Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, July 8, 2025 (part 1 of 3)

Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project
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2 AboutUs
‣ A Santa Monica–based experience design company specializing in theme park shows and attractions, museum exhibits, showcase pavilions, and public spaces & events.
‣ We focus on the Guest Experience, crafting environments that inspire wonder, foster connection, and reflect the communities they serve.
‣ We bring together a multidisciplinary team of artists, writers, designers, planners, and project managers to turnkey your project from first spark to opening day.

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3 Phase 3B Observations
Funding strategies for capital
& operational expenses.

Allocation of public and
private land uses.

Short & long-term plans for park
development and investment.

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4 Ticketed Daytime Experience
Descanso Gardens
Seasonal Nighttime Experience
La Cañada Flintridge
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5 Permanent or Rotating Exhibition

TEAMLAB
SuperBlue
Permanent or Rotating Exhibition

MEADOWS
Miami, Florida
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6 Theater Venue
The
Commercial Campus
San Francisco
Presidio
(As referenced by HR&A)
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A Holistic Approach
Collaboration between
LDC and CDC
Alignment of Program
& Amenities
A Holistic Guest
Experience
+ =
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Contact Info:
+1 310 770 9452
[email protected]
https://www.curiouscreative.design
STAY Curious. INSPIRE Creative.

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1 David Yakobson
From: Alex Novakovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 9:49 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:

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.

Alex Novakovich
90405
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2 David Yakobson
From: David Alper <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 8:49 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

More intense development of this area will create an impossible web of traffic and noise that will choke what is now a beautiful neighborhood that is already challenging to navigate.

Sincerely,
David Alper and Susan Stein
516 18th St, Santa Monica, CA 90402
--
David Alper
Mobile: 310.963.4443
[email protected]
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5 David Yakobson
From: YIMBY Los Angeles <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 4:17 PM
To: YIMBY Los Angeles
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council Regular Meeting 7/8/2025 Agenda Item #7 Public Comment Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica City Councilmembers –
On behalf of Yimby Los Angeles, I want to express our enthusiastic support for the comprehensive redevelopment of the 192-acre Santa Monica Airport site. We support the City’s Scenario 3: Growing Park, Growing Community proposal, which incorporates approximately 48 acres of new mixed-use development.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape Santa Monica's legacy for decades to come.

The site presents a rare opportunity to create a transformative new community, balancing the forecasted need for housing with a magnificent trophy park. Our region faces a major housing affordability crisis today, with average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Santa Monica at nearly $3,000 per month (source); and with an eye toward the future, developing this publicly owned land can significantly contribute to alleviating this burden.

Envision a vibrant, mixed-use community framed by a massive trophy park offering passive, active, and cultural activations. Studies consistently show that proximity to well-designed public parks can increase surrounding property values by 8-20% (source), enhancing desirability and creating a lasting civic asset.

This integrated approach will foster a highly desirable neighborhood where homes activate open spaces, ensuring a dynamic, safe, and well-utilized park for everyone.

While some in the community desire a park-only future, forgoing housing would be a squandered opportunity and a municipal finance albatross. An integrated development offers a fiscally responsible and sustainable model. Developing on city-owned land significantly reduces housing production costs, making affordable housing more achievable, and revenue-generating activities within a mixed-use scenario can ensure the park's long-term operational sustainability.

This is a chance to build a truly integrated community that exemplifies what Santa Monica stands for: progress, sustainability, and equity. The lasting positive impact on future generations and the region cannot be overstated. As City Councilmember Jesse Zwick wisely noted, "A lot of people like to say we need our Central Park. But if Central Park in Manhattan had a perimeter entirely of single family homes, it wouldn’t function and be as great as it is.”
Sincerely,
Christopher Russell, Lead
Yimby Los Angeles
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6 David Yakobson
From: Sejon Ding <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 3:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: The Santa Monica Park will increase its value everyday through eternity Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
30 year, 50 years, 200 years from now, it will remain a great park for the people of Santa Monica and surrounding communities. It's not going to be big enough but it's the best we can do. If we put in housing, we're screwed for eternity. When you think of Mendoza, Vancouver, San Franciso or any other cities with incredible parks, they conjure beauty, health and care. Yes, the creation and maintenance of a great park for the public says we care about your well-being. And this is the greatest gift each one of you in power can give to the people.

Best regards,

Sejon Ding
Pristine Windows, Inc
Tel: 310-446-8180
www.pristinewindows.com

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7 David Yakobson
From: Leslie Lambert <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 2:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 7A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
There are several necessary corrections to my recent submission for 7A. First, the next Housing Element cycle is the 7th, not the 8th. Second, this cycle is for the period 2029-2036.

Thank you and sorry for any confusion
Leslie Lambert
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8 David Yakobson
From: Leslie Lambert <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 2:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall
Subject: Item 7A
Attachments: Item7A.docx
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Attached are my comments on Item 7A for the Tuesday meeting. Thank you.

Leslie
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9 David Yakobson
From: Jehangir Dastur <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 2:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Airport Redevelopment Project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:

As a local resident who lives in the vicinity of Santa Monica Airport, 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,
Jehangir Dastur
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10 David Yakobson
From: Erika Bell <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 12:21 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 know this is our only chance to protect wide, open, regenerative space in our city. It is a very real opportunity to address climate concerns and enhance our city’s resilience. Creating a Great Park will not only serve the residents and visitors of Santa Monica, but it will also stand as a sustainable gift to future generations.

Take care,
Erika Bell
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11 David Yakobson
From: Peter Spelman <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 12:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Nothing but PARK at the airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
7/5/25
Hello Council Members:

There's really not much more to say. You all know that the overwhelming majority of the citizens of Santa Monica, my family included, want nothing but a GREAT PARK on the airport land - no housing, no new commercial structures, nothing but PARK. You all know that. Now, the only question is, do you follow the will of the majority of your citizens or do you violate their trust in electing you by voting for something they don't want?
You do realize, of course, that if you put a housing-at-the-airport measure on the '26 ballot it will be hugely expensive, terribly divisive and damaging for our City's civic health, and, worst of all, a tremendous distraction from the real work of fighting back against the authoritarian and cruel MAGA folks.

What more can we say? You know what the right thing to do is here. Just do it.

We're all watching.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Peter Spelman & Stephanie Tainsky
730 Marine St.

SM 90405
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12 David Yakobson
From: DALE STRUMPELL <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 12:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems
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 believe that Santa Monica’s growth, while beneficial in many ways, has come at the cost of the city’s green spaces. All great cities have great parks, and Santa Monica has the opportunity to create something truly wonderful. It is important that such an LC-compliant Great Park be funded with on-site revenue sources and with no sale or other privatization of the land. thank you
Dale Strumpell
…………………….

I have always imagined that Paradise will be a kind of library - Jorge Luis Borges Item 7-A
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13 David Yakobson
From: JOHN VENTURA <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 12:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7 - The Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
As a long time Santa Monica resident from the Sunset Park area, and the Wilshire Montana area, I would like to voice my support for the closing of the Santa Monica airport and replacing it with a Great Park. 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. In 2014 the Santa Monica voters passed Measured LC to ensure this land becomes a park, and I urge all city council members to move forward to advance the park now.

Thank You,
John
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14 David Yakobson
From: Robert Mickelson <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 11:52 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

Sincerely,
Robert
Robert Mickelson
3204 Pearl Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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15 David Yakobson
From: John Londono <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 10:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7 - The Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council:

I am in favor of the airport land being converted to a Great Park that is compliant with measure LC.

This includes no new housing or development.

Whatever buildings currently exist can be repurposed or leased for revenue to cover park maintenance costs.

I expect the Council to vote in line with the will of the majority of Santa Monica resident IN FAVOR of the Great Park.
-John Londono
Sunset Park
90405
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16 David Yakobson
From: Laurie Irwin <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 9:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete
Cc: Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya Subject: Santa Monica Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello Council Members,
It is time to lead and ensure that residents of SM have a park to enjoy for decades to come. There is a plan in place with current and projected revenue, no need to add housing to a land-locked area. There should only be park related services and no thoroughfare roads to ensure health and safety of everyone at the park, which will likely be made up of many seniors and children.

Vote with a sound mind and heart to move forward with the park so that Santa Monica can truly shine as a nature loving and community-building locale. Many of us have been part of the planning and decision phases thus far and have an interest in the favorable outcome as having voted this way.

The desolation of downtown Santa Monica with overbuilding is already being felt. Please leave the Eastside as a sanctuary for nature, learning, and pure enjoyment of the outdoors together with a small town feel.

Thank you for voting to move forward quickly with the park! We are all excited about it!
Sincerely,
Laurie Irwin
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JUNE 5, 2025
RE: ITEM 7A (July 8, 2025)
Dear Mayor Negrete, Mayor Pro Tem Torosis and Councilmembers:

I am writing to encourage you to consider the development of both housing and a park on the Airport Property. If necessary to support a project that is compliant with Measure LC, then I suggest that you leave your options open by limiting the park planning to the runway and postponing plans for the remaining site until after the Airport has closed in December 2028. This can happen by your favoring Scenario 1 as applied to the runway only.

I ask you to consider the following:

1. Affordable Homeownership - We all are aware of the affordable housing shortage in Santa Monica and the absence of any first time homebuyers’ opportunities that are affordable to moderate and middle income people. Many of these people likely were born and raised in Santa Monica but are locked out of homeownership and the opportunity for their children to take advantage of the District’s excellent school system and the City’s many recreational opportunities.

Through land write downs on the Airport Property, the City could provide these opportunities.

Please consider Village Green as a model for this type of development. Village Green is a 627-unit medium density development in Los Angeles, which is characterized by abundant green space.

There is no vehicular access within the project. Instead, peripheral parking is provided. Village Green is a National Historic Landmark because of its excellent planning and livability. I am not proposing that this many units be built on the Airport Property. I am only citing it as an excellent example of a human scale, vehicle-free environment.

2. 8
th Cycle Housing Element - The 8th Cycle Housing Element (2029-2037) must be finalized by October 2029. The RHNA on which the next Element is based must be issued no later than two years before that. If the RHNA numbers are of the same magnitude as the current RHNA, the City will be seriously challenged in finding development sites to accommodate this new allocation.

Those sites on the current Element’s Suitable Sites Inventory (SSI) can be added to the 8th Cycle’s SSI. However, any repeated sites must be zoned to allow for inclusion of 20% very low and low income units. Since the upzoning of the current SSI properties was based on 5% very low/5% low and 5% moderate income units, the City will be facing a major upzoning of the already upzoned sites in order to make the very low income and low income units feasible. Further, while the 7th Cycle upzoning was limited to commercial areas, it is predictable that new upzoning may have to occur in Residential districts. Finally, I am certain that HCD will not be pleased if the City refuses to zone any of the Airport property for affordable housing given the land write down potential notwithstanding Measure LC.

In anticipation of 8th Cycle planning, I strongly encourage you to include a substantial number of affordable units in your future planning for the Airport Property.

3. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) - As you know, this is a very high priority of the State. Its intent is to provide housing opportunities in high opportunity areas and those segregated racially and economically even if this segregation is de facto (the result of real estate prices). The Airport Property is in the southeastern quadrant of Sunset Park. Although the Sunset Item 7-A
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Park has more multi-family units than single family residences, it is predominantly white and middle to higher income. Providing affordable housing opportunities on the Airport Property would further the objectives of AFFH.

A few additional thoughts:

Creation of an Enhanced infrastructure Financing District – Actually the more appropriate State authorized program would be a Climate Resilience District. The financing district need not be limited to the Airport property. Instead, its boundaries could extend to all properties that would benefit from the park, assuming it doesn’t run into redevelopment agency debt payment issues. The beneficiary is probably much of Santa Monica. In order to collect the tax increment from district property owners, the City and the County must agree to give up all or a portion of their property tax increment. The good news about either of these districts is that 25% of revenues can be used for affordable housing. An important point about these financing districts is that they have no impact on the amount of property taxes paid by Property owners. They rely only on tax increment.

Mello-Roos Bonds – These bonds can be used for the construction of infrastructure needed for development where none exists. It is certainly an option for new housing development on the Airport Property. The bonds are paid off by the property owners.

In conclusion, let me address the argument that Santa Monica is a “park poor” community. When I say that to my neighbors they look at me as though I have lost my marbles. First, every neighborhood in the city has at least one sizable park. North of Montana is the exception, but we all know the front and back yards and the street trees provide a lot of open space, albeit private, and visual relief. Second, most schools in the District have joint use agreements, meaning their playing fields and playgrounds are open for public use in off hours. Finally, discounting the beach is ridiculous. I have concluded that this omission is due to the City’s not owning it as well its use by non-Santa Monica residents. My daughter and her friends from Samo always gravitated to the beach for recreation. They still do. Not Clover Park. Several years ago we hosted a very large family reunion, all of which was held on the beach and at the Annenberg Beach House. Not Clover Park. I know for a fact that these personal experiences are not unique.

Community Participation – I applaud the exhaustive community outreach efforts of City staff and the consultants. But, by their own admission, the responses skewed heavily toward older, white residents.

That is often the case with such efforts for a variety of reasons we all know. At the risk of sounding patronizing, I think it is important that we, as leaders, represent everyone in our decision making including those who, for whatever reason, could not participate in the public dialogue. Our last Planning Commission meeting on the Airport was illuminating on this point. The speakers were pretty evenly divided on “housing versus park”. The difference was their race and ethnicity. Local 11 submitted a petition, with 150 member signatures, urging the inclusion of housing in the park plan.

Thank you for your consideration.

Leslie Lambert (Planning Commissioner, for ID only)
Sunset Park Resident and Beach User
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17 David Yakobson
From: Stephen Unger <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, July 5, 2025 1:52 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Close the Santa Monica Airport!
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
At the upcoming July 8th meeting, we urge you to do what was promised to the Santa Monica citizens: Close the Santa Monica Airport no later than January 1, 2029. Thank you.

Respectfully,
Stephen Unger
Longtime Santa Monica Resident, Homeowner, Taxpayer and Voter Item 7-A
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18 David Yakobson
From: Hal Bogotch <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 8:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item # 7 - our Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Rep -

I urge you to vote FOR our Great Park and AGAINST any housing or commercial development on the S.M.

