EDUCATION
» MS, Environmental Studies,
California State University,
Fullerton
» BA, Biology, California State
University, Fullerton
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
» American Institute of
Certified Planners (AICP)
» Registered Environmental
Property Assessor (REPA)
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
» Association of
Environmental
Professionals
» American Planning
Association
» California Association
of Environmental
Professionals, Past
President
Kent Norton, AICP, REPA
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER | MIG
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 21 Cameron Hile is an accomplished environmental project manager who integrates his knowledge of public and environmental policy and planning to support responsible development and improve the interface between human and natural environments. Cameron has successfully applied his expertise and writing skills to develop and prepare a variety of environmental documents, such as Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, EIR Addenda, and Air Quality Analyses. Understanding that his work can have positive impacts on communities for decades, he constantly seeks to learn and find new ways to innovate and contribute to project success. With over 12 years of experience, Cameron communicates easily with all project stakeholders and carefully plans for contingencies to facilitate a smooth and straightforward planning process.
Along with his knowledge and skills, he brings integrity and diligence to each project—preparing legally defensible documents through an efficient, open, and meticulous process of research, analysis, and feedback.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» FedEx Distribution Facility Expansion, Fontana, CA
» Rosemead Garvey Avenue Specific Plan EIR, Rosemead, CA » Whittier General Plan Update EIR, Whittier, CA
» South Alhambra Blvd. Senior Housing IS/MND,
Monterey Park, CA
» San Gabriel Valley Water Company Plant M4 IS/MND, Montebello, CA » Covina Town Center Specific Plan EIR, Covina, CA
» Downey Parks and Recreation Park Renovation CEQA Analyses, Downey, CA
» Cutter Way Live-Work Development IS/MND, Covina, CA
» Flair Spectrum Mixed-Use EIR, El Monte, CA
» Gelson’s Manhattan Beach Peer Review Services,
Manhattan Beach, CA
» Santa Fe Springs General Plan and Targeted Zoning Code Update, Upland, CA
» Puente Hills Habitat Preservation Authority User Survey, Whittier, CA
» Smoky Hollow Specific Plan Update EIR, El Segundo, CA » AltaMed Corporate Headquarters Rehabilitation Project IS/MND, Commerce, CA
» Sheila Street Warehouse Project Peer Review Services, Commerce, CA
EDUCATION
» MS, Urban and Regional
Planning, California State
Polytechnic University,
Pomona
» MA, Political Science,
Colorado State University
» BA, Political Science,
San Diego State University,
California
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
» American Planning
Association
» Association of
Environmental
Professionals
» Cal Poly Pomona Graduate
Planning Student
Association
Cameron Hile
SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER, SENIOR ANAL YST | MIG
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 22 As Director of Biological Services, Erik Jansen provides technical oversight, quality control and assurance, client and stakeholder management, and business support and direction for MIG’s Northern California offices. With over two decades of experience, Erik is a seasoned ecologist who has led natural resource planning, compliance, and research projects throughout the Western United States. Although he has worked extensively in renewable energy development and other energy sectors, his technical knowledge and management experience extends to forestry and rangeland management, as well as the human-built environment including transportation and infrastructure projects. Erik’s ability to synthesize complex data and collaborate across disciplines enables him to effectively communicate across diverse audiences. He conveys complex ideas in a very relatable way and is committed to helping clients successfully achieve a balance between project objectives, regulatory compliance, and environmental responsibility.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» San Felipe Road Monitoring and Reporting, San Jose, CA » Cordilleras Road Subdivision Biological Resources Assessment, Emerald Hills, CA
» Badger Mountain Solar Energy Project, Douglas County, WA * » Bakeoven Solar Project, Wasco County, OR *
» Blythe and McCoy Solar Projects, Riverside County, CA * » Boardman Solar Energy Project, Morrow and Gilliam County, OR * » Boardman to Hemmingway Transmission Line, ID and OR * » Boundary Dam Relicensing Project, Pend Oreille County, WA * » China Mountain/Browns Bench Wind Project, Elko County, NV * » Fountain Wind Energy Project, Shasta County, CA *
» Goose Prairie Solar Project, Yakima County, WA *
» Horse Heaven Renewable Energy Center, Benton County, WA * » Jordan Cove Energy Project, Coos County, OR *
» Las Camas Solar Energy Project, Merced County, CA *
» Leaning Juniper II Wind Power Facility, Gilliam County, OR * » Lund Hill Solar Energy Project, Klickitat County, WA * » Manzana Wind Project, Kern County, CA *
» Middle Mile Broadband Initiative, Marin to Humboldt County, CA * » Montague Wind Power Facility, Gilliam County, OR *
* Project completed prior to joining MIG
EDUCATION
» MS, Wildlife, Aquatic, and
Wildlands Science and
Management, Texas Tech
University
» BS, Wildlife Management
and Conservation,
California State Polytechnic
University, Humboldt
CERTIFICATIONS
» Birchdale Ecological,
Bat Acoustic Monitoring
Certificate
» Wetlands Training Institute,
Wetlands Delineation
Certificate with Arid West
Supplement
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
» Audubon Society
» Backcountry Hunters &
Anglers
» California Native Plant
Society
» The Wildlife Society
Erik Jansen
DIRECTOR OF BIOLOGICAL SERVICES | MIG
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 23 Kevin Shannon has over 30 years of experience in planning and environmental review. He is experienced in processing entitlement projects, including surface mining permits, and in managing a broad spectrum of environmental documentation for private- and public-sector clients. He has worked with project sponsors, stakeholders, and subconsultants regarding entitlements; prepared scopes of work, schedules, and fees; and conducted technical study peer reviews.
Kevin‘s accomplishments include providing entitlements to private applicants; developing environmental documentation for relocation of a radio station transmitting tower array and other projects; preparing an entitlement feasibility study for a proposed interstate freeway media sign; and preparing environmental documentation for a controversial proposed ready-mix cement plant in an urban infill site.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» The Retreat Senior Residential Community IS/MND, Orange County, CA » Orange County Housing Element Update ND, Orange County, CA » Orange County Local CEQA Procedures Manual—Principal Author, Orange County, CA
» Mile Square Park EIR Quality Assurance Peer-Review, Orange County, CA » In-N-Out IS/MND Quality Assurance Peer-Review, Orange County, CA » Orange County Civic Center Master Plan and EIR Quality Assurance PeerReview, Orange County, CA
» Fairlynn Residential Condominiums IS/MND Quality Assurance Peer Review, Orange County, CA
» Westminster Flood Risk Hazard Study EIR/EIS Quality Assurance Peer Review, Orange County, CA
» Talbert Park, IS/MND Quality Assurance Peer-Review, Orange County, CA » OC Loop Bikeway Project, IS/MND Quality Assurance Peer Review, Orange County, CA
» Brea Canyon Road Widening Project EIR Quality Assurance Peer Review, Orange County, CA
» Government-to-Government Consultations with Native American tribes on Orange County Development, Infrastructure, and Parks Projects implementing the Tribal Cultural Resources component the California Environmental Quality Act, Orange County, CA
» Cerritos Homes Residential Infill Zoning Compliance Memorandum to County Attorney, Orange County, CA
EDUCATION
» BA, Economic Geography
California State University,
Northridge
Kevin Shannon
SENIOR PLANNER | MIG
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 24 Kasey Kitowski is a highly skilled environmental planner and analyst who has contributed their specialized expertise in air quality and noise to a wide range of projects from public infrastructure and transportation to parks and open space.
An abiding interest in environmental issues led to their degree in environmental policy and continues to motivate their work in a fast-paced and ever-changing field. Kasey’s in-depth knowledge and meticulous attention to detail result in meeting client objectives for compliance while protecting community air and noise resources in the context of a changing climate. Their ability to analyze and synthesize data from multiple sources produces clear, well-articulated air quality, climate change, and noise analyses. Kasey is inspired by opportunities to work on projects that have tangible, measurable impacts—developing feasible resource protection strategies that provide environmental benefits and facilitate effective project implementation.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Costco Expansion IS/MND, Chino Hills, CA
» West Hollywood Climate Action Plan Update and CEQA Review, West Hollywood, CA
» Standard Works Project, El Segundo, CA
» San Carlos 405 Industrial Road CEQA, San Carlos, CA
» San Carlos General Plan Update and Zoning Amendment, San Carlos, CA » Lake Elsinore General Plan Update EIR, Lake Elsinore, CA » Watsonville - Ohlone Parkway East/West, Watsonville, CA » Santa Fe Springs General Plan and Targeted Zoning Code, Santa Fe Springs, CA
» Oxnard Campus Park Design, Oxnard, CA
» San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Update, El Cerrito, CA » Freedom Circle Focus Area Plan, Santa Clara, CA
» Rustin Warehouse, Riverside, CA
» Marin County Housing and Safety Elements, Marin County, CA
EDUCATION
» BS, Environmental Policy
Analysis and Planning,
University of California,
Davis
Kasey Kitowski
AIR QUALITY AND NOISE ANAL YST | MIG
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 25 William Deeman brings scientific knowledge and dexterity with details to his work as an analyst of air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG), energy, and noise impacts.
His background in geophysical fluid dynamics, oceanography, meteorology, and climate science further cemented his commitment to minimizing climate change one project at a time—with a cumulative effect that makes a difference. William appreciates “getting into the weeds” with the intricate, in-depth analysis required in environmental planning. His adaptability and ability to learn quickly serve him well as regulations, processes, technology, and the science itself change regularly.
William assists in data collection and preparation of technical analyses in the areas of air quality, GHG, energy, and noise. He assesses project impacts and their level of significance to recommend viable mitigation strategies to clients, stakeholders, and colleagues. The rigor and attention William applies in each project help establish confidence in the accuracy and reliability of MIG’s analysis and reporting.
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» San Pablo Ave Specific Plan Update Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (EIR), El Cerrito, CA
» Ontario PUD Health Risk Assessment, Ontario, CA
» Clayton Housing Element Final EIR, Clayton, CA
» St. Luke’s Use Permit Modification Noise Study, Sunnyvale, CA » Santa Clara 3301 Olcott CEQA Environmental Checklist IS, Santa Clara, CA » Citrus Industrial Building Project Air Quality/Health Risk Assessment, Greenhouse Gas/Energy, and Noise Technical Reports, Fontana, CA » Boyle Southeast Industrial Building Project Air Quality/Health Risk Assessment, Greenhouse Gas/Energy, and Noise Technical Reports, Fontana, CA » Ohlone Parkway East 100 Manabe Ow Road CEQA AQHRA, Watsonville, CA
EDUCATION
» MS, Atmosphere, Ocean
and Climate, University of
Reading
» BS, Mathematics, Imperial
College London
William Deeman
AIR QUALITY, GREENHOUSE GAS, AND NOISE SERVICES ANAL YST | MIG
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 26 Michael Kennedy is a Principal at Fehr & Peers and
leads the Long Beach office with nearly two decades
of experience in long-range planning, environmental
analysis, transit planning, and pedestrian and bicycle
planning. He was previously the project manager for the Waterfront Revitalization Project EIR traffic study, the Redondo Beach Harbor/Pier Zoning Amendments traffic
study, as well as the Shade Hotel Redondo Beach traffic study. His work helps clients balance access, safety, and sustainability in complex, evolving environments.
EDUCATION
» Master of Urban and Regional Planning, California
State Polytechnic University, Pomona
» BA, Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT
REGISTRATIONS
» American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
» Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
Accredited Professional (LEED AP)
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» PLAN Redondo, Redondo Beach, CA
» 100-132 Catalina Ave Project, Redondo Beach, CA
» Artesia – Aviation Corridors Area Plan,
Redondo Beach, CA
» Redondo Beach SB 743 Implementation,
Redondo Beach, CA
» Beach Cities Health District Campus Plan EIR,
Redondo Beach, CA
» Beach Cities Health District Bicycle Path Design,
Redondo Beach and Torrance, CA
» LA Metro C (Green) Line Extension to Torrance EIR &
Advanced Conceptual Engineering (ACE), Lawndale,
Redondo Beach, and Torrance, CA
» Waterfront Revitalization Project, Redondo Beach, CA
» Harbor/Pier Zoning Amendments Study,
Redondo Beach, CA
» Shade Hotel Traffic Study, Redondo Beach, CA
Michael Kennedy, AICP, LEED AP
Miguel Núñez, AICP, brings over 18 years of experience
in transportation planning, leading impactful projects that enhance mobility and safety. His work on development
projects and regional planning has helped communities
progress desired development projects, creating
cleaner and more resilient land use and transportation
connections for local stakeholders. His local experience includes guiding the City of Carson General Plan and
conducting a VMT study for the Panattoni warehouse,
providing data-driven strategies to support sustainable development and transportation efficiency.
EDUCATION
» MA, Urban Planning, University of California
Los Angeles
» BA, Political Science, University of California
Los Angeles
REGISTRATIONS
» American Institute of Certified Planners (024917)
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» City of Carson SB 743 Implementation, Carson, CA
» City of Pico Rivera SB 743 Implementation,
Pico Rivera, CA
» City of Whittier SB 743 Implementation, Whittier, CA
» City of Vernon Sustainability Plan, Vernon, CA
» City of Cudahy General Plan Circulation Element,
Cudahy, CA
» Gateway Cities Council of Governments CAP, CA
» South Bay Council of Governments CAP Framework, CA
» Westfield West Covina Traffic Impact Report,
West Covina, CA
» Wilmington Waterfront Traffic Study, Los Angeles, CA
» 401 San Fernando Mixed Use Project Traffic Study,
Burbank, CA
» McGaelic West Light Industrial Project, Santa Paula, CA » East Area 1 and 2 Annexation Traffic Impact Study,
Santa Paula, CA
PRINCIPAL | FEHR & PEERSPRINCIPAL | FEHR & PEERS
Miguel Núñez, AICP
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 27 Fatemeh Ranaiefar is a senior associate based locally in the Fehr & Peers Long Beach office. She specializes in
transportation modeling, transportation data analytics, developing performance measures, and building
decision support tools for prioritizing projects to address transportation issues. She currently leads the firm’s
internal research and development freight discipline
group. Fatemeh has experience managing large-scale
projects involving coordination with various groups
of public and private stakeholders and community
organizations. She also managed/or served as task lead
for several statewide, regional, and multi-jurisdiction corridor studies, impact fee programs, truck route study, travel demand model development, traffic forecast,
goods movement plan, truck parking study, origin-
destination study, and National Cooperative Highway
Research Programs studies.
EDUCATION
» PhD, Transportation Science, University of California, Irvine
» MS, Industrial Engineering/ System Engineering, TMU,
Tehran, Iran
» BS, Industrial Engineering, Tehran, Iran
SELECTED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
» Caltrans Freight Mobility Plan, Statewide, CA
» Caltrans Southern California Freight Plan, Southern CA » Long Beach Via Oro Traffic Study, Long Beach, CA
» Long Beach Pier Wind Terminal, Long Beach, CA
» City of Long Beach 4000 Via Oro, Long Beach, CA
» Goodman Commerce Center TIA, Long Beach, CA
» Port of Long Beach Community Impact Study,
Long Beach, CA
» Port of Long Beach Master Plan Update,
Long Beach, CA
» SCAG Strategic Freight Plan, SCAG Region, CA
» SCAG Goods Movement Community Impact Study,
SCAG Region, CA
SENIOR ASSOCIATE | FEHR & PEERS
Fatemeh Ranaiefar, PHD
Sample Peer Review
MIG has performed several CEQA peer reviews as
part of our on-call contract with the City of Commerce, including for the 7400 Slauson Avenue Industrial Project.
This project is located at the intersection of Slauson
Avenue and Greenwood Avenue and is immediately
adjacent to residential uses on two sides. This interface between industrial and residential land uses is similar to what exists in the northern portion of the City of
Gardena. As such, this project represents an example of a CEQA peer review for a type of project or projects that could potentially occur in Gardena in the future and that the City would likely want to have reviewed by a third
party.
Sample Peer Review Document
City of Gardena | Environmental Consulting Services 28 As requested in the RFQ, this section is uploaded separately
7. Fees/Cost
Summary of Insurance Coverage
MIG currently maintains the following levels of insurance coverage:
» General Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence, $2,000,000 aggregate, and $10,000,000 umbrella. » Professional Liability: $5,000,000 per claim and $5,000,000 aggregate » Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident
» Worker’s Compensation: $1,000,000 per accident
A Certificate of Insurance can be provided upon request.
8. Additional Information
Gardena, California • October 30, 2025
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
250 East 1st Street, Suite 1400
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-788-4842
www.rinconconsultants.com
1 Cover Letter
October 30, 2025
Jo-Anne Burns, Assistant Director of Community Development Community Development
City of Gardena
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, California 90247
Subject: Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services Dear Ms. Burns:
As the City of Gardena (City) advances its efforts to streamline processing of projects under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and establish a trusted list of pre-qualified environmental consulting partners, Rincon Consultants (Rincon) offers the expertise and partnership to support the City’s goals. We understand the City’s goal of improving efficiency and providing high-quality, defensible environmental documents for private development projects. Through our regional experience, comprehensive in -house capabilities, and proactive approach to legislative and procedural changes, Rincon offers the expertise and insight necessary to be an effective, long-term partner to the City.
Why Rincon?
• Southern California Experience. Rincon has extensive experience working with jurisdictions throughout Southern California, including El Segundo , Long Beach, and San Pedro. Our familiarity with local planning practices, development contexts, and agency expectations allows us to deliver context -sensitive, efficient service aligned with the City’s needs.
• CEQA Streamlining. Rincon is at the forefront of CEQA streamlining tools and legislative implementation.
Our team has prepared Sustainable Communities Project Exemptions, Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessments, Appendix N documents, CEQA statutory and categorical exemptions, and coordinated their associated CEQA processes. We also have a deep understanding about different forms of streamlining and exemptions, including Assembly Bill (AB) 130, Senate Bill (SB) 131, SB 79, SB 35/423, and “Common Sense” exemptions. This expertise translates directly into time and cost savings for cities and project applicants.
• In-House Technical Services. Rincon provides n early all environmental disciplines required by the City’s Request for Qualifications in -house, enabling consistent quality, efficient coordination, and responsive project delivery. Where specialized transportation support is needed, we work seamlessly with trusted subconsultants to ensure complete coverage.
• Strong Quality Assurance/Quality Control ( QA/QC) and Staff Support. Rincon regularly functions as an extension of municipal staff, providing project management, peer review, and ongoing coordination. Our proven QA/QC procedures and experienced team deliver defensible documents, adherence to schedules, and reliable communication throughout each assignment.
Our Commitment
Rincon understands the City’s priorities: timely and accurate environmental review, high -quality CEQA and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents, strong project management, and knowledgeable staff familiar with local conditions. We are prepared to support the City on an as-needed basis with scalable resources, streamlined processes, and a dedicated team that is responsive and collaborative. We are committed to being a trusted, solutions-oriented partner.
Table of Contents
Rincon Consultants, Inc. i
2 Table of Contents
1 Cover Letter ......................................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................................. i 3 Scope of Services ................................................................................................................................................ 1 4 Related Experience ............................................................................................................................................. 7 Rincon’s Approach .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Project Experience .............................................................................................................................................. 8 Quality Assurance and Quality Control ............................................................................................................. 14 Technical Direction and Control ....................................................................................................................... 15 Communication and Documentation Procedures ........................................................................................... 15 Project Reporting and Editorial Review............................................................................................................ 15 Management of Subcontractors ...................................................................................................................... 15 5 Subconsultants ................................................................................................................................................. 16 Ganddini ............................................................................................................................................................ 16 Translutions ....................................................................................................................................................... 17 6 Qualifications and Capabilities ......................................................................................................................... 18 Rincon’s Qualifications ..................................................................................................................................... 18 Team Organization ............................................................................................................................................ 20 Resumes for Key Personnel ............................................................................................................................. 21 7 Fee Schedule ..................................................................................................................................................... 25 8 Additional Information ...................................................................................................................................... 29 Appendices
Appendix A Resumes
Appendix B Peer Review Example
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services ii
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Scope of Services
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 1
3 Scope of Services
CEQA/NEPA Strategy
Rincon Consultants (Rincon) supports agencies and applicants through all levels of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) process, as well as compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act ( NEPA). This work includes reviewing project documents, coordinating with lead and regulatory agencies, preparing technical reports, and participating in public meetings and hearings.
For the CEQA process, this task typically starts with a review of the CEQA Guideline s to assess whether a project is exempt from more detailed environmental review. Rincon has extensive experience preparing comprehensive analyses to justify the eligibility of projects for a categorical exemption under Section 15300 of the CEQA Guidelines. For projects that do not qualify under a Categorical Exemption, we are adept at preparing other exemption documents, including:
• Affordable housing exemptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15194
• Residential infill exemptions under CEQA Guidelines Section 15195 • Sustainable Communities Project Exemptions (SCPE) under CEQA Statute 21155.1 • CEQA Guidelines Appendix N: Infill Environmental Checklist Forms With the support from our in-house legal counsel, Rincon also works with clients to navigate the recent addition of exemption options under Assembly Bill 130 and Senate Bill ( SB) 131, signed into law on June 30, 2025 .
Furthermore, we understand the ministerial exemptions under SB 35/423 and SB 4, as well as the streamlining and CEQA processes for certain projects under the recently adopted SB 79.
In non-CEQA exempt cases, we prepare an Initial Study Checklist under CEQA Guidelines Appendix G to determine the appropriate environmental clearance document under CEQA. For projects where all impacts can clearly be mitigated and where there is not a strong base of public controversy, a negative declaration (ND) or mitigated negative declaration (MND ) is prepared. For projects that may result in a significant impact, an environmental impact report (EIR) is typically the appropriate CEQA document, although Rincon has also prepared s ustainable communities environmental assessments for projects that qualified as transit priority projects under the Southern California Association of Governments ’ Sustainable Communities Strategy . The s ustainable communities environmental assessment allows for a 30 -day review period but provides more legal protection than an MND due to a project’s compliance with the applicable Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Communities Strategy.
When an EIR is required, we use the Initial Study Checklist and scoping process to focus the document on impacts that can potentially result in significant impacts, as well as the issues that are anticipated to be focused on by the public. For program -level EIRs, we aim to prepare a document that includes comprehe nsive impact analyses and mitigation measures that allow for streamlining under the program EIR for reasonably anticipated projects.
Similarly, for the NEPA process, federal agency consultation will be required to determine the appropriate NEPA pathway. Documentation may involve categorical exclusions (subject to or not subject to Section 58.5) , Environmental Assessments (EAs), or Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). In some cases, CEQA and NEPA apply to a project, and a joint CEQA/NEPA document may be appropriate. In other cases, federal lead agencies prefer to process final review documentation after the CEQA environmental review is finalized.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 2 Scope of Work
CEQA and NEPA are core business areas for Rincon, and our firm has provided environmental consulting services for over 30 years. Rincon project managers and analysts are skilled at assisting agencies in not only meeting the legal requirements of the CEQA a nd NEPA processes, but also ensuring a project is consistent with a City’s ordinances and codes and the relevant standards of other local and state agencies (e.g., County of Los Angeles, California Department of Transportation [Caltrans], Regional Water Quality Control Board [RWQCB], California Department of Fish and Wildlife [CDFW], and United States Army Corps of Engineers [USACE]).
We understand the need to integrate with City staff in conducting the environmental review process. We will provide regular progress reports on work status, as well as the budget and schedule tracking. Our teamwork approach allows a City direct access to strong technical expertise, and our local experience provides understanding of community issues and local political concerns. Our firm has successfully prepared hundreds of CEQA and NEPA documents for agencies throughout California. We are equipped to assist the City of Gardena (City) with preparation and processing of environmental review documents, including the following:
• Initial studies addressing the CEQA Guidelines
environmental checklist with a focus on
resources specific to the City
• Notices of Preparation (NOPs)
• Notices of Intent
• Notices of Availability
• Notices of Determination (NODs) or Exemption
• Categorical and statutory exemptions
• NDs and MNDs
• EIRs, including Program, Focused, Master, and
Staged EIRs
• Sustainable Communities Environmental
Assessments and Exemptions
• Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs
(MMRPs)
• Response to Comments
• Statement of Overriding Considerations
• NEPA compliance documents
• Statutory worksheets
• Technical studies for air quality, biological and
cultural resources studies, greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions, noise, and water supplies
• Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
• Sustainability services, including climate action
planning, GHG inventories and reduction
strategies, and LEED consulting services
• Facilitation and leading scoping meetings and
public hearings
Our work products will meet the requirements of the CEQA Guidelines , California planning and zoning law, and other relevant statutes, such as the National Historic Preservation Act.
Rincon provides exceptional environmental consulting services to the City of Calimesa. The City is rapidly developing and has significant environmental consulting needs for multiple large, complex projects. Rincon’s team offers excellent project management and CEQA/technical expertise, including biological resources and MSHCP support. Rincon also consistently goes above and beyond with responsiveness, collaboration, and meeting project schedules. This contract has exceeded expectations by providing Calimesa with dedicated, trusted advisors that are accessible, knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with.
Kelly Lucia, Planning Director
City of Calimesa
“
Scope of Services
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 3
The following are typical procedures for peer reviews and environmental documents under CEQA and NEPA.
Peer Review of Applicant Assessments
Rincon provides technical peer review services for public agencies throughout California. When Rincon is not preparing technical studies directly, our team of technical experts supports City staff by ensuring applicant - prepared technical reports are thorough, accurate, and defensible. W e confirm regulatory compliance, identify potential deficiencies, and strengthen the overall CEQA record.
These reviews often include assessments related to air quality/GHG emissions, health risk, biological and cultural resources, Phase I environmental site assessments, and noise, among other specialized areas. Rincon’s in-house review emphasizes appropriate methodologies and assumptions, adherence to regulatory standards, accuracy and completeness of findings, and the appropriateness of recommended mitigation. We also flag issues of internal inconsistency and potential bias, ensu ring that technical studies wi thstand the high level of scrutiny CEQA documents often receive.
Our approach supports early identification of technical disagreements, additional data needs, and critical path items, leading to smoother project delivery and more defensible environmental documents. • Task 1: Technical Study Review. Rincon’s subject matter experts will review applicant -prepared technical studies for accuracy, methodology, adherence to standards, and appropriateness of conclusions and mitigation.
• Task 2: Peer Review Memorandum. For each technical study reviewed, Rincon will prepare a memorandum that summarizes our methodology, identifies issues requiring resolution, outlines data gaps, and lists critical path items for completion of CEQA documentation.
• Task 3: Coordination with City Staff. Following preparation of the memorandum, Rincon’s project manager will meet with City staff to discuss findings, confirm key issues, and develop a plan to resolve outstanding items efficiently.
• Task 4: Documentation and Resolution. Rincon will work with City staff to finalize peer review findings, resolve outstanding issues, and ensure technical studies provide a complete, accurate, and defensible basis for CEQA determinations.
Alternatives under CEQA and NEPA
A reasonable range of alternatives will be identified during the process in concert with City staff and the federal lead, depending on the CEQA or NEPA document, respectively. For EIRs, evaluating alternatives typically includes less detail than required for NEPA documents. The analysis, whether CEQA or NEPA specific, will give decision - makers and the public adequate information to decide between alternatives. This section will also identify the “environmentally superior alternat ive.” If the “no project –no building” alternative is deemed environmentally superior, the EIR will identify the alternative among the remaining scenarios.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 4 Technical Studies
Our environmental planners and scientists are skilled in the preparation of a broad range of technical analyses and
studies, including aesthetics, air quality, biological resources (wetland delineation, special- status species analysis), cultural and tribal cultural resources, health risk assessments, noise, GHG emissions, water supply
assessments, and wildfire . Often, these studies are
performed before finalizing a proposed project to assist project design teams in developing a project that avoids or minimizes significant environmental effects during the
design phase. For example, our biological resources
studies have included simple special -status species
surveys used in site selection and feasibility, a s well as more detailed protocol- level surveys to meet specific
ordinance and permitting agency requirements (Caltrans, RWQCB, USACE, CDFW, etc.). Our environmental team also
supports our clients with developing and implementing
MMRPs, such as revegetation and habitat restoration, that may arise through the environmental planning process.
Rincon has extensive experience preparing the various
types of technical reports that the City might require under a contract for environment and impact analysis.
MND Process
• Task 1: Kickoff Meeting. A kickoff meeting will be held with City staff to confirm study objectives and approaches; discuss and submit a list of data needs, such as site plans and applicant -prepared studies; communication protocol; and schedule.
• Task 2: Project Description. The project description will be submitted within approximately two weeks of receipt of all data and information regarding the project. • Task 3: Administrative Draft MND. The Administrative Draft MND will be prepared typically between four and six weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the types of accompanying technical studies required.
• Task 4: Public Review Draft MND. Rincon will typically deliver the Public Review Draft MND within one to two weeks of receipt of comments on the Administrative Draft MND. Rincon will file the Notice of Intent with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse, and the Public Review Draft MND will circulate for a period of 20 to 30 days.
• Task 5: Final MND. Rincon will prepare written responses and submit to staff for review within one to two weeks of receipt of all comments received during the public review period. Revisions will be made as necessary, and a final set of responses will be provided with the Fi nal MND to be considered as part of project approval. The Final MND will typically be provided within one week of receipt of all City comments regarding the responses. The Final MND will be in the form of a single document that includes the Draft MND (with final revisions in track changes), mitigation measures, and MMRP, as well as all agency and public comments and responses to comments. If desired, we can also prepare CEQA findings for the project in conjunction with the Final MND. Within five days of pro ject approval (if any), Rincon will file the NOD with the County Clerk and/or State Clearinghouse.
• Task 6: Attend Public Hearings. If requ ested, Rincon’s Project Manager and/or Principal -in-Charge will attend the public meetings to support City staff in presenting and answering questions regarding the CEQA process. Rincon’s technical experts and subconsultant staff can also attend as necessary to address specific issues of concern or controversy
For projects that do not result in potentially significant impacts that require mitigation measures, the ND process would be the same, except that an MMRP would not be prepared.
Scope of Services
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 5
EIR Process
• Task 1: Kickoff Meeting. A kickoff meeting will be held with City staff to confirm study objectives and approaches; discuss and submit a list of data needs, such as site plans and applicant -prepared studies; communication protocol; and schedule.
• Task 2a: Initial Study-NOP. Rincon will prepare an Initial Study Checklist with supporting discussion, typically within three to four weeks from receipt of all data needs . The Initial Study will cover all items on the City’s environmental checklist and will include facts and analysis to support all conclusions. Upon City approval of the Initial Study, we will circulate an NOP of a Draft EIR. • Task 2b: EIR Scoping Meeting. If required, a scoping meeting will be held during the 30-day NOP period to introduce the community to the proposed project and obtain input on the EIR scope of work. (Note: scoping meetings are required only for “regionally significant” projects.) • Task 3: Technical Studies and Peer Reviews. Rincon and our transportation subconsultant will prepare the technical studies within six to eight weeks of the kickoff meeting. If peer reviews of applicant -prepared documents are required, the memorandum will be prepared within two to four weeks of the kickoff meeting, depending on the complexity of the report(s).
