CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
Request for Proposals
On-Call Environmental Planning Services
March 19, 2025
Procurement Contact:
Michele Arima, Buyer
City of Santa Clarita
Community Development Department
23920 Valencia Boulevard
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
0 TABLE OF CONTENTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 0-1
RESPONSE FILE 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1-1 2. Qualifications ........................................................................................................................ 2-1 3. Experience on Similar Projects ............................................................................................... 3-1 4. References ............................................................................................................................ 4-1 5. Program Management and QA/QC ........................................................................................ 5-1 6. Personnel, Equipment, and Facilities ..................................................................................... 6-1 7. Sub-Consultants .................................................................................................................... 7-1 Appendix A: Resumes COST FILE The Cost File is provide under a separate cover
1. Introduction March 19, 2025 Michele Arima City of Santa Clarita Purchasing 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 300 Santa Clarita, CA 91355-2196 [email protected] RE: RFP to Provide On-Call Environmental Planning Services (#PL-24-25-17) Dear Ms. Arima, EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. (“EcoTierra”) is pleased to present this Request for Proposal (“RFP”) to Provide On-Call Environmental Planning Services to the City of Santa Clarita (“City”). This RFP has been prepared in response to the RFP issued by the City of Santa Clarita, dated February 13, 2025. Our submission consists of the following: two electronic files, “Response File” and “Cost File” of the proposal submitted to the City. EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. (EcoTierra) is an S-Corporation environmental consulting firm that has been in business for nearly 14 years and specializes solely in environmental analysis and documentation for public and private sector clients. The founding Principals, Curtis Zacuto and Craig Fajnor, incorporated the firm in California on June 8, 2010, after previously serving as the Senior Vice Presidents for a Southern California Environmental firm. Mr. Zacuto and Mr. Fajnor have over 75 years of collective experience in CEQA and NEPA compliance and document preparation. EcoTierra is comprised of nine experienced professionals with extensive experience as planning professionals. Our team has collectively provided consulting services on hundreds of projects. EcoTierra has three office locations in California: Los Angeles, Westlake Village and Walnut Creek. Project staffing for the City of Santa Clarita On-Call Environmental Planning Services would primarily be out of the Los Angeles office, with technical staffing assigned to projects on a case-by-case basis. Like many businesses now, EcoTierra staff collaborate virtually on projects throughout the state and physical location does not necessarily determine project staffing. Curtis Zacuto, Principal (and President) is located in Westlake Village, California. Craig Fajnor, Principal (and Vice-President and CFO) is located in Los Angeles, California. Office locations are shown below. Corporate Office: Los Angeles Walnut Creek Office Westlake Village Office 633 W. 5th Street, 26th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90071 (213) 235-4770 2244 Oak Grove Road, #30178 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (510) 459-9337 5776-D Lindero Canyon Road #414 Westlake Village, CA 91362 (818) 356-9496 Michele Arima City of Santa Clarita March 19, 2025 Page 2 EcoTierra Consulting 5776 D Lindero Canyon Road #414 Westlake Village, CA 91362 (818) 356-9495 EcoTierra is comprised of nine experienced CEQA/NEPA professionals with extensive environmental analysis experience. Our professional staff brings a reliable combination of knowledge and experience to each project. As a team of professionals who have collectively provided consulting services on hundreds of projects, successfully and efficiently guiding them through the environmental clearance process, EcoTierra staff has earned a reputation for comprehensive, thorough, and conscientious work. It is our understanding that the City currently maintains an on-call environmental planning bench and seeks to enter new contracts when the existing contracts expire. Due to the volume of expected CEQA documents, the City desires to establish on-call contracts with one or more consultants to provide these services. Services would include the review and/or preparation of technical studies and CEQA documents for development projects proposed by private entitlement applicants. The preparation of annexations, code amendments, and other policies and programs. The implementation of CEQA documents through mitigation monitoring and related services. To conduct field monitoring services as needed, and to provide expert guidance and advice regarding environmental planning to the City as needed. EcoTierra has teamed with South Environmental, Inc., to provide biological services, Cogstone Resource Management, Inc. to provide cultural, and tribal cultural services, Converse Consultants, Inc. to provide geotechnical and hazards and hazardous materials services, and Linscott, Law, & Greenspan, Engineers, Inc. (LLG) to provide traffic and transportation services. As a team, we provide a complementary skill sets that together will provide the City with the highest level of assurance that the technical analysis will be accurate and defensible and that resources will be used efficiently to provide the environmental clearance for projects, as needed by the City. We appreciate the opportunity to submit this qualification and are very excited about the prospect of working with you on future projects and assignments in the City of Santa Clarita. As a founding Principal and President, I will be the primary point of contact for this proposal as well as all potential future work. I have read understood and agreed to all statements in this Request for Proposals. The proposal is a firm offer for a 180-day period. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or require any additional information regarding this proposal. I may be reached at the contact information listed below. Sincerely, EcoTierra Consulting, Inc.
Curtis Zacuto, Principal EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. 633 W. 5th Street, 26th Floor Los Angeles, California 90071 (818) 356-9496 (direct line); (805) 907-2342 (cell phone) [email protected] No Fax Number
2 QUALIFICATIONS
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FIRM BACKGROUND AND QUALIFICATIONS EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. (EcoTierra) is an environmental consulting that specializes solely in environmental analysis and documentation for public and private sector clients. We are staffed by experienced professionals who are accessible and responsive to all of our client’s needs. The founding Principals, Curtis Zacuto and Craig Fajnor, established the firm in June, 2010, after previously serving as the Senior Vice Presidents for a noted Southern California firm. EcoTierra’s success is based upon the success of projects and partnerships that EcoTierra builds with each client. EcoTierra’s professional staff brings a reliable combination of knowledge and experience to each client’s project. As a team of professionals who have collectively provided consulting services on hundreds of projects, successfully and efficiently guiding them through the environmental clearance process, EcoTierra staff has earned a reputation for comprehensive, reliable, and conscientious work. Our Principals and staff work on projects within established budgets while providing necessary and complete environmental analysis. As consultants, we typically outline various paths for environmental clearance with thoughtful discussion resulting in a recommend option that is best for the project and client. Through the experience of working with a wide array of agencies and environmental specialists, EcoTierra staff have developed a process in coordination with these agencies to determine the correct type of CEQA process, analysis, and compliance that is needed for each project. This includes working with the agencies to develop the correct thresholds, and the specific project details that need to be analyzed for a specific project. Not all projects require full in-depth analysis on every CEQA topic. We work with the agency on targeting the topics of concern related to the project, it’s setting and potential conflicts, in particular with neighboring buildings, residents and communities. For example, we’ve prepared EIRs focusing on a single topic or limited topics. Our staff has extensive and broad experience with many public jurisdictions working closely to prepare the appropriate environmental document. To successfully move a document through environmental review, it’s imperative for us to know and understand that jurisdiction’s governmental process. As consultants, we’ve become adept to quickly learning a particular agency’s approval process as it’s necessary for the client and project to move along as efficiently as possible. We have experience working within the many jurisdictions, mainly Southern California. We have experience using the CEQA process to address various environmental issues facing a particular project and community. As an example, we have used the CEQA process to address project design issues that would have potential negative effects on the surrounding/local community. Recently, EcoTierra has worked closely with project applicants on large-scale, high-profile projects in downtown Los Angeles (Wilshire Grand and The Reef projects) and in the Universal City area (Metro Universal project) that included extensive off-site commercial signage programs. Based on a framework for impact analysis that EcoTierra developed, EcoTierra worked with the project teams to modify initial designs for signage programs in a manner specifically intended to avoid impacts on surrounding communities. Taking into account the types and size of signs, lighting, animation, and elevation, EcoTierra was successful in convincing project applicants to focus signage primarily at the street level and away from residential areas to minimize impacts on adjacent residences, as well as more distant communities, while still accomplishing the primary goals of the proposed signage. For instance, program modifications included reduced animation and lighting levels for higher elevation signs, coupled with changes in orientation of lower level signs to more effectively connect with target audiences. This “win-win” approach met the needs of both the project applicants and the surrounding communities and resulted in the approval of the signage programs by the cognizant City authorities. Not all projects require full in-depth analysis on every CEQA topic. We work with the agency on targeting the topics of concern related to the project, it’s setting and potential conflicts, in particular with neighboring buildings, residents and communities. For example, we’ve prepared EIRs focusing on a single topic or limited topics. One particular case
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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involved a residential development in Hollywood that included as part of the project an historic building. The EIR focused on Cultural Resources/Historic as the single topic for in-depth analysis. Though it was a focused EIR, we proposed to analyze the rest of the CEQA topics to the level of an Initial Study to ensure the decision- makers and the general public were well informed of the entire environmental consequences of project development. Our staff has prepared several EIRs for a number of these projects that involved development on vacant land requiring biological resource investigations. One particular project in the City of Ridgecrest was adjacent to a drainage ditch that appeared to be not much of a habitat and the project would involve some modifications to accommodate the development. The biologists that we hired found a sensitive animal species (burrowing owls) to be using the drainage ditch and area as habitat. As such, our EIR involved identification of the species and worked with the applicant and the City to ensure the habitat wouldn’t’ be disturbed and the project drainage was re-designed as such. On another case, we prepared a full-issue EIR on a proposed development in downtown Santa Monica. The project involved a mixed- use development (hotel, housing, office, retail, parking) on a site owned by the City with two historic buildings. The public scoping meeting revealed the public’s concern of a proposed tall, massive building on public land and wished for the site to be developed as a public park. Based on discussions with City staff, it was determined to analyze two public park CEQA alternatives (one developing the site as a park and the other with a park and limited development). We recognize that each project is unique and have different issues of concern, whether it be historic, public services/utilities, or biological resources. As part of our process, EcoTierra staff would work in coordination with City of Santa Clarita planning staff to determine the correct course of action and CEQA documentation that is required for each project, thereby limiting the chances of future litigation right from the start of the project. SERVICES AND CAPABILITIES EcoTierra provides a range of environmental consulting services. We have extensive environmental analysis experience, from the initial project scoping process to responding to public comments and attending hearings. We have the capability of providing the services as requested in the City’s RFQ: § Technical Reports and Peer Review: EcoTierra can provide internally preparation and/or peer review of aesthetic and visual impacts, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, health risk assessments, noise and wildland fire. We would utilize the Applicant prepared studies for hydrology and water quality data. For the other requested technical reports (biological resources, cultural resources, geotechnical, hazards and hazardous materials, and transportation/traffic), EcoTierra has teamed with subconsultants, identified below, to assist in the preparation and/or peer review of these technical topics. § Environmental Documents: EcoTierra can provide the following: - Categorical Exemptions; Environmental Assessments and Initial Studies, in support of Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, or Environmental Impact Reports; - Environmental Impact Statements and Environmental Impact Reports - Reevaluations, Addenda, and Subsequent and Supplemental Environmental Impact Reports/Statements § In addition, EcoTierra can provide notices and other documents, if the City requires such assistance: - Findings of No Significant Impact - Findings of Fact
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
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- Notices of Intent to Adopt - Records of Decision - Notices of Determination - Statement of Overriding Considerations § Mitigation Monitoring: EcoTierra can provide mitigation monitoring with periodic updates to MMRPs and provide field services as required. § Meetings and Consultation: EcoTierra staff will be available to attend kickoff and other meetings including public scoping meetings and commission hearings, whether virtual or in person; arrange and/or conduct site visits; and consult with City, Caltrans, or other agency staff throughout the environmental evaluation process. § General Assistance: EcoTierra can provide guidance, options, opinions, and strategies related to environmental issues in support of City and private development projects. We will utilize our subconsultants to supplement the possible range of environmental topics. EcoTierra is responsible for all document preparation tasks, including quality review of all technical analyses, ensuring compliance with style, format, and content requirements of responsible and lead agencies; review of technical methodologies; and development of new methodologies as appropriate to meet the specific needs of projects. Additionally, since EcoTierra specializes solely in environmental analysis and documentation, the project management staff can apply all available resources towards regularly upgrading our analytical approach and quality standards. EcoTierra’s environmental documents are prepared to the standards and requirements of CEQA, the State CEQA Guidelines, the Office of Planning and Research guidelines, state planning and zoning laws, and applicable lead agency regulations. Environmental documents are always prepared in a manner that meets EcoTierra’s exacting standards of quality, with specific emphasis placed on a clear and substantive writing style. EcoTierra approaches the preparation of environmental documents with an emphasis on quality and thoroughness of analysis to fully analyze and disclose potential environmental impacts. Our professional staff brings a reliable combination of knowledge and experience to each client’s project. As a team of professionals who have collectively provided consulting services on hundreds of projects, successfully and efficiently guiding them through the environmental clearance process, EcoTierra staff has earned a reputation for comprehensive, thorough, and conscientious work and are prepared to identify and address an extensive range of environmental issues. EcoTierra has the capacity to perform the required services and is sufficiently staffed and outfitted to perform the required services. IDENTIFICATION OF SUB-CONSULTANTS EcoTierra is teaming with the following firms which have the capacity to prepare technical reports and/or perform peer reviews of technical reports provide by the City and the applicant: • South Environmental, Inc. (Biological Resources) • Cogstone Resource Management, Inc. (Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources) • Converse Consultants, Inc. (Geotechnical and Hazards and Hazardous Materials) • Linscott Law & Greenspan, Inc. (Traffic and Transportation)
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 2-4 Please refer to Section 7, Sub-Consultants, for qualifications including staff short resumes. 3 EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-1
ECOTIERRA PROJECT EXPERIENCE Santa Clarita continues to grow, expand and redevelop properties and as we understand the city includes residential subdivisions, retail/commercial/shopping centers, multi-family development, commercial/industrial development and specific plans. We have carefully provided examples of our work that would be similar type of environmental review of development projects as those that would possibly be proposed in Santa Clarita such as residential subdivisions, retail development, and commercial/studios. The City is requesting firms to provide: § Technical Reports and Peer Review (Prepare technical reports; or peer review applicant prepared reports) § Environmental Documents (Preparation of CEQA and NEPA documents) - Categorical Exemptions - Initial Studies in support of Negative or Mitigated Negative Declarations (including Addendums) - Environmental Impact Reports (new EIRs, EIR Addendums, Supplemental/ Subsequent EIRs) - Environmental Assessments - Environmental Impact Statements § Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting (Services: preparing the reporting; monitoring of projects) Subconsultant project experience is provided in section 7, Subconsultants. Below are examples of projects showing the depth of our CEQA environmental experience: Local Experience Neighborhood Self Storage (City of Santa Clarita) EcoTierra staff is currently preparing and IS/MND for the City of Santa Clarita for the Neighborhood Self-Storage Facility Project located at 26639 Valley Center Drive, in the City of Santa Clarita. The existing Project Site is approximately 2.26 acres of undeveloped land. The proposed Neighborhood Self-Storage Facility Project (proposed Project) would construct a three-story, 144,333 square-foot self-storage facility. Keystone (City of Santa Clarita) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR on a proposed 246--acre subdivision that consisted of 979 dwelling units (96 single--family and 216 multi--family), 667 townhouse units, 1,600--student middle school and 30,000 square foot community fitness facility. The proposal included a trail system and parks as well as a connector road to provide access to the site. Community concerns were associated with potential cut-through traffic in existing residential neighborhood and visual impacts. Other Local Experience (City of Santa Clarita) Mr. Zacuto was involved in the preparation of the first General Plan for the newly formed City of Santa Clarita. Duties included preparation of Land Use and Housing Elements that involved creating existing data base by conducting land use and housing surveys; preparation of materials for the General Plan Advisory Committee; preparation of maps of the planning area (from Stevenson Ranch are to Acton and Castaic areas) and preparation of goals and policies. Mr. Zacuto was involved in the preparation of Newhall Ranch EIR. Duties included preparation of the Land Use, Population and Housing, Public Services and Utilities sections of the EIR. This work effort involved research that involved interviews with various agencies such as school districts (elementary and high school districts), L.A. County Sheriff, L.A. County Fire Department, Water Agencies, L.A. County Public Works (Landfills, Wastewater), SCAG (for population, employment, housing data) to name a few responsibilities.
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
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Technical Reports and Peer Review Experience We have prepared numerous technical reports and peer review project experience and the following are some recent examples: Technical Reports: 511 S. Oak Knoll Avenue Technical Studies (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra is currently preparing Air Quality and Noise technical reports for the City of Pasadena. The Project Site is currently vacant with no development. Implementation of the Project would involve removal of 12 trees on site, which would include four protected trees (Nos. 2, 8, 11 and 12) with anticipated impacts to one tree (No. OP-1). The Project would include construction of a new 56,019 square-foot multi-family residential building with 46 units and one level of subterranean parking with 67 parking spaces. 860 Ladera Street and 500 Cordova Street Technical Studies (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra has recently prepared Air Quality and Noise technical reports for the City of Pasadena. The applicant has submitted an entitlement application (Minor Conditional Use Permit) to facilitate the relocation of an existing building identified as individually eligible for landmark designation from 500 Cordova Street to 860 Ladera Street. The portion of the structure to be relocated is one-story and 672 square-feet in area. After relocation, a rear 795 square-foot addition, a new 433 square-foot detached garage, and a 591 square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) would be constructed. 170 N. Halstead Street Technical Studies (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra has recently prepared Air Quality and Noise technical reports for the City of Pasadena. The Project Applicant has submitted an application to a new seven-story, , 52,890 square foot 100 percent affordable housing project consisting of 48 units with nine parking spaces and eight bicycle spaces in a ground level parking garage. Access to the parking and bicycle parking would be from a shared driveway on the south side of the property with direct access to N. Halstead Street. The development will include ground level administrative office, laundry facility and a computer room with access to an outdoor children’s play area (approximately 600 square feet). The second level of the facility will include a community room with residential units and residential units located on the upper floors, 3rd through 7th. 256 N. Michigan Avenue Technical Studies (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra has recently prepared Air Quality and Noise technical reports for the City of Pasadena. The Project includes demolition of an existing 7,500 square foot (SF) surface parking lot and construction of a 3-story, 33,667 SF, 34-unit apartment complex with a 71-space, 31,848 SF subterranean parking structure, on 0.78 acres. The project is anticipated to be built in one phase with project construction to start no sooner than June 2022 and take approximately 2 years to complete. The Project is anticipated to be operational in 2024. The Project would include approximately 14,000 cubic yards (CY) of export. 16955 Sherman Way Technical Studies (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra recently prepared Air Quality and Noise technical reports for the City of Los Angeles. The proposed project is for construction, and operation of an approximately 116,191 SF mixed use building (110,891 sf residential and 5,300 sf retail), with a maximum height of 48 ft and 4 stories, including a two-level subterranean garage containing 160 residential automobile parking spaces and 22 retail parking spaces. The residential component will provide 111-unit apartments.
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
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Peer Review: Locust Gateway EIR Peer Review (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra team is currently reviewing a warehouse EIR project for the City of Rialto. The owner, Brookfield Properties, is proposing to develop a 666,265-square foot (sf) warehouse with have 656,265 sf of warehouse space, 5,000 sf of office space, and 5,000 sf of an office mezzanine, with a fence-secured dock area comprised of 82 dock doors. The Project would also include 291 standard parking stalls, 8 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) stalls, and 74 electric vehicle (EV) stalls for a total of 373 stalls. In addition to the warehouse, the Project would also include a gate-secured truck trailer parking lot with 372 stalls in the eastern portion of the Project Site. Santa Ana Truck Terminal EIR Peer Review (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra team is finishing the EIR review for the City of Rialto the proposed Santa Ana Truck Terminal EIR. The project site is located at 249 East Santa Ana Avenue in the City of Rialto. Project would allow for the development of a truck terminal, maintenance shop, and associated on-site improvements on an approximately 45.7-acre project site. The Project proposes an approximately 172,445 square foot (sf) truck terminal building with 292 bays and approximately 5,890 sf of office space and an approximately 18,700 sf maintenance shop with 8 bays and 890 sf of office space. Approximately 140 employees are anticipated to be employed by Project operations. The Project includes the review of a Precise Plan of Design for one truck terminal and one maintenance shop totaling approximately 191,145 square feet and a Conditional Development Permit for the development of a truck terminal. Olive Grove Development Project EIR Peer Review (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra team reviewed the City of Rialto the proposed Olive Grove Development Project EIR. The project site is at 911 – 1093 Baseline Road, approximately 340 feet east of Fitzgerald Avenue on approximately 3.16 acres. The Project would allow for the development of a campus oriented industrial project with two primary, divisible, buildings with associated surface parking and landscaping. The Project proposes 679,607 square feet (sf) of buildings, 505 automobile parking stalls, and 122 trailer parking stalls. A single parcel would be subdivided into two parcels to allow each industrial warehouse building to be on a separate parcel. Birtcher Logistics Center EIR Peer Review (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra team reviewed the City of Rialto the proposed Birtcher Logistics Center EIR. The project site is located in the southeast portion of the City of Rialto. The Project would result in the redevelopment of the Project Site as a warehouse distribution building with approximately 492,410 square feet of building area. The Project would include a cargo loading area (within an enclosed truck court with loading docks on the west side of the proposed building), parking areas, landscaping, signage, and lighting. The discretionary actions under consideration by the City of Rialto to implement the project. Los Angeles World Airports Bus Yard Relocation Technical Reports Peer Review (Los Angeles World Airports) EcoTierra provided peer review of technical reports and a CEQA exemption for a project to relocate an existing bus yard to another location within the LAX airfield. New facilities included an airfield service bus lot; an office building; an employee parking lot; an industrial station and power supply; vehicle chargers for electric-powered buses; and security and lighting facilities. The existing Bus Yard Facility was insufficient to accommodate a larger fleet of longer articulated electric buses as well as the necessary electrical infrastructure to transition to an all-electric bus fleet within a single facility. EcoTierra provided QA/QC of the exemption documents and prepared comments and edits for use by the project team.
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-4
5665 Plaza Drive Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration Peer Review (City of Cypress) EcoTierra provided peer review of an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (IS/MND) and a Draft EIR prepared for the 5665 Plaza Drive Project, which included the demolition of an existing five-story office building and construction of a new light industrial building containing warehouse and office space and providing 25 truck loading. EcoTierra reviewed and provided comments on CEQA legal requirements and procedures, and air quality, greenhouse gas and noise analyses prepared for the project. Inglewood Basketball and Events Center Project AB 987 CEQA Streamlining (City of Cypress) EcoTierra provided peer review of the AB 987 (CEQA Streamlining) application for the Inglewood Basketball and Events Center (IBEC) Project, which involved construction of a new basketball and entertainment center and related development in the City of Inglewood, California. The proposed IBEC Project included a new arena and performance venue that could be configured for concerts, other sporting events, family shows, conferences, and civic and community events; practice and training facility; office space; and ancillary development including a sports medicine clinic, and retail, restaurant, community space and hotel uses. EcoTierra reviewed and commented on the greenhouse gas, regional land use plans and policies, and solid waste and recycling facilities sections of the application. Port of Los Angeles Southern California International Gateway (SCIG) Technical Reports Peer Review (Port of Los Angeles) EcoTierra reviewed a technical report for the Southern California International Gateway involving construction and operation of a new near-dock intermodal rail facility that would handle containerized cargo transported through the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The report was prepared in response to a court decision and disclosed information related to the off-site ambient air pollution concentration impacts of the project. EcoTierra provided QA/QC of the text of the report and prepared an Executive Summary that presented the highly technical information in the report in an understandable format to facilitate public review. Port of Los Angeles Yang Ming EIR Peer Review (Port of Los Angeles) EcoTierra reviewed Draft EIR sections (Aesthetics, Land Use, Public Services, Utilities) for the Yang Ming Terminal Project at the Port of Los Angeles, an expansion of an existing cargo handling terminal. EcoTierra reviewed the sections for CEQA adequacy, provided QA/QC and provided recommended revisions to the Port’s templates for EIR sections. CEQA and NEPA Documents Notices of Exemption/Categorical Exemptions We have prepared numerous exemptions and the following are some recent examples: 39 Commons Retail Development CE (City of Anaheim) EcoTierra prepared a categorical exemption on a new residential project in the City of Anaheim. Project implementation would involve demolition of the house and garage and develop a 12-unit small lot single-family residential subdivision. The proposed lots range from 3,463 square feet (sf) to 4,336 sf in size with 2-story, 4-bedroom single family detached homes ranging from 2,374 sf to 2,580 sf. Dale Avenue CE (City of Anaheim) EcoTierra prepared a categorical exemption for the City of Anaheim. The Project includes the construction of 18 single-family, attached homes grouped into three buildings (Building 1, Building 2, and Building 3). The proposed homes would total 24,915 square-feet.
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-5
924-930 S. Park View Street CE (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared a categorical exemption for the City of Los Angeles. The Project would consist of demolishing the two residential structures and developing the Project Site with a new 65-unit multi-family building, in 6-stories and 1 subterranean level (2 levels of parking- one ground level and one subterranean) 75 feet tall. The building would be approximately 48,591 square feet, with a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 4.5:1. Approximately 69 vehicular parking spaces would be provided on the basement (subterranean level) and the first floor of the building. 1246 S. Hope Street CE (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared a categorical exemption for the City of Los Angeles. The Project involves the demolition of the existing three (3) light manufacturing buildings and surface parking area, and the construction, use, and maintenance of a new mixed-use residential building with a total of 529 residential units, including 59 affordable units set aside for very low income households (11 percent of the total units). The Project would include approximately 8,729 square feet of ground floor commercial uses. 8539 Steller Street CE (City of Culver City) EcoTierra prepared a categorical exemption for the City of Culver City. The Project proposes a consolidation of the two existing parcels into one parcel and a change of use of the existing building from warehouse to media production / creative office use and associated on-site building and Site improvements. Upon completion, the size of the existing warehouse structure would be reduced from 38,284 square feet to 30,130 square feet and the size of the parking lot area would increase from 20,324 square feet to 27,197 square feet, inclusive of 6,674 square feet of new landscaped area. Negative Declarations/Mitigated Negative Declarations We have prepared numerous Negative Declarations/Mitigated Negative Declarations and the following are some recent examples: Peace4Kids Retreat Center Initial Study/MND (Unincorporated Los Angeles County) EcoTierra recently prepared and Initial Study/MND for Los Angeles County. The Project applicant is Peace4Kids LLC. The Project is the construction and operation of a guest ranch and associated support infrastructure that would serve as a nature retreat and summer camp for youth in foster care. The guest ranch would include four buildings: (1) a 2,146-square-foot permanent residence for a full-time caretaker; (2) a 3,474-square-foot bunkhouse with separate spaces for adults and children; (3) a 3,120-square-foot community space; and (4) a 2,957-square-foot gym. Laguna College Art Design Initial Study/MND (City of Laguna Beach) EcoTierra recently prepared and Initial Study/MND on a proposed project for Laguna College Art Design in the City of Laguna Beach. The Project would include demolition of Building C and the existing asphalt parking lot and construction of a two-story, approximately 21,977 square foot Student Center. The Student Center would include a gallery, multi-purpose conference rooms, café/lounge, and lobby on the 1st floor. Visual communication classrooms, offices, and a meeting room would be located on the 2nd floor. 16201 Raymer Street Initial Study/MND (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra recently prepared an IS/MND. The Project consists of the development and construction of an approximately 123,464 SF single story concrete tilt wall steel frame warehouse facility. The Project would demolish four existing buildings housing approximately + / -50,000 square feet of light industrial space, surface parking areas. The project was approved by City Council.