Airport site!
-- Hal

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Hal Bogotch
2520 Cloverfield Blvd
S.M. 90405
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Begin forwarded message:

From: NoJets <[email protected]>
Date: July 4, 2025 at 7:59:41 PM PDT
To: [email protected]
Subject: The Majority Has Spoken — Now It’s Council’s Turn Reply-To: NoJets <[email protected]>

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Item 7-A
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19 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 city-owned 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.

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20 • 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.

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 Item 7-A
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21 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 Park residents have demanded for nearly a century.

Four votes make history.

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.

Please attend the July 8th Council meeting and The Rally For The Great Park at 4:30PM at City Hall. Write to Council.

Thanks for hanging in and Happy 4th!
Alan Levenson
Write to council before the July 8th meeting. Subject: Item 7 - The
Great Park

 Lana Negrete (Mayor): [email protected]
 Caroline Torosis (Mayor Pro Tem): [email protected]  Jesse Zwick: [email protected]
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22  Dan Hall: [email protected]
 Ellis Raskin: [email protected]
 Barry Snell: [email protected]
 Natalya Zernitskaya: [email protected] Email the full Council: [email protected]

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Thank you for your continued support to reduce airport impacts and improve our quality of life. "A drop of effort can create a sea of change."
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23 David Yakobson
From: Ose Dalldorf <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 8:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fw: The Majority Has Spoken — Now It’s Council’s Turn Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear council members,
I whole - heartedly agree with the thoughts Alan Levenson expressed below.

How could we possibly and illegally sell out the determination and repeated democratic votes of the SM residents ?
It is unfathomable to me that we have even come this far to suggest and then allow other than legal, voted for( by SM residents) uses of this land ?
How does one square that with one's conscience ?
I used to be such a strong believer in democratic principles ! PLEASE VOTE FOR the LC COMPLIANT PARK !!!
Thank you for your considerations !

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We can afford the park.

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

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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24 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 city-owned 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 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 Item 7-A
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25 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.

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 Item 7-A
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26 motion for an LC compliant park we can afford?
Let’s lead clearly, confidently, and with the knowledge that we can afford the Great Park residents have demanded for nearly a century.

Four votes make history.

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.

Please attend the July 8th Council meeting and The Rally For The Great Park at 4:30PM at City Hall. Write to Council.

Thanks for hanging in and Happy 4th!
Alan Levenson
Write to council before the July 8th meeting. Subject: Item 7 - The
Great Park

 Lana Negrete (Mayor): [email protected]
 Caroline Torosis (Mayor Pro Tem): [email protected]  Jesse Zwick: [email protected]
 Dan Hall: [email protected]
 Ellis Raskin: [email protected]
 Barry Snell: [email protected]
 Natalya Zernitskaya: [email protected] Item 7-A
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27 Email the full Council: [email protected]

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Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
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30 David Yakobson
From: Sam Butler <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 3:35 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
Please finalize the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park with a financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources and no sale or other privatization of the land. As a westside resident, I am looking forward to seeing a new accessible green space that I can recreate in and that will serve as a lifeline for native plants and wildlife. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish something good and at scale for the residents of Santa Monica and the surrounding communities, that will also help our local ecosystems to survive the on-going challenges of climate change and loss of habitat through overdevelopment.

Given that a park has already been approved by ballot and is the only option that would not require further expensive and time consuming ballot measures, the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park is clearly the best option.

Kind regards,
Sam Butler
Westchester, Los Angeles
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31 David Yakobson
From: Jing Liu <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 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,
Jing

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July 8, 2025
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32 David Yakobson
From: Vivien Flitton <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 2:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Cc: 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 with the creation of an 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 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.

Thank you
Vivien Flitton
Santa Monica Resident
Item 7-A
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1 David Yakobson
From: Ingrid Mueller <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 1:18 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Today's SMO votes::

EXTERNAL
Respected Council members,
You can figure out by the attached 1990's GO GREEN NOW! poster for how long this now 82-year old tenant at the Historic Lincoln Place Apartments has envisioned No Noise & Air Pollution beneath the SMO flight path in Venice...
¡¡You Can Afford to get on with THE GREAT PARK Plan!!
Please cast your valued votes for a better tomorrow.

MerciGraciasTak!
Sincerely, indeed.

Ingrid Mueller
Just beneath/SW of SMO
and toward Pacific/S of Rose
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3 Item 7-A
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4 David Yakobson
From: Y Ma <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, July 8, 2025 3:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Fwd: Important Correction Immediate Call to Action

EXTERNAL
Keep the airport! We need it
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33 David Yakobson
From: Andreas Kemkes <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 11:28 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,
This is the last chance for the creation of sufficient open and regenerative space within city limits that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations.

The process has been overbearing with planning. Less is more. Start slow as finance permits and keep options open for the future. That implies prioritizing existing on-site revenue sources and no sale or other privatization of the land.

I support the creation of an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park in the spirit of Frederick Law Olmsted.

Sincerely,
Andreas Kemkes
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34 David Yakobson
From: Green Mother Zen <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 10:49 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

Sincerely,
Ms. Frankie Lou Thorn
Sent from GreenMotherZen 걭걮걯거
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35 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 10:06 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,
I support the goals of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations, including, by the way, significant recognition in the site’s re-design of the place of aviation in Santa Monica’s history.

I do NOT support any subversion of the voters’ original intention to replace the airport with anything other than public open space. That means no private ownership, no housing, no yielding to any pressures of the current moment. Anything would other than 100 percent dedication of this land to a public park will be a betrayal of the public trust.

Anything less would cause this voter to revert to his support for keeping the airport in its current state.

Sincerely,
Erik Lerner
25 VIllage Parkway
Santa Monica CA 90405
310 729 4597
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36 David Yakobson
From: Daniel Galamba <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 9:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: July 8, 2025 City Council Meeting Item 7.A
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Please move forward 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 for the benefit of the people of Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel Galamba
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37 David Yakobson
From: Jason McBride <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 9:33 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

Sincerely,
Jason McBride
3224 18th St
a 30 yr Santa Monica resident.

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38 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Sandbank <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 9:12 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 Esteemed Mayor and City Council members,
It is our greatest civic responsibility to recommission the airport space upon its closing with an LC-compliant park.

Beginning with the purchase of the land in 1926 with a parks bond, to the city charter addition in 2014 to “prohibit new development on airport land except for parks, public open spaces, and public recreational facilities”, the necessity, and benefits, for a great, public park on the entire 190+/- acres is evidenced not just by former intentions, from future environmental and public and civic health safety.

We are in a fortunate position which allows our existing on-site revenue sources to exclude the sale or other privatization of the land.

We must seize this opportunity to build an open, recreational, and regenerative space that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations.

Sincerely,
Lisa Sandbank
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40 David Yakobson
From: Allison Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 8:58 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,
I have forwarded the email below as a sign of my full support for the great park, and only a park. As a relatively new resident of Santa Monica, (5 years now!) we purchased our home in Sunset Park under the assumption that we would someday live close to this wonderful park, that it had already been voted on and decided by the city. I am emailing to say, please honor that commitment to all of us. Thank you.

Allison Greene
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.

Sincerely,
"Sent from a handheld so please excuse terseness and typos" Item 7-A
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41 David Yakobson
From: Federico Bianchi <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 8:20 AM
To: Federico Bianchi
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and Honorable City Councilmembers,
I respectfully urge you to move forward with the creation of an inspirational, LC-compliant Great Park supported by a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, without selling or privatizing this vital public land.

As our increasingly park-poor city continues to densify, it is essential that we secure sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative green spaces to restore habitat and serve the needs of both current and future generations.

Thank you for your leadership on this important issue.

To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

ALBION SC Santa Monica Federico Bianchi
Executive Director ALBION SC Santa Monica
email:[email protected]
website: www.albionscsantamonica.org
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

ALBION SC Santa Monica
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42 David Yakobson
From: Camilla Chan <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, July 4, 2025 8:01 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Support for a Great Park—A Vital Investment in Our Community’s Future Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
As a Santa Monica resident and parent of a teenager and a tween, I’ve spent many years watching my children
grow up on our city’s playing fields. Both have played
soccer for years in Santa Monica parks, and my son has
also played baseball here. These parks have been more
than just recreational spaces—they’ve been essential to their development, offering structure, community, and a safe place to grow.

But as our city becomes more dense, the shortage of open space is increasingly apparent. Santa Monica already has less park space per resident than many other cities, and this imbalance is only getting worse. That’s why I believe so strongly in the opportunity we have with the airport site.

Creating a Great Park that complies with Measure LC isn’t just about adding green space—it’s about investing in the kind of “third spaces” that are critical for youth. Parks Item 7-A
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43 give kids a place to build independence, form friendships, and develop socially outside of home and school. These
are the spaces where community is built and where
future generations will thrive.

Please vote to create a truly public, LC-compliant Great Park on this once-in-a-lifetime site—for the benefit of all Santa Monicans, now and in the future.

With appreciation,
Camilla Benham
(Santa Monica resident)
Sent from my iPhone
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44 David Yakobson
From: Irit Raz-McBride <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 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

Sincerely,
Irit Raz-McBride
3224 18th street
Santa Monica 90405
https://urldefense.com/v3/__http://www.iritraz.com__;!!OfuUnHCITYtmmjM!rjga8rZXIPGYUsw_Go06XZN6qomw uN8WViL9U9-mQGLijUQm3CQIM67UVxDElJDXyOa2NjIIOHE-ax2YOgelIhBXRvst8WnzruCo$ Item 7-A
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45 David Yakobson
From: great park <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:18 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
Attachments: FSAC LOI FINAL.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council.

I am writing from Santa Monica AYSO, a 100% volunteer, non-profit, community organization and the largest sports org in Santa Monica. Santa Monica AYSO is a member of the Great Park Coalition and we strongly support a LC-Compliant Great Park at the airport location.

As you may know, Santa Monica AYSO provides a high-quality, low-cost program to over 1500 Santa Monica kids every year, and tens of thousands of Santa Monica kids have grown up in our program, including some of your own kids. We are inclusive and have soccer programs for all kids, whether they have special needs or they are elite players, and everyone in between. We serve the entire economic spectrum of Santa Monica, including many families receiving government assistance, and we provide significant financial aid to everyone in need. We believe ALL kids should have access to play soccer and gain the important life-skills and physical and mental health benefits from playing sports.

With our 2500+ actively involved parents and community volunteers each season, we are an important and engaged part of Santa Monica's community.

Santa Monica is park-poor. There is simply not enough open space and sports fields in Santa Monica to adequately serve our active kids and families, and this significant problem is only getting worse as the city continues to densify. Building an LC-Compliant Great Park is the solution to this problem and helps maintain balance between development and open space so Santa Monica stays vibrant, healthy, and liveable, now and in the future.

To that point, I want to ensure that you saw the LOI that Santa Monica AYSO and other FSAC organizations (representing soccer, rugby, and lacrosse) submitted. I am attaching it here for your convenience. As you can see from the attached LOI, we are willing to work with Santa Monica, in a private-public partnership, to fund and build rectangular fields as part of a LC-compliant Great Park.

Please don't privatize public land that the public desperately needs for park and recreation space. Let's roll up our sleeves and work together as a community to build a fiscally responsible, LC-compliant Great Park for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, now and for generations to come.

Thank you,
Lisa Demsky, Regional Commissioner, AYSO
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46 Melinda Mehringer, Board Member, AYSO
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We are the Santa Monica Fields Sports Advisory Committee (FSAC) members that utilize Santa Monica’s rectangular-fields, across multiple sports including soccer, lacrosse, and rugby. Together we teach sports -- and the life lessons of teamwork, commitment, and resilience -- to close to 2000 Santa Monica kids annually. We submit this Letter of Interest to indicate our interest in supporting a private-public partnership with Santa Monica to create more rectangular sports fields at the new Great Park.

1. Santa Monica needs more Sports Fields to Support our Kids’ Physical and Mental Health Playing sports helps keep kids physically active and fit in the face of growing screentime and childhood obesity.
1 Team sports also benefit kids’ mental health, resulting in lower rates of anxiety, lower drug use, higher self-esteem, healthier body image, better sleep, improved cognitive performance, and higher GPAs/test scores/graduation rates. These physical and mental health benefits extend into adulthood.2 Especially considering the modest cost of sports fields, there is truly no better return-on-investment for our city’s future than to provide fields for our kids to play sports.

Currently, we have a critical shortage of soccer/multi-use field space in Santa Monica. There are only two city-owned rectangular fields in all of Santa Monica – Airport Park and Belmar. Two fields are not enough for all of Santa Monica’s kids! The two other rectangular fields (JAMS, Lincoln) are controlled by the schools, so youth sports’ use is restricted and conditional on the schools’ needs and holiday schedule. (This is also largely true for Belmar, because SAMOHI gets permitting priority after school). With the new middle school athletics programs, the schools are using their fields after school for their own students more than ever, exacerbating the field shortage. Fields at the schools are typically unavailable to permit before at 5 or 5:30pm at the earliest. We try to schedule the very youngest kids to the earlier times, so this pushes “older” kids – who may just be 10 years old – to late practices that run until 9 or 9:30PM at night, which is hard on these kids and families. More city-owned fields would allow us to hold very young kids’ practices earlier, like after school at 3:30 or 4pm, allowing the 10–12-year-olds to also practice earlier and get to bed at a reasonable time. In addition, the lack of field space often requires squeezing six or eight teams on one field, which is not best for teaching or safety.

The field crunch for rectangular sports gets even worse in January to June, as diamond sports get permitting priority during their core, spring season, so the rectangular field at JAMS (and the open grass space between baseball diamonds at Marine and Clover) become unavailable to us. Unfortunately, this lack of field space means we must limit the number of teams we can form, and we sadly turn away kids who want to play rectangular field sports but there is no room for them to practice on our local fields. We can fix all these field access issues by building more rectangular fields in the Great Park!

