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SR 06-27-2023 1ACity Council Report City Council Meeting: June 27, 2023 Agenda Item: 1.A 1 of 1 To: Mayor and City Council From: Denise Anderson Warren, City Clerk, Records and Election Services Department Subject: Written Comments Prepared By: Esterlina Lugo, Deputy City Clerk Approved Forwarded to Council Attachments: A.Written Comments From:Nicole Andia To:councilmtgitems Subject:City of Santa Monica City Council meeting June 27 2023 "WE THE PEOPLE" Date:Monday, June 26, 2023 6:42:34 PM Attachments:Screen Shot 2023-06-26 at 3.48.12 PM.png Screen Shot 2023-06-26 at 3.50.06 PM.png EXTERNAL In respect to Public Safety Reform and Oversight Commission and Recreation and Parks Commission, the rule that the general beaches and parks in Santa Monica will be off limits to the public after curfew will be rectified and abolished. There will no longer be a curfew that Santa Monica residents have to follow in respect to them enjoying the beach and parks.The safety of Santa Monica residents is put at risk when they are deprived of their natural resource of getting to experience visiting a beach after hours. Residents of Santa Monica are put in danger when police officers are given the incentive to fine and imprison people for unjust reasons that serve no purpose. It is not acceptable for Santa Monica residents and as well as visitors to be deprived of their right to religion and nature. Psalms 146:6-8 6 He is the Maker of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them— he remains faithful forever. 7 He upholds the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry. The LORD sets prisoners free, 8 the LORD gives sight to the blind, the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down, the LORD loves the righteous. God made our natural resources for a reason and that reason being for them to be enjoyed so we can seek the therapeutic benefits of them. As stated in Charlie Health, “Eco-therapy, or nature-based psychotherapy, focuses on developing a meaningful connection with nature while exploring one's emotions and difficulties'' (Passante 2023). There is no denial that access to the ocean and other nature centers at all hours will allow crime rates to lower and homeless rates to diminish. We do not need medication for a cleaner city, we need nature therapy and for all. Do not deprive the masses of their birthright of choosing to feel good. These police officers do not need another reason to fine people with petty stuff; having such mediocre rules can only exacerbate this homeless plague that these Santa Monica residents so persistently speak to you upon. When this is rectified the notion of appointing eight more police officers to this project will be done in order to ensure that safety precautions are being upheld after sunset at all Santa Monica beaches and parks. City Council members, the residents of Santa Monica are proud of all your diligent work to make this world a safer place. We are impressed with the progress. All we ask is for us to work together as a team for the greater good of all humanity; we are here for you to assist us in rectifying these rules you have in place in order to allow families to go out safely at night without the paranoid feeling that they are going to be harassed for breaking the law and putting their lives at risk visiting the beach. Nobody wants to be a criminal by choice and if we want people to stop disproportionately seeking government benefits such as GR and disability then we have to ensure there are less people put through a prison system. No more debunking the credibility of wise Americans who are only here to achieve this American dream. The more we allow these police officers to throw more people in jail for illegitimate reasons is when America puts itself in a place to be in debt for good because when people have a jail record for a year that is when they can lose hope, and it makes them more prone to finding their way to government benefits when feeling left out of resources. Being put through a jail system triples peoples chances of becoming homeless when humanity is biased towards hiring criminals, as well as when the prolonging of many unnecessary rules continues in place and these residents are forced to follow them if not bear the consequences. We want to get people out of being in a constant legal battle so they can actually learn to fend for themselves and not be a bunch of government dependent people. We do not want people to take ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 advantage of the legal system and to use mental illness as an excuse because we do not want a bunch of more lazy good for nothing citizens. The idea is that no camping tents are to take place on Santa Monica beaches or parks with this curfew being lifted, but is there anything wrong with people resting their eyes on the beach for a few hours in company with their family after curfew? The more homeless people are arrested the more they are prone to never getting out of that misery cycle of legal problems, and this does not allow them a chance to do better for themselves. Not all shelters are accessible to people so easily and if people have to sleep on the streets then it will be better for general parks and the general beach to also be open to them legally so they are not going against the law. Homeless people are just like non-homeless people at heart, if not better, and they deserve the same First Amendment right. Bibles are also to be ordained in every jail cell no matter the circumstance and this is to take place promptly to respect the public's right to practice their religion as they please. If you are going to put more officers on the streets then keep them well educated on our First Amendment right and ensure them never to engage in illegal activity like they have in the past of denying a refined Santa Monica woman’s right of wearing a headwrap for religious reasons. 