Gardena City Council
November 18, 2025

GARDENA CITY

COUNCIL
Adjourned Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda
Council Chamber at City Hall
1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, California
Website: www.cityofgardena.org

Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Closed Session 7:00 p.m.

Open Session 7:30 p.m.

TASHA CERDA, Mayor
MARK E. HENDERSON, Mayor Pro Tem
RODNEY G. TANAKA, Council Member
PAULETTE C. FRANCIS, Council Member
WANDA LOVE, Council Member
MINA SEMENZA, City Clerk
GUY H. MATO, City Treasurer
CLINT OSORIO, City Manager
CARMEN VASQUEZ, City Attorney
LISA KRANITZ, Assistant City Attorney
IVY TSAI, Assistant City Attorney
If you would like to participate in this meeting, you can participate via the following options:

1. VIEW THE MEETING live on SPECTRUM CHANNEL 22 or ONLINE at youtube.com/CityofGardena

2. PARTICIPATE BEFORE THE MEETING by emailing the Deputy City Clerk at [email protected] by 5:00p.m. on the day of the meeting and write "Public Comment" in the subject line.

3. ATTEND THE MEETING IN PERSON
PUBLIC COMMENT: The City Council will hear from the public on any item on the agenda or any item of interest that is not on the agenda at the following times:

Agenda Items - At the time the City Council considers the item or during Oral Communications Non-agenda Items - During Oral Communications
Public Hearings - At the time of the Public Hearings listed on the Agenda If you wish to address the Council, please complete a “Speaker Request” form and present it to the City Clerk or Sergeant of Arms. You will be called to the podium by name when it is your turn to address the Council.

The City Council cannot legally take action on any item not scheduled on the Agenda. Such items may be referred for administrative action or scheduled on a future Agenda. Members of the public wishing to address the City Council will be given three (3) minutes to speak.

4. The City of Gardena, in complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requests individuals who require special accommodations to access, attend and/or participate in the City meeting due to disability, to please contact the City Clerk's Office by phone (310) 217-9565 or email [email protected] at least 24 business hours prior to the scheduled general meeting to ensure assistance is provided. Assistive listening devices are available.

STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOR THAT PROMOTE CIVILITY AT ALL PUBLIC MEETINGS Treat everyone courteously;
Listen to others respectfully;
Exercise self-control;
Give open-minded consideration to all viewpoints;
Focus on the issues and avoid personalizing debate; and Embrace respectful disagreement and dissent as democratic rights, inherent components of an inclusive public process, and tools for forging sound decisions
Thank you for your attendance and cooperation

1. ROLL CALL

2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION

3. CLOSED SESSION

3.A. PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Government Code Section 54957(b)(1)
Title: City Manager

3.B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54957.6
City Designated Representative: Carmen Vasquez, City Attorney Unrepresented employee: City Manager

3.C. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Government Code Section 54956.9 (One [1] Matter)

3.D. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Mariya Wrightsman v. City of Gardena, et al. No. B344781 (Cal. Ct. App. 2d Dist.) and Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 23STCP04453

RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

5. INVOCATION
Pastor Israel Campbell
Flourishing Church

6. PRESENTATIONS

6.A. Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena for Mary Moreland-Smith - Bus Operator with the Transportation Department - 28 years of service

6.B. Certificate of Commendation in Special Recognition of Retirement and Long-Time Service to the City of Gardena for Theodore Taylor Jr. - Bus Operator with the Transportation Department - 23 years of service

6.C. Certificates of Commendation presented to the members of the 2025 Citizens Leadership Academy (Candidates to be presented by City Manager Osorio)

6.D. Boards & Commissions Presentation - Human Services Commission

6.E. Gardena Events Video Presentation

7. PROCLAMATIONS

7.A. "Small Business Saturday" - Saturday, November 29, 2025 (To be proclaimed only)

8. APPOINTMENTS
Council Appointments to Commissions, Committees, Councils and Boards (Appointees to be Ratified and Sworn In)

9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR

10. CONSENT CALENDAR
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC- Roll Call Vote Required On The Consent Calendar All matters listed under the Consent Calendar will be enacted by one motion unless a Council Member requests Council discussion, in which case that item will be removed from the Consent Calendar and considered separately following this portion of the agenda.

Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only

10.A. Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only
CONTACT: CITY CLERK

10.B. Approve Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, October 28, 2025 CONTACT: CITY CLERK

10.C. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, November 11, 2025 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

10.D. Personnel Report P-2025-18 11-18-25
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

10.E. Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Rowley Park Improvements Basketball Court Rehab Phase 1, JN 530
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS

11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET

11.A. NOVEMBER 4, 2025 - Meeting Cancelled

12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD) Oral Communications by the public will be heard for one-half hour during the oral communication segment of the agenda. Any additional speakers will be allowed to speak at the end of the meeting after Council Remarks.

Speakers are limited to three minutes, unless otherwise stated by the Mayor. The timer will be displayed on the screen. Your cooperation is appreciated.

12.A. PUBLIC COMMENT

13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

14.A. Award Contract with Willdan Engineering for Professional Services to Manage the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Program in the Amount of $360,000 Staff Recommendation: Review and Approve the Award of the Contract

14.B. Consideration of Prequalified List for Environmental Consultants to Reduce the Processing Timeframe of Development Applications/Projects
Staff Recommendation:
-Review and approve the list of consultants to be used for environmental consulting services for three years ending November 18, 2028 that includes De Novo, Kimley-Horn, MIG, Rincon, and UltraSystems; and -Provide the Director of Community Development the option to extend the validity of the list for up to two (2) years at their discretion

14.C. Award Contract with UltraSystems Environmental, Inc. for Environmental Consulting Services for Ponce Recycling Project Located at 1937 West 169th Street in the Amount of $119,280.00 Staff Recommendation: Review and Approve the Award of the Contract

15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES

16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE

16.A. Authorization to Purchase Five (5) Ford Explorer Utility Vehicles and Two (2) Chevrolet Tahoe Vehicles from National Auto Fleet Group in the Amount of $417,015 and Build-Out Costs in the Amount of $271,695 for a Total of $688,710
Staff Recommendation: Authorize Purchase and Build-Out Costs

17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS

17.A. Award Construction Contract for the Gardena City Hall Electrical Systems Upgrade Project, JN 541, to Mel Smith Electric, Inc. in the amount of $743,000, Approve the Project Plans and Specifications, Budget Appropriation, Project Contingency, Construction Support Services, and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption.

Staff Recommendation:
- Approve Construction Contract to Mel Smith Electric, Inc., in the amount of $743,000.00 - Approve the Project Plans & Specifications
- Approve Budget Appropriation and Project Contingency
- Declare CEQA Exemption

17.B. Award the Gardena Community Aquatic and Senior Center Pool Maintenance Services Contract to Sea Clear Pools Inc., in the amount of $339,960, Approve 10% Contingency and Declare California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Exemption
Staff Recommendation:
- Award Aquatic Pool Maintenance Service Contract
- Approve 10% Contingency
- Declare CEQA Exemption

18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES

19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION

20. COUNCIL ITEMS

21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES

22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS

23. COUNCIL REMARKS

1. COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA

2. COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE

3. COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS

4. MAYOR CERDA

5. MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON

24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)

25. REMEMBERANCES
Mr. Michael Skogh; Former Chief of Police with the Gardena Police Department. Mr. Skogh retired in 2002.

26. ADJOURNMENT
The Gardena City Council will adjourn to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00pm followed by the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30pm on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda was posted in the City Hall lobby not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. A copy of said Agenda is available on our website at www.CityofGardena.org.

/s/ MINA SEMENZA
MINA SEMENZA, City Clerk
Date Posted: November 14, 2025

TO BE PROCLAIMED ONLY

““22002255 SSMMAALLLL BBUUSSIINNEESSSS SSAATTUURRDDAAYY””

 NNOOVVEEMMBBEERR 2299,, 22002255 
The City of Gardena has always celebrated and supported our local small businesses and acknowledge the contributions they make to our local economy and community.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, the U.S. contains 36.2 million small businesses, which account for almost 46 percent of private sector employment. From March 2023 to March 2024, U.S. small businesses created approximately 9 out of every 10 net new jobs. Small businesses in the U.S. opened

1.1 million new establishments and created a net increase of 1.2 million new jobs.

Reports show that U.S. consumers agree that small businesses contribute positively by supplying jobs and generating tax revenue, and consumers also agree that small businesses are critical to the overall economic health of the United States.

The City of Gardena acknowledges that our local businesses create jobs, boost our local economy, and preserve our neighborhoods. Small Business Saturday has become an important part of small businesses’ busiest shopping season of the year.

There are advocacy groups , public and private organizations across the country, who annually endorse the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day as “Small Business Saturday.”

In support of this annual observance, the City of Gardena is hereby pleased to proclaim Saturday, November 29, 2025, as

22002255

SSMMAALLLL BBUUSSIINNEESSSS SSAATTUURRDDAAYY

and urge Gardena citizens, as well as citizens in communities across this nation, to support their local small businesses and merchants not only on Small Business Saturday, but throughout the year.

MINUTES
Regular Meeting Notice
Gardena City Council
Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The Regular Meeting Notice and Agenda of the Gardena City Council of the City of Gardena, California was called toorder at October 28, 2025, at 7:37 PM in the Council Chamber at City Hall 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena,California, Mayor Tasha Cerda presiding.

1. ROLL CALL

Present: Mayor Tasha Cerda; Mayor Pro Tem Mark E. Henderson; Council Member Rodney G. Tanaka; Council Member Paulette C. Francis; and Council Member Wanda Love. Other City Officials and Employees present: City Manager Clint Osorio; City Attorney Carmen Vasquez; City Clerk Mina Semenza; and Deputy City Clerk Becky Romero. City Treasurer Guy Mato was not present.

2. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
None

3. CLOSED SESSION
There was no Closed Session.

RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION ROLL CALL
None

CITY ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
None

4. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Gardena Police Department Explorer Eduardo Hurtado led the Pledge of Allegiance. Explorer Hurtado is currently a Junior at Cal State University Dominguez Hills, He has been with the Explorer program for 2 years and holds the rank of Corporal.

During his free time, he likes to workout. Explorer Hurtado aspires to be a great leader and a role model for his sibilings.

5. INVOCATION
Pastor Charles Williams led the Invocation. He comes from Grace Chapel in Inglewood.

6. PRESENTATIONS

6.A. Gardena Events Video Presentation
The video presentation highlighted the Recreation and Human Services Department's current and future events.

7. PROCLAMATIONS
None

8. APPOINTMENTS

8.A. Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board of Trustees Appointment City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.

Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.

Mayor Cerda asked for confirmation of the number of years in the term. City Attorney Vasquez answered all questions.

A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to Appoint Council Member Francis to a 2-year term. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Henderson, Cerda, Francis, and Love).

9. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CONSENT CALENDAR

10. CONSENT CALENDAR

10.A. Waiver of Reading in Full of All Ordinances Listed on this Agenda and that they be Read by Title Only CONTACT: CITY CLERK

10.B. Approval Minutes - Regular Meeting of the City Council, October 14, 2025 CONTACT: CITY CLERK

10.C. Approval of Warrants/Payroll Register, October 28, 2025 CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

10.D. Monthly Investment Report, September 2025
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

10.E. Personnel Report P-2025-17 10-28-25
CONTACT: ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

10.F. Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Annual Pedestrian Safety Improvements FY 2024-2025 - Sidewalk Trip Hazard Removal Phase, JN 545
CONTACT: PUBLIC WORKS
** Item was Removed from Consent
Item 10.F was pulled by Council Member Francis.

Questions and comments were made by Council Members Francis and Love. City Manager Osorio and Public Works Director Rigg answered all questions.

It was moved by Council Member Francis and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to approve Item 10.F. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Tanaka, Cerda, Henderson, and Love).

It was moved by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson to approve the Consent Calendar with the exception of 10.F. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Francis, Henderson, Cerda, Tanaka, and Love).

11. PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION ACTION SHEET

11.A. October 21, 2025 MEETING, ITEM 6.A
This Item was Received and Filed.

12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (LIMITED TO A 30-MINUTES PERIOD) 1) Delia Castro, representative from the Southern California Inka Lions Club; came out to speak about their Peace Poster contest taking place at the Mayme Dear Library on 11/15/2025 from 10:00a.m. to 12:30p.m. They are encouraging our youth ages 11-13 years old, to showcase their talent.
2) Andrea Simental, Library Manager of the Mayme Dear Library; came out to give announcements for both the Mayme Dear and Masao W. Sato Libraries.

13. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

13.A. Approval of the 2025 - 2029 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Gardena and the Gardena Management Employees Organization (GMEO)
City Manager Osorio read the Staff Report.

Mayor Cerda asked if anyone had asked to speak on this item and if any members of the Council had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers and no comments from the Council.

A motion was made by Council Member Tanaka and seconded by Council Member Love to Approve and Adopt the GMEO MOU for the period of July 1, 2025-June 30, 2029. The motion passed by a vote of 5-0 (Yea: Tanaka, Love, Cerda, Henderson, and Francis).

14. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
No Items

15. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - ELECTED & CITY MANAGER'S OFFICES No Items

16. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - POLICE
No Items

17. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - PUBLIC WORKS
No Items

18. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - RECREATION & HUMAN SERVICES
No Items

19. DEPARTMENTAL ITEMS - TRANSPORTATION

19.A. Approve Contracts for the Renewable Energy and Storage System Project and Operations and Maintenance Agreement with Performance Guarantee and Warranty with SiteLogIQ, Inc. for a Total of $5,719,655.18 and a Project Total of $6,863,586.21; And declare this project to be categorically exempt under CEQA, Class 1, Section 15301(b)(3) - Common Sense, Section 15303 - New Construction of Small Structures, Section 15311 - Accessory Structures, and California Public Resources Code Section 21080.35 City Manager Osorio presented the Staff Report.

Mayor Cerda asked if anyone from the public had any questions or comments; there were no public speakers.

A slide was then presented by Director of Transportation Ernie Crespo, who spoke about the project.

Questions and comments were made by Council Members Love and Francis, and Mayor Pro Tem Henderson. City Manager Osorio and Director Crespo answered all questions.

A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Henderson and seconded by Council Member Francis to Approve Design and Construction Contract with Years 1-5 for Operations and Maintenance and Performance Guarantee Services in the amount of $5,565,481.53; Authorize the Option of Extended Warranty and Option Term (Years 6-10) of Operations and Maintenance and Performance Guarantee Services in the amount of $154,173.65; Approve Project Contingency of 20%, or $1,143,931.04; Declare this project to be catergorically exempt under CEQA, Class 1, Section 15301(b)(3) - Common Sense, Section 15303 - New Construction of Small Structures, Section 15311 - Accessory Structures, and California Public Resources Code Section 21080.35. The motion passed 5-0 (Yea:

Henderson, Francis, Cerda, Tanaka, and Love)

20. COUNCIL ITEMS
None

21. COUNCIL DIRECTIVES
None

22. CITY MANAGER REMARKS RE: DIRECTIVES / COUNCIL ITEMS 1) A memorandum regarding our California Cities Gaming Authority operations; there were questions asked by Council at our 9/9/2025 Council meeting; included in their packets are some agenda packets from the past meetings of the CCGA.

23. COUNCIL REMARKS
1) COUNCIL MEMBER LOVE – Since the last meeting, she commented that she took a well-needed vacation; and said she was not able to attend a lot of the city events, but got back just in time for her neighbor's 100th birthday drive-by celebration, where Gardena PD, LA County Fire, and a lot of the people in the community came out to show him an amazing amount of love.
2) COUNCIL MEMBER FRANCIS – Since the last meeting, she attended the Water Festival hosted by the West Basin Municipal Water District; the Beautification Commission meeting, where they selected the Halloween home decorating contest winner. She also attended the Halloween Senior Candlelight dinner; and the birthday drive-by for Mr. Suzuki. She thanked Council Member Love for the invitation. She reminded everyone that Halloween is on Friday, and as you know, a lot of our kids will be out trick-or-treating and attending different Halloween festivities, so please keep your eyes open and make sure that you drive slowly, and enjoy all the festivities. 3) MAYOR PRO TEM HENDERSON – Since the last meeting, He attended his SCAG Legislative Committee meeting; he commented that he did some business and community visits. He then asked Mr. City Manager, to please thank the Department Heads and the staff for all their support with his remote meetings. He congratulated his son Mark II and his wife Rio on the birth of their daughter Marley, and said he now has grandchild number four, and commented the squad is getting big, and he is excited.
4) MAYOR CERDA – Since the last Council meeting, she attended her CCGA meeting; the Gardena Carson Wilmington Rotary Club; her monthly LA County Sanitation meeting; the LA County Sanitation personnel meeting; the Senior Candlelight dinner; Gardena High School's homecoming game; the City of Refuge Harvest Festival day; the Dia de Los Muertos event at Roosevelt Cemetery; the celebration of Laity Day at United Methodist Church; the 70th anniversary of the Alpha Psi Zeta sorority. She mentioned there was a girls’ camp for young girls who are interested in becoming firefighters, and this was put on through LA County Fire; it was a great event. She then invited the community to the Tossup Restaurant for her upcoming town hall this Friday at 5:00 p.m.;the speaker is going to be the Search and Rescue team with their K9. 5) COUNCIL MEMBER TANAKA – Since the last Council meeting, he attended the South Bay Cities Council of Governments (SBCCOG's) Legislative briefing; and the SBCCOG'S board meeting, where we were recognized; he then congratulated Allan Rigg, Director of Public Works for all they did; and told him his department should be proud. Lastly, he sent prayers and condolences to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department and the family, whose officer was shot and killed in the line of duty.

24. ANNOUNCEMENT(S)
1) Too Cute to Spook, Friday, October 31, 2025 from 5:30p.m. to 8:00p.m. at Johnson Park; 2) Halloween Scare Zone, Friday, October 31, 2025 from 6:30p.m. to 9:30p.m. at Freeman Park; 3) The Dia de Los Muertos celebration, Saturday, November 1, 2025 from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. at City Hall Complex; including a Community Ofrenda that will also be taking place. 4) Semi-Annual Clean up Event, Last day if your normal trash pickup day is Friday this event will be Saturday, November 1, 2025;
5) Operation Gobble, registration opens Monday, November 3, 2025, at www.cityofgardena.org/events; and 6) 55th Annual Veterans Day Service, Tuesday, November 11, 2025 starting at 11:00a.m. at the City Hall Lawn.

25. REMEMBERANCES
Sho Yonemura, 92 years old, who retired from the City of Gardena as a Park Maintenance Worker on June 29, 2018, after being employed with the City for over 28 years. He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law. He has now joined his dog Kai, who passed several months ago, who he loved dearly; and
Andrew Nunez, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy, who was shot and killed in the line of duty.

26. ADJOURNMENT
At 8:42 p.m. Mayor Cerda adjourned the Gardena City Council Meeting to the Closed Session portion of the City Council Meeting at 7:00p.m. followed by the Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

APPROVED:

___________________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor

MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk of the City of Gardena and
Ex-officio Clerk of the Council

By:__________________________________
Becky Romero, Deputy City Clerk

MEMORANDUM

TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council

FROM: City Treasurer’s Office

DATE: November 6, 2025

SUBJECT: WARRANT REGISTER

PAYROLL REGISTER

November 11, 2025 TOTAL WARRANTS ISSUED: $3,807,973.70

Wire Transfer: 13118-13130
Prepay: 182755-182756
Check Numbers: 182757-182916
Checks Voided:

Total Pages of Register: 18

October 31, 2025 TOTAL PAYROLL ISSUED: $1,897,745.05

__________________________________
for Guy Mato, City Treasurer

11/06/2025
Voucher List

CITY OF GARDENA
1 11:05:59AM
Page:vchlist
Bank code : usb
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 13118 10/8/2025 112326 LWP CLAIMS SOLUTIONS INC. 100825 WORKERS' COMP CLAIMS 100,000.00 Total : 100,000.00
13119 10/21/2025 101641 CALPERS 100000018073008 MISC GROUP UAL PAYMENT - OCTOBER 2025 82,034.00 Total : 82,034.00
13120 10/21/2025 101641 CALPERS 100000018073016 SAFETY CLASSIC UAL PAYMENT - OCTOBER 202 137,246.75 Total : 137,246.75
13121 10/21/2025 101641 CALPERS 100000018073025 SAFETY PEPRA UAL PAYMENT - OCTOBER 2025 2,729.92 Total : 2,729.92
13122 10/23/2025 112441 ANTHEM BLUE CROSS LIFE &, HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY365996906364 HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIMS 78,490.71 Total : 78,490.71
13123 10/23/2025 112401 PINNACLE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INC 102125 HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIMS 12,453.82 Total : 12,453.82
13124 10/23/2025 112326 LWP CLAIMS SOLUTIONS INC. 102325 WORKERS' COMP CLAIMS 18,115.69 Total : 18,115.69
13125 10/24/2025 619006 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 599738 024-01189 INSTALLATION OF DECORATIVE STREET LIGHTI 150,403.26 Total : 150,403.26
13126 10/30/2025 112401 PINNACLE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INC NOVEMBER 2025 HEALTH & LIFE INSURANCE, SERVICE FEE 111,547.18 023-01625
Total : 111,547.18
13127 10/30/2025 111016 KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN NOVEMBER 2025 HEALTH INSURANCE 378,864.03 Total : 378,864.03
13128 10/24/2025 112326 LWP CLAIMS SOLUTIONS INC. 102425 WORKERS' COMP CLAIMS 100,000.00 Total : 100,000.00
13129 10/30/2025 112401 PINNACLE CLAIMS MANAGEMENT INC 103025 HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIMS 121,402.80 Total : 121,402.80
1Page:
11/06/2025
Voucher List

CITY OF GARDENA
2 11:05:59AM
Page:vchlist
Bank code : usb
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 13130 10/30/2025 112441 ANTHEM BLUE CROSS LIFE &, HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANY365991692739 HEALTH INSURANCE CLAIMS 65,195.11 Total : 65,195.11
182755 10/28/2025 113642 CES ENVIRONMENTAL, CONSULTANTS, INC. 25-243 CITY HALL ASBESTOS AND LEAD SURVEY, JN54 2,815.00 Total : 2,815.00
182756 11/6/2025 619005 GAS COMPANY, THE 058-854-91703 100725 CNG FUEL 1,174.56 Total : 1,174.56
182757 11/11/2025 104606 2 BROTHERS TIRES & WHEELS 30340 PD VEHICLE TIRE SERVICES 20.00

44.00PD VEHICLE TIRE SERVICES30355
Total : 64.00
182758 11/11/2025 109582 A1 HIGHER GRAPHICS LLC 2615 035-01423 MOBILE COMMAND CENTER WRAP 14,411.64 Total : 14,411.64
182759 11/11/2025 106086 ABC COMPANIES 3905963 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 2,583.84 5,402.60GTRANS AUTO PARTS3906082
517.49GTRANS AUTO PARTS3911437
Total : 8,503.93
182760 11/11/2025 112361 ADDRESSERS 126897 023-01646 2026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES 630.24 023-01646 564.852026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES126898
023-01646 1,474.572026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES126899
023-01646 2,537.192026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES126900
023-01646 1,719.912026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES126901
023-01646 2,806.512026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES126902
023-01646 472.762026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES126903
023-01646 1,650.722026 B/L RENEWALS & ENVELOPES126904
Total : 11,856.75
182761 11/11/2025 107712 AFFORDABLE GENERATOR SERVICES, INC. 27786 GENERATOR INSPECTION SERVICE 2,310.70 Total : 2,310.70
182762 11/11/2025 101748 AFTERMARKET PARTS COMPANY LLC, THE 84002410 037-10469 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 3,642.27 037-10469 249.02GTRANS AUTO PARTS84002487
Total : 3,891.29
2Page:
11/06/2025
V
oucher List

CITY OF GARDENA
3 11:05:59AM
Page:vchlist
Bank code : usb
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182763 1
1/11/2025 113329 AIR AND LUBE SYSTEMS INC. 56159 GTRANS MAINT SERVICE 2,215.44 Total : 2,215.44
182764 11/11/2025 112544 ALCARAZ, TIFFANY 102025 MGMT ANNUAL HEALTH BENEFIT 500.00 Total : 500.00
182765 11/11/2025 100925 AMERICAN MOVING PARTS 01A175240 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 221.93 Total : 221.93
182766 11/11/2025 103465 ANIMAL FRIENDS PET HOTEL 755196362 K-9 BOARDING SERVICES - GHOST 260.00 Total : 260.00
182767 11/11/2025 101628 AQUA-FLO SUPPLY SI2634178 PARK MAINT SUPPLIES 849.93

96.08PARK MAINT SUPPLIESSI2634975

31.22PARK MAINT SUPPLIESSI2634979
Total : 977.23
182768 11/11/2025 108625 ARAD OIL INC. SEPTEMBER 2025 PD CAR WASH 48.00 Total : 48.00
182769 11/11/2025 112640 ARELLANO ASSOCIATES, LLC 23121 037-10284 MICROTRANSIT SERVICE COMMUNITY OUTREACH 2,485.29 T
otal : 2,485.29
182770 11/11/2025 101459 ASBURY ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES I500-01282848 HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES 215.48 227.45HAZARDOUS WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICESI500-01285940
T
otal : 442.93
182771 11/11/2025 104687 AT&T 24225667 TELEPHONE 216.67

26.08TELEPHONE24271500
Total : 242.75
182772 11/11/2025 111170 AT&T FIRSTNET 287352273971X101025 023-01618 PW CELL PHONE ACCT #287352273971 273.54 T
otal : 273.54
182773 11/11/2025 100474 AT&T LONG DISTANCE 101225 TELEPHONE 74.40 Total : 74.40
182774 11/11/2025 100964 AT&T MOBILITY 287275680401X050123 PD CELL PHONE ACCT #287275680401 -4.63 3Page:
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182774 11/11/2025 (Continued)100964 AT&T MOBILITY
-9.41PD CELL PHONE ACCT #287275680401287275680401X090122 147.63PD CELL PHONE ACCT #287275680401287275680401X110125 146.37PD CELL PHONE ACCT #287275680401287275680401X120122 Total : 279.96
182775 11/11/2025 113186 A-Z TRANSPORT TECH 1000179 REPAIR SERVICE - UNIT 2015 680.00 Total : 680.00
182776 11/11/2025 110686 AZTECH ELEVATOR COMPANY AZ20369 037-10452 ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE - GTRANS 83.33 037-10452 285.00ELEVATOR MAINTENANCE - GTRANSAZ20371
Total : 368.33
182777 11/11/2025 102054 BAVCO 359611 (29) BACKFLOW VALVE INSPECTIONS 1,850.00 Total : 1,850.00
182778 11/11/2025 102035 BD WHITE TOP SOIL CO., INC. 93461 TREE MAINT SUPPLIES 81.77

38.12PARK MAINT SUPPLIES93476

38.12TREE MAINT SUPPLIES93477
Total : 158.01
182779 11/11/2025 103641 BECNEL UNIFORMS 81045 BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES 563.79 643.63BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES83607
601.78BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES83777

41.98BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES83778
544.09BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES83977
1,249.95BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES84156

41.98BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES84387

41.98BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES84793

55.38BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES85619

37.59BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES85839

29.58BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES85925
502.11BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES86033

41.98BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES86571

33.63BUS UNIFORM SUPPLIES86606
Total : 4,429.45
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182780 11/11/2025 104302 BEE N' WASP NEST REMOVAL, SERVICE, LLC 969779 HONEY BEE NEST REMOVAL - 2145 W 146TH PL 124.00 Total : 124.00
182781 11/11/2025 102331 BLUE DIAMOND MATERIALS 4352771 STREET MAINT SUPPLIES 635.02 Total : 635.02
182782 11/11/2025 113412 BLUETRITON BRANDS INC 05J8710038701 DRINKING WATER FILTRATION SYSTEM 60.64 Total : 60.64
182783 11/11/2025 111902 BPR CONSULTING GROUP LLC 3509 032-00231 CONSULTING SERVICES - AUGUST 2025 69,017.60 Total : 69,017.60
182784 11/11/2025 111902 BPR CONSULTING GROUP LLC 3491 032-00231 CONSULTING SERVICES - SEPTEMBER 2025 29,843.47 Total : 29,843.47
182785 11/11/2025 111902 BPR CONSULTING GROUP LLC 3183 032-00231 CONSULTING SERVICES - JULY 2025 28,485.11 Total : 28,485.11
182786 11/11/2025 102383 BROCK, DAVID 10/05-10/08 INTIME UNIVERSITY 2025 CONFERENCE - PER 150.00 Total : 150.00
182787 11/11/2025 112674 BUCK SIGNS & GRAPHICS INC 2931 GTRANS BUS DECAL SUPPLIES 155.73 150.17GTRANS BUS DECAL SUPPLIES2939
Total : 305.90
182788 11/11/2025 113234 C2R PRODUCTIONS LLC 2016059 020-00067 VIDEOGRAPHY SERVICES - VIDEO OVERVIEW SH 2,000.00 Total : 2,000.00
182789 11/11/2025 112600 CALIFORNIA ANIMAL WELFARE, ASSOCIATION200008553 ANIMAL TRAINING WORKSHOP 450.00 Total : 450.00
182790 11/11/2025 312330 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF, SOCIAL SERVICESCCDP1043 FY2023-24 CHILD CARE AND DEVELOPMENT 496,434.00 Total : 496,434.00
182791 11/11/2025 103029 CALIFORNIA FENCE & SUPPLY M17567 STREET MAINT SUPPLIES 695.27 Total : 695.27
182792 11/11/2025 110538 CANNON COMPANY 93151 024-00821 RBB ARTERIAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, JN945 7,494.75 5Page:
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182792 11/11/2025 (Continued)110538 CANNON COMPANY
024-00927 3,927.00ARTESIA BLVD. STREET IMPROVEMENT, JN 93593516 024-00821 19,354.45RBB ARTERIAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT, JN94593520-R Total : 30,776.20
182793 11/11/2025 803420 CARPENTER, ROTHANS & DUMONT, LAW OFFICES OF50468 LEGAL SERVICES 157.50 Total : 157.50
182794 11/11/2025 303331 CDTFA SEPTEMBER 2025 DIESEL FUEL EXEMPT BUS 75.00 Total : 75.00
182795 11/11/2025 108378 CHARLES E. THOMAS COMPANY INC. 120107 037-10454 HEALY QUARTERLY INSPECTION 570.00 Total : 570.00
182796 11/11/2025 104126 CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS 232843901102125 023-01640 SPECTRUM FIBER PEG CHANNELS 1,080.00 Total : 1,080.00
182797 11/11/2025 103269 CINCO DE MAYO COMMITTEE FRANCIS 25/26 COMMUNITY PROMOTION 100.00 Total : 100.00
182798 11/11/2025 503960 CITY OF GARDENA FRANCIS 25/26 COMMUNITY PROMOTION 100.00 Total : 100.00
182799 11/11/2025 104338 CODE PUBLISHING, INC. GCI0018664 MUNICIPAL CODE - WEB UPDATE 139.00 Total : 139.00
182800 11/11/2025 103125 COMPLETE COACH WORKS 94309 037-10480 BUS BARRIER INSTALLATION 10,808.00 037-10480 17,280.00BUS BARRIER INSTALLATION94335
Total : 28,088.00
182801 11/11/2025 102388 COPYLAND, INC. 91846 037-10457 GTRANS - 5.5"X8.5" STATEMENT OF SCHEDULE 1,976.29 037-10457 91.66GTRANS - 11"X26" COLOR BUS CARDS91864
Total : 2,067.95
182802 11/11/2025 103807 CPCA 12641 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES 2,140.00 Total : 2,140.00
182803 11/11/2025 103461 CPS HR CONSULTING TR-INV006726 TESTING MATERIALS 753.50 6Page:
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182803 11/11/2025 (Continued)103461 CPS HR CONSULTING
-140.00TESTING MATERIALSTR-RTN005081
Total : 613.50
182804 11/11/2025 113645 CRIME POINT INC 21605 035-01422 MULTI-USE DROP CAR CAMERA PLATFORM 21,955.19 Total : 21,955.19
182805 11/11/2025 103353 CRM COMPANY, LLC. LA28531 SCRAP TIRE DISPOSAL FEE 69.50 Total : 69.50
182806 11/11/2025 106193 CUMMINS SALES AND SERVICE 07-251035751 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 928.20 037-10470 48.84GTRANS AUTO PARTSX4-251087418
Total : 977.04
182807 11/11/2025 110319 CWE DIRECTOR F25596 024-01181 MS4 & NPDES MONITORING & COMPLIANCE SERV 18,707.64 Total : 18,707.64
182808 11/11/2025 312558 DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL CARE, & CONTROLSEPTEMBER 2025 MONTHLY ANIMAL SERVICES - SEPTEMBER 2025 4,754.91 Total : 4,754.91
182809 11/11/2025 303377 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION SL260151 SIGNALS & LIGHTING - ARTESIA BLVD AND 1,063.50 Total : 1,063.50
182810 11/11/2025 312117 DEPARTMENT OF WATER & POWER 102425 LIGHT & POWER 133.23

90.40LIGHT & POWER102925
Total : 223.63
182811 11/11/2025 104500 DOOLEY ENTERPRISES, INC 70838 035-01396 PD AMMUNITION SUPPLIES 1,811.82 Total : 1,811.82
182812 11/11/2025 110956 DURAN, BRANDON M. 102725 EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT 300.00 Total : 300.00
182813 11/11/2025 109416 E S SPORTS 12353 CUSTOM GRAPHICS FOR UNIT P21 222.81 968.56CUSTOM GRAPHICS FOR UNIT GT312354
284.86CUSTOM GRAPHICS FOR UNIT P0812362
Total : 1,476.23
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182814 11/11/2025 105053 E.J. WARD EJ-INV-2772 024-01177 FUEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 22,330.50 395.89FUEL SYSTEM SUPPLIESEJ-INV-2806
Total : 22,726.39
182815 11/11/2025 110534 EL DORADO NATIONAL 90883170 GTRANS BUS VEHICLE SUPPLIES 1,539.58 435.30GTRANS BUS VEHICLE SUPPLIES90883218
435.30GTRANS BUS VEHICLE SUPPLIES90883219
Total : 2,410.18
182816 11/11/2025 107353 EMERGENCY RESPONSE CRIME SCENE, CLEANINGT2025-525 CLEAN AND SANITIZE JAIL CELL 750.00 Total : 750.00
182817 11/11/2025 105418 EMPIRE CLEANING SUPPLY S7355994 034-00713 CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES 783.67 034-00713 185.76CUSTODIAL SUPPLIESS7355996
034-00713 1,779.15CUSTODIAL SUPPLIESS7365773.002
034-00713 134.31CUSTODIAL SUPPLIESS7365773.003
034-00713 265.65CUSTODIAL SUPPLIESS7365893
Total : 3,148.54
182818 11/11/2025 105392 ENTENMANN-ROVIN COMPANY 0191156 PD UNIFORM SUPPLIES 1,121.74 Total : 1,121.74
182819 11/11/2025 112526 ESPARZA JR., JOSEPH P. 092925 EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT 450.00 Total : 450.00
182820 11/11/2025 106129 FEDEX 9-041-08830 SHIPPING SERVICES 17.74 237.37SHIPPING SERVICES9-050-44222
Total : 255.11
182821 11/11/2025 111415 FILTERBUY, INC BAFEC8C7-0043 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 1,013.90 Total : 1,013.90
182822 11/11/2025 113647 FLYING LION PRODUCTIONS 25037 020-00068 VIDEO ASSETS FOR THE CITY OF GARDENA 9,920.00 Total : 9,920.00
182823 11/11/2025 113058 FORMTECH PLASTICS INC. 12934 037-10444 BUS BARRIER SUPPLIES 48,472.45 Total : 48,472.45
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182824 11/11/2025 106465 FOX FIRST AID & SAFETY INC 76084 STREET MAINT SUPPLIES 44.20 165.75PARK MAINT SUPPLIES76398

51.94STREET MAINT SUPPLIES76418
344.76PARK MAINT SUPPLIES76421

42.43STREET MAINT SUPPLIES76430
Total : 649.08
182825 11/11/2025 206778 FOX, TODD M. 09/30-10/03 LACPCA STRATEGIC PLANNING WORKSHOP 2025 225.00 Total : 225.00
182826 11/11/2025 206509 FRANCIS, JOHN S. 10/16-10/18 CANINE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT COURSE 100.00 Total : 100.00
182827 11/11/2025 107450 GALLAGHER BENEFIT SERVICES, INC 2025047552 023-01535 CLASSIFICATION & COMPENSATION STUDY 54,612.00 Total : 54,612.00
182828 11/11/2025 112566 GALLS, LLC 032896488 PD UNIFORM SUPPLIES 33.98

48.98PD UNIFORM SUPPLIES032978027
Total : 82.96
182829 11/11/2025 107436 GARDENA VALLEY JCI FRANCIS 25/26 COMMUNITY PROMOTION 100.00 Total : 100.00
182830 11/11/2025 107011 GARDENA VALLEY NEWS 00154178 BACK PAGE AD - GTRANS G LINE 1,643.00 1,643.00BACK PAGE AD - GTRANS G LINE00154181
171.00DISPLAY AD - KEEP GARDENA BEAUTIFUL DAY00154697

50.00DISPLAY AD - KEEP GARDENA BEAUTIFUL DAY00154698
140.00NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - RESOLUTION00155706
1,407.00NOTICE INVITING BIDS - JN 55100156539
161.00NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - SPR #2-2500156909
161.00NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING - CUP #3-2500156910
Total : 5,376.00
182831 11/11/2025 109611 GARNER, ELENA 09/08-09/12 2025 CCUG TRAINING & TECHNOLOGY SEMINAR 200.00 Total : 200.00
182832 11/11/2025 619005 GAS COMPANY, THE 103125 GAS 4,225.80 9Page:
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount (Continued) Total : 4,225.80 182832 11/11/2025 619005 619005 GAS COMPANY, THE 182833 11/11/2025 107056 GENFARE 90213523 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 3,660.66 Total : 3,660.66
182834 11/11/2025 106470 GILLIG LLC 41356035 037-10409 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 93.08 4,595.65GTRANS AUTO PARTS41361053
141.31GTRANS AUTO PARTS41364323
Total : 4,830.04
182835 11/11/2025 619004 GOLDEN STATE WATER CO. 102125 WATER 25,319.20 Total : 25,319.20
182836 11/11/2025 112502 GORDON, CHRISTOPHER 102725 EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT 300.00 Total : 300.00
182837 11/11/2025 107513 GRAINGER 9673078391 GTRANS MAINT SUPPLIES 27.65 313.76GTRANS FACILITY SUPPLIES9678109647
443.55GTRANS MAINT SUPPLIES9681784410
459.01GTRANS MAINT SUPPLIES9684964399
Total : 1,243.97
182838 11/11/2025 112374 GRIFFIN STRUCTURES, INC. GSI-GCASC-31 024-00910 AQUATIC & SENIOR CENTER, JN978 69,432.50 Total : 69,432.50
182839 11/11/2025 113136 GRUBER AND LOPEZ, INC. 4898 023-01630 AUDIT SERVICES FY 2024/2025 15,000.00 Total : 15,000.00
182840 11/11/2025 207359 GUZZO, DANIEL 10/05-10/08 INTIME UNIVERSITY 2025 CONFERENCE- PER 150.00 Total : 150.00
182841 11/11/2025 112848 HELPING OUR PETS EDUCATION, LLC 54752 POLICE K9 BOARDING 765.00 Total : 765.00
182842 11/11/2025 112076 HERNANDEZ, ROSA 020 10/29/25 INTERN SERVICES - 10/16-10/23/25 840.00 Total : 840.00
182843 11/11/2025 108434 HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES 0562372 REC PROGRAM SUPPLIES 72.92 10Page:
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CITY OF GARDENA
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182843 11/11/2025 (Continued)108434 HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES

42.75BLDG MAINT SUPPLIES2340958
100.93REC PROGRAM SUPPLIES4552853

75.14PD PROGRAM SUPPLIES7738532

38.65PD PROGRAM SUPPLIES7901421
114.02STREET MAINT SUPPLIES8361504

43.81PD PROGRAM SUPPLIES8521437

32.53CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES8851816
Total : 520.75
182844 11/11/2025 111593 INTER-CON SECURITY SYSTEMS INC BD0638859 037-10420 GTRANS SECURITY SERVICES - SEPTEMBER 202 7,161.60

30.74GTRANS SECURITY SERVICES - SEPTEMBER 202BD0638883
Total : 7,192.34
182845 11/11/2025 108579 J.D. FIELDS LUMBER COMPANY 14917 STREET MAINT SUPPLIES 62.09 Total : 62.09
182846 11/11/2025 110010 JANEK CORPORATION, THE 117347 GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES 4,612.25 Total : 4,612.25
182847 11/11/2025 211429 KEMP, TAMARA OCTOBER 2025 DANCE INSTRUCTOR 1,558.00 Total : 1,558.00
182848 11/11/2025 112812 KIMBALL MIDWEST 103827236 GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES 493.88 Total : 493.88
182849 11/11/2025 312039 L.A. COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT C0013738 023-01601 FIRE PROTECTION SERVICES - DECEMBER 2025 977,189.24 Total : 977,189.24
182850 11/11/2025 312113 L.A. COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPT 260693BL INMATE MEAL DELIVERY PROGRAM - SEPTEMBER 850.84 Total : 850.84
182851 11/11/2025 112614 LAX AUTO REPAIR 20748 2023 FORD INTRCPTR #1661718 OIL CHANGE 70.00 Total : 70.00
182852 11/11/2025 109517 LOAD N' GO BUILDING MATERIALS 34410 STREET MAINT SUPPLIES 171.16 227.53STREET MAINT SUPPLIES34439
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CITY OF GARDENA
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount (Continued) Total : 398.69 182852 11/11/2025 109517 109517 LOAD N' GO BUILDING MATERIALS 182853 11/11/2025 113613 LOPEZ, JESUS 102725 EDUCATIONAL REIMBURSEMENT 650.00 Total : 650.00
182854 11/11/2025 112615 LU'S LIGHTHOUSE, INC. 01291404 GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES 2,390.97 Total : 2,390.97
182855 11/11/2025 105082 MAJESTIC LIGHTING, INC. ML91564 BLDG MAINT SUPPLIES 361.34 Total : 361.34
182856 11/11/2025 113064 MCMASTER-CARR SUPPLY COMPANY 53783056 GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES 1,076.51

69.99GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES53937750

50.40GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES54085464
190.44GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES54090760
221.95GTRANS SHOP SUPPLIES54177155
Total : 1,609.29
182857 11/11/2025 112524 MDG ASSOCIATES, INC. 20128 032-00229 CDBG ADMINISTRATION - SEPTEMBER 2025 12,631.50 032-00229 8,465.75CDBG HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM - SEPTEMBER 220129 032-00229 80.00CDBG HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM - SEPTEMBER 220130 032-00229 500.00CDBG ADMINISTRATION SOFTWARE - SEPTEMBER20131 032-00229 500.00CDBG HOUSING REHAB PROGRAM SOFTWARE - SE20132 Total : 22,177.25
182858 11/11/2025 100078 MESSINA, BRIAN GEPCO 2025 GEPCO LOAN 2,000.00 Total : 2,000.00
182859 11/11/2025 111604 MICRO ELECTRONICS, INC 13969041 023-01632 COMPUTER REPLACEMENT PARTS 2,192.60 023-01632 18,445.53COMPUTER REPLACEMENT PARTS13970842
Total : 20,638.13
182860 11/11/2025 107505 MOUSER ELECTRONICS, INC. 86884472 GTRANS AUTO SUPPLIES 388.02 Total : 388.02
182861 11/11/2025 109056 MULTICARD 77448 035-01419 MULTICARD SERVICE CONTRACT AGREEMENT 1,312.00 Total : 1,312.00
12Page:
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CITY OF GARDENA
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182862 11/11/2025 105622 N/S CORPORATION 0129598 037-10465 GTRANS BUS WASH EQUIPMENT REPAIR 2,340.99 Total : 2,340.99
182863 11/11/2025 105140 NMK CORPORATION COG-045 023-01633 COMPUTER REPLACEMENT PARTS 3,351.47 Total : 3,351.47
182864 11/11/2025 110575 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH CENTERS, OF CALIFORNIA, A MEDICAL88182383 023-01626 RANDOM TESTS 777.00 023-01626 318.00RANDOM TESTS88517299
023-01626 359.00RANDOM TESTS88517301
023-01626 275.00RANDOM TESTS88520108
023-01626 260.00RANDOM TESTS88598265
023-01626 1,213.00RANDOM TESTS88599607
023-01626 229.00RANDOM TESTS88601413
Total : 3,431.00
182865 11/11/2025 115168 OFFICE DEPOT 438855860 BUS OFFICE SUPPLIES 109.81

27.77PD OFFICE SUPPLIES443133681-002
722.05HR OFFICE SUPPLIES444352008
345.91PD OFFICE SUPPLIES444396837
166.37REC OFFICE SUPPLIES444749187

3.82REC OFFICE SUPPLIES444750840

82.26HR OFFICE SUPPLIES445303318

99.73CM OFFICE SUPPLIES445492839
163.14PD OFFICE SUPPLIES445874793
Total : 1,720.86
182866 11/11/2025 113324 ONWARD ENGINEERING 8436 024-01136 CRENSHAW BLVD STREET IMPROVEMENTS, JN 98 6,940.00 Total : 6,940.00
182867 11/11/2025 111358 O'REILLY AUTO PARTS 198845 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 209.73 312.47GTRANS AUTO PARTS200522

22.09GTRANS AUTO PARTS200584
134.53GTRANS FACILIITIES SUPPLIES202666
Total : 678.82
182868 11/11/2025 115810 ORKIN PEST CONTROL 285824772 PEST CONTROL - ACCT #27336703 347.00 347.00PEST CONTROL - ACCT #27336703285824773
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CITY OF GARDENA
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount (Continued) Total : 694.00 182868 11/11/2025 115810 115810 ORKIN PEST CONTROL 182869 11/11/2025 108382 OSORIO, CLINT 10/08-10/10 LEAGUE OF CA CITIES CONFERENCE 1,029.28 Total : 1,029.28
182870 11/11/2025 112845 PALICON GROUP 2495 035-01397 BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION SERVICES 3,670.00 Total : 3,670.00
182871 11/11/2025 112189 PERFECT SCORE ATHLETIC, TRAINING CENTER10/01-10/15/25 GYMNASTICS INSTRUCTOR SERVICES 1,472.00 Total : 1,472.00
182872 11/11/2025 116140 PETE'S ROAD SERVICE, INC. 856028 TIRE DISPOSAL CHARGE 198.00 184.54STREET SWEEPER SUPPLIES856437
-57.46SERVICE CALL - STREET SWEEPER #79884631
Total : 325.08
182873 11/11/2025 108600 PHOENIX GROUP INFORMATION, SYSTEMS 0920251211 035-01399 ADMIN CITATION MGMT SERVICES - SEPTEMBER 88.59 035-01399 32,328.14PARKING CITATION MGMT SERVICES - SEPTEMB092025211 Total : 32,416.73
182874 11/11/2025 106092 PRUDENTIAL OVERALL SUPPLY 43041235 034-00712 SUPPLY RENTAL - DUST MOPS, DELIVERY 43.70 024-01168 173.99UNIFORM & SUPPLY RENTAL43041236
034-00712
034-00712 32.85UNIFORM & SUPPLY RENTAL43041237
034-00712 51.20SUPPLY RENTAL - MATS - GTRANS43041238
034-00712 13.65SUPPLY RENTAL - MATS - NCC43041239
034-00712 19.00SUPPLY RENTAL - MATS - CH43041240
034-00712 91.60SUPPLY RENTAL - MATS - PD43041241
034-00712 11.88SUPPLY RENTAL - MATS - HS43041242
034-00712 11.88SUPPLY RENTAL - MATS - HS43051662
034-00712 1,292.44CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES43067153
024-01168 173.99UNIFORM & SUPPLY RENTAL43067154
034-00712
034-00712 31.90UNIFORM & SUPPLY RENTAL43067155
034-00712 51.20SUPPLY RENTAL - MATS - GTRANS43067156
Total : 1,999.28
182875 11/11/2025 116575 PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTING, ASSOCIATES, INC.901047 INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY 289.00 14Page:
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CITY OF GARDENA
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Bank code : usb
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount (Continued) Total : 289.00 182875 11/11/2025 116575 116575 PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSULTING, ASSOCIATES, INC. 182876 11/11/2025 114143 QUADIENT LEASING USA, INC Q2061983 POSTAGE MAILING MACHINE LEASE 793.34 Total : 793.34
182877 11/11/2025 102283 QUICK COLOR PRINTING 16672 REC PROGRAM SUPPLIES 198.90 Total : 198.90
182878 11/11/2025 111574 RACE COMMUNICATIONS RC1855303 023-01621 FIBER INTERNET SERVICES - NOVEMBER 2025 5,828.36 Total : 5,828.36
182879 11/11/2025 100836 RESOURCE BUILDING MATERIALS 4074989 STREET MAINT SUPPLIES 65.13

86.50STREET MAINT SUPPLIES4097321
Total : 151.63
182880 11/11/2025 100387 RIVERA, ALEXANDER J. 10/16-10/18 CANINE PROGRAM MANAGEMENT COURSE 100.00 Total : 100.00
182881 11/11/2025 102988 RODRIGUEZ, DANNY GEPCO 2025 GEPCO LOAN 2,000.00 Total : 2,000.00
182882 11/11/2025 113327 RWC GROUP XA301237138 GTRANS AUTO PARTS 994.57 Total : 994.57
182883 11/11/2025 119022 SAFE MART OF SOUTHERN, CALIFORNIA, INC.2277 PW MAINT SUPPLIES 97.79

4.03PD PROGRAM SUPPLIES2283

35.36GTRANS MAINT SUPPLIES2285
Total : 137.18
182884 11/11/2025 112327 SAMI'S REFEREES LLC 10/16/25-10/31/25 SPORT REFEREE SERVICES 280.00 700.00SPORT REFEREE SERVICES10/16-10/31/2025
560.00SPORT REFEREE SERVICES10/16-10/31/25
Total : 1,540.00
182885 11/11/2025 220288 SECOND TIME AROUND SENIORS, CLUB FRANCIS 25/26 COMMUNITY PROMOTION 100.00 Total : 100.00
182886 11/11/2025 104451 SELECT ADVANTAGE 10349617 PARATRANSIT OPERATOR ASSESSMENT 525.00 15Page:
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Bank code : usb
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182886 11/11/2025 (Continued)104451 SELECT ADVANTAGE
1,225.00BUS OPERATOR ASSESSMENT SERVICES10349717
Total : 1,750.00
182887 11/11/2025 107006 SHAMROCK COMPANIES 2806489 PARK MAINT SUPPLIES 37.54 Total : 37.54
182888 11/11/2025 110731 SHAW HR CONSULTING, INC 014752 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 725.00 Total : 725.00
182889 11/11/2025 109918 SHIGE'S FOREIGN CAR SERVICE, INC. 8103106 035-01400 2023 FORD INTRCPTR #1661718 SERVICE & RE 486.29 035-01400 1,226.612023 FORD INTRCPTR #1661715 SERVICE & RE8103137 Total : 1,712.90
182890 11/11/2025 619003 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON 102925 LIGHT & POWER 26,486.91 Total : 26,486.91
182891 11/11/2025 119548 ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH NOVEMBER 2025 SENIOR CITIZENS DAY CARE 1,100.00 Total : 1,100.00
182892 11/11/2025 113242 TAIT & ASSOCIATES, INC. 166859 024-01123 CONSULTANT SERVICES - SEWER IMPROVEMENTS 221.25 Total : 221.25
182893 11/11/2025 100609 TANK SPECIALISTS OF CALIFORNIA 35522 CERTIFIED DESIGNATED OPERATOR SERVICE 198.00 Total : 198.00
182894 11/11/2025 113297 TECHNICAL MASTERY SOCCER 10/01-10/29/25 SOCCER INSTRUCTOR 1,020.00 Total : 1,020.00
182895 11/11/2025 107928 TELECOM LAW FIRM, P.C. 19964 PROFESSIONAL SERVICES - 14209 WESTERN 2,756.00 Total : 2,756.00
182896 11/11/2025 113237 TERMINIX 32886031 GTRANS TERMITE FUMIGATION SERVICES 4,695.60 Total : 4,695.60
182897 11/11/2025 111990 TOWNSEND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, INC 24305 023-01590 CONSULTING SERVICES - NOVEMBER 2025 7,000.00 Total : 7,000.00
16Page:
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Voucher List

CITY OF GARDENA
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Page:vchlist
Bank code : usb
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182898 11/11/2025 111788 TRAN, CHUNG 12/22/2024-6/21/2025 035-01415 EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER SERVICES 10,935.00 035-01415 13,612.50EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER SERVICES6/23/2024-12/21/2024 Total : 24,547.50
182899 11/11/2025 111481 TRIO COMMUNITY MEALS, LLC INV2230071508 034-00705 SENIOR FEEDING PROGRAM 5,386.50 034-00705 9,114.00SENIOR FEEDING PROGRAMINV2230071966
034-00705 9,014.25SENIOR FEEDING PROGRAMINV2230072200
034-00705 10,714.95SENIOR FEEDING PROGRAMINV2230072375 Total : 34,229.70
182900 11/11/2025 111481 TRIO COMMUNITY MEALS, LLC INV2230071507 034-00705 SENIOR FEEDING PROGRAM 4,588.50 Total : 4,588.50
182901 11/11/2025 109900 U.S. BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT, SYSTEMSSANTIN 09/22/25 CAL CARD STATEMENT 08/23-09/22/25 44,498.30 034-00723
Total : 44,498.30
182902 11/11/2025 109900 U.S. BANK CORPORATE PAYMENT, SYSTEMSCDD 10/22/25 CAL CARD STATEMENT 09/23-10/22/25 441.12 7,628.05CAL CARD STATEMENT 08/23-09/22/25OROZCO 09/22/25 371.41CAL CARD STATEMENT 08/23-09/22/25PD TRAINING 09/22/25 472.07CAL CARD STATEMENT 09/23-10/22/25PD TRAINING 10/22/25 5,608.35CAL CARD STATEMENT 09/23-10/22/25PD TRAINING2 102225 3,031.34CAL CARD STATEMENT 08/23-09/22/25PD TRAINING2 9/22/25 4,885.06CAL CARD STATEMENT 09/23-10/22/25PD TRAINING3 102225 5,910.85CAL CARD STATEMENT 09/23-10/22/25PD TRAINING4 102225 3,823.46CAL CARD STATEMENT 08/23-09/22/25PD TRAINING4 9/22/25 1,045.60CAL CARD STATEMENT 09/23-10/22/25TSUJIUCHI 10/22/25 Total : 33,217.31
182903 11/11/2025 107596 UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD COMPANY 90149864 024-01008 ENGINEERING SERVICES - ARTESIA BLVD/PE, 3,363.25 Total : 3,363.25
182904 11/11/2025 121407 UPS 0000649922415 SHIPPING SERVICE CHARGES 30.00 Total : 30.00
182905 11/11/2025 106754 URBAN RESTORATION GROUP US, INC. 00050431 STREET MAINT SUPPLIES 1,215.89 Total : 1,215.89
17Page:
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Voucher List

CITY OF GARDENA
18 11:05:59AM
Page:vchlist
Bank code : usb
Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount 182906 11/11/2025 122050 VERIZON WIRELESS 6125674968 PW CELL PHONE SERVICE 717.52 Total : 717.52
182907 11/11/2025 105254 VISION TIRE 43869 CD VEHICLE TIRE SERVICES 25.00 Total : 25.00
182908 11/11/2025 108657 VORTEX INDUSTRIES, LLC 07-2084358 SERVICE REPAIR - GTRANS GARAGE DOOR 242.80 Total : 242.80
182909 11/11/2025 112737 WELLS FARGO VENDOR FINANCIAL, SERVICES, LLC5036198290 023-01622 CITYWIDE COPIER LEASE - NOVEMBER 2025 3,734.92 Total : 3,734.92
182910 11/11/2025 123146 WEST BASIN WATER ASSOCIATION 251001-7 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DUES 500.00 Total : 500.00
182911 11/11/2025 123050 WILLIAMS SCOTSMAN, INC. 9024434088 035-01414 MODULAR BUILDING RENTAL CPX-80416 2,067.36 035-01414 2,067.36MODULAR BUILDING RENTAL CPX-804169024648222 035-01414 2,284.43MODULAR BUILDING RENTAL CPX-804169024860606 Total : 6,419.15
182912 11/11/2025 110265 WILO'S FOOD 130522 GTRANS CATERING SERVICES 2,237.63 Total : 2,237.63
182913 11/11/2025 125001 YAMADA COMPANY, INC. 85230 PARK MAINT SUPPLIES 48.02 Total : 48.02
182914 11/11/2025 113347 ZECO, INC. 04 024-01140 ROWLEY PARK BASKETBALL COURT REHAB, JN53 7,265.36 Total : 7,265.36
182915 11/11/2025 113638 ZOLL MEDICAL CORPORATION 4336385 023-01642 AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS (AED) 34,054.33 Total : 34,054.33
182916 11/11/2025 104934 ZUMAR INDUSTRIES, INC. 11116 SIGNS/SIGNALS SUPPLIES 811.21 Total : 811.21
Bank total : 3,807,973.70 175 Vouchers for bank code : usb 3,807,973.70Total vouchers :Vouchers in this report 175 18Page:
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Voucher Date Vendor Invoice PO # Description/Account Amount

CLAIMS VOUCHER APPROVAL
I hereby certify that the demands or claims covered by the checks listed on pages _____ to _____ inclusive of the check register are accurate and funds are available for payment thereof.

