City Council Meeting Summary, May 12, 2025

Published on May 15, 2025

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City Council Awards Special Event Grants, Sends Peace Resolution Back for Revisions, Commends Firefighters for Heroic Actions

City Council Awards $192K for Special Event Grants for Next Fiscal Year

The City Council awarded 27 special event grants in the aggregate amount of $192,000 for Fiscal Year 2025/2026 and designated events as City-sponsored. It also approved allocation of $18,000 in contingency for special event off-cycle event support.

Six organizations received $10,000 or more for their events, including:

  • $36,000 – Culver City Downtown Independence Day Celebration organized by the Culver City Downtown Business Association
  • $27,000 – Artwalk Festival organized by the Arts District Business Improvement District
  • $25,000 – 2026 Culver City Car Show organized by the Culver City Exchange Club
  • $15,000 – Screenland 5K organized by Screenland 5K
  • $12,000 – Culver City Pride Ride and Rally organized by Bike LA
  • $10,000 – Fiesta of Gems organized by the Culver City Rock & Mineral Club

You can view the entire list of organizers receiving grants for the next fiscal year on the City’s website.

City Council Sends Resolution of Peace and Diplomacy in Times of International Conflict Back for Revisions

The City Council considered a Resolution of Peace and Diplomacy in Times of International Conflict and the Wise Use of City funds and voted to send the resolution back to staff to obtain comprehensive input from the community, including several City committees.

The proposed resolution was blanket resolution applied to any and all international conflicts, affirming Culver City’s commitment to peace, valuing all human life, and encouraging federal diplomacy in accordance with those values in times of war and conflict. City Council voted to send the idea of a potential resolution to the Equity and Human Relations Advisory Committee and Policy Subcommittee for input and recommendations and provided additional instructions to the Committee on gathering community input. Mayor Dan O’Brien, Vice Mayor Freddy Puza, and Council Members Yasmine-Imani McMorrin and Bubba Fish voted in favor. Council Member Albert Vera, Jr. voted against.

Approved Ordinance to Streamline Housing

The City Council unanimously approved a comprehensive update to the City’s Subdivision Ordinance, modernizing regulations that had been largely unchanged since 1965. The updated ordinance aligns with recent changes in State subdivision law and supports the City’s Housing and Land Use Element goals by streamlining the subdivision process, facilitating residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, enabling small lot subdivisions, and creating opportunities for affordable housing production. This action implements policies in the 2045 General Plan Update to improve development practices.

It also approved Zoning Code corrections and clarifications. Changes include text and/or diagrams related to rooftop decks, equipment setbacks/projections, standards for site walls/fences, height measurement of rooftop projections, parking stall measurements and placement, electric vehicle charging equipment, bicycle parking, accessory residential structures (not including accessory dwelling units), temporary storage containers, community meetings, various definitions, and details relating to land uses such as health and fitness and pet grooming. Changes for consistency with State law include secondhand/thrift stores and public notification requirements for certain public hearings. The revisions will serve to improve the effective implementation and enforcement of the Zoning Code, while maintaining the public interest, health, safety, convenience and welfare, and consistency with the City’s overarching goals and objectives.

A summary of the Zoning Code revisions can be view on the City’s website.

Culver City Firefighters Commended for Heroic Actions

The City Council began Monday’s meeting by recognizing three Culver City Fire Department members for their heroic efforts that saved the lives of three people. On January 18, 2025, Captain Tim Sullivan, Engineer Spencer Henry, and Firefighter Matt McCormick of the Culver City Fire Department responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at a residential unit on the 3rd floor of an apartment building.

Upon arrival, they detected low levels of carbon monoxide but were unable to immediately determine the source of the readings. While many would have considered the situation resolved based on these limited readings, these firefighters exhibited remarkable foresight and professional dedication by deciding to conduct an additional search on the 4th floor. During their investigation, Captain Sullivan, Engineer Henry, and Firefighter McCormick discovered three unconscious victims suffering from severe carbon monoxide poisoning. The environment was already dangerously saturated with the toxic gas, putting the lives of everyone in the building at imminent risk.

Despite the lethal conditions, these firefighters demonstrated unparalleled bravery as they carried each victim to safety, ensuring their survival in an atmosphere where the danger was both immediate and life-threatening.

The City Council commended the three men for their courageousness and commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

City Council Awards ‘2025 Senior of the Year’ & Presents Four Proclamations

2025 Senior of the Year - The City of Culver City is recognizing Jim Lamm as 2025 Senior of the Year for his outstanding contributions to the Culver City community. Lamm is a Culver City nonprofit leader, urban and wetlands ecology educator, architect/planner, and former Culver City Planning Commission Chair, Arts Committee member, and Historic Preservation Advisory Committee member. He is President Emeritus and Advisory Council Member at Ballona Creek Renaissance and a dedicated environmentalist. Lamm is a former adjunct instructor at Antioch University-Los Angeles, where he has taught both Urban and Wetlands Ecology. He also co-founded and participated in the Ballona Creek Watershed Task Force and Assembly District 47’s Environmental Cabinet. He serves as an Elder, Deacon and choir member at St. John’s Presbyterian Church. Lamm, with his wife, Cathi, served as a Peace Corps volunteer for two years in Iran as an architect and then continued his architectural career in the Culver City and Los Angeles areas. We are grateful for his selfless dedication towards serving our community.

