Agenda packet — Santa Monica City Council, July 8, 2025 (part 3 of 8)

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
TSM Aquatics is a Santa Monica nonprofit organization that has been serving the youth of Santa Monica since its founding in 1955. We currently offer swim lessons, and competitive swim and water polo teams to a diverse group of youth in Santa Monica, and provide scholarships and financial assistance to make our programs accessible to a wider cross section of the community.

TSM supports an LC-compliant Great Park and urges you to do so as well. As part of that future park, TSM also urges you and the City to include an aquatics center. We recognize that a pool complex is an expensive undertaking, both to build and to operate, and we are committed to working with the City to help bring together various stakeholders and financial backers. Though currently premature, we strongly believe that, when the time is right, a financial coalition will come together to make a pool, and a sustainable operating plan, a reality. To that end, TSM submitted an LOI as part of an RFP the City ran earlier this year. I've attached a copy of that letter here for your review. thank you for your consideration,
Matt
--
Matthew Peterson
President, TSM Aquatics
[email protected]
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Packet Pg. 722 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) May 5, 2025
Dear City of Santa Monica,
The Great Park poses an amazing opportunity for an aquatics facility to be built that would benefit many different groups of people and be a natural extension of the other aspects of the park. TSM is interested in a partnership with the City to build a pool and manage and operate that facility once it is done.

History of TSM and its Partnerships
TSM Aquatics is a Santa Monica nonprofit organization that has been serving the youth of Santa Monica since its founding in 1955. As per our mission statement, TSM provides, “a safe, supportive and inclusive environment to foster the skills, qualities and character necessary to pursue excellence in aquatics and in life.” In support of this mission, we currently offer swim lessons, and competitive swim and water polo teams to a diverse group of youth in Santa Monica, and provide scholarships and financial assistance to make our programs accessible to a wider cross section of the community. Our programs support over 300 athletes, some as young as four years old, who compete at local, regional, national, and international levels, from novice swim meets and splash ball, to Junior Olympics, Olympic Trials, and international competitions.

Two of our swimmers competed at the Olympics: Ivan Puskovitch 2024 and Jordan Wilimovsky 2020 and 2016. We’ve also developed many athletes who have gone on to compete in college, including some who have earned scholarships.

For its entire 70 years in existence, TSM has worked in partnership with various government entities to develop and be good stewards and patrons of the available pool space, and provide programming for many of the youth in western Los Angeles County. These partnerships have primarily been with the City of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Malibu Unified School District, but have also included the City of Los Angeles, City of Culver City, Loyola Marymount University, UCLA, and Crossroads School.

Community Benefits of an Aquatics Facility
Santa Monica does not have its own year-round facility. Unlike many of our neighboring cities, Santa Monica currently has one pool of its own - the Annenberg Community Beach House pool - but that facility is only open for a portion of the year, and its historic nature and dimensions preclude it from being used for competitive aquatics activities. The City also manages the pool at Santa Monica College, but shares the space/time with the College, and that pool is closed for almost a month each winter. The City also manages very limited hours at the Santa Monica High 1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 723 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) School pool. (Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the City also had some hours at the Lincoln Middle School pool, but that facility has been closed since 2020 with no timeline for renovation or reopening.)
The current lack of facilities puts pool space at a premium. There is not enough space for the existing demand for aquatic activities: hours for lap swimming are limited, water aerobics classes are full, and recreational swim times are constrained. Permit groups, including TSM, must share a finite, limited amount of space, which limits the programming they can offer Santa Monicans, including swim and water polo for youth and adults, and swim for those with special needs. There is a demand for diving facilities and programming in western Los Angeles County (spring boards and platforms), but none currently exists other than UCLA which has very little availability outside of university programming.

The lack of pool space is especially problematic for learn-to-swim programming, which is important in all communities, but even more so in a beach city like ours. The lessons programs offered by the City at the pool shared with Santa Monica College fill up in minutes with long waiting lists, and permit groups like TSM do not have enough space to fill this gap. As a result, more and more children are not learning to swim or becoming water safe. According to the County of Los Angeles Public Health, drownings are a leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 14, and three children die every day as a result of drowning. In fact, drowning kills more children ages 1-4 than anything else except birth defects. With more pool space, more lessons could be offered, both by the City and groups like TSM, and more lives could be saved.

Santa Monica’s lack of public pools could be connected to the United State’s history of many public pools being closed in the 1960’s instead of complying with integration orders. See, e.g., https://www.melaninbasecamp.com/trip-reports/2024/2/26/third-places-that-disappeared-due -to-racism-public-pools and Wiltse, Jeff Contested Waters: A Social History of Swimming Pools in America, pub. 2010. This lack of public pools is connected to a lack of swimming education, which continues to have a disproportionate impact on minority communities. For example, a 2008 study showed that 58 percent of African-American children can't swim. See https://www.npr.org/2008/05/06/90213675/racial-history-of-american-swimming-pools. It follows, then, that more pool space in Santa Monica would help right these historical social injustices and hopefully benefit the communities that have previously been denied equal access to public pools.

In addition to benefiting the wider community, with more pool space TSM specifically could expand its programs and reach more kids. Swimming and water polo are important to kids not just for the sports themselves, but for all the secondary benefits that come with such activities. 1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 724 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) The benefits of youth sports are myriad and well documented, including lower rates of anxiety and depression, lower stress levels and drug use, greater self-confidence, higher self-esteem, healthier body image, improved cognitive performance, better sleep, higher GPAs and test scores, higher graduation rates, and greater professional success; studies show that a significant percentage, ranging from 70% to over 90%, of corporate executives and CEOs were former college athletes With more space to continue and expand our programming we can have a better and more meaningful impact in the kids’ future. There would also be an opportunity to expand TSM’s offerings to include diving, artistic swimming, and beyond.

Description of Proposed Facility
An ideal facility would have pools, diving facilities and splash pad areas, deck space and locker room facilities, so that a swim practice could be happening at the same time as lessons and water walking, and families enjoying our amazing sunshine with their little ones. And this multi-use could happen for a majority of the day (the shared pool with SMC is currently open

14.5 hours per day), seven days a week, all year long. Below are photos of facilities in Southern California and other areas that have all of these different attributes. Many of the referenced facilities have full gyms as part of the complexes. This would be another way to attract community members, increase usage, generate more fees, and better utilize locker room facilities. Also, many of the referenced facilities have snack bars or similar, most of which operate seasonally, that help generate additional revenues.

Proposed Partnership - Building the Facility
It almost goes without saying - pools are expensive to build. However, the timing could not be better to tap into multiple sources of funds to help make that happen, and TSM is very well positioned to access sources the City may not otherwise be able to. Specifically, TSM is a part of both USA Swimming and USA Water Polo, and their respective regional and local bodies. With the Olympics coming to Los Angeles in 2028, there will be heightened focus on these Olympic sports, as well as (hopefully) funds generated from those games that will be put back into those sports. Even putting the Olympics aside, TSM believes there is interest amongst the various national and regional bodies of both sports to build a world-class facility in Southern California, and TSM is ideally situated to bring those entities to Santa Monica to support this project.

Proposed Partnership - Operating the Facility
It also goes without saying - pools are expensive to operate. However, given our location and weather, an aquatics facility in the Great Park will have many opportunities to generate revenue 1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 725 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) to ideally be self-sustaining if not profit generating. TSM is interested in partnering with the City to make this happen.

From an operational perspective, TSM proposes a model similar to what is currently happening at the Sarasota Sharks in Sarasota, Florida. As we understand it, Sarasota Sharks, a club similar to TSM, is primarily responsible for managing the entire facility, including employing staff, running programming and maintaining the facility. With this model, the City will not have to add employee headcount, or its associated costs, as part of making the facility available to the public.

Regular programming at the facility would include learn to swim programs, youth lessons and programs for swimming, water polo, diving, and artistic swimming (formerly called synchronized swimming), adult programming along similar lines, plus lap swimming, exercise and recreation classes like water aerobics, and free/open swimming, all of which will generate revenues, and all of which could be managed by TSM. In addition, there will be space for permit groups to run their own programming and bring in additional revenue for the facility. If a gym were part of the complex, that is another opportunity to regularly generate revenue. On-site concessions would be yet another revenue stream.

In addition to regular programming, the City and TSM could work together to host more and larger events, including competitions for swimming, diving, water polo and artistic swimming.

In addition to the direct positive impact from pool rental fees, such competitions would have a positive impact on the City more generally. Smaller, more local competitions will have a positive impact on the City via competitors and their families eating at local restaurants, shopping and otherwise patronizing local businesses. Larger regional, national, and international events typically span multiple days and would increase this impact through hotel stays. Fees from these events could potentially help underwrite the operating expenses for the facility’s year-round operations.

Financial Plan
Because the scope of an aquatics facility can vary greatly, running financial projections are premature at this time. Getting stakeholders together to contribute money to construction is a key first step which TSM is looking to assist with. Once the high level details and scope of the project is set, modeling and planning for the operations can follow. For example, the facilities referenced below were built and are operated under a number of different circumstances. 1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 726 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Timeline
Though TSM would love to have shovels in the ground on January 1, 2029, given the cost and scope of an aquatics facility project, it is more realistic that the timeline will be longer. Starting to bring together the various interested parties is a key first step, as securing funding sources will be paramount.

Similar to parks, libraries, and public transportation, aquatics facilities are an important community resource that the City should support. Water safety is the highest use of these facilities, but supporting and promoting health and wellness for people of all ages is a close second. Now is the time to prioritize an aquatics facility as part of the Great Park and the rest of Santa Monica, both for current Santa Monicans, and the future generations to come.

Thank you for your consideration,
Matthew Peterson
TSM Aquatics Board President
Existing Facilities for Reference
Avery Aquatic Center at Stanford University:

This is an example of the ideal facility for training and hosting high level competitions. This facility has two separate 50mx25yd pools with deck space that allows for temporary bleachers for big competitions. It also has a separate diving tower with all Olympic diving options, and underwater features to facilitate training (big water jets that break the surface tension making sort of a water pillow to make it safer for athletes to practice from higher heights). (As an aside, there is no diving facility in Santa Monica at all right now like this, so there likely would be demand from competitive diving programs to use a facility like this if one was constructed.) There is also a fourth pool with permanent stands for water polo and short course (25yd) racing.

A facility like this could host National Championship and International level competitions - establishing Santa Monica as one of only a handful of locations in the United States with that level of facility.
1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 727 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Irvine:

This facility has two separate 50mx25yd pools (in the photo below, one of the pools has been drained fyi), both with some permanent stands, and one with space for temporary bleachers for big competitions. They also have a separate, 25yd pool that is used both for training and lessons and other aquatic programs, even when bigger meets are going on (i.e, not all permit holders would be displaced by a larger competition, which is an issue when existing Santa Monica pools have big competitions/events). This facility currently hosts national and international level meets, but Irvine does not offer so many of the other attributes that Santa Monica does!
1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 728 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Sarasota, Florida:

This is an example of another facility option: a single pool, that is 25yds wide, but significantly more than 50m long, with a movable bulkhead. This type of pool is very versatile, as it allows for 50m competitions and still has space for warm-up and warm-down swimming. The other big plus of a configuration like this is that it only requires one filtration system, compared to the examples above where multiple pools require individual filtration systems, more deck space etc. per County and/or City codes. Note that the new'ish pool at Samohi is in this category of pool, but something longer would be better to host competitions in the 50m configuration. This facility also is the first example here of a facility that is not solely competition focused - it has a splash pad and deck space for recreation and relaxation as well.

Mission Viejo:

This facility has three pools: (1) 50mx25yd pool with permanent bleachers, (2) 25yd pool that has a full diving tower, but which can also be used as a warm up/warm down pool when the first pool is being used for long course (50m) competition, and (3) 25 yards, but more shallow and used for lessons, water aerobics etc., and which is able to used even when other events are going on.
1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 729 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) San Clemente:

This entire complex is a great example of what a portion of the the Great Park could look like, albeit on a piece of land much smaller than what the Great Park will have. On the aquatics side, there are two pools, one 50mx25yd pool and one 25yd pool, with space on deck for temporary bleachers. This facility also has a splash pad/water slide area, that makes it attractive to the public to use and stay for longer periods of time. This facility could be a place where parents could drop kids off for the afternoon etc, functioning as an extension to surrounding park areas.

In addition to the aquatics facility, there are three baseball/softball fields, three full turf rectangular fields (soccer, football, lacrosse, etc.), and a large grass field that could be one full soccer field or multiple smaller fields.
1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 730 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Santa Clarita:

Santa Clarita’s facility is similar to San Clemente - two pools and a splash pad. Different from San Clemente, this complex also has a skate park, bmx bike park, and basketball courts (not all pictured below).
1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 731 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) La Mirada:

This facility takes the recreation aspect even further. There is a main pool that is longer than 50m and has bulkheads (like the Sarasota facility), and a second pool and permanent bleachers, making this facility frequently used for larger regional swim competitions. In addition, this facility has a full water park, which operates seasonally, and generates significant additional revenue for the facility as a whole.
1014 Broadway #588 Santa Monica CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 732 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 85 David Yakobson
From: Codi Fletcher <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. Vote for a Park-Only Airport Conversion - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Santa Monica has a severe shortage of fields able to accommodate youth and adult soccer, rugby and lacrosse. A Great Park with an even split between passive and active uses should include 6 or more FIFAsized rectangular GRASS sports fields to relieve our current dependence on toxic and harmful artificial surfaces.

Sincerely,
Codi Fletcher
Santa Monica Women's Rugby Club
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Packet Pg. 733 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 86 David Yakobson
From: Heather Gould <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am 100% in support of LC-compliant great park!
Heather Gould
2704 14th Street
Longtime SM resident
Sent from my iPhone
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Packet Pg. 734 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 87 David Yakobson
From: Adam Gross <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Councilmembers,
I’m asking you to approve a Measure LC-compliant Great Park with no sale or other privatization of the land to enhance the lives of residents like my family.

I’m a long-term Sunset Park resident who lives in the city with my family. Since my children have been young, we’ve used many of the recreation fields through AYSO, Santa Monica Girls Fast Pitch, and Vikings Lacrosse. As the kids get older, field space has become increasingly congested. The airport site is a once-in-alifetime opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families with lots of recreation space to keep people healthy. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of all Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Adam Gross
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Packet Pg. 735 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 88 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Solmssen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a resident of Santa Monica, I want to strongly urge the council to support a great park on the current site of Santa Monica airport.

It would take our already extra extraordinary city and make it unmatched for quality of living with anywhere in the world.

Many thanks,
Andrew Solmssen
431 Pier Avenue
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Packet Pg. 736 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 89 David Yakobson
From: Louis Ssutu <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: NoJets
Subject: The Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council,
Please ensure that the lease revenue stays in the Park enterprise fund.

Thank you for your care and concern for preserving our beautiful City of Santa Monica.

Respectfully,
Lou Ssutu
Resident of Ocean Park
Sent from my iPhone
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Packet Pg. 737 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 90 David Yakobson
From: CAROL FLINT <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Please support LC Compliant Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
I am writing to urge you to support the LC-Compliant Great Park that has been the result of many months of careful planning. This park will be a vitally-needed resource for our community.

Thanks for your consideration.

Carol Flint
Steve Jones
220 18th Street
90402
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Packet Pg. 738 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 91 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:40 PM
To: Ellis Raskin; Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya Cc: Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8th meeting item 7 Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Steve Savoldelli
310-351-8123 C
Mar Vista near airport
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Packet Pg. 739 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 92 David Yakobson
From: Benjamin Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 12:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Housing in place of airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I was sent your direction to voice my opinions on the future of the Santa Monica airport.

My kids and I love the Santa Monica airport, and we’re sad to see it go. To me, I would prefer for the airport to stay.

But if that option’s not on the table, then there is very little that can be done with so much land that would be of more value than creating as much housing as possible and politically palatable. LA County, as a whole, needs far more housing to combat the housing scarcity that has fed the homelessness crisis to its current size, and the crime that often preys on and accompanies poverty and housing insecurity.

The land the airport sits on is so big that if used entirely for housing, there could be measurable effects as pressure comes off of the local housing supply, home prices, and rental rates.

The people who sent me asked me to advocate for below-market housing. I will not do that. What I am advocating for is as big an increase in the local housing supply as possible, and to do so in a way that enriches the community by also allowing restaurants, businesses, and other establishments to flourish alongside the new housing units. A mixed-use zoning policy would be nice.

And in particular, I don’t want this to be fiscally unsustainable or unattractive either for the city of Santa Monica or the developers who would invest in this land. This is why I’m skeptical about the proposals for building below-market housing. Of course the housing should be as affordable as it can be. But let’s not throw the baby out with the bath water by either putting taxpayers on the hook by subsidizing that housing or by making developers uninterested in developing the area to its fullest potential.

That said, public housing is an asset to a community (it provides an important safety net), and I would suggest the public housing stock in this area ought to increase. And if the Santa Monica airport land is found to be a good place to put the public housing, then I would absolutely support it.

But in terms of top priorities, I suggest using every means possible (e.g. reducing red tape or fees for development, or things like that, in general — I don’t know enough about SM policies to give specific advice) to get more housing built in Santa Monica overall, and the SM airport is a golden opportunity to do this. The increased housing supply would pay dividends by reducing upward pressure on home prices and rental rates, which in turn would help people have more housing security and reduce homelessness.

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Packet Pg. 740 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 93 And avoiding increases in local government expenditures helps avoid increases in property taxes, which fees into housing prices and rental rates.

I’m a PhD student in economics at UCLA and would be happy to try to help more if there’s a way I can.

Best,
Ben
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Packet Pg. 741 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 94 David Yakobson
From: Mark SmithTV <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - Don't deceive us Attachments: PastedGraphic-2.tiff
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council members:

1. You don’t have the money to build a park or maintain a park. THIS WILL BECOME DEVELOPMENT.

2. The beach is the biggest park and not recognizing it as such is criminal.

3. This will become development and Sunset Park is a PARKING LOT due to traffic already.

4. The city is in deficit spending and this will just bankrupt the city.

5. The airport is the greatest safety asset the city has, bad things happen and an airport saves lives.

6. Responsible development can create more park space and more housing and keep the airport.

7. Creating a windfall profit for residents that bought a house next to an airport is corruption.

8. There are two electric airplanes at the airport now. The future of aviation is clean and quiet.

9. You know there will never be a Great Park.

10. How do you know what value an airport will have for the next 100 years compared to more development and no transportation to move anyone?
90405
Mark Smith
310 213 0790
http://duenorthproduction.com
"Truth is the fuel of democracy."
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Packet Pg. 742 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 95 David Yakobson
From: Alan Levenson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 1:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7a - Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
We can afford the park.

Now we need council to honor their campaign promises on July 8th

Santa Monica voters and residents have made their intentions clear — repeatedly and democratically: they want the airport closed and replaced by a Great Park — with open space, sports fields, and nature — not housing or commercialization. As council considers how to move forward, it's crucial to focus on a key fact left out of HR&A's financial report commissioned by the city: In 2029 the parkland will generate approximately $22 million annually in lease revenue from cityowned and fully paid for buildings that already exist on the parkland.

The lease revenue must stay in the park enterprise fund in the same way the funds were managed when the land was an airport.

Key Points:
• The city-owned buildings on airport land are fully leased, debt-free, and are projected to generate approximately $22 million annually in annual income in 2029 — enough to fund both park development and operations based on comparisons to similar parks in the region and elsewhere.
• Lease income can support a revenue bond to finance construction of the park without burdening the general fund or the taxpayers.
• Operating and development costs of comparable parks (LA State Historic Park, Crissy Field) are modest — and well within reach given our revenue.
• The HRA report downplays lease revenue and overstates projected costs — presenting a Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 743 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 96 misleading picture that questions affordability and invites delay and reconsideration. (see chart below)
The Public Has Spoken — Democratically:
• 1926: Voters taxed themselves to buy this land for a park. • 2014: Voters passed Measure LC to ensure this land becomes a park. • 2023–25: Thousands of residents participated in the Sasaki visioning process and demanded a Great Park.
• Resolution 11026: Council committed to closing the airport as soon as legally allowed. • 2024–25: The Parks & Rec, Airport, Urban Forest, the SM Community Gardens Advisory Committee, Sustainability Commissions — and the Santa Monica Democratic Club — all endorsed a pure, LC-compliant park with no housing.

What’s Needed Now:
• Recognize the city projected $22 million in lease revenue as a primary funding source. • Direct staff to begin planning for a Great Park without housing or delay. • Don’t let another round of "what ifs" open the door to privatization or ballot-triggering scenarios. • Recognize the same consultant previously overstated airport economic impact by claiming $275 million in benefits — a number later debunked and downgraded to “the equivalent of a mini-mall.” The current HRA report downplays lease income, overlooks city ownership of assets, and inflates future costs — undermining affordability and inviting delay. • Acknowledge that state housing mandates are real, but they do not override Measure LC or the city’s right to honor voter-approved park use. These mandates can and must be addressed elsewhere in the city’s Housing Element — not on protected parkland. • Call for unity among residents, Council, and staff to respect the democratic process and advance the park now — without triggering delays through housing studies or development scenarios already rejected by the public through visioning, testimony, and years of public comment.

The July 8 decision is a test of trust — in voters, governance, and truth.

We urge the council to lead with clarity and courage.

Special Thanks to Councilmember Dan Hall for publicly stating he is for a LC compliant park for all of the right reasons. Maybe he'll be the one to make a motion for an LC compliant park we can afford?
Let’s lead clearly, confidently, and with the knowledge that we can afford the Great Parkresidents have demanded for nearly a century.

Four votes make history.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 744 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 97 Four votes closes the airport on schedule – January 1, 2029.

Four votes begin the Great Park.

We only need four, but we'll take more.

Alan Levenson
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 745 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 98 David Yakobson
From: Martha Bardach <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 12:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I am writing to you as a dedicated, long-term community garden volunteer, participating three times weekly at Ishihara Learning Garden. I know first hand to value of growing space to a neighborhood and community. Green, vibrant growing spaces provide for community and individual well-being in countless ways. Green space is regenerative, and heaven knows we need that!
Please move forward, for the benefit of all of us, in the creation of an inspirational LCcompliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

And furthermore, I definitely look forward to a passionate and thoughtful discussion about including very affordable housing, but only at the appropriate time.

Repectfully,
Martha Bardach
martha bardach
310/454-2443/h
310/874-3929/c
[email protected]
If you want to change the system…
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 746 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 99 you have to work hard to elect the people who run it! 녙녚녛녜녝녞
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 747 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 100
David Yakobson
From: Ann Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 12:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick
Cc: Elaine Polachek; Amber Richane; Peter James; Christopher Dishlip; Oscar Santiago; Oliver Chi; Rick Valte; Sunny Wang; Douglas Sloan; Susan Cola; Heidi von Tongeln; Jennifer Taylor; Nia Tang; Heather Averick; Armine Chaparyan; Jenny Rogers Subject: July 8, 2025 Council Meeting - Item 7.A. - SMAC Project Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Esteemed City Councilmembers -
Although I write you today just as a resident, I am grateful for the opportunities many of you have offered members of the Great Park Coalition to connect prior to the Council Meeting on Tuesday. Thank you each so much for your time and care for this important matter.

Thank you also for understanding that parks/open space and densification are two sides of the same coin - fundamental to effective urban planning - and therefore are inseparable. As our extremely park-poor city continues to densify, it is critical that we plan for and add enough open and park/recreation space to meet the needs of both our current and future population - we are planning a park for people now and for people and our planet 100+ years from now.

As for how to pay for it - significant resources already exist on site to build and maintain the park or provide funds for debt service should the community pass a parks bond to help build the Great Park. The financing model should begin with those existing assets, and then layer in potential public funding for water infrastructure, and other public monies (county, state, federal) to build parks and restore open space/habitat/biodiversity (e.g., Proposition 4, 30X30, etc.). After that - exploration of parks bond financing, user and community space permitting fees, philanthropy, naming rights, park overlay district (local tax), etc. should follow. There truly is no need to sell or privatize this land in any way ever to "pay for a park".

Accordingly, please move forward, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant* Great Park that would not trigger a ballot measure before closure, with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and employs a Park Enterprise Fund model (a circular funding model like the Airport Fund), and with no sale or other privatization of the land ever. * "LC-compliant" means only the development of parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities; and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.

It is worth noting that the only legally-permissible plan the City likely can move forward through CEQA/an EIR at this time is an LC-compliant plan, given the LC City Charter Amendment.

New housing at all affordability levels will continue to be built in other places throughout our City (see, e.g., HCD-certified 6th Cycle Housing Element, the LUCE, RFPs for Bergamot and 4th/5th & Arizona, etc.). What our City needs to do most now, is to honor the park side of the coin that I mentioned above.

While our City will never be able to fully make up for the parks/open space deficit that exists, the addition of this wonderful 192-acre Great Park will be a historic boost, restoring regenerative green, recreational, habitat, and public open space for EVERYONE, always.

THANK YOU!
Sincerely,
Ann Bowman
Resident, 28+ years
Recreation and Parks Commissioner
Civic Center Task Force leadership team
Great Park Coalition leadership team
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 748 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 101
David Yakobson
From: William Schoene <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 12:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

We urge you to move forward with the creation of a Measure LC-compliant Great Park on the airport land, as soon as the airport ceases operations.

The existing commercial tenants of airport buildings should be allowed to continue ... and thus provide revenue that can help fund the conversion of the airport to a park and later fund park operations. With a sensible financing plan - - that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources -- there should be no need to sell or otherwise privatizate any of the airport land, Santa Monica's last and only hope forever, for adding significantly to our park-poor city.

Yes, Santa Monica needs affordable housing. But there are adequate places for new affordable housing near transit, as state law is now significantly enabling to target its growth mandates. The airport land is not near public transit and, if any new housing were built there, it would just give rise to more vehicular traffic in southeast Santa Monica and West LA. And to reiterate, no other sizable open space for park land will EVER be available in Santa Monica.

This is our once-in-forever opportunity to finally have a park on this land, for which it was originally purchased, and as our park-poor city densifies, it is important that we plan for the creation of sufficient open space and recreational spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations of residents and visitors.

Thank you for your consideration.

Bill and Mary Lou Schoene
1519 Oak Street, Santa Monica 90405
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 749 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 102
David Yakobson
From: Susan Cope <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
What a dream! I hope all of you can bring it to fruition.

Susan Cope
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 750 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 103
David Yakobson
From: Aleson Clarke <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; [email protected] Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project July 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I live in Santa Monica with my family. My kids are active and play sports, but there is a shortage of park and open space because Santa Monica is park-poor and has significantly less park space per resident than other cities. This problem is only getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. The airport site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families, now and for generations to come. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Thank you, Aleson Clarke
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 751 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 104
David Yakobson
From: LASteven Brady <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I urge you to move forward with the creation of a Measure LC-compliant Great Park, with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

Thank you for your consideration.

Steven Brady and Eddy Winston
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 752 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 105
David Yakobson
From: kimmykat88 <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:34 AM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7: Santa Monica Airport Is a Non-Renewable Asset—Please Keep All Options Open
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to respectfully urge you to keep all options on the table as you consider the future of Santa Monica Airport. As a long-time Santa Monica resident, I believe we are at risk of losing something that cannot be replaced — a vital civic asset that, once gone, cannot be brought back.

Small airports like SMO are non-renewable resources. Once paved over or repurposed, the unique infrastructure, airspace rights, and regional connectivity they provide are permanently lost. In a world where flexibility, mobility, and resilience are more important than ever — especially for emergency response, disaster relief, firefighting, or even innovation in clean aviation — preserving access to this kind of infrastructure is invaluable.

The Sasaki presentation scheduled for July 8 appears to focus on a single, park-forward vision. While green space is important, the decision at hand deserves a full and rigorous economic analysis of multiple land use scenarios. With Santa Monica facing real financial headwinds — including budget shortfalls, reduced reserves, and a potential credit downgrade — we cannot afford to ignore the fiscal realities.

This is not just a planning exercise. This is a billion-dollar decision, and the Council deserves to understand the long-term economic trade-offs, costs, and opportunities of each path. How can you be expected to choose without access to comparative site pro formas or reliable financial modeling? I also urge you to support a public vote on this issue. Measure LC did not mandate a park — it simply required a vote of the people for any future development beyond aviation use. A decade has passed since that vote, and much has changed. Given the significance of this decision, it is only fair and democratic to let today’s voters weigh in.

Finally, please consider the risk of unintended consequences. Shutting down the airport in 2028 without a clearly funded, actionable plan will leave us with an unmanaged, blighted site — or open the door to a state-imposed use that bypasses local input entirely. That is not the legacy our community deserves.

Thank you for your time, your service, and your thoughtful consideration of what is truly at stake.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 753 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 106
Sincerely,
Kimberly Jordan
Santa Monica Resident / Wilshire Montana
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 754 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 107
David Yakobson
From: Mary Stewart <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
The people voted NO development on the great park!
Mary Stewart
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 755 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 108
David Yakobson
From: Sean McDaniel <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: The Future of the Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
The city needs this park. Just the park. There is no place here for housing or commercial real estate. Its all about recreation, appreciation of nature and contemplation of nature. Stick with the basics, please.

Sean McDaniel
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 756 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 109
David Yakobson
From: ALICE ELLIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you for your consideration,
Alice Ellis
Santa Monica resident 90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 757 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 110
David Yakobson
From: Alison Godin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:39 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]; councilmtgitems; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

The airport site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families, now and for generations to come. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Alison Godin
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 758 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 111
David Yakobson
From: Simona Otovic <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:09 AM
To: Lana Negrete
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I live in Santa Monica with my family. My kid and our entire family is very outdoorsy and active and play sports, but there is a shortage of park and open space because Santa Monica is park-poor and has significantly less park space per resident than other cities. This problem is only getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. The airport site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families, now and for generations to come. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Simona Popovic
3109808586
Simona Popovic
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 759 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 112
David Yakobson
From: Robb Curtis Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:07 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Subject: July 8 Council Meeting - Item 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7 - Build a PARK!
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to respectfully urge you to approve an LC COMPLIANT PARK as you consider the future of Santa Monica Airport. The Sasaki presentation scheduled for July 8 presents a view focused on a single park-oriented vision, one that the residents have called for over and over The city has numerous non-aviation leases that will generate millions toward the long term building and maintenance of a Great Park. Before making a historic decision, the Council deserves a robust analysis of the multitude of park options that inspire wonder and start with nature. This is the open space the residents are screaming for! Measure LC was a clear mandate for a park. Any non LC development would trigger a ballot measure that would likely destroy the idea of a park and we'd only be snatching defeat from the jaws of victory! Much has changed since that 2014 election. The residents are done with the airport, done with the traffic snd done with the selling off of Santa Monica. The voters have been given many opportunities to be heard snd they have spoken loudly.

Finally, please consider the risk of unintended consequences. Any aviation related activity, housing or a 22,000 seat amphitheater will destroy the character and quality of life in and around Sunset Park, Mar Vista snd Westdale, burden services, carve up the last contiguous piece of land and require new services, transportation corridors and more traffic nightmares.

Canvasing for Measure LC produced one consensus. Residents don't want another Playa Vista or Park LaBrea or Century City!
Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Robert Brown
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 760 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 113
35 yr resident
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 761 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 114
David Yakobson
From: Lila Shaked <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:03 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]; councilmtgitems; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you,
Lila Shaked
- mother of a 4 year old and an 8 year old
--
Lila Shaked
808.500.4226
[email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 762 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 115
David Yakobson
From: Susan Shapiro <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Susan Shapiro
90405
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 763 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 116
David Yakobson
From: Andrew Hunter <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. Vote for a Park-Only Airport Conversion - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Andrew Hunter
Santa Monica Rugby Club
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 764 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 117
David Yakobson
From: Lauren Begert <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:49 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]; councilmtgitems Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I live in Santa Monica with my family. My kids are McKinley students and active in local play sports, but there is a shortage of park and open space because Santa Monica is park-poor and has significantly less park space per resident than other cities. This problem is only getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. The airport site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families, now and for generations to come. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Lauren Begert
1437 Berkeley Street
Santa MOnica
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 765 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 118
David Yakobson
From: Mudita Bahadur <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Mudita Bahadur
2442 23rd Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-463-7913
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 766 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 119
David Yakobson
From: Andrew Shanks <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. Vote for a Park-Only Airport Conversion - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Santa Monica has a severe shortage of fields able to accommodate youth and adult soccer, rugby and lacrosse. A Great Park with an even split between passive and active uses should include 6 or more FIFA-sized rectangular GRASS sports fields to relieve our current dependence on toxic and harmful artificial surfaces.

Sincerely,
Andrew Shanks
Resident and Parent of Santa Monica
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 767 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 120
David Yakobson
From: Anne Dudek <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Anne Heller
2422 21st Street
Santa Monica CA
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 768 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 121
David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7, Tuesday, July 8, Create a Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I urge the City Council to adopt a plan to create a Great Park at the Santa Monica Airport after it closes in 2028.

I grew-up in Santa Monica and remember the real shortage of recreational space in the community. My parents would have to drive me to Culver City, Pacific Palisades and even Westchester (Loyola Marymount University) for swim practices with TSM (Team Santa Monica) when I was in junior high and Samohi. This simply made no sense! My younger brother, who also grew-up in Santa Monica, had to do the same when he played soccer. I remember my parents driving him to practice at Uni High last in the evening since that was the only place his club, Santa Monica United, could practice during the week. He would get home really late, often close to 10 pm, since the local soccer fields were always so overpacked.

Please do the right thing for Santa Monica's future generations.

Thanks for listening
Oliver Kim
Alamitos Beach
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 769 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 122
David Yakobson
From: Ferris Kawar <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:04 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Ferris Kawar
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 770 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 123
David Yakobson
From: Evan Williams <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:18 AM
To: Lana Negrete
Cc: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. Vote for a Park-Only Airport Conversion - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please move forward, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land. Santa Monica has a severe shortage of fields able to accommodate youth and adult soccer, rugby and lacrosse. A Great Park with an even split between passive and active uses should include 6 or more FIFA-sized rectangular GRASS sports fields to relieve our current dependence on toxic and harmful artificial surfaces.

Sincerely,
Evan Williams
Santa Monica Rugby Club / Talisman Advisory Partners
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 771 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 124
David Yakobson
From: Jim Gates <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7 - Please Keep All Options Open Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to respectfully urge you to keep all options on the table as you consider the future of Santa Monica Airport. The Sasaki presentation scheduled for July 8 presents a narrow view focused on a single park-oriented vision, but the decision before you is far too consequential to proceed without full economic due diligence.

The city faces extraordinary financial headwinds — from budget deficits and depleted reserves to declining tourism and a possible credit downgrade. Before making a historic decision representing consequences in the BILLIONS of dollars, the Council deserves a robust comparative analysis of multiple land use scenarios, including economic modeling and site pro formas. How can you be expected to make a decision about which path to pursue when you don’t know how much each will cost? I also believe a public vote would help build consensus and legitimacy. Measure LC was not a mandate for a park. Measure LC merely requires a vote of the people for development on land formerly used for aviation purposes (with limited exceptions). Much has changed since that 2014 election, which, by the way, had historically low turnout. It’s only fair to give all voters a voice on how this land is used moving forward.

Finally, please consider the risk of unintended consequences. Closing the airport at the end of 2028 without a clear, funded path forward will result in an unmanaged, blighted site or a state-imposed solution — neither of which serves our community. Take a look at the "Great Park" of Orange County--previously the El Toro Air Base. Look even closer at the Howard Hughes airport in Culver City--now the home of over 11,000 residents on 500 acres and a daily traffic jam! I used to live on South Bundy Drive near the airport and it was a nightmare at rush hour even back then!
We all know the real aim of those behind the destruction of Santa Monica Airport.

Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
--
Jim Gates
424-634-2863
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 772 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 125
David Yakobson
From: Steven Johnson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: The Great Park Should Prioritize Fields and Natural Settings Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Firstly, please vote for an LC-compliant park that does not cede public land to privatization.

Secondly, please give direction to staff that a fields-first and natural restoration approach, that splits the airport evenly between passive and active uses, is the most affordable and effective way to make this Park happen.

The lesson learned from Tongva and other City projects is that Santa Monica tends to overdesign everything, putting a price tag on projects that make it impossible to reach.

We have ample on-site revenue for the airport to begin with natural restoration on the west end of the park, and the building of simple, grass fields on the east end of the park.

Please do not look at the Frankenstein's monster that is Sasaki's Scenario 1,2,3, and decide any of these are the way forward.

When the airport closes, we need to start simply.

For a few million dollars (which we already have available), we can have natural habitat up and running, and half-dozen soccer fields ready for play within a matter of months. (Permit fees from the soccer fields would immediately add to the capital to make further improvements.) When/if money becomes available at some future date, infrastructure-heavy projects like a swim center, a small amphitheater, pickleball courts, etc., can be added.

But PLEASE don't let the consultants and construction interests convince you that we need tens of millions of dollars to proceed.

This is our last and only chance to create a park for generations to come. Don't let short-term thinking cloud your vision. Central Park and Golden Gate Park were created with greatness in mind. No one has ever regretted those decisions.
----------------
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 773 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 126
Steven Johnson
President, Santa Monica Rugby Club
(310) 429-0475
________________________________________________________ To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Shop SMRC Gear

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 774 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 127
David Yakobson
From: Chris Perry <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:44 AM
To: Lana Negrete
Cc: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. Vote for a Park-Only Airport Conversion - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

We need more parks in Santa Monica, and more playing fields with natural grass instead of synthetic artificial surfaces. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to repurpose a massive space into an evensplit passive and active use parkland.

Sincerely,
Chris Perry
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 775 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 128
David Yakobson
From: Richard Hirschkoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Subject: Santa Monica Airport Redevelopment Project Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
From: Richard Hirschkoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:07 PM
Dear Council Members:

As a local resident who has lived in the vicinity of Santa Monica Airport for 72 years. I believe this is a great opportunity to develop airport land to build a wholistic community that would include below market rate housing, community center and park. The priority should be below market rate housing for people who work in Santa Monica like teachers, nurses, firefighters, police and those who work in the commercial sector earning less than $150,000 per year. This will begin to address the housing shortage and one of the root causes of homelessness, that is lack of affordability. Offering this kind of housing to working families will also help to rebuild the middle class in Santa Monica.