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-6
1200 Lawrence Drive Initial Study/MND (City of Thousand Oaks) EcoTierra recently prepared and Initial Study/MND on a proposed project for Laguna College Art Design in the City of Laguna Beach. The Project consisted of merging two lots to allow the removal of the existing 820-space parking lot and construct a new 120,384-square foot, one-story industrial warehouse building consisting of 116,384 square feet of ground floor warehouse space and 4,000 square foot mezzanine space) with 191 surface parking spaces, associated hardscape and landscape and infrastructure improvements. Truck and Trailer Repair Project Initial Study/MND (City of Colton) EcoTierra prepared an IS/MND. The project would construct and operate an approximately 53,000-square-foot truck repair and maintenance facility at the project site. A new one-story (plus mezzanine) prefabricated metal building would be constructed near the center of the project site and would reach up to 36.5 feet high (to roof). Two mezzanines would be located on the north and south sides of the building and would each provide storage space. The proposed building would have nine service bays with entrances on both west and east sides. Two of the service bays would include service pits to access the underside of trucks for maintenance and oil changes. Approximately 15,920 square feet of storage space and approximately 4,340 square feet of office space would be located within the 28-foot wide northern and southern ends of the proposed building. Bell Gardens Zoning Maps Initial Study/MND (City of Gardens) EcoTierra prepared an IS/MND for the City of Bell Gardens. The City has selected 27 candidate sites. The City is proposing the addition of a RHNA housing overlay (RHNA-O) and RHNA mixed-use overlay (RHNA MU-O) to the sites’ General Plan and zoning. The current General Plan designations and zoning would remain, with overlays added, which would allow property owners to have the option to develop under either set of standards (the underlying General Plan and zoning or the overlay). The Project was approved by City Council. Homeless Center Initial Study/MND and EA (City of Fontana) EcoTierra prepared an IS/MND and EA for the City of Fontana. The project included 150 living units (40,000 sf) situated in three care neighborhoods with sports court, open space and gathering spaces, 18,200 sf transitional housing on Site A. On Site B, additional 24-30 living units would be provided. The project was approved by City Council. Baseline Road Single-Family Residential and Annexation Initial Study/MND (City of La Verne) EcoTierra prepared an IS/MND on the annexation and single family residential project in the City of La Verne. The project site encompassed approximately 19.44 acres of undeveloped land immediately adjacent to the City of La Verne. The applicant proposed to subdivide the site into 10 lots with 7 lots each containing a single family dwelling unit and attached garage; the 8th lot (approximately 2.66 acres) would be designated as a debris basin and the 9th lot (approximately 10.75 acres) would be dedicated open space. The applicant sought annexation from unincorporated Los Angeles County to the City of La Verne. A Town, Areas B and E Initial Study (City of Anaheim) EcoTierra prepared an Initial Study. The project would include development on two parcels in the A-Town Master Plan area. Area B would include development of an eight-level, mixed-use building consisting of 270 dwelling units (for-rent) and 21,640 square feet of ground floor indoor retail space. Area E would include development of The project would include development of a five-level, wrap around, apartment building consisting of 257 dwelling units. The project was approved by City Council A Town, Areas F Initial Study (City of Anaheim) EcoTierra prepared an Initial Study. The project would include development of 17 multi-family residential buildings consisting of 73 dwelling units with associated infrastructure and common area improvements including
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-7
a recreation center with a pool, spa and community room and pocket park for residents’ use and leisure. The project was approved by City Council. A Town, Areas C and D Initial Study (City of Anaheim) EcoTierra prepared an Initial Study. The project would include development on two parcels in the A-Town Master Plan area. Area C would include 253 residential dwelling units and 17,277 square feet of ground floor commercial space with 972 square feet of accessory outdoor dining space. Area D proposed structure will consist of six-levels, with two subterranean levels, and four levels above grade. The multiple family structure will include 255 residential dwelling units. Fast5Xpress Car Wash Initial Study/MND (City of San Bernardino) EcoTierra staff prepared an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) environmental clearance document for the City of San Bernardino on a proposed car wash project. Implementation of the project would involve demolition of two existing on-site residences and construction of a 150-foot single tube automated indoor express car wash within an approximately 5,5500 square foot on-story car wash building and associated surface parking lot with 24 parking spaces under vacuum bay canopies and 5 employee parking spaces. Gelsons Market Initial Study/MND (City of San Manhattan Beach) EcoTierra prepared an IS/MND for the redevelopment of an infill site with a 27,900 square foot specialty grocery store, including on-sale and off-sale alcohol sales and instructional tastings, an up to 7,000 square foot commercial building, a surface parking lot on the primary project site; and a surface parking lot for employee use on an auxiliary employee parking site. The project is in Manhattan Beach, along Sepulveda Boulevard, which is also State Route 1, and required coordination with Caltrans for an encroachment permit. 8950 Sunset Hotel Initial Study/MND (City of West Hollywood) EcoTierra prepared an expanded Initial Study in support of a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the hotel mixed-use project located at 8950 Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood. The project site consists mostly of undeveloped land with the exception of a small surface parking lot located in the northwest portion of the site. Construction of the project would include a new 165-room hotel with approximately 168,583 square feet of floor area, including four residential suites, two restaurants, a lobby lounge, whiskey bar, recording studio, function space, and hotel spa. The Project would be approximately six stories, with a rooftop deck and outdoor lounge areas, reaching a maximum height of approximately 75 feet. 7660 Lankershim Initial Study/MND (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared an IS/MND. The Project would involve the demolition of the existing commercial buildings, surface parking lot, and two single family homes and construction of a 64-unit four-story multifamily residential building (with ground floor enclosed parking) on the northerly portion of the Project Site (fronting Lankershim Boulevard) and 99 three-story small lot homes on the remainder of the site. Eldridge Lots Initial Study/MND (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared an IS/MND. The Project would involve the demolition of the existing building, surface parking lot, and associated uses and construction of a 70-lot residential subdivision including four private streets. Each single-family home would be built on a minimum 3,500 square-foot lot, with homes ranging in size from 1,311 square feet to 2,311 square feet. Carson Avalon Initial Study/MND (City of Carson) EcoTierra prepared an MND was the Carson Avalon Industrial Center located in the City of Carson. The project involved the demolition of the existing 8,000 square foot vacant industrial building on the flag lot, and construction
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-8
of a new light industrial/warehouse building containing up to 230,000 square feet, and associated access and parking improvements. The building would be able to accommodate up to 26 truck docks and a total of 230 automobile parking stalls. Compton Brickyard Commerce Center Initial Study/MND (City of Compton) EcoTierra prepared an MND for the Brickyard Commerce Center Project. The project involved two potential site plan options, each of which includes the construction of multiple light industrial warehouse/distribution buildings with truck loading doors. Project Site Plan A consisted of a 1.43 million square foot light industrial warehouse/distribution building Project site Plan B consisted of two buildings one a525,400-square foot light industrial warehouse/distribution building (Building B-1) and the second was proposed as a 481,600-square foot light industrial building. Development Code Update Initial Study/MND (City of San Bernardino) EcoTierra prepared an IS/ND environmental clearance document for the City of San Bernardino’s Proposed Development Code and Zoning Map Update Project. The existing Development Code and Zoning Map and related land use regulations had not been comprehensively updated since 1991. The IS/ND analyzed the City’s comprehensive revisions to the Development Code, official Zoning Map, and corresponding associated land use regulations including a variety of planning tools such as design guidelines to ensure consistency with, and successful implementation of, the goals, polices, and programs of the City’s 2005 General Plan and consistency with State statutes. Environmental Impact Reports We have prepared numerous environmental impact report experience and the following are some examples: Residential Subdivisions/Infill Residential Keystone EIR (City of Santa Clarita) Previously described above under Local Experience. Hyde Park EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra is preparing an EIR for the Hyde Park Project. The approximately 7.96-acre Project Site is located at 3100-3158 W. Slauson Avenue, 3200-3206 W. Slauson Avenue, 5809-5835 S. 8th Avenue, and 3101-3153 W. 59th Street. The Project involves the demolition of approximately 187,013 square feet of existing multi-family residential buildings (206 units in 27 residential buildings), and the construction of up to 782 new apartment units in approximately 851,404 square feet (Project). Hope Gardens EIR (Unincorporated Los Angeles County) EcoTierra is preparing an EIR for Hope Gardens Family Center, owned and operated by the Los Angeles Rescue Mission. Hope Gardens Family Center provides transitional housing and supportive services to women of all ages experiencing homelessness and their children (under the age of 18). The facility provides a total of 128 living units, including 96 family living units and 25 living units for seniors. The Project proposes a new CUP to increase the on-site maximum residential capacity from 300 to 525 formerly homeless single women and their children (less than 18 years old) at the Project Site, and the demolition of the existing one-story, approximately 22,470-square-foot Sequoia Lodge at the Project’s Development Site and construct a new, larger 3-story multi-use building totaling 106,410 square feet consisting of 117 living units. Paradise Ranch EIR (City of Chino Hills) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for the Paradise Ranch Project for the City of Chino Hills. The approximately 85.2-acre Project Site is in a rural area at 16200 and 16220 Canyon Hills Road in the City of Chino Hills. The proposed Paradise
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-9
Ranch Project would subdivide an 85-acre property into a total of 51 lots. The Project would include the development of 50 cluster lots ranging in size from 7,200 to 12,412 square feet. Each of the 50 lots would include the development of a two-story single family residential home. The dwelling units would range in size from 3,946 to 4,616 square feet of living area (including three-car garages). The residential uses would include six architectural styles, and four different floor plans for each style. 6535 Wilshire Boulevard Project EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared a Focused EIR for the City of Los Angeles. The Project proposes the demolition of a two-story, 18,252 square foot office building, that was built in 1951, and surface parking, and the development of an approximately 17,702 square-foot (0.41 acre) site with a mixed-use building containing approximately 77 new apartment units including eight (8) Extremely Low Income units. Demolition activities would include the removal of an individually eligible historic structure. The Project would include approximately 13,312 square feet of open space, including 4,000 square feet of ground floor commercial. Parker Ranch EIR (City of Simi Valley) EcoTierra staff prepared and managed the Project EIR for the City of Simi Valley on the proposed 256-acre subdivision project. The project consisted of the site into 195-single family homes and 324 multi-family apartments. The development was proposed on 95 acres with the remaining acreage to be left as open space and dedicated to the Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District. Access to the site would be provided from Los Angeles Avenue through a new street that would be extended into the site with an at-grade crossing of the Union Pacific Railroad. Three emergency access routes would also be provided. Community concerns were related to the loss of open space (visual) and additional traffic for the area. The public agency was also concerned with emergency access to the site given the location of the adjoining railroad tracks by which the main project entrance crossed. Canyon Hills Project EIR (City of Simi Valley) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Canyon Hills project. The project consisted of the development of 280 single-family homes on subdivided residential lot, an equestrian park and approximately 693 acres of open space. Site development consisted of (1) grading for building pad sites, access and other necessary improvements, (2) the construction of homes, storm drainage facilities and access improvements, (3) the installation of utilities (e.g., water lines, fire hydrants, and sewers), and (4) the landscaping of common areas. This project included an extensive alternatives analysis, including (A) No Project Alternative; ( B) Development Area A Only (280 Homes); ( C) Duke Property Alternative Access (280 Homes); ( D) Reduced Density Alternative (87 Homes); and ( E) Reduced Density Alternative (210 Homes). Bee Canyon EIR (City of Simi Valley) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Bee Canyon residential project. The proposed project site is located in unincorporated LA County, bounded by the Antelope Valley Freeway (CA-14) to the north and Soledad Canyon Road on the south, west of the Agua Dulce Canyon Road. The project proposes the development of 568 factory-built single-family residential units on approximately 211 acres. The project will also include one recreation lot, six park lots, one flood control lot and 11 open space lots, to be managed by the homeowners’ association. Development will occur on approximately 135 acres; the remainder of the site, approximately 76 acres, will be retained in a natural and undisturbed condition. Cameron Ranch Project EIR (Riverside County) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Cameron Ranch Residential Subdivision Project. The proposed project would develop approximately 154 single-family residential pads on an approximately 609-acre site. Residential pads would range from less than about 0.5 acre to approximately 1 acre. The proposed project would also include the installation of associated infrastructure.
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-10
Thomas Subdivision Project EIR (San Mateo County) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Thomas Subdivision Project. The proposed project will subdivide six legal parcels, which make up the project site, into 25 single-family lots in the unincorporated San Mateo Highlands area of San Mateo County. The site is a large sandstone outcrop, which was found to have significant geotechnical constraints. The undeveloped project site is surrounded by single-family homes: the Baywood Park neighborhood is located to the northeast; the Enchanted Hills neighborhood is located to the southeast and southwest; and the Starlite Heights neighborhood is located to the northwest Rockville Trails Estates Residential Subdivision Project EIR (San Mateo County) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Rockville Trails Estates Residential Subdivision Project. The project site is composed of approximately 1,580 acres of rolling hills located in the central Solano County. Development of the Proposed Project includes: a total of 370 single-family residential lots, with 354 lots (1-acre/each) located within the western Rural Residential area and 16 units (20-acre/each minimum) within the eastern Agriculture area. Development of the proposed project also included: park facilities, water supply system, wastewater treatment plant, and a fire station. 8899 Beverly Project EIR (City of West Hollywood) EcoTierra prepared an EIR. The Project is a mixed-use development including the adaptive re-use of an existing 10-story and construction of new 17 residential units (including 13 townhomes and four affordable apartment units) totaling approximately 38,175 sf and an approximate 4,417 sf indoor pool house. The existing building would be re adapted into 64 condominium units. This project was very controversial as the surrounding residential neighborhood was against this development. Mixed Use Development 1100 E. 5th Street EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra recently prepared the EIR for this project that included project options. The Project would involve the demolition of the existing warehouses and surface parking lot, and the construction of an up to 249,758-square-foot mixed-use building including up to 220 live/work units, 22,725 square feet of open space for residents, up to 46,548 square feet of commercial uses, and associated parking facilities, resulting in a 4.75:1 FAR. Eleven percent of the units (25 live/work units) would be deed-restricted for Very Low Income households. The Project also proposes the ability to implement an increased commercial option that would provide the Project the flexibility to replace a certain number of live-work units with an increased commercial square footage provided by the Project within the same building and, in turn, reduce the overall amount of live/work units from 220 live/work units to 200 live/work units. This option was included in the EIR Project Description and was fully analyzed in the EIR. 675 Mateo Street EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra recently prepared the EIR for this project that included project options. The Project would involve the demolition of the existing warehouse and surface parking lot, and the construction of an up to 197,355-square-foot mixed-use building including up to 185 live/work units, approximately 15,320 square feet of open space for residents, up to 23,380 square feet of art-production and commercial space, and associated parking facilities. Eleven percent of the units (20 live/work units) would be deed-restricted for Very Low Income households. The Project also proposes the ability to implement an increased commercial option that would provide the Project the flexibility to increase the commercial square footage provided by the Project from 23,380 square feet to 45,873 square-feet within the same building and, in turn, reduce the overall amount of live/work units from 185
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-11
live/work units to 159 live/work units. This option was included in the EIR Project Description and was fully analyzed in the EIR. Vermont Corridor EIR (Unincorporated Los Angeles County) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for the Vermont Corridor Project, a project to redevelop three County-owned properties. The “Vermont Corridor” extends along South Vermont Avenue between 4th Street and 6th Street in the City of Los Angeles. Proposed development would include removal of existing buildings and construction of a new 471,000 square foot County office building, 72 senior affordable housing units, 74 market rate housing units, and adaptive reuse and repurposing of an existing County office building to accommodate 172 market rate residential ICON Panorama EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for the demolition of three existing structures and surface parking lot, and the development of a mixed-use project with 422 multi-family residences totaling approximately 384,000 gross square feet (approximately 374,000 net square feet per City Zoning Code) of residential area, approximately 200,000 square feet of commercial space, and associated parking facilities. The project included commercial land uses in five separate one- and two-story buildings, two separate seven-story residential buildings (five stories of residential over two levels of aboveground residential parking), and a six-level parking structure for the commercial land uses. Open space amenities were provided for the project residents at the residential buildings Hotel/Mixed Use Development Morrison Hotel and Mixed Use Development EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra is currently preparing an EIR for the Morrison Hotel Project. The proposed Project (the “Project”) would renovate the existing 46,339 square-foot Morrison Hotel and expand it by constructing a new, attached 101,434 square-foot building at the location of the existing surface parking lot adjacent to the east of the hotel. The ground floor of the Project would contain 7,300 square-feet of high-turnover restaurant use, 1,675 square-feet of retail use, 1,950 square-feet of meeting space, and a 3,585 square-foot hotel lobby/bar. Levels 2 through 12 would contain 245 hotel guest rooms. Level 13 would be comprised of three observation decks, green roofs, and 8,075 square-feet of meeting space. Level 14 would be comprised of a 7,865 square-foot rooftop deck containing a pool and two bars. The Plaza at Santa Monica EIR (City of Santa Monica) EcoTierra recently prepared an EIR on an urban mixed-use development project (Plaza at Santa Monica) at 4th Street, Arizona Avenue and 5th Street in downtown Santa Monica. The project includes a new 357,000-square-foot mixed-use building with open space. The project would include, a 12,000-square-foot cultural amenity, 42,200 square feet of ground floor retail, an approximately 280-room hotel, and 106,800 square feet of creative workspace. The building would be 129 feet tall, or 11 stories, thereby greatly intensifying the development on the site in the heart of downtown Santa Monica. The REEF EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for The REEF Project in Downtown Los Angeles. The REEF Project consists of demolition of the existing warehouse/distribution building, incorporation of modifications to The REEF building and construction of new mixed-use development on the remainder of the project site currently occupied by the surface parking lots. New development would include approximately 1,664,000 square feet of floor area contained within a number of low-, mid-, and high-rise buildings. New construction would include development of a new hotel with 208 rooms, up to 240 feet in height, and a parking structure up to eight levels above grade, containing at least 1,375 parking spaces
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-12
6th and Harvard Project EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for a project located at 3751 W. 6th Street in the Koreatown area of the City of Los Angeles. The project would involve demolition of the existing 16,854 square foot commercial building (currently used as a U.S. Post Office) and surface parking lot and construction of a new 10-story mixed use building that would include a 200 room hotel, 44 residential units and 18,000 square feet of retail/restaurant space. Commercial/Retail Museum Square EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for the City of Los Angeles. existing surface parking lot would be demolished, allowing for the construction of a new 13-story, approximately 249,500 square-foot commercial office building and the addition of two new levels of parking (approximately 162,768 square feet) to the existing five-level parking structure. The 13-story building will be 207 feet high and following the addition, the parking structure will be approximately 72 feet high. The Proposed Project would provide a total of 2,040 parking spaces; an addition of 550 net new spaces. Downtown Cinema EIR (City of Santa Monica) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for the City of Santa Monica. The proposed project would involve the demolition of an existing 344 space public parking structure (City-owned Parking Structure 3) and development of a movie theater of approximately 100,000 sf of gross floor area as defined by the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code. The project is designed to include up to 16 screens, approximately 2,700 theater seats, 10,000 sf of retail/restaurant tenant space, and 2,250 sf of interior restaurant/lounge space that would be open to the public, but is primarily intended to serve movie patrons. Mini Dealership EIR (City of Santa Monica) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for the City of Santa Monica. The proposed project includes construction of a new automobile dealership totaling up to a maximum of 33,750 square feet of floor area. The project include: A 2-story, maximum of 35-foot high building containing vehicle display, parts department, vehicle service drop-off/pick-up, sales offices and customer parking on the ground floor, and 21 service bays and one carwash bay on the second floor. An ancillary small (500 square foot) café at the corner of Santa Monica Boulevard and 14th Street. A two-level (20 feet in depth) subterranean parking garage for vehicle storage (inventory and service vehicles), as well as employee parking with 135 parking spaces. Red Apple Pavilion EIR (City of Tehachapi) EcoTierra prepared an EIR for a commercial project in the City of Tehachapi. The project involved the demolition of unoccupied sheds and out-buildings and concrete step foundations of former buildings, and the construction of a new commercial retail center totaling approximately 120,455 square feet. The project was two phased: Phase 1with four building pads totaling 32,855 square feet and Phase 2 with six building pads totaling 87,600 square feet. Lane Ranch Towne Center EIR (City of Lancaster) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for development of 407,000 square foot retail center on a 35-acre site at the southeast corner of 60th Street West and Avenue L in the City of Lancaster on the site of a working farm. The commercial development would include two anchors (Target and Home Depot), one with a garden center, for a total of 285,000 square feet, a 14,820 square foot drug store, three sub-major stores totaling 35,000 square feet, 4 buildings with “shops” totaling 28,000 square feet, and two restaurants (both fast food and sit-down) totaling 10,300 square feet.