2. We will Invest in Santa Monica and Provide the Capital to Build Rectangular Fields at the Great Park Between our organizations’ direct contributions, fund-raising, and sponsorships from foundations, corporations, and national and major league sports organizations, we can fund the $7-10 million it would take to build a first-class Field Complex with 10-12 new rectangular playing fields at the Great Park using a “Friends of the Park” conservatorship structure.
1 One in five U.S. children are medically obese, per the CDC. See www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood-obseity-facts. 2 See Benefits of Youth Sports, President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition Science Board.

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3. We urge the City to adopt a FIELDS FIRST building strategy at the Great Park.

Fields can be Built Quickly and Will Help Fund the Build-Out of the Rest of the Great Park.

Rectangular sports fields provide surplus revenue, as they are consistently permitted by our organizations. Currently, our organizations pay Santa Monica over $100,000 annually for field permits, which covers not only the maintenance for the fields we use, but also provides surplus revenue to the City. Fields at the Great Park would similarly add value and produce surplus revenue for the Great Park.

But there is a much larger opportunity here. If we built a multi-use rectangular Field Complex at the Great Park with 10-12 fields, it would also create opportunities to bring significant revenue into Santa Monica through hosting tournaments. Teams travel to attend tournaments, with many teams staying two to three nights in local hotels, eating out at restaurants and passing time between games buying merchandise and food at booths at the fields and at shops in town, and experiencing other local entertainment – all bringing in millions of dollars to their host cities.

We are attaching a sampling of news articles about cities across the country that value youth sports as an economic driver and are making many millions of dollars hosting sports tournaments. We could easily replicate this success in Santa Monica. Based on other cities’ experiences, a conservative estimate is that a Santa Monica field sport tournament at the Great Park would bring in $2,000,000-3,000,000 in economic benefit to Santa Monica in a weekend. With Santa Monica’s premier location, and our base of local sports organizations across lacrosse, rugby, football, field hockey, and soccer, Santa Monica’s Great Park Field Complex would easily host at least five tournaments during the year, conservatively contributing $10-15 million to Santa Monica’s economy annually. With a first-class Field Complex, we could even host major league teams who are in town and need practice space during the weekdays (when kids are in school), thus maximizing use of – and revenue from -- the fields.

By building FIELDS FIRST, we will help fund the rest of the Great Park! Fields can be built quickly and at a relatively low-cost, and can immediately produce surplus revenue to be used to build out other recreation facilities at the Great Park. We are committed to structuring our tournaments to raise and share revenue DIRECTLY with Santa Monica (or a Santa Monica Great Parks Foundation) to reinvest in the Great Park.

For example, premier tournaments typically charge $15-20 per day for parking and have preferred hotel partners; we would use these techniques to raise millions of dollars that we would reinvest back into the Great Park to build out other recreation facilities that the community wants, e.g., community meeting room, gym, futsal/tennis/pickleball courts. Adopting a FIELDS FIRST strategy will help fund the rest of the Great Park.

Building a multi-use Field Complex at the Great Park would keep Santa Monica’s kids and our economy healthy and strong for decades to come. We urge the City to adopt FIELDS FIRST as a planning strategy, because the fields would produce so much surplus revenue that they would fund the build-out of many other recreation facilities at the Great Park. We hope Santa Monica with partner with us to make a Field Complex happen at the Great Park.

Respectfully,
Albion SC Santa Monica
Autobahn Soccer Club
Santa Monica AYSO
Santa Monica Rugby Club
Santa Monica Vikings
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47 David Yakobson
From: Paula Mazur <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: Robert Mickelson
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’m a longtime Santa Monica resident and business owner. I am a 100% advocate of an 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.

We are starved for open, green space.And 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.

We can do this and it will be an amazing legacy!
All the best (...for us and future generations!), Paula Mazur 32nd and Pearl Item 7-A
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48 David Yakobson
From: Kimberly Turner <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:05 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,
Kimberly Turner
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49 David Yakobson
From: MICHAEL OSMENT <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 7:56 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, Michael Osment

MICHAEL OSMENT
Osment Productions & Photography
[email protected]
310-291-1272
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50 David Yakobson
From: Mehringer Family <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 7:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: Great Park Coalition
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 strongly support an LC-Compliant Great Park at the SM Airport site.

Please approve, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans, 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.

We can use private-public partnerships to fund recreational facilities — the public desperately wants these and will find the funding. Give us time to get this done. Keep our public land owned by the public and controlled locally. This is the best course of action for the future of Santa Monica. By transforming this land into a Great Park, it will become the crown jewel of Santa Monica, and will improve the livability of our city, now and for generations to come.

As our park-poor city densifies, it is paramount that we plan for the creation of sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that meet the needs of both current and future generations.

Sincerely,
Steve Mehringer,
Santa Monica Resident
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
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51 David Yakobson
From: Alison Campbell <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 7:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Cc: Marc Campbell
Subject: Please support a public Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
We live in Santa Monica with my family. Our 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!
Ali & Marc
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
52 David Yakobson
From: Ann Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 6:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Caroline Torosis
Cc: Elaine Polachek
Subject: July 8, 2025 Council Meeting - Item 7.A. - SMAC Project - Skatepark LOI Attachments: GPC - Skatepark LOI V2.pdf
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Letter of Interest - Regional Skatepark!
Dear Mayor Negrete and Esteemed Councilmembers -
Attached please find my Letter of Interest (LOI) for a new regional-scale skatepark at the Great Park to honor Santa Monica's skateboarding legacy (Dogtown), promote inclusivity and accessibility, and generate revenue through events, skateboard retail, cross promotions with local skate shops like Rip City Skates, and youth-oriented programming.

If a skatepark space is reserved in the final design for the Great Park, then as set forth in the LOI I will work very hard to line up the capital to build it and the revenue for its maintenance will be generated through the sources mentioned above. It would be great for the skatepark to be free to all, but user fees can be considered in the future if managing the # of users at any given time becomes necessary.

Thank you for your consideration!
Sincerely,
Ann Bowman
Resident, 28+ years
Skateboarding enthusiast
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May 5, 2025
Dear SMAC Project Team –
With gratitude for the opportunity, I submit this short Letter of Interest regarding a new skatepark at the Great Park to accommodate both vertical skateboarding (“vert”)-style and street-style skating. While Santa Monica’s and the regions’ skateboarders love and treasure The Cove, which is an excellent Mid-City amenity for beginner and mid-level skaters, both Santa Monica and the region deserve a second and larger skatepark at the Great Park for skaters of all ages, abilities, and skill levels.

Although in some ways a sport that may have evolved almost simultaneously from the midcentury zeitgeist throughout the United States, skateboarding as recreation has seminal, defining roots in Santa Monica and nearby Venice. Many skateboarding historians believe it originally evolved from the surfing community, with surfers taking their thrill-seeking onto land initially with wheeled surfboards, which then evolved into the skateboards we see today.

Burnished by the California sunshine and marketing of the “California dream”, Santa Monica’s and Venice’s influential skate cultures have dominated the skate community imagination for decades, ever since the sport’s inception. That history and influence has been documented and further popularized in films like LORDS OF DOGTOWN and DOGTOWN AND Z-BOYS.

Skating over the years has evolved through both intention and effort to become one of the most open and inclusive sporting communities of all, populated with thrill-seeking mavericks that include women, LGBTQ+ members, and people with disabilities. One of its Item 7-A
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most respected and honored street skaters is a trans man – Leo Baker, born Lacey Baker in Covina, CA. As Lacey, Leo won Gold medals in the 2016 and 2017 Skateboarding World Championships and would have represented the United States as a woman in the 2020 Olympics but withdrew to come out as a trans man.

Skateboarders often travel around to different skateparks in a region, both seeking new physical challenges and new friends and sporting connections. A skatepark at the Great Park could be both an inclusive space that accommodates disabled athletes (like the new Watts Skatepark, see below) and a locus of regional connection for the entire Southern California skating community.

Tony Hawk, a California native, skateboarding icon, and entrepreneur who pioneered vert skateboarding, established his philanthropic The Skatepark Project (originally the Tony Hawk Foundation) in 2002, which builds skateparks in underserved communities and has awarded over $13 million in grants to create parks enjoyed by an estimated 17 million people annually.

Partners, naming rights, sponsorships, and donors can be assembled to help fund the build, with user fees, a small skate shop, merch kiosk, or pop-up to help generate revenue for annual operations and maintenance. In addition, skater/spectator patronage of a nearby café or food kiosk can help drive tax revenues that will fund overall Great Park operations, as would parking revenue for skater/spectators who arrive from further afield by car. Annual revenue data and an estimate of annual maintenance costs for The Cove can be assembled as a starting point to help illuminate the financial way forward to a well-run and well-maintained skatepark at the Great Park.

A skatepark at the Great Park is directly in line with and able to more-than-satisfy the Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project’s Guiding Principles of Inspiring Wonder (see photos throughout this LOI), Balancing Economics (at minimum the skatepark itself can help generate various revenue streams to help support its operations), and Celebrating Place (Santa Monica helped create, incubate & popularize the sport of skateboarding, now a worldwide phenomenon and Olympic sport enjoyed by millions).

I look forward to helping the City and our community make this skatepark become a reality.

Sincerely,
Ann Bowman
Resident, 28+ years
Recreation and Parks Commissioner
Co-Founder, Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
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SIZE: 20,000-30,000 square feet, plus surrounding seating, landscaping, space for a small skate shop or merchandise pop-up area to sell merch and cross-promote with local skate shops and related merchants. Locate near a café or kiosk. If Sasaki will reserve adequate space in the Great Park for the skatepark, supporter could then work to find a design partner and potential financial supporters.

POTENTIAL FUNDING & PARTNERS: If sufficient space is committed to a skatepark within the Great Park, the following are just a few of the public and private organizations and businesses to approach to become funding and/or promotional partners – Item 7-A
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City of Santa Monica https://www.santamonica.gov/categories/arts-culture-fun/parksand-recreation Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation https://parks.lacounty.gov/ LA Parks Foundation https://laparksfoundation.org/
California Skateparks (design and build) https://www.californiaskateparks.com/ Annenberg Foundation https://annenberg.org/
Other private philanthropy
The Skatepark Project (offers grants to help finance public skateparks in low-income communities) – although communities like Santa Monica and Venice are overall considered quite privileged, there are low-income communities within both areas that may draw the attention of The Skatepark Project for either funding or advising; in addition, the Los Angeles County is in many ways an entire region of underserved (see below) - https://skatepark.org/
THE SKATEPARK PROJECT’S DEFINITION OF “UNDERSERVED”
The primary mission of the The Skatepark Project is to help underserved communities create safe and inclusive public skateparks for youth. “Underserved” can be defined as communities marginalized by poverty, geography, or racial, gender and other forms of social inequality or discrimination. Below are some examples of information The Skatepark Project may use to determine if a community qualifies as underserved:
• Distance to existing contemporary skate space (concrete, public) • Median Household Income
• Racial and Ethnic Composition
• Poverty Rate
• Free and Reduced Lunch Rate
• Suicide, Overdose & Disconnected Youth Rates”
Rip City Skates https://ripcity-skates.com/
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Bay Street Boards https://baystreetboards.com/
Board Blazers https://boardblazers.com/pages/about-us
VANS (for skate shoes & accessories) https://www.vans.com/en-us Item 7-A
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PARK AND REVENUE SYNERGIES: The skatepark could help drive sales tax revenues (and fuel both skaters and observers) at a nearby café or food kiosk. A small skate shop or skating pop-up likewise would help drive sales tax revenues and help give local companies like Rip City, Bay Street Boards, etc. and national skate gear suppliers like VANS an opportunity to sell and/or promote their product; prominently placed QR codes can help direct skaters and afficionados to the local shops, The Cove, Venice Skate Park, and skate shops in Downtown Santa Monica or on The Promenade, driving sales in some of Santa Monica’s more far-flung retail/tourist locations.

LOCAL SKATE HISTORY/REGIONAL RESOURCES: Signage or simply QR codes also could inform visitors and participants alike both of Santa Monica’s contributions to skate history and culture and direct people to regional attractions like the Venice Skate Park, the Skateboarding Hall of Fame Skateboard Museum in Simi Valley, etc.

CONSIDERATIONS (Locating for Accessibility and Noise Mitigation): Skateboarding can be loud, especially street-style skating where skaters practice tricks over and over, and so some thought needs to go into location within the park. It likely should go near Centinela both for regional accessibility and to mitigate potential noise issues. Designers would want to make it easy for participants to get to (i.e., not buried deep within the middle of the park) and also put it where it won’t draw noise complaints. One other option that could be cool, but maybe less accessible, would be on the very Western end of the park, overlooking 23rd Street/Walgrove, which likely will always be a noisy area due to heavy traffic. Could be a pretty breathtaking place for people to both skate and spectate.

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AUXILLIARY LOCATION: If part of the SMO runway is retained like at Tempelhof, there could be a designated “skate area” or “skate lane” there too, although this would not take the place of a more complete skatepark with both bowls and street features elsewhere in the Great Park.

BENEFIT - less damage to public and private property: Street-style skaters unfortunately can have a tendency to damage both public and private property. Street skaters love to find rails and walls to slide down, steps to jump over, curbs to grind on, etc. My own son has yelled from time to time over the years as heads out the door things like: “We’re skating (Santa Monica) City Hall today” or “We’re skating the West L.A. Courthouse today”….. my admonition to him is always: “PLEASE DO NOT DAMAGE ANYTHING!!!!” A large, attractive and challenging skatepark at the Great Park will pull in street skaters and help keep them away from attractive (from a skater’s perspective) public and private properties. [THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK] Item 7-A
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INSPIRATIONS
THE SKATEPARK PROJECT – https://skatepark.org/
FISE LIST OF 20 BEST SKATE PARKS IN THE WORLD –
https://www.fise.fr/en/fise-world-series-2020/news/our-20-best-skateparks-world [CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]
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VENICE SKATE PARK –
VANCOUVER PLAZA SKATEPARK – for street skating
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WATTS SKATEPARK – an all-access park for both adaptive skaters and the nondisabled; a park for EVERYONE THE SKATEROOM / PHILANTHROPY –
Maybe the skate shop or pop-up directs visitors through a QR code to THE SKATEROOM (headquartered in Belgium), which sells skateboard art and raises funds for social impact projects worldwide. https://theskateroom.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqyuHqw80egj8v8iCp72- 5UIF8xSSZjsgks7jK3fYYauMoSaoNr
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
53 David Yakobson
From: Brian Lanich <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 6:32 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
Hi,
Please move forward, for the benefit of all, on the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park with no sale or other privatization of the land. This isn’t a place for more housing in our densifying city- or a way to enrich developers -it needs to continue as an open space for everyone.