Thank you for your understanding and support in bringing affordable housing back to Santa Monica in a meaningful way.

Sincerely,
Richard Hirschkoff
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 776 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 129
David Yakobson
From: TARYN FORDES <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:25 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; councilmtgitems Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I urge you to move forward—for the benefit of all—the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

A great park is a PARK, not a money-making operation. A great park is a PARK, not a solution to a housing crisis born of decades of neglect by towns, cities, municipalities, counties, states and the nation. A truly great park is a place of peace, not profit or a substitute for an amusement park.

Yes, of course, SM needs new and more housing.

The GREAT PARK is NOT the place.
60% of the voters voted for LC to build a park.

If forced to vote again, I predict 75% of the voters will vote to build a park. Not housing. Not amusement areas. A park. How much simpler can it be, and how much easier is it for you to build a park that the OVERWHELMING percentage of the city voters want.

Thank you for your consideration.

Taryn Watanabe Fordes
90405
Taryn Watanabe Fordes
[email protected]
310 962-1688
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 777 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 130
David Yakobson
From: Dalila Fuentes <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Dalila Fuentes
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 778 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 131
David Yakobson
From: Catherine Collins Bott <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 6:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SM Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Catherine Bott
Sunset Park Resident
Catherine Collins Bott, J.D., LL.M. in Taxation
214.289.6631
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 779 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 132
David Yakobson
From: Doug Weitman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:55 AM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to respectfully urge you to keep all options on the table as you consider the future of Santa Monica Airport. The Sasaki presentation scheduled for July 8presents a narrow view focused on a single park-oriented vision, but the decision before you is far too consequential to proceed without full economic due diligence.

The city faces extraordinary financial headwinds — from budget deficits and depleted reserves to declining tourism and a possible credit downgrade. Before making a historic decision representing consequences in the BILLIONS of dollars, the Council deserves a robust comparativeanalysis of multiple land use scenarios, including economic modeling and site pro formas. How can you be expected to make a decision about which path to pursue when you don’t know how much each will cost? I also believe a public vote would help build consensus and legitimacy. Measure LC was nota mandate for a park. Measure LC merely requires a vote of the people for development on land formerly used for aviation purposes (with limited exceptions). Much has changed since that 2014 election, which, by the way, had historically low turnout. It’s only fair to give all voters a voice on how this land is used moving forward.

Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Doug Weitman
Property owner
201 Ocean Towers
Santa Monica, Ca
Doug Weitman
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 780 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 133
David Yakobson
From: Cory Lagusker <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 12:17 AM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 meeting, item 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Let’s keep the airplane open for ONLY electric, emission free, noise free aircraft! Thanks!!!!
Born and raised in LA and pilot!
Cory Lagusker
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 781 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 134
David Yakobson
From: NICHOLAS MANOLELIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 12:01 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Nicholas Manolelis
--
Nicholas Manolelis
[email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 782 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 1 David Yakobson
From: Laura LIM <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Laura Lim
SM resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 783 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 2 David Yakobson
From: Roger Allen <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:58 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Item 7-A July 8,2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Council Members,
I support the creation of a LC compliant park on the Airport Property. Funding should be provided by existing, onsite revenue.

Please do not sell or offer any leases an excess of 15 years to avoid triggering the Surplus Land Act.

I do not support NON LC compliant development on the Airport Property.

Thank you,
Roger Allen
Email [email protected]

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 784 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 3 David Yakobson
From: PWNelson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: July 8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
I urge you to support a collaborative, balanced plan for Santa Monica Airport. If SMO is closed entirely, federal protections will be lost, and state mandates could force dense, low-cost housing — not parks onto the site. That means more traffic, more density, and greater strain on infrastructure, with no clear plan for emergency access, public safety, or financial sustainability.

I began my 40+ year aviation career at SMO as an aircraft refueler and student pilot. Then, as now it was an active airport with a reasonable pace of take off and landings. There were numerous businesses located at and near the airport that serve, then and now, as an economic generator for the community. In my career it has served a critical training role and served as an opportune location to begin and end humanitarian related flights.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

Respectfully,
Captain Paul W. Nelson
American Airlines
LAX
Sent from my iPad
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 785 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 4 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:54 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Meeting -- 7/8/25 -- Item 7A - Wilmont supports Pathway 1. - "Direct staff to not include any uses that would require another ballot measure pursuant to Measure LC in the Preferred Scenario."
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
July 7, 2025

Mayor Negrete and City Council members,

The Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont) Board supports pathway 1. to "Direct staff to not include any uses that would require another ballot measure pursuant to Measure LC in the Preferred Scenario." The Wilmont Board urges the City Council to support pathway 1. and to continue the current Airport Conversion process, leading to the incremental development of a Great Park that is LC-compliant. That park can open for walking, skateboarding, rollerblading, and biking on Day 1 after Santa Monica Airport closes to all aeronautical uses on December 31, 2028. The Santa Monica Housing Commission has stated that housing does not need to be built at the airport property and that appropriate housing has been planned for on the boulevards, Bergamont Center and DTSM.

Regarding current city parks, Santa Monica has only 1.4 acres of park space per 1,000 residents, compared to 30 acres per 1,000 residents in Santa Barbara and in San Diego.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Santa Monica to restore its Great Park and provide adequate park space for what will only be an ongoing densification of the city.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 786 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 5 Wilmont Board of Directors
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 787 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 7 David Yakobson
From: Muniz Gracia, Aned Y <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: airport conversion plans
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Good evening,
I am writing with a concern about the three tentative proposals for the airport redesign. I am sure there are others who will also speak in favor of an aquatics facility, and the committee already knows that it could also bring in revenue and events that will help offset the building and operating/maintenance costs.

However, it is baffling that the only scenario that includes at least one pool is currently tied to housing and commercial development, an issue that arises strong opinions and passions.

Personally, as a renter with a family of young kids I do not want to see additional high density housing, and I am certainly not interested in RENTING affordable housing, although I would most certainly like to BUY a reasonably priced house (they don't exist in our city). I am afraid that what's envisioned is utterly irrelevant to my family's need (3 children, including 2 little ones, one of them severely autistic, plus a teenager) and most working families. But our own opinion on this matter loses relevance when considering that housing would go against the intent and purpose of the airport grounds' return to the city, might conflict with what was previously approved, and would rob us of our last existing piece of undeveloped land that can still be preserved and dedicated to making Santa Monica a destination for world-class sports and events as well as serve the needs of our population.

My family has been fortunate to participate in many of our city's programs and activities, including multiple sports like Little League Baseball, dance, Jr. Guards (SM beach), volleyball, the list goes on and on. But the one activity that everyone (our ages range from 4 to 50) in our household enjoys is swimming. As the recreational and lap swimming representative in the Santa Monica Aquatics Advisory Committee (SMAAC), I must mention that the current facility and times often max out and users have been turned away many times when that has happened.

My own two younger children, who are autistic, returned home crying more than once (they don't understand how capacity works) but I've seen many neurotypical children/toddlers react the same on those ocassions. It has been a sorry spectacle to witness, and heartbreaking for the parents. Adults react more maturely when denied access to lap or rec swimming but get frustrated as well.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 788 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 8 This problem worsens on holidays or hot days, and this summer is just starting to heat up, so I am afraid there might be more disappointed and upset kids turned away in the near future. Not having enough capacity for recreational and lap swimming is in addition to all the organizations and programs which are routinely denied a regular slot to run their programs because there is simply no scheduling availability. Expanding the numbers of aquatic facilities in our city will help us better accomodate the growing demand. I strongly oppose that an aquatics facility be tied to the addition of housing to the redevelopment plan.

Aned Muñiz
Santa Monica Aquatics Advisory Committee (SMAAC), recreational and lap swimming PS: I really wish the city would have tried harder to brinng Olympic volleyball back to Santa Monica. This was my best hope for riding my bike to attend an Olympic event, something I've dreamed about all my life. I can't believe we passe that up. I also mourn the loss of the finish line for the LA marathon, as I used to meet friends coming in from other states and abroad when they ran to my town. I hope the marathon's finish line can return to us. And the affordable 5,10, 15K and half marathon races that a small company (called A Better World Running) used to organize almost every month were another of my beloved activities. I've ran at least one event each semester since 2016 or 2017, but more when training to run half marathons. I am a horrible runner but like to participate in other sporting events when they're not unreasonably expensive; these regularly scheduled beachfront runs were a little too early (I would have run many more had they started at 9 or 10:00am instead of 7:30) but they did contribute to an improved quality of life for me.

Dr. Aned Muñiz Gracia
English and Global Languages
Dr. Aned Muñiz Gracia
Global Languages and Society
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 789 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 9 David Yakobson
From: Cameron Mahallati <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:21 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 City Council Meeting, Item 7: Evolve Santa Monica Airport—Don’t Erase It Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of the community and a long-time admirer of Santa Monica’s historic role in American aerospace, I urge you to consider a path of evolution, not elimination, for Santa Monica Airport.

Santa Monica was once the center of the aviation world—where Donald Douglas built the DC-3 and helped win World War II. That same pioneering spirit can thrive again if we seize this opportunity not to close SMO, but to reimagine it for the future.

This is not about preserving the status quo. It’s about leading the next chapter of clean, quiet, community-minded aviation. Electric aircraft, advanced simulators, flight schools, STEM education hubs, and green infrastructure can all co-exist alongside open space—and even a modest amount of thoughtfully integrated housing.

Here’s what evolution could mean:

A VITAL HUB IN FIRE RESCUE OPERATIONS Serving our community — The Santa Monica Airport played a pivotal role in safeguarding numerous homes from the recent wildfire, making it a strategic and historically significant asset that must remain operational. I personally witnessed the Chief of Calfire elucidate the paramount significance of the Santa Monica Airport during the fire. This unfortunate incident necessitates a thorough revision of the airport’s operational plans. It serves as a reminder that unforeseen events, such as fires, natural disasters, or human-caused emergencies, are potential risks that demand our attention and preparedness.

A world-class STEM education and training center, where Santa Monica students are inspired to pursue science, technology, and flight.

A hub for electric and autonomous aviation, already being tested at SMO and poised to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.

Green space and community access, thoughtfully integrated with aviation infrastructure.

Long-term economic vitality for a city facing major fiscal headwinds.

Continued local control over airport operations and land use after 2028, allowing the City to shape SMO’s evolution in line with community values and future technologies.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 790 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 10 Santa Monica doesn’t need to pick between a park and an airport. We can build a 21st-century innovation campus—one that honors our history, serves our residents, and inspires future generations.

The Sasaki presentation scheduled for July 8 presents a narrow view focused on a single parkoriented vision, but the decision before you is far too consequential to proceed without full economic due diligence.

Also, please consider the risk of unintended consequences. Closing the airport at the end of 2028 without a clear, funded path forward will result in an unmanaged, blighted site or a state-imposed solution — neither of which serves our community.

Finally, I’d like to tell you what the airport means to me. I’ve been going to SMO ever since I was a little kid. My mom and I would always be at the Museum of Flying, and sometimes we came across the street to the observation deck too and watched the airplanes. We did this for years. There was a period of time where I wasn’t interested in aviation, but every time I passed by the airport, I always smiled thinking of all the incredible memories I made with my mom. I also enjoyed stopping by and watching the planes from time to time. Then I became interested in aviation a few years ago, and SMO has and will continue to play a pivotal role in my aviation career. I took my first flight from SMO, and now I’m taking flying lessons to achieve my dream of becoming a pilot. I’m also a photographer, and I love coming to the airport to plane spot. I’m only 15, and I think that it’s incredible that we have a place for a kid like me to come and achieve my dreams. I also want to touch on the community. The people here at the airport are incredible. I remember a year ago I was filming a movie for a school project, and I wanted to film part of it at the Museum of Flying in their 727 cockpit. I called the museum, told them about my project, and they were super kind and allowed me to come and film. They even closed part of the museum for us while we were filming. The people I’ve met at the flight schools and observation deck are also incredible. Whenever I walk into one of the flight sschools,I instantly feel at home. Even though there are people at the schools I haven’t met or aren’t close with, whenever I walk inside, it feels like I’ve known them forever. That’s the community we have here at SMO, and it would be terrible to lose that because having a community like this is rare. Aviation unites people, whether they are pilots or not. Losing the Santa Monica Airport would be devastating. I know I’m not the only person who has had this experience at the airport. Many of the people I’ve met have told me about when they were little and they visited the airport too. And every time I’m at the observation deck, I see young kids and families there, the kids inspired by everything going on around them. The Santa Monica Airport is so much more than an airport. To many, it’s a home.

Please don’t rush to erase our past. Let’s evolve it into something extraordinary. Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Cameron Mahallati
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 791 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 11 David Yakobson
From: Peter A Donald <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
Please move forward support the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park with financing that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

Sincerely,
-pad蚋蚌蚍蚎Peter A Donald
2618 32nd St.

Santa Monica, CA 90405
310 871-4862
[email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 792 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 12 David Yakobson
From: Kelley McIntosh <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As an advocate for the existing airport, I must concede that its term is ending, and I submit that you please move forward, for the benefit of all, with the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources.

As our park-poor city densifies, it is paramount that we plan for the creation of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations. Also the ingress and egress limitations due to the abutting business park, promise even more congested roadways than we are faced with currently, and compounded by each of the proposed plans to increasing degrees.

Sincerely,
Kelley McIntosh
Santa Monica resident and business owner
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 793 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 13 David Yakobson
From: Jason Moore <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Great Park for Santa Monica
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please vote for a Great Park, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, with all new uses dedicated to park and recreation, including plenty of sports fields.

I live in Santa Monica with my family. My kids are active and play sports, but there is a shortage of park and open space because Santa Monica is park-poor and has significantly less park space per resident than other cities. This problem is only getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. The airport site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families, now and for generations to come. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Respectfully, You’ve heard from residents on multiple confusing surveys and what people don’t want is more traffic and more congestion. Please support the park, it’s the right thing to do.

Thank you for your service!
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 794 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 14 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Elaine Polachek
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: FOSP: City Council 7/8/25 item 7-A -- Airport Conversion Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
July 7, 2025

To: Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers

From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park

RE: 7/8/25 agenda item 7-A -- Airport Conversion

The Santa Monica Airport has been our neighbor since the beginning of World War II. Most of that time, it has not been a good neighbor. Sunset Park, along with adjacent Venice and Mar Vista neighborhoods have endured noise, fumes, and safety threats for decades.

The City of Santa Monica is now poised to close the Airport and RETURN the land to a GREAT PARK for future generations as was intended when the land was purchased by a voter approved Park Bond in 1926.

Residents of Santa Monica affirmed we wanted the land to be a park with the overwhelming passage of measure LC in 2014.

Results from the Airport Conversion Project surveys has repeatedly shown people want an LC compliant park with green open spaces, gardens, recreational and arts uses.

The direction from the people has been LOUD and CLEAR:

1. Direct the staff to design an LC-Compliant Park using existing revenue streams as the primary for environmental review.

2. Under NO circumstances should any of the land be sold or leased in excess of 15 years thereby avoiding the application of the Surplus Land Act.

3. Approach the planning in phases. As additional revenue sources become available, other LC compliant park uses can be expanded including those that can be compliant under a zoning overlay.

We have a once in a 100-year opportunity to create a GREAT PARK. We are looking to the City Council’s to fulfill the wishes of the people to create a GREAT PARK for generations to come.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 795 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 15 Friends of Sunset Park Board
Clare Thomas, President
Robb Brown
Aliceann Grusin
ZinaJosephs
Nikki Kolhoff
Cathy Larson
Jeanne Laurie
John Murdock
John Reynolds
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 796 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 16 David Yakobson
From: Hongying Tan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
Please move forward, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land. I have been a resident of Santa Monica for 27 years. My husband and I have raised two children who attended our public schools. They both participated in youth sports and I recall spending many hours driving our kids to practices due to lack of field and pool space in Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Hongying Tina Tan, MD, PhD
Santa Monica Resident

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 797 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 17 David Yakobson
From: Saba Deborah Nosrati <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a former resident of Santa Monica, a city I called home for 20 years and would love to see thrive, I have been thinking about how our open spaces affect our wellbeing within the context of the sprawling Los Angeles landscape.

I'd like to ask that you move forward, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

At tonight's town hall, please address any
 ongoing concerns,
 next steps,
 critical deadlines, and
 any need for assistance from Santa Monica and/or Santa Monica-adjacent residents that can assist you in expediting your decision.

I look forward to the revitalization of this beautiful city and the restoration of many of the city’s resources integral to the health and wellbeing of all Los Angeles residents.

Thank you for all your efforts on behalf of our great city.

Sincerely,
Saba Deborah Nosrati
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 798 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 18 David Yakobson
From: Gavin Stokes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: airport future
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
It's well past time to put aside the rancor and poor decision-making that have stifled citizens' enjoyment of their own airport, an irreplaceable resource that grants the city so many opportunities and protections.

Now that electric planes and unleaded fuel have arrived, along with renewed interest from our community in learning to fly and exploring what Santa Monica Airport has to offer, any talk of destroying it rings more absurd and out of touch than ever.

We wouldn't merely be losing something that few cities have and that will never be built again, but we'd also be losing something that almost no cities enjoy: control of our own airspace. Ask citizens if they want heavy jets from LAX free to fly directly over their homes, lower than ever before and with greater frequency. Ask if they want to give up their say in the future of urban air mobility, whatever that ends up being. SMO's airspace gives Santa Monica power granted by the federal government, overriding any blind and overbearing state mandates.

Speaking of which... if we give up our airport, let's not pretend that the state won't essentially seize that land. We all know, and the city has publicly admitted that there's no money to build, maintain, or police a giant park.

It's mind-boggling that we would contemplate destroying something as precious as our own airport, instead of investing in it and fostering its enjoyment by all Santa Monicans. The recent "outreach" efforts (conducted at significant public expense) have pushed an obviously slanted narrative, denying all of us the ability to vote for something that that would set an example for the world: a multi-faceted, sustainable park WITH an iconic little airport as its centerpiece. Ask any of the hundreds of Santa Monican families that enjoy "Kids in Planes" events, Young Eagles flights, tours of the airport, annual Douglas Day celebrations, taking flying lessons, or simply bringing their kids to the observation deck to watch planes.

Why not leave a legacy of achievement that appeals to everyone without robbing current and all future generations of opportunity that we can never get back?
Regards,
Gavin Stokes
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 799 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 21 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL

DEAR COUNCIL MEMBERS,

PLEASE HELP US TO GET A BIG, BEAUTIFUL PARK WHERE OUR AIRPORT IS CURRENTLY OPERATING. DOING

SO WILL BE A BLESSING TO THE PRESENT
GENERATION AS WELL AS TO FUTURE GENERATIONS.

WISHING FOR OUR COLABAERATIVE SUCCESS,
Dhun May
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 800 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 22 David Yakobson
From: Kapil K. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:17 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I am a volunteer Board Member of Santa Monica AYSO, the largest youth sports organization in Santa Monica. Our 100% volunteer organization provides a high-quality, low-cost soccer program to almost 1500 local kids annually.

I am writing to ask you to vote to create an LC-compliant Great Park at the SM Airport site, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans. As you know, Santa Monica is very park-poor – with much less park space per resident than other cities. Obtaining suitable field space is a constant struggle for us and limits participation in our programs and what programs we can offer.

The airport site is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a 192-acre Great Park to help solve Santa Monica's current field space shortage and to prepare for the rapidly growing demand for park and field space as our city gets more dense and our population grows. We don't want to turn away kids because there is no field space for them to play! Please ensure that Santa Monica is a good place for active kids and families -- now and for generations of Santa Monicans to come. Please vote for an LCCompliant Great Park on Tuesday.

Thank you,
Kapil Kulkarni
AYSO Volunteer Board Member
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 801 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 24 David Yakobson
From: Greg Felton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Subject: July8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
The several times I’ve flown into SMO, it was really the only reasonable option given our intent to visit (and spend considerable money) in Santa Monica. Were flying in not an option, we would have gone, and taken our money, elsewhere.

And ever since 9/11, I’ve contributed many, many hours to public service flying including for the Civil Air Patrol and for Sheriff’s Offices of two different counties. I know how critical it can be to emergency services to have a well-provisioned airport nearby.

I urge you to support a collaborative, balanced plan for Santa Monica Airport. If SMO is closed entirely, federal protections will be lost, and state mandates could force dense, low-cost housing — not parks onto the site. That means more traffic, more density, and greater strain on infrastructure, with no clear plan for emergency access, public safety, or financial sustainability.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

SMO Stakeholder
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 802 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 25 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 9:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council members,
I urge you to move forward with the creation of a Measure LC-compliant Great Park, with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

As our park-poor city densifies, it is important that we plan for the creation of sufficient open space and recreational spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations. Even the Santa Monica Housing Commission says we don’t need to build housing at the Santa Monica Airport Conversion
Many thanks,
Elizabeth Van Denburgh
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 803 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 26 David Yakobson
From: Jerry Rubin <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Amber Richane Subject: 💚🤗🫶The future of creating a Great Park in Santa Monica is in your hands! Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members:

Please unite and support the Great Park Coalition recommendations! Thank you so very much,
Jerry Rubin
Santa Monica
C- 310-399-1000
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 804 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 27 David Yakobson
From: Ellen Mark <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Ellen Mark
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 805 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 28 David Yakobson
From: Cristina Carrera <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Cristina Carrera
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 806 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 29 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Detamore <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Lisa Detamore
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 807 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 30 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: OUR GREAT PARK
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
My friends and I vote and we all want only a GREAT PARK, all natural, no buildings, etc.

Santa Monica needs nature and a place of clean air and room to roam and enjoy. We can build housing near the metro areas and elsewhere. This park area is very precious and must be reclaimed.

Thank you for voting as we've asked you to do.

Kay Ward
Santa Monica
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 808 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 31 David Yakobson
From: John Campisi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Re: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council Members:

Thank you for your consideration.

John Campisi
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 809 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 33 David Yakobson
From: ALICEANN GRUSIN <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Aliceann and Stuart Grusin.

Sent from my annoying device.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 810 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 34 David Yakobson
From: Kenneth J Meyers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: KSMO
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I am writing to respectfully urge the City of Santa Monica to preserve Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) as a vital and historic part of the community’s infrastructure, economy, and emergency preparedness network.

Santa Monica Airport is more than just a place for general aviation. It is a regional asset with deep historical roots and enduring value. As one of the oldest continuously operating airports in the United States, KSMO has served as a hub for innovation, public safety, and economic activity for over a century. Its closure would not only erase this legacy but also weaken the region’s resilience and connectivity.

KSMO provides critical benefits, including:
 Emergency access and disaster response: In times of wildfire, earthquake, or regional emergency, KSMO serves as an irreplaceable staging area for response aircraft, supplies, and evacuation.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 811 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 35  Economic and educational impact: The airport supports hundreds of jobs and hosts aviation businesses, flight schools, and educational outreach programs that inspire the next generation of pilots, engineers, and innovators.  Relieving congestion: By providing a general aviation outlet in a densely populated region, KSMO reduces congestion at larger commercial airports like LAX, contributing to safety and efficiency in the national airspace system.  Environmental stewardship through modernization: With the rise of electric aircraft and quieter, cleaner aviation technologies, KSMO is uniquely positioned to lead in sustainable aviation — not as a relic of the past, but as a model for the future.

While I understand the concerns of local residents, I strongly believe that with thoughtful planning, environmental improvements, and community engagement, the airport and neighborhood can coexist — as they have for decades.

Please consider the long-term public interest and regional needs before making any decisions that would permanently eliminate this valuable piece of infrastructure. Once an airport is gone, it is gone forever — and with it, opportunities that cannot be recovered.

Thank you for your time, service, and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Kenneth Meyers
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 812 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 36 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; Amber Richane; Oliver Chi
Subject: Item 7A: Support LC Compliant #1 Preferred Scenario, Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP)
Attachments: SM Airport Leases support letter C Rose.pdf; gpc-suporters1.1.5.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and City Council Members:

Please find attached my support letter: 2025-07 CC Agenda Item 7A Support LC-Compliant Great Park. Also attached is my 2015-05 SM Airport Leases support letter and the GPC Current Org Supporters image.

Thank you all for your dedicated service to Santa Monica! --
Cynthia Rose

I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 813 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) May 24, 2015
The Santa Monica Airport And Future Options Regarding Its Operations And The City's Use Of The Land Now Occupied By The Airport
Item 8A
I would like to express support for much of what has been outlined in the staff report as it relates to scaling back the Santa Monica Airport to make it more healthy, sustainable and to minimize the impacts to the surrounding community.

Specifically I would support limiting the terms of leases (including eliminating sub-leasing) to month to month or at minimum 1 yr (except as noted below) so that the City can maintain flexibility as we move through the process of re-purposing non-aviation parcels and working toward a long range goal of potentially closing the airport to build a great park.

I also specifically support as outlined in the staff report — Continue with a full range of planning, environmental and legal work that would enable the City to determine the future use of the City's land, including possible closure of all or part of the Airport; such work to include, but not be limited to, pursuing legal resolution of issues relating to control of the land, undertaking preliminary environmental and design work as to both the western parcel and the entire Airport, and assessing the possibility of a City-sponsored 2016 ballot measure; — Continue to promote Airport self-sufficiency to ensure that the Airport is not a drain on the general fund during this period of possible transition, including by: increasing any rents that may not be at market rate; renegotiating for Council approval expired master leases to address subleasing and thereby provide for the City's receipt of full revenues from the use of City property; and obtaining private assistance with leasing and property management;
(see last paragraph)
— Work to reduce and eliminate aviation uses of the land released from aviation use;
— Negotiate and execute new leases with two current non-aviation subtenants (VW-Audi and Milstein), The Museum of Flying, Atlantic Aviation, and Krueger Aviation with lease terms expiring either three years from execution or by June 30, 2018, whichever date is earlier; and
— Continue to receive, assess and provide recommendations based on community input on all aspects of Airport operations and use of the land now occupied by the Airport.

Eliminating all uses of Airport land that are incompatible with surrounding residential uses, eliminating fuel sales, flight schools and Jets for which the runway is too short and not safe. Support net revenues from leasing be set aside to fund future, non-aviation, use of the land, such as a park. Council action to close all or part of the Airport as soon as that becomes possible even if symbolic.

Respectfully,
Cynthia Rose
Mid City Neighborhood

CYNTHIA ROSE
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 814 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

1.1.5 Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 815 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 37 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. Vote for a Park-Only Airport Conversion - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Santa Monica has a severe shortage of fields able to accommodate youth and adult soccer, rugby and lacrosse. A Great Park with an even split between passive and active uses should include 6 or more FIFA-sized rectangular GRASS sports fields to relieve our current dependence on toxic and harmful artificial surfaces.

We do not need more cheap housing where kids can sit around playing on electronic devices because there is nowhere to play. We need more playing surfaces where kids can get exercise, learn how to win and lose, learn about teamwork and leadership. They need to learn how to fall and get back up.

We need well-rounded kids - not round kids.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
David Edward
Youth Rugby Referee and former girl's team coach, Santa Monica Rugby Club Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 816 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 38 David Yakobson
From: Rosa Hogle <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Sirs,
My wife and I urge you to move forward with the creation of a Measure LC-compliant Great Park, with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

As our park-poor city densifies, it is important that we plan for the creation of sufficient open space and recreational spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations,
Thank you for your consideration,
William Hogle
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 817 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 39 David Yakobson
From: Jesus Gonzalez <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Jesus Gonzalez
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 818 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 40 David Yakobson
From: Laura Goolnik <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Laura Goolnik
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 819 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 41 David Yakobson
From: Fae Horowitz and Al Linton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
To get right to the point, I’m writing to show my strong support for turning the Santa Monica Airport into a Great Park after the airport’s closure.

Thanks,
Fae Horowitz
Sunset Park Resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 820 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 42 David Yakobson
From: Seth Goolnik <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As someone who lives right next to the current Santa Monica Airport, there's no question that we simply need green space. This shouldn't be replaced by any housing, this shouldn't be any kind of transport hub, this should simply be what the voters voted for: a Great Park.

For too long Los Angeles has been a punchline with its lack of green space compared to other world cities. We have an opportunity to help our community and do what's right for our city by creating the green space, and only the green space, we desperately need. When this project is done right it will outlast us all, celebrated by generations to come.

Please move forward, for the benefit of all, on the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park with a financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no habitation, sale or other privatization of the land.

Sincerely,
Seth
+1 323 790 9806
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 821 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 43 David Yakobson
From: Karen Melick <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 8:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane
Subject: Item 7.A SMAC Project - Include Aquatics Center Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council members,
I am a Recreation and Parks Commissioner but I am writing this letter as a Santa Monica resident and as a representative of the over 350 Santa Monica residents, ages 20 to 82, who are members of the Southern California Aquatics Masters swimming program (SCAQ).

LC compliant Great Park
Please direct the project team to move forward with an LC compliant Great Park with amenities based on the community survey results that will not require a vote of Santa Monicans before airport closure.

Include a much needed aquatics center, the aquatics community will work to help fund it Please include an aquatics facility, which is an LC compliant use, as this was rated 14th overall in the preferred uses survey and identified as a high priority for investment in the statistically significant RAD Community Interest and Opinion Survey Findings. A swimming pool was in the plans for the Great Park back in the 1920’s and the current Santa Monica Parks and Recreation Master Plan calls for a new aquatics facility in a park setting. An aquatics facility will be expensive but the aquatics community is vast and connected and we will work with the City to find ways to provide the funding for this facility, so don’t exclude it because of the cost.

Include 24, not 6, pickleball courts
Even though I am a swimmer, I see and support pickleball as a great exercise for all ages but particularly for older adults like me. Please direct the planners to include 24 pickleball courts instead of 6 in the preferred scenario so that revenue producing tournaments can be hosted.

Put needed housing in other locations closer to transit, schools, grocery stores and utility infrastructure
I understand the need for housing in the City. A plan for almost 9000 additional units is already in place, a growth of about 17% of the housing units in 2021, to meet the state’s 6th Cycle RHNA’s allocations. The 7th Cycle RHNA allocation will not be known until 2027 or 2028 with a plan for it not due until 2029. There are still areas in the City where additional housing could be planned for (such as all the empty stores and buildings on Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards) that are near transportation, schools, grocery stores, and existing utility infrastructure. Housing should go there, not take away from the land that was bought by Santa Monicans to be a park.

Non-LC compliant scenario will add costs and delays
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 822 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 44 Adding any facilities that will trigger a vote will incur the cost of the election, delay the planning and implementation, incur additional planning costs and could jeopardize the closure of the airport. Based on the LC vote and survey results, I believe that the voters will not pass a ballot measure to include housing or large commercial amenities.

Other recommendations:

1. Keep the existing commercial areas including Barker Hangar and find ways to increase the revenues from those areas (adaptive reuse)

2. Utilize the revenues from the existing non-aviation commercial areas to help fund the park

3. Keep the existing Airport Park with the sports field and dog park

4. Include tournament caliber active recreation facilities to provide increased revenues

5. Look for grants, public/private partnerships and districts to help fund facilities and activities at the park

6. Reduce the size of the lakes and ponds so that the open spaces are usable open spaces.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Karen Melick
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 823 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 47 David Yakobson
From: Barbara Filkins <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 7:29 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 City Council Meeting, Item 7: Evolve Santa Monica Airport-Don't Erase It Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
This letter is bit of a form letter beseeching the City to reconsider the future of SMO, but it also reflects my past. As a student at Harvey Mudd College, I learned to fly from a woman who is one of the 2015 inductees to the Museum of Flying In Santa Monica – Iris Cummings Critchell. She not only taught me to fly, but also instilled in me – as well as other members of the Bates Program – a deep passion for flying but, more than that, an understanding of how aviation can shape future generations of scientists and engineers to become even more than they envisioned.

The Bates Program at Harvey Mudd did just that during the approximately 40 years of its existence. Most graduates have gone on to leadership roles in industry, visionary roles in education, and inventors of pivotal technologies that shape our lives today. With this background in mind, I urge you to consider a path of evolution, not elimination for Santa Monica Airport.

Santa Monica was once the center of the aviation world—where Donald Douglas built the DC-3 and helped win a world war. That same pioneering spirit can thrive again if we seize this opportunity not to close SMO, but to reimagine it for the future. This is not about preserving the status quo. It’s about leading the next chapter of clean, quiet, community-minded aviation. Electric aircraft, advanced simulators, flight schools, STEM education hubs, and green infrastructure can all co-exist alongside open space—and even a modest amount of thoughtfully integrated housing.

Here’s what evolution could mean:
 A world-class STEM education and training center, where Santa Monica students are inspired to pursue the future with a blend of science, technology, and flight
 A hub for electric and autonomous aviation, already being tested at SMO and poised to reduce traƯic congestion and emissions
 Green space and community access, thoughtfully integrated with aviation infrastructure showing that technology can coexist with environment
 Long-term economic vitality for a city facing major fiscal headwinds  Continued local control over airport operations and land use after 2028, allowing the City to shape SMO’s evolution in line with community values and future technologies Santa Monica doesn’t need to pick between a park and an airport. We can build a 21st-century innovation campus—one that honors its history, serves its residents, and inspires future generations. BUT it will be a challenge – proposals for use will continue to be backed by those with their hands outstretched. Despite the good intentions of the City, behind those who oƯer green environments, improved communication with nature and the environment and so forth lurk those who seek profit at the expense of your quality of life.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 824 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 48 I would predict in 10 years many of you might well wish you had planned better. And at that point, it will likely be much too late. Don’t rush to erase the past nor constrain the future.. Evolving SMO into something extraordinary won’t be easy but will be more than worth the investment.

Sincerely,
Barbara Filkins
Educator, Ventura County Airport Authority Member and more Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 825 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 49 David Yakobson
From: Carter Johnston <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 7:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please leave a legacy that you all can be proud of and make the property a park and not more density of buildings.

Thank you for your consideration.

Carter Johnston
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 826 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 50 David Yakobson
From: Kristos Stavropoulos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 7:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7.A re: Airport Conversion Project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
To the Honorable Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
Having spent my career working on transformative projects across Los Angeles and its airports — alongside Robert F. Maguire III, whose vision helped shape the skyline of Downtown Los Angeles — I have seen how thoughtful planning can deliver lasting economic and community benefits. Together we advanced the Vertiport Development Initiative to help prepare our city for the future of Urban Air Mobility.

Rob Maguire and I were at the forefront of the urban air mobility movement, with companies under his leadership operating an FBO at Van Nuys Airport and an active heliport in Downtown Los Angeles near the entertainment district. Since his passing, I have continued to engage with federal, state, and local officials to lay the groundwork for Vertiports — the next evolution of urban transportation infrastructure. These Vertiports will enable quiet, zero-emission electric aircraft to connect cities, relieve congestion, and expand equitable access to regional mobility. The Santa Monica Airport site is uniquely positioned to play an important role in that future.

The Santa Monica Airport holds significant potential to contribute to the city’s economy, sustainability goals, and innovation ecosystem. I respectfully urge you to keep all options open as you consider its future — ensuring that decisions made today serve both current residents and future generations.

The concepts developed by Sasaki clearly reflect a great deal of thought and care, and I commend the team for bringing forward creative ideas that prioritize green space and community use. At the same time, I believe this moment calls for a broader conversation — one that also explores how the airport can serve as a platform for economic growth, sustainable innovation, and educational opportunities alongside open space. Keeping all options open at this stage will ensure the City retains the flexibility to make the most informed and forward-thinking decision possible.

Our offices are located at 1733 Ocean Avenue — a building we developed in collaboration with HKS Architects, the same firm behind SoFi Stadium. At one time, the building housed Uber, which advanced urban air mobility through its Uber Elevate division. While Uber Elevate was later acquired by Joby Aviation and Uber has since left the building, I continue to maintain relationships with several leading eVTOL companies as we work to promote the opportunities this emerging industry offers.

Making a decision to close the airport before a clear, funded, and comprehensive plan is in place could unintentionally limit the city’s ability to fully realize the site’s long-term potential.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 827 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 51 Thank you for your service and for your thoughtful leadership. I would be honored to contribute to this important conversation in any way that may be helpful.

Sincerely,
Kristos Stavropoulos
Kristos Stavropoulos, CEO
AeroGnosis

1733 Ocean Avenue, Suite 290
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.857.1109 Direct
[email protected]
www.aerognosis.com

Notice: This communication, including attachments, may contain information that is confidential and protected by the attorney/client or other privileges. It constitutes non-public information intended to be conveyed only to the designated recipient(s). If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, an employee or agent of the intended recipient who is responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and promptly delete this e-mail, including attachments without reading or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this e-mail, including attachments, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney/client or other privilege.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 828 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 52 David Yakobson
From: E. W. Neffinger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Subject: July8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
Santa Monica airport has been serving the local community and general aviation for over 102 years! We cannot let this valuable resource disappear.

I am a retired commercial pilot with many fond memories of flying in Southern California, and KSMO is a treasured resource.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

Edward Neffinger
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 829 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 53 David Yakobson
From: Kerry Kane <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Please add 24 dedicated pickleball courts to the airport park. Memorial Park’s participation numbers prove the courts will be well used by the community!
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 830 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 54 David Yakobson
From: SMAYSO Regional Commissioner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:42 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I am the Regional Commissioner of Santa Monica AYSO, as well as a volunteer soccer coach in Santa Monica, Santa Monica resident, and parent of two very active, sports-playing boys ages 12 and 14, both of whom have played soccer and other sports on Santa Monica fields since they were very young. I am writing to implore you to vote for a Great Park, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, with uses dedicated to parks and recreation and active uses, including plenty of new soccer fields, as well as fields and space for other sports, walking and biking paths, and green/active space.

In particular, I can attest to the need for soccer fields, as our city does NOT have enough field space for its current needs. Soccer is one of the largest growing sports. In AYSO alone, we have ~1500+ kids participate in our soccer program every fall. We operate a diverse, community-based, low-cost soccer program that provides a high quality soccer program and is open to all, regardless of soccer experience, and regardless of financial ability. We have multiple programs that serve kids from beginners to highly competitive soccer players, as well as our EPIC program, which provides a soccer program for children with disabilities, all utilizing Santa Monica field space. We provide need-based financial aid, and for the past several years have been able to provide scholarships to every family who met the financial need requirements, with the goal of providing every child who wants to play soccer a place to play.