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-13
Synder Valley Plaza EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for a 777,000 square foot retail center, including a 174,000 square foot department store, 70,000 square foot multiplex cinema and 533,000 square feet of retail and restaurant uses located on a 23 acre site at the intersection of Victory Boulevard and Laurel Canyon Boulevard in the Valley Village/North Hollywood Community Plan area of the City of Los Angeles. The lead agency for the project, the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, required special design features related to noise and air quality to address the potential impacts of the freeway on the residential uses. Community Recycling and Resource Recovery Project EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the expansion of a recycling and resource recovery operation. The proposed project included construction of an approximate 107,000 square foot warehouse building to be located over the business’ existing organics area with 40 parking spaces (already existing) and a “permit review” of its solid waste facility requirements. The purpose of the permit review is to consolidate resource recovery operations under one comprehensive permit in order to respond to new recycling industry regulations. Under the new permit, the applicant is seeking to increase construction materials from 1,200 to 2,000 TPD , organics to remain at 1,500 TPD, food materials from 300 to 500 TPD and wood materials from 150 to 200 TPD for a site total of 4,200 TPD. Bradley Landfill and Recycling Center EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Bradley Landfill and Recycling Center Transition Master Plan, a long-range plan to convert an existing landfill operation to a state-of-the-art waste transfer and materials recycling facility. The project site is in the Sun Valley community of the City of Los Angeles, near residential neighborhoods. The EIR examined a potential transitional vertical expansion of the existing landfill, landfill closure activities and expansion of an existing green waste processing facility in a four-phase project that was subsequently reduced to two phases because of permitting issues. Specific Plans/Master Plans El Segundo Downtown Specific Plan EIR (City of El Segundo) EcoTierra prepared an EIR. The Project proposes amendments to the Land Use Element of the City’s General Plan to change the land use designation on eight parcels from Downtown Commercial to Downtown Specific Plan. The Project would also amend the City’s zoning map to change the zoning on eight parcels from Downtown Commercial (C-RS) to Downtown Specific Plan (DSP). The Project would allow for increases of up to 130,000 square feet of retail and restaurant uses, 200,000 square feet of office uses, 24,000 square feet of medical office uses, and 300 residential units. Beach Cities Media Campus EIR (City of El Segundo) EcoTierra recently prepared an EIR for the Beach Cities Media Campus Project located on Rosecrans Avenue and proposes over 300,000 square feet of office, retail/café and studio/production facilities development. A conceptual plan includes the development of an approximately five-story, 240,000-square-foot office building, a one-story, 66,000-square-foot studio and production facilities building, 7,000 square feet of retail uses in two, one-story structures, and a seven-story parking structure. NBC Studios Master Plan EIR (City of Burbank) EcoTierra staff worked on the preparation of the EIR for the NBC Studios Master Plan project. The Master Plan defined the maximum amount of development allowed on the property along with the uses permitted and height and setback standards for new buildings. With the overall development parameters, flexibility in the location and use of individual buildings were allowed. The Master Plan did not address specific design features, such as architecture of individual buildings or detailed landscape plans. The proposed Master Plan allowed the
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-14
development of 1.25 million square feet of media space with the maximum height of the buildings of 15--stories. Mr. Zacuto was the project manager and primary author of this EIR. Warner Bros. Studios Master Plan Facility EIR (City of Burbank) EcoTierra staff worked on the preparation of the EIR for the Warner Bros. Studios Master Plan project. The proposed master plan covered two lots in the City of Burbank, the Main and Ranch Lots. The master plan did not address specific design features rather individual building projects under the master plan were subject to review by the City of Burbank for consistency with development regulations of the approved Planned Development. The master plan was intended to address the needs of the studio for production and related media space over the next 20 years. On the Main Lot, approximately 2.66 million square feet of new studio facilities could be developed. Existing building space totaling .37 million square feet would be removed to allow for new construction. On the Ranch Lot, approximately 1.15 million square feet of new studio facilities was planned. Approximately .09 million square feet of existing buildings were to be removed to allow for new construction. Mr. Zacuto was the project manager and primary author of this EIR. Camino Real Business Park Specific Plan EIR (City of Oxnard) EcoTierra staff prepared the EIR for the Camino Real Business Park Specific Plan in the City of Oxnard. The Specific Plan envisions a total of up to 675,000 square feet of new building space to be developed at the 41-acre project site. The Specific Plan provides the framework, guidelines, standards, and regulations for orderly phased development over a number of years. The issues of concern addressed in the EIR included land use, agricultural resources, transportation and traffic, air quality, and utilities. Mr. Zacuto was the project manager. Sakioka Farms Specific Plan EIR (City of Oxnard) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Sakioka Farms Business Park Specific Plan for the City of Oxnard. The Sakioka Farms property consists of approximately 430 acres of farmland located south of the US 101 (Ventura) freeway, east of Rice Road, and on both sides of Del Norte Boulevard. The Sakioka Specific Plan provides the framework, guidelines, standards, and regulations for orderly, phased, market--responsive development of up to 8.5 million square feet of business research, office, commercial, and industrial uses. The plan divides the 430--acre site into seven planning areas for phased development that allows for continued agricultural operations on the undeveloped areas. The issues of concern addressed in the EIR included land use, agricultural resources, transportation and traffic, air quality, and utilities. California Lutheran University Master Plan EIR (City of Thousand Oaks) In the 1990s, an EIR was prepared on the Master Plan for California Lutheran University campus located in Thousand Oaks. The Campus Master Plan is a land use plan, similar to a General Plan or Specific Plan, in that it guides the physical development of the 278 acre campus based on conceptual land uses. The Program EIR prepared for this project analyzed additional development of approximately 1.5 million square feet of development by 2015. The Program EIR was used to tier subsequent environmental analysis for future development within the 1.5 million square feet. In addition to the campus, the plan included conceptual development of a retirement village and a private elementary school. Mr. Zacuto, EcoTierra founding Principal, was the project manager and primary author of this EIR. Environmental Impact Report Addenda Bakersfield Commons EIR Addendum (City of Bakersfield) EcoTierra prepared an EIR Addendum to the Bakersfield Commons project that included a mixed-use development of up to 1,400,000 square feet of retail commercial use. An Addendum was prepared on project changes that included: a total of 345,360 square feet of retail use (including a 187,690 square-foot lifestyle center, 43,670-
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-15
square-foot / 1,200-seat theater, 48,500-square-foot destination recreation facility, and 65,500 square feet of flex retail), up to 470,000 square feet of general and medical office use, up to 300,000 square feet of light industrial use, a 200-bed hospital, a 130-room hotel, up to 1,062 residential units (including 17 single-family units, 865 multi-family units, and 180 senior housing units), and 9,2 acres of public parks. “Flex retail” uses are located within office buildings and retail areas throughout the site, as permitted by the Zone District. Commons at Calabasas EIR Addendum (City of Calabasas) EcoTierra recently finished an EIR Addendum for the Commons at Calabasas. The Current Project for Site 11 proposes the demolition of southwestern portion of the Commons Shopping Center, which is developed with an existing 33,091 square-foot movie theater and 139 surface parking spaces, and the construction of two mixed-use buildings (Building A and Building B), including approximately 24,163 square feet of ground-floor commercial space and 119 multi-family residential units, incorporating at least 10 percent (or 12 dwelling units) set aside as Low Income. Hyatt Hotel and Residential EIR Addendum (City of Pomona) EcoTierra prepared an EIR Addendum. The Project included modifications to the original project: a 6-story, 200 room hotel, 75,000 sf office building and parking. Modifications included replacing office space with 105 residential units and 35,000 square foot health club. The project was approved by City Council. Hyatt Hotel Westlake Village EIR Addendum (City of Thousand Oaks) EcoTierra prepared an EIR Addendum. The Project included modifications to the original project to add guestrooms, construct a new ballroom and parking structure, and the remodel a health club at the existing Hyatt Westlake Plaza Hotel. The project is scheduled for public hearing in the first quarter of 2025. Hyatt Hotel Westlake Village EIR Addendum (City of Thousand Oaks) EcoTierra prepared an EIR Addendum. A previous EIR analyzed a 5-story, 112,850 sf medical office and retail building with five-level subterranean parking garage for 402 vehicles. A new application was submitted for construction of a 195-room hotel (190,000 sf) with ground floor retail and dinning space. The project was approved by City Council. 590 South Fair Oaks EIR Addendum (City of Pasadena) EcoTierra prepared an EIR Addendum. A previous EIR analyzed demolition of three existing commercial buildings and construction of a 4-story, 113,200 sf office building with 255 subterranean spaces. A new application was submitted to construct a new 100,00 square-foot, four-story, 56-foot tall, medical office building with two levels of subterranean parking accommodating 184 vehicle spaces. The project was approved by City Council. 22015-22027 Vanowen EIR Addendum (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra prepared an EIR Addendum for a project in Warner Center area of Los Angeles. The Project would include the demolition of an existing two-story commercial building and associated surface parking and the construction of a single-phased, eight-story mixed-use building to include up to 211 multi-family residential units above an approximately 1,200 square foot ground-floor commercial space. At least 12 percent (or 26 dwelling units) of the residential units would be set aside for Very-Low Income Households. Plaza El Segundo EIR Addendum (City of El Segundo) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR and Addendums to the proposed Plaza El Segundo project. The Project included 34-acres of industrial area to be converted to retail use. The commercial development consisted of a total of 425,000 square feet that included a 165,000 square foot shopping center, 50,000 square foot grocery store, 100,000 square feet of fast food restaurants and 15,000 square feet of sit down restaurants. Some changes to the
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-16
Project required Addendums that analyzed a 6,000 square foot dance studio, 2,184 square foot day spa, 1,265 square foot office space and 2,226 square foot medical/dental office space. Supplemental/Subsequent Environmental Impact Reports Chino Hills General Plan Update SEIR (City of Chino Hills) EcoTierra prepared a Subsequent EIR to the City’s adopted General Plan EIR for the 2024 General Plan Update. The update of the General Plan accommodates land use changes promulgated by the Chino Hills 2021-2029 Housing Element. The Housing Element requires amending General Plan designations on some of the proposed Housing Element designated Regional Housing Need Assessment (RHNA) sites, which requires revisions to the Land Use Element, Land Use Map and rezoning of some proposed RHNA sites. The Draft EIR is in public circulation. Agoura Hills General Plan Update SEIR (City of Agoura Hills) EcoTierra prepared a Subsequent EIR to the City’s adopted General Plan EIR for the 2023 General Plan Update. The project consists of a comprehensive update to the Housing Element and related updates to the Land Use Element and Land Use Map of the City of Agoura Hills General Plan. The project also includes updates to the City’s Safety Element and Circulation Element in compliance with new state rules. The General Plan was approved by City Council. Sierra Madre General Plan Update SEIR (City of Sierra Madre) EcoTierra prepared a Subsequent EIR to the City’s adopted General Plan EIR for the 2022 General Plan Update. The project consists of a comprehensive update to the Housing Element and related updates to the Land Use Element and Land Use Map of the City of Sierra Madre General Plan. The project also includes updates to the City’s Zoning Code, Zoning Map, and updates to the Safety and Circulation Elements. The General Plan was approved by City Council. Moorpark County Club Estates (City of Moorpark) EcoTierra staff prepared a supplemental environmental document to the Moorpark Country Club Estates EIR. The project site is composed of two parcels, known as the Husted parcel (Development Agreement Number 2004-01) which is 43.04 acres in size, and the Mazur parcel (Development Agreement Number 2004-02) which is 28.69 acres in size. The Husted parcel is currently undeveloped, and the Mazur parcel has a residence and guest house on the site. The proposed project would consist of the site work, and construction for 87 single family homes in total over two separate parcels. Mountaingate South SEIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra staff prepared a supplemental environmental document on a proposed residential subdivision project. The project consisted of 117 single-family homes on 281 acres on the last undeveloped phase of Mountaingate. The remaining 220 acres would be dedicated as permanent open space. Development of the project would involve movement of over 2.1 million cubic yards of dirt. Community concerns for this project included potential obstruction of views, additional traffic and emergency access to the site. The environmental topics addressed in the screen check Draft EIR included seismic and grading, traffic, air quality, noise, viewshed analysis, utilities, public services and safety. Community concerns were associated with additional traffic and loss of open space. Mitigation Monitoring Program Service Grand Civic Park Mitigation Monitoring Program (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra was retained by the County of Los Angeles Chief Executive Office to provide mitigation and construction monitoring for the City of Los Angeles Grand Civic Park. The Project Site was an approximately 12-acre site, is located in Downtown Los Angeles and consisted of three east/west orientated blocks. EcoTierra staff was
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-17
responsible for monitoring implementation of all project design features and mitigation measures during construction activities consistent with the monitoring phase and frequency set forth in the MMP. Staff also prepared documentation of the applicant’s compliance with the project design features and mitigation measures for the Applicant and the County of Los Angeles. 21100 Erwin Street Medical Research Lab Mitigation Monitoring Program (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra was retained to monitor the development of the Medical Research Lab located at 21100 Erwin Street in the Waner Center area of Woodland Hills. EcoTierra was responsible for monitoring implementation of all project design features and mitigation measures during construction activities consistent with the monitoring phase and frequency set forth in the Mitigation Monitoring Program for the Project and Warner Center 2035 Specific Plan Director’s Interpretation, Conditions of Approval. EcoTierra also prepared documentation of the applicant’s compliance with the project design features and mitigation measures for the Applicant and the City of Los Angeles. Wilshire Gayley Mitigation Monitoring Program (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra was retained to provide mitigation and construction monitoring for the Wilshire Gayley Project (Project) located at 10955 Wilshire Boulevard in the Westwood community of the City of Los Angeles. The Project consists of the construction of 250 apartment units in a 33-story tower on a currently vacant site. During the construction phase and prior to the issuance of building permits. EcoTierra staff was responsible for data collection and monitoring team coordination for the project. Ms. Mailhot was to be responsible for monitoring implementation of project design features and mitigation measures during construction activities consistent with the monitoring phase and frequency set forth in the Mitigation Monitoring Program for the Project NEPA 641 5th Street EA (City of West Sacramento) EcoTierra is currently preparing an environmental assessment for the City of West Sacramento. The Project is seeking federal funding via the Project Based Voucher program. The irregular-shaped Project Site is 22,460 square feet (approximately 0.52 acres), made up of one parcel (APN 010-464-003), and is currently vacant and undeveloped. The Project Applicant is proposing construction of a new 37-unit multi-family residential building in four stories (the “Project”). The Project building includes approximately 42,800 square feet and would provide four one-bedroom units and 33 two-bedroom units. Site access will be provided off G Street, to an on-site parking area to be located directly east of the building. 7916 Long Beach Boulevard Housing Project EA and Initial Study (City of South Gate) EcoTierra is currently preparing an environmental assessment and Initial Study for the City of South Gate. The Project Site is located at 7916 Long Beach Boulevard in the City of South Gate, situated at the northeast corner of Long Beach Boulevard and Cudahy Street. The Site is currently developed with a single story commercial building that was previously used for commercial/industrial operations involving automotive repair and service. The Project Applicant has applied for Brownfield grants and will be remediating the site prior to approval and development. The building was used most recently as a technical/vocational school. The Project Applicant is proposing to demolish the existing commercial buildings, remediate the site and construct 11 multi-family residential units. The Project Applicant is seeking federal HOME funding. Project Legacy EA (City of Riverside) EcoTierra recently prepared an environmental assessment for the City of Riverside. The project site is currently developed with five one- and two-story single-family homes and a two-story commercial/office building. The Project Applicant, TruEvolution, Inc., is proposing rehabilitation of the property for use as Transitional Housing with an on-stie community health service center that will house the office and service spaces of the non-profit
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-18
health advocacy organization, TruEvolution. The campus will focus on young LGBT adults (18-25), people with HIV/AIDS, and vulnerable seniors. The facility will also offer workshops, lectures, town halls and event space to the community at large. The five existing on-site houses will be renovated and retrofitted to house a total of 51 residents and one housing manager in 27 bedrooms. West Angeles Plaza Development Project EA (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra staff prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the development of an approximately 44,500 square foot neighborhood serving commercial center containing a bank and retail uses. An existing two-story bank building was retained on the project site to reflect the concerns of the local historic preservation community regarding the potential historic significance of the existing building. The project included federal funding participation from programs administered by the U.S. Department of Commerce. LAAFB Land Conveyance, Construction and Development Project EIS/EIR (U.S. Air Force) EcoTierra staff prepared a joint EIS/EIR for a series of actions related to the conveyance, development, and use of four properties that were part of the Los Angeles Air Force Base (LAAFB). LAAFB houses several commands, which encompass functions related to research, development, and the procurement of military space systems. The sites were conveyed to a private developer in exchange for the developer constructing new buildings for the Air Force. The project also included the use of federal or State development incentives, including but not limited to: Brownfield grants, lease financing and certificates of participation, Mello Roos special tax bonds, Base Retention grants, Infrastructure Financing Districts, tax-based incentive agreements, redevelopment funds, and/or other similar financial incentives. North Hollywood Arts and Entertainment District Project EIS/EIR (City of Los Angeles) EcoTierra staff prepared a joint EIS/EIR for the development of a new transit-oriented commercial campus on approximately 23 acres of land adjacent to the North Hollywood Metro Rail Red Line station. The project involved the removal and demolition of approximately 35 structures existing within the project site to facilitate the new development. The project consisted of an approximately 2,044,500 square foot mixed-use project, which included a multi-media campus consisting of low-rise (five- to six-story) campus-style office buildings with open space, a 250-room hotel, multiplex theater (up to 5,000 seats), retail and restaurant uses, a health club, and community-serving uses, including new and expanded facilities for the Valley Community Clinic and a film school. The project included federal funding participation from programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The project was subsequently changed to a mixed-use development consisting of approximately 1,623,000 square feet of commercial and community serving uses and 256 residential units developed in three phases. An Addendum to the EIR/EIS was prepared to address these changes. Controversial and/or High Profile Project Experience Walmart Projects Walmart retail center development projects have been very controversial in the communities in which new or replacement stores have been proposed. Mr. Zacuto was the Project Manager and Principal in Charge on the preparation of EIRs for the following cities: Barstow Walmart Retail Center (City of Barstow) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for the Barstow Wal-Mart project. The Project Site is currently developed with an existing approximately 100,000 square foot Wal-Mart store. The Proposed Project would involve demolition of the existing store and construction of a new Wal-Mart totaling approximately 176,000 square feet and would include a supermarket component that currently is not part of the existing store operation. The store would operate 24 hours per day.
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-19
Garden Grove Walmart Retail Center (City of Garden Grove) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR for Walmart store including the construction of an approximately 175,000 square foot supercenter facility, housed in a two story structure on a 10--acre site in the City of Garden Grove. Public scoping meeting and hearings held in a public space to accommodate the crowd of people in attendance. Ridgecrest Walmart Retail Center (City of Ridgecrest) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR was prepared an EIR for a 245,000 square foot Walmart Supercenter store, a gas station, and a 20,000 square foot retail center and 5,000 square foot fast food drive through restaurant on a 25.5-- acre site in the City of Ridgecrest. A few hundred people attended the scoping meeting and the public hearings on the project. Tehachapi Walmart Retail Center (City of Tehachapi) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR was prepared for a 186,800 square foot Walmart retail center on 24 acres in the City of Tehachapi. The proposed project included a 175,000 square foot store with development of three additional parcels with 5,200 square feet of retail and 6600 square feet of fast food with drive through restaurant on a 25-acre site in the City of Tehachapi. Planning Commission and City Council public hearings were each held in the Tehachapi High School Gymnasium to accommodate the several hundred people in attendance. The Commons at Quartz Hill Walmart Retail Center (City of Garden Lancaster) EcoTierra staff prepared an EIR was prepared for development of a 354,000 square foot retail center on 40-acre at the northwest corner of 60th Street West and Avenue L in the City of Lancaster. One proposed anchor is a Walmart Supercenter, approximately 240,000 square feet with an associated garden center. The other anchor is anticipated to be approximately 90,000 square feet. The scoping meeting for this project was held in the Quartz Hill High School gymnasium and was filled with several hundred people. Planning Commission and City Council public hearings were held over the course of 3 evenings each with council chambers filled to capacity. The Grove at Farmers Market EIR Addendum (City of Los Angeles) An EIR Addendum was prepared for the ‘The Grove at Farmers Market’ project. The project involved an 800,000 square foot retail development next to the historic Farmers Market in the City of Los Angeles. The project was a commercial retail center focused on a central pedestrian plaza and walkway that was the spine for the project that included an internal trolley car for transportation on an east-west route through the main corridor of the site. The center is anchored by Nordstroms, and includes retail shops, restaurants and theater space. Also, the historic Farmers Market was renovated and expanded to include additional retail space. Mr. Zacuto, co-founder and Principal with EcoTierra was the Project Manager and primary author of this project that involved numerous public meetings and hearings. Wilshire Grand (Downtown Los Angeles) Redevelopment Project EIR (City of Los Angeles) EIR for the Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project involving development on a 3.2-acre site located in the Central City (Downtown) area of the City of Los Angeles. The Project included demolition of the existing Wilshire Grand Hotel and Centre, and the development of a maximum of 560 hotel rooms and/or condo-hotel units, 100 residential units, 1,500,000 square feet of office, 275,000 square feet of amenity areas including, but not limited to, project-serving retail and restaurant uses, conference and meeting rooms, ballrooms, spa, fitness center, and ancillary other hotel, residential, and office areas, and approximately 1,900 parking spaces in eight levels of subterranean parking. The Project included a landscaped pedestrian plaza at the corner of Figueroa Street and 7th Street, as well as a rooftop helistop (subsequently abandoned). Mr. Fajnor, co-Founder and Principal with EcoTierra was the Principal in Charge and Project Manager of this project that involved numerous public meetings and hearings.
EXPERIENCE ON SIMILAR PROJECTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 3-20
Hollywood & Highland (now Ovation Hollywood) Project EIR (City of Los Angeles) EIR for the Hollywood & Highland project, consisting of 1,172,000 square feet of commercial and entertainment retail, restaurants, multiplex theater, live theater and hotel uses. This iconic project was the first major development to be completed in Hollywood in almost 20 years when it opened in 2001. The project included the Kodak Theater (now the Dolby Theater), which has been the home of the Academy Awards since 2002. Three Addendums to the EIR were completed, which addressed changes in the project, including alterations to the Kodak Theater to provide a permanent venue for Cirque du Solei. Mr. Fajnor, co-Founder and Principal with EcoTierra was the Principal in Charge of this project and Ms. Mailhot was the project manager that involved numerous public meetings and hearings. Staples Center (now Crypto.com) Project EIR (City of Los Angeles) EIR for a new 20,000 seat sports and entertainment arena, 100,000 square feet of ancillary retail, restaurant and entertainment uses and up to 50,000 square feet of office space in downtown Los Angeles. The project site was adjacent to the Los Angeles Convention Center, necessitating close coordination and sensitivity to the ongoing operations of that facility. The project provided a catalytic boost to the development of the South Park area of downtown Los Angeles. The EIR also made provision for future development of up to 500,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment uses and up to 1,800 hotel rooms on adjacent parcels that ultimately became L.A. Live. Mr. Fajnor, co-Founder and Principal with EcoTierra was the Principal in Charge and Project Manager of this project that involved numerous public meetings and hearings. 4 REFERENCES
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 4-1
FIRM REFERENCES The EcoTierra team has prepared environmental documentation for public agencies and private clients throughout Southern California. The project experience that the firm would bring to the City of Santa Clarita includes the collective experience that we have gained both at EcoTierra and over the course of our careers at other firms and includes some of the most meaningful, complex and controversial projects that have taken place in Southern California in the last 30 years. We have provided six references found on the City’s Reference Form on the next page. We would be happy to provide more references and examples of additional projects if desired by the City.
REFERENCES
PROPOSAL # PL-24-25-17
On-Call Environmental Planning Services
City of Santa Clarita, California
The following are the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three public agencies for which proposer has performed work of a similar scope and size within the past 3 years. If the instructions on this form conflict with the references requested in the scope of work, the scope of work shall govern. Complete this form out accordingly. Fill out this form completely and upload it with your proposal.
1. _Michael Hofflinger, City of Chino Hills, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709 _________________________________________________________________________________Name and Address of Owner / Agency Michael Hofflinger, Planning Manager (909) 364-2777
_________________________________________________________________________________ Name and Telephone Number
of Person Familiar with Project
$90,155, Paradise Ranch EIR, May 2023
______________________________________________________________________________ Contract Amount
Type of Work Date Completed
2. _Daniel Casey, City of Rilato, 150S. Palm Avenue, Rialto CA, 92376 _________________________________________________________________________________Name and Address of Owner / Agency Daniel Casey, Senior Planner (909) 820-2525
_________________________________________________________________________________ Name and Telephone Number of Person Familiar with Project $ 50,875, Peer Review Santa Ana Truck EIR, March 2025
________________________________________________________________________________ Contract Amount Type of Work Date Completed
3. Scott Kolwitz, City of Thousand Oaks, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, CA 91362 __________________________________________________________________________________Name and Address of Owner / Agency _Scott Kolwitz, Senior Planner, (805) 449-2319___________________________ Name and Telephone Number of Person Familiar with Project $39,985, 1300 Lawrence Drive IS/MND, June 2023.
__________________________________________________________________________________ Contract Amount
Type of Work Date Completed
REFERENCES
PROPOSAL # PL-24-25-17
On-Call Environmental Planning Services
City of Santa Clarita, California
The following are the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three public agencies for which proposer has performed work of a similar scope and size within the past 3 years. If the instructions on this form conflict with the references requested in the scope of work, the scope of work shall govern. Complete this form out accordingly. Fill out this form completely and upload it with your proposal.
1. Nicholas Taylor, City of Anaheim, 200 S. Anaheim Blvd. Suite 162, Anaheim, CA 92805 __________________________________________________________________________________Name and Address of Owner / Agency Nicholas Taylor, AICP, Principal (714) 765-4323
_________________________________________________________________________________ _
Name and Telephone Number of Person Familiar with Project $33,730, A-Town Development, Areas B & E IS/MND, March 2022 _________________________________________________________________________________ _
Contract Amount Type of Work Date Completed
2. _Paul Samaras, City of El Segundo, 350 Main Street, El Segundo, CA 90245 _________________________________________________________________________________Name and Address of Owner / Agency Paul Samaras, Principal Planner, (310) 542-2340
_________________________________________________________________________________ _
Name and Telephone Number of Person Familiar with Project $166,400, City of El Segundo Downtown Specific Plan Update, April 2024 _________________________________________________________________________________ _
Contract Amount Type of Work Date Completed
3. _Mario Suarez, City of Colton, 650 N. La Cadena Drvie, Colton, CA 92324 _________________________________________________________________________________Name and Address of Owner / Agency _Mario Suarez, AICP, Planning Manager (909) 370-5523
_________________________________________________________________________________ Name
and Telephone Number of Person Familiar with Project
$59,815, Colton Truck and Trailer Repair Project IS/MND, January 2024 __________________________________________________________________________________ Contract
Amount Type of Work Date Completed
5 PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND QA/QC
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 5-1
PROGRAM MANAGEMENT The environmental team would be headed by EcoTierra, who would provide overall environmental approach and direction, quality assurance/quality control, project management, and invoicing. We will be the point of contact with the City and will communicate with the City and provide timely direction to sub-consultants. Curtis Zacuto, Principal and Project Manager of EcoTierra, will be the main point of contact for all services. Our professional staff brings a reliable combination of knowledge and experience to each project. As a team of professionals who have collectively provided consulting services on hundreds of projects, successfully and efficiently guiding them through the environmental clearance process, EcoTierra staff has earned a reputation for comprehensive, thorough, and conscientious work. EcoTierra provides the components critical to assist the City in the certification of the EIRs, including hands-on experience with projects of this type, a thorough understanding of the projects and work programs, and focused, cost-effective employment of resources. Furthermore, all of the EcoTierra staff are qualified to manage projects. Our project managers employ a proven project management system that results in high-quality, on-time, and on-budget deliverables to each and every client. We also recognize that success in complying with CEQA and NEPA really comes down to three basic elements—proper scoping, staffing, and scheduling. At EcoTierra, we see project management and experience with CEQA and NEPA processing schedules as essential to the successful completion of a task or assignment. Using a detailed scope of work, we determine a timeline for each task in the process, including mandated public review periods and assumptions for internal City review and comment on documents. Our project manager will review the schedule in detail with City staff so that all parties are clear on the process and expectations. We meet established project timelines and schedules by working efficiently in the following ways: • We establish realistic schedules, in consultation with our clients, that are typically based on our experience with comparable projects. • We start by knowing when we want to finish the project and working our way back to a reasonable, feasible schedule. • We use available data to the extent feasible and avoid unnecessary analyses and data collection. • We produce quality documents that get it right the first time to avoid endless rewrites and revisions. • We provide flexibility in providing documents simultaneously or in parallel tracks, depending on the nature of the work and what needs to be done. We are accustomed to providing deliverables on an accelerated timetable, a practice enabled by the high level of internal collaboration among staff at EcoTierra and by the depth of staff resources assigned to a given project. In addition, because of our extensive background in serving jurisdictions, we know how to anticipate legal and procedural requirements of regulatory agencies, and potential project hurdles associated with the CEQA and NEPA process, which will enable us to assist the City in overcoming them. Our team members not only solve problems by staying cognizant of project details and technical issues and applying its resources to creatively resolve any difficulties or issues that may arise during the environmental review process, but are also experienced at asking
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND QA/QC
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 5-2
the right questions, drawing on in-house resources when needed, and providing effective resolutions that comply with CEQA and NEPA guidelines and respond to any issue at hand. Our goal is to facilitate the environmental review process. Our approach to completing environmental documentation including complex environmental impact reports, is to work with the Project Team, the City, and the Applicant at the start of the Project to determine the main environmental concerns about a particular Project. Once we determine the technical issues, we collaborate with our internal team and subconsultant team to determine the best course of action on how to feasible reduce the Project impacts to the satisfaction of the Applicant and the City. Thus, we tackle all of the Project’s key issues at the start of the environmental process. Furthermore, the early identification and resolution of critical issues are imperative to keep a project on track and on schedule, coupled with careful and timely documentation of decisions reached. Based on this approach, we will proactively deal with potential variances from the schedule, early and intelligently, before they become a problem. In addition, our project managers and task leaders will communicate to City staff the impact of any schedule changes necessitated by circumstances outside of our control before or as they occur. These project management tools will result in constant vigilance over schedule and budget performance and consistent communications, with no surprises to the City. As a small business, we have been structured from the outset to provide maximum flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of our clients. We are not burdened by an extensive management or overhead structure. As stated above, when an assignment is received, our designated point of contact for the City, Curtis Zacuto, will coordinate with the City to determine the specific technical needs of the project and would then coordinate with our technical subconsultants to identify the most capable personnel to provide the needed services within the required time frame. This structure also promotes certainty as to the availability of personnel within the specified project time frame. In addition to our daily activities, we analyze project details on a weekly basis and meet as a company and discuss the week’s priorities and deadlines for each project. This weekly and continual monitoring allows us to anticipate project staffing needs and allows us to be responsive to our clients and their needs. ECOTIERRA’S PHILOSOPHY We are a nimble, efficient, and highly cost-effective environmental consulting firm that can handle projects of any size and complexity. Being small and agile, we are not encumbered by a large, corporate structure and provide Principal level of attention and detail to all of our projects. EcoTierra staff provides the highest quality work at a reasonable cost. EcoTierra’s success is based upon the success of projects and the partnerships that EcoTierra builds with each client. EcoTierra welcomes the opportunity to provide such services to the City of Santa Clarita. Furthermore, EcoTierra’s philosophy is to approach the preparation of environmental documents with an emphasis on quality and thoroughness of analysis as interested parties subsequently scrutinize projects, and therefore potential environmental impacts of a project must be fully analyzed and disclosed. We remain vigilant and at the forefront of the challenges you face and have the resources to provide timely solutions to you efficiently and cost effectively.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND QA/QC
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 5-3
