Neighborhood Groups Call for Voiding Tainted Votes Ahead of Council Meeting
A coalition of neighborhood groups has filed a formal complaint alleging three Santa Monica City Council members violated conflict-of-interest laws in approving a major affordable housing project last month, demanding an investigation and voiding of the vote ahead of a scheduled ratification of other housing actions.
The Jan. 8 complaint, submitted to the city attorney by Santa Monica Neighbors, targets Councilmember Jesse Zwick, Mayor Caroline Torosis and Councilmember Natalya Zernitskaya for their yes votes on Dec. 17, approving development agreements with Hollywood Community Housing Corporation. The deal commits city-owned land for 99 years and $13.5 million in public funds.
Residents claim Zwick engaged in undisclosed ex parte communications with HCHC’s executive director during council proceedings, citing public records showing emails exchanged from the dais and private coordination on project alternatives.
Zernitskaya is accused of violating the Levine Act by voting on the agreement after receiving $400 in campaign contributions from the CEO of The People Concern, identified as HCHC’s supportive services provider.
Torosis allegedly failed to disclose a professional tie, as she serves as senior policy director for Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell, whose office is listed as an HCHC government partner.
The complaint argues the violations invalidate the approval under state law, calling for a restart with recused members rather than a revote.
Separately, several neighborhood associations, including Friends of Sunset Park and Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition, urged the council in a Jan. 11 letter to reject ratifying five prior housing-related votes tainted by Zwick’s conflict, stemming from a December Fair Political Practices Commission ruling disqualifying him due to his employment with the Housing Action Coalition.
The groups want all affected votes voided and restarted only if moved by non-conflicted members, citing public trust and compliance with the city charter’s affordability requirements.
The council is set to consider the ratifications at its Jan. 13 meeting.