By: __________________________________________
Director of
Administrative Services
This is to certify that the claims or demands covered by checks listed on pages _____ to _____ inclusive of the check register have been audited by the City Council of the City of Gardena and that all of the said checks are approved for payment except check numbers:
______________________________________________________
_________________________ __________
Mayor Date
_________________________ __________
Councilmember Date
_________________________ __________
Councilmember Date
Acknowledged:
_________________________ __________
Councilmember Date
_________________________ __________
Councilmember Date
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1 18
1 18
11/11/2025
Report No. P-2025-18

1 TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
SUBJECT: PERSONNEL REPORT

1. Report the appointment of the following individuals:
a. ROSA HERNANDEZ, to the position of Case Management Supervisor Schedule 50 ($5,973 – $7,624/month), with the Police Department, effective October 26, 2025.

2. Report the Service Retirement of the following individuals:
a. MARY MORELAND-SMITH, Bus Operator with the Transportation Department, effective November 4, 2025. Ms. Moreland-Smith provided 28 years of full-time service to the city. b. THEODORE TAYLOR, Bus Operator with the Transportation Department, effective November 9, 2025. Mr. Taylor provided 23 years of full-time service to the city.

3. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Account Clerk (Administrative Services Department). This recruitment is open until filled.

4. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Human Resources Coordinator (Administrative Services Department). This recruitment is open until filled.

5. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Lifeguard (Recreation and Human Services Department). This is a continuous recruitment.

6. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Lifeguard/Instructor (Recreation and Human Services Department). This is a continuous recruitment.

7. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Recreation Leader I/II (Recreation and Human Services Department). This is a continuous recruitment.

8. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Certified Nursing Assistant (Recreation and Human Services Department). This recruitment is scheduled to close November 26, 2025.

9. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Payroll/Personnel Technician (Transportation Department). This recruitment is open until filled.

10. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Bus Operator (Transportation Department). This is a continuous recruitment.

11. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of On -Demand Operator (Transportation Department). This is a continuous recruitment.

12. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of On -Demand Transit Dispatcher (Transportation Department). This is a continuous recruitment.

13. Report the Recruitment for the Open/Competitive position of Purchasing Specialist (Transportation Department). This recruitment is open until filled.

City of Gardena
Gardena City Council
Meeting

AGENDA REPORT

SUMMARY

Agenda Item No. 10D.

Section: CONSENT

CALENDAR
Meeting Date: November
18, 2025

TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TITLE: Acceptance and Notice of Completion for the Rowley Park Improvements Basketball Court Rehab Phase 1, JN 530
COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED:

Staff Recommendation:
- Accept the work and order the recordation of the Notice of Completion

RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF SUMMARY:

Staff respectfully recommends that the City Council accept the work and order the recordation of the Notice of Completion for the Rowley Park Improvements Basketball Court Rehab Phase 1 - Demolition, Drainage, Electrical, and Site Furnishing Project, JN 530.

The project included upgrading existing lighting to high efficiency LED fixtures, new upgraded poles/fixtures, replacement of basketball fixtures, drainage improvements, concrete repair, and replacement of sand in playground with poured in place resilient surfacing.

Phase 2 of the project was awarded on October 14, 2025 to Ferandell Tennis Courts, Inc. This phase includes the resurfacing and restriping of the basketball and pickleball courts, with construction anticipated to begin in December 2025.

Sufficient funds were appropriated to complete the project. Upon completion, 4% ($3,217.40) of the approved 15% ($88,000.00) contingency funds were expended, and the remaining savings will be returned to the original funding sources.

FISCAL IMPACT/COST:

Amount of Expense: $606,457.24 with remaining project fund balance of $328,246.76 for Phase 2 Source of Funds: Prop 68, Deferred Maintenance, and Measure A

APPROVED:
___________________________
Clint Osorio, City Manager
Attachments
NOC_Rowley BB Improvements PH 1_JN 530.pdf
RECORDING REQUEST BY AND MAIL TO:

Mina Semenza, City Clerk
City of Gardena
1700 W. 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247

SPACE ABOVE THIS LINE RESERVED FOR RECORDER'S USE

NOTICE OF COMPLETION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that:

1. The undersigned is the duly authorized representative of the City of Gardena, a Municipal Corporation of the State of California located within the County of Los Angeles in said State at 1700 West 162 Street, Gardena, California 90247.

2. That on the 25th day of February 2025, the City Council of said City entered into contract with Zeco Inc. whose address is 2845 Savi Ranch Parkway, Unit C. Yorba Linda CA 92887 for the improvement titled Rowley Park Improvements Basketball Court Rehabilitation Phase 1, JN 530 in accordance with City of Gardena Plans and Specifications.

3. That all of the work and improvement was located at 13220 Van Ness Ave. in said City. The owner of the location is the City of Gardena.

4. That all of the work and improvement contemplated in and under said contract was substantially completed on October 6th, 2025.

5. That the City Council formally accepted this work and improvement on November 18, 2025.

The undersigned, being first duly sworn, states: That he is the duly authorized representative of the City of Gardena, the political subdivision of the State of California which conducted the proceedings for the improvement titled Rowley Park Improvements Basketball Court Rehabilitation Phase 1, JN 530 in said City, that he has read the foregoing "Notice of Completion" and knows the facts recited therein are true.

IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name as the duly authorized representative of said City this day of 2025.

City of Gardena

Jose Espinoza

CITY OF GARDENA

NOTICE OF CANCELLATION

PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMISSION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the regular meeting of the
Planning & Environmental Quality Commission scheduled for Tuesday, November 4, 2025, has been cancelled.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN THAT t he next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Environmental Quality Commission will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 1700 West 162nd Street, Gardena, CA 90247.

I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing notice was posted in the City Hall lobby not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. A copy of said Notice is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

Dated this 31
st day of October 2025.

/s/ MINA SEMENZA
City Clerk

City of Gardena
Gardena City Council
Meeting

AGENDA REPORT

SUMMARY

Agenda Item No. 14A.

Section: DEPARTMENTAL

ITEMS - COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT
Meeting Date: November
18, 2025

TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TITLE: Award Contract with Willdan Engineering for Professional Services to Manage the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Program in the Amount of $360,000 COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED:

Staff Recommendation: Staff respectfully recommends that the City Council review and approve the award of thecontract.

RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF SUMMARY:

On August 29, 2025, a Request for Proposal (RFP) was issued and released on PlanetBids to solicit qualified firms with construction management expertise to assist in implementing the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Program.

The City received three (3) proposals in response to the RFP, and following the evaluation process, Willdan Engineering achieved the highest overall ranking among the proposers. The firm brings more than 60 years of experience in program and construction management services for local government agencies and is currently supporting nearby cities such as Bell, Long Beach, and Moreno Valley on similar revitalization projects.

Under the proposed contract, Willdan Engineering will provide comprehensive construction management services and assist with program outreach by participating in up to two (2) community meetings to present information to property and business owners. In addition, the firm will act as the City’s liaison with program recipients and contractors to facilitate the successful implementation of the façade improvements. Staff respectfully recommends that the City Council review and approve a two (2) year contract with WilldanEngineering in the amount of $360,000 to provide the professional services to assist in implementing the GardenaBoulevard Revitalization Program.

FISCAL IMPACT/COST:

An allocation of an amount of up to $360,000 is designated to be reimbursed from the $2 Million GardenaBoulevard Revitalization Funding. APPROVED:

___________________________
Clint Osorio, City Manager
Attachments
Attachment No. 1 - Contract with Willdan
Staff Report - Gardena Blvd Revitalization 11-18-25 (002).pdf Exhibit A - RFP 2026-001 Revised Gardena Blvd Facade Improvement RFP.pdf Exhibit B - Willdan Proposal

1 AGREEMENT

BETWEEN THE CITY OF GARDENA
AND

WILLDAN ENGINEERING

This contract, hereinafter referred to as Agreement is entered into this day of ________ , 2025, by and between THE CITY OF GARDENA, a California municipal corporation (“City”) and WILLDAN ENGINEERING a California corporation (“Consultant”), collectively “the Parties” . Based on the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereto agree, as follows.

1. Recitals.

A. City requires the services of a professional to provide professional construction management services for the Gardena Boulevard Façade Improvement Program.

B. Consultant has represented that it is qualified by virtue of experience, training, education and expertise to provide these services.

C. City has determined that the public interest, convenience and necessity require the execution of this Agreement.

D. No official or employee of City has a financial interest, within the provisions of sections 1090-1092 of the California Government Code, in the subject matter of this Agreement.

2. Services.

A. Consultant agrees to provide the professional services described in the City’s Request for Proposals (RFP) and any associated addendum, attached hereto as Exhibit “A” and Consultant’s Response to City’s RFP (“Consultant’s Proposal”), attached hereto as Exhibit “B”, both incorporated herein by this reference (“Services”).

B. The Services shall be performed in accordance with the Project Schedule set forth in Exhibit “B”. Consultant shall not be liable for any failure or delay in furnishing proposed Services resulting from fire, explosion, flood, storm, Act of God, governmental acts, orders or regulations, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, labor difficulties, difficulty in obtaining parts, supplies, or shipping facilities, inability to obtain or delays in obtaining suitable material or facilities required for performance, temporary unavailability of qualified personnel, failure by City to provide appropriate access to equipment or personnel, or other causes beyond Consultant’s reasonable control.

3. Additional Services. If City determines that additional Services are required to be provided by Consultant in addition to the Services set forth above, City shall authorize Consultant to perform such additional Services in writing (“Additional Services”). Such Additional Services shall be specifically described and approved by City in writing prior to

2 the performance thereof. Consultant shall be compensated for such Additional Services in accordance with the amount agreed upon in writing by the Parties. No compensation shall be paid to Consultant for Additional Services which are not specifically approved by City in writing.

4. Consultant’s Proposal. This Agreement shall include Consultant’s proposal or bid which is incorporated herein as Exhibit “B”. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the proposal and this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern.

5. Timing of Performance. Time is of the essence with respect to Consultant’s performance of the Services required by this Agreement. Consultant shall diligently and timely pursue and complete the performance of the Services required of it by this Agreement as set forth in Exhibit “A”. City, in its sole discretion, may extend the time for performance of any Service.

6. Compensation. Compensation for the Services shall be billed as set forth in Exhibit “B”, attached hereto. The Compensation is inclusive of all costs that may be incurred by Consultant in performance of the Services, including but not limited to such items as travel, copies, delivery charges, phone charges, and facsimile charges, unless otherwise. In no event shall compensation under this Agreement exceed THREE HUNDRED SIXTY THOUSAND and 00/00 ($360,000.00) without the prior written authorization of the City Council.

7. Prevailing Wages. Consultant is aware of the requirements of Chapter 1 (beginning at Section 1720 et seq.) of Part 7 of Division 2 of the California Labor Code, as well as Title 8, Section 16000 et seq. of the California Code of Regulations (“Prevailing Wage Laws”), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on “public works” and “maintenance” projects. If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the Total Compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant and its subconsultants shall fully comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws for their employees and any others to whom such laws are applicable. Consultant and its subconsultants shall also be responsible for any and all violations and fines imposed on them pursuant to the Prevailing Wage Laws. Pursuant to SB 854, which amended the Prevailing Wage Laws, this Agreement would also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). Beginning April 1, 2015, no consultant or subconsultant may be awarded this Agreement unless registered with the DIR pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5. The City will report al l necessary agreements to the DIR as required by the Prevailing Wage Laws. Consultant shall make copies of the prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Services available to interested parties upon request, and shall post copies at the Consultant’s principal place of business and at the Project site. It is most efficient for the Consultant to obtain a copy of the prevailing wages in effect at the commencement of this Agreement from the website of the Division of Labor Statistics and Research of the DIR located at www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/. In the alternative, Consultant may obtain a copy of the prevailing wages from the City’s Representative.

3 Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its elected officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws.

8. Term of Agreement/Termination. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for a period of two (2) years, ending on November 19, 2027, unless previously terminated as provided herein or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties. This Agreement may be extended by one [1] additional periods upon mutual written agreement of both parties.

A. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of execution by the City and shall remain in effect until all Services are completed or until terminated as provided for herein.

B. City may terminate this Agreement without cause by providing written notice to Consultant not less than ten days prior to an effective termination date. City’s only obligation in the event of termination will be payment of fees and allowed expenses incurred up to and including the effective date of termination.

C. Unless for cause, Consultant may not terminate this Agreement. If Consultant is terminating this Agreement for cause, it must provide the City with thirty (30) days written notice.

D. Upon receipt of a termination notice, Consultant shall: (1) promptly discontinue all Services, unless the notice directs otherwise; and (2) within ten (10) days, deliver to City all files, data, reports, estimates, summaries, and such other information and materials as may have been accumulated or prepared to date by Consultant in performing the Services under this Agreement, whether completed or in progress.

Consultant shall provide these documents by both hard copy and in electronic format if available. In the event of termination, Consultant shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for the Services it performs up to the date of termination, which work is accepted by the City, and shall be deemed released from liability for any work assigned but not completed as of the effective date of termination.

9. Agreement Administrator. For purposes of this Agreement, City designates Jackie Choi, Economic Development Manager , or designee, as the Agreement Administrator who shall monitor Consultant’s performance under this Agreement. Consultant shall be notified in writing of any deficiency in the performance of this Agreement in a timely manner by Agreement Administrator. Consultant shall have five (5) business days from receipt of the notification to cure any deficiency to the reasonable satisfaction of the Agreement Administrator. All costs for such corrections shall be borne by Consultant and shall not increase Consultant’s fees due hereunder. Should the Agreement Administrator determine that Consultant has not performed its obligation as stated in this Agreement in a satisfactory manner, City may terminate this Agreement for cause as specified in Section 8 - Term of Agreement/ Termination. All notices, invoices or other documents shall be addressed to the Agreement Administrator, as well as all substantive issues

4 relating to this contract. City reserves the right to change this designation upon written notice to Consultant.

10. Invoices and Payments.

A. Payment shall be made upon receipt and approval of invoices for Services rendered. In order for payment to be made, Consultant’s invoice must include an itemization as to the services rendered, date(s) of service, direct and/or subcontract costs, and be submitted on an official letterhead or invoice with Consultant’s name, address, and telephone number referenced.

B. The Agreement Administrator shall review the invoices to determine whether services performed and documents submitted are consistent with this Agreement. Payment shall be made within forty -five (45) days following receipt of the invoice or the Agreement Administrator shall provide Consultant with a written statement objecting to the charges and stating the reasons therefore.

C. Payment by City under this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of defects, even if such defects were known to City at the time of payment.

11. Records/Audit.

A. Consultant shall be responsible for ensuring accuracy and propriety of all billings and shall maintain all supporting documentation for a minimum of three (3) years from the completion date of the Services under this agreement the following records:

1. All accounts and records, including personnel, property and financial, adequate to identify and account for all costs pertaining to this Agreement and assure proper accounting for all funds;

2. Records which establish that Consultant and any subconsultant who renders Services under this Agreement are in full compliance with the requirements of this Agreement and all federal, state and local laws and regulations

3. Any additional records deemed necessary by City to assume verification of full compliance with this Agreement.

B. City shall have the right to audit Consultant’s invoices and all supporting documentation for purposes of compliance with this Agreement for a period of three years following the completion of Services under this Agreement.

C. Upon reasonable notice from City or any other governmental agency, Consultant shall cooperate fully with any audit of its billings conducted by, or of, City and shall permit access to its books, records and accounts as may be necessary to conduct such audits.

12. Successors and Assignment. This Agreement covers professional services of a

5 specific and unique nature. Except as otherwise provided herein, Consultant shall not assign or transfer its interest in this Agreement or subcontract any services to be performed without amending this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

13. Change in Name, Ownership or Control . Consultant shall notify the Agreement Administrator, in writing, of any change in name, ownership or control of Consultant’s firm or subconsultant. Change of ownership or control of Consultant’s firm may require an amendment to the Agreement.

14. Key Personnel . City has relied upon the professional training and ability of Consultant to perform the Services hereunder as a material inducement to enter into this Agreement. Consultant shall provide properly skilled professional and technical personnel to perform all Services under this Agreement. In the event that City, in its sole discretion, at any time during the Agreement, desires the removal of any person or persons assigned by Consultant to perform Services pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant shall remove any such person immediately upon receiving notice from City.

15. Performance By Consultant . Consultant shall maintain or exceed the level of competency presently maintained by other similar practitioners in the State of California, for professional and technical soundness, accuracy and adequacy of all work, advice and material furnished under this Agreement.

16. Use of Materials.

A. City shall make available to Consultant such materials from its files as may be required by Consultant to perform Services under this Agreement. Such materials shall remain the property of City while in Consultant’s possession. Upon termination of this Agreement and payment of outstanding invoices of Consultant, or completion of work under this Agreement, Consultant shall return to City any property of City in its possession and any calculations, notes, reports, electronic files, or other materials prepared by Consultant in the course of performance of this Agreement.

B. City may utilize any material prepared or work performed by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement, including computer software, in any manner, which City deems proper without additional compensation to Consultant. Consultant shall have no responsibility or liability for any revisions, changes, or corrections made by City, or any use or reuse pursuant to this paragraph unless Consultant accepts such responsibility in writing.

17. Nonuse of Intellectual Property of Third Parties. Consultant shall not use, disclose or copy any intellectual property of any third parties in connection with work carried out under this Agreement, except for intellectual property for which Consultant has a license.

Consultant shall indemnify and hold City harmless against all claims raised against City based upon allegations that Consultant has wrongfully used intellectual property of others in performing work for City, or that City has wrongfully used intellectual property

6 developed by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement.

18. Ownership of Work Product. All documents or other information created, developed, or received by Consultant shall, for purposes of copyright law, be deemed works made for hire for City by Consultant and shall be the sole property of City.

Consultant shall provide City with copies of these items upon demand, and in any event, upon termination of this Agreement.

19. Confidentiality Clause. Consultant acknowledges that some of the material and information that may come into its possession or knowledge in connection with this Agreement or its performance may consist of information that is exempt from disclosure to the public or other unauthori zed persons under either state or federal statutes ("Confidential Information"). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, names, addresses, Social Security numbers, e- mail addresses, telephone numbers, financial profiles, credit card information, driver's license numbers, medical data, law enforcement records, agency source code or object code, agency security data, or information identifiable to an individual that relates to any of these types of information.

Consultant agrees to hold Confidential Information in strictest confidence and not to make use of Confidential Information for any purpose other than the performance of this Agreement, to release it only to authorized employees or Sub-consultants requiring such information for the purposes of carrying out this Agreement, and not to release, divulge, publish, transfer, sell, disclose, or otherwise make the information known to any other party without City's express written consent or as provided by law. Consultant agrees to release such information or material only to employees or Sub- consultants who have signed a nondisclosure agreement, the terms of which have been previously approved by City. Consultant agrees to implement physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to Confidential Information. "Personal information" including, but not limited to, "Protected Health Information" (PHI) under Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA), individuals' names, addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and social security numbers collected, used, or acquired in connection with this Agreement shall be protected against unauthorized use, disclosure, modification or loss.

HIPAA establishes national minimum standards for the use and disclosure of certain health information. The Consultant must comply with all HIPAA requirements and rules when determined applicable by the City. If City determines that (1) City is a "covered entity" under HIPAA, and that (2) Consultant will perform "business associate" services and activities covered under HIPAA, then at City's request, Consultant agrees to execute City's Agreement in compliance with HIPAA.

Consultant shall ensure its directors, officers, employees, Sub-consultants or agents use personal information solely for the purposes of accomplishing the services set forth herein. Consultant and its Sub-consultants agree not to release, divulge, publish, transfer, sell or otherwise make known to unauthorized persons personal information without the express written consent of the City or as otherwise required by law.

7 Any breach of this provision may result in termination of the Agreement and demand for return of all personal information. Moreover, Consultant will indemnify and hold the City harmless from and against all losses and damages resulting from any unauthorized or improper disclosure, dissemination or use of the information as a result, in whole or in part, of Consultant’s action or inaction.

20. Legal Requirements.

A. Consultant shall secure and maintain all licenses or permits required by law, including a City business license, and shall comply with all ordinances, laws, orders, rules, and regulations pertaining to the work.

B. Consultant warrants that it shall perform the Services required by this Agreement in compliance with all applicable Federal and California employment laws, including, but not limited to, those laws related to minimum hours and wages; occupational health and safety; fair employment and employment practices; workers’ compensation insurance and safety in employment; and all other Federal, State and local laws
and ordinances applicable to the services required under this Agreement.

Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless City from and against all claims, demands, payments, suits, actions, proceedings, and judgments of every nature and description including attorneys’ fees and costs, presented, brought, or recovered against City for, or on account of any liability under any of the above-mentioned laws, which may be incurred by reason of Consultant’s performance under this Agreement.

C. Consultant covenants that there shall be no discrimination based upon race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, age, handicap, national origin or ancestry, or any other category forbidden by law in performance of this Agreement.

21. Conflict of Interest and Reporting.

A. Consultant shall at all times avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in the performance of this Agreement. If required, Consultant shall comply with the City’s Conflict of Interest reporting requirements. Consultant understands that pursuant to Gardena Municipal Code sections 2.24.020H and 2.24.025G, it is forbidden to make any contribution to a candidate or committee of a candidate for a municipal office of the City, or to an officeholder, until the completion of Ser vices to be performed under this Agreement.

B. Consultant and its representatives shall refrain from lobbying City of Gardena officials, employees and representatives for the duration of this Agreement.

22. Guarantee and Warranty.

A. Consultant warrants to City that the material, analysis, data, programs and Services to be delivered or rendered hereunder will be of the kind

8 and quality designated and will be performed by qualified personnel.

Without waiver of City’s other rights or remedies, City may require Consultant to re-perform any of said Services, which were not performed in accordance with these standards. Consultant shall perform the remedial Services at its sole expense.

23. Insurance.

A. Commencement of Work. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has obtained City approved insurance. Before beginning work hereunder, during the entire period of this Agreement, for any extensions hereto, and for periods after the end of this Agreement as may be indicated below, Consultant must have and maintain in place all of the insurance coverage required in this Section. Consultant’s insurance shall comply with all items specified by this Agreement. Any subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements of this Section and Consultant shall be responsible to obtain evidence of insurance from each subcontractor and provide it to City before the subcontractor commences work. Alternatively, Consultant’s insurance may cover all subcontractors.

B. Insurance Company Requirements. All insurance policies used to satisfy the requirements imposed hereunder shall be issued by insurers admitted to do business in the State of California. Insurers shall have a current Best’s rating of not less than “A- :VII”, unless otherwise approved by City.

C. Coverage, Limits and Policy Requirements. Consultant shall maintain the types of coverage and limits indicated below:

1. Commercial General Liability Insurance - a policy for occurrence coverage for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage, with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Form CG 00 01, with no special limitations affecting City. The limit for all coverage under this policy shall be no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence.

2. Commercial Auto Liability Insurance - a policy with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 0001, including Symbol 1 (any auto) with no special limitations affecting City. The limit for bodily injury and property damage liability shall be no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per accident.

3. Policy Requirements. The policies set forth above shall comply with the following, as evidenced by the policies or endorsements to the policies:

a. The City, its appointed and elected officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be added as additional insured to the policy.

b. The insurer shall agree to provide City with thirty (30) days prior written notice, return receipt requested, of any cancellation, non-renewal or material

9 change in coverage.

c. For any claims with respect to the Services covered by this Agreement, Consultant’s insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be excess of Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

4. Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance - a policy which meets all statutory benefit requirements of the Labor Code, or other applicable law, of the State of California. The minimum coverage limits for said insurance shall be no less than one million dollars per claim. The policy shall be issued by an insurance company which is admitted to do business in the State of California and shall contain a clause that the policy may not be canceled without thirty (30) days prior written notice, return receipt requested, is mailed to City.

5. Professional Errors & Omissions - a policy with minimum limits of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per claim and aggregate. This policy shall be issued by an insurance company which is admitted to do business in the State of California and Consultant shall contain a clause that the policy may not be canceled until thirty (30) days written notice, return receipt requested, is mailed to City.

D. Additional Requirements. The procuring of such required policies of insurance shall not be construed to limit Consultant’s liability hereunder or to fulfill the indemnification provisions and requirements of this Agreement. There shall be no recourse against City for payment of premiums or other amounts with respect thereto.

City shall notify Consultant in writing of changes in the insurance requirements. If Consultant does not deposit copies of acceptable insurance policies or endorsements with City incorporating such changes within sixty (60) days of receipt of such notice, Consultant shall be deemed in default hereunder.

E. Deductibles. Any deductible or self -insured retention over $25,000 per occurrence must be declared to and approved by City. Any deductible exceeding an amount acceptable to City shall be subject to the following changes: either the insurer shall eliminate or reduce such deductibles or self-insured retentions with respect to City, its officers, employees, agents and volunteers (with additional premium, if any, to be paid by Consultant); or Consultant shall provide satisfactory financial guarantee for payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses.

F. Verification of Compliance. Consultant shall furnish City with original policies or certificates and endorsements effecting coverage required by this Agreement.

The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All endorsements are to be received and approved by City before work commences. Not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date of any policy of insurance required by this Agreement, Consultant shall deliver to City a binder or certificate of insurance with respect to each renewal policy, bearing a notation evidencing

10 payment of the premium therefore, or accompanied by other proof of payment satisfactory to City. Consultant shall provide full copies of any requested policies to City within three (3) days of any such request by City.

G. Termination for Lack of Required Coverage. If Consultant, for any reason, fails to have in place, at all times during the term of this Agreement, including any extension hereto, all required insurance and coverage, City may immediately obtain such coverage at Consultant’s expense and/or terminate this Agreement.

24. Indemnity.

A. Consultant assumes all risk of injury to its employees, agents, and contractors, including loss or damage to property , except to the extent due to the sole negligence of City.

B. Consultant agrees to defend, indemnify, hold free and harmless the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers, at Consultant’s sole expense, from and against any and all claims, actions, suits or other legal proceedings brought against the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers arising out of the performance of the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors, of the work undertaken pursuant to this Agreement. The defense obligation provided for hereunder shall apply without any advance showing of negligence or wrongdoing by the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors, but shall be required whenever any claim, action, complaint, or suit asserts as its basis the negligence, errors, omissions or misconduct of the Consultant, its em ployees, and/or authorized subcontractors, and/or whenever any claim, action, complaint or suit asserts liability against the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers based upon the work performed by the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors under this Agreement, whether or not the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors are specifically named or otherwise asserted to be liable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Consultant shall not be liable for the defense or indemnification of the City for claims, actions, complaints or suits arising out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. This provision shall supersede and replace all other indemnity provisions contained either in the City’s specifications or Consultant’s Proposal, which shall be of no force and effect.

C. Parties agree that California Civil Code § 2782.8 shall apply to the design professional services within the scope of this agreement. For all services that include, as defined by Cal Civ Code § 2782.8, design professional services, all provisions, clauses, covenants, and agreements contained in, collateral to, or affecting any such services, and amendments thereto, that purport to indemnify, including the duty and the cost to defend, the indemnitee by a design professional against liability for claims against the indemnitee, are unenforceable, except to the extent that the claims against the indemnitee arise out of, pertain to, or relate to the negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of the design professional. In no event shall the cost to defend ch arged to the design professional

11 exceed the design professional’s proportionate percentage of fault . However, notwithstanding the previous sentence, in the event one or more defendants is unable to pay its share of defense costs due to bankruptcy or dissolution of the business, the design professional shall meet and confer with other parties regarding unpaid defense costs.

D. No official, employee, agent or volunteer of City shall be personally liable for any default or liability under this Agreement.

25. Independent Contractor. Consultant agrees to furnish consulting services in the capacity of an independent contractor and neither Consultant nor any of its employees shall be considered to be an employee or agent of City.

26. PERS Eligibility Indemnification. In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subcontractor of Consultant providing Services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to be eligible for enrollment in PERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for PERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.

Notwithstanding any other agency, state or federal policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subcontractors providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in PERS as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for PERS benefits.

27. Notices. Any notice or communication given under this Agreement shall be effective when deposited, postage prepaid, with the United States Postal Service and addressed to the contracting parties. Name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers of the parties are as follows:

City of Gardena:
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, California 90247-3732
Attn: Jackie Choi
Title: Economic Development Manager
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: (310) 217-9533

Willdan Engineering
2401 East Katella Avenue, Suite 3000
Anaheim CA 92806
Attn: Jennifer Maria

12 Email:

[email protected]
Telephone: (562) 743-9810

Either party may change the information to which notice or communication is to be sent by providing advance written notice to the other party.

28. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it legal, valid, and enforceable, and the legality, validity, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

29. Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall be deemed a contract under the laws of the State of California and for all purposes shall be interpreted in accordance with such laws. Both parties hereby agree and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of California and that the venue of any action brought hereunder shall be Los Angeles County, California.

30. Waiver. No delay or failure by either Party to exercise or enforce at any time any right or provision of this Agreement shall be considered a waiver thereof or of such Party’s right thereafter to exercise or enforce each and every right and provision of this Agreement. To be valid a waiver shall be in writing but need not be supported by consideration. No single waiver shall constitute a continuing or subsequent waiver.

31. Electronic Signatures. The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that electronic records and electronic signatures, as well as facsimile signatures, used in connection with the execution of this Agreement and electronic signatures, facsimile signatures or signatures transmitted by electronic mail in so-called pdf format shall be legal and binding and shall have the same full force and effect as if a paper original of this Agreement had been delivered and had been signed using a handwritten signature. City and Consultant (i) agree that an electronic signature, whether digital or encrypted, of a party to this Agreement is intended to authenticate this writing and to have the same force and effect as a manual signature, (ii) intend to be bound by the signatures (whether original, faxed or electronic) on any document sent or delivered by facsimile or, electronic mail, or other electronic means, (iii) are aware that the other party will reply on such signatures, and (iv) hereby waive any defenses to the enforcement of the terms of this Agreement based on the foregoing forms of signature. If this Agreement has been executed by electronic signature, all parties executing this document are expressly consenting under the United States Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 ("E - SIGN") and California Uniform Electronic Transactions Act ("UETA")(Cal. Civ. Code § 1633.1, et seq.), that a signature by fax, email or other electronic means shall constitute an Electronic Signature to an Electronic Recor d under both E -SIGN and UETA with respect to this specific transaction.

32. Joint Drafting. Each party acknowledges that it has had an adequate opportunity

13 to review each and every provision in this Agreement and to submit the same to counsel and other consultants for review and comment and that the parties jointly drafted this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement or any Assignment shall be construed more strictly against one party than the other party by reason that one or the other party proposed, drafted or modified such provision or any other existing or proposed provision.

33. Public Records Act Disclosure . Consultant has been advised and is aware that this Agreement and all reports, documents, information and data, including, but not limited to, computer tapes, discs or files furnished or prepared by Consultant, or any of its subcontractors, pursuant to this Agreement and provided to City may be subject to public disclosure as required by the California Public Records Act (California Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.). Exceptions to public disclosure may be those documents or information that qualify as trade secrets, as that term is defined in the California Government Code section 7924.510, and of which Consultant informs City of such trade secret. The City will endeavor to maintain as confidential all information obtained by it that is designated as a trade secret. The City shall not, in any way, be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any trade secret including, without limitation, those records so marked if disclosure is deemed to be required by law or by order of the Court.

34. Authority to Execute. The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties warrant that they are duly authorized to execute this Agreement.

35. Attorney’s Fees. In the event that legal action is necessary to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, or to declare the rights of the parties hereunder, the parties agree that the prevailing party in the legal action shall be entitled to recover attorney’s fees and court costs from the opposing party.

36. Section Headings. The Section headings used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall have no binding effect.

37. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between City and Consultant. Any prior agreement, promises, negotiations or representations not expressly set forth herein are of no force or effect. Subsequent modifications to this Agreement shall be effective only if in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement may be signed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, including both counterparts that are executed on paper and counterparts that are in the form of electronic signatures.

Electronic signatures include facsimile or email electronic signatures. Each executed counterpart shall be deemed an original. All counterparts, taken together, constitute the executed Agreement.

[Signatures on the following page]

14 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto affixed their names as of the day and year written below.

“City” “Consultant”
City of Gardena Willdan Engineering

By: By: ______________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor Vanessa Muñoz, President
Date: Date:

By: ______________________________

Kate Nguyen, Secretary

Date: _____________________

ATTEST:

Mina Semenza, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Carmen Vasquez, City Attorney

City of Gardena
City Council Meeting
Agenda Item No.: 14A
Department: Community Development
Meeting Date: November 18, 2025

AGENDA STAFF REPORT

AGENDA TITLE: AWARD CONTRACT WITH WILLDAN ENGINEERING FOR

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES TO MANAGE THE GARDENA BOULEVARD
REVITALIZATION PROGRAM IN THE AMOUNT OF $360,000.

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff respectfully recommend s that the City Council review and approve the award of the contract.

BACKGROUND:

On August 29, 2025, a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Professional Construction Management Services was issued and released on PlanetBids . The RFP solicited qualified firms with construction management expertise to assist in implementing the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Program.

The City received three (3) proposals in response to the RFP from the following firms (listed in alphabetical order):

• ALLY Construction Services
• Proactive Engineering Consultants
• Willdan Engineering

City staff evaluated each proposal based on weighted criteria as outlined below:

• Qualifications of Firm – 25%
• Qualifications of Personnel – 25%
• Related Experience – 30%
• Completeness and Timeliness of Response – 10%
• Reasonableness of Cost and Price – 10%

Following the evaluation process, Willdan Engineering achieved the highest overall ranking among the proposers. The firm brings more than 60 years of experience in program and construction management services for local government agencies and is currently supporting nearby cities such as Bell, Long Beach, and Moreno Valley on similar revitalization projects.

Under the proposed contract, Willdan Engineering will provide comprehensive construction management services and assist with program outreach by participating in up to two (2)

community meetings to present information to property and business owners. In addition, the firm will act as the City’s liaison with program recipients and contractors to facilitate the successful implementation of the façade improvements.

CONCLUSION:

Staff respectfully recommend s that Council review and approve two (2) year contract with Willdan Engineering in the amount of $360,000 to provide the professional services to assist in implementing the Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Program.

FISCAL IMPACT:

An allocation of an amount of up to $ 360,000 is designated to be reimbursed from the $2 Million Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Funding.

ATTACHMENT:

1. Contract Agreement with Willdan Engineering, Inc.

Greg S. Tsujiuchi
Date: 11/18/2025 Submitted by: ___________________________________

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR

GARDENA BOULEVARD REVITALIZATION
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
RFP 2026 - 001

Revised and
Released August 29, 2025

Revised RFP
RFP #2026-001

The City of Gardena invites qualified proposals for:

City of Gardena
Bid & Construction Management Services
(Commercial Façade Improvement Program)

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that City of Gardena invites and shall receive proposals up to the hour of 5:00 PM (PST) on September 26th, 2025 from qualified firms consulting and construction management services.

In order to qualify for evaluation, prospective proposers shall have a minimum of five (5) engagements in the last five (5) years that are similar in organizational type, size, and complexity to the engagement described in the request for proposal. Propose rs shall include client lists and website addresses of previous work for evaluators to review. In addition, proposer shall include plans of action to meet all requirements described in the Scope of Work.

Copies of the proposals and any addendums may be obtained by visiting City of Gardena’s online procurement platform, “PlanetBids”, which can be accessed via City of Gardena webpage at:

https://cityofgardena.org/purchasing-rfp/

Proposals shall only be accepted via PlanetBids and are due by no later than September 26th, 2025 at 5:00 PM (PST).

SECTION I

PROCUREMENT SCHEDULE

Responses to the Revised RFP must be submitted to the City of Gardena as outlined in this section. City of Gardena reserves the right to modify this schedule as needed.

Proposed RFP Schedule
RFP 2026 - 001

(Subject to change at City’s discretion)

1. Release of Revised RFP August 29th, 2025

2. Written Questions from Consultants due September 12th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

3. Responses from City Due September 19th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.

4. Proposals Due (date & time) September 26th at 5:00 p.m.

5. RFP Evaluation Completed October 3rd, 2025

6. Consultant Selection and Award October 10th, 2025

Responses are due no later than
SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 AT 5:00 PM (PST)
Responses received after this date and time will not be considered.

SECTION II

RFP INSTRUCTIONS

A. Pre-Proposal Meeting

“Not Applicable”

B. Examination of Proposal Documents

1. By submitting a proposal, consultants represent that they have thoroughly examined and become familiar with the work required under this RFP and that they are capable of performing quality work to achieve the City's objectives.

2. The City reserves the right to remove from its mailing list for future RFPs, for an undetermined period of time, the name of any consultant for failure to accept a contract, failure to respond to three (3) consecutive RFPs and/or unsatisfactory performance. Please note that submitting a “No Offer” letter is considered a response.

C. Addenda

Substantive City changes to the requirements will be made by written addendum to this RFP. Any written addenda issued pertaining to this RFP shall be incorporated into the terms and conditions of any resulting Agreement. The City shall not be bound to any modifications to or deviations from the requirements set forth in this RFP as the result of oral instruction.

D. Informed Consultants
Before submitting proposals, Consultants must fully inform themselves of the conditions, requirements and specifications of the work or materials to be furnished. Failure to do so will be at Consultants’ own risk and they cannot secure relief on the plea of error.

E. Clarifications

1. Examination of Documents

Should a Consultant require clarifications of this RFP, the Consultant shall notify the City in writing in accordance with Section E.2 below. Should it be found that the point in question is substantive and is not clearly and fully set forth, the City shall issue a written addendum clarifying the matter which shall be sent to all known recipients of this RFP and will be posted on the City of Gardena website PlanetBids.

2. Submitting Requests
All questions, clarifications or comments shall be put in writing and must be received by the City no later than September 12th, 2025 at 5:00 p.m., and must be emailed to [email protected]. Inquiries received after this date and time indicated will not be accepted.

3. City Responses

a. Responses from the City will be communicated in writing to all known recipients of this RFP, by way of Addendum via e-mail and may be posted on the City’s website, no later than September 19th, 2025.

b. It is the responsibility of Consultant to make sure they have received all addenda prior to submitting their proposal. The Tentative Schedule may change at any time. Any and all changes to the Tentative Schedule will be made by way of addendum. If an Addendum is issued less than 72 hours before the Proposal Due Date and Time, the Proposal Due date will be extended.

F. Date and Time

All proposals are to be submitted by 5:00 p.m PST on September 26th, 2025 via Planet Bids.

Proposals received after that date and time will be rejected by the City as non- responsive (NO EXCEPTIONS).

1. Acceptance of Proposals

a. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any and all proposals, or any item or part thereof, or to waive any informalities or irregularities in proposals.

b. The City reserves the right to withdraw this RFP at any time without prior notice and the City makes no representations that any contract will be awarded to any Consultant responding to this RFP.

c. The City reserves the right to postpone proposal opening for its own convenience.

G. Pre-Contractual Expenses

Pre-contractual expenses are defined as expenses incurred by the consultant in:

1. preparing its proposal in response to this RFP;

2. submitting the proposal to City;

3. negotiating with City any matter related to the proposal; or

4. any other expenses incurred by the consultant prior to date of award, if any, of the Agreement.

The City shall not, in any event, be liable for any pre-contractual expenses incurred by consultant in the preparation of its proposal. Consultant shall not include any such expenses as part of its proposal.

H. Contract Award

Issuance of this RFP and receipt of proposals does not commit the City to award an Agreement. The City reserves the right to postpone proposal opening for its own convenience, to accept or reject any or all proposals received in response to this RFP, to negotiate with other than the selected consultant(s) should negotiations with the selected consultant(s) be terminated, to negotiate with more than one consultant simultaneously, or to cancel all or part of this RFP.

I. Acceptance of Order
The successful consultant(s) will be required to accept a Purchase Order and execute a written Agreement (see Section VII, Form of Agreement) in accordance with and including as a part thereof the published notice of Request for Proposals and this Request for Proposals, including all requirements, conditions and specifications contained herein, with no exceptions other than those specifically listed in the written purchase order and/or Agreement.

J. City of Gardena Business License
The successful consultant(s) and any sub-consultants are required to obtain a City of Gardena Business License prior to award of Contract, and to maintain the license for the entire term of the Agreement. The Business License is not a prerequisite for submission of a proposal.

K. Prevailing Wage
Refer to Section VIII, Form of Agreement, Section 7 for Prevailing Wage requirements.

L. Public Records

Responses (proposals) to this Request for Proposal (RFP) and the documents constituting any contract entered into thereafter become the exclusive property of the City of Gardena and shall be subject to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Section 6250 et seq.). The City of Gardena’s use and disclosure of its records are governed by this Act.

Those elements in each proposal which proposer considers to be trade secrets, as that term is defined in Civil Code Section 3426.1(d), or otherwise exempt by law

from disclosure, should be prominently marked as “Confidential,” “Proprietary,” or “Trade Secret” by proposer. The City of Gardena will use its best efforts to inform proposer of any request for disclosure of any such document. The City of Gardena, shall not in any way, be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any such records including, without limitation; those so marked if disclosure is deemed to be required by law or by an order of the Court.

In the event of litigation concerning disclosure of information the proposer considers exempt from disclosure, the City of Gardena will act as a stakeholder only, holding the information until otherwise ordered by a court or other legal process. If the City of Gardena is required to defend an action arising out of a Public Records Act request for any of the contents of a proposer’s proposal marked “Confidential,” “Proprietary,” or “Trade Secret” proposer shall defend and indemnify the City of Gardena from all liability, damages, costs, and expense, including attorneys’ fees, in any action or proceeding arising under the Public Records Act.

To ensure confidentiality, proposers are instructed to enclose all “Confidential,” “Proprietary,” or “Trade Secret” data in separate sealed envelopes, which are then included with the proposal documents. Because the proposal documents are available for review by any person after award of a contract resulting from an RFP, the City of Gardena shall not in any way be held responsible for disclosure of any “Confidential,” “Proprietary,” or “Trade Secret” documents that are not contained in envelopes and prominently marked.

SECTION III.

EVALUATION AND AWARD

The City is soliciting firms and/or individuals who have established knowledge and expertise in all aspects of the services requested in this RFP. Minimum requirements are as follows:

1. Have a minimum of three (3) similar projects within the last five (5) years providing the same or similar services requested in this RFP.

2. Have sufficient staff and/or sub-consultants available with experience in the disciplines required for this service.

3. Provide reference(s) of agencies you have contracted with, providing the same or similar services.

4. Have no outstanding or pending complaints as determined through the Better Business Bureau, State of California Department of Consumer Affairs.

5. Have the administrative and fiscal capability to provide and manage the proposed services.

A. EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. Qualifications of Firm - 25%
− Strength, stability, experience and technical competence of the firm and sub-consultants (if any). The City reserves the right to request specific sub- consultants for certain portions of the project; − Logic of project organization; and
− Adequacy of labor and resource committed to the project.

2. Qualifications of Personnel - 25%
− Qualifications, education and experience of project staff; and − Key personnel’s level of involvement in performing related work.

3. Related Experience - 30%
− Experience in providing services similar to those requested herein; − Experience working with public agencies; and
− Client references.

4. Completeness and Timeliness of Response - 10%
− Completeness of response in accordance with RFP instructions; − Exceptions to or deviations from the RFP requirements; and − Inclusion of required licenses and certifications of the firm and key personnel performing the project.

5. Reasonableness of Cost and Price - 10%
− Reasonableness of the individual firm-fixed prices and/or hourly rates, and competitiveness of quoted firm-fixed prices with other proposals received;

− Adequacy of the data in support of figures quoted; and − Basis on which prices are quoted.

B. EVALUATION PROCEDURE

All proposals received as specified will be evaluated by City staff in accordance with the above criteria. During the evaluation period, the City may do any or all of the following:
− Generate a “short list” and conduct interviews with the top candidates; − Conduct on-site visits and/or tours of the candidates’ places of business; or
− Conduct negotiations with the most qualified candidate(s).

Consultants should be aware, however, that award may be made without consultant visits, interviews, or further discussions or negotiations.

C. AWARD

Depending on the dollar amounts of the proposals received, City staff will either select consultant(s) best meeting the above-specified criteria or submit a recommendation to City Council for consideration and selection, the proposal(s) evaluated by staff to be the most qualified.

In addition, negotiations may or may not be conducted with consultants; therefore, the proposal submitted should contain your most favorable terms and conditions, since the selection and award may be made without discussion with any consultant.

SECTION IV.

Construction Management Consultant for
the Commercial Façade Improvement Program

INTENT: The nature of the work is the provision of professional Construction Management Services to the City of Gardena for the Commercial Façade Improvement Program. The consultant shall have knowledge and experience in all aspects of Construction Management.

Consultant to be paid from State Earmark funds received by the City from the State of California.

Grant Amount is up to $30,000 per applicant.

Improvement Program:
• The funds will be used for the improvement of the exterior of the commercial building. Façade Improvement elements include:
o Paint Program: Colors must include a base color and one accent color for each building. Colors must be selected from the approved color palette, Exhibit A, adopted by the Program Guideline.
o Signage Program: Pre-design will be provided for the blade signage. o Awnings Program: Pre-design will be provided for the awning.

Community Meeting:
• Participate in up to two (2) community meetings to present information on the program and application process to property owners and business owners.

Property Inspection & Work Specifications:
• Inspect Property
• Research City of Gardena records for Code/Health/Safety Violations • Draft Construction Scope of Work (Work Write Up)
• Provide Construction Cost Estimates
• Consultant shall provide follow-up and related services as needed. • Send Applicant WWU for review and revise as needed
Order Lead Inspection Report

Bid and Construction Process:
• City Liaison with program recipient and contractor(s) • Provide technical support
• Coordination of Bid Process
o Procure for Construction Services
o Selection and Award of Contract
o Verification of License and Insurance Documentation
o Conduct Mandatory Bid-Walk with Homeowner and Contractors (single bid-walk)
o Review Bids, Prepare BID comparison and follow-up with Contractors

o Attend Pre-construction/Loan & Contract Signing Meeting • Construction Management
o Conduct up to three (3) progress inspections
o Prepare and Submit Progress Payment requests (up to three) o Submit Change Order request(s)
o Assist staff with project close out ie., lien review, lien releases, prepare Notice of Completion
• Assist in Owner/Contractor Mediation, if necessary.

SECTION V.

PROPOSAL CONTENT AND FORMS

A. PROPOSAL FORMAT AND CONTENT

1. Presentation

Proposals should not include any unnecessarily elaborate or promotional material. Information should be presented in the order in which it is requested. Lengthy narrative is discouraged, and presentations should be brief and concise. Proposals shall contain the following:

a. identification of Consultant, including name, address and telephone;

b. proposed working relationship between Consultant and sub- consultants, if applicable;

c. acknowledgment of receipt of all RFP addenda, if any;

d. name, title, address and telephone number of contact person during period of proposal evaluation;

e. a statement to the effect that the proposal shall remain valid for a period of not less than 90 days from the date of submittal; and

f. signature of a person authorized to bind Consultant to the terms of the proposal.

2. Technical Proposal

a. Qualifications, Related Experience and References

This section of the proposal should establish the ability of consultant to satisfactorily perform the required work by reasons of:
experience in performing work of a similar nature; demonstrated competence in the services to be provided; educational
qualifications; strength and stability of the firm; staffing capability; work load; record of meeting schedules on similar projects; and supportive client references.

Consultant shall:

(1) provide a brief profile of the firm, including the types of services offered; the year founded; form of the organization (corporation, partnership, sole proprietorship); number, size and location of offices; number of employees;

(2) provide a general description of the firm’s financial condition; identify any conditions (e.g., bankruptcy, pending litigation, planned office closures, impending merger) that may impede consultant’s ability to complete the project;

(3) describe the firm’s experience in performing work of a similar nature to that solicited in this RFP, and highlight the participation in such work by the key personnel proposed for assignment to this project;

(4) identify sub-consultants by company name, address, contact person, telephone number and project function and describe consultant’s experience working with each sub-consultant; and

(5) provide, at a minimum, three references from the projects cited as related experience; reference shall furnish the name, title, address and telephone number of the person(s) at the client organization who is most knowledgeable about the work performed. Consultant may also supply references from other work not cited in this section as related experience.

b. Proposed Staffing and Project Organization

This section of the proposal should establish the qualifications of the proposed project staff.

Consultant shall:

(1) provide education, experience and applicable
professional credentials of proposed project staff;

(2) furnish brief resumes (not more than two [2] pages each) for the proposed Project Manager and other key personnel;

(3) indicate adequacy of labor resources, utilizing a table projecting the labor-hour allocation to the project by
individual task;

(4) identify key personnel proposed to perform the work in the specified tasks and include major areas of sub-consultant

work;
(5) include a project organization chart which clearly delineates communication/reporting relationships among the project staff; and

(6) include a statement that key personnel will be available to the extent proposed for the duration of the project
acknowledging that no person designated as “key” to the project shall be removed or replaced without the prior written concurrence of the City.

c. Work Plan

Consultant shall provide a narrative which addresses the Scope of Work and shows consultant’s understanding of the City’s needs and requirements.

Consultant shall:

(1) describe the approach to completing the tasks specified in the Scope of Work;

(2) outline sequentially the activities that would be undertaken in completing the tasks and specify who would perform them; and

(3) furnish a schedule for completing the tasks in terms of elapsed weeks from the commencement date.

Consultant may also propose enhancement or procedural or technical innovations to the Scope of Work which do not materially deviate from the objectives or required content of the project.

d. Exceptions/Deviations

State any exceptions to or deviations from the requirements of this RFP on the Price form where indicated. Consultants are cautioned that exceptions to or deviations from RFP requirements may cause their proposal to be rejected as non-responsive.

3. Appendices

Information considered by consultant to be pertinent to this project and which has not been specifically solicited in any of the aforementioned sections may be placed in a separate appendix section. Consultants are cautioned, however, that this does not constitute an invitation to submit large amounts of extraneous materials; appendices should be relevant and

brief.

B. LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

By submitting a proposal, consultant warrants that any and all licenses and/or certifications required by law, statute, code or ordinance* in performing under the scope and specifications of this RFP are currently held by consultant, and are valid and in full force and effect. Copies or legitimate proof of such licensure and/or certification shall be included in consultant's proposal. Proposals lacking copies and/or proof of said licenses and/or certifications may be deemed non-responsive and may be rejected.