ECOTIERRA’S QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL APPROACH As the environmental review consultant to the City, EcoTierra would work closely with the City throughout the process, starting with a face-to-face kickoff meeting to review the project, coordinate personnel assignments and set schedule milestones for the completion of key deliverables. We would expect to have regular contact via phone and daily contact via e-mail to keep each other informed as to project progress, information requirements, subconsultant coordination, and any other areas where coordination is required. Typically, we recommend setting regular face-to-face and/or conference call meeting schedules which are held at a frequency as desired by the City. The intent is to keep the project on schedule and provide a mechanism for quicker response to ask questions and provide a forum to discuss potential issues that may arise. EcoTierra would be responsible for ensuring that all procedural and technical requirements of CEQA and/or NEPA are met. We would prepare all documents for City review and approval, attend all scoping meetings and hearings and ensure that all procedural and noticing requirements are met. We would expect to work closely with other specialized consultants from the City’s previously-approved list that are selected by the City to meet the specific technical needs of a project. We would review all reports provided by these consultants and provide comments that would be focused on ensuring that the analysis provided is sufficient under CEQA and/or NEPA. We would also provide recommendations on technical emphasis and the logic of impact evaluation related to these analyses to ensure that the resulting information that is put forth in the environmental document passes CEQA and/or NEPA muster. EcoTierra would utilize technical reports prepared by others to prepare the appropriate technical sections of the environmental document and would prepare all other sections that do not require specialized technical input. We place particular emphasis on response to comments and final documents. When project environmental documents are challenged in litigation, our experience has been that the courts closely review responses to issues raised in the course of public and agency review of the documents to ensure that the lead agency is responsive to public and agency concerns. In our responses, we strive to be honest, acknowledge errors where appropriate, but offer vigorous defense of our analysis when we believe that a commenter is incorrect. We have found that this approach greatly reduces the risk that a court will find our document insufficient under CEQA and/or NEPA. To the extent that the City Attorney and/or outside counsel are involved in the review of draft and final environmental documents, we find that the document is stronger as a result. Since EcoTierra specializes solely in environmental analysis and documentation, the project management staff can apply all available resources towards regularly upgrading the analytical approach and quality standards. EcoTierra’s environmental documents are prepared to the standards and requirements of CEQA and NEPA, the latest State CEQA Statute and Guidelines, the Office of Planning and Research guidelines, state planning and zoning laws, and applicable lead agency regulations, in this case, the environmental documents are always prepared in a manner that meets EcoTierra’s exacting standards of quality, with specific emphasis placed on a clear and substantive writing style. ECOTIERRA’S BUDGET COST CONTROL APPROACH For every project, EcoTierra’s project manager establishes a cost budget table which is referred during the entire environmental process to keep costs on track. This table is shared with staff working on the project and hours are assigned to staff per task. The project manager monitors weekly staff time applied to projects and can quickly
PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND QA/QC
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 5-4
keep see if there is a particular problem or issue that would result in escalation of hours/costs. EcoTierra project manager addresses the issue/problem with staff and Principal-in-Charge. Cost control on all of our projects is achieved through the use of cost tables that we include with our invoice submissions which track billings against task budgets so that the City can see the status of billing and compare to percentage of work complete on a monthly basis. In project budgets, we provide fixed amounts for all tasks that are wholly under the control of EcoTierra, such as preparation of a screencheck draft document, which will not be exceeded unless the project changes. For tasks that are partially under our control such as review and revision tasks, we will provide estimated costs and provide the basis for our assumptions (e.g., number of review cycles). We will adhere to these budgets without question as long as the assumptions are not exceeded. For tasks that are out of the control of either EcoTierra or the City, such as responses to public comments, we can provide an estimate at the beginning of the environmental review process, but with the understanding that this will need to be re-visited when the scope of the task can be ascertained (i.e., after the close of the public review period). EcoTierra is committed to providing cost-effective services to all of our clients. In addition to his management responsibilities, Mr. Fajnor is the Chief Financial Officer for the firm and has continual access to up-to-date accounting, cost and budget information for the firm’s projects. This information allows us to closely monitor the financial performance of all projects and identify potential problem areas early to allow for coordination and resolution with the client in a timely manner. As part of the initial organization of the project team for a particular assignment, a cost estimate will be developed that reflects the best estimates of the issues to be addressed and the likely levels of public and agency involvement and reaction to a project. However, one of the unavoidable characteristics of the environmental review process is that there are a number of steps, primarily those associated with public review and participation, which are beyond the control of EcoTierra and the City. It is particularly important that these steps be closely monitored, as they often require budget modifications if the response to a project turns out to be more extensive than originally anticipated. Continuous monitoring, data collection and analysis, and communication are the keys to addressing these issues in a manner that is appropriate and fair to the City, the applicant, and the consultant team. In any event, we will maintain close communication with the City throughout the process to ensure that costs are closely tracked in order to avoid surprises to the City and/or project applicant. 6 PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 6-1
PERSONNEL Descriptions of EcoTierra’s personnel are provided below. Resumes for team members showing their education, experience, and titles which are comparable to the “Cost File” are included in the Appendix. Curtis Zacuto, Co-Founder and Principal Mr. Zacuto, Co-Founder and Principal of EcoTierra, has 37 years of experience in preparing CEQA documents and specializes in urban and rural projects and has managed large and complex and controversial projects throughout the Southern and Central California region. Mr. Zacuto from will be the primary liaison with the City and primary Project Manager. Prior to founding EcoTierra with Mr. Fajnor, Mr. Zacuto served in a senior management position at other environmental consulting firms in addition to working in the public sector and serving 13 years as a Planning Commissioner. Within his tenure, Mr. Zacuto served as Principal Campus Environmental Planner for UCLA, where he oversaw implementation of the campus’ Long-Range Development Plan (and its update) with numerous campus development projects requiring Categorical Exemptions, Initial Studies and EIRs and their accompanying technical studies. In addition, Mr. Zacuto has extensive experience with urban infill development and has direct experience with projects that are highly visible and controversial. Some of these projects include Walmart development proposals in various locations in California, as well as increased density development projects throughout Southern California. Recent experience includes infill residential development (undeveloped hillside areas and vacant and redevelopment sites) retail centers, mixed-use, office buildings, industrial warehousing development projects. In addition, he has recently been principal in charge of general plan and housing element updates. Mr. Zacuto has a wide range of experience on projects that could be similar to ones proposed for the City of Santa Clarita. Mr. Zacuto’s connection to the Santa Clarita Valley goes back to the late 1980’s and worked on the City’s first General Plan. Mr. Zacuto was responsible for land use and housing analysis and conducted windshield surveys of the entire Valley. Mr. Zacuto has other direct experience working on projects in the City of Santa Clarita with the Keystone subdivision project that analyzed 979 dwelling units (nearly complete), a middle school (that ultimately wasn’t developed), YMCA facility (yet to be built) and trail system. Currently, Mr. Zacuto is managing the preparation of an IS/MND for a Neighborhood Self Storage Facility for the City. He has extensive experience in preparation of environmental documents involving subdivisions (Parker Ranch, Moorpark Country Club Estates, Mountaingate South, Canyon Hills, etc.), multi-family/mixed-use developments, retail/shopping centers (numerous Walmart Retail Center projects, Target/Kohls, etc.), commercial/specific plans/master plan projects (Community Recycling, NBC Studios, Warner Bros. Studios) and recently managed a development code update project for the City of San Bernardino both the planning and environmental components. Mr. Zacuto will be available to provide strategic direction and work product quality control, and will provide project scoping, and budgeting. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 80%. Craig Fajnor, Co-Founder and Principal Mr. Fajnor, Co-Founder and Principal of EcoTierra, has 38 years of experience in urban planning, including 30 years of experience exclusively in the field of environmental planning and documentation. Prior to founding EcoTierra with Curtis Zacuto, Mr. Fajnor served in a senior management position at various consulting firms for over 17 years and operated an independent consulting practice for more than four years. Mr. Fajnor specializes in urban projects and has managed large and complex projects throughout the Southern California region. Mr. Fajnor brings hands-on experience in all forms of environmental documentation which may be needed to meet the requirements of CEQA and NEPA. Some of his experience include urban, infill, high-profile projects like sports arenas (Crypto.com – formerly Staples Center), low rise to high rise multi-use development projects, landfill/recycling facilities, general plan, and specific plan projects. Like Mr. Zacuto, Mr. Fajnor has a wide and extensive experience on development projects with particular emphasis on large urban infill development. Many
PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 6-2
of these projects were high-profile and controversial. These projects included Vermont Corridor mixed use development for Los Angeles County, The REEF project (over 1.8 million sf of mixed uses) in Los Angeles, the Wilshire/Grand building (tallest building west of the Mississippi), Staples Center to name a few. Mr. Fajnor has managed a number of commercial and mixed use development projects for the City of El Segundo and has managed industrial/commercial development projects for the Cities of Carson and Compton. Mr. Fajnor will be available to provide strategic direction and work product quality control. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 10%. Katrina Hardt-Holoch, Senior Project Manager, AICP Ms. Hardt-Holoch, Senior Project Manager, has over 24 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. She leads and directs multidisciplinary teams conducting environmental review and compliance activities for a variety of projects, including mixed-use and residential development, educational/institutional facilities, commercial and light industrial development, recreational facilities, master and specific plans, roadway and bicycle facilities, rail, restoration, and general plan updates. Ms. Hardt-Holoch was assistant project manager for the Chino Hills General Plan EIR. Ms. Hardt- Holoch has recently been involved with urban infill projects such as residential annexation, hillside residential developments, park development plans, public facility projects (e.g., libraries), retail centers and housing element update and general plan update projects. Ms. Hardt-Holoch will be available to provide strategic direction, work product quality control, and document preparation. In addition to these duties, Ms. Hard-Holoch will assist also be assigned as a Project Manager depending upon the project and her availability. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 20%. Lainie Herrera, Senior Project Manager Ms. Herrera, Senior Project Manager, has over 20 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. Her experience includes residential, office, mixed-use, institutional, recreation, and infrastructure projects, for which she coordinates between agencies, applicants, consultants, and attorneys to certify CEQA documents as part of the overall project entitlement process. Ms. Herrera also has experience with community outreach, land use entitlements and findings, and public hearings. She will provide environmental document preparation and work product quality control back-up. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 40%. Jennifer Johnson, Project Manager Ms. Johnson, Project Manager, has over 23 years of experience in land use analysis and preparation of environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA. Ms. Johnson has assisted and managed projects involving the preparation of environmental documentation for both private and public sector clients. Ms. Johnson has been involved in numerous types of projects, including but not limited to, high-density residential projects, mixed-use projects, office projects, educational/institutional projects, and entertainment and sporting facility projects. Ms. Johnson has been involved low rise to high rise multi-use development projects, residential development, retail center facilities, general plan, and specific plan projects. Her responsibilities include the following: management of projects; project budgeting and scheduling; work product quality control; conducting research and writing various document sections; and coordination with regulatory agencies and subcontractors. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 70%. Shayne Lipsey, Project Manager Ms. Lipsey, Project Manager, has more than 33 years of experience in environmental and land use planning. Ms. Lipsey’s experience includes both the management and preparation of environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for clients in both the public and private sector, as well as preparation of General Plans, Specific Plans and entitlement documents. Ms. Lipsey has prepared and co-managed a variety of environmental review
PERSONNEL, EQUIPMENT, AND FACILITIES
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 6-3
documents, including Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations and Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Assessments, Addenda, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs, and other focused environmental analyses. Recently she has assisted with infill residential development retail centers, mixed-use, office buildings, industrial warehousing development projects. Her diverse project experience includes commercial/retail, mixed-use, single- and multi-family residential, institutional, and master planned developments throughout Southern California. Ms. Lipsey will assist with the preparation of environmental documentation. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 40%. Jenny Mailhot, Project Manager Ms. Mailhot, Project Manager, has more than 26 years of experience in the management and preparation of environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for clients in both the public and private sector. Ms. Mailhot has acted as a day-to-day contact for clients, agency staff, and attorneys, providing valuable insight to the environmental constraints of various projects. She has managed and prepared documentation for highly controversial projects, including residential, retail, office, mixed-use, institutional, recreational, museums, and infrastructure projects. Recent experience includes infill residential development (undeveloped hillside areas and vacant and redevelopment sites) retail centers, mixed-use, office buildings projects. Ms. Mailhot will assist with the preparation of environmental documentation and will be assigned as a Project Manager. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 80%. Katie Wilson, Senior Air Quality and Noise Specialist Ms. Wilson, Air Quality and Noise Specialist, has 18 years of experience preparing air quality, GHG, health risk assessments, and noise technical studies. Ms. Wilson is proficient in CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, CALINE, FHWA Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108), Roadway Noise Construction Model (RCNM), and Sound Plan Essential. Ms. Wilson has extensive experience in acoustical, air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG) and health risk impact assessment analyses for public and private sector projects throughout California. She has directed and assisted on hundreds of projects involving air quality and acoustical impact analyses, with an emphasis on accurate and defensible analyses performed in support of CEQA and/or NEPA environmental documentation. Ms. Wilson will prepare all air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, energy and noise studies. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 20%. Marisa Wyse, Environmental Planner Ms. Wyse is an Environmental Planner with over 20 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. Ms. Wyse also serves as a Project Manager for MNDs and CEs. She has assisted and managed projects involving the preparation of environmental documentation for both private and public sector projects. Her project experience includes roadway improvements, park development, public facility land use, mixed-use development, hospital/medical facility development and expansion, school development, and energy facility construction. Her project experience includes roadway improvements, park development, public facility land use, mixed-use development, hospital/medical facility development and expansion, school development, and energy facility construction, for which she coordinates between agencies, applicants, consultants, and attorneys to certify CEQA documents as part of the overall project entitlement process. Ms. Wyse will assist with the preparation of environmental documentation. Percentage of time on spent on City projects would be 80%.
Figure 1
Organization Chart
Cogstone Resource Management
Cultural Resources
South Environmental, Inc.
Biological Resources
Linscott, Law & Greenspan, Engineers
Traffic and Transportation
Converse Consultants
Geotechnical
Hazards and Hazardous Materials Services
EcoTierra Consulting, Inc.
Curtis Zacuto
Principal/Owner
Principal-In-Charge/Project Manager
City of Santa Clarita
Lead Agency
EcoTierra Consulting, Inc.
Craig Fajnor
Principal/Owner
Alternate Leader/Project Manager
Katrina Hardt-Holoch
Sr. Project Manager
Environmental Documentation
Jenny Mailhot
Project Manager
Environmental Documentation
Katie Wilson
Air Quality and Noise Specialist
Environmental Documentation
Marisa Wyse
Environmental Planner
Environmental Documentation
Shayne Lipsey
Project Manager
Environmental Documentation
Jennifer Johnson
Project Manager
Environmental Documentation
Lainie Herrera
Sr. Project Manager
Environmental Documentation
7 SUB-CONSULTANTS
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-1
SUB-CONSULTANTS As previously identified (Section 2, Qualifications), EcoTierra is teaming with the following firms which have the capacity to prepare technical reports and/or perform peer reviews of technical reports provide by the City and the applicant: • South Environmental, Inc. (Biological Resources) • Cogstone Resource Management, Inc. (Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources) • Converse Consultants, Inc. (Geotechnical and Hazards and Hazardous Materials) • Linscott Law & Greenspan, Inc. (Traffic and Transportation) EcoTierra staff have worked with these subconsultants and there employees for years. EcoTierra staff will review all technical reports provided by the Applicant and the City staff, and will assess the environmental impacts. EcoTierra has the capacity to perform the required services and is sufficiently staffed and outfitted to perform the required services. The following sections provide a brief overview of staff and team qualifications. Resumes for key personnel are provided in the Appendix. South Environmental, Inc. Biological Resources Technical Reports and Peer Reviews Samantha Murry, President 2061 North Los Robles Avenue, Suite 205 Pasadena, CA 91104 Email: [email protected] www.southenvironmental.com South Environmental, Inc. Founded in 2018 in Pasadena, California, South Environmental LLC is a certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) specializing in natural and cultural resources consulting in Southern California. We provide architectural history, archaeology, biology, arboricultural, and paleontological resources consulting services. Established as a partnership between Cultural Resources Director Samantha Murray and Principal Biologist Matthew South, our in-house team of specialists provides the full suite of cultural and natural resources compliance services. We help our clients navigate federal, state, and local regulatory and permitting processes, from small-scale private development projects to large-scale infrastructure and energy projects. We provide technical studies and compliance documentation to satisfy the regulatory requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and work closely with federal and state permitting agencies such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the State Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB). South Environmental is pleased to offer the following major service categories: Cultural Resources Services including architectural history and historic built environment resource significance evaluations, historic preservation, stakeholder engagement, historic context statements, intensive-level archaeological surveys and technical reports, and tribal cultural resources services.
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-2
Natural Resources Services include preparation of biological resource assessments and impacts analyses, wetland delineations, special-status species surveys, and conservation planning. We also offer arborist services including tree inventories, surveys, risk assessments, and tree permitting services. Paleontological Resources Services include paleontological resource assessments, surveys, and construction monitoring, as well as fossil salvage, identification, preparation, and curation. GIS and Data Science Services including database construction and management, mobile data collection, mapping, web applications, and spatial data creation and analysis. South Environmental, Inc. Team Matthew South, Principal Biologist Matthew South founded South Environmental in 2018. He is a certified wildlife biologist with over 19 years of professional experience providing natural resources consulting services for a wide variety of clients that include residential, commercial, government, utility, infrastructure, research, and non-profit projects. For the last 17 years, Mr. South has been an environmental consultant in southern California acting as a Wildlife Biologist and Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst. In early 2018 he started South Environmental and has since been supporting clients in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. Mr. South’s background in ecology has led to a passion for conservation planning and resources assessments for the purpose of preservation and management. The integration of the latest technologies such as advanced GIS systems, mobile computing, and drone sensing allows him to innovate new data collection, analysis, and collaboration tools for the environmental sciences that produce more accurate data and better-informed resource managers. South Environmental, Inc. Project Experience: • Peer Review of the Biological Resources Report for the 25642 Camino Del Avion Project, City of San Juan Capistrano, California (2024). South Environmental was retained to conduct a peer review for the City of San Juan Capistrano of a biological resources technical report prepared by another consultant. South Environmental was asked to comment on the report’s adequacy in consideration of all applicable state and local regulations, address whether or not the report’s conclusions are well supported, and comment on the adequacy of the existing background research conducted to support the associated findings. • City of Palmdale - Palmdale Warehouse Project (2022). South Environmental prepared a jurisdictional delineation and permit applications to CDFW and RWQCB for the project. Services included EPIMS application and RWQCB Dredge and Fill Application and coordination including for mitigation management and alternatives analysis. • City of Moreno Valley Dracaea Street Improvements Project (2022). South Environmental prepared a jurisdictional delineation and permit applications to CDFW and RWQCB for the project. Services included EPIMS application and RWQCB Dredge and Fill Application and coordination including for mitigation management and alternatives analysis. • California Department of Water Resources (DWR) As-Needed Environmental Compliance Services (2012-2018). As part of this contract while employed at another firm, Mr. South prepared conservation and biological resources planning documents as well as oversaw the implementation and compliance components of these documents. Most notably, Mr. South was the lead
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-3
avian biologist for the billion-dollar Perris Dam Remediation Project where he prepared Avian Protection and Avoidance Plan, Feral Hog Management Plan, negotiated environmental mitigation and compensation with both the USFWS and CDFW biologists, conducted protocol surveys for endangered species such as least Bell’s vireo, and oversaw the compliance monitoring efforts for the entire 5-years of project construction. • Mill Creek Project, City of Laguna Hills, California (2024). South Environmental was retained to complete cultural and biological resources assessments in compliance with CEQA for the Mill Creek Project located in the City of Laguna Hills, Orange County, California. The project prosed to redevelop an existing commercial lot with two office buildings and a parking lot into 48 single-family detached homes at 23272-23282 Mill Creek Drive. • South Environmental also prepared a Biological Resources Report. The report which included a review of existing plant communities, sensitive natural communities, wildlife habitat, special-status plants, protected trees, special-status wildlife, nesting birds, wildlife movement, and water resources within or near to the project site through completion of a literature and database review as well as pedestrian survey. • Project Viento Amazon Warehouse, Desert Hot Springs, CA (2024-ongoing). South Environmental was retained to conduct preconstruction surveys for burrowing owls, nesting birds and rare plants. In addition, South Environmental monitors conduct daily monitoring of three active burrowing owl burrows during project construction activities. • Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians Biological Services (2018-ongoing). Mr. South has been contracted by the tribe in Coachella, CA to assist with numerous projects that require biological resources assessments and impacts analysis. • Edwards Air Force Base Environmental Management Biologist (2009-2011). Mr. South was a base biologist for the Department of Defense located on Edwards Air Force Base, California. As a base biologist Mr. South oversaw the management of the biological resources onsite including desert tortoise, burrowing owls, Joshua trees, nesting birds, and rare plants. • Rice Canyon Road Improvements and Facilities Maintenance Project Elsinore Valley Municipal Water District (2021-ongoing). Mr. South oversaw and conducted survey and reports for burrowing owls, jurisdictional delineation, rare plants, and Crotch’s bumble bee for a road improvement project through a large stream system in Rice Canyon.
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-4
Cogstone Resource Management, Inc. Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources Technical Reports and Peer Reviews Molly Valasik, CEO and CFO Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist 1518 W. Taft Avenue Orange, CA 92865 (714) 974-8300 www.cogstone.com Offices in Orange, Riverside, Morro Bay, Sacramento Email: [email protected] Cogstone Resource Management, Inc. specializes in paleontology, archaeology, and history. We serve both public and private sector clients throughout the United States. Our clients are repeat customers who appreciate Cogstone’s solid, dependable deliverables that meet all regulatory requirements for federal, state, and local regulations, including NEPA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), among others. Over the past 20 years, Cogstone has successfully completed over 1,600 paleontological, archaeological, and historic resources projects within the broad range of planning and execution phases of large and small projects. We provide services for multiple sectors, including transportation, energy, renewable energy, bridges, schools, residential and commercial development, landfills, mining, pipelines, telecommunications, water, and infrastructure. The company continues to impact the marketplace with its innovative solutions, customer satisfaction and value-delivered services. Cogstone takes pride in its ability to respond quickly and effectively to the diverse needs of clients. The company’s client list includes a broad array of federal, state, and county public agencies, full-service engineering and environmental firms, and private developers. Cogstone, Inc. Team Molly Valasik CEO and CFO, Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist Ms. Valasik serves as Cogstone’s CEO and CFO and helps guide the vision and direction of Cogstone. She has been with the company since 2009 and has helped transition Cogstone from sole ownership to multiple owners with an active board of directors. Ms. Valasik is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) with more than 15 years of experience. She is a skilled professional who is well-versed in the compliance procedures of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and regularly prepares cultural resources assessment reports for a variety of federal, state, and local agencies throughout California. Ms. Valasik has managed a variety of projects at Cogstone in the water, transportation, energy, development, and federal sectors. She meets the qualifications required by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. She is accepted as a Principal Investigator for prehistoric archaeology by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit for Archaeological Investigations. Shannon Lopez, Architectural Historian Ms. Lopez is a qualified architectural historian with over six years of experience who meets or exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Architectural History. Her experience includes architectural history research and surveys with photo documentation and recording of built environment
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-5
resources for local and federal projects. She has extensive knowledge with Native American consultation, consultation with local and state historical societies, and in the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Ms. Lopez is acknowledged as an approved Architectural Historian by Caltrans and is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit for Archaeological Investigations. She is accepted as a Principal Investigator for Architectural History and History by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Eric Scott, Principal Paleontologist Mr. Scott is a professional vertebrate paleontologist with over 40 years of experience in paleontological mitigation, fieldwork, curation, and research. He is emeritus paleontology curator at the San Bernardino County Museum, an adjunct instructor at California State University, San Bernardino, and a research associate of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. Mr. Scott is a 30+ year member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, an international society of professional scientists where he currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee. He also holds membership in the Geological Society of America and other professional societies. He has published over 40 research articles in professional scientific journals. He is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Paleontological Resource Use Permit. Kim Scott, Principal Investigator for Paleontology Ms. Scott has over 28 years of experience in California as a paleontologist and sedimentary geologist. She has worked extensively in the field surveying, monitoring, and salvaging fossils on hundreds of projects. In addition, she has special skills in jacketing large fossils, fossil preparation (cleaning and stabilization) and in the preparation of stratigraphic sections and other documentation for fossil localities. Ms. Scott frequently authors paleontological assessments, paleontological mitigation plans, and monitoring compliance reports to all agency requirements. She authors and conducts crew sensitivity training, serves as company safety officer, and has authored both the company safety and paleontology manuals. She is a Member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and the Geological Society of America. John Gust, Principal Investigator for Archaeology Dr. Gust is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) with over 12 years of experience in field archaeology. His field expertise includes pedestrian surveys, excavation monitoring, resource recording, and historic artifact analysis. Dr. Gust has extensive experience in California cultural resources, having served as Principal Investigator on projects for the City of San Juan Capistrano, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, the City of San Jose, Los Angeles International Airport, and the City of Morro Bay. He has managed a variety of projects at Cogstone in the water, transportation, energy, development, and federal sectors. He has also managed cultural resources monitoring projects for both public and private sector clients. He meets the qualifications required by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Dr. Gust is a member of the Society for California Archaeology, Society for American Archaeology, and the American Anthropological Association. He is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit for Archaeological Investigations. Cogstone Resource Management Project Experience: • Brandywine Glendora Project, City of Glendora, Los Angeles, County California. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the project. The 1.85-acre project area contained a historic in age commercial structure to be demolished and the lot re-graded and redeveloped with the construction of six three-story residential buildings. Cogstone's services included cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), consultation with local historical societies, and intensive pedestrian survey. The
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-6
existing building was recorded on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 (DPR 523) forms and evaluated for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared to document the findings. The City of Glendora was the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). • Lomita General Plan Update, City of Lomita, Los Angeles, California. Cogstone conducted a study to review and summarize available information regarding known paleontological, archaeological, and historical resources within the boundaries of the City of Lomita to support the city’s General Plan Update. The update includes a comprehensive set of goals, policies, and actions (implementation measures), organized into elements. The goals and policies provide guidance to the City on how to direct change, manage growth, and manage resources. The project also includes updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to provide consistency with the General Plan Update. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological resources records searches, consultation with local historical societies, and a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC). A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared that documented the results of the study and included recommendations for mitigation. The City of Lomita was the lead agency for the Project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). • Walnut Business Park, City of Walnut, Los Angeles, County, California. Cogstone conducted a built environment assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural resources as a result of the project which planned to demolish all 34 buildings in the 23-acre site. While none of the buildings within the Project are historic in age,18 buildings met or surpassed the 45-year threshold. Cogstone's services included background research, consultation with local historical societies, and a built environment survey. The 18 buildings were photographed and documented on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 (DPR 523) forms and evaluated for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility. Cogstone prepared a Built Environment Assessment Report to document the findings. The City of Walnut was the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Prime. • Chase Pacific Beach Project, City of San Diego, San Diego County, California. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during the demolition of an existing 22,147 square-foot bank building and the construction of a new 3,600 square-foot drive-through bank building and a 3,200 square-foot restaurant with patio seating. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), and consultation with local historical societies. A pedestrian survey was not conducted as the project area is entirely hardscaped and landscaped. Separate Cultural Resource Assessment and Paleontological Resources Assessment reports were prepared at the conclusion of the project. The City of San Diego was the lead agency under CEQA. • De Portola Development Project, City of Temecula, Riverside County, California. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during development of the 20-acre project area into multiple, multi-family housing units. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, and an intensive pedestrian survey. A Cultural and Paleontological Assessment Report was prepared at the conclusion of the survey. The City of Temecula was the lead agency under CEQA.
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-7
Converse Consultants, Inc. Geotechnical and Phase I and Phase II Technical Reports and Peer Reviews Siva K. Sivathasan, Senior Vice President/Principal Engineer, Ph.D, P.E, G.E. QSD, DGE. F. ASCE 717 S. Myrtle Avenue Monrovia, CA 91016 Office: 626-930-1275 / Cell: 626-437-7638 Email: [email protected] Converse Consultants, Inc. Professor Fred Converse founded Converse Consultants in 1946 to provide professional consulting services to the A/E/C industry. Today, Converse is an employee-owned C-corporation and MBE/SBE with nine offices in three states. Our professional staff of geotechnical engineers, engineering geologists, and environmental scientists is respected by clients and colleagues alike. Our field staff, comprised of experienced technicians and special inspectors, is trained and certified to perform the testing required for your projects. We have in-house laboratories certified by agencies such as Caltrans which conduct tests on soils and construction materials during both the design and construction phase of our clients' projects. Our laboratories streamline testing and reporting, keeping projects on schedule and on budget in the process. Converse Consultants, Inc. Team Siva Sivathasan, PhD, PE, GE, DGE, QSD, F.ASCE, Project Manager/Geotechnical Lead Dr. Sivathasan is a registered civil and geotechnical engineer in California, with 29 years of geotechnical and construction experience. He is skilled at analyzing complex geotechnical problems and has prepared comprehensive reports with detailed recommendations. He also has extensive knowledge of construction projects from managing geotechnical observation and testing, special inspection and material testing, and Caltrans source inspection services. He has been providing source inspection for major transportation projects in Southern California. He is a subject matter expert for the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists for geotechnical engineering exam development. Babak Abbasi, PhD, PE, Project Engineer Dr. Abbasi has seven years of research and teaching experience in geotechnical engineering and collaborated in projects funded by Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and National Science Foundation (NSF). He joined Converse in January 2020 and has experience of providing geotechnical services during the design of infrastructure projects. He provides the field investigation services to conduct field exploration, provides oversight of laboratory testing, and conducts the analyses necessary for various projects. He also serves as lead technician during construction for the observation, testing and inspection of soils and construction materials. Laura A. Tanaka, CAC, Lead Certified, Principal Environmental Scientist Ms. Tanaka has 33 years of wide ranging and diverse experience in environmental consulting and management. Ms. Tanaka’s experience includes: • Asbestos, Lead-base Paint, & Mold Services – She has performed surveys and abatement monitoring services for municipalities, financial institutions, property management companies, school districts, and the U.S. Navy. Ms. Tanaka has also conducted asbestos and mold awareness training classes.