Unfortunately, every year we are constrained in our field space. In our fall seasons, we have multiple teams sharing limited space in order to accomodate all of our teams, causing us to limit practice days and practice areas. In the spring season, we are forced to limit how many children can play in our spring program, as we must limit the teams we can form based on field space availability for practices.

I know other sports organizations have similar stories. Santa Monica is in dire need of more green space, and more active field space for the families and children in our vibrant, diverse community. There is no better investment in the City's future than to provide field space for kids to play sports. Playing sports is good for children's bodies, keeping them physically active and fit in the face of growing screentime and childhood obesity. Team sports are also good for kids' mental health and help combat the mental health crisis impacting our kids today. Studies show that kids who play team sports have lower rates of anxiety and depression, lower stress levels, and lower drug use. They also have greater self-confidence, higher self-esteem, healthier body images, Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 831 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 55 improved cognitive performance, better sleep, higher GPAs, higher test scores, and higher graduation rates. These physical and mental health benefits carry into adulthood, with adults who played youth sports having better health and more professional success than adults who did not. For the benefit of our City and our Santa Monica Community, I urge you to vote for an LCcompliant Great Park that will add much needed field space and other active space for our community members.

The airport site provides a truly extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a 192-acre Great Park to address today's acute shortage of open and field space and to balance future density and population growth. Please invest in our children and our future. Please vote for a Great Park for our kids, our active community -- and for generations of Santa Monicans to come.

Thank you,
Lisa Demsky
Regional Commissioner, Santa Monica AYSO Region 20
Head Coach, Boys 2013
Santa Monica AYSO Region 20
Santa Monica • Mar Vista • Marina del Rey • Venice
follow us on Instagram @aysoregion20
www.ayso20.org
Everyone Plays! Everyone Volunteers!
Play – Volunteer – Sponsor
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 832 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 56 David Yakobson
From: Kirsten Campisi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council Members:

Thank you for your consideration.

Kirsten Campisi
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 833 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 57 David Yakobson
From: Kaitlin Drisko <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Mario Fonda-Bonardi
Subject: RE: Item 7A: SMACP Preferred Scenarios Review - Santa Monica Conservancy Attachments: 2025-07-07_Letter to Council-SMACP signed.pdf; 2025-05-05 SMC SMACP Letter of Interest.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello Board,
The Conservancy submitted the attached letter to City Council for tomorrow’s council meeting.

I will be in attendance for the Conservancy and speak on the letter.

With thanks to Karen Ginsberg and the PPC for putting this together for us! Sincerely,
Kaitlin Drisko
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 310.948.5311
From: Kaitlin Drisko
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Cc: Mario Fonda-Bonardi <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 7A: SMACP Preferred Scenarios Review - Santa Monica Conservancy July 6, 2025

SUBJECT: Item: 7A. Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review

TO: [email protected]

Mayor Negrete and Honorable Councilmembers,

The Santa Monica Conservancy has remained engaged in the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project since the beginning of the planning process in 2024. On October 30, 2024, we hosted 43 community members in a listening session regarding the planning of the Great Park specifically through the lens of history. Subsequently, the Santa Monica Conservancy submitted a Letter of Interest (LOI) in response to the RFI that was issued in spring, 2025. Our submittal focused on celebrating place, a goal of the planning process. We indicated that our organization would be very interested in being a convener for the development of interpretive displays and innovative ways to convey the site’s history.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 834 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 58 We have focused our review of the three scenarios presented in Phase 3A in terms of how they each address the goal Celebrate Place. Benchmarking each scenario against the goals for the site should be key to this phase of the project and it is difficult to see how Celebrate Place has been reflected in the three scenarios.

We urge the Council to hold Celebrate Place as a key tenet in your deliberations and in the direction that you provide staff for the preferred scenario. The scenarios should clearly embrace the uniqueness of the setting and unveil the layers of the site’s history while providing options for sharing the stories of the place and region from pre-colonial times to the history of aviation on the site. A description of how each scenario achieves this goal is welcome. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Mario Fonda-Bonardi President
Attachment: Letter of Interest submitted by Santa Monica Conservancy on 5/5/2025

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Packet Pg. 835 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) July 6, 2025
SUBJECT: Item: 7A. Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review
TO: [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Mayor Negrete and Honorable Councilmembers,
The Santa Monica Conservancy has remained engaged in the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project since the beginning of the planning process in 2024. On October 30, 2024, we hosted 43 community members in a listening session regarding the planning of the Great Park specifically through the lens of history. Subsequently, the Santa Monica Conservancy submitted a Letter of Interest (LOI) in response to the RFI that was issued in spring, 2025. Our submittal focused on celebrating place, a goal of the planning process. We indicated that our organization would be very interested in being a convenerforthe development of interpretive displays and innovative ways to convey the site’s history.

We have focused our review of the three scenarios presented in Phase 3A in terms of how they each address the goal Celebrate Place. Benchmarking each scenario against the goals for the site should be key to this phase of the project and it is difficult to see how Celebrate Place has been reflected in the three scenarios.

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Packet Pg. 836 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) We urge the Council to hold Celebrate Place as a key tenet in your deliberations and in the direction that you provide staff for the preferred scenario. The scenarios should clearly embrace the uniqueness of the setting and unveil the layers of the site’s history while providing options for sharing the stories of the place and region from pre-colonial times to the history of aviation on the site. A description of how each scenario achieves this goal is welcome. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Mario Fonda-Bonardi
President
Attachment: Letter of Interest submitted by Santa Monica Conservancy on 5/5/2025 Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 837 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) May 5, 2025
Amber Richane
Principal Design and Planning Manager
1685 Main Street Mail Stop 15
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Email: [email protected]
Dear Amber,
The Santa Monica Conservancy is pleased to submit this letter of interest to partner with the City in the development of an outdoor exhibition that highlights the culture of the Santa Monica Bay area, Santa Monica local history, and the fascinating stories of flight and aeronautics at the airport site. As a convener, the Conservancy would build a coalition of partners to develop, execute and maintain a robust and immersive experience of Santa Monica arts, history and culture at the Great Park.

The Santa Monica Conservancy is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to raise public awareness of heritage conservation through education, advocacy, community engagement and partnerships. We are positioned to be a convener of local organizations and cultural communities to facilitate the outreach and sharing of important histories; collect various expressions and experiences of history; and work closely with professional exhibition designers and interpretive planners to implement an outdoor exhibition that reflects the Santa Monica’s communities and neighborhoods.

Telling these stories through compelling formats such as oral histories, podcasts, and archival photos linked with a beautiful landscaped outdoor exhibit will require community engagement, collaboration between local non-profits, and Public-Private Partnerships.

Proposed Partnerships and Team Members
History and cultural non-profit partners for content development might include community engagement projects aligned with:
- Santa Monica History Museum – the Conservancy has partnered with SMHM to produce 3-minute history videos showcased at City Council meetings in 2023 as well as the Santa Monica Mosaic livestream programming since 2023. - Museum of Flying – which tells the Donald Douglas history and the birth of commercial flight.
- Kuruvungna Sacred Springs – the Conservancy has close ties to the Gabrielino/Tongva Springs Foundation which serves to maintain the springs as a permanent cultural and ecological site located at the former water supply for Santa Monica through celebration of the land and the Tongva people. - Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy - which preserves, protects, restores, and enhances treasured pieces of Southern California to form an interlinking system of urban, rural and river parks, open space, trails, and wildlife habitats.

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Packet Pg. 838 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) An innovative and creative outdoor exhibition that engages with the landscape of the New Great Park might include:
- 18th Street Art Center to catalize and deploy artistic imagination to create healthy places together. The Conservancy has teamed with 18SAC on the Broadway Initiative working with the Quinn Research Center to highlight Black culture and history of Broadway between 14th and 20th Street in Santa Monica.
- Santa Monica Department of Recreation and Parks focusing on efforts and initiatives that serve communities through social, cultural and recreational programming.
- Santa Monica Public Works focusing on design and implementation of installations.

We also look forward to educational opportunities that expand on the Conservancy’s experience working with Samohi Project-Based Learning students to engage local students in lesson planning and collaborative programs that utilize the exhibition experience to inspire young people including SMMUSD and Santa Monica College.

Description of the proposed project
The Santa Monica Conservancy (SMC) will develop an interactive interpretive exhibit/experience to immerse the public in the history and multi-cultural vibrancy of Santa Monica’s Airport Site. SMC is seeking to partner with the City of Santa Monica as a community non-profit organization to create twenty [20] interactive content exhibits/experiences at the site to include the Historical, Cultural and Natural history of the Site.

Enriched by experience in developing the Annenberg Beach House docent-led interpretive programs beginning 15 years ago before the opening of the Marion Davies Guest House, the Conservancy can offer project leadership to develop interactive experiences that reflect Santa Monica’s rich history. The project will include collecting stories, reviewing existing research and Santa Monica history, photographic records, and documents to curate and produce the interpretive exhibits. The physical concepts for an outdoor exhibition will be designed in conjunction with the Great Park designers to integrate physical monuments/markers with both artistic and informative content.

Markers will include an immersive digital module to allow participants to interact with the artistic, cultural, natural, and historical information. The design documents and final deliverables will provide turnkey web-based and site specific final products for twenty [20] on-site graphics installations and technology that supports web-based databases with QR Code links to photos, films, audio programs and links to augmented reality programs.

Outdoor exhibition can include both sculptural monuments within the Great Park as landscape elements along a natural path as well as signage on existing buildings and features for an larger walking-tour experience.

This is a crucial opportunity for the Great Park to provide a place-based setting to explore and preserve the history, culture, and lived experience that shaped who and where we are today in a setting that embodies that history.

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Packet Pg. 839 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Santa Monica Conservancy Project Team
The Santa Monica Conservancy has worked for over 20 years to connect people and places through our Shotgun House restoration, our Signature Tours of the Annenberg Beach House and the Downtown Walking Tour, our special tours of local historic sites, as well as our programmed events along Main Street and the Third Street Historic District. SMC will engage a project team that includes professionals in facilitating community dialogue, contentdevelopment, outdoor exhibit design, and digital/web-based interactions including:

Content Development:
- Community engagement organization such as CARS or Meztli Projects. - Inclusive dialogue and facilitation such as: UHRI
Concept Design:
- KCK Architects
- Picnic Design
Development, Fabrication and Installation:
- Monument Exhibits: Picnic Design
- Interactive Technology: Tom Hartman, IQ Magic
Operator:

The Santa Monica Conservancy will hold the digital assets and maintain the exhibit including archiving/updating the digital content with an annual contract with the City perhaps in partnership with an expert guide to arts and culture mobile apps such as Bloomberg Connects.

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Packet Pg. 840 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Scope of Work

1. Research / Workshop(s) – Review existing research and documentation on historic properties and cultural significance. Provide a workshop for Community stakeholders – along with the Project Content Partners - to organize the vision and themes for content.

Provide summary of the thematic approach for the design of the interpretive experience.

2. Community Sharing and Engagement – Facilitated dialogue and personal storytelling with community groups, community leaders, educators, historians, and other members who wish to share their experience of cultural, natural and aviation history – perhaps converting some of these to oral histories for inclusion in the exhibit experience.

3. Concept Design – Develop landscape walk in conjunction with City’s landscape plan/designers with on-site exhibits including physical graphics and device-driven interface graphics that allow the public to engage and search content. Identify all key story elements, sources, and priorities for production. Draft samples of stories, narrative length, and approach as a style guide for final programs and engagement.

4. Design Development – Finalize exhibit design, stories, graphics, interface design, sample audio clips and film edits. Obtain production approvals.

5. Production – Select fabricator for signage system, and onsite exhibits. Oversee production elements. Produce all segments of audio programming, films, photography databases with a final interface for users.

6. Prototype Delivery / System Testing / Onsite Installations – Oversee installations.

Mount all software properties into a CG/Client website, provide training to enable staff to modify and/or generate modules of new properties.

7. Maintenance – Contract with the City annually to maintain the CG/Client website, provide content updates, and archive digital information for 10 years including software updates, platform migration, and/or other maintenance necessary to archive content and maintain active interfaces and devices on site.

Financial Plan Summary

1. Concept Design and Content Development
a. Partner Organization Honoraria: $ 20,000
b. Workship(s) Facilitation/Expenses: $ 45,000
c. Architect/Designer: KCK Architects $ 35,000
d. Exhibition Designer: Picnic Design $ 35,000
TOTAL $ 135,000

2. Development & Production Fees for Physical Exhibits
a. Design Fees $ 20,000
b. Project Management $ 36,000
c. Site Design Development $ 60,000
d. Fabrication & Installation $ 120,000
TOTAL $ 236,000
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Packet Pg. 841 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

3. Development & Production Fees for Interactive Technology a. Production Fees $ 26,000
b. Project Management $ 36,000
c. Media Database Design $ 82,000
d. Production Design $ 120,000
e. Fabrication & Activation $ 220,000
TOTAL $ 484,000

4. Oversight and Set up:

Santa Monica Conservancy
a. Conservancy Program Director (24 mos) $ 120,000
b. Conservancy Archivist (12 mos) $ 46,000
c. Digital Platform/Equipment Start-up Costs $ 20,000
TOTAL $ 186,000

5. Annual Maintenance:

Santa Monica Conservancy
a. Supervision: $ 10,000
b. Annual Review and Content Maintenance $ 7,200
c. Annual Digital Platform Costs: $ 6,000
d. Annual Warranties for Equipment: $ 4,800
TOTAL ANNUAL $ 28,000
Potential funding sources
As a partner non-profit 501(c)3 organization, the Santa Monica Conservancy can fundraise through grants, philanthropic foundations, and business enterprises as tax-free donations to fund the project and supplement its 10-year maintenance through an endowment.

Revenue generation:

An outdoor exhibit can generate revenue through various avenues, including sponsorships, merchandise sales, event rentals/digital takeovers, special pop-ups, educational programs/workshops, and advertising opportunities.

Timeline
Start date of January 1, 2029
The development of the exhibits for the interactive experience will entail an 24-month concept-to-install process. Cooperation and collaboration with the City’s selected landscape planning team and design consultants for the physical components of the walk and natural setting itself (by others) would be a driver for the schedule.

Additional information
An outdoor interpretive walk, artistic monuments, and interactive experience that includes information about the cultural, historical and natural environment of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Bay area supports the City’s goals and objectives for the ‘Great Park’.

Guiding Principal: Start with Nature - The design of the physical environment for the outdoor exhibits can be incorporated into the overall landscape planning to regenerate species, build community resilience against climate change, and showcase local biodiversity.

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Packet Pg. 842 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Guiding Principal: Inspire Wonder - Interactive outdoor exhibitions involve stepping out of our routine activities and away from the familiar environments - be they our house, our classroom, the local museum, the neighborhood library – and engage with PLACE.

Place-based experiences expand our knowledge and inspire learning with stories of the places we live.

Guiding Principal: Amplify Versatility - A digital interactive experience is versatile, allowing for updates, changes, and expansion as there is appropriate funding and new information and/or additional stories to tell about our community.

Foster Partnerships - A collaboration with City partners, educational institutions, museums, art-makers, cultural communities, and historians in creating this experience of place and storytelling will recognize and enhance the important role of our current museums, art galleries, maker spaces, theaters, and schools in the design and implementation of the exhibits.

The Santa Monica Conservancy, as a partner in the Santa Monica community, welcomes the opportunity to convene the individuals and organizations who individually contribute to the richness of our community with their specific knowledge of particular histories and lead an effort to build an interactive experience that represents our collective history and shares our stories.

As a leader in in-person and place-based experiences – the Conservancy brings people and places together; to do so at the Great Park and reflect the broad landscape of history, culture and environment that defines our City would be our contribution to telling the full history of Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Mario Fonda-Bonardi
President, Board of Directors
Santa Monica Conservancy
a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Corporation
[attachment : Proposed Project Team]
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Packet Pg. 843 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Kaplan Chen Kaplan provides a full range of
architecture and planning services, including site
and facilities analysis, programming, master
planning, community workshops, concept documents for planning approvals and fundraising, historic preservation consulting, architectural design and construction documents, as well as construction phase services.

We view design as a collaborative process in which client and user are integral components. Our projects stress the importance of place by providing for natural light and connection to the surrounding environment. We rely on clarity of plan as well as interest in its complexity to encourage exploration and discovery. We are interested in communities and neighborhoods, including issues of environment and conservation of resources through sustainable design. Our work acknowledges history and tradition, while embracing contemporary requirements.

We’re curious, creative, and we care. We care about you, your story, and the people you want to reach. Whether we’re
designing an exhibition or a postcard, we put a lot of thought into the process and are flexible and responsive at every step.

We’re the link between your story and your audience. We take that story and make it accessible, beautiful, and memorable. Together, let’s make something great.

The work of creating meaningful places is challenging. Insight, discovery and new perceptions evolve throughout the design process. The work is to pursue the art of meaning, rather than fashionable design. The meaning comes from understanding the story through its history, emotional thrust, intellectual inquiry, humor and social impact. We enjoy the challenge. IQ Magic understands that to remain vibrant and relevant, today’s institutions must embrace social networking, integrated with gaming and inquiry for dramatic storytelling. It is important to engage in information sharing to allow diverse audiences to participate in the dialogue.

Supporting Arts & Culture around the World
Bloomberg Philanthropies is funding the development of digital programs at leading cultural institutions around the world to increase access and visitor engagement. Driven by the vision of founder Mike Bloomberg, Bloomberg Philanthropies has long been committed to helping arts and culture organizations innovate and enrich their communities. We believe technology opens doors, and we created the app as a part of our mission to make art and culture accessible to all – in-person, at-home, anywhere.

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Packet Pg. 844 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MEDICAL CENTER

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Packet Pg. 845 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

TRAILHEAD SIGNAGE
BELMAR + ART, SANTA MONICA
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Packet Pg. 846 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL MUSEUM
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has lived continuously for over 3,000 years in what is now called Palm Springs. IQM worked with the Agua Caliente and scholars to develop the narrative and interpretive planning. Introductory exhibits featured the moment elders decided not to rebuild big house after the burning ceremony and to stop using the Cahuilla language. The raised platform introduces exhibit ideas to allow understanding of the journey through time.

Multiple entries and pathways address common themes throughout the exhibits.

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Packet Pg. 847 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Kaplan Chen Kaplan provides a full range of
architecture and planning services, including site
and facilities analysis, programming, master
planning, community workshops, concept documents for planning approvals and fundraising, historic preservation consulting, architectural design and construction documents, as well as construction phase services.

We’re the link between your story and your audience. We take that story and make it accessible, beautiful, and memorable. Together, let’s make something great.

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Packet Pg. 848 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MEDICAL CENTER

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Packet Pg. 849 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

TRAILHEAD SIGNAGE
BELMAR + ART, SANTA MONICA
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Packet Pg. 850 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

Multiple entries and pathways address common themes throughout the exhibits.

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Packet Pg. 851 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 59 David Yakobson
From: Kaitlin Drisko <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Mario Fonda-Bonardi
Subject: Item 7A: SMACP Preferred Scenarios Review - Santa Monica Conservancy - DRAFT Attachments: 2025-07-07_Letter to Council-SMACP signed.pdf; 2025-05-05 SMC SMACP Letter of Interest.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
July 6, 2025

SUBJECT: Item: 7A. Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review

TO: [email protected]

Mayor Negrete and Honorable Councilmembers,

Sincerely,
Mario Fonda-Bonardi President
Attachment: Letter of Interest submitted by Santa Monica Conservancy on 5/5/2025

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Packet Pg. 852 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) A community group dedicated
to biking in Santa Monica.

Working to make the
City of Santa Monica a
more sustainable,
bikeable place to live, work and play.

February 28th, 2017
Support Council Item 8C with design recommendations.

Dear Mayor, City Council Members, City Management and Staff.

Santa Monica Spoke supports staff recommendations that the Council adopt the resolution adopting the three measures to implement the February 1 Consent Decree with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Federal Government regarding Santa Monica Airport (SMO) to Close the airport “…effective as of midnight on December 31, 2028 — or earlier if legally possible or agreed upon with the FAA.

To this end the shortening of the runway should occur asap and should include the removal of all tarmac no longer in use for the 3500’ shortened runway so that this land can be reclaimed for public open space, safe access to the new Airport Park(s), walking and playing fields, biking, natural ground vegetation and porous water reclamation. We believe the shortening of the runway should be designed and constructed to include direct access for pedestrian and bicycles at both the east and west ends of the runway. This is timely opportunity to fulfill components of the 20 Year Vision in the Bike Action Plan that designates a bike path around the Santa Monica Airport.

Additionally these proposed improvements will provide Safe Routes to School access to Santa Monica College (SMC) and the Airport Park Expansion. It can provide a way to help the City reach for Vision Zero objectives by providing safe alternative to bikes in traffic long Centinella Avenue or 23rd St. Also by providing direct pedestrian and bike access the City reaffirms its commitment to healthy active transportation connections and safe north south pedestrian and bike access to wok, school and activities through the Airport and our future park! Donald Douglas Loop already exists, we only need to repurpose it for people and provide much needed access for walking and biking!
The overall goal of our organization is to make Santa Monica streets safer and attractive for all people walking and biking, with special focus on the most vulnerable users including seniors, children, the disabled and transit users. Santa Monica Spoke has served as a consistent partner in the development of our city’s bike improvements including the crafting of the Bicycle Action Plan and Pedestrian Action Plan to help create a safer more walkable and bikeable city. Prioritizing pedestrian and bike access in the design of the shortened runway will provide much needed safe access to Airport Ave, SMC, the existing Airport Park and the 12 Acre Airport Park Expansion.

Santa Monica Spoke supports staff recommendations to Council but ask that you also capitalize on this timely opportunity and include access for people walking and biking in the design of the shortened runway. We believe doing this will help support our city’s Active Transportation and Sustainability Goals, Vision Zero and Safe Route to Schools efforts.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
Director
Santa Monica Spoke
[email protected]
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Packet Pg. 853 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) January 24, 2023
Agenda Item 7B: Airport Park Master Plan
Dear Mayor Davis and City Council Members:

We are delighted as co-chairs of the Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance to support Airport-2-Park and the planning process outlined in the staff report for the City of Santa Monica to begin envisioning the future use of the Santa Monica Airport land as a “Great Park” when the airport closes at midnight, December 31, 2028.

The long-awaited Great Park will provide a safe and healthy place for engaging community activities, including healthy active transportation. It is important to note that 63% of Santa Monica residents already walk, bike or skate to visit our limited parks*. The community spoke in 2014 with the Ballot Measure LC. A Great Park will affirm our community commitment and support equitable access to open space for everyone, foster social interaction, improve health outcomes, increase green infrastructure, nourish biodiversity, reclaim storm-water runoff, reduce heat island effects, strengthen climate resiliency, and provide sustainable access to recreation and social services.

Transportation generates the majority of Santa Monica’s greenhouse gas emissions. Planning for a Great Park destination can also help maximize active mobility choices. Not only to enjoy the attraction of a lovely open space but also to encourage even more active transportation and help reduce dependency on automobiles throughout our city, the park can also help us support programs such as “Safe Routes to Parks.”
We support the planning for a Great Park that helps enable our community to meet the need and the high demand for parks. The fact is that 60% of our Santa Monica residents currently visit our parks at least once per week*. The 2016 Los Angeles Countywide Comprehensive Park & Recreation Needs Assessment has also identified the City of Santa Monica is lacking in sufficient park space resulting in a "high need" designation.

Designing a Great Park collectively empowers the community and brings to life our vision. This Great Park will help the community to shape Santa Monica to be more environmentally sustainable and a healthier place to live, work and play for current and future generations.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance Director, Santa Monica Spoke
SaMoSafeStreets.org
* 2019 Santa Monica Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment Report Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 854 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) A community group dedicated
to biking and walking in Santa Monica.

Working to make the
City of Santa Monica a
more sustainable,
bikeable & walkable place to live, work and play.

October 10, 2023
Support: Agenda Item 7A, Lottery-Selected Panel Process for the Airport Dear Mayor Davis and City Council Members,
Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance strongly support the innovative “Lottery- Selected” public engagement process proposed for the future of the airport, Item 7A before you this evening. It is exciting to see that the Council is considering the lottery-based process, which represents Santa Monica’s values of democratic inclusion and full representation. The lottery-selected process ensures participation from people of all socio-economic backgrounds, all demographics, including youth and sectors of our community members, whose voices have historically been overlooked in policy choices.

Collaboration is essential for such a momentous undertaking as determining the future of the airport.

With a collaborative lottery-selected panel, listening to diverse stakeholders is built into the endeavor, one committed to working with a wide range of community groups.

Integrity is invaluable. The lottery-selected process is research-based and draws on input from all community stakeholders, individual community members as well as community groups, which leads to thoughtful and independent outcomes. This lottery-selected process invites us to envision an inclusive democratic community-planning process within the parameters of the LC Charter adoptions that voters approved in 2014.

Please support this lottery-selected process so that future generations will benefit from and feel part of an inclusive and democratic engagement process that will have created this long anticipated GREAT PARK.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose
Director, Santa Monica Spoke Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SMSpoke.org
SaMoSafeStreets.org
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Packet Pg. 855 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) A community group dedicated
to biking and walking in Santa Monica.

Working to make the
City of Santa Monica a
more sustainable,
bikeable & walkable place to live, work and play.

January 27, 2025

RE: Support for Agenda Item 7A, SMAC Project Guiding Principles Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and Santa Monica City Council Members:

We are enthused to write on behalf of Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance in support of Agenda Item 7A: Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Guiding Principles. After decades of contending with closing the airport, including a ballot measure, we as a City and community are now engaged in an active process that has led to the proposed Guiding Principles centered on bringing forth a Great Park in 2029, fulfilling Measure LC and quite consciously attending to Santa Monica’s climate resilience and sustainability values, as well as declaring intentional ways of living, including commuting, that protect our natural ecosystems and nurture and sustain our individual and communal health and wellbeing. The Great Park must be a public resource that is fully opened to and enjoyed by the local and regional community and visitors– from day one.

Since 2009 Santa Monica Spoke’s mission has been focused on rethinking how we plan and prioritize land use and public space. We were inspired to create the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance in 2017 to take the step beyond just biking and embrace the creation of public space that is vital with safe infrastructure for connectivity, environmental resilience, equity and community cohesion: Safe, livable, and sustainable streets are welcoming to everyone and strengthen our community. We know Santa Monica is severely park-poor according to national standards. The creation of this Great Park on city owned land is a once in a generation opportunity to rebalance our land use and refocus on welcoming nature into urban lives, with healthy and equitable experiences, for all ages and abilities, that enhance and support a vibrant and healthy, connected urban community overall.

Start with Nature • Inspire Wonder • Balance Economics • Amplify Versatility • Celebrate Place

We are excited to see that the Guiding Principles call forth the quality of life attributes that attract people to reside, work, visit, study or play in Santa Monica as well as businesses that provide economic opportunity and improve the city’s economic resilience. Being immersed in nature fosters one’s relationship with community and oneself and allows one to move at a pace with an unrushed sense of being, nourished by wonder.

We are also pleased to see under Amplify Versatility how the Guiding Principles support health and wellbeing providing opportunities for running, walking, and biking, along with many trail experiences that can further leverage and complement the City's existing trail and bicycle networks. We fully support how the principles prioritize biking/walking/transit to the site. “Santa Monica is an iconic city, with a unique history and culture, and the Airport site has witnessed many eras of historic significance.” Let’s remember that the City purchased the land originally to be a Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 856 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) park. Only with WWII did that land use change. At this time, especially with our climate crisis, and building on the decades of the City’s internationally recognized sustainability leadership, now the public land can be renewed as a Great Park, one that could uplift Santa Monica to meet the Living Community Challenge: “Imagine communities that function like a forest ecosystem.” The future project should indeed embrace the layers of the site’s history, and share the many stories, including those of the Indigenous Gabrielino people -Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash. The approach must indeed “celebrate the uniqueness of place, gateway experiences, and pedestrian and bicycle mobility, fitting the Santa Monica commitment and culture of prioritizing carbon-free mobility.”

We are placing our trust in the current Council to affirm the decades of remarkable vision and understanding of past courageous community-supported elected leaders that have led us to these current proposed Guiding Principles for a Great Park – overwhelmingly supported by the community – and embracing Santa Monica’s creativity, vitality and place.

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Packet Pg. 857 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) A community group dedicated
to biking and walking in Santa Monica.

Working to make the
City of Santa Monica a
more sustainable,
bikeable & walkable place to live, work and play.

July 7, 2025

RE: Agenda item 7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review — Support for LC Compliant #1 Preferred Scenario

Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and Santa Monica City Council Members::

Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance are writing to request that the council move forward in support of the community's overwhelmingly affirmed vision, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LC-Compliant Great Park that would not trigger a ballot measure before airport closure, with financing that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

As proud organizational supporters of the Great Park Coalition (GPC), and community partners of Airport2Park since 2013, we write to support the affirmed vision of voters in 2014 of an LC Compliant Great Park when the Santa Monica Airport closes in 2028. We ask that council move swiftly and in solidarity with the community to move forward with a #1 Preferred Scenario of a vibrant LC Compliant Great Park that will not trigger a ballot measure, supporting the 5 Guiding Principles: Start with Nature, Inspire Wonder, Balance Economics, Amplify Versatility, and Celebrate Place that were developed through extensive community engagement and with this council's input.

We believe the #2 Preferred Scenario should also be reflective of the overwhelming community support of an LC compliant Great Park as reflected in the extensive outreach performed by the SMAC Project Consultant team. The #2 Preferred Scenario: Weaving Park and Community by blending active/passive park uses and potential revenue-generating amenities in a park-centered framework should also be LC compliant and not include privatizing the land with housing as proposed. Not privatizing the land has been an overwhelming priority and supported by the community since before the 2014 ballot measure, and is reflected across every survey, and has been a top priority at virtually all public community outreach events.

We agree that studying housing conceptually as 3rd Scenario is prudent— but it should not be emphasized as it is not LC compliant and would require a ballot measure. We believe we should not be assigning valuable resources to study non LC compliant scenarios.

The reclaiming of the Airport land (that was purchased with park bonds) is the last meaningful open space left in our city (and the westside) and a once in a generation opportunity to reclaim urban land and restore it to a healthy, vibrant, life-giving ecosystem that supports the health of a growing city.

What we do with this once in our lifetime opportunity will echo forward for many generations to come.

Over the coming years and decades as Santa Monica increases its density with much needed infill housing, the need for public, open, natural green space becomes even more crucial. The more people we equitably make room for by thoughtfully increasing density, the more connections to nature we must create and maintain to support a vibrant and healthy community. A Great Park is the solution voters chose to restore nature to our lives, our communities, and our ecosystem—a 21st century model of ecological and human regeneration. Though this may appear to be a lot of land, here size matters if we are to create and support natural biodiversity. Numerous studies show the greater the park size, the greater biodiversity and the greater the social services a park will provide compared to smaller parks. If Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 858 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) we compare our nearly 200 acres1 to other well known Great Parks (the image below is just a few) we see why every inch of this land is essential for the Great Park to fulfill its role as the heart and lungs of Santa Monica’s ecosystem.2 One recent study published (2025): A Review on Landscape Factors for Biodiversity Performance Enhancement in Urban Parks “revealed that park areas, simplified boundaries, diverse vegetation structures, reduced human interference, and improved habitat connectivity are crucial for boosting biodiversity.“
There are those that say “park and” (housing) is equity and propose dividing up the land to build variations of market rate and/or below-market-rate housing on this once in a generation open land opportunity.3 There are those that believe it is irresponsible not to build housing— on this last opportunity for open land in Santa Monica and the westside— because of the housing crisis. The housing crisis is a painful reality that cannot and must not be ignored. There is no reasonable argument that building affordable housing is not vital for our city, but we must support building housing where housing makes sense. We need to build alongside supporting infrastructure, amenities and daily necessities, along boulevards with access to public transit and integrated fully into the fabric of Santa Monica at large. 92% of our city is already paved with mostly low density. The Airport Business Park has been in development to build housing along Ocean Park Blvd where the aforementioned infrastructure already exists. The solution to the housing crisis is not to build homes over a land with no current infrastructure, land designated for a regenerative park— creating open space on airport land is actually essential FOR increasing density with housing, not AS housing— in much the same way we protect our beach ecosystems from development.

Santa Monica voters made their choice clear. Let’s unite our efforts to explore the many opportunities for infill housing solutions throughout Santa Monica, ensuring people have a place to call home in our city.

With the national average of 10.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents, our city offers a mere 1.4 acres— at the very bottom of any list you'll find.4 This lack of green space negatively impacts our Southern California ecosystem and harms the health of Santa Monicans. We believe it is irresponsible to continue to build “out” more concrete and asphalt jungles on our last available open space opportunity to create a natural supportive green ecosystem. The resulting impacts of continuing to pave over nature are massive and do not consider the needs of future generations' access and the critical necessity to have the ability to connect with nature. Building on our last opportunity for open space at the airport does not consider this essential access to natural, environmental and human health supporting ecosystems or access to the critical natural environmental necessities that nature provides to support healthy communities and our planet. Here, justice will not be had by building out walls and privatization of this land— justice will be had by supporting nature and our community with critical open space, connected access to natural environments, natural places where community mental and physical health can be supported, nurtured and restored.

As our city grows we must also challenge the notion that the cities and neighborhoods we live in today are inevitable, immovable landscapes—they are the product of human decisions. As cities like Santa Monica densify, an ever increasing number of studies affirm that access to nature reduces anxiety and depression, improves community connectivity and bolsters mental health. A Great Park supports these essential elements of nourishment and connection. Nature and parks are not a barrier to equity—they are indeed at its very foundation. Providing critical access to natural spaces is environmental justice, social justice, and supports our community’s public and environmental health. Just as cities have been shaped by past choices, we have the power to reshape them with bold, intentional actions that prioritize people, health, well-being, and equity. Together we can reimagine what our cities can be—places where everyone has the opportunity to access open space, be healthy, happy, and thrive. By creating a Great Park we ensure people today– and in future generations-– have the opportunity to flourish and grow connected by nature, walk among trees, breathe deeply and gather respite from their busy urban lives.

The future is ours to design—our question at this moment? What kind of city/ecosystem do we want to live in? We say it's a healthy city with a Great Park that provides a diverse and bountiful ecosystem to sustain its people, nature and our planet.

How can we afford a Great Park? We start with what we know we have— the land. In 2015 the City of Santa Monica regained control of Airport leases with revenue on non aviation businesses leases that gross between 17 and 22 million annually— about half going to operating expenses. Though this revenue currently goes into the “airport fund” (due to FAA rules) we know that after the airport closes it Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 859 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) will become available to be used for maintaining and operating a Great Park. Beyond that we have philanthropy which has played a major role in funding parks— with examples locally, across the US and abroad. However we need not rely on any one option beyond the leases as there are a variety of creative funding sources that can be explored to create a Great Park: including using lease revenue to issue bonds, governmental sources, revenue from park supporting recreational uses including park use fees, concessions or cafes that are permissible under Measure LC with a zoning overlay, water bonds or infrastructure money with integrated water conservation features. We can also consider a parks bond— like the funding that purchased the land almost a hundred years ago. Though we won’t have more cost projections before HR&A Advisors—the City’s park planners— release their economic analysis which is part of the planning program, or have a better idea of the projected cost associated with building any specifically proposed park features until we have a preferred scenario— we do have options we can begin to explore now. Frank Gruber and Airport2Park have outlined many of these revenue ideas over the last 10 years. Additionally of note and supported by research by the Trust for Public Land – “Parks and green spaces improve water quality, naturally manage stormwater, reduce air pollution, enhance community health, provide recreational opportunities, attract and retain businesses, and support economic development in their region. People who are physically active in parks have reduced healthcare costs. In turn, all of this generates local tax revenue both from increased property values and from tourist spending.” All goals are priorities in the City of Santa Monica and in fact reflected in the Climate Action and Adaptability Plan and can help to uplift Santa Monica in meeting the Living Community Challenge that “Imagine communities that function like a forest ecosystem.” As we affirm our commitments to equity and reparations we should also acknowledge the land on which Santa Monica was built was once the sacredly tended land of the Tongva/Gabrielino peoples. People whose way of life was built in harmony, reverence and shared stewardship of the land— not domination — not privatization. It is our generation's responsibility to do our part to restore, steward and honor this sacred land in the spirit of environmental reciprocity and in collaboration by building human and environmental bonds to restore ecosystems with native species and reaffirming meaningful relationships with indigenous Tongva/Gabrielino elders whose ancestors lovingly tending this land for centuries before colonization.

The future of the airport land is ours to create— lets support the interconnections of nature, the planet and future generations of Santa Monicans with a #1 Preferred Scenario of an 100% LC Compliant Great Park. Returning this critical piece of Santa Monica to fully public use and restoring it to nature as the natural life-giving space it was envisioned is in our opinion the most powerful collective action we can take to support our community, our planet, social and environmental justice, environmental and economic sustainability, climate resilience, and our physical and mental health for untold future generations.

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Packet Pg. 860 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Footnotes:
1 Sasaki (the SMAC Project consultants) concluded that the total airport land is 192 acres rather than the 227 acres that has been reported in the past. Of that 192 acres, only about 160 acres are undeveloped open space (i.e., without buildings). When those 160 acres become the Great Park, which will add about

1.7 park acres per 1000 residents, Santa Monica still will be able to offer only about 3.1 total acres per 1000 residents at current population levels. Given that this is the last large open space available in Santa Monica (and probably on the whole Westside), and that the City is adding and will continue to add density and population in the future, the park acreage-to-residents ratio will likely fall back into the highneed range. 2 Image
3 The GPC believes that park space and housing are two sides of the same coin that make up a “great” city. All great cities, including or even especially the most populous cities, have great parks including, usually, one beloved “great park” that is the capstone of the park system. It is that park space that allows for denser housing while maintaining quality of life. Santa Monica should be a “great” city but at only 1.4 acres of parkland and open space per 1000 residents [PDF, 7mb] at the City’s current 92,000 population level it is severely “park poor” by all Los Angeles County, State of California, and national measures.
4 The situation is magnified when one considers Santa Monica as part of the Westside of L.A. The Los Angeles Countywide Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment (2016) deems Santa Monica, Mar Vista (.5 acres/1000), and Venice (.9 acres/1000) all areas of “high park acre need.” Los Angeles County’s Park and Equity Facts page references an “‘accepted standard’ of four acres of parks for every 1,000 people.” Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 861 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Included Attachments
PDF support letters:
2017-2-28 Santa Monica Airport Resolution item 8C
2018-03-INTERACTIVE r2.Seascape
2023-01 CC 7B Airport Park Study Session SaMoSSA
2023-10 CC Support Item 7A Lottery-Selected Panel Process for the Airport 2025-01 CC Support item 7A SMAC Project Guiding Principles SMSpoke SaMoSSA LOI:

LOI Santa Monica Airport - Santa Monica Spoke
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

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Packet Pg. 862 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) SANTA MONICA SPOKE: Is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving walking, biking and healthy active transportation in the City of Santa Monica. We are a community based nonprofit working to make Santa Monica more sustainable, and a better place to live, walk, bike, work and play.

