SR 08-22-2023 16K
City Council
Report
City Council Meeting: August 22, 2023
Agenda Item: 16.K
1 of 1
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Anderson Warren, City Clerk, Records and Election Services
Department
Subject: Mayor Davis, Mayor Pro Tem Negrete, and Councilmember Brock directs the
City Manager and City Attorney to investigate and analyze the p rocess
employed by the LA County Department of Public Health leading to its syringe
exchange program in Santa Monica in light of the August 14, 2023 California
appellate court decision of Grant Park Neighborhood Association Advocates
v. Department of Public Health, Santa Cruz County, Third Appellate District,
holding the California Department of Public Health is required to engage in a
fully interactive process with affected local jurisdictions prior to implementing
a syringe exchange program, then return with information and take all
necessary action consistent with ensuring the legally required process is
followed. On September 13, 2022, the City Council unanimously authorized
sending a letter seeking the assistance of Los Angeles County in immediately
moving the Harm Reduction Syringe Services Program to a service rich
environment (preferably indoors) where individuals in need of substance
abuse, mental health, and other services can coordinate and work directly
with service providers. Subsequently, Los Angeles County transitioned to
operating the Harm Reduction Syringe Services Program via mobile vans that
operates for a cumulative three hours per week.
Prepared By: Denise Anderson Warren, City Clerk
Approved
Forwarded to Council
Attachments:
A. Mayor County Letter 9.15.22
16.K
Packet Pg. 587
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8201 • council@santamonica.gov
santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity
September 14, 2022
Sent Via Email
Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Board Executive Office, Room 383
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Dear Board Chair Mitchell and Honorable Members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors,
The City of Santa Monica has an established track record of deploying a comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressin g
homelessness. More specifically, Santa Monica has implemented a Four Pillar Strategy to address hom elessness and prevent
residents from becoming unhoused. Immediate and consistent engagement combined with services, treatment, and housing is core
to our local strategy. The following outlines our Four Pillar Strategy:
1. Prevent housed Santa Monicans from becoming homeless and increase the supply of affordable housing;
2. Address the behavioral health needs of vulnerable residents;
3. Maintain equitable access to safe, fun, and healthy open spaces; and
4. Strengthen regional capacity to address homelessn ess.
Over the years, implementing this strategy has resulted in the production of affordable housing, deployment of multi -disciplinary
outreach teams, and the provision of rental assistance and legal services to tenants who are at risk of eviction. In addi tion, new
innovations have been implemented or are forthcoming. Examples include:
• Our Fire Department’s Community Response Unit, which provides an alternative response to 9 -1-1 calls for service to better
address the needs of vulnerable populations; and
• A partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health to bring forward a Therapeutic Transport Van staffed
with behavioral health professionals and people with lived experiences who offer supportive resources for non -violent mental
health-related calls for service. The City has committed $400,000 to this initiative.
Clearly, the City of Santa Monica is committed to addressing the issue of homelessness in a wholistic and compassionate manne r.
In alignment with our Four Pillar Strategy outlined above, Pillar 3 reflects the City’s desire to maintain equitable access t o safe, fun,
and healthy spaces. Because roughly 70% of Santa Monicans are renters, our community relies on the City’s parks and open spaces
as they do not have access to private open space. This includes families with young children, as well as seniors. It has come to our
attention that the Venice Family Clinic under the purview of the Los Angeles Department of Public Health, Substance Abuse and
Prevention and Control Division is providing clean needles to individuals in our parks and open spaces through the Harm Reduc tion
Syringe Services Program. We understand our limited regulatory a uthority, however, rather than implement this program in our
parks and open spaces, we seek your assistance in immediately moving this program to a service rich environment (preferably
indoors) where individuals in need of substance abuse, mental health, a nd other services can coordinate and work directly with
service providers. We have been apprised that our staff has been involved in constructive conversations with the County and w e
want to make sure you are aware of this partnership and collaboration. As a next step, our staff will be asking the County for a
formal proposal and it is our aspiration that, at a minimum, what materializes is a pilot project in which the County places
16.K.a
Packet Pg. 588 Attachment: Mayor County Letter 9.15.22 (5932 : Syringe Exchange Program)
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8201 • council@santamonica.gov
santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity
restrictions on the time, place, and manner in which the Harm Reduction Syringe Services Program is administered that aligns with
the City’s strategy to address homelessness.
Over the years, the City has developed strong partnerships with the County. We desire to build on this foundation to pursue n ew
approaches to provide the services that are needed for those struggling with substance abuse. Your support is appreciated as our
staff continues to work with the County.
Sincerely,
Sue Himmelrich
Mayor
Cc: David White, City Manager
Doug Sloan, City Attorney
Gary Tsai, Division Director, Substance Abuse Prevention and Control
Supervisor Candidate, Senator Bob Hertzberg
Supervisor Candidate, City Councilmember Lindsey Horvath
16.K.a
Packet Pg. 589 Attachment: Mayor County Letter 9.15.22 (5932 : Syringe Exchange Program)