Council mandates public disclosure, community input for future county projects after transparency backlash
The Santa Monica City Council has ordered the release of a detailed timeline and communications log related to two canceled behavioral health housing projects on Ocean Avenue, following weeks of resident complaints over secrecy.
The 49-bed facilities at 413 and 825 Ocean Avenue were county-led initiatives funded by Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health and developed by private owner Leo Pustilnikov with operator St. Joseph Center. The city had no approval authority or funding role.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath terminated the projects in late October, citing eroded community trust and inadequate outreach. Horvath had previously paused the plans and ordered a search for alternative sites.
City documents released Friday show staff first learned of the proposal in late March 2025. By August, internal emails informed council members that St. Joseph Center planned to open the units in September, with some beds reserved for Santa Monica residents and 24/7 staffing.
A September update incorrectly listed 47 beds instead of 49 and stated the facilities would open “within the next week or so.” The projects never launched.
The council voted Oct. 28 to publish the full chronology and require an open community engagement process for any future county or privately funded supportive housing proposals within city limits.
A city attorney analysis confirmed supportive housing is permitted by right under state law, with no requirement for project-specific outreach before county approval. The city cannot block such developments and must comply with fair housing rules.
Mayor Lana Negrete and residents, particularly from the North of Montana neighborhood near the Oceana senior complex, had criticized the lack of public notice.
