Residents demand revote on Hollywood Community Housing DDA, citing undisclosed communications
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Summary
Dozens of residents urged the Santa Monica City Council to rescind or re-vote the Hollywood Community Housing development disposition agreement, alleging ex parte emails and undisclosed relationships involving council members; staff said the city attorney is reviewing the matter.
During the public-comment period, multiple speakers urged the council to restart and revote the Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (HCHC) DDA approved Dec. 17, 2024, alleging undisclosed communications and conflicts.
Speakers including Giacomo Valentini and others described private emails and close coordination between some council members and the project’s proponents while neighbors spoke at council hearings. Several commenters requested the city attorney advise that the prior vote be voided and the item brought back for a fair reconsideration.
Council and staff responses: the city attorney told the dais the FPPC advice was prospective and did not itself find past actions unlawful; staff said it is continuing its review and would bring additional items back for reconsideration if the review identified others that fell within the scope of the FPPC guidance.
What residents asked for: rescission or revote of the DDA; disclosure of all communications and a transparent process for reviewing possible improper contacts; and a pause on implementation until the attorney's review was complete.
What happens next: staff acknowledged the matter is under review and said the council would be briefed as appropriate. The transcript shows many public commenters urging immediate action to restore public trust.