• Task 4: EIR Project Description. Rincon will prepare a description of the proposal being analyzed in the EIR, including descriptions of the site and its location, project characteristics relevant to the EIR analysis, project objectives, and required discretionary approvals. This typically includes textual, tabular, and graphic presentation.
• Task 5: Administrative Draft EIR. Rincon will prepare an Administrative Draft EIR within six to eight weeks of release of the NOP. The EIR will include the following:
o Executive Summary. Summary of the proposed project and associated environmental consequences presented in tabular format to simplify review by decision-makers and the public. o Introduction and Environmental Setting. Introductory sections (required by CEQA) lay the groundwork for and summarize the substantive analysis to follow; the introduction describes the purpose and legal authority of the study and provides a discussion of lead, responsible, and trustee agencies; the environmental setting provides a general description of the existing urban geographic character of the city and the site vicinity.
o Environmental Impact Analysis. Analysis of impacts determined in the Initial Study to be potentially significant includes four main components:
− Setting. Description of current conditions with respect to the issue in question, including the existing regulatory environment
− Impact Analysis. Discussion of potentially significant effects of the proposed project, impacts are typically compared to established “thresholds of significance” − Mitigation Measures. Methods by which significant effects can be reduced or eliminated − Level of Significance after Mitigation. Discussion of whether proposed mitigation measures reduce impacts to below the adopted significance threshold − Other CEQA -Required Discussions. EIRs also include other discussions required by the CEQA Guidelines, including an analysis of potential growth -inducing impacts, a listing of significant irreversible changes, and a discussion of areas of public controversy. − Alternatives. See discussion below under Alternatives under CEQA and NEPA. • Task 6: Draft EIR. Rincon will incorporate City comments on the Draft EIR and complete the Draft EIR, typically within two to three weeks. Rincon will file the Notice of Availability and circulate the Draft EIR for a period of 30 to 45 days.
• Task 7: Final EIR. Rincon will complete the Final EIR after the receipt of all written comments received during the review period. The Final EIR will consist of the comments, responses, and revisions to the Draft EIR (if warranted), and the MMRP. If desired and required, we will also prepare a CEQA Findings of Fact and Statement of Overriding Consideration for the project.
o Response to Comments. Within two to three weeks of receipt of all comment letters on the Draft EIR, Rincon will submit a draft Responses to Comments. Within one week of receipt of City comments on the draft report, Rincon will prepare the Final Responses to Comments.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 6 o MMRP. Concurrent with the Responses to Comments, Rincon will prepare an MMRP, which will be included in the Final EIR.
o CEQA Findings of Fact. If requested by City staff, Rincon will prepare the CEQA Findings of Fact as part of the Staff Report.
o NOD. Within five days of EIR certification and project approval (if any), Rincon will file the NOD with the County Clerk and/or State Clearinghouse.
• Task 8: Attend Public Hearings. Similar to MND process.
Approach to NEPA Document Preparation
Upon receiving an inquiry from the City on a particular project with federal agency involvement, an early step will be determining what level of NEPA review will be required specific to the federal lead’s requirements. Rincon’s project manager will obtain a detailed project description from City staff and consider the location, scale, and implementation time frame. Preliminary research on the site will be conducted, and existing technical studies and environmental documentation will be reviewed. The following is a typical set of steps that we would employ for an EA/Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) or an EIS process.
For current NEPA projects under other on -calls, we have submitted projects through the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s online portal and Environmental Review Online System. As such, our team has been trained to use the Environme ntal Review Online System platform , and will be able to execute this task as a Partner User for City staff when necessary.
EA/FONSI Process
• Task 1: Kickoff Meeting. Similar to the MND process
• Task 2: Administrative Draft EA/FONSI. The Administrative Draft EA/FONSI will be provided within six to eight weeks of receipt of notice to proceed and approval of the project description. This process typically involves preparation of a Section 106 report for compliance with the National Hist oric Preservation Act. • Task 3: Public Review Draft EA/FONSI. Rincon will deliver the Public Review Draft EA/FONSI within one to two weeks of receipt of comments on the Administrative Draft EA/FONSI. • Task 4: Final EA/FONSI. Rincon will prepare written responses and submit them to City staff for review within seven days of receipt of all comments received after the closing of the public review period. The Final EA/FONSI will be provided within one week of receipt of all comments regarding the responses.
EIS Process
• Task 1: NOI and Scoping Process. Similar to the EIR process • Task 2: Scoping Meeting. Similar to EIR process
• Task 3: Description of Project Alternatives. Similar to the EIR process, except that all potential alternatives will be described in an equal level of detail, as required by NEPA • Task 4: Administrative Draft EIS. Similar to the EIR process, except that all potential alternatives will be analyzed at an equal level of detail, as required by NEPA • Task 5: Draft EIS. Similar to the EIR process
• Task 6: Final EIS. Similar to the EIR process
o Responses to Comments/Preliminary Final EIS. Similar to the EIR process o Final EIS Publication. NEPA requires a 30-day wait period for a Final EIS. The Final EIS will need to be made available for 30 days before the federal agency can make a final decision on the project. A formal comment period is not required for the Final EIS; however, the federal agency may choose to accept comments on the Final EIS, and such comments may be considered by the federal agency in developing the Record of Decision.
• Task 7: Record of Decision. The Record of Decision will be issued no sooner than 30 days after the approved Final EIS is distributed or 90 days after the Draft EIS is circulated. • Task 8: Attend Public Hearings. Similar to MND process Related Experience
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 7
4 Related Experience
Rincon’s Approach
Rincon understands that the City is seeking a highly qualified and responsive consultant to provide on -call CEQA and environmental services for a wide range of private development and City -initiated projects. We recognize the City’s need for a partner , who can deliver high -quality, legally defensible environmental documents, technical studies, and peer reviews efficiently, while coordinating closely with City staff and adhering to strict timelines. Our experience enables us to anticipate City needs, streaml ine project delivery, and provide consistency across assignments of varying size and complexity.
Our approach is rooted in proactive communication, technical accuracy, and schedule efficiency. At the start of each assignment, our Project Manager will meet with City staff to confirm scope, deliverables, and key milestones.
By identifying potential issu es early, we reduce the need for revisions and maintain momentum throughout the process. W hether an exemption justification memo randum, ND, MND, EIR, or peer review is prepared, we tailor each CEQA document to the project’s characteristics and the City’s p rocedural standards. Our team is expertly aware of CEQA and NEPA guidelines, current case law, and best practices, allowing us to prepare concise, defensible documents that clearly communicate findings to City staff, decision-makers, and the public. We balance thorough analysis with clarity and accessibility, maintaining legal defensibility without unnecessary complexity.
Rincon assigns a dedicated Project Manager as the single point-of-contact to ensure accountability, consistency, and timely communication. The Project Manager leads coordination with City staff, directs the technical team, and manages schedules and deliverables. Subject matter experts in air quality, GHG emissions, noise, biology, cultural resources, hazards, hydrology, land use, transportation, and other disciplines contribute focused analysis. Regular progress updates, collaborative document sharing, and version control tools ensure transparency and alignment with City expectations. Our team structure and staffing capacity allow us to manage multiple concurrent assignments and quickly respond when timelines are accelerated or when project needs evolve.
Rincon offers comprehensive in-house technical capabilities across all CEQA topic areas, reducing the need for external support and improving coordination. When specialized expertise is required, we engage pre viously vetted subconsultants, such as Ganddini Group, Inc. (Ganddini Group) and Translutions, Inc. (Translutions) .
However, Rincon maintains full responsibility for scope, schedule, communication, and quality. The Project Manager oversees all subconsultant coordination to ensure seamless integration o f work products and a cohesive final deliverable.
Above all, Rincon is committed to being a collaborative, long -term partner to the City. We pride ourselves on being accessible, solutions -oriented, and aligned with City goals. We understand the importance of public transparency, consistency in environmental documentation, and maintaining trust in the CEQA process. With our extensive local experience, multidisciplinary team, streamlined processes, and proven success on similar on-call contracts, Rincon will support the City in delivering efficient, defensib le, and high -quality environmental consulting services.
Rincon has supported
numerous Southern
California jurisdictions,
including cities within
the South Bay region
and is familiar with the
local environmental
setting, CEQA
procedures, and
municipal expectations.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 8 Project Experience
Rincon brings decades of proven environmental consulting experience supporting cities across California with the preparation of CEQA documentation for residential, commercial, industrial, and infill development projects.
Our team has successfully completed initial studies, NDs, MNDs, EIRs, peer reviews, and technical analyses for agencies with needs similar in scale and complexity to the City. All projects undergo a rigorous Quality Assurance/Quality Control ( QA/QC) process to ensure technical accuracy, int ernal consistency, and compliance with CEQA requirements. We are known for our strong coordination with subconsultants, diligent QC protocols, and ability to deliver accurate documents on schedule and within budget. The following examples highlight our past performance on comparable projects and demonstrate our capacity to serve as a responsive, highly qualified partner to the City.
City of Santa Ana
On-Call Environmental Consulting Services
Santa Ana, California
Rincon has provided CEQA and NEPA documentation and consulting services to the City of Santa Ana for approximately 20 years and environmental site assessments for over 25 years. Under Rincon’s on-call contracts with the Planning Division, Rincon has prepared various CEQA documents, including two EIR addend a for the First American Mixed-Use Project and 4th and Mortimer Project between 2019 and 2021, which tiered from the 2010 EIR for the Transit Zoning Code. In November 2023, Rincon was re-selected as an approved consultant for CEQA and NEPA services for projects managed by the City of Santa Ana’s Planning Division. Under our on -call contracts with the Housing Division, Rincon has prepared numerous environmental assessments under NEPA, along with the required EA/FONSI , and categorical exclusions (subject to and not subject to Section 58.5) for affordable housing projects, rehabilitation projects, and capital improvement projects. As part of Rincon’s most recent on -call with the Housing Division, active since A ugust 2021, Rincon has prepared eight c ategorical exclusions subject to (CEST) Section 58.5, one categorical exclusion not subject to (CENST) Section 58.5, and four EA/FONSIs. Recent projects include:
• Santa Ana Main Library Window Repairs CEST
• Crossroads at Washington Project EA
• Santa Anita Park Improvements Phase I
EA/FONSI
• Heninger Park Street Improvements Phase I CEST
• Heninger Park Street Improvements Phase II
CEST
• Capital Improvements – Ivy Installation Project
CENST
• Logan Center/Chepa’s Park Redesign
EA/FONSI
Rincon consistently meets project deadlines and maintains cost efficiency on all projects . Rincon’s disciplined management, firsthand agency familiarity, and long-standing partnership with the City of Santa Ana enable us to deliver high-quality environmental documents on time and within budget.
Reference Information:
David Flores, Housing Programs Coordinator
City of Santa Ana
714-647-6561 | [email protected]
Dates: 2004 to Present (various projects
completed in the last five years)
Related Experience
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 9
City of Long Beach
On-Call Environmental Services
Long Beach, California
Rincon has worked with the City of Long Beach since 2005 and has held an open services contract with the City of Long Beach since 2008 to provide environmental documentation for development projects. Projects include EIRs, initial studies, MNDs, EAs, and one SCPE for various commercial and residential developments, as well as City of Long Beach projects, such as the new Courthouse and Civic Center. In addition to documentation, Rincon has also performed technical studies for such issues as noise, air qualit y, historical, and hazards. The following are projects under the current contract:
• Fountain Street and Wehrle Court Family Housing
Project SCPE and EA
• North Village Center Redevelopment Project EIR
• Dorado Residential Development Project EIR
• Civic Center Supplemental EIR
• Cerritos Bahia Marina Initial Study -Mitigated
Negative Declaration (IS-MND)
• 3655 North Norwalk Boulevard Residential
Development EIR
• Riverwalk Residential Development EIR
• Studebaker Tank Removal Project EIR
• The Pike Outlets Remodel IS-MND
• Pacific Pointe East Development EIR
• Press-Telegram Mixed Use Project EIR
• Thomas Safran Senior Housing Project EIR
• 2nd and Pacific Coast Highway Development
Project EIR
• Auto Nation Automobile Auction EIR
• Plastic Bag Carryout Ordinance Addendum
• Long Beach Police Department Tunnel IS-MND
• Downtown Plan Final EIR Peer Review
• Pier S Marine Terminal and Backchannel
Improvement Project EIR Peer Review
• Southern California International Gateway EIR
Peer Review
Rincon consistently delivers documents on schedule and within budget. Rincon’s ability to anticipate challenges, maintain responsiveness, and control costs has helped the City of Long Beach rely on Rincon as a trusted environmental partner for nearly two decades.
Reference Information:
Christopher Koontz, Deputy Director
City of Long Beach
562-570-6288 | [email protected]
Dates: 2008 to Present (various projects
completed in the last five years)
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 10 City of Calimesa
As-Needed Environmental Consulting
Calimesa, California
The City of Calimesa began contracting Rincon in 2023 for environmental services related to all levels of CEQA documents from categorical exemptions, initial studies and MNDs, through EIRs and addenda thereof. Rincon is also contracted for all technical st udies, including biological resources; Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan consistency; cultural/tribal resources; paleontological resources; air quality, GHG emissions, and energy; noise; Phase 1 environmental site assessme nts; transportation (through subconsultants); visual quality analyses; and wildfire plans. Rincon currently serv es as the City of Calimesa’s objective third-party peer reviewer of all complex projects, particularly those with anticipated public opposition.
Most recently, peer reviews of CEQA documents (both draft and final) and technical studies have included:
• Oak Valley North EIR
• Summerwind Ranch Specific Plan Amendment
#5 EIR Addendum
• Interstate 10 Logistics Center Annexation EIR
Addendum
• Riedman Tentative Tract Map 37802 MND
• Sartin Storage Yard IS-MND
• Summerwind Commons II Specific Plan #4 EIR
Addendum
• Calimesa Boulevard Realignment EIR Addendum
• Calimesa Creek Stage III MND
• Rancho Citrus EIR Addendum
Other task orders requiring full preparation of CEQA documents and supporting technical studies included preparation of:
• Mesa Verde Specific Plan Subsequent EIR
• County Line Road RV Storage Facility MND
• Categorical exemption for a helicopter pad
• EIR consistency analyses for two proposed
commercial developments within the
Summerwind Ranch area of the Oak Valley
Specific Plan
• Heights at Calimesa Specific Plan EIR
• Class 32 Infill categorical exemptions for a
proposed fueling station/convenience store
remodel and a cell tower
Services have also included regulated waters permitting for the County Line Road Improvements Project; regulated waters permitting for the Calimesa Creek Stage III Project; CEQA conformance reviews; miscellaneous peer reviews of projects that are not within the city but could impact the city primarily related to air quality, noise, and traffic. Rincon also participated in an educational workshop for the Planning Commission and City Councilmembers, specifically presenting on CEQA compliance and Multiple Spec ies Habitat Conservation Plan consistency.
Reference Information:
Kelly Lucia, Planning Director
City of Calimesa
909-809-8778 | [email protected]
Dates: 2023 to Present (various projects
completed in the last two years)
Related Experience
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 11
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles
Rancho San Pedro Joint EIR/EIS Projects
Los Angeles, California
Rincon prepared a project -level joint EIR/EIS for the proposed One San Pedro Specific Plan, which would redevelop the existing Rancho San Pedro affordable housing community in order to improve the physical condition of the community and increase housing st ock and amenities for residents. The project would include phased demolition of the existing 478-unit Rancho San Pedro complex, including 8,000 square feet of amenities, services and administration, and construction of new housing with a total of up to 1,6 00 multifamily residential units for mixed-income households, 85,000 square feet of services, amenities and administration, and 45,000 square feet of commercial/retail uses. In addition, improvements to the surrounding streets would be made to create new parking opportunities, expand multimodal access to the project area, and improve safety. Open spaces provided by the proposed project would include a pedestrian plaza at the intersection of Beacon Street and Second Street, a linear park throughout the site, and several other courtyards and community recreation spaces, totaling approximately 4.6 acres.
The development of the project would occur in three phases (Planning Areas) to minimize disturbance to existing residents. Initial phases would focus on replacement and expansion of the aging housing stock with the later phases dedicated to expansion of af fordable units, community amenities, and services. For purposes of the environmental analysis and to provide a conservative analysis of environmental impacts, overall construction is estimated to take approximately 14 years, with construction activities oc curring from 2024 to 2037. At the request of the client and in response to the need for flexibility in resident relocation, the availability of affordable housing funding, and project requirements resulting from future economic needs and demands, Rincon helped prepare two development phasing scenarios. Under the first scenario, development in each planning area would follow the maximum development standards established by the One San Pedro Specific Plan. The second scenario considers an approach in which development of Planning Areas I and II is intensified by up to 20 percent, with reduced development in Planning Area III, such that total development across the site would be the same under both development scenarios.
To maintain schedule and control costs over the 14-year timeline, Rincon tracks milestones, anticipates potential delays, and works closely with the client to align deliverables with funding availability and phasing needs, allowing for flexibility without scope creep. This approach ensures that the project remains on schedule, within budget, and consistent with client objectives, while maintaining the highest CEQA and NEPA standards.
Reference Information:
Zoe Kranemann, Development Officer
Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles
213-760-9040 | [email protected]
Dates: August 2020 to December 2024
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 12 City of Culver City
Density Bonus Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance Updates Culver City, California
Density Bonus Ordinance Update
The Density Bonus Ordinance update focuses on ways to increase the production of affordable housing in Culver City by going beyond state incentives. Strategies include tiered bonuses, where developers would get a higher bonus for the more units they provid e, and additional bonuses for developments that provide other benefits, such as affordable units with at least three bedrooms, transit facilities, and publicly accessible open space, while not compromising on the need to provide affordable units.
Rincon initiated this effort by conducting outreach at the weekend -long La Ballona festival, three community outreach meetings in conjunction with the General Plan Update, and two Planning Commission workshops. In an effort to gain interest and data with a n online survey, Rincon offered a raffle, providing gift cards from local businesses to those that took the survey. This effort resulted in over 100 surveys being tallied over the weekend- long festival.
Subdivision Ordinance Update
Rincon is updating the City of Culver City ’s Subdivision Ordinance to ensure it complies with applicable state laws, the current Subdivision Map Act, and facilitates streamlined review and approval of subdivisions consistent with the site plan review process, including processes and regulations to allow for small- lot subdivisions and ministerial approvals in sync with state law. Additionally, the Subdivision Ordinance effort will include Objective Design Standards and criteria for residential small-lot subdivisions.
Rincon prepared a n ND for this ordinance as the update went beyond allowing just the small- lot subdivisions included in recent state laws (SB 684 and SB 1123) and allowing for additional small-lot subdivisions in certain multifamily zones. By removing these barriers to development and since this project was not mandated by the City of Culver City ’s Housing Element or recent General Plan Update, the N D was necessary. The project was approved by City Council in May 2025 and was completed under budget.
Reference Information:
Emily Stadnicki, AICP, Current Planning Manager
City of Culver City, Planning & Development
Department
310-253-5727 | [email protected]
Dates: April 2023 to May 2025
Related Experience
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 13
City of Duarte
EIR and Technical Studies for the Andres Duarte School Project Duarte, California
Rincon prepared an EIR and the supporting technical studies for the City of Duarte’s Andres Duarte School Project, which involves demolition of an existing school campus and construction of 169 residential units and a 7-acre park. As the CEQA lead consultant, Rincon guided the project through all phases of environmental review, beginning with project initiation, data collection, and preparation of the Project Description.
Rincon conducted an Initial Study, circulated the NOP, supported the public scoping process, and prepare d the Administrative Draft, Draft, and Final EIR in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines. The EIR address es a wide range of environmental topics , including air quality and health risks, GHG emissions, biological and cultural resources, noise, transportation, utilities, and geology/soils. Rincon’s in -house technical experts prepare d the majority of the analyses, while Ganddini Group prepared the transportation impact analysis as a trusted subconsultant. Rincon coordinate d closely with City of Duarte staff, the applicant’s design team, and subconsultants to ensure technical accuracy, consistency between disciplines, and responsiveness to the City of Duarte’s direction.
Rincon facilitate d regular meetings with City of Duarte staff to discuss findings, maintain proactive communication, and ensure expectations are met. Rincon manage d the public engagement components of the CEQA process, including preparation of scoping materials, attendance at public hearings, and development of responses to public and agency comments. Following completion of the Draft EIR, Rincon prepared the Final EIR, MMRP, and CEQA Findings, and assist ed the City of Duarte through public hearings and filing of the NOD . The EIR process was completed in 12 months with the final cost below the contract amount.
This project demonstrates Rincon’s ability to lead complex residential development CEQA efforts, coordinate multiple technical disciplines and subconsultants, maintain schedule commitments, and deliver high -quality environmental documents that support informed decision-making.
Reference Information:
Carig Hensley, Community Development Director
City of Duarte
626-357-7931 ext. 232 |
[email protected]
Dates: September 2024 to September 2025
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 14 Quality Assurance and Quality Control
With every project that Rincon manages, we endeavor to provide each client with a high -quality product that meets or exceeds expectations and for which all applicable professional standards and regulatory requirements are met. To meet this quality standard, QA/QC procedures are developed for each project at the planning stage, outlining the management techniques to be used. Adherence to these standard methods is particularly important due to the variety of properties, locations, and projects that may be include d in this program. Consistency in project implementation can provide the City with confidence that the same quality and rigor of analysis will be delivered on every project , regardless of the location, size, scope, or technical complexity. Susanne Huerta will be the Primary Contact for the City and oversee the Rincon team to ensure consistency in project implementation and effective communication with regulatory agency personnel and other stakeholders, as appropriate.
Rincon’s structured management of all development and long -range planning projects allows for successful delivery to our clients. The major components of our management program are as follows:
• Technical Direction and Control
• Communication and Documentation Procedures
• Cost and Schedule Control
• Project Reporting and Editorial Review
• Proactive Problem-Solving and Management
Related Experience
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 15
Technical Direction and Control
The consistent and effective application of QA/QC procedures is central to successful project/program delivery.
The following sections discuss the primary principles and practices Rincon routinely implements to ensure that our contractual obligations to th e client are met, that our work is conducted in a safe, efficient, and defensible manner, and that the final product of our efforts satisfy the needs of our clients. Rincon will provide the City with cost-effective, technically sound, and sustainable solutions to the City’s environmental needs.
Communication and Documentation Procedures
Clear, concise, and thorough communication among team members is a critical component in the successful implementation of every project, regardless of size. Rincon’s project management communication procedures are designed to accomplish the following objectives:
• Specify the formal communication and documentation procedures to be used by the team • Institute a uniform method of recording actions and maintaining reference files • Ensure appropriate data flow to and between team members • Manage the flow of data from the field to the Project Manager Each Project Manager is responsible for coordinating internal communication among the in-house team, as well as with the client. To facilitate coordination and communication among staff members, we will convene focused planning and coordination meetings/teleconferences using an agenda developed and circulated in advance. The Project Manager will convene these meetings to review work in progress, plans, and schedules, and to ensure effective communication among the project team and with the client. The objective of these meetings is to ensure that communication—internal and external—is clear and consistent.
Rincon has a formal process for tracking and disseminating information and data for all our projects. We employ a secure electronic, centralized recordkeeping system for all data relevant to the projects. The database is maintained by housing all the information in the central file dedicated to the project, with data back -up and security measures in place. Our method of elec tronic file organization allows team members to easily and remotely access the most up-to-date project information.
Project Reporting and Editorial Review
In-house, Rincon holds formal monthly status review meetings in which project analysts meet with the P roject Manager for a technical, schedule, and budgetary assessment of progress. Monthly status reviews provide a continuing forum for mutual discussion and peer review of the quality of our work, often leading to important improvements in performance that results from the widest possible sharing of information. In addition to discussion of project issues, project managers conduct editorial reviews of the work produced to ensure concise and effective delivery of information.
Management of Subcontractors
Rincon has a long history of using subcontractor s on assignments for any transportation/traffic, utility/sewer, and geotechnical analysis beyond our internal capacity. We have developed a comprehensive system for managing our subcontractor s. Each subcontractor is issued a purchase order that states the scope of work, deliverables and due dates, and associated cost estimate. The purchase order also contains the required billing and progress reporting instructions. These purchase orders serve as our contracts with each of the subcontractors. In addition, project managers monitor the performance of each subcontractor . The monitoring activities include daily communication and monthly meetings . This combination of activities will assess the progress relative to schedule and budget and forecast work activities expected to occur during the next month.
The following section provid es a summary of the qualifications and experience of our transportation subconsultants Ganddini Group and Translutions.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 16 5 Subconsultants
Ganddini
The Ganddini Group is a technical consulting services firm dedicated to helping our clients succeed through a context -sensitive and cost -effective approach to every project. The Ganddini Group consists of licensed engineers and highly qualified environmental specialists , offering expertise in traffic engineering/transportation planning, acoustical engineering and vibration, and air quality/ GHG and energy sciences, with an emphasis in the preparation of technical studies for CEQA documentation and local development review.
The Ganddini Group was founded by Giancarlo Ganddini in 2018 and has serviced over 600 projects since its founding. Drawing from a decade of experience in both small consulting firms and international multidisciplinary services firms, the Ganddini Group was founded with the goal of helping clients succeed by providing reliable, high -quality services in a cost -effective and professional manner.
The Ganddini Group is a California S Corporation and registered public works contractor with the California Department of Industrial Relations (#PW -LR- 1000654944). Proudly serving California with headquarters in the City of Santa Ana, The Ganddini Group strives to continue building on trusted working relationships by applying professional expertise with integrity and with every effort to make a positive contribution to the projects and communities in which they are involved.
Technical Expertise
The Ganddini Group has the requisite expertise, technical capabilities, and licensing to provide the requested services in a professional and timely manner. Our senior personnel have over 75 years of combined experience supporting a range of projects at various stages of development, from early planning/due diligence through entitlements to operational review. With its f ounding Principal being a Registered Traffic Engineer since 2012, the Ganddini Group’s core services has focused on traffic engineering and transportation planning.
The transportation team consists of licensed engineers and experienced transportation planners highly knowledgeable of industry standards, such as the Highway Capacity Manual, Caltrans’ Highway Design Manual, AASHTO Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets , California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, Institute of Transportation Engineers’ Trip Generation Manual and Parking Generation Manual, and the Urban Land Institute’s Shared Parking. Our technical knowledge is supplemented with profe ssional knowledge of the latest software applications for traffic and parking analysis, such as Vistro, Synchro/SimTraffic, Highway Capacity Software, and Urban Land Institute’s Shared Parking, as well as legacy software applications , such as Traffix.
Gandinni Group Staff
Giancarlo Ganddini | Principal Traffic Engineer
Giancarlo is the Principal -in-Charge who directs, reviews, and oversees the assignment and timely delivery of all services. He is a Registered Professional Engineer (Traffic) in the State of California, a nationally certified Professional Transportation Planner, an d Past President of the Institute of Transportation Engineers for both the Western District and Southern California Section. He has managed the preparation of hundreds of studies involving traffic engineering analysis and transportation planning for a broa d range of development and infrastructure projects, including vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and active transportation analysis in support of CEQA documentation.
Rincon has worked
on multiple projects
with the Ganddini
Group for over 10
years.
Subconsultants
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 17
Prior to founding the Ganddini Group, Giancarlo developed his technical expertise and project management competency at notable local and international engineering services firms, where he performed and directed work on numerous projects involving transportation analysis for both public and private sector developments throughout California, including traffic impact studies, peer reviews, Specific Plan and General Plan circulation updates, complete streets plans, and parking studies. He obtained a BS in civil engineering with a specialization in transportation systems engineering from the University of California, Irvine.
Translutions
Translutions is a solutions-oriented transportation planning and traffic engineering company, registered as a California S Corporation, and a Certified Small Business.
Translutions act as partners with clients, communities serve d, and the environment.
Translutions provides context -sensitive transportation planning and traffic engineering services. A background in architecture, urban planning, and civil engineering provides Translutions with the skillset to address traffic engineering and transportation planning needs of public and private sector clients. Using this toolset, Translutions develops context-sensitive, and creative solutions for problems. Their background and experience with CEQA helps them take transportation and traffic expertise a step forward, allowing them the ability to bridge the gap between traditional traffic engineering and CEQA compliance.
Translutions is one of the very few small businesses with full modeling capabilities in-house. With the passage of SB -743, Translutions helps several jurisdictions navigate the se new requirements. They provide the following transportation services:
• Transportation Planning • Multimodal Operations Analysis • Transportation Modeling • Microsimulation
• VMT Analyses
Translutions Staff
Sandipan Bhattacharjee | Traffic and Transportation Principal Sandipan is a cofounder and Principal at Translutions. His primary responsibilities are to prepare technical analyses of land development and transportation infrastructure projects, including comprehensive traffic impact analyses, traffic operations analyses, and parking studies. Sandipan has worked in the Southern California region for over 15 years and has extensive experience in preparing traffic operations analyses for Caltrans and other metropolitan planning organizations. He is fully knowledgeable with the rules and regulations in the five -county Southern California Association of Governments region. Sandipan has led teams preparing traffic studies and multimodal analyses for various types of projects. Sandipan has extensive experience in preparing defensible transportation analysis for inclusion in CEQA documents. Sandipan has worked with several jurisdictions to help prepare and/or review proposed guidelines and implementation of SB 743 requirements, as well as all requirements under CEQA. He has advised several agencies on VMT g uidelines and adoption of thresholds and has also presented at various events and webinars on transportation planning and CEQA.
Rincon has worked on
multiple projects with
Translutions for over
10 years.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 18 6 Qualifications and Capabilities
Rincon’s Qualifications
Rincon is a multidisciplinary environmental science, planning, and engineering consulting firm that provides quality professional services to government and industry. Our principal service is to provide environmental support and scientific research to create and sustain innovative solutions to natural resource, sustainability, and environmental impacts. Rincon prides itself on the considerable depth of its staff, which includes certified urban planners, environmental scientists and engineers, accredited LE ED professionals, noise and air quality experts, geologists, biologists, and cultural and historical resource specialists. Our approach to every project center s on the design and development of innovative solutions that respond to our clients’ specific needs in a cost-effective manner.
