACH TO ADDRESSING HOMELESSNESS
• Santa Monica has a long history of investing in housing and supportive services to
prevent and address the impacts of homelessness, evolving significantly over the past
40 years in response to a changing environment.
• The recent Moss Adams comprehensive audit of homelessness response and
prevention efforts recommended that the City develop a homelessness strategic plan.
HOMELESSNESS STRATEGIC PLAN.
We propose hiring one or more consultants to develop a plan in coordination with City staff.
Goals
The overarching strategic plan will:
• Articulate a clear vision and mission statement
• Establish clear policy direction
• Define actionable objectives
• Promote alignment across City and community stakeholders
• Support regional efforts
• Serve as a convening, collaborative tool to facilitate and guide the City’s work
addressing homelessness across departments
Components
Timeline
The City intends to adopt a final strategic plan with the May 2024 Homelessness Update
• March-April 2023: RFP development and issuance
• May-July 2023: Response evaluation, Vendor selection and contract award
• August 2023-February 2024: Community engagement + Drafting
• March-May 2024: Finalization & Council adoption
Background & Context (building on Moss Adams audit)
Current state analysis of plans, programs, & achievements
Local and regional historical perspective
Strategic Plan
Establishes objectives, strategies, and measurable indicators
Implementation Strategy
Partnerships & Coordination
Internal Alignment & Staffing
Resources, gaps, & allocation plan
Data for decision-making
Communication
Conclusion
Discusses strategic descions and tradeoffs
Establishes timeline for review & reporting
Recommendation: Develop a comprehensive homelessness strategic plan that builds on
the Four Pillars framework and Moss Adams report to set clear policy direction, promote
alignment across City stakeholders, and support regional efforts.
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March 5, 2023
Mayor and City Council
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica CA 90401
Dear Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers:
At its workshop on March 11, 2023, Council will consider a proposal to reorganize the City’s operations in
order to “align and focus” organizational work efforts. We recommend that the Council reject the proposal
so that limited resources can be allocated toward providing core services rather than expensive
bureaucrats.
Under the re-organizational proposal, the City’s Community Services Department would be split into two
departments, a Housing and Human Services Department and a Recreation and Culture Department.
Creating two departments would require creating a new, expensive department director position, as well as
an executive assistant to provide administrative support for the new director. An additional position
providing budget and operational support for the new director would also likely be necessary. At minimum,
salaries and benefits for the new positions would cost the City several hundred thousand dollars per year.
The proposal would add more high-paid administrative staff at a time when the City has been unable to
restore many key services that were reduced due to pandemic-related budget cuts. Notable examples of the
City’s continuing challenges include severely reduced after-school programs for low-income youth and
significantly reduced hours and services at public libraries.
The reorganization proposal is being presented as having minimal impact on the General Fund. However, the
impact is minimal only because the proposal would replace existing General Funds used for several positions
with dedicated affordable housing funds, both federal funds and voter-approved funds. The fact is that you
cannot create new positions without funding them and the proposal would essentially pay for new Recreation
and Culture Department positions using dedicated housing funds.
The shift of funds raises two important questions. First, given that federal housing funds are limited, is it
good policy to fund on-going expenses associated with staffing knowing that the funding will eventually be
exhausted? Second, in approving Measures GSH in 2016 and GS and 2022, voters expected the City to
increase its efforts related to affordable housing, not to simply supplant existing General Funds for such
endeavors.
Even if Council were comfortable with relying on limited housing funds and using voter-approved funds to
supplant existing funding, Council must grapple with the fundamental question of priorities. Is funding high-
paid bureaucrats the City’s top priority when we can’t open our libraries on the weekends and we have
scores of needy Santa Monica families struggling to find places for their children when school is out? If
Santa Monica is truly a community that is committed to equity, shouldn’t our priority be adding capacity so
that Virginia Avenue Park can re-open its Teen Center that serves low-income, mostly youth of color?
Shouldn’t our priority be adding capacity so that the Police Activities League can re-open its fitness gym or
create opportunities for the 40 low-income youth currently on its waiting list? Shouldn’t our priority be
adding capacity so that CREST can restore after-school and school-break programs at all seven elementary
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schools? Shouldn’t our priority be adding capacity so that the Main Library can open on weekends or that our
branch libraries can open more than two or three days per week?
Beyond the question of priorities, we believe that creating a department of Recreation and Culture is
unnecessary. The synergies between Recreation, Culture, and Human Services in one department benefit the
community and should be retained. We have combined experience of leading the City’s recreation and
culture efforts for over a decade. With this experience, we can firmly state that while both Community
Recreation and Cultural Affairs are essential City divisions that provide key community services, the
workload of the two divisions does not warrant a separate department, especially when a high-paid director
and support staff would be needed. We do not believe that running such a department would be a full-time
job, creating a situation where a director would be looking for things to fill their time. Given the City’s fragile
financial state, this is simply a poor investment of funds.
We are also concerned about the impacts of the proposal on the City staff members who are providing actual
services every day to support the community. As a part of the pandemic budget restructuring, low-level,
boots-on-the-ground positions were cut severely. The Community Services and Public Library Departments
suffered staff cuts of approximately 40 percent, with a significant portion of the cuts in direct-service
positions such as librarians and community-services specialists. Given community needs, direct-service
staff who kept their jobs have been stretched to their extremes, including to the point where some staff
members can’t take restroom breaks when needed because there is not enough staff. Morale has suffered
as a result. The reorganization proposal tells front-line staff that creating new and expensive bureaucratic
positions is more important than providing capacity to serve the public and allow them to do their jobs with
dignity.
Thank you for considering our comments regarding the proposed reorganization. Please contact us if you
have any questions.
Sincerely,
Andy Agle,
Director of Community Services, 2020 – 2022
Director of Housing and Economic Development, 2007 – 2020
25-year Santa Monica Resident
Karen Ginsberg
Director of Community and Cultural Services, 2012 – 2020
Assistant Director of Community and Cultural Services, 1998-2011
27-year Santa Monica Resident
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Vernice Hankins
From:tim.bowler@verizon.net
Sent:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 12:29 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Agenda Item 11A.
EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
Two years ago, the Council took climate and sustainability off the list of priorities! While this is
understandable given COVID, we must make sure that sustainability and climate are put back on the
list.
This is critical because these priorities will impact resources allocated for staff and projects. AND, it can
impact our ability to receive grant funding, and there is lots of it available from state and federal
government if we make the investment on our end, applying for grants and developing projects. In
addition, Santa Monica plays a leadership role in the sustainability field — we are recognized as leaders
and other communities look to our actions. As we do, the rest of the state follows. And what happens
here in California ripples across the country. Scientists agree that we need to take action for climate
soon — we cannot delay!
Tim Bowler and Ishara Bailis
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Vernice Hankins
From:zimtar@aol.com
Sent:Monday, March 6, 2023 4:52 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:budget mtg
EXTERNAL
We need to go back to making ecological sustainability and responses to climate change a
priority. Perhaps you might listen to CASM as to ideas going forward.
Michael Tarbet
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Vernice Hankins
From:martha bardach <marthabardach@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 12:34 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Regarding Agenda item 11A/ March 11th City Council meeting
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to urge that you give the City of Santa Monica’s renowned sustainability and climate crisis initiatives the
highest funding priority when deciding on the upcoming city budget. Santa Monica must continue to be a leading force
in this regard.