Advocating the implementation of Complete Streets Policies that support and protect all users, (pedestrians & people on bikes) and the use of public transit and shared mobility options to promote fewer single car trips for a healthier, safer, more sustainable environment for the community at large.

GOALS:
• Encourage more people of all ages to ride bicycles, more often and more safely • Educate equitable road use, cyclists rights and responsibilities, new mobility modes – both by example & through education and workshops
• Increase the voice and visibility of Santa Monica Spoke, BikeLA, CalBike and the cycling community to improve facilities and the environment for people of all ages walking and biking • Actively participate with partner organizations and local government to create and implement the Bicycle Action Plan, Pedestrian Acton Plan, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance/ Vision Zero and Complete Streets Planning Policies while fulfilling the City’s commitment to the USDOT Mayors’ Challenge for Safer People & Safer Streets • Promote the health benefits of active transportation like walking and biking • Highlight walking and cycling as a sustainable transportation alternatives that are good for the environment

• Implement, promote and actively support Safe Routes to School and Safe Routes for Seniors • Integrate safe bicycling into recreation and park and community activities Project Proposal: High level overview
Santa Monica Spoke is proposing a Traffic Safety Learning Garden (TSLG).

An educational campus for community members of all ages - from young children to teenagers, adults to seniors. A place where everyone can come to learn how to navigate via human power and by bicycle or small wheels - from teaching pedestrian safety to learning how to ride a bike safely, Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 863 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) learning to safely navigate urban road environments to sharpening existing riding skills for current and more confident cyclist.

The Traffic Safety Learning Garden is envisioned as flexible space using approximately the footprint of 1.5 to 2 tennis courts and can be built over time. On January 1st 2029 the TSLG can be ready to go – set up with temporary materials and ready for use on any relatively flat / open area on day one.

The facilities can be built over time and are envisioned as a multipurpose area for teaching students but also an open engaging area for the community to enjoy practicing skills while not in use or for just relaxing in nature. A place where families can come to enjoy the outdoors with engaging activities to stimulate or relax. Healthy active mobility is healthier and more sustainable - this TSLG campus can serve as a community bike hub where all the community can come to receive educational and safety information and classes - all while having fun.

Supporting the campus area we envision the use of a shipping container as the basic infrastructure for the hub. An existing building if appropriately situated would also work - but the use of a shipping container removes any location obstacles so the campus can be placed anywhere. The container would house bicycles for use in the classes or for community use (during open hours) as well as storing supporting materials and canopies for programming.

Santa Monica Spoke has been teaching pedestrian, bike and multimodal safety skills in Santa Monica and the LA regions to youth and adults since 2009. Leading the City’s Safe Routes to School Program beginning in 2011 and a partner in the Safe Routes for Seniors Program wrapping up in 2023. We host an ongoing array of engaging community bike rides, fun bike rodeos (teaching kids to ride) at local events like COAST, SMPD National Night Out and at SMMUSD schools during breaks.

Integrated as part of our mission is encouragement for healthier, more active and more environmentally friendly mobility. We do this through engaging and fun community education and encouragement outreach and events, like bike rides for all ages and skill levels – in addition to encouragement events and training at spring and summer camps during after school programs.

Funding and cost
As previously stated - the TSLG can be “built” over time. Start up costs are minimal as most supporting materials are already owned by Santa Monica Spoke. The historical challenge for this type of programming has always been - space. Given the space we are currently prepared to fund the start-up costs that would get the programming up and running from day one with confidence in securing further funding to expand and improve the programming and the space over time. We have already secured interest from bike companies and private funders for equipment and funding to expand beyond the day one start up. We would engage our existing active community network for site maintenance and promotion. The idea of the TSLG is to be self-sustaining through civic / private partnerships and with demonstrated community support led by Santa Monica Spoke, our civic partnerships, donations and funding network.

Project will incorporate sustainability elements: Use of cool surfaces possibly covered with solar reflective coating to stay cooler in the sun. Incorporating permeable surfaces where asphalt can be removed to create planting space for groundwater collection and planting space for native shrubs and trees which will create space and habitat value and further cool the hardscape areas. Project and the programming promote physical activity, encourages active mobility and less reliance on motorized vehicles and reduces GHG.

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Packet Pg. 864 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Examples and Vision
Santa Monica Spoke Bike Rodeos & Events
COAST and Kidical Mass Family Bike Ride
Pico Neighborhood Safe Streets for 17th Community Outreach Event Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 865 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) National Night Out events
SMMUSD Festivals
Adult bike training and CREST Spring Break Camp Bike Safety Training Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 866 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Short Term and Long Term Vision in Images
Alta Planning + Design’s traffic garden in White Center, Washington, which reuses an abandoned tennis court, demonstrates a variety of roadway scenarios.King County Parks https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-06-13/how-tiny-safety-towns-give-kids-street-smarts https://www.trafficgardens.com/
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Packet Pg. 867 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Our ultimate long term - and we believe - obtainable goal is exemplified by JEFF SEYMOUR FAMILY CENTER BIKE PARK in El Monte run by our partners at Active SGV. We believe the best executed implementation we have seen and is the closest example of our long term vision.

More: https://www.activesgv.org/post/noche-2021-honoree-outstanding-agency-staff Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 868 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) MARCH 2018

CIVIC CENTER

MULTIPURPOSE

SPORTS FIELD
UPDATE

SAY HELLO

TO YOUR

SANTA MONICA

COMMUNITY

EXTRAORDINARY

WOMEN IN

SANTA MONICA

HISTORY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PICO NEIGHBORHOOD

PLAN PRIORITIZED BY

CITY COUNCIL

CIVIC LOT
CONSTRUCTION–

NEW IMPACTS ON THE

HORIZON

NEW CIVIC CENTER

MULTIPURPOSE

SPORTS FIELD IN
PLAY IN 2021

PARENT GROUPS

AT THE HEART OF

VIRGINIA AVENUE
PARK
WHAT’S HAPPENING

TO THE SANTA
MONICA AIRPORT?

SAY HELLO TO

SANTA MONICA

ARE YOU ONE OF
20,000 VISITORS

TO THE FARMERS
MARKET?
SEE WHAT’S
GROWING!
STEAM MACHINES:

INNOVATION FAIR
& RUBE GOLDBERG

MACHINE CONTEST

EARLY CHILDHOOD

LAB SCHOOL TO

BREAK GROUND

ON CIVIC CENTER
CAMPUS

SANTA MONICA

TRAVEL & TOURISM

LAUNCHES ONLINE
STORE

EXTRAORDINARY

WOMEN OF SANTA

MONICA IN HISTORY

VISION ZERO

SANTA MONICA

FREE PROGRAMS,

RESOURCES AND

HISTORY AT FIVE

SANTA MONICA

LIBRARY BRANCHES
MEATLESS IN MARCH:

REDUCE YOUR

ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT

SANTA MONICA

AIRPORT ARTWALK
MARCH 2018 EVENTS

CITY COUNCIL

MEETINGS

PUBLIC MEETINGS
Seascape is a publication of the City of Santa Monica, designed to inform residents about city programs and services. Please email comments to [email protected] or mail to:

Seascape
City of Santa Monica
1685 Main Street, PO Box 2200
Santa Monica, CA 90407-2200
Seascape is printed on recycled paper. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Seascape is available in alternate formats by calling the City Manager’s Office at 310.458.8301 (TDD/TTY 310.917.6626).

MARCH 2018
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Packet Pg. 870 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) o you live in or have a business in the
Pico Neighborhood? Are you interested
in rolling up your sleeves to improve your
neighborhood’s wellbeing? This spring,
at the request of the City Council, a new effort is
being launched to engage the Pico community about
addressing the neighborhood’s historical and daily
challenges, and to preserve its unique character,
diversity and identity.

The Pico Neighborhood is named after Pío de Jesús Pico
(May 5, 1801 – September 11, 1894), the last Governor of Alta California under Mexican rule, and whose name is
memorialized in many streets, schools, libraries and parks throughout Southern California. Pico is the City’s most culturally diverse neighborhood, hosting people from a
variety of ethnic backgrounds. Over the past 50 years,
the Pico Neighborhood has nurtured a unique community
voice. That’s evident in the many community groups and
organizations that operate out of Pico’s parks and public spaces, local faith-based institutions, and other venues along the Pico Boulevard corridor.

Get Involved!
In early January, the Council directed staff to broaden the scope and outreach for this project, and your
input is invited! The Pico Neighborhood Plan will
be a community-led effort to provide residents and
businesses with support to improve all aspects of
community wellbeing, including health, learning,
economic opportunity, housing and connectivity. To find out more about the Pico Neighborhood Plan and to sign
up for updates and opportunities to share your ideas,
please visit smgov.net/pico or call City staff directly at 310.458.8341.

Now here’s a look at a few other city planning priorities.

For a complete list, read the blog “Council Sets Planning Priorities for Santa Monica” at santamonica.gov.

UPDATE THE R1 (SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING)

STANDARDS
Council gave direction and approved an interim
ordinance that would reduce the size of new home
construction by 50% on a sliding scale and 20% on the
second floor, reduce building height below 28 feet, place restrictions on upper level balconies and decks, and
exempt accessory dwelling units from parcel coverage
calculations. Council is responding to resident concerns over “mansionization” of neighborhoods. A recent report from the Planning Division showed new homes are
on average twice as big as the ones they replace. The
interim ordinance will affect applications submitted after February 23, 2018.

LANDMARKS ORDINANCE UPDATE
Council asked for a comprehensive update to the
existing Landmarks Ordinance, which guides the process
for protecting the City’s historic resources. An update to the Landmarks Ordinance will refresh the regulations that protect older buildings.

HOUSING PRODUCTION
Given the statewide housing crisis and the desirability of Santa Monica as a place to live, Council expressed
interest in exploring options to encourage housing
on the commercial boulevards and in the Bergamot
area, including identifying impediments to housing
production.

Stay informed on all of these projects by signing up for the City’s newsletter at smgov.net/newsletter.

PICO NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN PRIORITIZED

BY CITY COUNCIL
D
Pico reflects the cultural diversity of Los Angeles County.

Pío de Jesús Pico and his wife, María Ignacia Alvarado Pico, in 1852, with two of their nieces, María Anita Alvarado (far left) and Trinidad Ortega (far right).

Courtesy of the Seaver Center for Western History Research, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.

MARCH 2018
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Packet Pg. 871 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) he Santa Monica Civic Center is going through
some changes in order to bring you the best
facilities and services. Many of these projects
have been in the works for many years, so we
are excited to share updates with you and want to keep
you informed. Here is a summary of projects happening
at the Civic Center.

City Services Building
BEGIN: SEPTEMBER 2017 | END: APRIL 2020
The City Services Building fulfills a vision to bring all core municipal operations onto one City Hall campus.

By adding a modern building in the rear courtyard
that preserves our landmark City Hall, we will eliminate all leased space and offer a centralized hub of public
counter services. It is designed to be a “Living Building” that produces its own energy and water and will be a
model of Santa Monica’s commitment to both fiscal and
environmental sustainability.

Civic Center Multipurpose Sports Field
BEGIN: JANUARY 2020 | END: JANUARY 2021
By March 2020, the City of Santa Monica will begin
construction of the Civic Center Multipurpose Sports
Field, east of Santa Monica’s landmark Civic Auditorium.

The City Council has approved funding for the full $8
million project cost. A parking study to be released
later this year will help guide the City’s efforts to reduce parking demand and manage the remaining Civic Center
parking so that everyone is able to access our public
buildings and the new field. Go to page 3 for more
information about this exciting development.

Early Childhood Lab School
BEGIN: MARCH 2018 | END: SEPTEMBER 2020
Construction will begin this month on the Early Childhood Lab School, a partnership between the City of Santa
Monica and Santa Monica College (SMC), which will be
operated by the Growing Place. The Lab School will serve Santa Monica residents and employees with subsidies
for lower income families. It will also provide a state-ofthe-art facility for SMC’s highly regarded Early Childhood Education (ECE) program and for parent and teacher
training classes. Turn to page 6 for more information
on the Lab School and an interview with one of its
champions, early education pioneer Betsy Hiteshew.

Sustainable Water
Infrastructure Project
BEGIN: APRIL 2019 | END: NOVEMBER 2020
The Sustainable Water Infrastructure Project (SWIP) is
a key component in helping the City achieve its water
self-sufficiency goal, and it’s coming to the Civic Center Parking Lot. The SWIP will bring new water into the
existing purple pipe distribution network, the system for non-potable water used for irrigation and toilet flushing across town. The Civic Center will see the installation of a water treatment plant to treat wastewater from the sanitary sewer, as well as stormwater from a massive 1.5 milliongallon cistern. The cistern will be fed by the Pico/Kenter Stormdrain during rain events. The entire project will be located below grade in the Civic Center Parking Lot. The Civic Center facilities will connect with the Clean Beaches Project now underway adjacent to the Santa Monica
Pier, and the system will eventually expand to include a stormwater cistern to be built at Memorial Park.

CIVIC LOT CONSTRUCTION–NEW IMPACTS

ON THE HORIZON
T
WE WANT YOU TO BE INFORMED.

COURTHOUSE
CIVIC

AUDITORIUM RFP IN PROCESS

CITY HALL
Questions? Please contact [email protected], 310.458.8368, or visit smgov.net/cityhall2020.

CITY SERVICES BUILDING

CIVIC CENTER MULTIPURPOSE SPORTS FIELD
SEP 2017 APR 2020
APR 2019
JAN 2020 JAN 2021
NOV 2020
MAR 2018 ECLS—EARLY CHILDHOOD LAB SCHOOL

SUSTAINABLE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

CIVIC CENTER

PARKING STRUCTURE
770 PARKING SPACES REMAIN
SEP 2020
preliminary edition

SURFACE PARKING

CIVIC LOT CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE

CIVIC LOT CONSTRUCTION TIMELINE
PLEASE
NOTE

REVISED
DATES
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Packet Pg. 872 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) irginia Avenue Park (VAP) is home to many
things: a vibrant community center, a weekly
farmers market, and the Pico Branch Library,
which all offer a full schedule of free programs
for community members of all ages. At the heart of
its programs are the Parents of VAP participants. VAP
parents have formed groups that meet weekly to discuss
ways to support the educational success of their children and families, and to share their cultural heritage through public events and activities. The parent groups work
alongside City staff in playing an active role in planning culturally relevant public events, as well as suggesting educational programs for their children.
“We host and listen to our parent groups, Familias
Latinas Unidas, Parent Connection Group and Virginia
Avenue Park Advisory Board. Their suggestions are key
to ensuring that VAP programs meet the needs of the
community,” says Carla Fantozzi, Principal Community
Services Program Supervisor.

Programs that have come
from these discussions include
“Our Girls Rock” presented by
Parent Connection Group. The
workshop is designed to honor
African-American women of the past
and their contributions to the world, and
strives to empower young women of today
with skills necessary to build self-love, purpose and
commitment to success. “Our Girls Rock” occurs this month as part of Women’s History Month.

Collectively, all three groups participate in the upcoming Arts & Literacy Festival in April, promoting Santa Monica’s Cradle to Career Kindergarten Readiness Campaign by
bringing together more than 20 different Santa Monica
agencies, and offering participatory games and activities to help preschoolers be ready for kindergarten.

For more information about Virginia Avenue Park
programs and services, visit smgov.net/vap.

PARENT GROUPS AT THE HEART OF

VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK
V
anta Monicans love our public spaces! We’ve
heard from many community members
who have strong interest in the Civic Center
Multipurpose Sports Field. Here are answers to
some of their frequently asked questions.

Q. WHAT SIZE WILL THE FIELD BE AND WHAT SPORTS
WILL IT ACCOMMODATE?
A. The Civic Field will be FIFA-regulation size at
approximately 225 x 360 feet (75 x 120 yards), comparable to the sports field at Airport Park. The field will have permanently marked soccer and lacrosse field lines. Other sports, such as rugby, can also be played on the field.

Q. WILL THE FIELD HAVE LIGHTS?
A. The field will be fully lighted to support evening use.

Q. WILL IT HAVE RESTROOMS AND OTHER AMENITIES ?
A. The field will feature a fully plumbed restroom and
storage building, as well as spectator seating.

Q. WHAT WILL BE THE HEIGHT OF THE FIELD’S
PERIMETER FENCE?
A. Chain-link fencing and containment netting around the entire field will be a combined height of approximately 26 feet.

Q. WHO WILL GET TO USE THE FIELD?
A. Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) will have first priority for reserving the Civic Field. The field will be available for City sports leagues and to other local organizations through the issuance of permits.

Q. WILL IT BE A NATURAL OR SYNTHETIC
TURF FIELD?
A. The field will be composed of synthetic turf with nontoxic infill.

Q. IS UNDERGROUND PARKING PART OF
THE PROJECT?
A. No new parking will be added to the Civic Center
parking lot at this time.

Q. WHEN WILL THE FIELD’S CONSTRUCTION START
AND FINISH?
A. Construction is expected to begin by January 2020 and be completed by January 2021.

For more information on the latest updates on the
Civic Center Multipurpose Sports Field, go to
santamonicaparks.org.

NEW CIVIC CENTER MULTIPURPOSE SPORTS FIELD
IN PLAY IN 2021
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Packet Pg. 873 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) n 2014, Santa Monica voters overwhelmingly
supported Measure Local Control (Measure LC)
to prohibit new development on Airport land
without voter approval, except for parks, public
open spaces and public recreational facilities, and to affirm the City Council’s authority to manage Airport land. In 2017, the City Council reached a historic agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows the closure of SMO after December 31, 2028. The Santa Monica Airport is undergoing major changes, and the City wants to make sure you’re informed. Here are some answers to
frequently asked questions.

Q. I WAS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN FOCUS GROUPS

TO DISCUSS OPTIONS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
AT THE AIRPORT. IS THE CITY OF SANTA MONICA
SPONSORING THESE FOCUS GROUPS?
A. No. The City has not sponsored any focus group
discussions on the future of the Airport. Please feel free to reach out to City staff anytime you come across something you would like to confirm is sponsored by the City.

Q. WHAT MILESTONES HAPPENED AT THE AIRPORT
IN 2017?
A. In 2017, the City Council reached a historic agreement with the FAA that allows the permanent closure of the
Santa Monica Airport at the end of 2028. The agreement
also authorized the City to immediately shorten the Airport runway from 5,000 feet to 3,500 feet. The Council moved to complete the runway shortening in December 2017,
fulfilling its commitment to the community to reduce
noise and pollution. Additionally, in September 2016, the Council approved the conceptual design for the expansion of Airport Park, which would, upon the identification of construction funding, increase the size of the existing park from 8 acres to 20 acres.

Q. WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
A. Through this lens of expanded open space accessible
to the community, we will develop a vision for the future of the entire 227-acre property when the Airport closes at the end of 2028.

If you would like to receive updates about Santa
Monica Airport happenings, please send an email to
Suja Lowenthal, Senior Advisor on Airport Affairs, at
[email protected] and request to be added to
the Airport Community Updates group.

WHAT’S HAPPENING TO THE SANTA MONICA
AIRPORT?
I
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Packet Pg. 874 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Meet the amazing people in your City who
make the community a better place.

We asked them what they love about
Santa Monica and how
they contribute!
hello
to Santa Monica
Say
Jeff Jarow

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT, CHAIR

AND CO-FOUNDER OF THE SANTA
MONICA 4TH OF JULY PARADE
“I feel blessed to be living and working
by the Pacific Ocean! When I want a quick
vacation, I just go down to the bike path and
listen to about 20 different languages being spoken.”
Gina Garcia

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT,

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY

PROGRAMS AT SUSTAINABLE
WORKS
“I contribute to the
community by educating
people on issues of
sustainability, which is
very important for the
future of our City and
planet. I also find time to
volunteer at Santa Monica
High School. It gives me the
chance to connect with other
parents, and the teachers really
appreciate the extra hands.”
Chris Hong

OWNER OF YOGURTLAND ON

LINCOLN AND PICO
“Being a father of three beautiful
children, my connection with
the City of Santa Monica starts
with the schools. I never wear
sunglasses or a hat in order for the
children to recognize my face and call
me by name.”
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Packet Pg. 875 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Nora Gilbert-Hamerling

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT
“I grew up in Santa Monica, and
returned to build a life as a young
professional. I have witnessed
much change, but believe that
what remains constant in the
community of Santa Monica is a
deep commitment to diversity and
progress.”
Marc Morgenstern

SANTA MONICA

RESIDENT, CHAIR OF

THE SANTA MONICA

LIBRARY BOARD
“I appreciate the way
people care so much about
our community. For many
of us, living here is not a
spectator sport: we get involved,
share our opinions and try to
Evan Meyer change things for the better.”

SANTA MONICA

RESIDENT, FOUNDER OF

BEAUTIFY EARTH
“We’ve transformed over
50 walls in Santa Monica
alone into inspiring
murals, creating new
pockets of artful and
‘happening’ areas in the
City. As the President of the
Ocean Park Association, it is
my goal to engage our residents in
the public process, reaching an unprecedented
level of such in Santa Monica.”
Jennifer Gean
OWNER OF HARRY’S BERRIES
“I’m at the Santa Monica
Farmers Market twice a
week and I see some
of my customers more
often than my family
members! We’ve got a
lot of regular customers
we’ve had for decades
now, so there is a great
sense of community and
family.”
Shannon Buckley

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT,

ARTIST AND OWNER OF

YOGA MUNKEE
“I face paint as part of the
entertainment at the Santa
Monica Main Street farmers
market every other Sunday. I
have many regular clients who
I connect with regularly, and I
am always meeting new people,
too. I aspire to be a role model
for young people and provide
opportunities to build self-esteem by
connecting with them through art.”
Vanessa Van Wormer

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT, DANCE INSTRUCTOR

AT SANTA MONICA COLLEGE
“I love helping others fall in love with the arts, and
discover new avenues of individual
creativity. I teach all levels of
ballet, contemporary dance
and choreography at
Santa Monica College,
an institution rich with
diversity. Bringing
people together
from all walks of life
to create is one of
the most powerful
human experiences,
and I feel honored
to have a role in this.”
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Packet Pg. 876 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Stacy Dalgleish

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT,

PRESIDENT OF SANTA MONICA

MID CITY NEIGHBORS
“I walk to Broad Stage, my doctor,
dentist, Breeze Bikeshare, Big Blue
Bus and three markets. In LA I might
go a lifetime without seeing a city
manager, council member or mayor at the
farmers market. Here it happens all the time.”
Cris Gutierrez

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT,

CHAIR OF COMMUNITY

GARDENS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE (2011-2017)
“Besides growing some of
my family’s food, I choose
not to have a car and have
co-founded Climate Action
Santa Monica and the Climate
Corps. Those are ways that I try
to show people how powerful they
and their daily choices are in reducing
CO2 emissions and in building community
relationships that can help stabilize the climate.”
Dawn Bowens

VISITOR TO SANTA MONICA

FARMERS MARKET
“You meet people from
different walks of life in
Santa Monica. You get a
little bit of everything.”
Melissa Tanaka

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT
“I love that everything is walking
distance, so I don’t have to use
my car as often. I also love how
environmentally conscious the
area is. Having access to the
farmers market and knowing
where I can compost and recycle
stuff is super important to me.”
John Maceri

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

OF THE PEOPLE

CONCERN
“In addition to my work at
The People Concern, I also
volunteer as a board member
for the Santa Monica Bay Area
Human Relations Council (HRC).

The HRC promotes a culture of fair treatment, inclusion and equal access to opportunities.”
Neil Carrey

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT,

PRESIDENT OF AIRPORT
2 PARK
“Santa Monica has so many
talented and caring people
who work hard to make
this a better world and who
help make Santa Monica one
of the greatest cities in the
world. It always gives me great
pride when I can say I am from
Santa Monica.”
Cynthia Rose

SANTA MONICA RESIDENT,

DIRECTOR OF SANTA

MONICA SPOKE
“My passion is to share my
love for biking and active
transportation, and to
engage and empower my
community to be a voice
for sustainability, equity
and progressive change.

Especially with our youth, by
providing them with education on
bike skills and rules of the road, and by being a positive influence in their daily lives.”
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Packet Pg. 877 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) ARE YOU ONE OF 20,000 VISITORS TO THE
FARMERS MARKET?
he City offers four weekly farmers markets where the community comes together to shop, eat and mingle, while supporting local farmers and taking steps toward a more sustainable and healthy lifestyle. Here are three ways Santa Monica farmers markets are building community. 1) FOSTERING RELATIONSHIPS
Relationships between farmers and customers blossom at the City’s farmers markets. Farmers look forward to meeting customers and sharing insights on what’s in season and what the farmers are most proud of on their table, as well as their passion toward serving fresh produce from farm to table. Chard and beets are in season this month! 2) EDUCATING CHILDREN ON HEALTHY EATING
The Wednesday farmers markets offer school tours to show second grade students just how exciting fruits and veggies can be. They learn to “eat a rainbow” and why having a variety of color in your diet is important. Sign up for classes online at farmersmarket.smgov.net.
3) VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
The City’s farmers markets have a volunteer program, which is a great opportunity to get more involved in the community. There are three types of volunteers: general market volunteers, education volunteers and kids’ activities volunteers. The City’s volunteers are the backbone of our community. Without them, the farmers markets can’t run as efficiently and successfully!

WEDNESDAYS
Arizona Ave @ 2nd St
8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

SATURDAYS
Arizona Ave @ 3rd St
8 a.m.–1 p.m.

SATURDAYS
Virginia Avenue Park
8 a.m.–1 p.m.

SUNDAYS
2640 Main St
8:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Farmers markets are open year-round, rain or shine. It’s easy to become a market regular. Come explore! T
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Packet Pg. 878 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Emergen
Public Sa
(non-eme
GO Syste
Submit co
SEE WHAT’S GROWING!
Learning Garden Work Days at Ishihara Park
Come get your hands dirty in the Communal Garden
Program at Ishihara Park Learning Garden, a communal
spot to learn and acquire gardening skills. Seasoned and new gardeners of all ages are welcome. Just drop in! No reservation is needed. The program is free and takes place Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

Coffee & Conversation
Local garden enthusiasts have created a space to gather monthly to discuss their projects, connect, or simply see what’s growing at the Main Street Community Garden.

The monthly series, called “Coffee & Conversation,” is free and open to everyone, and coffee and snacks are provided (while supplies last). The next gathering is 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. on March 10 and continues monthly.

For a full schedule of community garden programs, visit smgov.net/communitygardens.

Sunday, March 4 from 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. @ Santa Monica Pier Welcome to LA’s 5th Annual Rube Goldberg Machine Contest and celebration of S.T.E.A.M.—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. This collision of disciplines is paving the future of innovation. Come learn, play and make a day of it at the Pier. For more information, go to rubegoldberg.com.

Innovation Fair & Rube Goldberg Machine Contest
MARCH 4, 2018
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Packet Pg. 879 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) eet Betsy Hiteshew, a
nationally renowned early
education pioneer who
championed the Early
Childhood Lab School (ECLS) set to
break ground this month on the Civic
Center Campus.

Q: WHY DO YOU CARE SO

PASSIONATELY ABOUT EARLY
EDUCATION?
A: My interest in young children
began as an aide in a kindergarten
classroom over 60 years ago. I was
drawn to their lively curiosity, the
freshness of their thinking, their
spontaneity and their potential
to grow into caring, thoughtful
human beings. Fortunately, I learned
about the Bank Street College of
Education in New York City, and
the professors there inspired me
to make the education of young
children a lifelong passion.

Q: WHAT WAS YOUR ROLE IN
CREATING THE ECLS?
A. After retiring from the Early
Childhood Education Department
at Santa Monica College, I started
working with many local child care
advocates on the dream of a Santa
Monica City/Santa Monica College
joint endeavor to create a world-class
child care center on the grounds
of the Santa Monica Civic Center.

The center, which is about to break
ground after 29 years of planning, will
be designed to serve Santa Monica
children of all backgrounds and
income levels, and will also provide
student teaching opportunities for
Santa Monica College early education
students. My role, along with my
friend and fellow advocate Irene
Zivi and many others, has been to
show up at various Santa Monica
City Planning Commission and
Council meetings to lend our voices
in support of this project to “keep on
keeping on”, in the words of Langston
Hughes, sometimes into the wee
hours of the morning! It has been
quite a journey!
Q: WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR

THE STUDENTS AND TEACHERS OF

THE SCHOOL TEN YEARS FROM
NOW?
A. My hope is that each child, each
parent, each teacher, and each
student teacher will be enriched by
learning experiences that honor and
respect them, and that inspire them
to learn and grow to their fullest
potential.

Q: WHAT WILL THE SCHOOL BRING
TO SANTA MONICA?
A. First and foremost, it will bring
quality early childhood education to
the children it serves. Second, it will
serve as a gathering place for parents
seeking to learn and grow with other
parents of young children about
their vital role in their children’s lives.

Third, it will provide opportunities
for other early childhood programs
in the community to come together
on behalf of all young children in
Santa Monica. Fourth, it will provide
Santa Monica citizens and leaders an
opportunity to become more involved
in advocating for the importance
of the early years. And fifth, it’s a
partnership model for others in the
country to explore.

EARLY CHILDHOOD LAB SCHOOL TO BREAK GROUND

ON CIVIC CENTER CAMPUS
A few minutes with Betsy Hiteshew, Early Education Pioneer M
anta Monica Travel & Tourism is proud to
announce the launch of a new online store, Shop
Santa Monica. You can now purchase official gifts
and souvenirs from the City with the touch of
your finger by visiting santamonica.myshopify.com.

SANTA MONICA TRAVEL & TOURISM LAUNCHES

ONLINE STORE
S
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Packet Pg. 880 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Arcadia Bandini de Baker
Many considered Arcadia Bandini de Baker the
“Godmother” of the City of Santa Monica because of
her impact on public use lands. Born in 1825 in San
Diego to a socially elite California family, she married at age 15 and moved to Los Angeles. As a widow, she
married again, to a landowner and one of the founders
of the City of Santa Monica, Colonel Robert S. Baker.

Arcadia designed one of the first maps for the City,
creating an original vision of land use in Santa Monica.

Arcadia, along with Colonel Baker, deeded the land
for a National Home for Disabled Veterans in 1888,
now the Veterans complex in Westwood. In 1891, she
donated the land
for today’s Pacific
Palisades Park. Near
the beginning of
the 20th Century,
she again donated
land in Santa
Monica Canyon
to create the first
experimental
forestry station
managed by Abbott
Kinney, the founder
of Venice. She also
donated land for a
Presbyterian Church
and St. Augustine
by the Sea. Her
commitment to
education was
evidenced by gifts
of land for schools
and a permanent
location for the Bay
City Women’s Club.

Elfie A. Mosse
Born in San Francisco on December 12, 1867, Elfie Mosse moved to Santa Monica with her mother at a young
age, following the untimely passing of her father. She
attended Santa Monica High School. In 1890, Mosse
became the first City Librarian, and for the first 14
years, she was the only staff in the Library. During her tenure, she kept a log of every book, magazine and map
obtained by the Library with funds or through donations from the good citizens of Santa Monica.

In the Main Library and two branches established during Mosse’s tenure, there was always a special space for
children’s literature and books. Storytimes for children began early in the Santa Monica Public Library. She
oversaw development of collections in foreign languages to support those seeking asylum from other countries,
including Spanish-language books for the people
working in the lima bean fields near the Fairview Branch Library. She touched many lives and helped people learn about the world during the difficult times of World War I and the Great Depression. After serving the City for
49 years, Mosse retired and passed away in 1939. She is Santa Monica’s longest-serving City Librarian.

Thelma Terry
Thelma Terry was born in 1907. She played basketball at Santa Monica High School and Santa Monica College. She
used her love of sports to create recreation programs for the youth of Santa Monica. As the Recreation Director for teenagers at Memorial Park, she advised nine clubs, and inspired other park facilities in the City to adopt similar programs. In the 1950s, she helped 20 girls organize a
drill team known as “The Terryettes.” Terry passed in 1979, leaving a tremendous legacy to Santa Monica youth.

EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN OF SANTA MONICA

IN HISTORY
In honor of Women’s History Month, we’re featuring a few of our very own.

Portrait of Arcadia de Baker, 1885.

Courtesy of Santa Monica Public Library
Image Archives/C.C. Pierce Collection.

Elfie Mosse in the Children’s Room of the Santa Monica Public Library, circa 1900. Courtesy of Santa Monica Public Library Image Archives/ Ernest Marquez Collection.

Plaque dedicated on
September 27, 2014 at Virginia
Avenue Park to honor Thelma
Terry’s contributions to athletic
excellence and creator of
recreation programs for youth in
Santa Monica.

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Packet Pg. 881 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins))

VISION ZERO SANTA MONICA
anta Monica is serious about the safety of all who live, work and play here, including users of our roads,
sidewalks and bikeways. The City has been making
improvements to enhance user comfort and reduce
conflicts. For example, speed limits adjacent to four schools were reduced in January to protect our youth, with
changes coming to other schools soon.

Despite our best efforts, there were nine roadway
fatalities in 2017, the most since 2006. The City is taking proactive steps to prevent future traffic accidents by
committing to Vision Zero, which aims to bring the
number of fatal and severe injury crashes down to zero.

Joining cities across America in this pledge, Santa
Monica will strive to make these tragic incidents a thing of the past by redesigning our roads, reducing unsafe
speeds, educating the public, and focusing enforcement
efforts on the behaviors and locations most commonly
involved in serious collisions.

On February 27, the City Council reviewed a series of actions to begin making progress on Vision Zero. Please do your part by following the rules of the road and treating one another with courtesy and compassion as you travel, because we all deserve to arrive at our destination safely.

For more information, please visit smgov.net/visionzero.

S
anta Monica Public Library
is open a combined 259
hours per week, providing
resources, activities,
services and physical space that
encourages the community to read,
connect, relax and learn.

Free access to downloadable books
and streaming movies and music?
Yes! Library card holders have
access to all of the above. They can
also check out books, magazines,
audiobooks, DVDs and CDs. In
addition, the Library offers hundreds
of free programs for people of all
ages every year, including a Youth
Tech program and a session on tax
preparation. Many of the programs
are interactive and encourage
participants to learn or create
something new, and interact with
their neighbors.

That’s not all! You can also learn
about the history of Santa Monica
at the Library. The Main Library’s
Santa Monica Collection Room holds
a wealth of historical materials, and
the online Imagine Santa Monica
collection (digital.smpl.org) contains
photographs and postcards dating
as far back as 1875.

For more information on the Santa
Monica Public Library, go to smpl.org.

FREE PROGRAMS, RESOURCES AND HISTORY AT FIVE

SANTA MONICA LIBRARY BRANCHES
S
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Packet Pg. 882 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) MEATLESS IN MARCH: REDUCE YOUR

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
he Meatless in March Pledge is all about making
small shifts toward big change. The big change is
the impact that foods and the food industry has
on our health and the environment, and the real
differences our individual food choices can make in turning all that around. Plant-rich diets are better for you and for everything else – our health, the climate, the local economy and even our animal friends.

The pledge challenges all of us to reduce our collective “foodprint” by making easy adjustments to our everyday
food choices. Take the pledge, share new recipes at home, try new dishes at restaurants, even take a chance on
trying some protein alternatives. This year, there will be a scavenger hunt for all to enjoy. Complete the missions, collect points and win prizes.

While the Meatless in March challenge focuses on the
impact of meat consumption, there are other ways to
reduce your foodprint: eating more organic, locally grown, unprocessed foods, as well as avoiding packaging and
reducing food waste.

Visit sustainablesm.org/meatlessinmarch for all things
Meatless in March: pledge, scavenger hunt, events, recipes and resources.

T
REDUCING THE AMOUNT OF MEAT YOU CONSUME WILL:

SHRINK YOUR FOODPRINT
Conserve valuable
resources
Save money Reduce greenhouse
gas emissions

SANTA MONICA

AIRPORT ARTWALK
he 12th annual Santa
Monica Airport ArtWalk
takes place on Saturday,
March 24 from 12 p.m.
to 5 p.m. The family-friendly event
features 60 artist studios, art and
ceramic demonstrations, workshops,
live music and food trucks. Admission
is free! For more information, go to
smgov.net/airportartwalk.