We are uniquely qualified to support environmental consulting services tailored to Gardena’s unique needs. Although there are a number of consultants in California who can prepare supporting technical studies and documentation consistent with CEQA and NEPA, few offer combined local knowledge, in-house expertise, and environmental planning services to support both CEQA and NEPA environmental documentation. This offering includes technical support services and comprises the foundation of Rincon’s business mod el. Our extensive team of skilled environmental scientists and planning professionals use their expertise and technical qualifications to support our CEQA and NEPA practice. In addition, the Rincon team stays current with case law updates to ensure our doc uments are compliant with the most recent regulatory requirements.
Services
We have categorized our environmental consulting services into seven core areas:
This comprehensive categorization provides a focused and expert approach to addressing a wide range of environmental needs, which ensures swift access to specialized knowledge for timely and effective problem - solving as needed. The following is a summary of the full range of the services that Rincon provides .
Peer Review Sample
Rincon’s peer review example can be found in Appendix B. This peer view was prepared for the City of Calimesa.
As shown in Section 4, we have prepared several peer reviews for the City of Calimesa using a format with all peer review comments provided in a matrix . We typically use this format when there are multiple reviewers and more than one round of comments . This approach maintains a less cluttered document and makes it easier to keep track of the input from the various reviewers. However, we can also provide a more direct approach by providing comments and e dits with tracked changes directly in the Word document(s). If needed, we will also include a memorandum to summarize any overarching comments regarding the methodology or conclusions in the document.
For the past 30 years,
Rincon has been an
industry leader in
environmental
consulting services
for CEQA and NEPA
environmental
documentation.
Qualifications and Capabilities
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 19
Core Services
Environmental and Land Use Planning
• CEQA Compliance: EIRs, Initial Studies, Categorical and Statutory Exemptions, Addendums, MMRPs
• NEPA Compliance: EISs, EAs, FONSIs
• Planning Services: General Plans, Specific Plans, and Neighborhood, Community, and Area Plans
• Contract Planning
• Community Involvement Programs
• Noise Studies, including Bio-Acoustic Evaluation
• Air Quality/GHG Emissions/Energy Analysis, Health Risk Assessments
• Recreation and Open Space Planning
• Grant Application Assistance
Biological Resources Assessment and Regulatory Compliance • Baseline Biological Resources Inventories and
Vegetation Mapping
• Biological Resources Effects/Impacts Analyses:
Biological Assessments, Biological Evaluations, Natural Environment Studies
• Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant and Wildlife
Species Surveys
• Nesting Bird Surveys
• Tree Inventory, Health Assessment, Risk Assessment, and Tree Protection Plans
• Certified Arborist Tree Surveys and Impacts Assessments • Federal Endangered Species Act Section 7 Consultations and Section 10 Habitat Conservation Plans
• California Endangered Species Act Section 2081
Permits/Memorandum of Understandings
Cultural Resources
• Literature Reviews/Records Searches/Archival
Research
• Native American Consultation
• Cultural Resource Surveys
• Paleontological Resource Surveys
• California Register of Historical Resources and National Register of Historic Places Eligibility Evaluations:
Archaeological Site Testing, Historic Built Environment Resource Evaluation, Traditional Cultural Property
Evaluation
• Native American Monitor Training Programs
• Section 106 Consultation
• State Historic Preservation Officer Consultation
• Historic Preservation Plans
• Cultural Resources and Paleontological Management
Plans
• Third Party Peer Review
• Phase I, II, and III Cultural Resources Analysis
Environmental Site Assessment and Remediation
• Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
• Hazardous Waste Characterization
• Site Remediation: Planning, Design, and Construction
• Underground Storage Tank Removal and Investigation
• Health Risk Assessments
• Methane Soil Gas Testing
• Asbestos/Lead Based Paint Testing
• Geological and Seismic Studies
Water Resources
• Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans
• Storm Water Management and Compliance Monitoring
• Water Supply Assessments
• Watershed Management and Planning
Sustainability Services
• Climate Action Plans
• GHG Emissions Inventories
• Assembly Bill 32 GHG/Gas Offset Verification
• Strategic Growth Council Prop 84 Sustainable
Community Planning Grants Projects
• Energy Action Plans
• Comprehensive Public Engagement and Outreach
Programs
• ASHRAE Level 1 and 2 Energy Audit
Geographic Information Systems
• GPS and Field Data Collection with Real-Time Sync
• Integrated Web-Based Survey Forms
• Data Conversion (Geodatabase, CAD, KML, etc.) and
Digitization
• High-Quality Digital and Physical Cartographic Products and Displays
• Project Impact Analysis and Data Visualization
• Secure, Cloud-Based Data Management
• Multiple Program Integration and Process Automation
• Web-Based Data Viewers and Project Status Dashboards
• Data Delivery Systems for Team Collaboration
• Drone Imagery Capture and Post-Processing
• Imagery and Elevation Analysis
• Complete GIS Systems Management
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 20 Team Organization
Rincon has assembled a diverse, multidisciplinary team of environmental planners, CEQA specialists, technical analysts, and project managers with extensive experience supporting municipal agencies on complex private development projects. Our team combines extensive regulatory expertise, firsthand familiarity with CEQA procedures and local agency requirements, and a proven ability to coordinate subconsultants across technical disciplines, such as traffic. Each key staff member brings hands -on experience preparing high -quality environmental documents, facilitating communication with City staff, and ensuring timely project delivery.
Together, our team offers the leadership, technical proficiency, and responsiveness needed to effectively support the City’s environmental consulting needs.
Qualifications and Capabilities
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 21
Resumes for Key Personnel
Rincon’s multidisciplinary team of environmental planning and technical experts with extensive experience preparing CEQA and NEPA documentation for Southern California cities. Leading the team are Principal-in-Charge Danielle Griffith and Project Manager Susanne Huerta, AICP, who collectively offer profound knowledge of CEQA procedures, municipal planning processes, and successful project delivery in urban infill environments, supported by State Policy Advisor John Moreland, AICP, who provides alignment with evolving state policy and regulatory requirements. To provide responsive service across multiple concurrent task orders, Vaness a Villanueva, Ryan Luckert, and Emily Marino will serve as Project Managers , each with proven experience managing environmental processes under CEQA and NEPA. Our in-house technical experts can deliver a full array of technical studies, ensuring comprehensive analysis, efficient peer review, and consistency across disciplines.
Subconsultants Ganddini Group and Translutions will be incorporated as needed to support specialized tasks.
Brief biographies for key team members are included on the following pages, and detailed resumes for the individuals listed above are provided in Appendix A.
Management Team
Danielle Griffith, JD | Principal-in-Charge
Danielle is a Principal Environmental Planner with over 20 years of experience leading the preparation and peer review of CEQA documents , including initial studies, NDs, MNDs, EIRs, and addenda for cities throughout Southern California.
She specializes in managing complex residential, commercial, industrial, infill, and affordable housing projects , as well as coordinating multidisciplinary technical studies, such as air quality, noise, traffic, biological resources, cultural resources, and GHG emissions. Danielle has an extensive track record of working directly with local government agencies to ensure regulatory compliance, maintain project schedules, facilitate public review, and provide clear communication with staff, applicants, and subconsultants. Her thorough understanding of CEQA procedures, project-level and program -level environmental analysis, and quality control processes allows her to deliver technically sound, defensible environmental documents that support timely project approvals.
Susanne Huerta, AICP | Project Manager
Susanne is a Director of Environmental Planning with 17 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA documents for cities across Southern California, including numerous on -call contracts with local government agencies.
She has led the preparation of a wide range of environmental documents , from categorical exemptions, MNDs, and addenda to project-level and program-level EIRs and sustainable communities streamlining documents , for residential (including affordable housing ), commercial, industria l, mixed -use, and infill developments.
Susanne specializes in coordinating technical studies, overseeing peer reviews, and ensuring regulatory compliance , while maintaining schedules and supporting agency staff throughout the entitlement and public review process. S he manages multidisciplinary teams, provides QC of complex CEQA deliverables, and mentors staff to ensure consistency, responsiveness, and clear communication with City partners.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 22 John Moreland, AICP | State Policy Advisor
John is a Director of Community Planning with 20 years of experience managing complex entitlement, zoning, and land use planning projects for cities across Southern California. He has led comprehensive updates to zoning codes, specific plans, General Plan amendments, objective design standards, density bonus ordinances, and subdivision ordinances, with a strong focus on streamlining processes and supporting housing and mixed -use development. John regularly collaborates with City staff, applicants, and multidisciplinary teams to prepare and implement planning policies and development standards that align with local, state, and CEQA requirements. His extensive experience in both public-sector on-call roles and private development projects allows him to effectively manage large -scale planning efforts, facilitate community outreach, and deliver actionable, user -friendly planning documents that support efficient project approvals and long-term City goals.
Technical Team
Vanessa Villanueva | Project Manager
Vanessa is a Senior Environmental Planner with nine years of experience preparing CEQA and NEPA documents, managing on-call environmental review contracts, and coordinating technical studies for cities throughout Southern California. She has led and supported the preparation of MNDs, EIRs, addenda, categorical exemptions, and NEPA e nvironmental reviews for affordable housing, mixed -use, infill development, infrastructure, park and capital improvements, and long -range planning projects. Vanessa regularly collaborates with City staff, applicants, subconsultants, and technical specialists to ensure regulatory compliance, efficient project delivery, and clear communication throughout the environmental review process. With added expertise in noise modeling , other technical analysis, and bilingual public outreach, she brings a detail- oriented, solutions-focused approach that supports high -quality, defensible environmental documents and successful project approvals.
Ryan Luckert | Project Manager
Ryan is a Supervising Planner with 24 years of experience leading the preparation and management of CEQA and NEPA environmental documents for cities and agencies throughout Southern California. He has successfully delivered EIRs, MNDs, CEQA exemptions, and environmental documentation for specific plans , General Plan amendments, large -scale residential and mixed -use developments, commercial and industrial projects, and multiphase regional efforts. Ryan regularly manages on -call environmental contracts, coordinates multidisciplinary technical teams, and works closely wit h City staff to ensure regulatory compliance, accurate impact analysis, and timely project delivery. With a rigorous understanding of CEQA procedures, land use entitlements, and issues such as sustainability, water supply, environmental justice, and community impacts, Ryan provides strategic guidance that leads to defensible environmental documents and successful project approvals.
Qualifications and Capabilities
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 23
Emily Marino | Project Manager
Emily is an Associate Environmental Planner with over seven years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents for cities, special districts, and public agencies across Southern California. She has led and supported EIRs, MNDs, EAs, and climate action planning documents for a wide range of housing, infrastructure, long -range planning, and Specific Plan projects.
Emily regularly manages project teams, coordinates technical studies, develops mitigation monitoring and reporting p rograms, conducts public outreach, and collaborates with City staff to ensure regulatory compliance, clear communication, and timely project delivery. With dual graduate degrees in Environmental Health Sciences and Urban and Regional Planning, and specializations in air quality and sustainability, Emily brings a strong technical foundation and a solutions -oriented approach to delivering high - quality, defensible environmental documents.
Josh Carman | Air Quality/Noise
Josh is the Director of Technical Services with over 20 years of specialized experience in acoustics, air quality, GHG, and community health risk assessment for CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. He has led the preparation and peer review of complex technical studies and impact analyses for General Plan updates, specific plans, mixed -use and residential developments (including affordable housing), transportation and infrastructure improvements, industrial facilities, and public facilities projects thro ughout California. Josh regularly collaborates with C ity staff, applicants, and multidisciplinary teams to develop defensible analyses, craft effective mitigation measures, and ensure regulatory compliance with federal, state, and local standards. His significant expertise in technical modeling, policy development, and QA/QC review strengthens CEQA documents and supports successful project approvals.
Shannon Carmack | Built Environment
Shannon is a Principal and Architectural History Program Manager with over 25 years of experience leading cultural resources management and historic preservation planning for large-scale CEQA and NEPA projects throughout California.
She prepares and overse es cultural resource technical studies, Section 106 compliance, historic resource evaluations, Secretary of the Interior’s Standards reviews, and mitigation programs for a wide range of public agency projects, including specific plans, General Plan updates, affordable housing, transportation, infrastructure, utilities, civic facilities, and redevelopment projects. Shannon collaborates closely with City staff, applicants, Native American tribes, and state and federal agencies to ensure regulatory compliance, accurate documentation, and defensible impact analyses. Her expertise in leading multidisciplinary teams, developing innovative mitigation strategies, and preparing high -quality cultural resources reports strengthen s CEQA documents and support s successful project approvals.
Chris Duran, RPA | Archaeologist
Chris is a Principal Investigator and Program Manager with over 1 8 years of experience in cultural resources management and CEQA and NEPA compliance for public agency and utility projects across California. He meets and exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification s Standards and serves as a cultural resources lead for cities, counties, water districts, Caltrans, and federal agencies. Chris specializes in archaeological surveys, testing, data recovery, monitoring, mitigation developmen t, peer review, and preparation of cultural resources technical studies that support EIRs, MNDs, CEQA -Plus documents, and Section 106 and Assembly Bill 52 consultation. He regularly coordinates with Native American tribes, regulatory agencies, and project applicants to develop defensible mitigation measures, ensure regulatory compliance, and protect agency interests. His expertise in managing
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 24 complex infrastructure, housing, transportation, and utility projects allows him to provide strategic guidance, QA, and clear communication that strengthens environmental documents and supports successful project approvals.
Aubrey Mescher | Water Supply Assessment
Aubrey is a Supervising Environmental Planner with 19 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents and technical analyses for public agencies, water districts, utilities, and municipalities throughout California. She specializes in water infras tructure, groundwater resources, hydrology, flood control, recycled water, and stormwater projects, and has extensive experience preparing EIRs, MNDs, CEQA -Plus documents, w ater supply assessments, and feasibility studies. Aubrey currently manages multiple on-call environmental services contracts, working closely with agency staff to coordinate technical studies, ensure regulatory compliance, develop mitigation measures, and maintain project schedules and budgets. In addition to her strong technical expertise, she leads public outreach efforts, presents at hearings and workshops, and effectively communicates CEQA findings to decision -makers and stakeholders. Her depth of knowledge in water resources and environmental planning enables her to deliver defensibl e documents that support project approvals and long - term resource reliability.
May Lau | Biological Resources
May is a Principal Regulatory Specialist with over 20 years of experience leading permitting strategy, biological resources analysis, and environmental compliance under CEQA, NEPA, the Clean Water Act, and state and federal endangered species regulations. She specializes in securing regulatory approvals and developing mitigation solutions for complex water infrastructure, private development, transportation, restoration, and flood control projects. May regularly works with cities, counties, water districts, and state and federal agencies , including USACE, United States Fish and W ildlife Service, CDFW, RWQCBs, and coastal agencies to obtain permits, streamline review processes, and ensure regulatory compliance.
She manages on -call environmental contracts, oversees multidisciplinary teams, reviews CEQA and NEPA documents, and implements QA/QC procedures to deliver defensible environmental and permitting documentation. Her vast technical knowledge of wetlands, jurisdictional delineations, aquatic resources, and biological assessments allows her to support City staff and project teams in achieving timely approvals and successful project implementation.
Ryan Thacher, PhD, PE | Hazards and Hazardous Materials Ryan is a Principal Environmental Engineer with 15 years of experience developing remediation strategies, hazards assessments, and regulatory compliance solutions to support CEQA and NEPA environmental review for public agency, affordable housing, brownfie ld redevelopment, utility, and infrastructure projects. He specializes in evaluating and mitigating soil, groundwater, and vapor contamination; preparing Phase I and II environmental site assessment s; and designing remediation and mitigation measures in coordination with regulatory agencies, such as the Department of T oxic Substances Control, RWQCBs, U nited States Environmental Protection Agency , and local jurisdictions. Ryan regularly supports EIRs and IS -MNDs by developing hazards and hazardous materials analyses, advising on mitigation measures, and ensuring compliance with the California Health and Safety Code, California Water Code, and Clean Water Act. As a Licensed Professional Civil Engineer with a PhD, he provides senior-level technical oversight, agency negotiation, litigation support, and strategic guidance that result in defensible environmental documents and successful project approvals.
Fee Schedule
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 25
7 Fee Schedule
Rincon Standard Fee Schedule for Environmental Sciences and Planning Services Professional, Technical and Support Personnel* January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025 Senior Principal $330
Principal $318
Director $318
Senior Supervisor II $302
Supervisor I $282
Senior Professional II $264
Senior Professional I $246
Professional IV $218
Professional III $203
Professional II $180
Professional I $160
Associate III $135
Associate II $121
Associate I $113
Field Technician $97
Technical Editor $152
Project Accountant $129
Billing Specialist $111
Publishing Specialist $124
Clerical $111
* Professional classifications include environmental scientists, urban planners, biologists, geologists, marine scientists, GHG verifiers, sustainability experts, cultural resources experts, data technology experts, and other professionals. Expert witness services consisting of depositions or in-court testimony are charged at the hourly rate of $400.
Reimbursable Expenses
Direct Cost Rates
Photocopies – B/W $0.25 (single-sided), $0.45 (double-sided) Photocopies – Color $1.55 (single-sided), $3.10 (double-sided) Photocopies – 11” by 17” $0.55 (B/W), $3.40 (color)
Oversized Maps $8.50/square foot
Digital Production $15/CD, $20/flash drive
Light-Duty and Passenger Vehicles* $90/day
4WD and Off-Road Vehicles* $150/day
* Current IRS mileage rate for mileage over 50 and for all miles incurred in employee-owned vehicles.
Direct Costs. Other direct costs associated with the execution of a project, that are not included in the hourly rates above, are billed at cost plus 16%. These may include, but are not limited to, laboratory and drilling services, subcontractor services, authorized travel expenses, permit charges and filing fees, mailings and postage, performance bonds, sample handling and shipment, rental equipment, and vehicles other than covered by the above charges.
Annual Escalation. Standard rates subject to 3.5% annual escalation, on January 1.
Payment Terms. All fees will be billed to Client monthly and shall be due and payable upon receipt or as indicated in the contract provisions for the assignment. Invoices are delinquent if not paid within 10 days from receipt or per the contractually requi red payment terms.
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 26 Equipment Rate
Environmental Site Assessment
Soil Vapor Extraction Monitoring Equipment $160
Four Gas Monitor $137
Flame Ionization Detector $110
Photo Ionization Detector $82
Hand Auger Sampler $62
Water Level Indicator, DC Purge Pump $46
CAPDash $7,500
Natural Resources Field Equipment
UAS Drone $300
Spotting or Fiberoptic Scope $170
Pettersson Bat Ultrasound Detector/Recording Equipment $170 Sound Level Metering Field Package (Anemometer, Tripod and Digital Camera) $113 GPS (Submeter Accuracy) $67
Infrared Sensor Digital Camera or Computer Field Equipment $57 Scent Station $23
Laser Rangefinder/Altitude $11
Pitfall Traps, Spotlights, Anemometer, GPS Units, Sterilized Sample Jar $9 Mammal Trap, Large/Small $1.55/$0.55
Water and Marine Resources Equipment
Boat (20-foot Boston Whaler or Similar) $800
Multiparameter Sonde (Temperature, Conductivity, Turbidity, DO, pH) with GPS $170 Water Quality Equipment (DO, pH, Turbidity, Refractometer, Temperature) $62 Refractometer (Salinity) or Turbidity Meter $38
Large Block Nets $114
Minnow Trap $98
Net, Hand/Large Seine $57
Field Equipment Packages
Standard Field Package (Digital Camera, GPS, Thermometer, Binoculars, Tablet, Safety Equipment, and Botanic Collecting Equipment)
$114
Remote Field Package (Digital Camera, GPS, Thermometer, Binoculars, Tablet and Mifi, Delorme Satellite Beacon, 24‐Hour Safety Phone)
$144
Amphibian/Vernal Pool Field Package (Digital Camera, GPS, Thermometer, Decon Chlorine, Waders, Float Tube, Hand Net, Field Microscope)
$170
Fisheries Equipment Package (Waders, Wetsuits, Dip Nets, Seine Nets, Bubblers, Buckets) $57 Underwater and Marine Sampling Gear (Photo/Video Camera, Scuba Equipment [Tanks, BCD, Regulators, Wetsuits, etc.])
$57/diver
Marine Field Package (Personal Flotation Devices, 100-foot Reel Tapes with Stainless Carabiners, Pelican Floats, Underwater Slates, Thermometer, Refractometer, Anemometer, Various Field Guides)
$100
Insurance, Hazard, and Fees
Historic Research Fees $55
L&H Dive Insurance $57/diver
Level C Health and Safety $70/person
Fee Schedule
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 27
Gandinni Group Standard Fees
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 28 Translutions Standard Fee
2025 to 2027
Travel Charges: At Cost
Translutions billing rates are same for regular business hours and outside.
Billing rates for attendance at public meetings, and administrative tasks related to this contract will remain the same as the standard billing rate. If expert witness testimony is required, the billing rate would be $500 per hour for principals.
All submittals are generally submitted in PDF format. If mailing, postage, printing, binding, etc. are required, this would be billed at cost.
Translutions uses the standard IRS mileage rates.
Notes
• Project direct costs are invoiced at actual cost , and backup is provided. Direct costs include project -related costs, such as transportation, mileage at IRS standard auto mileage rate, subsistence, reproduction, plotting and subcontractor services.
Name/Job Classification Hourly Rate
Sandipan Bhattacharjee, Principal $325
Deepali Chausalkar, Principal $255
Robert Aguirre, Senior Transportation Planner $255
Senior Transportation Planner $235
Transportation Intern $140
GIS/Graphics Specialist $140
Word Processer $140
Additional Information
Rincon Consultants, Inc. 29
8 Additional Information
City of Gardena
Statement of Qualifications for Environmental Consulting Services 30 This page intentionally left blank.
Appendix A
Resumes
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor, Western State
University College of Law
MA, Political Science,
Specializing Public Policy,
San Diego State University
BA, Political Science, Sonoma
State University
AFFILIATIONS
Association of Environmental
Professionals
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
20+
Danielle T. Griffith, JD
Principal of Environmental Sciences and Planning
Danielle has over 20 years of experience in environmental planning, environmental policy and analysis. Additionally, Danielle worked for environmental regulation and land use transactional law firms for several years. Danielle’s experience includes working as a project manager leading large, interdi sciplinary consultant teams in environmental planning efforts for a variety of residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use land development projects throughout Southern California. She also has experience in developing long - and short -term plans for land use, growth and revitalization of urban, suburban, and rural communities. Additionally, she has written and reviewed a variety of environmental planning documents, including technical reports. She has worked for both public agencies and private companies
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Director, City of Long Beach – Peer Review Services for the proposed Air Products Hydrogen Pipeline Project, Long Beach
Danielle lead the team with coordination wit h GHD Engineering to peer r eview an EIR for the Air Products Hydrogen Pipeline P roject. The project includes the use of an e xisting 1 1.5-mile-long s eries o f p ipeline p lus c onstruction o f a 0 .5-mile new pipeline segment to connect from the Air Products’ existing hydrogen facility in the City of Carson to the World Energy Paramount Refinery (Paramount Refinery) in the City of Paramount. The 11.5-mile pipeline crosses the cities of Carson, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Lakewood, Bellflower, a nd Paramount in a ddition to unincorporated parts of the County of Los Angeles and land owned or controlled by the Port of Los Angeles and the Join Ports Authority. The 0.5-mile of new pipeline would be located entirely within the City of Carson.
Project Director, City of Long Beach – Peer Review Services 5900 Cherry Avenue, Long Beach
The City of Long Beach r equested Rincon peer reviews of technical analyses for a warehouse a nd t rucking f acility a t 5 900 Ch erry Avenue. T he project s ite encompasses a pproximately 1 4 a cres and h as e xisting b uildings o n s ite (approximately 3 2,815 s quare f eet). T he proposed p roject would construct a 303,972 square f eet concrete t ilt u p b uilding t o a ccommodate o ffice s paces, warehouse areas, 4 4 truck d ocks, vehicular and t ruck parking a reas, as w ell as landscaped areas. Danielle oversaw the coordination of the peer review for reports related t o Air Q uality, G eotechnical (Phase I E SA), G reenhouse G as e missions, Health Risk Assessment, Noise, and Traffic.
Project Manager, HACLA – Rancho San Pedro EIR/EIS, Los Angeles The Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), and its partner, One San Pedro Collaborative, which is made up of the following three development partners, Richmond G roup, Ce ntury H ousing, a nd N ational Community R enaissance, contracted wit h R incon C onsultants to p repare the r equisite e nvironmental documentation t o s upport t he v ision f or t he R ancho San P edro r edevelopment project. W e a re su ccessfully a ssisting t he c lient t o m eet e nvironmental r eview objectives in a m anner that is both technically c omprehensive and fully compliant with all applicable p rovisions of the National Environmental Policy A ct (NEPA) and the California Environmental Quality Act of 1970 (CEQA) for Rancho San Pedro.
Project Director, City of Long Beach – 1601 San Francisco Avenue IS/MND Danielle managed the CEQA component of the 1601 San Francisco Avenue Project which involves the development of two “L-shaped” buildings, restricted to a
Danielle T. Griffith, JD, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
maximum height of 35 feet above grade (two-stories), that would serve as a warehouse/manufacturing facility with associated office support. The two proposed units would total a square footage of 94,872 . The individual building sizes would be 48,657 sf and 46,215 sf. Office space would be provided in the interior frontage of each building to support the business operations. Office space would occupy a maximum of 25 percent of the gross floor area.
Loading docks would be located on the north and south sides of the respective buildings, with an orientation to the interior of the project and full screening from street view. The site would provide a maximum of 11 dock doors. The facility would operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Project Director, City of Long Beach – 300 Studebaker Road I nitial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration, Long Beach
Danielle managed the preparation of an IS/MND for the 300 Studebaker Road Project which involves the demolition of 400 sf of existing concrete, on-site pipeline structures, and asphalt paving, and the development of two concrete tilt-up industrial buildings, situated on 6.69 acres of land east of Studebaker Road and the dedication of an open space and restoration area of 1.81 acres of vacant land at the northwest and southwest corners of Studebaker Road and Loynes Drive. Situated within the eastern project area, two 35-foot high buildings would total 139, 200 sf, including 21,000 sf office space. The individual building sizes would be 91,700 sf and 47, 500 sf, respectively.
The project involved multi -year coordination with the City of Long Beach and the California Coastal Commission to ensure impacts to ESHA and Burrowing Owl would be avoided with project development.
Project Manager, City of Carson – Carcom Project IS/MND, Los Angeles County Danielle managed the preparation of an IS/MND for the approval of a Development Agreement, Site Plan and Design Review (DOR), and Zone Text Amendment to allow Cannabis Use subject to a Development Agreement pursuant to Ordinance No. 17 -1637 (Commercial Aut omotive Zone with Regional Commercial General Plan designation for Carcom Center and CA Zone Regional Commercial General Plan designation). The project operations may include the following uses: 1) manufacturing facility sites that produce, prepare, propag ate, or compound manufactured cannabis products, either directly or indirectly or by extraction methods, or independently by means of chemical synthesis or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis, package or repackage cannabis products, label or relabel its container, or transform cannabis into a concentrate, an edible product, or a topical product; 2) warehousing, transportation and distribution of the latter; 3) laboratory testing and compliance operation; and 4) any other use permitted by City law whether cannabis related or not.
Project Director, City of Long Beach – Broadway Block Addendum, Los Angeles County Danielle directed the preparation of an Addendum to the City of Long Beach’ s Downtown Master Plan EIR, for the Broadway Block project. The proposed project includes restoration and reuse of the historic Acres of Books building, as well as construction of new mixed-use buildings and ancillary above grade and below grade parking features. The project is generally divided into three main portions as follows: North Building, Acres of Books, and the South Building. The proposed redevelopment project will be approximately 503,797 square feet with 205,898 square feet of parking. The proposed redevelopment project will include 30,289 square feet of combined open space. Total lot coverage will be approximately 68,375 square feet, which will account for a floor area ratio of 7.36.
Supervising Planner, City of Long Beach – 3917 Long Beach Boulevard Focused EIR, Long Beach Rincon is assisting the City of Long Beach with the preparation of a Focused Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the demolition of the fire station located at 3917 Long Beach Boulevard and installation of a temporary/modular structure on-site for around approximately five years while a larger permanent replacement structure is built (site not yet identified and not a part of this project). The station has been closed due to toxic mold that cannot be remediated. However, because the fire station appears to be eligible for designation as a Long Beach Historic Landmark, the preparation of an EIR will be required.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
Master of Urban Planning,
New York University, Robert
Wagner Graduate School of
Public Service
BA, Geography, University of
California, Los Angeles
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
American Institute of Certified
Planners (No. 026358)
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
17 Susanne Huerta, AICP
Director of Environmental Planning
Susanne is a Director of Environmental Planning for Rincon’s Environmental Planning and Sustainability group responsible for managing and preparing environmental documents in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). She has worked on a wide range of projects including residential, commercial, industrial and community developments, utilities improvements and upgrades, and educational facilities. Her CEQA expertise ranges from exemptions, MN Ds and addenda, to project and program-level EIRs. In recent years, she has prepared numerous streamlining documents for transit priority projects under Section 21155 and infill projects under Section 15183 of the CEQA Guidelines . In addition , as a leader for Rincon’s environmental operations in Southern California, Susanne also focuses on mentorship of Rincon’s environmental planning staff.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager, City of Santa Ana – On-Call Services Environmental for the Planning Division and Housing Division, Santa Ana
Since 2015, Susanne has been the primary project manager for CEQA documents under Rincon’s on-call contract with the City’s Planning Division. She has managed the preparation of one MND and two EIR Addendums under this contract for mixed- use housing and co mmercial projects. While she was the primary project manager for the Housing Division, she managed the preparation of 10 NEPA Environmental Assessments (EA) for various affordable housing, park, and infrastructure improvement projects.
Project Manager, City of Santa Ana – First Street Family Apartments Project IS - MND, Santa Ana
Project Manager for an MND analyzing demolition of a brick office building and associated surface parking lot, followed by t he construction of 7 buildings (69 all- affordable family apartment units) and 119 onsite parking spaces.
Project Manager, City of Santa Ana – NEPA Environmental Assessments for Three Park Projects, Santa Ana
In 2016, Susanne managed the preparation of Environmental Assessments under NEPA for the Roosevelt -Walker Community Center , the Raitt -Myrtle Street Park Project, and the 6th- Lacey Street Park Project . The projects all included federal funding, which required compliance with NEPA.
Project Manager, City of Santa Ana – Santa Ana Arts Collective Environmental Assessment/FONSI, Santa Ana
Rincon prepared an EA/FONSI for the proposed Santa Ana Arts Collective. Located at 1666 N Main Street in Santa Ana, the Arts Collective is an adaptive reuse and new construction project that involves 61 affordable rental units and 1 manager’s unit on one acre of land. The Arts Collective would adaptively reuse a late modern, five-story office building and site to create an iconic community gallery and affordable family development designated for professional artists of all disciplines.