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-8
• Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments – Ms. Tanaka has completed and/or supervised thousands of Phase I and II pre-acquisition site assessments in California, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington. Properties assessed have included residential, commercial, and industrial uses, as well as undeveloped land consisting of hundreds to thousands of acres. • Preliminary Endangerment Assessments – Generated scoping documents, completed field work, and report generation for various PEAs. In addition, Ms. Tanaka has also provided project management and field support for Supplemental Site Investigations and Removal Action Workplans for local school districts. • Third Party Reviews and Consultation – Ms. Tanaka routinely reviews environmental documents/reports for clients and provides comments on the appropriateness of the due diligence and recommendations. • Project Management – Experienced managing projects that have timeframes as little as two days to as long as four to five years. Also includes responding to emergency projects. • Other experience includes hazardous material audits, completing business plans, SCAQMD permitting, supervising hazardous material pickups, and maintaining hazardous materials databases. Michael Van Fleet, PG, QSD, Project Geologist Mr. Van Fleet has 22 years of experience working as a geologist in the States of California and Washington. Mr. Van Fleet has experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for residential, educational, commercial, and industrial sites. He has experience preparing workplans to outline investigative activities such as Preliminary Environmental Assessments (PEA), as well as Remedial/Removal Action Workplans (RAWs) to outline remediation/mitigation activities. Additionally, he has experience related to the development and implementation of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs). Field experience relating to environmental investigations and remediation includes the collection of soil, soil vapor, ambient air, and groundwater samples, installation of groundwater and soil vapor monitoring wells, preparation of boring logs in accordance with USCS methods, waste stream management, evaluation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) at construction sites, and the operation and maintenance of soil vapor and groundwater remediation systems and gas mitigation systems primarily related to methane. Danny Arteaga, Technician Mr. Arteaga has 36 years of engineering experience with commercial, residential, and industrial projects. Office and field experience includes managing and coordinating field observations and compaction testing services. His field engineering duties have included observing foundation excavations, inspecting subdrain installations, performing field density testing, inspecting drilled and driven piles, and conducting manometer surveys. Mr. Arteaga has drilled, logged, and sampled exploratory borings and test pits for a wide variety of geotechnical engineering investigations. Mr. Arteaga has also developed laboratory testing programs, performed engineering analyses, and written various types of grading and post grading reports involving compacted fill, as-built grading, drilled and driven pile inspections, and shoring monitoring. Converse Consultants Project Experience: • Edward C. Little Phase V Expansion. The project included Phase V Expansion of the Edward C. Little Water Recycling Facility (ECLWRF) for the Western Basin Municipal Water District located in El Segundo. The existing ECLWRF received secondary effluent from the Hyperion Treatment Plant, where it was treated to produce different qualities of water for municipal, commercial, and industrial applications. The project was proposed to expand the capacity of the ECLWRF through upgrades to existing facilities
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-9
and construction of new facilities including pump/motor replacements, sludge handling facilities, chemical storage pads and tanks, new submersible pumps, microfiltration systems, road widening, detention basins, among many other improvements. • Central Resin Regeneration Facility. The 10-acre Central Resin Regeneration Facility (CRRF) project consisted of two buildings with four on- site evaporation ponds. The CRRF consisted of areas for brine treatment, containment of granular activated carbon resin, saturated brine, and other chemicals, back wash, an electrical room, an operations area for plant personnel and access for trucks unloading the various chemicals. The one-story process building will consist of reinforced rigid concrete walls supported on a reinforced concrete mat foundation. The chemical containment areas will consist of reinforced concrete perimeter walls supported on the mat foundation. The one-story operations building will consist of reinforced concrete walls supported on a floating floor slab. • Recycled Water Project. The Phase IIB, Package 2, 3 and 4 projects consist of total approximately 21,300 linear feet of pipeline located in West Covina. These pipeline extensions include: (1) Package 2: approximately 13,000 linear feet of 12-inch diameter pipeline along Azusa Avenue from Giambi Lane (south of Nelson Street) north to Vine Avenue, then east along Vine Avenue to Citrus Avenue; (2) Package 3: approximately 3,800 linear feet of 12-inch diameter pipeline along Amar Road from Nogales Street to Creekside Drive, in the City of Walnut; Package 4: approximately 500 linear feet of 4-inch diameter pipeline along Nogales Street from Amar Road to Francesca Drive, and approximately 4,000 linear feet of 6-inch diameter pipeline along Nogales Street from Shadow Oak Drive to La Puente Road. • Metro Gold Line, Del Mar Station. The project consisted of a mixture of residential and commercial buildings and the existing Santa Fe Railroad Pasadena Depot Building above grade. Two three-level subterranean parking structures were constructed under majority of the site. The Metro Gold Line passes through the center of the site between the two parking structures. The parking structures were constructed with reinforced concrete and are located entirely below grade with most of the above grade structures being wood frame construction. • Atlantic Boulevard Bridge Rehabilitation. Converse provided the geotechnical investigation for the widening and rehabilitation of the Atlantic Boulevard Bridge over the Los Angeles River in Vernon. The Atlantic Boulevard Bridge crosses the Los Angeles River southwest of the 710 Freeway and serves as an important commercial trucking route. The purpose of the geotechnical study was to evaluate the nature and pertinent geotechnical engineering properties of the subsurface materials at the site and to provide recommendations regarding site earthwork and geotechnical parameters for the design and construction of the proposed project. The bridge field exploration also encroached within the right-of-way (ROW) of the Los Angeles Railway Junction, requiring permits from BNSF prior to drilling. • City Hall Expansion and Renovation. The project was composed of several phases that included new construction, major renovations, installation of wet utilities, and construction of at-grade asphalt concrete paved parking. The new construction consisted of the expansion of the first and second floors, totaling 38,535 square feet and 37,455 square feet. Major renovations were made to the first floor totaling 25,752 square feet, and the second floor totaling 9,798 square feet. • Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square. The Palisades Garden Walk and Town Square project site is located within the Civic Center Campus in the City of Santa Monica, California. The project involved the construction of a seven (7) acre municipal park on the land immediately west of the City Hall Building within the existing Civic Center campus. The park comprised a one-acre “Town Square” in front
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-10
of the City Hall building and a six-acre “Palisades Garden Walk.” The Town Square site consisted of landscape areas and a water feature. The Palisades Garden Walk site consisted of construction four landscaped mounds (six feet to 18 feet in height), retaining walls, a restroom, overlook structures, water features, a playground area, storage sheds, sidewalk, and flatworks. The project required the import of roughly 55,000 cubic yards of soils to construct the mounds. Converse provided two phases of initial geotechnical investigation as well as observation and density testing during earthwork activities. • Environmental Assessments & Surveys. Converse Consultants has completed various Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), as well as asbestos and lead-based paint (LBP) surveys for the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO). Our work is generally completed as part of the MTA’s environmental due diligence prior to site acquisitions. Converse’s work experience with METRO dates back to 1989- 1990 when we completed Pre-acquisition Site Assessments (PSAs) along the Baldwin Park and Azusa Branches of the Southern Pacific Railroad line and the Second Subdivision Branch of the Santa Fe Railroad line. Converse has also completed Phase I ESAs or corridor studies for portions of the Metro Rail Red Line (Segment 3 North Hollywood and Eastern Extension) in 1991-1992. Our more recent work for the MTA has included Phase I ESAs and Asbestos and LBP Surveys for properties associated with various transit line projects such as the Exposition Light Rail Transit Project, the Crenshaw/LAX Transit Line Project, and the Regional Connector. The Phase I ESAs are completed in general conformance with the scope and limitations of the ASTM Practice E1527 and METRO requirements and complied with the standards and practices set forth in 40 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 312 for All Appropriate Inquiry. The Phase I ESAs included the following tasks: interviews with the property owner representatives; property and vicinity reconnaissance; review of regulatory agency records; description of physical setting; historical review; and interviews with public agency personnel. As the Phase I ESAs were being completed, Converse also conducted asbestos and LBP Surveys of the existing site structures. Bulk samples of suspect interior and exterior asbestos-containing materials were collected of the following materials: roof core and penetration mastic; drywall/joint compound; plaster board and ceiling plaster; exterior stucco; sheet flooring, and vinyl floor tile with mastic. The LBP Surveys were completed using an x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device to measure lead content in painted surfaces. The detection level for lead is set at 0.7 mg/cm² as defined by Los Angeles County, Department of Health Services. Converse has surveyed walls, ceilings and attic components, doors, windows, floor tiles, shelving, vents, and associated components.
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-11
Linscott, Law & Greenspan, Inc. Traffic and Transportation Technical Reports and Peer Reviews Linscott, Law and Greenspan Engineers, Inc. David A. Roseman, Principal P.E. 600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 500 Pasadena, CA 91106 Email: [email protected] www.llgengineers.com Linscott, Law & Greenspan, Engineers, Inc. (LLG), provides transportation planning, traffic engineering and parking consulting services to public agencies and the private sector. LLG is a well-respected firm of medium size, comprised of over fifty dedicated professionals, many with Professional Registration in Traffic Engineering, Civil Engineering, or both. LLG offices located in Woodland Hills, Pasadena, Irvine, and San Diego serve their clients on a wide variety of complex issues. Since our founding in 1966, in excess of 10,000 engagements have been completed involving a wide variety of projects throughout the United States and Overseas, with the core of our practice in Southern California. Linscott, Law & Greenspan Engineers, Inc. Team Dave Roseman, Principal, P.E. Mr. Roseman has over 36 years of experience in overseeing all aspects of transportation, traffic and parking, including but not limited to traffic control device placement, traffic signal design and operations, geometric street design, transportation improvement projects, work area traffic controls, traffic calming, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, on-street parking regulations, development review and coordination, oversight of transportation grants and funds, inter-agency coordination, oversized and overweight truck permitting, and the operation and management of City-owned off-street parking facilities. Mr. Roseman leads public meetings and provides expert witness services. Mr. Roseman is the Managing Principal of LLG’s Pasadena office and is a licensed Traffic Engineer in the State of California. Mr. Roseman holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California State University and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Director of the United States Secret Service for his development and implementation of the transportation plan for the 2000 National Convention. Dan Kloos, Principal, P.E. Daniel A. Kloos has over 25 years of experience in the preparation of transportation planning analysis, traffic impact studies and parking studies. He is a licensed Traffic Engineer in the state of California. Mr. Kloos holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. He has extensive experience in the preparation of traffic impact studies for a variety of land uses, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analyses, site access and operational plans, parking studies, traffic and parking management plans, campus master plans, school operational plans and suggested route to school plans. In addition, Mr. Kloos currently provides on-call traffic and transportation engineering consultation services to the City of Anaheim, the City of Dana Point and the City of San Juan Capistrano. Alfred Ying, Senior Transportation Engineer, P.E., PIP Mr. Ying holds over 33 years of traffic engineering and transportation planning experience, with particular emphasis on the preparation of transportation impact studies and parking studies for various development projects pursuant to the requirements of CEQA. He is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles in 1992. Mr. Ying has a background in complex operational analyses for intersections and roadway corridors and
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-12
specializes in simulation of traffic flows. He has prepared Caltrans Permit Engineering Evaluation Reports (PEER) for the processing of highway improvements and has performed numerous traffic signal timing, signal progression, and signal warrant analyses. Mr. Ying is a licensed Traffic Engineer in the State of California, a certified Professional Transportation Planner with the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc., and a certified Employee Transportation Coordinator with the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Francesca Bravo, Senior Transportation Engineer Ms. Francesca Bravo has 27 years of traffic engineering and transportation planning experience, with particular emphasis on the preparation of traffic impact studies and parking studies for both public agencies and the private sector for a variety of project developments in the greater Los Angeles region and areas of Ventura County. Ms. Bravo has also worked on projects located in the County of San Bernardino, California, County of Oahu, Hawaii and the County of Maui, Hawaii. Ms. Bravo holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. Grace Turney, Transportation Engineer III, P.E., RSP1 Ms. Grace Turney holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Civil Engineering from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and has over ten years of traffic engineering and transportation planning experience. Ms. Turney has extensive experience in preparing Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analysis in compliance with SB 743, development of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs, and preparation of transportation impact studies for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Ms. Turney guest lectures on VMT and traffic engineering, and has presented to various public agency staff, land use attorneys and expediters, land use/transportation planners, and university groups. Ms. Turney has also worked on traffic operations studies, queuing studies, parking demand/ shared parking studies, and a variety of other specialized studies for public agencies and the private sector throughout the greater Los Angeles region. Ms. Turney also provides on-call traffic engineering support to a variety of public agencies in Southern California. Ms. Turney is a licensed Traffic Engineer in the State of California and is a certified Road Safety Professional (Level 1) with the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc. Ms. Turney currently participates in the development of the Traffic Engineering licensing exam as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Chin S. Taing, Senior Transportation Planner, PTP, RSP1 Ms. Chin Taing has over 24 years of experience in the preparation of transportation planning analyses, including transportation impact studies and parking studies to support the environmental review process for a variety of project developments in and around the greater Los Angeles region and areas of the San Gabriel Valley region. Ms. Taing is a certified Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) and Road Safety Professional (Level 1) (RSP1) with the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc. Ms. Taing holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Geography with emphasis on Environmental Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles. LLG Project Experience: • Neighborhood Storage Facility (City of Santa Clarita). LLG’s Scope of Work included transportation planning consulting services related to the proposed three-story neighborhood storage facility designed to contain 950 storage units in 130,000 gross square feet. The transportation impact analysis included the evaluation of traffic impacts associated with the proposed project at key intersections. As part of the transportation analysis, LLG conducted field studies of existing traffic conditions, forecasted project vehicle trip generation and distribution
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-13
patterns, reviewed site access and circulation issues, forecast future traffic conditions, and prepared a Congestion Management Program impact assessment for nearby freeway and intersection monitoring locations. LLG’s consultation also included the preparation of trip generation forecasts for other potential development programs/land uses for comparison. • Kaiser Permanente Specialty MOB Project (City of Santa Clarita). LLG’s Scope of Work includes transportation planning consultation services related to the proposed Kaiser Permanente Specialty Medical Office Building (MOB) project located in the City of Santa Clarita, California. The proposed project consists of the renovation and re-use of an existing office and R&D building for a total of 115,610 square feet of medical office space. LLG prepared the Traffic Impact Analysis for the proposed project, which evaluated existing and future traffic operations at 10 study locations. LLG also provided site planning consultation to the project architect including review of overall access and internal circulation, review and determination of overall parking and ADA parking requirements and locations, review of loading and service vehicle access and circulation, and made recommendations regarding pedestrian circulation throughout the campus. Consultation also included preparation of truck maneuvering analyses within the campus using the AutoTURN software package. LLG provided representation in meetings with City of Santa Clarita staff and Kaiser Permanente representatives throughout the public review process, as well as provided support at public hearings held for the project. • Vesting Tentative Tract No. 74718 Residential (City of Santa Clarita). LLG prepared the transportation impact analysis for the proposed Vesting Tentative Tract No. 74718 residential project occupying approximately 19 acres of land in the City of Santa Clarita. The transportation impact analysis was prepared for a gated residential community comprised of 96 residential dwelling units, a tot lot, and a recreation center. Consultation included the evaluation of traffic impacts associated with the proposed project at 11 key intersections. As part of the transportation analysis, LLG conducted field studies of existing traffic conditions, forecast the project trip generation rates and distribution patterns, reviewed site access and circulation issues, and identified mitigation measures to reduce the project’s traffic related impacts to less than significant levels. LLG also prepared the vehicle queuing, storage requirements, and sight distance analyses with respect to the proposed project driveway on Dockweiler Drive. Consultation also included the preparation of a freeway mainline analyses, intersection analyses, and off-ramp vehicle queuing pursuant to the State of California Department of Transportation methodology and thresholds. In addition, LLG worked in close coordination with City staff and the applicant’s team to identify potential mitigation measures and the project’s fair-share contribution in order to reduce the impacts to less than significant levels. • Tentative Tract No. 46018 Plum Canyon (Unincorporated Los Angeles County). LLG prepared the traffic impact studies associated with the proposed multi-phase, 2,500 residential dwelling unit project in the Plum Canyon area of Los Angeles County. LLG was integral in the successful project approval and entitlement associated with the first 1,700 residential dwelling units, many of which have been constructed and occupied. As part of the prior project approval, LLG conducted extensive field studies of existing traffic and parking conditions, developed vehicular trip generation rates and distribution patterns for the project, developed future traffic volume forecasts based on application of the Santa Clarita Valley computer traffic model for 14 key intersections. LLG evaluated site access and internal circulation system to determine appropriate traffic control at key intersections, identified transportation mitigation measures to reduce traffic related impacts to less than significant levels, prepared a Congestion Management Program impact analysis for nearby freeway and intersection monitoring locations, and prepared traffic signal warrant analyses. LLG prepared detailed phasing
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City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services 7-14
analyses and coordinated with the project team and County staff to identify appropriate mitigation measures to maintain the infrastructure as the various project phases were approved and constructed. LLG coordinated extensively with County staff and was responsible for the preparation and processing of four traffic signal design plans, one traffic signal modification plan, and the corresponding traffic signal interconnect plans. All of the design plans were approved by Los Angeles County and the traffic signals have been installed and are operational. Additional LLG Projects: • City of Santa Clarita - Creekside Commons Project Transportation Study • City of Santa Clarita – The Paseo Club Parking Study • City of Santa Clarita – Golden Valley Road Self-Storage Project Transportation Study • City of Baldwin Park – Kaiser Permanente Emergency Expansion and Medical Office Building Transportation Study • City of Carson – 336 E. Carson Townhomes VMT Analysis and Transportation Study • City of Gardena –1610 Artesia Boulevard Residential Transportation Study • City of Glendale – 515 Pioneer Drive Residential Project VMT Analysis and Transportation Study • City of Irwindale – Kaiser Permanente Irwindale Medical Office Building Transportation Study and On-Call Services Site Access & Circulation Review • City of La Cañada Flintridge – Descanso Gardens Master Plan Site Planning, Access Management Plan and Construction Traffic Analysis • City of Los Angeles– 3401 La Cienega Project Transportation Study and TDM Plan • City of Monrovia – Huntington Oaks Center Shared Parking Analysis • City of Paramount – 15101 Paramount Boulevard Transportation Study • City of Pasadena – Panda Inn/Gateway Center Project Transportation Demand Management Plan • City of Pico Rivera – The Mercury Project VMT Analysis and Transportation Study • City of Simi Valley – Simi Pak Industrial Building Transportation Study • City of Torrance – Torrance Senior Housing Project VMT Assessment • City of Westlake Village – North Business Park Specific Plan Traffic Impact Analysis APPENDIX A: RESUMES
City of Santa Clarita RFP to Provide On Call Environmental Planning Services The EcoTierra Team resumes (including subconsultants) follow this page. 21 CURTIS ZACUTO / PRINCIPAL Experience Summary Mr. Curtis Zacuto, Co-Founder and Principal of EcoTierra Consulting, Inc., has more than 37 years of experience in environmental planning and project management. Mr. Zacuto has served in a senior position at previous consulting firms and has worked for a public university as a principal campus environmental planner. Mr. Zacuto specializes in urban and rural projects and has managed large and complex and controversial projects in the Los Angeles area and throughout the Southern California region. Mr. Zacuto’s background in private and public sector planning has resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between land use regulations, environmental impact and project implementation. Education Background and Professional Affiliations • M.U.R.P. in Planning – California State Polytechnic University, Pomona • B.A. in Sociology - UCLA • American Planning Association (APA) • Association of Environmental Planners (AEP) Project Experience • 6th/Harvard Mixed Use Hotel EIR • 1633 26th Street Santa Monica EIR • 7720 Lankershim Residential • 12444 Chandler Blvd Residential • 8899 Beverly Blvd EIR • Anaheim 39 Commons IS/MND • Anaheim A-Town Areas B & E IS/MND • Anaheim Holden Sr. Housing Facility CE • Anaheim Pepperwood Place CE • Chino Hills General Plan Update EIR • Chino Hills Paradise Ranch EIR • City of Sierra Madre Housing Element EIR • Community Recycling & Resource Center EIR • Crescent Hts. Condominium Project EIR • Eldridge Lots Residential IS/MND • Franklin Avenue Apartment Project EIR • Hollywood and Gower Project EIR • Housing Element Updates IS/ND (Bell Gardens, El Segundo, Glendora, Imperial Beach, La Mesa) • Keystone Subdivision Project EIR • Laing Homes Studio City IS/MND • La Verne Baseline SFR & Annexation IS/MND • Malibu Valley Inn & Spa Resort Hotel EIR • Morrison Hotel EIR • NBC Studios Master Plan EIR • North Hollywood Self Storage IS/MND • Paseo Plaza Mixed Use Development EIR • Sierra Madre General Plan Update EIR • Simi Valley, Parker Ranch EIR • The Plaza at Santa Monica EIR • The Village at Tarzana Residential Project • Walmart EIR (Garden Grove) • Walmart EIR (Lancaster) • Walmart Technical Studies (Lompoc) • Walmart EIR (Ridgecrest) • Walmart EIR (Tehachapi) • Warner Bros Studios Master Plan EIR • West Hollywood 8899 Beverly Blvd EIR • Woodley/SF Mission Project
22 CRAIG FAJNOR / PRINCIPAL
Experience Summary
Mr. Craig Fajnor, Co-Founder and Principal of EcoTierra Consulting, Inc., has 38 years of experience in environmental planning and project management. Mr. Fajnor has served in a senior management position at various consulting firms for over 18 years and operated an independent consulting practice for more than 13 years. Mr. Fajnor specializes in urban projects and has managed large and complex projects in Los Angeles and throughout the Southern California region, including EIRs for the Staples Center and Hollywood and Hig hland projects, and an EIR/EIS for the Los Angeles Air Force Base. Mr. Fajnor brings extensive hands-on experience in all forms of environmental documentation which may be needed to meet the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Education Background and Professional Affiliations
• M.A. in Planning – University of Virginia
• B.A. in Political Science – Duke University
• American Planning Association (APA)
• Former editor of The Dispatch, newsletter of the Los Angeles Section of APA Project Experience
• Anaheim Gateway Project EIR
• Ashland Chemical Distribution Center EIR
• Bradley Landfill and Recycling Center Master
Plan EIR
• California Hospital Medical Center Seismic
Reconstruction EA
• Chinatown Redevelopment Project EIR
Addendum
• Downey Studios Mixed-Use Development
Specific Plan EIR
• Grand Avenue Project EIR Addendum
• Harbor Gateway Center EIR
• Hollywood & Highland EIR
• Hollywood Redevelopment Plan EIR
• Hollywood and Vine EIR Addendum
• Kinder-Morgan Tank Farm Projects EIR
• LAAFB Land Conveyance, Construction and
Development Project EIR/EIS
• Metro Universal Project EIR
• North Hollywood Arts and Entertainment District
EIR/EIS
• Olive Avenue Development Peer Review
• Playa Vista Phase I EIR
• Sepulveda/Rosecrans Site Rezoning and
Plaza El Segundo Development EIR
• Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center EIR
• Staples Center EIR
• Sunquest Business Park EA
• UCLA University Village Expansion EIR
• Universal City Specific Plan EIR
• Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Plan EIR
• Wiseburn School District Reconstructions
IS/MND
• Vermont Corridor EIR
23 KATRINA HARDT-HOLOCH / SR. PROJECT MANAGER/REGIONAL MANAGER
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
Experience Summary
Katrina Hardt-Holoch is a Senior Environmental Planner/Project Manager at EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. with over 24 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. She leads and directs multidisciplinary teams conducting environmental review and compliance activities for a variety of projects, including urban development , educational/institutional facilities, recreational facilities, master and specific plans, roadway and bicycle facilities, rail, restoration, and general pla n updates.
Education Background and Professional Affiliations
• M.U.R.P. in Planning – Portland State University
• B.U.S. in Physical Geography – University of New Mexico • American Planning Association (APA)
• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), #017806 Project Experience
• 156 Business Parkway Addendum IS/MND (City
of Hollister)
• 225 Greenville Road IS/MND (City of
Livermore)
• 627 Vermont IS/MND
• Alameda Point General Plan Amendment EIR
• Antioch General Plan Land Use Element
Addendum
• Bakersfield to Palmdale High-Speed Rail Project
EIR/EIS (California High-Speed Rail Authority)
• Bixel Residences IS/MND
• Britannia Cove at Oyster Point Specific Plan
Subsequent EIR (City of South San Francisco)
• Campbell General Plan Update EIR
• Chino Hills General Plan Update
• Crystal Springs Uplands School EIR (City of
Belmont)
• East Bay Greenway IS/MND (Alameda County
Transportation Commission)
• Fresno to Bakersfield High-Speed Rail EIR/EIS
(California High-Speed Rail Authority)
• Gateway Business Park Master Plan EIR (City of
South San Francisco)
• Gelson’s Market IS/MND (City of Manhattan Beach)
• Healdsburg General Plan EIR
• Hollister Park Facility Master Plan IS/MND
• Rainier Cross-Town Connector Project EIR (City of
Petaluma)
• Rosati Annexation (City of Hollister)
• San Pedro Community Plan EIR
• South Hayward Development Project IS/MND
• Steelwave Industrial Park Addendum IS/MND (City
of Hayward)
• Titlow Hill General Plan Amendment, Zone
Reclassification, and Subdivision Certifications EIR
(Humboldt County)
• Tolay Lake Master Plan EIR (Sonoma County)
• Westlake Community Plan EIR
24 LAINIE HERRERA / SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER Experience Summary Lainie Herrera is a Senior Project Manager at EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. with over 20 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. Her experience includes residential, office, mixed-use, institutional, recreation, and infrastructure projects, for which she coordinates between agencies, applicants, consultants, and attorneys to certify CEQA documents as part of the overall project entitlement process. Ms. Herrera also has experience with community outreach, land use entitlements and findings, and public hearings. Education Background and Professional Affiliations • B.S. in Public Policy, Management, and Planning – University of Southern California • USC Alumni Real Estate Network • Volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth Project Experience • 1100 E. 5th Street Project EIR • 1340 S. Hill IS/MND • 1601 & 1605 Vine Street Project EIR • 8070 Beverly IS/MND • 9th & Flower: A South Park Mixed-Use Development EIR • Abode La Veranda IS/MND • Beverly Connection IS/MND • Bradley Landfill and Recycling Center Master Plan EIR • Casden Ross Project IS/MND • Casden Sepulveda Project EIR • Central Regional High School #13, LAUSD EIR • City of Los Angeles Housing Department Section 151.28 Ellis Act Provisions – Rental of Replacement Units IS/ND • Cross Valley Transmission Line Habitat Conservation Plan EA • Del Amo Fashion Center Mixed-Use Development Project EIR • El Segundo Downtown Specific Plan EIR • Fashion District Residences IS/MND • First Street Trunk Line Project, LADWP IS/MND • Jefferson at Hollywood Residential/Retail Project IS/MND • LAAFB Land Conveyance, Construction EIR • Laurel Place Senior Housing Project, City of West Hollywood EIR • Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum EIR • Malibu Civic Center – La Paz Development Project EIR • Mateo Project EIR • Oxford Avenue Apartments Project EIR • Palisades Landmark Condominium Project EIR • Plaza Pacoima IS/MND • SeaGlass Townhome Project EIR • Sepulveda/Rosecrans Site Rezoning and Plaza El Segundo Development EIR • Summerwind Ranch at Oak Valley, City of Calimesa EIR • Sun Valley Health Care Center IS/MND • The Lorenzo Project EIR • Wetherly Project / Residences at the Four Seasons EIR • Wilshire Boulevard Condominium Project EIR • Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project EIR
26 SHAYNE LIPSEY / PROJECT MANAGER
Experience Summary
Ms. Shayne Lipsey is a Project Manager with more than 33 years of experience in environmental and land use planning. Ms. Lipsey’s experience includes both the management and preparation of environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for clients in both the public and private sector, as well as preparation of General Plans, Specific Plans and entitlement documents. Ms. Lipsey has prepared and co- managed a variety of environmental review documents, including Environmental Impact Reports, Initial Studies, Negati ve Declarations and Mitigated Negative Declarations, Environmental Assessments, Addenda, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Programs, and other focused environmental analyses. Her diverse project experience includes commercial/retail, mixed -use, single - and multi -family residential, institutional, and master planned developments throughout Southern California. Ms. Lipsey’s background in private and public sector planning has resulted in a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationships between land use regulations, environmental impact and project implementation.
