David Lesser

In 2016, David Lesser opposed potential property tax increases from hotel reassessments and questioned stormwater expenditures [1]. In 2017, he recommended focusing on pension funding strategies in the budget process and deferred pension fund decisions until February [2][4]. In 2018, he warned that pension liabilities could become a 'structural deficit' if not addressed promptly [7]. In 2021, he opposed 100% refinancing of Pension Obligation Bonds due to unrealistic discount rate assumptions [17]. In 2023, he expressed concerns about insufficient funding for seismic-study-priority parking lots and long-term projects like the Jocelyn Center [22][23]. In 2024, he argued for a sales tax increase to fund infrastructure improvements [27].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from recommending pension funding strategies in 2017 [2] to warning about pension liabilities becoming a 'structural deficit' in 2018 [7], and later to opposing 100% refinancing of Pension Obligation Bonds in 2021 due to unrealistic discount rate assumptions [17].

In 2015, David Lesser opposed a specific plan process due to concerns about problem definition and staff resource allocation [1], and later supported a joint Planning Commission and Council meeting process to define mandates and avoid conflicts [5]. In 2016, he opposed the Downtown Specific Plan Finalization, directing staff to address concerns about conditional use findings [7]. In 2018, he opposed senior housing on Sepulveda, citing risks of creating dead zones [20], but supported height increases for hotel developments to accommodate LAX expansion and economic needs [21]. In 2025, he initially opposed property acquisition at 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard due to budget concerns but later supported it to preserve downtown character [36].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from opposing the Downtown Specific Plan Finalization in 2016 [7] to later supporting property acquisition at 400 Manhattan Beach Boulevard in 2025 [36].

David Lesser supported parking structure rehabilitation and sidewalk policy improvements in 2015 and 2016 [2][4]. He supported LED streetlight retrofits and pedestrian safety initiatives in 2017 [9][10]. In 2018, he opposed over-reliance on flashing signs and expressed concerns about commercial misuse of traffic signs [14][20]. In 2023, he supported sidewalk and street design changes for safety and mobility [22], but opposed the LTN proposal due to safety concerns [23]. In 2024, he supported citywide oversized vehicle permit regulations and the removal of unnecessary street sign poles [25][26].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from supporting infrastructure improvements in 2016 [4] to opposing traffic calming measures and signage misuse by 2018 [14][20].

David Lesser supported groundwater treatment for long-term cost savings [9], supported opposing the West Basin Desalination Plant proposal in favor of alternatives like expanding recycled water capacity [6], and supported the 50% renewable energy tier to reduce the city's carbon footprint [14]. He opposed moving forward with an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) pass-through agreement until zoning issues were resolved [16], and expressed concerns about specific goals in the Climate Action Plan (CAP), such as residential parking permits, while seeking clarity on policymaker review opportunities [11]. He also supported suspending the Strand Alcove Bench Program for review while acknowledging its creative intent [12], and supported staff analysis on energy efficiency standards [19].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from supporting the 50% renewable energy tier in 2018 [14] to expressing skepticism about gas appliance bans in 2025 while supporting staff research on fiscal implications [24].

In 2014, David Lesser opposed stormwater service charge rate increases without a council vote and expressed concern about the structural deficit [2]. In 2016, he questioned the age of sewer infrastructure and replacement criteria [6], and in 2018, he supported Measure W to address water fund deficits [9]. In 2023, he warned about potential state legislation increasing vote thresholds for stormwater fees [11], and by 2023, he supported raising the stormwater fee, citing prior councils' avoidance of the issue [14]. In 2024, he acknowledged community support for storm drain fee increases [19], and in 2025, he supported stormwater infiltration projects to avoid compliance risks [21].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from opposing stormwater rate increases without a vote in 2014 [2] to supporting fee increases by 2023, citing prior inaction [14].

David Lesser supported continued engagement with Edison and regulatory oversight in 2013 [1]. From 2014 to 2016, he emphasized collaboration with Edison and infrastructure upgrades, while also highlighting the need to hold Edison accountable for safety risks and financial burdens caused by power outages [2][3][4][5]. In 2016, he opposed delays in emergency response times [6] and raised concerns about emergency communication during the Chevron Refinery incident [8]. In 2018, he acknowledged Edison's grid upgrade efforts and called for improved information dissemination during incidents [10][11]. Later, in 2023 and 2025, he highlighted the need for battery backups during outages, the financial burden of infrastructure damage from seismic events, and the importance of public surveys for emergency funding decisions [14][16][17].

Over time: From 2013 to 2016, Lesser shifted from advocating for engagement and oversight to emphasizing accountability and addressing safety risks [1][5]. In 2025, he expanded his focus to include public engagement and financial considerations in emergency preparedness [14][16][17].