National Nurses Week - National Nurses Week is celebrated worldwide to recognize and honor the contributions of nurses to healthcare and society as well as the critical role nurses play in improving patient care, promoting health, and advocating for better healthcare systems. The 2025 theme of National Nurses Week is “The Power of Nurses” which allows us to reflect on the contributions of nurses across various communities, including Culver City, and the real-life challenges they face every day. Nurses in Culver City have a profound impact on both individual and community health and are often the first point of contact for medical care in the hospital. Nurses are deeply embedded in the fabric of Culver City, both as healthcare professionals and as community members, leaving an impact on public health, community support, and emergency response. They serve not only as caregivers but also as advocates for improved healthcare infrastructure in the area. Nurses also play a vital role in the community’s understanding of health issues and prevention, shaping the overall well-being of Culver City residents. Through local events, educational campaigns, and collaborations between healthcare institutions and community organizations, the ongoing relationship between nurses and the city is illuminated. Nurses also play a vital role in the community’s understanding of health issues and prevention, shaping the overall well-being of Culver City residents. Through local events, educational campaigns, and collaborations between healthcare institutions and community organizations, the ongoing relationship between nurses and the city is illuminated. City Council encourage all residents to celebrate and highlight not only the accomplishments of its nurses, but also the ways in which these healthcare heroes continue to positively shape the community, whether it's through milestones, years of service, or their day-to-day contributions to healthcare in the city.

Jewish American Heritage Month - In May 2006, the Federal Government proclaimed May as Jewish American Heritage Month, recognizing that the United States is stronger because Jewish people from around the world have chosen to become American citizens. Since then, U.S. Presidents have annually reaffirmed this proclamation. Generations of Jewish immigrants have come to the United States seeking a better life and have made invaluable contributions to civil rights, equality, and civic life through their leadership and achievements. Jewish Americans connect to their identity in many ways—culturally, ethnically, religiously, and through shared values and ethics. In recent years, however, Jewish Americans have increasingly faced antisemitism, including physical attacks, vandalism, harassment, and hateful online rhetoric. Culver City recognizes its responsibility to stand against antisemitism in all forms, to include Jewish Americans in every part of civic life, and to support a community free of hatred and bigotry. We share a collective hope for a peaceful and inclusive society, where every individual is treated equally and feels safe. In this spirit, the City Council of Culver City proclaims May 2025 as Jewish American Heritage Month and calls on all residents to celebrate the rich and diverse heritage of Jewish Americans—honoring those who live, work, and contribute to our community and the generations whose presence has enriched the American story.

Historic Preservation Month - Historic preservation is a powerful tool for managing growth, revitalizing neighborhoods, encouraging economic development, fostering community pride, and maintaining the unique character of a city while improving overall livability. It can take many forms—from incorporating historical references into new development projects to installing historic markers, hosting walking tours, curating museum exhibits, maintaining archives, and offering educational programs and internships. This year’s Preservation Month celebrates the theme “Harnessing the Power of Place!” which highlights the essential role preservationists play in protecting historic spaces while also addressing the evolving needs of communities today and in the future. Preservation strengthens neighborhoods, promotes sustainability, and helps build a more just, inclusive, and connected society. In Culver City, the Culver City Historical Society, established in 1980, continues to fulfill its mission of collecting, preserving, and sharing the city’s rich history. Through new partnerships and efforts to engage future generations, the Society works to ensure that Culver City's heritage remains a vital part of our community identity. In recognition of these efforts, the City Council of Culver City proclaims May as Historic Preservation Month and encourages all residents and visitors to explore, honor, and celebrate the city’s unique history.

Older Americans Month - The month of May is recognized nationwide as Older Americans Month, and the 2025 theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” encourages a fresh perspective on aging by challenging outdated stereotypes, correcting misconceptions, and honoring the valuable contributions of older adults. In Culver City, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services (PRCS) Department works in close partnership with the Culver City Senior Citizens Association (CCSCA), nonprofit organizations, and community partners to build connections and create empowering opportunities for older residents. Through this collaboration, PRCS and the CCSCA offer a wide range of inclusive, engaging, and meaningful programs and events—many of which are held at the Culver City Senior Center—to help residents remain active, connected, and supported as they age. Culver City proudly holds the designation of an AARP “Age Friendly Community,” a recognition of its commitment to ensuring that residents of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can fully participate in civic life. As we celebrate Older Americans Month, the City of Culver City invites all residents to join in honoring the older adults in our community and supporting efforts that promote dignity, positivity, and connection as we “Flip the Script on Aging.”

Additional Council Decisions 

Additional items approved by the City Council include:

 

Additional Information and Budget Presentations

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 City Council will convene for proposed departmental budget presentations on Monday, May 19th and Tuesday, May 20th beginning at 3 PM. Its next Regular Meeting of the City Council is scheduled for Monday, May 27th. Childcare is available for at all three meetings. You can sign up for childcare at with the PRCS form page.

 

 

 

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