1 Corinthians 11:6 "For if a woman does not cover her head, she might as well have her hair cut off; but if it is a disgrace for a woman to have her hair cut off or her head shaved, then she should cover her head.” If your officers deny a faithful woman of their faith they better be put into jail themselves for their nefarious behavior and no exceptions for them! We are all made equal and nobody deserves better treatment than another so they must not act entitled thinking they are above a law. Your officers went against a Santa Monica citizen’s religious right and they will be held accountable for this. These same police officers are reported watching sexually predatory and demonic movies and portraying it when people are going into their jail cells. These police officers were watching the movie ’Superbad’ on the clock which promotes messages of rape culture and pornographic prostitution and illegal content. We want to have officers around us that make our city a safer place and not officers who turn this city into a hell replica with their unbiblical influence. Another plus to having more residents at the beach past curfew is that we will be able to keep more track of any wounded sea animals that are dying from the contaminated algae brought upon from the unregulated waste run off of factory farms; this contaminated algae is produced from select humans having a greedy obsession with the consumption of saturated fat filled animal flesh that only prolongs their health problems and rules them to obesity and cancer as further clarified on documentary What The Health. Health and safety first for my citizens of Santa Monica because we are a priority and they matter to me. We will get curfew lifted off the general beach and general parks and everybody with me says I. Give us liberty or give us death! No more no less! We will not put up with injustice any longer and instead we will be the righteous and flourishing Santa Monica that other cities know us as and as they shall know us as until the end. ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 From:Renee Terrebonne To:David White; Gleam Davis; Lana Negrete; Phil Brock; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Oscar de la Torre; Christine Parra; councilmtgitems Subject:Protected Bike Lanes Date:Saturday, June 24, 2023 12:09:05 PM EXTERNAL Hi Members of the Santa Monica City Council: I am a resident of Santa Monica, and I have been very appreciative of the recent updates to the bike lanes in the city. I am writing to encourage you all to support bike lanes in Santa Monica, and to please consider adding more protected bike lanes. Today, I was thinking it would be a perfect day to ride my bike with my son to Downtown Santa Monica from my apartment on 18th and Ocean Park. While I feel somewhat safe riding my bike, I do not feel safe to have my son (who is 8 years old) to ride his bike on some of the larger streets. I would love to see one of the east-west streets to have a protected bike lane so more families can opt to ride their bikes to the beach or the 3rd Street Promenade area safely. Instead of riding our bikes, we are opting to drive there instead, further causing problems to traffic congestion. Santa Monica is such a beautiful city with wonderful weather—it should really have more of a biking culture than driving culture! Thank you for your consideration. Renee Terrebonne ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 From:Alona Reese To:councilmtgitems Subject:July 27 Public Comment Date:Monday, June 26, 2023 8:26:23 PM EXTERNAL Santa Monica City Council, please read my comment in tomorrow’s meeting: Another violent homeless attack occurred last week. My 66 year old father was assaulted with a deadly weapon which sent him to the emergency room in critical condition on Friday, June 23rd at 10:15am on the intersection of 11th and Wilshire Blvd. My father is a military veteran and Santa Monica business owner for over 20 years. He has not feared for his safety in Santa Monica until now. We need to come up with a solution immediately because this is affecting public safety and making residents fearful as this type of crime is happening too frequently. What is in the process of being done to protect the community? Thank you. ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 From:Jesus To:Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oscar de la Torre; councilmtgitems Subject:Urgent Request to Ban Personal Cars on Ocean Ave Date:Tuesday, June 27, 2023 11:58:56 AM EXTERNAL Dear Santa Monica City Council Members, I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to bring your attention to a distressing incident that occurred on Sunday, #230056095, which has highlighted the urgent need to reevaluate the presence of personal cars on Ocean Ave between California Ave and Colorado Ave. This incident involved a pedestrian walking her dog who tragically lost her beloved companion and was injured herself due to a vehicle collision. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by vehicles in areas heavily frequented by pedestrians and pets. As a concerned resident of Santa Monica, it is time to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community members over the convenience of personal cars in this specific section of Ocean Ave. Ocean Ave, with its stunning beachfront views and its significance as a recreational and gathering space, should be a haven for people to enjoy without fear of vehicular accidents. By implementing a ban on personal cars between California Ave and Colorado Ave, we can create a more pedestrian-friendly environment that fosters community engagement, promotes physical activity, and enhances the overall quality of life for Santa Monica residents and visitors alike. I propose the following measures to achieve these goals: 1. Safety: Eliminate personal car access along Ocean Ave between California Ave and Colorado Ave. This would significantly reduce the risk of accidents, particularly those involving pedestrians, cyclists, and pets, making it a safer environment for everyone. 2. Health and Well-being: Encourage active modes of transportation, such as walking and cycling, by designating Ocean Ave between California Ave and Colorado Ave as a car-free zone. This would align with our city's commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and reducing carbon emissions. 3. Community Space: Transform the designated area into a vibrant public space that promotes social interaction, community events, and cultural activities. By reclaiming Ocean Ave from cars, we can create a lively gathering place that fosters a stronger sense of community and enhances the overall livability of Santa Monica. 4. Environmental Sustainability: By reducing car traffic along Ocean Ave between California Ave and Colorado Ave, we can contribute to our city's sustainability goals. This measure would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote alternative transportation options such as electric scooters, bicycles, and public transit. In implementing these measures, please keep in mind these additional considerations: ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 · Emergency Vehicle Access: Ensure that emergency vehicles have unrestricted access to Ocean Ave between California Ave and Colorado Ave at all times. Safety should remain a top priority, and emergency services must be able to respond swiftly when needed. · Delivery Vehicle Access: Allow controlled access for delivery vehicles within specific time frames to minimize disruption to local businesses and services. This can be achieved through designated loading zones and efficient logistics planning. · Resident Vehicle Access: Grant residents residing within the designated area access to their properties by car. However, to reduce traffic congestion and prioritize safety, limit access to one one-way lane, dedicating the other lane for pedestrian and cyclist use. I kindly request that the Santa Monica City Council consider conducting a thorough evaluation of the possibility of implementing a ban on personal cars and reducing traffic to one one-way lane on Ocean Ave between California Ave and Colorado Ave. I believe that these actions, coupled with the considerations mentioned above, will promote safety, well-being, and a vibrant community in this area. Thank you for your time and consideration of this urgent matter. I trust that you will take our concerns to heart and explore the potential benefits of implementing these measures. Together, we can create a safer, healthier, and more vibrant Santa Monica. Sincerely, Jesus ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 From:Dan Kerrigan To:councilmtgitems Subject:Public Comment Regarding Pedicabs Date:Tuesday, June 27, 2023 2:53:07 PM EXTERNAL Hi there, My name is Daniel Kerrigan and I am commenting in support of responsible motorization of pedicabs in Santa Monica. My business is more accessible to people who want to work that are older, potentially disabled, or simply not as physically fit as only the best among us could be to traverse the hills in the Santa Monica area. I believe the regulation of the beach bike path should be speed based, not where one has a motor or not, as we see all kinds of motorized vehicles running with free reign on the bike path coming from Santa Monica or other places. Far be it for me to say they shouldn't be there, I just want pedicabs to stop being targeted for responsibly operating, and filter out those who irresponsibly operate. Please consider revising the rules with a study on the actual dangers of moderate speed, and how best to regulate something that is an important evolution in our industry, and one that allows pedicabs to fully serve all of Santa Monica. Currently, only non motorized pedicabs can ride the bike path and so cannot deliver people to downtown, and only motorized pedicabs can reasonably do that, but cannot access the bike path. This makes no sense. This is about accessibility for people, families, and workers, so it is important to consider that Thank you. Dan Kerrigan 617.571.5452 Pedicab United - Las Vegas Rickshaw - Cabrio Taxi SF ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023 ITEM 1. JUNE 27, 2023