Thank you and please keep it LC!
Brian
Sunset Park
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
54 David Yakobson
From: Jessi Salas <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 6:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for a Great Park at the Santa Monica Airport Site Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As someone active who participates in local sports, I want to express my strong support for transforming the Santa Monica Airport site into a public Great Park.

Access to open space is essential for the health and well-being of children and families. In a time when outdoor recreation and community connection are more important than ever, this is a unique opportunity to create a lasting, positive legacy—one that will serve current residents and future generations alike.

A thoughtfully designed park would provide space for youth sports, recreation, walking, gathering, and unstructured play—things every vibrant community needs. It would help make Santa Monica a healthier, more family-friendly place to live.

Thank you for considering this vision and for your service to the community.

Sincerely,
Jessi Salas
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
55 David Yakobson
From: Gonzalo Ugarteche <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 6:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Great Park!
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!
Gonzalo Ugarteche
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
57 David Yakobson
From: Susan Angenendt <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 5:15 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

There are other areas suitable for increased housing density. Please ensure that Santa Monica joins cities such as San Francisco, Denver, Berlin and Athens in reclaiming space for their citizens’ wellbeing.

Sincerely,
Susan Angenendt
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
58 David Yakobson
From: William Fordes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 4:32 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,
There is no great city without a great park. I know this well because I grew up in Park Slope, Brooklyn, and experienced the irreplaceable joy of playing in a great park — in my case, Prospect Park, designed by the same brilliant landscape architects who built Central park. I knew it as a child, as a young person, as a young man, as an adult, as an older adult. It was an inspiration. And a joy. It still is.

It contained no housing. No commercial sites. No auditoriums. No places that were not dedicated to quiet and rest. 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 per centage of the city voters want.

Sincerely,
William N. Fordes
Sunset Park, SM
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59 310-913-4579
“And like everyone who’s had enough,” said Control as Alleline noisily left the room, “he wants more.” Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy — John le
Carre
Item 7-A
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60 David Yakobson
From: Gavin Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 4:23 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

Sincerely,
Gavin and Nicola Scott
1801 Marine Street,
Santa Monica
CA 90405
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61 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 4:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Airport to Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

As decades-long residents of Santa Monica (renters in Ocean Park; homeowners in Sunset Park), we have long supported creating a Great Park where the airport now sits. Measure LC was aimed at doing this and was supported in voting precincts across the city (not just those near the airport).

Now for the next step – the actual creation of the park, along the lines of the Number One draft-example favored by the public at various recent gatherings, and online.

Our city took a welcome step in the eventual conversion of the airport land by trimming the runway length a few years ago. Meantime, at the adjacent business park along Ocean Park Blvd, the high vacancy rate suggests the possibility of some conversion into apartments.

What we don’t have in our city, in abundance, is parks. A big step in changing that is to convert the current airport land into a Great Park.

Sincerely,
Jeanne and Brian Bland
Item 7-A
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62 David Yakobson
From: Stacey Ravel Abarbanel <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 4:09 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:

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. 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.

Wishing you a happy fourth!
Stacey Ravel Abarbanel, 1039 Harvard Street, Santa Monica Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
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63 David Yakobson
From: RICHARD BERNSTEIN <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 4:01 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,
Richard Bernstein
2606 29th Street
Santa Monica 90405
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64 David Yakobson
From: Uproar LA <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:55 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,
UproarLA
www.uproarla.org
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65 David Yakobson
From: John Greene <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:53 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

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
Please move forward with the building on our Park. We did not vote for housing of any type, strictly a Park. Please be good stewards in the positions you hold during this historic event, follow responsibly through with the Peoples choice: A Park!
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 am a homeowner that lives within two blocks of the airport. Thank you.

Sincerely,
John Greene
2211 Pier Ave.

Santa Monica, CA
90405
Sent from my iPad
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66 David Yakobson
From: Robert Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:51 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,
Robb Brown
Item 7-A
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67 David Yakobson
From: Mehringer Family <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: Great Park Coalition
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 a 20+ year resident of Santa Monica and live here with my family, including two sports-playing kids (soccer and tennis). We strongly support creating an LC-compliant Great Park at the Airport site.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a Great Park, to benefit ALL Santa Monicans. Please do not sell out Santa Monica and our future by selling off this unique public site to private developers; housing can — and is — being built at many other locations. But this is the ONLY location where a Great Park could be built. A Great Park at the airport site will help future-proof Santa Monica's green space in light of the ongoing, increased densification throughout the rest of the city. Please resist the big-money developer special interests — who are after short-term profits and don't care about Santa Monica residents. Let's build an inclusive, historic public Great Park to benefit ALL Santa Monicans - now and for generations to come.

Over the past 20 years, I have seen the city densify dramatically, with more and more large apartment buildings throughout the city. I happened to be at Broadway x 7th yesterday and was amazed at the new block-long housing complex under development. Glancing west, I observed the string of large modern apartment buildings that weren't here when I moved to Santa Monica in 2002. Around the corner on 6th, was a proposed new 18 story high-rise apartment building. New housing is going up everywhere! But our park development has not kept up! Unfortunately, our city is highly park-poor. We have much less park space per resident than concrete jungles like NYC and San Francisco, and we also have much less than our beach city neighbors. This dismal statistic will get worse every year, as Santa Moncia continues to densify. Building a Great Park at the airport site will help future-proof our city as we densify more and more every year. We need to safeguard this land for a Great Park so Santa Monicans who live in apartments (80% and growing!) have access to open green space and recreational facilities. This is an equity and social justice issue, which will only grow more extreme as our city continues to densify! Public land at the airport site should inclusively benefit ALL Santa Monicans.

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. There were many, many LOIs submitted that offered funding in the context of private-public partnerships to create recreational facilities on the site. I appreciate that money is tight, but I can't fathom why City Council would sell off (including long term ground leases) our public land to Item 7-A
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68 private developers before you've even given public-private partnerships a chance to work. The public CARES about creating a Great Park. We will work with you to find the funding to create a beautiful Great Park, responsibly and over time, and we will — together - leave a legacy for future generations! Please vote to create an inspirational LC-compliant Great Park for ALL Santa Monicans.

Sincerely,
Melinda Mehringer,
Santa Monica Resident & Voter
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69 David Yakobson
From: Gary Avrech <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:49 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Regarding Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

My dear friends, Martin Rubin and his wife Joan Winters, lived a few blocks due east of Santa Monica Airport, along the flight path, and both died this Spring a month apart from each other, after a 5 year bout with cancer... possibly due to toxins related to pollution from private jet landings at the airport a decade earlier.

In their names, please do all you can to move forward, for the benefit of all of our neighbors and local communities, 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 communities become more dense, and families and individuals require more park space, it is critically 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.

Let your constituents and others know that this park is for the greater good, and that you will need ample support from individuals and voters, so you can fend off the significant pressure, campaign contributions, and attempted bribes from a monied interests, most notably developers and others business operations, that will come to attempt to profit from the airport's closing.

Also be prepared to stand up to pressure and threats from Donald Trump's FAA that will try to keep the airport open, to allow private jets and military helicopters to resume landing at the airport (further polluting the air in communities surrounding the airport).

Best wishes.

Sincerely,
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
70 Gary Avrech
139 N Westgate Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Cell: 818-321-3984
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
71 David Yakobson
From: Jane Dempsey <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: RE: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Jane Dempsey
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
72 David Yakobson
From: Cindy Bendat <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Creating a Great Park - Agenda Item 7A SMAC Project - July 8, 2025 Council meeting Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and CIty Councilmembers:

I am writing to you as a 35 year resident in Santa Monica and as someone who was active in the LC Campaign, AIrport2Park and now the Great Park Coalition.

I am excited that you have the opportunity to create something incredible for us and for future generations to enjoy - a beautiful LC-compliant park on our public land. It's about time.

Great cities have great parks. Think London, Paris and New York. And those parks happened because a prior generation made them happen. It is now our turn to do the same. Doing so will undoubtedly be one of the most important accomplishments in our lives.

I just returned from Berlin, and I visited Templehof Park, once an airport. I consider it to be an underdeveloped park, and yet I saw people skating, walking, biking, running, a dog park, a BBQ area, a beer garden, community gardens, an area where arts and crafts was happening with kids, a miniature golf area, volleyball courts, and more. There was also educational signage and even an airplane describing the past aviation history of the site. At another park in Berlin called Mauerpark where I also went, every Sunday there is an antiques and artists flea market, eclectic food kiosks, and there is a small amphitheater with a fun and very popular karaoke scene. Anyone can perform. There was also a platform where informal dance and exercise classes were happening, a BBQ area, people lounging on the grass, people enjoying picnics, and more. I have photographs of all of this if you want to see them:
people enjoying themselves and experiencing connection and community. Parks in Berlin are truly loved and viewed as essential to the health and well being of everyone in the city. For me, Palisades Park has played a similar role.

There is no need to overdevelop what will be our beautiful Great Park in Santa Monica. Meadows, walking paths, bike paths, places to meditate, breathe the air and enjoy the views is what we initially need. We can gradually do more.

And residents have made it clear that it is an LC- compliant park we want without privatization or sale of any of the land. That was clear with the votes on LC and D in 2014. And it is still true as evidenced by the recent vote of the Santa Monica Democratic Club and by the growth and involvement of organizations and individuals who are now part of the ever expanding Great Park Coalition. The Great Park Coalition Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
73 now includes more than 60 organizations, representing more than 20,000 participants, and more than 700 individual supporters!
Housing belongs elsewhere in Santa Monica, not on airport land. It belongs near transit lines, where there is existing infrastructure, and where there is no need for remediation, to wait until 2029, or to have a resident vote. I know the Council has been actively pursuing housing, including affordable housing, in many other parts of the City. We don't want it on airport land. This is a once-in-a-lifetime generational opportunity to create - as our legacy - open regenerative green space on land originally purchased with a park bond. We can do this.

Again, residents, your constituents, want a park on our public land. And we want an LC-compliant park. It is essential that nothing be done to trigger a resident vote between now and the closing of the airport on January 1, 2029. Without complication, we need to get the land back.

The bottom line: it is now in our power to finally make the decades-long effort to close the airport and create a park a reality, to turn a hazard zone into a green zone, and it will be a shining example to other communities of what persistence and activism can bring. Together, we can do this, and we will do this.. Make us proud with your vote at this Council meeting..

Thank you.

Cindy Bendat
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
74 David Yakobson
From: Phyllis Chavez <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 3:05 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,
Phyllis Chavez and Ken Legaux
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
75 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:54 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,
Adrian Harewood
Sunset Park Homeowner
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
76 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:42 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,
Mary Nardoza
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
77 David Yakobson
From: Ravi <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:40 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,
Ravi Shah
Sunset Park, Santa Monica
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
80 David Yakobson
From: K Blanc <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Dissent: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I disagree with the Great Park Coalition's push for 100% non-residential use of the airport property. Why are they against mix-use?
The Coalition claims that Santa Monica is "park-poor" -- as if the airport property's large adjoining Clover Park isn't spacious enough. As if our city's 10 other parks, athletic fields, pickle ball courts and recreation centers don't add up to a tremendous amount of space in which residents can relax and play.

Most puzzling, the group appears to have forgotten about our "park-poor" city's miles of BEACH PARK.

Why is the Coalition fighting so hard against mixed-use? Is it truly about habitat restoration and legacy, or might it also have something to do with upholding property values in the airport area? 'Tis a mystery! Sincerely,
Blanc Comm
Santa Monica
Sent from my mobile
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
81 David Yakobson
From: Matt Goldenberg D.O. <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:17 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

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
I want to share my perspective as a kid who grew up in Santa Monica and now the father of two daughters who are currently at Franklin. There are three reasons why I am in support of a great park:

First, I spent much of my childhood at Douglas Park. It’s a great example because it also has an aviation history and was part of Donald Douglas airplane factory prior to being turned into a park in 1933. My daughters have also both spent much of their childhood at Douglas Park. In over 40 years of enjoying Douglas Park, I have never heard one person wish they had fewer slides, or fewer tennis courts, or fewer open spaces or fewer trees. I have never once heard anyone wish they had made the park smaller to accommodate other things.

I don’t think this is unique to Douglas Park, have you ever heard anyone wish any park in Santa Monica was smaller? Or anyone, other than a developer, wish Central Park in New York City was smaller? So, the first reason I support the great park is because 100 years from now, our children and their children will never regret having a large and great park in Santa Monica. No one will ever wish the Santa Monica Great Park was smaller.

This is more relevant today, compared to 11 years ago when LC was passed, because after the recent fires much of the State Parks to our north, including Will Rogers State Park, are indefinitely closed. A great park will be even more critical in the future as we increase the density of our city, those who will live in affordable and other new housing deserve the right to have access to outdoor public places to spend time and enjoy nature.

The second reason why I support a great park is because of my progressive values. Throughout history, from Roosevelt to Wilson, progressives have always fought for conservation and for public parks.

Progressives are why we have the National Park System. Progressive have been and always will be who fight to preserve our public open spaces. Just like the progressive heroes that came before us, I hope the progressive members of the Santa Monica City Council will now support and fight for the right of future generations to have a great park in Santa Monica.

The third and final reason I support a Great Park is because we will be stronger if we come together to support a great park. If we stand united and come together in support of a great park for Santa Monica, Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
82 we can continue the fight for affordable and below market housing in other parts of Santa Monica and not fight ourselves and our neighbors.

Sincerely,
Matt Goldenberg
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
83 David Yakobson
From: Eileen Tunick <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: Barbara Roe; Betsy Potter; Alyea Marianne >; Holland Jason; Josephine Wallace; [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,

EILEEN TUNICK
Homeowner in Santa Monica since 1979
Advocate for more nature and no commercialization/development Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
84 David Yakobson
From: Amanda O'Brien <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Cc: Ido Gruberger
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 11 resident of Santa Monica, 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. The people who actually live near the airport do not want housing and the voters were clear on LC. We should not be asked to vote again because there are outside parties that have commercial interests in the land. Our children deserve better and it is critical that our locally elected officials support the best interest of current Santa Monica voters and residents.