Sufficient city funding will show communities, both locally and far afield, that Santa Monica is serious
about being a forward acting city when it comes to protecting our city and our future generations from the
known issues of climate change, food insecurity, essential, wise water use, etc.
As in the past, I know the city council will do the right thing and provide much needed resources to these
issues.
The Community Garden community is counting on you!
Thank you in advance.
Respectfully,
Martha Bardach
martha bardach
310/454-2443/h
310/874-3929/c
marthabardach@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Leslie Neale <leslieneale@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, March 7, 2023 4:37 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Regarding City Council Agenda 11A
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members of Santa Monica,
Santa Monica is one of the most unique cities in the world with visitors coming to visit our beloved city from all over the
globe.
I have been a resident and homeowner in Santa Monica for over 35 years. I am proud to live here and be a member of
this community as we are an example to others in social services for the unhoused and underprivileged, in
sustainability and
conservation.
I urge all members to please vote to include back in our city budget climate and sustainability allocation! While during
Covid,
understandable adjustments had to be made, it is time to put it back in the budget to allow
the city to qualify for State and Federal grants and to once again be a leader.
With the Covid crisis now manageable, it is now time to list climate and sustainability as a priority again for Santa
Monica!
Thank you,
Leslie Neale
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 12:22 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Agenda Item 11A, Santa Monica: Continue to be a Climate and Sustainability Leader!
From: Susie Pickett <susie.pickett@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 11:58 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Agenda Item 11A, Santa Monica: Continue to be a Climate and Sustainability Leader!
EXTERNAL
To the Council:
Please continue Santa Monica's legacy as a climate and sustainability leader by adding them back as budget priorities.
Climate impacts will continue to worsen and we need to be doing all we can to address them. Air quality, drought and
excessive heat are just some of the impacts felt by residents of our city. Santa Monica plays a leadership role in the
sustainability field and other communities look to our actions. As we do, the rest of the state follows. And what
happens here in California ripples across the country. Scientists agree that we need to continue to take action
on the climate — we cannot waiver.
My husband and I love the walkability of this city. We live near Montana and walk everywhere: our doctor’s
offices, church, our favorite restaurants, the beach. We are doing everything we can do reduce our carbon
footprint: we eat a plant-based diet, recently purchased an induction cooktop to reduce our gas stove use, and
replaced all of our bulbs with LEDs.
Santa Monica is our home, and we want the local government to do all it can to mitigate climate change with
sustainability efforts.
All our best,
Susie and Jim Pickett
Santa Monica Residents
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 11:00 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Item 11-A - Budget Workshop
From: gerda newbold <gnewbold@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 10:55 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Item 11‐A ‐ Budget Workshop
EXTERNAL
Dear Council People,
Thank you for continuing to take climate and sustainability seriously. From our electrification ordinance to the new
storm water system, your work is helping to reduce emissions and to make us more resilient in the face of a
changing climate. Please continue Santa Monica's legacy as a climate and sustainability leader by adding them back as
budget priorities. Climate impacts will continue to worsen and we need to be doing all we can to address them. Air
quality, drought and excessive heat are just some of the impacts felt by residents of our city.
Santa Monica plays a leadership role in the sustainability field and other communities look to our actions. As
we do, the rest of the state follows. And what happens here in California ripples across the country. Scientists
agree that we need to continue to take action on the climate — we cannot waiver.
Again, thank you for all the work you have done and will do on this issue!
Gerda Newbold
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 10:34 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Reducing youth budget
From: Helen Lopez <hlope85@hotmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 5:32 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Reducing youth budget
EXTERNAL
To whom this may concert, I was informed that the city wants to reduce the youth budget to open other programs. I am
also aware that by doing this there will be less money going into the currents programs. Please stop this as students are
already placed on waiting list. MORE students will be placed on waiting lists and current programs will be affected.
Helen.
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Ann Maggio <annmaggio@gmail.com>
Sent:Wednesday, March 8, 2023 8:44 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Saturday - Let's hear the report before the public speaks
EXTERNAL
That is all.
Ann Maggio Thanawalla
"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." ‐ Albert Einstein
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Wednesday, March 8, 2023 12:19 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Urging an Addition to the Recommended 2023-2025 Council Priorities
Attachments:City Council letter.Priorities (002).docx
From: laurie lieberman <laurie.lieberman1@gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 8:47 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Urging an Addition to the Recommended 2023‐2025 Council Priorities
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete and City Council members,
I am writing as a longtime Santa Monica resident who was fortunate to be able to raise children here. While I currently
serve on the School Board, I am writing as an individual and not on behalf of the SMMUSD Board of Education. I urge
you to designate “Youth Services, Education and Lifelong Learning” as one of the City’s top priorities. The five
”Recommended FY 2023‐2025 Council Priorities” proposed by City staff are all important priorities for the City, however
none of those make explicit mention of young people and/or education. I propose that the City Council add a sixth
priority called Youth Services, Education and Lifelong Learning, reaffirming the commitment of our City Council and the
commitment of Santa Monica voters to young people and their needs. There are many inter‐connections between and
among the five proposed priorities; youth services and education is a thread that arguably relates to, and runs through,
the other five priorities but I respectfully suggest that it be called out expressly. For example, racial equity and social
diversity cannot be achieved without ensuring that our young people are well educated and otherwise provided for. And
a well‐educated community is a safer community and one that is committed to sustainability.
The City has implicitly treated this as a priority for many years and I ask that the City’s commitment be made explicit. No
matter what challenges the City faces for years to come, it will be important that we keep an eye out for young
people. Our youth will build the future of our City and the larger society. We owe them the best education and support
we can afford. The success of our community along with other communities rests on our ability to support younger
generations in reaching their potential and in becoming fully participating citizens who shape what will be their world.
Providing support for our youth and their schooling is vital to a thriving, successful community. It is an area where –
generally speaking – people with wide‐ranging political views agree. Most everyone cares about young people and
serving their needs, including but not limited to their education. This is an area where we should come together. My
suggestion is in no way intended to challenge the City’s other priorities but rather to seek articulation of a priority whose
absence is notable.
One of Santa Monica’s many special characteristics is the strong partnership that has been built between the City and
the school district. Adding this priority recognizes the importance of the issue and of the collaboration. Adding a
priority that explicitly acknowledges the importance of youth services, lifelong learning and education complements the
five priorities proposed by City staff; it is not intended to compete with but rather to augment the priorities being
considered.
Sincerely and in partnership,
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Laurie Lieberman
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Vernice Hankins
From:Ted Winterer <tedwinterer@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 4:57 PM
To:Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; caroline.torosis@santamonica.go; Phil Brock; Oscar de la Torre; Jesse
Zwick; Christine Parra
Cc:councilmtgitems; David White; Gigi Decavalles; nicole faries
Subject:CEPS input for City Council agenda item 11, March 11th, 2023
EXTERNAL
Mayor Davis and Honorable Councilmembers,
Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS) is very aware of the challenges you
face in approving a balanced budget by June 2023, and we are sympathetic to the
tradeoffs you will have to make given the demands of multiple interest groups.
After all, CEPS was founded to help SMMUSD with its chronic budget shortfalls, a
predicament for the District which continues to this day with 5% annual cuts
required over the next two years.
