What you need to know about Jubilo Village, the $20 million “loan” to a private church project, and what it means for Culver City’s budget and transparency
Last year Council approved the Jubilo Village project, a nearly $100 million upgrade to Culver-Palms United Methodist Church at 4464 Sepulveda Blvd, which would include 95 units of “affordable housing.” This was a no-bid contract – meaning other viable housing projects did not get the chance to compete with this church for the city contract. This includes a $20 million “loan” which the city does not expect to be paid off.
Residents strongly opposed this project, filing two separate lawsuits to try to stop it, but were ultimately defeated.
The real issue is who was involved. Disa Lindgren, who sits on the church’s Board of Trustees, was also Councilman Puza’s campaign manager. She’s not the only one. The groundbreaking ceremony for Jubilo Vilalge is a who’s who of people who helped Puza get elected.
The City Attorney attested that this does not constitute a conflict of interest. But it does raise a fundamental concern about people getting elected – and measures passed – merely for the purpose of feeding off the city treasury, and benefiting their friends.
This isn’t an isolated incident. Conflict of interest? Or just – to the victor, the spoils?
1. Councilman Freddy Puza 2. Disa Lindgren 3. Councilwoman Yasmine Imani-McMorrin
4. Former Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells 5. Former Mayor Alex Fisch 6. Councilman Bubba Fish