*The successful consultant(s) and its sub-consultants are each required to obtain a City of Gardena Business License prior to award of Agreement. The Business License is not required for submission of a proposal.

C. PRICE FORMS

Consultant shall complete the Price Form in its entirety including: 1) all items listed and total price; 2) all additional costs associated with performance of specifications; and 3) Consultant’s identification information including a binding signature.

Consultant shall state cash discounts offered. Unless discount payment terms are offered, payment terms shall be “Net 45 Days”. Payment due dates, including discount period, will be computed from date of City acceptance of the equipment or materials or of a correct and complete invoice, whichever is later, to the date City’s check is mailed. Any discounts taken will be taken on full amount of invoice, unless other charges are itemized and discount thereon is disallowed.

All prices shall be quoted F.O.B. destination, Gardena, California. All shipping, handling and freight charges must be shown separately on the Price Form.

Consultant shall include in all monthly invoices the running total of the amount billed to the City and the remaining contract balance.

D. MODIFICATIONS OF PROPOSALS

Each Consultant shall submit its Proposal in strict conformity with the requirements of the Contract Documents. Unauthorized additions, modifications, revisions, conditions, limitations, exclusions or provisions attached to a Proposal may render it non-responsive and may cause its rejection. Proposals shall neither delete, modify, nor supplement the printed matter on the Proposal Forms, nor make substitutions thereon. Oral, telephonic and electronic modifications will not be considered.

PARTY SUBMITTING PROPOSAL:

NON-COLLUSION DECLARATION
(TO BE EXECUTED BY CONSULTANT AND SUBMITTED WITH PROPOSAL)

The undersigned declares:

I am the _________________________ [title] of ___________________________ [proposer], the party making the foregoing proposal.

The proposal is not made in the interest of, or on behalf of, any undisclosed person, partnership, company, association, organization, or corporation. The proposal is genuine and not collusive or a sham. The proposer has not directly or indirectly induced or solicited any other proposer to put in a false or sham proposal. The proposer has not directly or indirectly colluded, conspired, plotted, or agreed with any proposer or anyone else to put in a sham proposal, or to refrain from submitting a proposal. The proposer has not in any manner, directly or indirectly, sought by agreement, communication, or conference with anyone to fix the proposal price of the proposer or any other proposer ,or to fix any overhead, profit, or cost element of the proposal price, or of that of any other proposer. All statements contained in the proposal are true. The proposer has not, directly or indirectly, submitted his or her proposal price, or any breakdown thereof, or the contents thereof, or divulged information or data relative thereto, to any corporation, partnership, company, association, organization, proposal depository, or to any member or agent thereof to effectuate a collusive or sham proposal, and has not paid, and will not pay, any person or entity for such purpose.

Any person executing this declaration on behalf of a proposer that is a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, or any other entity, hereby represents that he or she has full power to execute, and does execute, this declaration on behalf of the proposer.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct and that this declaration is executed on [date],
at [city], [state].

Signature

Typed or Printed Name

Title

Party Submitting Proposal

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF

THE CITY OF GARDENA PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT

This is to acknowledge that we have read the City of Gardena Professional Services Agreement and will sign the Agreement, as presented, without exception, for the City’s RFP. Consultants are cautioned that exceptions to or deviations from RFP requirements may cause their proposal to be rejected as non-responsive.

(Firm name)

(Print name and title of person signing for firm)

(Signature/date)

SECTION VI.

PRICE FORM

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

DESCRIPTION OF WORK: Bid & Construction Management Service (Commercial Façade Improvement Program)
CONSULTANT’S NAME/ADDRESS:

NAME/TELEPHONE NO. OF

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE

Please provide detailed Firm Fixed Lump Sum Price and any other incidental or additional costs required in the spaces provided below to complete the Scope of Work requirements. Firm Fixed Prices to complete each task shall include the costs of all administration and overhead, project site visits, pre-production costs, telephone usage, mailings, mileage and other administrative costs. NOTE: Price proposals submitted on forms other than those provided herein may cause rejection of the proposal as non- responsive.

Item Description U/M* Qty. Cost Unit/ hourly wage
Sub-Total

001 $ $

002 _ $ $

003 _ $ $

004 _ $ $

005 _ $ $

006 _ $ $

007 _ $ $

Total Price, written in numbers: $

Total Price, written in words:

*U/M = Unit of Measure

Are there any other additional or incidental costs which will be required by your firm in order to meet the requirements of the Technical Specifications? Yes / No (circle one). If you answered “Yes”, please provide detail of said additional costs:

Please indicate any elements of the Technical Specifications which cannot be met by your firm.

Have you included in your proposal all requested informational items and forms? Yes / No (circle one). If you answered “No”, please explain:

This offer shall remain firm for 90 days from RFP close date.

Terms and conditions as set forth in this RFP apply to this proposal.

Cash discount allowable % days. Unless otherwise stated, payment terms are: Net thirty (45) days.

In signing this proposal, Consultant warrants that all certifications and documents requested herein are attached and properly completed and signed.

From time to time, the City may issue one or more addenda to this RFP. Below, please indicate all Addenda to this RFP received by your firm, and the date said Addenda was/were received. It is the Consultant’s responsibility to ensure that all addendums are received. Failure to acknowledge receipt of addenda may cause the City to reject the bid as non-responsive.

Verification of Addenda Received

Addenda No: Received on: ______________

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE:

PRINT SIGNER’S NAME AND TITLE: ___________________________________

DATE SIGNED:

COMPANY NAME & ADDRESS: __

PHONE: FAX:

IF NOT SUBMITTING A PROPOSAL, PLEASE STATE REASON(S) BELOW:

SECTION VII.

Program Guideline

CITY OF GARDENA

GARDENA BOULEVARD

REVITALIZATION
FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

PROGRAM GUIDELINES

February 2025

2 SECTION I - OVERVIEW OF PROGRAM

A. Purpose, Goal and Objective of Program

The purpose of the Commercial Façade Improvement Program (“Program”) is to provide financial assistance to property and business owners with the renovation of commercial buildings and structures along Gardena Boulevard between Vermont Avenue and Budlong Avenue (“Target Areas”).

The goal of this pro gram is to facilitate commercial revitalization; stimulate private investment; upgrade the physical image of the City; and generate shopping, tourism, and a pleasant walking environment by improving the visual aesthetics of the Target Areas with enhancements in design, color schemes and building facades through the use of the 2022 State Budget Earmark received by the City of Gardena.

The program objective is to provide financial assistance to property or business owners to make listed facade improvements and correct certain code violations to commercial buildings and to revitalize the Gardena Boulevard.

B. Source of Funds and Relationship with Grantor

The source of funds for this program is the City through the 2022 State Budget Earmark . As a disbursing agent for these funds, the City will provide administrative services for the Program activities. As such, the City staff, with the assistance of a Program Consultant, will be marketing the Program by utilizing the City website, social media, and City’s seasonal; brochure. Flyers and informational pamphlets will be distributed to potential program applicants. Additionally, a Program Consultant will be processing and packaging all improvement grants for the Program, performing on-site inspections, and acting as a quality control agent relative to Program activity.

The City has established policies and procedures to conform with Federal, State, and local rules and regulations.

C. Types of Assistance Available

Assistance shall be available to eligible property owners, within the eligible areas, in the form of a grant. The City’s staff w ill review each application to ensure that the Improvement work proposed will accomplish the goals set by the City. All grants will require majority approval by the City staff to obtain assistance.

Grant assistance shall be available to eligible commercial property and/or business owners who meet the requirements of Section II and III. Grants shall be provided as follows:

If the City provides all the project funding without a match from the applicant, the maximum grant shall be up to $30,000.

• Grant – This grant provides the amount up to Thirty Thousand dollars ($ 30,000) for commercial building façade improvements with no match requirement. Projects must be completed within 6 months of Building Permit issuance.

3 Additional grant funds may be awarded on a case -by-case basis, if needed to comply with the required compliance (i.e., ADA requirements) and approved by the Director of Community Development.

Program funds may also be used to pay for architectural services, City planning entitlement processing, and building plan check and permit fees associated with the Improvement work proposed under the Program. If the applicant withdraws their application for assistance or fails to implement the Improvement within 90 days after funds are used for payment of architectural services, and/or City application fees, the applicant shall be required to reimburse the City for all funds paid to the architect and/or City.

SECTION II - APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

A. Property Ownership

The applicant(s) must be either the current commercial property owner(s) or the current business owner(s) (tenant) to be eligible for Program assistance. Individuals, partnerships, corporations, nonprofit corporations and other legal entities may apply for assistance. The existing grant deed must list all current owners of the property. Property owner(s) shall be construed to be any person(s) or legal entity that holds title to the subject property. In the case of multiple ownership, the signature of e ach titleholder is required on all appropriate documents. The City will verify property ownership and require all persons currently on title to give written consent to all work proposed to be performed on the property prior to initiating such work.

If both the property owner and business owner (tenant) apply for participation in the Commercial Façade Improvement Program, the owner of the property will have priority over the business owner.

B. Utilization

As a result of participating in this Improvement program, it must be adequately demonstrated that the subject property will continue to be utilized for commercial purposes as provided by the City's adopted Land Use Element and Zoning Ordinance.

C. Program Exclusions

The following businesses are not eligible to receive Program assistance: residential rental buildings (apartments), unless connected to mixed use building, home -based businesses, structures not facing the public right-of-way, and banks.

SECTION III - PROPERTY ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

A. Eligible Area under the Program

4 To be eligible for the Program, the property to be rehabilitated must be located within the City limits of the City of Gardena.

B. Minimum Property Improvement Standards

All work performed under the provisions of this Program shall meet all applicable standards contained in the City's adopted zoning ordinance, local building and safety codes, and the Uniform Building Code and such other codes as designated by the Planning Department and Building and Safety Department. The City’s Municipal and Zoning Ordinance can be viewed on the City’s web site at https://www.codepublishing.com/CA/Gardena/.

C. Eligible Structures

Buildings or structures eligible for Improvement under this Program must be commercially zoned and developed for uses permitted by the local regulations. Non-conforming commercial buildings and uses may be assisted if the City finds that such assistance will be in the public's interest and consistent with local regulations and ordinances.

To be eligible for the Program assistance, the property to be rehabilitated must be located in Gardena and meet the following requirements:

• Commercial building must be dilapidated or blighted
• Storefront must be visible from the street

D. Improvement Program

The funds will be used for the improvement of the exterior of the commercial building . Façade Improvement elements include:

• Paint Program: Colors must include a base color and one accent color for each building.

Colors must be selected from the approved color palette , Exhibit A, adopted by the Program Guideline.
• Signage Program: Pre-design will be provided for the blade signage. • Awnings Program: Pre-design will be provided for the awning.

Program assistance may, at the discretion of the City, be used for Building Code violations and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance requirements as identified by the City. ADA compliance must be met prior to project completion.

All improvements must be physically attached to the property and permanent in nature. City staff will recommend specific improvements based on site analysis or architectural design recommendations. Applicants must incorporate two or more eligible improvement elements.

Only improvements made to the street-facing portion of the building are eligible.

Additionally, to participate in the Program, all non -permitted signage on the property to be rehabilitated, whether on the building or a pole/free standing sign, must be brought up to compliance with the City’s Municipal Code and maintained in conformance with the Sign

5 Ordinance of the City.

E. Permit and Entitlement Fees

In addition to the eligible direct construction costs, grant funds may be used to pay Building Department plan check and building permit fees; Planning entitlement fees; and any other fee(s) determined by the City to be necessary and directly associated with the commercial Improvement work being performed under this program (see Section I).

Section IV – Program Procedures

A. Applicant Intake and Eligibility Determination

1. Application. Property owners and business owners may apply for program assistance by downloading an application form available online at www.cityofgardena.org or completing an application available at City Hall and submitting such materials to the City of Gardena’s Community Development Department. Applications will be reviewed in the order in which they are received. The City will maintain a waiting list for all prospective participants.

2. Verification and Eligibility Determination . The City shall verify all information as necessary. Applicants will be notified in writing regarding eligibility status.

3. Improvement Feasibility Determination. Once an applicant has been determined to meet eligibility requirements, an initial inspection of the property will be made by the City to determine the extent of any code violations as well as any health and safety issues that need to be corrected pursuant to the provisions of this assistance program.

4. Processing. As a goal, processing time from the date the City determines that the applicant is eligible for assistance under the Program until a grant is approved or denied shall be ninety (90) days.

5. Approval and Notifications. Applications shall be reviewed by the City staff to ensure that the information provided is complete and accurate. Once the applicant’s application has been deemed complete, the City staff will meet with the applicant to determine the Improvement work that is proposed for the building. The determination will include the site improvements that will be required by the applicant as part of the grant acceptance requirements.

In order to obtain a grant, applicants must meet all property and eligibility guidelines in effect at the time of approval. Applicants will be provided with written notification of approval or denial. The applicant will be required to enter into a Participation Agreement with the City and a separate Construction Agreement with the contractor performing the work.

6. Grant Agreement: The Commercial Façade Improvement Grant Agreement is an agreement between the City and the Property Owner that links the grant documents to the completion

6 of the Façade Improvement Project by the Owner. It is a contract between the City and the applicant setting forth the terms and conditions of the grant of Program funds, specifically:

• Source of funding.
• Applicable funding source requirements.
• Conditions of program eligibility.
• Amount granted.
• Basic use of the funds.

Property owner and/or business owner must be aware that Program funds will not be committed or approved by the City until the designated Program representative signs the Grant Agreement.

7. Owners Indemnity: To the furthest extent allowed by law, Property Owner shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend City and each of its officers, officials, employees, agents, consultants and volunteers from any and all loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfeitures, costs and damages (whether in contract, tort or strict liability, including but not limited to personal injury, death at any time and property damage) incurred by City, Property Owner or any other person, and from any and all claims, demands and actions in law or equity (including attorney's fees and litigation expenses), arising or alleged to have arisen directly or indirectly out of participation in the Commercial Façade Improvement Program (“Program”). Property Owner’s obligations under the preceding sentence shall apply regardless of whether City or any of its officers, officials, employees, agents, consultants or volunteers are negligent, but shall not apply to any loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfeitures, costs or damages caused sole ly by the gross negligence, or caused by the willful misconduct, of City or any of its officers, officials, employees, agents, consultants or volunteers.

If Property Owner should contract all or any portion of the work to be performed under this Program, Property Owner shall require each consultant and/or contractor to indemnify, hold harmless and defend City and each of its officers, officials, employees, agents and volunteers in accordance with the terms of the preceding paragraph.

This section shall survive termination or expiration of Property Owner’s participation in the Program.

8. Insurance: During Property Owner’s participation in the Commercial Façade Improvement Program (“Program”) and specifically during the course of construction, Property Owner shall pay for and maintain in full force and effect all policies of insurance required hereunder with an insurance company(ies) either (i) admitted by the California Insurance Commissioner to do business in the State of California and rated not less than "A- VII" in Best's Insurance Rating Guide, or (ii) as may be authorized in writing by Director of Community Development or his/her designee at any time and in his/her sole discretion.

The following policy of insurance is required:

A. PROPERTY INSURANCE covering the Project premises against all risks of loss at full replacement cost with no coinsurance penalty provision.

7 Property Owner shall be responsible for payment of any deductibles contained in any insurance policies required hereunder and Property owner shall also be responsible for payment of any self-insured retentions. Any deductibles or self-insured retentions must be declared to, and approved by, the Director of Community Development or his/her designee. At no time shall City be responsible for the payment of any deductibles or self- insured retentions.

All policies of insurance required hereunder shall be endorsed to provide that the coverage shall not be cancelled, non -renewed, reduced in coverage or in limits except after 30 calendar day written notice has been given to City. Upon issuance by the insurer, broker, or agent of a notice of cancellation, non -renewal, or reduction in coverage or in limits, Property Owner shall furnish City with a new certificate and applicable endorsements for such policy(ies). In the event any policy is due to expire duri ng the Property Owner’s participation in the Program, Property Owner shall provide a new certificate, and applicable endorsements, evidencing renewal of such policy not less than 15 calendar days prior to the expiration date of the expiring policy.

The Property insurance policies shall name the City as a loss payee to the extent of the monetary value of the Grant.

Property Owner shall furnish City with all certificate(s) and applicable endorsements effecting coverage required hereunder. All certificates and applicable endorsements are to be received and approved by Director of Community Development or his/her designee in his/her sole discretion prior to City’s issuance of the Grant. Upon request of City, Property Owner shall immediately furnish City with a complete copy of any insurance policy required hereunder, including all endorsements, with said copy certified by the underwriter to be a true and correct copy of the original policy. This requirement shall survive expiration or termination of Property Owner’s participation in the Program.

Any failure to maintain the required insurance shall be sufficient cause for City to terminate Property Owner’s participation in the Program.

B. Procurement and Contractor Selection

1. Pre-Bid Meeting. The City shall prepare a bid package including instructions to bidders, work description, and plans. The City shall also schedule an on -site mandatory pre-bid meeting for all projects to review site conditions and provide clarification of proposed scope of work.

2. Procurement. The City shall maintain a list of qualified contractors and subcontractors who have expressed interest in bidding on Improvement work and have been cleared by the State Contractors License Board and are not listed on the debarred, suspended or ineligible contractors list as per 24 CFR part 5. The City will coordinate with the property owner or business owner to obtain at least three (3) estimates from qualified contractors for each Improvement project. The property owner(s) or business owner s shall be responsible for obtaining estimates for improvements. Estimates shall be submitted to the City in the prescribed form.

8 3. Selection. The applicant will make the final contractor selection from among three (3) qualified contractors who submit construction estimates. In case where the applicant desires to award the construction contract to an approved contractor other than the lowest responsible bidder, the City may set the amount of the award equal to the amount of the bid of the lowest responsible bidder. The applica nt shall be responsible for any difference in the cost of construction.

4. Contractor Insurance/License File . The City shall maintain a file for each contr actor performing work pursuant to the terms and conditions of this program. The applicant shall obtain these documents and as part of t he file shall include the following information:

A. Contractor's social security number or federal tax ID number; B. Completed W-9 form
C. Copies of the contractor's current liability and workers compensation insurance policies in addition to others noted under “Insurance for Contractor” below; D. Copies of the contractor's current California Contractor's License; E. Contractor’s certification regarding equal employment opportunity; F. All required Davis-Bacon information and certifications; G. Copy of contractor’s City Business License; and
H. A list of project sub-contractors (including State Contractors License number) to be used by the General Contractor.

Any contractor with lapsed General Liability and/or Workers Compensation insurance or a valid state contractor's license shall be removed from the job until they are able to provide proof of current insurance and/or license. All contractors shall be required to obtain a City Business License prior to the issuance of a building permit.

5. Indemnity for Contractor . The following will be included in all contractor and subcontractor agreements and required of all contractors under the Commercial Façade Improvement Program:

To the furthest extent allowed by law, Contractor shall indemnify, hold harmless and defend Property Owner, City and each of City’s officers, officials, employees, agents, consultants and volunteers from any and all loss, liability, fines, penalties, forfe itures, costs and damages (whether in contract, tort or strict liability, including but not limited to personal injury, death at any time and property damage) incurred by Property Owner, City, Contractor or any other person, and from any and all claims, de mands and actions in law or equity (including attorney's fees and litigation expenses), arising or alleged to have arisen directly or indirectly out of the participation in and performance of work under the Commercial Façade Improvement Program (Program”). Contractor’s obligations under the preceding sentence shall apply regardless of whether Property Owner, City or any of City’s officers, officials, employees, agents, consultants or volunteers are negligent, but shall not apply to any loss, liability, fin es, penalties, forfeitures, costs or damages caused solely by the gross negligence, or caused by the willful misconduct, of Property Owner, City or any of City’s officers, officials, employees, agents, consultants or volunteers.

9 If Contractor should subcontract all or any portion of the work to be performed under this Program, Contractor shall require each subcontractor to indemnify, hold harmless and defend Property Owner, City and each of City’s officers, officials, employees, a gents, consultants and volunteers in accordance with the terms of the preceding paragraph.

This section shall survive termination or expiration of Contractor’s participation in and performance of work under this Program.

6. Insurance for Contractor. The following will be included in all contractor agreements and required of all contractors under the Commercial Façade Improvement Program:

Throughout Contractor’s participation in and performance of work under the Commercial Façade Improvement Program (“Program”), Contractor shall pay for and maintain in full force and effect all policies of insurance required hereunder with an insurance company(ies) either (i) admitted by the California Insurance Commissioner to do business in the State of California and rated not less than "A- VII" in Best's Insurance Rating Guide, or (ii) as may be authorized in writing by Director of Community Development or his/her designee at any time and in his/her sole discretion. The following policies of insurance are required:

A. COMMERCIAL GENERAL LIABILITY insurance which shall be at least as broad as the most current version of Insurance Services Office (ISO) Commercial General Liability Coverage Form CG 00 01 and include insurance for “bodily injury,” “property damage” and “per sonal and advertising injury” with coverage for premises and operations (including the use of owned and non -owned equipment), products and completed operations, and contractual liability (including, without limitation, indemnity obligations under the Agree ment) with limits of liability of not less than the following:

$1,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury and property damage $1,000,000 per occurrence for personal and advertising injury $2,000,000 aggregate for products and completed operations $2,000,000 general aggregate

B. COMMERCIAL AUTOMOBILE LIABILITY insurance which shall be at least as broad as the most current version of Insurance Service Office (ISO) Business Auto Coverage Form CA 00 01, and include coverage for all owned, hired, and non-owned automobiles or other licensed vehicles (Code 1 - Any Auto) with limits of liability of not less than $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage.

C. WORKERS' COMPENSATION insurance as required under the California Labor Code.

D. EMPLOYERS’ LIABILITY insurance with limits of liability of not less than $1,000,000 each accident, $1,000,000 disease policy limit and $1,000,000 disease each employee.

10 In the event Contractor purchases an Umbrella or Excess insurance policy(ies) to meet the minimum limits of insurance set forth above, this insurance policy(ies) shall “follow form” and afford no less coverage than the primary insurance policy(ies).

Contractor shall be responsible for payment of any deductibles contained in any insurance policies required hereunder and Contractor shall also be responsible for payment of any self-insured retentions. Any deductibles or self -insured retentions must be d eclared to, and approved by, the Director of Community Development or his/her designee in his/her sole discretion. At the option of the City Manager or his/her designee, either (i) the insurer shall reduce or eliminate such deductibles or self -insured retentions as respects City, its officers, officials, employees and agents; or (ii) Contractor shall provide a financial guarantee, satisfactory to the Director of Community Development or his/her designee in his/her sole discretion, guaranteeing payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses. At no time shall City be responsible for the payment of any deductibles or self-insured retentions.

All policies of insurance required hereunder shall be endorsed to provide that the coverage shall not be cancelled, non -renewed, reduced in coverage or in limits except after 30 calendar day written notice has been given to City. Upon issuance by the insurer, broker, or agent of a notice of cancellation, non -renewal, or reduction in coverage or in limits, Contractor shall furnish City with a new certificate and applicable endorsements for such policy(ies). In the event any policy is due to expire during t he work to be performed for City, Contractor shall provide a new certificate, and applicable endorsements, evidencing renewal of such policy not less than 15 calendar days prior to the expiration date of the expiring policy.

The General Liability (including ongoing operations and products-completed operations), and Automobile Liability insurance policies shall be written on an occurrence form, and name the Property Owner, City, and City’s officers, officials, employees, agents , and consultants as an additional insured as follows:

“The City, its elected or appointed officers, officials, employees and volunteers are covered as additional insureds.”

All such policies of insurance shall be endorsed so Contractor’s insurance shall be primary, and no contribution shall be required of Property Owner, City or City’s officers, officials, employees, agents, and consultants. Any Workers’ Compensation insuran ce policy shall contain a waiver of subrogation as to Property Owner, City, and City’s officers, officials, employees, agents, and consultants. The coverage(s) shall contain no special limitations on the scope of protection afforded to Property Owner, Cit y and City’s officers, officials, employees, agents, and consultants. Should Contractor maintain insurance with broader coverage and/or limits of liability greater than those shown above, Property Owner and City require and shall be entitled to the broade r coverage and/or the higher limits of liability maintained by Contractor. Any available insurance proceeds in excess of the specified minimum limits of insurance and coverage shall be available to Property Owner and City.

Contractor shall furnish City with all certificate(s) and applicable endorsements effecting

11 coverage required hereunder. All certificates and applicable endorsements are to be received and approved by Property Owner and Director of Community Development , or his/her designee in his/her sole discretion, prior to Property Owner’s execution of the contract and before work commences . Upon request of Property Owner or City, Contractor shall immediately furnish Property Owner and City with a complete copy of any insurance policy required under this Agreement, including all endorsements, with said copy certified by the underwriter to be a true and correct copy of the original policy.

This requirement shall survive expiration or termination of Contractor’s participation in and performance of work under this Program.

If at any time during Contractor’s participation in and performance of work under this Program, Contractor or any of its subcontractors fail to maintain any required insurance in full force and effect, all work under shall be discontinued immediately, unti l notice is received by City that the required insurance has been restored to full force and effect and that the premiums therefore have been paid for a period satisfactory to City. Any failure to maintain the required insurance shall be sufficient cause for City to terminate Contractor’s participation in and performance of work under this Program.

The fact that insurance is obtained by Contractor shall not be deemed to release or diminish the liability of Contractor, including, without limitation, liability under the indemnity provisions of this Program. The duty to indemnify Property Owner and City shall apply to all claims and liability regardless of whether any insurance policies are applicable. The policy limits do not act as a limitation upon the amount of indemnification to be provided by Contractor. Approval or purchase of any insurance policies sh all in no way relieve from liability nor limit the liability of Contractor, its principals, officers, agents, employees, persons under the supervision of Contractor, vendors, suppliers, invitees, consultants, sub-consultants, subcontractors, or anyone empl oyed directly or indirectly by any of them.

If Contractor should subcontract all or any portion of the services to be performed under this Agreement, Contractor shall require each subcontractor to provide insurance protection in favor of Property Owner, City and City’s officers, officials, employees , agents, and consultants in accordance with the terms of each of the preceding paragraphs, except that the subcontractors' certificates and endorsements shall be on file with Contractor, Property Owner and City prior to the commencement of any work by the subcontractor.

7. Bonds: Upon the City’s request, Contractor shall obtain, pay for and deliver or cause to be obtained, paid for and delivered good and sufficient surety bonds from a corporate surety, admitted by the California Insurance Commissioner to do business in the State of California and Treasury -listed, in a form satisfactory to the City and naming the City as Co-Obligee.

A. The “Faithful Performance Bond” shall be at least equal to 100% of Contractor’s estimated construction costs to guarantee faithful performance of the Project, within the time prescribed, in a manner satisfactory to the City, and that all materials and workmanship will be free from original or developed defects.

12 B. The “Material and Labor Bond” shall be at least equal to 100% of Property Owner’s estimated construction costs to satisfy claims of material supplies and of mechanics and laborers employed for this Project. The bond shall be maintained by Contractor in full force and effect until the Project is completed and accepted by the City, and until all claims for materials and labor are paid, and shall otherwise comply with any applicable provisions of Chapter 7, Title 15, Part 4, Division 3 of the California Civil Code.

C. The “Bid Bond” shall be at least equal to 10% of the amount set forth in the bid.

The bid bond shall be given as a guarantee that the bidder shall execute the contract if it is awarded to him/her in conformity with the contract documents and shall provide the evidence of insurance and furnish the necessary bonds as specified in the contract documents, within 15 calendar days after written notice of the award.

8. Ineligible Contractors. The City and the applicant(s) shall agree not to award any contract for Improvement work, to be paid for in whole or in part with proceeds from a Program grant to any contractor who does not have a valid state contractors license, who cannot produce sufficient evidence of current Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance coverage.

All owner/builders, or any member of the applicant's family, are considered ineligible, regardless of credentials or license. Any ineligible contractor found working at the job site will be removed immediately, without compensation.

9. Award of Contract

a. Notification. The City shall notify the selected contractor of the award of bid and shall establish a date, time and place for the pre -construction conference. The City shall notify, in writing, the non-selected contractors.

b. Improvement Construction Agreement. The contract, for the approved Improvement work shall be prepared by the City and shall be entered into between the property owner and the selected contractor. The City may require the inclusion of certain contractual terms in accordance with federal requirements. In the event of any dispute arising under this program, the injured party shall notify the injuring party in writing of its intentions as specified in the agreement between the property owner and the contractor.

c. Private Arrangements. The City cautions the property owner/business owner and the contractor not to enter into "side deals" for additional work or deviations from the approved scope of work.

C. Pre-construction Meeting

Prior to construction, the City will arrange a preconstruction meeting which shall be attended by the contractor, subcontractor(s), if applicable, the property/business owner(s), and representative City staff. The purpose of this meeting is to explain all applicable requirements

13 including Labor Standard Requirements), explain all Program requirements and procedures, coordinate and schedule the work start date, and answer questions related to contract documents.

D. Start of Construction

No work shall commence until a “Notice to Proceed” has been issued to the contractor, signed by the property owner(s) and the City. In addition, no work shall commence until all required permits have been issued by the City’s Building and Safety Department.

E. Contractor Payments

1. Inspections. To ensure the integrity of the authorized work, the Program Inspector shall conduct site inspections prior to the issuance of progress payments and prepare detailed inspection reports which identify any deficiencies in a contractor's materials or workmanship. The Program Inspector shall make regular and/or unannounced inspections of work -in-progress to identify the quality of the work and assess owner satisfaction. The building inspector shall conduct inspections to ensure compliance with Local Building Code.

2. Payment Request Packages. The Contractor shall submit payment request packages to the City in the prescribed format. All requests shall be signed by the contractor, property/business owner(s), and the Program Inspector, certifying that the work has been satisfactorily completed. All pertinent invoices, releases, certifications, warranties, list of subcontractors and materialmen, and copies of applicable permits shall be attached to the payment request. Final payment request shall also include the pr operty/business owner's certification of acceptance, Building and Safety Department sign-off, and a Notice of Completion. Payment request packages shall be submitted to the City for approval.

Progress payments will be paid for 90% of the job costs. The final payment for the 10% retention shall be paid 30 days after the Notice of Completion has been recorded.

F. Applicant Complaint Resolution Process

The City shall maintain a complaint log, documenting the date and nature of any project complaint, and corrective actions taken by City staff to resolve the matter. Complaints concerning the Program should first be made to the Program Administrator. If unresolved to the satisfaction of the applicant, an appeal may be made, in writing, to the Community Development Department.

The City will contact the property/business owner and attempt to resolve the problem. A written response will be made within ten (10) working days. If the problem cannot be resolved, it will be presented to the Director of Community Development for review and consideration. The decision of the Community Development Director shall be final.

G. Applicant Responsibilities

1. Property Maintenance. The property/business owner(s) is/are responsible for property maintenance during the Improvement work (contractor is responsible for keeping the property clean of all construction material). The property/business owner(s) is/are

14 responsible for ensuring that the Improvement work is not impeded because of their actions or the actions of their tenant(s). The City shall require the contractor and his/her employees to provide adequate pedestrian and property protection at the construction site.

2. Property Tax Bills. Current property tax bills for the subject property must be current.

The property owner(s) is/are responsible for ensuring that the property taxes are current.

The City will verify that the property taxes for the property are current. If the property’s tax statement indicates a delinquency, at the time of the Program application, the City shall not proceed with grant processing until it is supplied with a Certificate of Redemption from the Los Angeles County Tax Assessor's Office or other appropriate documentation of proof of payment.

3. Notice of Completion: The property owner(s) is/are responsible for signing a Notice of Completion prepared by the City and the City is responsible for filing the Notice of Completion within 10 days of the completion of the work.

SECTION V - MISCELLANEOUS PROGRAMMATIC REQUIREMENTS

A. Bonus, Commission or Fee

The applicant shall not pay any bonus, commission or fee, for the purpose of obtaining approval of the grant application, or for any other approval or concurrence as may be required by the City pursuant to the provisions of this Program.

B. Conflict of Interest

No Program assistance will be provided to any member of the governing body of the City or any designee of the City, or the City of Gardena, who exercises any authority or responsibilities in connection with the administration of this program. No member of the aforementioned organizations shall have any interest, direct or indirect, in the proceeds from the Commercial Façade Improvement Program or in any contract entered into by the applicant for the performance of the work, financed, in whole or in part, with the proceeds of the grant.

C. Disclosure of Information

The City is a public entity and information or records (with the exception of financial information which falls under Government Code section 6250 (c), and section 7460 et seq.) submitted or released to the City by the applicant may be considered public records and subject to disclosure under the Public Records Act, Government Code section 6250 et seq.

D. Equal Opportunity Policy

The City shall not discriminate based upon sex, age, race, creed, color, religion, national origin, marital status, ancestry or physical handicap in in accepting applications and processing Program applications; or the awarding of a contract for Improvement of property assisted by this Program.

E. Fire and Flood Insurance Requirements

15 Applicants are obligated to carry sufficient fire insurance coverage on the subject property to be rehabilitated under the provisions of this Program. Prior to any grant assistance, minimum fire insurance coverage shall be provided in an amount which is equivalent to the value of the subject building or structure including the proposed Improvement improvements. Uninsured applicants must obtain coverage in the required amount prior to receiving grant assistance. Applicants in the “Flood Hazard Area" will be required to purchase flood hazard insurance.

F. Historic Preservation

In order to comply with section 106, National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended (16 U.S.C. 470) and federal guidelines, the City shall prepare a Basic Property Identification Form for all structures to be assisted. Such a form shall be accompanied by photographs and shall be submitted to SHPO for review and clearance.

G. Environmental Review:

The California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requires that City funds may not be released until the City has certified that a review of the project activities demonstrates that no significant impact on the human environment is likely to occur or that actions have been initiated that would mitigate any potential impacts to the extent practicable.

As such, environmental forms must be completed and approved prior to releasing funds. A Determination of Categorical Exemption, Statutory Worksheet, and Level of Environmental Review form will generally address anticipated typical commercial rehabilitation activities contemplated under the Program. Staff shall ensure that appropriate documentation is prepared and signed by the City’s authorized official prior to the commitment of Program funds. Copies of the environmental review documentation shall be maintained in the project file.

H. Substitution of Contractor

In the event that the selected contractor shall fail or refuse to complete the work, in a professional and workman like manner, as set forth in the Improvement Construction Contract, including its General Conditions and Standard Specifications, or fails to use due diligence in performing the required work, the property owner(s) may terminate the Improvement Construction Contract, upon providing proper notice, to such contractor. The City shall assist the property owner(s) in completing the necessary termin ation document(s) as needed. No further Improvement is to commence until an agreement releasing the original contractor from his/her contractual obligations, is on file with the City, and a new contract is signed between the substitute contractor and the property owner(s).

1. Non-commencement by Original Contractor. The owner shall notify the City by means of a registered letter, indicating that the original selected contractor will not be performing the Improvement work and the reason(s) why a substitution of contractor has been requested. Both the property owner(s) and the original contractor's signatures are required in this document. The property owner shall obtain additional bids from contractors willing to perform the Improvement work. A new Improvement Construction Contract Notice to Proceed, and Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement shall be prepared by the Purchasing Department and appropriately signed.

16 2. Noncompliance by Original Contractor. The owner shall notify the City by means of a registered letter, indicating that the original selected contractor has not complied with the terms of the agreement and that a substitution of contractor is being requested. Both the property owner(s) and the original contractor's signatures are required in this document. The property owner shall obtain additional bids from contractors willing to complete the Improvement work. A new Improvement Construction Agreement Notice to Proceed, and Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement shall be prepared by the City and appropriately signed. The City shall inspect the job site and compile a list of incomplete or unacceptable items to determine the extent of work to be completed by the substitute contractor.

A meeting shall be held between the City, the property owner(s) and the original contractor to establish an amount and method of payment for any work which has been completed in accordance with the agreement. Funds withheld from the original contractor shall be identified. Lien releases and invoices from the original contractor and subcontractor(s) shall be provided. The City shall prepare a revised work write-up, based upon the City’s inspection findings, which shall contain only those items necessary to complete the job. The property owner(s) shall obtain bids from contractors willing to perform such work, and to the extent possible, ensure that the new contract does not exceed available grant funding. A new Improvement Construction Contract Notice to Proceed, and Waiver and Hold Harmless Agreement shall be prepared by the City and appropriately signed.

I. Davis-Bacon Requirements

In accordance with federal or state regulations, Davis-Bacon and Related Acts (DBRA) requirements apply to the Improvement of all commercial buildings and structures. The applicant will be responsible for ensuring that the requirements are met and that a completed file is available for the City to review and monitor to ensure that all laborers are paid applicable prevailing wages. All cost for conducting the Davis -Bacon requirements can be paid for through the program proceeds.

J. Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) Requirements

A Contractor who fits within the definition of public works contractor is required to register with the DIR.

Registration is required only to bid or work on public works projects that are subject to the prevailing wage requirements of the State of California. Federally funded or assisted projects that are controlled or carried out by awarding bodies in California are subject to the state's prevailing wage laws and therefore require registration.

K. Re-Application Requirements

Properties shall be eligible for a one-time grant under the program, irrelevant of change of ownership. Once provided with a grant, the property will no longer be eligible for a grant under the Commercial Façade Improvement Program. Property owners must maintain the property after a facade project has been completed.

SECTION VI - AMENDMENTS

Amendments to the Commercial Façade Improvement Program Guidelines may be made from time to time

17 by the City. Vested authority shall be granted to the Director of Community Development to grant a minor waiver or make minor amendments to these guidelines. All Substantial Amendments to these guidelines shall be approved by the City Council.

18 SECTION VIII.

Form of Agreement

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE

CITY OF GARDENA
AND

This contract, hereinafter referred to as Agreement is entered into this day of , 2025, by and between THE CITY OF GARDENA (“City”) and , a [state] [type of entity] (“Consultant”). Based on the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereto agree, as follows.

1. Recitals.

A. Whereas, City requires the services of a professional to provide design services; and

B. Whereas, Consultant has represented that it is qualified by virtue of experience, training, education and expertise to provide these services; and
C. Whereas, City has determined that the public interest, convenience and necessity require the execution of this Agreement.

D. WHEREAS, no official or employee of City has a financial interest, within the provisions of sections 1090 -1092 of the California Government Code, in the subject matter of this Agreement.

2. Services.

A. The services to be performed by Consultant shall consist of the following (“Services”): As specified in Exhibit “ *”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise instructed by City.

B. The Services shall be performed in accordance with the Project Schedule set forth in Exhibit *. Consultant shall not be liable for any failure or delay in furnishing proposed Services resulting from fire, explosion, flood, storm, Act of God, governmental acts, orders or regulations, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, labor difficulties, difficulty in obtaining parts, supplies, or shipping facilities, inability to obtain or delays in obtaining suitable material or facilities required for performance, temporary unavailability of qualified personnel, failure by City to provide appropriate access to equipment or

19 personnel, or other causes beyond Consultant’s reasonable control.

3. Additional Services. If City determines that additional Services are required to be provided by Consultant in addition to the Services set forth above, City shall authorize Consultant to perform such additional Services in writing (“Additional Services”). Such Additional Services shall be specifically described and approved by City in writing prior to the performance thereof. Consultant shall be compensated for such Additional Services in accordance with the amount agreed upon in writing by the Parties. No compensation shall be paid to Consultant for Additional Services which are not specifically approved by City in writing.

4. Consultant’s Proposal. This Agreement shall include Consultant’s proposal or bid which is incorporated herein as Exhibit *. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the proposal and this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern.

5. Timing of Performance. Time is of the essence with respect to Consultant’s performance of the Services required by this Agreement. Consultant shall diligently and timely pursue and complete the performance of the Services required of it by this Agreement as set forth in Exhibit *. City, in its sole discretion, may extend the time for performance of any Service.

6. Compensation. Compensation for the Services shall be billed as set forth in Exhibit * , attached hereto. The Compensation is inclusive of all costs that may be incurred by Consultant in performance of the Services, including but not limited to such items as travel, copies, delivery charges, phone charges, and facsimile charges, unless otherwise. In no event shall compensation under this Agreement exceed SPELL OUT AMOUNT and 00/00 ($*) without the prior written authorization of the City Council.

7. Prevailing Wages. Consultant is aware of the requirements of Chapter 1 (beginning at Section 1720 et seq.) of Part 7 of Division 2 of the California Labor Code, as well as Title 8, Section 16000 et seq. of the California Code of Regulations (“Prevailing Wage Laws”), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on “public works” and “maintenance” projects. If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the Total Compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant and its subconsultants shall fully comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws for their employees and any others to whom such laws are applicable. Consultant and its subconsultants shall also be responsible for any and all violations and fines imposed on them pursuant to the Prevailing Wage Laws. Pursuant to SB 854, which amended the Prevailing Wage Laws, this Agreement would also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). Beginning April 1, 2015, no consultant or subconsultant may be awarded this Agreement unless registered with the DIR pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5. The City will report all necessary agreements to the DIR as required by the Prevailing Wage Laws. Consultant shall make copies of the prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Services available to interested parties upon

20 request, and shall post copies at the Consultant’s principal place of business and at the Project site. It is most efficient for the Consultant to obtain a copy of the prevailing wages in effect at the commencement of this Agreement from the website of the Division of Labor Statistics and Research of the DIR located at www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/. In the alternative, Consultant may obtain a copy of the prevailing wages from the City’s Representative.

Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its electe d officials, officers, employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws.

8. Term of Agreement/Termination. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for a period of one (1) year, ending on , 20 , unless previously terminated as provided herein or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties. This Agreement may be extended by two [2] additional one [1] year periods upon mutual written agreement of both parties.]

A. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of execution by the City and shall remain in effect until all Services are completed or until terminated as provided for herein.

B. City may terminate this Agreement without cause by providing written notice to Consultant not less than ten days prior to an effective termination date. City’s only obligation in the event of termination will be payment of fees and allowed expenses incurred up to and including the effective date of termination.

C. Unless for cause, Consultant may not terminate this Agreement. If Consultant is terminating this Agreement for cause, it must provide the City with thirty (30) days written notice.

D. Upon receipt of a termination notice, Consultant shall: (1) promptly discontinue all Services, unless the notice directs otherwise; and (2) within ten (10) days, deliver to City all files, data, reports, estimates, summaries, and such other information and materials as may have been accumulated or prepared to date by Consultant in performing the Services under this Agreement, whether completed or in progress.

Consultant shall provide these documents by both hard copy and in electronic format if available. In the event of termination for other than cause attributable to Consultant, Consultant shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for the Services it performs up to the date of termination and shall be deemed released from liability for any work assigned but not completed as of the effective date of termination.

9. Agreement Administrator . For purposes of this Agreement, City designates Stephany Santin, Director Recreation & Human Services, or designee, as the Agreement Administrator who shall monitor Consultant’s performance under this Agreement.

Consultant shall be notified in writing of any deficiency in the performance of this Agreement in a timely manner by Agreement Administrator Consultant shall have five (5) business days from receipt of the notification to cure any deficiency to the reasonable satisfaction of the Agreement Administrator. All costs for such corrections shall be borne

21 by Consultant and shall not increase Consultant’s fees due hereunder. Should the Agreement Administrator determine that Consultant has not performed its obligation as stated in this Agreement in a satisfactory manner, City may terminate this Agreement for cause as specified in Section - Term of Agreement/Termination. All notices, invoices or other documents shall be addressed to the Agreement Administrator, as well as all substantive issues relating to this contract. City reserves the right to change this designation upon written notice to Consultant.

10. Invoices and Payments.

A. Payment shall be made upon receipt and approval of invoices for Services rendered. In order for payment to be made, Consultant’s invoice must include an itemization as to the services rendered, date(s) of service, direct and/or subcontract costs, and be submitted on an official letterhead or invoice with Consultant’s name, address, and telephone number referenced.

B. The Agreement Administrator shall review the invoices to determine whether services performed and documents submitted are consistent with this Agreement. Payment shall be made within forty -five (45) days following receipt of the invoice or the Agreement Administrator shall provide Consultant with a written statement objecting to the charges and stating the reasons therefore.

C. Payment by City under this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of defects, even if such defects were known to City at the time of payment.

11. Records/Audit.

A. Consultant shall be responsible for ensuring accuracy and propriety of all billings and shall maintain all supporting documentation for a minimum of three (3) years from the completion date of the Services under this agreement the following records:

1. All accounts and records, including personnel, property and financial, adequate to identify and account for all costs pertaining to this Agreement and assure proper accounting for all funds;

2. Records which establish that Consultant and any subconsultant who renders Services under this Agreement are in full compliance with the requirements of this Agreement and all federal, state and local laws and regulations

3. Any additional records deemed necessary by City to assume verification of full compliance with this Agreement.

B. City shall have the right to audit Consultant’s invoices and all supporting documentation for purposes of compliance with this Agreement for a period of three years following the completion of Services under this Agreement.

C. Upon reasonable notice from City or any other governmental agency,

22 Consultant shall cooperate fully with any audit of its billings conducted by, or of, City and shall permit access to its books, records and accounts as may be necessary to conduct such audits.

12. Successors and Assignment. This Agreement covers professional services of a specific and unique nature. Except as otherwise provided herein, Consultant shall not assign or transfer its interest in this Agreement or subcontract any services to be performed without amending this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

13. Change in Name, Ownership or Control. Consultant shall notify the Agreement Administrator, in writing, of any change in name, ownership or control of Consultant’s firm or subconsultant. Change of ownership or control of Consultant’s firm may require an amendment to the Agreement.

14. Key Personnel . City has relied upon the professional training and ability of Consultant to perform the Services hereunder as a material inducement to enter into this Agreement. Consultant shall provide properly skilled professional and technical personnel to perform all Services under this Agreement. In the event that City, in its sole discretion, at any time during the Agreement, desires the removal of any person or persons assigned by Consultant to perform Services pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant shall remove any such person immediately upon receiving notice from City.

15. Performance By Consultant . Consultant shall maintain or exceed the level of competency presently maintained by other similar practitioners in the State of California, for professional and technical soundness, accuracy and adequacy of all work, advice and material furnished under this Agreement.

16. Use of Materials.

A. City shall make available to Consultant such materials from its files as may be required by Consultant to perform Services under this Agreement. Such materials shall remain the property of City while in Consultant’s possession. Upon termination of this Agreement and payment of outstanding invoices of Consultant, or completion of work under this Agreement, Consultant shall return to City any property of City in its possession and any calculations, notes, reports, electronic files, or other materials prepared by Consultant in the course of performance of this Agreement.

B. City may utilize any material prepared or work performed by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement, including computer software, in any manner, which City deems proper without additional compensation to Consultant. Consultant shall have no responsibility or liability for any revisions, changes, or corrections made by City, or any use or reuse pursuant to this paragraph unless Consultant accepts such responsibility in writing.

17. Nonuse of Intellectual Property of Third Parties. Consultant shall not use, disclose

23 or copy any intellectual property of any third parties in connection with work carried out under this Agreement, except for intellectual property for which Consultant has a license.

Consultant shall indemnify and hold City harmless against all claims raised against City based upon allegations that Consultant has wrongfully used intellectual property of others in performing work for City, or that City has wrongfully used intellectual property developed by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement.

18. Ownership of Work Product. All documents or other information created, developed, or received by Consultant shall, for purposes of copyright law, be deemed works made for hire for City by Consultant and shall be the sole property of City.

Consultant shall provide City with copies of these items upon demand, and in any event, upon termination of this Agreement.

19. Confidentiality Clause. Consultant acknowledges that some of the material and information that may come into its possession or knowledge in connection with this Agreement or its performance may consist of information that is exempt from disclosure to the public or other unauthori zed persons under either state or federal statutes ("Confidential Information"). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, names, addresses, Social Security numbers, e -mail addresses, telephone numbers, financial pro files, credit card information, driver's license numbers, medical data, law enforcement records, agency source code or object code, agency security data, or information identifiable to an individual that relates to any of these types of information.

Consultant agrees to hold Confidential Information in strictest confidence and not to make use of Confidential Information for any purpose other than the performance of this Agreement, to release it only to authorized employees or Sub-consultants requiring such information for the purposes of carrying out this Agreement, and not to release, divulge, publish, transfer, sell, disclose, or otherwise make the information known to any other party without City's express written consent or as provided by law. Consu ltant agrees to release such information or material only to employees or Sub -consultants who have signed a nondisclosure agreement, the terms of which have been previously approved by City. Consultant agrees to implement physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to Confidential Information. "Personal information" including, but not limited to, "Protected Health Information" (PHI) under Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA), individuals' names, addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and social security numbers collected, used, or acquired in connection with this Agreement shall be protected against unauthorized use, disclosure, modification or loss.

HIPAA establishes national minimum standards for the use and disclosure of certain health information. The Consultant must comply with all HIPAA requirements and rules when determined applicable by the City. If City determines that (1) City is a "covered entity" under HIPAA, and that (2) Consultant will perform "business associate" services and activities covered under HIPAA, then at City's request, Consultant agrees to execute City's Agreement in compliance with HIPAA.

Consultant shall ensure its directors, officers, employees, Sub-consultants or agents use

24 personal information solely for the purposes of accomplishing the services set forth herein. Consultant and its Sub-consultants agree not to release, divulge, publish, transfer, sell or otherwise make known to unauthorized persons personal information without the express written consent of the City or as otherwise required by law.

Any breach of this provision may result in termination of the Agreement and demand for return of all personal information. Moreover, Consultant will indemnify and hold the City harmless from and against all losses and damages resulting from any unauthorized or improper disclosure, dissemination or use of the information as a result, in whole or in part, of Consultant’s action or inaction.

20. Legal Requirements.

A. Consultant shall secure and maintain all licenses or permits required by law, including a City business license, and shall comply with all ordinances, laws, orders, rules, and regulations pertaining to the work.

B. Consultant warrants that it shall perform the Services required by this Agreement in compliance with all applicable Federal and California employment laws, including, but not limited to, those laws related to minimum hours and wages; occupational health an d safety; fair employment and employment practices; workers’ compensation insurance and safety in employment; and all other Federal, State and local laws and ordinances applicable to the services required under this Agreement.

Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless City from and against all claims, demands, payments, suits, actions, proceedings, and judgments of every nature and description including attorneys’ fees and costs, presented, brought, or recovered against City for, or on account of any liability under any of the above-mentioned laws, which may be incurred by reason of Consultant’s performance under this Agreement.

C. Consultant covenants that there shall be no discrimination based upon race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, age, handicap, national origin or ancestry, or any other category forbidden by law in performance of this Agreement.

21. Conflict of Interest and Reporting.

A. Consultant shall at all times avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in the performance of this Agreement. If required, Consultant shall comply with the City’s Conflict of Interest reporting requirements. Consultant understands that pursuant to Gardena Municipal Code sections 2.24.020H and 2.24.025G, it is forbidden to make any contribution to a candidate or committee of a candidate for a municipal office of the City, or to an officeholder, until the completion of Ser vices to be performed under this Agreement.

B. Consultant and its representatives shall refrain from lobbying City of Gardena officials, employees and representatives for the duration of this Agreement.

25 22. Guarantee and Warranty.

A. Consultant warrants to City that the material, analysis, data, programs and Services to be delivered or rendered hereunder will be of the kind and quality designated and will be performed by qualified personnel.

Without waiver of City’s other rights or remedies, City may require Consultant to re-perform any of said Services, which were not performed in accordance with these standards. Consultant shall perform the remedial Services at its sole expense.

23. Insurance.

A. Commencement of Work. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has obtained City approved insurance. Before beginning work hereunder, during the entire period of this Agreement, for any extensions hereto, and for periods after the end of this Agreement as may be indicated below, Consultant must have and maintain in place all of the insurance coverage required in this Section. Consultant’s insurance shall comply with all items specified by this Agreement. Any subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements of this Section and Consultant shall be responsible to obtain evidence of insurance from each subcontractor and provide it to City before the subcontractor commences work. Alternatively, Consultant’s insurance may cover all subcontractors.

B. Insurance Company Requirements. All insurance policies used to satisfy the requirements imposed hereunder shall be issued by insurers admitted to do business in the State of California. Insurers shall have a current Best’s rating of not less than A- :VII, unless otherwise approved by City.

C. Coverage, Limits and Policy Requirements. Consultant shall maintain the types of coverage and limits indicated below:

1. Commercial General Liability Insurance - a policy for occurrence coverage for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage, with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Form CG 00 01, with no special limitations affecting City. The limit for all coverage under this policy shall be no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence.

2. Commercial Auto Liability Insurance - a policy with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 0001, including Symbol 1 (any auto) with no special limitations affecting City. The limit for bodily injury and property damage liability shall be no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per accident.

3. Policy Requirements. The policies set forth above shall comply with the following, as evidenced by the policies or endorsements to the policies:

26 a. The City, its appointed and elected officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be added as additional insured to the policy.

b. The insurer shall agree to provide City with thirty (30) days prior written notice, return receipt requested, of any cancellation, non-renewal or material change in coverage.

c. For any claims with respect to the Services covered by this Agreement, Consultant’s insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be excess of Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

4. Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance - a policy which meets all statutory benefit requirements of the Labor Code, or other applicable law, of the State of California. The minimum coverage limits for said insurance shall be no less than one million dollars per claim. The policy shall be issued by an insurance company which is admitted to do business in the State of California and shall contain a clause that the policy may not be canceled without thirty (30) days prior written notice, return receipt requested, is mailed to City.

5. Professional Errors & Omissions - a policy with minimum limits of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per claim and aggregate. This policy shall be issued by an insurance company which is admitted to do business in the State of California and Consultant shall contain a clause that the policy may not be canceled until thirty (30) days written notice, return receipt requested, is mailed to City.

D. Additional Requirements. The procuring of such required policies of insurance shall not be construed to limit Consultant’s liability hereunder or to fulfill the indemnification provisions and requirements of this Agreement. There shall be no recourse against City for payment of premiums or other amounts with respect thereto.