We believe that the potential purchase by SMMUSD of either the Civic Auditorium
or the acquisition of the Civic and the nearby sports field (our preference) presents
a remarkable opportunity to create one‐time funds for the City’s staggering legal
liabilities while expediting the completion of the Santa Monica High campus
upgrade. We encourage you to explore this option vigorously, as it would benefit
both public agencies.
As for funding the City’s operational budget, we urge you to preserve your long
term commitment to municipal funding for education and youth services. Too
often when public agencies have to trim their budgets, items such as parks and
kids bear the brunt of cuts while expenditures backed by more organized and
influential lobbying are spared the chopping block. Yet what better commitment is
there to a diverse and equitable city than an investment in our children and their
future? In fact, we believe the Council should adopt an additional budget priority:
Youth Services and Lifelong Education.
Consequently, we urge you to postpone the pension liability pay down in your new
budget and to use those funds for the continuation of Playground Club and youth
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sports at our schools and for the restoration of other youth programs and services,
including those at Virginia Avenue Park.
Please make funding for our children your top priority in your budget discussions.
Thank you,
Nicole Faries
Ted Winterer
Co‐Chairs, CEPS
cepssm.org
‐‐
Ted Winterer
Realtor @Compass, 2115 Main Street Santa Monica
DRE #02047989
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
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Vernice Hankins
From:gerda newbold <gnewbold@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 2:59 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 11 A - Budget Priorities
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
Thank you for continuing to take climate and sustainability seriously. From our electrification ordinance to the new
storm water system, your work is helping to reduce emissions and to make us more resilient in the face of a
changing climate. Please continue Santa Monica's legacy as a climate and sustainability leader by adding them back as
budget priorities. Climate impacts will continue to worsen and we need to be doing all we can to address them. Air
quality, drought and excessive heat are just some of the impacts felt by residents of our city.
Santa Monica plays a leadership role in the sustainability field and other communities look to our actions. As
we do, the rest of the state follows. And what happens here in California ripples across the country. Scientists
agree that we need to continue to take action on the climate — we cannot waiver.
Again, thank you for all the work you have done and will do on this issue!
Gerda Newbold
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Vernice Hankins
From:Libby Bradley <libbybradley18@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 2:43 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Open hours for Santa Monica track
EXTERNAL
Hello,
I am writing to request that the Council consider ways to increase the hours that the Santa Monica track is open to the
public. As a City that is known for promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, and considering this track was
previously open at more frequent hours to the general public, it is concerning and saddening that the managers of this
track have decided to close it to the public much more often.
The City does a great job at ensuring that many outdoor amenities are offered to the public ‐‐ community gardens, safe
places to walk, libraries, the beach path, etc. I would love if the City could dedicate more resources and time to working
with Santa Monica College to figure out how the track can remain open to the public for most of the mornings (e.g.,
starting at 6am for those who need to exercise before work). Many local track clubs, triathlon clubs and other athletic
organizations considered this space to be a focal convening point for their workouts ‐ especially in the mornings before
work. These groups ‐‐ in addition to people young and old who want a safe, clean, and fun place to exercise ‐‐ are now
not given this opportunity. There are very limited track offerings in the City ‐‐ I can think of just one other at Lincoln and
16th ‐‐ however this one is not actually even the standard size for a track (1600 meters) and also has very limited hours.
I understand it is not as simple as just opening the gates earlier and closing later; there are politics and money and time
involved. However, I hope there is some way the City and College can re‐open this beautiful and functional space for the
community to the hours it previously had (or even more often!). It is a shame that such a beautiful place that promotes
well‐being and mental health is closed during hours when many folks would use it.
Many thanks in advance for your consideration, and thank you for all the work you do.
Best,
Libby
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 2:22 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Continue Climate Sustainable Actions
From: Diana Spears <dianaspears3@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 12:23 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Continue Climate Sustainable Actions
EXTERNAL
Councilmembers
I moved to Santa Monica with my mother in 1955. I went to Will Rogers Elementary, John Adams Junior High School,
Santa Monica High School, and SMC before transferring to Northridge to get a BA.
We moved here after my mother, Marguerite Runk Spears, had finished a job she had been called to by Barry Goldwater
and Stu Udall (before either in National politics)to Phoenix to work on getting the city to comply with Brown vs Board of
Education. She got Franklin Williams of the Western Region NAACP to come an argue the case with her. [Later Mr.
Williams would become Ambassador to Ghana].
Marguerite worked as the Director of the Beverly Hills YWCA. However, it was her longtime work with the World
Federalists that brought her in touch with Eleonor Roosevelt and later to drive her along with me to San Francisco to
sign the Human Rights Amendment to the UN Charter.
After her work with the YWCA, Marguerite took a job with LA County Department of Community Services. First she
worked in the downtown office making acquaintance with Otis Chandler of the LA TIMES to promote the Countywide
Conferences on Delinquency Prevention she along with others led. Later she moved to an office in Santa Monica her
staff and she shared with the County Probation Department.
We enjoyed our time together in an apartment we shared mostly until 2015 when she fell and broke her hip. I had to
move her to first an Assisted Living facility, but as our money ran low to a Board and Care facility in February 2020. She
died of Covid 6months short of her 104th birthday in December 2020.
I have a long history here in Santa Monica. I've worked 25 years part‐time for former County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl as
well as a former food writer for the LATIMES and other publications. I love this city and the support it has given to
renters and hopefully will continue to support for CLIMATE SUSTAINABILITY.
THANK YOU.
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Vernice Hankins
From:jaime morrison <jaimemorrison101@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 10:28 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline
Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; Denise Anderson-Warren
Subject:Agenda Item 11.a
EXTERNAL
Dear Honorable Mayor and Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing to address the proposal made by the city manager, David White, which this council has endorsed,
to redirect revenue funding toward the creation of two separate departments out of an existing department.
This plan is out of line with the values of this diverse, vibrant city. While important, the issues of homelessness
and crime are not the only concerns residents face. As a long‐time resident of Santa Monica as a renter and now
as a homeowner, I am surprised that the needs of our children are being left behind so blatantly, as the council
determines the best use of funds. As a community, we do not need to pay for more staff positions or high‐level
director salaries. What we need are fully restored services for families such as library access, youth programming
and affordable housing. As a full‐time working single mother, I relied on CREST throughout my daughter’s time
at Franklin Elementary and I cannot imagine reducing or not fully restoring this program. Likewise, we have been
disappointed at the lack of access to the libraries of Santa Monica. I have always considered our Main Library a
jewel of your city, however it is now rarely open. Santa Monica is the home of many hard‐working families with
children who need access to quality programming – something that has always distinguished this community. I
urge you to consider what is best for the families who live here now as you move forward with your decision‐
making process about how to best utilize these new funds.
Sincerely,
J’aime Morrison, PhD.
Santa Monica Resident, 21 years
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From:Nicholas Rolston <nicholaswrolston@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 10:20 AM
To:councilmtgitems; council@santamonica.gov; David White
Cc:Anuj Gupta
Subject:Council Budgeting Priorities & Process
EXTERNAL
Hello Council & City Manager White,
Best of luck as you embark on the upcoming budgeting & budget prioritization process. I know the process is difficult as
there are many considerations with difficult outcomes & decisions.
I wanted to share with you my perspective on priorities & approach to our City's budget & future.
