Elected Official? Create newsletters in minutes, not hours.
Transparent, authentic, comprehensive newsletters to maximize constituent representation and civic engagement.
Mayor Dan O'Brien Newsletter — December 21, 2025
📬 Councilmember Dan O'Brien — Culver City — December 22, 2025
Happy Holidays to all,
Two weeks ago, I stood on a dusty corner at Washington and Centinela holding a shovel. After nearly two decades of delays, false starts, and economic headwinds, Culver Commons finally broke ground. That same week, I handed the mayor's gavel to Freddy Puza—building something new while passing leadership to someone ready to shape what comes next.
Now we're here, three days before Christmas, in that sweet stretch where the city slows down just enough to catch your breath. I hope your home is filled with the people and traditions that matter most to you. Whether you're celebrating Christmas, lighting the menorah, or simply taking a few days to rest and recharge, this is the time for gratitude and connection.
🏗️ Economic Development & Community
🔹 Culver Commons is underway at Washington and Centinela. After almost 20 years in the development pipeline—surviving the pandemic, the Great Recession, and the dissolution of redevelopment agencies—construction has started on a project that will bring 6-8 new restaurants to the corner. Smog City Brewery, El Moro, and Wanderlust Creamery are among the tenants opening in about a year. This means new dining options for the neighborhood and an end to two blighted properties that have sat empty for far too long at one of our busiest intersections.
→ 💡 What this means: Economic development isn't always flashy ribbon-cuttings. Sometimes it's patient work—years of navigating regulatory hurdles, economic downturns, and changing developers. This project represents the kind of persistence our city needs to transform underutilized spaces into community assets.
👉 View the groundbreaking video
🔹 City Manager Odis Jones started on December 15. Our new City Manager officially began his role last week, stepping in at a pivotal time for Culver City. With over 30 years of experience in local government, economic development, and infrastructure leadership, Odis brings strategic vision to an organization that needs steady hands. John Nachbar retired after 15 years leading our city through some turbulent moments, and I'm confident Odis is ready to help us tackle what's ahead—fiscal sustainability, regional coordination, and strengthening our services.
→ 🎯 My stance: This leadership transition matters. We need someone who can navigate complex regional issues while keeping our fiscal foundation strong. Odis has the track record to do exactly that.
👉 Read Odis Jones's letter to the community
🏛️ Leadership & Community Development
🔹 Freddy Puza is our new mayor. Last week, we witnessed history as Freddy became Culver City's first LGBTQ mayor. The Council also selected Bubba Fish as vice mayor for the next 12 months. I'm proud of the collaborative tone we maintained this year, even through tough budget decisions and competing priorities. My role didn't end when I moved down the dais—I'm still your councilmember, still showing up, still listening to what matters to you.
→ 💭 Looking ahead: The mayor's role is largely ceremonial, but it sets the tone for how we engage with each other and our community. Freddy will bring his own perspective and priorities, and I'll continue working alongside him and the rest of the Council to serve you.
🔥 Public Safety & Holiday Awareness
🔹 Holiday fire safety is critical right now. The Fire Department is reminding everyone that the holidays bring increased risk of home fires—cooking mishaps, dry Christmas trees, candles left unattended, and overloaded electrical outlets. Keep live trees watered, don't leave cooking unattended, and check that smoke detectors are working. A few minutes of prevention can save everything.
→ ⚡ Why this matters: Every year we see preventable fires that devastate families during what should be a time of celebration. Take the small steps now to keep your home and your people safe.
👉 Read holiday fire safety tips
📅 This Week & Looking Ahead
🔹 Every Tuesday, 2-7 PM — Downtown Farmers Market. Main Street. Grab produce, support local growers, and say hello to neighbors.
👉 Visit the Farmers Market page
🔹 City Hall closed Thursday and Friday. City Hall will be closed December 26 for the holiday. Regular hours resume Monday, December 30. For urgent issues, contact our emergency services.
🔹 How to watch and participate in meetings. Agendas post Wednesdays before Monday meetings. You can attend in person or virtually.
🙌 Before the New Year
Merry Christmas to those celebrating, and warm wishes to everyone spending this week however brings you joy. Bev and I are looking forward to a quieter few days at home after a full year of service, and I hope you find the same kind of rest and renewal.
The city doesn't stop entirely—our essential services keep running, our first responders stay ready, and the work continues—but we all deserve these moments to step back and remember what we're working so hard to protect: community, safety, and the people who make Culver City home.
If something needs your councilmember's attention before the new year, you know where to find me. Otherwise, I'll see you in 2026 ready for whatever comes next.