City shall notify Consultant in writing of changes in the insurance requirements. If Consultant does not deposit copies of acceptable insurance policies or endorsements with City incorp orating such changes within sixty (60) days of receipt of such notice, Consultant shall be deemed in default hereunder.

E. Deductibles. Any deductible or self -insured retention over $25,000 per occurrence must be declared to and approved by City. Any deductible exceeding an amount acceptable to City shall be subject to the following changes: either the insurer shall eliminate or reduce such deductibles or self-insured retentions with respect to City, its officers, employees, agents and volunteers (with additional premium, if any, to be paid by Consultant); or Consultant shall provide satisfactory financial guarantee for payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses.

F. Verification of Compliance. Consultant shall furnish City with original policies or certificates and endorsements effecting coverage required by this Agreement.

27 The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All endorsements are to be received and approved by City before work commences. Not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date of any policy of insurance required by this Agreement, Consultant shall deliver to City a binder or certificate of insurance with respect to each renewal policy, bearing a notation evidencing payment of the premium therefore, or accompanied by other proof of payment satisfactory to City. Consultant shall provide full copies of any requested policies to City within three (3) days of any such request by City.

G. Termination for Lack of Required Coverage. If Consultant, for any reason, fails to have in place, at all times during the term of this Agreement, including any extension hereto, all required insurance and coverage, City may immediately obtain such coverage at Consultant’s expense and/or terminate this Agreement.

24. Indemnity.

A. Consultant assumes all risk of injury to its employees, agents, and contractors, including loss or damage to property.

B. Consultant agrees to defend, indemnify, hold free and harmless the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers, at Consultant’s sole expense, from and against any and all claims, actions, suits or other legal proceedings brought against the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers arising out of the performance of the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors, of the work undertaken pursuant to this Agreement. The defense obligation provided for hereunder shall apply without any advance showing of negligence or wrongdoing by the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors, but shall be required whenever any claim, action, complaint, or suit asserts as its basis the negligence, errors, omissions or misconduct of the Consultant, its em ployees, and/or authorized subcontractors, and/or whenever any claim, action, complaint or suit asserts liability against the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers based upon the work performed by the Consultant, its emplo yees, and/or authorized subcontractors under this Agreement, whether or not the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors are specifically named or otherwise asserted to be liable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Consultant shall not be liable for the defense or indemnification of the City for claims, actions, complaints or suits arising out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. This provision shall supersede and replace all other indemnity provisions contained either in the City’s specifications or Consultant’s Proposal, which shall be of no force and effect.

C. No official, employee, agent or volunteer of City shall be personally liable for any default or liability under this Agreement.

25. Independent Contractor. Consultant agrees to furnish consulting services in the capacity of an independent contractor and neither Consultant nor any of its employees shall be considered to be an employee or agent of City.

28 26. PERS Eligibility Indemnification. In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subcontractor of Consultant providing Services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to be eligible for enrollment in PERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment o f any employee and/or employer contributions for PERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.

Notwithstanding any other agency, state or federal policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subcontractors providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in PERS as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for PERS benefits.

27. Notices. Any notice or communication given under this Agreement shall be effective when deposited, postage prepaid, with the United States Postal Service and addressed to the contracting parties. Name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers of the parties are as follows:

City of Gardena:
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, California 90247-3732
Attn: Jackie Choi
Title: Economic Development Manager
Email: ___________________
Telephone: ___________________

To Consultant: Name of Consultant Street Address or P.O. Box City, State Zip Code
Attn:

Email:

Telephone: ( )

Either party may change the information to which notice or communication is to be sent by providing advance written notice to the other party.

28. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it legal, valid, and enforceable, and the legality, validity, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

29. Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall be deemed a contract under the

29 laws of the State of California and for all purposes shall be interpreted in accordance with such laws. Both parties hereby agree and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of California and that the venue of any action brought hereunder shall be Los Angeles County, California.

30. Waiver. No delay or failure by either Party to exercise or enforce at any time any right or provision of this Agreement shall be considered a waiver thereof or of such Party’s right thereafter to exercise or enforce each and every right and provision of this Agreement. To be valid a waiver shall be in writing but need not be supported by consideration. No single waiver shall constitute a continuing or subsequent waiver.

31. Electronic Signatures. The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that electronic records and electronic signatures, as well as facsimile signatures, used in connection with the execution of this Agreement and electronic signatures, facsimile signatures or signatures transmitted by electronic mail in so-called pdf format shall be legal and binding and shall have the same full force and effect as if a paper original of this Agreement had been delivered and had been signed using a handwritten signature. City and Consultant (i) agree that an electronic signature, whether digital or encrypted, of a party to this Agreement is intended to authenticate this writing and to have the same force and effect as a manual signature, (ii) intend to be bound by the signatures (whether original, faxed or electronic) on any document sent or delivered by facsimile or, electronic mail, or other electronic means, (iii) are aware that the other party will reply on such signatures, and (iv) hereby waive any defenses to the enforcement of the terms of this Agreement based on the foregoing forms of signature. If this Agreemen t has been executed by electronic signature, all parties executing this document are expressly consenting under the United States Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 ("E - SIGN") and California Uniform Electronic Transactions Act ("UETA")(Cal. Civ. Code § 1633.1, et seq.), that a signature by fax, email or other electronic means shall constitute an Electronic Signature to an Electronic Recor d under both E -SIGN and UETA with respect to this specific transaction.

32. Joint Drafting. Each party acknowledges that it has had an adequate opportunity to review each and every provision in this Agreement and to submit the same to counsel and other consultants for review and comment and that the parties jointly drafted this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement or any Assignment shall be construed more strictly against one party than the other party by reason that one or the oth er party proposed, drafted or modified such provision or any other existing or proposed provision.

33. Public Records Act Disclosure . Consultant has been advised and is aware that this Agreement and all reports, documents, information and data, including, but not limited to, computer tapes, discs or files furnished or prepared by Consultant, or any of its subcontractors, pursuant to this Agreement and provided to City may be subject to public disclosure as required by the California Public Records Act (California Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.). Exceptions to public disclosure may be those documents or information that qualify as trade secrets, as that term is defined in the California

30 Government Code section 7924.510, and of which Consultant informs City of such trade secret. The City will endeavor to maintain as confidential all information obtained by it that is designated as a trade secret. The City shall not, in any way, be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any trade secret including, without limitation, those records so marked if disclosure is deemed to be required by law or by order of the Court.

34. Authority to Execute . The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties warrant that they are duly authorized to execute this Agreement.

35. Attorney’s Fees. In the event that legal action is necessary to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, or to declare the rights of the parties hereunder, the parties agree that the prevailing party in the legal action shall be entitled to recover attorney’s fees and court costs from the opposing party.

36. Section Headings. The Section headings used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall have no binding effect.

37. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between City and Consultant. Any prior agreement, promises, negotiations or representations not expressly set forth herein are of no force or effect. Subsequent modifications to this Agreement shall be effective only if in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement may be signed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, including both counterparts that are executed on paper and counterparts that are in the form of electronic signatures.

Electronic signatures include facsimile or email electronic signatures. Each executed counterpart shall be deemed an original. All counterparts, taken together, constitute the executed Agreement.

31 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto affixed their names as of the day and year written below.

“City” “Consultant”
City of Gardena Name of Consultant or Consultant
Company

By: By: ______________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor Name and title of individual
Date: Date:

By: ______________________________

Name and title of individual

Date: _____________________

ATTEST:

Mina Semenza, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Carmen Vasquez, City Attorney

714.940.6300 | 800.424.9144 | fax: 714.940.4920 | 2401 East Katella Avenue, Suite 300, Anaheim. California 92806 | www.willdan.com 9144

Cover Letter

September 25, 2025

Jackie Choi
Economic Development Manager
City of Gardena
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247

RE: Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Façade Improvement Program

Dear Jackie,
It is our firm’s understanding that the City of Gardena is seeking a qualified consultant to manage its Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Façade Improvement Program. Willdan Engineering is confident that our project team is exceptionally prepared to support the City with implementation of its program initiatives, given our experience outlined below.

Strong Project Management Team Jennifer Maria will serve as the Project Manager. She will be the primary contact for the City and be responsible for the day-to-day management of services provided under the contract.

Ms. Maria possesses over 20 years of experience at the federal, state, and local level – drafting, reviewing, and aligning program policies and regulations pursuant to applicable grant requirements. Ms. Maria possesses extensive knowledge of providing grant administration services for cities that participate in grant programs under the guidance and oversight of such agencies as the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), as well as the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and more.

Unsurpassed Expertise in the City’s Scope of Services: Our key personnel have extensive experience with federally and state-funded programs and can provide the City with consistently dependable, accurate, and responsive service. Willdan believes that our approach to fulfilling the required depth of experience is best met through our expert team of grant administration specialists. Willdan’s highly trained and experienced staff is supported by technical experts in various disciplines throughout the company. As a result, Willdan offers a range of expertise that only a large firm can provide.

Extensive Grant Management and Administration Experience Willdan assists with overall management of grants, including State funded programs. Our proposed team members understand the grant cycle process from the proposal stage to grant/contract close-out. Willdan has administered all aspects of various state and federally funded programs for municipalities and has operated federally and state funded residential and/or commercial rehabilitation through grant programs such as CDBG, HOME, Cal HOME, PLHA, and NSP in a number of cities.

Salvador Lopez Jr., Director of Planning, is authorized to act as the principal/management contact representing Willdan Engineering. This proposal shall remain valid for a period of not less than ninety (90) days from the date of submittal. We appreciate the opportunity to present our experience and qualifications and are excited to possibly expand our working relationship with the City.

Project Manager
Jennifer Maria
[email protected]
562.743.9810

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

1 City of Gardena
Respectfully submitted,

WILLDAN ENGINEERING

Salvador Lopez Jr. Jennifer Maria
Director of Planning Director of Planning
[email protected] [email protected]

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

2 City of Gardena
 Table of Contents
Cover Letter ........................................................................................................................................................... 1 Technical Proposal ................................................................................................................................................. 3 Qualifications, Related Experience and References .................................................................................................. 3 Comprehensive Firm Profile .................................................................................................................................. 3 Financial Condition and Stability ........................................................................................................................... 3 Specific Construction Management Experience .................................................................................................... 3 Sub-Consultants ..................................................................................................................................................... 4 References from Related Construction Management Experience ........................................................................ 4 Proposed Staffing and Project Organization.............................................................................................................. 5 Key Personnel Qualifications ................................................................................................................................. 5 Key Personnel Commitment Statement ................................................................................................................ 6 Work Plan .................................................................................................................................................................. 6 Community Meeting Tasks .................................................................................................................................... 6 Property Inspection & Work Specifications ........................................................................................................... 6 Bid and Construction Process ................................................................................................................................ 6 Construction Management .................................................................................................................................... 6 Supplementary Information .................................................................................................................................. 7 Relevant Project Experience and Technical Capabilities ........................................................................................... 7 Façade Improvement and Building Renovation Projects ....................................................................................... 7 Grant Administration and Compliance Experience ............................................................................................... 7 Fee Schedule .......................................................................................................................................................... 8 Pricing Information .................................................................................................................................................... 8 Staff Hourly Rates ................................................................................................................................................. 8 Reimbursable Expenses ........................................................................................................................................ 8

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

3 City of Gardena
Technical Proposal
Qualifications, Related Experience and References
Comprehensive Firm Profile
Willdan Engineering, a California corporation since 1964, is a subsidiary of Willdan Group, Inc. Throughout our 60+-year history, Willdan has been an industry leader providing all aspects of municipal, infrastructure, and transportation engineering; program management; financial consulting; municipal planning; environmental; energy-related services, along with a full complement of related disciplines.

Organizational Structure: Willdan operates as a California corporation, providing services to nationwide clientele through three subsidiary firms - Willdan Engineering, Willdan Energy Solutions, and Willdan Financial Services - that offer a portfolio of diversified strengths.

Office Locations and Size: Willdan maintains 50+ offices nationwide with our Los Angeles area office being located at 13191 Crossroads Parkway North, Suite 405, Industry, CA 91746-3443, strategically positioned to serve the City of Gardena and surrounding communities.

Employee Count: Willdan employs 1,700+ employees nationwide, providing the depth and breadth of expertise necessary for complex construction management projects.

Construction Management Services Offered: Willdan provides comprehensive construction management services including construction resident engineering/management, constructability review, public outreach, bid administration/analysis, project cost controls and scheduling, claims review and investigation, utility coordination and research, submittal and RFI coordination, and grant funding administration.

Financial Condition and Stability
There are no conditions such as bankruptcy, pending litigation, planned office closures, or impending mergers that would impede our ability to complete the Commercial Façade Improvement Program project. Our financial strength and operational stability ensure reliable project delivery and continuity of services throughout the project duration.

Specific Construction Management Experience
Willdan has extensive experience in construction management work similar to the Commercial Façade Improvement Program. Our construction management services focus on coordination, review, tracking, and reporting, coordinating the efforts of general contractors, design consultants, and client agencies in accepting construction and managing payments.

Key Personnel Participation in Similar Projects: Our proposed key personnel have participated extensively in construction management projects involving façade improvements and commercial property enhancements Grant Administration Experience: Willdan is experienced in regulations pertaining to the expenditures of State, Federal, and Local funds, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and various other funding sources. We coordinate, prepare, and submit all necessary documentation to assist cities in securing authorization and obligation of grant funds for projects.

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

4 City of Gardena
Sub-Consultants
Willdan will utilize our in-house expertise and does not anticipate the need for sub -consultants. Our comprehensive team includes all necessary disciplines including construction management, inspection, labor compliance, and project administration.

References from Related Construction Management Experience

Project: CDBG/PLHA Program Administration (Commercial Façade Rehabilitation Program) Client:

City of Bell
6330 Pine Ave
Bell, CA 90201
Martin Rodriguez, Economic Development Specialist
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (323) 923-3669 Ext. 3669
Willdan is currently working on a Commercial Façade Rehabilitation Project, providing eligible property owners with up to $100,000 in grant funding to improve the exterior appearance of their commercial buildings. The project focuses on enhancing storefronts, signage, lighting, windows, doors, and other façade elements to support business distric t revitalization and improve overall curb appeal. Willdan also provides support with the administration of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded Housing Rehabilitation Program and Sewer Connection Programs.

Project: Home Improvement Grant Program- Inspection Services Client:

City of Long Beach
411 W. Ocean Blvd., 3rd Fl
Long Beach, CA 90802
Stephanie Harper, Development Project Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (562) 570-6710
Willdan is currently providing housing program inspections services for the City of Long Beach. Our services involve performing initial home inspections, work write-up development, cost reasonability assessments, change order review, in progress and final program inspections, and assistance with closeout documentation.

Project: Grant Administration Services
Client:

City of Moreno Valley
14177 Frederick Street
Moreno Valley, CA 92552
Joe Barron, Grants Division Manager
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (951) 413-3098
Willdan is currently providing grant administration services to the city for various funding sources. Our services have included administration the City’s Housing Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Program, Community Development Block Grant – Corona Virus funds (CDBG-CV) Program, Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Emergency Solution Grant (ESG), and Neighborhood Stabilization Program Grant (NSP). We have assisted the city with project and construction management services, such as construction of affordable housing projects.

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

5 City of Gardena
Proposed Staffing and Project Organization
Key Personnel Qualifications
Jennifer Maria - Project Manager Jennifer Maria brings 20+ years of public sector experience in community development, grant writing and administration, and program management. She holds a BS in Business Administration from Mount Saint Mary's University and a Certificate of Completion i n Grant Writing & Administration from California State University, Dominguez Hills. Jennifer is experienced in implementing and administering State and Federally Funded programs such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs and HOME Investment Partnership Programs, making her suited for managing the State Earmark funded Commercial Façade Improvement Program.

Salvador Lopez Jr. - Principal in Charge Salvador Lopez Jr. brings 25 years of planning experience spanning all aspects of planning, including current, advanced, and environmental planning, as well as housing and community development. He holds a BS in Urban & Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

Salvador is experienced at managing multi-disciplinary teams in the development of policy and long -range planning documents for public agencies.

Mike Cravens – Program Inspector James Cravens brings 34 years of experience with public service, construction, plan review, and inspections on residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects for compliance with all building and fire codes, city regulations, and construction plans. He holds an AS in Fire Science from El Camino College and maintains certifications including Fire Prevention Officer 1, Fire Investigator I, and Hazardous Materials Technician from the California State Fire Marshal's Office.

Suzanne Ruelas- Housing Programs Coordinator Suzanne Ruelas is a seasoned professional with over 27 years of experience in community development and housing programs. She offers deep expertise in administering housing and economic development initiatives for public agencies, with a strong track recor d in managing grant funding and ensuring regulatory compliance. Suzanne is highly skilled in preparing and submitting detailed reports to key government entities, including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and other similar agencies.

Jane Freij - Labor Compliance Manager Jane Freij is an experienced Labor Compliance Officer/Project Manager with 30 years of experience and a proven track record in comprehensive management of time and budget. She holds a BA in Linguistics from University of Kansas and completed Attorney Ass istant Training Program at UCLA.

Jane provides oversight of labor compliance monitoring services for federally funded projects under FHWA, FTA, HUD, and EPA, with specialized training in project reporting requirements and fraud detection and prevention procedures.

Amanda Perez - Labor Compliance Specialist Amanda Perez brings 15 years of experience performing labor compliance monitoring and enforcement services on local, county, state, and federally funded projects. She holds an AS in Human Resources Management and AS in Business Administration from Mount San Antonio College, with certificates in Business Management and Human Resources Management. Amanda verifies contractor licenses and certifications, monitors certified payrolls, audits prevailing wage compliance, and ensures proper payment of training fund contributions and fringe benefits.

Rina Galit- Grants Analyst Rina Galit is an Analyst within Willdan’s Grants Administration/Housing Programs group.

She provides analytical and compliance support across multiple municipalities, including the City of Moreno Valley.

Her responsibilities include technical review of subrecipient invoices, participation in onsi te monitoring, and ensuring adherence to grant regulations such as Davis-Bacon prevailing wage requirements and Section 3 compliance.

Lily Navarro, Grants Analyst, has over 20 years of management and administrative experience. She currently provides administrative support to the grants management team and is trained in administration of grant &

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

6 City of Gardena
housing programs. Lily has extensive experience in a professional office setting and is skilled in rapidly acquiring knowledge of complex technical operations.

Key Personnel Commitment Statement
Willdan commits that the key personnel identified in this proposal will be available as proposed for the project duration. We acknowledge that no key personnel can be removed or replaced without the City's prior written concurrence. Our team members have been selected for their expertise in construction management, façade improvement programs, and grant-funded project administration, ensuring continuity and quality service delivery throughout the Commercial Façade Improvement Program.

Work Plan
Community Meeting Tasks
Approach to Community Meetings. Willdan will participate in up to two community meetings to present program information and application processes to property owners and business owners. Jennifer Maria will lead these presentations, drawing on her extensive experience in community develo pment and grant program administration. Our approach includes preparing comprehensive presentation materials explaining the $30,000 grant opportunity, eligibility requirements, application procedures, and project timelines. We will coordinate with City staff to schedule meetings at convenient locations and times to maximize property owner and business owner participation. Jennifer will provide bilingual support as needed and ensure all questions regarding the program are addressed.

Property Inspection & Work Specifications
Comprehensive Property Assessment Approach. Mike Cravens will conduct property inspections utilizing his 34 years of experience in commercial and industrial construction project compliance. Our inspection process includes comprehensive visual assessment of existing façade conditions, identificatio n of code compliance issues, and documentation of improvement opportunities. We will research City records for Code/Health/Safety violations, coordinating with relevant City departments to ensure all historical is sues are identified and addressed in the improvement scope.

Bid and Construction Process
Comprehensive Bid Administration. Willdan will provide complete City liaison services and technical support throughout the bid process. Our approach includes coordinating procurement for construction services, managing contractor selection and award processes, and verifying all contractor licenses and insurance requirements. Mike Cravens will conduct mandatory bid-walks, ensuring all contractors understand project requirements and site conditions. We will review and prepare comprehensive bid comparisons, a nalyzing not only cost but also contractor qualifications, schedule, and approach.

Construction Management
Progress Inspection and Quality Control. Willdan will conduct up to three progress inspections per project, with Mike Cravens providing detailed construction observation and quality assurance. Our inspection approach includes verification of material compliance, workmanship quality, and adheren ce to approved plans and specifications. We maintain detailed photographic records and inspection reports documenting progress and any issues requiring attention.

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

7 City of Gardena
Payment and Change Order Administration. Suzanne Ruelas and her supporting team will prepare and submit up to three progress payment requests, ensuring proper documentation and compliance with State Earmark fund requirements. Mike Cravens will review and submit change order requests as needed, providing detailed justification and cost analysis. Our change order process includes coordination with property owners and City staff to ensure all modifications are properly approved and documented.

Project Closeout Services. Willdan will assist with comprehensive project closeout including lien review and Notice of Completion preparation. Our closeout process includes final inspection coordination, warranty documentation collection, and preparation of as-built documentation.

Supplementary Information
Relevant Project Experience and Technical Capabilities
Willdan has extensive experience managing construction projects similar to the Commercial Façade Improvement Program, demonstrating our expertise in the following areas:

Façade Improvement and Building Renovation Projects
Paramount Community Center Expansion, City of Paramount, CA Willdan provided project management during the design phase and construction management and inspection services for this project. The exterior improvements included renovations associated with building expansion to tie into the existing roof and façade, with renovations to the furred-out columns and pilasters, and new metal panel screens.

Grant Administration and Compliance Experience
Willdan has extensive experience with grant administration and compliance procedures for state and federally funded projects:

Grant Administration Services Willdan is experienced in regulations pertaining to the expenditures of Federal funds, including Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and various other funding sources.

Federal and State Labor Compliance Willdan's labor compliance team ensures projects meet all state and federal requirements: - Verification of applicable wage determinations - Jobsite posting of wage rate information and required posters - Monitoring workforce utilization and conducting labor compliance interviews - Reviewing certified payroll reports and fringe benefit statements - Monitoring apprentice/journeyman ratios - Creating and maintaining labor compliance files in conformance with government requi rements

Proposal for Gardena Boulevard Revitalization
Façade Improvement Program

8 City of Gardena

Fee Schedule
Pricing Information
Willdan provides the following not-to-exceed fee of $360,000 to provide the City of Gardena with implementation services for its Revitalization Façade Improvement Program. Our pricing includes all administration, overhead, project site visits, pre-production costs, telephone usage, mailings, mileage, and other administrative costs as required in the RFP.

Cost Estimate –
Service Type Cost Estimate
Gardena Boulevard Revitalization Façade Improvement Program $360,000 Staff Hourly Rates
Willdan's current hourly rates (effective July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026) for key personnel that would be involved in the Commercial Façade Improvement Program are as follows:

Staff Member Project Role Hourly Rate*
Salvador Lopez, Jr. Principal-in-Charge $261
Jennifer Maria Program Administrator $255
Suzanne Ruelas Program Coordinator $155
Mike Cravens Program Inspector $135
Rina Galit Grant Analyst $125
Lily Navarro Grant Analyst $125
Jane Freij Labor Compliance Manager $183
Amanda Perez Labor Compliance Specialist $146
Reimbursable Expenses
Willdan will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses. Examples of reimbursable expenses include but are not limited to postage; travel expenses; mileage (current prevailing rate); and copying (currently 6¢ per copy). Any additional expense for reports or from outside services will be billed to the City. Charges for meeting and consulting with counsel, the City, or other parties regarding services not listed in the scope of work will be at our then-current hourly rates. In the event that a third party requests any documents, Willdan may charge such third party for providing said documents in accordance with Willdan’s applicable rate schedule.

9 Jennifer Maria
Deputy Director
Jennifer Maria is experienced in implementing and administering Federally Funded programs such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Programs, HOME Investment Partnership Programs, as well as other grant programs funded under the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Jennifer is also well-versed in oversight and implementation of HUD-funded activities, including Housing Rehabilitation (Grant/Loan), Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Public Facilities, and Public Service Programs. Jennifer possesses 20+ years of public sector experience in disciplines including community development, grant writing and administration, recycling programs (including SB1383 compliance), and Human Resources Management.

Relevant Project Experience
CDBG Grant Administration & Minor Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Sierra Madre, California. Jennifer assists the City of La Sierra Madre with general implementation and administration of the City’s Community Development Block Grant Programs (CDBG), including implementation of the City’s Senior Minor Home Repair Program.

CDBG Grant Administration & Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Arcadia , California.

Jennifer assists the City of Arcadia with general implementation and administration of the City’s Community Development Block Grant Programs (CDBG), including implementation of the City’s Home Improvement Program.

CDBG/PLHA Grant Administration & Commercial Rehabilitation Services, City of Bell, California. Jennifer assists the City of Bell with general implementation and administration of the City’s Community Development Block Grant Programs (CDBG) & Permanent Local Housing Authority Program (PLHA). Jennifer also assists the City of Bell with implementatio n of its Commercial Rehabilitation Program.

Housing Rehabilitation Program Implementation Services, City of La Cañada Flintridge, California. Jennifer assists the City with implementation services for the CDBG-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program. She performs client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, and full project oversight for each participant’s project file.

Grant Administration and Closeout (NSP1 & NSP3), City of Compton, California. Jennifer assists the City with grants management and closeout services for each funding source. She also assists the City with program file review, coordination with HUD representatives, and responds to monitoring requests as part of the closeout process. Jennifer maintains project data in the DRGR grants system.

Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan Services, City of Pomona, California.

Jennifer assists the City of Pomona with necessary data analysis, technical assistance, and report development of the City’s 5-year Consolidation and Annual Action Plan.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Santa Fe Springs, California. Jennifer assists the City of Santa Fe Springs with implementation services for an CDBG -funded Housing Rehabilitation Program. Jennifer assisted the City with program guideline development and marketing strategies. She currently assists the City with client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of La Verne, California. Jennifer assists the City of La Verne with implementation services for an ARPA-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program.

Jennifer assisted the City with program guideline development and marketing strategies.

EDUCATION
BS, Business
Administration, Mount
Saint Mary’s University,
Los Angeles, CA
Undeclared, University
of California, Los
Angeles, CA
Certificate of
Completion, Grant
Writing &
Administration,
California State
University, Dominguez
Hills, Carson, CA

20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

10 She currently assists the City with client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Grant Administration Services, City of Moreno Valley, California. Special Projects Support.

Jennifer currently assists in the provision of on-call grant administration services to the City for their CDBG, HOME, NSP and ESG programs. She primarily assists with the implementation of the NSP1, NSP3 and HOME funded affordable housing projects, while providing as-needed technical advisement for inquiries related to CDBG program implementation/administration.

City of Cudahy, California. CDBG Coordinator/Human Resources Manager. Maintained the duties associated with the implementation and administration of Community Development Block Grant Programs (CDBG), including Housing Rehabilitation (Grant/Loan Program), Code Enforcement and Public Service Programs under the general direction of the Community Development Director. Monitored rules and administered, regulations, procedures, forms, applications, records, request for proposals, and reports in accordance with ap plicable federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations, as they applied to each individual CDBG Program. Developed, implemented and maintained program information, evaluation and reporting systems; prepared and submitted grantee performance reports, including project descriptions and program budgets. Maintained, prepared, and entered client data onto the CDBG Public Service and Housing Rehabilitation Modules for quarterly and annual reporting purposes. Conducted special studies and surveys, as need by the City, or as requested by the Los Angeles Community Development Commission (LACDC) for preparation of 5 -year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and CAPER. Assisted in the preparation of budgets, requests for proposals, and public hearing notices for the Community Development Department. Implemented and monitored contracts between the City and the appropriate agencies involved with CDBG administration; served as primary contact for the City with LACDC. Prepared public hearing notices and staff reports for the City Council and attended/presented at City Council Meetings and/or City Planning Commission meetings.

Reviewed/prepared CDBG funding requests reimbursements (with and/or without supporting documentation), as needed by the Finance Department. Assisted the Finance Director with preparation for Financial Monitoring performed by LACD financial staff.

Identified funding sources and prepared detailed proposals for various grant sources (i.e. data collection, research, narratives, budgets, scopes of work). Managed/tracked the return of Program Income for the Housing Rehabilitation Program. Processed reconveyance requests for past Housing Rehabilitation Program participants.

11  Salvador Lopez Jr.

Director of Planning
Salvador Lopez’s planning experience spans all aspects of planning, including current, advanced, and environmental planning, as well as active transportation planning and housing and community development. Sal is highly experienced at managing multi - disciplinary teams in the development of policy and long-range planning documents for public agencies.

Relevant Project Experience
CDBG Program Administration, City of Temple City, California. Principal-in-Charge/Quality Assurance Manager responsible for ensuring staffing resource availability and implementing quality assurance/control on a case-by-case project basis. Willdan is administering and implementing the Emergency Small Business Assistance Program funded by the CARES Act.

CDBG Program Administration, City of Torrance, California. Principal-in-Charge/Quality Assurance Manager responsible for ensuring staffing resource availability and implementing quality assurance/control on a case-by-case project basis. Willdan is assisting with a special project involving a Los Angeles Urban County Community Development Block recipient to create and administer a CDBG-funded rental assistance program to alleviate the COVID19 rental housing crisis.

CDBG Program Administration, City of Moreno Valley, California. Principal-in- Charge/Quality Assurance Manager responsible for ensuring staffing resource availability and implementing quality assurance/control on a case-by-case project basis. Willdan is assisting with administration of HUD-funded programs such as Neighborhood Stabilization Program and HOME Investment Partnership Program – in particular, facilitating the NSP1 brant closeout process.

Contract Planning Services, City of Redlands, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight for interim staffing resources provided to the City. Staff planners assist with current planning and other planning activities.

On-Call CEQA/NEPA Planning Services, City of Claremont, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight for CEQA/NEPA documentation services necessary to implement the City's planned developments. Willdan's planning project managers prepare environmental documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA and other environmental documentation or technical studies and assist with securing and complying with required regulatory permits. The range of environmental documents encompasses initial studies, negative/mitigated negative declarations, and environmental impact reports pursuant to CEQA, categorical exclusions, environmental assessments/findings of no significant impacts, and environmental impact statements pursuant to NEPA.

Contract Planning Services, City of Long Beach, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight for staffing resources provided to the City. Staff planners assist with current planning, advance planning, special projects planning, development project review, entitlement processing, CEQA document preparation and review, historic assessments, community outreach, and other long-range planning activities.

Contract Planning Services, City of Cudahy, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight for staffing resources provided to the City.

EDUCATION
BS, Urban & Regional
Planning, California
State Polytechnic
University, Pomona,
CA

‘Insert Quote’
- Name

26 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

12 Willdan provides full-time contract planning services for the City's Planning Division as well as for Interim Community Development Director.

Contract Planning Services, City of Hawaiian Gardens, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight for staffing resources provided to the City. Staff planners assist with resolving parking issues related to the Hawaiian Gardens Casino and its operations; disposition of RDA parcels; producing flyers and brochures; overseeing City improvement projects such as skate park, sidewalk, and fleet replacement plans; and other projects as assigned.

Contract Planning Services, City of South Gate, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight for staffing resources provided to the City. Staff planners assist with day-to-day current planning activities, design review, entitlement processing, counter assistance, and environmental review. Willdan is providing on-call planning services – including contract staff augmentation – to assist the planning division with general current planning activities.

On-Call Current Planning Services, City of Elk Grove, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight of planning services provided to the City.

Assigned planners will be responsible for on-call current planning services for all types of projects requiring entitlements, including – but not limited to – conditional use permits, variances, design reviews, rezones, zoning and general plan amendments, and tentative subdivision maps.

Contract Planning Services, County of Sacramento, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight for staffing resources provided to the City.

Staff planners assist with current planning, advance planning, special projects planning, and environmental review. In addition, staff provides on-call environmental planning services.

On-Call Planning Services, City of El Monte, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight of on-call planning services provided to the City.

Contract planning services emphasize discretionary case processing and long-range advanced planning programs. Programs involved land use planning; complex land use development projects; general administration of City-initiated planning work and studies; conceptual plans; land use entitlement applications; general plan, specific plan, and zoning code updates and map amendments; and initial studies under the California Environmental Quality Act and related environmental documents. Associated staff reports, resolutions, and ordinances were prepared and presented as needed.

Special Project Planning Services, City of Artesia, California. Project Manager responsible for overall project management and oversight of on-call planning services provided to the City.

Contract planning services encompass reviewing and processing land use entitlement applications; preparing general plan text or map amendments; preparing or amending specific plans; preparing zoning code text or map amendments; and preparing related environmental studies. Performance of these responsibilities requires expertise and knowledge in general plan compliance and implementation, CEQA/NEPA conformance, project management, and general planning procedures.

13  James (Mike) Cravens
Program Inspector
Mike Cravens brings over more than 30 years of experience working for various Southern California municipalities in the fields of Construction, Housing Rehabilitation, and Residential Inspections. He brings a high-level of proficiency involving inspections for HUD- funded housing projects and ensuring that dwellings subject to federal provisions adhere to required living standards to maintain ongoing compliance with applicable regulations.

Relevant Project Experience
Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Arcadia, California. Mike assists the City of Arcadia with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Home Improvement Program. He currently assists the City with initial home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Home Improvement Roof Grant Program, City of Long Beach, California. Mike currently provides program support services for the City of Long Beach by performing initial home inspections, work write-ups, cost reasonability assessments, change order & in-progress inspections.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Sierra Madre, California. Mike assists the City of Sierra Madre with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Senior Minor Home Rehabilitation Program. He currently assists the City with initial home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Santa Fe Springs, California. Mike assists the City of Santa Fe Springs with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program. He currently assists the City with client home inspections, work write -ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of La Verne, California. Mike assists the City of La Verne with implementation services for an ARPA-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program.

He currently assists the City with client home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Implementation Services, City of La Cañada Flintridge, California.

Mike assists the City with implementation services for the CDBG-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program. He currently assists the City with client home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Interim Housing Supervisor/Housing Rehabilitation Specialist, City of Pomona, California.

Mike was responsible for performing a variety of specialized and technical duties relating to inspecting properties based on Federal, State, City and Housing program standards. preparing deficiency lists, plans and work specifications, and developing cost estimates for homes in the City's various housing programs; to assist in the bidding and awarding of housing rehabilitation contracts; to monitor progress of housing rehabilitation and contractors' work.

Interim Housing Manager, City of Balwin Park, California. In an interim capacity, Mike was responsible for administration of federal and state funds including but not limited to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and Redevelopment Housing Set Aside Funds, CalHOME, Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), Public Housing and Project Based Voucher Program. 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

CERTIFICATIONS
Building Inspector
UBC – Combo
DHS Accredited LEAD
Project
Monitor/Supervise
Course
HUD Davis-Bacon
Compliance Training

ASSOCIATIONS
International Code
Council
Los Angeles County
Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention
(LACDA)

14 Housing Rehabilitation Coordinator, City of Balwin Park, California. Mike was responsible for performing a variety of complex tasks in the development, implementation, and delivery of Housing Rehabilitation Program activities. He took a lead role in performing and/or coordinating on-site housing/building inspections. Prepared work write-ups required to bring properties into conformance with building and safety codes. Assisted property owners in all areas concerning rehabilitation work to their property.

15 Suzanne Ruelas
Grants Coordinator
Suzanne Ruelas possesses in-depth expertise in community development and housing programs. Her experience encompasses administering public agency housing and economic development programs, managing grant funding, and preparing reports submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, State of California Department of Housing and Community Development, and various City Councils.

Relevant Project Experience
Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Arcadia, California. Suzanne assists the City of Arcadia with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Home Improvement Program. She currently assists the City with client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Sierra Madre California. Suzanne assists the City of Sierra Madre with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Senior Minor Home Rehabilitation Program. She currently assists the City with client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Santa Fe Springs, California. Suzanne assists the City of Santa Fe Springs with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Home Improvement Program. She currently assists the City with client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of La Verne, California. Suzanne assists the City of La Verne with implementation services for an ARPA-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program.

She currently assists the City with client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, home inspections, work write-ups, bid review, and project management for each participant file.

Housing Rehabilitation Implementation Services, City of La Cañada Flintridge, California.

Suzanne assists the City with implementation services for the CDBG-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program. She performs client intake processes, program eligibility determinations, and full project oversight for each participant’s project file.

Housing Manager, City of Baldwin Park, California. Housing Manager responsible for administration of federal and state funds including but not limited to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) and Redevelopment Housing Set Aside Funds, CalHOME, American Recovery and Reinvestment (ARRA) Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re - Housing Program (HPRP), Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), Public Housing and Project Based Voucher Program. Prepared and submitted grant applications, Drafted and monitored final City and Housing Authority budgets, prepared guidelines, implemented and monitored new and existing programs; Prepared and presented staff reports to City Council and Commissions; prepared and submitted HUD monthly, annual and five-year reports, conduct and respond to audits. Directed supervision of up to eleven staff members.

Responsible for oversight and monitoring of projects including, but not limited to Housing Rehabilitation, public service programs, First Time Homebuyer program, Family Self - Sufficiency Program, and Housing acquisition, rehabilitation and resale programs. Served as

EDUCATION
Citrus College

CERTIFICATIONS
Nan & McKay
Housing
Certifications:

HCV Executive
Management
Financial Accounting
& Reporting
Family Self-
Sufficiency (FSS)
Supervision and
Management

27 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

16 liaison with non-profit partners, City Commissions, City Council, HUD and State Representatives and community members.

CDBG Coordinator, City of Baldwin Park, California. CDBG Coordinator responsible for administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), CalHOME and Redevelopment Housing Set Aside Funds. Responsible for preparation of staff reports and budgets, HUD annual reports and audits. Supervision of up to four employees. Responsible for oversight and monitoring of CDBG and HOME funded projects.

Executive Secretary, City of Baldwin Park, California. Executive Secretary responsible for assisting the Community Development Director in conducting their responsibilities such as the following: preparation and oversight of department budget, including accounts receivable and payable; preparation, review and revisions to bi-weekly status reports, staff reports, and inter-department memorandums; assisted consultant with relocation benefits and activities of residents in developing areas, performed property management for publicly-owned properties; loan application intake; loan committee member for Commercial and affordable housing loan programs; prepared City loan documents; prepared and reviewed department timesheets; recorded and transcribed minutes; prepared department policies and procedures; supervised part-time assistant and administrative clerks within the department; and performed notarial acts as requested.

Housing Specialist, City of Baldwin Park, California. Housing Specialist responsible for assisting with administration of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) programs, Home Improvement Loan program, HOME funded Tenant Based Rental Assistance program (TBRA), Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV), First Time Homeb uyer program and California Housing Financing Agency (CHFA) Help Program; assisted in the relocation process of tenants located in redevelopment areas; responsible for the intake and review of applications for all above-mentioned programs; determined eligibility; performed financial record keeping; accounts receivable and payable; performed property management duties; converted program documents to computer generated format; prepared City’s program documents including deeds, promissory notes, agreements and SHPO’s, recorded and transcribed minutes and acted as liaison for the Housing Commission and CDBG Joint Commission; prepared annual, monthly and year-end financial reports; supervised part time employees.

17 Rina Galit
Grants Analyst
Rina Galit is a CDBG Analyst within Willdan’s Grants Administration/Housing Programs group and served the City of Moreno Valley CDGB and ESG grant administration.

Relevant Project Experience
City of Moreno Valley, California. Willdan Grant Analyst. Ms. Galit currently serves as a grant analyst for the City of Moreno Valley and provides analytical support to the senior project team. She provides technical and compliance reviews of subrecipient invoices under agreement with the City. Ms. Galit also participates in conducting the onsite monitoring of the City’s CDBG and ESG subrecipients providing technical support in review of agreements, Davis-Bacon prevailing wage compliance, Section 3 compliance and other HUD regulations affecting the program activity.

Willdan services include, but are not limited to, reviewing, scoring and preparing Council recommendation reports specific to grant applications for the City’s annual CDBG, HOME and ESG entitlement awards; conducting pre- and post-award training sessions with subrecipients; reviewing sub-recipient invoices for payment; and entering various information into the HUD Integrated Disbursement of Information System (IDIS). The project team also oversees the preparation of the Annual Action Plan and the Consolida ted Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER), plans and conducts the annual onsite subrecipient monitoring, and interfaces with regional HUD representatives on technical issues for the City.

CDBG Grant Administration & Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Arcadia, California.

Rina provides administrative support to the City of Arcadia for tasks associated with general implementation and administration of the City’s Community Development Block Grant Programs (CDBG), including implementation of the City’s Home Improvement Program .

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Sierra Madre California. Rina assists the City of Sierra Madre with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Senior Minor Home Rehabilitation Program. She performs administrative support functions such as client intake processes and program eligibility determinations.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Santa Fe Springs, California. Rina assists the City of Santa Fe Springs with implementation services for a CDBG-funded Home Improvement Program. She performs administrative support functions such as client intake processes and program eligibility determinations.

Housing Rehabilitation Implementation Services, City of La Cañada Flintridge, California.

Rina assists the City with implementation services for the CDBG-funded Housing Rehabilitation Program. She performs administrative support functions such as client intake processes and program eligibility determinations.

Grant Administration Services, City of Moreno Valley, California. Sr. Grants Analyst. Rina currently assists in the provision of on-call grant administration services to the City for their CDBG, HOME, HOME-ARP, SAMSHA, NSP and ESG programs. She has previously also provided the City with assistance preparing its Annual Action Plans, CAPER, sub-recipient training/monitoring, activity set-up in IDIS, activity set up in HEROS for environmental, and more.

City of Moreno Valley, California. Management Aide. Prior to joining Willdan, Ms. Galit served the City of Moreno Valley as a management aide in the Special Districts division.

While with the City she assisted in division budget preparation analysis, administration, and

EDUCATION
BS, Business
Administration &
Marketing, San Diego
State University

5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

18 review; maintained budget spreadsheets by entering prior year actuals; created and maintained reports, records and files required in connection with department work processes, as well as maintenance of the Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) water usage, various contract and budget tracking spreadsheets; processed Special Districts invoices, obtained approvals, ensured adherence to purchase order amounts; reconciled and audited contract amounts with actuals; prepared contracts, requisitions, change orders, and new vendor setup for Special Districts vendors as well as draft RFP for landscaping guidelines, and reviewed contracts up for renewal; and prepared and revised several division training manuals and other administrative materials, specifically for S pecial District processes in the Accela Civic Platform (ACP).

19 Liliana (Lily) Navarro
Grants Analyst
Lily Navarro, CDBG Grants Analyst, has over 20 years of management and administrative experience. She currently provides administrative support to the CDBG grants management team and is trained in administration of CDBG grant & housing programs. Lily has extensive experience in a professional office setting and is skilled in rapidly acquiring knowledge of complex technical operations.

Previous Work Experience
Employbridge, Carson, California. Branch Manager. Managed branch operations by monitoring performance, implementing sales strategies, and streamlining processes to increase profitability. Oversaw budgeting, forecasting, and expense tracking while leading recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to build high-performing teams.

Handled payroll administration, including time tracking, compensation changes, and system updates, in collaboration with HR, Finance, and IT. Maintained compliance, resolved employee relations issues, and conducted internal investigations with confidentiality.

Relevant Project Experience
Home Improvement Roof Grant Program, City of Long Beach, California. Lily currently provides program support services for the City of Long Beach by coordinating administrative tasks associated with all program inspection processes for the CDBG funded Home Improvement Roof Grant Program.

CDBG Grant Administration & Minor Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Sierra Madre, California. Lily provides administrative support to the City of Sierra Madre for tasks associated with general implementation and administration of the City’s CDBG funded Senior Minor Home Repair Program.

Housing Rehabilitation Services, City of Santa Fe Springs, California. Lily provides administrative support to the City of Santa Fe Springs for tasks associated with general implementation of the City’s CDBG funded Home Improvement Program.

CDBG Grant Administration & Commercial Rehabilitation Services, City of Bell, California.

Lily provides administrative support to the City of Bell for tasks associated with general CDBG administration and implementation of the City’s Commercial Rehabilitation Program .

20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

PROFESSIONAL

EXPERIENCE
20 Years of
Management and
Administration

TRAININGS &

CERTIFICATIONS
CDBG Administration
Training
Housing Rehabilitation
Training

20 Jane Freij
Labor Compliance Manager
Jane Freij is an experienced Labor Compliance Officer/Project Manager with a proven track record of profitability achieved through comprehensive and effective management of time and budget. Her key areas of expertise include state and federal labor law compliance, scheduling and budgeting, contract administration/negotiation, policy and procedure development, and legal writing/editing. Jane provides oversight of labor compliance monitoring services for local, state, county, and federally funded projects under the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). She is familiar with the FHWA federal funding administra tion process from field review and request for authorization to final invoicing. Jane has received specialized training in project reporting requirements and fraud detection and prevention procedures.

Jane’s background includes developing and negotiating contracts, monitoring, and enforcing contractual compliance, risk management coordination, and managing a multi - state licensing project for an energy services subsidiary. She also possesses a strong leg al background, having served as a paralegal and senior paralegal for real estate, land development, and contract law litigation attorneys.

Relevant Project Experience
Various Cities, Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Labor Compliance , California. Jane has provided supervisory labor compliance services in the following cities:
▪ Azusa
▪ Baldwin Park
▪ Bell Gardens
▪ Bellflower
▪ Brea
▪ Burbank
▪ California
City
▪ Calimesa
▪ Coachella
▪ Coalinga
▪ Commerce
▪ Corona
▪ Cudahy
▪ Davis
▪ Hawaiian
Gardens
▪ Highland
▪ Huntington
Park
▪ Inglewood
▪ Irwindale
▪ La Cañada
Flintridge
▪ La Mirada
▪ La Puente
▪ Lakewood
▪ Manhattan
Beach
▪ Maywood
▪ Monterey
Park
▪ Orange
▪ Paramount
▪ Pico Rivera
▪ Pinole
▪ Pomona
▪ Rancho Palos
Verdes
▪ Rialto
▪ Ridgecrest
▪ Rolling Hills
Estates
▪ Rosemead
▪ Santa Clarita
▪ South Gate
▪ South
Pasadena
▪ Thousand
Oaks
▪ Westlake
Village
▪ Winters
▪ Yorba Linda
Specific Project Experience
City of Long Beach, California. Jane currently serves as the labor compliance officer for nearly two dozen public works projects for the City of Long Beach, including: Artesia Great Boulevard, Municipal Urban Stormwater Treatment (MUST) facility construction, fire station improvements and repairs, Los Altos North Library HVAC replacement, and several

EDUCATION
BA, Linguistics,
University of Kansas,
Lawrence, KS
Attorney Assistant
Training Program,
Litigation/
Corporations,
University of
California, Los
Angeles, CA

35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

21 citywide on-call contracts for emergency plumbing, concrete/slurry, and elevator maintenance.

City of Los Angeles, California. Since 2017 Jane has served as the third-party Labor Compliance Officer for twelve major housing projects, both rehabilitation and new construction, in downtown Los Angeles valued at over $300 million. The projects are joint ventures between the City of Los Angeles and private developers. She provides oversight of dozens of subcontractors constructing the projects, serving as “Prime Approver” in the LCPtracker electronic payroll system, and providing Section 3, Local Hire, an d Small Business Enterprise (SBE) enforcement services pursuant to the requirements of the City of Los Angeles, the State of California, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

City of Inglewood, La Brea Avenue Pavement Reconstruction, Phases II and III , California.

Jane was the Labor Compliance Officer for these projects, with a construction cost of $12 million, funded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). She enforced federal wage and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) regulations, monitoring contractor/subcontractor submissions and resolving identified deficiencies.

City of Cerritos, Multiple ADA Park Accessibility Projects, California. Jane serves as the Labor Compliance Officer for the City on a multi-year program to upgrade accessibility features and playground surfacing at all City parks. The projects are funded by Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and require coordination with the Los Angeles County Community Development Authority (LACDA) for labor compliance and Section 3 compliance monitoring and enforcement.

County of Orange, City of Irvine, Orange County Great Park , California. Jane served as the Labor Compliance Officer for the $95,000,000 “Sport Park” portion of this private/public 1,300-acre development. She monitored prevailing wage and state labor requirements on behalf of BrightView Landscape Development, with approximately 35 subcontractors, reviewing documentation, interviewing workers, and preparing monthly compliance reports.

City of Thousand Oaks, Street Rehabilitation Project , California. Jane served as the Labor Compliance Officer, enforcing prevailing wage requirements, monitoring certified payroll submittals, and reconciling site reports. The project was constructed with a $3 million FHWA grant and was constructed under critical time constraints, as the finish line for the Amgen Tour de California Bike Race was within the project limits.

City of Lakewood, Stormwater and Runoff Capture Projects at Bolivar and Mayfair Parks , California. Jane served as the City’s Labor Compliance Officer for these two state- and locally-funded projects, at a total cost of $20 million, which installed state-of-the-art underground diversion, treatment, storage, and pumping systems that redirected all urban and stormwater runoff from adjacent flood control channels and, after treatment, used it to irrigate landscaped greenbelt areas in the parks.

22 Amanda Perez
Labor Compliance Specialist
Amanda Perez currently performs labor compliance monitoring and enforcement services on a variety of local, county, state, and federally funded projects. She verifies that all primary and subcontractors possess active licenses and certifications. She establishes communication with primary contractor(s) concerning prevailing wage requirements and documentation requirements. She monitors that all certified payrolls are submitted on a timely basis, as well as audits payrolls during the life of the project for compliance an d discrepancies concerning prevailing wage, certifications, non-performance, underpayments, and journeyman to apprentice ratios, and use of job classifications. She ascertains the submittal of training fund contributions and audits fringe benefits statements to ensure proper payment. Ms. Perez responds to inquiries concerning labor compliance rules and requirements and resolves all compliance-related issues. She reviews forms and reports from field personnel to ascertain missing CPRs, correct usage of classifications, and apprentice / journeyman ratios, as well as maintains files and all required documentation in accordance with applicable governmental requirements and organizes and prepares labor compliance files for submission to clients.

Relevant Project Experience
ADA Transition Plan – Phase I, City of Ridgecrest, California. Labor Compliance Specialist.

Willdan provided project management, construction administration, and labor compliance services for this $500,000 HUD/CDBG funded ADA Improvements Project, involving the removal and reconstruction of pavement, curb, gutter, and sidewalk with ADA-compliant improvements.

CDBG Pavement Improvements – Section E, City of Highland, California. Labor Compliance Specialist. Willdan provided project management, construction administration, and labor compliance services on this $700,000 HUD/CDBG project. This project involves pavement rehabilitation including pavement griding, cold central plant recycling, pavement removal and replacement, and asphalt rubber overlay.

Residential Street Overlay, City of Hawaiian Gardens, California . Amanda served as the consulting Labor Compliance Officer, providing labor compliance monitoring and enforcement services for this Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project, with a project cost of approximately $505,000, administered through the Los Angeles Community Development Authority (LACDA).

Skid Row Housing Trust, Los Angeles, California. Labor Compliance Specialist. Amanda is assisting the Labor Compliance Officer in providing labor compliance monitoring and enforcement services for nine major affordable housing projects, both rehabilitation and new construction, in downtown Los Angeles, valued at over $250 million. She receives and reviews subcontractor document submittals in support of certified payrolls that are entered into the LCPtracker electronic payroll system and the State DIR database; forwards documentation, as needed, to the City of Los Angeles; and provides guidance to subcontractor personnel regarding compliance requirements. The projects are subject to multi-jurisdictional oversight by local, county, state, and federal authorities.

Reconstruction of McGee Alleys, City of Whittier, California. Federal Labor Compliance Specialist. Responsible for providing labor compliance services for this Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project, with a project cost of approximately $225,000 and administered through the Los Angeles Community Development Authority (LACDA). 13 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION
AS, Human Resources
Management, Mount
San Antonio College
AS, Business
Administration,
Mount San Antonio
College

CERTIFICATIONS
Business
Management I-III
Human Resources
Management I-III
International
Business I

23 Sidewalk Improvements Citywide, City of Pico Rivera, California . Federal Labor Compliance Specialist. Responsible for providing labor compliance services for this Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) project, which involved removing and replacing ADA - compliant wheelchair ramps citywide. The project has a construction cost of approximately $260,000 and was administered by the Los Angeles Community Development Authority (LACDA).

Traffic Signal at 12 Locations, City of Lynwood, California . Labor Compliance Specialist.

Responsible for providing labor compliance services for this $1 million traffic signal improvements project funded with Proposition C funds and subject to State of California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) labor compliance and prevailing wage requirements.

City of Gardena
Gardena City Council
Meeting

AGENDA REPORT

SUMMARY

Agenda Item No. 14B.

Section: DEPARTMENTAL

ITEMS - COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT
Meeting Date: November
18, 2025

TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE GARDENA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA TITLE: Consideration of Prequalified List for Environmental Consultants to Reduce the Processing Timeframe of Development Applications/Projects
COUNCIL ACTION REQUIRED:

Staff Recommendation: Staff respectfully recommend that the City Council take the following actions:

1. Review and approve the list of consultants to be used for environmental consulting services for three yearsending November 18, 2028 that includes De Novo, Kimley-Horn, MIG, Rincon, and UltraSystems; and2. Provide the Director of Community Development the option to extend the validity of the list for up to two (2)years at their discretion.

RECOMMENDATION AND STAFF SUMMARY:

Currently, when Planning Division staff receives a development application, staff drafts and releases a Request for Proposal (RFP) for each individual project. After reviewing the submitted proposals, staff prepares a report for City Council consideration and contract award. This process typically adds 2–3 months to the overall processing time for private development projects. To improve efficiency and shorten project timelines, it is recommended that the City Council approve a prequalified list of environmental consultants to prepare environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

On September 30, 2025, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued and released on PlanetBids for Environmental Consulting Services. On October 30, 2025, proposals were received from the following 16 firms (listed in alphabetical order):

Casc Engineering
De Novo
ECORP
ELMT
Envicom Corporation
First Carbon Solutions
HDR
Helix Environmental Planning
Kimley-Horn and Associates
Michael Baker International
MIG
Rincon Consultants
Stantec
SWCA Environmental Consultants
TYPSA
UltraSystems Environmental
The proposals were reviewed by staff for completeness, relevant experience, qualifications of the proposed team, references, project management and QA/QC approach, fee proposal, and understanding of the scope of services.