Top Priorities
Housing: Affordable Living Opportunities for Renters & Homeownership
o I hope that we will continue to look for avenues to strengthen support for renters not only through
official Affordable Housing designations but also through focusing on & strengthening Tenant Rent
Control Rights, while also looking for continued ways to support affordable primary home ownership.
After School Youth Programming
We offer amazing public school opportunities for our community's youth. While After School
Programming is always important, it's taken on greater importance as we look to fill the gap
created during COVID ‐ both with in‐class instruction & social education. This gap simply cannot
be made up during school hours. We can make a huge impact on our youth, our community, and
our future by prioritizing our After School Youth Programming
Sustainable Infrastructure
o Continued to be future‐forward leaders in creating and investing in a sustainable infrastructure
A few additional notes/thoughts:
The best way to generate growth & revenue is via investment. To use an analogy, the almost sure fire way to
know that a restaurant is close to going out of business is when they start cutting back on hours & services as
opposed to investing; let us not cut back but rather invest in our growth
I urge you to avoid Public/Private partnerships that sacrifice long‐term community control of public assets
I do not know what the proper ratio is, but I hope that we will over‐index on preventative/proactive measures
vs. reactive measures; this applies not only to Public Safety but many other areas of life as well
This moment calls for Visionary Leadership, not Populism. I wish you all the best of luck in confronting that challenge,
making hard decisions, and considering the long‐term consequences of short‐term decisions. As someone recently said,
'Budgets reflect values'.
Thank you all for all the time, energy & emotion you put into this role, this City, and our lives.
You are appreciated.
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Best,
Nick Rolston
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Vernice Hankins
From:John Adler <jkadler@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 9:37 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Agenda Item 11A
EXTERNAL
Dear Honorable Council Members,
I am writing to ask you to add back climate and sustainability as budget priorities. Climate impacts will continue to
worsen and we need to be doing all we can to address them for the benefit of future generations.
Thank you,
John Adler
Santa Monica resident
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Vernice Hankins
From:Kathy Seal <kathyseal@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 8:37 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Budget priorities: climate and sustainability
EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
As a longtime resident, I hope you are willing to continue our city's
climate and sustainability leadership by adding them back as
budget priorities.
Climate change impacts are unfortunately going to keep getting
worse --this year is a wake up call. Our residents suffer from the
consequent air pollution, drought, and increasing number of very
hot days.
What we do matters. Other cities look at us as a model. When we
lead the way, that helps the whole country and planet.
We need to continue taking strong action NOW, given the climate
emergency.
I love Santa Monica and our strong stance on climate is one of the
reasons. Please prioritize climate and sustainability in our budget.
Thanks for all that you do for us.
Kathy Seal
2431 32nd St
‐‐
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Vernice Hankins
From:Laurene Von Klan <lvonklan@gmail.com>
Sent:Thursday, March 9, 2023 7:50 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 11a 3/9
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:
I am writing to urge you to establish climate and sustainability as top priorities for our city. By doing so, you can help
bring funds to our city, keep our city safer during extreme weather events, and help us lead in innovation that will create
a future‐oriented economy.
I urge you to provide increased budget in these areas so we can take advantage of the numerous programs available to
create local clean energy resilience, new transportation options, power system upgrades, and public health protection
through clean air and healthy water supply.
Let’s keep Santa Monica a proud leader in this arena.
Thank you
Laurene von Klan
Sent from my iPhone
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:31 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Thea Cappiccille
From: Thea Cappiccille <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 8:47 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Thea Cappiccille
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Thea Cappiccille
Email tcappiccille@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Santa Monica Business Owner
Message forwarded on behalf of Thea Cappiccille,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
25 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
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3
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:31 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Karen Ginsberg
From: Karen Ginsberg <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 7:30 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Karen Ginsberg
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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4
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Karen Ginsberg
Email rkgins89@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
Message forwarded on behalf of Karen Ginsberg,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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5
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:30 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Nichole Delansky
From: Nichole Delansky <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 4:56 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Nichole Delansky
EXTERNAL
Take Action: Urge Your City Council to Increase Funding for
Before-and-After School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and a full-time working parent of
two school aged children in SMMUSD after care programs, I
urge you to increase funding for before-and-after-school
programs. Children and families in our community desperately
need this support.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
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school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Nichole Delansky
Email nicholedelansky@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Nichole Delansky,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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7
Vernice Hankins
From:Ann Hoover <annkbowman@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 11:44 AM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Caroline Torosis; Lana
Negrete; Jesse Zwick; David White
Cc:Susan Cline; David Martin; Douglas Sloan; Douglas Sloan
Subject:March 11, 2023 Council Meeting - Council Priorities
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Davis, City Manager White, and Esteemed Councilmembers -
A few quick thoughts and feedback:
I second all calls by others providing public input to make CLIMATE AND SUSTAINABILITY again a top priority
of our City. Of course, work in this area is in head to head conflict with the outsized state mandate to zone to
build an impossible amount of housing in our built-out City between now and 2029.
I recommend you limit your priorities to only 3-4 this time around, with clear & quantifiable goals to be
reviewed via regular touch-base reports from City Staff on progress. Pasts Councils typically bite off more than
they can chew. Don't over-commit!
I also second all calls to continue to support our children, education and youth services, particularly as they
support our local working parents. Important after-school, City-provided programs were cut by Council and
former Interim City Manager Lane Dilg during the pandemic budget cuts. Current City Manager White and
Council have restored some of these to a certain extent - thank you - but not all of those services by far and I'd
like to see further restored programming in this area to support our working families, e.g., a return the CREST
sports program & expanded Playground Access, if it seems there is a need.
I object to a sale of the Civic Auditorium and/or the nearby field to the school district. This is our civic
space and public land. The Auditorium is landmarked and I believe a magnificent public, civic use is still in it's
future. Don't offload it now in a short-sighted, weak moment. One possibility is to lease the Auditorium space to
the district for a period of years & allow them to make sufficient but not opulent improvements to allow the space
to be used by the high school. That way the City would be getting income from the Auditorium property. The City,
with ample notice, could end the lease at such time as a plan to revitalize the Auditorium falls into place. If I were
the District, of course, I'd just proceed with the lavish Samohi Campus plan at this point and build the second gym
there. There is zero reason for the City to sell the field to the District. It and the surrounding historical
commemoration are an important recent addition to the City's meagre park system now. No one thinking clearly
would sell our desperately needed park & field space. I hope none of you wants to be the Council or the
City Manager responsible for SELLING park land and developed public land that has been our City's civic
heart for close to 70 years now, used by millions of people.
Lastly, I SUPPORT the restoration of the current Community Services department to be TWO separate
departments. This is how it was before the pandemic budget cuts and it makes great sense. Housing and
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Cultural services are apples and oranges, potentially destined to come into conflict. Resources CAN be
preserved for things like restoring CREST programs and more library hours by promoting within so that you are
not hiring new personnel to create new positions as some have noted might happen in their comments should the
current department be split.
As always, thank you each one of you for your tremendous service to our community.
Sincerely,
Ann Bowman
Resident, 26+ years
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Vernice Hankins
From:Susie Pickett <susie.pickett@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 11:09 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fwd: Agenda Item 11A, Santa Monica: Continue to be a Climate and Sustainability Leader!
