City Council Meeting Summary, March 9, 2026

Published on March 13, 2026

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City Council Approves Appeal on Fuel Station Relocation & Expansion, Updates Bike Lane Color, Discusses Sober Living Homes Regulations

Approves Appeal on Costco Fueling Station Relocation & Expansion

The City Council unanimously approved an appeal of a relocation and expansion of the fueling station located at Costco in West Culver City. The granting of the appeal reverses the Planning Commission’s adoption of a resolution to the extent that it found the project exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Council determined the project is not exempt from CEQA and must be further evaluated according to CEQA procedures.

The plans include:

  • Demolition of the existing eight-dispenser Costco fueling station (including underground storage tanks) and two retail buildings (8,480 square feet) at the west end of the commercial center.
  • Construction of a new 15-dispenser Costco fueling station relocated in place of the two commercial structures.
  • New surface parking, including 20 electric vehicle charging stations and related equipment in place of the existing fueling station.

During the previous public hearing, the Council received evidence that the proposed location for the fueling station is approximately 213 feet from a daycare facility and 186 feet from a preschool. The Council also received evidence that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) has noted potential concerns regarding this distance based on potential air quality impacts on these sensitive receptors.

With the appeal granted, additional staff time will be required for review and preparation of additional environmental documents and further processing.

Approves New Green Pavement Markings for Bike Lanes

The City Council approved a brighter shade of green for bicycle lane markings. Moving away from the darker "deep green" previously used in the City, the more vibrant and visible color is intended to enhance bicyclist safety by more clearly signaling to motorists that they should be alert for people biking, particularly at conflict points such as driveways and intersections. The updated color is also expected to reduce long-term maintenance. Because the brighter shade starts well within the allowable FHWA color range, it remains compliant for longer as it naturally fades, while "deep green" requires more frequent application to stay within specification.

Since 2017, the City has used a darker shade of green for bicycle lane markings, referred to by staff as “deep green.” This shade is darker than what the public typically associates with green bicycle facilities and was developed in coordination with the film industry in response to concerns that a brighter shade would be more difficult to edit out during post-production.

Mayor Freddy Puza, Vice Mayor Bubba Fish, and Council Member Yasmine-Imani McMorrin voted in favor. Council Member Dan O’Brien voted against. Council Member Albert Vera abstained.

Discusses Potential Regulations for Sober Living Homes

The City Council discussed potential amendments to the Culver City Municipal Code related to Sober Living Homes following concerns raised by residents in the South Clarkdale neighborhood about the concentration of these homes in the cross-jurisdictional area between Culver City and Los Angeles.

Council did not take formal action but directed staff to explore options that remain consistent with State and Federal housing laws while improving oversight and accountability. This includes clarifying definitions related to onsite services, evaluating the feasibility of a local licensing or permit program for operators, and reviewing potential regulatory approaches used by other cities.

Council also requested additional analysis of service call data from the past three years to identify patterns, consideration of a registry or tracking system for facilities, and exploration of operator responsibilities such as transportation for residents. Staff will return with potential options that address community concerns while ensuring compliance with legal protections for housing serving individuals recovering from addiction.

Receives Update on Homelessness Emergency

The City Council listened to a presentation by Dr. Dan Richardson of the Mobile Crisis Team, and Christina Stoffers-Himmelman of the Housing and Human Services department, updating the latest efforts to address the homelessness crisis in Culver City.

In January, the City held its annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count where seven teams canvassed Culver City, and an additional team canvassed Ballona Creek. While final numbers will be released in the coming months, the presentation noted decreases across all categories, including individuals, cars, vans, RVs, tents, and makeshift shelters. A video highlighting the Homeless Count can be viewed on the City’s YouTube page.

From November 2025 to February 2026, the Mobile Crisis Team has responded to 385 calls to the crisis line and homeless outreach requests. In that time, the team has engaged 240 people. Assistance from the Culver City Police Department has been requested 12 times, and the Culver City Fire Department has been requested six times.

In February, the Motel Master Lease and Nutrition Program served 43 people in both the Rodeway Inn and Paradise Inn and provided 1,948 meals. The Wellness Village Program served 18 people and four emotional support animals.

The presentation highlighted client participation rates in housing opportunities and support services. At the Motel Master Lease Program, 30 percent of residents are not accepting multiple housing opportunities or services. At Project Homekey, 3 percent at the interim side. At Wellness Village, 5 percent are not accepting housing opportunities or services.

Culver City is updating its Homeless Plan. In December and January, community sessions were conducted to gather input. There are two community meetings to present the updated Homeless Plan strategies and take questions. The details and times of the Homeless Plan community meetings in March can be found on the City’s website.

Proclamation for National Women’s History Month 2026  

The City Council presented a proclamation honoring National Women’s History Month 2026. Women’s History Month is celebrated each March to honor the countless contributions of women to our nation’s history, culture, and progress. Women of every race, ethnicity, background, and profession have played a vital role in shaping our communities, advancing civil rights, strengthening families, leading innovation, and enriching the arts, sciences, business, education, and public service.

The 2026 National Women’s History Month theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future,” honors the women who are driving solutions to environmental, social, and economic challenges and ensuring a better future for generations to come. Women leaders—past and present—have broken barriers, challenged injustice, expanded opportunities, and created legacies that continue to inspire future generations.

Women today serve as elected officials, first responders, educators, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, service members, advocates, and community volunteers, strengthening the social, economic, and civic fabric of Culver City. Women’s History Month provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements, recognize resilience, and reaffirm our commitment to ensuring equity, representation, and opportunity for all women and girls.

The City Council proclaimed March 2026 as National Women’s History Month in Culver City, and encourages all residents to join in honoring the women—past, present, and future—whose vision, courage, and leadership are shaping a sustainable and equitable world.

Additional Council Decisions 

Additional items approved by the City Council include:

Additional Information

Additional information about each of the topics heard at the City Council meeting can be found in the staff reports and backup attachments for the items, which are posted along with the agenda to the City’s website. The video of the City Council meeting is available on the City’s website for viewing.

The next regular City Council meeting will take place on Monday, March 16th. This meeting will occur on the third Monday of the month to align with CCUSD spring break. Childcare is available for the meeting for families wanting to attend in person by emailing PRCS at prcs.department@culvercity.gov.

 

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