1 McKay, Ann Marie CC
Subject: Appeal A - 31526 Valido Road
From: steve kawaratani
Sent: Saturday, May 9, 2026 8:22 AM
To: Mark Orgill; Jones, Hallie <[email protected]>; Kempf, Sue ; Alex Rounaghi; Whalen, Bob Cc: Kiff, Dave CM <[email protected]>; Garibaldi, Megan AO <[email protected]>; Schneider, Matthew CD <[email protected]>; Viera, Anthony CD <[email protected]>; Steven, Heather CD <[email protected]>; McKay, Ann Marie CC <[email protected]> Subject: Appeal A - 31526 Valido Road
Good morning Mayor Orgill and Council Members,
Happy Mother’s Day weekend to those of you celebrating.
I represent the property owner and applicant team for the proposed project currently under appeal. After three Design Review Board hearings and four separate historic resource assessments, the DRB approved the application on a 4-1 vote. Additionally, by a 3-1 majority, the architectural historians concluded that the property does not meet the definition of a historic resource under CEQA nor qualifes under the City’s Historic Preservation Ordinance.
Based upon the substantial evidence in the record, we respectfully request that the City Council support the DRB’s approval and uphold City staff’s recommendation to deny the appeals.
The first appeal asserts that the project creates privacy concerns, an issue the DRB addressed through conditioned approval. In addition, following discussions with the appellant, the project architect has proposed further refinements to the layout intended to enhance privacy protections.
I am available to meet at the property beginning Tuesday, in advance of the Council hearing, and would also be available to discuss the application at your convenience.
The preponderance of the evidence clearly demonstrates that both appeals should be denied, allowing the applicant to move forward with the proposed new residence.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Steve
949.290.0210