The site was occupied by three vacant housing units.
Susanne Huerta, AICP, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Project Manager, City of West Hollywood – Housing Element Update EIR, West Hollywood Susanne coordinated with the Housing Element team and City staff to prepare the programmatic EIR for the City’s Housing Element Update. Rincon assisted with the scoping meeting, prepared the Draft EIR, and recently completed the Final EIR. Susanne has participated in the public hearings with the City Council, Planning Commission, and Historic Preservation Commission. The Housing Element update was approved and certification of the EIR occurred in February 2023.
Project Manager, City of Los Angeles – Citywide Housing Element Update EIR, Los Angeles Rincon was retained to prepare the EIR for the City of Los Angeles’ 2021 -2029 Citywide Housing Element Update.
Susanne is the project manager for preparation of the EIR. This process has included preparation and distribution of an Initial Study with the Notice of Preparation, extensive coordination with City staff to prepare the Draft EIR and circulate the document to the public and agencies, and preparation of the Final EIR which included responses to approximately 80 public comments letters. The project was approved and the EIR was certified in December 2021.
Rincon scope of work for this project was expanded to prepare CEQA streamlining templates for proposed development projects under the Housing Element.
Project Manager, City of Beverly Hills– 9908 South Santa Monica Project EIR Addendum, Beverly Hills Project Manager for a Supplemental EIR examining two high -rise towers originally approved in 2008. The original project involved a mix of residential and retail development, while the revised project would replace the retail component and some residences with a luxury hotel.
Project Manager, City of Compton – Compton Artesia Specific Plan EIR, Compton Susanne is serving as the Project Manager for this effort. Rincon prepared the EIR for the proposed Specific Plan.
The Draft EIR has been circulated to the public which analyzes the potential impacts associated with the anticipated transit-oriented develop ment surrounding the Metro Blue Line Artesia Station. Major issues of concern have included air quality, recreation and transportation.
Project Manager, City of Los Angeles – Citywide Housing Element Update EIR, Los Angeles Rincon has been retained to prepare CEQA documentation for the 2021 -2029 Citywide Housing Element. Susanne is coordinating with City Staff to prepare a programmatic EIR and has prepared a preliminary study to determine the appropriate CEQA document. This p rocess also includes preparation and distribution of an Initial Study with the Notice of Preparation along with the scoping outreach as required by CEQA a project of regional significance.
Development
Project Manager, City of Beverly Hills – 9000 Wilshire Boulevard Commercial Project EIR, Beverly Hills Project Manager for the preparation of a focused EIR and cultural resources study for a project in the City of Beverly Hills that involved demolition of two existing commercial buildings and removal of a paved parking lot. After demolition, the project inv olved construction of a new 31,702- square-foot building that consist of three stories of commercial office space and four levels of subterranean parking. Cultural resources and traffic were the primary issues of concern that were analyzed in the EIR. The one -story building on the west side of the site was eligible for listing as a historic resource.
Project Manager, City of Beverly Hills – 9908 South Santa Monica Project EIR, Beverly Hills Susanne was the Project Manager for an EIR that analyzed a mixed -use residential and commercial development on a vacant site. The major issues of concern were the shade/shadow, noise and transportation impacts to the surrounding residences and the neighbor ing hotel. The project was controversial, so several public meetings were held by the Planning Commission and City Council. Rincon attended each meeting and supported City staff in addressing the public concerns. The project was approved and the EIR was ce rtified in 2019.
Project Manager, BRIDGE Housing – Los Lirios Mixed -Use Project Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment Response, Boyle Heights
Rincon prepared a Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment (SCEA) for an affordable housing project located at 111- 121 S. Soto Street and 2316- 2328 E. 1st Street in the Boyle Heights community of Los Angeles.
BRIDGE Housing proposed a project that involved development of a five-story mixed-use affordable housing building consisting of 63 affordable units and one market -rate manager's unit, and 4,265 square feet of ground floor commercial space. The project is located next to a LA Metro subway station. The project was approved in 2021.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MURP, California State
Polytechnic University,
Pomona
BS, Business Administration,
Pepperdine University
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
American Institute of Certified
Planners (AICP), no. 029496
AFFILIATIONS
American Planning
Association
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
20 John R. Moreland, AICP
Director of Community Planning
John brings 20 years of experience in managing, processing, and coordinating housing element implementation and zoning projects in over 85 jurisdictions throughout the western United States. John specializes in the preparation of Zoning Code and Specific Plan updates to promote the production of housing and to streamline municipal procedures. While with another firm, he drafted a completely new review process for the County of Orange, including the creation of new review bodies, new findings, and new applications to promote specific projects. While with the County of Orange, he developed new internal processes to help streamline entitlement review projects. He also was the Director -in-Charge for the City of West Covina Development Code Update, leading efforts to modernize and streamline the City’s zoning regulations through extensive collaboration. John also worked with different architectural firms in his career and understands the residential portion of the California Building Code and how objective development standards can have an impact on the physical realm and construction costs. His work on objective development standards in Culver City focused on enhancing urban design, increasing housing opportunities, streamlining the process while ensuring that ne w developments adhered to sound design principles. These projects highlight John’s ability to navigate complex regulatory environments and his commitment to creating sustainable, livable communities.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Director-in-Charge/Outreach Lead, City of West Covina – Development Code Update, West Covina
John was the Director in charge of the comprehensive Development Code update for the City of West Covina. The Code update overhauls the Zoning and Subdivision portions of the Municipal Code that have not undergone a significant update in over 40 years. John also l ed the engagement meetings for this project . The goal of the update is to streamline processes and procedures at the City, reduce the number of overall zones in the City, and make the Code easier to implement and less ambiguous. The comprehensive Development Code was adopted in January 2024.
Director-in-Charge, Culver City – On-Call Services, Density Bonus , and Subdivision Ordinance Updates, and Objective Design Standards, Culver City John is the Director -in-charge of the on-call services with Culver City. He also oversees the objective design standards, density bonus, and subdivision ordinance updates for the City. The ordinances included additional incentives and concessions beyond what State law currently allows to promote the development of affordable housing. The project team is also expand ed the City’s existing and successful workforce housing density bonus provisions , which provides bonuses to projects that provide housing up to 1 29 percent of the County’s Area Median Income (AMI).
The update to the subdivision ordinance included requirements for small-lot single- family subdivisions beyond what the State allowed, as well as streamlining the City review process for Tentative Maps. The project included a robust outreach
campaign, including team attendance at the Fiesta La Ballona and other community-wide events. The objective development standards and density bonus ordinances were adopted in March 2025 and the subdivision ordinance wa s adopted in May 2025. Work also included checklists and guides to assist the design community and the public to understand these new requirements.
John R. Moreland, AICP, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Principal-in-Charge, City of Hayward – Density Bonus Ordinance Update, Hayward The City of Hayward chose Rincon to update their Density Bonus Ordinance update to allow for additional incentives and concessions beyond those authorized by State law to try and increase the development of affordable housing.
Rincon drafted the update to the ordinance, made consistency updates elsewhere in the Code, and prepared a user’s guide with flowcharts to help future applicants understand the process and incentives for residential developments that provide affordable housing.
Specific Plan Lead/Environmental Lead, City of Burlingame – North Rollins Specific Plan, Burlingame The City of Burlingame, as part of its General Plan update, had identified the North Rollins Road corridor as a target area for future redevelopment. This corridor is a major employment base for the City and largely consists of light manufacturing businesses, warehouses, and auto repair shops. Given that the Millbrae CalTrain and BART station is located between a 5 and a 15-minute walk from the North Rollins Road corridor, this district was selected by the City to be reimagined as a live/work neighborhood – with parks, tree-lined streets, and a focus on the pedestrian experience and connectivity. The desire is to integrate residential into the existing industrial context and have the two uses interact with each other, providing both a business incubator and residential district. The result is a Specific Plan focusing on the pedestrian realm along Rollins Road, while including unique regulations for street performers, street vendors, craft breweries/distilleries, as well as a test art in public places ordinance for the City. In conjunction with the project team, John (while with a different firm) managed the Specific Plan, conducted outreach meetings, and led the implementation efforts of the plan. The Specific Plan was adopted in September 2023.
Director-in-Charge, Latigo Development – Hillcrest Specific Plan, Thousand Oaks John is currently the Director-in-Charge for the Hillcrest Specific Plan in the City of Thousand Oaks. Working with the City on interpreting provisions of the recently adopted objective design standards resulted in unique provisions for this complicated site with a large utility easement that also abuts the 101-freeway. The Specific Plan folds the unique characteristics included in the modern design for the site and blends into the existing standards. The Specific Plan includes unique provisions related to housing allocation, EV charging requirements, and detailed open space guidelines and requirements.
Project Manager/Outreach Lead/Applicant Representative/Policy Drafter, Sunjoint Development, LLC – Terraces at Walnut Specific Plan, Walnut
With a previous firm, John was the Project Manager for the Terraces of Walnut Specific Plan, and led the visioning process for the site, conducted community outreach, and developed guiding principles for the largest vacant property in Walnut zoned for deve lopment. The most substantial challenges were the large hill in the center of the site and the sensitive single -family context to the north and east of the site. Rather than grade the top of the 200 - foot hill to create a flat pad, the vision and design identified two terraces for housing, minimizing the grading impact while still allowing for higher -density housing. The result is a master planned community of 240 single -family detached homes, 270 townhomes and up to 50,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space linked by a “String of Pearls,” interconnected pocket parks. John also wrote the Specific Plan for the project, which was contemplated as a visual land use policy document. The Specific Plan includes unique provisions related to connectivity, shar ed parking, and objective guidelines for the pocket parks.
Director-in-Charge, IMT Residential – T.O. Ranch Specific Plan, Thousand Oaks With a previous firm, John was the Director-in-Charge for the T.O. Ranch Specific Plan. John led the development of the Specific Plan for the former K- Mart site, transitioning it to the mixed -use community of 420 homes and up to 15,000 square feet of retai l space. This specific plan allows for a creative blend of uses and regulations to encourage pedestrian activity within the retail area. The specific plan includes regulations for live/work units as well as craft breweries/distilleries that go above City r equirements. Additional regulations include memorializing the project features committed by the owner – all electric units, additional EV charging stations, dog and pocket parks accessible to the public, and use of native landscape. Part of the analysis and preparation for the hearings included a detailed comparison with the City’s recently adopted objective design standards. The project was approved by the City Council in June 2022.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, Environmental Science,
University of California,
Los Angeles
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
9 Vanessa Villanueva
Senior Environmental Planner
Vanessa is responsible for managing the preparation of environmental planning documents for public and private sector development projects and providing technical impact analyses for a variety of projects. She has nine years of experience preparing and editing environmental analyses in accordance with CEQA and NEPA for infrastructure, capital improvements projects, housing and urban infill development, and long -range planning projects. Her recent experience includes projects located in the cities of West Ho llywood, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Lancaster, Fountain Valley, and Chino Hills . Her responsibilities include project management, performing research and analysis , leading and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental analyses , assisting with the preparation of comprehensive long-range planning documents, conducting noise monitoring field work necessary to complete high-quality technical noise studies, assisting with in-house English-to- Spanish translations of environmental notices and other public outreach materials, and interacting with various members of public agency and private client staff on matters related to land use planning, CEQA/NEPA compliance, and land development application processing.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager, City of West Hollywood – 1000 North La Brea Avenue Environmental Impact Report, West Hollywood
Vanessa currently serv es as Project Manager for the demolition of a commercial building and concrete batch plant for construction and operation of a new 34 -story mixed-use building with 514 apartment units, 30,000 square feet of ground floor commercial/retail use, up to seven bil lboards, and 667 parking spaces. The Initial Study was circulated for review in November 2023 , and the Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR) was circulated for review in January 2025. Vanessa is currently overseeing the preparation of the Final EIR for the project, which includes responses to 13 public comment letters and verbal comments received from the Transportation and Mobility Commission and Planning Commission. She is coordinating with the project applicant team, City staff, Rincon analysts, and Fehr & Peers to respond to all comments received on the project.
Project Manager, City of Santa Ana – On-Call Environmental Review Services for the Housing Division, Santa Ana
Since 2019, Vanessa has managed numerous NEPA projects under Rincon’s on-call contract with Santa Ana’s Housing Division. She has managed the preparation of approximately 25 Environmental Assessments/Findings of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSIs), Categorical Exclusions, and Exemptions for affordable housing developments and capital improvements projects. She is currently managing an EA/FONSI evaluating rehabilitation of the Logan Center/Chepa’s Park facilities.
Project Manager, Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) – On-Call Environmental Services, Los Angeles County
Since 2017, Vanessa has managed Rincon’s on -call contract with LACDA and the preparation of an estimated 55 NEPA EA/FONSIs for affordable housing projects receiving federal funding from HUD. Her responsibilities include coordinating an internal team of planners, environmental scientists, and cultural resources specialists as well as interacting with County staff. She is currently managing and EA/FONSI for an affordable housing project in the City of Los Angeles.
Vanessa Villanueva, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
CEQA Analyst, City of West Hollywood – 9034 Sunset Boulevard Project Exemption Justification, West Hollywood
Vanessa currently prepares a justification report for a statutory exemption to CEQA under Assembly Bill 130 for the 9034 Sunset Boulevard Project, which includes construction of a h otel complex and associated retail, residential, and ancillary uses, on four contiguous parcels. Her responsibilities include coordinating with the City and colleagues to inform and complete the exemption justification.
CEQA Analyst, City of West Hollywood – 9160-9176 Sunset Boulevard Project Recirculated Environmental Impact Report, West Hollywood
The project involves construction of a five -story mixed -use office and restaurant building located in the Sunset Specific Plan area. Uniquely, the project would include digital billboards on its facades. As Rincon was tasked with assisting with updates to a previously circulated Draft EIR for this project, Vanessa assisted with significant updates to the Aesthetics section of the Draft EIR based on project design changes, an updated Lighting Study, and other changes to applicable regulations. The Recirculated Draft EIR is currently under review by City staff.
CEQA/Noise Analyst and Assistant Project Manager, City of Los Angeles – Citywide Housing Element 2021 - 2029 and Safety Element Updates Environmental Impact Report, Los Angeles Vanessa assisted with the preparation of a Preliminary Study to help determine the appropriate CEQA document for the Los Angeles Citywide Housing Element 2021 -2029 Update and the subsequent EIR for the project, taking the lead in analyzing the project’s construction and operational noise impacts throughout the city and crafting mitigation measures for future development facilitated by the Housing Element Update. Her responsibilities included coordinating with City and colleagues to inform and complete the environmental analyses.
Project Manager, City of Los Angeles – Addendum to the Citywide 2021 -2029 Housing Element and Safety Element Update Environmental Impact Report, Los Angeles Vanessa served as project manager for an addendum to the City’s Housing Element EIR analyzing the Citywide Housing Incentive Program Ordinance, Citywide Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, Resident Protections Ordinance, and Housing Element Sites Ordinance, which will expand housing unit capacity to help the City meet its Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) allocation. Vanessa coordinated with an internal project team, a transportation subconsultant, as well as with City staff to complete an addendum analyzing project impacts against those previously analyzed in the Housing Element EIR in accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164.
Project Manager, Bright Star Schools – Valor Elementary School Project Initial Study -Mitigated Negative Declaration, Los Angeles
Vanessa served as Project Manager for an Initial Study-Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS-MND) for development of an elementary school project located in the North Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. She managed a team of arborists, historians, archaeologists, and technical analysts and coordinated frequently with the applicant team and City Planning s taff. Rincon prepared the IS -MND and technical studies analyzing the project (i.e., air quality/greenhouse gas study, health risk assessment, cultural assessment, and noise and vibration study).
Project Manager, City of Long Beach – 51
st Street Greenbelt Project EA/FONSI, Long Beach
Vanessa is currently serving as the Project Manager for preparation of an EA/FONSI for improvements to approximately one acre of open space in Long Beach. The City is seeking federal funding from HUD to include pedestrian trails, a cycle track, fitness stations, play equipment/structures, landscaping with new trees and ground cover, seating and benches, bioswales, and accessible parking at the existing open space. Her responsibilities have included overseeing a team of analysts, biologists, and archaeologists to complete the environmental analysis.
Project Manager, City of Pico Rivera – 6th Cycle Housing Element New Policies & Programs Initial Study - Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum, Pico Rivera
Vanessa served as a project manager for preparation of an IS -MND Addendum tiered off the original IS -MND that was prepared for the City’s Housing Element Update (adopted in September 2022). The project identifies 69 parcels with varying zones with the potential to accommodate the City’s RHNA as part of the Housing Element Update. To meet the RHNA, City staff created a R -40 Overlay Zone that would allow up to 40 units per acre and would not change the existing underlying zone. In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Section 15164, Rincon did not find new significant environmental effects that were not previously identified in the original IS-MND.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, City and Regional
Planning, California
Polytechnic State University,
San Luis Obispo
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Association of Environmental
Professionals
American Planning
Association
California Water
Environmental Association
Professional Environmental
Management Association
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
25 Ryan F. Luckert
Senior Supervising Planner
Ryan has over twenty five years of experience in the field of environmental planning management, agency coordination, and entitlement processing. He holds ongoing responsibility for the preparation and management of environmental documentation pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for a varie ty of project types, including large-scale residential developments, commercial developments, high -rise mixed- use projects, General and Specific Plan Amendments, and multi -phase regional development projects. Ryan supports on -call planning and environmenta l service contracts throughout the Southern California region, including areas within Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County, with consistent application of CEQA on a variety of environmental reports in order to successfully certify documentation. He is intimately familiar with all issues addressed under CEQA, as well as other regulatory requirements, including, but not limited to, sustainability issues, water supply and infrastructure, environmental justice, and community impacts.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Project Manager, City of Beverly Hills – 9600 Wilshire Specific Plan, Beverly Hills Ryan is the project manager for the 4 -acre 9600 Wilshire Boulevard Specific Plan CEQA process, including drafting and reviewing the Initial Study and project EIR, reviewing and synthesizing project documentation, coordinating assignments with the project team, and maintaining the project schedule, coordination, and client communication.
Project Manager, City of Pomona – 1707 N. Towne Ave 15183 Exemption, Pomona
Ryan was the project manager for a large multi -family development in the City of Pomona, which included the new exemption process for the state of California. This process, similar to an Initial Study and MND, enveloped many technical studies, such as Cultural, Biological, and Traffic. Ryan was solely responsible for coordinating assignments with the project team, and maintaining the project schedule, coordination, and client communication.
Project Manager, City of Menifee – Coastline Project MND, Menifee Ryan is the project manager for an IS/MND in the City of Menifee related to a 45 single-family residential lots and associated site improvements on a 39.1 acre property within the City of Menifee.
Project Manager, City of Menifee – Trumble Pit MND, Menifee Ryan was the project manager for an IS/MND in the City of Menifee related to an infill grading project, including the drafting and reviewing of the Initial Study and project MND.
Project Manager, Millennium Partners – Millennium Hollywood Project, Los Angeles
Ryan supervised the Millennium Hollywood EIR, which included the construction and operation of a new mixed -use and transit -oriented development anchored by the historic Capitol Records Tower building in the Hollywood area of the City of Los Angeles. Ryan a ssisted the County and City of Los Angeles through the historic preservation of the Capital Records Tower building and Gogerty building, These historic structures would be preserved and maintained and were to be operated as office and music recording facilities under a long term lease.
Ryan F. Luckert, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Project Manager, City of Agoura Hills – Agoura Business Center North, Agoura Hills Ryan is the project manager for the development of two larger industrial buildings within an existing Specific Plan Area of the City. The document is a Subsequent MND. Ryan is managing the CEQA process, including drafting and reviewing the Initial Study and project MND , reviewing and synthesizing project documentation, coordinating assignments with the project team, and maintaining the project schedule, coordination, and client communication.
Senior Environmental Planner, Ratkovich Company – The Villages at The Alhambra Project, Alhambra Ryan supported the preparation and management of the Villages at The Alhambra EIR for the neighboring community of Alhambra. The project is a redevelopment of a portion of the Alhambra center with newly designed and newly built residential uses and related parking structures. The project would retain existing office spaces, demolish offices, industrial and storage buildings, and construct new for -sale dwelling units in stacked flat and townhome configurations with rental apartments in 5 -story stacked flat c onfigurations. Ryan reviewed and incorporated various technical studies, such as water quality and hydrology reports into a complex EIR document for the City of Alhambra. He also oversaw the peer review process and provided feedback and management of responses to comments during the Final EIR process.
Project Manager, Dart Mateo – 1024 Mateo Street Project, Los Angeles Ryan successfully managed and prepared one of the first Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessments (SCEA) in the City of Los Angeles for the construction, use, and maintenance of a single mixed -use building containing a total of 106 live/work condom inium units in Downtown Los Angeles. Ryan oversaw preparation of all technical studies for the development, such as traffic/VMT, air quality, noise, and hazardous materials reports. A focus of the developer was to create a development that utilizes the existing transit system in and around the project site consistent with SCAG growth projections and policies, while constructing live/work units to minimize vehicle transit use in the downtown area.
Project Manager, City of Menifee – Trumble and Watson Warehouse Project MND, Menifee Ryan is the project manager for an IS/MND in the City of Menifee related to a new warehouse structure on an existing vacant site within the boundaries of the City of Menifee.
Project Manager, California State University San Marcos – Athletic Fields Lighting Project IS/MND, San Marcos Ryan managed and supervised the recently prepared Athletics Field Lighting and Audio system IS/MND, which included the construction of several new lighting poles at various field locations on campus. The IS/MND focused on Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Cultural Resources, and Tribal Cultural Resources. Ryan is still currently assisting CSUSM through this CEQA process.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MPH, Environmental Health
Sciences, University of
California, Los Angeles
MURP, Urban and Regional
Planning, University of
California, Los Angeles
BS, Environmental Science,
Duke University
BA, Earth and Ocean
Sciences, Duke University
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
7+
Emily Marino
Senior Environmental Planner
Emily is a project manager with over seven years of experience preparing environmental analyses in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for a variety of projects and clients, including housing and urban development, long-range planning documents, parks, and infrastructure. Her responsibilities include performing research and analysis for public and private sector clients, preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental assessments and technical s tudies, and managing a variety of projects. Her recent experience includes projects for the cities of Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, Beverly Hills, and Riverside County.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Client Manager, California State University Channel Islands - Various Projects, Camarillo
Emily serves as the client manager for CSUCI, including managing discrete projects, such as the North Loop Infrastructure Replacement Project, preparing proposals, and responding to client requests for information and guidance on CEQA and environmental permittin g requirements. Emily
is responsible for managing the
delivery of services to CSUCI across Rincon’s service lines, including long -range planning, cultural and biological resources, and environmental planning, and ensuring client satisfaction.
On-Call Manager, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Flood Control Facilities – On-Call Environmental Services, Los Angeles Emily serves as the on -call manager for LACDPW environmental services for flood control facilities projects. Emily is responsible for managing the delivery of services to LACDPW across Rincon’s service lines, including cultural and biological resources and environmental planning, and ensuring client satisfaction.
Project Manager, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – One San Pedro Specific Plan, Los Angeles County
Emily served as project manager for the One San Pedro Specific Plan project that will redevelop the 20-acre Rancho San Pedro public housing complex. Emily ’s work on the CEQA/NEPA process include d managing the internal project team, leading client meetings and communication, maintaining the project timeline and budget, invoicing, drafting sections of the project E nvironmental Impact Report (EIR)/Environmental Impact Statement, developing public outreach materials, completing reviews of CEQA and NEPA sections, and developing the mitigation monitoring and reporting program.
Co-Project Manager, City of Beverly Hills – 9600 Wilshire Specific Plan, Beverly Hills
Emily is the co-project manager for the 4-acre 9600 Wilshire Boulevard Specific Plan CEQA process, including drafting and reviewing the Initial Study and project EIR, reviewing and synthesizing project documentation, coordinating assignments with the proje ct team, and maintaining the project schedule, coordination, and client communication.
Co-Project Manager, City of Beverly Hills – 468 North Rodeo Project, Beverly Hills Emily is the co-project manager for the CEQA analysis of this project, which seeks to redevelop a site on Rodeo Drive with a Louis Vuitton flagship facility including retail, fine dining, salons, and a museum/exhibition space. Emily is managing the technical studies and reports to support a Class 32 CEQA exemption, including
Emily Marino, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
assignment coordination, public hearing support, and ensuring on time and on budget deliverables.
Project Manager, City of Los Angeles – Lower LA River Trail Improvements Project, Los Angeles Emily is serving as project manager for the CEQA analysis of the Lower LA River Trail Improvements project, which will improve one mile of multi-use equestrian, pedestrian, and bicycle trails between Artesia Freeway and Somerset Boulevard along the LA River. Emily is overseeing the preparation of the CEQA documentation for the project.
Project Manager, City of Laguna Beach – Fire Station No. 4 Relocation Projects, Laguna Beach Emily served as project manager for the CEQA analysis of three potential locations for the relocation of Laguna Beach Fire Department Fire Station No.4. The existing Fire Station No. 4 has seismic integrity issues and is not sized to meet the modern needs of a fire station, and the City of Laguna Beach considered three potential properties for acquisition and the eventual construction of a new Fire Station No. 4. Emily managed the preparation of three IS - MNDs for the three properties considered for acquisit ion, including internal team management, report writing, quality assurance, and public hearing attendance.
Project Manager, Ventura County – Binglin Park Equestrian Facility, Ventura County Emily is serving as project manager for the entitlements process, technical study preparation, and CEQA analysis of the Binglin Park Equestrian Facility project, which will develop an equestrian competition park and small- scale boarding facility near Moorpark. Emily’s work includes drafting and reviewing constraints reports and the Initial Study being prepared for the project , coordinating with the team of sub -consultants for the preparation of a conditional use permit application and project entitlements, reviewing and synthesizing project documentation, coordinating assignments with the project team, and maintaining the project schedule, coordination, and client communication.
CEQA Project Manager, C ity of Foster City – General Plan Parks and Open Space and Conservation Elements Updates, Foster City
Emily is serving as project manager for the environmental analysis of the Foster City General Plan Parks and Open Space Element and Conservation Element Updates. Emily is overseeing the preparation of the Common Sense Exemption Report for the project.
CEQA Project Manager, City of Glendale – Climate Action and Adaptation Plan (CAAP) and General Plan Safety Element (GPSE) Update, Glendale
Emily served as project manager for the CEQA analysis of the Glendale CAAP and GPSE Update. Emily oversaw preparation of the Initial Study- Negative Declaration (IS-ND) for the CAAP and GPSE Update, including coordination of the project team, senior review of documents, and project deadline and budget management.
Project Manager, City of Laguna Beach – Pacific Edge Hotel Remodel Projects, Laguna Beach Emily is serving as project manager for the CEQA analysis for a controversial hotel remodel project in Laguna Beach.
Emily prepared the original IS-MND for the project in 2020 and is now leading preparation of technical studies and an Addendum for new remodeling plans at the hotel. Emily’s responsibilities include overseeing preparation of technical studies and an MND Addendum, providing QA/QC, maintaining the project schedule and budget, and client and applicant coordination.
Project Manager, Pacoima Beautiful – Pacoima Wash Greenway Project, Los Angeles Emily is serving as project manager for the environmental constraints and feasibility study of the Pacoima Wash Greenway project, which seeks to create a connected set of multi -use trails, parks, and improvements along a 4 - mile stretch of the Pacoima Wash within the City of Los Angeles and City of San Fernando.
Project Manager, City of Laguna Beach – Promenade on Forest, Laguna Beach Emily served as project manager for the Promenade on Forest Project, which involves the permanent dedication of a portion of Forest Avenue as pedestrian plaza and outdoor dining and gathering space. The project includes key elements such as seating, landsc aping, art installations, outdoor dining areas, special events, enhanced paving, and lighting, all to be incorporated within the City right -of-way. Emily oversaw the preparation of a Senate Bill 922 exemption, including managing the internal project team, leading client meetings and communication, maintaining the project timeline and budget, invoicing, and quality assurance.
Project Manager, Begonia Real Estate Development – Foothill Boulevard and Tokay Avenue Multi -Family Residential Project, Fontana
Emily served as project manager for the IS -MND process for this 10 -acre multi-family residential project, including developing the project team, coordinating with the client and City, maintaining project timelines, drafting and reviewing the CEQA documents, and presenting at the project’s planning commission hearing.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BA, Environmental Studies,
University of California,
Santa Cruz
CONTINUING
EDUCATION
SoundPLAN (2018), Navcon
Engineering, Fullerton,
California
US EPA AERMOD (2015),
Lakes Environmental, Las
Vegas, Nevada
FHWA – Traffic Noise Model
2.5 (2011), Bowlby &
Associates, Inc., Brentwood,
Tennessee
Noise Control for Buildings,
Manufacturing Plants,
Equipment and Products
(2008), Hoover & Keith,
Houston, Texas
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
24 Josh Carman
Director of Technical Services
Josh has over 20 years of experience in the field of acoustics and air quality and has participated in the environmental review and monitoring process for a wide variety of projects in California, Washington, Nevada, and New York. Josh prepares noise, air qual ity, greenhouse gas, and community health risk assessments for environmental impact studies (CEQA/NEPA) and technical studies using federal, state, and local guidelines and methodology. His experience includes complex project- and program- level analyses of general plan updates; specific plans; mixed- use development; traffic, transit and rail; vibration - sensitive; industrial;
infrastructure, utilities, and telecommunications; long-term and remote construction noise and vibration monitoring; and underwater c onstruction (e.g., pile driving) projects. He is certified in the use of the FHWA’s Traffic Noise Model (TNM), SoundPLAN, and the US EPA AERMOD air dispersion model.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Director, City of Los Angeles – One San Pedro Specific Plan EIR/EIS, Los Angeles Josh oversaw the review and incorporation of the findings from the Noise Study into the EIR/EIS prepared by Rincon and developed mitigation for operational recreational noise impacts. The project involves the adoption of a specific plan to guide redevelopment of the Rancho San Pedro public housing complex, services, amenities, and programming for the project site. The project site consists of two locations in the community of San Pedro in the southwestern -most portion of Los Angeles. These locations include approximately 20 acres that comprise the One San Pedro Specific Plan Site and an approximately 0.6 -acre site located at 319- 327 North Harbor Boulevard. Josh oversaw the review and incorporation of the findings from the Noise Study into the EIR/EIS prepared by Rincon and developed mitigation for operational recreational noise impacts.
