February Meeting Minutes 02-04-25

Wilshire – Montana Neighborhood Coalition
Monthly Board Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2025 (via Zoom)
  
7:00    Board member John C. Smith calls the meeting to order.
 
7:00    Local News Updates
-- Palisades Fire Update with video and pictures.
-- Council now debating Civic Auditorium future.
-- Reed Park “Miles Playhouse” to be reopened soon.
 
7:05    Santa Monica Fire Chief Matt Hallock says fires were the worst he’s ever seen.
He commended the response of all first responders and the community for coming together. He also emphasized the need for disaster preparedness. Former Mayor and Councilman Kevin McKeown asks about side yard setbacks and fire safety.  Discussion turns to best items needed in a “go-kit”. Chief says water systems in Santa Monica are state of the art. Smith recommends the “Watch Duty” app to track active fires.
 
Residents are urged to use “Community Connect”  to alert Fire and Police about elderly or infirmed family members who might need special assistance in an emergency. Link now posted to www.Wilmont.org.
 
7:35    Santa Monica Police Department Chief Ramon Batista and Officer David Wang discuss fire from PD perspective. Good discussion about need to safeguard homes of evacuees. Short discussion ensues about rental fraud and price-gouging penalties. Police thank community for support.
ake a donation.  She adds that it means a lot when Santa Monica residents
greet police and firefighters and express appreciation for what they do.
 
8:10    Santa Monica Library Director Erica Cuyugan and Library Board member Daniel Cody discuss ongoing funding issues and impact on library hours. They say funding is still not at pre-covid levels, urge support in upcoming budget. The Santa Monica Library relies on the City of Santa Monica for general funding. Brief discussion of potential hybrid meeting usage at libraries.
 
8:35    The meeting is adjourned at 8:35 p.m.