The review was completed by three staff members of the Community Development Department. The results of the review indicated the selection of the five following consultants:

De Novo
Kimley-Horn and Associates
MIG
Rincon Consultants
UltraSystems Environmental
De Novo, Kimley-Horn, and MIG are consulting firms (or have personnel) that completed projects for the City, have knowledge of the City processes and requirements, and have proven their ability to complete CEQA reviews.

Rincon and UltraSystems have extensive experience in completing CEQA evaluations for other jurisdictions within the Los Angeles County area. The selected firms have a diversity of size and range of expertise.

Staff respectfully recommends that the City Council review and approve the prequalified list of Environmental Consultants, provide the Director of Community Development the option to extend the list for up to two (2) years at their discretion.

FISCAL IMPACT/COST:

There would be no fiscal impact to the City. The City would contract with one of the prequalified consultants for each development project as needed. The applicant for the development project would submit a deposit with the City in the amount of the proposal of the consultant to complete the study. The consultant would be paid from the amount deposited.

APPROVED:
___________________________
Clint Osorio, City Manager
Attachments
Staff Report - Prequalified Environmental Consultant List Attachment No. 1 - RFQ 2026-03PL
Attachment No. 2 -De Novo Proposal
Attachment No. 3 - Kimley-Horn Proposal
Attachment No. 4 - MIG Proposal
Attachment No. 5 - Rincon Proposal
Attachment No. 6 - UltraSystems Proposal
City of Gardena
City Council Meeting
Agenda Item No.: 14B
Department: Community Development
Meeting Date: November 18, 2025

AGENDA STAFF REPORT

AGENDA TITLE: CONSIDERATION OF PREQUALIFIED LIST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL

CONSULTANTS TO REDUCE THE PROCESSING TIMEFRAME OF

PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS/PROJECTS

RECOMMENDATION:

Staff respectfully recommend that the City Council take the following actions:

1. Review and approve the list of consultants to be used for environmental consulting services for three years ending November 18, 2028 that includes De Novo, Kimley -Horn, MIG, Rincon, and UltraSystems; and

2. Provide the Director of Community Development the option to extend the validity of the list for up to two (2) years at his discretion; and

BACKGROUND:

Currently, when Planning Division staff receives a development application, staff drafts and releases a Request for Proposal (RFP) for each individual project. After reviewing the submitted proposals, staff prepares a report for City Council consideration and contract award. This process typically adds 2 –3 months to the overall processing time for private development projects. To improve efficiency and shorten project timelines, it is recommended that the City Council approve a prequalified list of environmental consultants to prepare environmental documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

On September 30, 2025, a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued and released on PlanetBids for Environmental Consulting Services. On October 30, 2025, proposals were received from the following 16 firms (listed in alphabetical order):

• Casc Engineering
• De Novo
• ECORP
• ELMT
• Envicom Corporation
• First Carbon Solutions
• HDR
• Helix Environmental Planning

• Kimley-Horn and Associates
• Michael Baker International
• MIG
• Rincon Consultants
• Stantec
• SWCA Environmental Consultants
• TYPSA
• UltraSystems Environmental

The proposals were reviewed by staff for completeness, relevant experience, qualifications of the proposed team, references, project management and QA/QC approach, fee proposal, and understanding of the scope of services. The review was completed by three staff members of the Community Development Department. The results of the review indicated the selection of the following top five scoring consultants:

• De Novo
• Kimley-Horn and Associates
• MIG
• Rincon Consultants
• UltraSystems Environmental

De Novo, Kimley -Horn, and MIG are consulting firms (or have personnel) that have completed projects for the City, have knowledge of the City processes and requirements, and have proven their ability to complete CEQA reviews. Rincon and UltraSystems have extensive experience in completing environmental evaluations for other jurisdictions within the Los Angeles County area. The selected firms have a diversity of size and range of expertise.

DISCUSSION:

Proposed Process for Hiring Consultant for Environmental Services

Upon receipt of a complete application for a private development pro ject, staff reviews and determines the appropriate CEQA process. Staff then prepares an RFP that includes a detailed project description, project information, and the scope of work. The RFP is sent to the five selected consulting firms on the prequalified list . Based on the original RFQ, all consultants on the list will be given ten (10) days to submit a proposal. Staff will review the proposals and select the most appropriate proposal based on criteria such as expertise, cost , and timeframe. Staff then obtains the required funding from the applicant, contracts with the consultant (with City Manager signing authority ), and then works with the consultant to prepare the necessary environmental report. For environmental documentation preparation that exceeds the City Manager’s contract authority level, the contract will be scheduled for review and approval by the City Council.

The selected firms would not be restricted to an annual cost amount, but rather the threshold would be for each individual project.

CONCLUSION:

Staff respectfully recommend that the City Council review and approve the prequalified list of Environmental Consultants and provide the Director of Community Development the option to extend the list for up to two (2) years.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There would be no fiscal impact to the City. The City would contract with one of the prequalified consultants for each development project as needed. The applicant for the development project would submit a deposit with the City in the amount of the proposal to complete the study. The consultant would be paid from the amount deposited.

ATTACHMENT:

1. RFQ 2026-03PL

2. De Novo Proposal

3. Kimley-Horn Proposal

4. MIG Proposal

5. Rincon Proposal

6. UltraSystems Proposal

Greg S. Tsujiuchi
Date: 11/18/2025 Submitted by: ___________________________________

1 CITY OF GARDENA

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NO. 2026-03PL

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICES

September 30, 2025

Inquiries regarding these projects
should be directed to:

Jo-Anne Burns,
Assistant Director of Community
Development
[email protected]

Deadline: October 30, 2025, 4PM

2 Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for
Environmental Consulting Services

I. INTRODUCTION

The City of Gardena (“City”) is hereby soliciting Statements of Qualification from experienced firms interested in providing environmental consulting services for private development projects in the City. The City will maintain a list of pre -screened, qualified environmental consulting firms which may be selected by staff when a project requires the preparation of technical studies/analysis, documents and/or reports to ensure compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Such documents would be in the form of but are not limited to the following: initial study, negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration or an environmental impact report.

II. RFQ SUBMISSION SCHEDULE

RFQ release: September 30, 2025
Questions due: October 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Responses to questions due: October 14, 2025 (Responses will be posted on PlanetBids) RFQ due: October 30, 2025 at 4:00 PM

III. SUBMITTAL INSTRUCTIONS

A. For questions regarding this RFQ, submit all inquiries via email to [email protected] or post directly on PlanetBids by the questions due date listed above. When submitting questions via email title the subject header as “RFQ NO. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services.” The City will not be responsible for or bound by any oral communication or contact that occurs outside the official communication process specified herein, unless confirmed in writing by the City Contract. Answers to all questions will be posted on PlanetBids.

B. Method of Submission
Electronic proposals in PDF format shall be submitted directly and uploaded to PlanetBids. The City will only accept those submittals that were transmitted successfully. The submittal cover page shall be signed in ink, scanned, and included as the first/top page of the narrative proposal in the electronic proposal submission.

By submitting a response to this RFQ, the prospective consultant waives all rights to protest or seek any legal remedies whatsoever regarding noncompliance to deadlines and/or errors within the prospective consu ltant’s proposal . The City reserves the right to issue written notice to all participating firms of any changes in the proposal submission schedule should the City determine in its sole and absolute direction that such changes are necessary. Acceptance of any submittal pursuant to 3 this RFQ shall not constitute any implied intent to enter into a contract for consulting services. The City reserves the right to reject any and all submittals.

1. Statements of Qualifications must be received by 4:00 PM (PT) on Thursday, October 30, 2025. Statements of Qualifications that are not received by the specified date and time WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. The City will not be held responsible for mishandled submissions due to technical error.

IV. CONTENT OF SUBMITTALS
Statements of Qualifications are to be prepared in such a way as to provide a straightforward, concise delineation of capabilities to satisfy the requirements of this RFQ. The Statements of Qualifications shall include all information as set forth in this RFQ. Omission of any of the requested information or misleading and incomplete information may be grounds for rejection. The City, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to accept or reject in whole or in part submittals in response to this request, to negotiate with any qualified source, or to cancel in whole or in part this RFQ.

Section 1 – Cover Letter
Provide a cover letter and introduction, including the name and address of the organization or individual submitting the Statement of Qualifications, together with the name, address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the contact person who shall be authorized to make representations for the organization, and an expression of the consultant’s ability and desire to meet the requirements of this Request for Qualifications. The letter must be signed by an individual authorized to bind the firm contractually.

Section 2 – Table of Contents
This section shall include a detailed table of contents and an outline of the submittal, identified by sequential page number and by section reference number and section title as described herein.

Section 3 – Scope of Services
Proposers must comment on the firm’s ability to provide the services listed in the scope of work. Provide comments, and suggest modifications, changes and/or additions as appropriate. Indicate how your firm/team would approach the project and what speciali zed services or unique insights you feel your team would contribute.

Provide examples of your team’s approach to the services requested.

Section 4 - Related Experience
Briefly discuss your firm’s approach and what would make the firm the best qualified.

Present a description of your firm’s past performance on similar tasks. Include a brief project description, indicate the name of the city and provide contact information for the specific city project manager. Discuss the firm’s experience in the accurate coordination of trades and subconsultants, and the quality control process. Address your firm’s record of meeting schedules and controlling costs.

4 Section 5 – Sub-Consultants
Identify any subconsultants your firm will utilize. Include resumes of key individuals who will be directly involved in the environmental consulting services and briefly describe any past involvement in joint projects with these subconsultants. Indicate why the particular subconsultant has been selected to work on the project team.

Indicate how the prime firm will ensure quality control and coordination of documents between the prime and the various subconsultants.

Section 6 – Qualifications and Capabilities
Provide a detailed discussion of the firm’s qualifications and experience . Include resumes of key individuals (including subconsultants) who will be directly involved in the environmental consulting services , summarize their role in completing the project, and summarize their relevant qualifications/experience . Include a Peer Review sample that the consultant has completed for a similar city.

Section 7 – Fees/Cost

The consultant should include a fee schedule that list s hourly rates for each employee and subconsultants that will be performing the tasks associated with the duties described in Section V (Scope of Services). Include costs and expenses related to photocopying, postage, and/or other expenses. Note that the City will not pay for travel expenses associated with performing the required tasks.

Section 8 – Additional Information

Provide a summary of the insurance coverage maintained by the firm and any additional information relevant to evaluating the proposal.

V. SCOPE OF SERVICES

The City is seeking Statements of Qualifications from firms or individuals interested in providing environmental consulting services for private development projects in the city. The City will maintain a list of pre -screened, qualified environmental consulting firms which may be selected by staff when a project requires the preparation of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration or an environmental impact report.

The list will include a limited number of firms. The list will be revised every three (3) years with two (2) optional one- (1) year extensions at the discretion of the Director of Community Development. Placement on the list is neither intended nor to be construed as an offer to enter into a contract for any specific project. It is anticipated that a detailed scope of work will be developed for each individual project in consultation with the environmental consultants on the list.

5 All work prepared by the selected environmental consultant will be performed for, and at the direction of the City of Gardena Planning Division. Specific terms of the consultant’s work will be included in the project specific contract with the City.

Qualifications and List Creation

All Statements of Qualifications submitted to the City will be reviewed by staff to ensure basic criteria are met:
• The firm is clearly qualified to prepare environmental documents, including EIRs and similar documents, and has a demonstrated track record preparing these documents. • The firm can provide references from recent clients (within the past five years) who will attest to its ability to provide competent services in a timely manner. • The firm’s staff includes professionals who were involved in the preparation of any environmental documents that are submitted as proof of competence.

Staff will present the list of recommended environmental consultants to the City Council for approval. All firms approved by the City Council will be placed on an alphabetical list to be maintained by the Planning Division.

The environmental consultants selected for the list shall have the technical expertise and experience to be able to provide the full array of services typically involved in the preparation of CEQA documents. The work will require familiarity with all aspects of CEQA, relevant regulatory frameworks of responsible federal, state, and local agencies, and with the City of Gardena General Plan, Municipal Code, and other relevant planning documents. In addition to preparation of the CEQA documents, the Consultant (or their Subconsultants) may be asked to conduct supporting studies, technical analyses, or to peer review applicant-provided studies in a range of areas including, but not limited to: aesthetics, noise, air quality, biological and cultural resource evaluation, traffic/transportation, and geotechnical and hydrological analysis. Depending on the project, the City may, from time to time, also request the inclusion or exclusion of specific subconsultant(s) on the project team.

Pursuant to CEQA procedures and guidelines, the City anticipates that the preparation of environmental document(s) may be required for potential future residential, commercial, and industrial projects including, but not limited to, the following types:
• Affordable Housing Projects
• Small Infill Development Projects
• Large Infill Development Projects
• New Construction Commercial/Industrial Projects
• New Construction Residential Projects

Due to sensitive timing and/or the potential for project schedules to overlap, the City may ask several Consultants to provide consulting services and the Consultant(s) may subsequently be asked to provide written proposals for more than one project. Typic al environmental impacts which will need to be assessed include, but are not limited to:
• Aesthetics
• Agricultural Resources
6 • Air Quality
• Biological Resources
• Cultural Resources
• Climate Change/Global Warming
• Geology/Soils
• Hazards and Hazardous Materials
• Hydrology and Water Quality
• Mineral Resources
• Noise
• Population and Housing
• Public Service
• Recreation
• Tribal Cultural Resources
• Transportation/Traffic
• Utilities and Service Systems

The Consultant may be asked to provide any number of services pertaining to the City’s implementation of CEQA, including, but not limited to, the following:
• Prepare CEQA documents for the City’s Planning Division, including, but not limited to:
o Initial Studies in support of Mitigated Negative Declarations, Negative Declarations and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MND/ND/MMRP)
o Addendums to Environmental Impact Reports
o Environmental Impact Reports
o Notices of Intent/Preparation/Determination/Exemption • Provide filing services with the Los Angeles County Clerk and/or the State Clearinghouse
• Provide peer review of CEQA documents prepared by project applicants • Conduct and /or support CEQA review for the following potential projects:
o Large and small-scale development applications such as zoning amendments, use permits, and vesting tentative maps
o Potential updates/amendments to the General Plan
o Potential updates/amendments to Specific Plans
o Potential updates to the Zoning Code
• Review and comment on adequacy of CEQA/NEPA documents from neighboring jurisdictions/agencies
• Required consultations (i.e. NAHC)
• Conduct scoping meetings
• In person attendance of public hearings
• General CEQA Consulting

7 Process and Required Timelines

When it is determined that a project will require a Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, Environmental Impact Report, or other specialized environmental analyses, staff will request a proposal from all consultants on the City Council approved list.

To reduce cost and delays, the City has committed to the following timelines. Please make sure that you can meet the following timeline before you submit your firm’s Statement of Qualifications:
• The City will inform the applicant as soon as a decision has been made regarding the environmental level of review required by the City as the Lead Agency at the time that the project is deemed complete.
• The City will provide the project information/scope and request a proposal from the consultants(s) within the City Council approved list based on the project description. • All consultants will be given ten (10) calendar days to submit a proposal. • City staff will review the submitted proposals within one (1) week after they are received and select the most qualified firm for the work to be performed based on the project’s needs.
• The City will enter into a contract with the consultant once the funds to cover the work to be performed by the consultant(s) have been received from the applicant.

Once the Consultant is retained for a project, the consultant will meet with City staff and selected individuals to discuss the approach and expectations. The Consultant will meet on a regular basis with City staff to review the progress of any work product and to discuss any changes in direct ion or needed details. The selected Consultants must be prepared to effectively assist City staff in managing the environmental processing for private development projects and City initiated projects, including preparation of environmental documents, attendance at public meetings, regular interface w ith City staff and other City Consultants, and attendance at regularly scheduled coordination meetings as necessary when work is in progress.

VI. EVALUATION CRITERIA

An Evaluation Committee comprised of City staff will perform an initial screening evaluation to identify and eliminate any Statement of Qualifications that are not responsive to the solicitation, do not meet the minimum requirements set forth in the solicitation, or are submitted by Consultants that lack appropriate creditworthiness, sufficient financial resources, or qualifications to provide dependable and reliable work as contemplated under this solicitation. The City and Evaluation Committee shall reser ve the right to submit follow- up questions or inquiries to request clarification of information submitted and to request additional information from any one or more of the Consultant(s). Evaluations will be based on the following criteria:

A. Firm’s qualifications - 35 points

1. Experience with an emphasis on environmental consulting services performed for similarly sized cities for different sized projects. 8 2. Management, experience, and organization capabilities

3. Quality and knowledge of staff

4. Familiarity with policies, standards, and procedures related to the work

5. Knowledge of local conditions, where appropriate

6. Sample Peer Review provided

B. Project Management & QA/QC Approach - 25 points

1. Consultant’s understanding of the Scope of Work

2. Ability to provide services on an as needed basis

3. Overall Statement of Qualifications format, structure, and completeness

C. Fee Proposal - 20 points

D. References – 20 points

1. Consultant’s experience working with local government agencies

2. Client feedback on rate, quality, and timeliness of service

3. Reputation of company with responsiveness to customers and comprehensiveness of report

TOTAL 100 points

VII. BUSINESS LICENSE REQUIREMENT

After City Council approval, all consultants shall obtain a business license from the City. All consultants on the list shall maintain their business license for the duration of the entire term.

Failure to obtain a business license will result in the consultant being removed from the list.

It is unlawful for any person to furnish supplies or services or transact any kind of business in the City without first obtaining a City business license. Business license applications are available at www.cityofgardena.org or contact the Business Licensing Division of the City at (310) 217-9530 for further information.

Attachment on Drive:
• Attachment A - Draft Consultant Agreement

1 ATTACHMENT A

2 AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE

CITY OF GARDENA
AND

This contract, hereinafter referred to as Agreement is entered into this day of , 2025, by and between THE CITY OF GARDENA (“City”) and , a [state] [type of entity] (“Consultant”). Based on the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties hereto agree, as follows.

1. Recitals.

A. Whereas, City requires the services of a professional to provide design services; and

B. Whereas, Consultant has represented that it is qualified by virtue of experience, training, education and expertise to provide these services; and
C. Whereas, City has determined that the public interest, convenience and necessity require the execution of this Agreement.

D. WHEREAS, no official or employee of City has a financial interest, within the provisions of sections 1090- 1092 of the California Government Code, in the subject matter of this Agreement.

2. Services.

A. The services to be performed by Consultant shall consist of the following (“Services”): As specified in Exhibit “ *”, attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference, unless otherwise instructed by City.

B. The Services shall be performed in accordance with the Project Schedule set forth in Exhibit * . Consultant shall not be liable for any failure or delay in furnishing proposed Services resulting from fire, explosion, flood, storm, Act of God, governmental acts, orders or regulations, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, labor difficulties, difficulty in obtaining parts, supplies, or shipping facilities, inability to obtain or delays in obtaining suitable material or facilities required for performance, temporary unavailability of qualified personnel, failure by City to provide appropriate access to equipment or personnel, or other causes beyond Consultant’s reasonable control.

3. Additional Services. If City determines that additional Services are required to be provided by Consultant in addition to the Services set forth above, City shall authorize Consultant to perform such additional Services in writing (“Additional Services”). Such Additional Services shall be specifically described and approved by City in writing prior to

3 the performance thereof. Consultant shall be compensated for such Additional Services in accordance with the amount agreed upon in writing by the Parties. No compensation shall be paid to Consultant for Additional Services which are not specifically approved by City in writing.

4. Consultant’s Proposal. This Agreement shall include Consultant’s proposal or bid which is incorporated herein as Exhibit *. In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the proposal and this Agreement, this Agreement shall govern.

5. Timing of Performance. Time is of the essence with respect to Consultant’s performance of the Services required by this Agreement. Consultant shall diligently and timely pursue and complete the performance of the Services required of it by this Agreement as set forth in Exhibit *. City, in its sole discretion, may extend the time for performance of any Service.

6. Compensation. Compensation for the Services shall be billed as set forth in Exhibit * , attached hereto. The Compensation is inclusive of all costs that may be incurred by Consultant in performance of the Services, including but not limited to such items as travel, copies, delivery charges, phone charges, and facsimile charges, unless otherwise. In no event shall compensation under this Agreement exceed SPELL OUT AMOUNT and 00/00 ($*) without the prior written authorization of the City Council.

7. Prevailing Wages. Consultant is aware of the requirements of Chapter 1 (beginning at Section 1720 et seq.) of Part 7 of Division 2 of the California Labor Code, as well as Title 8, Section 16000 et seq. of the California Code of Regulations (“Prevailing Wage Laws”), which require the payment of prevailing wage rates and the performance of other requirements on “public works” and “maintenance” projects. If the Services are being performed as part of an applicable “public works” or “maintenance” project, as defined by the Prevailing Wage Laws, and if the Total Compensation is $1,000 or more, Consultant and its subconsultants shall fully comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws for their employees and any others to whom such laws are applicable. Consultant and its subconsultants shall also be responsible for any and all violations and fines imposed on them pursuant to the Prevailing Wage Laws. Pursuant to SB 854, which amended the Prevailing Wage Laws, this Agreement would also be subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the California Department of Industrial Relations (“DIR”). Beginning April 1, 2015, no consultant or subconsultant may be awarded this Agreement unless registered with the DIR pursuant to Labor Code Section 1725.5. The City will report all necessary agreements to the DIR as required by the Prevailing Wage Laws. Consultant shall make copies of the prevailing rates of per diem wages for each craft, classification or type of worker needed to execute the Services available to interested parties upon request, and shall post copies at the Consultant’s principal place of business and at the Project site. It is most efficient for the Consultant to obtain a copy of the prevailing wages in effect at the commencement of this Agreement from the website of the Division of Labor Statistics and Research of the DIR located at www.dir.ca.gov/dlsr/. In the alternative, Consultant may obtain a copy of the prevailing wages from the City’s Representative.

Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold the City, its elected officials, officers,

4 employees and agents free and harmless from any claim or liability arising out of any failure or alleged failure to comply with the Prevailing Wage Laws.

8. Term of Agreement/Termination. This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and continue for a period of one (1) year, ending on , 20 , unless previously terminated as provided herein or as otherwise agreed to in writing by the parties. This Agreement may be extended by two [2] additional one [1] year periods upon mutual written agreement of both parties.]

A. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date of execution by the City and shall remain in effect until all Services are completed or until terminated as provided for herein.

B. City may terminate this Agreement without cause by providing written notice to Consultant not less than ten days prior to an effective termination date. City’s only obligation in the event of termination will be payment of fees and allowed expenses incurred up to and including the effective date of termination.

C. Unless for cause, Consultant may not terminate this Agreement. If Consultant is terminating this Agreement for cause, it must provide the City with thirty (30) days written notice.

D. Upon receipt of a termination notice, Consultant shall: (1) promptly discontinue all Services, unless the notice directs otherwise; and (2) within ten (10) days, deliver to City all files, data, reports, estimates, summaries, and such other information and materials as may have been accumulated or prepared to date by Consultant in performing the Services under this Agreement, whether completed or in progress.

Consultant shall provide these documents by both hard copy and in electronic format if available. In the event of termination for other than cause attributable to Consultant, Consultant shall be entitled to reasonable compensation for the Services it performs up to the date of termination and shall be deemed released from liability for any work assigned but not completed as of the effective date of termination.

9. Agreement Administrator . For purposes of this Agreement, City designates Stephany Santin, Director Recreation & Human Services, or designee, as the Agreement Administrator who shall monitor Consultant’s performance under this Agreement.

Consultant shall be notified in writing of any deficiency in the performance of this Agreement in a timely manner by Agreement Administrator Consultant shall have five (5) business days from receipt of the notification to cure any deficiency to the reasonable satisfaction of the Agreement Administrator. All costs for such corrections shall be borne by Consultant and shall not increase Consultant’s fees due hereunder. Should the Agreement Administrator determine that Consultant has not performed its obligation as stated in this Agreement in a satisfactory manner, City may terminate this Agreement for cause as specified in Section- Term of Agreement/Termination. All notices, invoices or other documents shall be addressed to the Agreement Administrator, as well as all substantive issues relating to this contract. City reserves the right to change this

5 designation upon written notice to Consultant.

10. Invoices and Payments.

A. Payment shall be made upon receipt and approval of invoices for Services rendered. In order for payment to be made, Consultant’s invoice must include an itemization as to the services rendered, date(s) of service, direct and/or subcontract costs, and be submitted on an official letterhead or invoice with Consultant’s name, address, and telephone number referenced.

B. The Agreement Administrator shall review the invoices to determine whether services performed and documents submitted are consistent with this Agreement. Payment shall be made within forty -five (45) days following receipt of the invoice or the Agreement Administrator shall provide Consultant with a written statement objecting to the charges and stating the reasons therefore.

C. Payment by City under this Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of defects, even if such defects were known to City at the time of payment.

11. Records/Audit.

A. Consultant shall be responsible for ensuring accuracy and propriety of all billings and shall maintain all supporting documentation for a minimum of three (3) years from the completion date of the Services under this agreement the following records:

1. All accounts and records, including personnel, property and financial, adequate to identify and account for all costs pertaining to this Agreement and assure proper accounting for all funds;

2. Records which establish that Consultant and any subconsultant who renders Services under this Agreement are in full compliance with the requirements of this Agreement and all federal, state and local laws and regulations

3. Any additional records deemed necessary by City to assume verification of full compliance with this Agreement.

B. City shall have the right to audit Consultant’s invoices and all supporting documentation for purposes of compliance with this Agreement for a period of three years following the completion of Services under this Agreement.

C. Upon reasonable notice from City or any other governmental agency, Consultant shall cooperate fully with any audit of its billings conducted by, or of, City and shall permit access to its books, records and accounts as may be necessary to conduct such audits.

12. Successors and Assignment. This Agreement covers professional services of a specific and unique nature. Except as otherwise provided herein, Consultant shall not

6 assign or transfer its interest in this Agreement or subcontract any services to be performed without amending this Agreement. This Agreement shall be binding upon the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

13. Change in Name, Ownership or Control. Consultant shall notify the Agreement Administrator, in writing, of any change in name, ownership or control of Consultant’s firm or subconsultant. Change of ownership or control of Consultant’s firm may require an amendment to the Agreement.

14. Key Personnel . City has relied upon the professional training and ability of Consultant to perform the Services hereunder as a material inducement to enter into this Agreement. Consultant shall provide properly skilled professional and technical personnel to perform all Services under this Agreement. In the event that City, in its sole discretion, at any time during the Agreement, desires the removal of any person or persons assigned by Consultant to perform Services pursuant to this Agreement, Consultant shall remove any such person immediately upon receiving notice from City.

15. Performance By Consultant . Consultant shall maintain or exceed the level of competency presently maintained by other similar practitioners in the State of California, for professional and technical soundness, accuracy and adequacy of all work, advice and material furnished under this Agreement.

16. Use of Materials.

A. City shall make available to Consultant such materials from its files as may be required by Consultant to perform Services under this Agreement. Such materials shall remain the property of City while in Consultant’s possession. Upon termination of this Agreement and payment of outstanding invoices of Consultant, or completion of work under this Agreement, Consultant shall return to City any property of City in its possession and any calculations, notes, reports, electronic files, or other materials prepared by Consultant in the course of performance of this Agreement.

B. City may utilize any material prepared or work performed by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement, including computer software, in any manner, which City deems proper without additional compensation to Consultant. Consultant shall have no responsibility or liability for any revisions, changes, or corrections made by City, or any use or reuse pursuant to this paragraph unless Consultant accepts such responsibility in writing.

17. Nonuse of Intellectual Property of Third Parties. Consultant shall not use, disclose or copy any intellectual property of any third parties in connection with work carried out under this Agreement, except for intellectual property for which Consultant has a license.

Consultant shall indemnify and hold City harmless against all claims raised against City based upon allegations that Consultant has wrongfully used intellectual property of others in performing work for City, or that City has wrongfully used intellectual property developed by Consultant pursuant to this Agreement.

7 18. Ownership of Work Product. All documents or other information created, developed, or received by Consultant shall, for purposes of copyright law, be deemed works made for hire for City by Consultant and shall be the sole property of City.

Consultant shall provide City with copies of these items upon demand, and in any event, upon termination of this Agreement.

19. Confidentiality Clause. Consultant acknowledges that some of the material and information that may come into its possession or knowledge in connection with this Agreement or its performance may consist of information that is exempt from disclosure to the public or other unauthori zed persons under either state or federal statutes ("Confidential Information"). Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, names, addresses, Social Security numbers, e- mail addresses, telephone numbers, financial profiles, credit card information, driver's license numbers, medical data, law enforcement records, agency source code or object code, agency security data, or information identifiable to an individual that relates to any of these types of information.

Consultant agrees to hold Confidential Information in strictest confidence and not to make use of Confidential Information for any purpose other than the performance of this Agreement, to release it only to authorized employees or Sub-consultants requiring such information for the purposes of carrying out this Agreement, and not to release, divulge, publish, transfer, sell, disclose, or otherwise make the information known to any other party without City's express written consent or as provided by law. Consultant agrees to release such information or material only to employees or Sub- consultants who have signed a nondisclosure agreement, the terms of which have been previously approved by City. Consultant agrees to implement physical, electronic, and managerial safeguards to prevent unauthorized access to Confidential Information. "Personal information" including, but not limited to, "Protected Health Information" (PHI) under Health Insurance Portability And Accountability Act (HIPAA), individuals' names, addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, and social security numbers collected, used, or acquired in connection with this Agreement shall be protected against unauthorized use, disclosure, modification or loss.

HIPAA establishes national minimum standards for the use and disclosure of certain health information. The Consultant must comply with all HIPAA requirements and rules when determined applicable by the City. If City determines that (1) City is a "covered entity" under HIPAA, and that (2) Consultant will perform "business associate" services and activities covered under HIPAA, then at City's request, Consultant agrees to execute City's Agreement in compliance with HIPAA.

Consultant shall ensure its directors, officers, employees, Sub-consultants or agents use personal information solely for the purposes of accomplishing the services set forth herein. Consultant and its Sub-consultants agree not to release, divulge, publish, transfer, sell or otherwise make known to unauthorized persons personal information without the express written consent of the City or as otherwise required by law.

Any breach of this provision may result in termination of the Agreement and demand for

8 return of all personal information. Moreover, Consultant will indemnify and hold the City harmless from and against all losses and damages resulting from any unauthorized or improper disclosure, dissemination or use of the information as a result, in whole or in part, of Consultant’s action or inaction.

20. Legal Requirements.

A. Consultant shall secure and maintain all licenses or permits required by law, including a City business license, and shall comply with all ordinances, laws, orders, rules, and regulations pertaining to the work.

B. Consultant warrants that it shall perform the Services required by this Agreement in compliance with all applicable Federal and California employment laws, including, but not limited to, those laws related to minimum hours and wages; occupational health and safety; fair employment and employment practices; workers’ compensation insurance and safety in employment; and all other Federal, State and local laws
and ordinances applicable to the services required under this Agreement.

Consultant shall indemnify and hold harmless City from and against all claims, demands, payments, suits, actions, proceedings, and judgments of every nature and description including attorneys’ fees and costs, presented, brought, or recovered against City for, or on account of any liability under any of the above-mentioned laws, which may be incurred by reason of Consultant’s performance under this Agreement.

C. Consultant covenants that there shall be no discrimination based upon race, color, creed, religion, sex, marital status, age, handicap, national origin or ancestry, or any other category forbidden by law in performance of this Agreement.

21. Conflict of Interest and Reporting.

A. Consultant shall at all times avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of a conflict of interest in the performance of this Agreement. If required, Consultant shall comply with the City’s Conflict of Interest reporting requirements. Consultant understands that pursuant to Gardena Municipal Code sections 2.24.020H and 2.24.025G, it is forbidden to make any contribution to a candidate or committee of a candidate for a municipal office of the City, or to an officeholder, until the completion of Ser vices to be performed under this Agreement.

B. Consultant and its representatives shall refrain from lobbying City of Gardena officials, employees and representatives for the duration of this Agreement.

22. Guarantee and Warranty.

A. Consultant warrants to City that the material, analysis, data, programs and Services to be delivered or rendered hereunder will be of the kind and quality designated and will be performed by qualified personnel.

9 Without waiver of City’s other rights or remedies, City may require Consultant to re-perform any of said Services, which were not performed in accordance with these standards. Consultant shall perform the remedial Services at its sole expense.

23. Insurance.

A. Commencement of Work. Consultant shall not commence work under this Agreement until it has obtained City approved insurance. Before beginning work hereunder, during the entire period of this Agreement, for any extensions hereto, and for periods after the end of this Agreement as may be indicated below, Consultant must have and maintain in place all of the insurance coverage required in this Section. Consultant’s insurance shall comply with all items specified by this Agreement. Any subcontractors shall be subject to all of the requirements of this Section and Consultant shall be responsible to obtain evidence of insurance from each subcontractor and provide it to City before the subcontractor commences work. Alternatively, Consultant’s insurance may cover all subcontractors.

B. Insurance Company Requirements. All insurance policies used to satisfy the requirements imposed hereunder shall be issued by insurers admitted to do business in the State of California. Insurers shall have a current Best’s rating of not less than A- :VII, unless otherwise approved by City.

C. Coverage, Limits and Policy Requirements. Consultant shall maintain the types of coverage and limits indicated below:

1. Commercial General Liability Insurance - a policy for occurrence coverage for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage, with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office Form CG 00 01, with no special limitations affecting City. The limit for all coverage under this policy shall be no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per occurrence.

2. Commercial Auto Liability Insurance - a policy with coverage at least as broad as Insurance Services Office form CA 0001, including Symbol 1 (any auto) with no special limitations affecting City. The limit for bodily injury and property damage liability shall be no less than one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per accident.

3. Policy Requirements. The policies set forth above shall comply with the following, as evidenced by the policies or endorsements to the policies:

a. The City, its appointed and elected officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be added as additional insured to the policy.

b. The insurer shall agree to provide City with thirty (30) days prior written notice, return receipt requested, of any cancellation, non-renewal or material change in coverage.

10 c. For any claims with respect to the Services covered by this Agreement, Consultant’s insurance coverage shall be primary insurance as respects the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its elected and appointed officers, employees, agents and volunteers shall be excess of Consultant’s insurance and shall not contribute with it.

4. Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance - a policy which meets all statutory benefit requirements of the Labor Code, or other applicable law, of the State of California. The minimum coverage limits for said insurance shall be no less than one million dollars per claim. The policy shall be issued by an insurance company which is admitted to do business in the State of California and shall contain a clause that the policy may not be canceled without thirty (30) days prior written notice, return receipt requested, is mailed to City.

5. Professional Errors & Omissions - a policy with minimum limits of one million dollars ($1,000,000.00) per claim and aggregate. This policy shall be issued by an insurance company which is admitted to do business in the State of California and Consultant shall contain a clause that the policy may not be canceled until thirty (30) days written notice, return receipt requested, is mailed to City.

D. Additional Requirements. The procuring of such required policies of insurance shall not be construed to limit Consultant’s liability hereunder or to fulfill the indemnification provisions and requirements of this Agreement. There shall be no recourse against City for payment of premiums or other amounts with respect thereto.

City shall notify Consultant in writing of changes in the insurance requirements. If Consultant does not deposit copies of acceptable insurance policies or endorsements with City incorporating such changes within sixty (60) days of receipt of such notice, Consultant shall be deemed in default hereunder.

E. Deductibles. Any deductible or self -insured retention over $25,000 per occurrence must be declared to and approved by City. Any deductible exceeding an amount acceptable to City shall be subject to the following changes: either the insurer shall eliminate or reduce such deductibles or self-insured retentions with respect to City, its officers, employees, agents and volunteers (with additional premium, if any, to be paid by Consultant); or Consultant shall provide satisfactory financial guarantee for payment of losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses.

F. Verification of Compliance. Consultant shall furnish City with original policies or certificates and endorsements effecting coverage required by this Agreement.

The endorsements are to be signed by a person authorized by the insurer to bind coverage on its behalf. All endorsements are to be received and approved by City before work commences. Not less than fifteen (15) days prior to the expiration date of any policy of insurance required by this Agreement, Consultant shall deliver to City a binder or certificate of insurance with respect to each renewal policy, bearing a notation evidencing payment of the premium therefore, or accompanied by other proof of payment satisfactory

11 to City. Consultant shall provide full copies of any requested policies to City within three (3) days of any such request by City.

G. Termination for Lack of Required Coverage. If Consultant, for any reason, fails to have in place, at all times during the term of this Agreement, including any extension hereto, all required insurance and coverage, City may immediately obtain such coverage at Consultant’s expense and/or terminate this Agreement.

24. Indemnity.

A. Consultant assumes all risk of injury to its employees, agents, and contractors, including loss or damage to property.

B. Consultant agrees to defend, indemnify, hold free and harmless the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers, at Consultant’s sole expense, from and against any and all claims, actions, suits or other legal proceedings brought against the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers arising out of the performance of the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors, of the work undertaken pursuant to this Agreement. The defense obligation provided for hereunder shall apply without any advance showing of negligence or wrongdoing by the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors, but shall be required whenever any claim, action, complaint, or suit asserts as its basis the negligence, errors, omissions or misconduct of the Consultant, its em ployees, and/or authorized subcontractors, and/or whenever any claim, action, complaint or suit asserts liability against the City, its elected officials, officers, agents, employees and volunteers based upon the work perform ed by the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors under this Agreement, whether or not the Consultant, its employees, and/or authorized subcontractors are specifically named or otherwise asserted to be liable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Consultant shall not be liable for the defense or indemnification of the City for claims, actions, complaints or suits arising out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the City. This provision shall supersede and replace all other indemnity provisions contained either in the City’s specifications or Consultant’s Proposal, which shall be of no force and effect.

C. No official, employee, agent or volunteer of City shall be personally liable for any default or liability under this Agreement.

25. Independent Contractor. Consultant agrees to furnish consulting services in the capacity of an independent contractor and neither Consultant nor any of its employees shall be considered to be an employee or agent of City.

26. PERS Eligibility Indemnification. In the event that Consultant or any employee, agent, or subcontractor of Consultant providing Services under this Agreement claims or is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to be eligible for enrollment in PERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City for the payment of any

12 employee and/or employer contributions for PERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.

Notwithstanding any other agency, state or federal policy, rule, regulation, law or ordinance to the contrary, Consultant and any of its employees, agents, and subcontractors providing service under this Agreement shall not qualify for or become entitled to, and hereby agree to waive any claims to, any compensation, benefit, or any incident of employment by City, including but not limited to eligibility to enroll in PERS as an employee of City and entitlement to any contribution to be paid by City for employer contribution and/or employee contributions for PERS benefits.

27. Notices. Any notice or communication given under this Agreement shall be effective when deposited, postage prepaid, with the United States Postal Service and addressed to the contracting parties. Name, address, telephone and facsimile numbers of the parties are as follows:

City of Gardena:
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, California 90247-3732
Attn: Jo-Anne Burns
Title: Assistant Director of Community
Development
Email: ___________________
Telephone: ___________________

To Consultant: Name of Consultant Street Address or P.O. Box City, State Zip Code
Attn:

Email:

Telephone: ( )

Either party may change the information to which notice or communication is to be sent by providing advance written notice to the other party.

28. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal, invalid, or unenforceable, in whole or in part, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to make it legal, valid, and enforceable, and the legality, validity, and enforceability of the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby.

29. Jurisdiction and Venue. This Agreement shall be deemed a contract under the laws of the State of California and for all purposes shall be interpreted in accordance with such laws. Both parties hereby agree and consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of California and that the venue of any action brought hereunder shall be Los Angeles County, California.

13 30. Waiver. No delay or failure by either Party to exercise or enforce at any time any right or provision of this Agreement shall be considered a waiver thereof or of such Party’s right thereafter to exercise or enforce each and every right and provision of this Agreement. To be valid a waiver shall be in writing but need not be supported by consideration. No single waiver shall constitute a continuing or subsequent waiver.

31. Electronic Signatures. The parties hereby acknowledge and agree that electronic records and electronic signatures, as well as facsimile signatures, used in connection with the execution of this Agreement and electronic signatures, facsimile signatures or signatures transmitted by electronic mail in so-called pdf format shall be legal and binding and shall have the same full force and effect as if a paper original of this Agreement had been delivered and had been signed using a handwritten signature. City and Consultant (i) agree that an electronic signature, whether digital or encrypted, of a party to this Agreement is intended to authenticate this writing and to have the same force and effect as a manual signature, (ii) intend to be bound by the signatures (whether original, faxed or electronic) on any document sent or delivered by facsimile or, electronic mail, or other electronic means, (iii) are aware that the other party will reply on such signatures, and (iv) hereby waive any defenses to the enforcement of the terms of this Agreement based on the foregoing forms of signature. If this Agreement has been executed by electronic signature, all parties executing this document are expressly consenting under the United States Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act of 2000 ("E - SIGN") and California Uniform Electronic Transactions Act ("UETA")(Cal. Civ. Code § 1633.1, et seq.), that a signature by fax, email or other electronic means shall constitute an Electronic Signature to an Electronic Recor d under both E -SIGN and UETA with respect to this specific transaction.

32. Joint Drafting. Each party acknowledges that it has had an adequate opportunity to review each and every provision in this Agreement and to submit the same to counsel and other consultants for review and comment and that the parties jointly drafted this Agreement. No provision of this Agreement or any Assignment shall be construed more strictly against one party than the other party by reason that one or the other party proposed, drafted or modified such provision or any other existing or proposed provision.

33. Public Records Act Disclosure . Consultant has been advised and is aware that this Agreement and all reports, documents, information and data, including, but not limited to, computer tapes, discs or files furnished or prepared by Consultant, or any of its subcontractors, pursuant to this Agreement and provided to City may be subject to public disclosure as required by the California Public Records Act (California Government Code section 7920.000 et seq.). Exceptions to public disclosure may be those documents or information that qualify as trade secrets, as that term is defined in the California Government Code section 7924.510, and of which Consultant informs City of such trade secret. The City will endeavor to maintain as confidential all information obtained by it that is designated as a trade secret. The City shall not, in any way, be liable or responsible for the disclosure of any trade secret including, without limitation, those records so marked if disclosure is deemed to be required by law or by order of the Court.

14 34. Authority to Execute. The persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties warrant that they are duly authorized to execute this Agreement.

35. Attorney’s Fees. In the event that legal action is necessary to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, or to declare the rights of the parties hereunder, the parties agree that the prevailing party in the legal action shall be entitled to recover attorney’s fees and court costs from the opposing party.

36. Section Headings. The Section headings used in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall have no binding effect.

37. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding between City and Consultant. Any prior agreement, promises, negotiations or representations not expressly set forth herein are of no force or effect. Subsequent modifications to this Agreement shall be effective only if in writing and signed by both parties. This Agreement may be signed by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, including both counterparts that are executed on paper and counterparts that are in the form of electronic signatures.

Electronic signatures include facsimile or email electronic signatures. Each executed counterpart shall be deemed an original. All counterparts, taken together, constitute the executed Agreement.

15 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have hereunto affixed their names as of the day and year written below.

“City” “Consultant”
City of Gardena Name of Consultant or Consultant
Company

By: By: ______________________________
Tasha Cerda, Mayor Name and title of individual
Date: Date:

By: ______________________________

Name and title of individual

Date: _____________________

ATTEST:

Mina Semenza, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

Carmen Vasquez, City Attorney

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 1
SUBMITTED TO:

City of Gardena
Attention: Jo-Anne Burns
Assistant Director of Community Development
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247
[email protected]
Proposal for RFQ No. 2026-03PL
Environmental Consulting Services
City of Gardena | October 30, 2025
SUBMITTED BY:

De Novo Planning Group
Starla Barker, AICP, Principal Planner
180 E Main Street, Suite 108
Tustin, CA 92780
[email protected]
949.396.8193

CITY OF GARDENA

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ)
NO. 2026-03PL

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSUL TING SERVICES
September 30, 2025
Inquiries regarding these projects
should be directed to:

Jo-Anne Burns,
Assistant Director of Community
Development
[email protected]
Deadline: October 30, 2025, 4PM
1 DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 2

1. COVER LETTER
City of Gardena
Attention: Jo-Anne Burns
Assistant Director of Community Development
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena, CA 90247
SUBJECT: Proposal for RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services Dear Ms. Burns:

On behalf of De Novo Planning Group, thank you for the opportunity to submit this Proposal to provide Environmental Consulting Services pursuant to the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) No. 2006-03PL. The City is seeking consultants to provide environmental consulting services for private development projects in the City. The City will maintain a list of pre -screened, qualified environmental consulting firms which may be selected by staff when a project requires the preparation of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or an environmental impact report. Requested services include preparation and/or peer review of all levels of documentation and technical studies prepared in accordance wi th the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), including but not limited to Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies (IS), Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations (MNDs), and Environmental Impact Reports (EIRs) (including Amendments or Addendums) for private development projects in the City of Gardena.

De Novo has extensive experience providing environmental consultant services for clients throughout California, including the City of Gardena. De Novo Planning Group (De Novo), a California S Corporation, is a land use and environmental planning firm specializing in community planning, environmental studies, design, and development services. The firm’s principal -level staff have successfully com pleted hundreds of projects consisting of comprehensive general plans, specific plans, housing elements, environ mental impact reports, negative declarations, initial studies, climate action plans, hazard mitigation plans, biological assessments, wetland delineations, and development projects throughout California. Our team will provide the City with an energetic and dedicated group of principal -level professionals with exceptional skills and qualifications. We are confident that our experience, record of success, and Principal-level attention to the Project will prove to be extremely valuable to the City. We have assembled a carefully selected team of experienced environmental practitioners to work with the City of Gardena to prepare the necessary environmental analysis and documents.

Our team includes some of our most trusted subconsultant teaming partners for transportation (Kittelson & Associates and MAT Engineering), biological assessments (South Environmental), cultural and tribal cultural studies (South Environmental), hydrology, water quality and utilities (Fuscoe), and geotechnical and hazard analysis (Verdantas), all of whom are leaders in their fields and have experience working on a wide range of projects throughout southern California. Our team members have worked together fo r several years on a variety of projects, providing a clear understanding of expectations that results in high quality deliverables and efficiencies.

Located in our Tustin office at 180 E. Main Street, Suite 108, Starla will serve as the primary point of contact for the City. Starla has had the privilege to serve as the Project Manager for all environmental

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
3 compliance documents previously prepared by De Novo Planning Group for the City of Gardena and appreciates the opportunity to continue this collaborative relationship for on -call environmental consulting services. Starla has extensive experience in managing on-call environmental consulting services contracts and preparing environmental compliance documents with specific focus in redevelopment and infill projects.

The key personnel identified in this proposal will have availability to carry out the assigned tasks, as required, to successfully prepare environmental documentation and review in accordance with CEQA requirements and in cooperation with the City of Gardena.

We truly appreciate being considered for this project and for the opportunity to work with the City of Gardena. Ben Ritchie, Principal and Co -Owner, is authorized to bind the firm. If you have any questions regarding this submittal, please contact Starla Barker at (949) 396 -8193 | [email protected] or Ben Ritchie at (916) 949-3231 | [email protected].

Sincerely,

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
Ben Ritchie, Principal Starla Barker, AICP, Principal Planner

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 4

2. TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Cover Letter ............................................................................................................................................ 2

2. Table of Contents ................................................................................................................................... 4

3. Scope of Services .................................................................................................................................... 5

4. Related Experience ............................................................................................................................... 26

5. Sub-Consultants .................................................................................................................................... 44

6. Qualifications and CApabilities ............................................................................................................. 46

7. Fees/Cost .............................................................................................................................................. 56

8. Additional Information ......................................................................................................................... 57 Appendix A - Resumes ................................................................................................................................ 59 Appendix B – Third-Party Peer Review Example ......................................................................................... 90

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
5 3. SCOPE OF SERVICES

PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
The City is seeking consultants to provide environmental consulting services for private development projects in the City. The City will maintain a list of pre-screened, qualified environmental consulting firms which may be selected by staff when a project requires the preparation of a negative declaration, mitigated negative declaration, or an environmental impact report.

Services may include a variety of tasks related to meeting CEQA requirements including, but not limited to, peer review of documents and technical studies provided by applicants; preparation of technical studies and CEQA compliance documentation, such as initial studies to support negative declarations and mitigated negative declarations, and preparation environmental impact reports; review and comment on adequacy of environmental documents from neighboring jurisdictions/ agencies; and tasks associated with these efforts, including providing filing services, consultations, conducting scoping meetings , and attending hearings; and general C EQA consulting. There are no specific projects identified at this time; however, potential projects may include large and small -scale development applications such as zoning amendments, use permits, and vesting tentative maps, potential updates/amendments to the General Plan, potential updates/amendments to Specific Plans, and potential updates to the Zoning Code. Services will be provided on a task -order basis. De Novo has successfully served in this capacity for other municipalities and is committed to pr oviding the City with exceptional technical analysis and environmental review services.

THE DE NOVO APPROACH
The De Novo team has provided environmental documentation and technical studies for a diverse range of development projects, as well as regulatory/policy documents, such as General Plans and zoning ordinances. We are proud of our history of working with local agencies on an on -call basis. We will work with the City to prepare a detailed and accurate scope of work tailored for the project being proposed at that time. Our scope of work will identify the specific tasks the De Novo team will undertake from project initiation to project closeout. The work program, including technical studies and level of analysis, will vary depending upon a project’s location and characteristics. All technical studies and environmental documents will be completed in accordance with the adopted CEQA Guidelines.

Our Team, led by Starla Barker, AICP, Project Manager, is comprised of professionals with expertise in preparing technical studies and environmental analysis for CEQA compliance projects. Located in the Tustin office, Starla will be the primary contact for day-to-day project management of the environmental services consulting contract . Starla has over 20 years of experience preparing and managing environmental compliance documents, specializing in infill development and redevelopment projects within urbanized areas. Additionally, Starla has previously prepared environmental documentation for the City of Gardena and is familiar with the City’s environmental issues and regulatory environment.

Starla will be responsible for coordinating the De Novo team to ensure the environmental analysis is thorough and complies with CEQA requirements. Starla will be supported by Firm Owners and Principals, Ben Ritchie and Steve McMurtry, who will further ensure supporting team members and resources are readily available and provide overall quality assurance. Depending upon the nature of future project assignments, Starla will be joined by one of De Novo’s Principal Planners or Senior Planners to provide project management responsibilities. The Co-Project Manager will serve as a second point of contact to DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 6
the City and be responsible for ensuring De Novo’s successful completion of each task, as well as ensuring that the City’s goals and expectations are being met. This includes assisting with reviewing documents prior to formal submittal and providing quality assurance/quality control. Our Project Managers and Co - Project Managers pride themselves on being an integrated project manager throughout the duration of the project work program, conducting research, analyzing data, and writing sections. We will work closely with City staff, from contract execution and project inception, through to public hearings and completion of the CEQA process. This Principal-level attention to each detail of the Project ensures a high-quality work product as well as continuity throughout the project.

Typical on -call contracts follow a standard protocol to assess project requirements, including but not necessarily limited to project initiation/kick -off; data review and research; project description; and technical studies and environmental analysis. Working with the City as an extension of staff, De Novo will be responsible for preparation of draft and final environmental documents, including all supporting documentation such as the Notice of Preparation, Initial Study, Notice of Intent to Adopt, Notice o f Availability, Response to Comments, Findings and Facts, Statement of Overriding Considerations, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and Notice of Determination. We will circulate environmental documents for public review , as required, and participate in community meetings and public hearings, as needed. The De Novo team will provide AB 52 Native American consultation assistance, as needed . The De Novo team will prepare AB 52 letter templates and provide checklists, detailed instructions to ensure meaningful consultation with interested Native American groups in accordance with AB 52.

Deliverables are anticipated to include electronic Word and PDF files for each Administrative Draft and Review Draft document. Electronic copies of the kick -off meeting agenda and minutes, draft project description, schedule, and required notices will also be provided. We will coordinate with the City on any hard copies needed. De Novo will be responsible for submitting the Public Review Draft documents and notices to the State Clearinghouse through the CEQA Submit portal and filing CEQA notices with the County.

De Novo’s project management team has a long history of working with local agencies on an on-call basis.

Our staff can mobilize quickly and efficiently, meeting project schedules while ensuring our environmental documents are accurate, legally defensible, and cost-effective. While we anticipate future assignments will be conducted out of our southern California office, De Novo has highly skilled environmental planners and technical specialists within our firm that are accessible to meet the needs of any project and schedule.

We understand the environmental review may be in the form of a variety of documents. Regardless of the environmental compliance document needed, the De Novo team will serve as an extension of City staff in all aspects of the environmental review process.

Technical studies can be prepared as stand -alone studies, but often are prepared to support an environmental document, including, but not limited to, a Categorical Exemption, an Initial Study, Negative Declaration, Mitigated Negative Declaration, or Environmental Impact Report (Project, Program, Supplemental, Addendum, etc.). The De Novo team has the experience and capacity to prepare the technical studies and analysis typically required for any project , as well as provide peer review for applicant-provided technical studies.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
7 SCOPE OF WORK
Conceptual Work Program – Environmental Impact Report
The following is a typical scope of work for preparation of an Environmental Impact Report. All technical studies and environmental documents will be completed by the De Novo team in accordance with the adopted CEQA Guidelines. The work program, including necessary technical studies and level of analysis, will vary depending upon a project’s location and characteristics. Upon receipt of future RFPs from the City, we will provide a project-specific scope of work tailored for the project being proposed at that time.

1.0 PROJECT SCOPING

1.1 PROJECT KICK-OFF MEETING
The work program will be initiated with a kickoff meeting with City representatives and the Applicant team (if appropriate) to discuss the project features in greater detail. This initial meeting will be a key milestone to confirm the parameters of the ana lysis, project construction program, buildout conditions, scheduling, and overall communications. Prior to the kickoff meeting, De Novo will distribute an agenda and detailed memorandum, which will identify information needs. Upon completion of the kickoff meeting, De Novo will prepare meeting minutes that detail action items for the team.