Director, City of Beverly Hills – 9600 Wilshire Boulevard Specific Plan , Beverly Hills
Josh oversaw the preparation of the noise assessment for the 9600 Wilshire Boulevard Specific Plan EIR prepared by Rincon. The Specific Plan would apply to an approximately 4 -acre (net) site located south of Wilshire Boulevard, between Bedford Drive to the west and Camden Drive to the east, adjacent to the southwest neighborhood of Beverly Hills. The Specific Plan proposes a mix of uses and includes the historic Saks building. Mitigation measures were recommended to reduce or avoid impacts from construction noise and construction vibration, including at historic resources.
Technical Director , Kristin Harrison – 4579 - 4627 Hollywood Boulevard Residential Project Noise and Air Quality Technical Reports, Los Angeles In support of a Class 32 Categorical Exemption, Josh oversaw the preparation of a noise technical report and an air quality technical report at Rincon. The existing Goodwill building on site and parking lot would be demolished to construct a new seven-story mixed -use building consisting with restaurant/retail space and 181 apartment units over 2 levels of subterranean parking. The proposed project would also reserve a total of 16,959 sf for open space and amenities which would include three outdoor courtyards, a recreation room, and private open space on the second level and a pergola deck on the seventh level. The noise and air reports evaluated project construction and operational impacts and identified required Regulatory Compliance Measures.
Josh Carman, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Noise Consultant, City of Los Angeles – City of Los Angeles Construction Noise and Vibration Thresholds Update Technical Advisory Committee, Los Angeles
Josh served on a technical advisory committee to the City of Los Angeles during the update to their CEQA construction noise and vibration thresholds guidelines at Rincon. The update focused on proposing updated thresholds that are more suited to the generally urban nature of the City, while still being protective of public health.
Josh participated in workshops and provided input on appropriate thresholds to provide defensibility for their use while also accounting for the urban noise environment in the City. These thresholds have been incorporated into the draft guidelines.
Senior Noise Specialist, County of Los Angeles – Tapia Ranch/Project No. R2012 -02667/Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 072126, Los Angeles County
Josh conducted the environmental noise assessment while at a previous employer in support of an EIR for the development of 405- unit single-family residential lots with one public park (4.7 net acres), eight open space lots, one water pump lot, 63 HOA/Basin lots, one park trails lot, nine flood control district lots, 21 private and future street lots, and one private street lot in the Castaic area. Cumulative impacts considered the planned and approved Tesoro Del Valle residential development to the southeast.
Senior Noise Specialist, City of Los Angeles – Prologis Vermont and Redondo Project EIR, Los Angeles Josh conducted the environmental noise and vibration assessment while at PlaceWorks in support of an EIR for a proposed one-story, 53-foot tall, 340,298 -square foot warehouse/manufacturing/distribution center. The Project would also include 36 truck loadin g docks and parking for up to 71 trailers. To characterize existing conditions, ambient noise measurements were conducted in the project vicinity, including at residences and the Rosecrans Recreation Center to the north. In addition to using the City of Lo s Angeles noise and vibration thresholds of significance, the analysis considered noise standards from the City of Gardena Municipal Code, due to nearby sensitive receptors in Gardena. Detailed SoundPLAN noise modeling was performed for both project constr uction and operation. SoundPLAN modeling accounted for project design features, including a temporary construction noise barrier and a permanent sound wall. While at Rincon, Josh continued to provide support on the project by drafting responses to public comments.
Technical Director, City of West Hollywood – Programmatic Noise Study and Recommendations for the Hotel Rooftop Amenities Zone Text Amendment, West Hollywood
Josh prepared a programmatic noise study and recommendations for the potential zone text amendment to allow increased height of hotels to provide rooftop amenities in the City of West Hollywood. The study prepared by Rincon involved a summary of existing City noise policies, common hotel rooftop noise sources, and recommended conditions of approval to reduce potential noise impacts to the surrounding community.
Director, Kennedy Jenks – La Cienega Well Nos. 2 and 3 Project Noise and Vibration Study, Beverly Hills Josh oversaw the preparation of a noise and vibration study for the La Cienega Wells Nos. 2 and 3 Project. The proposed project consists of construction and operation of two groundwater wells for raw water production on two non-contiguous areas within La Cienega Park in the city of Beverly Hills. The purpose of the project is to enhance the City of Beverly Hills’ drinking water supplies. Construction of the two wells would require site preparation, minimal grading, well drilling and constant rate testing during daytime hours, construction of an approximately 420- square-foot concrete masonry unit building around each well, installation of water pipelines that extend from the proposed wells to an existing raw water transmission main within La Cienega Boulevard , and site restoration upon completion of construction. Both wells would be equipped with vertical turbine well pumps with aboveground motors with variable frequency drives, and both buildings would be equipped with heating, ventilation, and air conditioni ng (HVAC) equipment for the electrical rooms.
Director, City of Thousand Oaks – 2045 General Plan Update EIR, Thousand Oaks Josh oversaw the preparation of the Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and Noise sections of the Thousand Oaks 2045 General Plan Update EIR. Mitigation measures were recommended to reduce construction and operational health risk impacts. In addition, m itigation measures were recommended to reduce construction noise and vibration and operational traffic noise. As part of this work, existing and future transportation noise contours were generated.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BA, History, emphasis in
American History, California
State University, Long Beach
AA, Anthropology, Orange
Coast College
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Green Strategies for Historic
Buildings, National
Preservation Institute
CEQA Workshop Training,
Association of Environmental
Professionals
Oral History Methods,
California State University,
Long Beach
Identification and Evaluation
of Mid-twentieth Century
Buildings, National
Preservation Institute
Section 4(f) Cultural
Resources Compliance for
Transportation Projects,
National Preservation Institute
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
25 Shannon Carmack
Principal/Architectural History Program Manager
Shannon has more than 2 5 years of professional experience providing cultural resources management and historic preservation planning for large-scale and high- profile projects. She has worked throughout California in numerous sectors including local planning, development/construct ion, public utilities, Department of Defense, transportation, recreation, and education. Shannon prepares documentation to satisfy CEQA/NEPA, Section 106, and Local Historic Preservation Ordinances. She also provides reports and stu dies that are in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties and the California Historic Building Code. She has developed and implemented successful mitigation for countless projects that included Hist oric American Building Survey documentation, oral histories, and interpretive programs. Shannon meets and exceeds requirements in the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards in Architectural History and History.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Principal-in-Charge, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – One San Pedro Specific Plan Project, Los Angeles County
Shannon was the Principal -in-Charge of the One San Pedro Specific Plan Supplemental Cultural Resources Survey Report and Effects Analysis, which was undertaken in compliance with CEQA, Section 106, and HACLA’s programmatic agreement with the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO). Rincon’s analysis included the following: delineation of the project’s APE, archival and background research, support with local interested party, Native American, and SHPO consultation, an intensive-level built environment su rvey of the APE, consideration of the historical significance of all properties in the APE containing built environment features constructed prior to 1976; assessment of project effects and impacts in accordance with Section 106 and CEQA.
Principal Architectural Historian, City of Long Beach – 300 Studebaker Road Industrial Park Project, Los Angeles County
Shannon has served as Principal Architectural Historian for the cultural resources study. The project included the development of two concrete tilt - up industrial
buildings, as well as 1.81 acres designated as open space. For these efforts, Mr.
Carmack served in a senior oversight capacity, coordinating with staff to complete fieldwork, archival research, Tribal coordination and report preparation.
Principal-in-Charge – Los Angeles County Development Authority, Various Projects, Los Angeles County
Shannon has acted as the Principal -in-Charge for Rincon’s contract with the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA). By managing this contract, Rachel has contributed to and managed dozens of Section 106-
compliant cultural
resources assessments fo r projects throughout Los Angeles County. These assessments typically include delineation an area of potential effects (APE), background research, Native American and local interested party outreach and as needed consultation support, field surveys, evalua tion of historic-period properties within the APE for NRHP eligibility, and preparation of a technical report to document the methods and results of these activities.
Shannon Carmack, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Principal, City of Santa Ana – Cultural Resources Study for the 4th and Mortimer Project, Santa Ana The 4th and Mortimer Project is a redevelopment project encompassing two city blocks in downtown Santa Ana. In support of the project, Shannon served as the principal for the cultural resource study of the site. The study included the recordation of one pr operty, 509-515 East 4th Street, on DPR forms. Shannon oversaw the evaluation of the property which included the development of site-specific context, archival and background research and a site visit.
The property was evaluated and recommended ineligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historical Resources and the Santa Ana Register of Historic Properties.
Principal, City of Santa Ana Community Development Agency – Santa Ana Library Repair Project Cultural Resources Assessment Report, Santa Ana
Shannon served as the principal for the Santa Ana Library Repair Project Cultural Resources Assessment Report.
The study included the delineation of an area of potential effects, searches of the California Historical Resources Information System and the Native American Heritage Commission Sacred Lands File and Native American and local interested party outreach. The study additionally included the development of a historic context, site specific background and archival research. The Santa Ana Library was re corded on DPR forms and evaluated for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The study recommended the library building eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under Criteria A and C.
Senior Architectural Historian , City of Santa Ana – Cultural Resources Study for the Raitt and Myrtle Project, Santa Ana
Shannon served as the Senior Architectural Historian for the Raitt and Myrtle Street Park Project. The project sought funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Work was prepared in conformance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). The cultural resources study include d a records search, Sacred Lands File search, archival research, an intensive pedestrian survey of the project site, and preparation of an effects report.
Project Manager, City and County of Los Angeles – Woodland Hills Fire Station 84 Environmental Impact Report and Mitigation, Los Angeles County
Shannon served as Project Manager for a historical structures evaluation of the Woodland Hills Fire Station No. 84.
Located in the Woodland Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles. The post -war fire station was found to be historically significant at the local level, in accordance with SurveyLA. Shannon also assisted in the preparation of the cultural resources section of the Environmental Impact Report and conducted HABS documentation of the building for submittal to local repositories.
Principal, City of Beverly Hills – One Beverly Hills Overlay Specific Plan Cultural Resources Technical Report, Beverly Hills
Shannon served as the Principal in Charge for the One Beverly Hills Overlay Specific Plan Cultural Resources Technical Report. The One Beverly Hills Overlay Specific Plan will allow for the comprehensive and coordinated redevelopment of a 17.4 -acre project site that includes the Beverly Hilton hotel and is flanked by the Los Angeles Country Club (LACC). As part of the study, Shannon oversaw the completion of update historical evaluations of the Beverly Hilton and the LACC properties, both of which were reco mmended eligible for historic designation and therefore considered historical resources for the purposes of CEQA, as a result of the study. In addition to a search of the California Historical Resources Information System (CHRIS) and the Native American He ritage Commission’s Sacred Lands File (SLF), Native American outreach, background and archival research, a field survey of the project site and adjacent LACC property, and update historical evaluations, the study included an assessment of direct and indirect impacts associated with implementation of the One Beverly Hills Overlay Specific Plan One Beverly Hills Overlay Specific Plan on the Beverly Hilton and LACC properties. Ultimately, Rincon found that the project would result in less than significant impacts within mitigation incorporated.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MA, Anthropology, Northern
Arizona University
BS, Anthropology-Cultural
Resources Management, Cal
State Polytechnic University,
Pomona
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Registered Professional
Archaeologist (ID# 415730)
Section 106 Compliance
(2010)
Advanced Section 106 (2013)
Society for American
Archaeology
Society for CA Archeology
PERMITS
Principal Investigator,
California Bureau of Land
Management statewide
FLPMA permit (CA-15-27)
(2015-2018)
AFFILIATIONS
Society for American
Archaeology
Society for California
Archeology
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
18 Christopher Duran, RPA
Principal Investigator/Program Manager
Chris has more than 1 8 years of professional experience and meets and exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards. In addition, he has worked throughout California for various municipalities and utility districts assisting in cultural resources investigations for new installations and infrastructure updates. Chris also has extensive experience with the CEQA/NEPA process for cultural resources projects involving water infrastructure maintenance and development throughout California for districts, such as United Water Conservation District, Water Replenishment District of Southern California, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, the Municipal Water District of Orange County, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Eastern Municipal Water District, and West Basin Municipal Water District. Chris is an expert in state and federal regulations as they pertain to cultural resources and serves as Principal Investigator for Rincon’s projects providing resource recommendations and mitigation measures allowing clients to remain in sound compliance with applicable regulations. Chris has also been involved in Native American consultation with tribes located in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties and has assisted several local agencies and developers through the consultation processes related to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Assembly Bill 52. Chris has authored a variety of cultural resources studies including archaeological survey, archaeological testing and eligibility evaluation, data recovery, mitigation monitoring plans and reports, and peer reviews.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Principal Investigator, City of Agoura Hills – Peer Review, Agoura Hills Chris served as the cultural resources lead on behalf of the City of Agoura Hills providing peer review services for cultural resources documentation provided by a project applicant regarding a large -scale commercial development within the city limits. Chr is provided a thorough review with recommendations for CEQA compliance needed by the project applicant and worked with the applicant team to provide the adequate documentation needed to protect the City’s interests.
Principal Investigator, City of Los Angeles – West Santa Ana Branch Transit Line, Los Angeles
Chris served as a senior archaeologist provide guidance and oversight for the preparation of the cultural resources studies and assisting in the tribal consultations for the project, specifically addressing known archaeological resources in the Downtown Los Angeles area.
Principal Investigator, City of Malibu – Golf Club and Resort Permitting, Malibu The project required the cultural resources review for a potential golf club and resort.
The study identified one previously recorded resource and two previously recorded historic buildings. The buildings had been burned during the Woolsey Fire and were no longer extant. The study also revealed that the archaeological site was removed during the construction of a man-made lake.
Principal-in-Charge, Caltrans District 7 – On-Call SR-1 and SR -23 Woolsey Fire Repair Project, Los Angeles County
Christopher provided QA/QC support for the emergency repair and replacement project that was initiated to address fire damage to highway facilities on the State Highway System along SR-23/Decker Road from SR-1 to Country Ranch Road (post
Christopher Duran, RPA, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
mile 8.4) in Los Angeles County, California, and along SR -1 Decker Road/SR -23. Rincon provided archaeological monitoring on an as-needed basis within the duration of this task order. The monitoring will be performed under the direction of Rincon Archaeolog ical Principal Investigator, Tiffany Clark, PhD, RPA, who meets and exceeds the Secretary of Interior’s Professional Qualifications Standards for prehistoric and historic archaeology .
Principal Investigator, City of Inglewood – Intuit Dome Cultural Resources Monitoring, Inglewood Chris currently serves as the Principal -in-Charge for cultural resources monitoring relating to the Intuit Dome and the future home of the Los Angeles Clippers. He has been involved in client communication and the development of testing plans for archaeolo gical and paleontological resources discovered during ground -disturbing activities, including consultation with Tribal groups regarding the treatment of identified resources.
Principal Investigator, City of Malibu – Paradise Cove Utility Upgrade Project Cultural Resources Study, Malibu The Paradise Cove Heritage Recovery Project involved the recovery of a Chumash cemetery identified during a utility upgrade. Chris served as the Principal Investigator developing the recovery methods for the identified inhumations.
Additionally, Chris coordinated with tribal representatives for the dignified and respectful treatment of the human remains.
Principal-in-Charge, County of Los Angeles – Chatsworth Lake Manor Cultural Resources Study, Los Angeles County
Chris served as the Principal -in-Charge for a cultural resources survey of multiple parcels in Los Angeles County to support fire restoration under the California Vegetation Treatment Program. Our team worked closely with grand holders and Los Angeles County staff to produce a cultural resources study that has received high praise from CalFire and is being used as the example for other cultural resources studies executed under the CalVTP program.
Principal Investigator, City of Palos Verdes – West Basin Municipal Water District Palos Verdes Lateral Project, Palos Verdes
Chris served as a principal investigator for the Palos Verdes Lateral Project in the Palos Verdes area of Los Angeles County. The project included the survey of potential pipeline alignments within a golf course and residential area.
During the project, Ch ris had several conversations with Tongva tribal groups identifying potential significant resources near the golf course that are considered significant to the tribes. Chris assisted in developing project mitigation measures to address potential impacts an d reduce cultural resources impacts to less than significant levels.
Cultural Resources Principal Investigator, City of Agoura Hills – Medea Creek Restoration Project Phase II Cultural Resources Investigation, Agoura Hills
Chris served as Cultural Resources Principal Investigator for the project. Rincon prepared the CEQA documentation for the project, assisted with obtaining all required regulatory permits, provided consultation of the Mitigation Measures specified in the Mi tigation Monitoring and Reporting Program within the Final IS -MND, review of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued a Streambed Alteration Agreement (No. 1600 -2014-0244-R5), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers issued Nationwide Permit No. 27 (NWP No. SPL-2014-00769-AJS), and Regional Water Quality Control Board including surveying for roosting bats, nesting birds, archaeological/paleontological monitoring, as well as diversion monitoring, sampling, and reporting.
Principal Investigator, County of San Mateo – Sanchez Adobe Interpretive Center Project, San Mateo County Chris served as the Principal Investigator for the development of the interpretive center located at the Sanchez Adobe. The effort included ground penetrating radar studies, archaeological trenching, and archaeological testing.
The project resulted in the discovery of human remains which prompted some project redesigns with the information provided by Rincon. Chris oversaw the preparation of project reports, quality control, and client communication.
Principal Investigator, County of Ventura – Spanish Springs Housing Development Project, Camarillo Chris served as the Principal Investigator for a housing development project within the Spanish Springs golf course to convert the course to a multi -unit housing community. During the course of the study, Rincon coordinated with local Chumash representativ es regarding purported cultural resources including villages and rock art sites. The study resulted in a rebuts testing program that allowed the City to adequately address cultural resources issues and proceed with the development project.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
MESM, Water Resources
Management; University of
California Santa Barbara
BA, Environmental
Studies/Film Studies; Emory
University
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
California Association of
Environmental Professionals
Water Education Foundation,
Water Leaders Class, 2014
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
20 Aubrey Mescher
Water Resources Planner
Aubrey has 20 years of experience as an Environmental Planner specializing in water resources and water supply reliability planning for Southern California infrastructure, development, and planning projects . Aubrey understands the complex dynamics of water supply systems throughout California, and she supports project -specific analyses with regional familiarity. Aubrey prepares and manages deliverables including water supply feasibility studies and supply source analyses , Water Supply Assessments (WSAs) for compliance with Senate Bill 610, and long-term analysis and documentation for Urban Water Management Plans (UWMPs).
Common challenges that Aubrey regularly navigates include a lack of thorough or consistent data on groundwater resources, the effects of compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), and the introduction of new groundwater uses in areas currently affected by overdraft conditions. Aubrey is skilled at communicating complex, technical concepts and issues in an approachable manner, including for public hearings, scoping meetings, and informational workshops. In addition, she is adept at co ordinating with both public and private entities, and has thorough understanding of the respective interests and requirements of different types of clients.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Service Line Lead, Public and Private Clients –WSAs, California Statewide Aubrey leads Rincon’s service line for WSAs, preparing and managing the preparation of WSAs. Aubrey also provides technical review and guidance on WSAs to facilitate compliance with CEQA and California Water Code. Aubrey often works on projects located in areas dependent on imported surface water supplies and with limited local resources, including where groundwater resources are adjudicated or otherwise carefully managed due to scarcity and the effects of drought. No WSA prepared or managed by Aubrey has been legally challenged.
Aubrey is fluent in the requirements of SGMA and the contents of Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs), which she uses to inform project-specific WSAs. Aubrey has prepared WSAs for projects located outside the management area of UWMPs and in areas not subject to SGMA, which require creative approaches to characterize existing demands and supply availability . Common challenges navigated in WSAs include a lack of thorough data and currently unknown effects of SGMA compliance ; common i ssues addressed include but are not limited to the conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water resources, and consideration to climatic variables that affect the reliability of imported water supplies.
Project Manager, Multiple Clients – 2025 Urban Water Management Plans Aubrey is currently preparing the 2025 UWMP updates for Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD), Vallecitos Water District (VWD), and San Diego County Water Authority. She has coordinated an update of VWD’s water demand forecasts for submittal to the Water Authority as the regional wholesaler, and reviewed OMWD’s self-prepared demand update for the Water Authority. She is also coordinating with the Water Authority to review and consolidate all member agency demand forecasts in preparation for its 2025 update. For all three agencies, Aubrey is collecting water sales data, updating demand factors, and forecasting future water use based on socioeconomic growth factors from San Diego Association of Governments. She will lead updates to the water supply portfolio, water year analysis, and drought reliability analysis. She will also facilitate update of the climate change analysis, demand
Aubrey Mescher, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
management measures, and water shortage contingency plans.
Water Supply Specialist, Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) – Angeles Link Water Resources Evaluation, SoCalGas Service Territory, Various Counties/Cities Aubrey recently finalized preparation of a Water Resources Evaluation as part of the Phase One feasibility investigation conducted for SoCalGas ’ proposed Angeles Link project (Angeles Link). Pursuant to the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC)’s Decision 22 -12-055 (Decision), the Water Resources Evaluation included preparation of a Water Availability Study to identify and characterize potential water supply sources to support future third-party production of clean renewable hydrogen. Criteria used to identify potential supply sources included avoiding competition for water with existing and planned uses, and avoiding the degradation of existing water supply sources. The study also included agency outreach, analysis of water resources availability, identification of water quality requirements for hydrogen production, development of acquisition and purification costs, discussion of risks and opportunities, a water option prioritization analys is, and development of analogous water use acti vities. Key challenges include the large amount of water required to support hydrogen development, the ongoing long -term drought conditions throughout California, and characterization of supply availability that accounts for water agencies’ plans to reuse and conserve their supplies.
Water Supply Specialist, Lewis Management Corporation – The Village at Lakeview (TVOL) Water Supply Technical Report, Riverside County
Aubrey prepared a technical report addressing water supply availability for the proposed TVOL project , in response to a legal challenge to the TVOL EIR. This project involved characterizing the current conditions of imported water supply systems including the Colorado River system and the State Water Project, evaluating the reliability of those sources for the project, and assessing whether the project’s water demands were previously accounted for in regional planning documents, including the UWMPs of Easte rn Municipal Water District (EMWD) and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California. Coordination with EMWD was conducted to incorporate findings of a WSA and to ensure the findings of the WSA were applicable to the current project design. The te chnical report was provided to support court proceedings in response to legal challenge of the project’s EIR.
Water Supply Planner, Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) – Chino Basin Program (CBP), San Bernardino County
Aubrey served as a Water Supply Planner for the Chino Basin Program EIR. The CBP is both a local water supply project that combines local infrastructure needs and long-term salinity management with groundwater storage and improved water supply reliability throughout IEUA’s service area, while also providing ecosystem and habitat benefits in the Sacramento- San Joaquin Delta watershed. The CBP would be implemented as a 25 -year conjunctive use project that uses advanced water purification to treat and store re cycled water in the Chino Groundwater Basin, then extract water according to a schedule of deliveries informed by environmental analysis. Due to schedule requirements of the State funding program supporting the CBP, Rincon helped publish the Public Review Draft EIR within approximately two months of execution of notice to proceed.
Project Manager, Las Virgenes -Triunfo Joint Powers Authority – Tapia Water Reclamation Facility 003 Outfall Rehabilitation Project CEQA Categorical Exemption and Local Coastal Program Exemption, Los Angeles County Aubrey is preparing documentation to support an IS-MND for this project, after project changes which excluded the project from qualifying for CEQA Categorical Exemption as originally proposed. The project will provide for the inspection and repair of an ex isting 0.5-mile-long section of underground pipeline. The pipeline conveys flows of treated wastewater from the Tapia Water Reclamation Facility within the Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program area to an existing outfall at Malibu Creek. Discharges into Malibu Creek occur in compliance with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit and would remain unaffected with implementation of the project. Aubrey is also managing the preparation of a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) for the proje ct, and providing coordination with the Los Angeles County Department of Regional Planning and the California Coastal Commission to meet all requirements and expectations in support of CDP issuance.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
BS, Environmental Science,
University of California,
Santa Barbara
TRAINING
Wetland Delineations,
Wetland Training Institute
USACE Regional Supplement
Training, Richard Chinn
Environmental Training
Environmental Site
Restoration/Mitigation
Creative Planning and
Implementation, Northwest
Environmental Training Center
Riparian Plant Identification
for Coastal Southern
California Rivers and Streams,
Wetland Training Institute
Flowering Plant Families,
Friends of the Jepson
Herbarium, University of
California, Berkeley
California Rapid Assessment
Method (CRAM) Certified
Practitioner
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
21 May Lau
Principal, Natural Resources & Permitting
May Lau is a principal with over 20 years of experience in the environmental consulting industry. Her primary responsibilities include development of permitting strategies; review of permit applications and supporting documentation; oversight of contract/project management; review of biological technical analyses for a variety of water/wastewater, private development, transportation and restoration projects; and informing her clients and Rincon staff of the most current regulations governing aquatic and bio logical resources. May’s technical capabilities include review of environmental documents in compliance with National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Federal Endangered Species Act (FESA), and California Endang
ered Species Act (CESA); wetland and
jurisdictional delineations; Clean Water Act permitting; streambed alteration agreements; coastal development permits; mitigation planning; biological assessments; and natural resource studies.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Principal-In-Charge, Palmdale Water District – Palmdale Ditch Conversion Project, Los Angeles County
May serves as Rincon’s natural resources group’s Principal-In-Charge for the Palmdale Ditch Conversion project, which proposes to underground 7.2 miles of the Palmdale Ditch from Little Rock Reservoir in the Angeles National Forest to Lake Palmdale on the desert floor. Rincon prepared technical analyses including the CEQA-Plus Biological Resources Assessment, survey reports, United States Forest Service-specific documentation , and prepared regulatory permitting packages for the project, including wetland/waters permitting and CESA incidental take permits for Western Joshua Tree (WJT) and Crotch’s bumble bee (CBB) . Technical analyses and fieldwork include vegetation mapping, jurisdictional delineation, rare plant surveys, WJT surveys , and protocol surveys for a number of desert, foothill, and riparian special-status species (burrowing owl, Mohave ground squirrel, Swainson’s hawk, least Bell’s vireo, CBB , southwestern pond turtle, and special status bats).
She provides oversight of the permitting process and conducts final review of all permitting and biological report deliverables, to implement Rincon’s QA/QC process and adhere to the project’s tight environmental review and funding schedules.
Principal-in-Charge, Waste Connections, Inc. – Chiquita Canyon Landfill Environmental Compliance, Los Angeles County
May is providing oversight of biological reports and permit applications associated with Conditional Use Permit (CUP) compliance support for Chiquita Canyon Landfill (CCL). CUP support includes permitting, including waters and wetland permitting with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Regional Water Quality Control Board, and California Department of Fish and Wildlife; environmental compliance, including environmental support during construction and operation; mitigation monitoring for biological, cultural, and paleontological resources; and implementation of mitigation plans for oak trees and rare plants. This project began in 2021 and is ongoing.
Contract Manager, Los Angeles County Department of Public Works (LACDPW) – On-Call Environmental Services, Los Angeles County
May and her team supported the LACDPW, including the Water Resources Division, Watershed Management Division, and Flood Maintenance Division (Los Angeles County Flood Control District [LACFCD]) by providing a full array of environmental services under a 5 -year on -call services contract. Ninety (90) task orders were authorized under this contract, including preparation of regulatory permits(404,
May Lau, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
401, and 1602), biological and cultural resources surveys and reports, focused surveys for federally- and/or state– listed species, wetland delineations, compliance/ mitigation monitoring and reporting, air and water quality sampling, and preparation of CEQA documents. Some projects authorized under this on-call are also included below.
Contract Manager/Permitting Program Manager, City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks (RAP) – As-Needed Environmental Impact Analysis and Special Studies, Los Angeles May has served as the contract manager for the as -needed Environmental Impact Analysis and Special Studies contract with RAP since 2018, and has overseen the successful delivery of over 50 task orders. As contract manager, she served as RAP’s main point of contact and ensures the delivery of high -quality services. She is responsible for reviewing all task order requests and proposals, collaborating with technical staff to identify the project management team and key staff, providing strategic guidance as needed to Project Directors and Project Managers for each task order, implementing the quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) program, and overseeing the delivery of the scope, schedule, and budget for task orders.
Project Manager, Watershed Conservation Authority – San Gabriel River Confluence with Cattle Canyon Improvements Project, Angeles National Forest, Los Angeles County This project involves recreational improvements and ecological restoration opportunities to address resource management challenges resulting from high public use of a 1.5 -mile reach of the East Fork San Gabriel River, near its confluence with Cattle Canyon Creek, within designated critical habitat for Santa Ana sucker. As a subconsultant to BlueGreen Consulting, the project team is providing environmental services for the project, including preparation of a joint NEPA/CEQA document (EIS/EIR), biological and cultural surveys and reports, hydrology and soils report, jurisdictional delineation, conceptual geomorphology and hydrology investigation, and support of the conceptual restoration approach during the feasibility/design stages. May is responsible for man aging the staffing, schedule, and budgets, internal and client meetings/coordination, as well as review of all technical reports and the EIS/EIR.
Senior Biologist, County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning – East San Gabriel Valley Area Plan Program EIR, Los Angeles County
The East San Gabriel Valley Area Plan (ESGVAP) was adopted by the County Board of Supervisors in 2024, and is a long-range planning document for the 24 unincorporated communities within the East San Gabriel Valley. The project consisted of the ESGVAP, land use change maps, and the zone change ordinance. May led the preparation of the biological resources chapter of the EIR.
Senior Biologist, County of Los Angeles Department of Regional Planning – West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan Program EIR, Los Angeles County
The West San Gabriel Valley Area Plan (WSGVAP) is a long-range planning document that will guide development of the communities of Altadena, East Pasadena-East San Gabriel, Kinneloa Mesa, La Cresenta-Montrose, San Pasqual, South El Monte Island, South Monr ovia Islands, South San Gabriel, and Whittier Narrows. The project consists of the WSGVAP, land use change maps, and the implementation ordinance. May provided oversight of the preparation of the biological resources chapter of the EIR.
Senior Permitting Specialist/Principal Environmental Specialist, California Coastal Conservancy – Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project, Sequences 1 and 2 Design and Permitting, Playa Del Rey May worked in close collaboration with the CDFW Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve land manager, developed the permitting strategy for the Ballona Wetlands Restoration Project, provided oversight of the permit preparation, led agency consultations, and le d the environmental and permitting team. She also presented the environmental and permitting topics at the Southern California Wetlands Recovery Project agency meetings.
Senior Biologist, City of Long Beach – Los Cerritos Wetlands Oil Consolidation and Restoration Project EIR, Long Beach
The project team prepared an EIR for the Los Cerritos Wetlands and Oil Production project in the city of Long Beach.