EXTERNAL
In case I sent it to the wrong email:
Sent from my iPhone
Begin forwarded message:
From: Susie Pickett <susie.pickett@gmail.com>
Date: March 9, 2023 at 11:58:28 AM PST
To: council@smgov.net
Subject: Agenda Item 11A, Santa Monica: Continue to be a Climate and Sustainability Leader!
To the Council:
Please continue Santa Monica's legacy as a climate and sustainability leader by adding them back as
budget priorities. Climate impacts will continue to worsen and we need to be doing all we can to
address them. Air quality, drought and excessive heat are just some of the impacts felt by residents of
our city. Santa Monica plays a leadership role in the sustainability field and other communities
look to our actions. As we do, the rest of the state follows. And what happens here in California
ripples across the country. Scientists agree that we need to continue to take action on the
climate — we cannot waiver.
My husband and I love the walkability of this city. We live near Montana and walk everywhere:
our doctor’s offices, church, our favorite restaurants, the beach. We are doing everything we
can do reduce our carbon footprint: we eat a plant-based diet, recently purchased an induction
cooktop to reduce our gas stove use, and replaced all of our bulbs with LEDs.
Santa Monica is our home, and we want the local government to do all it can to mitigate climate
change with sustainability efforts.
All our best,
Susie and Jim Pickett
Santa Monica Residents
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Vernice Hankins
From:Karen Melick <klmelick@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 10:37 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Clare Thomas
Subject:March 11 Council Meeting Agenda item 11.A
EXTERNAL
Hello,
We have reviewed the staff report, 2023 Council Workshop to Select Council Priorities and Provide Direction on the Fiscal
Year 2023-2025 Budget, and have the following input to consider for your discussion and decisions.
I have lived in Santa Monica for 31 years and our son was raised here attending the SMMUSD and participated in the City
sports programming. He is now 25.
What strikes me about the City's priorities is that the City Services to the youth and residents of the City do not seem to be
a priority. During the pandemic cuts, these services were disproportionally affected by the staff cuts. The staffing
numbers in the report show the much greater staffing cuts to the Community Services Department and Library Services
than the rest of the cities departments, currently at 24% and 39% decrease in staffing, versus an overall staffing decrease
of 12%.
These two departments only employed 13% of the City's FTE before the pandemic, and 10% now. These departments
should have first priority in restoring staffing.
I think it's disgraceful that these smaller departments and the most direct services the City provides to the youth and
residents of the City were cut to the greatest extent during the pandemic and are not currently included in the budget plan
to be restored. This should be changed before the 2023-25 budget is approved.
The Library services, and the City programs for youth including CREST, sports programs, Playground Club, the Swim
Center and summer lunch should be restored fully for the coming years. These programs take a comparatively small
portion of the City's annual budget and are very important for our City's youth and residents.
During the pandemics, the one City Park Planner position was eliminated which was odd considering the City was just
about to distribute an updated Recreations and Parks Master Plan and the need for planning for the Airport to Park
transition. This position should be restored to a permanent FTE position.
Also, for the Capital Improvement Programs, the Memorial Park Expansion project should be a priority as it has been a
very long time since the city residents voted to acquire the Fisher Lumber property to expand the park. The parks and the
Swim Center are services to the youth and residents of the City that should be a priority.
Thank you for your consideration of this information.
Karen Melick
Clare Thomas
2602 25th St
Santa Monica
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1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:32 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Elizabeth Kaupas
From: Elizabeth Kaupas <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 7:16 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Elizabeth Kaupas
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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2
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Elizabeth Kaupas
Email elizabethkaupas@icloud.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Elizabeth Kaupas,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
35 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
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3
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:32 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Jillian Cipresso
From: Jillian Cipresso <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 7:11 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Jillian Cipresso
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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11.A.b
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4
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Jillian Cipresso
Email jill@cipresso.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
SMMUSD Teacher/Staff
Message forwarded on behalf of Jillian Cipresso,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
37 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 81 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
5
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:32 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Mary Christian
From: Mary Christian <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 6:56 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Mary Christian
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
38 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
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6
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Mary Christian
Email marychristian16@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
Message forwarded on behalf of Mary Christian ,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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Packet Pg. 83 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
7
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:32 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Steven Atamian
From: Steven Atamian <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 6:35 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Steven Atamian
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Steven Atamian
Email steveatamian@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Steven Atamian,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:31 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Morgan Ruvolo
From: Morgan Ruvolo <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 5:34 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Morgan Ruvolo
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
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It is vital that we fix problems before they even start. If we can
help give every student a solid foundation, we should have less
issues as they grow older. We would not just be helping now,
but for generations. Youth services should be our highest
priority. (I just want to mention that I do not need these services
for my own children, so I am advocating because I love this city
and want it to grow in a positive way, and I believe starting at
youth is the way to build up Santa Monica.)
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Morgan Ruvolo
Email hoagiegirl@aol.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
SMMUSD Teacher/Staff
Message forwarded on behalf of Morgan Ruvolo,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:31 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Trinedy Krusell
From: Trinedy Krusell <noreply@jotform.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 4:32 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Trinedy Krusell
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and parent of 3 SMMUSD students,
I urge you to increase City funding for before-and-after-school
programs. With rising cost of living in Santa Monica, many
families don’t have the ability to have single-income
households. Short school day schedules, and multiple dismissal
times, make it difficult, or impossible to maintain a regular job
shift, forcing one parent to stay home.
We choose to have one parent (me) stay home to
accommodate the fluctuating school schedules. But every year
we feel the burden of the single-income and it is getting difficult
to make ends meet. I don’t feel I have the option to even look
for work until my youngest is in middle school and able to make
his way home on his own.
Private childcare is out of reach for our family, and the only
affordable option, our school’s CDS Aftercare, has been
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waitlisted since the start of the school year.
As you begin the budget process, PLEASE prioritize Santa
Monica children, youth, and families. Keep us in the forefront of
your minds when deciding how to allocate funds, and take
actions to ensure program capacity meets child and family
demand.
As a resident, voter, SMMUSD parent, I urge you to fully fund
the before-and-after-school program demand and invest further
in youth services. Thank you for your consideration.
Name Trinedy Krusell
Email trinedy@proton.me
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Santa Monica Business Owner
Message forwarded on behalf of Trinedy Krusell,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:31 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: SMMPTA Budget Ask for Youth Services
Attachments:SMMPTA City Council Letter_March 9 2023.pdf
From: Erika Bell <smmptacouncilpres@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 10:33 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: SMMPTA Budget Ask for Youth Services
EXTERNAL
Dear Honorable City Council Members,
Ahead of your Special Meeting, we very much appreciate the opportunity to share with you our community’s
concerns and our priorities for children, youth, and families in the city of Santa Monica.
On behalf of the Santa Monica Council of PTAs’ Executive Board and Association, we are writing to you to ask
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs, specifically to meet the needed-demand of
children and families. Please see our letter below.
We want you to know that this comes with gratitude for what you have already accomplished,
encouragement to find ways to provide more, and a commitment from us to work with the City to best
meet the needs of the largest number of our students and families with a focus on our most vulnerable.
We look forward to continuing to work with you and hope we can be a resource to you on issues impacting
children, youth, and families in Santa Monica.
Sincerely,
Erika Bell
Santa Monica Malibu Council of PTAs President
...