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Packet Pg. 883 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) MARCH 2018 EVENTS
Big Beach Book Altered Pages Workshop
MARCH 3 AT CAMERA OBSCURA ART LAB
Book artist Debra Disman leads crafting workshops during her artist residency at the iconic Camera Obscura at 1450 Ocean. smgov.net/camera
Cultivating the Expressive Body with
Jeremy Hahn
MARCH 3 AT CAMERA OBSCURA ART LAB
Utilizing an investigative process that draws upon
meditation, visualization and movement improvisation,
Jeremy leads a session where participants move their
bodies free form, sharing playfully with expressive
movement. smgov.net/camera
A Watercolor Journey with Timothy Kitz
MARCH 4 AT CAMERA OBSCURA ART LAB
Join watercolorist and urban sketcher Timothy Kitz in a four-week immersive watercolor course, open to all levels with drop-ins welcome. smgov.net/camera
“This Golden State” with Writer-in-Residence
Luis Alfaro
MARCH 6 AT ANNENBERG COMMUNITY

BEACH HOUSE
A work in progress reading with playwright and
Beach House Writer-in-Residence Luis Alfaro, who is
working on a trilogy of plays that explore California’s Central Valley through religion, politics and identity. annenbergbeachhouse.com
Paper Weaving Workshop
MARCH 10 AT CAMERA OBSCURA ART LAB
Blending a contemporary aesthetic with ancient material, Huong Nguyen leads crafting workshops during her artist residency. smgov.net/camera
Julia Morgan Legacy Day
MARCH 11 AT ANNENBERG COMMUNITY BEACH HOUSE
In partnership with the Santa Monica Conservancy, a
special commemoration of California’s first licensed
woman architect with special guest, Morgan scholar
Karen McNeill, Ph.D. annenbergbeachhouse.com
Poetry Loves Art with Dinah Berland
MARCH 11 AT CAMERA OBSCURA ART LAB
Dinah Berland invites poets at all levels to experience the pleasures of “ekphrastic” poetry – the practice of writing poems in response to visual art. smgov.net/camera
Downbeat 720
MARCH 13 AND 27 AT MILES PLAYHOUSE
An open-mic performance lab for high school performing
artists. All singers, poets, emcees, dancers, actors
and musicians are invited to try new material, gain
confidence and perform in front of an audience of peers. milesplayhouse.org
Ishihara Open Visit Day and Seed Saving with
David King
MARCH 17 AT ISHIHARA PARK LEARNING GARDEN
See what’s been growing, talk to community gardeners
and learn tips and techniques about harvesting
seeds! Materials will be provided while supplies
last. Free admission. RSVP is required. smgov.net/
communitygardens
Our Girls Rock
MARCH 24 AT VIRGINIA AVENUE PARK
A workshop designed to honor African American women
of the past and their contributions to the world, while empowering young women of today with the skills
necessary to build self-love, purpose, and a commitment to success. RSVP is required: 310.458.8688. Hosted by
Parent Connection Group. smgov.net/vap
Santa Monica Airport Artwalk
MARCH 24 AT SANTA MONICA AIRPORT
The family-friendly event features 60 artist studios, art and ceramic demonstrations, workshops, live music and food
trucks. smgov.net/airportartwalk
Art @ Tongva: The Wonder Room
MARCH 28 AT TONGVA PARK
An evening of performances and visual art by an
interdisciplinary group of artists who synchronously
activate the intimate rooms of Tongva Park.
smgov.net/tongvapark
he City of Santa Monica offers more than a hundred events each month. Check out the whole list at T santamonica.gov/events and subscribe to the City’s newsletter at smgov.net/newsletter.

MARCH 2018
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 884 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) City Council Meetings
International Women’s Day Breakfast
MARCH 1 AT LOEWS SANTA MONICA

BEACH HOTEL
More than 450 female leaders will gather together to
honor two outstanding women who persisted.
smchamber.com/owl
Living History Tour
MARCH 2 AT WOODLAWN CEMETERY
& MAUSOLEUM
This highly popular free event is good for the entire
family. Join us for a tour of the grounds and watch
history come alive as costumed actors portraying notable men and women interred at the cemetery share their
stories and contributions to history and society.
smgov.net/cemetery
Home Truth: Documentary and Panel Discussion
hosted by Westside Anti-Violence Authority and
Sojourn
MARCH 6 AT KEN EDWARDS CENTER
This moving film takes us into the life of one woman, a domestic violence survivor, and her personal journey.

She fought to change the system but suffered effects of trauma. Free event. Registration required. Please contact:
[email protected].

Women and Homelessness Panel Discussion
MARCH 8 AT ST. JOSEPH CENTER
This free event will include a panel of women who work in homeless services. stjosephctr.org
WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Santa Monica Commission on the Status of Women (COSW), in collaboration with the City and local partners, has put together its annual calendar of events embracing the 2018 theme: “Nevertheless She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women.” The Santa Monica City Council meets at
5:30 p.m. on the second and fourthTuesday of every
month in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 1685 Main Street.

Upcoming Council meetings:

MARCH 6
MARCH 27
Meeting dates occasionally change. Visit
smgov.net/council to confirm schedule and
smgov.net/council/agendas to view agenda items.

Meetings are broadcast live on CityTV cable channel 16, and streamed at YouTube.com/CityTV16SantaMonica.

Meetings air on 89.9 KCRW, 8 p.m. to midnight.

All Council meetings are open to the public. Public
comment may be made in person at any meeting, or prior
to the meeting via regular U.S. mail, email or by fax to:

City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Room 209
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Phone: 310.458.8201 | Fax: 310.458.1621
Email all Council members: [email protected]
Disabilities Commission Meeting
MARCH 5, 6:30 P.M. AT KEN EDWARDS CENTER
Architectural Review Board Meeting
MARCH 5 AND 19, 7 P.M. AT CITY HALL
Santa Monica Rent Control
Board Meeting
MARCH 8, 7 P.M. AT CITY HALL
Landmarks Commission Meeting
MARCH 12, 7 P.M. AT SMI TRAINING ROOM (CORNER OF
OLYMPIC AND 4TH STREET, 2ND FLOOR OF CIVIC CENTER

PARKING GARAGE)
Commission on the Status of
Women Meeting
MARCH 14, 7 P.M. AT KEN EDWARDS CENTER
Housing Commission Meeting
MARCH 15, 4:30 P.M. AT KEN EDWARDS CENTER
Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting
MARCH 15, 7:30 P.M. AT CITY HALL
Arts Commission Meeting
MARCH 19, 6:30 P.M. AT KEN EDWARDS CENTER
Commission for the Senior Community
MARCH 21, 1:30 P.M. AT KEN EDWARDS CENTER
Airport Commission Meeting
MARCH 26, 7 P.M. AT CITY HALL
Social Services Commission Meeting
MARCH 26, 7 P.M. AT KEN EDWARDS CENTER
Public Meetings
For updates on regular meetings, go to smgov.net/clerk or call 310.458.8411.

MARCH 2018
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 885 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 60 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; Amber Richane; Oliver Chi
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Item 7A: Support LC Compliant #1 Preferred Scenario, Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP)
Attachments: 2023-01 CC 7B Airport Park Study Session SaMoSSA.pdf; 2023-10 CC Support Item 7A.pdf; 2017-2-28 Santa Monica Airport Resolution item 8C.pdf; r2.Seascape Mar 2018- INTERACTIVE.pdf; 2025-01 CC Support item 7A SMAC Project Guiding Principles SMSpoke SaMoSSA.pdf; LOI Santa Monica Spoke Final.pdf; 2025-07 item 7A Support LC Compliant Preferred Scenario- SM Spoke SaMoSSA.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and City Council Members:

Please find our letter of support for a #1 Preferred Scenario of a Great LC Compliant Park when the Santa Monica Airport closes in 2028. Attachment: 2025-07 item 7A Support LC Compliant Preferred Scenario- SM Spoke SaMoSSA.pdf
Santa Monica Spoke and the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance are writing to request that the council move forward in support of the community's overwhelmingly affirmed vision, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park that would not trigger a ballot measure before airport closure, with financing that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

Also, please find attachments and supporting info.

Previous support letters:
2017-2-28 Santa Monica Airport Resolution item 8C
2018-03-INTERACTIVE r2.Seascape
2023-01 CC 7B Airport Park Study Session SaMoSSA
2023-10 CC Support Item 7A Lottery-Selected Panel Process for the Airport 2025-01 CC Support item 7A SMAC Project Guiding Principles SMSpoke SaMoSSA LOI:

LOI Santa Monica Airport - Santa Monica Spoke
--
Cynthia Rose
Director
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 886 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 61 Santa Monica Spoke
SMSpoke.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 887 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 62 David Yakobson
From: Lindsay Flickinger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 6:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.
(Lidsay Flickinger)
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 888 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 65 David Yakobson
From: Jerry Rubin <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:55 PM
To: Joe Pertel
Cc: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; Amber Richane; Rick Valte; Peter James; Christopher Dishlip; Tony Lopez; Susan Cola; Douglas Sloan
Subject: Re: Item 7. - Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project - Creation of a Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
걭걮걯거밐밑밒박놅놆밓바Joe:

Wow! Another fantastic letter to our elected leaders! Are you sure you didn’t get a little assistance from Mother Nature?
But, seriously, this really should be a ‘no-brainer’ for our council.

I’m sure the GPC will continue growing. I fervently hope ALL 7 City Council members unify to support this common sense and visionary approach to create this much-needed Great Park.

Thanks to all,
Jerry
Sent from my iPhone
On Jul 7, 2025, at 5:20 PM, Joe Pertel <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
Over the past year, residents of Santa Monica have participated in the planning process for the future of the Santa Monica Airport as we move towards its closure in 2028. They have completed tens of thousands of surveys and participated in numerous public meetings, including a planning session at Memorial Park that attracted 800 community members—likely the largest event of its kind in the history of Santa Monica. The results of this planning process overwhelming support the creation of a Great Park that complies with Measure LC.

In November, 2024, residents representing a broad cross-section of our community came-together to form a non-partisan grassroots organization called the Great Park Coalition. Although some of us disagree on other local issues, we share a firm commitment to public open space, the creation of new recreational and cultural facilities, community gardens, and a fundamental commitment to the Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 889 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 66 restoration of this public land for environmental uses, i.e., core progressive and inclusionary values.

In less than a year, the Great Park Coalition has grown to 65 non-profit organizations representing over 20,000 members of our community, including hundreds of families with children in our school district, music, arts, and other cultural organizations, sports and recreational teams, including AYSO and Autobahn soccer, environmental and preservation groups like Heal the Bay, Climate Action Santa Monica, Friends of Ballona Wetlands, Theodore Payne Foundation and Greenpeace, and community groups like the Gabrielino-Tongva Springs Foundation and the Ethiopian Community of Santa Monica. The California League of Women Voters of Santa Monica and the Santa Monica Democratic Club, both important and influential organizations in our community, have also joined the efforts.

Every week, this coalition grows bigger and stronger, with, just this morning, the Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ) masters swim club becoming our latest supporter with new organizations joining every several days. Similarly, members of our community continue to join on a daily basis as our families, friends, and neighbors learn more about our community’s efforts to create a Great Park.

In these challenging times, the members of these diverse organizations are looking to City Council to create a positive vision for our community in the form of an LC-Compliant Great Park which will serve their fellow residents for generations to come. Please listen to their voices on Tuesday evening and support the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park at the Santa Monica Airport. Future generations will honor and remember you for your leadership.

Very truly yours,
Joseph A. Pertel
Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
Santa Monica Airport Commission
Santa Monica Resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 890 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 67 David Yakobson
From: Alison Buell <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I am writing you to ask you to vote for the Great Park that complies with Measure LC. This will be the legacy of each council member. I will be proud to be a resident that leaves this open space for our future residents.

No sale or privitazation of our land. Use current on site revenue. No additional housing.

The important point is open public land. Many of us have participated in the thorough planning process, don’t derail it.

I’ve lived here 37 years.

Thanks,
Alison Buell
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 891 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 68 David Yakobson
From: Michael Segal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:51 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7 - Preserve Santa Monica Airport for National Security & Our Aviation Future
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Honorable City Councilmembers,
Growing up in Los Angeles, some of my most vivid childhood memories are weekend trips with my father to Santa Monica Airport. Standing along the fence line, we watched piston props and sleek jets leap into the sky. Those formative moments sparked a passion that carried me to the U.S. Air Force Academy, more than 1,500 hours at the controls of a U.S. Air Force F-15 fighter jet—including combat sorties over Afghanistan—and my multiple years of Air Force Reserve service protecting our national assets in the Pacific.

Because Santa Monica Airport (SMO) lit the spark that led me to defend this nation, I feel compelled to urge you not to extinguish that light for the next generation.

Why SMO Matters to National Security and Public Safety
 Critical disaster-response hub. SMO is listed in the City’s All-Hazards Mitigation Plan as “critical infrastructure” for government response and recovery. A Red Cross-led Disaster Airlift Response Team recently demonstrated that, even with highways crippled, the airport can deliver thousands of pounds of blood, water-purification gear, and shelter supplies in hours.  Link in the national air-transportation system. The National Business Aviation Association notes that SMO supports aeromedical flights, reliever capacity for congested LAX, and rapid deployment of resources during wildfires and earthquakes.
 STEM and defense-workforce pipeline. From quiet electric trainers now based on the field to advanced research in sustainable propulsion, the airport inspires students who will become tomorrow’s aerospace engineers, military aviators, and space-industry innovators.

A Call for Thoughtful Process, Not Hasty Closure
The Sasaki “single-use park” concepts you will review on July 8 omit the very analyses required for an informed decision—financial modeling, economic impact, and a strategic security assessment. As stewards of a city facing budget gaps and an uncertain bond rating, it would be imprudent to foreclose options without that data.

1. Keep all options open. Direct staƯ to present a full spectrum of land-use scenarios, including a modernized, community-integrated airport.

2. Let the voters decide. Measure LC envisioned community consent before irrevocable change; a citywide vote will confer legitimacy and help avoid protracted litigation.

3. Avoid an unfunded, unmanaged site in 2028. A premature shutdown without a financed redevelopment plan risks blight, security gaps, and the loss of emergency-response capabilities precisely when Southern California’s seismic risk is rising.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 892 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 69 I have flown fighter patrols over hostile territory and guided homeland-defense missions protecting the skies of the Western United States. Every sortie begins and ends on a runway. SMO’s 3,500-foot strip may seem modest, but in a crisis it can be the diƯerence between isolation and lifeline—for Santa Monica residents and for the region’s strategic resilience. Moreover, it can continue to inspire generations of aviators to innovate in and safeguard our skies.

Please preserve the very runway that launched my journey and continues to serve our community. I ask that you keep an open mind and all options at your disposal before making any decisions.

Thank you for your dedicated service and for giving this matter the comprehensive review it deserves.

Respectfully,
Michael Segal, Esq.
6442 Coldwater Canyon Ave., Suite 209
Los Angeles, CA 91606
OƯice: 818.574.3712 | Facsimile: 818.301.5131
Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn
Confidentiality: The information contained in this email, including attachments, may be confidential or subject to attorney-client privilege and is only for the use of the individual or entity named above. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, or is the employee or agent responsible to deliver it to the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us by return email or by calling 818.574.3712.

Tax Advice Disclosure: Any U.S. federal tax advice contained in this communication, including any attachment(s), unless expressly stated otherwise, was and is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of (1) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (2) promoting, marketing or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 893 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 70 David Yakobson
From: Paola Vezzulli <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Elaine Polachek; Amber Richane Subject: 🌻July 8, 2025 Council Meeting - Item 7.A. - Airport Conversion Project Attachments: GPCSustainabilityWG_LOI.pdf; GreatParkView2-©2023 Michael Brodsky_small.jpg Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers –
I already have the pleasure of knowing some of you personally, but as I take a moment to share my thoughts regarding Agenda Item 7.A for the July 8, 2025 Council Meeting, I would also like to take this opportunity to briefly introduce myself to the Councilmembers I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting.

I am an Italian architect and a resident of Santa Monica since 2003. In my professional practice, I am a project director and educator in architecture, landscape design, strategic urban planning, affordable and permanent supportive housing, and modular construction.

Regarding Agenda Item 7.A, I kindly urge you to approve a LC-compliant Great Park.

Measure LC.pdf
WHY a LC-compliant Great Park:
1) We don’t want to delay the closing of the Airport! Voting one of the non-LCcompliant scenarios (presented by Sasaki) will trigger a new vote on the uses allowed on the airport land, beyond the one already allowed by the LC-Measure. 2) We need to comply with our Sustainable City Plan and Sustainability Rights Ordinance!

03.17_Attch_2_City_of_SM_Establishing_Sustainability_Rights_Ordinance_13-04-

09.pdf
Like vehicular/bike access and efficient public transportation systems, large scale Public Open Spaces are the inherent infrastructural components needed to “sustainably grow” the density increase that we are already undertaking in our city, even though we are already deprived of green spaces.

HOW to strategically implement a LC-compliant Great Park:
1) The attached LOI for the Great Park Regenerative Sustainability Working Group, which I co-authored in May, introduces a Land Trust as a mechanism for Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 894 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 71 the City to transfer the management and funding of the Great Park to a separate entity. This approach avoids privatization while leveraging revenues to sustainably maintain the park’s spaces and support its programs.
2) The LOI also underscores the importance of commissioning a specialized firm to develop a Circular Green Economy study for Santa Monica. This study would identify how the regenerative programming of the Great Park can stimulate new business opportunities, strengthen existing enterprises, and ensure economic growth in existing and new sectors, while ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The regenerative Great Park is the opportunity for the City of Santa Monica to rethink strategies to stimulate sustainable economic growth across the entire City after the airport closes.
3) Lastly, the regenerative Great Park can be developed through a slow, deliberate approach: allowing nature to take over while applying bioremediation techniques to regenerate the soil and minimize the removal of contaminated material. The park’s infrastructure and underground water management systems can be implemented in phases. Giving nature the chance to reclaim its space will offer our community immediate beauty and ecological benefits.

Attached is an inspiring photograph by Michael Brodsky, taken recently on the fringes inside the airport zone, where the land has already bloomed into a stunning, colorful carpet of flowers during Spring!
Sincerely,
-----
Paola Vezzulli, Assoc. AIA
Leader in Design Thinking - Architecture - Planning - Landscape WRLC Regenerative Farm Strategy Lead and Volunteer Committee Chair Santa Monica Great Park Coalition Advisory Board Member - Regenerative Sustainability Committee M: [310] 4281486
https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-vezzulli/
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 895 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 1 Thank you for the opportunity to submit this Letter of Interest to the City of Santa Monica. The known lack of public open spaces in Santa Monica (as shown in statistics) — and the urgent need to balance the present and future demand in building more housing in the city — underscores the importance of protecting the airport site from development and transforming it into a regenerative public park. Our group is responding to this moment with creative and collaborative solutions that re-integrate nature into the urban fabric, fostering resilience, innovation, mental health, economic vitality, intergenerational connection, restorative justice, food security, creativity, and more.

This letter sets forth a proposal to create a 192-acre ecological Great Park in Santa Monica, centered around four foundational elements. These features will support a range of community activities while most importantly restoring Nature to help rebalance the built environment, reduce ecological harm, and ensure a thriving future:
• The Oak Forest
• The Native Meadow
• The Regenerative Farming Innovation Center
• The Freshwater Creek and Restored Aquifer System.

This letter also intends to map a collaborative vision of how our Great Park Coalition - Sustainability Working Group can lead the formation of a Great Park Land Trust. This Trust would organize and activate mission-driven partners to:
• Reimagine and fund the 192-acre ecological Great Park. • Design programs to generate revenues.
• Adapt and reuse the existing buildings to support these programs and expand income streams.
• Steward and run operations on the model of other successful California State/County/City parks.

The model that we propose (mapped in the diagram below) is also the inherent vehicle to develop (and simultaneously be informed by) the roadmap for a Green Circular Economy plan for Santa Monica to propel our community into an environmentally sustainable new economy.

Our team of visionary and mission-driven professionals sees the urgent need and great opportunity of using the airport conversion to prioritize the development of a Green Circular Economy plan to provide support and new opportunities for our local businesses, our school system, and our growing population needs.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 896 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 2 Santa Monica’s Sustainability Leadership and Legacy
Santa Monica’s sustainability leadership has broadened and deepened with the support, knowledge, expertise and imagination of dedicated community members — from scientists, students, master gardeners, and teachers to activists, lawyers, artists, entrepreneurs, etc. – along with numerous local, regional and state environmental and climate organizations, many home-grown and typically made up of multi-generations. Over many years, people have stood with the City to take bold, profound actions in protecting our local natural ecosystems as fundamental to our human health and thriving.

Critical Points
We address key questions to help elucidate this proposal and its viability.

How does a Land Trust fund a large regional ecological project? The Great Park Land Trust will be created in partnership with a large educational organization, such as part of the UC system (or comparable institutions) to support and set the goals of the Regenerative Farming Innovation Center to be an innovative outdoor research hub in regenerative practices that will directly support and serve our local community and school system to increase food health and food security.

The Great Park Land Trust will also partner (among other likely-minded organizations in education, arts, and sustainability) with:
• the Theodore Payne Foundation to plan and implement the restoration of native plants and pollinator habitats, absolutely fundamental to regenerative farming food production, besides creating one of the largest and most valuable urban pollinator corridors in our region to foster biodiversity at a large scale.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 897 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 3 • the Gabrielino/Tongva community to reintroduce Indigenous sustainable practices to steward and honor our land, but also to hold space for Indigenous artists. • The Cayton Children Museum to make the Great Park with its food production Regenerative Fields, Oak Forest, and Native Meadow a laboratory for the arts and science for the new generations.
• Multibenefit Recharge Basin Non-profit organization.
• Community Kitchen organizations like Alice Waters’s Edible Schoolyard Project. • The UCLA Institute of Environment & Sustainability.
• The UCLA Department of Ecological Medicine and Psychedelics Studies.

What is the City’s sustainability leadership advantage and how is that shared with City leaders and the community?
Sophisticated capacity and confidence come with more than 30 years of Santa Monica’s sustainability leadership and accomplishments, highlighted by the establishment of the Sustainability Rights Ordinance recognizing the Rights of Nature and the community rights as fundamental. The City of Santa Monica’s (City) forward-looking sustainability goals, actions, and leadership are set forth in Article 12. Sustainability of the City of Santa Monica Municipal Code of Ordinances, which states:

“The City of Santa Monica Sustainability Code is created and exists for the purpose of codifying Santa Monica’s commitment to achieving sustainability by among other things: (a) restoring, protecting and preserving our natural environment and all of its components and communities including, but not limited to, the air, water, soil, and climate upon which all living things depend; (b) creating and promoting sustainable systems of food production and distribution, energy production and distribution, transportation, waste disposal, and water supply; and (c) to the full extent legally possible, subordinating the short-term, private, financial interests of corporations and others to the common, long-term interest of achieving environmental and economic sustainability.”
Through the City’s Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment and the ongoing education and advocacy by community members and organizations, elected leaders and diverse stakeholders are engaged in learning about the sustainability history and the expectations and opportunities of participating in or carrying out projects to accomplish the ambitious sustainability and climate goals and identify new ways of doing so.

What’s Regenerative Farming and why?
Regenerative farming is a land stewardship approach that goes beyond sustainability—it actively restores ecosystems. Through practices like composting, no-till planting, crop rotation, cover cropping, and integrating native plants, regenerative farming rebuilds soil health, increases biodiversity, captures carbon, and helps restore the water cycle.

In the context of the Great Park, regenerative farming offers more than ecological benefits. It becomes a vibrant educational hub where residents, students, and visitors of all ages can learn how food, soil, and climate are interconnected. It invites the community to participate in growing nutrient-rich food, healing the land, and reviving ancestral and Indigenous farming knowledge. This kind of hands-on engagement fosters ecological literacy, food justice, and a sense of shared purpose.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 898 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 4 By including a Regenerative Farming Innovation Center at the park, Santa Monica takes a bold step toward becoming a model city for climate resilience, community nourishment, and a truly regenerative future.

Why Arts and Cultures at the helm?
Arts and culture have long been catalysts for transformation—shaping how societies see themselves, connect with one another, and relate to the Earth. Placing arts and cultures at the helm of the Great Park ensures that this space becomes not just ecologically restored, but soulfully alive. Through storytelling, music, ceremony, visual arts, and cultural expressions rooted in ancestral and contemporary traditions, we awaken a deeper sense of place, belonging, and care.

Santa Monica has long been a hub for creativity and innovation. By anchoring the Great Park in artistic and cultural expression, we position it as a visionary landmark—one that reflects the city’s identity while modeling an ecological future. Nature speaks in patterns, rhythms, and symbols—much like art. When restoration is guided by cultural wisdom and artistic imagination, the result is a park that doesn’t just look beautiful, but feels meaningful. It becomes a living canvas where diverse communities can gather to celebrate heritage, imagine new futures, and co-create stories of reconnection with the land.

By centering arts and cultures, the park becomes not just a destination, but a regenerative cultural ecosystem—where beauty, justice, and ecological awareness flourish hand in hand.

Why the Oak Forest and the Native Meadow Habitat?
Oak forests are ecological anchors—one mature oak can support hundreds of species, from birds and pollinators to fungi and mammals. As a keystone species, oaks improve soil health, sequester carbon, store rainwater, and help regulate temperature. For people, being among oaks has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, support immune function, and inspire feelings of wonder and grounding. Their towering presence evokes reverence and reminds us of our place within the web of life.

For the Tongva people—the Indigenous stewards of this land—oak woodlands were essential to cultural, spiritual, and physical well-being. The acorns from native oaks were a primary food source, harvested with care and gratitude through intergenerational practices rooted in reciprocity with the land. These groves were gathering places for ceremony, kinship, and the transmission of ecological knowledge. Restoring oak forests is not only an ecological act, but a gesture of cultural remembrance and respect.

Native meadows complement these groves by offering vibrant, open landscapes filled with native grasses and wildflowers that support pollinators and seasonal renewal. Together, the oak forest and native meadow form a living mosaic that restores biodiversity, supports climate resilience, and offers a healing, inspiring connection to the land—for present and future generations.

Why food justice is fundamental and what is the current challenge to affording healthy food? Re-learning as humans how to grow our own food is fundamental to achieve social equality in the long run. Teaching members of the community how to grow their own food and providing a Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 899 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 5 space where lessons on Regenerative Farming can be easily shared is a fundamental foundation for sustainable food justice. This is especially crucial for those who live in housing that lacks a yard or garden. The far-reaching health benefits penetrate deeper than recreation, impacting the nutritional, physical and mental fitness of the participants. An outdoor demonstration kitchen will also allow for preparation and instruction using the produce grown on the farm.) [not sure if this is the direction you are going but this is what is important to me after years of participation at Ishihara Learning Garden. A kitchen/lab/craft space adjacent to the garden is what I long for every time we have a community event).

How is the 192 acre Great Park going to protect our coastline and the local marine ecosystems? The park promises to confer a myriad of benefits to ocean ecosystems and wildlife through natural and technological pollution controls.

Specifically, the Great Park will help mitigate downstream effects of urban runoff by reducing runoff volume and filtering its pollutants. It will also filter the air and bio-sequester CO2, thus reducing Santa Monica’s carbon footprints-linked to both ocean acidification and climate disruption.

The Great Park can also function to help reclaim and recycle water for numerous purposes, including recharging the aquifer and bolstering purple pipe supplies for irrigation and other nonpotable uses.

Financing
Exploring the financing possibilities for a Great Park Land Trust involves drawing from a broad range of possibilities. We intend to identify priorities and feasibility of resource opportunities and commence the efforts to secure funding from sources that follow (not an exhaustive list):
• Conservancy, e.g. a Friends of the Park
• Measure V (prop tax fund)
• Public-private partnerships
• Public support (any different than the 1st one?)
• Sponsorships, e.g. adopt a grove of trees
• Measure W
• Clean Power Alliance community benefits program
• Climate fee opportunity (see state law)
• Selling carbon offsets
• Low-interest loans
• Bond measure
• Land & Clean Water Fund (state)
• CalFire grants
• Climate resilience (state)
• Statewide park development and revitalization development (state) • Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (state)
• Urban agriculture funding from state
• CA Naturalists and Climate Stewards
• CA Native American Preparedness Tribal Grant
• Environmental Water Resources Projects (US Dept. of Interior Bureau of Reclamation)
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Packet Pg. 900 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 6 Conclusion
As the capstone of Santa Monica’s park system, the Great Park will stand as a living example of a community in harmony with nature – “The Living Community” — rooted in the City’s commitments to both the Rights of Nature and human rights. Through the leadership of the Great Park Land Trust, this 192-acre ecological haven can come to life: restoring public land, revitalizing our urban ecosystem, honoring the ancestral homeland of the Gabrielino-Tongva people, and offering a place of beauty, wonder, and belonging for generations to come. —Co-Authored by Paola Vezzulli, Sylvie Rokab, Michael Brodsky and Cris Gutierrez— The Great Park Coalition - Sustainability Working Group A growing group of devoted environmentalists, sustainability leaders, climate activists, lawyers, and advocates have joined the Great Park Coalition- Sustainability Working Group. Currently, the participants include:

• Michael Brodsky, Airport2Park
Board Member, Airport2Park; Professor Emeritus, Loyola Marymount University; CA State Certified Environmental Educator; Education Staff, Resource Conservation District of Santa Monica Mountains; Santa Monica Spoke, Board of Directors • Kate Davies, Team Marine
Co-captain, Team Marine, Santa Monica High School; Member, SMMUSD Sustainability Steering Committee; Senior Student, Santa Monica High School; Speaker and Beach Captain, Heal the Bay; aspiring environmental biologist and United Nations Environment Programme member.
• Emmy Fay, Team Marine
Co-captain, Team Marine, Santa Monica High School; Member, SMMUSD Sustainability Steering Committee; Senior Student, Santa Monica High School; aspiring marine scientist, artist, and surfer.
• Stephanie Gebhardt Rath, Heal the Bay
Heal the Bay’s Senior Watershed Specialist, Central Santa Monica Bay. • Cris Gutierrez, Clean Power Alliance, Santa Monica Community Gardens Co-Chair, SaMo Safe Streets Alliance; SaMo Safe Streets Advisor to Youth Leadership Collective; Chair, Santa Monica Community Gardens Advisory Committee; Co-Founder and Advisory Board Member, Climate Action Santa Monica Climate Action Santa Monica; Community Advisor, Clean Power Alliance, regenerative gardener and eco-peace activist. • Ann Bowman Hoover, Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
Co-Chair, Civic Center Task Force (advocated to realize Historic Belmar Park); Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commissioner; former Member, SMMUSD Facilities District Advisory Committee; former Chair for Direct Donation, Santa Monica High School Orchestras Program; former Vice President of Organization, Santa Monica High School PTSA Executive Board; former Co-President, Franklin Elementary School PTA; retired attorney.

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Packet Pg. 901 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 7 • Susan Jain, UC Master Gardener, Santa Monica Arts Commission Santa Monica Arts Commissioner; Westside Co-Lead, UC Master Gardener Program (LA County); Board Member, Sounds Like LA; former Executive Director, UCLA Confucius Institute; Former Co-President, Santa Monica High School Orchestra Parents Association. • Dylan Jericiau, Team Marine
Co-captain, Team Marine, Santa Monica High School; Member, SMMUSD Sustainability Steering Committee; Junior Student, Santa Monica High School; ceramic artist. • Ben Kay, SM Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee Adjunct Associate Professor, Santa Monica College Life Science Department; Life and Environmental Sciences Instructor, Santa Monica High School; Member & Former Chair, Clean Beaches Committee, City of Santa Monica; Member, SMMUSD Sustainability Steering Committee; Former Member, SMC Environmental Affairs Committee; Advisory Board Member, Climate Action Santa Monica; Co-Founder & Faculty Advisor of Team Marine, SaMoHi; Science Advisor, Surfrider Foundation Los Angeles; soccer player, surfer, angler, and activist. • Kyle Drees, Patagonia Santa Monica
Enviro Team Lead, Patagonia Santa Monica.
• Dean Kubani, SM Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, & the Environment , Loyola Marymount University
Chair, Santa Monica Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment; Adjunct Professor, Loyola Marymount University Department of Environmental Science; Principal, Kubani & Associates, LLC; Former Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Santa Monica; Former Assistant Director of Public Works, City of Santa Monica. • Jing Liu, Santa Monica College Geography/GIS Department Geography Professor teaching Physical Geography and GIS (Geographical Information Science) at Santa Monica College.
• Andreas Kemkes, Verdant Venice
Retired from a career in computers and software, Andreas is now busy hacking the urban environment for a happier and more sustainable future. If you don’t catch him with his hands in the dirt, you might spot him running through the neighborhood or occasionally attending Venice community meetings.
• Scott Morris, The Low Carbon Initiative
Managing DirectorManaging Director, The Low Carbon Initiative • James Oliver, Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation Soil Ecology and Bioremediation Researcher; Community Science Educator; former Resident Mycologist at Metabolic Studio.
• Sarah Wauters, Verdant Venice
Chair of the Venice Arbor Committee; lawyer, solar energy developer and photographer/journalist.

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Packet Pg. 902 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 8 • Cynthia Rose, Santa Monica Spoke, SaMo Safe Streets Alliance Executive Director, SM Spoke; Co-Chair SaMo Safe Streets Alliance; environmentalist and community advocate for safe streets, and community gardener. • Joe Pertel, Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
Organizer, Santa Monica Great Park Coalition; Santa Monica Airport Commissioner; Steering Committee, Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS); Past President, Elemental Strings; Past Vice-President, Team Santa Monica Aquatics Swim Club; Former Board member, Santa Monica Surf Youth Soccer Club; Past Personnel Commissioner, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District; Former Member, Executive Committee, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Indigent Juvenile Defender Program; Supervising Staff Attorney, Loyola Law School Project for the Innocent.
• David Pettit, SM Sustainability Commission, Center for Biological Diversity Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity; former Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council; member, Santa Monica Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment.
• Sylvie Rokab, Love Thy Nature
Filmmaker, Mentor and Founder of Love Thy Nature; certified Forest Bathing guide, mindfulness teacher, and Emmy nominated filmmaker.
• Jerry Rubin, Urban Tree Forest Task Force
Community activist; Member, Urban Forest Task Force.
• Bill Selby, Rediscovering the Golden State
Dedicated environmentalist and wildlands explorer; Author, Rediscovering the Golden State and The California Sky Watcher; Emeritus Professor, Geography and Earth Science at Santa Monica College, Advisory Board Member, Climate Action Santa Monica. • Allison Starcher
Professional illustrator specializing in plants and insects; master gardener. • Paola Vezzulli, Collective Fields, Regenerative Farming Architect and systems designer; Principal, Design Director, Founder of Collective Fields; Regenerative Farming.
• Laurene von Klan, Climate Action Santa Monica
Co-Chair, Climate Action Santa Monica.

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Packet Pg. 904 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 72 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Douglas Sloan; Elaine Polachek; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Dan Hall
Subject: Subject: July 8 City Council Mtg., ITEM 7: Evolve Santa Monica Airport—Don’t Erase It Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I could not say it better than this letter:
"As a member of the community and a long-time admirer of Santa Monica’s historic role in American aerospace, I urge you to consider a path of evolution, not elimination for Santa Monica Airport.

This is not about preserving the status quo. It’s about leading the next chapter of clean, quiet, community-minded aviation. Electric aircraft, advanced simulators, flight schools, STEM education hubs, and green infrastructure can all coexist alongside open space—and even a modest amount of thoughtfully integrated housing.

Here’s what evolution could mean:

A VITAL HUB IN FIRE RESCUE OPERATIONS Serving our community A world-class STEM education and training center, where Santa Monica students are inspired to pursue science, technology, and flight
A hub for electric and autonomous aviation, already being tested at SMO and poised to reduce traffic congestion and emissions
Green space and community access, thoughtfully integrated with aviation infrastructure.

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Packet Pg. 905 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 73 Santa Monica doesn’t need to pick between a park and an airport. We can build a 21st-century innovation campus—one that honors our history, serves our residents, and inspires future generations.

Please don’t rush to erase our past. Let’s evolve it into something extraordinary." Danielle Charney
Resident since 1982
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Packet Pg. 906 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 74 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8, Agenda Item 7 - the Great Park to come Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, Councilmembers,
Not long after I moved here from the UK I flew up to San Francisco and was delighted to see, from my window seat, that there were more parks in our area than I had imagined.

Only over time did it become clear to me that these ‘parks’ were actually golf courses and graveyards.

Now you have the opportunity to add a real park to the people’s green space, so please make it a Great Park.

Thank you
Andrew Gledhill
Ocean Park
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Packet Pg. 907 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 75 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Pollack <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: July8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
On behalf of myself as well as the over 750 members of Advantage Aviation in Palo Alto, I write to urge you to support a collaborative, balanced plan for Santa Monica Airport. The airport is a critical resource for the non-aviation business community in Santa Monica. Many of our members, and myself personally, fly into Santa Monica Airport in order to patronize Santa Monica hotels, restaurants and other businesses and attractions. Without the airport that opportunity and our spending (and sales and hotel tax revenues) would be lost to the Santa Monica community. I am certain that our members (and myself) would not instead fly to another LA basin airport and then travel to Santa Monica; it is the very convenience of having the airport in the city which enables us to conveniently and efficiently visit Santa Monica to take advantage of all that the city has to offer.

Additionally, many of our pilots volunteer their time and aircraft for such services as Angel Flight West, and Santa Monica is a critical hub for such services.

To the extent that there is community concern about noise, etc., I can advise that, insofar as Advantage members are concerned, we require that all our aircraft and pilots strictly observe all local noise and community ordinances and guidelines, whether or not they are legally required to do so. We believe it important to be respectful airport neighbors and pride ourselves on doing so.

If SMO is closed entirely, federal protections will be lost, and state mandates could force dense, lowcost housing — not parks onto the site. That means more traffic, more density, and greater strain on infrastructure, with no clear plan for emergency access, public safety, or financial sustainability.

Thank you for your consideration of these matters.

Regards
Andrew
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Packet Pg. 908 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 76 Andrew Pollack | Chief Executive Officer
[email protected]
Advantage Aviation
1903 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303
(650) 494 7248
www.advantage-aviation.com
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Packet Pg. 909 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 79 David Yakobson
From: Rodrigo Gonzalez <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:37 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Ask for airport to become a big park (Great Park) Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I've been a Santa Monica city resident for 10 years. My kids go to Grant school and love scooters, birthday parties, running, playing soccer, and the peace and beauty of parks. We need more open space and more chances for children to play now that more and more houses and apartments are popping up everywhere. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Rodrigo
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Packet Pg. 910 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 80 David Yakobson
From: Autumn Harrison <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Yes for Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I am a Santa Monica resident and I have lived here for over 10 years. My kids go to Grant school and we are planning to send them through the Santa Monica public schools through high school so we are committed to this city. We live in the Sunset Park district and Clover Park and the SM Airport are in our backyard. We have been saddened by the loss of open spaces because of new huge dense apartments all over Los Angeles. I am originally from Marin County, where John Muir and other nature lovers saved precious natural space from development, which has created a haven for redwoods and native flora and fauna loved by the whole state. Please take this chance to make Santa Monica a refuge for free space, native habitats, and the beauty and peace of nature. It is our chance to mark this city with the foresight of beloved spaces such as Central Park, Golden Gate Park, and even our state and national parks. Let's make a stand for community, fun, sanity and nature over money and luxury apartments! Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans and Angelenos alike.