Best,
Amanda OBrien and Ido Gruberger
Homeowner of 1744 Bryn Mawr Ave, Santa Monica 90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
85 David Yakobson
From: Julia Carnahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:06 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,
Julia Carnahan
2239 27th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
cell: 323-244-9663
P.S. I’m also on the Santa Monica Public Art Committee
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
86 David Yakobson
From: Kari Hidalgo <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 2:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Elaine Polachek
Subject: Support for a Great Park at the Santa Monica Airport Site Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
As a parent of active children who participate in local sports, I want to express my strong support for transforming the Santa Monica Airport site into a public Great Park.

Access to open space is essential for the health and well-being of our children and families. In a time when outdoor recreation and community connection are more important than ever, this is a unique opportunity to create a lasting, positive legacy—one that will serve current residents and future generations alike.

Thank you for considering this vision and for your service to the community.

Sincerely,
Kari Hidalgo
Parent of a LA Bulls Soccer Player/Supporter of Youth Sports Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
87 David Yakobson
From: nancykless <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 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

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
This is my second email to you about this topic. I am contacting you again to beseech you to hear the SM community which elected you to City Council. We voted for LC to close the airport AND replace it with a park. We understand the need for more affordable housing, but there are sites with existing infrastructure which are close to public transportation that make a whole lot more sense for housing. As more people can afford to live in Santa Monica, the need for more park space will keep increasing. "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.

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."
Sincerely,
Nancy Kless
Sent via the Samsung Galaxy S21 5G, an AT&T 5G smartphone Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
88 David Yakobson
From: Ken Borden <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Great park only please!! NO housing and NO commerical space please!! Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I live in Santa Monica with my family (my 2 children and their families also in santa monica). My grandkids 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.

Please do not include housing and commercial space in the new great park. also, please do NOT use up so much space with a water pond/lake.

I also believe the system for you requesting input is flawed. santa monica residents are the only people who should be able to provide input. non santa monica residents can provide input as a santa monica resident, and there is no check to verify. also, there is no check to prevent anyone from submitting multiple times.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
89 Thank you
ken borden
958 18th St, Santa Monica, Ca 90403
310-714-6214
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
90 David Yakobson
From: Victor Fresco <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:52 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. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
91 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:44 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 a Santa Monica resident. I urge you to adopt an LC-compliant plan for the airport when it closes. We need more park space. Housing and commercial development belong elsewhere in the city.

Sincerely,
Harris Gabel
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
92 David Yakobson
From: Laura Marcus <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:35 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
(\ /)
( . .)
c(”)(”)
Sent from my iPad
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
93 David Yakobson
From: ZEKI MELIKHAJI <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:34 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,
Zeki Abebeker
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
94 David Yakobson
From: Hope Muller-Tabanera <[email protected]> Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Feedback about Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Please move forward, for the benefit of all of the westside of LA, the creation of a beautiful LC-compliant Great Park.

Our city is full of buildings and concrete on almost every corner. Some say we have "a lot of parks", but almost all of those are small block-by-block parks. It would be wonderful to have a park ASAP in our community, so we don't need to drive to Griffith Park or pay for the Huntington Library to get lost in nature. Let's have a place for people to gather in nature and relax, walk, bike, swim, have picnics, and play.

Let's make an LC-compliant park, so we can get this ball rolling! We don't want to be 50 before we see a decent park in our community. Thank you for considering this!

Have a great day,
Hope Muller Tabanera
“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world."
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
95 David Yakobson
From: Nichole Delansky <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:18 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:

Sincerely,
Nichole Delansky- Santa Monica resident and mom of 2 boys under 12 Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
96 David Yakobson
From: Monica Limon <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Monica L.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
97 David Yakobson
From: Jeremy Borden <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 12:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I am a lifelong Santa Monica resident.

My wife is a teacher at Franklin.

And my kids go to Franklin and Lincoln.

We are as invested in the community as you can possibly be.

We want the airport to be converted to a Great Park--as the voters intended.

We do not want the airport site to be used for private interests or to build housing.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
98 The City is already building a ton of housing everywhere else.

Let the community have a public space it can be proud of.

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
Best Regards,
Jeremy Borden
310.663.5501
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
99 David Yakobson
From: Gonzalo Ugarteche <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 12:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall
Subject: Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I’m a Santa Monica resident and parent. My children are active and involved in sports, but we often struggle with the lack of accessible parks and open areas. Santa Monica has far less green space per person compared to other cities, and this issue continues to grow as our community becomes increasingly dense.

Transforming the airport site into a Great Park is a rare and valuable opportunity to improve quality of life for families like mine—both today and for future generations. I urge you to support the creation of an LCcompliant Great Park on this public land, for the benefit of all who call Santa Monica home.

Thank you.
--
Gonzalo Ugarteche
Mixer Engineer
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet. 310-204-1669 310-936-9100
trulovepost.com
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Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
100
David Yakobson
From: Soledad Ramos <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 12:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Transforming the airport site into a Great Park is a rare and valuable opportunity to improve quality of life for families like mine—both today and for future generations. I urge you to support the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park on this public land, for the benefit of all who call Santa Monica home.

Thank you.

Soledad Ramos
c 310 927 1811
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
101
David Yakobson
From: Will von Bernuth <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 12:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Please vote for an LC Compliant Great Park only Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My family and I are residents of Santa Monica. My children are very active and participate in sports, and we've personally experienced the shortage of park and open space in our city. Santa Monica is significantly park-poor, with considerably less park space per resident compared to other cities. This issue is only being exacerbated by the increasing density of our city.

The airport site presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to develop a Great Park, which would significantly enhance the livability of Santa Monica for families, both now and for future generations. I urge you to vote in favor of creating a LC-compliant Great Park on this public land for the benefit of all Santa Monica residents.

Please use this historic opportunity to vote for a park only.

Sincerely,
Will von Bernuth
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
102
David Yakobson
From: Robert Morra <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 11:47 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, I support LC-compliant Great Park.

Robert and Linda Morra
Santa Monica residents
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
103
David Yakobson
From: Robert Morra <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 11:43 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, l am supporting LC- compliant Great Park.

Thank you,
Robert Morra
Resident and homeowner in Santa Monica
Sent from my iPhone
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David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 11:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Vote for ONLY a LC Compliant Great Park on Our Public Land Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you,
Kelly Hsiao
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David Yakobson
From: Shuli Lotan <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 11:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item number 7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion Project, Preferred Scenarios Review Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello esteemed council members -
I am writing in support of the inclusion of below market rate housing in the plans for the rebuilding of the airport park area.

As a resident of Santa Monica and employee of our local school district, I have seen many people who work in our city have to take other jobs due to long commutes. We lose talented, qualified, experienced school teachers and other staff who would benefit the community greatly because they cannot afford to live here. Public education is severely underfunded so people are not making what they deserve - a separate larger issue to be sure, but if we could create more affordable housing here we could retain and attract these employees. This could also create a more diverse community, both economically and racially, which is good for all of us.

Please consider the inclusion of affordable workforce housing in the airport project.

Sincerely,
Shuli Lotan
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David Yakobson
From: Dixie Sellers <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Vote for a great park for airport park and Santa Monica Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I live in Santa Monica with my family, my husband and two sons ages 11 and 8. 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. Our favorite park is Central Park and this is the opportunity to have something similar for all people of Santa Monica and Los Angeles to enjoy. More green, healthy space! Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Dixie Sellers-Kern and the Kern Family
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David Yakobson
From: Brett Hollenbeck <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 8:58 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

EXTERNAL
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
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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.

Brett Hollenbeck
[email protected]
4431 Purdue Ave
Los Angeles, California 90230
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David Yakobson
From: Steven Naftali <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 9:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for an LC Compliant Great Park an the current site of the Santa Monica Airport Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Honorable City Council Members and Dear City Staff,
I respectfully submit our family's full support for a Measure LC compliant Great Park at the site of the Santa Monica Airport SMC. Please comply with the Measure LC. We appreciate that you please make sure that our park cover the entire site of the SMO. In compliance with Measure LC, please use the existing structures at the site of the SMO for future revenue generating operations that are compliant with the park on site.

Regards,
Steve Naftali
[email protected]
The information transmitted is intended only for the person which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any review, retransmission, dissemination or other use of, or taking of any action in reliance upon, this information by persons or entities other than the intended recipient is prohibited. If you received this message in error, please contact the sender and delete the material from any computer.

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David Yakobson
From: Brooke Cohen <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 8:51 AM
To: David White; councilmtgitems; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; [email protected]; Barry Snell; [email protected] Subject: Vote for public park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

This problem is only getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. AND YOU ALLOW HOMELESS TO OVERTAKE THE PARKS WE HAVE, NOT ALLOWING CHILDREN A SAFE PLACE TO PLAY.

Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit the children YOU ARE

CURRENTLY FAILING THESE CHILDREN BY ALLOWING HOMELESS TO OVERTAKE THEIR SPACES. PLEASE GIVE THEM SOMETHING BACK. Dont believe me—go check out douglas park, christine reed park today. It is shocking and embarassing and UNSAFE.

Do something about it.

Thank you
The cohen family
Dax,7
Reese 5
Scottie 5
---
Brooke Hawkins Cohen
(818) 730-8155
Sent from my iPhone
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David Yakobson
From: Evan Nicholas <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 8:05 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I live in Santa Monica with my wife and two young children. 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 one time 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.

I believe very much that with rising density in the coming decades a great park will be more important than ever. Let's please not ruin the opportunity by trying to solve the housing crisis with public land. The market will always provide, one way or another. What we can't get back is 180 acres of green space.

Thank you!
Evan Nicholas
1715 Ashland Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90405
323.445.3011
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David Yakobson
From: Guille Farber Torre <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 7:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin Subject: AirPort Park ayso
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
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David Yakobson
From: Pauline Lalezari <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:16 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Support a Great Park for Santa Monica
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I’m a Santa Monica resident and a parent. My kids are active and love playing sports, but we’ve really felt how limited the park space is in our city. Santa Monica has far less park space per person compared to other cities, and with more people moving in, it’s only getting worse. The airport site is an incredible, once-in-a-generation chance to turn that around by building a truly great park — something that would improve quality of life for families like mine and for future generations. I strongly urge you to support an LCcompliant Great Park on this public land, for the good of everyone in Santa Monica.

Thank you,
Pauline
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David Yakobson
From: Simone Filosto <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, July 3, 2025 1:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: A Great Park for Santa Monica (Airport site)
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident raising an active, sports-loving family, I’m deeply concerned about the city’s limited park and open space.

Compared to other cities, Santa Monica offers significantly less parkland per resident—and the issue continues to worsen as urban density increases.

The airport site presents an extraordinary, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform our community by creating a truly Great Park.

This space would offer much-needed recreation, nature, and respite not only for families today, but for generations of Santa Monicans to come.

I respectfully urge you to vote in favor of a Great Park that aligns with LC requirements and prioritizes public benefit. Let’s make the most of this public land for all who call Santa Monica home.

Thank you.
kind regards,
Simone
Simone Filosto, PhD.
1418 26th St, Unit 4
Santa Monica (CA), 90404
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David Yakobson
From: Taahira Major <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 11:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: soccer park near airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Im apart of the Santa Monica AYSO family as my son has played for 4 years with friends in the league. My kid had to stop when he got older because of the lack of field space for the older boys. This kept my kid out of trouble and also focused towards a team sport that provided him good health. The city helping to provide A park space for any activities to play sports that’s an open space because Santa Monica has poor parks and the space doesn’t allow soccer especially. There is also significantly less park space than neighboring other cities. This problem is getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. The airport site is the greatest opportunity to create a Great Park and make Santa Monica more livable for families, and for others in the near future. Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans and your budget as well. AYSO brings particularly brings in a lot of revenue and ready to pay park rental fees to support this Great Park! Hosting games also brings more money as well!
Thank you
Taahira
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David Yakobson
From: Danica Ferrin Klein <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 8:44 PM
To: Lana Negrete
Subject: SM AIRPORT
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I’m a parent raising my children here in Santa Monica, and like so many families, we cherish the time our kids spend outside, running, playing, being active, and connecting with nature. But it’s hard not to notice how little green space there actually is. Santa Monica has far less park space per resident than other cities, and as our community grows denser, that gap only becomes more urgent.

The airport site represents something rare and powerful: a chance to give our children, and all future Santa Monica families, a gift that will last for generations. A Great Park would be a space for connection, joy, health, and community. It would change the way families experience this city.

Please vote to create an LC-compliant Great Park on this public land. Let’s do something truly meaningful for our children and for the future of Santa Monica.

With hope,
Danica Klein
21st place
Santa Monica 90402
__
Danica Ferrin Klein
T: +1 949.354.8324
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David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 7:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Please Support a Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I’m a Santa Monica resident and parent, and like many families here, we depend on parks and open space for our kids to play, stay healthy, and enjoy the outdoors. Sadly, Santa Monica remains one of the most park-poor cities in the region, with far less green space per resident than neighboring cities—a problem that’s only getting worse as our city becomes more dense.

The airport site is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change that. It should be transformed into an LCcompliant Great Park—a bold, forward-looking investment that will make Santa Monica more livable and equitable for generations to come.

Please don’t let this rare opportunity slip away by selling off our public land to private developers. Once it’s gone, we won’t get it back. This land belongs to the people of Santa Monica and should be used to benefit the entire community—not a select few.

I strongly urge you to vote in favor of creating a Great Park that serves all Santa Monicans.

Thank you for your leadership and service.

