Santa Monica’s housing debate is no longer just about zoning, density, or state mandates. The FPPC ordered City Councilmember Jesse Zwick to completely recuse himself from all housing- and zoning-related matters. The FPPC concluded that City Council decisions on housing could materially affect Zwick’s employer—and therefore his income. One such exchange allegedly occurred during a December 17, 2024 City Council meeting—while public comment was still ongoing. City Council did not push back on SB 1123 before it became state law—it proposed adding its own local zoning changes on top of SB 1123.