Thank you,
Autumn Harrison
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Packet Pg. 911 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 81 David Yakobson
From: Len Billet <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Leonard Billet
90403
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Packet Pg. 912 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 82 David Yakobson
From: Reiner P Braun <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; Sunny Wang; Jenny Rogers; Heidi von Tongeln; Jennifer Taylor; Oscar Santiago; Heather Averick; Oliver Chi; Rick Valte; Armine Chaparyan; Douglas Sloan; Nia Tang; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Susan Cola Subject: Item 7A Support an LC-compliant Scenario
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, and esteemed Council Members, Thank you for your attention to Airport Conversion. I am writing as a 34-year resident of Santa Monica, as a parent and new grandparent of Santa Monica residents to ask you to move forward an LC-compliant design of the Co-Maps Scenarios and direct staff to research only components that will not trigger a ballot measure.

The passage of Measure LC AND the results of the previous SMAC Project surveys show that the majority of our SM residents do not want housing on this land. (Housing should follow LUCE and should be best placed in the transit corridors.) I hope you will commit to an LCcompliant Great Park at your meeting, and that you will follow through with your commitment in the SMAC phases to come, even as Unite and developers donating to political campaigns come forward asking for housing on this land. There is a great deal of public money available, from the CA State Park fund, and the Metropolitan Water District, among others, as well as the existing lease revenues, to build and sustain a Great Park.

The city is park-poor, and densifying at a rapid pace; regenerative open spaces are needed for balance. Thank you for prioritizing the health and wellbeing of our residents over development dollars. You will be the City Council responsible for the visionary planning of our Great Park!
With Appreciation,
Reiner Braun
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Packet Pg. 913 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 83 David Yakobson
From: Joe Pertel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:20 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Cc: Amber Richane; Rick Valte; Peter James; Christopher Dishlip; Tony Lopez; Susan Cola; Douglas Sloan
Subject: Item 7. - Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project - Creation of a Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
Over the past year, residents of Santa Monica have participated in the planning process for the future of the Santa Monica Airport as we move towards its closure in 2028. They have completed tens of thousands of surveys and participated in numerous public meetings, including a planning session at Memorial Park that attracted 800 community members—likely the largest event of its kind in the history of Santa Monica. The results of this planning process overwhelming support the creation of a Great Park that complies with Measure LC.

In November, 2024, residents representing a broad cross-section of our community cametogether to form a non-partisan grassroots organization called the Great Park Coalition. Although some of us disagree on other local issues, we share a firm commitment to public open space, the creation of new recreational and cultural facilities, community gardens, and a fundamental commitment to the restoration of this public land for environmental uses, i.e., core progressive and inclusionary values.

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Packet Pg. 914 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 84 join on a daily basis as our families, friends, and neighbors learn more about our community’s efforts to create a Great Park.

Very truly yours,
Joseph A. Pertel
Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
Santa Monica Airport Commission
Santa Monica Resident
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Packet Pg. 915 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 85 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: July8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Support for the Sustainable Future of Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

I'm a physician who has flown many times into SMO for both personal and professional purposes -- the airport is an extremely valuable resource that has allowed me to contribute professionally to Santa Monica, and to contribute personally by spending money in Santa Monica businesses.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

Dr. Geoffrey W. Rutledge MD, PhD
mobile: 650 868-0197
email: [email protected]
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Packet Pg. 916 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 86 David Yakobson
From: Ted and Cindy Gablin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: July 8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,
As a pilot, aircraft owner and mechanic, I am very aware of the value a municipal airport brings to a city and its surrounding communities. I urge you to support a collaborative, balanced plan for Santa Monica Airport. If SMO is closed entirely, federal protections will be lost, and state mandates could force dense, low-cost housing — not parks onto the site. That means more traffic, more density, and greater strain on infrastructure, with no clear plan for emergency access, public safety, or financial sustainability.

SMO offers irreplaceable benefits: open space, economic stability, and critical emergency response capacity which strengthens public safety. Aviation supports good jobs, public benefit flights like Angel Flight, and disaster relief operations. I am based at Redlands Municipal Airport and have witnessed over the years the support our airport has provided during wildfires. We have hosted fire fighting helicopters on many wildfires in our area. Many of us are aware SMO played a critical role supporting firefighting operations during the recent Palisades fire. Protecting SMO as an airport is protecting public safety. Please consider maintaining your airport.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

Theodore J Gablin
Private Pilot and Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
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Packet Pg. 917 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 87 David Yakobson
From: Pleasance, Darren <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: July8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

I have flown into Santa Monica for more than 30 years and it's an invaluable asset for the communities in and around LAX. If Santa Monica were to close, this would simply impose greater pressure on LAX, Hawthorne, Torrance and Van Nuys airports, resulting in greater traffic densities as we all work to navigate on the highways back to our intended destinations near the Santa Monica airport (I go to UCLA quite regularly, as well as Century City). Aviation provides such an inspiring way for kids to engage with STEM-related topics as well as providing many exciting career options for college bound, and trade-school bound students alike. My life was transformed in such a positive way by virtue of me living in close proximity to a small airport many years ago. Also, with the emergence of electric aircraft and new forms of quiet, safe, and climate friendly transportation modes just around the corner, shutting down Santa Monica Airport would be hugely short sighted and would cause Santa Monica residents to miss out on the quality-of-life enhancing aspects that this new mode of transportation will usher in.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

DARREN PLEASANCE
President and CEO
p: 301.695.2020
a: 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD 21701
www.aopa.org
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Packet Pg. 918 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 88 Confidentiality Notice: The information contained in this email and any attachments is intended only for the recipient[s] listed above and may be privileged and confidential. Any dissemination, copying, or use of or reliance upon such information by or to anyone other than the recipient[s] listed above is prohibited. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately at the email address above and destroy any and all copies of this message.

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Packet Pg. 919 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 89 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Pomerantz <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:02 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Cc: Andrew Pomerantz
Subject: RE: July 8, 2025, City Council Meeting, Item 7A: Evolve Santa Monica Airport—Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Honorable Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a pilot and member of the community as well as a long-time admirer of Santa Monica’s historic role in American
aerospace, I urge you to consider a path of evolution, not elimination for Santa Monica Airport.

Please support a collaborative, balanced plan for Santa Monica Airport. If SMO is closed entirely, federal protections will be lost,
and state mandates could force dense, low-cost housing — not parks onto the site. That means more traffic, more density,
and greater strain on infrastructure, with no clear plan for emergency access, public safety, or financial sustainability.

SMO offers irreplaceable benefits: open space, economic stability, and critical emergency response capacity which strengthens public safety.

Aviation supports good jobs, public benefit flights like Angel Flight, and disaster relief operations, as seen during the recent Palisades fire.

Protecting SMO is protecting public safety.

This is not about preserving the status quo. It’s about leading the next chapter of clean, quiet, community-minded aviation. Electric aircraft, advanced simulators, flight schools, STEM education hubs,
and green infrastructure can all co-exist alongside open space—and even a modest amount of thoughtfully integrated housing.

Here’s what evolution could mean:
 A world-class STEM education and training center, where Santa Monica students are inspired to pursue science, technology, and flight
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July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 920 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 90  A hub for electric and autonomous aviation, already being tested at SMO and poised to reduce traffic congestion and emissions
 Green space and community access, thoughtfully integrated with aviation infrastructure  Long-term economic vitality for a city facing major fiscal headwinds  Continued local control over airport operations and land use after 2028, allowing the city to shape SMO’s evolution in line with community values and future technologies Santa Monica doesn’t need to pick between a park and an airport. We can build a 21st-century innovation
campus—one that honors our history, serves our residents, and inspires future generations.

Please don’t rush to erase our past. Let’s evolve it into something extraordinary.

Sincerely,
Andrew
--
Andrew S. Pomerantz, Esq.

Managing Partner / HOFFMAN & POMERANTZ, LLP
4307 Redondo Beach Boulevard
Lawndale, California 90260-3342
(310) 371-2597 – Office
(310) 542-6184 – Fax
(800) 539-3960 – Toll Free Office
[email protected] – E-Mail
www.weappear.com

Please consider the environment before printing this email. Reduce. Re-Use. Recycle.

Licensed to practice law in California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Minnesota, and Washington

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July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 921 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 91 CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This message is protected under United States Federal Law. The contents are confidential and subject to privilege, including but not limited to the attorney-client privilege. The information contained in this message is intended only for the use of the above-named recipient. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any dissemination, disclosure or copying of this communication, including all attachments, is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please: (1) notify us immediately by return email and telephone at (310) 371-2597; and, (2) destroy the original message.

To ensure compliance with the Internal Revenue Service Code, we hereby inform you that any tax advice that may be contained in this communication is not intended nor written to be used, and cannot be used, for the improper purpose of (i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or (ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending any tax-related matter addressed herein.

Notice to Debtors: This firm represents creditors in the enforcement of judgments and in the collection of debt. Any information provided by you may be used for this purpose.

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July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 922 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 92 David Yakobson
From: Vikas Kapur <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 5:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Vikas Kapur
Subject: July8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you for your service and consideration.

SMO Stakeholder - Vikas Kapur
--
c: 408 373 3499
https://www.linkedin.com/in/vkapur
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 923 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 93 David Yakobson
From: Anna Straub <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:58 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please vote for a Great Park, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, with all new uses dedicated to park and recreation, including plenty of sports fields.

My family is active and my kids enjoy youth sports. Unfortunately, Santa Monica is park-poor – with much less park space per resident than other cities. We deserve better. The airport site is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a 192-acre Great Park to address today's acute shortage of open and field space and to balance future density and population growth. Please vote for a Great Park for our kids, our active community -- and for generations of Santa Monicans to come.

Thank you,
Anna Straub
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 924 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 94 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:58 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; Sunny Wang; Jenny Rogers; Heidi von Tongeln; Jennifer Taylor; Oscar Santiago; Heather Averick; Oliver Chi; Rick Valte; Armine Chaparyan; Douglas Sloan; Nia Tang; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Susan Cola Subject: Item 7A: Support for LC-compliant Great Park with no development Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I write today to ask you to move forward an LC-compliant plan for Airport Conversion.

As a Santa Monica resident, I and my husband have taken part in three phases of the SMAC Project, most recently the Co-Maps survey, through the lens of someone who regularly visits our parks with our dogs and our daughter. Santa Monica is seriously under-parked, even in comparison to other beach cities, with 3/4 of our residents living in multi-family housing without yards or gardens of their own. Adding housing and/or commercial development to this one expansive piece of land that could be set aside for recreation, habitat restoration, arts, gathering spaces, sports, etc would be a huge mistake as our city population grows and grows, and open space dwindles.

As a Nurse Practitioner, I am well aware of the studies showing how immersion in nature, and regular exercise help with mental health and physical well-being. Please prioritize the need for balance in our densifying region.

I realize that more phases are coming, and I encourage you to stay strong in your commitment to a Great Park without housing or development. I will be watching, and supporting leaders that put the health and wellbeing of our residents first, and who shepherd our 192 acre Great Park plan through to completion!
Thank you,
Alexandra Beverly
Sunset Park Resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 925 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 95 David Yakobson
From: Joanne Leslie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7A - Santa Monica Airport Conversion, Preferred Scenarios Review Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
To: Santa Monica City Council Members
From: The Rev. Dr. Joanne Leslie
Re: July 8 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item #7A

Dear City Council Members,

As input to the Tuesday evening Santa Monica Conversion Project Preferred Scenarios Review, I am pleased to express my strong support for using part of the Santa Monica airport land to build Below Market Rate Housing. I believe affordable housing at the airport, accessible to young families and those who work in Santa Monica, is the only way to maintain the vibrant, diverse, multicultural character that I have always cherished in Santa Monica. When I moved here almost 30 years ago, as a single mother with a teenage daughter, a big part of what attracted me was that the community was welcoming and accessible to families of all types. But now, as John Raphling, my neighbor on the 1300 block of Grant Street, points out in his excellent article in Human Rights Watch, our dramatically increasing housing costs are making Santa Monica increasingly segregated by race and class.

By some measures Santa Monica may be “park poor” although I have never experienced it that way, with vast stretches of beach and the Santa Monica mountains so readily accessible.

What is undeniable, although less alliterative, is that we are housing poor. We urgently need more housing units that are affordable by the teachers, nurses, public safety officers and hospitality workers who serve our community, 80% of whom commute, many over two hours, in order to reach their work site in our beach community. Land already owned by the city would make it possible to construct a significant number of workforce housing units in one location.

I have read the staff report prepared for the upcoming meeting, and I believe the community feedback gathered so far understates the extent of public support for housing at the airport. Staff and consultants made a sincere effort to get representative feedback. However, the surveys they designed were complex and time consuming, as no doubt you discovered when trying them yourselves. It seems to me beyond doubt that people who are time burdened with multiple jobs, who have less access to technology (e.g. the surveys were almost impossible to do Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 926 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 96 on a smart phone because of screen size) and who simply did not hear about the surveys were underrepresented among the respondents, and are likely to support building Below Market Rate Housing. In addition, I know that many people who work in Santa Monica but do not currently live here (the very people housing at the airport would most benefit) were under the impression they were not supposed to respond to the surveys.

While the staff report that the community is almost evenly divided between those in favor of a Great Park only, and those who support affordable housing on a portion of the airport land, I am almost positive this unintentionally misrepresents the real situation. Were there to be a short telephone or text survey, where every effort was made to get a representative sample of responses from people who live and/or work in Santa Monica, and a simple question were asked:
“When the airport closes would you rather see all the land used for a park or see the land used for both a park and affordable housing?” I am confident significantly more than half would choose a park plus housing.

You have a responsibility to use a variety of sources, not just the Public Works surveys, to decide what is in the interests of the people who live and work in Santa Monica now and into the future. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity to build the workforce housing we desperately need.

Thank you for giving me an opportunity to share my thoughts,

Joanne Leslie

Deacon Joanne Leslie
310-403-9353
“There is only one thing I will not concede: that it might be meaningless to strive in a good cause.” Vaclav Havel
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 927 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 97 David Yakobson
From: Brodsky, Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7a - July 8 - Pop Quiz!
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
POP QUIZ #1
Q: What is the largest park in New York City?
A: New York Central Park? Nope!
Central Park doesn’t even rank in the top 5!

1. Pelham Bay Park - 2,772 acres

2. Greenbelt Park - 2,316 acres

3. Freshkills Park - 2,200 acres

4. Van Cortlandt Park - 1,146 acres

5. Flushing Meadows-Corona Park - 897 acres

6. Central Park - 843 acres
Central Park is just ONE park in an extensive network of NYC urban parks.

POP QUIZ #2
Q: How many New York City parks - were once an… airfield? A: 6! Correct! Who knew?!

1. Floyd Bennett Field - 1,300 acres

2. Jacob Riis Park - 262 acres

3. Rockaway Community Park - 253 acres

4. Miller Field - 187 acres

5. Fort Tilden Park - 98 acres

6. Governor’s Island Park - 87 acres
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July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 928 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 98 Wow! *6* parks in NYC were once airfields. New York has consistently planned for future growth by providing essential park space to be able to support and facilitate their growing population.

POP QUIZ #3 - BONUS!
Q: Will Santa Monica plan for our future population growth by providing for essential park space as an LC compliant park?
A: Let us know at Tuesday’s City Council meeting!
Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
Santa Monica
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 929 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 99 Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 930 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 100
David Yakobson
From: Boyd <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Pilatus Pilot SMO airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
To the Santa Monica Counsel Members, and local Residents:

Things to consider before closing Santa Monica Airport for ever.

As you all know California has its fair share of natural disasters with the most recent fire destroying lives and property in the Pacific Palisades area.

Please consider that once the airport is closed there will be no quick way of providing air support necessary to the residents or first responders who will different need the support that only the Santa Monica Airport now provides.

Stop putting increase Tax Review the city will collect on new housing projects over peoples lives when the next disaster strikes and you leave your residents with limited means to help them! Keep Santa Monica Airport Open…it’s to valuable of a community asset to have taken away…especially in this day and age.

A Pilot for Ever! Here to serve his community when the time comes! Just give me a place to land! Thanks
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 931 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 101
David Yakobson
From: Kuangwei Hwang <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: July 8 City Council Meeting, Item 7: PLEASE Evolve Santa Monica Airport—Don’t Erase It
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Adding City Council clerk to count my letter.

Best,
Kuangwei
---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Kuangwei Hwang <[email protected]>
Date: Mon, Jul 7, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Subject: July 8 City Council Meeting, Item 7: PLEASE Evolve Santa Monica Airport—Don’t Erase It To: <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]>, <[email protected]> Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a member of the community and a long-time admirer of Santa Monica’s historic role in American aerospace, I urge you to consider a path of evolution, not elimination for Santa Monica Airport.

Here’s what evolution could mean:

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Packet Pg. 932 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 102
A hub for electric and autonomous aviation, already being tested at SMO and poised to reduce traffic congestion and emissions
Green space and community access, thoughtfully integrated with aviation infrastructure.

Long-term economic vitality for a city facing major fiscal headwinds Continued local control over airport operations and land use after 2028, allowing the City to shape SMO’s evolution in line with community values and future technologies Santa Monica doesn’t need to pick between a park and an airport. We can build a 21st-century innovation campus—one that honors our history, serves our residents, and inspires future generations.

Please don’t rush to erase our past. Let’s evolve it into something extraordinary.

Sincerely,
Kuangwei Hwang
Angel Flight West command pilot
SMAA, Spirit of Santa Monica, CalDART
https://smdp.com/business/all-electric-aircraft-completes-coast-to-coast-flight-landing-at-santamonica-airport/ History was made March 8, 2025 when the first-ever coast-to-coast flight by an all-electric aircraft was completed with the Beta CX300 touching down at Santa Monica Airport.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 933 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 103
David Yakobson
From: Clerk Mailbox
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Housing Our Animals in the Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
From: Susan Jain <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:53 PM
To: Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Caroline Torosis <[email protected]>; Dan Hall <[email protected]>; Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>; Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>; Barry Snell <[email protected]>; Ellis Raskin <[email protected]>; Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]
Subject: RE: Housing Our Animals in the Great Park

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, and Esteemed Council Members-- In advance of Tuesday's meeting, I want to thank you for taking a bold stand and confirming publicly that the votes of Santa Monicans matter.

In this crazy, cruel political moment that Trump's Washington has thrust on us, it will mean a great deal that our city's leaders demonstrate their compassion for all living beings, and that you, as elected officials, are people who keep your word and honor our votes. Of course, I am speaking to your voting to select a path forward for the Airport land that is 100% Measure LC compliant.

In 2014, Santa Monicans came together and overwhelmingly passed Measure LC. After decades and decades of disruption and environmental, sound, and light pollution, the Airport is FINALLY closing and we have the rare chance to think beyond ourselves and do something truly meaningful for our community and planet.

At the July 4th parade, I had the tremendous pleasure of meeting Sergeant Jorge Zendejas (copied here), the officer overseeing the City's mounted police unit. I expressed to him my support for a Great Park and also my interest in working with him to help bring our City's horses, as well as the animals in our shelter, to a new home in the Great Park. In addition to simply housing these animals, we discussed how a public education and emergency rescue center could evolve from and around these facilities.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 934 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 104
To rehouse these creatures at a Great Park would be an act of compassion and would speak volumes about our values. Let's start with a first step. Next Tuesday, please vote to ensure an LC-compliant Great Park is part of Santa Monica's future.

Looking forward to seeing you on Tuesday at the rally and the Council meeting Best regards,
Susan Jain
Sunset Park Resident
Animal Rescue Volunteer
Santa Monica Arts Commissioner
Santa Monica Democratic Club Member
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 935 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 105
David Yakobson
From: Louis Watanabe <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item #7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, Preferred Scenarios Review Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the City Council,
Regarding Item #7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, Preferred Scenarios Review, I support below market rate housing at the airport because Santa Monica has become unaffordable for those who work there whether it's school teachers, police and firemen or even hotel workers. I'm Samohi Class of '74, my mother was born in Santa Monica and would have been Samohi Class of 1944 if it wasn't for the war and my uncle Kay Watanabe retired as City Treasurer. I think there are compelling social and economic arguments for Santa Monica working to keep things inclusive with a great park that is for everyone! Santa Monica was great for my family for 100 years, I'd like it to be great for people who contribute to its success for the next 100 years. Thanks for your consideration! Sincerely,
Louis
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 936 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 106
David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: I and thousands of Santa Monica Residents want the park...

Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
To all members of the current tone-deaf council
Santa Monicans are tired of your pablum and interest-sponsored sound bytes. We can see through you like a cheap suit.

It’s as simple as this: Do the right thing tomorrow night. Or find yourselves looking for a job on November 5th.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 937 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 107
David Yakobson
From: Suzan Filipek <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Suzan Filipek
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 938 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 108
David Yakobson
From: Jenna Valenti <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica benefits more from having the airport than it would having it removed. I urge you to look beyond the noise of airplanes and appeal of a park. This airport is critical for firefighting operations, search and rescue, and medical relocation flights. With fire "season" being a year-round thing now, having an airport nearby to refuel firefighting aircraft when seconds matter is something you can't put a price on. It can also be critical for supplies during other natural disasters such as earthquakes, or for emergency military use should the need arise. I know the idea of developing it is tempting, but it will also be very expensive with the history of leaded gas on the site. The airspace around Santa Monica Airport also actually keeps more planes from flying over the city of Santa Monica. With it gone, the noise from more (larger/louder) aircraft transitioning to LAX or overflying the city/beaches will actually increase. The airport generates money, sustains jobs, has historical value, and serves the people of Santa Monica and Los Angeles as a whole directly and indirectly.

Please consider development elsewhere and keep the airport.

Jenna Valenti
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 939 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 109
David Yakobson
From: Jason Lin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:21 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7 - Please Keep All Options Open Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Jason Lin
Santa Monica Resident / Mid City
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 940 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 110
David Yakobson
From: Andrew Wilder <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
Tomorrow night, please direct staff to work towards an inspirational, LC-compliant Great Park.

By "LC-compliant" I mean the development of parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities, and the maintenance and replacement of existing cultural, arts and education uses.

As you know, the vast majority of revenue at the airport is already from non-aviation activity. Once the airport closes we can leverage that funding to start the park. We can take an incremental approach, with a simple park on day one, by prioritizing existing on-site revenue sources. And of course, please do not sell or privatize our land.

Thank you for your visionary leadership!
Sincerely,
Andrew Wilder
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 941 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 111
David Yakobson
From: David Troup <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: July 8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

I have flown my small plane in to SMO several times over the years, including on charitable missions to transport patients in need of life-saving care they could not obtain near their homes. I hope you will see the valuable resource and economic benefits the airport provides and consider that once gone, they can never be replaced.

Thank you for your service and consideration.

David Troup
SMO Stakeholder
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 942 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 112
David Yakobson
From: julie morris <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 4:04 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7 - Please Keep All Options Open Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7 - Please Keep All Options Open Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to respectfully urge you to keep all options on the table as you consider the future of Santa Monica Airport. The Sasaki presentation scheduled for July 8 presents a narrow view focused on a single park-oriented vision, but the decision before you is far too consequential to proceed without full economic due diligence.

Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Julie Morris
Santa Monica Resident of 20 years,
Sunset Park
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 943 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 113
David Yakobson
From: Ben <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 3:49 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; Elaine Polachek
Cc: Ben W
Subject: SMO: SM City Council Meeting — Item 7.A. SMAC Project — July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council
Members,
Please create an LC-compliant
Great Park that:
 Requires NO ballot measure.
 Is FUNDED by:
o Existing non-aviation
revenue
o Existing annual surplus
o Accumulated surplus
Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 944 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 114
o Loans secured by this
revenue and surplus
o Local, state, or federal grants
(later if needed)
o Philanthropy (later if needed)
 Is financially managed as a
self-sustaining enterprise
fund
 Prioritizes natural open
space, including:
o Native vegetation, trees, and
plants
o Walking trails and bike paths
Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 945 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 115
 Plans incrementally for future
LC-compliant amenities as
resources and time allow.

The City has the funds and can
proceed without delay starting
January 1, 2029:
 It owns the land and buildings.
 Has existing leases with nonaviation tenants.
 Generates ~$20 million/year in
non-aviation revenue by 2029.
 Produces ~$10 million/year in
surplus by 2029.
 Will have ~$19 million in
surplus capital by
January 2029.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 946 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 116
Thank you,
Ben Wang
-------------------------------
Ben Wang
30th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90405
E-mail: [email protected]
-------------------------------
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 947 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 117
David Yakobson
From: DTA <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 3:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Duc Ra
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 948 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 118
David Yakobson
From: Susan Alinsangan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 3:37 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A, Airport Conversion–LC-Compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

As a long-time Santa Monica resident and voter, I ask you to please proceed with a Great Park that complies with Measure LC. Over 60% of voters asked for this when we voted in 2014 and I’m asking for this again 11 years later. I think a Great Park is achievable with a smart financing plan that uses existing on-site revenue but with no sale or privatization of park lands.

We will never get a chance at a parcel of land this large, or an opportunity like this again. I’m guessing that’s what our predecessors--the 1926 voters of Santa Monica—thought when they purchased this land with a Parks bond.

Let’s not pilfer their wishes and 99-year foresight.

As Santa Monica grows, green open space will become more precious to each and every one of us. And our decendants. Let’s look beyond this week, this year, this decade. Let’s look at what our legacy could be. Will this Great Park be your legacy?
Thank you,
Susan Alinsangan
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 949 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 119
David Yakobson
From: Grace Benn <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 3:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Grace Benn
President, Santa Monica Pickleball Club
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 950 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 120
David Yakobson
From: HowTheWest Was Saved <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 3:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]; Housing Elements@HCD; [email protected]; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Santa Monica Airport Housing
Attachments: PenmarGolfCourse+SMAirportproposal.TieiraRyder.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello Santa Monica City Council,
We stated years ago and we are sending another email reminder again that our position for the public land at the incorrectly zoned Santa Monica airport is the same, we are in favor of housing + a park in a walkable community that supports various groups of residents and specifically foundational American citizens who are losing land and housing and essentially being locked out of towns that their ancestors helped to found.

Since our advocacy began about 5 years or so ago, we have seen no progress in the areas of land use and housing. Existing towns in Los Angeles county are dying and rightfully so.

Santa Monica city has affordable housing listed at $1900 for a studio apartment while offering wages of $17 an hour. That is nonsensical and we are no longer able to sit back to allow this disruption to continue. We are filing a class action against the state to sequester land back to build new homogenous American towns to completely move the blue collar class to a region where they are actively supported and cared for. The existing local and state government in CA has breached it's duty to American citizens.

Attached again you will find our position on the Santa Monica airport. This should be common sense but here we are today with a mass exodus happening because the government is inefficient. I'm not sure exactly what citizens are paying you for exactly! --
Best,
How The West Was Saved
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVIcR9jVUS4
Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 951 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 121
Walkable, bike-friendly communities that are affordable are the right of every single human being.

These communities are great for humanity, other species, and the Earth itself! Everything in the HUE-MANS life does NOT need to be a drive away.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 952 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) When the Santa Monica airport closes…
How The West Was Saved is
committed to structural
policy changes that benefit
the collective of humanity,
other species, and the
Earth herself.

H T W W S
Santa Monica Airport + Penmar Golf Course housing propo… Update: A Letter from HCD (Department of Housing & Community development) to Santa Monica City’s planning team regarding the upcoming housing element.

How The West Was Saved (Tieira R.), along with some other wonderful housing advocates were mentioned as consideration for the comments that HCD gave to Posted On May 30, 2021
When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 953 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Santa Monica regarding the necessary steps the city must take in order to create a compliant housing element. Thank You HCD for rejecting Santa Monica’s noncompliant housing element, we must hold cities accountable for housing production so that residents can finally have the housing that they are owed! https://www.smgov.net/
Taras Grescoe
@grescoe · Follow
“I’ve been living my life wrong.”
—literally everyone in North America.

Watch on Twitter
6:23 AM · Aug 30, 2021

1.3K Reply Share
Read 26 replies
When the incorrectly zoned Santa Monica airport closes, a closure that should be happening in this upcoming housing element cycle (2021-2022), a walkable community that includes a majority of community-owned social housing should When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 954 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) be developed. The location is perfect for a walkable/bike-friendly residential neighborhood that includes a variety of housing types for working-class residents, students, seniors, those living with disabilities, and many others in need of affordable housing.
(HTWWS does not own the rights to all of the photos attached) To be clear, this community would include both community-owned rental and homeownership options. This pro-housing advocacy effort should be led by a housing advocate that understands the needs of the local community, someone that When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 955 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) likely falls within the working class and has the best interest of the local community in mind. When it comes to renting, rent should never exceed 20-30% of a resident’s total income after taxes. Please keep in mind, the average worker in LA makes about $39,000 a year, this rental housing would be catered to those workers but the community itself would be mixed-income meaning it would also include market-rate units (still cheaper usually than private market-rate housing). Along with market-rate rentals & homeownership opportunities, business placements would be considered throughout the community.

Housing proposal for the Santa Monica airport
(Please note that Penmar golf course is also being requested for this project. The exact community plans would need to be confirmed & this is just a proposed housing plan for the vacant land space.

The proposal was created by Tieira R.)
Affordable Homeownership
Affordable, reasonably priced homeownership for working-class residents, priority for long-term residents living or working in the Santa Monica, Venice, & Mar Vista zip codes.

Consider a set number of market-rate “for-sale” homes.

A variety of home types should be considered for development but especially multi-family housing such as plexes, condos, townhomes, and apartments.

Consider co-op ownership.

Priority consideration should also go to first-time homeowners in LA County, my recommendation is residents that have lived/worked at least 10 years in LA County.

Priority consideration for historically displaced residents from supposed marginalized communities. Consider a 30-40% “right to return”, “right to housing” for ADOS families ( When the Santa Monica airport closes… African descendants of Survivors), & for other  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 956 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) residents impacted by systematic housing violence. (Google the history of displaced Black families in Santa Monica, Venice, and/or Manhattan Beach if you need more info.)
The millennial generation should also receive a percentage of priority consideration, they currently own a measly 18% of the homes in Los Angeles. “Equity is defined as “the state, quality or ideal of being just, impartial and fair.” The concept of equity is synonymous with fairness and justice.” At no time would a small or large equity firm be granted permission to purchase a home within the community nor would an option be granted to purchase the community as a whole.

My recommendation on income qualifications for residents that are first-time buyers is; working-class residents making between $30,000-$130,000.

If potential owners require financing, ownership could be subject to credit union or bank approval. Consider public, city-owned bank.

The actual cost of homes should match that of the actual average wage of what most working-class residents make. There would likely be re-sell requirements as affordability for affordable homes would be protected by a trust.

Affordable Rental Housing
Community-owned rental housing in mixed-income developments.

The recommended height for apartment buildings is 6-7 stories.

Set an “affordable rental rate” based on what the average person from the bluecollar working class makes. At this moment, most workers in LA make about $39,000 a year. Affordability is usually priced for residents in the $17,000-$70,000 range.

When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 957 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Community-owned market-rate rentals to be included, most likely still cheaper than the private market-rate rental housing.

No income restrictions once residents are housed.
https://www.nhlp.org/resources/lihtc-admissions-rents-grievanceprocedures/ Reserve a portion of the housing for limited to no-income residents. Consider the following; subsidize with HUD and/or new digital voucher program; subsidize low to no income residents with market-rate apartment & business rentals; consider HCID/HACLA westside chapter. Social services for housing, food, and health care should be ONE efficient program.

Affordable bachelors, studios, 1, 2, and 3 bedrooms.

As with affordable homeownership, the rental units & placements would be for various types of community members but especially keeping in mind our core working class which includes the essential workforce, students, seniors, veterans, those living with disabilities, etc. etc.

Student apartments would be bachelor-sized apartments with smaller fridges and MUST have a kitchen area sink and a small area to put a hot plate (or something similar) so they can cook if needed. (Similar to this https://urbanize.city/la/post/micro-unit-apartment-building) More info on the proposed community as a whole
priority consideration for small business placements within the community.

The land will be owned under a municipal, CLT, or co-op trust which basically means if any of the owned homes are sold in the future, a portion of that sale will go back into the respective trust.

Include an open large park and a recreation center within the walkable community. Cars can exist on the outside of the community, not within.

Consider the possibility of needing to build new schools. When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 958 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Consider a quality westside public transit system, especially for college students between SMC and/or UCLA. (cut down on car traffic congestion because students wouldn’t need to drive)
College student housing should have its own small park area that has a WIFI and outdoor/indoor workspace for them.

Consider large home space for displaced minors within the community aka a “group home” to provide stability.

Request consideration for golf course closure(s) as well as other vacant land plots and buildings that have potential use for affordable housing that is communityowned and suits apartments, condos, townhomes, small and/or tiny homes for locals. Request more interim housing and healthcare sites on the westside for residents with long-term behavioral health needs.

The overall progressive housing goal is to adopt a similar social housing policy for each city in California (all of the U.S) with pro-housing community advocates from said cities leading the efforts. The private market can obviously always exist but it can’t compete against itself, forcing residents to beg for housing that is priced much higher than most can afford. That doesn’t sound like freedom to me! California’s Housing Crisis
The current CA housing crisis is literally wiping out and pushing the blue-collar working class, students, senior citizens, and many other residents into poverty! In the last 10 years, rent has gone up well over 65% in the city of Los Angeles, in that same amount of time the number of unhoused residents increased by at least 50%! There are currently 60,000+ unhoused residents in LA County and the median income can no longer afford a rent-controlled studio in cities like Santa Monica! When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 959 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) https://www.smdp.com/renters-need-to-earn-95000-to-afford-rent-controlledstudio-in-santa-monicaIt’s time to return ownership to the residents of Los Angeles, our right to clean, safe, and affordable housing is being denied!
Side notes:

Alex Lee 李天明
@alex_lee · Follow
Housing prices making it impossible to live in your
community? Distrust private developers?
Social Housing is your answer
California must become the developer. We will build
beautiful, sustainable, mixed-income neighborhoods
to solve housing crisis
noemamag.com/public-housing…
10:14 AM · Aug 31, 2021
Read the full conversation on Twitter
246 Reply Share
Read 10 replies
https://planning.lacity.org/plans-policies/housing-element (LA City Housing Element)
When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 960 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) What is a community land trust?
“Starting at about $600 per month for a studio, rents in the Los Angeles Eco-Village are less than half the price of some comparable apartments nearby, and prices aren’t raised unless community members agree to it. That’s possible because the land beneath the co-op is owned by the Beverly/Vermont Community Land Trust, which has pledged to make the land permanently affordable regardless of rising housing prices.” https://laist.com/2021/02/02/community-land-trusts-los-angeles-affordable.php An email from the Santa Monica planning team regarding use of the airport in this upcoming housing element
“Hi , Thanks for sharing your proposal and thoughts for the airport. Please note that since the airport is slated to close at the end of 2028 and conversion to any other use would take time, the airport is not realistically being considered in the planning for the 6 th cycle Housing Element Update (October 2021 – July 2029). It will most certainly be a consideration in the following housing element cycle (beyond 2029).

However, to get to that point, there will need to be a public process around the future of the airport given the significant community interest and varying views on its future use so I hope you will continue on to be engaged in that separate effort.” Quotes from an LA Times article regarding the Santa Monica airport “The opening of a the 227-acre site on the Westside — in close proximity to jobs, good schools and transit — is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. Housing has to be a part of the equation.

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Packet Pg. 961 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) “Since the 1980s, Santa Monica has approved the construction of millions of square feet of office space, transforming it into a hub for both the tech and entertainment industries, with a daytime population that swells by more than 150,000 people. But this explosive job growth has not been accompanied by a proportional increase in housing units.”
“Santa Monica’s estimated population of 92,478 residents in 2019 was only a blip above what it was in 1970, when 88,289 people called the city home. This growing imbalance between jobs and housing has created a massive influx of daily commuters into Santa Monica (even well-compensated tech employees) who either can’t find or can’t afford housing near these job centers. Meanwhile, population in neighboring jurisdictions has swelled, displacing lower-income residents. The result is more and more commuters crowding the freeways from increasingly distant parts of Southern California.”
The plan to turn Santa Monica Airport into a park is irresponsible. The Westside needs housing
(By the way, most of the office buildings mentioned in the LA Times article above in Santa Monica have been empty for over a year during the pandemic, they lay empty as residents head to the streets or to their cars/vans to sleep) https://a25.asmdc.org/press-releases/20210202-assemblymember-alex-leeintroduces-bill-establish-social-housing When the Santa Monica airport closes…  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 962 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) How Socialists Solved The Housing Crisis
Alex Fumero
@AngryYuca · Follow
Here is @MayorOfLA Eric Garcetti without an ounce of
irony explaining that when the economy is good
homelessness INCREASES as though it’s an immutable
axiom like the Law of Fucking Gravity. (Yes, Newton calles it that.)
Watch on Twitter When the Santa Monica airport closes…
 2 COMMENTS SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G
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Packet Pg. 963 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) 10:23 PM · Sep 19, 2020
430 Reply Share
Read 34 replies
 S H A R E
Bear Writer
You might also like

A U T H O R
“Disband the heavy
usage of LAPD
Reparations for U.S
When the Santa Monica airport closes… ADOS  2 COMMENTS  SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G  Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 964 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Donate to HTWWS
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When the Santa Monica airport closes…
 2 COMMENTS SHARE Y O U A R E R E A D I N G
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Packet Pg. 965 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) 122
David Yakobson
From: Sheila Laffey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 3:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I am asking you to actively support the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

My neighborhood is increasingly dense and noisy and quality of life has become seriously hampered. Huge trucks and lines of traffic (sometimes a block long) make driving out of our condo building a risky challenge. More natural open spaces are desperately needed.

As our park-poor city densifies, it is paramount that City Council and other departments plan for the creation of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations.

Thank you,
Sheila Laffey, Ph.D.
1301 17th St
Santa Monica 90404
(Teaching at SMC for over 26 years)
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Packet Pg. 966 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 123
David Yakobson
From: Brian Biel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 3:21 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 Meeting- Item 7- Please keep options for KSMO open Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
With the upmost respect, I’m writing to urge the Council to explore more than a single, narrowly focused vision of a park for the future of Santa Monica Airport. The enormity of this decision deserves a detailed and robust analysis of the economics of different land uses. It’s been widely reported that the city faces economic challenges from declining tourism and business vitality. Given this, the Council deserves a wider range of options along with a detailed analysis of the economic impacts and potentials.