Office of the City Mayor and City Council
1685 Main St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
March 9, 2023
Dear Honorable City Council Members,
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On behalf of the Santa Monica Council of PTAs’ Executive Board and Association, we are writing to you to ask
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs, specifically to meet the needed-demand of
children and families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe, accessible, free and affordable programs that engage
and support them before and after school. Please consider how the City’s ability to serve ALL children and
families that need before-and-after-school programs could positively impact our community, as you deliberate
on budget commitments:
Inadequate funding adversely affects the equity and safety of the community. The current funding and
staffing for these programs has created an equity issue and a safety concern. More city funding is needed to
close the opportunity gap caused by inequities in access to youth programs outside of the regular school day to
keep all our city’s children in need of these services safe and engaged. As confirmed in your staff report, there
remains a persistent gap between staff’s ability to deliver services and the expectations of the community.
Before-and-after-school programs have demand that is far greater than the supply, leaving a great many children
on waitlists and without care. Crest Club and Playground Club were waitlisted prior to the start of the school
year, and have remained waitlisted throughout the year. (Afterschool Sports and Playground Club one-time
funding ends in June.) Youth service programs at Virginia Avenue Park, and at the Police Activities League at
Memorial Park are full too, and moreover, they are inaccessible to young ones without transportation.
Lack of access to before-and-after-school programs may put families in the position of leaving children
unsupervised at too early an age. Unsupervised children, at best, are without academic support and social
engagement; at worst, they are unsafe and at risk. “The likelihood of youth exposure to drug use and other
criminal behavior increases dramatically in the hours after school ends. RAND research has shown that the
availability of quality after-school activities can reduce participation in and victimization as a result of illicit
activities and can boost academic performance.” (RAND Corporation)
Increased funding, to ensure access to all, will benefit the entire community. “These programs improve
school attendance and graduation rates, develop workforce skills, prevent crime and substance abuse, and
enable low-income parents to work by filling a critical child care need.” (California Afterschool Advocacy
Alliance) Equitable access to programming that helps keep children safe and engaged is right in line with the
City’s guiding values and should be funded as such. School programs should continue to include play
supervision, homework support, before-and-after-school care, and enrichment classes. These increases will reap
rewards immediately in the academic, social and emotional, and physical development of children, and over the
long term, as envisioned by our City’s Cradle to Career initiative.
The City’s staff report lists “equity” and “safety” among Santa Monica’s highest priorities; therefore restoring
and increasing funding for youth services should be top of mind. Access to opportunity is not equal; before and
after school programs work to bridge gaps across many of the systemic inequities that exist in our community,
especially for the historically marginalized, and they help keep our children safe. As you, our City Council
members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica children,
youth, and families, and take actions to ensure program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-school programs is needed, to provide for program
costs, and to pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with inflation and the rising cost of living. Any
delay in funding commitment will only add to hardships for students and their families.
We ask you to give your focused attention to finding and supporting budget solutions. We are grateful for Santa
Monica’s long-standing commitment to our schools, for historic city-school district partnerships, and for past
and current investment in youth services for our children. We are hopeful that you, our city leaders, will find
creative ways to further systemize equity in our city, and will collaborate with our excellent schools and
community organizations to ensure all Santa Monica children have access to critical learning and development
opportunities, and all Santa Monica families have free or affordable access to safe and engaging care for their
children.
The Santa-Monica Malibu Council of PTAs requests that you strongly consider the safety and equity of children
and families and fully fund the before-and-after-school programs. Thank you for your consideration. We look
forward to continuing to work with you and hope we can be a resource to you on issues impacting children,
youth, and families in Santa Monica.
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Sincerely,
Erika Bell, President, Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:34 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Kelly Snopek
From: Kelly Snopek <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 10:35 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Kelly Snopek
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
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As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Kelly Snopek
Email kellycapp@hotmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
Message forwarded on behalf of Kelly Snopek,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:33 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Mary Squillace
From: Mary Squillace <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 10:29 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Mary Squillace
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a parent of a Roosevelt Elementary student who is fortunate
enough to participate in the aftercare program, I urge you to
increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
Both my partner and I have full time jobs that we rely on for our
income, and without this program, I’m honestly not sure how we
would manage to continue to be able to work. As a working
parent, I often feel like I’m faced with a puzzle I just can’t solve
in order to fulfill my responsibilities as a parent, an employee,
and a financial provider for my family. But the on-site aftercare
program has helped enormously.
We’ve been so pleased with the aftercare program, but it
shouldn’t be a privilege only few can enjoy. ALL children
deserve safe, accessible, free and affordable programs before
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and after school!
As you begin budget planning, I implore you to prioritize Santa
Monica families, and take actions to ensure these programs can
accommodate as many children as need the service at a price
that doesn’t put added financial stress on families.
Sufficient and sustainable funding of these programs is so
essential to make sure that families have access to them and
can afford them and also that the care workers who are SO
valuable are paid fair wages, even as cost of living continues to
rise.
As your constituent and a parent, I urge you to fully fund the
before-and-after-school program demand and invest further in
youth services. Thank you for your consideration. Please don’t
hesitate to reach out for more information.
Name Mary Squillace
Email mary.squillace@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
Message forwarded on behalf of Mary Squillace,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:33 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Aimée Koeplin
From: Aimée Koeplin <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 9:28 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Aimée Koeplin
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
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As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Aimée Koeplin
Email akoeplin@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Aimée Koeplin,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:33 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: nallely gutierrez
From: nallely gutierrez <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 9:24 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: nallely gutierrez
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
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As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name nallely gutierrez
Email nallegutierrez@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
SMMUSD Teacher/Staff
Message forwarded on behalf of nallely gutierrez,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:33 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Johanna Kracke
From: Johanna Kracke <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 8:28 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Johanna Kracke
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and a parent of 2 children attending
Will Rogers Elementary School, I urge you to increase funding
for before-and-after-school programs, specifically to meet the
needed-demand of children and families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is CRITICALLY important to prioritize
Santa Monica children, youth, and families, and take actions to
ensure program capacity meets child and family demand.
Sufficient and sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-
and-after-school programs is needed, to provide for program
costs, and to pay wages that are competitive and
commensurate with inflation and the rising cost of living. These
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programs should be free and available to ALL students, (which
LAUSD is able to provide on their campuses), and similar to the
model that has been adopted for our school lunch program. It
has been wildly frustrating for me as a parent to use the
affordable Boys and Girls Club sponsored Playground Club,
because they are canceled every time it rains (a lot this year!) I
depend on after school care so that I can work, and this
program is near useless in its current model. Other after care
options are wildly more expensive and additionally do not even
have any spaces. The reality is that this burden falls much
heavier on mothers, and as a result you are keeping mothers
who would like to work more OUT of the work force. If we had
dependable care that did not cost an arm and a leg, we would
be more able to work and contribute to the economic success of
our city.