Education Background and Professional Affiliations
• MPL in Urban and Regional Planning – USC
• MPA in Public Administration - USC
• B.A. in Political Science - UCLA
Project Experience
• Argyle Lofts IS/MND
• Calabasas Village Inn EIR
• Chevron Pipeline EIR
• City of Malibu General Plan/LCP EIR
• Community Recycling & Resource EIR
• Crescent Hts Condominium Project EIR
• Elite Aviation FBO IS/MND
• Fort MacArthur/White Point EIS
• Gower/Hollywood Condominium Project EIR
• Los Angeles International Golf Course EIS
• Macy’s/Lake Avenue EIR
• Marina del Rey Tower Mixed Use EIR
• Metro Rail Red Line EIR
• Music Center IS/MND
• North Fontana Infrastructure EIR
• Pantages Theater IS/MND
• Sakioka Farms Business Park Specific Plan EIR
• Santa Anita Park Specific Plan EIR
• Santa Clarita General Plan EIR
• Southside Corridor (Tier 1) EIR
• State Route 58 (Tier 1) EIR
• Superblock Redevelopment EIR
• Verdugo Hills Golf Course Residential EIR
• Yardbirds Center (Santa Rosa) EIR
25 JENNIFER JOHNSON / PROJECT MANAGER
Experience Summary
Ms. Jennifer Johnson, a Project Manager for EcoTierra Consulting, Inc., has over 23 years of experience in land use analysis and preparation of environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA.
Ms. Johnson has assisted and managed projects involving the preparation of environmental documentation for both private and public secto r clients, including: Environmental Assessments, Initial Studies, Negative Declarations, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Mitigation Monitoring Programs, Environmental Impac t Reports, Focused Environmental Impact Reports, and Environmental Impact Statements. Ms. Johnson has been involved in numerous types of projects, including but not limited to, high-density residential projects, mixed -use projects, office projects, educat ional/institutional projects, and entertainment and sporting facility projects. Her responsibilities include the following: management of projects; project budgeting and scheduling; work product quality control; conducting research and writing various document sections; coordination with regulatory agencies and subcontractors; as well as preparation of proposals.
Education Background and Professional Affiliations
• B.A. in Environmental Studies and Public Policy & Management – University of Southern California • Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP)
Project Experience
• 1100 E. 5th Street EIR
• 1334 Flower Street IS/ND
• 1375 S. Andrews EIR
• 31451 Coast Highway IS/MND
• 676 Mateo Street Project EIR
• 8899 Beverly Boulevard Project EIR
• Academy Square Project EIR
• Anaheim Hills Holden Senior Living Facilty CE
• Barstow Walmart EIR
• Beverly Connection MND and Addendum
• Boeing Selby Block Zone Change GP IS/MND
• City of Agoura Hills General Plan Update EIR
• City of Chino Hills General Plan Update EIR
• City of El Segundo General Plan Update EIR
• City of El Segundo Downtown Specific Plan EIR
• City of Sierra Madre General Plan Update EIR
• El Segundo Boeing S50 Bldg. Expan. IS/MND
• El Segundo Boeing S50 Bldg. Addition IS/MND
• El Segundo Corporate Campus EIR and Addendum
• Hollywood Park Redevelopment Project EIR
• ICON at Panorama EIR
• Innovative Cannabis IS/MND
• LAAFB Land Conveyance, Construction EIR
• Los Angele Memorial Coliseum EIR
• Metro Universal Project EIR
• Museum of Tolerance EIR
• Museum Square Office Building EIR
• Palisades Landmark Condominium Project EIR
• Target at Sunset and Western EIR
• The REEF EIR
• Spring Street Hotel Project EIR
• Staples Center EIR
• The Grand Avenue Project EIR
• Vermont Corridor Project EIR
• Wilshire Boulevard Condo Project EIR
• Wilshire Grand Redevelopment Project EIR
27 JENNY MAILHOT / PROJECT MANAGER Experience Summary Ms. Jenny Mailhot, Project Manager at EcoTierra Consulting, Inc., has more than 26 years of experience in the management and preparation of environmental review documents pursuant to CEQA and NEPA for clients in both the public and private sector. Ms. Mailhot has acted as a day-to-day contact for clients, agency staff, and attorneys, providing valuable insight to the environmental constraints of various projects. She has managed and prepared documentation for highly controversial projects, including: residential, retail, office, mixed-use, institutional, recreational, museums, and infrastructure projects. Ms. Mailhot has also prepared peer reviews of environmental documentation for clients, and has experience with land use entitlements, findings, and mitigation monitoring programs. Education Background and Professional Affiliations • B.A. in Environmental Studies – University of California, Santa Barbara • Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Project Experience • 4900 Hollywood IS/MND • 6th and Alameda EIR • 6400 West Sunset EIR • 6904 Hollywood Boulevard Retail Office IS/MND • 959 Seward Street Project EIR/EA • Agoura Hills General Plan Update EIR • Barlow Hospital Replacement/Master Plan EIR • Beach Cities Media Campus EIR • Bellevue Center Whole Foods Project EIR • BLVD 6200 EIR • Bradley Landfill and Recycling Center Master Plan (EIR) • Burbank Media Studios North EIR • Cameron Ranch EIR • Central Metal EIR • CIM West Los Angeles Plaza EA • CitizenM EIR • City of Chino Hills General Plan Update EIR • Chino Hills Paradise Ranch EIR • Commons at Calabasas • Corporate Plaza EIR • El Segundo Downtown Specific Plan EIR • Hollywood and Highland EIR • Hollywood Central Park EIR • Hollywood/Garfield Mixed-Use Development EIR • Hyde Park EIR • LAAFB Land Conveyance, Construction and Development Project EIS/EIR • Laguna Beach Community/Senior Center EIR • Los Angeles County Museum of Art EIR • Los Angeles Rent Stabilization Ordinance (IS) • Melrose and Seward IS/MND • Olive Avenue Development Peer Review • Playa Vista Second Phase Project Draft EIS/EIR • Plaza at Santa Monica EIR • Providence Tarzana Medical Center Project EIR • Santa Clarita Neighborhood Storage IS/MND • Santa Monica College Madison Theater EIR • Sea Breeze EIR • Sepulveda/Rosecrans Site Rezoning and Plaza El Segundo Development EIR • Snyder Valley Plaza Project EIR • Spectrum Group EIR • Temple Israel of Hollywood Enhancement EIR • Tierra Luna EIR • Vermont Corridor EIR
KATIE WILSON / SENIOR ANALYST
Experience Summary
Ms. Wilson has 18 years of experience preparing air quality, GHG, health risk assessments, and noise technical studies. Ms. Wilson is proficient in CalEEMod, EMFAC, AERMOD, CALINE, FHWA Traffic Noise Prediction Model (FHWA-RD-77-108), Roadway Noise Construction Model (RCNM ), and Sound Plan Essential. Ms. Wilson has extensive experience in acoustical, air quality, greenhouse gas (GHG) and health risk impact assessment analyses for public and private sector projects throughout California. She has directed and assisted on hundreds of projects involving air quality and acoustical impact analyses, with an emphasis on accurate and defensible analyses performed in support of CEQA and/or NEPA environmental documentation.
Education Background and Professional Affiliations
• M.S. Environmental Toxicology – University of California, Riverside • B.S. Biology with a Minor/Certificate in Criminal Justice – California State University, S an Bernardino
• Air Quality Permitting and Enforcement Class - University of California, Riverside • Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP)
Sample Project Experience
Noise
• Loma Linda Memory Care Facility
• Pepito’s Drive Through Expansion Project
• Pixley Anaerobic Digester
Air-GHG, and Noise
• Morrison Hotel Project EIR
• Marriott Hotel Expansion IS/MND
• Kohl Ranch Specific Plan No. 303 Amendment 2
• East Pleasanton Specific Plan
• Preserve Sewer Improvement Project
• General Plan Update for Cities of Agoura Hills,
Sierra Madre and El Segundo
Air and GHG
• Coachillin’ Industrial Park
• Highway 111 Widening and Improvement
Project
• Sierra Bella Specific Plan
Air, GHG and HRA
• South Bay Distribution Center
• Chiming Inc. Industrial Project
• Coachella Valley Compost Facility Expansion
HRA
• Canyon Creek Resort Specific Plan
• Menifee North Specific Plan
28 MARISA WYSE / ENVIRONMENTAL PLANNER Experience Summary Marisa Wyse is an Environmental Analyst EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. EcoTierra Consulting, Inc. with over 20 years of experience managing and preparing CEQA and NEPA environmental documents. She has assisted and managed projects involving the preparation of environmental documentation for both private and public sector projects including: Initial Studies, Mitigated Negative Declarations, Mitigation Monitoring Programs, Environmental Impact Reports, Focused Environmental Impact Reports, and Combined Environmental Impact Reports/Environmental Impact Statements. Her project experience includes roadway improvements, park development, public facility land use, mixed-use development, hospital/medical facility development and expansion, school development, and energy facility construction, for which she coordinates between agencies, applicants, consultants, and attorneys to certify CEQA documents as part of the overall project entitlement process. Education Background and Professional Affiliations • B.A. in Geology – Occidental College • Association of Environmental Professionals (AEP) Project Experience • 1100 E. 5th Street Project EIR • 1300 Lawrence Drive IS/MND • 1633 26th Street EIR • California Pacific Medical Center Long-Range Development Plan EIR (City and County of San Francisco) • 950 Mason Street Fairmont Hotel EIR (City and County of San Francisco) • Centrum Sunset EIR (City of West Hollywood) • City of Chino Hills General Plan Update EIR • City of La Mesa Housing Element Update IS/MND • Contra Costa Water District Alternative Intake EIR/EIS • Disposition of Offshore Cooling Water Conduits SONGS Unit 1 EIR (Southern California Edison) • General Plan Update EIRs for Cities of Agoura Hills, Sierra Madre and El Segundo • Hyatt Hotel Westlake IS/MND • LA Coroner Crypt Building Addition and Tenant Improvement MND (LADPW) • LA Mesa Housing Element ND • Laurel Place Senior Housing EIR • La Verne Baseline Road SFR/Annexation IS/MND • Marriott Hotel Expansion IS/MND • Mateo Project EIR • Morris Dam Water Supply Enhancement IS/MND • Morrison Hotel EIR • Olive Avenue Development Peer Review • Olive View Medical Center Emergency Services Expansion and Acute Care Unit IS/MND • San Bernardino Fast5Xpress Car Wash IS/MND • Santa Clarita Neighborhood Storage IS/MND • San Gabriel River Discovery Center EIR • Santa Monica High School Science and Technology Building and Site Improvement EIR • Spring Street Hotel EIR • The Plaza at Santa Monica EIR
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 303-818-3632
EDUCATION
B.S., Wildlife Ecology, University
of Wisconsin-Madison, 2004
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Wildlife Biologist, The
Wildlife Society 2014
Certified Technical Service
Provider (TSP) for Fish and
Wildlife Management Plans,
USDA NRCS 2017
Authorized Desert Tortoise
Biologist – Numerous BOs
Unmanned Aircraft System Pilot
Certification, FAA #4177603
TRAINING
Wetland Delineation Training
Course – The Wetland Institute
(2014)
Southwest Willow Flycatcher
Workshop, 2017
USGS Desert Tortoise Health
Assessment and Tissue
Collection Techniques Training,
2009
Matthew South
PRINCIPAL BIOLOGIST
Matthew South founded South Environmental in 2018. He is a certified wildlife biologist with over 19 years of professional experience providing natural resources consulting services for a wide variety of clients that include residential, commercial, government, utility, infrastructure, research, and non-profit projects. For the last 17 years, Mr. South has been an environmental consultant in southern California acting as a Wildlife Biologist and Geographic Information System (GIS) Analyst. In early 2018 he started South Environmental and has since been supporting clients in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties.
Mr. South’s background in ecology has led to a passion for conservation planning and resources assessments for the purpose of preservation and management. The integration of the latest technologies such as advanced GIS systems, mobile computing, and drone sensing allows him to innovate new data collection, analysis, and collaboration tools for the environmental sciences that produce more accurate data and better-informed resource managers.
EXPERTISE
• Conservation and Management P lanning. Mr. South’s has extensive experience preparing mitigation and monitoring plans, habitat conservation plans, and technical biological resources management plans that are compliant with federal, state, and local regulations. Mr. South is the only active National Resources Conservation Service TSP for Fish and Wildlife Plans Certified in California.
• Biological Resource s Assessment. Mr. South has completed dozens of biological resources assessments throughout southern California.
• Rare Plants and Arborist Services . Mr. South has surveyed and assessed thousands of native and landscaped trees in southern California. He is a certified arborist with seven years of tree survey experience working closely with some of the most experienced arborists in California. In addition, he has performed hundreds of hours of rare plant surveys and habitat assessments.
• Wetland & Jurisdictional Delineations. Mr. South has conducted dozens of jurisdictional and wetland delineations per the guidelines and methods from the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), and the state Regional Water Quality Control Boards (RWQCB).
Matthew South Resume, Page 2
SELECT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Southern California Gas (SCG) As -Needed Biological and Cultural Resources Services (2022-ongoing).
As a subconsultant on this contract Mr. South has overseen the assessment numerous resources from single point locations to many miles of pipelines. More recently he has begun to conduct biological assessment in the coastal zone in Santa Barbara County as well as endangered species Biological Assessments (BAs) in support of Coa stal Development Permits for SCG. Wetland delineation and permitting, biological resources assessments, and resources surveys and monitoring are services that Mr. South conducts and oversees a team of specialists that support the environmental impacts analysis and permitting for SCG.
Notable SGC Delineation Projects:
• L-127 Line in Montecito, Santa Barbara County
• Aliso Canyon Facility
• L-85 Line north of Castaic
• L-404 Line near Oak Park
• Sylmar Gould Canyon
• L324 near Salt Canyon Creek
SoCalGas Data Collection Unit (DCU) Installation Project Environmentally Sensitive Habitat and Cultural Resources Assessment, Santa Barbara County, California (2023). Working as a subconsultant, South Environmental was retained on behalf of SoCalGas for submittal of a report to the Santa Barbara County Planning and Development Department (P&D) in support of the Data Collection Unit (DCU) Installation Project.
The purpose of the report was to support a Zoning Clearance and provide determinations consistent with the requirements of Santa Barbara County Land Use and Development Code (LUDC) § 35.44.030 – Telecommunications Facilities Appurtenant to Natural Gas Distrib ution Facilities. As part of the report, the proposed project was reviewed for environmentally sensitive habitat, which included completion of a literature review, reconnaissance-level survey for biological resources, mapping of potential jurisdictional features and critical root zones, and preparation of an assessment report. Mr. South served as the principal biologist on the project and conducted QA/QC of all final work products.
California Coastal Zone Experience (2018-2021).
• Old Chimney Road Development, Santa Monica Mountains LCP (2018-present). Completed a BRA and oak tree survey per the LCP guidelines and presented to the Environmental Review Board (ERB). • Gold Stone Road Development, Santa Monica Mountain LCP (2019-present). Completed a BRA, oak tree survey, and native tree survey per the LCP guidelines. • Entrada Road Development, Santa Monica Mountains LCP (2020). Completed a BRA and oak tree survey per the LCP guidelines.
• Schueren Road Development, Santa Monica Mountains LCP (2019-2020). Completed a wetland delineation according to the California Coastal Commission guidelines. • Decker Edison Road Development, City of Malibu (2020). Completed a BRA per the City of Malibu LCP guidelines.
MOLLY VALASIK Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist EDUCATION 2009 M.A., Anthropology, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio 2006 B.A., Anthropology, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS Ms. Valasik serves as Cogstone’s CEO and CFO and helps guide the vision and direction of Cogstone. She has been with the company since 2009 and has helped transition Cogstone from sole ownership to multiple owners with an active board of directors. Ms. Valasik is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) with more than 15 years of experience. She is a skilled professional who is well-versed in the compliance procedures of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and Sections 106 and 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and regularly prepares cultural resources assessment reports for a variety of federal, state, and local agencies throughout California. Ms. Valasik has managed a variety of projects at Cogstone in the water, transportation, energy, development, and federal sectors. She meets the qualifications required by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. She is accepted as a Principal Investigator for prehistoric archaeology by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) and is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit for Archaeological Investigations. SELECTED EXPERIENCE Brandywine Glendora Project, City of Glendora, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the project. The 1.85-acre project area contained a historic in age commercial structure to be demolished and the lot re-graded and redeveloped with the construction of six three-story residential buildings. Cogstone's services included cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), consultation with local historical societies, and intensive pedestrian survey. The existing building was recorded on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 (DPR 523) forms and evaluated for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared to document the findings. The City of Glendora was the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to Sagecrest Planning + Environmental. Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist. 2024 Lomita General Plan Update, City of Lomita, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a study to review and summarize available information regarding known paleontological, archaeological, and historical resources within the boundaries of the City of Lomita to support the city’s General Plan Update. The update includes a comprehensive set of goals, policies, and actions (implementation measures), organized into elements. The goals and policies provide guidance to the city on how to direct change, manage growth, and manage resources. The project also includes updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to provide consistency with the General Plan Update. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological resources records searches, consultation with local historical societies, and a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared that documented the results of the study and included recommendations for mitigation. The City of Lomita was the lead agency for the Project under CEQA. Sub to De Novo Planning Group. Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist. 2023-2024 cogstone.com
Walnut Business Park Project, City of Walnut, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a built environment assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural resources as a result of the project which planned to demolish all 34 buildings in the 23-acre site. While none of the buildings within the Project are historic in age, 18 buildings met or surpassed the 45-year threshold. Cogstone's services included background research, consultation with local historical societies, and a built environment survey. The 18 buildings were photographed and documented on DPR 523 forms and evaluated for NRHP and CRHR eligibility. Cogstone prepared a Built Environment Assessment Report to document the findings. The City of Walnut was the lead agency under CEQA. Prime. Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist. 2024 The Department of Public Services Building Demolition Project, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a Historic Built Environment evaluation prior to demolition of the historic in age Department of Public Social Services office building. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works proposed emergency demolition of the six-story building due to recent fire damage. Cogstone's services included a cultural resources records search, consultation with local historical societies, and a built environment survey. The building was recorded on DPR 523 forms and evaluated for NRHP and CRHR eligibility. A Historic Built Environment Assessment Report was prepared at the conclusion of the survey. The City of Los Angeles was the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to Geode Environmental. Project Manager. 2024 Long Beach Marketplace Mixed-Use, City of Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a historic built environment evaluation for this project, which involved the demolition of two existing office buildings and the new construction of a six-story mixed-use development comprised of 390 apartment units with 4,800 square feet of ground floor retail. Services included background research, consultation with local historical societies, and a built environment survey. Three historic in age buildings were recorded on DPR 523 forms and evaluated for listing in the CRHR. A Historic Built Environment Evaluation report was prepared. All work was done in compliance with the mitigation measures for the project. Sub to PlaceWorks. Project Manager. 2023 Del Amo Circle Apartments Project, City of Torrance, Los Angeles County, CA. This study was conducted to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during the construction of a 234,928-square foot, 5-story building with 200 multifamily residential units and on-site facilities, a 169,946-square foot, 6.5-story parking structure with 440 parking spaces, and an amenity deck on the 2.83-acre project site. The maximum depth of ground disturbance was up to eight feet for the apartment building and a minimum of two feet for the parking structure. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, intensive pedestrian cultural and paleontological resources survey, and preparation of a Cultural and Paleontological Assessment Report. The City of Torrance is the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to PlaceWorks. Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist. 2022 San Gabriel River Commuter Bikeway and Big Dalton Wash Commuter Bikeway, City of Baldwin Park, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and historic built environment resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and historical resources for the proposed construction of approximately five miles of new bikeway/pedestrian pathway. Cogstone’s services included pedestrian surveys, records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, preparation of DPR 523 forms, NRHP eligibility assessments, and reporting. The project required a Section 408 permit from the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) due to the proximity of the federally managed San Gabriel River and tributaries. All work was completed in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA. The City of Baldwin Park acted as lead agency under CEQA. Sub to Infrastructure Engineering Corporation. Project Manager and Principal Archaeologist. 2020-2021
SHANNON LOPEZ Architectural Historian EDUCATION 2022 Certificate in Historic Preservation, The Boston Architectural College, Boston 2018 M.A., History (with an emphasis in architecture), California State University, Fullerton 2012 B.A., History, Minor in Asian-Pacific Studies, California State University, Dominguez Hills SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS Ms. Lopez is a qualified architectural historian with over six years of experience who meets or exceeds the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Architectural History. Her experience includes architectural history research and surveys with photo documentation and recording of built environment resources for local and federal projects. She has extensive knowledge with Native American consultation, consultation with local and state historical societies, and in the analysis of primary and secondary sources. Ms. Lopez is acknowledged as an approved Architectural Historian by Caltrans and is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit for Archaeological Investigations. She is accepted as a Principal Investigator for Architectural History and History by the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). SELECTED EXPERIENCE Brandywine Glendora Project, City of Glendora, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the project. The 1.85-acre project area contained a historic in age commercial structure to be demolished and the lot re-graded and redeveloped with the construction of six three-story residential buildings. Cogstone's services included cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), consultation with local historical societies, and intensive pedestrian survey. The existing building was recorded on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 (DPR 523) forms and evaluated for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared to document the findings. The City of Glendora was the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Sub to Sagecrest Planning + Environmental. Architectural Historian. 2024 Walnut Business Park Project, City of Walnut, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a built environment assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural resources as a result of the project which planned to demolish all 34 buildings in the 23-acre site. While none of the buildings within the Project are historic in age, 18 buildings met or surpassed the 45-year threshold. Cogstone's services included background research, consultation with local historical societies, and a built environment survey. The 18 buildings were photographed and documented on DPR 523 forms and evaluated for NRHP and CRHR eligibility. Cogstone prepared a Built Environment Assessment Report to document the findings. The City of Walnut was the lead agency under CEQA. Prime. Architectural Historian. 2024 The Department of Public Services Building Demolition Project, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a Historic Built Environment evaluation prior to demolition of the historic in age Department of Public Social Services office building. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works proposed emergency demolition of the six-story building due to recent fire damage. Cogstone's services included a cultural resources records search, consultation with local historical societies, and a built environment survey. The building was recorded on DPR 523 forms and evaluated for NRHP and CRHR eligibility. A Historic Built Environment Assessment Report cogstone.com
was prepared at the conclusion of the survey. The City of Los Angeles was the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to Geode Environmental. Architectural Historian. 2024 Lomita General Plan Update, City of Lomita, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a study to review and summarize available information regarding known paleontological, archaeological, and historical resources within the boundaries of the City of Lomita to support the city’s General Plan Update. The update includes a comprehensive set of goals, policies, and actions (implementation measures), organized into elements. The goals and policies provide guidance to the City on how to direct change, manage growth, and manage resources. The project also includes updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to provide consistency with the General Plan Update. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological resources records searches, consultation with local historical societies, and a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared that documented the results of the study and included recommendations for mitigation. The City of Lomita was the lead agency for the Project under CEQA. Sub to De Novo Planning Group. Architectural Historian. 2023-2024 Gardena Housing Element Update, City of Gardena, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone provided cultural and paleontological resources services to review and summarize available information regarding known paleontological, archaeological, and historical resources within designated parcels to support the City of Gardena Land Use Plan and Zoning Amendment. Cogstone’s services included paleontological and cultural resources records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, and an eligibility evaluation of a historic in age building for inclusion in the NRHP and the CRHR. Cogstone prepared a Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report which included suggested mitigation measures for future projects. The City of Gardena is the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to De Novo Planning Group. Architectural Historian. 2022-2023 San Gabriel River Commuter Bikeway and Big Dalton Wash Commuter Bikeway, City of Baldwin Park, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and historic built environment resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and historical resources for the proposed construction of approximately five miles of new bikeway/pedestrian pathway. Cogstone’s services included pedestrian surveys, records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, preparation of DPR 523 forms, NRHP eligibility assessments, and reporting. The project required a Section 408 permit from the United States Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) due to the proximity of the federally managed San Gabriel River and tributaries. All work was completed in compliance with Section 106 of the NHPA. The City of Baldwin Park acted as lead agency under CEQA. Sub to Infrastructure Engineering Corporation. Architectural Historian. 2020-2023 Concord Huntington Park Apartments, City of Huntington Beach, Los Angeles County, CA. This study was conducted to determine potential impacts to cultural resources resulting from the project, which included seismically retrofitting the 15-story apartment building and replacing the roof. Services included records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, a Built Environment survey, and preparation of a Cultural Resources Assessment Report. NRHP and CRHR eligibility was evaluated and DPR 523 series forms were completed for the building. As the entire area is landscaped, hardscaped, or covered by buildings, an archaeological survey was not conducted. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is the lead agency under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Sub to Partner Engineering and Science, Inc. Architectural Historian. 2022
ERIC SCOTT Principal Paleontologist EDUCATION 1990 M.A., Anthropology (Biological), University of California, Los Angeles 1985 B.A., Anthropology (Physical), California State University, Northridge SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Mr. Scott is a professional vertebrate paleontologist with over 40 years of experience in paleontological mitigation, fieldwork, curation, and research. He is emeritus paleontology curator at the San Bernardino County Museum, an adjunct instructor at California State University, San Bernardino, and a research associate of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County and the La Brea Tar Pits and Museum. Mr. Scott is a 30+ year member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology, an international society of professional scientists where he currently serves on the Government Affairs Committee. He also holds membership in the Geological Society of America and other professional societies. He has published over 40 research articles in professional scientific journals. He is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Paleontological Resource Use Permit. SELECTED EXPERIENCE Brandywine Glendora Project, City of Glendora, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the project. The 1.85-acre project area contained a historic in age commercial structure to be demolished and the lot re-graded and redeveloped with the construction of six three-story residential buildings. Cogstone's services included cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), consultation with local historical societies, and intensive pedestrian survey. The existing building was recorded on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 (DPR 523) forms and evaluated for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and CRHR eligibility. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared to document the findings. The City of Glendora was the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Sub to Sagecrest Planning + Environmental. Principal Paleontologist. 2024 Lomita General Plan Update, City of Lomita, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a study to review and summarize available information regarding known paleontological, archaeological, and historical resources within the boundaries of the City of Lomita to support the city’s General Plan Update. The update includes a comprehensive set of goals, policies, and actions (implementation measures), organized into elements. The goals and policies provide guidance to the City on how to direct change, manage growth, and manage resources. The project also includes updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to provide consistency with the General Plan Update. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological resources records searches, consultation with local historical societies, and a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared that documented the results of the study and included recommendations for mitigation. The City of Lomita was the lead agency for the project under CEQA. Sub to De Novo Planning Group. Principal Paleontologist. 2023-2024 Arcadia Hilton Project, City of Arcadia, Los Angeles County, CA. Development for the project involved the renovation of an existing three-story building which included addition of a new basement, and the demolition of an existing hardscaped parking lot area for the development of a new six-story building, patio, and pool. Cogstone prepared the Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program (PRIMP) for the project and prepared a cultural and paleontological Workers Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training which was presented to all project personnel prior to cogstone.com