Additionally, please consider what is expected to be a revolution in quiet and clean electrified aviation. Preserving part of the airfield to benefit the desire of residents and visitors to make short distance trips free of auto traffic.

Measure LC was not a mandate for a park. Measure LC merely requires a vote of the people for development on land formerly used for aviation purposes (with limited exceptions). Much has changed since that 2014 election, which, by the way, had historically low turnout.

Please consider the risk of unintended consequences. Closing the airport at the end of 2028 without a clear, funded path forward will result in an unmanaged, blighted site while simultaneously eliminating jobs and the human flourishing that can come from general aviation.

Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Brian Biel
Brian Biel
2517 La Mesa Dr.

Santa Monica, CA 90402
310-779-2232 mobile
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Packet Pg. 967 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 124
David Yakobson
From: Ellen Hannan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Elaine Polachek
Subject: Item 7A SMACP Project for July 8,2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
I support a fast move forward on Item 7a to complete the City's requirement by Santa Monica Voters to close the airport and return the recreational land to general use as a city park for all. Very few people need access to flying small planes but thousands of residents young and old need space for the enjoyment of our lovely environment.

ALSO STOP SPENDING MONEY ON WASTEFUL SURVEYS. Enough already.

Ellen Hannan
1218 9th St #6
Santa Monica,CA 90401
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Packet Pg. 968 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 125
David Yakobson
From: Barbara Inatsugu <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: LWVSM
Subject: Letter to City Council regarding Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please move forward, for the benefit of all, with the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible/practical financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources with no sale or other privatization of the land.

As you know, compared to other comparable cities, we are what is called "park-poor". It is important that we plan for the creation of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations.

As noted in a November 15, 2024 article posted by the Great Park Coalition Leadership Team, "The Great Park Coalition firmly believes that both park space and housing are essential for a sustainable city. All great cities, large and small, have great parks. It is that park space that allows for denser housing while still maintaining the quality of life in the city for all residents."
As we all know:
 Santa Monica is an outspoken and engaged community
 It is not unusual for our local debates to be just that, robust debates  Proponents and opponents often claim positions diametrically opposed to each other However, we encourage everyone to:
 Study the issues to determine real world impact
 Determine which approach(es) makes more sense for our community As I watched a previous City Council meeting, I was pleased to hear supporters of the Great Park also systematically express support during Public Comment for both the Great Park AND affordable housing/new housing in areas of Santa Monica that make more sense - some already in process. They also stated that support of the Great Park does not mean opposition to affordable/new housing in Santa Monica.

As many of you know, the League has strong policy positions supporting both a Great Park concept, as well as affordable housing.

The fact is that Santa Monica has room and need for both.

We recognize that the proposed Great Park serving all the people of Santa Monica is a once-ever opportunity, while housing will continue to be built elsewhere in the City.

Submitted by,
Barbara Inatsugu, Vice President/Program
Maria Rodriguez, President
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 969 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 126
League of Women Voters of Santa Monica
[email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 970 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 127
David Yakobson
From: BARRIE LEVY <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 Item #7A SM Airport Conversion Project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council members:

I am Barrie Levy. I worked in SM for 40 years, and I live very close to the SM airport, on the other side of Centinela. Your decisions will affect thousands of my Santa Monica and LA neighbors in the future. I am writing regarding the SM Airport Conversion Project to urge you to plan convert the SM airport to a large community that fits SM culture and values, with 3,000 units of below market rate housing as well as a large park and community centers – for a well-used and safe natural environment enjoyed by people from all over the Westside as well as the new residents of SM living on this land.

This housing will be environmentally sustainable, with green spaces, recycling of water, and reduced use of cars to reduce pollution. I’m sure you know that 70,000 people who work here commute daily in and out of SM, creating terrible traffic and air pollution. We are all losing our valued teachers, health care providers and public safety workers because of this. They, and hotel and restaurant workers, police officers and firefighters - the core of our economy - want to live close to where they work, but THERE IS NO HOUSING for them.

Below market rate housing on this land will be financially sustainable because rental income can offset maintenance costs, and there is public funding to build affordable housing. No public funding is available for parks, so to develop only a huge park would be a strain on SM tax dollars.

AND Santa Monica MUST include housing in the EIR for the Surplus Land Act and for the Housing Accountability Act! If housing is not included the process of developing a park will be extremely expensive, and extremely slow.

If you would like to learn about a vision for this new community with housing and parks, please see the Cloverfield Commons website: www.cloverfieldcommons.com.

Think of the future of our grandchildren and the future of Santa Monica – build below market rate housing on the SM airport land! Thank you!
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 971 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 128
Barrie Levy
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 972 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 129
David Yakobson
From: Leslie Neale <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Leslie Neale
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 973 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 130
David Yakobson
From: Lance Z <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 974 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 131
David Yakobson
From: Patti Braun <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Amber Richane
Cc: Nicole Faries; Elaine Polachek; Sunny Wang; Jenny Rogers; Heidi von Tongeln; Jennifer Taylor; Oscar Santiago; Heather Averick; Oliver Chi; Rick Valte; Armine Chaparyan; Douglas Sloan; Nia Tang; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Susan Cola Subject: Item 7A Support for LC Compliance from SMMPTA COUNCIL Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis, and Esteemed Council Members, You have heard from SMMPTA Council several time before, with advocacy around an LC-compliant Great Park, keeping the health and well-being of our children and youth top of mind.

As a reminder, back in 2014, SMMPTA Council, concerned about a dangerous airport in the middle of a residential neighborhood, spewing toxic particulate matter on our schools and preschools, did a comprehensive study of the issue (as is our practice) and voted to support Measure LC. We then hit the streets and the phones to pass the Measure!
Ten years later, as the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project commenced, SMMPTA Council returned to the issue of the land, taking into consideration that our city offers only 1.4 acres of park per 1000 residents, while the national average is 10.6 acres. SMMPTA Council voted unanimously last fall to reaffirm our commitment to Measure LC and its aim to create a Great Park with no development on that land when the airport closes at the end of 2028. SMMPTA also voted to become a sponsoring organization of the Great Park Coalition.

Leadership believes that a Great Park is a necessary companion to the housing both erected and planned throughout the city, and that children and youth, particularly those without backyards or gardens, need expansive spaces run, play, garden, swim, have arts experiences, gather, bike, picnic, and generally immerse themselves in nature.

Hundreds of the families SMMPTA represents have taken part in the SMAC Project outreach surveys, listening sessions, and engagement events. We have examined the survey results. Many with whom we have spoken were shocked to see the trio of Phase 3b Scenarios released with TWO plans for a great deal of housing—much more than even Council Member Zwick requested to see. It seems that there has been behind-the-scenes direction to staff to focus on housing as a revenue generator, though a great many other options to build and sustain a Great Park exist--through the Metropolitan Water district, the California State Parks, and other public money sources, and of course, the existing lease revenues. It must be pointed out that the community has been clear. The majority do not want to see housing or commercial (non-park related) development on this land.

As Santa Monica’s population grows, and our park-poor city continues to densify, the need for a Great Park becomes more urgent than ever. There is a great deal of energy in our community behind creating this legacy Great Park for future generations. On July 8th the Great Park Coalition asks that City Council direct staff to move ahead with an LC-compliant plan AND continue to show steady Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 975 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 132
support for LC-compliance on airport land in the months and years ahead, as the Airport Conversion Project moves through the upcoming SMAC planning phases. Thank you for moving forward with vision and courage.

Sincerely,
Nicole Faries, President
Patti Braun, Vice President, Community Concerns
Santa Monica- Malibu Council of PTAs
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 976 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 1 David Yakobson
From: Molly Moriarty <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Beautiful, useful park space is the right thing to do. We do not need a Playa Vista. You have the chance to shape what Santa Monica means for not just Santa Monicans but people around the world who visit us.

Please vote for a Great Park, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, with all new uses dedicated to park and recreation, including plenty of sports fields.

My family is active and my kids enjoy youth sports. Unfortunately, Santa Monica is park-poor – with much less park space per resident than other cities. We deserve better.

The airport site is a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a 192-acre Great Park to address today's acute shortage of open and field space and to balance future density and population growth.

Please vote for a Great Park for our kids, our active community -- and for generations of Santa Monicans to come.

Thank you,
Molly Moriarty
SM AYSO Parent
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 977 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 3 David Yakobson
From: Matty Wilder <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 2:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Matty Wilder
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 978 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 4 David Yakobson
From: Soloff, Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:55 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]; SMRR - Santa Monicans for Renters' Rights Subject: Agenda Item 7.A (7.8.2025 City Councill Meeting) Attachments: 7.7.2025 SMRR letter to Council re Item 7.A (support for inclusion of affordable housing among uses of the Airport after closure).pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Please find attached the comments of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights regarding Agenda Item 7.A on Tuesday’s City Council Agenda.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 979 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) July 7, 2025
RE: Support for Evaluating Inclusion of Affordable Housing Among the Uses at the Santa Monica Airport After Closure—Item 7.A on City Council’s July 8, 2025 Agenda Dear City Councilmembers,
We are writing to express the strong support of Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (“SMRR”) for including approximately 3,000 units of below market rate housing on a maximum of 25% of the land among the uses at the Santa Monica Airport that are to be evaluated in at least one postclosure scenario (that would require a vote of Santa Monicans before implementation) that will be studied in connection with the upcoming EIR. As explained below, SMRR believes the creation of approximately 3,000 units of below market rate housing at the Santa Monica Airport after closure is essential to ensure Santa Monica remains an economically diverse community, and does not become an economically gated community, a moral vision and moral goal that a majority of Santa Monicans have repeatedly endorsed by their votes over the last 45 years.

Indeed, the creation of affordable housing on a small portion of the land at the airport postclosure will reinforce for our children, grandchildren, and all the visitors to the post-closure great park from around the region and the world Santa Monica’s longstanding view that the best things in life are for everyone, not just for those wealthy enough to buy or rent market-rate homes in the vicinity of the post-closure great park. SMRR also believes that the creation of these units need not preclude in any way any of the park-related and other uses that the community and SMRR also wish to see at the Santa Monica Airport after closure.

Some claim they support the creation of affordable housing, just not at the airport. But available public land for affordable housing is already being used to create a portion of the affordable housing required to meet the City’s current needs under City Charter Section 630 (Proposition R) and the approved Housing Element for the Sixth RHNA Cycle. No one has suggested what other public land will be available to create affordable housing during the post-airport closure future if no land at the airport is used. Nor has anyone explained how the City can create affordable housing during that period at anywhere near the scale required by Proposition R (or likely future RHNA allocations) if the City has to fund the purchase of private Santa Monica land (which at present is worth roughly $25 million per acre) on which to build (or rehabilitate) that housing.

Of course, given Measure LC (which SMRR fully supported), the voters will have the ultimate say about whether in fact to create these units. But in order to fairly and intelligently present that choice to the voters, these units should be included in at least one scenario included in the upcoming EIR. Any decision to not even study the creation of these units would represent a complete repudiation of longstanding Santa Monica values and City Charter Section 630.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 980 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) History Demonstrates That A Majority Of Santa Monica Voters Consistently Support Governmental Efforts To Maintain Santa Monica As An Economically Diverse City Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights (“SMRR”) was founded more than 45 years ago to combat the ongoing displacement of lower income and middle class renters from our beach city due to rapidly rising housing costs. Over and over again, the majority of Santa Monica voters have embraced SMRR’s moral vision and moral goal of maintaining Santa Monica as an economically diverse city. For example, the majority of Santa Monica voters voted to add rent control to the City Charter (1979); voted to add to the Charter a mandate that the City Council ensure that at least 30% of all new multi-family housing constructed each year be deed-restricted housing affordable to and occupied by lower and moderate income households (1990); voted to add to the City Charter authorization to expend City funds for affordable housing (1998); voted to increase the local sales tax to generate new funds for affordable housing after the State eliminated redevelopment funding (2016); and voted to increase by ballot initiative the real estate transfer tax in order to expand the City’s rent subsidy and affordable housing production programs (2022).

A majority of Santa Monica voters also repeatedly have elected SMRR endorsed City Council majorities that took action to implement the moral vision and moral goal of Santa Monica as an economically diverse city. For example, prior City Councils facilitated the creation of a community-based non-profit affordable housing developer and operator, Community Corporation of Santa Monica (1982); zoned for mixed-use developments on commercially zoned properties, commercial boulevards, and in the downtown (1990s through the present); imposed by ordinance inclusionary zoning affordable housing requirements on for-profit developers that provide increased height and density in exchange for increased inclusionary requirements (1992 through the present); dedicated public land and spent public funds to create deed-restricted affordable housing (1979 through the present); dedicated close to 40% of redevelopment funds to affordable housing—twice the state mandate of at least 20% (1990s through the State’s elimination of redevelopment during the Great Recession); dedicated to affordable housing all of the one-time redevelopment loan repayments from the State (2017 through the present); and created and expanded a local rent subsidy pilot program to keep extremely low and very low income seniors in their long time homes (2017 through the present).

Finally, the majority of voters in the 2024 City Council election voted for four new SMRRendorsed Councilmembers, all of whom stated during the campaign their support for the creation of more deed-restricted affordable housing.

Creating Approximately 3,000 Below Market Rate Housing Units At The Santa Monica Airport Post-Closure Is Essential Both To Maintaining Santa Monica As An Economically Diverse City And To The Council Complying With Its Charter Obligations Under Proposition R
Tonight’s discussion of the post-closure use of the Santa Monica Airport is about the long-term future of our City. If that long-term future is to include a place for lower and moderate income households, the use of some of the public land at the Santa Monica Airport for approximately 3,000 below market rate housing units is essential.1
1 SMRR believes that it is premature at the present time to take a position regarding the precise make up of these units in terms of bedroom size or maximum income level. Both State law and Santa Monica law seek in various ways to encourage the production of units that are deed-restricted as affordable to lower or moderate income Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 981 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) As explained in the most-recent Santa Monica Rent Control Board Annual Report, in 1998, prior to State-mandated vacancy decontrol, 84 percent of all Santa Monica rent-controlled units were affordable to lower-income households. Today, virtually no rental units are affordable to lowerincome households, except for deed-restricted affordable units. 2 As a result, HUD’s most recent
CHAS data estimates that 10,375 of the current 14,350 lower-income Santa Monica renter households (72.3%) are rent burdened (i.e., pay more than 30% and up to 50% of their limited incomes for rent and utilities), including 6500 such households (45.3% of the current total lowerincome Santa Monica renter households) that are severely rent burdened (i.e., pay more than 50% of their limited incomes for rent and utilities).3
Critically, current initial rent levels preclude any new lower-income households from moving into housing in our community, except deed-restricted affordable housing, including the many lower-income households headed by the hotel workers, restaurant workers, and retail workers households (as variously defined in those laws). SMRR recognizes that to date severe rent burden (paying more than 50% of household income for rent and utilities) is almost exclusively a problem for lower income households, and that rent burden (paying more than 30% but no more than 50% of household income for rent and utilities) is almost exclusively a problem for lower and moderate income households (with the incidence higher the lower the household income level). See Footnote 3 below. SMRR also recognizes that the consequence of rent burden is greater the lower a household’s income because at the exact same level of rent burden expressed as a percentage of household income, a household with less income necessarily has less after rent income to spend on the other necessities of life than a household with more income. However, SMRR further recognizes that the only Santa Monica housing affordable to households somewhat above moderate is a portion of the rent control stock that becomes available over time, and that the market will not create newly constructed units that are affordable to such households. See Footnote 4 below. SMRR finally recognizes that innovative financing models, including social housing, the potential to set aside units for specific types of workers (e.g., teachers), and potential continued increases in rents relative to increases in household incomes may call for including above moderate—but below market—housing among the approximately 3,000 deed-restricted units SMRR believes should be created at the Santa Monica Airport after closure.
2 See 2023 Santa Monica Rent Control Board Annual Report (“2023 SMRCB Report”) at 26 (bottom paragraph), available at
https://www.santamonica.gov/media/Document%20Library/Detail/Rent%20Control%20Charter%20Amendment% 20&%20Regulations/SMRCB%202023%20Annual%20Report.pdf.
3 See 2017-2021 HUD Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (“CHAS”) data, available at https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/cp.html.

Income by Cost Burden (Renters only) Cost burden
> 30%
Cost burden >
50% Total
Household Income less-than or= 30% HAMFI 4,620 3,780 6,820 Household Income >30% to less-than or= 50%
HAMFI 3,190 1,860 3,690
Household Income >50% to less-than or= 80%
HAMFI 2,565 860 3,840
Household Income >80% to less-than or= 100%
HAMFI 1,560 325 2,880
Household Income >100% HAMFI 1,895 40 16,115
Total 13,830 6,865 33,345
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 982 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) whose labor each day is essential to our City obtaining the Transient Occupancy Tax and Sales Tax revenues that provide much of the funding for the City services enjoyed by Santa Monica residents. In particular, our rent-controlled units, which by definition are at least 45 years old, command a lower initial rent than newly constructed units. Yet, even a household earning the absolute maximum income that HCD classifies as lower income would have to spend between

35.6% of that income (for single person household renting a studio apartment) and 41.6% of that income (for a four person household renting a two bedroom apartment) in order to cover the median initial rent for the smallest possible Santa Monica rent-controlled unit that could accommodate a household of that size. And all of the lower-income households that do not make that absolute maximum income would have to pay an even higher percentage of their income to cover that median initial rent. Indeed, every household that HCD classifies as very low income would have to pay far more than half their limited incomes to cover that median initial rent. 4 These facts demonstrate that Santa Monica cannot remain an economically diverse City without creating deed-restrict affordable housing. While the City can (and in accordance with 2022 Measure GS must) address the rent-burden crisis faced by current lower-income Santa Monica households in part through expanded rent subsidy programs, new deed-restricted affordable housing also is a part of the solution. Moreover, over time life circumstances will lead long-term lower income households to leave existing long term (and therefore much more affordable) rent controlled units, and will be replaced by higher income tenants who can afford the then current initial rents for such units (thereby reducing the number of lower-income households in the City). Further, the City—in accordance with State mandates—necessarily will be significantly increasing its housing supply with very expensive market rate units, thereby reducing the share of Santa Monica households who are lower income if new deed-restricted housing for lower income households is not also created. Additional deed-restricted affordable units therefore are necessary to prevent Santa Monica from becoming an economically gated community.

The majority of Santa Monica voters long ago mandated that the City Council take action to assure the creation of newly constructed housing units affordable to lower and moderate income households. By 1990 Proposition R, Santa Monica voters added Section 630 to the City Charter.

Section 630 provides (bolding added):

The City Council by ordinance shall at all times require that not less than thirty percent (30%) of all multifamily-residential housing newly constructed in the City on an annual basis is permanently affordable to and occupied by low and moderate income households. For purposes of this Section, “low income household” means a household with an income not exceeding sixty percent (60%) of the Los Angeles County median income, adjusted by family size, as published from time to time by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, and “moderate income household” means a household 4 See 2023 SMRCB Report at 26, at Figure 24 (median initial rent level in 2023, by unit size); 2023 California Department of Housing and Community Development State Income Limits for Los Angeles County, available at https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/grants-and-funding/income-limits-2023.pdf. The calculation presented above assumes that a single person household rents a studio apartment, a two-person household rents a one-bedroom apartment, and a four person household rents a two-bedroom apartment. (footnote continues on next page)

(footnote 4 continued)
Using the same approach demonstrates that the median initial rent is less than 30% of the income of a household earning maximum amount that HCD defines as moderate income.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 983 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) with an income not exceeding one hundred percent (100%) of the Los Angeles County median income, adjusted by family size, as published from time to time by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. At least fifty percent (50%) of the newly constructed units required to be permanently affordable by this Section shall be affordable to and occupied by low income households.

State and local inclusionary housing requirements—which require for profit developers to deedrestrict a portion of their units for low and moderate income households, in exchange for the right to build taller and denser projects—cannot by themselves meet the requirements of City Charter Section 630. At the present time, given current State and local law, 15% or less of the units in new market-rate development projects in Santa Monica are deed-restricted affordable units. Meeting the requirements of City Charter Section 630 has always required—and in the future will continue to require—that public resources be devoted to creating new deed-restricted affordable housing units, including public land.

Some claim they support the creation of affordable housing, just not at the airport. But available public land for affordable housing is already being used to create a portion of the affordable housing required to meet the City’s current needs under Proposition R and the approved Housing Element for the Sixth RHNA Cycle. No one has suggested what other public land will be available to create affordable housing during the post-airport closure future if no land at the airport is used. Nor has anyone explained how the City can meaningfully create affordable housing during that period at anywhere near the scale required by Proposition R (or likely future RHNA allocations) if the City has to fund the purchase of private Santa Monica land (which at present is worth some $25 million per acre) on which to build (or rehabilitate) that housing.

Creating Approximately 3,000 Below Market Rate Housing Units At The Santa Monica Airport Post-Closure Need Not Preclude In Any Way Any Of The Park-Related And Other Uses That The Community And SMRR Also Wish To See Created Section G of the SMRR platform has long provided that:

SMRR is committed to the restoration and expansion of our parks and our public open space and their recreational facilities and programs. Santa Monica parks should be the pride of our community.

SMRR sees no conflict between this position, and its position that approximately 3,000 below market rate housing units should be created at the Santa Monica Airport post-closure.

The Santa Monica Airport site is approximately 200 acres. If, for illustrative example only, you wanted to put 60 units per acre, which is far less dense that many current affordable housing projects in Santa Monica, 3,000 units could be accommodated on just 25% of that land.5 While
5 See, e.g., 4/17/24 Application of Venice Housing Corporation to California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (“CTAC”) regarding 1624 20th Street in Santa Monica (78 one, two and three bedroom units in a seven story building on 0.46 acre site—project approved for financing by CTAC); 2/24 EAH Housing Presentation to Santa Monica Housing Commission regarding 1318 4th Street in Santa Monica (122 studio, one, two and three bedroom units in a six story building on 30,000 square foot (i.e., 0.69 acre) site—project approved by City Council on public land); 3/2/23 Staff Report to Santa Monica Architectural Review Board regarding 1834-1848 14th Street (73 one, two and three bedroom units in a four story building on 30,060 square foot (i.e., 0.69 acre) site—project completed).

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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Packet Pg. 984 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) aesthetic values, financing opportunities, a desire to maximize parkland, and/or other values might ultimately lead the voters to embrace somewhat more or less density, which in turn would require somewhat more or somewhat less of the land be devoted to the creation of approximately 3,000 below market rate units, the point remains that the creation of those units at the Santa Monica Airport post-closure need not prevent in any way any of the park-related or other uses the community and SMRR also would like to see created.

Thank you for your consideration of SMRR’s views on this important matter.

Sincerely,
Denny Zane Mike Soloff
Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights Co-Chair, Santa Monicans for Renters’ Rights Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 985 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 5 David Yakobson
From: Cris Gutierrez <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:53 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Cc: Elaine Polachek
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Attachments: GPCSustainabilityWG_LOI_FINAL copy.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and Esteemed Council Members:

Honoring our City’s visionary, bold leader in sustainability, the Great Park Coalition’s Regenerative Sustainability Working Group has sought to uplift and strengthen the community’s understanding of what it means to be sustainable and resilient, to, in fact, “Start with Nature.” As the first Guiding Principle of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, "Start with Nature” is a clarion declaration. For more than 30 years, our City has sought to recognize and respect that our way of living must be in balance with nature. Our Indigenous Gabrielino-Tongva community would say to be “in relationship” with our natural communities. Our Sustainable City Plan, the Rights of Nature-Sustainability Rights Ordinance (SRO), the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan and our Municipal Code, Article 12 - Sustainability of the City of Santa Monica demonstrate a genuine determination to live up to first principles.

With that in mind, we urge City Council to move forward, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land. As our park-scarce city densifies, it is paramount that we plan for the creation of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations. Environmental and social justice require no less.

Just last Saturday, the air quality in Santa Monica was markedly poor, measuring 70 by the Air Quality Index. A vast Great Park ecosystem with trees and verdant plants connected to natural ecosystems throughout the Westside region will help filter and clean the air. An expansive Great Park actually gives people breathing space. Yes, a Great Park can act as the City’s lungs.

To that end, our working group submitted a Letter of Interest (attached) proposing that we help establish a Great Park Land Trust and to develop the roadmap for a Green Circular Economy plan for Santa Monica to propel our community into an environmentally sustainable new economy. We also have issued a position statement explaining that housing is not practically suitable for the public space at the airport site but that the density of housing being built needs a maximized 192 acre regenerative open space at the airport site for our quality of life in Santa Monica to flourish.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 986 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 6 Our intention is to support and hold our City true to embody our values and respect the Precautionary Principle that our leadership in sustainability has sought to realize. We trust that you would agree.

With respect,
Cris Gutierrez and Dean Kubani, Great Park Coalition’s Regenerative Sustainability Working Group Co-Chairs Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 987 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 1 Thank you for the opportunity to submit this Letter of Interest to the City of Santa Monica. The known lack of public open spaces in Santa Monica (as shown in statistics) — and the urgent need to balance the present and future demand in building more housing in the city — underscores the importance of protecting the airport site from development and transforming it into a regenerative public park. Our group is responding to this moment with creative and collaborative solutions that re-integrate nature into the urban fabric, fostering resilience, innovation, mental health, economic vitality, intergenerational connection, restorative justice, food security, creativity, and more.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 988 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 2 Santa Monica’s Sustainability Leadership and Legacy
Santa Monica’s sustainability leadership has broadened and deepened with the support, knowledge, expertise and imagination of dedicated community members — from scientists, students, master gardeners, and teachers to activists, lawyers, artists, entrepreneurs, etc. – along with numerous local, regional and state environmental and climate organizations, many home-grown and typically made up of multi-generations. Over many years, people have stood with the City to take bold, profound actions in protecting our local natural ecosystems as fundamental to our human health and thriving.

Critical Points
We address key questions to help elucidate this proposal and its viability.

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Packet Pg. 989 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 3 besides creating one of the largest and most valuable urban pollinator corridors in our region to foster biodiversity at a large scale.
• the Gabrielino/Tongva community to reintroduce Indigenous sustainable practices to steward and honor our land, but also to hold space for Indigenous artists. • The Cayton Children Museum to make the Great Park with its food production Regenerative Fields, Oak Forest, and Native Meadow a laboratory for the arts and science for the new generations.
• Multibenefit Recharge Basin Non-profit organization.
• Community Kitchen organizations like Alice Waters’s Edible Schoolyard Project. • The UCLA Institute of Environment & Sustainability.
• The UCLA Department of Ecological Medicine and Psychedelics Studies.

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Packet Pg. 990 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 4 knowledge. This kind of hands-on engagement fosters ecological literacy, food justice, and a sense of shared purpose.

By including a Regenerative Farming Innovation Center at the park, Santa Monica takes a bold step toward becoming a model city for climate resilience, community nourishment, and a truly regenerative future.

By centering arts and cultures, the park becomes not just a destination, but a regenerative cultural ecosystem—where beauty, justice, and ecological awareness flourish hand in hand.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 991 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 5 Why food justice is fundamental and what is the current challenge to affording healthy food? Re-learning as humans how to grow our own food is fundamental to achieve social equality in the long run. Teaching members of the community how to grow their own food and providing a space where lessons on Regenerative Farming can be easily shared is a fundamental foundation for sustainable food justice. This is especially crucial for those who live in housing that lacks a yard or garden. The far-reaching health benefits penetrate deeper than recreation, impacting the nutritional, physical and mental fitness of the participants. An outdoor demonstration kitchen will also allow for preparation and instruction using the produce grown on the farm.) [not sure if this is the direction you are going but this is what is important to me after years of participation at Ishihara Learning Garden. A kitchen/lab/craft space adjacent to the garden is what I long for every time we have a community event).

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Packet Pg. 992 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 6 • CA Native American Preparedness Tribal Grant
• Environmental Water Resources Projects (US Dept. of Interior Bureau of Reclamation)
Conclusion
As the capstone of Santa Monica’s park system, the Great Park will stand as a living example of a community in harmony with nature – “The Living Community” — rooted in the City’s commitments to both the Rights of Nature and human rights. Through the leadership of the Great Park Land Trust, this 192-acre ecological haven can come to life: restoring public land, revitalizing our urban ecosystem, honoring the ancestral homeland of the Gabrielino-Tongva people, and offering a place of beauty, wonder, and belonging for generations to come. —Co-Authored by Paola Vezzulli, Sylvie Rokab, Michael Brodsky and Cris Gutierrez— The Great Park Coalition - Sustainability Working Group A growing group of devoted environmentalists, sustainability leaders, climate activists, lawyers, and advocates have joined the Great Park Coalition- Sustainability Working Group. Currently, the participants include:

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 993 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 7 • Ann Bowman Hoover, Santa Monica Great Park Coalition Co-Chair, Civic Center Task Force (advocated to realize Historic Belmar Park); Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commissioner; former Member, SMMUSD Facilities District Advisory Committee; former Chair for Direct Donation, Santa Monica High School Orchestras Program; former Vice President of Organization, Santa Monica High School PTSA Executive Board; former Co-President, Franklin Elementary School PTA; retired attorney. • Susan Jain, UC Master Gardener, Santa Monica Arts Commission Santa Monica Arts Commissioner; Westside Co-Lead, UC Master Gardener Program (LA County); Board Member, Sounds Like LA; former Executive Director, UCLA Confucius Institute; Former Co-President, Santa Monica High School Orchestra Parents Association. • Dylan Jericiau, Team Marine
Co-captain, Team Marine, Santa Monica High School; Member, SMMUSD Sustainability Steering Committee; Junior Student, Santa Monica High School; ceramic artist. • Ben Kay, SM Clean Beaches & Ocean Parcel Tax Citizens Oversight Committee Adjunct Associate Professor, Santa Monica College Life Science Department; Life and Environmental Sciences Instructor, Santa Monica High School; Member & Former Chair, Clean Beaches Committee, City of Santa Monica; Member, SMMUSD Sustainability Steering Committee; Former Member, SMC Environmental Affairs Committee; Advisory Board Member, Climate Action Santa Monica; Co-Founder & Faculty Advisor of Team Marine, SaMoHi; Science Advisor, Surfrider Foundation Los Angeles; soccer player, surfer, angler, and activist. • Kyle Drees, Patagonia Santa Monica
Enviro Team Lead, Patagonia Santa Monica.
• Dean Kubani, SM Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, & the Environment , Loyola Marymount University
Chair, Santa Monica Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment; Adjunct Professor, Loyola Marymount University Department of Environmental Science; Principal, Kubani & Associates, LLC; Former Chief Sustainability Officer, City of Santa Monica; Former Assistant Director of Public Works, City of Santa Monica. • Jing Liu, Santa Monica College Geography/GIS Department Geography Professor teaching Physical Geography and GIS (Geographical Information Science) at Santa Monica College.
• Andreas Kemkes, Verdant Venice
Retired from a career in computers and software, Andreas is now busy hacking the urban environment for a happier and more sustainable future. If you don’t catch him with his hands in the dirt, you might spot him running through the neighborhood or occasionally attending Venice community meetings.
• Scott Morris, The Low Carbon Initiative
Managing DirectorManaging Director, The Low Carbon Initiative Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 994 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 8 • James Oliver-Peña, Centre for Applied Ecological Remediation Soil Ecology and Bioremediation Researcher; Community Science Educator; former Resident Mycologist at Metabolic Studio.
• Sarah Wauters, Verdant Venice
Chair of the Venice Arbor Committee; lawyer, solar energy developer and photographer/journalist.
• Cynthia Rose, Santa Monica Spoke, SaMo Safe Streets Alliance Executive Director, SM Spoke; Co-Chair SaMo Safe Streets Alliance; environmentalist and community advocate for safe streets, and community gardener. • Joe Pertel, Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
Organizer, Santa Monica Great Park Coalition; Santa Monica Airport Commissioner; Steering Committee, Community for Excellent Public Schools (CEPS); Past President, Elemental Strings; Past Vice-President, Team Santa Monica Aquatics Swim Club; Former Board member, Santa Monica Surf Youth Soccer Club; Past Personnel Commissioner, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District; Former Member, Executive Committee, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Indigent Juvenile Defender Program; Supervising Staff Attorney, Loyola Law School Project for the Innocent.
• David Pettit, SM Sustainability Commission, Center for Biological Diversity Senior Attorney, Center for Biological Diversity; former Senior Attorney, Natural Resources Defense Council; member, Santa Monica Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment.
• Sylvie Rokab, Love Thy Nature
Filmmaker, Mentor and Founder of Love Thy Nature; certified Forest Bathing guide, mindfulness teacher, and Emmy nominated filmmaker.
• Jerry Rubin, Urban Tree Forest Task Force
Community activist; Member, Urban Forest Task Force.
• Bill Selby, Rediscovering the Golden State
Dedicated environmentalist and wildlands explorer; Author, Rediscovering the Golden State and The California Sky Watcher; Emeritus Professor, Geography and Earth Science at Santa Monica College, Advisory Board Member, Climate Action Santa Monica. • Allison Starcher
Professional illustrator specializing in plants and insects; master gardener. • Paola Vezzulli, Collective Fields, Regenerative Farming Architect and systems designer; Principal, Design Director, Founder of Collective Fields; Regenerative Farming.
• Laurene von Klan, Climate Action Santa Monica
Co-Chair, Climate Action Santa Monica.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 995 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 8 David Yakobson
From: Caroline Denyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Caroline Denyer
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 996 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 13 David Yakobson
From: Sean Beck <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: July 8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A: Please Support a Balanced, Sustainable Future for Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Councilmembers,

I urge you to pursue a collaborative, balanced plan for Santa Monica Airport (SMO), one that protects open space and builds a sustainable park on land already closed to aviation, without completely closing the airport.

Closing SMO would mean losing local control and opening the door to state-mandated dense housing. The airport land is federally protected today, but without that protection, Sacramento — not Santa Monica will decide its future. Under current state mandates, closure would prioritize dense, low-cost housing, not a park. This would bring more traffic, more density, and greater strain on our infrastructure, with no clear plan for emergency evacuation, ingress/egress, public safety, or funding.

SMO’s unique benefits can’t be replaced. The airport provides irreplaceable open space, economic stability, and critical emergency utility. Since Measure LC passed over a decade ago, jet traffic has dropped 81%, unleaded fuel is being sold, and electric aircraft are already flying: a glimpse of a cleaner, quieter future.

Let’s honor the 1926 vision where aviation revenues help fund parkland. In 2029, with no grant obligations, surplus aviation revenue can support a Great Park on land already closed to aviation, without burdening taxpayers.

A hybrid approach preserves aviation’s revenue stream while creating new public space, funded by aviation.

Aviation provides good jobs, supports public benefit flights like Angel Flight, and offers vital emergency relief for disasters, as we saw during the recent Palisades fire.

Please ensure any land use plan includes public safety studies, traffic impact analyses, emergency evacuation planning, and a realistic funding model. With a hybrid, collaborative approach, we can protect Santa Monica’s future together.

Thank you for your service to our community.

Sincerely,
Sean Beck
Supporter of Santa Monica’s future
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 997 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 14 David Yakobson
From: MORRIS SALEM <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Dr Morris M Salem
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 998 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 15 David Yakobson
From: David Pettit <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 7A, July 8, 2025 Council meeting
Attachments: Park CEQA letter to Council 7-7-25.docx; 2013 SROstfrpt.pdf; 2013 DocumentSROrd.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hi. Please see my July 7, 2025 letter re Agenda Item 7A on tomorrow's agenda, plus two attachments.

Thank you.

David Pettit
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 999 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) July 7, 2025
Members of the Santa Monica City Council
Re: July 8, 2025 Council agenda item 7A: Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project Preferred Scenarios Review
Dear Members of the City Council:

I am writing to you about an issue under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) that relates to the airport park project – in particular, the relationship between the City’s sustainability rights ordinance, beginning at Municipal Code Section 12.02, and the CEQA analysis that the City is required to undertake concerning the project.

By way of introduction, I am an environmental lawyer and a long-time Santa Monica resident. I have litigated CEQA and related cases for many years. When I was in private practice, I represented a number of California governmental bodies. I am currently a Senior Attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity and a member of the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice, and the Environment, but I am writing to you in my personal capacity.

In an environmental impact report (EIR) prepared under CEQA, there is usually a discussion of the regulatory background of the proposed project. Here, that should include the City’s sustainability rights ordinance, which provides in part in Section 12.02.030:
(a) All residents of Santa Monica possess fundamental and inalienable rights to: clean water from sustainable sources; marine waters safe for active and passive recreation; clean indoor and outdoor air; a sustainable food system that provides healthy, locally grown food; a sustainable climate that supports thriving human life and a flourishing biodiverse environment; comprehensive waste disposal systems that do not degrade the environment; and a sustainable energy future based on renewable energy sources.
(b) Natural communities and ecosystems possess fundamental and inalienable rights to exist and flourish in the City of Santa Monica. To effectuate those rights on behalf of the environment, residents of the City may bring actions to protect these natural communities and ecosystems, defined as: groundwater aquifers, atmospheric systems, marine waters, and native species within the boundaries of the City.

This ordinance was enacted in recognition of an assault on our natural environment, as indicated in the March 12, 2013 staff report and proposed sustainability rights ordinance Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 1000 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) attached to this email. Here, as you know, the airport property was originally purchased using public park bond financing:

The Airport land was acquired by the City in 1926 when Santa Monica voters approved a park bond ballot measure to purchase a tract of farmland at the eastern boundary with Los Angeles that had been in use as a provisional airfield since 1922.1
But, over time, most of the park uses have been eliminated in favor of commercial and industrial facilities, and the soil covered by hardscape. Native species and aquifer recharge capability have largely disappeared from the site due to human activities, and substantial soil contamination exists as a result of decades of industrial and airport activities.

In my view, both subsections (a) and (b) of Municipal Code Section 12.02.030 are implicated by these facts, and so should be analyzed in the project EIR. Importantly, Subsection (b) expressly provides for a private right of action for violations of the “fundamental and inalienable rights” of natural communities and ecosystems possess to exist and flourish in the City of Santa Monica – a right of action that may limit the future uses of former park, now airport land, through CEQA or otherwise. It would be a serious mistake, in my view, to ignore or discount this possibility.