Sincerely,
Tali Ekstein
2617 24th St Santa Monica 90405
Sent from my iPhone
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David Yakobson
From: Joey Seiler <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 7:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Build a Great Park!
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I'm moving to Sunset Park this month. Part of what excited me was the transition of the airport to a park. I have a two- and six-year-old, both of whom want to live at the park. 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
—Joey Seiler
--Joey
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David Yakobson
From: Jenia Gorton <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 7:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: SM airport land
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I currently live in Santa Monica with my family and was born and raised in the area. I am third generation born in Los Angeles. 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. This is the whole reason we wanted to close the airport in the first place! If it is sold off to developers, then what is the point?! My family, friends and neighbors have filled out every survey, attended many related events, and still it feels to many of us residents and voters that we are not being heard. We want this area to be a park and community space.

Please vote to create a Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Jenia Gorton Campos
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David Yakobson
From: Cristina Rivard <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 7:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Vote for Great Park at SM Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I have lived in Santa Monica with my family for nearly 10 years. We are in a two-bedroom tiny apartment, so we view public outdoor green spaces as a way to extend our living space and have a yard that we will never be able to afford. We’ve hosted all of my daughter’s 7 birthday parties at parks, played numerous sports, and explored all they have to offer. 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,
Cristina Rivard
612-418-7538
Sent from my iPhone
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David Yakobson
From: Nano Recondo <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 7:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Support for a public Great Park at the SM Airport site! Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
As a Santa Monica resident and parent, I’m writing to express strong support for creating more parks and open space in our community. My children are active and love playing sports, but like many families here, we face a real shortage of recreational space. Santa Monica has significantly less parkland per resident than other cities, and this issue is only growing as our city becomes more densely populated.

The airport site presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to change that. Transforming it into a Great Park—one that complies with Measure LC—would be a visionary investment in the well-being of current and future generations. It would make Santa Monica more livable, equitable, and vibrant for all.

Please vote to support the creation of an LC-compliant Great Park on our public land—for the benefit of all Santa Monicans.

Thank you.

Nano Recondo
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David Yakobson
From: Samantha Robbins <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 6:48 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Great park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I’m a Santa Monica resident and parent. My children are active and love playing sports, but unfortunately, there’s a real lack of parks and open space in our city. Santa Monica has far less park space per person compared to other cities, and this issue is only getting worse as our population grows denser.

The airport site presents a rare, once-in-a-generation chance to create a true Great Park — one that would improve quality of life for families now and for decades to come. I urge you to vote in favor of an LC-compliant Great Park on this public land for the benefit of all Santa Monicans.

Thank you,
Samantha Jamali
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David Yakobson
From: Lucy Moogan <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 6:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you
Sent from my iPhone
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David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 6:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White; Jen Jen Cell Subject: SANTA MONICA GREAT PARK
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:

As a Santa Monica resident for over 46 years, a graduate of Lincoln Middle School and SAMOHI (class of 1984), with 4 daughters, two attending Lincoln Middle School and two attending SAMOHI and as a business owner in Santa Monica for over 25 years, I would urge you to use the property that is the currently the Santa Monica Airport for use of GREAT PARK, with fields. In fact, one of my daughter was on the same softball team as Mayor Lana Negrete. This organized youth sports engage the community and foster respect and community FAR BEYOND THE FIELDS!!! As a coach of AYSO and Santa Monica fast pitch Softball, I think additional field space is critical. WE really don't need a HUGE housing development in this city, where the traffic congestion is already too great.

As a coach of AYSO, I have take tournament trips to numerous city park, that have 15 plus soccer field for tournaments involving hundred of youth participants, area like, Riverside, Newbury, Camarillo, Santa Barbara, etc. we have nothing remote close to this in Santa Monica.

AGAIN, I urge you to vote for the GREAT PARK!!
Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Robert R Shiri
Attorney at Law
A Professional Corporation
2530 Wilshire Blvd., 3rd Floor
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Tel: (310) 829-9943
Fax: (310) 899-9844
The information contained in this communication is confidential and if directed to a client, or between lawyers or experts for a client, it is intended by the sender to be subject to the attorney-client and attorney-work product privileges. This information may constitute privileged information and is intended only for the use of the intended recipient. This communication is the property of Law Offices of Robert R Shiri, APC and/or its clients. If you have received this communication in error, please notify us immediately via e-mail at [email protected], and then destroy this communication and all copies thereof, including all attachments.

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David Yakobson
From: Sloca, Beck <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 6:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: We Support Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Please consider this seriously – you have voted for so many bad developments that sit nearly or entirely empty. It has made the city more and more depressing. It certainly invites scrutiny into why you keep thinking empty buildings are better for Santa Monica than spaces the community can thrive in? I sincerely hope that is not what you wish for Santa Monica in your position as a representative of the city and it’s residents.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Beck Sloca
Sunset Park
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David Yakobson
From: Evelyn Diaz <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 6:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: park Space
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Thank you
Atte Cumes Diaz family 2001 Olympic blvd 90404
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David Yakobson
From: Erin Copen Howard <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 6:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; David White
Subject: Support a Great Park at Sm Airport
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Please vote to create a LC-compliant Great Park on our public land, for the benefit of ALL Santa Monicans! As Santa Monica residents this is extremely important to me and my three kids.

Thank you
Erin Copen Howard
Film/TV Development
C: 310-709-7898
LinkedIn Profile
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David Yakobson
From: Gregg Chadwick <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 2, 2025 3:49 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 homeowner and small business owner in Santa Monica, I deeply believe in the possibilities for our community. Creating an LC Compliant Great Park is at the top of my list for what our beautiful city needs. Thank you for supporting the Great Park in Santa Monica! Gregg Chadwick
www.greggchadwick.com
Sent from my iPhone
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From: SUSAN STEIN <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:37 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,
Susan Stein
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From: Maria Faillace <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:32 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. It’s what we voted for in 2014!
I think it’s crazy that our beautiful city wouldn’t want some gorgeous park for all to enjoy! And again, we voted for it! Sincerely,
Maria Faillace
Sunset Park
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3 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Great Park Coalition <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Elaine Polachek; Amber Richane Cc: Zina Josephs; John Fairweather; Frank Gruber; Cris Gutierrez; Joe Pertel; [email protected]
Subject: July 8, 2025 Council Meeting - Item 7.A. - Airport Conversion Project Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL

Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers -

The Great Park Coalition is a non-partisan, grassroots organization composed of organizations and individuals committed to bringing back the Great Park that once existed on the grounds of the Santa Monica Airport in accordance with Measure LC. The Great Park Coalition is comprised of 64 non-profit organizations representing more than 20,000 organizational members, 900 individual supporters, and 13 former Mayors and City Councilmembers.

Great Park Coalition organizations represent K-12 and outdoors education, the visual and performing arts, broadcasting and filmmaking, museums, the Gabrielino-Tongva community, the Ecomism Ethiopian community, climate and sustainability solutions, environmental advocacy, water quality monitoring, community gardens and regenerative farming, neighborhood and cultural affinity groups, healing through the arts & nature, airport closure advocacy, and recreational soccer, rugby, lacrosse, baseball, softball, pickleball, paddle tennis, pétanque, ping pong, cycling, aquatics, native dance, and basketball.

Over the past year, Great Park Coalition members formed working groups in the areas of regenerative sustainability, rectangular field sports, arts and culture, community gardens, creative play, aquatics, park financing, and a youth alliance, producing policy white papers and Letters of Interest (LOI’s) for amenities within the Great Park.

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4 All of these GPC supporters and member organizations are very, very excited to help the City of Santa Monica realize this Great Park!

Accordingly, on behalf of our wide-ranging coalition, the Great Park Coalition urges Council to move forward, for the benefit of all, the creation of a 192-acre, inspirational LC-compliant Great Park, with a sensible financing plan that prioritizes existing on-site revenue sources, that will not trigger a ballot measure before airport closure, and with no sale or other privatization of the land.

As our extremely park-poor City densifies, it is paramount to 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.

Adding 192 acres of park uses and open space will still leave our City only "moderately-parked" at our current population, i.e., at only about 3.6 acres of park space per 1,000 residents, up from the current

1.4 acres per 1,000 residents. State and national metrics mandate a minimum of 5 acres of open and park space per 1,000 residents.

Let's address this deficit and build a Great Park that will serve our community now and for many, many future generations.

Sincerely,

Santa Monica Great Park Coalition Leadership Team
John Fairweather
Cris Gutierrez
Frank Gruber
Zina Josephs
Joe Pertel
Ann Bowman

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5 Item 7-A
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6 ==============================
Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
Web: www.GreatParkCoalition.org
E-mail: [email protected]
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7 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 11:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: hiThe Great Park, no housing - just nature elements, Mitchell Lachman 90405 Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
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July 8, 2025
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8 Item 7-A
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9 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: the airport to a no housing onsite in the Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello Counsel members, i request you vote for airport conversion to the Grand Park with no housing, athletic forums- rather natures vegetation. it would be used for pea
ceful recreation of natures setting.

Good bye, Mitchell Lachman
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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10 David Yakobson
From: John Redfield <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:52 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.

John Redfield 90404
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
11 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:50 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 much as our City needs more housing, we desperately need more parks. The residents of Santa Monica voted for a park. We have plenty of empty housing.

I urge you to move forward with 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 and water-poor city densifies, it is essential that we plan for the creation of sufficient open spaces and recreational areas that can restore habitats and meet the needs of both current and future generations. And we need to think about water usage.

Thank you for your consideration. Please move forward with an LC-compliant Great Park.

Wendy Dembo
Resident
90404
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July 8, 2025
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12 David Yakobson
From: Kent Strumpell <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:49 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7A, airport conversion project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
As we move ahead with planning the creation of our great park, I want to express my support for the next steps recommended by staff and urge that we undertake this lifetime opportunity with vision, realism and care.

I see no urgency to lock in a grand plan dependent on a big price tag, perhaps dependent on too much private investment. The vagaries of funding availability and the need to integrate appropriate responses to the climate crisis warrant a more patient process I think.

There is much that can be done with minimal investment and current on-site revenue sources. Of course thought and planning will need to be given for the siting of even quick-build things with an eye to the future. But please let’s allow time and consideration for the major, big-ticket changes and features. I do support reasonable revenue generation, like a variety of food concessions, renting of event spaces and careful leasing of a modest amount of space for well-vetted, compatible commercial uses.

Of course the preservation of the airport decommisioning milestone is paramont, so it should go without saying that the risks of triggering a vote to amend LC is unacceptable until that is complete.

Thank you for your care in overseeing the transformation of this truly amazing resource! Kent Strumpell
1211 Michigan Ave.

Santa Monica
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July 8, 2025
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13 David Yakobson
From: Sue Edwards <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:49 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

Sincerely,
Sue Edwards
428 - 15th St.
90402
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July 8, 2025
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14 David Yakobson
From: Cassandra Gross <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:45 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; Elaine Polachek
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Item 7.a SMAC Project June
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello, My name is Cassie Gross and I am a resident of Santa Monica. I am a rising 6th grader at Lincoln and I play club soccer and AYSO but to get to tournaments I have to drive at least an hour away. It would be really cool if I could just ride my bike there. This is one of the many reasons I think the Santa Monica Airport should be turned into a giant park with plenty of sports fields and recreation areas. Another reason is that the Santa Monica Airport has caused a negative impact on the climate. I know we can’t fix what happened but moving forward we can try to have a positive impact on the environment. A giant park would do just that. You might think “Oh we already have Clover Park, why do we need another park?”. Well I think the more parks we have the more we can get together as a Santa Monica community.

Thank you,
Cassie Gross
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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15 David Yakobson
From: Jane Walker <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:41 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.

Jane H Walker
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Texture
716 Montana Ave.

Santa Monica, CA 90403
310.393.0707
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
16 David Yakobson
From: Valerie Alter <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:05 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

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I am a lifelong Santa Monica resident, and have chosen to raise my family here. I grew up playing fastpitch softball at Memorial and Clover Parks, and my children now use the same fields for softball, soccer, and ultimate frisbee. My children experience the same paucity of field space and open space more broadly that I did growing up. Softball teams share fields with limited dirt time, soccer teams get fields 1/2 the size of what they use for games, and frisbee is relegated to whatever corner no one else is using. We have a once-in-alifetime chance to fix this problem, not just for this generation, but for generations to come. With more fields, our kids will not only get sufficient space to practice, but our community at large will have sufficient space for unstructured outdoor recreation.

If the airport is going to close, please take this opportunity to do something that benefits the current Santa Monica community and voters. The voters were clear with LC that we want a great park and more open space. There is the opportunity to build more housing in other ways--newer buildings can be taller, for example--but never again will we have the opportunity to create a park that would rival Central Park or Golden Gate Park.

Thank you,
Valerie Alter
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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17 David Yakobson
From: Gayle Gilman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 10:00 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

Every day, all over the city, I see new buildings. Some are under construction. Some are finished and have vacancies. I assume each new development accommodates for low income houses.

This Park is not land for more overdevelopment. It shall be restored to the Park it was a hundred years ago. The people voted. It was approved.

Thank you
Gayle Gilman.

Sincerely,
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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18 David Yakobson
From: Barbara Osborn <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public Comment Item 7A Santa Monica Airport Conversion, Preferred Scenarios Review Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear council members -
I’m writing to express my hope that the Council will not direct staff to proceed with a Preferred Scenario on item 7A that includes only a “great park.” The City should keep its options open and maintain as much flexibility as possible for use of the space in the face of unknown costs and financing.

Great Park advocates have had little to say about ongoing costs and nothing regarding construction costs. On Tuesday night you will probably see a lot of local enthusiasm for a park (who doesn’t like a park?) with zero fiscal reality attached.

But we all know, the construction cost of a 200-acre park will be staggering.

Your choice will be to ignore the formidable costs of park construction, or to find a way to keep the city’s options open as the fiscal reality slowly becomes clear. You might consider Irvine’s experience for context: About a decade ago the first phase of Irvine's “Great Park” was constructed on a 200 acre parcel. It cost about $250 million, financed through a bond, which is being paid for by a special tax district. Nearby homeowners are paying between $2k and $20k per year in perpetuity.

I don’t know anyone who thinks Santa Monica voters will approve this kind of tax — in which case if the city decides to move forward with a park, and nothing but a park, Santa Monica’s 200 acres could sit undeveloped for years. That would be a real tragedy given the city’s desire for a park, and urgent need for more below-market housing.

Please, in your direction to staff, keep the city's options open. Down the road, it may well become clear that the only viable way to finance a park will be by offsetting some of the costs with housing development.