David Lesser supported the Marine Avenue Park Skate Spot Project in 2016 due to grant restrictions and community input [6], and later supported the Scout House/Community Center project in 2022 as a community asset and bond rating booster [9]. He opposed the refinancing of Marine Avenue Sports Field debt in 2016 due to concerns about future borrowing capacity and collateral use [7], and expressed opposition to the demolition of the Pay and Play Building in 2025 due to concerns about soccer balls rolling into parking lots and Marine Avenue [18]. He also opposed the Bay Club Aquatic Facility Proposal in 2025 due to concerns about financial burden on residents and the risk of private ownership changing hands [19].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from supporting community-based recreational projects like the Marine Avenue Park Skate Spot [6] to opposing developments that could impose financial burdens or disrupt local infrastructure, such as the Bay Club Aquatic Facility Proposal [19].

David Lesser supported aligning art projects with the master plan to avoid redundancy [1], and later advocated for transparency and broader artist inclusion in the Public Art Trust Fund [7]. He opposed the installation of kinetic sculptures due to safety and liability concerns [4], and similarly raised concerns about the 'Love' sculpture and the shark mural's locations [9][12]. He also supported relocating the shark mural to a more appropriate site [14], and emphasized the need for a formal deaccession policy and maintenance budget for public art [17].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from advocating for alignment with the master plan [1] to emphasizing transparency and broader artist inclusion in public art funding [7].

David Lesser has consistently emphasized the importance of community engagement and collaboration with law enforcement in public safety efforts, noting the need for adaptable strategies and transparency [3][10][13]. He has supported specific measures such as greater public outreach in coyote management and exploring diversion programs for e-bike enforcement alongside fines [6][17]. Lesser has also expressed concerns about privacy and data retention in the context of license plate readers [4], and has supported dual-track approaches to misdemeanor prosecution involving both DA engagement and local solutions [8].

Over time: From 2023 to 2026, Lesser shifted from a neutral stance on coyote management to supporting selective trapping criteria while expressing concerns about trapping effectiveness [6][14][16].

In 2020, they proposed reviewing urgency ordinances for mask compliance enforcement strategies [9], highlighted community PPE donations and staff adaptability in response to the pandemic [10], and confirmed the formation of an ad hoc committee for pandemic business support [11]. They defended the use of the Community Service Center (CSC) for mask mandate enforcement, citing high compliance rates and community cooperation [12]. In 2020, they advocated for requesting an exception to operate independently of LA County health orders [13], and emphasized strict enforcement of face coverings as critical to reducing case numbers [14]. In 2021, they emphasized the success of vaccination rates in L.A. County and called the lifting of pandemic restrictions 'great news' [15].

Over time: They shifted from advocating for independent operation from LA County health orders in 2020 [13] to emphasizing the success of vaccination rates and the lifting of restrictions in 2021 [15].

In 2014, David Lesser opposed hotel-related developments due to concerns about noise and over-commercialization [3][4]. By 2018, he supported short-term rental (STR) regulations that included tools like registration and parking requirements, rather than a prohibition [7]. In 2019, he continued to support STRs but called for addressing issues like unhosted party houses [10]. In 2025, he changed his stance to oppose STRs due to housing concerns, though he supported temporary exemptions for global events [14].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from opposing hotel-related developments in 2014 [3][4] to supporting STR-specific regulations in 2018 [7], and later to opposing STRs in 2025 due to housing concerns [14].

In 2018, David Lesser supported moving the item on the renaming of Bruce’s Beach in recognition of Mitch Ward [2]. In 2021, he emphasized the importance of historical accuracy and respect for task force members while condemning harassment and divisive tactics related to Bruce's Beach [3]. In 2022, he supported Option 1 for the Bruce's Beach monument design but requested revisions to the DG pathway [5]. In 2023, he supported revisiting the apology and the 2021 alternative resolution related to Bruce's Beach [7].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from emphasizing respect and historical accuracy in 2021 [3] to supporting specific monument design choices and revisiting the apology in 2022 and 2023 [5][7].

In 2018, David Lesser supported tools to address resident concerns related to dining regulations but opposed an outright ban [1]. In 2022, he supported temporary outdoor dining measures to aid small businesses [2] and defended pandemic-era fee adjustments [3]. In 2023, he supported including residential impacts in the outdoor dining study and council oversight [5]. In 2024, he opposed a pilot program, prioritizing infrastructure funding over private benefits [6].

Over time: David Lesser shifted from supporting temporary outdoor dining measures in 2022 [2] to opposing a pilot program in 2024 [6].

In 2015, David Lesser supported a Smoke-Free Housing Ordinance and Tobacco Retail Licensing, allowing e-cigarette use in private apartments while supporting the broader smoking ban [1]. In 2016, he supported maintaining the status quo on Medical Marijuana Cultivation Regulations until legislative clarity was achieved [2].

In 2023, they noted a decrease in homelessness numbers since 2018 and highlighted ongoing efforts with housing programs [2].

David Lesser expressed concerns about the city's compliance with state laws regarding the Residential Overlay District (ROD), warning of potential loss of permitting authority and the risk of 'builder's remedy' projects if the city fails to comply [1]. He also highlighted that state laws have removed the city's authority in ROD matters, exposing it to litigation risks [2].