Thank you for your attention to this letter.

Yours truly,
David Pettit
1 https://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?Frame=&MeetingID=1352&MediaPositio n=&ID=5303&CssClass=#History, accessed on July 7y, 2025.

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Packet Pg. 1001 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1002 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1003 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1004 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1005 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1006 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1007 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1008 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1009 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1010 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1011 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 16 David Yakobson
From: Marla Berns <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: marla Berns
Subject: LC-compliant Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
July 7, 2025
RE: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please move forward, for the benefit of all, with the creation of an inspirational LCcompliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

As our park-poor city densifies, it is paramount that we plan for the realization of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations. Additionally, as a member of the Arts Working Group of the Great Park Coalition I am particularly committed to a new park that keeps the arts and culture front and center and part of an open and inclusive design process that reflects the will of the voters.

Sincerely,
Marla C. Berns
Director Emerita
Fowler Museum at UCLA
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 1012 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 17 Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 1013 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 18 David Yakobson
From: Judith Davies <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 1:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My husband Larry Shapiro, and I, Judith Davies have lived and worked in Santa Monica for more than 30 years.

Larry was, in fact, a council member for the SM Arts Commission for 12 years.

We both strongly believe that the City must continue to progress toward the final phase of the Airport conversion into a Great Park. The ratio of parks to the population numbers is extremely low, perhaps even the lowest of major cities throughout Central and Southern California. With all the pressures to build low income housing, we must not forget, that as Santa Monica density and population pressures increase, we need more green spaces for us all to enjoy in as many ways possible for recreation, arts activities, and cultural events for all ages, and needs and community involvement outdoors.

As Larry and I are both artists, we are particularly supportive of maintaining the existing gallery/studio buildings currently at the site, continuing exhibit opportunities, and including other diversified, flexible places for people to gather on special occasions, concerts, outdoor exhibitions, safe places for both children, elderly, and general public. The Great Park can become a major outdoor venue for all ages, and can become a signature Great Park concept that is so unique to the special City of Santa Monica that we love and want to see develop in a green, creative, and humane way for future generations as well. Thank you, Sincerely, Judith Davies and Lawrence Shapiro
623 Marine St
Santa Monica, California 90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 1014 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 19 David Yakobson
From: Jonah Breslau <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:46 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; Nikima Newsome
Subject: Item 7a: 2 in 3 Santa Monica Voters Say Airport Site Is Big Enough to Include Both Affordable Housing And Parks/Open Space
Attachments: SMAC polling memo FINAL .pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor Negrete and Council,
Please see the attached memo. With the 191-acre Santa Monica Airport scheduled to close in 2028, the future use of this property is
the most important land use decision facing city leaders. Previously released surveys on this topic reflected the views of self-selected participants in city outreach efforts. This memo shares findings from the first random-sample survey on this topic using rigorous methods to ensure that the results are statistically valid, reliable, and representative of the views of the city’s full electorate.

This survey, commissioned by UNITE HERE! Local 11 and completed last week, finds that two in three Santa Monica voters recognize that the Airport site is big enough for both housing and for parks/open space after it closes in 2028, and support both uses. Please see the attached memo for more details.
--
Jonah Breslau
UNITE HERE Local 11
Research Analyst
He/him/his
773 603 5174
[email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
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Packet Pg. 1015 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 20 David Yakobson
From: Sahana Lindsey <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
My name is Sahana Lindsey, and I’m currently at UCLA Cosmos studying carbon capture and hydrogen as a clean energy source. Even while I’m away, I deeply care about the future of Santa Monica, especially when it comes to our great parks and gardens.

I strongly support a large, LC-compliant Great Park at Santa Monica Airport.A Great Park would give people of all ages a place to rest, play, create, heal, and explore. It would also allow us to move forward with our goals in sustainability; Through native plants, educational gardens, and restored habitats we can help fight climate change and protect species like the monarch butterfly.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to turn a space of noise and pollution into a green, living community for all residents in Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Sahana Lindsey
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

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Packet Pg. 1016 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 21 David Yakobson
From: Brodsky, Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7A - How to build a park !
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members
Creating a park does not need to be complicated.

It does not need to cost a lot of money.

It does not need to happen all at once.

It can be simple AND spectacular!
Here is a REAL world AIRPORT TO PARK example: The transformation of Chicago Meigs Airport into the amazing119-acre Northerly Island Park.

In 2003 ,Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daily closed Miegs field by simply bulldozing and X on the runway! The FAA was not happy.

Very quickly, they removed 78 acres of runway, unearthed the runway, cleaned up the site, and created a simple but beautiful park with planted trees, native prairie grasses, including a walking/biking path AND made plans to create a future nature preserve - at a later date.

The total cost in 2003, at the time, was $2.9 million:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/12/15/creating-northerly-island-cost-29-million/ In 2005 they added a temporary amphitheater, which was expanded and made permanent in 2013 In 2015 they added to the park by restoring the ecology as a nature preserve. https://studiogang.com/projects/northerly-island/
https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/mayor/Press%20Room/Press%20Releases/2012/Aug ust/8.16.12northerlyisland.pdf
The total cost at the time was $9.7 million:
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2015/09/02/northerly-island-park-opens-friday-on-chicago-lakefront/ Today, Chicago ranks #11 out of the 100 largest cities.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1017 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 22 Los Angeles ranks a pathetic #90.

Santa Monica is even worse,
- Chicago has 5.1 acres per 1,000 residents.
- 10% of city land in parks.
- 98% live within a 10 minute walk.
(2025 TPL Report)
- Santa Monica has 1.4 acres per 1,000 residents.
- 2.5% of city land in parks.
- 72% live within a 10 minute walk.
(2016 LA County Parks Needs Assessment)
So choose your favorite city: San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Nashville, New York City. They ALL have AT LEAST one park, that was once an…airfield.

What an exciting opportunity to create an LC compliant park to address our historical lack of park space and to restore the much needed ecology for a small part of the westside, while we provide for a healthy, sustainable, and accessible park for everyone.

A legacy for generations!
Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
Santa Monica
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1018 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 23 Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1019 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 24 David Yakobson
From: Sherri Sawaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Peter Sawaya
90405
Sent from my iPad
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1020 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 25 David Yakobson
From: Kristos Stavropoulos <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:33 PM
To: Lana Negrete
Cc: Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Help Shape Santa Monica’s Future
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

Making a decision to close the airport before a clear, funded, and comprehensive plan is in place could unintentionally limit the city’s ability to fully realize the site’s long-term potential.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1021 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 26 Thank you for your service and for your thoughtful leadership. I would be honored to contribute to this important conversation in any way that may be helpful.

Sincerely,
Kristos Stavropoulos

1733 Ocean Avenue
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.857.1109 Direct
www.maguire-investments.com
Notice: This communication, including attachments, may contain information that is confidential and protected by the attorney/client or other privileges. It constitutes non-public information intended to be conveyed only to the designated recipient(s). If the reader or recipient of this communication is not the intended recipient, an employee or agent of the intended recipient who is responsible for delivering it to the intended recipient, or you believe that you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by return e-mail and promptly delete this e-mail, including attachments without reading or saving them in any manner. The unauthorized use, dissemination, distribution, or reproduction of this e-mail, including attachments, is prohibited and may be unlawful. Receipt by anyone other than the intended recipient(s) is not a waiver of any attorney/client or other privilege.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1022 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 27 David Yakobson
From: Danny Guggenheim <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
The passage of Measure LC was a major milestone in our city’s path toward preserving open spaces, fresh air and a connection to both nature and community for future generations, and in resisting development and densification that is effectively irreversible.

As a lifelong resident of West LA and 20-year homeowner in Sunset Park, with two kids in SMMUSD, I would say that the single most important feature of any future use of the airport land is that it be Measure LC-compliant.

Please move forward with the creation of a Great Park that is Measure LC-compliant, ideally with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, and no sale or other privatization of the land.

Given all of the other development and increasing density around town, it is especially important that we plan for the creation of sufficient open space and recreational spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations.

Thank you.

Respectfully,
Danny Guggenheim
Sunset Park (90405) resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1023 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 28 David Yakobson
From: Kristos Stavropoulos <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:27 PM
To: Lana Negrete
Cc: Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: Help Shape Santa Monica’s Future
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

Rob Maguire and I were at the forefront of the urban air mobility movement, with companies under his leadership operating an FBO at Van Nuys Airport and an active heliport in Downtown Los Angeles near the entertainment district. Upon his passing, I have continued to engage with federal, state, and local officials to lay the groundwork for Vertiports — the next evolution of urban transportation infrastructure. These Vertiports will enable quiet, zero-emission electric aircraft to connect cities, relieve congestion, and expand equitable access to regional mobility. The Santa Monica Airport site is uniquely positioned to play an important role in that future.

Making a decision to close the airport before a clear, funded, and comprehensive plan is in place could unintentionally limit the city’s ability to fully realize the site’s long-term potential.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1024 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 29 Thank you for your service and for your thoughtful leadership. I would be honored to contribute to this important conversation in any way that may be helpful.

Sincerely,
Kristos Stavropoulos
Kristos Stavropoulos, CEO
AeroGnosis

1733 Ocean Avenue, Suite 290
Santa Monica, CA 90401
310.857.1109 Direct
[email protected]
www.aerognosis.com

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1025 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 30 David Yakobson
From: Andrea Villasenor <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8th SM Airport Conversion Prioritize Reparations and Landback Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As residents, descendants, and community members, we urge you to ensure the redesign of the airport land includes a meaningful commitment to Reparations and Landback.

We recognize that affordable housing is already a component in two of the three proposed design scenarios. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to repair historic harms through:

Land return and cultural stewardship for the Tongva people, the original caretakers of this land—modeled on California’s recent return of over 2,800 acres to the Shasta Indian Nation and the transfer of land in Altadena to the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy.

Meaningful spaces for community gathering and knowledge-sharing, such as a cultural center or museum, oral history archive, or intergenerational learning site that honors and preserves local Black American and Tongva legacies.

Public green space that is accessible, restorative, and integrated. We believe in a future where parks and people coexist, and where justice and open space can share the same soil.

Some have voiced concern that building housing would derail plans for a park, but these priorities do not have to compete. Measure LC exists to prevent commercial overdevelopment, not to prevent justice. If a ballot measure is needed, Council can lead alongside community members to mobilize support for a vision rooted in equity, history, and healing.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1026 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 31 Santa Monica has already issued a historic apology. Now is the time to put action behind those words and become a national leader in reparative justice.

Andrea Villasenor
[email protected]
1511 Franklin Street, #C
Santa Monica, California 90404
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1027 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 32 David Yakobson
From: ANDREW DENYER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Great Park at the Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
A previously democratically elected city council carefully wrote and placed on the ballot Measure LC to create a great park. The measure overwhelmingly passed, and I urge you to honor that vote.

Housing and other commercial uses were on purpose left out of Measure LC.

I urge each and every one of you to honor that vote and move forward with creating a Measure LCcompliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and avoids land privatization.

Sincerely,
Andrew Denyer
90405
+1 310-795-3084
[email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1028 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 33 David Yakobson
From: Brian ORourke <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. Vote for a Park-Only Airport Conversion - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Brian O’Rourke
Santa Monica Youth Rugby Coach
[email protected]
+1.310.666.8593
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1029 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 34 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Re: LC Compliant Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
This is part two of our Great Park message.

The first thing to be noted is that our commitment to an LC compliant Great Park remains strong and should be seen as a necessary wall protecting us from the money of very influential developers.

The second point that we wish to make is that an EIR should study the possibility of developing lowincome housing. The development of below market rate housing would address a very urgent need.

Tim Bowler and Ishara Bailis
Main Street Gardeners
On Sunday, July 6, 2025 at 03:03:31 PM PDT, [email protected] <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmem
Please move forward, for the benefit of all,
compliant Great Park with a sensible finan
revenue sources and with no sale or other
As our park-poor city densifies, it is paramo
sufficient open, recreational, and regenera
meet the needs of both current and future
Sincerely,
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1030 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 35 Tim Bowler and Ishara Bailis
Main Street Gardeners
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1031 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 36 David Yakobson
From: Eric Shepnick <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please vote for a Great Park, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, with all new uses dedicated to park and recreation, including plenty of sports fields.

Thank you,
Eric Shepnick
Born and raised in Santa Monica and homeowner in Santa Monica for 15+ years SM AYSO volunteer coach and parent
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1032 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 37 David Yakobson
From: Debra Kanode <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public Comment - Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
As a resident of Santa Monica, a planner and a tenant of rent stabilized housing, I want to strongly encourage council to consider supporting Scenario 3. This scenario would support all of the guiding principles of the airport conversion, including balancing economics by creating both recreational areas, gardens, cultural facilities as well as creating 48 acres of much-needed new housing and commercial development driving a financial self-sustaining development.

Santa Monica continues to have affordable and middle housing needs. And ignoring such a large available site for housing is exhibiting myopia and short term thinking. Has the council considered the knock on effects of Scenario One (Great Park) and how it would impact the surrounding Single Family neighborhoods. Has a traffic study been prepared? I suspect it would show increased traffic and parking on side streets, not only from Santa Monica Residents but from wider LA residents. Leading to increase funding needs for our Public Works and Police department budgets. I also suspect that council, to meet housing element numbers for the State in the future, may have to start approving increase density and height standards in other areas of the city.

I urge you to look at the long term financial picture and consider Scenario 3 and set aside the myopic view of the world presented in Scenario 1 (Great Park).

D Kanode
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1033 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 38 David Yakobson
From: Erin Donley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Erin Donley
90404
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1034 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 39 David Yakobson
From: Gene Gilmore <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.1. Santa Monica Airport Conversion (SMAC) Project - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

As residents of Santa Monica for over 23 years with a family, we urge you to please move forward, for the benefit of all, with the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park for the SMAC. Please ensure that this goal is achieved with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

It has been a dream of ours to live and raise a family in Santa Monica. For the sake of all our families and their children, it is paramount that we plan for the creation of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations, especially as the city’s density continues to increase.

Sincerely,
Gene and Tracy Gilmore
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1035 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 40 David Yakobson
From: [email protected] <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 12:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8th SM Airport Conversion Prioritize Reparations and Landback Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

We recognize that affordable housing is already a component in two of the three proposed design scenarios. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to repair historic harms through:

Deeply affordable housing, limited equity homeownership, and community land trusts for the Black American community and the Tongva people—prioritizing those displaced by redlining and eminent domain. At minimum, 50% of affordable housing units should be designated for Black American and Tongva households, ensuring those most impacted by dispossession have a real path home. This echoes the goals of San Francisco’s reparations plan and growing movements across California to return housing and land to impacted communities.

Public green space that is accessible, restorative, and integrated. We believe in a future where parks and people coexist, and where justice and open space can share the same soil.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1036 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 41 Some have voiced concern that building housing would derail plans for a park, but these priorities do not have to compete. Measure LC exists to prevent commercial overdevelopment, not to prevent justice. If a ballot measure is needed, Council can lead alongside community members to mobilize support for a vision rooted in equity, history, and healing.

Santa Monica has already issued a historic apology. Now is the time to put action behind those words and become a national leader in reparative justice. [email protected]
Santa Monica, California 90404
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1037 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 42 David Yakobson
From: Jan-Peter Flack <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 12:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Re: FOSP: Your help needed re July 8th City Council meeting!! Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, dear City Councilmembers:

As local neighbor, businessman and homeowner, I ask you to move forward with the creation of the Measure LC compliant Park and a sensible financing of the plan which should prioritize existing on-site revenue sources and prevention of any privatization and - or sale of the land.

The city is creating a recod amount of new housing units as a result of which we need more open space for outdoor recreation for our current and future generations of Santa Monica residents.

Thank you for your consideration.

Jan-Peter Flack
90405
On Jul 7, 2025, at 8:18 PM, <[email protected]> <[email protected]> wrote:
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1038 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 43 Jan-Peter Flack - (323) 821-4466

The Four Aces Movie Ranch
www.4-aces.com
Have a look at our picture cars:
https://4-acespicturecars.com
View our video:
https://www.4-aces.com/video
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1039 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 44 David Yakobson
From: Tina <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:58 AM
Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Tina and Lewis Cox
90405
"Time spent with cats is never wasted"
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1040 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 45 David Yakobson
From: Vincent Licassi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As long time residents of Sunset Park, we lived with the SM airport's noise and pollution, although hardly bearable, for years - thank goodness this decreased when the jets, for the most part, stopped using it; and thank you!
We have always dreamed of the airport-occupied land turning into an oasis of nature, i.e., a great park, including a center for local artists (young and old) as well as for community-owned, not-for-profit physical activities, such as pickleball (!), for the abled, and those with disabilities, who live nearby or in the regional area. Please hear the voices of your constituents. It will affect our lives in a meaningful way, day in and day out. If such a beautiful, landmark-level outcome as I describe becomes a reality, I know there are many who would join in to volunteer on a regular basis to make it viable - we will invest our time and efforts for such a community-focused juggernaut, carved out in an urban environment, a green jewel to cherish and call our own.

Each one of you will have my support and your legacies will not be forgotten.

Thank you,
Vincent Licassi, Sunset Park resident and potential volunteer 310-469-1752
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1041 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 46 David Yakobson
From: Mary Grace <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: 7-7-25 re: Agenda item 7-A - Airport Conversion LC - Compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I also urge you to reject any housing or new commercial development on site and to look for more creative ways to finance the park.

One great way is to partner with nonprofit organizations like Tree People to assist in the planting of trees, just look at what they have done with the Pacific Palisades trees so far. From my understanding, grants may also be available for re-greening this area.

Thank you for your consideration, let's do the right thing! Sincerely,
Mary Grace Cancassi, 90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1042 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 47 David Yakobson
From: Lane, Staci <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

As a resident of Santa Monica and a public servant working with our city's teens at one of our high schools, I urge you to please move forward, for the benefit of all, the creation of an inspirational LCcompliant Great Park with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

As an Associate AD and a member of Santa Monica Field Sports Advisory Council, I am affected in my processional capacity every day by the need for more recreation space for youth.

Sincerely,
To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented auto matic downlo ad o f this picture from the Internet. Staci Lane Associate Director of Athletics
Direct: 310-795-2524
Pacifica Christian High School
1730 Wilshire Blvd • Santa Monica CA 90403
www.pacificachristian.org • 310-828-7015
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1043 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 48 David Yakobson
From: mayer davidson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Affordable housing at SM airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Police, teachers and staff who work in Santa Monica cannot afford to live there. We should fix that by making affordable housing available at the airport when it closes Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1044 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 49 David Yakobson
From: Perrin Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

This is your opportunity to create something truly special for all Santa Monica residents, and to forge a lasting and positive legacy. Seize it and leave your mark!
Please vote for a Great Park, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, with all new uses dedicated to park and recreation, including plenty of sports fields.

My family is active and my son enjoys youth sports. Unfortunately, Santa Monica is park-poor – with much less park space per resident than other cities. We deserve better. The airport site is a unique, once-in-alifetime opportunity to build a 192-acre Great Park to address today's acute shortage of open and field space and to balance future density and population growth. Please vote for a Great Park for our kids, our active community -- and for generations of Santa Monicans to come.

Thank you,
Perrin Anderson (born in Santa Monica, 20 year resident and employee of a SM-based company, SM AYSO parent)
____________________________
This email may contain information that is confidential or is otherwise the property of RPA or its clients.

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Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1045 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 50 David Yakobson
From: John Given <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:26 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, Preferred Scenarios Review Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
I am writing to ask the City Council to continue to direct Staff and Consultants to include in the Airport Conversion Project a well conceived largely affordable residential community of approximately 3000 housing units. CEQA clearance and the primacy of housing production in our local, regional and State mandates make inclusion of housing essential to the intergovernmental partnerships that will carry forward the planning and financing of the Airport Conversion Project. We are not asking to overturn the notion of a great park. This amounts to a well planned inclusion of maybe 30-50 acres. We are still talking about gross park lands of 140-160 acres. No small feat!!
Sincerely,
John Given
(A 44 year resident of Ocean Park)
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1046 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 51 David Yakobson
From: walter Zifkin <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Barbara and Walter Zifkin
90402
Sent from my iPad
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1047 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 52 David Yakobson
From: Dawn Joyal <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7.A./July 8th - Support for an LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
For 31 years I have lived adjacent to SM Airport. Being a daily "walk" person, I circle the Airport and do a 3 mile loop.

It is noisy , and smells like car exhaust.

I look forward to a clean, clear, groomed, safe walk path inside a park.

Especially since the silent electric bikes and scooters on the sidewalks are life-threatening to a senior like me.

I RALLY FOR A GREAT PARK !
Dawn Joyal
Marine St
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1048 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 53 David Yakobson
From: Lacy Wetmore <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:10 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item number 7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, Preferred Scenarios Review Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing you today to voice my support for the Cloverfield Commons Project that advocates for the inclusion of below market housing in the plan to convert the Santa Monica Airport into public park space.

I think a park is a wonderful use for the space. However, to not include much needed housing for people who work, but cannot afford to live in Santa Monica, would be detrimental to our community.

By including accessible housing for our city’s teachers, medical staff, hospitality and hotel workers, we generate much needed income for our city in addition to growing our sense of community and lessening the environmental impact created by hours of necessary use of transportation.

The Santa Monica City Attorney has also advocated for the importance of studying below market housing for our area. I would hope that council sees the benefit in educating ourselves for how to best meet this moment wherein people are financially struggling and see housing options for themselves as difficult and limited.

Please consider Cloverfield Common’s proposed use of the Santa Monica Airport land and help us build a more united and economically healthier community.

Thank you for your time and consideration,
Lacy Wetmore
Resident of Santa Monica
Roosevelt Elementary School Site Council Member
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1049 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 54 David Yakobson
From: Tregg Rustad <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 11:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Please Prioritize Park Space in Sunset Park - Not housing Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
As a long-time Santa Monica (Sunset Park) resident, parent of three children in our public schools, and active member of the Sunset Park community, I’m writing to strongly urge you to move forward with a Measure LC-compliant Great Park— without housing development or privatization of the land.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create meaningful, lasting green space in a part of the city that truly needs it. As Santa Monica continues to densify, preserving and expanding open space isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity for the health, well-being, and future of our entire community.

I support a thoughtful and responsible financing plan that draws on existing on-site revenue sources and respects the will of the voters. Please keep this land public, and make this park a legacy we can all be proud of.

Thank you for your time and leadership.

Sincerely,
Tregg Rustad
Sunset Park Resident & Local Business Owner
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1050 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 55 David Yakobson
From: Katherine King <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for an LC-compliant Great Park (Item 7) Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Re: item number 7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, Preferred Scenarios Review

I urge you to vote for the conversion plan that includes 3000 units of affordable workforce housing. This plan not only offers a beautiful park to those of us who live near the airport, but will also contribute to the economic and social benefit of the community..

Let's bring the workers who have been priced out of Santa Monica back home. Let's make commutes shorter and thus improve the environment along with the family life of commuters. Let's make sure that essential workers can be housed near us and thus make our lives easier and safer.

Bread and roses, housing and a lovely park. Let's do it all! Thank you,
Katherine King
Venice (airport adjacent)
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1051 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 56 David Yakobson
From: Bradley Hall <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:54 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Elaine Polachek; Amber Richane; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; councilmtgitems Cc: Liane Hall; Lauren Hall; Dominic Leventini
Subject: Agenda Item 7-A: Airport Conversion-LC Compliant Great Park Attachments: BH-Letter to SM Mayor & Council for Airport-070725.docx Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Mayor and Councilmembers.

Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

We urge you to move forward with the creation of Measure LC-Compliant Great Park with a financing plan that prioritizes existing onsite revenue sources and NO SALE or other privatization of the land.

The citizens of Santa Monica supported the closure of Santa Monica Airport for purposes of utilizing that land for open space and recreational space for current and future generations.

Thank you for your consideration.

Bradley & Liane Hall
Bradley M. Hall
Managing Partner
Capital Hall Partners, LLC
e: [email protected]
m: 310-883-8855
www.caphall.com
Los Angeles/Phoenix/Boston
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1052 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) July 7, 2025
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

We urge you to move forward with the creation of Measure LC-Compliant Great Park with a financing plan that prioritizes existing onsite revenue sources and NO SALE or other privatization of the land.

The citizens of Santa Monica supported the closure of Santa Monica Airport for purposes of utilizing that land for open space and recreational space for current and future generations.

Thank you for your consideration.

Bradley & Liane Hall
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1053 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 57 David Yakobson
From: Jay Johnson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Jay P. Johnson
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1054 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 58 David Yakobson
From: SUZANNE ESCOFFIER <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members:

Again, I need to write to Santa Monica’s City Council in support of closing the airport and creating a park.

I have reviewed the 3 scenarios presented and was deeply disappointed in Sasaki's efforts to obscure the addition of massive amounts housing in scenario 2 and scenario 3. By not clearly labeling the “gray” areas with numbers on which participants could comment, it was difficult to express how abhorrent it would be to add housing to land that should be opened up to the people as a park.

Santa Monica residents have been begging for a park for decades. During that time, city has grown only more dense as new housing developments and ADUs have been added throughout the city Only Scenario 1 begins to outline a way to make the former airport land available for ALL to use as a park.

Scenario 1 is the only starting point that respects the voters’ endorsement of LC.

Scenario 1 will make it possible to move forward now, without another costly ballot measure and further delay Suzanne Escoffier
Ocean Park Resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1055 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 59 David Yakobson
From: Kevin Wu <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 8:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Scenario 3 of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion – 7/8/2025 City Council meeting agenda item # 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Santa Monica City Council,
As a housing advocate with YIMBY Los Angeles, I write in strong support of the City’s visionary efforts to redevelop the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site into a dynamic, mixeduse neighborhood with abundant housing and expansive open space. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address our region’s most urgent challenges — housing affordability, climate resilience, and sustainable land use — on public land, in one of the most desirable and opportunity-rich cities in the country.

Santa Monica is in the midst of a severe housing shortage, with the average one-bedroom apartment renting for nearly $3,000 per month. Thousands of families are burdened by high rents, pushed farther from jobs, schools, and services. Redeveloping this city-owned site with a bold vision — 48 acres dedicated to new residential or commercial development — can be a game-changer. It allows the city to plan for deeply affordable, workforce, and market-rate housing in a way that is fiscally responsible and environmentally sustainable.

Higher-density housing on this site will help activate new public spaces, ensuring parks are vibrant, welcoming, and safe. It also reduces car dependency by enabling residents to walk, bike, or use transit to access jobs, schools, and services, supporting the city’s ambitious climate and transportation goals. This kind of land use planning is not just smart — it’s essential to meeting the moment.

Some have called for a park-only future for the site, but this would be a missed opportunity and an unsustainable financial burden on the city. A mixed-use neighborhood can generate the resources needed to build and maintain world-class public parks while ensuring Santa Monica remains inclusive, not exclusive. Studies show that thoughtfully integrated parks and Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1056 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 60 housing increase public safety, improve mental health outcomes, and can raise nearby property values by 8–20%.

This project should be a model for cities across California, a showcase for how we can use public land to promote equity, inclusion, and long-term livability. As Councilmember Jesse Zwick wisely noted, “If Central Park in Manhattan had a perimeter entirely of single-family homes, it wouldn’t function and be as great as it is.” Homes and parks must work together to build a successful community.

We urge the Council to move this project forward with housing as a central pillar and adopt Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community. The scale of the opportunity demands nothing less.

Kevin Wu
[email protected]
639 N Gramercy Pl
Los Angeles, California 90004
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1057 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 61 David Yakobson
From: Alex Mehringer <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 8:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; [email protected] Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
I am a teenager living in Santa Monica. I'm writing to say that I support a Great Park that is 100% park and recreation uses at the airport site.

I play sports and am a competitive tennis player, having been ranked in the top 100 players nationally in my grade. My dad and I used to drive around Santa Monica in circles during the weeknights and weekends trying to find an open tennis court to play on in Santa Monica, and we literally could never find a court. Courts are always full and are usually booked by private instructors who can get permits from the city. My dad ended up needing to pay for private courts outside of Santa Monica so I could play tennis regularly and get better. The only time I'm able to play in Santa Monica is when my dad pays for a private instructor to hit with me, because it seems like only private instructors can book courts in Santa Monica.

How is this fair and equitable to ALL kids who live in Santa Monica? How is Santa Monica ever going to have a great tennis player like Serena and Venus Williams -- who grew up on the public courts of Compton -- if we don't have any easily accessible public tennis courts in Santa Monica? Please vote on Tuesday for an LC-compliant park with lots of new tennis courts for ALL kids to be able to learn to play tennis and follow their dreams.

Thank you for reading my email.

Alex M.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1058 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 62 David Yakobson
From: Kate Mehringer <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 8:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Dear City Council,
I am almost 16-years old and I live in Santa Monica with my family. I am writing to ask you to vote for a LC-compliant Great Park, which includes only park and recreation uses. This is exactly what we need in Santa Monica.

We don't have enough soccer fields in Santa Monica. I know this from personal experience because I have played soccer for 9 years -- starting in Santa Monica AYSO for 5 years and then moving to local clubs for the past 4 years. I want to play soccer in college and I am training every day this summer. Because there are no publicly-available soccer fields in Santa Monica that I can reliably access, my parents need to drive me outside of Santa Monica every day to a field in another city. Also, because there aren't enough soccer fields in Santa Monica, my club team (which is mostly Santa Monica kids) needs to do our 3-4 practices a week outside of Santa Monica, and even our "home" field is also outside of Santa Monica. There are so many kids like me who must leave our home in Santa Monica everyday and drive somewhere else, just to be able to play on a field. This causes more traffic and pollution, which isn't good for the environment. More personally, it means I need to waste an hour every night getting back and forth to practice in another city, and I get home from practice really late, and I still need to do homework, so I don't get as much sleep as I need. If we had more fields right here in Santa Monica, I could have a quick commute to practice and get home in time to do my homework and get the sleep I need.

People always say that "kids are our future". Please ensure that Santa Monica's kids have the sports fields and facilities we need to stay active and healthy and create a strong future for Santa Monica.

Please vote on Tuesday to support a LC-Compliant Great Park. The future is counting on you! Kate Mehringer
Santa Monica resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1059 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 63 David Yakobson
From: Matias Fuchs-Lynch <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 11:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Scenario 3 of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion – 7/8/2025 City Council meeting agenda item # 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Santa Monica City Council,
As a housing advocate with YIMBY Los Angeles, I write in strong support of the City’s visionary efforts to redevelop the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site into a dynamic, mixeduse neighborhood with abundant housing and expansive open space. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address our region’s most urgent challenges — housing affordability, climate resilience, and sustainable land use — on public land, in one of the most desirable and opportunity-rich cities in the country.

As a high schooler who has lived in Santa Monica my whole life, I want it to be possible to live here when I'm an adult without having to move back into my parents' house. My city should have room for me.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1060 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 64 Some have called for a park-only future for the site, but this would be a missed opportunity and an unsustainable financial burden on the city. A mixed-use neighborhood can generate the resources needed to build and maintain world-class public parks while ensuring Santa Monica remains inclusive, not exclusive. Studies show that thoughtfully integrated parks and housing increase public safety, improve mental health outcomes, and can raise nearby property values by 8–20%.

We urge the Council to move this project forward with housing as a central pillar and adopt Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community. The scale of the opportunity demands nothing less.

Matias Fuchs-Lynch
[email protected]
1068 Yale St.

Santa Monica, California 90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1061 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 65 David Yakobson
From: Rehan Khan <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 4:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Scenario 3 of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion – 7/8/2025 City Council meeting agenda item # 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Santa Monica City Council,
As a housing advocate with YIMBY Los Angeles, I write in strong support of the City’s visionary efforts to redevelop the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site into a dynamic, mixeduse neighborhood with abundant housing and expansive open space. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address our region’s most urgent challenges — housing affordability, climate resilience, and sustainable land use — on public land, in one of the most desirable and opportunity-rich cities in the country.

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1062 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 66 housing increase public safety, improve mental health outcomes, and can raise nearby property values by 8–20%.

We urge the Council to move this project forward with housing as a central pillar and adopt Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community. The scale of the opportunity demands nothing less.

Rehan Khan
[email protected]
419 Anita St
Redondo Beach, California 90278
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1063 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 67 David Yakobson
From: Aiko Dzikowski <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 4:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Scenario 3 of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion – 7/8/2025 City Council meeting agenda item # 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Santa Monica City Council,
As a housing advocate with YIMBY Los Angeles, I write in strong support of the City’s visionary efforts to redevelop the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site into a dynamic, mixeduse neighborhood with abundant housing and expansive open space. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address our region’s most urgent challenges — housing affordability, climate resilience, and sustainable land use — on public land, in one of the most desirable and opportunity-rich cities in the country.

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1064 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 68 housing increase public safety, improve mental health outcomes, and can raise nearby property values by 8–20%.

We urge the Council to move this project forward with housing as a central pillar and adopt Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community. The scale of the opportunity demands nothing less.

Aiko Dzikowski
[email protected]
925 Weyburn Pl
Los Angeles , California 90024
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1065 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 69 David Yakobson
From: Noah Schneider <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 5:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Scenario 3 of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion – 7/8/2025 City Council meeting agenda item # 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Noah Schneider, and I am an urban sustainable planning student at USC. As a housing advocate with YIMBY Los Angeles, I write in strong support of the City’s visionary efforts to redevelop the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site into a dynamic, mixed-use neighborhood with abundant housing and expansive open space. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address our region’s most urgent challenges — housing affordability, climate resilience, and sustainable land use — on public land, in one of the most desirable and opportunity-rich cities in the country.

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1066 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 70 housing increase public safety, improve mental health outcomes, and can raise nearby property values by 8–20%.

We urge the Council to move this project forward with housing as a central pillar and adopt Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community. The scale of the opportunity demands nothing less.

Noah Schneider
[email protected]
2652 Ellendale Place
Los Angeles, California 90007
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1067 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 71 David Yakobson
From: Jason Wong <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 5:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Scenario 3 of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion – 7/8/2025 City Council meeting agenda item # 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Santa Monica City Council,
As a housing advocate with YIMBY Los Angeles, I write in strong support of the City’s visionary efforts to redevelop the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site into a dynamic, mixeduse neighborhood with abundant housing and expansive open space. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address our region’s most urgent challenges — housing affordability, climate resilience, and sustainable land use — on public land, in one of the most desirable and opportunity-rich cities in the country.

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1068 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 72 housing increase public safety, improve mental health outcomes, and can raise nearby property values by 8–20%.

We urge the Council to move this project forward with housing as a central pillar and adopt Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community. The scale of the opportunity demands nothing less.

Jason Wong
[email protected]
6301 W77th Place
Los Angeles, California 90045
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1069 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 73 David Yakobson
From: Aaron Meraz <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 5:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT for Scenario 3 of the Santa Monica Airport Conversion – 7/8/2025 City Council meeting agenda item # 7
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Santa Monica City Council,
As a housing advocate with YIMBY Los Angeles, I write in strong support of the City’s visionary efforts to redevelop the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site into a dynamic, mixeduse neighborhood with abundant housing and expansive open space. This is an unprecedented opportunity to address our region’s most urgent challenges — housing affordability, climate resilience, and sustainable land use — on public land, in one of the most desirable and opportunity-rich cities in the country.

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1070 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 74 housing increase public safety, improve mental health outcomes, and can raise nearby property values by 8–20%.

We urge the Council to move this project forward with housing as a central pillar and adopt Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community. The scale of the opportunity demands nothing less.

Aaron Meraz
[email protected]
1074 Stravinsky Lane
Ventura, California 93003
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1071 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 75 David Yakobson
From: Hector C. Ayala <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 3:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8th SM Airport Conversion Prioritize Reparations and Landback Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Councilmembers ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As residents, descendants, and community members, we urge you to ensure the redesign of the airport land includes a meaningful commitment to Reparations and Landback.

We recognize that affordable housing is already a component in two of the three proposed design scenarios. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to repair historic harms through:

Public green space that is accessible, restorative, and integrated. We believe in a future where parks and people coexist, and where justice and open space can share the same soil.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1072 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 76 Some have voiced concern that building housing would derail plans for a park, but these priorities do not have to compete. Measure LC exists to prevent commercial overdevelopment, not to prevent justice. If a ballot measure is needed, Council can lead alongside community members to mobilize support for a vision rooted in equity, history, and healing.

Santa Monica has already issued a historic apology. Now is the time to put action behind those words and become a national leader in reparative justice.

Hector C. Ayala
[email protected]
Santa Monica, California 90404
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1073 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 77 David Yakobson
From: Mona Recalde <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 12:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8th SM Airport Conversion Prioritize Reparations and Landback Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged
Councilmembers ,
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As residents, descendants, and community members, we urge you to ensure the redesign of the airport land includes a meaningful commitment to Reparations and Landback.

We recognize that affordable housing is already a component in two of the three proposed design scenarios. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to repair historic harms through:

Public green space that is accessible, restorative, and integrated. We believe in a future where parks and people coexist, and where justice and open space can share the same soil.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1074 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 78 Some have voiced concern that building housing would derail plans for a park, but these priorities do not have to compete. Measure LC exists to prevent commercial overdevelopment, not to prevent justice. If a ballot measure is needed, Council can lead alongside community members to mobilize support for a vision rooted in equity, history, and healing.

Santa Monica has already issued a historic apology. Now is the time to put action behind those words and become a national leader in reparative justice.

Mona Recalde
[email protected]
1833 3rd Street
La Verne, CA, California 91750
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1075 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 79 David Yakobson
From: JORDAN ELLIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Par Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I urge you to move forward with the creation of a Measure LC-compliant Great Park, with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, and with no sale or other privatization of the land. As our parkpoor city densifies, it is important that we plan for the creation of sufficient open space and recreational spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations.

Thank you for your consideration,
Jordan Ellis
Santa Monica resident 90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025

7.A.i
Packet Pg. 1076 Attachment: Written Comments [Revision 1] (6638 : Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project (SMACP) Preferred Scenarios Review (90 mins)) 80 David Yakobson
From: Mandell, Dana <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 7, 2025 10:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek; [email protected] Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June 8
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Our daughter is active and plays sports, but there is a shortage of park and open space because Santa Monica is park-poor and has significantly less park space per resident than other cities. This problem is only getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. The airport site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families, now and for generations to come. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Santa Monica City CouncilJuly 8, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
July 8, 2025