Barbara Osborn
Cell: 310.963.1595
[email protected]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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19 Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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20 David Yakobson
From: Chris Downey <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:52 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:

There should be no housing on the site, whatsoever.

Thank you for your consideration.

Chris Downey
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
21 David Yakobson
From: RIEHER BERZE <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems
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,
[saba]
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
22 David Yakobson
From: Charlie Cohen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:31 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
Subject: July 8 City Council Meeting, Item 7: Evolve Santa Monica Airport—Don’t Erase It Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers,
My name is Charlie Cohen. I’m a Santa Monica High School student and a member of the SAMO Aerospace Engineering Club. I’m also someone who’s always admired Santa Monica’s role in American aerospace history.

I’m writing to ask you to consider a path of evolution, not elimination, for Santa Monica Airport. This airport inspired my passion for aerospace engineering. It has the potential to inspire the next generation too—if we choose to reimagine it for the future instead of closing it.

I believe we can create something great:
 A world-class STEM center for students
 A hub for electric and autonomous aircraft
 Green space for the community
 A boost to the local economy
 Continued local control beyond 2028
We don’t need to pick between a park and an airport. We can build a 21st-century innovation campus that honors Santa Monica’s past while serving its future.

Please don’t erase this piece of our city’s history. Let’s evolve it into something extraordinary.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Charlie Cohen
Member, Santa Monica High School Aerospace Engineering Club Santa Monica Residen
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
23 David Yakobson
From: Barbara Goodson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:26 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,
Barbara Goodson Gustafson
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
24 David Yakobson
From: Bea Nemlaha <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:22 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Elaine Polachek; councilmtgitems
Subject: 7/8/25 Agenda Item 7: OUR GREAT PARK
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Council,
One of your most important of many responsibilities is to protect the well-being of our community and its residents. Creating a Great Park where the airport now sits enables you to do just that.

Santa Monica is one of the most densely populated cities in California. We are woefully underserved by parks, gardens, and nature reserves.

Over 70% of our citizens are renters. Under the onerous housing building requirements of state law, this percentage will increase. Renters typically do not have yards or play spaces for their kids to grow, or gardens or green environments for adults to relax and refresh.

Honor the clear mandate of the great majority of our citizens to restore the airport land to its historic purpose solely as a City Park. This will define you as a responsible Council. Be that Council.

Bea Nemlaha
Ocean Park
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
25 David Yakobson
From: SUELLEN WAGNER <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:22 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,
Suellen Wagner
Studio City, CA
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
26 David Yakobson
From: Song <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 9:11 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 with 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.

It is paramount that we create sufficient open, recreational, and regenerative spaces that can restore habitat and meet the needs of both current and future generations.

Sincerely,
Wansun Song
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
27 David Yakobson
From: Marc Buhaj <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:55 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,
Thank-you for your time.

As a proud local family of 5 we are hoping for multi-purpose sports fields - especially soccer -for the city in the near future. Our Santa Monica youth are amazing and the ability to get them out and running around and learning through the gift of outdoor competitive sports has changed our lives.

As our park-poor city densifies, it is paramount that we plan for the creation of sufficient open, recreational spaces that can meet the needs and build the future of both current and future generations.

Sincerely,
Marc Buhaj
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
28 David Yakobson
From: Avni Vora Gandhi <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 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: 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.

Avni Gandhi
90402
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
29 David Yakobson
From: Warren Allen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:39 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 hope you are all well.

Well-being of course is individual, but a great part of it comes from personal satisfaction and selfrespect.

If you vote for an LC-compliant Great Park, you will always have the inner satisfaction of knowing you voted for the best interests of Santa Monica, both current and future! And you will be able to hold your head high knowing your family, descendents and future Santa Monicans will finally have a park worthy of this amazing city.

Please say NO to those developers who want to crush this dream! Yours sincerely,
Warren Allen, MD, resident of Sunset Park for 20 years
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
30 David Yakobson
From: Suzanne Watson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:33 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.

Suzanne Watson
90403
Sent from my iPad
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
31 David Yakobson
From: Maralee G <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:32 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.

Maralee Grantham 937 3rd street 302 SM CA 90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
32 David Yakobson
From: Maralee G <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:30 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.
(Your name)
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
33 David Yakobson
From: Sarah Tamor <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7.A - SM Airport Conversion Project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
To Santa Monica City Councilmembers:

I am writing to express my STRONG preference for the inclusion of housing, particularly low-income and moderate-income units, in the development of the SM Airport.

Since Measure LC was passed, local and regional housing needs have ballooned to an unsustainable level.

The airport project is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a dent in this seemingly intractable problem.

I have lived in Santa Monica since 1978 and my daughters were born here. But they can’t afford to live here as adults.

Excluding affordable housing from the airport development would solidify Santa Monica’s current path of being a haven only for the wealthy.

I urge you to reject that outcome and vote to support the inclusion of affordable housing in the airport development.

Thank you,
Sarah Tamor
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
34 David Yakobson
From: Diane Watanabe <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 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. 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:

As a longtime resident of Santa Monica, I urge you to please move forward 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.

Very sincerely,
Diane Watanabe
Santa Monica Rugby Club
--
Diane Watanabe
(310) 779-7286
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
35 David Yakobson
From: karen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 8:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Airport Repurpose
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.

Karen Bailey
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
36 David Yakobson
From: Sheila Forsander <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Subject: Item 7.A. SMAC Project - July 8, 2025
To: [email protected]
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Sheila Forsander
17th St
Santa Monica
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
37 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:56 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: 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. Steve & Judy Shapiro
1133 9th St. Santa Monica, Ca. 90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
38 David Yakobson
From: Alex Silver <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Re: July 8, 2025, Agenda Item 7A & the future of Santa Monica Airport Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
I first want to say that I appreciate each of your commitment to this city. I ask that when you consider the future of Santa Monica Airport, you consider that there are ways to take action towards building park space that doesn't completely remove the aviation usage of the space. We're so lucky as a city to have such a unique asset in the airport. It would be a shame to shut out the residents that utilize the airport, rather than allowing both aviation usage and park usage to thrive, together. I'm definitely biased as a pilot and user of the airport, but at the same time, I have a great appreciation for parks and open spaces in this beautiful city. For me personally, it's not an either/or scenario. I think a lot of my fellow residents feel this way, especially those that want to see the airport stay. It's difficult to have our voices heard when there's organization around a park-or-nothing strategy. Most of my friends that use the airport that are my age (millennials) support additional green spaces, but also have an interest in the aviation and innovation use cases of the airport. So many pilots like myself learn and become well paid career professionals through general aviation airports like SMO. It's something we should celebrate, in all honesty.

So to reiterate my question to you is: why can't we have both? There's enough space for expanding park space while keeping aviation usage. Like many things in government / civics, it's not black and white.

Why does the desire to expand park space necessitate a full closure of aviation use? Again, I appreciate your time in reading this and I sincerely hope that you consider this as a reasonable position.

Sincerely,
Alex Silver
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
39 David Yakobson
From: Anna Marie <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:51 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.

Anna Marie Howell 90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
40 David Yakobson
From: F D <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:43 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.

Fern Decena
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
41 David Yakobson
From: Michael Katz <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 7:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Together, Let's Make the Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Greetings, Councilmembers!
My wife and I are excited the majority has spoken in favor of the Great Park. We now urge the Council to direct Staff to begin planning for a Great Park without housing and without delay. We want the Council to join us in recognizing the city projected $22 million in lease revenue is a primary funding source for the Great Park!
Let’s not allow another round of “what ifs” to open the door to privatization or ballot-triggering scenarios.

We urge the Council to recognize and acknowledge that the same consultant who wildly overstated the airport economic impact (by claiming SMO had $275 million in economic benefit — a number later debunked and downgraded to the “equivalent of a mini-mall” seems to be working to undermine the Great Park’s affordability and inviting delay. The current HRA report, by downplaying lease income, and the city ownership of assets, inflates future costs, presented in an troubled and deeply flawed report.

State housing mandates are real, but they do not override Measure LC or the city’s right to honor voter approved park use. The mandates can and must be addressed elsewhere in the city’s Housing Element— not on protected parkland.

My wife and i would like to see the the Council 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.

Please Let’s Build a Great Park Together — all of us together! May the Council unite the city in this great and wonderful project. Move the Park Forward!
Best,
Michael Katz
3016 Ruskin Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
42 David Yakobson
From: Betsy Katz <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 6:53 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

The existing city-owned buildings are fully leased and projected to generate $22 million annually in 2029. This revenue can support a bond to finance construction of the park.

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. Santa Monica needs open space, sports fields and nature. Voters and participants in the Sasaki visioning process have already made it clear that we don’t want or need housing in the Great Park.

Let’s move forward together and build the Great Park that we’ve been needing for a long time now.

Thank you..

Sincerely,
Betsy Katz
3016 Ruskin Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-415-0130
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
43 David Yakobson
From: Cris Popenoe <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 6:41 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.

Cris Popenoe
90403
Cris Popenoe
[email protected] - 917.566.8770
http://www.linkedin.com/in/popenoe/
www.dawn-productions.com
Sent from my iPad
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
44 David Yakobson
From: Anthony Mindlin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 6:29 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.

Anthony Mindlin
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
45 David Yakobson
From: Kim Drobny <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 6:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Support for an LC-compliant Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Sincerely,
Kim Drobny
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
46 David Yakobson
From: Linda Kuhns <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 6:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: Re: CALL TO ACTION BY WILMONT MEMBERS & RESIDENTS --- City Council Agenda Item 7A -- Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
47 Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I urge you to move forward with the creation of a Measure 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.

Thank you for your consideration.

Linda S Kuhns
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
50 Agenda item 7-A: Airport Conversion - LC-compliant Great Park To: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

Thank you for your consideration.
(Your name)
90403
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
52 This email was sent to [email protected]
why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences WILMONT · PO Box 607 · Unit 8 · Santa Monica, CA 90406-0607 · USA Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
53 David Yakobson
From: Katharine Dreyfuss <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 6:07 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

When the city first designated this property to be used for recreation for Santa Monica residents, it specified recreation for the whole city. It prohibited use of the property for individual residences or other opportunities for personal gain. The park-land is ineligible for use for public housing, much as the city needs to support that cause in appropriate locations. Please abide by the original agreements.

Thank you for listening to the appeal of your citizens.

Sincerely,
Katharine Dreyfuss
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
55 David Yakobson
From: Valeska <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:56 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:

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,
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
56 Valeska Andrea Donoso
AYSO Parent
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
57 David Yakobson
From: Karen Blechman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:54 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 ensure that any plans for the park are fully compliant with Measure LC and reflect the need for green open space. Do not risk jeopardizing the closure of the airport by inserting other elements that are not allowed under Measure LC..

Thank you,
Karen Blechman
Ocean Park
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
58 David Yakobson
From: Chrissi Durbin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:45 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
Need portion airport for EMERGENCIES
will cost too much & EPA removal will be outrageous dollars. No speaks about environmental issues & years to remove debris .

Thank you for your consideration.
(Your name)
90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
59 David Yakobson
From: Sandy Weisman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:45 PM
To: 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:

Thank you for your consideration.

Sandra Weisman
90403
Get BlueMail for Android
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
60 David Yakobson
From: Bee Barba-Padilla <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:32 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; Cris Gutierrez; Cris Gutierrez
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 Bee Barba-Padilla and I am a community member serving on the 19th Street Community Farm & Wellness Garden and member of the City of Santa Monica Land Back & Reparations Education subcommittee. I currently live in the Ocean Park neighborhood and am committed to joining local efforts toward ensuring the newest installments of the Santa Monica Airport conversion project prioritizes our public's access to green space, future localized ecological restoration efforts and potential urban agriculture opportunities. As a former California Climate Action Corps Fellow with the City of Santa Monica Community Gardens program 2023-24, I learned the value and biodiversity that green space provides in our urban jungles. I received a wealth of professional training and built a local network of community members committed to transforming and continuing urban gardening, food systems, sustainability and climate education efforts.

I am deeply committed to the education of future generations and youth in Santa Monica on food justice, food sovereignty, land stewards and Indigenous ecological knowledge. I am unable to attend the council meeting this Tuesday and the rally because I will be en route to UC Santa Cruz, my alma mater where I was recently accepted into their Summer Agroecology Intensive program. I look forward to learning more about organic gardening and agriculture, Indigenous ecological knowledge and ensuring that Santa Monicans practice land stewardship and solidarity with local Indigenous communities and Tongva elders and leaders. I know my experience in the past two years with both City of Santa Monica Community Gardens, the 19th Street Farm, FoodCycle L.A. has opened up this amazing door of opportunity. It is my hope and intention to bring back as much knowledge as I can and create pathways between UC Santa Cruz and Santa Monica for young people committed to ecological justice, environmental sciences and sustainability in our city.

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
61 Sincerely,
Bee Barba-Padilla (she/they)
California Climate Action Corps Alum 23-25
nobleflowernetwork
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
62 David Yakobson
From: Karen Fisher <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 5:10 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
To:

Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmembers:

I highly 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.

Karen M Fisher
90405 Homeowner
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
63 David Yakobson
From: Toby Berlin <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:56 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.

Toby Berlin
1701 Pier Ave
Santa Monica, CA
90405
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
64 David Yakobson
From: Deborah Maddis <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:56 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 40 year resident of Sunset Park, I urge you to take action to include below market rate Housing interwoven with a grand park in the EIR study of Phase 3b. of SMAC Project to promote the safety, security, and revenue for the viability of future Santa Monica generations.

With gratitude,
Deborah Maddis, MPH
Consultant
Integrating Healthcare and Housing
3201 17th Street
Santa Monica
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
65 David Yakobson
From: Shana Levin Zarcufsky <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:53 PM
To: Shana Levin Zarcufsky
Subject: SM Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
I own a home 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. I currently drive 55 miles each way for my daughter to practice and play softball due to insufficient space in SM.