The project includes a comprehensive wetlands restoration that will restore a privately owned oil field in the city of Long Beach through t he creation of a wetlands mitigation bank. The project will occur on four properties and will relocate and modernize existing oil production facilities and restore wetlands. May was responsible for peer review of the jurisdictional delineation report and b iological reports; evaluation of project compliance with federal, state, and local regulatory requirements; and preparation of the biological resources chapter of the EIR.
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
EDUCATION
PhD, Environmental
Engineering, University of
Southern California
BS, Chemical Engineering,
University of California,
Santa Barbara
CERTIFICATIONS/
REGISTRATIONS
Licensed Professional Civil
Engineer (California) #87757
YEARS OF
EXPERIENCE
15 Ryan Thacher, PhD, PE
Principal
Dr. Thacher is an environmental engineer with nearly 15 years of experience in developing creative solutions to complex environmental issues , including 12 years of environmental consulting experience . He oversees a variety of site assessment , remediation, and regulatory compliance projects driven b y regulatory action and compliance, litigation, property transactions, brownfield redevelopment , and residential, commercial, and utility development . Ryan’s background in environmental chemistry and engineering lends itself to assessing sites impacted by chemical constituents of concern including chlorinated hydroca rbons, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), heavy metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, 1,4 - dioxane, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) , pesticides, and more. He develops remediation and mitigatio n approaches consistent with regulatory frameworks established under the California Health and Safety Code, California Water Code, the Porter-Cologne Act, and the Federal Clean Water Act, and enforced by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB), Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCBs), and local agencies. Ryan also has experience working under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. Ryan is experienced in methods of environmental forensics and fate and transport evaluations to identify source contributions, i dentify responsible parties, or determine the location or timing of a release.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Technical Advisor, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) – Rancho San Pedro Environmental Impact Report (EIR) – Environmental Impact Study, Los Angeles
Ryan performed a review of hazards documentation and data for the proposed redevelopment site and identified data gaps and mitigation strategies to support the hazards analysis in the EIR. Consulted the client on risks associated with known contamination on-site and provided recommendations for additional assessment.
Technical Advisor, City of Los Angeles – EIR for the Cornfield Arroyo Seco Specific Plan Update, Los Angeles
Ryan oversaw the development of the hazards and hazardous materials section and provided senior level technical review for a large-scale redevelopment project in Los Angeles. He evaluated mitigation measures for a wide range of potential hazards at the site.
Principal-in-Charge, Pacoima Beautiful – Hazardous Materials Technical Study (HMTS) for the Pacoima Wash Project, Pacoima
Prepared an HMTS for an area comprising a 4 -mile concrete lined wash and adjacent open space areas to support a grant-funded greenway constraints analysis.
Director-in-Charge, HACLA – Environmental Assessment and Regulatory Compliance for the Jordan Downs Redevelopment Project, Los Angeles Supporting HACLA through a large-scale affordable housing redevelopment project, including performing Phase I and Phase II ESAs, impacted soil removal, coordinating hazardous building material surveys, and performing air monitoring for fugitive dust during demolition activities.
Ryan Thacher, PhD, PE, Page 2
Rincon Consultants, Inc.
Environmental Scientists · Planners · Engineers
Director-in-Charge, HACLA – Environmental Due Diligence for Acquisition Support, Los Angeles Prepare Phase I and II ESAs (as needed) for potential acquisitions throughout Los Angeles. Typical properties include apartment buildings (finished or under construction), and hotels.
Director-in-Charge, City of Norwalk – Norwalk Transit Village Center Brownfield Redevelopment, Norwalk Ryan oversaw completion of a Phase I ESA and multiple Phase II ESAs to delineate impacted soil identified at a site proposed to be redeveloped for mixed use. Facilitated a hazardous building materials survey which identified extensive lead- and asbestos-containing materials throughout the 14 on -site structures. Rincon will be supporting the project proponent through the DTSC voluntary oversight process.
Principal-in-Charge, City of Long Beach – Background Arsenic Evaluation for Proposed Development, Long Beach
Performed Phase I and II ESAs to support the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for an industrial development.
Arsenic was identified in soil at concentrations exceeding human health risk-based screening levels but below typical southern California backgrou nd concentrations. In response to public comments on the draft EIR, prepared a memorandum in anticipation of litigation justifying no further action at the site and no requirement for regulatory oversight.
Principal-in-Charge, City of Redlands – Site Investigation for PFAS Impacts Under RWQCB Oversight, Alabama Street Septage Ponds, Redlands
Conducting a soil and groundwater assessment of PFAS impacts at a former septage disposal site. Actively engaged with the City of Redlands and the Santa Ana RWQCB in development of a remedial approach.
Director-in-Charge, U-Haul – Huntington Park Redevelopment Project, Los Angeles Overseeing the redevelopment of a former industrial facility into a U- Haul storage facility, including onsite housing.
The site is impacted with heavy metals and volatile organic compounds from former uses. Rincon has completed multiple rounds of soil and soil vapor sampling, as well as a vapor intrusion investigation within a neighboring residential area and is currently requesting a soil-only closure under DTSC.
Director-in-Charge, AMCAL Multi -Housing, LLC – Brownfield Site Redevelopment under Regulatory Oversight, Los Angeles, Long Beach and Sacramento
Ryan provides technical direction and oversight to several housing redevelopment projects on brownfield sites throughout California, including Phase I ESAs, Phase II ESAs, remediation and mitigation strategies , and serving as a client advocate in discussions with regulatory oversight agencies.
Director-in-Charge, Redondo Village – Former Coury and Sons Dry Cleaner Investigation, Redondo Beach Investigated the source of PCE in soil vapor at a shopping center adjacent to a health district campus in Redondo Beach and performed a human health risk assessment for tenant spaces potentially subject to vapor intrusion under an investigative order from the LA RWQCB.
Director-in-Charge, City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Sanitation (LASAN) – Slauson Corridor Area-Wide Assessment (AWA), Los Angeles
Ryan oversaw the comprehensive Area -Wide Assessment for affordable housing subareas in the Slauson Corridor Transit Neighborhood Plan. The project team prepared a GIS data package and accompanying report analyzing 876 properties for potential environmental issues that may require further investigation and ranked sites by redevelopment potential to support the determination of future developmental feasibility of the study area Director-in-Charge, City of Los Angeles Department of Public Works Bureau of Engineering – Los Angeles River Ecosystem Restoration Reach 6, Los Angeles
Oversaw the preparation of Phase I ESAs for 12 parcels along the Los Angeles River to support potential acquisition for an ecosystem restoration project.
Director-in-Charge, Worksmart Design – Initial Site Assessments (ISAs) for Manhattan Beach Right of Way Projects, Manhattan Beach
Oversaw the completion of two ISAs for right-of-way redevelopment work at a large intersection in Manhattan Beach.
Adjacent known release sites were identified, and Rincon developed a Soil Management Plan to guide impacted soil management during construction activities.
555 Parkcenter Drive, Suite 225, Santa Ana, California 92705 (714) 795-3100 | ganddini.com
PROFILE
Mr. Ganddini is the Principal-in-Charge who directs, reviews, and oversees the assignment and timely delivery of all services provided by the firm. He is a Registered Professional Engineer (Traffic) in the State of California, a nationally certified Professional Trans portation Planner (PTP), and Past President of the Institute of Transportation Engineers for both the Western District and Southern Californ ia Section. He has managed the preparation of hundreds of studies involving traffic engineering analysis and transportation planning for a broad range of development and infrastructure projects, including VMT and active transportation analys is in support of CEQA documentation.
Prior to founding Ganddini Group, Mr. Ganddini developed his technical expertise and project management competency at notable local and international engineering services firms where he performed and directed work on numerous projects involving transportation analysis for both public and private sector developments throughout California, including traffic impact studi es, peer reviews, specific/general plan circulation updates, complete streets plans, and parking studies. He obtained a Bachelor of Science de gree in civil engineering with specialization in transportation systems engineering from the University of California, Irvine.
RELATED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
▪ 4th & Mortimer Project, City of Santa Ana
▪ 2539 East Garvey Avenue, City of West Covina
▪ Planned Development No. 4, City of Redlands
▪ 1024 W. Workman Avenue Residential Project, City of West Covina ▪ 875 W. Orange Avenue, City of Pomona
▪ 1600 & 1616 West Cameron Residential Project, City of West Covina ▪ Lucha Reyes Apartments, City of Los Angeles
▪ La Ville Soleil (600 S. San Gabriel), City of San Gabriel ▪ 851 Corporate Center Drive Mixed Use Project, City of Pomona ▪ 3101 West Temple Avenue Hotel Expansion, City of Pomona ▪ Housing Element Update, City of Walnut
▪ 811 S. White Avenue Residential Project, City of Pomona ▪ 528 East Grove Street Residential Project, City of Pomona ▪ Downtown Main Street Specific Plan Area Y, City of El Monte ▪ 1707 North Towne Avenue, City of Pomona
▪ 5112 Santa Ana Apartments, City of Cudahy
▪ Andres Duarte School Site Project, City of Duarte
GIANCARLO
GANDDINI
Principal-in-Charge/Traffic Engineer
17 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
7 YEARS WITH GANDDINI GROUP
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
Traffic Engineering
Transportation Planning
Parking Analysis
Level of Service/Capacity Analysis
Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT)
Project Management
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Professional Engineer (Traffic), TR 2663,
State of California
Professional Transportation Planner,
No. 597, Transportation Professional
Certification Board, Inc.
EDUCATION
BS, Civil Engineering,
University of California, Irvine
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
Institute of Transportation Engineers
Past President, Western District
Past President, SoCal Section
Orange County Traffic Engineering
Council
HONORS & AWARDS
Young Transportation Engineer of the
Year (2011),
ITE Southern California Section
MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL PAGE 1 OF 2
TRANSPORTATION/TRAFFIC
Sandipan Bhattacharjee, PE, TE, AICP, ENV
SP
Sandipan Bhattacharjee is a Co -Founder and Principal at Translutions. His primary responsibilities are to prepare technical analyses of land development and transportation infrastructure projects, including comprehensive traffic impact analyses, traffic operations analyses, and parking studies. Mr.
Bhattacharjee has worked in the Southern California region for over fifteen years and has extensive experience in preparing traffic operations analyses for Caltrans and other MPOs. He is well versed in rules and regulations in the five -county SCAG region. Mr. Bhattacharjee has led teams preparing traffic studies and multimodal analyses for various types of projects. Mr.
Bhattacharjee has extensive experience in preparing defensible transportation analysis for inc lusion in CEQA documents. Mr.
Bhattacharjee is also an expert in VMT analyses related to SB - 743 and has been involved in Green House Gas reduction
strategies including facilitation of transit, complete streets implementation, and vehicle trip reduction strategies.
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Los Angeles County San Fernando Valley Area Plan, County of Los Angeles. Principal in Charge. Translutions is working on the transportation section of the San Fernando Valley Area Plan, preparing the transportation section and well as transportation demand modeling. The VMT analysis will be based on the 2016 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Model. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
Los Angeles County South Bay Area Plan, County of Los Angeles. Principal in Charge. Translutions conducted the transportation demand modeling and prepared the VMT analysis for the Los Angeles County South Bay Area Plan. analysis was based on the 2016 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Model. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
Los Angeles County Metro Area Plan, County of Los Angeles. Principal in Charge. Translutions conducted the transportation demand modeling and prepared the VMT analysis for the Los Angeles County Metro Area Plan. The project included the analysis of six specific plan areas. The analysis was based on the 2016 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Model. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
City of San Fernando Safety Element Update, City of San Fernando, Los Angeles County. Principal in Charge.
Translutions conducted the transportation demand modeling and prepared the VMT analysis for the City of San Fernando 2030 Housing Element Update. The analysis was based on the 2016 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Model. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
City of Huntington Park Housing Element Update, City of Huntington Park, Los Angeles County . Principal in Charge. Translutions conducted the transportation demand modeling and prepared the VMT analysis for the City of Huntington Park 2030 Housing Element Update. The analysis was based on the 2016 Southern California Association of Years of Experience
24 Education
University of Southern California (USC), Master
of Planning, 2003.
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India.
Bachelor of Architecture (Honors), 2001.
Licenses/Certifications
American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP):
Membership Number 019936
Professional Engineer (Civil), California, License Number C81872
Professional Engineer (Traffic), California, License Number TR2847
ENV-SP, Certificate Number 23729
MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL PAGE 2 OF 2
Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Model. In addition, Translutions conducted the evacuation analysis pursuant to AB 747. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
City of Pico Rivera Housing Element Update, City of Pico Rivera, Los Angeles County . Principal in Charge.
Translutions conducted the transportation demand modeling and prepared the VMT analysis for the City of Pico Rivera 2030 Housing Element Update. The analysis was based on the 2016 Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) Model. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
City of Calimesa Housing Element Update, City of Calimesa, San Bernardino County . Principal in Charge.
Translutions conducted the transportation demand modeling and prepared the VMT analysis for the City of Calimesa 2030 Housing Element Update. The analysis was based on the Riverside Transportation Analysis Model (RIVTAM). Mr.
Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
Freeway Corridor Specific Plan, City of Yucaipa, San Bernardino County. Principal in Charge. Translutions prepared the VMT analysis and Traffic Analysis for the proposed Yucaipa Freeway Corridor Specific Plan (FCSP). The FCSP was originally approved in 2008. The FCSP update is intended to guide development within the 1,242- acre plan area. The updated FCSP includes 2,472 residential dwelling units, approximately 1.1 M square feet of Regional Commercial, and 4M of Business Park uses. The VMT analysis included a plan-level VMT analysis that compares project generated VMT for the Proposed FCSP to the Approved FCSP. The delay-based traffic analysis was conducted for 27 intersections and included two different access alternatives based on the future construction of a new interchange. In addition to the program level analysis for the FCSP, a project level analysis was also conducted for a proposed industrial development within the FCSP area. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
Colima Road Widening, Los Angeles County . Principal in Charge. Translutions prepared the VMT Analysis for the Colima Road Widening project. The analysis included running the SCAG Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) model to identify the projects impacts on VMT. As part of the project, Translutions worked with the Client to identify the appropriate area to determine impacts from the project as well as identified induced demand from the project. Translutions also provided future without and with project traffic volume forecasts for the area. Mr. Bhattacharjee is the Principal in Charge.
Temescal Canyon Road Widening, County of Riverside . Principal in Charge .Translutions is working on the VMT analysis and traffic operations analysis for the proposed widening of Temescal Canyon Road in the County of Riverside near the City of Corona. Translutions used the RIVTAM and RIVCOM models for the analysis. Traffic operations at the study area intersections was conducted using HCM 6th Edition for a multiple period analysis, which accounts for the carryover of unmet demand from one time period to the next during periods of oversaturation. The analysis was also used to identify residual queues in a previous period that persist to the start of an additional analysis period. SimTraffic software used for the multiple period analysis since it captures the dr iver behavior and models the interaction of vehicles within a roadway network. A failure year analysis was also conducted to determine the last year at which the project would continue to operate at satisfactory levels of service and all queues would fit w ithin the available storage lengths. A comparison of collision data within the project study are to statewide average collision rates on similar facilities was conducted using data provided by Caltrans for a three-year period. Mr. Bhattacharjee is the Principal in Charge.
Shadow Mountain Road, Helendale Area of San Bernardino County . Principal in Charge. Translutions prepared on the traffic operations analysis and VMT analysis for the proposed Shadow Mountain Road Grade Separation project. The project consists of constructing a 4- lane roadway to extend Shadow Mountain Road from Helendale Road, over the Mojave River, to National Trails Highway. The project also includes construct ing a grade separation over the BNSF railroad. The proposed project will provide better access for the community and railroad crossing safety benefits for the developing Helendale community. Reduced delays are also anticipated at the railroad crossing. The study objectives included documentation of existing weekday AM and PM peak hour traffic conditions including accident evaluation ; evaluation of weekday AM and PM peak hour traffic conditions for Interim Year conditions; evaluation of weekday AM and PM peak hour traffic conditions for Long Range conditions; evaluation of construction impacts for operat ions and VMT; and evaluation of CEQA impacts under VMT. Mr. Bhattacharjee was the Principal in Charge.
Appendix B
Peer Review Example
23-14497 Work Order 3, City #200100
1 August 2023
MEMORANDUM
Date: August 28, 2023
To: Ms. Kelly Lucia, Planning Director, City of Calimesa From: Wendy Worthey, Principal, Rincon
Subject: I-10 Logistics Center Annexation - Peer Review of Addendum to Determine CEQA Adequacy Per the City’s request, Rincon has completed a peer review on the following document that supports the proposed I-10 Logistics Center Annexation Project (“project” or “proposed project”) and Addendum to two previous Environmental Impact Reports (2017 and 2020):0 I-10 Logistics Center Annexation Project (General Plan Amendment No. 22-04; Zone Change No. 22- 02) Addendum No. 1 to Environmental Impact Report No. 534 and Subsequent1 Environmental Impact Report No. 534, prepared by T&B Planning, dated June 22, 2023 Per our scope of work, we were tasked with one (1) round of review/comments of the document listed above for which comments have been provided in the Comments Matrix, attached below. Please note that the Comments Matrix is being provided in .both PDF format and Word format, and that it includes a column for Applicant/Consultant Responses. The Word version is being providing should the City decide that the best approach is for the Applicant/Consultant to provide a written response to each of the comments provided.
Rincon was also provided with other documents that were not reviewed in depth nor subject to peer review comments, but were perused as needed, where related to the current review effort and are listed below. Resolution 2017-223 Certifying EIR No. 534 for General Plan Amendment No. 1079, Change of Zone No. 7709, Tentative Pacel map No. 36564 and Plot Plan No. 25337, prepared by City of Calimesa, dated October 10. 2017
Resolution 2020-064 Certifying Supplemental EIR No. 534 and Adopting Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Plan, prepared by City of Calimesa, dated March 9, 2020 Approval Letter for Minor Development Plan Review 20-08 (MDRP 20-08), Site Improvements (grading, landscape, storm drain facilities, and street improvements) to be located at APNs 413-270- 012 & 413-270-013 [includes Conditions of Approval]
Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District correspondence, dated July 26, 2023
Calimesa Fire Department correspondence, dated July 20, 2023
1 All previous documentation refers to the prior document as a “Supplement” EIR, not a “Subsequent” EIR.
To: City of Calimesa
Subject: Summerwind Ranch (Commons II) Specific Plan Amendment 4 and Addendum 3 – Peer Review 23-14497 Work Order 2; City #191000
2 August 2023
RWG Law and City of Calimesa correspondence regarding legal review of prezone application, dated July 21, 2023
Yucaipa Valley Water District correspondence, dated July 19, 2023 If the City requires any further assistance with other documents that support the Annexation project and Addendum, please let us know.
If you have any questions or comments regarding the information in this Comments Matrix, please contact me at (619) 890-2762 or [email protected].
Peer Review Comments Matrix
To: City of Calimesa
Subject: Summerwind Ranch (Commons II) Specific Plan Amendment 4 and Addendum 3 – Peer Review A-1
Comment
No.
Document
Section No./Title
or Figure
(also include page number,
if appropriate)
Comments – Round 1 Applicant/Consultant Response
EIR Addendum (Draft)
1. Section 1 Project Description – Page 1 Include the proposed GP land use (LU) designation and zoning for line items 6 and 7 after listing the current County GP LU designation/zoning, or remove reference to the City designations entirely.
2. Section 1 Project Description – Pages 1-5 Move the Figures from pages 2 through 4 to just after the discussion of discretionary approvals. Currently, the discretionary approval discussion is bisected by Figures 1 through 3 and continues again on page 5.
3. Section 1 Project Description – Page 4 Outline/shade the proposed General Plan LU designations on Figure 3
4. Section 1 Project Description – Pages 5-8 Move Figures 4 and 5 to page 8 after the discussion on tribal cultural resources. Currently, the Figures split the discussion mid-sentence making it difficult for a reader to follow along.
5. Section 2 Environmental Analysis – Page
11 When initially discussing the project background and previous environmental documents, indicate the SCH# from the original EIR has been carried forward through to the Addendum.
Also, double check the dates in which the NOP/NOC and document was adopted. A quick search of CEQAnet does not align with the dates listed in this section.
6. Section 2.2.1 Aesthetics – Page 12 Regarding the text, “…the currently-proposed Project does not include applications for any new development. Rather, the Project merely comprises an administrative adjustment to the boundaries of the City of Calimesa…”
Remove language such as “merely” which could advocate for the project understanding that the CEQA analysis must be objective. – The above sentence is used throughout the document. Revise all instances to remain objective. Alternatively, replace “merely” with “only.”
7. Section 2.2.1 Aesthetics – Page 12 Add reasoning/discussion regarding why the mitigation measures identified as part of EIR No. 534 are not applicable to the Project.
To: City of Calimesa
Subject: Summerwind Ranch (Commons II) Specific Plan Amendment 4 and Addendum 3 – Peer Review A-2
Comment
No.
Document
Section No./Title
or Figure
(also include page number,
if appropriate)
Comments – Round 1 Applicant/Consultant Response
8. Section 2.2.2 Agriculture & Forestry
Resources – Page 13
In the EIR No. 534/SEIR No. 534 Findings section it states, “EIR No. 534 also found that the prior project would result in less-than-significant impacts due to a conflict with zoning for agricultural use…” To provide context, briefly explain the zoning conflict.
9. Section 2.2.3 Air Quality – Pages 15-16 While the Project does not propose any new development initiatives, the EIR/SEIR No. 534 did identify significant and unavoidable air quality impacts related to the prior project. This Addendum should analyze the Project’s consistency with the City’s General Plan, particularly the Air Quality Element and any other relevant long-range planning documents in order to determine consistency with Calimesa’s established goals and policies related to air quality.
10. Section 2.2.4 Biological Resources – Pages
16-18
No comments.
11. Section 2.2.5 Cultural Resources – Pages
18-19
No comments.
12. Section 2.2.6 Energy – Page 20 – 21 Same as comment #7 - Briefly explain why the mitigation measures identified as part of EIR/SEIR No. 534 are not applicable to the proposed Project.
13. Section 2.2.7 Geo and Soils – Page 23 The section states, “the Project site previously was developed with two large industrial buildings…” Reword to something like, “The Project site contains approved development of ….” This explains the existing condition of the site. the past tense wording may confuse readers and allude to the development as no longer on the site. This sentence is used throughout the document. Revise all instances of this wording.
14. Section 2.2.7 Geo and Soils – Page 23 Rewording or better explain why the mitigation measures from the previous environmental documents are not applicable. If it is because the mitigation measures relate to development or construction, include that as the reasoning regarding why they no longer apply to the current project. In addition, briefly explain the mitigation measures above to provide more context to the reader.
15. Section 2.2.8 GHG – Pages 23-24 Similar to comment #9 above, the analysis states, “Rather, the Project merely comprises an administrative adjustment to the boundaries of the
To: City of Calimesa
Subject: Summerwind Ranch (Commons II) Specific Plan Amendment 4 and Addendum 3 – Peer Review A-3
Comment
No.
Document
Section No./Title
or Figure
(also include page number,
if appropriate)
Comments – Round 1 Applicant/Consultant Response
City of Calimesa, which would not result in any physical impacts to the environment.”
While the Project does not impose new impacts to the physical environment, it does impose potentially new impacts related to the City’s goals and policies with regard to addressing air quality. This Addendum should analyze the Project’s consistency with the Calimesa’s established goals and policies related to reducing air quality impacts and GHG emissions.
16. Section 2.2.9 Hazards & Hazardous
Materials
Refer to comments #6 and #13 related to the word choice of “merely” and “was developed.”
17. Section 2.2.10 Hydrology – Pages 27-28 This section needs analysis or details including the cooperative agreement with the Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District), as stated in the District letter dated July 26, 2023.
The prior project was required to build the Cherry Valley Blvd Storm Drain Stage 1 and its connected parts known as Laterals A-1, A-2, A-8, and A-9.
The District is currently in the process of taking over the ownership and responsibility for these facilities. The applicant is in a cooperative agreement with the District to create a plan that outlines how these facilities will be inspected, operated, and maintained. The conditions and requirements set by the District for permits related to this project need to be agreed upon by the District, before the project's plans are approved/maps and officially recorded, or the permits are finalized.
18. Section 2.2.11 Land Use and Planning This section needs additional analysis for consistency of the Project site with the City’s General Plan/Zoning Code. A table showing consistency would be helpful.
19. Section 2.2.12 Mineral Resources No additional comments – Refer to comments #6 and #13 related to the word choice of “merely” and “was developed.”
20. Section 2.2.13 Noise – Page 31 Discussion of EIR 534/SEIR No. 534 states “EIR No. 534 determined that construction-related noise impacts would be potentially significant, but imposed Mitigation Measures NOI-4a through NOI-4e to reduce these impacts to less-than-significant levels.”
To: City of Calimesa
Subject: Summerwind Ranch (Commons II) Specific Plan Amendment 4 and Addendum 3 – Peer Review A-4
Comment
No.
Document
Section No./Title
or Figure
(also include page number,
if appropriate)
Comments – Round 1 Applicant/Consultant Response
Replace “but” with “and” to avoid contradicting the prior mentioned impacts. Also, briefly explain the mitigation measures that are referenced here to provide context to the reader.
21. Section 2.2.13 Noise – Page 32 Analysis of the Project should include reference to the operational noise of the approved development. If the approved development concluded that there are operational noise impacts, the analysis should compare those impacts against the City’s noise ordinances, thresholds, and/or General Plan policies, where applicable. Also, discuss any existing mitigation measures relative to the City’s thresholds/standards.
22. Section 2.2.13 Noise – Page 32 The analysis section is partially copied form the mineral resources section and includes the following text:
“There are no components of the currently-proposed Project that could result in new or more severe impacts due to noise. Accordingly, the Project would not: a) result in the loss of availability of a known mineral resource that would be of value to the region or the residents of the State; or b) result in the loss of availability of a locally-important mineral resource recovery site delineated on a local general plan, specific plan or other land use plan.”
Revise to include the noise thresholds instead of Mineral Resources.
23. Section 2.2.14 Population and Housing –
Add analysis that discusses the Project's approved development and employment opportunities as it relates to Calimesa’s
employment/population projections. The analysis may include discussion of the approved development and established labor pool for the site.
24. Section 2.2.15 Public Services - Page 35
- 36
Correspondence between the City and the City’s fire department dated July 20,2023 states, “Chief Oconnell and DFM Rodriguez may/will have concerns.”
This section should include reference to the fire department’s comments – will the fire department have a chance to review the site plans and provide comments? Will those comments be addressed? How will those comments be addressed if the project site needs modifications? Will response times
To: City of Calimesa
Subject: Summerwind Ranch (Commons II) Specific Plan Amendment 4 and Addendum 3 – Peer Review A-5
Comment
No.
Document
Section No./Title
or Figure
(also include page number,
if appropriate)
Comments – Round 1 Applicant/Consultant Response
be affected? These types of questions should be adequately addressed in the Addendum.
25. Section 2.2.15 Public Services - Page 35-
36 Similar to the comment above, will the police have a chance to comment and review the project? Do they have the capacity to serve the annexed area? Will response times be affected? These types of questions should be adequately addressed in the Addendum.
26. Section 2.2.16 Recreation No comments; however, refer to comments #6 and #13 related to the word choice of “merely” and “was developed”.
27. Section 2.2.17 Transportation While the Project does not propose any new development initiatives, the EIR did identify significant and unavoidable LOS impacts related to the prior project. With the perspective that this Addendum will lead to annexation into the City, this Addendum should analyze the Project’s consistency with the City’s General Plan, particularly the Circulation Element and any other relevant long-range planning documents in order to determine consistency with Calimesa’s established goals and policies related to traffic.
In addition, and because an Addendum is a platform to document all past project issues, a brief discussion should be included regarding how the significant and unavoidable LOS impact has since been resolved. As written, this resolution is not clear. Information to support this discussion may be able to be extracted from related information in City’s staff reports when they subsequently certified the EIR and SEIR as their own.
28. Section 2.2.18 Tribal Cultural Resources No comments.
29. Section 2.2.19 Utilities/Service Systems –
Pages 42-43
The analysis section should state that the project site would continue to be served by YVWD and include reference to the will-serve
letter/correspondence from YVWD stating they have no comments.
30. Section 2.2.20 Wildfire – Page 44-45 Similar to the above comment regarding fire department review, please include additional details regarding how the City will address fire impacts and fire department comments/concerns.
To: City of Calimesa
Subject: Summerwind Ranch (Commons II) Specific Plan Amendment 4 and Addendum 3 – Peer Review A-6
Comment
No.
Document
Section No./Title
or Figure
(also include page number,
if appropriate)
Comments – Round 1 Applicant/Consultant Response
31. General Be clear throughout the Addendum that while the project components have been constructed, the project is not yet operational. Revise for clarification where appropriate. Recommend overall editing to ensure Figures/Tables do not split text.
Review language to include an “objective” standpoint and avoid using words that minimize the previously stated impacts (e.g., remove “merely,” or replace with “only”).
Replace terms such as “but” which contradict the previous text with “and” or “because”.
Include analysis that evaluates the approved development being incorporated into Calimesa and how that development would align with Calimesa’s regulations and long-range planning objectives.
32. Title Page “Subsequent” should be changed to “Supplemental”
Carlsbad
6790 Embarcadero Lane
Suite 100
Carlsbad, California 92011
760-918-9444
Fresno
4589 North Marty Avenue
Suite 102
Fresno, California 93722
559-228-9925
Los Angeles
250 East 1st Street
Suite 1400
Los Angeles, California 90012
213-788-4842
Monterey
80 Garden Court
Suite 240
Monterey, California 93940
831-333-0310
Oakland
66 Franklin Street
Suite 357 and 381
Oakland, California 94607
510-834-4455
Palm Springs
777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way
Suite 200-127
Palm Springs, California 92262
760-203-5120
Riverside
11801 Pierce Street
Suite 200
Riverside, California 92505
951-405-0979
Sacramento
601 University Avenue
Suite 221
Sacramento, CA 95825
916-706-137 4
San Diego
8825 Aero Drive
Suite 120
San Diego, California 92123
760-918-9444
San José
99 South Almaden Boulevard
San José, California 95113
408-577-3008
San Luis Obispo
1530 Monterey Street
Suite D
San Luis Obispo, California 93401
805-547-0900
Santa Barbara
319 East Carrillo Street
Suite 105
Santa Barbara, California 93101
805-319-4092
Ventura (headquarters)
180 North Ashwood Avenue
Ventura, California 93003
805-644-4455
Quali�ications for On-call
Environmental Consulting
Services
City of Gardena
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247
October 2025
UltraSystems Environmental, Inc.