construction. Cogstone is providing paleontological resources monitoring during ground disturbing construction activities and is on-call for inadvertent cultural resources finds during construction. A final Cultural and Paleontological Monitoring Compliance Report will be prepared at the conclusion of monitoring. The City of Arcadia is the lead agency for this project under CEQA. Sub to 123 Huntington LLC. Principal Paleontologist. 2023 Dominguez Bike Path, City of Carson, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during the proposed construction of a 12-foot wide asphalt bike path located on approximately 1.13 linear miles along the northern embankment of the Macco Channel and along the eastern embankment of the Dominguez Channel within the Los Angeles County Flood Control District right-of-way. Cogstone’s services included records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, intensive pedestrian and built environment surveys, and preparation of a Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report. One historic built-environment resource, a segment of the Dominguez Channel Levee System, was recorded on DPR 523 forms and evaluated for historic significance. The assessment report complied with the requirements of CEQA with the City of Long Beach acting as the lead agency. Due to the possible impacts on waterways, the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires project proponents to obtain a Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 permit. USACE was the lead agency under the CWA and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA). Sub to Geode Environmental. Principal Paleontologist. 2022-2023 Del Amo Circle Apartments Project, City of Torrance, Los Angeles County, CA. This study was conducted to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during the construction of a 234,928-square foot, 5-story building with 200 multifamily residential units and on-site facilities, a 169,946-square foot, 6.5-story parking structure with 440 parking spaces, and an amenity deck on the 2.83-acre project site. Maximum depth of ground disturbance was up to eight feet for the apartment building and a minimum of two feet for the parking structure. Services included cultural and paleontological records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, intensive pedestrian cultural and paleontological resources survey, and preparation of a Cultural and Paleontological Assessment Report. The City of Torrance is the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to PlaceWorks. Principal Paleontologist. 2022 Purple Line Extension (Westside Subway) Sections 1 and 2 Construction Management, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA. The project involves construction of seven stations from the existing Purple Line at Wilshire/Western Avenue along Wilshire Boulevard to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Westwood for 8.6 miles. Cogstone manages all paleontological services for Sections 1 and 2 of the subway project including budgets, WEAP training, monitoring, fossil recovery, fossil preparation, identification, cataloguing curation with the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, and reporting. Sub to JV West (Stantec/Jacobs JV; Section 1), AECOM (Section 2). Task Manager and Principal Paleontologist. 2017-ongoing
KIM SCOTT Principal Investigator for Paleontology EDUCATION 2013 M.S., Biology with paleontology emphasis, California State University San Bernardino 2000 B.S., Geology with paleontology emphasis, University of California, Los Angeles SUMMARY QUALIFICATIONS Ms. Scott has over 28 years of experience in California as a paleontologist and sedimentary geologist. She has worked extensively in the field surveying, monitoring, and salvaging fossils on hundreds of projects. In addition, she has special skills in jacketing large fossils, fossil preparation (cleaning and stabilization) and in the preparation of stratigraphic sections and other documentation for fossil localities. Ms. Scott frequently authors paleontological assessments, paleontological mitigation plans, and monitoring compliance reports to all agency requirements. She authors and conducts crew sensitivity training, serves as company safety officer, and has authored both the company safety and paleontology manuals. She is a Member of the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology and the Geological Society of America. SELECTED EXPERIENCE Brandywine Glendora Project, City of Glendora, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the project. The 1.85-acre project area contained a historic in age commercial structure to be demolished and the lot re-graded and redeveloped with the construction of six three-story residential buildings. Cogstone's services included cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), consultation with local historical societies, and intensive pedestrian survey. The existing building was recorded on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 (DPR 523) forms and evaluated for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared to document the findings. The City of Glendora was the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Sub to Sagecrest Planning + Environmental. Principal Investigator for Paleontology. 2024 Purple Line Extension (Westside Subway) Sections 1 and 2 Construction Management, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA. The project involves construction of seven stations from the existing Purple Line at Wilshire/Western Avenue along Wilshire Boulevard to the Veterans Administration Hospital in Westwood for 8.6 miles. Cogstone manages all paleontological services for Sections 1 and 2 of the subway project including budgets, Workers Environmental Awareness Program (WEAP) training, monitoring, fossil recovery, fossil preparation, identification, cataloguing curation with the Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History, and reporting. Sub to JV West (Stantec/Jacobs JV) (Section 1), AECOM (Section 2). Principal Investigator for Paleontology. 2013-ongoing Century Villages at Cabrillo, City of Long Beach, Los Angeles County, CA. This study was conducted to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during the demolition of 215 dwelling units, 20,000 square feet of administrative and supportive services, and 10,000 square feet of amenities and the construction of 750 dwelling units, areas for administrative and supportive services, amenities and educational areas, and areas for commercial/retail uses. The master plan included a central transit center, as well as dedicated bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Cogstone conducted cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File Search from the NAHC, and intensive cultural and paleontological pedestrian survey. A total of 42 historic-aged buildings were present in the 31.6-acre project area. Cogstone conducted a Built Environment survey, prepared or updated DPR 523 forms for each building, and evaluated their eligibility for the cogstone.com
NRHP and the CRHR. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment report was prepared at the conclusion of the survey. The City of Long Beach was the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to PlaceWorks. Principal Investigator for Paleontology. 2021 Rose Hill Courts Redevelopment Project, City of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone developed the Paleontological Resources Impact Mitigation Program for the project and subsequently provided cultural and paleontological resources monitoring during the proposed demolition of 15 buildings with 100 existing public housing units and the construction of 185 new multi-family units contained within nine buildings, a 6,366 square-foot office/community building, and 174 parking spaces. Cogstone prepared a Cultural and Paleontological Resource Monitoring Compliance Report following the completion of ground disturbance for the project. Sub to Related California. Principal Investigator for Paleontology. 2021 Evergreen Row Townhomes, City of Gardena, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted an assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural, historic built environment, and paleontological resources for the construction of 84-unit three-story townhomes and associated garages, parking stalls, and open spaces. The project also required a General Plan Amendment to high residential and a corresponding zone change to high-density multiple-family (R-3). Services included record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, and a built environment survey. Two historic buildings, the Moneta Nursery and the Moneta Motel, were documented on DPR 523 forms and were evaluated for listing in the CRHR. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment was prepared which included recommendations to avoid or minimize any potentially significant impacts. The City of Gardena was the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to De Novo Planning Group. Principal Investigator for Paleontology. 2020 141st and Normandie Townhomes Project, City of Gardena, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone identified and evaluated the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources for the proposed construction of 50 new, three-story townhomes, which ranged in size from 1,252 to 1,689 square feet. Services included pedestrian survey, records searches, Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, background research, and preparation of a Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report. The City of Gardena acted as the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to De Novo Planning. Principal Investigator for Paleontology. 2020 Bell Gardens Water Reservoir Project, City of Bell Gardens, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during improvements which included a new two-million-gallon reservoir, booster pump station, well to be drilled, and other components. Services included record searches, Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, an intensive-pedestrian survey of the 1.7-acre project area, and the preparation of Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment reports. The City of Bell Gardens was the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act. Sub to Infrastructure Engineers. Principal Investigator for Paleontology. 2020
JOHN GUST Principal Investigator for Archaeology EDUCATION 2016 Ph.D., Anthropology, University of California, Riverside (UCR) 2011 M.A., Anthropology, UCR 2007 M.A., Applied Geography, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs (UCCS) 2002 B.A., Anthropology, minor in Geography/Environmental Studies, UCCS SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS Dr. Gust is a Registered Professional Archaeologist (RPA) with over 12 years of experience in field archaeology. His field expertise includes pedestrian surveys, excavation monitoring, resource recording, and historic artifact analysis. Dr. Gust has extensive experience in California cultural resources, having served as Principal Investigator on projects for the City of San Juan Capistrano, Southern California Edison, Pacific Gas and Electric, the City of San Jose, Los Angeles International Airport, and the City of Morro Bay. He has managed a variety of projects at Cogstone in the water, transportation, energy, development, and federal sectors. He has also managed cultural resources monitoring projects for both public and private sector clients. He meets the qualifications required by the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation. Dr. Gust is a member of the Society for California Archaeology, Society for American Archaeology, and the American Anthropological Association. He is listed as a Principal Investigator on Cogstone’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Permit for Archaeological Investigations. SELECTED EXPERIENCE Brandywine Glendora Project, City of Glendora, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological resources assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the project. The 1.85-acre project area contained a historic in age commercial structure to be demolished and the lot re-graded and redeveloped with the construction of six three-story residential buildings. Cogstone's services included cultural and paleontological record searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC), consultation with local historical societies, and intensive pedestrian survey. The existing building was recorded on California Department of Parks and Recreation 523 (DPR 523) forms and evaluated for National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR) eligibility. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared to document the findings. The City of Glendora was the lead agency under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Sub to Sagecrest Planning + Environmental. Task Manager and Principal Investigator for Archaeology. 2024 Mirador Project, City of Altadena, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted cultural and paleontological monitoring during construction of residential apartments featuring 71 affordable and supportive housing units geared towards low-income senior citizens. Several potential historical artifacts, as well as a brick feature, were identified during the excavation phase of the project. None of the identified objects were deemed significant or sensitive under CEQA. The artifacts were documented and collected, and the brick feature’s location was marked and documented. A Cultural and Paleontological Monitoring Compliance Report was prepared at the conclusion of monitoring. Sub to Affirmed Housing. Task Manager and Principal Investigator for Archaeology. 2023 Lomita General Plan Update, City of Lomita, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a study to review and summarize available information regarding known paleontological, archaeological, and historical resources within the boundaries of the City of Lomita to support the city’s General Plan cogstone.com
Update. The update includes a comprehensive set of goals, policies, and actions (implementation measures), organized into elements. The goals and policies provide guidance to the City on how to direct change, manage growth, and manage resources. The project also includes updates to the City’s Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map to provide consistency with the General Plan Update. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological resources records searches, consultation with local historical societies, and a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC. A Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report was prepared that documented the results of the study and included recommendations for mitigation. The City of Lomita was the lead agency for the project under CEQA. Sub to De Novo Planning Group. Task Manager and Principal Investigator for Archaeology. 2023-2024 Del Amo Circle Apartments Project, City of Torrance, Los Angeles County, CA. This study was conducted to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources during the construction of a 234,928-square foot, 5-story building with 200 multifamily residential units and on-site facilities, a 169,946-square foot, 6.5-story parking structure with 440 parking spaces, and an amenity deck on the 2.83-acre project site. Maximum depth of ground disturbance was up to eight feet for the apartment building and a minimum of two feet for the parking structure. Services included cultural and paleontological records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, intensive pedestrian cultural and paleontological resources survey, and preparation of a Cultural and Paleontological Assessment Report. The City of Torrance is the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to PlaceWorks. Task Manager and Principal Investigator for Archaeology. 2022 Irwindale Concrete Tilt-Up Warehouse Building, City of Irwindale, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted an assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural, historic built environment, and paleontological resources in compliance with CEQA for the construction of an approximately 129,830 square foot stand-alone concrete tilt-up warehouse building with an office mezzanine. The project required the demolition of an existing building constructed in 1956. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological resources records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, Assembly Bill 52 (AB 52) consultation support, and an intensive pedestrian survey. A Pepsi-Cola bottling plant constructed in the late 1950s was identified during the survey and was fully documented on DPR 523 forms and was evaluated for listing in the CRHR. Due to a lack of significance the building was recommended as not eligible for listing in the CRHR. Cogstone prepared a Cultural and Paleontological Resources Assessment Report. The City of Irwindale was the lead agency for the project under CEQA. Sub to PlaceWorks. Task Manager and Principal Investigator for Archaeology. 2021 Starlight Residential Project, City of South El Monte, Los Angeles County, CA. Cogstone conducted a cultural and paleontological assessment to determine the potential impacts to cultural and paleontological resources resulting from the construction of 207 residential units that include 38 cottages and 169 detached units. Maximum planned depths were seven feet for grading and ten feet for utilities. The 13.3-acre project area was formerly used as a drive-in theater. Cogstone’s services included cultural and paleontological records searches, a Sacred Lands File search from the NAHC, background research, consultation with local historical societies, an intensive pedestrian survey, and a built environment survey. Two historic in age structures were in the project area, a single-family residence and the Starlite Drive-In Theater sign. These resources were recorded on DPR 523 forms and evaluated CRHR eligibility. A Cultural and Paleontological Assessment Report was prepared to document the findings of the study. The City of South El Monte was the lead agency under CEQA. Sub to PlaceWorks. Task Manager and Principal Investigator for Archaeology. 2021 Siva Sivathasan, PhD, PE, GE, DGE, QSD, F.ASCE
Project Manager/ Geotechnical Lead
Dr. Sivathasan is a registered civil and geotechnical
engineer in California,
with 29 years of geotechnical and
construction experience. He is skilled at analyz ing complex geotechnical problems and has prepared comprehensive
reports with detailed
recommendations. He also has
extensive knowledge of construction projects from
managing geotechnical observation and testing, special
inspection and material testing, and Caltrans source
inspection services. He has been providing source
inspection for major transportation projects in Southern California. He is a subject matter expert for the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and
Geologists for geotechnical engineering exam
development.
Relevant Experience
Municipal Facilities/Libraries
Cit
y of Norwalk, City Hall Entrance ADA Improvements, Norwalk, CA. Project Manager.
Responsible for managing a geotechnical study at the site of the City Hall entrance of the City of Norwalk. The project involved demolition of the existing structures in the concourse area within the parking lot to be replace by a new military memorial, including five (5) monoliths depicting the branches of the military, planters, lighting, flag poles, and tree wells with benches.
Sylm
ar Branch Library, Los Angeles, CA. Project Engineer. Responsible for geotechnical investigation and geotechnical observation and testing during construction. The Sylmar Branch Library project consisted of demolishing the existing library and peripheral structures located on site, and construction of a new 12,500 square foot library building. The shallow foundations and floor slab are underlain by engineered fill compacted to at least 95 percent relative com paction (ASTM D1557).
Westw
ood Library, Los Angeles, CA. Project Manager/Engineer. Responsible for geotechnical investigation and geotechnical observation and testing during construction. The project included the construction of a new approximately 12,500 square- foot library. The library is two stories high with a subterranean parking extending one story below existing grade. The library building is supported on mat foundation underlain by native soils. Construction consisted of concrete, steel, masonry, or wood materials. Cantilever and tie- back shoring was utilized to support the soils around the subterranean parking excavation.
Cit
y Hall Improvements, Norwalk, CA . Project Manager/Engineer. Responsible for geotechnical investigation and geotechnical observation and testing during construction. The project involved demolition of the existing structures in the concourse area within the parking lot to be replace by a new military memorial, including five (5) monoliths depicting the branches of the military, planters, lighting, flag poles, and tree wells with benches.
Education
• PhD, Civil Engineering, University of
California at Davis, 2002
• MS, Civil Engineering, University of
California at Davis, 1997
• BS, Civil Engineering, University of
Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 1994
Registrations / Certifications
• California, Civil Engineer No. 63185
• California, Geotechnical Engineer No.
2708
• Diplomate in Geotechnical Engineering
No. 1169
• CFR 1910.120 OSHA 8-Hour Refresher
Training
• CFR 1910.120 OSHA 40-Hour Training
• Nuclear Soi l Density Gauge Certification
Emergency Operations Center, Pasadena, CA. Project Manager/Engineer. Responsible for geotechnical investigation and geotechnical observation and testing during construction. The project consisted of the construction of the Department of Water and Power office building Phase II B and Emergency Operation Center. The building is a two- story concrete and steel frame structure. The project also included the construction of a parking lot with more than 100 parking spaces and a maintenance yard for storage racks.
Ci
ty of Rancho Cucamonga Public Works Buildings and Corporation Yard, Street Improvements and Storm Drain Projects, Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Project Manager/Geotechnical Engineer. Responsible for geotechnical services during design and construction of several projects as part of an on-call contract.
Public Safety
Los Ange
les County Hall of Justice, Los Angeles, CA. Project Manager. Provided management of materials testing and inspection for the project. Because of sustaining major damage during the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the building was closed. The renovation concept called for converting the structure from a mixed use (office, court, and jail) to office for the Sheriff’s Department and District Attorney and upgrading the structural seismic resistance to comply with current building codes.
Los A
ngeles County Men’s Central Jail Replacement, Los Angeles, CA. Project Manager.
Provided management of the geotechnical investigation and report preparation for the project.
The proposed project consists of demolishing the existing structures and facilities and construction of a Men’s Central Jail Facility that could accommodate 4,860 beds and would include a new multi- story parking structure, a court line, public plaza, CTC building and a new secure skyway connecting to the adjacent Twin Towers Correctional Facility on the existing site.
Count
y of Los Angeles Mira Loma Detention Center, Lancaster, CA. Project Manager.
Provided management of the geotechnical investigation and report preparation for the project.
Converse performed a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and geotechnical investigation.
The Mira Loma Detention Center will be modernized and expanded to provide housing, treatment, and programs for 1,600 female inmates in a low to medium security environment.
The project will also include new medical and Inmates Processing Areas.
Ci
ty of Brea Fire Station No. 2, Brea, CA. Project Engineer. Conducted geotechnical investigation during design and geotechnical observation and testing and special inspection and material testing during construction.
Ci
ty of Los Angeles San Pedro Fire Station, San Pedro, CA. Project Engineer. Responsible for the geotechnical investigation during design. Assisted the city with liquefaction study for this site. Conducted Standard Penetration Testing (SPT) and Cone Penetration Testing (CPT).
Ci
ty of Corona Department of Water and Power Buildings, Police/Fire Training Facility and Jail, Corona, CA. Project Manager/Engineer. Responsible for geotechnical services during design and construction of several projects as part of an on -call contract. The police/fire facility was a renovation of the old corporate yard building, with a lobby addition and new jail building adjacent to the existing building. For the new jail, the most significant geotechnical issues at the site were seismic hazards and compressible soils.
Babak Abbasi, PhD, PE
Project Engineer
Dr. Abbas
i has seven years of research and teaching
experience in geotechnical engineering and collaborated in projects funded by Washington State Department of
Transportation (WSDOT) and National Science
Foundation (NSF). He joined Converse in January 2020
and has experience of providing geotechnical services
during the design of infrastructure projects. He provides the field investigation services to conduct field
exploration, provides oversight of laboratory testing, and conducts the analyses necessary for various projects. He also serves as lead technician during construction for the observation, testing and inspection of soils and
construction materials.
Relevant Experience
Cerrit
os Community College , Proposed Student Services and Administration Building , Norwalk, CA. Senior Staff Engineer . Performed field investigation and prepared the Geotechnical Investigation Report including seismic and liquefaction analysis and deep foundation design for the project. T he project consists of construction of 2-story building with approximately 40,000 square feet footprint at the first floor. The building might have three stories in one or more areas.
Cerrit
os Community College, Proposed Health Science Building Renovation Project , Norwalk, CA. Senior Staff Engineer . Performed field investigation and prepared the Geotechnical Investigation Report including seismic and liquefaction analysis and deep foundation design for the project. The proposed project development consists of renovation and seismic evaluation of existing building in the campus with footprint of 17,400 square feet.
La Canada Uni
fied School District (LCUSD), Modernization Project, La Canada, CA. Senior Staff Engineer . Performed field investigation and prepared the Geotechnical Investigation Report including seismic analysis and foundation design for the project. The project consists of modernization of approximately 20,000 square feet of existing permanent single-story buildings and new construction of a two-story modular classroom building and retaining wall.
Saugus Union School
District (SUSD) , Proposed West Creek Academy Project , Santa Clarita, CA. Senior Staff Engineer. Performed field investigation and prepared the Geotechnical Investigation Report including seismic analysis and foundation design for the project. T he project consists of conversion of the natural turf area to synthetic turf as well as providing walking path and related site improvements. A new shade structure will be added to the kindergarten area.
San Jose St
ate University (SJSU), New Electronic Score Board, Central San Jose, San Jose, CA . Senior Staff Engineer . Updated the Geotechnical Investigation Report including seismic analysis, liquefaction analysis, pile design, and shallow foundation design for the project. The proposed score board is supported by 3 columns spaced at 30 feet from each other. It is planned to use deep foundations in this project.
Education
• PhD: Civil Engineering, Washington State
University, 2017
• MS: Civil Engineering, Sharif University of
Technology, 2012
• BS: Civil Engineering, Sharif University of
Technology, 2010
Registrations / Certifications
• Washington, Engineer-in Training (EIT),
No. 36136 (Issued 2017)
• Nuclear Soil Density Gauge Certification
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District (HLPUSD) , Kwis Elementary School Athletic Fields, Hacienda Heights , CA. Senior Staff Engineer . Performed field investigation and prepared the Geotechnical Investigation Report including seismic analysis and foundation design for the project. The project consists of construction of athletic field including a concession, restrooms, storage building, plaza, fire lane pavement, dual batting cages, and little league fields.
City of
Sylmar, Upper Reservoir Replacement Project , Sylmar, Los Angeles County, C A.
Senior Staff Engineer . Performed field investigation and prepared the Geotechnical Investigation Report including seismic analysis and foundation design for the project. The City plans to replace the existing 1 MG reservoir. The existing Upper Reservoir is a partially buried circular reinforced concrete reservoir. The proposed reservoir will be replacing the existing reservoir in place at the Upper Reservoir site.
Los Angeles Un
ified School District (LAUSD), Replacement of Stairs and New Elevator , Los Angeles, C A. Senior Staff Engineer . Prepared the Supplemental Geotechnical Recommendation Letter to update the report to meet CBC 2019. The objective of the study was to update the seismic design parameters consistent with the 2019 edition of California Building Code (CBC), Title 24, Chapter 16; Earthquake Design.
Los Angeles Unifi
ed School District (LAUSD), Modernization Project at Shenandoah Elementary School , Los Angeles, C A. Senior Staff Engineer . Prepared the Supplemental Geotechnical Recommendation Letter to update the report to meet CBC 2019 and perform percolation testing. The objective of the study was to update the seismic design parameters consistent with the 2019 edition of California Building Code (CBC), Title 24, Chapter 16; Earthquake Design and provide percolation testing results.
Alverno H
igh School, Modular Buildings Project , Sierra Madre, C A. Senior Staff Engineer .
Performed field investigation for the project including percolation testing. New modular classroom buildings improvements consist of the design of three modular buildings and an infiltration basin. There will be a cut and fill of around 5 feet for this project.
Laura A. Tanaka, CAC, Lead Certified
Principal Environmental Scientist
Ms. Tanaka has 33 years of wide ranging and div erse
experience in environmental consulting and management.
Ms. Tanaka’s experience includes:
• Asbestos, Lead-base Paint, & Mold Services – She has
performed surveys and abatement monitoring services for municipalities, financial institutions, property management companies, school districts, and the U.S. Navy. Ms.
Tanaka has also conducted asbestos and mold
awareness training classes.
• Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments – Ms.
T
anaka has completed and/or supervised thousands of
Phase I and II pre- acquisition site assessments i n
Ca
lifornia, Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, and
Washington. Properties assessed have included residential, commercial, and industrial uses, as well as undeveloped land consisting of hundreds to thousands of acres. • Preliminary Endangerment Assessments – Generated scoping documents, completed field work, and report generation for various PEAs. In addition, Ms. Tanaka has also provided project management and field support for Supplemental Site Investigations and Removal Action Workplans for local school districts.
• Third Party Reviews and Consultation – Ms. Tanaka routinely reviews environmental documents/reports for clients and provides comments on the appropriateness of the due diligence and recommendations.
• Project Management – Experienced managing projects that have timeframes as little as two days to as long as four to five years. Also includes responding to emergency projects. • Other experience includes hazardous material audits, completing business plans, SCAQMD permitting, supervising hazardous material pickups, and maintaining hazardous materials databases.
Relevant Experience
M
s. Tanaka’s client base and associated management skills are diverse and include:
Local Municipalities – cities and counties
School Districts; Public and Private Colleges
Financial institutions
Transportation Agencies
Real Estate Developers and Management Companies
Utilities and Transportation Authorities
Aerospace Industry
Private Owners
Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments
M
s. Tanaka has conducted and managed thousands of Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs), and Transaction Screen Process (TSP) reports for a variety of clients and properties. She has assessed a variety of properties, including agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Properties under assessment have been located in various counties in California from Sacramento County to San Diego County. Ms. Tanaka has also completed assessments and audits in the states of Arizona, Oregon, New Mexico, and Washington. Ms.
Education
• BS, Biology, California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona, 1987
Registrations / Certifications
• Cal/OSHA Asbestos Consultant, No. 11-
4708
• DPH Lead Inspector/Assessor, Project
Monitor, and Designer, No. 3086
• Manufacturer’s Certification in the use of
the RM D, EDAX, and Niton XRF devices
• 40- Hour OSHA Safety Training
• 8- Hour OSHA Supervisor Training
Tanaka’s Phase I and II experience includes:
• Completing and managing Phase I ESAs on residential and light industrial properties for inclusion in an Environmental Impact Report regarding a master development plan for a private university.
• Properties assessed have included parcels as small as temporary construction easements to undeveloped land as large as 3,000 acres. Unique properties that have been assessed by Ms.
Tanaka have included a football stadium for a private university in the city of Los Angeles; a research facility and residential complex on an island off the coast of California; an art museum in the city of Pasadena; and a lake in San Bernardino County. • Corridor and area studies for transportation authorities and municipalities. Ms. Tanaka has assessed over 100 miles of corridors for utility and transportation planning including Metro Rail Red Line, Metropolitan Water District Inland Feeder Project, and Reclaimed Water Pipeline, and “Rails to Trails” project s. She has also assessed over 3- miles of a railroad alignment and easements in Orange County. Subsequent Phase II activities identified elevated levels of total petroleum hydrocarbons and metals in the soil along the railroad alignment due to historical property uses. Subsequent remedial efforts have included the excavation and disposal of arsenic and lead impacted soil, as well as asbestos debris.
• Management experience has included identification and assessment of historical dump areas (including burn- ash), abandoned oil wells, historical agricultural uses, historical underground storage tanks, dry cleaning facilities and industrial uses. In addition to drilling and sampling experience, Ms. Tanaka’s Phase II work has also included the management of geophysi cal surveys to locate utilities, oil wells and underground storage tanks. Ms. Tanaka’s Phase II experience includes the generation of proposals which comply with DTSC PEA sampling protocols; drilling and sampling soil and groundwater and soil gas surveys using tracer gases.
Chemicals of concern that have been assessed include hydrocarbons, solvents and other volatile organic compounds, semi -volatile compounds, metals including hexavalent chromium, PCBs, and asbestos.
Asbestos, Lead-base Paint, Mold Surveys, and IAQ
Ms. T
anaka has conducted and managed numerous projects, surveys and abatement monitoring services for asbestos, LBP, mold, sewer gas and Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) parameters.
Surve
ys were generally conducted prior to renovation and demolition activities, or prior to acquisition of the properties. Ms. Tanaka has experience in both destructive and non- destructive sampling methods and has experience surveying:
Single-family Residential Dwellings and Apartment Complexes Historical Buildings
Hospitals and Medical Facilities
Airport Facilities
Detention Facilities and Sheriff Stations
Parks and Recreation Facilities
Commercial/Retail Structures; Industrial Facilities
School Campuses; University Buildings
Military Bases
Ms.
Tanaka has experienc e in conducting AHERA surveys for schools. Her experience includes conducting the initial surveys, 3- year Re -inspections and generating Operation and Maintainance Plans and Management Plans.
Ms.
Tanaka has conducted LBP surveys using Converse’s portable X RF devices as well as the collection of bulk samples. The surveys she has conducted have taken as little as four hours to one week to complete and are typically conducted in general conformance with the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Title X Guidelines. Ms. Tanaka has conducted HUD surveys and risk assessments, which have also included the collection of soil and dust samples.