This problem is only getting worse as the city gets more and more dense. The airport site is a once-in-alifetime 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,
Shana Zarcufsky
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
66 David Yakobson
From: Daphne Dennis <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7-A: Airport Conversion Preferred Scenarios review Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers,
I am a 50-year resident of the City in two different neighborhoods as a renter and (very luckily) a homeowner. With our active, athletic, musician daughter, our family has made good use of every park, our largest park-the beach!- and every possible performance venue the City has to offer.

It is with decades of experience in our family’s use of public spaces that I urge you to include options for a belowmarket-rate residential community on the former airport land along with a substantial public park.

We can embrace both uses and address both needs.

Thank you and City staff for the continued, thoughtful consideration of this important plan for our future.

All best, Daphne Dennis
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
67 David Yakobson
From: John Fairweather <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:20 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 7A, July 8 - A brief history of the LC promise Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Council Members,
As I am sure you know, the ultimate building of an LC-compliant Great Park at the airport is what the public has expected since passage of measure LC in 2014. Back then, those of us who collaborated with the cIty in crafting the language of Measure LC had no idea when, and in what sequence, the land would return to us as it was “released from aviation use”. We had just spent months fighting signature gatherers for Measure D, the national aviation lobby measure to wrest all control over the airport permanently from the city. In the end D got their signatures, but to do it they triggered a national signature-gatherer gold-rush to our City as our activities forced them to ultimately pay gatherers over $20 per signature (a new national record). The lies told by these invaders to get each $20 you would not believe.

At that point, City Council, who could not advocate for their own counter-measure (LC), came to us asking that we fight the measure D/LC fight for them.

Knowing the kind of spending and dirty tricks we’d seen in the signature gathering phase would be a fraction of that brought to bear in the D campaign, we also knew that only if the people believed a Great Park would ultimately replace the airport could we win that ballot fight. Our agreement to run the LC campaign was therefore contingent on the “Great Park” promise being made clear and enshrined in the City Charter. It took many drafts of the LC language before we, the Council, and the City Attorney finally agreed on the language of LC.

We then accepted the D/LC challenge. We went out and ultimately won that battle primarily by telling the people of Santa Monica about the Great Park that was to come. Anyone who claims that a vote for LC was not essentially a vote by the people of Santa Monica for an LC-compliant park instead of an airport is simply wrong. The fact that almost every living past mayor of Santa Monica supports the Great Park Coalition (as they did LC back in 2014) underscores that they know that a Great Park was promised, and promises should be kept.

In the decade following LC, the agreement with the FAA made clear when that Great Park would start to be realized - January 1st, 2029.

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you how important it is that on July 8th you reaffirm that promise, and that you direct staff to plan an LC-compliant park, including those commonly accepted park features that can be brought into LC-compliance through zoning changes alone.

We all agree that housing is important, but housing and parks are complimentary sides of the same coin, and unlike housing, which can and will be built throughout the city, this airport site is our only chance to restore and build the Great Park that first existed on the site in the 1920’s. This Great Park is essential FOR future housing, but not AS housing. A Great Park that will serve the whole city as the essential hub of a modern interconnected (fully offItem 7-A July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
68 road) park network that will make our densifying city truly livable for all. A park that will become Santa Monica’s greatest enduring tourist attraction as sea-level-rise diminishes our beaches. A park that will be cherished and loved, and that evolves for centuries to come. It may take decades to complete, but with a densifying city and a deteriorating climate, this is our obligation to future generations.

Now it is your turn to make the next step. I trust you will do the right thing.

Sincerely,
John Fairweather
Chair - Measure LC
Board - Airport2Park and Great Park Coalition

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
69 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Airport Redevelopment Project
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:

As residents, who live adjacent to the Santa Monica Airport, we believe there is a great opportunity to develop the former airport into a comprehensive community, including below market rate housing, a community center, and a park. Priority should be given to below market rate housing for people who work in Santa Monica such as teachers, nurses, firefighters, police, and those who work in the commercial sector earning less than $120,000 per year. We are of the mindset that this could go a long way to addressing the housing shortage and a major cause of homelessness, that is lack of affordability. Addressing the housing shortage would allow working families to remain in our community and will also help to rebuild the middle class in Santa Monica.

Thank you for your time and consideration in the matter of bringing affordable housing back to Santa Monica in a meaningful way.

Sincerely,
Dean and Nancy Fredgant
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
70 David Yakobson
From: E. Durst and C. Gilman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 4:02 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

We need you to be visionaries and to ensure that we have sufficient green space in Santa Monica well into the future.

Sincerely,
Elizabeth Durst
Christopher Gilman
Cy Gilman
Leo Gilman
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
71 David Yakobson
From: Susan Sazer <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Airport Park + housing
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I am a member of the Santa Monica Democratic Club and also a resident in Brentwood, or, Santa Monica adjacent.

I lived in Santa Monica for 10 years when I first moved to California in 1974, and have watched as the City has been changed over these years.

I strongly support the park + below market rate option for the airport redevelopment, as the space is large enough to support both uses. Furthermore, this option helps address the lack of affordable housing, especially for seniors and people that work in SM.

Please consider studying this option alongside a park only option.

Thank you,
Susan Sazer
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
72 David Yakobson
From: Benjamin Tshibasu-Kabeya <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:53 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.

Best,
Benjamin Tshibasu-Kabeya
2625 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90404
AYSO Parent & AYSO Board Member
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
73 David Yakobson
From: Robin Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:45 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 and City Council members:

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

I’ve grown up within 5 minutes of the Santa Monica Airport my entire life. First on Mar Vista Hill, then in Sunset Park. I walk Clover Park twice a day with my dog, and play tennis at the courts. The airport has provided a buffer for the continuing density of our city. A Great Park, with exclusive open and recreational space can help restore habitat and help meet needs of both current and future generations, leaving a legacy of nature, space, and comfort .

Please don’t sell out to developers. Please don’t build any housing which would only create more gridlock in an already overly dense area.

Robin Anderson
2333 Oak St #4
Santa Monica , CA 90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
74 David Yakobson
From: Bradley Kottman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:40 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 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.

Thank you for your diligence and service.

Sincerely,
Brad Kottman & Madison Livingston (Santa Monica Residents Since 2017) Item 7-A
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75 David Yakobson
From: Holly Silvers <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:38 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; [email protected]; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek; councilmtgitems
Cc: Dennis Granelli
Subject: Please support the park, the voters wishes & our community 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.

My husband and I coach multiple sports (soccer, basketball & baseball), I am on the AYSO board & we are both very active members of the Grant PTA. Please, please, please listen to your constituency!!! Thank you,
Holly Silvers Granelli
Owner/Resident/Business owner 90405
Grant PTA
AYSO board member
AYSO coach
[OPTIONAL Add “AYSO Volunteer Coach” or your other affiliations] Sent from my iPhone
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76 David Yakobson
From: Robin Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:26 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.

Robin Anderson
90405
Sent from my iPhone
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77 David Yakobson
From: Michele Perrone <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:24 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 fully support an LC compliant great park without housing. The people of this city worked hard and got people out to vote on this specifically. No more no less.

Michele Perrone
Ocean Park Resident since 1997.

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78 David Yakobson
From: Leisle Bartley <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:20 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,
Open outdoor space please -
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.

Sincerely,
Leisle Bartley
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79 David Yakobson
From: Ben Marcus <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:06 PM
To: Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 Meeting – Item 7 - Why Guess on Billion-Dollar Decisions? Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I’m writing as a lifelong Santa Monican, a Sunset Park resident, and the cofounder of UP.Partners, based at the Santa Monica Airport. You’ve met me, so you know my venture capital firm has invested hundreds of millions into sustainable transportation startups, carrying on the innovative legacy of the Douglas Aircraft Company that once called this airport home. But above all, as a dad to my 7-year-old daughter, my biggest hope is for her and her peers to grow up thriving in our community—becoming engaged, creative citizens who build value for the world and make Santa Monica proud. The future of the 192-acre airport site could shape that vision, and I’m asking you to keep all options open and do the hard work of a thorough process to get this right.

I appreciate Sasaki Associates’ renderings and the community feedback through surveys and workshops—it’s got people talking, which is great. But I’m worried we’re missing a key piece: a clear, side-by-side comparison of what different paths could mean for our city’s future, especially financially. We don’t even know what this land is worth—maybe billions—and that’s a huge gap when we’re making a decision this big. What would it cost to convert the airport into a park? You don’t know. What would it cost to operate as a park? You don’t know. How much additional traffic would a park create? You don’t know. What are the legal implications of a change in land use, state housing mandates, etc.? You don’t know. Is it fair (or even possible) for 90,000 Santa Monicans to pay for a park that 13,000,000 Metro LA residents will use? What is the potential economic impact to our city of using the site in part for non-park use? You don’t know what opportunities you’re missing!
Without those numbers, we’re guessing on something that could define Santa Monica for generations.

Especially at a time when the city is doing everything it can to find pennies in the cushions, why would we not understand our options for the airport better? You wouldn’t buy a car without comparing the economics of various options - why would you make a decision like this worth billions without a detailed comparison? We shouldn’t start down an EIR path without a clear idea of how this is all going to go - the city could very well end up at the end of that process with no viable options and lose control of the outcome.

I also think we need to dream bigger than the plans already out there. This land could be a vibrant public space where kids like my daughter play and learn, housing to keep families here, a hub for innovative businesses, or a mix that does it all. Measure LC from 2014 doesn’t lock us into just a park; it gives us room to explore other ideas with voter approval. Let’s not box ourselves in when we could create something truly special.

As a business owner, I see the airport’s value every day. Our firm’s investments create jobs and keep Santa Monica a leader in sustainable technology. If the airport closes without a plan that supports this kind of energy, we’d have to think about moving to places like El Segundo or Hawthorne, where deeptech innovation is Item 7-A
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80 buzzing. I don’t want to leave—I love this city—but we need a vision that keeps businesses like ours here. At the same time, as a dad and a resident, I want a future for this land that inspires our kids, keeps our community strong, and helps Santa Monica shine.

To make the best decision, I’m asking you to:

1. Figure out the land’s value: Hire experts to pin down what this property is worth for different uses—park, housing, business, or a mix. We need to know if we’re talking billions.

2. Compare many options: Look at many plans side by side, with clear numbers on costs, benefits, and longterm impacts.

3. Get creative: Invite planners, innovators, and residents to pitch bold ideas that spark creativity and opportunity for our kids and community.

4. Hear everyone: Make sure you’re getting input from all of us, maybe with random polling to balance the surveys.

5. Be upfront: Share the pros, cons, and detailed numbers openly so we can trust the process and weigh in.

I’ve stayed in Santa Monica essentially my whole life because I believe in this place—its people, its spirit, its potential. My daughter and her peers deserve a city that nurtures their creativity and gives them a chance to build amazing things. This airport decision could shape that future, and we can’t afford to rush it or settle for less. By valuing the land, comparing options, thinking big, and listening to all of us, you can create a legacy that makes our kids and our city proud.

Thank you for your hard work and for hearing me out. I’m ready to stay engaged—as a resident, a dad, and a business owner—to help make this a win for Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Ben Marcus
Co-founder & Managing Partner, UP.Partners
Sunset Park Resident and Product of Santa Monica Schools (Go Vikings!) Item 7-A
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81 David Yakobson
From: Sandy Laderas <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:05 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.

Sandra Laderas
90405
Sent from Gmail Mobile
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82 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 3:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Amber Richane; Elaine Polachek Subject: LC Compliant Great Park
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete and City Councilmemb
Please move forward, for the benefit of all, t
compliant Great Park with a sensible financ
revenue sources and with no sale or other p
As our park-poor city densifies, it is paramo
sufficient open, recreational, and regenerati
meet the needs of both current and future g
Sincerely,
Tim Bowler and Ishara Bailis
Main Street Gardeners
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83 David Yakobson
From: Betty Green <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:57 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 family and I VERY STRONGLY SUPPORT AN LC COMPLIANT GREAT PARK! We are very long time residents of Sunset Park.

PLEASE ! NO DEVELOPMENT AFTER SM AIRPORT CLOSES!!
Thank you,
Betty Green and Family
Santa Monica Resident
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84 David Yakobson
From: President TSM <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, July 6, 2025 2:49 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 Attachments: TSM_Santa Monica Partnership letter 5.5.25.pdf Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Flagged

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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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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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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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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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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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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
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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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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
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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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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
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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
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
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
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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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
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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July 8, 2025
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
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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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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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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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July 8, 2025
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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."
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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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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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.

Four votes make history.

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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
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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
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99 you have to work hard to elect the people who run it! 녙녚녛녜녝녞
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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
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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
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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
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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

Thank you, Aleson Clarke
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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:

Thank you for your consideration.

Steven Brady and Eddy Winston
90405
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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.

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106
Sincerely,
Kimberly Jordan
Santa Monica Resident / Wilshire Montana
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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
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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
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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

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.

Thank you for your consideration,
Alice Ellis
Santa Monica resident 90405
Item 7-A
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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
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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
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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
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113
35 yr resident
Sent from my iPhone
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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]
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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
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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:

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,
Andrew Hunter
Santa Monica Rugby Club
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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
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
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:

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
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
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
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
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
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

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
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
126
Steven Johnson
President, Santa Monica Rugby Club
(310) 429-0475
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July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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
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
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.

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
5 Wilmont Board of Directors
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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

Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
Item 7-A
July 8, 2025
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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
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
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July 8, 2025
PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

1.1.5 Item 7-A
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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:

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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.

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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
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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
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July 8, 2025
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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

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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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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.

Item 7-A
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MEDICAL CENTER

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TRAILHEAD SIGNAGE
BELMAR + ART, SANTA MONICA
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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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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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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR MEDICAL CENTER

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TRAILHEAD SIGNAGE
BELMAR + ART, SANTA MONICA
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Multiple entries and pathways address common themes throughout the exhibits.

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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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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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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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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.

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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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.

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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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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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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National Night Out events
SMMUSD Festivals
Adult bike training and CREST Spring Break Camp Bike Safety Training Item 7-A
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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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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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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).

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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.

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

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

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

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

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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
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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/
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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.

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 Item 7-A
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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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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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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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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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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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July 8, 2025
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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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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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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.

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

Thank you,
Anna Straub
Item 7-A
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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

Santa Monica City CouncilJuly 8, 2025

Santa Monica City Council
July 8, 2025