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Johanna Kracke
Name Johanna Kracke
Email jokracke@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
Santa Monica Business Owner
Message forwarded on behalf of Johanna Kracke,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:33 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Dolores Romo
From: Dolores Romo <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 7:55 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Dolores Romo
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
59 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 103 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
12
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Dolores Romo
Email dolores_142@hotmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
Message forwarded on behalf of Dolores Romo ,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
60 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 104 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
13
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:32 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Yeva MCCLOSKEY
From: Yeva MCCLOSKEY <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 7:45 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Yeva MCCLOSKEY
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
61 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 105 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
14
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Yeva MCCLOSKEY
Email designyeva@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
SMMUSD Student
Santa Monica Business Owner
Message forwarded on behalf of Yeva MCCLOSKEY,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
62 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 106 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:35 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Jo An Joseph-Peters
From: Jo An Joseph‐Peters <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 12:12 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Jo An Joseph‐Peters
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
63 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 107 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
2
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Jo An Joseph-Peters
Email jejpeters@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
Past SMMUSD PARENT
Message forwarded on behalf of Jo An Joseph-Peters,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
64 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 108 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
3
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:35 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Sarah Starks
From: Sarah Starks <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 11:56 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Sarah Starks
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and SMMUSD parent, I urge you to
increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families. My children, now 14 and 10, benefited substantially
from city-funded after-school services when they were younger,
and some of these programs are no longer available to children
in our community or have extensive waitlists that limit their
availability.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
Item 11.A 03/11/23
65 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 109 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
4
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Sarah Starks
Email slstarks@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Sarah Starks,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
66 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 110 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
5
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:35 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Karen E Mozes
From: Karen E Mozes <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 11:54 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Karen E Mozes
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
67 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 111 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
6
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Karen E Mozes
Email kmozes@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Karen E Mozes,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
68 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 112 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
7
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:34 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Task Force Input to Item 11: Council Workshop to Select Council Priorities and Provide Direction
on the Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Budget
Attachments:TF letter to City Council Special Meeting 3.11.2023.docx
From: Early Childhood Task Force <ectaskforce@outlook.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 11:48 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Task Force Input to Item 11: Council Workshop to Select Council Priorities and Provide Direction on the Fiscal
Year 2023‐2025 Budget
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and Honorable Councilmembers:
As the City Council considers and approves the organizational priorities in preparation for the FY
2023-2025 budget, the Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force is pleased to submit our thoughts
about the priorities to advance the City's path to recovery that is equitable, fair, and reflective of the
values of our community.
For the 2023-2025 budget, the Task Force supports the current priorities of Addressing
Homelessness, Clean & Safe Santa Monica, and Equitable & Inclusive Economic Opportunity
& Recovery. The last three years have been a tremendous loss for our children and families who
were already struggling, particularly our most vulnerable families. The pandemic only exacerbated
issues already present. To prevent housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless, creating clean
and safe public spaces and neighborhoods, which include parks and leisure activities and cultivating
economic opportunities, means protecting the current city investments and resources.
Affordable, high-quality childcare is critical so parents do not lose their jobs and become unhoused.
Families' access to affordable housing, behavioral health support, and other services addresses their
ability to face challenges, adversity, and trauma that leads to improved outcomes and keeping them
housed. These resources are vital for their economic and emotional recovery and children's social
and emotional needs.
A clean and safe neighborhood means continued investment in available activities and programming
for our children out of school time. The Task Force supports that council investments go to support
CREST, the Playground Club supervised afterschool care at all elementary schools, and the
restoration of programs and capacity for City operated youth programs and recreation in our parks.
The Task Force supports the council's recommendation of adding the two priorities of Racial Equity
and Social Diversity and a Sustainable & Connected Community.
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8
In the statement on Racial Equity and Social Diversity, we recommend adding “learn” to the last
sentence, so it is "improve the wellbeing of people who live, work, learn, play, and do business in our
City and create a community where differences in life outcomes cannot be predicted by race, class,
gender, disability, or other identities.
Equitable economic opportunity begins with investment and commitment to address the inequality
facing our families to access high-quality early education programs and the resources necessary to
sustain our families and their children. Research has consistently demonstrated that starting young
can impact children's social, educational, and economic opportunities and parents' economic
opportunities. Thus, addressing equity gaps for our community families begins with their access to
our public schools, libraries, and community-based organizations supported through the City's current
infrastructure.
At the heart of a sustainable & connected community is a supported community that expands
opportunities for children, youth, and families.
We recommend adding Sustainable, Connected and “Supportive" Community to the priority. Within
the priority, we suggest emphasizing the following: "Ensure that City policies and programs enhance
our resources and preserve opportunities for children, youth, and families that support a strong safety
net, especially for our most vulnerable community members. The City is committed to addressing
affordable lifelong learning experiences, which prevents harm to the natural environment and human
health and benefits the social and economic wellbeing of the community for the sake of current and
future generations."
We urge the City Council to increase the Human Services Grants program funding so that ALL
residents within our diverse City can be safe and healthy and access the resources necessary to
thrive. Santa Monica has a historic commitment to making a positive difference for its children and
families because it is not only a great place – it connects around common values and relationships
with each other and ensures the resources that help them flourish. Ultimately, these investments
have an impact on the day-to-day operations of the City.
On behalf of the Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force and its 4,500 children under five, we
thank you for considering our recommendations. Please contact us if you have questions.
Sincerely,
The Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force Steering Committee
McKenna Belgarde and Julie Taren
Co-Chairs Santa Monica Early Childhood Task Force
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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11.A.b
Packet Pg. 114 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
9
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:34 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Winnie Yeh
From: Winnie Yeh <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 11:48 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Winnie Yeh
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
71 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 115 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
10
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Winnie Yeh
Email innieway946@hotmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
SMMUSD Student
Message forwarded on behalf of Winnie Yeh,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
72 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 116 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
11
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:34 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Alison Havel
From: Alison Havel <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 11:31 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Alison Havel
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and a parent in the Santa Monica
school district, I urge the City of Santa Monica to increase
funding for before-and-after-school programs, specifically to
meet the support of our neediest children and families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school and unfortunately, our
district does not have the funds to provide these services.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
Item 11.A 03/11/23
73 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 117 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
12
inflation and the rising cost of living.
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services in
a way that you used to do before COVID hit. Thank you very
much for your consideration!
Name Alison Havel
Email alisonliz@yahoo.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Alison Havel,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
74 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 118 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
13
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:34 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Staci Verk
From: Staci Verk <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 11:25 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Staci Verk
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. More than
half of the community at Grant take advantage of after school
programs and access to these programs benefits the children,
the parents and hence the community.
Sufficient and sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-
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11.A.b
Packet Pg. 119 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
14
and-after-school programs is needed, to provide for program
costs, and to pay wages that are competitive and
commensurate with inflation and the rising cost of living.
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Staci Verk
Email staci_weiss@yahoo.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Staci Verk,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
76 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 120 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
15
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:34 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Akiko Nakai
From: Akiko Nakai <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 11:19 AM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Akiko Nakai
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families. The programs impact a lot to the quality of family/child
life.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
Item 11.A 03/11/23
77 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 121 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
16
inflation and the rising cost of living.
As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Akiko Nakai
Email akinoco@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Akiko Nakai,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
78 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 122 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Mathew Millen <matmillen@msn.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 2:45 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Oscar de La Torre; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Caroline M. Torosis; Caroline M. Torosis;
Jesse Zwick
Subject:3/11 BudgetMeeting/ Don't Use Measure GS to perpetuate segregation
EXTERNAL
To The City Council Members:
The State rejected the initial Housing Element based on a finding the City dumped low income housing in the
Pico Neighborhood that
"perpetuated segregation"...this was partially accomplished via the Pico Neighborhood Housing Trust
Fund...the terms of the fund limited the
development of low income housing to the historically segregated Pico Neighborhood.
To Implement Government Code 8899.50 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing WE NEED TO FLIP THE
scenario.