1.2 CEQA INITIAL STUDY/ASSESSMENT
De Novo will prepare the Initial Study in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines. The Initial Study will include detailed explanations of all checklist determinations and discussions of potential environmental impacts.

The analysis will be in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 21080(c) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15063. The impact analysis will be in a consistent order of environmental factors, as presented in the recently updated Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines.

The Administrative Draft Initial Study will be provided to the City for review. De Novo will revise the Initial Study, providing the City with a Second Administrative Draft Initial Study with revisions in tracked changes for ease of review. De Novo will al so prepare the Notice of Preparation (NOP) for review by City staff.

Upon acceptance by the City, De Novo will finalize the Initial Study/Notice of Preparation for public distribution.

1.3 SCOPING MEETING
A public scoping meeting is anticipated to occur during the NOP public review period. De Novo will prepare presentation materials and facilitate the meeting. The scoping meeting will include an overview of the project and the environmental review process, as well as identification of environmental issues that will be addressed in the EIR by De Novo. Although the format of the meeting may vary, typically it is a presentation, open house, or hybrid approach. After completion of the scoping meeting, De Novo wi ll provide a summary of environmental issues raised.

2.0 ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT EIR

2.1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This section will provide a concise description of the project, the potential areas of controversy, issues to be resolved, project alternatives, and a summary of impacts and mitigation measures.

2.2 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE
The Introduction will serve as an overview of the EIR, describing its purpose and relevant environmental review procedures, the document organization, and the methodology used.

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2.3 PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Project Description is a critical element of the environmental review and establishes the foundation for the technical analysis. The Project Description will detail the project location and environmental setting, project characteristics (construction a nd operation), project objectives, phasing, discretionary actions, and required permits and approvals based on available information. Exhibits will identify the regional and local site vicinity. Project plans and details provided by the Applicant, will also be graphically depicted and referenced. De Novo will submit the Project Description to the City for review and approval prior to initiating technical analysis.

2.4 THRESHOLDS OF SIGNIFICANCE
Within each environmental topic subsection, a comprehensive description of the thresholds of significance for the environmental analysis will be described. The significance threshold criteria will provide the basis for conclusions of significance.

2.5 CUMULATIVE PROJECTS/ANALYSIS
De Novo will analyze the environmental impacts of the project when viewed in combination with other known, approved, or reasonably foreseeable projects in the region, determined in coordination with the City. The cumulative analysis will address each topic covered in the environmental analysis and will identify appropriate mitigation measures, if applicable.

2.6 ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The Draft EIR will be prepared consistent with the requirements of CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines, and relevant case law. The Environmental Analysis section will address each environmental topical area determined to have the potential to result in a significant impact. Environmental issues raised during the scoping process (NOP responses, Public Scoping Meeting, and any other relevant and valid informative sources) will also be considered. The Environmental Analysis section will thoroughly discuss the existing conditions for each environmental issue area, identify short-term construction and long-term operational environmental impacts associated with the project, and their associated levels of significance. For each environmental topical area, the impact analysis subsection will begin with a list of all thresholds contained in CEQA Guidelines Appendix G and the thresholds for significance shall be identified for every environmental issue. For each environmental issue requiring analysis, the EIR will state the leve l of significance, and then provide the analysis discussion, mitigation measures specific to this environmental issue, and level of significance after mitigation.

The environmental factors and typical scope of analysis are provided below. De Novo will tailor the scope of the analysis based upon project-specific characteristics and environmental conditions.

A. Aesthetics
The existing aesthetic environment, including any scenic vistas or scenic resources will be identified.

Photographs will be used to illustrate the visual character of a site and surrounding area. The analysis of construction activities will focus on the po tential for sensitive uses to be impacted as a result of visible construction activities, including staging areas and construction vehicles. Potential visual impacts to scenic vistas and the potential for a project to result in substantial damage to scenic resources within a State scenic highway will be identified. The analysis will consider the proposed land use(s), overall design, including building form, mass, and height, and potential building materials as compared to the surrounding area. Since the City is in what is considered under CEQA an urbanized area, the potential for

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
9 a project to conflict with applicable zoning and other regulations , including the City’s design guidelines, governing scenic quality will be reviewed and analyzed.

In the event the project warrants preparation of visual simulations, De Novo’s in -house urban designers will prepare visual simulations using specific building designs provided to us by the project architect/engineer. The visual simulations would be create d using state -of-the-art equipment including GPS georeferencing, ACAD, 3D modeling software, and Adobe Suite. We will provide visual simulations from public vantage points to be determined in coordination with City staff. The intent of the visual simulations is to provide a photo-realistic representation of what the site would look like under a before and after scenario from each vantage point.

The potential for a project to create a new source of substantial light or glare to the area will also be addressed. The existing environment as it pertains to light and glare will be identified. The analysis will discuss the potential for a project to imp act sensitive uses from new light sources such as interior and exterior lighting, security lighting, parking lot lighting, and vehicle headlights associated with the development. Potential building materials and their ability to create glare which could ad versely affect daytime views will also be considered.

Depending upon the location and nature of the project, a shade and shadow analysis may be conducted.

De Novo can create shadow diagrams overlaid on a base map that show the building footprints of the project and the surrounding buildings. The intent of thi s work is to illustrate any change in shadow patterns that would be directly attributable to the project, and to visually demonstrate the effect of these shadows on surrounding land uses, particularly any adjacent residential or other sensitive uses.

B. Agriculture and Forestry Resources
The City of Gardena does not contain any mapped Prime Farmland, Unique Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide Importance as shown on the maps prepared pursuant to the Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program. Further, the City of Gardena does not contain zones for agricultural use or properties under a Williamson Act contract. Sites zoned for forest land, timberland, or timberland zoned Timberland Production are not anticipated. The analysis will address the potential for a project to cause a substantial adverse impact to agricultural resources.

C. Air Quality
De Novo will utilize our in-house environmental scientists to prepare an Air Quality analysis for the project.

The analysis will be prepared consistent with South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and State and federal guidelines using the latest version of CalEEMod software. The Air Quality analy sis will include the following:
• Regional air quality and local air quality in the vicinity of the project site will be described.

Meteorological conditions in the vicinity of the project site that could affect air pollutant dispersal or transport will be described. Applicable air quality regulatory framework, standards, and significance thresholds will be discussed.
• Short-term (i.e., construction) increases in regional criteria air pollutants will be quantitatively assessed. The ARB -approved California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) emissions inventory computer model will be used to estimate regional mobile source and particulate matter emissions associated with the construction of the proposed project.

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• Localized construction emissions at sensitive uses proximate to the project site will be quantified and assessed based on the Localized Significance Thresholds developed by the SCAQMD. • Long-term (operational) increases in regional criteria air pollutants will be quantitatively assessed for area, mobile, and stationary sources. The CalEEMod computer model will be used to estimate emissions associated with the proposed project.
• Localized operations phase emissions at sensitive uses proximate to the project site will be quantified and assessed based on the Localized Significance Thresholds developed by the SCAQMD.
• Local mobile-source carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations will be assessed through a qualitative CO screening method detailed in Caltrans’ Transportation Project -Level Carbon Monoxide Protocol. This document found that mobile sources of CO are conducive to the formation of CO hotspots when signalized intersections are expected to operate at unacceptable levels of service (i.e., LOS E or worse). No quantitative analysis of CO hotspots is include d the analysis due to substantial reductions in CO emissions from vehicle catalytic converters and improved average vehicle fuel economy.
• Exposure to odorous or toxic air contaminants will be qualitatively assessed through a screening method as recommended by the SCAQMD. De Novo will engage with the City on the potential of recycling activities to exceed the public nuisance prohibitions unde r SCAQMD Rule 402 at the nearest industrial and residential land uses.

The impact analysis will provide discussions related to assessment methodology, SCAQMD thresholds of significance, a consistency analysis with air quality attainment plans and applicable sustainability measures, cumulative impact analysis, and a discussion of any needed mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts on air quality.

An assessment of toxic air contaminates (TAC) impacts (i.e., a Health Risk Assessment [HRA]) may be warranted depending on the potency, toxicity, quantity of emissions, and proximity of TACs to sensitive receptors such as hospitals, daycare centers, school s, work sites, and residences. De Novo’s in -house air quality specialists will prepare an HRA, including an exposure assessment and risk calculations. The emissions of known sources of toxic air contaminants (TAC) from the project will be used to quantify localized public health risks including cancer and non -cancer risks. The HRA consists of two main efforts:

Exposure Assessment and Risk Calculations.
• Exposure Assessment : The main steps involved in exposure assessment include estimating the emission rates of TACs and running an air pollutant dispersion model to calculate the concentration of TACs at each location in the modeling domain. The modeling domain would include the proposed project site and the nearby sensitive receptors. The main TAC associated with the project is diesel particulate matter (DPM). The emission rates of DPM will be calculated for both the construction and operations phases of the project. For the construction phase, both construction vehicles and haul trucks will be accounted for in the analysis. The assessment of potential operations phase impacts will be based on the annual heavy-duty truck traffic traveling and idling within the project site, and any other known source(s). The US Environmental Protection Agency’s AERMOD air pollutant dispersion model with 5 years of meteorological data

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
11 collected at the closest monitoring station will be used to calculate local DPM concentrations proximate to the project site.
• Risk Calculations: The ARB’s Hotspots Analysis and Reporting Program (HARP) is a software suite that addresses the programmatic requirements of the Air Toxics "Hot Spots" Program (Assembly Bill 2588). The HARP is a software suite that calculates the long -term cancer and non-cancer (i.e. acute and chronic) health risks using the CARB's HARP Air Dispersion Modeling & Risk Tool (ADMRT). The resulting cancer and non -cancer risk contours will be plotted graphically on an aerial exhibit to illustrate potential he alth risks at nearby land uses near the project. These risk levels will be assessed against the health risk thresholds adopted by the SCAQMD for the assessment and disclosure of health risk associated with development projects. Any necessary mitigation measures will be discussed with the client t o reduce excessive levels of TAC exposure at nearby offsite land uses.

D. Biological Resources
De Novo teams with experts specializing in biological resources to prepare the technical analysis to support the environmental document. Depending upon the location and nature of the project site, qualified biologists will prepare a biological resources assessment for the project. The specific nature of the report and work program will vary depending upon a site’s location and conditions. Typical work efforts for assessing biological resources include the following:

The California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) and California Native Plant Society (CNPS) Electronic Inventory of Rare and Endangered Vascular Plants of California will be used to conduct record searches of sensitive biological resources known to occur on and within the general vicinity of the project site.

Additional information sources will be consulted including the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and historic/current aerial photograp hs, as appropriate, to define the habitat requirements for sensitive species potentially occurring on -site.

Topographic maps, soil surveys, flood maps, hydrology/climate information, and watershed data will also be reviewed.

A site visit will be conducted by qualified biologists in order to document the presence/absence of special- status biological resources, or to determine the potential for occurrence of such resources that may not be detectable when the literature review is conducted. The location of any special -status biological resources (i.e., plants, plant communities, drainage features, wildlife), if present on -site, will be documented. Additionally, the suitability of the vegetation on and surrounding the proposed proj ect site will be surveyed for their ability to provide suitable avian nesting opportunities. Notes will be taken on all plant and wildlife species observed on -site during the survey. This survey will provide an understanding of the overall project setting and biological resources occurring in the area. This data will be used to devise an appropriate clearance/conservation strategy for implementation of the proposed project.

Following completion of background research and field surveys, the results of these studies will be summarized in a Biological Resources Assessment report. The report would identify the existing biological resources, potential project impacts on those resources, and proposed avoidance, minimization, and mitigation measures to minimize impacts. The report would als o outline any future biological surveys, protected species consultations, and/or other anticipated regulatory agency requirements to obtain project approvals and/or environmental permits.

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E. Cultural Resources
The analysis will address the potential for a project to cause a substantial adverse change in the significance of a historical, archaeological, or paleontological resource (although addressed here, paleontological resources will be discussed in Geology/So ils). Additionally, the potential for a project to disturb human remains will be discussed.

De Novo teams with experts specializing in cultural resources to prepare the technical analysis to support the environmental document. The specific nature of the report and work program will vary depending upon a site’s location and conditions. Typical work efforts for assessing archaeological and paleontological resources include the following:

Cultural and Paleontological Resources Records Search . A records search for cultural resources within a

0.5-mile radius of the project area will be conducted. A review of all relevant archival records (e.g., historic maps and aerials) will be conducted, and all site records will be obtained. Local historical societies will be contacted. A Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC will also be requested. Project in formation letters will be sent to those individuals or entities provided by the NAHC that have not already been contacted through AB 52 consultation. A records search for paleontological resources will be requested and research to develop brief contexts for cultural and paleontological resources will be conducted.

Cultural Resources Survey. A cultural resources specialist will conduct a pedestrian survey of the proposed project site. The cultural resources specialist will inspect the project site for evidence of cultural resources that may be impacted by the proposed project. The survey will b e conducted using transects spaced no greater than 10 meters apart with accuracy maintained by a hand -held GPS unit. Photographs will be taken of the project site and adjacent properties.

Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report . A cultural and paleontological resources assessment report will be prepared. The report will characterize the results of the records searches, consultation efforts to determine baseline conditions, assess potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the project, and make appropriate recommendations to avoid or minimize any potentially significant impacts.

If necessary, a determination of if any properties on a project site qualify as historical resources as defined by CEQA will be prepared. Historical resources in the vicinity of a project site will be identified and described, and the potential direct and indirect impacts the project may have on the identified historical resources will be assessed.

Records Search. A records search will be conducted to determine if the subject properties are currently listed under national, state, or local landmark or historic district programs or previously evaluated as eligible for listing in a historic resources survey of an are a. The National Register of Historic Places, California Register of Historic Places, and local register (if applicable) will also be consulted to identify designated and previously surveyed historical resources in the vicinity.

Field Survey. A field survey will be conducted of the vicinity to photograph designated and previously surveyed historical resources. The physical integrity of buildings within the project site will be documented.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
13 Research. General research will be conducted to determine the context(s) in which the subject properties should be evaluated. Property specific research will be conducted to determine the potential significance of the associated individuals such as owners, residents, builders, and architects.

Draft Report. The Historical Resources Technical Report will identify the criteria for determining historic significance and integrity under national, state, and local landmark and historic district programs; provide a brief history and description of each property and buildings; and evaluate each property for listing under national, state, and local landmark and historic district programs according to National Park Service, California Office of Historic Preservation, and local (if applicable) criteria. A s ummary of the designated and previously surveyed historical resources in the vicinity will be provided and the impact the project may have on the identified historical resources will be analyzed. If the project will have an impact on historical resources, the De Novo team will work with the City/Applicant to modify the project to avoid such an impact. Mitigation measures will be recommended, if necessary.

F. Energy
This section will include an energy analysis pursuant to the requirements of CEQA. This will include an evaluation of the energy consumption (electricity, oil, and natural gas) and a review of the project related to the Title 24, Part 6 of the California Code of Regul ations, known as the Building Energy Efficiency Standards (Standards), including the CALGreen standards. To ensure that energy implications are considered in project decisions, Appendix F of the CEQA Guidelines requires that CEQA disclosure documents include a discussion of the potential energy impacts of proposed projects, with particular emphasis on avoiding or reducing inefficient, wasteful and unnecessary consumption of energy. The goal of conserving energy implies the wise and efficient use of energy. • Per Appendix G of the State CEQA Guidelines, the proposed project would result in a significant impact on energy use if it would result in potentially significant environmental impact due to wasteful, inefficient, or unnecessary consumption of energy resou rces, during project construction or operation; or conflict with or obstruct a state or local plan for renewable energy or energy efficiency.

This section will provide discussions including the methodology, thresholds of significance, a consistency analysis, cumulative impact analysis, and a discussion of feasible mitigation measures that should be implemented to reduce impacts associated with energy consumption.

G. Geology and Soils
Utilizing existing resources and any previously prepared studies for a project site or surrounding area , as well as a peer review of the applicant -prepared studies if required , the analysis will identify existing regional and local geology and soils constraints (such as compressible soils, landslide hazards, disruptions, displacements, compaction, or over -covering of the soil, and areas subject to subsidence) and seismic hazards. A project will be evaluated for its potential to expose people or structures to potential substantial adverse effects involving fault rupture, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic-related ground failure, and landslides. The potential for a project to destroy a unique paleontological resource will also be discussed.

H. Greenhouse Gas Emissions
De Novo’s in-house environmental scientists will prepare a Greenhouse Gas Emissions analysis pursuant to the requirements of Executive Order S-3-05 and The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 (AB 32). The analysis will meet all the requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4. We will conduct the analysis DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 14
of potential greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions based on assessment methodologies developed by the SCAQMD and accepted industry standards. The GHG analyses will include the following:
• Regional air quality and local air quality in the vicinity of the project site will be described.

Meteorological conditions in the vicinity of the project site that could affect air pollutant dispersal or transport will be described. Applicable air quality regulatory framework, standards, and significance thresholds will be discussed.
• Short-term (i.e., construction) increases in GHGs will be quantitatively assessed. The ARB - approved California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod) emissions inventory computer model will be used to estimate regional mobile source and particulate matter emissions associated with the construction of the proposed project.
• Long-term (operational) increases in GHGs will be quantitatively assessed for area, mobile, and stationary sources. The CalEEMod computer model will be used to estimate emissions associated with the proposed project.

This impact analysis will provide discussions related to assessment methodology, SCAQMD thresholds of significance, a consistency analysis with the General Plan policies and the City of Gardena Climate Action Plan, cumulative impact analysis, and a discussion of any needed mitigation measures to reduce significant impacts on GHG emissions.

I. Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The hazardous materials analysis will include a summary of the existing regulatory conditions per the State Cortese Database Listing. Potentially hazardous materials conditions within a project site will be considered based on available resources, includin g any previous studies. The above referenced research will be used to analyze potential project -related impacts, as they pertain to hazards and hazardous materials per the CEQA thresholds of significance. Potential accidental conditions involving hazardous materials during construction and operations will be identified. If a project site is located within an airport land use plan or within two miles of an airport, the potential for excessive noise conditions will be discussed. Project emergency access and potential exposure to wildland fires will also be considered.

J. Hydrology and Water Quality
Existing and proposed hydrology and water quality data will be reviewed for a project area based upon available reference documents, including available information from the City and applicant. This section will evaluate water quality conditions and identify water quality (National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System [NPDES]) techniques/structures in accordance with local, State, and federal requirements. The potential for a project to degrade water quality, interfere with groundwater recharge or expose people to water-related hazards will be identified. The section will also address alteration of drainage conditions, potential for substantial erosion or siltation, potential for flooding, and the ability of a project to result in runoff that exceeds the c apacity of the storm drain system. The analysis will consider the potential for a project to conflict with or obstruct implementation of a water quality control plan or sustainable groundwater management plan, as applicable.

K. Land Use and Planning
A proposed project will be reviewed for consistency with City standards and policies, as well as careful consideration of adjacent uses. Existing and proposed General Plan land use and zoning designations will

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
15 be identified; any proposed amendments to the land use and zoning for a site will be assessed. A proposed project will be reviewed in the context of land use plans, policies, and regulations adopted for the purpose of avoiding or mitigating an environmenta l impact. The potential for the project to conflict with these plans, policies or regulations will be assessed.

L. Mineral Resources
According to the Gardena General Plan, the State Division of Mines and Geology has not designated any lands within the City as a State classified mineral resources deposit area. Utilizing the City’s General Plan and other State resources, the analysis will determine if the site is within a State -defined mineral resources zone (MRZ): MRZ-1, MRZ-2 and MRZ-3. The analysis will document whether the specific site is located within a MRZ and the potential for impacts.

M. Noise
The assessment of noise and vibration will be based on the CEQA Appendix G Checklist questions for noise and vibration as well as the regulations adopted by the lead agency within the Municipal Code and the General Plan Community Safety Element, Noise Plan. The noise analysis will include the following:
• To characterize the existing ambient noise environment, we will identify existing noise sources and noise-sensitive receptors.
• Temporary noise and vibration from the project’s construction activities will be quantified based on noise levels provided in the Federal Transit Administration’s Transit Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment Manual . Noise and vibration exposure levels will be evaluated against significance thresholds adopted either by the lead agency or criterion published by the FTA.
• Long-term Operations phase noise impacts to local noise sensitive receptors will be assessed for mobile and stationary sources attributable to the project. The operations phase of the project will generate noise by both mobile sources related to vehicle travel onsite and local roadways. Stationary on -site sources and their exposure to nearby land uses will also be analyzed. The analysis will compare these impacts against the standards o utlined in the General Plan Noise Element and the relevant noise ordinances. • Vibration exposure related to the operations phase will be evaluated qualitatively due to the absence of vibration intensive sources associated with the project. • If necessary, mitigation measures will be recommended to reduce noise or vibration impacts during both construction and operational phases. In cases where noise and vibration levels surpass established thresholds of significance, we will collaborate with City staff to identify feasible mitigation options.

The findings of the noise and vibration analyses will be compiled in a comprehensive noise assessment, which will include summaries of noise terminology, applicable regulations, an overview of the ambient noise environment, and details on any increases in noise levels. The study will also include an appendix with supporting calculations and noise measurements.

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N. Population and Housing
The analysis will consider the potential for a project to directly or indirectly induce substantial unplanned population growth in the area and the potential to displace a substantial number of people or housing, resulting in the need for replacement housing elsewhere. The section will identify population and housing projections for an area, including the anticipated and planned growth as identified in the City ’s General Plan and regional growth projections.

O. Public Services
Public service departments/agencies will be contacted to confirm existing service conditions and potential project impacts associated with a proposed development. The discussion will focus on the increased demand for services based on the proposed land use s and the potential alteration of existing facilities, extension or expansion of new facilities. The ability of a project to receive adequate service based on applicable standards will be evaluated. If necessary, mitigation measures to reduce impacts assoc iated with providing new or altered facilities will be identified.

P. Recreation
Existing recreation facilities will be identified and the ability for these facilities to serve a proposed project will be assessed. The discussion will focus on the potential for the physical deterioration of existing facilities or potential adverse physical effects associated with the provision of new facilities proposed by the project.

Q. Transportation
With the implementation of Senate Bill (SB) 743, vehicle miles traveled (VMT) will be the required analysis metric to assess the potential for significant transportation impacts associated with proposed projects.

The De Novo team will work with the City to determine the scope of the transportation analyses in accordance with the relevant policies and procedures, including the City’s SB 743 Implementation Transportation Analysis Updates (June 2020).

The analysis will also address any potential conflicts with the City’s programs, plans, ordinances or policies addressing the circulation system, including transit, roadway, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, potential of a project to increase hazards due to a geometric design feature or incompatible use, or result in inadequate emergency access.

R. Tribal Cultural Resources
The De Novo team will provide AB 52 Native American consultation assistance. It is assumed that the City maintains a list of contacts for consultation under AB 52, but the De Novo team may request an AB 52 consultation list from the NAHC on behalf of the C ity should the City choose to request such a list from the NAHC. The De Novo team will prepare AB 52 letter templates and provide checklists, detailed instructions to ensure meaningful consultation with interested Native American groups in accordance with AB 52. If an assessment of tribal cultural resources is needed, De Novo will involve our cultural resources teaming partner to provide these services; refer to the Cultural Resources discussion above.

S. Utilities and Service Systems
Utility/service system providers will be contacted to confirm existing service conditions and potential project impacts associated with a proposed development. The discussion will focus on the increased demand and/or generation of utilities/service systems based on the proposed land uses and if capacity and supplies are available to support the increased demand and/or generation. The analysis will also

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
17 consider the potential physical effects associated with the relocation or construction of new or expanded facilities, if applicable.

T. Wildfire
According to Cal Fire, the areas to the north and south of the City are located within a very high fire hazard severity zone within a State Responsibility Area (SRA) and the areas to the east and west are located within a very high severity zone within a Local Responsibility Area (LRA). The discussion will confirm whether that project site is not in or near State responsibility areas or lands classified as very high fire hazard severity zones, and that there would be no impacts relative to wildfires.

2.7 GROWTH INDUCEMENT
This section will discuss ways in which a proposed project could foster economic or population growth, or the construction of additional housing, either directly or indirectly, in the surrounding environment. The analysis addresses growth-inducing impacts in terms of whether a project influences the rate, location, or amount of growth.

2.8 ALTERNATIVES TO THE PROPOSED ACTION
The EIR will identify a reasonable range of alternatives which could attain most of a project’s objectives but would avoid or substantially lessen any of the significant events of a project. The range of alternatives is anticipated to include a No Project Alternative, as required under CEQA, and additional alternatives focused on reducing the potential environmental impacts. The alternatives analysis will compare the environmental impacts for each alternative for the environmental topical areas analyzed in the EIR. The advantages and disadvantages of each alternative and the reasons for rejecting or recommending the respective alternative will be discussed; an environmentally superior alternative will be identified. A summary matrix will compare the impacts for each alternative environmental topical area and whether the alternative involves greater, reduced, or equivalent impacts when compared to a project.

2.9 ADDITIONAL SECTIONS
Additional EIR sections to meet CEQA and City requirements will be prepared and include the following:

Significant Irreversible Environmental Changes That Would Be Involved In the Proposed Action Should It Be Implemented; Effects Found Not To Be Significan t; Inventory of Unavoidable Adverse Impacts; and Organizations and Persons Consulted/Bibliography will be provided.

2.10 GRAPHIC EXHIBITS
The EIR will include exhibits to enhance the written text and clarify a proposed project’s environmental impacts.

2.11 MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM
A Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) will be prepared to identify appropriate monitoring steps/procedures and provide a basis for monitoring such measures during and upon project implementation. The Checklist will identify the mitigation me asure outlined in the EIR, the Mitigation Measure/Condition of Approval, the Monitoring Milestone (what agency/department is responsible for verifying implementation of the measure), Method of Verification (documentation, field checks, etc.), and a verification section.

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2.12 ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT EIR SUBMITTAL
The previous tasks will result in the Administrative Draft EIR, which will be provided to City staff for review and comment.

3.0 DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

3.1 SECOND ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT EIR
De Novo will respond to one complete set of comments from City staff on the Administrative Draft EIR.

The Second Administrative Draft EIR will be provided to City staff with all revisions made in track changes to assist in review of the document.

3.2 COMPLETION OF THE DRAFT EIR
De Novo will respond to a second review of the Administrative Draft EIR. Upon approval, De Novo will prepare the Draft EIR for the required 45-day public review period. In addition, the Notice of Completion (NOC) and Notice of Availability (NOA) will be pr epared for submittal to the State Clearinghouse and the County Clerk, and for distribution to the City-approved distribution list. De Novo will file the notices with the State Clearinghouse and County Clerk.

4.0 FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT

4.1 RESPONSE TO COMMENTS
At the conclusion of the Draft EIR public review period, the De Novo team will respond to written comments received by the City, as well as oral comments received during community meetings and public hearings. The Draft Responses to Comments will be prepared for review by City staff. De Novo will address one complete set of comments from City staff on the Draft Responses to Comments and will provide the revisions in track changes for ease of review. De Novo will respond to a second set of comments and finalize this section for inclusion in the Final EIR.

4.2 FINAL EIR COMPLETION
The Final EIR will consist of the Draft EIR and Response to Comments. Any revisions to the Draft EIR will be shown as an excerpt demarcated with underline for new text and strikethrough for deleted text.

4.3 FINDINGS AND STATEMENT OF OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS CEQA Findings of Fact/Statement of Overriding Considerations (Findings) will be prepared that identify each potentially significant and significant impact, describe mitigation for the impact, and the resultant level of significance after mitigation. The Findings will identify each alternative and, if the alternative was not selected as the proposed project, identify why the alternative was not feasible and considerations for not selecting the alternative. For each significant and unavoidable impact, the Fin dings will identify economic, legal, social, technical, or other defensible reasons why the project should be approved in light of the significant effects of the project. De Novo will submit the Draft Findings for City review and will respond to one complete set of City comments.

4.4 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
De Novo will prepare and file a Notice of Determination (NOD) with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse within five days of EIR certification.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
19 5.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MEETINGS

5.1 PROJECT MANAGEMENT
The De Novo Project Manager will direct preparation of and review the environmental document for compliance with CEQA requirements and guidelines and City CEQA procedures. The Project Manager will coordinate with City staff and/or other stakeholder representatives as well as internal technical staff, support staff and word processing toward the timely completion of the environmental document, serving as an extension of City throughout the dura tion of the project. In addition to weekly status updates, monthly progress reports will be included with invoices identifying the tasks accomplished, deliverables submitted, anticipated tasks/progress for the next month, and any pending issues. Any modifications/ updates to the project schedule based on progress meetings and activities will also be provided. Monthly invoices will include total contract amount; all costs (by task) incurred for the period (actual and percentage); all costs (by task) incurred to date (actual and percentage); estimated completion percentage for each task; and accounting by individual working on each task for that billing period.

5.2 MEETINGS AND HEARINGS
Close coordination with City staff is essential. The De Novo Project Manager will participate in progress/project conference calls and/or meetings with City staff, the applicant, and stakeholder representatives, as necessary to identify issues, assess impacts, and define mitigation. The De Novo team will participate in public hearings and make presentations, as necessary. De Novo Principals, Project Manager, and technical staff, as well as subconsultant team members will be available, as necessary, to provide expert testimony before decision -making bodies, including describing the environmental review process, analysis and findings, and responding to questions.

Conceptual Work Program – Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration The following is a typical scope of work for preparation of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration.

As with preparation of an EIR, the work program, including necessary technical studies and level of analysis, will vary depending upon a project’s location and characteristics. Typical scopes of work for technical studies have been provided under Conceptual Work Program – Environmental Impact Report, above. Upon receipt of future RFPs from the City, the De Novo team will provide a project -specific scope of work tailored for the project being proposed at that time.

1.0 PROJECT INITIATION
The work program will be initiated with a kickoff meeting with City representatives and the Applicant team (if appropriate) to discuss the project features in greater detail. This initial meeting will be a key milestone to confirm the parameters of the ana lysis, project construction program, buildout conditions, scheduling, and overall communications. Prior to the kickoff meeting, De Novo will distribute an agenda and detailed memorandum, which will identify information needs. Upon completion of the kickoff meeting, De Novo will prepare meeting minutes that detail action items for the team.

2.0 CEQA INITIAL STUDY/ASSESSMENT
De Novo will prepare the Initial Study in accordance with the CEQA Guidelines. The Initial Study will include detailed explanations of all checklist determinations and discussions of potential environmental impacts.

The analysis will be in accordance with Public Resources Code Section 21080(c) and CEQA Guidelines Section 15063. The impact analysis will be in a consistent order of environmental factors, as presented in the recently updated Appendix G of the CEQA Guidelines and as described in the conceptual EIR work DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 20
program, above. The determination page will conclude the appropriate CEQA action based upon the environmental analysis.

3.0 ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT INITIAL STUDY
The Administrative Draft Initial Study will be provided to the City for review and will include a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) to identify appropriate monitoring steps/procedures and provide a basis for monitoring such measures during and upon project implementation. De Novo will revise the Initial Study, providing the City with a Second Administrative Draft Initial Study with revisions in tracked changes for ease of review.

4.0 PUBLIC REVIEW DRAFT INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION With the conclusion in the Initial Study that no significant environmental effects will occur as a result of implementation of the project, a Mitigated Negative Declaration will be prepared for the 30 -day public review period. De Novo will prepare the Notice of Intent to Adopt a Negative Declaration (ND)/Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for public review. De Novo will file all necessary notices with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse.

5.0 FINAL INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION

5.1 RESPONSES TO COMMENTS
Upon completion of the public review period, De Novo will prepare a written response to the public comments for review by the City.

5.2 FINAL INITIAL STUDY/MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Where necessary, appropriate revisions will be made to the IS/MND text. Any additional text will be marked in underline format and any deleted text will be marked in strikeout format. The Draft Final IS/MND will be provided to the City for review and approval. We will make any additional revisions as directed by the City and prepare a Final Initial Study MND for considerat ion. The Final Initial Study will include a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and any other information necessary for the City’s staff report to the Planning Commission and/or City Council.

5.3 NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
De Novo will prepare and file a Notice of Determination (NOD) with the County Clerk and State Clearinghouse within five days of IS/MND adoption.

6.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MEETINGS
The De Novo Project Manager will be responsible for management and supervision of the Project Team.

The De Novo Project Manager will participate in progress/project conference calls and/or meetings with City staff, the Applicant, and stakeholder representatives, as necessary to iden tify issues, assess impacts, and define mitigation. The De Novo team will participate in public hearings and make presentations, as necessary. De Novo Principals, Project Manager, and technical staff, as well as subconsultant tea m members will be available, as necessary, to provide expert testimony before decision -making bodies, including describing the environmental review process, analysis and findings, and responding to questions.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
21 Conceptual Work Program – Categorical Exemption
The following is a typical scope of work for preparation of a CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, In -fill Development Projects, Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) Report . The work program, including necessary technical studies and level of analysis, will vary depending upon a project’s location and characteristics and the applicable CE . De Novo has experience preparing documentation to support a range of Categorical Exemptions pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15300 to 15332. Additionally, De Novo has prepare d streamlined environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15182 and 15183. All technical studies and environmental documents will be completed by the De Novo team in accordance with the adopted CEQA Guidelines. Upon receipt of future RFPs from the City, we will provide a project-specific scope of work tailored for the project being proposed at that time.

TASK 1 PROJECT INITIATION AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION

1.1 Project Kickoff Meeting
The work program will be initiated with a kickoff meeting with City staff to discuss the Project features in greater detail. This meeting is anticipated to be held virtually. This initial meeting is vital to the success of the CEQA process and will be a ke y milestone to confirm the parameters of the analysis, Project construction program, buildout conditions, scheduling, and overall communications. Prior to the kickoff meeting, De Novo will distribute an agenda and detailed memorandum, which will identify i nformation needs. Upon completion of the kickoff meeting, De Novo will prepare a meeting summary that details action items for the team.

1.2 Research and Investigation
De Novo will obtain and review project information and available reference data for the Project, including planning and policy documentation from the City, county, state, and federal agencies, and any other agencies that may be affected by the Project. Thi s information, along with environmental data and information available from the City and other nearby jurisdictions, will become part of the environmental documentation’s foundation and will be reviewed and incorporated into the analysis, as deemed appropriate. This task includes a visit to the Project site and its surroundings, which will include a detailed photographic recording of on- and off-site conditions.

1.3 Project Description
The Project Description is a critical element of the environmental review and establishes the foundation for the technical analysis. The Project Description will detail the project location and environmental setting, project characteristics (construction a nd operation), project objectives, phasing, discretionary actions, and required permits and approvals based on available information. Exhibits will identify the regional and local site vicinity. Project plans and details, provided by the Applicant, will also be graphically depicted, and referenced. De Novo will submit the Project Description to the City for review and approval.

We have assumed that no modifications to the Project Description will occur after approval by the City.

TASK 2 PREPARATION AND REVIEW OF TECHNICAL STUDIES

2.1 Prepare Technical Studies
De Novo will prepare technical studies, including air quality, biological resources, cultural resources, noise and/or transportation to support the analysis, pursuant to CEQA Section 15332.

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2.3 Technical Study Review
De Novo will review the applicant provided technical studies to ensure their appropriateness for use in the environmental analysis. This scope of work excludes any technical modeling or review of these studies for engineering purposes.

TASK 3 CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION REPORT
If the technical studies determine no impact to air quality, noise, transportation, and water quality, the De Novo team will prepare the CE Report, which will include the necessary analysis to demonstrate that:
the Project is an in-fill development that would not have a significant effect on the environment, meeting the Class 32 conditions to be categorically exempt. The CE Report will also demonstrate that the Project does not meet the exceptions for a CE.

3.1 Introduction
The Introduction will cite the provisions of the CEQA Guidelines and the City’s CEQA implementation procedures, to which the proposed Project is subject. This section will identify the purpose of the CE report and statutory authority.

3.2 Environmental Analysis

3.2.1 Class 32 In-Fill Development Project
This section will identify the Project’s short -term construction and long -term operational impacts and their levels of significance to demonstrate that the Project meets the conditions for a Class 32 CE, pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, In-Fill Development Projects. The impact analysis will be in a consistent order of environmental factors presented in CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, as outlined below.

Conditions A, B, C, and E
This section will provide narratives demonstrating the Project’s compliance with these conditions concerning the following factors: General Plan land use, applicable General Plan policies, and applicable zoning designation and regulations; site location, size, and setting; habitat value; and ability to be served by existing utilities and public services.

Conditions D
This section will present the findings of the technical analyses detailed in Task 2 above. The technical analysis will be included as Appendices to the CE Report. This section will include discussions demonstrating the Project’s compliance with Condition D and substantiating that the Project will not result in any significant effects concerning the following environmental issue areas: Air Quality; Noise; Transportation; and Water Quality.

3.2.2 Exceptions
It is assumed that none of the exceptions to CEs pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2 apply to the proposed Project. This section will provide brief narratives demonstrating that the proposed Project does not meet the conditions outlined in CEQA Gui delines Section 15300.2, Exceptions, concerning the following factors:

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
23 • Cumulative Impact;
• Significant Effect;
• Scenic Highways;
• Hazardous Waste Sites; and
• Historical Resources.

3.3 Revised and Final CE Report
De Novo will submit one (1) electronic copy of the Administrative Draft CE Report for review and comment by the City. We will respond to one consolidated set of comments on the Administrative Draft CE Report.

De Novo will submit one (1) electronic “check copy” of the Revised Administrative Draft CE Report, which will incorporate one complete set of comments received from the City. Changes to the draft document will be made in track changes to assist the review. It is assumed that substantive comments will b e received as part of the Administrative Draft review and any additional comments to the Revised Administrative Draft document will be minimal. Upon receipt of comments on the Revised Administrative Draft, De Novo will finalize the CE Report and provide on e (1) electronic copy of the Final CE Report. De Novo will also prepare the Notice of Exemption for attachment to the CE Report.

TASK 4 CE PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

4.1 Project Management
The Project Manager will be responsible for management and supervision of the De Novo team and will coordinate with City staff as well as internal staff toward the timely completion of the work program.

4.2 Project Conference Calls/Meetings
The Project Manager will participate in conference calls/meetings with City staff, as necessary.

Conceptual Work Program – Third Party Peer Review
In addition to preparing technical analysis and environmental compliance documentation, the De Novo team is often called upon to provide third party peer review services for our clients. Our approach to conducting peer reviews involve the following conside rations: 1) compliance with the CEQA Guidelines; 2) technical accuracy of analysis in support of conclusions and findings of significance; and 3) internal consistency of the document. CEQA and technical specialists will conduct the review, with a Principal and/or Project Manager serving as the primary CEQA reviewer. Our reviews will result in a memorandum providing a determination of compliance, along with any suggested edits or noted deficiencies in the document. Following revisions to the draft technical studies and/or environme ntal compliance documents, De Novo will review the revised documents to ensure the comments provided in the third - party peer review have been adequately addressed and resolved. The De Novo team will also be available to participate in conference calls or in -person meetings, as necessary, to discuss any issues of concern, approach to analysis, and third -party peer review comments. De Novo Principals, Project Manager, and technical staff, as well as subconsultant team members will be available, as necessary, to provide expert testimony before decision -making bodies, including describing our review and findings, and responding to questions.

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TIMELINES
Following is a typical schedule for preparation of an EIR , IS/ND or IS/MND, a categorical exemption, and peer review of applicant -prepared technical studies and third -party peer review of environmental documents. The timing for peer review of applicant -prepared technical studies and third -party peer review of environmental documents can vary depending on the number and complexity of the technical studies and the environmental topical areas addressed in the environmental document.

Typical EIR Schedule
Project Kick-off
Notice of Preparation/Initial Study
NOP 30-Day Public Review
Prepare Technical Studies
EIR Scoping Meeting
De Novo Prepares Administrative Draft EIR
City Review of Administrative Draft EIR
De Novo Prepares Second Administrative Draft EIR
City Review of Second Administrative Draft EIR
De Novo Completes, Publishes, and Circulates Draft EIR
EIR 45-Day Public Review Period
Hearing during the Draft EIR Review to Receive Comments De Novo prepares Responses to Comments
City Reviews Responses to Comments
De Novo Prepares Administrative Final EIR
City Reviews Administrative Final EIR
De Novo Completes, Publishes, and Circulates Final EIR
Certification Hearings
Month 1
Month 1
Month 2
Months 1 – 3
Month 2
Months 2 – 5
Month 6
Month 7
Month 7
Month 8
Months 8 – 9
Month 9
Month 10
Months 10 – 11
Months 11
Month 11
Month 12
TBD

Typical IS/ND or IS/MND Schedule
Project Kick-off
De Novo drafts Project Description
City Reviews/Approves Project Description
Preparation of Technical Studies
De Novo Prepares Administrative Draft IS/ND or IS/MND
City Reviews Administrative Draft IS/ND or IS/MND
De Novo Completes Draft IS/ND or IS/MND
City Reviews Check Copy Draft IS/ND or IS/MND
De Novo Distributes Public Review IS/ND or IS/MND
IS/ND or IS/MND 30-Day Public Review
De Novo Prepares Final IS/ND or IS/MND
De Novo Prints and Distributes Final IS/ND or IS/MND
Hearing

Week 1
Week 1
Week 2
Weeks 1 – 8
Weeks 2 – 10
Week 11
Week 12
Week 13
Week 14
Weeks 14 – 18
Week 19
Week 20
TBD
Typical Categorical Exemption Schedule
Project Kick-off
De Novo drafts Project Description
City Reviews/Approves Project Description
De Novo Conducts Peer Review of Applicant Studies
Week 1
Week 1
Week 2
Weeks 3 – 4

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
25 Applicant Revisions to Studies (if required)
Preparation and Review of Technical Analyses
De Novo Prepares Administrative Draft CE Report
City Review of Administrative Draft CE Report
De Novo Prepared Revised Draft CE Report and NOE
City Review of Revised Draft CE Report and NOE
De Novo Prepares Final CE Report and CE
Week 5
Weeks 3 – 5
Weeks 6 – 7
Weeks 8 – 9
Week 10
Week 11
Week 12

Typical Technical Study Peer Review Schedule
De Novo Conducts Peer Review
De Novo Conducts Review of Revised Technical Studies
Completed within 2 – 3 weeks of receipt
Completed within 1 – 2 weeks of receipt

Typical Environmental Document Peer Review Schedule

De Novo Conducts Peer Review of IS/ND or IS/MND Completed within 2 – 3 weeks of receipt De Novo Conducts Review of Revised IS/ND or IS/MND Completed within 1 – 2 weeks of receipt De Novo Conducts Peer Review of EIR Completed within 3 – 4 weeks of receipt De Novo Conducts Review of Revised EIR Completed within 1 – 2 weeks of receipt

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4. RELATED EXPERIENCE
De Novo is committed to providing the City exceptional technical analysis and environmental review services. Our team will prepare technical analyses and write comprehensive and legally -defensible documents in compliance with all applicable federal, state, regional, and local legislation and requirements. Our team understands that as Lead Agency, the City of Gardena is responsible for preparing and approving environmental documents. De Novo will work side -by-side with City staff and provide principal-level attention to ensure the entire review process is conducted in a comprehensive manner and will consider recent legislation and reviewing agency requirements. Our approach outlines a collaborative process for preparation of sound environmental compliance doc umentation. De Novo prides itself on crafting a project-specific technical approach for each project it pursues. However, below is a summary of key considerations we apply in our approach to every project:
• Compliance with State legislation
• Close coordination with stakeholder, resource, and responsible agencies • Principal attention to every aspect of the project
• Dedicated Principal (Account Manager), Project Manager and Co-Project Manager • Strict Adherence to Schedule and Budget
• Quality Assurance and Quality Control

Compliance with State Legislation
The De Novo team is well -versed in the CEQA Statute (Public Resources Code Section 21000 -21189) and the CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Division 6, Chapter 3, Sections 15000 - 15387). The firm’s Principals regularly lecture on CEQA and have been asked to prepare and provide expert testimony on complex environmental topics on projects throughout California. The firm maintains a keen understanding of future legislation which has the potential to impact CEQA and environmental documents.

Close Coordination with Stakeholder, Resource, and Responsible Agencies Given our experience in preparing environmental documents, we understand the strong need for early and on-going coordination with stakeholders and resource agencies as well as other agencies that regulate and/or permit activities within the City. Coordination with applicants/developers, neighborhood and civic groups may also be needed during the course of the Project. Our team will consult all relevant resource and regulatory agencies as part of the Project, as well as during the Notice of Preparation review and during the preparation of the draft documents. Consultations assure that the agencies have considered the Project and have provided input to the analysis and mitigation measures presented in the document.

Principal Attention to Every Aspect of the Project
We do not identify principal staff in our proposal, then hand your project out to junior staff members to complete for our review. Rather, our Principal and Senior staff identified in this proposal as the Project Manager(s) and Co-Project Managers will work on every aspect of the Project and will write and review each document we provide to the City. This senior -level attention to each detail of the Project ensures a high-quality work product, as well as continuity throughout the Project.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
27 Dedicated Project Manager and Co-Project Manager
Our team dedicates De Novo Principals and/or Principal Planners as Project Manager and a Co -Project Manager who will be in attendance at public and stakeholder meetings and will be intimately involved in every aspect of the Project. Although the Project Ma nager will serve as the primary point of contact, we feel that the use of two managers will ensure that all members of our team are constantly up to speed regarding changes in Project direction, staff preferences, and all of the other nuances of CEQA proje cts.

Additionally, having two project managers provides an exceptional level of quality control so that products reviewed by the City are technically accurate and complete. As a boutique planning firm, we find that this level of dedication does not result in increased costs but rather provides for improved efficiencies. We achieve cost savings through use of a streamlined team composed of De Novo Principals and principal - and senior-level staff of our subconsultants. Because we remain relatively small, we a re able to offer our clients significantly lower rates, while still providing Principal-level attention to each project.

Schedule Control
Our project team is fully committed and has great success in bringing our projects to public hearings as quickly and effectively as possible while always delivering products of exceptional quality. We thrive under deadlines, and we have a track record of meeting or exceeding our project schedules. Our use of Principal- level staff throughout all stages of the project allows us to work quickly, efficiently, and produce preliminary draft documents of superior quality. Our project managers take a very active an d hands-on role, and we diligently manage our team and coordinate with City staff to ensure that all parties are continuously aware of pending deadlines, outstanding tasks, and draft work products that will require staff review.

We are deliberate about the projects we pursue to ensure that our team is able to deliver the highest quality of work to all our clients; this process includes an analysis of our internal capac ity and our ability to meet expectations on all aspects of the project. We also have weekly internal meetings on the allocation of staff resources to ensure all project deadlines are met. Our team has a strong history of accommodating and meeting specific scheduling needs of our clients, including expedited schedules . We proactively work with our clients to accommodate scheduling requests and establish expectations through the identification of key milestones, interdependent tasks, and responsibilities. Throughout the work program De Novo maintains and updates the project schedule so that all parties are aware in advance of the key milestones and can plan accordingly.

Our team has sufficient capacity and the necessary experience to provide on -call environmental consulting services to the City of Gardena. We are committed to delivering legally defensible products on time and on budget and will allocate our resources to exceed your expectations. De Novo will coordinate directly with City staff to understand any project-specific scheduling needs. A date-specific schedule is typically provided following the kickoff meeting based upon an understanding of any timing considerations.

Strict Adherence to Budget
We take tremendous pride in our ability to adhere to our project budgets. Our project managers are also principals and senior managers of the firm, and to this end, we have the authority to take any steps necessary to ensure that our projects remain on bu dget. We strongly encourage the City to call our references and specifically inquire about the extraordinary steps we take to ensure we do not modify or exceed our budgets. This regularly includes the addition of extra meetings and the allocation of staff time DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 28
and resources beyond the levels identified in our proposal, at no extra charge to the City. We know that this is a unique way of doing business, but it has proven to be a tremendously successful approach for our firm. We are in this business for the long t erm, and building trust and confidence with our clients is the single greatest thing we can do to build loyalty and repeat business.

Clear Communication with City of Gardena Staff
De Novo understands that the CEQA process will require extensive coordination and communication with City staff, as well as the responsible agencies, and general public. Our team is committed to continuous and comprehensive coordination throughout the CEQA process. De Novo has proposed a Project Management team with exceptional CEQA knowledge and local planning experience.

Our team serves as an extension of City staff to ensure the projects are delivered in a timely manner.

Working closely with City staff throughout the project will ensure early identification and resolution of critical issues. Our approach ensures consistent and regular interaction and communication between City staff and the De Novo team. This allows for frequent exchange of information without loss of t ime or resources and will provide all parties with advance input on any issues that may arise. Early and consistent coordination with the City’s Project Manager and between the De Novo Project Manager maintains the flow of data and allows for timely response to any issues and ensures the work program stays on track.

The De Novo team will work with the City at project initiation to create a detailed and realistic project schedule, making sure to identify all critical path items and any constraints. Throughout project development, we will review the status of all project tasks regularly to ensure they are progressing within the scheduled timeframe. A monthly progress report will identify the tasks accomplished, deliverables submitted, anticipated tasks/progress for the next month, and any pending issues. If issues a rise that could result in schedule delays, we will make it a priority to coordinate with the City to find the necessary solutions to move the project forward.

GARDENA EXPERIENCE
Since early 2020, De Novo Planning Group has had the privilege of providing planning and environmental consulting services to the City of Gardena. In addition to preparing an update to the Gardena General Plan Public Safety Plan and preparing an Environmental Justice Element, our team has prepared several environmental compliance documents for both City-sponsored and private development projects.

De Novo prepared the EIR for the City of Gardena Land Use Plan, Zoning Code & Zoning Amendment Project. The project involved an amendment to the Land Use Plan of the Community Development Element of the General Plan with the addition of new land use designations. Other technical updates were included to reflect changes that had occurred since 2006. The General Plan Land Use Policy Map was proposed to be amended to apply new land use designations. New zones were also proposed to be created to provide consistency with the Land Use Plan update and additional changes were proposed to the Zoning Code, including objective Residential Design Standards. The Gardena Zoning Map was proposed to be amended to apply the new zones to specific parcels within the City and to rezone other properties to match the existing uses, densities, or intensities that already occur on those properties. As part of the project, the existing Artesia Corridor Specific Plan (ACSP) would be rescinded. The amendments would allow for new reside ntial development or increased residential development when compared to existing conditions. As site -specific development proposals were not currently known, a programmatic analysis of the potential environmental impacts associated with new residential development consistent

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
29 with implementation of the proposed project was prepared in the EIR. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker (Project Manager), Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Teaming partners included Kittelson. Project Completion: July 2024.

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the U -Haul Redevelopment Project. The Project proposed to remove the existing on -site structures and develop a new, modern U -Haul Moving and Storage Store with a 177,573 square foot, 5-story storage facility and a separate 8,000 square foot building for retail sales and office use. In addition to providing U -Haul truck and trailer sharing and retail sales, the location would house regional U-Haul marketing operations. The applicant requested a Zone Change from C-3 to Heavy Commercial (C -4), a Zone Text Amendment to allow for greater ground floor street frontage when a proposed self-storage facility has at least 600 feet of lot frontage on a major collector or arterial street, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the self -storage facility within the C -4 Zone, and Site Plan Review. The De Novo team prepared the environmental analysis, including the following technical studies:
air quality, cultural resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, sewer supply, and transportation, as well as peer review of several applicant -prepared technical studies. De N ovo staff included Starla Barker, Ashley Brodkin, Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Teaming partners included Kittelson and Verdantas (previously Leighton). Project Completion: June 2022.

De Novo prepared environmental compliance documentation for National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) clearance specific to United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the demolition of a City -owned building. The Project site consists of one parcel (APN 4059 -018-900) located at 2501 W. Rosecrans Avenue in the City of Gardena. The site was developed with an existing two -story building that was approximately 13,600 square feet and was a former bank. The City propose d the demolition of t he existing building prompted by health and safety concerns. De Novo prepared the Categorically Excluded Subject to Section 58.5 (CEST) form, which included the necessary analysis and documentation to demonstrate that the Project would not have a significant effect on the environment; meeting the CERT conditions to be categorically excluded. De Novo submitted the final CERT form to HUD through their HEROS submission system. De Novo staff included Ashley Brodkin. Project Completion: May 2024. De Novo prepare d a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) for a proposed Lab Five Soccer Center. The project proposed to construct a 5 -a-side soccer center facility on an approximately 1.5 -acre site. The proposed Lab Five Soccer Center would consist of seven 50-feet by 98-feet soccer fields with low rebound walls, netting, and 20 -foot-high light poles illuminated by LED d own lights. The existing office building (2,786 square feet) would be retained, and the storage building (200 square feet) would be removed to allow for an outdoor seating area. Minor interior improvements would be made to the existing office building and approximately 878 square feet of the existing 2,786 -square-foot office would be converted to an incidental café use for patrons of the Lab Five Soccer Center. The CE Report assesses the project’s consistency with each criterion, including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. De Novo staff included Starla Barker and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Kittelson. Project Completion: November 2021.

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the Hotel Standards General Plan & Zoning Code Amendment Project.

The City of Gardena proposed to amend the General Plan and Zoning Code to provide for new and revised development standards specific to amenity hotels, provide clean-up language to the General Plan Land Use Plan to incorporate previous amendments to the Zoning Code, and to provide other minor clean -up language to the Zoning Code. De Novo staff included Starla Barker and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Kittelson. Project Completion: April 2021.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 30
De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the proposed 1108 W. 141 st Street General Plan Amendment and Zone Change Project. The Project proposed a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change to redesignate the property as General Commercial with a Mixed-Use Overlay in the Land Use Plan and rezone the property as General Commercial (C -3) with a Mixed -Use Overlay (MUO) designation. The timing of the chang e in designation and zoning was due to the recent enactment of Government Code section 66300 which essentially requires th at a city may only change a land use designation or zoning ordinance to a less intensive (residential) use, if it concurrently makes changes to other parcels within the city to ensure there is no net loss in residential capacity. Although a specific development is not being proposed at this time, based on the existing agreements and development standards that would be applicable to the site associated with the proposed General Plan Amendment and Zone Change, the CEQA analysis considered the potential for future development of a four -story hotel (65 feet high) with up to 126 rooms within a single structure of approximately 68,000 square feet and a separate 5,000 square foot restaurant on 2.0 acres of the 4.59 -acre Project site. The remaini ng acreage would remain as required parking for the adjacent casino. De Novo staff included Starla Barker and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Kittelson.