HQ: 16431 Scienti�ic Way, Irvine, CA 92618
Satellite: 13376 Noel Road, Grass Valley, CA 95949
Proposal No. 251003
Corporate Office – Orange County Telephone: 949.788.4900 16431 Scientific Way, Irvine, CA 92618 Facsimile: 949.788.4901 Satellite – 13376 Noel Road, Grass Valley, CA 95949 Website: www.ultrasystems.com
1.0 SECTION 1 - COVER LETTER
October 29, 2025
Via Digital Submittal
City of Gardena
Attn: Jo-Anne Burns, Assistant Director of Community Development 1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247
SUBJECT: RFQ NO. 2026-03PL FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES Dear Ms. Burns,
UltraSystems Environmental , Inc. (“UltraSystems”) is pleased to submit our qualifications or proposal to the City of Gardena (“City”) to provide on -call professional environmental consulting services to satisfy the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) on future private development projects.
UltraSystems is a full -service planning and environmental consulting firm. Since our inception in 1994, we have successfully prepared more than 7,000 environmental compliance documents pursuant to CEQA/NEPA, as well as engineering studies, focused technical reports and peer reviews.
We give high-priority service to all of our clients with a policy of open communication and diligence.
We recognize the importance of this contract and have committed our high -caliber project management team for the upcoming program led from our Irvine office by Ms. Betsy A. Lindsay, MURP, the firm’s Founder/CEO and Principal-in-Charge, Ms. Hina Gupta, M Pl, LEED AP , Senior Project Manager, and Mr. Michael Milroy, MS, Deputy Project Manager.
UltraSystems is committed to successful project management, time management and project delivery of every project it undertakes. For that reason, it is our responsibility as a consultant to develop legally defensible environmental documents and to communicate our technical knowledge clearly and concisely to our client, and ultimately, to the general public.
As the Founder and CEO of UltraSystems, I am a duly authorized officer of the firm with the legal authority to bind and commit the firm to contractual obligations. This proposal remains in effect for a period of not less than 180 days from the date of submittal. Should you need any additional information, you can reach me via email at [email protected] or telephone at:
(949) 788-4900 ext. 227.
Sincerely,
UltraSystems Environmental, Inc.
Betsy A. Lindsay, MURP
Founder/CEO
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page ii
2.0 SECTION 2 – TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Section 1 - Cover Letter .......................................................................................................................... i
2.0 Section 2 – Table of Contents .............................................................................................................. ii
3.0 Section 3 – Scope of Services ............................................................................................................... 3
3.1 Firm Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 3
3.2 On-call Contracts ...................................................................................................................................... 4
3.3 UltraSystems Key Personnel ............................................................................................................... 5
3.4 Organizational Chart ............................................................................................................................... 8
4.0 Section 4 - Related Experience ........................................................................................................... 8
5.0 Section 5 – Sub-Consultants .............................................................................................................. 14
6.0 Section 6 – Qualifications and Capabilities ................................................................................. 15
6.1 Scope of Services .................................................................................................................................... 16
6.2 Understanding ......................................................................................................................................... 16
6.3 Approach ................................................................................................................................................... 16
6.4 Project Management ............................................................................................................................. 17
6.5 Project Controls ...................................................................................................................................... 18
6.6 Technical Analyses ................................................................................................................................ 19
6.7 Typical Environmental Document Process ................................................................................. 21
6.8 Peer Review Example ........................................................................................................................... 22
7.0 Section 7 – Fees/Cost (Separate) .................................................................................................... 23
8.0 Section 8 – Additional Information ................................................................................................ 23
8.1 Sample COI ................................................................................................................................................ 23
TABLES
Table 3.2-1 - On-Call Contracts Held by UltraSystems ............................................................................ 4 Table 3.3-1 – UltraSystems Key Personnel .............................................................................................. 5 Table 4.0-1 – UltraSystems 2024 Project List.......................................................................................... 9
APPENDICES
Appendix A Key Personnel Resumes
Appendix B Sample Peer Review
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 3
3.0 SECTION 3 – SCOPE OF SERVICES
3.1 Firm Introduction
UltraSystems Environmental, Inc. (UltraSystems®) is the right environmental consulting firm for the City because of our commitment to excellence and a proven track record of handling similar types of projects. In our role, UltraSystems has supported both Project Applicants and “Lead Agenc ies” in conducting technical studies and reviewing or producing environmental documents. Our professional staff provides hands -on guidance to our clients through CEQA/NEPA processes by designing approaches to compliance that are effective, creative, and pr actical. Our focus on implementing task orders pursuant to CEQA/NEPA is clearly defined at the initial project definition and carefully executed all the way through to final environmental approval.
UltraSystems brings to the City an immediate availability of technical depth and expertise necessary to fulfill all requirements for tasks related to environmental impact analysis. This expertise includes coordination with local, state, federal , and other governmental agencies; drafting legally defensible environmental documents; managing public participation programs; noticing; and incorporating environmental documents into the overall planning process. We see the key elements required under CEQA/NEPA Environmental Documentation Services to include:
• Preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents, ranging from Categorical Exemptions/Exclusions, Initial Studies/Mitigated Negative Declarations, EA/FONSIs to Environmental Impact Reports EIRs/EISs and Peer Reviews of documents prepared by others or the City; • Addressing existing conditions and identifying potential constraints; • Preparing technical studies and conducting field investigations (e.g., air quality, biological resources with bio constraints or sensitive species surveys, cultural resources, Native
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 4
American Consultation (AB 52) GHG, socioeconomic, noise, hydrology and water quality, land use, etc.) to support the CEQA/NEPA environmental documents; • Utilizing GIS to the greatest extent possible for analyzing spatial relationships of data; • Preparing and implementing mitigation monitoring and reporting programs; • Coordinating with external agencies and the public, as necessary; • Acting as an extension of City staff to complete environmental deliverables, and obtain regulatory approvals and permitting;
• Being familiar and in compliance with various agencies (i.e., Caltrans), and federally funded programs for public-agency initiated projects;
• Providing comprehensive outreach and stakeholder meetings; • Providing technical support during public hearings and to regulatory agencies; and • Performing mitigation or pre/post construction monitoring for environmental impacts.
Given the complexities of projects today, you can be assured that the UltraSystems Project Team is fully equipped to undertake the successful completion of all CEQA/NEPA project or program -level environmental documents for the City, as well as perform technical peer reviews on work products prepared by other consultants. UltraSystems is committed to providing a document that will meet the City’s environmental review obligations per CEQA/NEPA and local jurisdiction requirements.
3.2 On-call Contracts
UltraSystems is also well- versed in the on -call contracting process and exceeds performance expectations when project tasks arise. The following table depicts our current on-call environmental service contracts with over 45 public agencies. Our responsibilities on projects have included; (1) the successful management of numerous environmental CEQA/NEPA documents, (2) the preparation of technical studies, (3) extensive outreach with diverse communities and organizations, and (4) the processing of regulatory permits to ensure compliance with CEQA/NEPA, as well as applicable local, state and federal laws, minimized potential impacts that a project might have on the immediate environment.
CURRENT ON-CALL CONTRACTS HELD BY ULTRASYSTEMS
Local Jurisdictions: Altadena Public Library, Anaheim, Big Bear Lake, Colton, Costa Mesa, Fontana, Garden Grove, La Mesa, Laguna Beach, Los Angeles, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Oxnard, Rancho Cucamonga, Redding, Riverside, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, San Fernando, Santa Ana, Santa Rosa, Simi Valley, South Pasadena, Yucca Valley Counties: Kern, Los Angeles, Los Angeles Dept of Public Works & Parks and Recreation & Beaches and Harbors, Orange County Public Works & Regulatory, Riverside Facilities, San Bernardino, San Bernardino PW & Flood Control, and Ventura
School Districts: Anaheim ESD, Los Angeles USD, Los Angeles CCD, Long Beach, Norwalk-La Mirada, Orange USD, Palos Verdes Peninsula USD, San Dieguito, Santa Ana USD, UC Merced State Agencies: Judicial Council of California (JCC), Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD)
Airports: Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) | Ports: Port of San Diego Rotation List Authorities: Housing Authority County of Los Angeles (HACLA), Fresno Housing Authority, Stanislaus Regional Transit Authority (StanRTA), Housing Authority of County of San Joaquin (HACSJ)
Water Districts: The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, Coachella Valley Water District, Southern Clarita Valley Water Agency
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 5
3.3 UltraSystems Key Personnel
The UltraSystems project team will be led by experienced and senior-level staff, many with more than 25 years of technical expertise. Key personnel lead resumes are included in Appendix A and identified in the table below. All are currently available and have proven experience managing projects within the State of California. Our project team includes the right mix of urban and environmental planners (LEED AP, CGBP, QSD, etc.), scientists, archaeologists, biologists, environmental engineers, GIS specialists and support staff to perform all environmental analyses and monitoring. Our team is well- versed in CEQA and NEPA, regulatory permitting, environmental compliance monitoring, technical studies, engineering and construction constructability, and legal compliance to satisfy environmental laws and regulations, from initial project planning to construction, on through long-term operations.
Table 3.3-1
Key Personnel Roles for Projects/Tasks
Name/Title Project Role Yrs. Exp.
Management Leads
Betsy A. Lindsay, MURP, Founder/CEO Project Director/Principal Contract Administration, Resource Allocation 40
Hina Gupta, MPl, LEED AP
Senior Project Manager
Senior Project Manager
CEQA lead, Aesthetics, Visual Resources, Section
4(f), Land Use, Utilities, QA/QC, Public Outreach
17 Michael Milroy, MS, BS, Senior Planner Deputy Project Manager Population & Utilities, Farmlands, QA/QC 19
Technical Leads
Dr. Michael Rogozen, D. Env.
Senior Principal Engineer
Air Quality, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Health
Risk 49
Michelle Tollett, BA, ISA, Senior Biologist
Biological Resources, Surveys, Monitoring and
Management Studies, Coastal Resource
Monitoring
26 Allison Carver, BS, BA, Senior Biologist Regulatory Permitting and Compliance 24 Matthew Sutton, MS, ISA Biologist Biological Surveys, Habitat Restoration, Biological Mitigation and Management 19
Shaun Thornton, MS, BS, Staff Biologist Biological Resources 4 Scarlett Hensman, MS, Staff Biologist Biological Resources 4 Stephen Perkins, BS, Staff Biologist Biological Resources 1 Stephen O’Neil, MA, RPA
Principal Archaeologist
Cultural Resources, Archaeology, AB52, SHPO,
Tribal Coordination 46
Brent Johnson, MA, Historian Architectural Historian 25 Megan Black-Doukakis, MA, Assistant
Project Archaeologist Field Archaeologist 14
Billye Breckenridge, BA
Senior Planner
NEPA lead, GIS Spatial Analysis, Population and
Housing, Licensed Drone Pilot 26
Robert Reicher, MBA, ENV SP, Senior
Project Manager
Project Description, Recreation, Energy, Mineral
Resources, QA/QC 40
Stephen Chesterman, BEng
Principal GIS Consultant GIS, Document Control 34
Mike Lindsay, BS, Operations Director Noise and Vibration, EMF-EMI 29 Dan Herlihy, MS, PG, CEG, CHG
Consulting Engineer Hydrology and Water Quality 48
Steven Borjeson, BA, Senior Planner Land Use, Agriculture Resources, Community Growth, Socioeconomic, Environmental Justice 12
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 6
Name/Title Project Role Yrs. Exp.
Isha Shah, BA, Staff Engineer, Scientist Recreation, Climate Change Impacts and Adaption 5
Erik Segura, BS, Associate Planner Air Quality, Noise 6 Patricia Haigh, BS, BA, Staff Scientist Air Quality, Noise 2 Amir Ayati, BS, Staff Scientist Air Quality, Noise 10
Omar Sarsour, BS, PE, LSIT, Transportation
Engineer
Transportation planning, Surveyor and
Inspector 11
Subconsultants
Mark Drollinger, MEng, CSP, CHMM, EiT
Principal - Citadel EHS Phase I / Phase II ESA, Water Quality 30 Laura A. Tanaka , Principal – Converse
Consultants
Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous
Wastes/Materials 35
Tom Tang, MS, Principal – CRM Tech Architectural Historian, SHPO 30 Justin Tucker, BS, PE, TE, Associate Principal
- RK Engineering Traffic, Circulation, Parking 25
Tom Ryan, PE, Principal – Q3 Consultants Hydrology, SWPPP, Storm Water Monitoring 20 UltraSystems has selected an experienced management team for this contract. This team will provide high-quality technical studies and other deliverables, stay on track with schedules, on budget, and quickly and creatively resolve any issues that may arise during project activities.
BETSY LINDSAY, MURP | PRINCIPAL-IN-CHARGE
As UltraSystems’ Principal , Ms. Lindsay will ensure client satisfaction with all services provided by the UltraSystems Project Team under this contract to the City.
In this role, Ms. Lindsay will be responsible for assuring resources are available to complete this project within budget and on schedule. She will help oversee the quality assurance program and be the primary contact for all matters relating to the contract with the City, and its execution. Ms. Lindsay has over 40 years of experience, has successfully prepared over 500 environmental documents for a broad spectrum of projects, and has managed over 20 large -scale, on-call/as-needed contracts that have encompassed 1,000’s of task orders relating to public agency projects.
EDUCATION
MURP., Urban and Regional Planning, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, CA B.A., Geography, California State University, Long Beach, CA
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
• Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communications System (LA-RICS), Los Angeles County, CA - NEPA and CEQA Documentation
• Justice Administration Grants (JAG), Los Angeles, CA - NEPA/CEQA Documentation • Proposed Doheny Hotel, Dana Point, CA - EIR
• Emerald Meadows Ranch Specific Plan, Riverside County, CA - EIR • La Pata Park, San Clemente, CA – IS/MND
• Rose Hill Courts, Los Angeles, CA – Draft EIR /Draft EIS • Robertson’s Quarry Project, Kern County, CA – EIR/EIS
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 7
HINA GUPTA, MUP, LEED AP | SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER
Ms. Gupta is an urban and regional planner with over 1 7 years of experience in environmental planning for a variety of projects including master -planned development, multi -family housing, educational facilities, infrastructure and transportation. Ms. Gupta’s areas of expertise include Aesthetics and Visual Impact Analysis, Community Impact Assessment, Sustainable Land use and Transit Oriented Development, Streetscape Improvement, Architectural Design and Data Analysis. She evaluates environmental impacts of projects in accordance with CEQA and NEPA and prepares env ironmental documents, such as EIRs, EISs, IS/MNDs, and Baseline and Preliminary Environmental Studies. Ms. Gupta also supports project managers with coordination and conducting QA/QC reviews of environmental studies and reports.
EDUCATION
Master of Planning, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA B.Arch., Chandigarh College of Architecture, Chandigarh, India
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
• LEED Accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
• City of Fontana, Sierra Ave. Apartment – IS/MND
• City of Fontana, DCT Jurupa Logistics Center Distribution Center – Addendum • Related of California, Rose Hill Courts – EIR
• County of Los Angeles, Department of Public Works, Sheriff’s EVOC Center – IS/MND • Los Angeles Unified School District, Venice High School, Venice, CA – IS/MND • LAUSD, North Hollywood High School, North Hollywood, CA – IS/MND • LAUSD, Grant High School, Van Nuys, CA - IS/MND
• Murrieta Senior Living Facility, Murrieta, CA – IS/MND • Rose Hill Courts Modernization, Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles – IS/MND and
EA/FONSI
MICHAEL MILROY, MS | DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER/SENIOR PLANNER Mr. Milroy is a planner with over 18 years of experience in community and environmental planning. Mr. Milroy is trained in a variety of project types including residential, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, and specific plan projects. Mr. Milroy’s expertise includes California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) document preparation, project management, and review of supporting technical studies; including, but not limited to, Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs), Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and federally funded National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) documents.
EDUCATION
B.S., Biological Sciences, California State University Long Beach, 1999 M.S., Interdisciplinary Studies/Neuroscience, California State University Long Beach, 2004
PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATE
• Certificate, Environmental Management, University of California Irvine, 2013
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
• Rancho San Gorgonio Specific Plan, City of Banning, CA - EIR • Los Angeles Unified School District School Upgrade Program – EIR • Village Center, Garden Grove and Stanton, CA - MND
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 8
• Anaheim Transportation Network Bus Charging and Maintenance Facilities Project - CE • City of Commerce Transit Maintenance Facility Project - IS/MND and NEPA Categorical Exclusion
• General Plan Update, San Bernardino County, CA - EIR
• Mt. San Jacinto College [Menifee] Master Plan, Riverside, CA - EIR • Specific Plan, Southwest Fresno, CA - EIR
• Valley Boulevard Specific Plan, San Bernardino County, CA
3.4 Organizational Chart
The UltraSystems organizational chart below depicts personnel that would be working on future projects. All key individuals were selected based on their expertise and experience in servicing and supporting this specific contract. These key individuals have experience on projects throughout the region working with regulators on projects of a similar nature.
4.0 SECTION 4 - RELATED EXPERIENCE
UltraSystems presents a list of 2024 projects below with public agencies and private clients that demonstrate our team’s ability to manage similar projects, small to large.
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 9
Agency/Client Project Title Commenced Project Contact
City of Laguna Beach Biological Resources Survey and Habitat Evaluation Report (Spring 2024)
01/08/24 Amber Dobson
City of Fontana Boyle Truck Repair 01/15/24 Mai Thao
Housing Authority of the
City of Los Angeles (HACLA)
HACLA Project - 5 01/17/24 Christopher Yenson
Housing Authority of the
City of Los Angeles (HACLA)
HACLA Project – 11 Projects CEQA CE + NOE 01/23/24 Christopher Yenson City of San Clemente –
Beaches, Parks & Recreation
Department
Richard T. Steed Memorial Park/Pickleball Courts
- Addendum
01/29/24 Samantha Wiley
City of San Bernardino,
Public Works Department
Carousel Mall ESA- Phase II 02/14/24 Azzam Jabsheh
TKE Engineering, Inc. Construction Management and Inspection Services for Reservoir Seismic Upgrade
02/19/24 Terry Renner
Laguna Beach Unified
School District
Laguna Beach High School Pool Modernization 03/14/24 Ryan Zajda Los Angeles County Public
Works
Sawpit Debris Dam Seismic Strengthening Project 03/21/24 Travis Wylde Housing Authority of the
City of Los Angeles (HACLA)
HACLA Project – 1 Projects CEQA CE + NOE 05/01/24 Alayna Santos Los Angeles County Public
Works
Malibu Beach Pump Station Backup Generator,
Waterworks District No. 29
05/14/24 Haik Nercessian
City of Rolling Hills Estates George F. Canyon Nature Center and Stein/Hale Nature Trail
05/14/24 David Wahba
City of San Clemente CEQA Environmental Review for Increase in Driving Range Fencing
05/30/24 Amir Ilkhanipour
City of Moreno Valley Cottonwood Basin Regulatory Permitting for Maintenance Work
06/12/24 Quang Nguyen
David Beckwith and
Associates, Inc.
RivCo Parks Biological Surveys for Encampment
Debris Removal SARB (Santa Ana River Bottom)
06/12/24 David Beckwith
Chris Maffris with Holt &
Main L.P.
Holt & Main Housing Development, Pomona 06/13/24 Natalie Ikhrata Atlas Development Pioneer Place Mixed Use Project 06/21/24 Raymond Zhang National Core Renaissance Grace Vista Affordable Housing Project - Biological Assessment
06/25/24 Taylor Varner
City of West Hollywood Metro K Line Northern Extension - DEIR Peer Review and Technical Environmental Support
Services
07/10/24 David Fenn
City of San Bernardino HUD Part 58 Environmental Training 07/23/24 Ramon Mendez DuBose Design Group, Inc. Westmorland Site – 21 acres | AQ, GHG, HRA, Noise
07/23/24 Tom DuBose
City of San Bernardino Environmental Training – CEQA for City Staff 07/23/24 Ramon Mendez Judicial Council of California Stanley Mosk Courthouse Realignment and Reactivation
08/01/24 Hilda Iorga
Riverside County Flood
Control & Water
Conservation District
Temecula Creek-Morgan Valley Wash – Stage 3
Project - Environmental and Regulatory Support
Services
08/05/24 Gabriella Tolley
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 10
Agency/Client Project Title Commenced Project Contact
City of Fontana Forge Studios and Innovation Lab Project DE-24- 161-SP
08/05/24 Sid Lambert
County of Ventura – Public
Works Agency
Las Posas Road at E. Fifth St Intersection
Improvements - STPLR-7500(290)
09/04/24 Sohil Bhakta
RHA Landscape Architects
Planners, Inc.
Bike Lane and Trail Program – Ronald Regan
Sports Park Trails PW22-05
09/06/24 Doug Grove
IDS Group University Wash at Fairmount Park 09/13/24 Adrian Anderson DRP Engineering, Inc. Live Oak Pipeline Replacement Project 09/23/24 Denny Ng Anser Advisory
Management, LLC
Construction Management Support Services For
Battery Electric - Bus Charger Infrastructure
10/28/24 Suzie Bravo
Ardurra Replacement of Two Existing Mobile Generators
with Two Permanent Generators, Required
Permitting
11/06/24 Anissa Voyiatzes
AKM Engineering 5121 Myra Avenue – Pump Station 1 11/11/24 Nadeem Maja National Core Renaissance 327 N. Harbor Site Project - Cultural and Paleontological Resource Monitoring
11/11/24 Ashley Wright
City of San Bernardino Guiterrez Park CE/NOE (CEQA) and CE (NEPA) 12/10/24 Ramon Mendez City of San Bernardino Encanto Park CE/NOE (CEQA) and CE (NEPA) 12/10/24 Ramon Mendez City of San Bernardino Encanto Park – Community Center CE/NOE (CEQA) and CE (NEPA)
12/10/24 Ramon Mendez
City of San Bernardino Ruben Campos – Community Center CE/NOE (CEQA) and CE (NEPA)
12/10/24 Ramon Mendez
City of Moreno Valley,
Public Works
Cottonwood Avenue Adobe – Historical
Assessment and Recommendations
12/17/24 Quang Nguyen
In addition, UltraSystems presents the select projects below that depict in -depth experience demonstrating our team in action in the region for public agencies and private developers.
IS/EA & EIR/EIS FOR THE ROSE HILL COURTS
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Client: Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) Contact: Dhiraj Narayan
Address: 2600 Wilshire Boulevard, 4th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90057
Phone: 213-252-2040
Email: [email protected]
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Duration: April 2018-September 2020
Manager: Betsy Lindsay
Project No./Cost: 6022A/$487,693
Project Team: S. O’Neil (Cultural), M. Tollett (Biology), H. Gupta (Planning), M. Partridge (Planning) M. Rogozen (Air/Noise), (GIS)
T
he Rose Hill Courts Redevelopment project was located on a
5.24-ac
re site. The project site was bounded by Florizel Street to
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 11
the north; McKenzie Avenue to the east; Mercury Avenue to the south; and Boundary Avenue to the west. A driveway ran in an east-
west direction across the middle of the project bisecting it into two parts: the northern part and the southern part. The site was developed with a total of 15 buildings, comprised of 14 residential buildings with 100-
multi
-
family units, and one administration building.
The project consisted of the demolition of 100 existing units and 1 administration building and the construction of 191 affordable housing units that were developed in two phases. Proposed improvements included the following: 191 affordable housing units, 176 parking spaces, property management and maintenance office, and new landscaping.
U
ltraSystems prepared an Initial Study and EIR for the CEQA portion for this project as well as an Environmental Assessment and Environmental Impact Statement for the NEPA portion of this project. The Initial Study was prepared by UltraSystems in compliance with the CEQA to scope out the environmental topics for which the project had either a less than significant impact or no impact for all of the thresholds under each respective issue area. Issues in the IS that were found to have a potentially significant impact were analyzed in the EIR prepared for the project. The EIR focused only on those environmental topics that were found to be potentially significant based on the findings of the Initial Study.
A Final EIR was also prepared by UltraSystems. Additionally, the Rose Hill Courts Redevelopment project was subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA); therefore, UltraSystems prepared an Environmental Assessment to analyze the effects of the project on the environment and the potential environmental impacts of the proposed action and project alternatives. Subsequently UltraSystems prepared the EIS and FEIS for the project. UltraSystems was also responsible for preparing several technical studi es and analysis for the project, including the air quality and greenhouse gas emissions analysis, the Biological Resources Evaluation, the Phase I Cultural Resources Survey, a Traffic Impact Study, ambient noise measurement data, public services information request letters, energy calculations, and Paleontological Records Search. Additionally, UltraSystems was responsible for the public noticing and distribution of notices for this project and participated in several public outreach meetings for this project. Due to the project being infill development surrounded by homes and other land uses, the project’s Traffic Impact Study analyzed the potential project impacts regarding traffic flow in the project area. On November 26, 2019, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles approved a resolution certifying the EIR for the project and adopted the environmental findings of fact for the project. This work effort was completed in early 2020.
Links:
IS: https://files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/96822-
3/attachment/sIVGIcpc0pv4bJ_qtmjLPUz8pWR9IhdoViWuvgvoq8PTqZLMgYRJMj8L0rVL6_gWs0Z 5aMY35I1t3sql0
EIR: https://files.ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/96822-
3/attachment/qcxBqBGjst1s5s4NPdM0lxMgsuFfUqNYbHLR_ZNHxDYks_XOM2UYf-HDQFHV4X5y- p-up0dtuVcp6Dyf0
IS/EIR FOR THE ORO VISTA ESTATES PROJECT
Client: The Code Solution
Contact: David Park, TCS Land Use & Entitlements Consultant Address: 800 W. 6th Street, Suite 1250, Los Angeles, CA 90017 Phone: 213/537-0158
Email: [email protected]
Location: Los Angeles, CA
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 12
Duration: February 2019 through January 2022
Manager: Betsy Lindsay
Project No./Cost: 7002/$184,250
Project Team: S. O’Neil (Cultural), A. Carver (Biology/Geology & Soils), H. Flores (Biology), H. Gupta and M. Partridge
(Environmental Analysis), M. Rogozen (Air/GHG/Noise), B.
Breckenridge (GIS) and P. Burgett (Word Processing)
The Oro Vista Estates Project was proposed in the Lincoln Heights neighborhood, approximately 5 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles. The approximately 31 -acre Project Site was bound by Lincoln Park Avenue to the west and Amethyst Street to the east, Lincoln High School to the south and Eva Terrace to the north.
UltraSystems was hired by Client, The Code Solution, to complete an Initial Study, Environmental Impact Report, and supporting technical studies for biological resources, jurisdictional waters, a ir quality/greenhouse gases, cultural resources, noise, energy.
The Oro Vista Estates Project proposed site grading and the construction of a small lot subdivision of 310 homes. Potential project amenities included: a transportation hub to serve the surrounding community, improvements to public streets and intersection s surrounding the development, improvements to the facilities of Abraham Lincoln High School, dedication of land and creation of useful open space around the perimeter of the development to create scenic buffer areas, nature trails, green belts, and rest areas, a 12,004 square -foot community center including a clubhouse/recreational area, and a 46,016 square-foot park. The City of Los Angeles was the Lead Agency for the purposes of CEQA.
ADDENDUM TO THE WESTGATE SPECIFIC PLAN EIR FOR THE
FONTANA VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
Client: City of Fontana
Contact: Rina Leung, Associate Planner
Address: 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335-3528
Phone: (909) 350-6566
Email: [email protected]
Location: Fontana, CA
Duration: January 2019 – September 2019
Manager: Hina Gupta
Project No./Cost: 6096/$65,740
Project Team: S. O’Neil (Cultural), H. Gupta (Planning), M.
Partridge (Planning), M. Rogozen (Air/Noise)
The City of Fontana processed applications for a variety of entitlements which facilitated the development of the Fontana Victoria residential project, a 193 -unit, single -family residential detached cluster project on a then currently vacant site. The Fontana Victoria residential project consisted of approximately 21.7 acres in the City of Fontana, County of San Bernardino, California. The Fontana Victoria residential project was proposed at the southeast corner of Victoria Street and San Bernardino Cou nty Flood Control Channel (portion of APN 0228 091 07). The Fontana Victoria residential project application was for a General Plan Amendment, Specific Plan Amendment, Tentative Tract Map, and Design Review.
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 13
The Fontana Victoria residential project proposed an addendum to the Westgate Specific Plan (WSP) Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) in compliance with California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Fontana Victoria residential project was located in the Planning Area 51, within the Westgate Specific Plan area. Development of the Fontana Victoria residential project was subject to the community design guidelines contained in Chapter 5 of the WSP. The Fontana Victoria residential project involved the construction of 193 detached condominiums on the project site. Associated site improvements included but were not limited to utility infrastructure, community amenities, landscaping, and exterior lighting.
UltraSystems was retained by the City of Fontana to prepare an Addendum to the WSP that analyzed the physical environmental effects of the Fontana Victoria residential project, including planning, construction, and operational phases. Additionally, UltraSystems prepared the technical analysis for the project including an air quality/greenhouse gas analysis, a Screening Level Health Risk Assessment, Cultural Resources Assessment, habitat assessment, Arborist Report, and Noise Impact Assessment. UltraSystems also conducted a peer review of the Phase I and Limited Phase II Environmental Site Assessments. The project was approved by the Fontana City Council on September 10, 2019.
Link:
https://fonopengislayers.fontana.org/WebLink/DocView.aspx?id=1763704&dbid=0&repo=Fontan aRecords&cr=1
UltraSystems also recognizes that Target is one of Gardena’s top employers and would like to showcase an older, relevant project we completed for another public agency as well.
INITIAL STUDY & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT
TARGET RETAIL STORE
Client: City of San Clemente
Contact: Amber Gregg, Associate Planner
Address: 910 Calle Negocio, #100, San Clemente, CA 92673 Phone: (949) 361-8200
Email: [email protected]
Location: San Clemente
Duration: April 2010 to August 2010
Manager: Betsy Lindsay
Project No./Cost: 5729/$94,032
Project Team: M. Rogozen (Noise, Air, GHG), M. Tollett
(Biology), H. Gupta (Planning), S. O’Neil (Cultural), C. Schaffer (GIS), & M. Lindsay (Noise, QA/QC)
The Target Corporation proposed to develop an approximately 142,000 -square-foot retail store on
14.79 acres of undeveloped land within the City of San Clemente. A General Plan Amendment and a Specific Plan Amendment were proposed by the applicant to change the site zoning from Residential Medium to Neighborhood Commercial. In addition, the project required the approval of multiple permits including variances, conditional use permits (CUPs), and signage permits. UltraSystems was retained by the City of San Clemente to provide CEQA consulting services. UltraSystems prepared air quality, greenhouse gas, and cultural technical studies, and peer -reviewed biological resources, geotechnical, traffic impact, and visual simulations technical studies prepared by other consultants for the project.