NO MEASURE GS FUNDS CAN BE USED TO DEVELOP LOW INCOME HOUSING IN THE HISTORICALLY
SEGREGATED
PICO NEIGHBORHOOD...USE THE FUNDS TO IMPLEMENT GOV. CODE 8899.50 and build the housing
someplace BUT the Pico Neighborhood. Don't use Measure GS funds to perpetuate segregation.
Mathew Millen
16th St. 90404
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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Packet Pg. 123 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Peter DiChellis <pdichellis@yahoo.com>
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 2:20 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Item 11A - Budget - Public Safety vs. Homeless Services
EXTERNAL
As a substantial portion of police and fire resources are dedicated exclusively to Homeless Services, please reimburse
first‐responder budgets so those dedicated Homelessness resources are not charged against overall police and fire
budgets. It would be non‐transparent to present the entirety of Police and Fire spending as Public Safety spending when
a substantial portion is exclusively dedicated to Homeless Services.
Let’s take an honest step forward in solving Santa Monica’s (related) crime and homelessness problems with a true and
transparent accounting of how much the City spends on each.
Thank you,
Peter DiChellis
Santa Monica 90403
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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Packet Pg. 124 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
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Vernice Hankins
From:bswett@gmail.com
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:53 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:To consider in the budgeting discussion on your retreat
EXTERNAL
First, Thank You for your service, and for taking the Ɵme to listen to all of us as you do this important work. It means
something.
I am in the parent/resident/renter/small business category, and have always been proud of our city’s strong, proud
history of supporƟng children and families. The city has long provided financial and leadership to educators – and it’s
been a great investment.
I urge you to add a sixth budget priority category, called Youth Services & EducaƟon (or similar). Our children and
families are so important – most of you were (or at least had) Santa Monica Kids, and city‐supported programs helped
you get where you are today. Please, as you balance things out, keep our shared future in mind.
Yours with grateful respect,
Ben SweƩ
Santa Monica
Item 11.A 03/11/23
81 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 125 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:44 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Funding for youth programs
From: Ricardo Rubio <rikrub83@sbcglobal.net>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 12:43 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Funding for youth programs
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
My children are a part of the after school programs that are offered by the city of Santa Monica. I believe it is a bad idea to
create a new Dept. when that money can be used to restore funding for the youth programs. A new Dept. would need high
cost positions. The CREST, VAP, and PAL programs are very important to the Santa Monica youth and their Families.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Ricardo Rubio
Item 11.A 03/11/23
82 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 126 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:44 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Kristin Flaxman
From: Kristin Flaxman <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 12:41 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Kristin Flaxman
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and a parent of two elementary-
aged children, I urge you to increase funding for before-and-
after-school programs, specifically to meet the needed-demand
of children and families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Kristin Flaxman
Email kjviola@gmail.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
PTA or PTSA Member
Message forwarded on behalf of Kristin Flaxman,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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11.A.b
Packet Pg. 128 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:43 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Splitting the City's Community Services Department into Two Departments
From: Neil Carrey <neilcarrey@verizon.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 9, 2023 12:44 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Splitting the City's Community Services Department into Two Departments
EXTERNAL
I read the letter from Andy Agle and Karen Ginsberg opposing splitting the City's Community
Services Department into two departments and I could not agree with them more. In my more
that 12 years as a Recreation and Parks Commissioner and my many other activities involving
the City, I have worked with and got to know both of them very well. From their experience
and expertise, they are two individuals who know what they are saying and opposing. Because
of the pandemic, funds for direct services for youth, especially our most vulnerable and at risk
youth, were greatly cut and the longer this lasts, the more vulnerable these youth will become.
The City's additional limited funds should not be spent on more high paid bureaucrats but rather
reopening the PAL Fitness Gym, reopening the Teen Center at Virginia Avenue Park and
enhancing the Crest program. From my 26 years on the PAL Board, on numerous committees
for our School District and years as a youth sports coach, I know that spending for direct
services for our youth works and were these extra funds should go. I hope you do the right
thing. Thanks for listening.
Neil Carrey
neilcarrey@verizon.net
neilcarrey@rubinattorneys.com
(T) 310-451-9188
(C) 310-200-5067
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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Packet Pg. 129 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
1
Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Friday, March 10, 2023 12:35 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Fw: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Polina Zhitomirsky
From: Polina Zhitomirsky <noreply@formresponse.com>
Sent: Friday, March 10, 2023 12:15 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@santamonica.gov>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@santamonica.gov>; Phil Brock
<Phil.Brock@santamonica.gov>; Christine Parra <Christine.Parra@santamonica.gov>; Lana Negrete
<Lana.Negrete@santamonica.gov>; Jesse Zwick <Jesse.Zwick@santamonica.gov>; Caroline Torosis
<Caroline.Torosis@santamonica.gov>; Oscar de la Torre <Oscar.delaTorre@santamonica.gov>; David White
<David.White@santamonica.gov>; Gigi Decavalles <Gigi.Decavalles@santamonica.gov>
Subject: Letter from Santa Monica Community Member: Polina Zhitomirsky
EXTERNAL
Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Subject Increase Funding for Before-and-After-School Programs
Message Body As a Santa Monica resident and/or a parent/guardian, I urge
you to increase funding for before-and-after-school programs,
specifically to meet the needed-demand of children and
families.
There is a significant need for ALL children to have safe,
accessible, free and affordable programs that engage and
support them before and after school.
As you, our City Council members, begin the Fiscal Year 2023-
25 budget process, it is important to prioritize Santa Monica
children, youth, and families, and take actions to ensure
program capacity meets child and family demand. Sufficient and
sustainable funding of school-site-based, before-and-after-
school programs is needed, to provide for program costs, and to
pay wages that are competitive and commensurate with
inflation and the rising cost of living.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
86 of 88 Item 11.A 03/11/23
11.A.b
Packet Pg. 130 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
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As your constituent, I urge you to fully fund the before-and-after-
school program demand and invest further in youth services.
Thank you for your consideration.
Name Polina Zhitomirsky
Email pzhitomirsky@yahoo.com
Your Role in the
Community Santa Monica Resident
SMMUSD Parent
Message forwarded on behalf of Polina Zhitomirsky,
by Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
smmptas@gmail.com
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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Packet Pg. 131 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)
3/10/2023
To Honorable Mayor Davis and esteemed Council members:
At your March 11 workshop, it has been announced that Council will consider a proposal to
reorganize the City’s operations to “align and focus” organizational work efforts. You have been
urged by former senior staff members Ginsberg and Agle to reject the proposal. I support that
recommendation for all the reasons those veteran city employees have articulated and would
like to reiterate support for restoring youth program funding.
A diverse offering of youth services programing means opportunities that the most vulnerable in our
community simply wouldn’t receive any other way. Restoring that funding means that those students
have access to tutoring programs and standardized test prep, nutrition assistance that decreases
food insecurity, fitness programs, youth sports, and access to funding for higher education.
Santa Monica has a proud legacy of lifting up the underserved, I urge you, please don’t leave behind
those who need you most and restore funding to crucial youth programs so that the city staff already
positioned to help can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those who need them most.
Sincerely,
Rob Schwenker
Santa Monica resident and Police Activities League Board Vice President, marketing.
Item 11.A 03/11/23
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Packet Pg. 132 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (5560 : Council Workshop)