Project Approval: December 2020.

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the 141st and Normandie Project which proposed to remove an existing landscape nursery and two single family homes and develop 50 townhomes. The project included a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Tract Map, Site Plan Review and Variance to allow development of the residential uses. Key environmental issues included transportation, hydrology/drainage, hazards and hazardous materials, and noise. De Novo staff included Starla Barker and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Kittelson. Project Approval: November 2020.

The Evergreen Residential Project proposed to remove an existing retail garden center/commercial container nursery and motel and develop 84 townhomes, including two affordable units. The project included a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Tra ct Map, and Site Plan Review to allow development of the residential uses. Key environmental issues include noise, transportation and hydrology/drainage. De Novo staff included Starla Barker and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Kittelson. Project Approval: November 2020.

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
The De Novo team has a wide range of experience providing on -call environmental services for public agency clients throughout California, including but not limited to: Aliso Viejo, Arcadia Culver City, Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Glendora, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Moreno Valley, Norwalk, Ontario, Rancho Santa Margarita, Rosemead, San Clemente, San Dimas, San Fernando, San Jacinto, Santa Ana, Signal Hill, South Gate, and West Hollywood . We understand the role of staff in the planning and CEQA compliance processes, and we pride ourselves on providing prompt and responsive services to our clients. Our past success has resulted in professional relationships that last years, and we continue to serve as resources for our clients well after individual projects have been completed. We strongly encourage you to contact our clients; we are confident they will speak highly of our capabilities and responsiveness, as well as the character and integrity of our firm and Principals.

Below are a sample of public agency clients and representative projects in southern California in which the De Novo team has provided similar environmental consulting services on an on -call and competitive basis.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
31 Burbank Environmental Services
Since 2020, De Novo has provided environmental services, both on -call and competitive, for the City of Burbank.

De Novo is preparing an EIR for the 2500 N. Hollywood Way Dual Brand Hotel Project. The Project proposes a dual -brand hotel on a property with an existing Marriott and Convention Center, located across from the Hollywood Burbank Airport. The team conducted peer review of applicant -prepared technical studies, prepared additional technical studies, and provided the City with an Administrative Draft EIR. Subsequent to completion of the Administration Draft EIR, the Project was modified. The EIR and technical analysis was revised to address the Project modifications, and the EIR was made available for public review in December 2024. The Final EIR has been prepared and the Project is scheduled for hearings in November 2025. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker (P roject Manager), Ashley Brodkin, Christine Abraham, and Josh Smith. Project Initiation: May 2020. Project Completion: Anticipated 2025.

Project Applicant: AWH Partners. Project Contact: Daniel Villa, Senior Planner | 818 -238-5250 | [email protected].

De Novo is preparing technical studies and an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) for the 129 E. Providencia Hotel Project. The Project proposes removal of existing structures and development of an 84-room Home2Suites Hotel. Through our team’s peer review of the technical studies, it was determined that additional site characterization was required to determine the potential for soil and groundwater contamination associated with previous land uses within the site and surrounding area.

Project refinements were also required to comply with the City’s development standards. The work program includes preparation of visual simulations and shade/shadow diagrams. De Novo Staff includes Starla Barker (Project Manager) , Christine Abraham, Erik Anderson, and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Verdantas. Project Initiation: November 2023. Project Completion: Anticipated late 2025. Project Applicant: Sukian, LLC. Project Contact: Karen Chavez, Assistant Planner | 818 -268-5248 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) for the Madison Square Garden (MSG) Media Studios Project. The Project proposed to construct a prototype facility for MSG Entertainment’s creative teams to develop and edit content prior to its ultimate use in Las Vegas productions. The Project involved construction of a spherical geodesic dome approximately 186 feet in diameter (with an approximately 28,664 gross square foot floor plate) on the approximately 1.95 -acre site. The exterior dome would be installed on a base concrete slab and have a maximum height above grade of 95 -feet 2- inches and an FAR of 0.37. The exterior dome would provide weather protection for the smaller second dome on the interior (“interior dome”), which will display MSG’s content for post-production editing and sound mixing. The exterior dome would also house restrooms, a break room and pantry, meeting room, production space, a modular server room, loading dock and small lobby. The prototype would not be used for any “live studio audiences” experiences. The De Novo team prepared an air quality analysis, including a health risk assessment, noise assessment, and a transportation assessment to support the CE. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager) and Josh Smith. Project Initiation: March 2021. Project Approval: June 2021. Project Applicant: MSG Entertainment. Project Contact: Greg Mirza -Avakyan, Associate Planner | 818-238-5250 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) for a mixed -use infill residential and retail/office development within the City of Burbank (624 -628 San Fernando Boulevard Mixed -Use DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 32
Project). The project proposed a four-story mixed-use building consisting of 42 residential dwelling units above 3,500 square feet of retail space and 8,200 square feet of office space. Five of the units would be deed restricted affordable units. The CE Report assesse d the project’s consistency with each criterion, including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Pro ject Manager) and Josh Smith. Project Initiation: March 2020. Project Approval: August 2020. Project Applicant: Burbank Capital, LLC. Project Contact: Lisa Frank, Associate Planner | 818-238-5263 | [email protected].

Signal Hill On-Call Environmental Services
De Novo is currently providing on-call environmental services to the City of Signal Hill. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for the following private development projects.

De Novo prepared the ISMND for the 2550 Orange Avenue Industrial Project, which requests approval of a Zoning Ordinance Amendment to create a Specific Plan to provide for development of the site with an industrial/warehouse distribution use; Site Plan and Design Review; Development Agreement; and Tentative Parcel Map to develop a 100,886 -square foot industrial/warehouse distribution building, including supporting office use and pump house. The building would consist of 93,386 square feet of warehouse space, 3,500 square feet of first floor office use, 3,500 square feet of second floor office use, and a 500 -square foot pump house. The proposed building would have a building footprint of 97,386 square feet and a maximum height of 40 feet with a clear height of 35 feet within the warehouse; 17 dock- high doors and one (1) drive-in door would be located along the southern portion of the building. De Novo Staff included Starla Barker, Erik Anderson and Josh Smith. Project Initiation: January 2023 | Project Contact: Carlos Luis, Planning Manager | 562-989-7360 | [email protected].

De Novo is preparing an IS/MND for the 3201 Walnut Avenue Industrial Project. The Project proposes to develop an approximately 102,607 -square-foot industrial warehouse/manufacturing building, including 10,000 square feet of supporting office use. The building would consist of approximately 92,607 square feet for warehouse/manufacturing use, 5,000 square feet of first floor office use, and 5,000 square feet of second floor office use. The proposed building would have a maximum height of 49.5 feet, with a clear height of 32 feet within the warehouse; 13 dock-high doors would be located along the proposed loading dock on the northwestern side of the building. As part of the Project, a vapor barrier would be installed with construction of the proposed structure and the existing soil vapor extraction system would continue to be conducted on the western portion of the site. The Project requests approval of a Specific Plan, Development Agreement, Site Plan and Design Review . The Administrative Draft IS/MND has been submitted to the City for review. Project Applicant: Xebec Realty Partners. Project Contact: Carlos Luis, Planning Manager | 562-989-7360 | [email protected].

De Novo is preparing an IS/MND for the 2599 E. Pacific Coast Highway Residential Project. The Applicant is proposing to remove existing on-site improvements and construct a 7-unit detached residential project on the approximately 0.39-acre site (APNs 7216-024-024, -025, and 026) located at the northwest corner of Pacific Coast Highway and Molin o Avenue. The Project site is designated Commercial General by the City of Signal Hill General Plan and zoned SP -10 (Pacific Coasty Highway Specific Plan) by the City Zoning Map. The Project site is located within Area 1 of SP -10 and identified as a Residential Opportunity Area.

SP-10 notes that the Molino Avenue Opportunity Area may be suitable for view oriented residential development due to the topography of the site and surrounding area. Within the Opportunity Areas, the

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
33 City may approve a subsequent specific plan to allow alternative development projects, such as residential. As the Project is proposing a residential development, a new Specific Plan will be required.

The Project has recently been re -initiated pending the Applicant’s revisions to the site plan. Project Contact: Susana Martinez, Associate Planner | 562-989-7341 | [email protected].

South Gate On-Call Environmental Services
De Novo is currently providing on -call environmental services to the City of South Gate. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for the following private development projects.

De Novo is preparing a joint Initial Study/Environmental Assessment for the City of South Gate for the 9001-19 Long Beach Boulevard Residences Project. The Project is proposing the redevelopment of an existing commercial site with a 14 -townhome affordable development. De Novo staff included Starla Barker, Ashley Brodkin, and Josh Smith. Teaming partners include MAT. Project Initiation: November 2022. Project Approval: Anticipated 2026. Project Applicant: Habitat for Humanity. Project Contact:

Joshua Valdez, Associate Planner | 323-563-9514 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 1 Categorical Exemption (CE) for a parcel delivery service facility at 3950 Rayo Avenue. The site is within the M3 Zone designation that specifies that a “Parcel Delivery Service” land use designation requires a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) The applicant requested a CUP for the continued operation of the facility. The CE Report assessed that the Project did not meet the conditions outlined in CEQA Guidelines Section 15300.2, Exceptions and provided an analysis of the Project’s consistency with an “existing facility” and justification for and evaluation of the Project to be exempt from CEQA as a Class 1 Project. De Novo staff included Starla Barker. Project Initiation: December 2022. Project Completion: October 2023. Project Applicant: Amazon. Project Contact: Yalini Siva, Senior Planner | [email protected].

De Novo provided expedited preparation of technical studies and a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption for the 10130 Adella Residential Project. The Project propose d Design Review for a 54 -unit residential subdivision consisting of six three -story attached 9 -plex townhome buildings located at 10130 Adella Avenue. The Project include d a density bonus. The Project site is designated and zoned Industrial Flex .

The CE Report assessed the project’s consistency with each criterion, including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. De Novo staff included Starla Barker. Teaming partners include MAT. Project Initiation: January 2025. Project Completion: April 2025. Project Applicant: City Ventures. Project Contact: Rodrigo Pelayo, Senior Planner | 323-563-9526| [email protected].

Norwalk On-Call Environmental Services
De Novo provided third party peer review services for the 14380 Carmenita Road Warehouse Project in the City of Norwalk. The proposed project requested a Precise Development Plan to remove two existing multi-tenant industrial warehouse buildings totaling 89,870 square feet and to construct a 144,901 square foot warehouse building to include warehouse, office, and mezzanine spaces and 22 dock doors, as we ll as 150 parking space s, on an approximately seven -acre site. De Novo reviewed the applicant -prepared IS/MND and technical studies. Prior to consideration for approval, revisions were made to the Project. De Novo reviewed the applicant-prepared Recirculated Draft MND, which is currently out for public review.

De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Man ager), Christine Abraham, Josh Smith. Team Partners DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 34
included Kittelson and Associates. Project Initiation: April 2024. Project Contact: Carlos Rojas, Senior Planner | 562-929-5769 | [email protected].

Grevillea/Imperial Hotel Project Class 32 Exemption, City of Hawthorne De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption for a proposed hotel project. The Project proposed to demolish the existing auto-related uses on the site and develop a 78 room, 5-story hotel. The applicant is requesting a Conditional Use Permit (CU -2023-0022) and Design Review (DR -2023-0020) to develop the Project. The site is designated Downtown Hawthorne Specific Plan (DHSP) by the City of Hawthorne General Plan and is zoned CR-MU (Regional Commercial/Mixed-Use). The CE Report assessed the Project’s consistency with each criterion, including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. Technical studies to support the CE Report included air quality, cultural resources, noise, as well as a peer review of applicant-provided technical studies to ensure their appropriateness for use in the environmental analysis. De Novo staff included Star la Barker (Project Manager) and Erik Anderson. Teaming partners included South Environmental . Project Initiation: July 2024. Project Completion: July 2025. Project Contact: Maria Majcherek, Senior Planner | 310-349-2970 | [email protected].

La Verne General Plan Update and EIR, City of La Verne
De Novo prepared the comprehensive update to the City of La Verne General Plan. The General Plan Update constitutes the policy and regulatory framework by which future development projects will be reviewed and public improvements will be implemented. The La Verne General Plan Update includes a comprehensive set of goals, policies, and actions (implementation measures), and the General Plan Update EIR analyzes future growth and development associated with the City’s Land Use Map. The La Verne General Plan Update includes all of the State -mandated elements, and address es optional topics:

Economic Development, Community Facilities, Community Design, Fiscal Sustainability, and Community Health and Wellness. The comprehensive La Verne General Plan Update involved updating the City’s environmental baseline conditions and updating the General Plan development projections for the year 2045. De Novo staff included Amanda Tropiano (Project Manager), Starla Barker, Christine Abraham, Ashley Brodkin, Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Project Approval: January 2025. Project Contact: Candice Bowcock, Principal Planner | [email protected]. 1941 White Ave Mixed-Use Project CEQA, City of La Verne De Novo prepared technical analysis and a comprehensive Categorical Exemption (CE) report pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15182, Projects Pursuant to a Specific Plan, which provide exemptions from CEQA for certain residential, commercial and mixed -use projects that are consistent with a specific plan and CEQA Guidelines Section 15332, In-fill Development Projects, which consists of projects characterized as in-fill development meeting specific conditions. The proposed 1941 White Avenue Mixed -Use Project site is located within the Old Town La Verne Specific Plan (OTLVSP) area. The OTLVSP was adopted and the OTLVSP FEIR was certified in March 2013. The Project proposes to remove all on -site improvements, including trees and landscaping, and construct a mix ed-use development consisting of up to 367 residential units and approximately 1,588 square feet of ground floor retail within a five -story building partially surrounding a six-level parking structure. Of the 367 residential units, 44 would be deed restricted affordable units for lower income households, including 18 units restricted to very low -income households. The units would be comprised of 57 studio units, 183 one-bedroom units, 119 two-bedroom units and 8 three -bedroom units ranging in size from appr oximately 591 square feet to approximately

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
35 1,336 square feet. The Project site is located adjacent to the planned Metro A Line and in proximity to the La Verne Station, currently undergoing construction. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Josh Smith, Erik Anderson and Abdul Jama. Teaming partners included Kittelson and Associates.

Project Initiation: August 2023. Project Approval: June 2024. Project Applicant: Novipax. Project Contact:

Candice Bowcock, Principal Planner | [email protected].

Bell Gardens General Plan Circulation and Transportation Element Update Initial Study/Negative Declaration, City of Bell Gardens
De Novo prepared the Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) for the update to the City’s General Plan Circulation and Transportation Element. The Circulation and Transportation Element provides a blueprint for establishing a convenient, safe, and sustainable transportation network in Bell Gardens, which serves users of all modes including walking, biking, rolling, riding transit, and driving. The purpose of the element is to improve the current infrastructure in Bell Gardens as a foundation for an integ rated and comprehensive transportation network, which will reduce reliance on the private automobile and enhance other transportation options. The element sets forth goals, policies, and programs to support connectivity in the context of the land uses set forth in the existing Land Use Element. The proposed Circulation and Transportation Element Update would not modify the City of Bell Gardens General Plan Land Use Map, land use designations, nor intensities/densities identified within the General Plan Land Use Element. Additionally, the proposed Circulation and Transportation Element Update would not result in any new roadways or increase existing roadway capacities. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager) and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: November 2021 . Project Completion: February 2022.

Project Contact: Grissel Chavez , Assistant City Manager, City of Paramount (formerly Public Works Director at Bell Gardens) | 562-220-2022 | [email protected].

Cherokee Court Residential Project IS/MND Peer Review, City of San Dimas De Novo provided third -party peer review services to the City of San Dimas for the Cherokee Court Residential Project IS/MND prepared by the applicant team. The project applicant proposes a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change and Vesting Tentative Tract Ma p to subdivide 1.4 acres into seven residential lots and to construct seven single -family dwelling units ranging in size from 3,124 to 4,185 square feet, including infrastructure improvements. Although physical development activities would be limited to th e 1.4 acres, the proposed General Plan Amendment and Zone Change would apply to additional parcels to provide consistency between the land use and zoning and existing on -site development. The De Novo team conducted t he peer review to ensure the IS/MND and supporting technical studies consider ed recent CEQA legislation and agency requirements. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager) and Josh Smith. Project Applicant: Development 1 Group, Inc. Project Contact: Kenneth Fichtelman, Associate Planner | 909-394-6256 | [email protected].

Laguna Hills Housing Element Update and Addendum to the General Plan EIR, City of Laguna Hills De Novo was contracted by the City of Laguna Hills to complete preparation of and obtain HCD approval for the 2021 -2029 Housing Element. Subsequent to adoption of the Housing Element, minor revisions were made to the Housing Element, and the City initiated the required rezoning program to accommodate its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) consistent with the programs outlined in the adopted 2021- 2029 Housing Element, including minor revisions to the Land Use Element and amendments to the zoning text and zoning map, and the creation of objective design standards. De Novo prepared the Addendum to the General Plan Final Program EIR for the 2021 -2029 Housing Element Update, Rezoning Program and Objective Design Standards Project. The work program included preparation of technical studies and DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 36
analysis to determine whether the Project could result in any new significant impacts or a substantial increase in the severity of previously identified significant impacts in the General Plan Final EIR . De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager) and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: May 2023. Project Approval: March 2024. Contact: Jay Wuu , AICP, Senior Planner, | 949-707-2662 | [email protected].

Laguna Hills On-Call Environmental Services, City of Laguna Hills As part of the on-call environmental services contract, De Novo has been retained to review two separate applications submitted under the Housing Accountability Act. The 23161 Mill Creek Project proposes to remove an existing office building and redevelop the site with 36 single-family attached residential units.

Project Applicant: Manny Khoshbin. The Terravita Project proposes to remove seven existing office buildings and redevelop the site with 254 attached single-family units and 210 multi-family units. Project Applicant: Kingsbarns realty Capital.

The first phase involved review of the application and associated materials, including the applicant’s proposal relative to the required CEQA documentation to assist the City’s formal response to the application. The second phase includes coordination with City staff, including the City’s CEQA attorney and peer review of all applicant -prepared technical studies and CEQA document submittals. The first phase has been completed. Under the second phase, De Novo has provided peer review of the Administrative Draft CEQA documents and technical studies. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker (Project Manager), Christine Abraham, and Tin Cheung. Project Initiation: February 2024. Contact: Jay Wuu, AICP, Senior Planner, | 949-707-2662 | [email protected].

Laguna Beach On-Call Environmental Services, City of Laguna Beach De Novo is currently providing on-call environmental services to the City of Laguna Beach. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for various public and private projects in Laguna Beach.

De Novo prepared an IS/ND for the 749 Marlin Drive Extension Project (RD EXT -2021-10443/CDP-2022- 2071). The Project applicant applied for a Road Extension and a Coastal Development Permit to extend the northerly end of Marlin Drive approximately one foot by 37 feet in order to provide access from Marlin Drive for the potential future development of a single -family residence. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Ashley Brodkin , and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: October 2022. Project completion: March 2023. Project Applicant: Merrick and Mary Lynn Leckey. Project Contact: Anthony Viera, Planning Manager | 949-497-0398 | [email protected] De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 5 and Class 32 Categorical Exemption Report for Riddle Field Park. Riddle Field Park is a City of Laguna Beach park with an illuminated baseball field, half basketball court, playground, picnic tables and restrooms. Riddle Field Park currently hosts little league baseball practices and games for Laguna Beach Little League (LBLL), permitted by a Field Use Permit. LBLL has requested to amend the Field Use Permit for the 2024 baseball season for the use of Riddle Field Park baseball field to accommodate increased demand for little league play during the baseball season. More specifically, LBLL requests to expand the number of days per week and the hours per day that lighting would be used at the ballfield. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager) and Christine Abraham. Teaming partners included MAT Engineering. Project Initiation: February 2024 . Project completion: May 2024 . Project Applicant: City of Laguna Beach. Project Contact: Alexis Braun, Recreation Manager | 94 9-497-0762 | [email protected]

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
37 De Novo is preparing an IS/MND for the 385 Nyes Place Project. The Project applicant is applying for a Design Review and a Coastal Development Permit to construct a new three-story, single-family residence, accessory dwelling unit, and two street -level gar ages. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker (Project Manager), Ashley Brodkin, and Erik Anderson. Primary environmental concerns include biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, tribal cultural resources and wildfire. The IS/MND was made available for public review in March 2025. De Novo has provided the City with the Draft Final IS/MND. Project Initiation: March 2023. Project completion: Anticipated Winter 2025. Project Applicant:

Thomas Norris. Project Contact: Shaveta Sharma, Senior Planner | 949 -497-0441 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the 2354 San Clemente Street (DR -2021-8817, CDP-2021-8819, VAR- 2021-8820) Project. The Project applicant is applying for a Design Review, a Variance, and a Coastal Development Permit to remove the existing single-family residence, detached guest house and associated site improvements, and construct a new two -story, 3,583 square -foot single -family residence, with attached 528 square -foot two -car garage, elevated deck, hardscaping and landscaping. De Novo staff included Starla Barker, Ashley Br odkin (Project Manager) , and Erik Anderson. Primary environmental concerns include biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, tribal cultural resources and wildfire. Project Initiation: February 2023. Project completion: June 2025 . Project Applicant: Kevin Aaronson. Project Contact: Shaveta Sharma, Senior Planner | 949 -497-0441 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the 820 Gainsborough Drive Project. The Project applicant is applying for a Design Review and a Coastal Development Permit to construct a new three -story, single -family residence and an attached two -car garage. De Novo staff included Starla Barker, Ashley Brodkin (Project Manager), and Erik Anderson. Primary environmental concerns include biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, tribal cultural resources and wildfire. Project Initiation: July 2023. Project completion: October 2025. Project Applicant: Laguna 3 Land, LLC. Project Contact: Shaveta Sharma, Senior Planner | 949-497-0441 | [email protected].

De Novo is currently preparing the EIR for the Ceanothus Drive Project, which involves the development of five single -family residences with associated access, hardscape, and landscape/fuel modification improvements. The Project site includes a shared paved access roads, which provides access to the Halliburton House, identified by the City as a historically significant property, and within a designated Very High Fire Hazard Safety Zone within a Local Responsibility Area and within the City’s Fuel Modificat ion (FM) Zone. De Novo has prepared the Initial Study for City review. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker, Ashley Brodkin (Project Manager), Erik Anderson, and Abdul Jama. Teaming partners include MAT Engineering. Project Initiation: December 2023. Project Contact: Wendy Jung, Principal Planner | 949-497- 0321 | [email protected].

Lake Forest On-Call Environmental Services, City of Lake Forest After successful completion of the City’s General Plan Update and EIR, the City selected De Novo Planning Group to provide additional planning services and on-call environmental services to the City.

In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for a City-sponsored project and various private development projects in Lake Forest.

De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) for a proposed Extra Space Storage facility.

The Project proposed to remove 91 uncovered RV storage spaces within the 1.96-acre northwest portion DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 38
of the property and construct a three -story, 90,512 square -foot climate-controlled self-storage building with 533 units. New landscaping would be provided at the corners of the proposed building and enhanced landscaping would be provided within the existing landscaped areas along the property’s frontage, adjacent to the existing office building, and within the existing parking area . Existing light fixtures within the proposed improvement area would be removed to accommodate the proposed building and wall mounted light fixtures would be provided on the building exterior. Some of the existing fire hydrants would be relocated to accommodate the proposed building and a transformer would be installed between the proposed building and the existing two -story storage building. The CE Report assessed the project’s consistency with each criterion, including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager) and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: March 2023. Project Approval: August 2023. Project Applicant: KSP Studio. Project Contact: Jennifer Mansur, AICP, Senior Planner | 949 -461- 3472 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the Applied Medical Expansion and Bridge Project (Site Development Permit 12 -20-5391). The Project applicant applied for a Site Development Permit for the properties located at 20162 and 20202 Windrow Drive. The Project included a 73,168 square foot tenant improvement on the first floor, 7,339 square foot building addition on the first floor, and a new 26,756 square foot second floor to the L203 Building (20202 Windrow Drive), as well as a new 13,253 square foot bridge to conn ect the L203 Building with the L202 Building (20162 Windrow Drive). The new bridge proposed to serve as a location to house a mechanical central plant, as well as Cogen and central plant equipment. A walkway on the new bridge would allow team members to travel between the two buildings. To serve the new Cogen equipment, new electrical equipment would be installed at the parking lot level located between the L203 Building and the toll road. Site work would include new walkways, an extended ADA path of travel , new paving, new curbs and parking striping. De Novo also provided peer review of the applicant -prepared technical studies . De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Ashley Brodkin, Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Primary environmental concerns include air quality, noise, and transportation . Project Initiation: March 2021. Project Approval: December 2021.

Project Applicant: Applied Medical. Project Contact: Ron Santos, Senior Planner | 949 -461-3449 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the Lock & Leave Self -Storage Facility (Use Permit 01 -20-5331). The Project applicant proposed to convert an existing 64,329 square foot warehouse building into a 108,148 square foot climate controlled, Class “A” two-story self-storage facility consisting of 635 units, including a sales and rental office, break rooms, restrooms, and loading bays. Th e exterior of the building would remain largely unchanged. The existing loading dock would be filled and repaved to match adjacent grades, two existing landscape planters would be expanded, a portion of the parking area on the west side of the building would be filled and repaved to match the grade of the building’s first floor, and a new entry stair and pedestrian access ramp would be construction. The Project is consistent with the General Plan and Zoning designations, but would require a use permit. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager) and Josh Smith. Primary environmental concerns include noise and hydrology/water quality. Project Initiation: September 2020. Project Approval: April 2021. Project Applicant: Makena Properties. Project Contact: Ron Santos, Senior Planner | 949-461-3449 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the Great Scott Landscape Facility (Plan Amendment 03-18-5155, Zone Change 03 -18-5144, and Use Permit 03 -18-5146). The Project applicant proposed a General Plan

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
39 Amendment from Regional Park/Open Space to Light Industrial, a Zone Change from A -1 General Agriculture to M-1 Light Industrial, and a Use Permit to allow for a Contractor/Landscape business (Great Scott Landscape Facility) to locate at 20865 Canada Road. Primary environmental concerns include biological resources, hydrology/water quality, and transportation. The IS/MND was been made available for public review. Subsequently, the Applicant modified the Project requiring additional environmental review to include updated technical studies and revisions to the IS/MND . De Novo prepared a revised IS/MND that was recirculated for public review. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Erik Anderson, and Josh Smith. The work program was originally initiated in 2021 and completed in 2024.

Project Applicant: Great Scott Tree Service. Project Contact: Marie Luna, Senior Planner | 949-461-3466 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared the CEQA Section 15183 analysis for the proposed Zone Change 03 -22-5511 Project.

The proposed Project was a City-initiated zoning code amendment to amend the City’s Zoning Map and various provisions of the Lake Forest Municipal Code regarding Mixed-Use zoning districts and associated regulations, development and design standards and amending the following pla nned community texts regarding the same: Foothill Ranch, Pacific Commercentre, Lake Forest, El Toro Planned Community, and Rancho de los Alisos. The Section 15183 analysis demonstrated the proposed Project was within the scope of the 2040 General Plan FEIR.

De Novo is currently in the process of preparing a Class 32 Categorical Exemption for a proposed Subaru dealership expansion Project and a CEQA Section 15183 analysis for a proposed Costco Warehouse Project in the City.

Fountain Valley On-Call Environmental Services
De Novo prepared an Addendum to the City of Fountain Valley General Plan EIR for the 16800 Magnolia Mixed-Use Residential Project. The Project proposes to construct a mixed-use development consisting of 657 residential units and 4,460 square feet of ground -floor commercial use within two seven -story buildings partially surrounding two seven-story parking structures with rooftop parking. Proposed Project entitlements include a Site Plan Review, Lot Merger and Density Bonus and Affordable Housing Agreement. The De Novo team is preparing technical studies to support the analysis and providing peer review of the applicant -prepared Transportation Study. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Erik Anderson, and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Kittelson and Associates. Project Initiation: June 2024. Project Completion: July 2025. Project Applicant: Holland Partner Group. Project Contact: Project Contact: Steven Ayers, Principal Planner | 714 -593-4431 | [email protected].

De Novo provided third -party peer review services to the City of Fountain Valley for the Moiola Park Residences IS/MND and technical studies prepared by the applicant team. The Project proposed a 74-lot residential subdivision and a one-acre park on an approximately 13 -acre property. The Project site is the former Fred Moiola Elementary School Site, which is currently unoccupied, but the school improvements remain in place. Proposed Project entit lements include d a General Plan Amendment, Zoning Map Amendment, Conditional Use Permit, Precise Plan, and Tentative Tract Map. The De Novo team conducted the peer review to ensure the IS/MND and supporting technical studies consider ed recent CEQA legislation and agency requirements , including consistency with SB 743 requirements. Project Manager, Starla Barker, attended the Planning Commission and City Council hearings on behalf of the City to respond to questions and provide CEQA expertise, as needed. Teaming partners included Kittelson and DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 40
Associates. Project Approval: April 2021. Project Applicant: Brookfield Residential. Project Contact: Steven Ayers, Principal Planner | 714-593-4431 | [email protected].

De Novo provided third-party peer review services to the City of Fountain Valley for the Slater Investments Mixed-Use Project IS/MND and technical studies prepared by the applicant team. The Project proposes to construct a four and five story mixed-use development with 270 residential units (including 33 affordable housing units), a 5,000 square foot restaurant with 2,000 square feet of outdoor dining space, a parking garage, and associated amenities on a 3.34-acre property. Proposed Project entitlements include a Code Amendment to create new mixed-use zones in the City; General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation from General Commercial to Mixed Use; Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning of the property from C1-Local Business to MU1-Mixed Use; Lot Line Adjustment to merge all parcels into one for construction of the Project; Precise Plan for the site layout and construction of the Project; and a Conditional Use Permit to allow for a large format restaurant with on-premises alcohol sales with the MU1 zone. The De Novo team conducted the peer review to ensure the IS/MND and supporting technical studies considered recent CEQA legislation and agency requirements, including consistency with SB 743 requirements. Project Manager, Starla Barker, attended the Plann ing Commission and City Council hearings on behalf of the City to respond to questions and provide CEQA expertise, as needed. Teaming partners included Kittelson and Associates. Project Initiation: November 2021. Proje ct Approval: April 2022. Project Applicant: Slater Investments. Project Contact: Steven Ayers, Principal Planner | 714-593- 4431 | [email protected].

Fullerton On-Call Environmental Services, City of Fullerton De Novo is currently providing on-call environmental services to the City of Fullerton. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for various private projects in Fullerton.

De Novo prepared an Environmental Checklist pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning) of the 1901 Via Burton Industrial Project with respect to the Project’s consistency with the Fullerton Plan, the analysis contained in the Fullerton Plan EIR, and any site- specific environmental impacts or cumulative impacts that may result from Project implementation. The Project proposes to remove the existing on -site structures and develop a new 139,269 -square foot industrial building for warehousing/distribution uses, including a 4,500-square foot mezzanine designated for supporting office use . The building use would consist of 130,269 square feet for warehouse/distribution use and 9,000 square feet for office use. Although the specific end user is not currently known, the building size and design would provide for a light industrial end use; hig h intensity/distribution or uses requiring refrigeration would not occur within the site. The proposed building would have a building footprint of 134,769 square feet and a maximum height of 40 feet with a clear height of 32 feet within the warehouse; 18 dock-high doors would be located along the eastern side of the building. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Ashley Brodkin and Josh Smith.

Project Initiation: December 2021. Project Approval: June 2022. Project Applicant: Rexford. Project Contact: Chris Schaefer, Planning Manager | 714-738-6884 | [email protected].

De Novo prepared an IS/MND and associated technical studies, including a Health Risk Assessment, for the 1500 South Raymond Street Project which proposes removal of an existing hotel and development of an approximately 135,000 square foot industrial building for warehousing/distribution uses. Although the specific end user is not currently known, the building size and design would provide for a light industrial end use; high intensity/distribution or uses requiring refrigeration would not occur within the s ite. It is

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
41 anticipated that the use would operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week and be accessed by trucks during these hours. An Alternative Site Plan was prepared in the event the end user involves manufacturing, that would provide for a slightly smaller building consisting of 138,257 square feet . De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Director), Ashley Brodkin (Project Manager), Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: March 2023. Project Approval: November 2023. Project Applicant:

Rexford. Project Contact: Chris Schaefer, Planning Manager | 714 -738-6884 | [email protected].

Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan and EIR and Addendums, City of Rancho Santa Margarita While at her previous firm, Starla Barker managed preparation of the City’s General Plan Update and EIR.

The Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update involved updating the City’s environmental baseline conditions; updating the General Plan development pr ojections for the year 2040; and providing new/updated goals and policies to address the community’s vision for future development and growth.

The mission of the General Plan Update is to uphold and honor the original Rancho Santa Margarita Planned Communi ty Master Plan; prepare Rancho Santa Margarita for the next 20 years; maintain a balance of land uses; maintain and support quality of life, community satisfaction, and safety for all residents; and update the General Plan to meet new State requirements. A Programmatic EIR was prepared to analyze the impacts associated with implementation of the General Plan. The Program EIR serves as a tiering document for future development activities within the City. Key environmental issues included air quality, biologi cal resources, cultural resources, and greenhouse gas emissions. Project Approval: March 2020.

De Novo prepared the update to the City’s Housing and Safety Elements. The work program included preparation of comprehensive Addendum to the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update EIR.

Project Initiation: July 2020. Project Approval: February 2022. Contact: Wendy Starks, AICP, Senior Planner, | 949-635-1807 | wstarks@cityofrsm.

De Novo prepared a comprehensive Addendum to the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update EIR for the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element Rezoning Program. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: March 2024. Project Approval: September 2024. Contact: Wendy Starks, AICP, Senior Planner, | 949-635-1807 | wstarks@cityofrsm.

De Novo prepared an Addendum to the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update EIR for the City’s Circulation Element Update. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation:

January 2025. Project Completion: Anticipated May 2025. Contact: Wendy Starks, AICP, Senior Planner, | 949-635-1807 | wstarks@cityofrsm.

Seraphina Residential Development, City of Temecula
De Novo prepared an Environmental Checklist pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning) of the Seraphina Residential Project with respect to the Project’s consistency with the Temecula General Plan, the a nalysis contained in the Temecula General Plan EIR, and any site-specific environmental impacts or cumulative impacts that may result from Project implementation. The Project proposes to develop 113 single -family residences (including six affordable units). The Project site is designated Low Medium Residential (3 -6 dwelling units/acre) by the Temecula General Plan and is zoned Low Medium Density Residential (LM). The Project would be consistent with the General Plan and Zoning for the site. The work program included preparation of technical studies , including air quality, energy, and greenhouse gas emissions, noise, and transportation, and an Initial DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 42
Study/Environmental Checklist pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Projects Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning) to determine whether there are project -specific significant effects that are peculiar to the Project or the site and if the propos ed Project meets the conditions for a streamlined environmental review process. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Erik Anderson and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included MAT Engineering. Project Initiation: June 2024. Project Approval :

March 2025. Project Contact: Scott Cooper, Senior Planner | 951 -506-5137 | [email protected].

Bedford Court Coffee Shop and Car Wash Project, City of Temecula De Novo prepared a MND for the Bedford Court Coffee Shop and Car Wash Project, which proposes to subdivide the approximately 1.88 -acre undeveloped parcel into two parcels. Parcel 1 is proposed to be developed with a Quick Quack Car Wash , and Parcel 2 is proposed to be developed with a Dutch Bros drive-thru coffee shop. Parcel 1 would be developed with an approximately 3,596-square-foot drive-thru express car wash with a covered tunnel. The proposed building would include an electrical room, equipment room, restroom, employee lounge, and covered pay area. A car vacuum area consist ing of parking spaces with vacuum equipment and canopies would be located within the central portion of the site, east of the proposed car wash building. Parcel 2 would be developed with an approximately 950 - square-foot drive-thru coffee shop. Two drive -thru aisles would extend along the southern and eastern property lines, merging east of the proposed building prior to accessing the drive-thru window. Mitigation measures were adopted for biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, tribal cultural resources, and mandatory findings of significance. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Erik Anderson (Assistant Project Manager) and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included Kittelson and Associates. Project Initiation: November 2023. Project Approval: May 2025. Project Contact: Scott Cooper, Senior Planner | 951-506-5137 |[email protected].

Paradise Chevrolet Dealership Project, City of Temecula De Novo prepared a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Paradise Chevrolet Dealership Project, which entails the development of an approximately 64,051 -square-foot structure for commercial truck sales and service uses within a two -story building that includes rooftop parking (approximately 44,879 square feet). The proposed building would have a building footprint of 57,662 square feet and a maximum height of 38 feet. The building would be surrounded by a parking lot for customer and employee parking, service and repair, and vehicle storage and display. The first floor of the proposed building would be generally comprised of a reception area, customer lounge, sales offices, oil/compressor enclosure, service department, and parts department. The service department area incl udes 37 vehicle service bays . The second floor would be comprised of a parts department area. The rooftop of the proposed building would include a parking area with 107 parking spaces and would be accessed via a ramp within the southeastern portion of the site . The Project requests approval of a Development Plan approval for consistency with the Temecula General Plan and design standards and performance standards of the Development Code, and a Conditional Use Permit to allow for the commercial truck sales and se rvice use within the SC Zone.

Mitigation measures were adopted for biological resources, cultural resources, geology and soils, hazards and hazardous materials, tribal cultural resources, and mandatory findings of significance. De Novo staff included Starla Barker (Project Manager), Erik Anderson and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included MAT Engineering. Project Approval: October 2024. Project Contact: Scott Cooper, Senior Planner | 951 -506- 5137 |[email protected].

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
43 Aliso Viejo On-Call Environmental Services
The De Novo team prepared an IS/MND for The Commons at Aliso Viejo Project in the City of Aliso Viejo.

The Project proposes to remove the existing surface parking, landscaping, and improvements and construct a mixed-use development consisting of 343 residential units and 17,273 sq uare feet of ground floor commercial use within a six -story building. The mixed -use building would wrap around a centrally located eight-level parking structure with a subterranean parking garage and rooftop residential amenity space. The Project includes a Specific Plan Amendment, Vesting Tentative Map, Site Development Permit, and Development Agreement to allow construction of the proposed mixed -use residential and retail development on an approximately 4.4 -acre site. The Project site is designated High Density Residential/Town Center Commercial and Open Space and is zoned SP-2: The Commons Specific Plan. The Project site is located within The Commons at Aliso Viejo Town Center, Specific Plan No. 2, which envisions a mixed-use development project within the Aliso Viejo Commons portion of the Aliso Viejo Town Center.

According to the Specific Plan Zoning Districts Map, the Project site is located within the SP2 -RH Zoning District (Residential – High Density District) and SP2 -CTC Zoni ng District (Commercial – Town Center District). De Novo staff include Starla Barker (Project Manager) , Erik Anderson (Assistant Project Manager), Josh Smith, and Abdul Jama. The Applicant is considering site design modifications and t he Project is ongoing . Project Initiation: January 2024. Project Applicant: Avalon Bay Communities, Inc.

Project Contact: Rose Rivera, Senior Planner | [email protected].

The De Novo Team is preparing a comprehensive third-party peer review of the IS/MND and all technical studies, as well as AB 52 and SB 18 assistance, for the 95 Argonaut Residential Project in the City of Aliso Viejo. The Project is proposing to remove the existing office building and construct a new residential development consisting of up to 61 three -story townhome units within eight buildings. The proposed Project’s density would be 21.6 dwelling units per acre (du/acre), which would comply with the maximum density allowed by the High Density Residential (HDR) land use designation (30 du/acre). The Project would include five percent deed restricted affordable homes (three very low -income homes) and as a result, the applicant is seeking certain concessions and waivers pursuant to the State’s Density Bonus Law, including reduced parking, reduced setbacks, and increased retaining wall heights. De Novo staff include Starla Barker (Project Manager), Josh Smith, Christine Abraham, and Tin Cheung. Project Initiat ion: May 2025. Project is anticipated to completed in Fall 2025. Project Contact: So Kim, Director of Community Development | [email protected].

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 44

5. SUB-CONSULTANTS
De Novo would serve as the prime consultant for this contract, responsible for all co ordination activities, including coordination of subconsultants and administrative tasks. We are joined by our talented team of expert subconsultants to provide project -specific technical studies for transportation (Kittelson & Associates and MAT Engineering ), biological resources studies (South Environmental) , cultural and paleontological studies (South Environmental) , geotechnical and Phase I and Phase II ESAs (Verdanta s), and hydrology and water quality studies (Fuscoe) . Our team has worked together for many years preparing environmental compliance documentation and technical analysis. This continuity in staffing means that each team member knows our management team’s expectations for concise writing style, analysis, documentation, and time management. Ultimately, this results in a more efficient process with fewer internal comments and revision cycles. Our team has a deep understanding of issues and areas of concern that may arise, and more importantly, how to address and appropriately resolve these issues. All members of our subconsultant partners are leaders in their fields and have experience working on a wide range of projects throughout southern California. Followin g are firm descriptions; staff resumes are included in Appendix A.

KITTELSON & ASSOCIATES, INC., will provide technical peer review of the traffic studies (VMT and LOS) and the wildfire evacuation plan. Kittelson has provided comprehensive transportation engineering, planning, and research services to government and private organizations since 1985. T heir southern California regional office was established in 2014 in the City of Orange and serves clients throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Through this work, Kittelson has developed deep familiarity with the local, regional, and state transportation planning processes and analysis requirements for transportation impact studies and environmental documents. In addition, the firm has been working closely with local and regional agencies to establish new transportation analysis metrics, consistent with SB 743 and the switch from intersection LOS to VMT as the transportation impact metric under CEQA. Kittelson’s staff brings a demonstrated understanding of transportation and circulation requirements, travel demand modeling, and regional knowledge devel oped through more than 30 years of project experience in California including on recent general plans and specific plans in both northern and southern California. De Novo has teamed with Kittelson on numerous projects throughout southern California, and sp ecifically in the City of Gardena. Kittelson is familiar with the City’s traffic guidance and its implementation in the CEQA process.

MAT ENGINEERING, INC., provides engineering consulting services in the fields of transportation planning and traffic engineering. Founded by Alex Tabrizi, PE, TE, who brings approximately two decades of professional transportation consulting experience, MAT Engineering has the ability to successfully perform tasks related to preparation of engineering and traffic surveys, traffic studies, cost estimates, impact studies and analysis, feasibility studies, bicycle and pedestrian connectivity and planning, active transportation, Tran sportation Demand Management strategies, and preparing technical analyses for environmental documents. The experience of the firm's personnel in transportation planning and traffic engineering provides the special skills necessary for determining practical and meaningful solutions in the following technical fields: Transportation planning studies; Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis; Traffic impacts analyses; Establishing Speed Limits - Engineering & Traffic Surveys (ET&S); Traffic engineering; Signal design; Signing & striping plans; and Parking demand, utilization, and impact analysis. Senior staff have successfully completed and reviewed hundreds of technical analyses in these areas and have

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
45 conducted work as part of the on -call consultant services to various jurisdictions and public agencies throughout southern California.

SOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL provides the full suite of cultural resources services for compliance with local, state and federal regulations and permitting processes, including analysis of project impacts to historical, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources under CEQA, as wel l as adverse effects to historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. South Environmental is a certified Woman- Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Small Busines s Enterprise (SBE). Kevin Hunt is a cultural resources management professional with more than 30 years of experience and specific expertise in the cultural resources requirements of CEQA, CEQA -Plus, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and NEPA. At his previous firm and continuing at South Environmental, Kevin Hunt has teamed with De Novo on numerous projects, and has a deep knowledge of the region.

VERDANTAS understands the importance of regulatory compliance and works closely with permitting authorities to ensure that projects meet and exceed all specifications, standards, and codes, with minimal disruptions to adjacent properties and water bodies. Verdantas offers a range of services, including environmental assessment, site remediation, and regulatory compliance and understands how the environmental characterization process supports CEQA review and documentation. De Novo has teamed with Verdantas o n a variety of projects for both preparation of site -specific hazardous materials and geotechnical studies and providing peer review services.

FUSCOE Stormwater Management Division was formulated as a direct response to the demand for environmentally-sensitive land development practices — balancing the need for growth while protecting and enhancing our watersheds and resources. With complex and ever -increasing county and state regulations governing stormwater management and water quality, demand for these services became imperative. As the group expanded, so did the need for a more specialized design team – the LID group.

Consisting of both engine ers and environmental scientists, the LID group has expertise in sustainable design, runoff reduction measures and recycling strategies.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 46

6. QUALIFICATIONS AND CAPABILITIES
De Novo Planning Group is a land use and environmental planning firm specializing in community planning, environmental studies, design, and development services. Starla has over 20 years of experience preparing and managing CEQA compliance documents throughout southern California. The firm’s principal -level staff have successfully completed hundreds of projects consisting of environmental impact reports, negative declarations, initial studies, NEPA analyses, climate action plans, biological assessments, wet land delineations, general plans, specific plans, housing elements, and development projects throughout California. De Novo Planning Group has full service offices in northern and southern California. For over 17 years, De Novo has provided land use and environmental planning services specializing in community planning, environmental studies, design, and development services. De Novo has a long and successful history of providing on-call environmental services to public agency clients, as well as on a competitive basis.

Our Mission
Our mission is to provide municipal and private sector clients with world- class professional services, through principal -level attention to every project. We pride ourselves on our ability to work with clients to balance the often-conflicting goals of economic, social, environmental, legal, and political forces. Our services result in integrated planning and environmental solutions for every project that is technically sound, cost effective, and delivered within the client's schedule.

Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is to proactively plan and design projects in such a way that public and environmental concerns are addressed and accommodated early in the process. We strongly believe in the use of our knowledge for developing sensible and cost -effective s olutions to concerns. Our solutions integrate local knowledge with the best available resources to achieve recognized national and international standards for planning and environmental management, to achieve a balance in local economic, social, and enviro nmental goals. De Novo Planning Group is dedicated to fostering a partnership with each agency we serve, through listening to the community and stakeholders and reflecting the ideas and concerns we hear in the approach developed for each project.

Official Name
De Novo Planning Group

Primary Point of Contact
Starla Barker, AICP
Principal Planner
949-396-8193
[email protected]
Tustin, CA
Entity Type
California S-Corporation
Federal Employer ID
26-2962235
Firm Locations
Southern California:
180 E. Main Street, Suite 108
Tustin, CA 92780
(where work will be performed)
Northern California:
1020 Suncast Lane, Suite 106
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
916-949-3231
Ownership
De Novo Planning Group is totally
owned by Principals Ben Ritchie,
Steve McMurtry, Beth Thompson,
and Amanda Tropiano. Mr. Ritchie,
Mr. McMurtry, and Ms. Thomson
each have more than a 10%
interest.

Years in Business/Providing
Service
17 Other Lines of Business
None

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
47 PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
The De Novo proj ect team will be under the management of Starla Barker, AICP, serving as the On -Call Environmental Services Project Manager and primary/day-to-day point of contact for the City. Located in the Tustin office, Starla has over 20 years of exp erience preparing and managing environmental compliance documents throughout southern California, including the City of Gardena, specializing in infill development and redevelopment projects within urbanized areas.

Starla will be responsible for coordinating the De Novo team to ensure the environmental analysis is thorough and complies with CEQA requirements. Starla will be supported by Firm Owners and Principals, Ben Ritchie and Steve McMurtry, who will further ensure supporting team members and resources are readily available and provide overall quality assurance. Depending upon the nature of future project assignments, Starla will be joined by one of De Novo’s Principal Planners or Senior Planners to provide project management responsibilities. The Co-Project Manager will serve as a second point of contact to the City and be responsible for ensuring De Novo’s successful completion of each task, as well as ensuring that the City’ s goals and expectations are being met. This includes assisting with reviewing documents prior to formal submittal and providing quality assurance/quality control. Our Project Managers and Co - Project Managers pride themselves on being an integrated project manager throughout the duration of the project work program, conducting research, analyzing data, and writing sections. We will work closely with City staff, from contract execution and project inception, through to public hearings and completion of the CEQA process. This Principal-level attention to each detail of the Project ensures a high-quality work product as well as continuity throughout the project.

Our Project Managers will be supported by additional senior-level staff and technical team members with expertise in envi ronmental services. De Novo’s project management and technical staff have a deep knowledge of CEQA and have prepared environmental compliance documentation for a variety of projects throughout California. Our in-house team will undertake peer review of technical studies and preparation of air quality and greenhouse gas analyses, health risk assessments, energy, noise and vibration analyses, visual simulations, and light and glare assessments. Additionally, our team members have served as contract staff to local agencies and are familiar with the planning process and future uses of a CEQA document, which allows us to craft mitigation language that will be effective and straight -forward to implement. To complement our in -house services, we have well -established partnerships with highly experienced technical consultants who specialize in the areas of transportation, biological resources, and cultural resources, all of whom are leaders in their fields and have experience working on a wide range of projects throughout southern California. We propose the use of subconsultants for these services; however, we are prepared to work with any consultants identified by the City or future project applicants for technical studies as needed.

KEY PERSONNEL BIOGRAPHIES
This section includes brief biographies for De Novo key team members. Resumes for our team members are provided in Appendix A.

Starla Barker, AICP
Project Manager | Principal Planner | Primary Point of Contact Starla Barker, AICP, is responsible for leading the firm’s Southern California environmental services practice, including the management and preparation of all types of environmental documents (Categorical DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 48
Exemptions, Initial Studies, Negative (Mitigated) Negative Declarations, Environmental Impact Reports, and Environmental Assessments) pursuant to CEQA and NEPA. Starla has successfully managed a wide range of environmental compliance projects for public and private sector clients, with particular emphasis in urban infill, downtown, redevelopment, and policy projects, including General Plans, Zoning Code Updates, and Specific Plans. Through her extensive experience in both policy and environmental planning, Starla is keenly aware of the interaction between the two and consistently takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to understanding planning and environmental issues and developing solutions.

Utilizing her experience in community planning, Starla freq uently participates in outreach activities with members of the public and elected and appointed officials to help inform and facilitate the planning and environmental review process.

Ben Ritchie
Principal | Project Director – Planning and Environmental Mr. Ritchie is a founding principal at De Novo Planning Group. Mr. Ritchie’s expertise includes managing long-range planning documents, completing complex and controversial CEQA documents, and facilitating community outreach and public communications efforts for the firm. His experience includes a variety of land use, transportation, and sustainability projects throughout California. Mr. Ritchie has extensive knowledge of CEQA and has assisted jurisdictions in drafting and updating their local CEQA implementation guidelines. He served as the Environmental Coordinator for the City of Rancho Cordova, where he oversaw the environmental planning division and the preparation of all CEQA documents prepared by staff and outside consultants. This experience has give n him the knowledge of how local agencies use and implement planning documents, and specifically general plans, on a day-to-day basis.

Steve McMurtry
Principal | Co-Project Manager/Biologist
Mr. McMurtry is a Principal with De Novo Planning Group and is responsible for project management, preparation of environmental documents, land use plans, air quality modeling, biological assessments, LESA modeling, regulatory permitting, litigation suppor t, and expert witness testimony. He has successfully led multidisciplinary teams to complete hundreds of environmental, land use planning, and development projects in 32 California counties. Mr. McMurtry’s experience includes service in engineering and planning firms, as well as in the building industry. He has served as the project manager for thirteen RTP EIRs in California and is known as an expert in transportation environmental planning. His environmental experience encompasses public outreach/facilita tion, policy/program development, document writing/processing, and permitting. Mr. McMurtry has extensive experience preparing environmental documents and obtaining regulatory permits for state and federally funded projects, including projects within the S tate Highway System. Because of his expertise, he has been called on for litigation support and expert witness testimony relative to environmental and CEQA issues.

Christine Abraham, Esq.

Principal Planner | Co-Project Manager
Christine is a Principal Planner with De Novo Planning Group and is responsible for project management, preparation of environmental documents, regulatory permitting, peer -reviewing and quality control.

Christine Abraham’s career is focused on the management and preparation of all levels of CEQA documentation for private developers and public -sector clients throughout California, including

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
49 supporting multiple on-call municipal contracts. By providing strategic guidance to her clients on potential paths for environmental documentation, Christine provides personalized and thoughtful advice to ensure that her clients have the best information to make informed decisions regarding their important projects.

She seeks out streamlining opportunities whenever possible, continually seeking solutions for complex scenarios. With a strong understanding of the technical studies required to support CEQA eva luations, including regulatory permitting and mitigation processes, Christine ensures that legally defensible findings are supported by data and science. Christine has prepared CEQA documents for many project types, including redevelopment and urban infill , education/institutional, warehouses/logistics, infrastructure and roadways, renewable energy installations, long -term planning documents, soil management plans, and projects with biological, cultural and tribal sensitivity. In addition to document prepar ation and project management, Christine draws from her legal background to provide thorough peer reviews and litigation support when needed. She manages staffing needs, understands when to delegate and when to lead, and provides thoughtful oversight for he r projects to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Christine understands what it takes to successfully coordinate and lead multidisciplinary project teams for technically complex and controversial projects.

Ashley Brodkin
Senior Planner | Co-Project Manager
Ashley Brodkin is a Senior Planner with De Novo Planning Group and is responsible for project management, the preparation of environmental documents, as well as other long -range planning documents, including General Plans and Specific Plans. Ashley Brodkin brings a range of planning experience for public and private sector clients, including specific plans, general plans, land-use planning, policy development, outreach, zoning ordinance updates and CEQA projects. Ashley has prepared and managed a variety of CEQA and NEPA documents for capital improvements, new developments, redevelopment and urban infill, warehouse/logistics, and public policy document projects, and a variety of planning projects including General Plans, Housing Elements, Specific Plans, Dev elopment Ordinance Updates, and entitlements. With experience as both a private consultant and in public service, as well as experience in both policy and environmental planning, Ashley provides a holistic approach to projects and proactively problem solves.