UltraSystems prepared the Initial Study, led a public scoping meeting, prepared the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), and circulated the document for public review. The EIR found that development
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 14
as proposed had the potential to cause significant impacts on aesthetics, air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, and hazards and hazardous materials. Feasible mitigation measures were identified to reduce related impacts to below significant levels. Through extensive ambient noise measurements and detailed traffic noise modeling, UltraSystems demonstrated that noise impacts on nearby sensitive receptors would be less than significant and no mitigation was required. The EIR was certified as adequate by the City Council, and the project was approved. The EIR was completed on time and within budget.
5.0 SECTION 5 – SUB-CONSULTANTS
UltraSystems may augment our in-house technical capabilities from highly qualified and experienced subconsultant partners who retain complementary skills to enhance our broad range of environmental disciplines that may be required on future projects. We have established enduring relationships with our outside specialists with whom we collaborate often to address specific project needs.
CITADEL EHS | PHASE I ESA, PHASE II
Citadel EHS (Citadel) is a market -leading, employee- owned Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) consulting firm that understands how the ‘built environment’ is developed, operated, occupied, and, eventually, deconstructed. Citadel EHS is dedicated to protecting the employees that build and occupy those structures and the environment in which they sit. We provide unique, integrative approaches to Environmental, Health, and Safety challenges for the entire life cycle of a project—from concept to completion , design to development. Our expert team possesses an integrative knowledge base of Architecture, Industrial Hygiene, Safety, Construction, Geology, Sustainability and more that together ensure the most comprehensive strategy and solution for our clients. No matter the project, we assess our client’s challenges, resolve them in a cost -effective manner, and strengthen their businesses. Our founders set these high standards for technical excellence and integrative expertise back when the company was founded i n 1993; however, it was their dedication to customer service that became the foundation for everything we do —caring for the people we serve and the work we do. We believe in putting people first, and doing what’s right, always.
CONVERSE CONSULTANTS | HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS WASTES/MATERIALS The Converse Consulting Group, dba Converse Consultants, an environmental and geotechnical consulting services firm, was established nearly 80 years ago by Caltech Professor Frederick J. Converse, who developed many innovative techniques and products for varied and complex issues. Today’s Converse is a Small- and Minority- owned business that includes in -house geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, environmental scientists, deputy inspectors, laboratory and field technicians, drafting/CAD specialists, and other specialized support personnel. Our laboratories are certified by the Division of the State Architect (DSA), California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), US Army Corps of Engineers, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), and the Cement and Concrete Reference Laboratory (CCRL). A registered civil engineer supervises each lab to ensure all of our equipment is calibrated regularly, and quality control is available 24/7. Whatever the challenge, Converse can meet all your geotechnical and materials testing needs
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 15
CRM TECH | HISTORICAL RESOURCES, ARCHITECTURAL HISTORIAN, SHPO
COORDINATION
CRM TECH was established in 1993 to provide a broad range of services for managing cultural resources throughout California. The services provided by CRM TECH include all phases of archaeological, paleontological, and historical investigations, including record sea rches; literature reviews; cultural resource elements of general plans, specific plans, and environmental impact reports; consultation with public agencies; Native American scoping; historical and ethnohistorical research; archaeological, paleontological, and historical surveys; recording archaeological resources; historic building documentation and evaluations; test phase excavations to evaluate the significance of archaeological and paleontological sites; document and archival research to determ ine the significance of historic- period sites; mitigation/data recovery site excavations; and monitoring of earth moving/heavy equipment operations in sensitive areas. All of these services can be implemented following CEQA, NHPA and Caltrans guidelines as needed. CRM Tech uses up -to-date technologies and keeps up with the latest paradigms of the history, prehistory, and paleontology of the region.
RK ENGINERRING | TRANSPORTATION, CIRCULATION AND ACCESS RK Engineering Group, Inc. (RK) is a full -service transportation engineering firm that designs strategies to effectively manage traffic flow and parking demand for vehicles arriving and departing your facility. RK uniquely combines engineering expertise and professionalism with creative thinking and innovative problem solving. The result is an extraordinary transportation engineering firm that possesses requisite expertise as well as the ability to look across disciplinary boundaries for solutions others may overlook. This innovative approach is evident by the breadth of services available to RK engineering group, inc.’s diverse clientele that includes regional governments, counties, cities, special districts, school districts, community associations, private developers and contractors, engineering and planning firms. Each client receives what RK E ngineering Group, Inc. is known for on time, on target, on budget professional service.
Q3 CONSULTING | HYDROLOGY, SWPPP, STORM WATER MONITORING Q3 Consulting was started by three engineers whose careers have focused on providing the highest quality of services in the stormwater practice. Combined with more than 70 years of professional experience, including 16 years working hand-in- hand together, the principal s of Q3 are an established team with an extensive background in the planning, analysis, design, and management of comprehensive flood control/stormwater-related projects, solving a diverse range of challenges and issues for both public and private sector clients throughout California as well as in several other states, including Nevada and Arizona.
6.0 SECTION 6 – QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES
As a small business, UltraSystems has a clear understanding of the advantages we offer over teams dominated by large corporate firms with layers of decision makers. We are confident that our extensive project management experience will bring the kind of management and technical expertise required to meet and exceed the City’s needs for this contract . UltraSystems has a well-established strategy and is committed to driving transformational changes that foster a diverse, equitable, and inclusive firm.
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 16
SUMMARY OF SERVICES PROVIDED
Planning Services
Zoning and Special Purpose
Legislation
Opportunities and
Constraints Analysis
Urban Land Use Studies
Graphics/Visual Impacts
and Studies
Conditional Use Permit
Drafting
CEQA/NEPA Compliance
EIR and EIS Documentation
Mitigation Monitoring
Citizen Participation
Permits and Entitlements
Regulatory Compliance
Environmental Compliance
Mitigation Monitoring
Biological Resources
Cultural Resources
Hazardous Materials
Construction Environmental
Management
Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Planning
Hazardous Building
Materials
Grading/Trenching
Monitoring
Hazardous Waste
Phase I, Phase II ESAs
Remedial Action Plans
Brownfields
Technical Studies
Aesthetics
Air Quality
Archaeological Resources
Biological Resources
FAA/ALUC
Geotechnical/Geologic/Soils
Greenhouse Gas Studies
Health Risk Assessments
Hydrology
Infrastructure Analysis
Paleontological Resources
Mineral Resources Studies
Noise Evaluations & Analysis
Socioeconomics
Utility Studies
Water Pollution Evaluation
6.1 Scope of Services
Preparing and reviewing CEQA and NEPA documents is our core service at UltraSystems. This expertise involves coordination with local, state, federal and other governmental agencies; management of public participation programs; issuance of required legal notices; and incorporation of the document into the overall planning process. Once environmental clearance is obtained, UltraSystems works closely with the lead agency and the staff of regulatory agencies to obtain environmentally related permits for the new or modified roadway or facility. Finally, during construction and often after, UltraSystems provides field monitors to ensure that mitigation measures are carried out properly and that permit conditions are being followed.
6.2 Understanding
UltraSystems understands Gardena to be the “City of Opportunity” for their community. Thus, UltraSystems will uphold the City in reaching their goals if selected including the following:
• DS Goal 1 Enhance the visual environment and create a positive image of the City. • DS Goal 3 Improve the vitality of designated commercial corridors with well designed mixed- use development that attractively blends commercial retail, office and residential uses in design and development features.
• DS Goal 5 Improve the aesthetic quality of the industrial environment for both workers and residents of the City.
6.3 Approach
UltraSystems approaches the preparation of each environmental document with an emphasis on quality, thoroughness of analysis, and rigorous oversight. We offer our clients proactive solutions that emphasize the anticipation and resolution of environmental issues early in the planning process, when the applicant has the greatest flexibility to design the project in a way that avoids or minimizes costly permitting and mitigation requirements.
UltraSystems is committed to applying a well -honed project management approach, effective and transparent cost/schedule/control protocols, and quality assurance/quality control procedures on
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 17
all assignments. UltraSystems ensures that the CEQA/NEPA compliance documents we prepare comprehensively characterize all relevant aspects of the proposed project, communicate to the reader the environmental consequences of the subject project, and present the measures developed to mitigate their level of significance in a manner which is clear, concise, and readable. Our promise to the City is that we will commit the firm’s resources to ensure that the subject environmental document proceeds on schedule, with no costly delays in processing or review time.
UltraSystems would be responsible for identifying the project’s environmental regulatory requirements, assisting in their compliance, and tracking and reporting on compliance status.
UltraSystems has a deep understanding of environmental issues and the or ganizational skills to translate the requirements into a clearly understandable set of project tasks that can be evaluated and tracked in both design and construction.
6.4 Project Management
UltraSystems has worked closely with municipal and state governments, transportation authorities, and other agencies and stakeholders to assess environmental effects, identify mitigation measures and facilitate project approval. We apply these principles on all levels of CEQA/NEPA documentation.
To expedite the environmental compliance process, our professional staff utilizes a process of streamlined techniques designed to expedite each process and save our clients from additional project expenditures or unnecessary project delays.
As with any project undertaken, the UltraSystems project team will implement each project in an orderly manner, technical service assignment to ensure that the most qualified staff will be assigned to work activities. Our Project Manager immediately communicates to each designated staff a clearly defined task assignment and his/her area of responsibility on a project as coordinated in a Project Management Plan (PMP). Generally, the PMP includes: (1) an overall work flow chart identifying the critical path; (2) a detailed description of each task order; (3) a detailed schedule for each work task; (4) a detailed breakdown of the costs for each task; (5) a detailed staffing plan for each task; (6) a communication protocol; (7) quality assurance and quality con trol plan; (8) monthly progress reports to the City; (9) project meetings; (10) communications with the City and other entities; and (11) subcontracts with our teaming partners. The PMP will be the basis against which a specific project status and progress will be measured and reported to the City.
Once a task order is issued from the City, the UltraSystems team will mobilize quickly to commence work activities. Dependent on the complexity of project assignment(s) Betsy A. Lindsay /Hina Gupta will develop and implement a project management plan (PMP) for each assignment. The PMP will contain an orderly, structured process for identifying, scheduling, and coordinating all specific line items within the Work Plan. The assigned PM will be responsible for ensuring that the highest - quality work products a re prepared for the approved costs. The PMP will be specific to each individual task order and will be designed to meet the criteria for all environmental, engineering, environmental compliance, and regulatory requirements.
A prototypical timeline for preparation of UltraSystems CEQA/NEPA documents is presented below.
CEQA
1. Categorical Exclusions (CE): 4-6 weeks
2. Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND): 4-6 months
3. Environmental Impact Report (EIR): 12-24 months depending on project’s complexity NEPA
1. Categorical Exclusion (CatEx): 30-60 days depending on Tribal and SHPO consultation
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 18
2. Environmental Assessment/Finding of No Significant Impact (EA/FONSI):4-8 months
3. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS): 12- 24 months depending on project’s complexity
6.5 Project Controls
Project Scheduling. The project schedule will be prepared in Microsoft Project® software by the CEQA/NEPA Project Manager (PM) and will identify timelines for completion of all project tasks and deliverables. This type of tracking system provides UltraSystems with real -time project costs and scheduling information. The schedules are updated weekly and transmitted to all technical support leads working on that project. When required, the schedule is updated with project modifications as they occur. UltraSystems’ CEQA/NEPA PM will meet with each technical support lead assigned to each project to ensure that the PMP is thoroughly understood and adhered to by staff and/or subconsultants.
Accounting System | Monthly Progress Report. UltraSystems uses Peachtree by Sage, Complete Accounting System, accounting software which enables a centralized accounting department to process all necessary accounting functions, to achieve effective cost control during project execution.
Our progressive web-based project accounting system accurately tracks labor charges, subcontractor costs, and other direct expenses and accounts receivable. The progress report will be prepared monthly, depending upon the sp ecific project, and will be attached to the progressive billing to the County.
Communication Protocols. As Senior Project Manager, Hina Gupta, MPI, LEED AP, would be the primary point of contact with the City. Direct communication between team members and the City would not be permitted, unless specifically requested by City staff. Routine communications between the City and the UltraSystems PM will be primarily by email, with the subject line clearly relevant to the message or issue discussed. Emails will be routinely used to apprise the City of project issues and progress in completing various tasks. Emails will be saved in the UltraSystems project database in chronological order and become part of the administrative record. When we have any agency consultation, we will use email and written records of conversation to document cont act with regulatory and responsible agencies having jurisdiction over the project. UltraSystems has established direct contact with numerous agencies for data, expertise, and assistance in developing baseline information and resource inventories and the pr oject administrative record will be made available to the City upon request.
Document Control. UltraSystems will use a computer -based document management and control system for this City contract. Our system provides a repository for all relevant technical documentation that includes reliable security, version control, review cycle, availability an d a controlled reliable audit trail. UltraSystems will provide the City specific procedures for secure access, retrieving, routing and distribution of project information.
UltraSystems Safety Program. A critical element for any project undertaken by UltraSystems is the safety of our employees, as well as the environment in which they work. Our firm provides a safe and healthy place of employment, and complies with the laws, rules and regulations of federal, state and local governments regarding safe practices.
Quality Assurance. UltraSystems strategy to produce the highest level of deliverables to the City involves implementation of our Quality Assurance/Quality Control Program (QA/QC). Our Quality Assurance Manager, Mike Lindsay , reports directly to the Founder/CEO, Betsy Lindsay . Our Program will provide independent review of our project team’s quality control procedures, which include: (1) technical reviews to verify that the concept is technically sound and economically feasible; (2) coordination reviews and interdisciplinary checks to identify and eliminate
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 19
discrepancies, conflicts, or inconsistencies; (3) independent checks by planners, environmental experts, and engineers who are not assigned to the project. The core concept of UltraSystems QA/QC plan is that independent peer reviews will also be conducted for all reports, work products and deliverables prior to their submittal to the City. Quality assurance objectives are clearly defined for each project undertaken by UltraSystems to ensure: (1) a high -level of accuracy of the data and any related materials; (2) quality of work products; (3) comparability, and (4) completeness of the work product so that predefined goals of the project are met. No deliverable leaves UltraSystems without at least two review cycles by two different senior level staff.
6.6 Technical Analyses
UltraSystems has invaluable experience with diverse technical capabilities to assist our clients with their planning, permitting, and environmental obligations. Our CEQA/NEPA planners are supported by in- house specialists in the areas of biological resources, endangered and threatened species, botany, wetlands, earth sciences, agricultural resources, cultural resources, aesthetics, noise, air quality, and historical resources. UltraSystems utilizes its involvement in the design and development of major proj ects in the State of California to identify and creatively resolve environmental issues. The UltraSystems project team possesses the experience and expertise to perform the following technical studies.
Biological Resources. UltraSystems biologists provide full -scope biological resource services utilizing our certified, licensed, and accredited personnel. Our services include focused field surveys:
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping; habitat assessments for threatened, endangered and sensitive plants and animals; habitat restoration; and resource management and monitoring plans. Our Natural Resources Unit handles a wide variety of projects from commercial and industrial properties to government and public projects. We are well versed in the California and Federal Endangered Species Acts (ESA) as well as threatened and endangered species survey protocols. We have provided baseline studies of natural resources, mitigation plans, permit support, and restoration services. UltraSystems can provide these services on a full- time or on-call basis.
Regulatory Permitting . UltraSystems experience includes assessments to determine which regulatory permits are necessary, and interfaces with the appropriate regulatory agencies to acquire permits, including a Water Quality Standards Certification pursuant to § 401 of the CWA; a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit pursuant to § 402 of the CWA; an Application for Department of the Army Permit pursuant to § 404 of the CWA; and a Lake or Streambed Alteration Agreement pursuant to §§ 1600 through 1616 of the California State Fish and Game Code.
Clean Water Act Permits. UltraSystems has a strong in-house capability for providing various types of consulting support to our clients for water resource planning and compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA). We are experienced in developing and implementing mitigation for water conveyance plans; water quality management plans; storm water pollution and prevention plans; and wetland delineations. UltraSystems staff can develop and implement habitat restoration plans; conduct water quality testing and monitoring; provide surface and groundwater consulting services; and obtain Section 401/404 regulatory permits, streambed alteration agreements, and water quality certifications for our clients.
Cultural Resources. UltraSystems provides a full range of cultural resource management services, addressing all phases of architectural and archaeological investigations. Our capabilities include archival research, historic archaeology, prehistoric archaeology, architectural history, viewshed impact analyses, NEPA documentation, Section 106 Consultation, Assembly Bill (AB) 52 tribal consultation outreach, Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS)/ Historic American Engineering
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 20
Record (HAER) documentation, remote sensing, bioarcheology, geomorphology, and contaminated/hazardous archaeological site investigation.
Air Quality Analysis/Noise Studies. UltraSystems regional planners and engineers provide technical support in the areas of air quality impact assessment, noise impact assessment, and vibration analyses. UltraSystems noise analysts have significant familiarity with standard methods for calculating and assessing noise levels generated by vehicle traffic, aircraft operations, construction equipment and vehicles, and other types of project development emission sources.
UltraSystems’ noise analysts are capable of modeling project scenarios to assess and compare potential noise impacts for build-out years and future projected years. In addition, our noise analysts can model sound barriers to identify the length, height, and positioning required minimizing project noise impacts on sensitive receivers.
Community Impact/Socio-Economic Assessments. UltraSystems staff have a strong record of performing community impact and socio-economic assessments on high-profile projects. We have a large portfolio of project experience that involves projects that have the potential for increased demand for infrastructure and public services, and which address sustainable development, neighborhood compatibility, and affordable housing. Aspects of such assessments require the analysis of a project’s consistency with State law and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) process, as well as evaluating environmental justice concerns.
Traffic, VMT Screening. UltraSystems staff are adept at working with transportation engineers for the purpose of analyzing project -level and programmatic construction and operational impacts to traffic to assess transportation and mobility issues for environmental documentation. Utilizing existing data on traffic conditions from various local and regional agencies (e.g., cities and counties) and by conducting as-needed traffic counts, UltraSystems compiles a summary of the local/regional circulation system for any given site location(s).
Visual Impact Analysis. UltraSystems staff routinely prepare visual simulations for proposed projects. Key viewpoints are photographed, and a simulation is prepared to show a comparison between the existing condition and the proposed condition. UltraSystems Visual Resource specialists also use computer-generated mass modeling, photographs, and graphic representations (e.g., power line corridor and solar farm photos) to predict and describe impacts to scenic resources such as highways, major view corridors and public views, community specific public and neighborhood views, hiking trails, and wilderness areas.
GIS Mapping. UltraSystems in-house GIS team specializes in building cost-effective, spatially aware, decision support tools by integrating GIS with traditional software applications. UltraSystems routinely supports the data collection, mapping, and spatial analysis requirements for CEQA and NEPA environmental compliance, permit application, wetland delineation, focused threatened and endangered species surveys and monitoring, and habitat restoration. The general GIS services we provide include, but are not limited to, data collection and conversion, mapping, spatial analysis, modeling, aerial photography analysis, 3D visualization and animation.
Energy Conservation . UltraSystems will prepare an energy conservation assessment for the proposed project per the most recent version of the CEQA Guidelines. The analysis will briefly summarize electricity, natural gas, and petroleum energy sources and the relevant regulator y framework.
Geotechnical Studies. Utilizing available literature and studies conducted within a project area (e.g., aerial photography, reconnaissance and geologic mapping), UltraSystems provides preliminary geological and geotechnical engineering investigations. UltraSystems can describ e existing geologic
PROPOSAL | 251003 Gardena Page 21
structures and topographic and soil characteristics of the project area in both graphic and narrative formats. Project area seismicity is evaluated, including identification of active and potentially active faults, design considerations (which may impact project development), and liquefaction potential.
Hazardous Waste Assessment. UltraSystems Project Team can provide consulting services relating to the identification of hazardous materials, including Phase I environmental due-diligence, Phase II site characterization studies and Phase III remediation plans. Some of these assessments are included as part of the CEQA process and many are performed for ongoing businesses or property ownership transfers.
Utility System Studies . Since most development activities result in an increase in the quantity of materials discharged to the storm drain and sanitary sewer system, and increased demands for potable water resources, it is often necessary to determine the availability of adequate infrastructure capacity to accommodate project -related and cumulative development impacts. UltraSystems conducts all requisite engineering (e.g., hydrology and hydraulic) studies that may be required by permitting agencies and special districts to quantify project-specific demands and evaluate impacts upon affected utility systems.
6.7 Typical Environmental Document Process
An abbreviated summary of UltraSystems preparation of CEQA/NEPA environmental documents includes the following components and contains five stages: (1) project scoping; (2) development of the environmental review process; (3) drafting the environmental documents; (4) finalizing that document; and (5) the permitting process.
Scoping. UltraSystems would develop and implement a variety of scoping programs modeled to the specific needs of an individual project. Scoping activities are conducted to identify environmental impacts that project implementation may bring about; to identify all discretionary actions required for project approval; and to solicit the issues of governmental agencies possessing discretionary jurisdiction of the project. These functions include the dissemination of information, solicitation of comments through a variety of public and private forums; and individual consultation with affected agencies aimed at identifying environmental issues (including an evaluation of their significance), areas of controversy, and issues to be resolved. Scoping identifies related proje cts and their status, which may collectively impact project implementation or produce cumulative environmental effects.
Initial Study/Notice of Preparation. Pursuant to Sections 15063(a) and 15082(a) of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), UltraSystems would prepare an Initial Study to either focus the environmental documentation upon potentially significant, project -induced effects or to document that the project (as proposed or as subsequently modified) would not produce a significant environmental effect. In many cases, preparing the Initial Study requires critical peer review of existing technical studies or prepara tion of new studies. UltraSystems frequently prepares stand-alone technical studies in the areas of aesthetics, air quality , biological resources , cultural resources, noise and vibration, and water quality. We can also conduct Phase I environmental site assessments. For the Initial Study, UltraSystems would provide a descriptive analysis, indicating the supporting rationale for the Study’s conclusions. If project -related effects are determined to be potentially significant, UltraSystems would prepare a Notice of Preparation (NOP) after the completion of the Initial Study. Conversely, if the draft Initial Study concludes that there is clearly no evidence to suggest that the project will produce a significant environmental effect, UltraSystems would prepare a draft Negative Declaration or Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Environmental Assessment/Notice of Intent . For those projects involving either discretionary federal funding or permits and approvals from federal agencies, the resulting environmental documentation may be required to comply with applicable NEPA obligations. For those activities
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which are not exempt under NEPA and are not categorically excluded or covered under an existing environmental impact statement (EIS), UltraSystems prepares Environmental Assessments pursuant to the Council on Environmental Quality’s Regulations for Impleme nting the Procedural Provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act (40 CFR Parts 1500-1508).
Preparation of Draft Documentation. UltraSystems can prepare or assist in the preparation of draft Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Draft EIRs in accordance with CEQA, and Draft FONSIs and Draft EISs in accordance with NEPA and their implementing guidelines.
UltraSystems would provide formal recommendations to the City for the type of document that would be required for each project.
Topical Areas to be Addressed
Aesthetics Greenhouse Gas Emissions Population/Housing
Agricultural & Forestry Resources Hazardous Materials Public Services Air Quality Hydrology and Water Quality Recreation
Biological Resources Land Use/Planning Transportation/Traffic Cultural Resources Mineral Resources Utilities and Service Systems Geology & Soils Noise Tribal Cultural Resources
Wildfire and Energy
Notice of Completion/Notice of Availability. In accordance with Section 15085 of the CCR, a Notice of Completion (NOC) must be filed with the Office of Planning and Research (State Clearinghouse) upon completion of the Draft EIR. If the project is subject to NEPA, a Notice of Availability (NOA) must be published in the Federal Register. UltraSystems would assist the City’s staff in preparing these notices.
Response to Comments/Final Document Preparation . Upon completion of the comment period for the Draft EIR or Draft EIS, UltraSystems prepares formal responses to all substantive and relevant comments provided by governmental agencies, public groups, and private organizations on the draft document. UltraSystems organizes responses in a manner facilitating easy reference and provides them in a stand -alone Response to Comments volume or integrated into a revised Draft EIR/Draft EIS. The Response to Comments volume or revised Draft EIR/Draft EIS would include each written comment in its original form and, if necessary, the transcripts of applicable public hearings.
Mitigation Reporting and Monitoring Programs. Section 21081.6 of the PRC requires agencies to set up monitoring and reporting programs to ensure compliance with those mitigation measures identified in EIRs and Negative Declarations (and adopted as conditions of project approval). In compliance with that requirement, UltraSystems assists the City in developing reporting programs and monitoring project compliance activities.
Findings of Fact/Statement of Overriding Considerations. No public agency can approve or carry out a project for which an EIR has been completed, identifying one or more significant environmental effects, unless that agency makes one or more written findings for each of the significant effects accompanied by a brief explanation of the rationale for each finding. These findings must be clearly supported by information in the public record.
Notice of Determination. After the approval of a project under CEQA, a lead agency is required to file a Notice of Determination (NOD) with the State Clearinghouse. The NOD starts a 30- day statute of limitations on court challenges to the approval under CEQA.
6.8 Peer Review Example
UltraSystems presents their sample Peer Review in Appendix B.
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7.0 SECTION 7 – FEES/COST (SEPARATE)
UltraSystems presents standard rates in a separate document as indicated by Planetbids.
8.0 SECTION 8 – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
UltraSystems provides references below from public agency clients who will attest to the quality of work performed by UltraSystems in its capacity as providing environmental consulting services in the State of California.
CITY OF FONTANA, 8353 SIERRA AVENUE FONTANA, CA 92335
Rina Leung, Associate Planner, (909) 350-6566, [email protected] Fontana Victoria Residential Project – Addendum, Air Quality, GHG, Biological, Cultural, Noise DCT Logistics Center Industrial Project– Addendum, Air Quality, GHG, Biological, Cultural, Noise HOUSING AUTHORITY OF LOS ANGELES, 2600 WILSHIRE BLVD., 3RD FLOOR, LOS ANGELES, CA 90057
Chris Yenson, Senior Project Manager, (213) 733-7031, [email protected] Rose Hill Courts Rehabilitation Project - IS-MND, Air Quality, Biological, Cultural, Noise, GHG, and Mitigation Monitoring
LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS, 900 S FREMONT AVE, ALHAMBRA, CA 91803
Albert Anidi, Project Manager, (626) 458-5199, (626) 458-3916, [email protected] On-Call Environmental and Regulatory Services Contract (public works projects) - CEQA/NEPA, Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Historical Resources, Air Quality, Noise, GIS, Habitat Restoration, Regulatory Permitting, Mitigation Monitoring, Phase I ESA
8.1 Sample COI
UltraSystems understands the insurance provisions that will be required to provide when contracted and there are no other conditions that would affect our ability to undertake or complete environmental services for the City. A sample Certificate of Insurance is included below for bidding purposes only.
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APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Key Personnel Resumes
Betsy A. Lindsay, MURP
Founder/CEO, Principal
Corporate Office – Orange County Telephone: 949.788.4900 16431 Scientific Way Facsimile: 949.788.4901
Irvine, CA 92618-4355 Website: www.ultrasystems.com
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Ms. Lindsay is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UltraSystems Environmental, Inc . A building industry veteran, she has over 35 years of experience in environmental planning and permitting, preparing more than 500 environmental documents . Her background includes managing over 20 on-call professional service contracts for public agencies, which have included hundreds of projects. At UltraSystems, her day-to-day responsibilities include business and project management, contract administration, resource allocation, and quality control. She is responsible for overall project management, the preparation and processing of CEQA/NEPA documents, and associated entitlement obligations for large -scale public and priv ate infrastructure projects.
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Deluca Cold Storage, Wilmington, CA; November 2023 to Ongoing Ms. Lindsay serves as Principal -in-Charge for this project. UltraSystems is preparing an IS/MND for this project. This project proposes to construct a new 98,280 sq. ft. industrial cold storage building for J DeLuca Fish Company. The site currently consis ts of six commercial buildings and asphalt -paved parking areas on approximately 5.6 acres of land. (No. 7247)
La Cañada Flintridge Tentative Tract Map, La Cañada Flintridge, CA; October 2023 to Ongoing
Ms. Lindsay serves as Principal -in-Charge for this project. UltraSystems is preparing an EIR for this project. T he proposed project comprises an application for the approval of Tentative Tract Map No. 83608, a proposed subdivision of approximately 45-acres into 11 single-family residential lots and an associated application for a Tree Removal Permit to remove 27 protected trees. The proposed subdivision also includes easements for a dedicated horse trail/hiking trail for the local community. The property is presently undeveloped, characterized by steep slopes, and is naturally divided by Monarch Drive, which is already graded but unpaved. Monarch Drive has within it an active sewer line and is dedicated as a public road. In order to be implemented, the propo sed project would require the full improve ment of Monarch Drive, and the construction of Palmerstone Drive (already a dedicated road). (No. 7240)
Renovation & Rehabilitation of Seaside Lagoon and Waterfront Promenade, Redondo Beach, CA; March 2023 to Ongoing
Ms. Lindsay serves as Principal -in-Charge for this project. UltraSystems is preparing environmental documentation for the renovation and rehabilitation of Seaside Lagoon and Waterfront Promenade in Redondo Beach. The project design will build upon the approved Public Amenities Plan, which identifies design options for the Seaside Lagoon based on community outreach.
UltraSystems is preparing an IS/MND and providing biological resources for this project. (No. 7209)
Holt and Main Housing Development, Pomona, CA; June 2024 - February 2025
Ms. Lindsay serves as Principal -in-Charge for this project. UltraSystems is preparing a Cultural Resources Inventory studies and an Historical Resources Evaluation study for the proposed construction of a 160-unit property located
Years of Experience
40 Years with Firm
30 Education
• Graduate Program, Public
Policy and Administration,
California State University,
Long Beach, CA, 1992
• Graduate Program, Business
Administration, Pepperdine
University, Irvine, CA, 1991
• M.U.R.P., Master of Urban and
Regional Planning, California
State Polytechnic University,
Pomona, CA, 1989
• B.A., Geography, California
State University, Long Beach,
CA, 1978
Professional
Affiliations
• American Planning Association
• Urban Land Institute
• Association of Environmental
Professionals
• National Association of
Women Business Owners
• National Association for
Female Executives
Areas of Expertise
• CEQA
• NEPA
• Entitlement
• Energy
• Federal
• Institutional
• Infrastructure
Betsy A. Lindsay