Santa Monica’s bureaucratic stance against leafblowers advances Tuesday with a new proposal to ban leafblowers from public protests.
The Santa Monica City Council will consider new changes to public assembly regulations, approve federal housing funding and adopt a nearly $800 million budget during Monday's meeting as the city grapples with public safety concerns and fiscal challenges.
The council is set to vote on an emergency ordinance that would significantly expand the list of prohibited items at public demonstrations, adding hammers, frozen water bottles, leaf blowers, traffic cones and A-frame barricades to existing restrictions.
Police Chief Ramon Batista and City Attorney Douglas Sloan recommended the measure following tactics observed during recent Los Angeles protests. According to city officials, demonstrators have used leaf blowers to disrupt tear gas effectiveness and placed traffic cones over gas canisters to neutralize crowd-control measures. Gas powered devices are already banned throughout the city due to noise concerns.
Staff reports document multiple videos from recent downtown Los Angeles unrest showing these tactics, along with online tutorials instructing protesters how to counter police responses.
The emergency designation allows the ordinance to bypass the typical two-reading process. Violations would constitute misdemeanors punishable by fines up to $500, jail time up to six months, or both.
The expanded restrictions join an already extensive list of banned items including weapons, gas masks, impact-resistant helmets and umbrellas during non-rainy conditions. Civil liberties advocates have previously challenged similar measures as overly broad infringements on free speech rights.
The council will also vote on a five-year plan allocating $1.7 million in federal funds for affordable housing and community improvements, with significant focus on the Pico neighborhood.
The largest expenditure, $500,000, will fund Phase II development of a community garden at 19th Street. Another $207,946 will support playground renovations at Virginia Avenue Park, the only city playground in the Pico neighborhood.
The plan dedicates $412,821 to rental assistance for low-income households, currently supporting more than 40 residents. An additional $174,000 will fund homeless outreach services, including substance abuse treatment.
Federal funding represents a slight decrease from previous years, with Community Development Block Grant funds down 3.2% and HOME Investment Partnership funds down 1.5%. City staff warn that future federal cuts could significantly impact programs.
The council is also scheduled to adopt a $793.3 million biennial budget for fiscal year 2025-26 that implements cost-cutting measures while investing in public safety and infrastructure.
The budget includes a hiring freeze for non-sworn personnel that officials estimate will save approximately $4.8 million in the first year. Residents will face higher costs for city services, with parking permit fees doubling in most cases and administrative citation fines increasing from $75 to $150.
Despite the cost-cutting measures, the General Fund faces a $9.8 million shortfall requiring the city to draw from reserves. The budget includes $3.4 million in public safety investments funded by Measure K revenues, including four new Community Services Officers and security upgrades at public facilities.
Finance Director Oscar Santiago's budget report acknowledges an ongoing operational deficit while expressing optimism about the city's long-term prospects, citing major investments in hotels, housing and pier improvements.
The budget maintains 2,149.3 full-time equivalent positions citywide, with personnel costs representing approximately 76% of departmental budgets.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall, 1685 Main Street.