Elise Laws
Senior Planner | Co-Project Manager
Elise has over 10 years of environmental consulting experience completing both CEQA and NEPA documentation in the public and private sectors, as well as collaborating on long -rang planning documents. Elise has worked on a variety of projects throughout Cal ifornia, including large -scale, controversial development projects, Specific and Master Plans, and General Plan Updates. Examples include the Costco Depot Annex Project EIR (City of Tracy), West Davis Active Adult Community EIR (City of Davis), College Park EIR (City of Rocklin), Sebastopol Zoning Code Update (City of Sebastopol), and City of Pittsburg General Plan Update. Her other skills include air quality modeling using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), California Natural Diversity Da tabase and RareFind research, public outreach and facilitation, and project organization and management.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 50
Tin Cheung
Principal Scientist | Technical Lead
Mr. Cheung is a Principal Scientist with De Novo Planning Group and is responsible for technical analyses related to air quality, greenhouse gas, noise, vibration, and energy. Mr. Cheung has 20 years of experience preparing air pollutant emissions inventor ies, dispersion modeling, climate change and health risk assessments using a variety of computer data models. He has worked on hundreds of projects which include large -scale industrial, commercial, residential, infrastructure, school and recreational developments. He has extensive knowledge of the CEQA\NEPA regulatory process and impact assessment methodology established by the EPA, California Air Resources Board and other air quality management districts. He leads our in -house air-quality, climate change, and noise/vibration services for CEQA \NEPA compliance. He also has performed third -party reviews for technical adequacy and CEQA compliance in support of legal efforts and government QA \QC. His substantial knowledge of impact quantification and regulations contributes to solutions for reducing air quality, climate change and health risk impacts.

Because of his expertise, he has been called on for legal support and expert witness testimony relative to environmental and CEQA issues.

Josh Smith, AICP, LEED-AP
Senior Planner | Technical Lead
Josh is a Senior Planner with De Novo Planning Group . Josh Smith, AICP, is responsible for the management and preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents (Initial Studies, Negative Declaration, Environmental Impact Reports, and Environmental Assessments), as well as the development of air quality and greenhouse gas technical plans and reports, and climate change planning for local governments. Josh has extensive experience managing CEQA/NEPA documents. Josh also has immense technical expertise with air quality, gree nhouse gas, and energy modeling, including criteria air pollutant and air dispersion modeling, as well as Climate Action Plans, Energy Action Plans, and toxic air contaminant (TAC) Health Risk Assessments. He served as the primary technical analyst on the Pleasanton, Oakdale, and Hughson Climate Action Plans, and has managed EIRs such as the Manteca Annexation #1 EIR, Placer County RTP EIR, and Amador County RTP EIR. Josh has additional expertise utilizing best -practice standards for developing greenhouse g as (GHG) inventories and context -specific GHG mitigation measures, as well as developing custom air pollutant emissions calculators for complex projects.

Megan Thorne, AICP, LEED-AP BD+C
Senior Planner | Designer
Megan Thorne brings a broad range of planning experience across both public and private sector projects, including specific plans, general plans, corridor plans, site plans, design guidelines, strategic plans, sustainability programs, visioning projects, t ransit-oriented development plans, zoning documents, outreach programs, and 3D visualizations. She has a talent for thinking creatively and envisioning change while keeping projects grounded with achievable benchmarks and implementable policy goals. Known for her clear communication and collaborative approach, Megan excels at managing complex projects and conveying policy ideas in a compelling and accessible way. As a designer, she stands out for her hand - drawing abilities as well as her technical skills, including 3D modeling, graphic design, and web design. She is always exploring new ways technology can improve traditional planning processes —from community outreach to the web-publication of planning documents.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
51 Erik Anderson, AICP
Associate Planner
Erik is an Associate Planner with De Novo Planning Group. Erik has worked on a diverse range of projects for public and private sector clients, with a focus on land -use planning, policy development, and environmental and sustainability planning. Erik provides project support in the preparation of CEQA documentation and long-range planning documents, including General Plans, Housing Elements, Zoning updates, and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. His background experience includes grassroots lobbying with a non -profit environmental organization and work in the legal fi eld. Erik is passionate about serving communities and creating innovative work through place-based development strategies.

Abdul Jama
Assistant Planner
Abdul is an Assistant Planner with De Novo Planning Group. Abdul holds a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He brings a strong interest and comprehensive experience in environmental and long -range planning. Abdul has contributed to a wide range of public and private secto r projects, focusing on environmental review, land use planning, and policy development. His work includes CEQA document preparation such as initial studies, environmental impact reports, and mitigated negative declaration documents. His long-range planning efforts includes General Plan Update, Zoning Code Update, and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan preparation.

Mia Yuen
Assistant Planner
Mia is an Assistant Planner with De Novo Planning Group. Mia earned a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine. Prior to joining De Novo, Mia gained experience in the public sector at the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. At De Novo, Mia provides project support including preparation of zoning code updates and research and policy development for General Plans and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. She also prepares environmental analysis in support of CEQA documentation for a variety of policy and development projects. Mi a is passionate about community engagement, equity, and facilitating sustainable cities. Mia currently serves as the Marketing Chair for the APA Orange Section and has been involved with the APA since 2021.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 52

ORGANIZATIONAL CHART
Our team has worked together for many years preparing environmental compliance documentation and technical analysis. This continuity in staffing means that each team member knows our management team’s expectations for concise writing style, analysis, documentation, and time management. Ultimately, this results in a more efficient process with fewer internal comments and revision cycles.

CITY OF GARDENA

De Novo Planning Group (Prime Consultant)

Starla Barker, AICP,
Principal Planner/Project
Manager, Day-to-Day Point of
Contact
- Resource Management
- Lead document preparer
- Issue area study preparer
- QA/QC
Ben Ritchie, Principal
- Resource Management
- Lead document preparer
- Issue area study preparer
- QA/QC

Steve McMurtry, Principal,
Biologist
- Resource Management
- Lead document preparer
- Issue area study preparer
- QA/QC

Christine Abraham, Principal
Planner, Esq.

Co-Project Manager
- Lead document preparer
- Issue area study preparer
- Project management
- Quality control
Ashley Brodkin, Senior Planner
Co-Project Manager
- Lead document preparer
- Issue area study preparer
- Project management
- Quality control
Elise Laws, Senior Planner
Co-Project Manager
- Lead document preparer
- Issue area study preparer
- Project management
- Quality control
Tin Cheung, Principal Scientist |
Technical Lead
- Air Quality Analysis
- Health Risk Assessments
- Energy Analysis
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Analysis
- Noise and Vibration
Analysis
Josh Smith, AICP, LEED-AP,
Senior Planner | Technical Lead
- Air Quality Analysis
- Health Risk Assessments
- Energy Analysis
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Analysis
Megan Thorne, AICP, LEED-AP
BD+C | Senior Planner/
Designer
- Visual Simulations
- Shade and Shadow
Erik Anderson, AICP, Associate
Planner
- Task Manager
- Issue area study preparer
Abdul Jama,
Assistant Planner
- Issue area study preparer
Mia Yuen,
Assistant Planner
- Issue area study preparer

Teaming Partners

Transportation
Kittelson & Associates
MAT Engineering
Biological Resources
South Environmental

Cultural, Historical,
Paleontological and
Tribal Cultural Resources
South Environmental
Geotechnical and Hazards
Verdantas
Hydrology and Water Quality
Fuscoe

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
53 REFERENCES
The De Novo team has a wide range of experience providing on -call environmental services for public agency clients throughout California. We strongly encourage you to contact our clients; we are confident they will speak highly of our capabilities and responsiveness, as well as the character and integrity of our firm and Principals.

Below are public agency clients in which the De Novo team has provided similar environmental consulting services on an on-call and competitive basis within the last five years. Detailed representative projects are provided in Section 4.

City of Burbank
Project Manager, Starla Barker, has been providing environmental services to the City of Burbank for over 15 years while at her prior firm and continuing at De Novo Planning. Services provided have involved preparation of several CEQA documents including I nitial Study/Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports.

Fred Ramirez
Assistant Community Development Director
City of Burbank
Phone: (818) 238-5273
Email: [email protected]
Projects prepared in the last five years include:
• 2500 North Hollywood Way Dual Brand Hotel Project EIR • Madison Square Garden Media Studios Project Class 32 Categorical Exemption Report • 129 East Providencia Hotel Project IS/MND
City of Signal Hill
De Novo is currently providing on-call environmental services to the City of Signal Hill. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for various public and private projects in Signal Hill.

Carlos Luis
Planning Manager
City of Signal Hill
Phone: (562) 989-7360
Email: [email protected]
Projects prepared in the last five years include:
• 2550 Orange Avenue Industrial Project IS/MND
• 3201 Walnut Avenue Industrial Project IS/MND
City of Lake Forest Environmental Services
De Novo has provided on-call environmental services to the City of Lake Forest since 2019. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for various private projects in Lake Forest. Services provided have involved preparation of several CEQA documents including a Class 32 CEQA Exemption and Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declarations.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 54
Gayle Ackerman
Director of Community Development
City of Lake Forest
Phone: (949) 461-3463
Email: [email protected]
Projects prepared in the last five years include:
• 2040 General Plan and EIR
• 6th Cycle Housing Element CEQA Exemption
• Great Scott Landscape Facility IS/MND
• Lock & Leave Self-Storage Facility IS/MND
• Applied Medical Expansion and Bridge IS/MND
• Zone Change 03-22-551 Mixed-Use Zoning CEQA Exemption Report • Extra Space Storage Facility Class 32 Categorical Exemption Report City of Rancho Santa Margarita
De Novo has provided environmental documentation for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita’s General Plan Update, including several addendums to the General Plan Update EIR.

Wendy Starks, AICP
Senior Planner
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
Phone: (949) 635-1807
Email: [email protected]

Projects prepared in the last five years include:
• Addendum to the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update EIR for the Housing and Safety Elements Update
• Addendum to the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update EIR for the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element Rezoning Program
• Addendum to the Rancho Santa Margarita General Plan Update EIR for the Circulation Element Update

City of Fullerton
De Novo is currently providing on-call environmental services to the City of Fullerton. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for various private projects in Fullerton.

Services provided have involved preparation of several CEQA documents including an Environmental Checklist pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 and Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declarations.

Chris Schaefer
Planning Manager
City of Fullerton
Phone: (714) 738-6884
Email: [email protected]
Projects prepared in the last five years include:

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
55 • 1901 Via Burton Industrial Project 15183 CEQA Exemption Environmental Checklist • 1500 South Raymond Street Project IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach Environmental Services
De Novo is currently providing on-call environmental services to the City of Laguna Beach. In this capacity, De Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for various public and private projects in Laguna Beach . Services provided have involved preparation of several CEQA documents including a Class 5 and Class 32 CEQA Exemption, Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declarations, and Environmental Impact Reports.

Anthony Viera
Planning Manager
City of Laguna Beach
Phone: (949) 497-0398
Email: [email protected]
Projects prepared in the last five years include:
• 749 Marlin Drive IS/ND
• 2354 San Clemente Street IS/MND
• Riddle Park Categorical Exemption Report
• 820 Gainsborough Drive IS/MND

THIRD-PARTY PEER REVIEW
Included as Appendix B to this proposal, is a third-party peer review of an IS/MND and associated technical studies for a proposed warehouse project that De Novo conducted for the City of Norwalk. The project applicant request ed a Precise Development Plan to remove two existing multi -tenant industrial warehouse buildings totaling 89,870 square feet and to construct a 144,901 square foot warehouse building to include warehouse, office, and mezzanine spaces and 22 dock doors, as we ll as 150 parking space, on an approximately seven-acre site. An IS/MND was prepared to address the potentially significant environmental impacts which may result from the project.

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP 56

7. FEES/COST
The cost estimate for an individual project is based on a variety of factors including the type of environmental compliance document, required technical studies, and site and project attributes. Due to the on-call nature of the RFP, a cost estimate cannot be specifically determined at this time. Rate sheets are provided in a separate submittal document pursuant to the PlanetBids submittal requirements. The identified rates would be for the length of the contract.

Additional fees not identified are anticipated to include any California Department of Fish and Wildlife Environmental Filing Fees. We request the City secure any meeting facilities and equipment necessary for any community meetings or hearings.

Typical Direct Costs
Typical direct costs associated with preparation of environmental documents include the following. Please note that all direct costs are billed at-cost and are not marked-up. We also do not mark-up the fees of our subconsultants.
• Printing
• Mileage
• Postage
• County Filing Fees
• Data Collection
• Vehicle Counts

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
57 8. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
A copy of our insurance certificate is provided on the following page.

CONTRACT ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We request consideration of the revisions to the Professional Services Agreement identified below:

8. PERFORMANCE BY CONSULTANT.

Consultant shall perform all work under this Agreement with the care and skill used maintain or exceed the level of competency presently maintained by members of other similar practitioners working in the State of California, for professional and technical soundness, accuracy and adequacy of all work, advice and material furnished under this Agreement.

12. INDEMNIFICATION. Consultant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless City, its officers, agents, employees from any and all claims, liabilities, expenses, or consequential damages of any nature, including reasonable attorney’s fees to the extent resulting from any negligent act or any omission to act where a duty to act exists on the part of Consultant, its agents, officers, employees, subcontractors, or independent contractors hired by Consultant, in the performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. This indemnity shall apply to al l claims and liability regardless of whether any insurance policies are applicable. The policy limits do not act as a limitation upon the amount of indemnification to be provided by Consultant. This indemnity shall not apply if the claim arises out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of City, its officers, agents, employees or volunteers. Consultant assumes all risk of injury to Consultant’s employees, agents, and contractors, including loss or damage to property in the performance of its obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any claim alleging negligent performance by CONSULTANT, the CONSULTANT has no immediate obligation to provide the defense of the CITY. The CONSULTANT will reimburse indemnified parties their reasonable defense costs ultim ately determined to have been caused by the negligence of the CONSULTANT and proportionate to the degree of fault of the CONSULTANT.

SHOULD ANY OF THE ABOVE DESCRIBED POLICIES BE CANCELLED BEFORE

THE EXPIRATION DATE THEREOF, NOTICE WILL BE DELIVERED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY PROVISIONS.

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Inszone Insurance Services, LLC
2721 Citrus Road, Suite A
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Certificate Team
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License#: 0F82764
Certain Underwriter's at Lloyd's London
32727
DENOVOP-01
United Financial Casualty Co.
11770
De Novo Planning Group
1020 Suncrest Lane, Suite 106
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
Starstone Specialty Insurance Co.
44776
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29424
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4/29/2025
4/29/2026
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994357605
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The aforementioned coverage is provided to the extent in the attached forms for: City of Gardena.

City of Gardena
1700 West 162nd Street
Gardena CA 90247-3778

DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
City of Gardena Statement of Qualifications
RFQ No. 2026-03PL Environmental Consulting Services
59 APPENDIX A – RESUMES

EDUCATION

Masters, Urban and Regional
Planning, California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona

BA, Business Economics, University
of California, Riverside

ORGANIZATIONS

American Planning Association

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

American institute of Certified
Planners, 2009, No. 024079

Starla Barker, AICP, is a principal planner with De Novo Planning Group whose primary responsibilities are the management and preparation of environmental documents (Initial Studies, Negative Declaration, Environmental Impact Reports, and Environmental Assessments), as well as other planning documents including General Plans and Specific Plans . With over 20 years of professional planning experience Starla has successfully managed a wide range of projects with particular emphasis in General Plans, urban infi ll, downtown, and redevelopment projects. Utilizing her experience in community planning, Starla is regularly involved in land use and policy planning , including the development and implementation of community outreach programs, and frequently manages and prepares environmental clearance documents for citywide policy planning and redevelopment projects. Through her extensive experience in both policy and environmental planning, Starla is keenly aware of the interaction between the two and consistently takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to understanding planning and environmental issues and developing solutions.

General Plan Update and Rezoning EIR,
City of Lomita

Housing Element, Rezoning Program,
and ODS CEQA Compliance,
City of Laguna Hills

Housing and Safety Element Update
CEQA Compliance
City of Rancho Santa Margarita

Land Use Element, Zoning Code, and
Zoning Map Amendment CEQA
Compliance
City of Rancho Santa Margarita

General Plan and Zoning Update EIR
City of San Jacinto

Downtown Core EIR
City of Fontana

General Plan Land Use and Zoning
Amendments EIR
City of Gardena

General Plan Update EIR
City of La Verne

General Plan Update EIR
City of Lawndale

The Commons at Aliso Viejo IS/MND
City of Aliso Viejo

2500 North Hollywood Way Hotel EIR
City of Burbank

The Harper Mixed Use Project EIR
City of West Hollywood

385 Nyes Place IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach
Marlin Drive IS/ND
City of Laguna Beach

2354 San Clemente IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach

820 Gainsborough IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach

Hotel Development Standards GPA &
Zone Change IS/MND
City of Gardena

1500 Raymond Ave Industrial IS/MND
City of Fullerton

1901 Via Burton Industrial CEQA
City of Fullerton

General Plan Transportation &
Mobility Element Update ND
City of Bell Gardens

Applied Medical Expansion IS/MND
City of Lake Forest

Lock & Leave Self Storage IS/MND
City of Lake Forest

Melia Evergreen Residential IS/MND
City of Gardena

Olson Townhomes IS/MND
City of Gardena

2550 Orange Industrial IS/MND
City of Signal Hill

Paradise Chevrolet IS/MND
City of Temecula

Bedford Court IS/MND
City of Temecula

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

MA, City and Regional Planning,
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

BA, Political Science and History,
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

ORGANIZATIONS

American Planning Association

Association of Environmental
Professionals

Mr. Ritchie is a founding principal at De Novo Planning Group with over 20 years of experience. Mr. Ritchie’s expertise includes managing long range planning documents, completing complex and controversial CEQA documents, and facilitating community outreach and public communications efforts for the firm. His experience includes a variety of land use, transportation, and sustainability projects throughout California. Mr. Ritchie has extensive knowledge of the nuanced interplay between CEQA and long range planning, and he has assisted numerous communities with the establishment of planning strategies to achieve effective and legally defensible approaches to economic development, sustainability and streamlined development. Ben graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Master of City and Regional Planning.

Ben Ritchie

PRINCIPAL
General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Lake Forest

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of La Verne

General Plan Update, Zoning Code
Update, Climate Action Plan, and EIR,
City of San Jacinto

General Plan Update, Housing
Element, and EIR,
City of Brentwood

PA-1 Specific Plan and EIR,
City of Brentwood

General Plan and Zoning Code
Update, Housing Element, and EIR,
City of Sebastopol

General Plan Update, Housing
Element and EIR,
City of Cotati

General Plan Update, Housing
Element, Zoning Code Update and
EIR,
Colusa County

General Plan Update EIR and Climate
Action Plan,
City of Foster City

Sustainability Element and Climate
Action Plan EIR,
City of Elk Grove

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Campbell

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Milpitas

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Lakeport

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Manteca

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Lathrop
General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Jackson
General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Willows
General Plan Update and EIR,
Glenn County
General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Red Bluff

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

BS, Forestry and Natural Resources
Management,
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

ORGANIZATIONS

Licensed Real Estate Broker,
#01380263

Mr. McMurtry is a founding principal with De Novo Planning Group and is responsible for project management, preparation of land use plans, urban design, annexation plans, municipal services reviews, environmental documents, air quality modeling, noise studies, biological assessments, LESA modeling, regulatory permitting, litigation support, and expert witness testimony. He has successfully led multidisciplinary teams to complete hundreds of complex and controversial projects throughout California. Mr. McMurtry’s experience includes service in engineering and planning firms, as well as in the building industry where he was responsible for the acquisition, design, and construction of residential and infrastructure projects.

His experience encompasses public outreach/facilitation, policy/program development, document writing/processing, and permitting for local, state , an d federal projects. Because of his expertise, he has been called on for peer reviews, litigation support and expert witness testimony relative to environmental and CEQA issues.

Steve McMurtry

PRINCIPAL
South Lathrop Specific Plan EIR,
City of Lathrop

Truckee Planned Community 3
(Specific Plan 3) EIR,
Town of Truckee

Cannery Park Master Plan EIR,
City of Davis

Crossroads West Specific Plan EIR,
City of Riverbank

Lakepoint MND
City of Waterford

5175 Vincent Avenue EIR
City of Irwindale

Seraphina Initial Study/MND,
City of Temecula

LDS Church Initial Study/MND,
City of San Juan Capistrano

South Stockton Commerce Center
EIR,
City of Stockton

Whisper Ridge Hotel Resort and Golf
Course Master Plan EIR,
City of Oroville

Silverado Master Plan EIR,
City of Elk Grove

Mountain House Incorporation MND,
City of Mountain House

Shepherd North EIR,
City of Clovis
West Area Specific Plan EIR,
City of Salinas

Grocery Outlet EIR,
City of Fort Bragg

Union Ranch North EIR,
City of Manteca

Family Entertainment Zone Master
Plan EIR,
City of Manteca

Pilot Flying J EIR,
City of Tulare

Costco Depot EIR,
City of Tracy

Sunrise Tomorrow EIR,
City of Citrus Heights

CenterPoint MND
City of Brentwood

Davis Active Adult EIR,
City of Davis

Sierra Villages EIR,
City of Rocklin

Fullerton Ranch MND,
City of Lincoln

Martin Tivoli Subdivision MND,
City of Modesto

Placer County RTP EIR,
Placer County Transportation

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

JD, Law, Emphasis in Environmental
and Natural Resources Law, Lewis
and Clark Law School, Porland, OR

BS, Safety and Systems
Management, University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA

ORGANIZATIONS

California Bar Association

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Member, State Bar of California, 2000.

No. 210812

Christine Abraham is a principal planner with De Novo Planning Group and has almost two decades of experience in environmental planning and the preparation of CEQA documentation for private developers and public-sector clients throughout the California , including multiple on-call contracts . Christine has prepared and managed all levels of CEQA documentation for new developments, redevelopment and urban infill, education/inst itution, warehouse/logistics, infrastructure, renewable energy installations, planning documents, soil management plans, and projects with biological, cultural and tribal sensit ivity. Christine provides strategic guidance regarding the most a ppropriate lev el of CEQA documentation and technical studies required for each project and client, always focused on solutions and streamlining opportunities . In addition to document preparation and project management, Christine draws from her legal background, as a Member of the State Bar of California, to provide a thorough peer review of environmental documents to verify defensibility, as well as engaging in litigation support when needed. She is highly organized, excels in communication, and understands what it takes to successfully coordinate and lead multidisciplinary project teams for technically complex and controversial projects.

Christina Abraham

PRINCIPAL PLANNER
ConEdison Westside Battery Energy
Storage Project,
County of Imperial*

City of Vallejo Zoning Code EIR,
City of Vallejo*

General Plan Housing Element Update
Rezoning Program Supplemental EIR,
City of Corona*

Seaport San Diego Redevelopment
Project, Strategic Planning and Project
Definition
Gafcon, 1HWY1, Port of San Diego*

State Water Project Interconnection
Project, Addendum and Permitting,
City of San Buenaventura*

Great Park and Residential Project
Addendum, Updates to Monrovia
Nursery Specific Plan
City of Azusa*

World Logistics Center, Strategic
Planning and Mitigation Tracking
Highland Fairview and City of Moreno
Valley*

The Ranch Master Planned Residential
Community Project EIR,
City of Antioch*

UTC Former Rocketdyne Site Soil
Management Plan MND,
Los Angeles Regional Water Control
Board and City of Los Angeles*

Mowry Village Project EIR,
City of Newark*

Warner Centier Specific Plan
Projects, 4 CEQA Addenda
City of Los Angeles*

Home 2 Suites Hotel Projects MND,
City of Vacaville*

Park Parish Residential Project
Modified IS
City of Vacaville*

Leo Recycle Project MND,
City of San Jose*

World Oil No. 51 Project MND
City of San Jose*

Tractor Supply Company Retail Story
Project Modified IS,
City of Suisun City*

Redwood City Discovery Project
Modified IS,
City of Redwood City*

Olive View Middle School Project
MND,
Los Angeles Unified School District*

Colfax Charter Elementary School
MND,
Los Angeles Unified School District*

Westfield Escondido Signage and
Lighting Program MND,
City of Escondido*

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
* Project was completed by Ms. Abraham while she was employed at another environmental firm.

EDUCATION

BA, English Literature,
University of Washington, Seattle,
Washington

Master of Urban and Regional
Planning,
Cal Poly Pomona, Pomona, California

ORGANIZATIONS

Association of Environmental
Professionals
Ashley Brodkin brings a range of planning experience for public and private sector clients, including specific plans, general plans, land -use planning, policy development, outreach, zoning ordinance updates and CEQA projects. She is responsible for the preparation and management of environmental documents, as well as a wide variety of planning projects . Ashley has prepared and managed a variety of CEQA and NEPA documents for capital improvements, new developments, redevelopment and urban infill, warehouse/logistics, and public policy document projects , and a variety of planning projects including General Plans, Housing Elements, Specific Plans, Development Ordinance Updates , and entitlements.

With experience as both a private consultant and in public service, as well as experience in both policy and environmental planning, Ashley provides a holistic approach to projects and proactively problem solves.

Ashley Brodkin

SENIOR PLANNER
General Plan Update and EIR,
County of Orange

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of La Verne

General Plan Update, Zoning Update,
and EIR
City of San Jacinto

General Plan Update, Hawthorne Blvd
Specific Plan Update, Zoning Update
and EIR
City of Lawndale

General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Laguna Niguel

Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
City of Laguna Beach

Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
Glenn County

Downtown Core EIR
City of Fontana

General Plan Land Use and Zoning
Amendments EIR
City of Gardena

Ceanothus Drive Program EIR
City of Laguna Beach

749 Marlin Dr Road Extension IS/ND
City of Laguna Beach

2354 San Clemente St Project IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach

820 Gainsborough Dr Project IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach

1901 Via Burton §15183 Exemption
City of Fullerton

General Plan Land Use and Zoning
Amendments EIR
City of Gardena

Pilot Travel Center Project EIR
City of Perris

9001-9019 Long Beach Blvd
Residential Project IS/MND/EA
City of South Gate

2501 Rosecrans Project CERT
City of Gardena

Applied Medical Expansion IS/MND
City of Lake Forest

Circulation Element Update IS/ND
City of Bell Gardens

Shepherd North Project EIR
City of Clovis

Housing Element Update (6th Cycle)
IS/ND
City of Hawthorne

Sustainability Implementation
Program
City of Lake Forest

Housing Element Update (6th Cycle)
Cities of Glendale, Avalon, Indian Wells,
Rancho Santa Margarita, Stanton,
Westminster, Lake Forest, and
Temecula

Housing Ordinances Zoning Update
City of San Marcos

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance
City of Ventura

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

BS, Environmental Policy, Analysis
and Planning,
University of California, Davis

Elise has over 10 years of environmental consulting experience completing both CEQA and NEPA documentation in the public and private sectors , as well as collaborating on long-rang planning documents. Elise has worked on a variety of projects throughout California, including large -scale, controversial development projects, Specific and Master Plans, and General Plan Updates. Examples include the Costco Depot Annex Project EIR (City of Tracy), West Davis Active Adult Community EIR (City of Davis), College Park EIR (City of Rocklin), Sebastopol Zoning Code Update (City of Sebastopol), and City of Pittsburg General Plan Update. Her other skills include air quality modeling using the California Emissions Estimator Model (CalEEMod), California Natural Diversity Database and RareFind research, public outreach and facilitation, and project organization and management.

Elise Laws

SENIOR PLANNER
Sonoma Springs Specific Plan and EIR,
Sonoma County

Tra Vigne Development Project EIR,
City of Stockton

West Davis Active Adult Community
EIR,
City of Davis

College Park EIR,
City of Rocklin

5175 Vincent Avenue EIR,
City of Irwindale

South Lathrop SP EIR,
City of Lathrop

Truckee PC-3 SP EIR,
Town of Truckee

Pilot Flying J EIR,
City of Tulare

West Area Specific Plan EIR,
City of Salinas

Oakwood Trails EIR,
City of Manteca

Oakwood Landing EIR,
City of Manteca

Griffin Park Master Plan EIR,
City of Manteca

Calaveras SR 49 Land Use Study,
Calaveras Council of Governments

Sunrise Tomorrow Specific Plan EIR,
City of Citrus Heights

Crossroads West Specific Plan EIR,
City of Riverbank

Griffin Park Master Plan Project EIR,
City of Manteca

Milpitas General Plan Update,
City of Milpitas

Campbell General Plan Update,
City of Campbell

Manteca General Plan Update,
City of Manteca

Sebastopol Zoning Code Update,
City of Sebastopol

Legacy Trail CEQA and NEPA
Documents,
Town of Truckee

Pilot Flying J EIR,
City of Lathrop

Vineyards at El Dorado Hills,
El Dorado County

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

BA, Geography/Environmental
Studies
University of California, Santa Barbara

Mr. Cheung is a Principal Scientist with De Novo Planning Group and is responsible for technical analyses related to air quality, greenhouse gas, noise, vibration, and energy. Mr. Cheung has 20 years of experience preparing air pollutant emissions inventories, dispersion modeling, climate change and health risk assessments using a variety of computer data models. He has worked on hundreds of projects which include large-scale industrial, commercial, residential, infrastructure, school and recreational developments. He has extensive knowledge of the CEQA \NEPA regulatory process and impact assessment methodology established by the EPA, California Air Resources Board and other air quality management districts.

He leads our in-house air-quality, climate change, and noise/vibration services for CEQA\NEPA compliance. He also has performed third -party reviews for technical adequacy and CEQA compliance in support of legal efforts and government QA\QC. His substantial knowledge of impact quantification and regulations contributes to solu tions for reducing air quality, climate change and health risk impacts. Because of his expertise, he has been called on for legal support and expert witness testimony relative to environmental and CEQA issues.

Tin Cheung

PRINCIPAL SCIENTIST
Centennial Specific Plan
County of Los Angeles

Playa Vista Phase 1 Project/Master
Plan EIR
City of Playa Vista

Disneyland Forward EIR
The Walt Disney Company

Chevron Refinery Facilities
Improvement EIR
City of El Segundo, CA

BNSF 26th Street Project SCAQMD
Rule 1150 Permit
City of Vernon

LAX Runway Safety Area Air Quality
and Human Health Risk Report
City of Los Angeles

Feasibility Analysis for
Electrification of
Cargo/Maintenance/RON Aircraft
Parking Positions at LAX
Los Angeles World Airports

BNSF Environmental Compliance
for Cargo Handling Equipment,
State of California

BNSF/UPRR Mojave Subdivision
Tehachapi Rail Improvement,
City of Mojave

Kansas City Southern Rail Internal
Air Quality Audit
City of Shreveport

Civilian Reuse of the MCAS El Toro
and the Airport System Master Plan
EIR\EIS
City of Santa Ana

Health Risk Assessment for the Bay
Delta Conservation Plan
Sacramento-San Joaquin

Los Angeles Arena (Crypto.com
Arena)
City of Los Angeles

NFL Stadium Master Plan SEIR
City of Industry

First Solar Dust Suppression
Technical and Regulatory Lead
Desert Sunlight Solar Farm
Desert Center

Ontario General Plan Update EIR
City of Ontario

Bristol Street Roadway Widening
EIR
City of Santa Ana

Santa Ana Fixed Guideway EIR\EIS
City of Santa Ana

Harvest Landing Specific Plan EIR
City of Perris

Block at Orange Expansion EIR,
City of Orange

Universal Studios Master Plan
Universal City

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

BS, Environmental Policy Analysis
and Planning,
University of California, Davis

ORGANIZATIONS

American Planning Association

ACREDITATIONS

AICP
LEED AP O+M
Josh Smith, AICP, is a Senior Planner with De Novo. He has twelve years of experience and is responsible for the preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents (Initial Studies, Negative Declaration, Environmental Impact Reports, and Environmental Assessments), the development of air quality and greenhouse gas technical plans and r eports, and climate change planning for local governments .

Josh has extensive experience with air quality, greenhouse gas, and energy modeling, including criteria air pollutant and air dispersion modeling. Josh also has substantial experience developing Climate Action Plans, Energy Action Plans, and toxic air contaminant (TAC) Health Risk Assessments. He served as the primary technical analyst on the Pleasanton, Oakdale, and Hughson Climate Action Plans, and has managed EIRs such as the Manteca Annexation # 1 EIR, Placer County RTP EIR , and Amador County RTP EIR. Josh has additional expertise utilizing best-practice standards for developing greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and context-specific GHG mitigation measures, as well as developing custom air pollutant emissions calculators for complex projects.

Josh Smith, AICP, LEED AP

SENIOR PLANNER
5175 Vincent Avenue MND,
City of Irwindale

South Lathrop SP EIR,
City of Lathrop

Truckee PC-3 SP EIR,
Town of Truckee

Pilot Flying J EIR and HRA,
City of Tulare

Amador County RTP EIR,
Amador County Council of Governments

Placer County RTP EIR,
Placer County Regional Transportation
Planning Agency

Pilot Flying J EIR and HRA,
City of Lathrop

West Area Specific Plan EIR,
City of Salinas

Oakwood Trails EIR,
City of Manteca

Oakwood Landing EIR,
City of Manteca

Griffin Park Master Plan EIR,
City of Manteca

Legacy Trail CEQA and NEPA
Documents,
Town of Truckee

Sonoma Springs Specific Plan and
EIR,
Sonoma County

Sterling Apartments EIR,
City of Davis

Milpitas General Plan Update,
City of Milpitas

Campbell General Plan Update,
City of Campbell

Manteca General Plan Update,
City of Manteca
Manteca Annexation #1 EIR,
City of Manteca
Tra Vigne Development Project EIR,
City of Stockton

Gardena U-haul MND,
City of Gardena
Citrus Heights Sunrise Tomorrow EIR
City of Citrus Heights
Fullerton 1901 Via Burton MND
City of Fullerton
Pleasanton Climate Action Plan
City of Pleasanton*
Hughson Climate Action Plan
City of Hughson*
Hughson Climate Action Plan
City of Hughson*
Rialto Travel Center EIR and HRA
City of Rialto
Palmdale HRA
City of Palmdale

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
* Project was completed by Mr. Smith while she was employed at another planning firm

EDUCATION

Master of City and Regional
Planning,
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

BA, Political Science,
University of California, Los Angeles

ORGANIZATIONS

American Planning Association

Association of Environmental
Professionals

Congress for the New Urbanism

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

American Institute of Certified
Planners, 2023, No. 343661
Erik has worked on a diverse range of projects for public and private sector clients, with a focus on land-use planning, policy development , and environmental and sustainability planning. Erik provides project support in the preparation of CEQA documentation and long -range planning documents, including General Plans, Zoning updates , and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans . His background experience includes grassroots lobbying with a non-profit environmental organization and work in the legal field. Erik is passionate about serving communities and creating innovative work through place-based development strategies.

Erik Anderson, AICP

ASSOCIATE PLANNER
General Plan Update, Zoning Update,
and EIR
City of Lomita

General Plan Update and EIR
City of Laguna Niguel

General Plan Update, Zoning Update,
and EIR
City of San Jacinto

General Plan Update, Hawthorne Blvd
Specific Plan Update, and EIR
City of Lawndale

Zoning Update and Addendum to
General Plan EIR
City of Westminster

General Plan Land Use and Zoning
Amendments EIR
City of Gardena

Focused General Plan Update & EIR
City of Glendale

General Plan Update and EIR
City of Red Bluff

Downtown Core EIR
City of Fontana

Mountain House Incorporation IS/ND
San Joaquin County

SR-120 Interchange IS/MND
City of Lathrop/Caltrans

Circulation Element Update IS/ND
City of Bell Gardens

U-Haul Expansion IS/MND
City of Gardena

2354 San Clemente IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach

16800 Magnolia Addendum
City of Fountain Valley

1500 Raymond Ave Industrial IS/MND
City of Fullerton

1901 Via Burton Industrial CEQA
City of Fullerton

1941 White Avenue Mixed-Use CEQA
Exemption
City of La Verne

Grevillea-Imperial Hotel CE
City of Hawthorne

1105 East Valley Boulevard CE
City of San Gabriel

2500 North Hollywood Way Hotel EIR
City of Burbank

The Harper Mixed Use Project EIR
City of West Hollywood

168000 Magnolia Addendum
City of Fountain Valley

Paradise Chevrolet IS/MND
City of Temecula

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Cities of Laguna Hills, Rancho Santa
Margarita, and Glendora

Housing and Safety Element Update
City of Rancho Santa Margarita

Housing Element, Rezoning Program,
and ODS CEQA Compliance
City of Laguna Hills

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

BA, Political Science,
University of California, San Diego

Master of City and Regional
Planning,
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

ORGANIZATIONS

American Planning Association

Association of Environmental
Professionals

AWARDS

2023 City and Regional Planning
Outstanding Student Award

2023 Academic Award of Excellence,
APA Central Coast Division
Abdul holds a Master’s Degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. He brings a strong interest and comprehensive experience in environmental and long-range planning. Abdul has contributed to a wide range of public and private sector projects, focusing on environmental review, land use planning, and policy development. His work includes CEQA document preparation such as initial studies, environmental impact reports, and mitigated negative declaration documents. His long -range planning efforts includes General Plan Update, Zoning Code Update, and Local Hazard Mitigation Plan preparation. Abdul is excited to provide top quality environmental, land use and policy development to all communities and individuals.

Abdul Jama

ASSISTANT PLANNER
General Plan Update and EIR
City of Lomita

General Plan Update and EIR
City of Laguna Niguel

General Plan Update
City of Brea

General Plan Update
County of Orange

General Plan Update
Town of San Anselmo

General Plan Update EIR
City of Glendale

Dixon 257 EIR
City of Dixon

Housing Rezones EIR
City of Tracy

UC Villages EIR
City of Merced

Vineyard One EIR
City of Saratoga

Sustainability Implementation Program
City of Lake Forest

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Glendora

Grevillea-Imperial Hotel CE
City of Hawthorne

Riddle Field Park CE
City of Laguna Beach

The Commons IS/MND
City of Aliso Viejo

385 Nyes Place IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach

820 Gainsborough Drive IS/MND
City of Laguna Beach

Paradise Chevrolet IS/MND
City of Temecula

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

EDUCATION

Master of Urban and Regional
Planning,
University of California, Irvine

BA, Urban Studies,
University of California, Irvine

ORGANIZATIONS

American Planning Association
AWARDS

2024 Emerging Planning Leader
Award, American Planning Association
- Orange Section

2024 MURP Community Builder
Award, University of California, Irvine

Mia earned a Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine. Prior to joining De Novo, Mia gained experience in the public sector at the City of Rancho Santa Margarita. At De Novo, Mia provides project support including preparation of zoning code updates and research and policy development for General Plans and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. She also prepares environmental analysis i n support of CEQA documentation for a variety of policy and development projects. Mia is passionate about community engagement, equity, and facilitating sustainable cities. Mia currently serves as the Marketing Chair for the APA Orange Section and has been involved with the APA since 2021.

Mia Yuen

ASSISTANT PLANNER
* Ms. Yuen was involved with these projects while enrolled as a Graduate Student in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of California, Irvine

General Plan Update, Development
Code Update
County of Glenn

General Plan Update, Zoning Code
Update
City of La Verne

General Plan Update and EIR
City of Laguna Niguel

General Plan Update and EIR
City of Glendale

General Plan Update
County of Orange

General Plan Update
City of Brea

1404 Royal Oaks IS/MND
City of Duarte

Grevillea-Imperial Hotel CE
City of Hawthorne

2500 N Hollywood Way EIR
City of Burbank

Vineyard One EIR
City of Saratoga

Seraphina Residential CEQA
City of Temecula

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Laguna Hills

Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Rancho Santa Margarita*

Comprehensive Zoning Code Update
City of Eastvale*

RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE

FERNANDO SOTELO, TE

PRINCIPAL ENGINEER
Fernando Sotelo has extensive experience in CEQA and the technical aspects of transportation planning, including travel demand forecasting, traffic impact analyses, and parking demand studies. His professional experience with traffic and parking analyses includes several schools and a variety of land development uses, such as warehousing, mixed use, commercial, and recreation projects in Southern and Northern California. Fernando understands the complexities of transportation planning and has prepared transportation sections of environmental impact reports for major projects such as general plan updates and specific plans.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE
City of Moreno Valley; Transportation Analysis for the Moreno Valley Mall Redevelopment, Moreno Valley, CA. Fernando prepared the transportation analysis for the development of 1,800 residential units, 2 hotels, office, and retail buildings. Fernando served as the project manager to prepare a comprehensive analysis of potential impacts to transit, bicycle, pedestrian circulation, and an analysis of potential VMT impacts from a variety of land uses with the project. A complex trip generation and VMT assessment was prepared for the unique type of entertainment/lifestyle proposed uses and to account for trip reductions due to internal capture and walking/bicycle travel anticipated to occur given the mix of uses.

Costco Wholesale; Santa Clarita Fuel Facility Expansion, Santa Clarita, CA. Fernando served as the technical lead, traffic engineer, and project manager for transportation studies related to the proposed fuel facility relocation and expansion project. A detailed review of site access and internal vehicular circulation was performed. Analyses included comprehensive data collection including aerial imagery with drones, a review of existing traffic conditions and existing queues in the fuel facility egress area. Kittelson made several recommendations in order to improve traffic conditions with the existing and proposed fuel facility.

City of Fontana; Downtown Core Project; Fontana, CA. Kittelson developed a circulation plan with substantial modifications to the downtown area and prepared a transportation analysis for the proposed Downtown Core Project. The downtown area includes the Fontana Metrolink Station and City Hall. The project consists of transit-oriented development and changes to parking and an enhanced bike and pedestrian network to invigorate redevelopment and encourage a mixed-use environment. Kittelson provided conceptual designs to accommodate a substantial amount of traffic, bicycle and pedestrian activity in the area, while considering constraints with the available roadway right of way. Several concepts were considered including roundabouts at key intersections, angled and parallel parking configurations, and several bike and transit facility configurations.

Fernando served as Kittelson’s technical lead and project manager.

EDUCATION
• MS, Civil Engineering
(Transportation), University of
Southern California
• BS, Naval Engineering,
University of Sao Paulo, Brazil

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
25 LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
• Professional Engineer: CA
#TR2770

AFFILIATIONS
• Institute of Transportation
Engineers
• Orange County Traffic
Engineers Council

MICHAEL SAHIMI, AICP

SENIOR PLANNER
Michael Sahimi is a senior transportation planner with more than 10 years of experience conducting CEQA and non-CEQA multimodal transportation assessments for land use and transportation projects.

Michael has extensive experience in CEQA and the technical aspects of transportation planning, including vehicle operations analysis, VMT impact analysis, travel demand forecasting, and non-motorized assessments. His work in Southern California has also included active transportation planning, conceptual design, multimodal safety analysis, and community engagement.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE
City of Gardena; Multiple Development Projects; Gardena, CA.

Kittelson has prepared transportation analyses for multiple projects in Gardena. As part of these studies, Kittelson has conducted VMT impact analysis and local transportation assessments consistent with the City’s guidelines. This has included developing mitigation measures such as on-site transportation demand management strategies (TDM) to mitigate significant VMT impacts. Michael has served as the project manager for the following transportation studies in the city:
• Evergreen Row Townhomes
• 141st and Normandie Townhomes
• 1108 West 141st Street General Plan Amendment and Zoning Change
• Hotel Development Standards General Plan & Zoning Code Amendment Project
• Lab Five Soccer Center
• Gardena U-Haul Project.

City of Gardena; Housing Element Update; Gardena, CA. The City of Gardena Land Use Plan, Zoning Code & Zoning Amendment Project was a result of the City’s adoption of the 6th Cycle Housing Element for 2021-2029. As part of this process, the City’s consultant team prepared a full environmental impact report (EIR). Michael served as the project manager for the transportation analysis, which included both CEQA and non-CEQA assessments.

Los Angeles County; Museum of Natural History Foundation La Brea/Page Museum Master Plan Environmental Impact Report; Los Angeles, CA. Kittelson supported the environmental impact report (EIR) documentation for the proposed expansion and renovation of the George C. Page Museum and surrounding area. Michael led the transportation impact assessment of potential VMT, hazard, and policy impacts. The study also included local mobility analyses and identified off-site improvements for pedestrian, bicycle, and vehicle access to the site. The VMT evaluation for the museum expansion was performed using historical attendance information and data on typical recreation- related trips for the area.

EDUCATION
• Master of Urban and Regional
Planning, Transportation
Policy and Planning, University
of California, Los Angeles
• BA, Urban Studies, University
of California, Irvine
• BA, Criminology, Law, and
Society, University of
California, Irvine

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
12 LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
• American Institute of Certified
Planners: #32066

AFFILIATIONS
• American Planning Association

MINGMIN LIU, PE, RSP1

SENIOR ENGINEER
Mingmin Liu holds a master’s degree in civil engineering with a concentration in transportation and research experience on E-scooter trips and probe data analysis. In addition, she brings professional consulting experience on traffic operations and simulation analysis for traffic impact studies and freeways. Mingmin is skilled in making data- driven decisions for transportation challenges.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE
City of Roseville; Utility Operations Center; Roseville, CA. Kittelson prepared the traffic impact analysis and study in support of CEQA documentation for the City of Roseville's Environmental Utilities Department's Utility Operations Center project. The operations center will include an administration building and maintenance shop to house the division, fleet parking for garbage trucks and support vehicles, and a recycling, recovery, and transfer operation area. Mingmin led the traffic analysis and review and conducted trip generation and distribution.

Stonestown Galleria Environmental Impact Report; San Francisco, CA. This proposed project would replace an existing 40-acre site— including an 800,000 square-foot indoor retail shopping mall and 27 acres of surface parking lots—with a master-planned, multi-phased mixed residential and retail community. Kittelson led the transportation analysis and preparation of the transportation and circulation sections of the environmental impact report (EIR). Kittelson also conducted agency coordination, which included San Francisco Planning, SFMTA, Caltrans, and SamTrans, and provided written responses to public comments.

Mingmin built the Vistro model and helped with trip distribution and assignment to access transit delay metrics.

Port of Oakland; Oakland Airport Terminal Environmental Impact Report; Oakland, CA. As part of a consultant team working with the Port of Oakland, Kittelson is providing CEQA/NEPA transportation analysis for the proposed construction of a new terminal at Oakland Airport. Mingmin worked on the streetlight data analysis and the operation analysis for this project.

City of Burlingame; Life Science Building Evaluation; Burlingame, CA. Kittelson is evaluating project traffic generation and potential transportation demand management measures to reduce traffic, VMT and parking demand related to the proposed construction of a 267,000 sf of life science building in Burlingame. Mingmin conducted the trip generation and distribution as well as modeling for the capacity analysis for this project.

Confidential Client; Warehouse Gas Station Revisions; Fremont, CA.

Kittelson assisted a client in examining site planning options that would ease queuing issues around a gas station. Kittelson was responsible for traffic impact studies including trip generation and queuing evaluation, to support site planning.

EDUCATION
• MS, Civil Engineering, Purdue
University
• BS, Mechanical Engineering,
Rose-Hulman Institute of
Technology

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
8 LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
• Professional Engineer: IN
#12300062
• Road Safety Professional Level
1: #EH903732

AFFILIATIONS
• Institute of Transportation
Engineers
• Women in Transportation
Seminar

KAREN PHAN, AICP

PLANNER
A California native, Karen holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA and a bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley. Karen has experience in traffic operations, multimodal transportation planning, and safety work. Karen’s project experience includes traffic impact studies for residential and commercial developments, general plan updates, and complete streets projects.

PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Impact Sciences, Inc.; Fit 7 Lab Football Intensive Training Traffic Study; Baldwin Park, CA. Kittelson prepared a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) screening memorandum for the proposed Fit 7 Lab Football Intensive Training facility located in Baldwin Park, California. The project proposed demolishing an existing building to provide necessary parking and converting another existing building into a soccer training complex, and develop a total of five soccer fields, including one inside the building and four outdoors above the parking facility. As project manager, Karen reviewed existing conditions, researched the regulatory framework and cases of trip credit in similar studies, and prepared the VMT assessment in accordance with CEQA regulations.

City of Montebello; General Plan Update, Downtown Specific Plan, Environmental Impact Report, VMT Guidelines, and Bicycle Master Plan; Montebello, CA. Kittelson developed the updated mobility element for the City of Montebello General Plan Update and Downtown Specific Plan. Kittelson updated the mobility element’s goals, policies, and a circulation network to accommodate the City’s envisioned land use and circulation buildout. The plan provides an enhanced network of trails, improved pedestrian and bicycle mobility, and promoted a vibrant and walkable downtown area and near rail stations. Kittelson also prepared a citywide bicycle master plan as part of this effort. Karen conducted the CEQA and non-CEQA transportation analyses and assisted with developing the bicycle master plan vision, goals, and recommended improvements.

Costco Wholesale; Mission Viejo Gas Addition; Mission Viejo, CA.

Costco is proposing construction of a new 40-pump gas station at a parcel previously occupied by a large retail store. This addition would be a stand-alone gas station located approximately three miles from the nearest warehouse. Kittelson is assisting Costco with due diligence and City approvals as needed. Karen reviewed existing conditions, analyzed traffic operations at intersections and roadways, and prepared the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) assessment.

City of San Mateo; 1885 South Norfolk Street Traffic Study; San Mateo, CA. The project proposes the construction of a 260-unit, 5-story residential use building with a garage consisting of 325 on-site parking spaces. Karen conducted the traffic operations analysis, reviewed existing conditions, and prepared the VMT screening assessment.

EDUCATION
• Master of Urban and Regional
Planning, Transportation
Policy and Planning, University
of California, Los Angeles
• BA, Integrative Biology,
University of California,
Berkeley

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
3 LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
• American Institute of Certified
Planners: #35511
• Road Safety Professional, Level
1: #1684

AFFILIATIONS
• American Planning Association
• Women’s Transportation
Seminar

MAT Engineering, Inc.

ALEX TABRIZI, PE, TE
President

Staff Resume 1 | P a g e

Alex Tabrizi, PE, TE is a licensed civil engineer and licensed traffic engineer in the State of California and serves as the founding president of MAT Engineering, Inc. Mr. Tabrizi has worked professionally in the field traffic engineering and transportation planning/engineering since 2003. He received his bachelors of science degree in civil engineering with an emphasis on structural engineering from the University of California, Irvine.

Mr. Tabrizi has extensive experience in providing transportation planning and engineering consulting services and expertise to a wide range of clients including private sector, land developers, public agencies, various districts of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), and local governments. Mr. Tabrizi has completed and supervised preparation of hundreds of complex transportation planning and parking demand/utilization studies with successful track record in providing innovative, cost -effective and practical technical consulting services and solutions for politically sensitive, complex, and unique projects involving numerous stakeholders and requiring to meet accelerated project schedules.

As an Expert consultant to the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, Mr. Tabrizi assists the Board with development, maintenance, and validation of material for the Board's professional licensing examinations.

Mr. Tabrizi is also a member of the Traffic Engineering Occupational Analysis Task Force assisting the State's Board of Engineers in determining descriptive information about the tasks performed by Traffic Engineers in the industry and the knowledge standards required to adequately perform those tasks.

Mr. Tabrizi has performed transportation planning studies dealing with various stages of project development, such as signal warrant analysis, circulation analysis, full traffic impact analysis, roundabout analysis and parking studies. He has prepared traffic flow visual simulations combining measured vehicular and pedestrian volumes with aerial imagery to show existing and future traffic circulation for public understanding and discussion. Mr. Tabrizi has also completed a number of transportation engineering and roadway design projects ranging from preparing preliminary studies and reports such as Caltrans Project Reports (PR) and City street improvement concepts to final construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates for Caltrans highway improvement projects.

Mr. Tabrizi is knowledgeable in computer applications for transportation engineering and planning, including, AutoCAD, Microstation with InRoads, Traffix, HCS, Synchro/ SimTraffic, and aaSIDRA.

Registration:
2011, Civil Engineer, CA, 78923
2014, Traffic Engineer, CA 2722

Years of Experience: 21

Education:

B.S., 2005, Civil Engineering, University of
California, Irvine

Certifications:

ASCE, On-Site Circulation Design

ITE, Intersection Safety and Geometric Design
- Sight Distance

SIDRA, Roundabout Analysis

Professional History:

MAT Engineering, Inc. – President, Present

California Board for Professional Engineers,
Land Surveyors & Geologists - Expert Consultant
& Traffic Engineering Occupational Task Force
Member, 2016-Present

RK Engineering Group, Inc. – Principal, 2014-
2022

RBF Consulting – Associate, 2005-2014

Urban Crossroads, Inc. - Engineering Aide, 2003-
2005

Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 818-458-1162

EDUCATION
M.A., Anthropology,
California State University,
Los Angeles, 2013
B.A., Anthropology,
California State University,
Northridge, 2003

CERTIFICATIONS
Registered Professional
Archaeologist (RPA)
County of Riverside –
Certified Archaeologist
County of Santa Barbara –
Certified Archaeologist

PROFESSIONAL

AFFILIATIONS
California Preservation
Foundation
Society of Architectural
Historians
National Trust for Historic
Preservation

Samantha Murray, MA, RPA

CULTURAL RESOURCES DIRECTOR
Samantha Murray is the cultural resources director at South Environmental and a principal archaeologist and architectural historian with over 19 years of experience in all elements of cultural resources management, including project management and significance evaluations in consideration of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and local -level designation criteria. Ms. Murray has conducted thousands of cultural resources studies throughout California.

Ms. Murray meets the Secretary of the Interior’s Professional Qualification Standards for both History and Archaeology. She is an expert in preparation of cultural resources compliance documentation for projects that fall under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) , National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Ms. Murray has served as an expert witness in legal proceedings concerning historical resources under CEQA.