Ms. Tanaka has conducted abatement monitoring services for both public and private clients.
Subsequent services completed by Ms. Tanaka have included:
• Generation of abatement specifications. Specification have included detailed documents in accordance with client specification outlines as well as simplified versions. • Conducting pre-bid walks for abatement contractors.
• Reviewing abatement contractor submittal packages prior to the commencement of abatement activities. Ms. Tanaka has routinely reviewed the documents for completeness and compliance with abatement specifications and appropriate work practice procedures. • Conducting abatement monitoring services including clearance sampling for asbestos, lead, and fungal spores.
• Generation of abatement close out reports per client specified formats.
Ms.
Tanaka also has experience generating SCAQMD Procedure 5 Workplans and emergency notification letters on behalf of property owners. Examples of Procedure 5 Workplans generated by Ms. Tanaka has included buried transite pipes at a construction site, asbestos debris along a railroad track, and a collapsed roofing system.
Ms.
Tanaka’s IAQ assessments and sampling experience has pertained primarily to commercial buildings and hospital settings. Her experience relates to sewer gas odors, sewer water, dust, and airborne particulates, and general IAQ parameters. Sampling has been conducted over time frames as short as one working day to a timeframe of two weeks. Ms. Tanaka has experience with various IAQ sampling equipment which has the capability of data logging over a long timeframe. Examples of projects include:
• Broken fire sprinkler lines in a retail store.
• Clogged plumbing systems which impacted restrooms and exterior fountains at a shopping center.
• Sewer and plumbing issues at day care facilities.
• Unknown odors in a hospital and an office building.
• Monitoring for ultra-fine particles in critical areas of a hospital.
Preliminary Endangerment Assessments
Com
pleted and managed multiple Preliminary Endangerment Assessments (PEA) and PEA Equivalents for a local school district. Work completed has included the completion of Phase I ESAs, which were expanded to include aspects of a Background section of a PEA, as well as focused soil sampling in areas of concern. Work has also included the generation of PEA Workplan documents, Conceptual Site Models, and final PEA documents/reports. Additional activities involved in the PEA process completed by Ms. Tanaka have included the generation of PEA cost estimate proposals, attending DTSC scoping meetings, preparation of the Public Participation documents, and final document generation. “No Further Action” has been received from the DTSC on several PEA documents completed for the client.
In addition to PEAs, Ms. Tanaka has completed and managed Supplemental Site Investigations (SSIs) for local school districts. The SSIs ha ve included soil gas sampling for methane due to undocumented fill material being used as backfill material on-site, and soil sampling for residual lead and organochlorine pesticides due to historical residential and agricultural uses. Subsequent work included the submittal of Remedial Action Workplans (RAWs) for both SSIs to the Department of Toxic Substances Control.
Michael Van Fleet, PG, QSD
Project Geologist
Mr. Van Fleet has 22 years of experience working as a
geologist in the States of California and Washington. Mr. Van Fleet has experience in conducting Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESAs) for residential,
educational, commercial, and industrial sites. He has
experience preparing workplans to outline investigative activities such as Preliminary Environmental Assessments (PEA), as well as Remedial/Removal Action Workplans
(RAWs) to outline remediation/mitigation activities.
Additionally, he has experience r elated to the development and implementation of Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPPs).
Field experience relating to environmental investigations and remediation includes the collection of soil, soil vapor, ambient air, and groundwater samples, installation of groundwater and soil vapor monitoring wells, preparation of boring logs in accordance with USCS methods, waste stream management, evaluation of Best Management Practices (BMPs) at construction sites, and the operation and maintenance of soil vapor and groundwater remediation systems and gas mitigation systems primarily related to methane.
Relevant Experience
Environmental Investigation & Remediation Experience
Project
experience includes various activities at multiple sites for various school districts and other municipal and private clients. Projects include:
• Collecting soil and soil gas samples from beneath numerous dry -cleaning facilities in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Sacramento, and Ventura Counties, to evaluate for potential impacts from use of PCE solvents. Upon identifying impacted soil, he assisted in preparing human health risk assessments, and/or developing remedial workplans. He oversaw the installation and sampling of numerous groundwater monitoring, soil vapor extraction, and air sparge wells, and managed the operation, maintenance, and evaluation of soil vapor and groundwater remediation systems. Activities were generally conducted under the oversight of the Regional Water Quality Control Board or in coordination with the local county’s environmental health department.
• Evaluated analytical data related to soil and water waste to be exported from numerous project sites, and prepared reports comparing these results to applicable local, State, Federal, and site- specific standards.
• Oversaw remedial activities associated with redevel opment of the Rialto Municipal Airport.
Supervised field staff overseeing contractor activities to verify compliance with the Cleanup Plan.
Work included the removal and disposal of impacted soil, evaluation of import fill material, and oversight of excavation backfill. Activities were conducted under the oversight of the Regional Water Quality Control Board.
• Conducted assessment of methane impacted soil at a proposed school site in San Diego. The source and extents of impact were identified through various sampling events, and a range of analytical methods. Assessment activities were conducted under the oversight of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC).
Education
• BS, Earth Sciences, University of
Santa Cruz, 1999
Registrations / Certifications
• California, Professional Geologist No.
7869
• Washington, Professional Geologist
No. 2900
• Qualified Stormwater Developer No.
G07869
• Participated in multiple phases of site assessment and remediation activities for the evaluation, investigation, and remediation of new schools for the LAUSD. Activities included the review of Phase I ESA reports, preparation of PEA scoping documents, conducting soil, soil gas, and groundwater sampling activities, preparation of PEA and Phase II ESA reports and RAWs, oversight of contractor’s remedial activities, and interaction with regulatory agencies. School sites for which various activities were completed include Central Region Elementary School (CRES) #18, South Region Elementary School (SRES) #4 and #5, South Region Middle School (SRMS) #2, and South Region High School (SRHS) #6, #7 and #8. • Coordinated emergency response actions for the LAUSD at numerous school sites, as well as for various developers in southern California, when it was reported that buried features (tanks, clarifiers, sumps) and/or materials were encountered during construction/investigation activities.
He worked with appropriate regulatory agencies and obtained permits as necessary, oversaw contractor activities, c ollected samples to evaluate for contamination in remaining soils, and prepared requests for regulatory closure.
Gas Mitigation Experience
Mr. Van F
leet has experience in conducting soil vapor assessments and the operation of gas mitigation systems primarily related to methane. His experience includes the preparation of workplans to outline investigative activities, field activities associated with the collection of samples and equipment maintenance, design, and modification of gas mitigation systems. Project experience includes various activities at multiple sites for numerous educational, municipal, residential, and commercial sites. Projects include:
• Conducted soil gas assessments for the presence of methane at various sites within the City of Los Angeles in accordance with guidelines of the City Department of Building and Safety. Clients include various educational institutions, property owners and developers. • Leads a team of staff that are responsible for the routine monitoring, inspection, and maintenance of subsurface gas mitigation systems installed at the LAUSD George De La Torre and Commonwealth Elementary schools and Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools. Activities are conducted under the oversight of the DTSC in accordance with approved Operation and Maintenance Plans.
• Responsible for the ongoing operation, monitoring, and maintenance of the gas collection and control system at the former Blanchard Landfill in Los Angeles County. Inspection and monitoring of the system is completed in accordance wi th Air Pollution Control District Rule 1150.1, and Sanitation District Industrial Wastewater Permit requirements. Activities include the collection of samples from the gas treatment system, adjusting of extraction wells to control gas migration, monitoring waste discharge, system maintenance, and preparing reports for various agencies.
• Assisted in the design, and oversight of the installation, of a passive gas mitigation system beneath the new gymnasium building at the LAUSD Emerson Middle School. System plans were reviewed and approved by the LAUSD prior to beginning construction and were modified while in the field to accommodate the needs of other subsurface utilities while maintaining the functionality of the system.
• Prepared a remedial action workplan , oversaw implementation of the remedial action, and prepared a RACR for a methane- impacted proposed school site in San Diego. The remedy included the excavation of approximately 50,000 cubic yards of highly organic soils, installation of a vapor barrier over nearly 3 acres, and restoration of the site with clean fill material. All remedial activities were conducted under the oversight of the DTSC, and the site was ultimately approved for school use.
Groundwater Development & Monitoring Experience
Mr. Van Fle
et has experience working with public agencies and private parties in the development of groundwater resources. Project experience includes siting, designing, and overseeing the construction and development of multiple domestic- and irrigation-supply water wells, injection wells, and groundwater monitoring wells. He has experience in the rehabilitation of existing water wells, and also in the collection of groundwater samples for regulatory compliance. Experience and projects include:
• Designed and oversaw the drilling and installation of numerous groundwater monitoring wells, as well as conducted routine sample collection to aid in the delineation of impacted groundwater plumes resulting from leaking underground storage tanks and dry-cleaning operations. • Geologically logged the drill cuttings, assisted in the design, oversaw the construction and development, and assessed the final pumping capacities of over two dozen municipal -supply water wells for multiple municipalities in southern California including Victor Valley Water District; Eastern Municipal Water District, and the cities of Adelanto, Hesperia, Oxnard, and Upland. • Assisted in the siting, design, and development of multiple irrigation- supply water wells for several vineyards in Napa and Sonoma counties.
• Conducting short-term pumping tests to evaluate aquifer physical parameters, and sampling to evaluate groundwater chemical parameters to aid in the design of a dewatering system and application for a NPDES discharge permit at the City of Santa Monica Arcadia Water Treatment Plant.
• Worked with the Mojave Water Agency to design and install two multi-port monitoring wells to be used as part of an aquifer recharge and monitoring project in the City of Hesperia.
Worked with the Orange County Water District to design and install a series of nested groundwater monitoring wells to aid in the tracking of a migrating contaminant plume in the City of Fullerton.
Danny Arteaga
Technician
Mr. Arteaga has 36 years of engineering experience
with commercial, residential,
and industrial projects.
Office and field experience includes managing and
coordinating field observations and compaction testing
services. His field engineering duties have included
observing foundation excavations, inspecting subdrain
installations, performing field density testing, inspecting drilled and driven piles, and conducting manometer surveys.
Mr. Arteaga has drilled, logged, and sampled exploratory borings and test pits for a wide variety of geotechnical engineering investigations. Mr. Arteaga has also developed laboratory testing programs, performed engineering
analyses, and written various types of grading and post grading reports involving compacted fill, as -built grading, drilled and driven pile inspections, and shoring monitoring.
Relevant Experience
City of Los Angeles Parking Structure, Studio City, CA. Staff Engineer. Performed geotechnical observation of drilled cast-in-place friction piles, observation and compaction testing during grading, and preparation of final friction pile installation report.
Camarillo Library, Camarillo, CA. Staff Engineer. Performed geotechnical observation and compaction testing of grading for driveway and parking lot areas.
North Hollywood Regional Branch Library Addition, Los Angeles, CA. Staff Engineer. The project consisted of expanding the existing library. The addition is constructed specifically in the southwest corner of the existing building. The proposed addition would be a one- story structure, approximately 2,550 square feet in size. The project also includes the addition of 16 new parking stalls located the west and north of the existing building. Site preparation involves c ontinuous supervision by an experienced inspector during excavation and grading operations.
El Sereno Branch Library, Los Angeles, CA. Staff Engineer. The project consists of the construction of a new single-story library, parking lot, and driveway areas.
Pico-Union Branch Library, Los Angeles, CA. Staff Engineer. Converse provided geotechnical investigation for the construction of Pico Union Branch Library in the Westlake area of the City of Los Angeles. The project site consists of three currently vacant lots and one lot currently occupied by a single-family residence that will be demolished.
Park Improvements Project, Los Angeles, CA . Staff Engineer. Converse provided soils and material testing services for the construction of new gymnasiums and general improvements for many Los Angeles County parks, including Pamela County Park, Jackie Robinson Park, and Loma Alta County Park.
LA County Hall of Justice Reuse and Repair Project, Los Angeles, CA . Staff Engineer.
Performed geotechnical observation and compaction testing for utility backfill and pavement subgrade soils for retrofit of historic Hall of Justice building to meet current seismic performance requirements and other tenant improvements. Project included 10- story parking garage w ith five subterranean levels.
Education
• BS, Geological Engineering, Colorado
School of Mines, 1986
Registrations / Certifications
• City of Los Angeles Deputy Building
Inspector #P030030
• Nuclear Gauge.
• ICC Soils Inspector
• ACI Grade I Concrete
• Soils Grading
• OSHA 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher
Training
David A. Roseman, P.E.
PRINCIPAL
LINSCOTT, LAW & GREENSPAN, ENGINEERS
600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 500, CA 91106
626.796-2322
www.llgengineers.com
LOCATIONS :
PASADENA
IRVINE
SAN DIEGO
BIOGRAPHY
- Mr. Roseman has over 36 years of experience in overseeing all aspects of transportation, traffic and parking, including but not limited to traffic control device placement, traffic signal design and operations, geometric street design, transportation improvement projects, work area traffic controls, traffic calming, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, on -street parking regulations, development review and coordination, oversight of transportation grants and funds, inter -agency coordination, oversized and overweight truck permitting, and the operation and management of City-owned off-street parking facilities. Mr. Roseman leads public meetings and provides expert witness services. Mr. Roseman is the Managing Principal of LLG’s Pasadena office and is a licensed Traffic Engineer in the State of California. Mr. Roseman holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engi neering from California State University and received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Director of the United States Secret Service for his development and implementation of the transportation plan for the 2000 National Convention.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Transportation Impact Studies - Conceptual Mitigation Planning - Signal Synchronization Systems - Engineering and Traffic Surveys/Safety Studies - Transportation Master Planning - Analyses for Environmental Review - Site Feasibility Planning - Regional Facility Operations and Analysis
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
City of Brea Contract City Traffic Engineer - Engineering & Traffic Surveys, crossing guard evaluation studies, school safety studies, transportation fee nexus studies, safety investigations, warrant studies ITF Auxiliary Curbs Signing/Striping Plans & Traffic Simulations City of Cypress Contract City Traffic Engineering - Engineering & Traffic Surveys, crossing guard evaluation studies, school safety studies, transportation fee nexus studies, safety investigations, warrant studies ITF Auxiliary Curbs Signing/Striping Plans & Traffic Simulations City of Fullerton Contract City Traffic Engineering - Engineering & Traffic Surveys, crossing guard evaluation studies, school safety studies, transportation fee nexus studies, safety investigations, warrant studies ITF Auxiliary Curbs Signing/Striping Plans & Traffic Simulations City of Long Beach City Traffic Engineer in the Transportation Engineering and Mobility Department - oversaw control device placement, traffic signal design and operations, geometric street design, work area traffic control plans, and transportation improvement projects City of Irwindale - Oversaw the preparation of an Engineering and Traffic Surveys City of Irwindale - Azusa Canyon Road & Nubia Street, traffic signal plan
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE – 36 years
YEARS WITH LLG ENGINEERS – 3 years
EDUCATION – B.S. in Civil Engineering, California State University, Long Beach, CA
REGISTRATION – Professional Engineer, CA Registration TR 1585 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS – Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Daniel A. Kloos, P .E.
PRINCIPAL
LINSCOTT, LAW & GREENSPAN, ENGINEERS
600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 500, CA 91106
626.796.2322
www.llgengineers.com
LOCATIONS:
PASADENA
IRVINE
SAN DIEGO
BIOGRAPHY
Daniel A. Kloos has over 25 years of experience in the preparation of transportation planning analysis, traffic impact studies and parking studies. He is a licensed Traffic Engineer in the state of California. Mr. Kloos holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Irvine. He has extensive experience in the preparation of traffic impact studies for a variety of land uses, Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) analyses, site access and operational plans, parking studies, traffic and parking management plan s, campus master plans, sc hool operational plans and suggested route to school plans. In addition, Mr. Kloos currently provides on-call traffic and transportation engineering consultation services to the City of Anaheim, the City of Dana Point and the City of San Juan Capistrano.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Traffic Analysis Reports/Traffic Studies - Transportation Demand Management (TDM) - Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analyses - Sight Distance Analyses - Traffic and Parking Field Studies - Traffic Signal Warrant Analyses - Mixed-Use Shared Parking Demand Studies - General Plans and Specific Plans - Trip Generation Studies - School Operational Plans
- Site Access and Internal Circulation - Campus Master Plans - Transportation Planning and Site Design
Consultation
- Suggested Route to School Plans
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
City of Chino – South Pine Avenue TTM No. 16420
City of Corona – Dos Lagos Master Plan EIR Traffic Impact Analysis Report City of Cypress – Cypress College Facilities Master Plan City of Fullerton – Fullerton College Master Plan
City of Indio – BH Properties The Oasis at Indio
City of Long Beach – PCH and 2nd Project
City of Long Beach – LBCCD 2041 Master Plan for the Liberal Arts Campus City of Long Beach – LBCCD 2041 Master Plan for the Pacific Coast Campus City of Menifee – Ethanac and Goetz Commercial Center Project City of Menifee – Mid County Courthouse Project
City of Moreno Valley – The Quarter Project
City of Moreno Valley – PAMA Business Park
County of Riverside – Chick-fil-A Cabazon Traffic Impact Analysis Report City of South Gate – Chick-fil-A Project
City of Torrance – VMT Guidelines
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE – 26 years
YEARS WITH LLG ENGINEERS – 26 years
EDUCATION – B.S. in Civil Engineering, University of California, Irvine
REGISTRATION – Professional Engineer, CA Registration TR 2200 PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS – Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Alfred C. Ying, P.E., PTP
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER
LINSCOTT, LAW & GREENSPAN, ENGINEERS
600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 500, CA 91106
626.796-2322
www.llgengineers.com
LOCATIONS :
PASADENA
IRVINE
SAN DIEGO
BIOGRAPHY
Mr. Ying holds over 33 years of traffic engineering and transportation planning experience, with particular emphasis on the preparation of transportation impact studies and parking studies for various development projects pursuant to the requirements of CEQA. He is a graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles in 1992. Mr. Ying has a background in complex operational analyses for intersections and roadway corridors and specializes in simulation of traffic flows. He has prepared Caltrans Permit Engineering Evaluation Reports (PEER) for the processing of highway improvements and has performed numerous traffic signal timing, signal progression, and signal warrant analyses.
Mr. Ying is a licensed Traffic Engineer in the State of California, a certified Professional Tran sportation Planner with the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc., and a certified Employee Transportation Coordinator with the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Transportation Impact Studies - Parking Studies
- Environmental Evaluation Analyses - Shared Parking Demand Analyses - Operational Analyses for Intersections and
Corridors
- Caltrans Permit Engineering Evaluation Report
(PEER) Preparation
- Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning and
Site Design Consultation
- Site Access & Internal Circulation Review
Study & Design
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
City of Montebello – Go Store It Self Storage Parking Assessment City of Alhambra – TIC Investment Company – 2200 W Valley Blvd Transportation Assessment City of Pasadena – NASA JPL Parking Assessment
City of Pasadena – Shops on Hill Addendum Parking Study City of South Gate – 9501 Atlantic Avenue Starbucks Transportation Impact Study City of Redondo Beach – Beach Cities Health District Healthy Living Campus Peer Review County of Los Angeles – Topanga Lagoon Restoration Site Access & Circulation Review City of Baldwin Park – Zocolo Civic Center Site Access & Circulation Review City of Los Angeles – TVC 2050 Project Peer Review
City of Downey – Prologis Stewart & Gray Road Warehouse Transportation Study City of El Monte – A&J El Monte Training Facility & Vocational School Transportation/Parking Assessment County of Los Angeles – Big Dalton Spreading Grounds Improvement Project Transportation Impact Study City of Manhattan Beach – Sunrise Senior Living Manhattan Beach Transportation Impact Study County of Los Angeles – Pacoima Reservoir Restoration Project Transportation Impact Study
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE – 33 years
YEARS WITH LLG ENGINEERS – 26 years
EDUCATION – B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles
REGISTRATION – Professional Engineer, CA Registration TR 1944 Professional Transportation Planner Certificate
No. 154
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS – Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Francesca S. Bravo
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER
LINSCOTT, LAW & GREENSPAN, ENGINEERS
600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 500, CA 91106
626.796-2322
www.llgengineers.com
LOCATIONS :
PASADENA
IRVINE
SAN DIEGO
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Francesca Bravo has 2 7 years of traffic engineering and transportation planning experience, with particular emphasis on the preparation of traffic impact studies and parking studies for both public agencies and the private sector for a variety of project developments in the greater Los Angeles region and areas of Ventura County. Ms.
Bravo has also worked on projects located in the County of San Bernardino, California, County of Oahu, Hawaii and the County of Maui, Hawaii. Ms. Bravo holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Transportation Impact Studies/Analyses for
Environmental Review
- Traffic Engineering, Transportation Planning
and Site Design Consultation
- VMT Analyses - General Plans and Specific Plans
- Conceptual Mitigation Planning - Transportation Demand Management (TDM) - Parking Studies/Shared Parking Demand
Analyses
- Sight Distance Analyses
- Traffic Signal Warrants Analyses
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
City of Baldwin Park – Kaiser Permanente Emergency Expansion and Medical Office Building Transportation Study
City of Carson – 336 E. Carson Townhomes VMT Analysis and Transportation Study City of Gardena –1610 Artesia Boulevard Residential Transportation Study City of Glendale – 515 Pioneer Drive Residential Project VMT Analysis and Transportation Study City of Irwindale – Kaiser Permanente Irwindale Medical Office Building Transportation Study and On -Call Services Site Access & Circulation Review
City of La Cañada Flintridge – Descanso Gardens Master Plan Site Planning, Access Management Plan and Construction Traffic Analysis
City of Los Angeles– 3401 La Cienega Project Transportation Study and TDM Plan City of Monrovia – Huntington Oaks Center Shared Parking Analysis City of Paramount – 15101 Paramount Boulevard Transportation Study City of Pasadena – Panda Inn/Gateway Center Project Transportation Demand Management Plan City of Pico Rivera – The Mercury Project VMT Analysis and Transportation Study City of Santa Clarita - Creekside Commons Project Transportation Study City of Santa Clarita – Kaiser Permanente Medical Office Building Project Transportation Study City of Simi Valley – Simi Pak Industrial Building Transportation Study City of Torrance – Torrance Senior Housing Project VMT Assessment City of Westlake Village – North Business Park Specific Plan Traffic Impact Analysis
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE – 27 years
YEARS WITH LLG ENGINEERS – 22 years
EDUCATION – B.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering,
University of California, Los Angeles
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS - Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) – Women’s Transportation Seminar (WTS)
Grace Turney, P .E., RSP1
TRANSPORTATION ENGINEER III
LINSCOTT, LAW & GREENSPAN, ENGINEERS
600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 500, CA 91106
626.796.2322
www.llgengineers.com
LOCATIONS:
PASADENA
IRVINE
SAN DIEGO
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Grace Turney holds a Bachelor of Sc ience (BS) degree in Civil Engineering from the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and has over ten years of traffic en gineering and transportation planning experience. Ms.
Turney has extensive experience in preparing Vehicle Mile s Traveled (VMT) analysis in compliance with SB 743, development of Transportation Demand Management (TDM) programs, and preparation of transportation impact studies for California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Ms. Turney guest lectures on VMT and traffic engineering, and has presented to various public agency staff, la nd use attorneys and expediters, land use/transportation planners, and university groups. Ms. Turney has also worked on traffic operations studies, queuing studies, parking demand/ shared parking studies, and a variety of other specialized studies for public agencies and the private sector throughout the greater Los Angeles region. Ms. Turney also provides on-call traffic engineering support to a variety of public agencies in Southern California. Ms. Turney is a licensed Traffic Engi neer in the State of California and is a certified Road Safety Professional (Level 1) with the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc. Ms. Turney currently participates in the development of the Traffic En gineering licensing exam as a Subject Matter Expert for the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Transportation Impact Studies for Environmental
Documentation
- Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Analyses for SB
743
- Transportation Demand Management (TDM)
- Trip Generation Studies
- Operational Analysis of Local
Roadway/Intersection Facilities
- Queuing Analyses
- Site Access and Internal Circulation Review
- Traffic Signal and Stop Control Warrant
Analysis
- ULI Shared Parking Analysis
- Parking Demand Studies
- Speed Zoning
- Sight Distance Studies
- Vehicular Maneuvering and Swept Path
Analysis
- Scripting and Automation
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
City of Irwindale – Irwindale Brew Yard Specific Plan City of Artesia – Artesia Downtown Specific Plan & EIR City of Azusa – Azusa Greens Redevelopment Project
City of La Verne – 1941 N. White Avenue Residential Mixed-Use Project City of Los Angeles – Morning Star Senior Living Granada Hills Project City of Pasadena – Pasadena Transportation Impact Analysis Guidelines Update Los Angeles County – Royal Vista Residential Project
Los Angeles County – His Lai Monastery Project
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE – 11 years
YEARS WITH LLG ENGINEERS – 11 years
EDUCATION – B.S. in Civil Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
REGISTRATION – Professional Engineer, CA Registration TR 3015 Road Safety Professional (L1), Cert. No. 1269
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS – Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
Chin S. Taing, PTP , RSP1
SENIOR TRANSPORTATION PLANNER
LINSCOTT, LAW & GREENSPAN, ENGINEERS
600 South Lake Avenue, Suite 500, CA 91106
626.796.2322
www.llgengineers.com
LOCATIONS :
PASADENA
IRVINE
SAN DIEGO
BIOGRAPHY
Ms. Chin Taing has over 2 4 years of experience in the preparation of transportation planning analyses, including transportation impact studies and parking studies to support the environmental review process for a variety of project developments in and around the greater Los Angeles region and areas of the San Gabriel Valley region. Ms.
Taing is a certified Professional Transportation Planner (PTP) and Road Safety Professional (Level 1) (RSP1) with the Transportation Professional Certification Board, Inc. Ms. Taing holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Geography with emphasis on Environmental Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Transportation Impact Studies/Analyses for
Environmental Review
- Site Access, Sight Distance and Circulation
Review
- Transportation Planning - Transportation Surveys/Trip Monitoring - GIS Applications - Parking Demand/Shared Parking Analyses - Pedestrian Safety Plan - Traffic Signal Warrants Analyses
REPRESENTATIVE PROJECTS
City of Arcadia – Home2Suites Hotel Transportation Study City of Claremont – Clara Oaks Specific Plan Transportation Study City of Covina – Covina Bowl Specific Plan EIR & Transportation Study City of Monrovia – The Arroyo @ Monrovia Station, 123 & 137 W. Pomona TOD Mixed-Use Projects Transportation Study
City of Monterey Park – Various Self-Storage Projects Transportation Studies City of San Dimas – Creekside Investors Residential Project Emergency Evacuation Review Study City of San Gabriel – San Gabriel Sheraton Hotel Project Parking Study, TDM Plan & Transportation Study City of San Marino – San Marino Center (SMC) Renovation Project Parking Study & Transportation Study City of Santa Clarita – The Paseo Club Parking Study
City of Santa Clarita – Golden Valley Road Self-Storage Project Transportation Study City of West Covina – Chick-fil-A Drive-Through Queuing Assessment & Transportation Study City of Los Angeles – Various Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Campus Modernization Projects Pedestrian Safety & Construction Assessment
County of Los Angeles – Santa Susana Mountains Trails Master Plan Phases I & II Trip Generation and Parking Assessments
County of Los Angeles – Tapia Ranch (TTM 72126) Transportation Study
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE – 24 years
YEARS WITH LLG ENGINEERS – 17 years
EDUCATION – B.A. in Geography/Environmental Studies,
University of California, Los Angeles
REGISTRATION – Professional Transportation Planner, Cert. No. 149 Road Safety Professional L1, Cert. No. 564
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS – Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)