1 David Yakobson
From: Peter A Donald <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 12:12 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 2644 33rd St. Rezoning
EXTERNAL
Council & Co,
I am recommending that the City allow an appropriate legal action to proceed for the above project..
Please follow the law.
Thanks,
蚋蚌蚍蚎Peter A Donald
2618 32nd St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310 871-4862
[email protected]
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: RICHARD BERNSTEIN <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 1:15 PM
To: Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Lana Negrete
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thanks,
Richard Bernstein
2606 29th Street
Santa Monica
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: David Yuguchi <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 3:38 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thank you your attention to this important matter.
David Yuguchi
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: carrie davies <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:25 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
Please note that the body of this email was copied in the interest of time, but we fully support its content. We are especially concerned about the traffic impacts of this development on our neighborhood.
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thanks,
Carrie & Chris Davies
2507 Pearl ST.
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
2 David Yakobson
From: Marc Verville <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:26 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis
Cc: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: Subject: SMCC 2025-11-18 Meeting Item 5.D. Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood). This change is also being done in the complete absence of an Emergency Evacuation Capacity Plan (Agenda Item 4.S. - Local Hazard Mitigation Plan – please see my separate comment on that issue), which borders on the negligent.
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thanks,
Marc L. Verville
Sunset Park
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
3 David Yakobson
From: Mindi Shank <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:29 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street back to its proper and intentional R1 zoning. Protect our neighborhoods! Thanks,
Mindi Shank
29th Street Resident
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Hom <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:45 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Heidi von Tongeln; Oliver Chi Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
This upzoning is illegal and will be fought on several fronts Tracey Hom and Lenny Hom
2638 29th st.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
310 749 5343
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
5 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:45 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." This is clearly false and the City failed to comply with the law. Furthermore, there is a disturbing trend of staff using the "Common Sense Exemption" when it does not apply in order to avoid the environmental review required by law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood. The 10- year reprieve from certain development in the Covenant is proof there are impacts and evidence that the land use and zoning change is not eligible for the Common Sense Exemption.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
Here is a list of uses that are now permitted, which staff failed to provide to council, despite multiple requests by the community. There is no way any of you can say with a straight face that these have "no possibility of a significant effect on the environment. Grooming and Pet Stores
Pet Day Care Services
Veterinary Services
Alternative Fuels and Recharging Facilities
Banks and Credit Unions
Business Services
Theater
Small-Scale Gaming Arcade
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
6 Restaurants, Full-Service, Limited Service & Take-Out (2,500 square feet and smaller, including Outdoor Dining and Seating)
Restaurants, Full-Service, Limited Service & Take-Out (2,501 — 5,000 square feet, including Outdoor Dining and Seating)
Restaurants, Full-Service, Limited Service & Take-Out (greater than 5,000square feet, including Outdoor Dining and Seating)
Food Hall (up to 175 seats)
Convenience Market
Farmers Markets
General Market
Liquor Stores
Instructional Services
Live-Work
Bed and Breakfast
Maintenance and Repair Services
Nurseries and Garden Centers
Outdoor Newsstands
General Personal Services
Personal Services, Physical Training
Tattoo or Body Modification Parlor
General Retail Sales, Small-Scale
Bus/Rail Passenger Stations
City Bikeshare Facility
Utilities, Minor
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property "can be seen with certainty to have no possible significant effects on the environment," which means the CEQA process must be followed. It's also unacceptable that staff continues to provide false information in staff reports and verbally at meetings to City Council. How can the community be served by you if you are getting false information from staff? Please do not condone this unethical behavior from staff.
We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial and restore the Residential/R1 designations.
Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
7 David Yakobson
From: Heather Thomason <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:50 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
I am concerned that the city is far too regularly making exceptions under CEQA and declarations that projects/ordinances/laws could have no possibility that they may have a significant effect on the environment. This sort of declaration seems false, and leaves the city very vulnerable to litigation. I strongly urge this Council, and City staff to take a step back and consider a new approach to these sorts of declarations.
Of particular concern at this very moment is that the City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." In determining this, it seems to me that the City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thank you very much for your consideration,
Heather Thomason
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
8 David Yakobson
From: Lauren Behrendt <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:53 AM
To: [email protected]; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thanks,
Lauren Behrendt
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
9 David Yakobson
From: Leanna Einbinder <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:58 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "it can be seen with certainty there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood after 10 years (with the proposed covenant).
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property "can be seen with certainty to have no possible significant effects on the environment," which means the CEQA process must be followed. It's also unacceptable that staff continues to provide false information in staff reports and verbally at meetings to City Council. How can the community be served by you if you are getting false information from staff? Please do not condone this unethical behavior from staff.
We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial and restore the Residential/R1 designations.
Regards,
Leanna Einbinder
Santa Monica Resident
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
10 David Yakobson
From: Eve Lopez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 12:00 PM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Heidi von Tongeln; Oliver Chi Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thank you.
Eve Lopez
Santa Monica resident
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: rob arocd.com <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:16 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thanks,
Rob Levin
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Teri D Bernstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Jesse Zwick Cc: Nikki Kolhoff; Tracey Hom; Mindi Shank; Leanna Einbinder; Dick Bernstein Subject: 11-18-2015 Closed Session Item 5.D. (Teri Davis Bernstein v. City, et al)
EXTERNAL
Greetings Councilmembers and other City leaders:
Due to timing considerations, I filed, under my name, the lawsuit on your Closed session agenda...with the help of a group of concerned neighbors--now operating under the acronym SPEAR. We will be amending and following up with legal representation.
The lawsuit was filed not only because the Rezoning of 2644 30th needs to be reversed, but also because there needs to be a Public Record of the opposition to this action, as the Minutes to your Council Meetings do NOT accurately reflect the level of voter opposition. About a hundred people wrote or spoke against this action. City staff made serious misrepresentations that were not acknowledged in the minutes. The Public Record needs to expose the egregiousness of these actions.
I remain baffled about one crucial part of this transaction. If a property owner wants a "favor" from the City to make it easier to re-lease units in their building, why wouldn't the City counter his request with a request for a concession that would also improve the situation for the surrounding residents in return? Why wouldn't they provide the simplest remedy that would cause the least harm? I think that is what the Council initially promised when the item was tabled. But Rezoning to Neighborhood Commercial? This is a HUGE overreaction--it is a big "GET" for the owner.
AND...In any business transaction (debits=credits), if one person gets something, the other party gets something, too. Who is the other party here? It's not the residents. (The covenant is a temporary band aid mitigating the harm of the Rezoning, not a net positive.) My guess is SOMEBODY got SOMETHING.
Who was the beneficiary of the consideration accorded by the valuable asset of Rezoning the City granted to 2644 SM Partners and Scott Sternberg? Please let us in on what seems like the "Project 2025" of Santa Monica. I wonder where the money is coming from and really worry about that...
I'm afraid that developers and other interests are shouting into the ears of City Council members so loudly that you have forgotten the reasons of service that we hope led you all to seek public office in the first place.
The elephant in the room is that you on the Council have a VERY difficult job. And you are not being paid enough for the work you have to do. THAT IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER. People try to "equalize" things, and Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
2 I'm afraid that you might rationalize doing the bidding of others in exchange for a new job, or donations to your favorite charity, or the promise of support when you seek your next political office.
You might have been told that this is "the way things are done" but AOC talks about being mentored in the "way things are done on Capitol Hill" as climbing onto the laps of lobbyists...and she has resisted that. You can, too.
I urge you to turn away from rationalization and the slippery slope of supporting monied interests over principled interests.
You can back away from this rezoning, knowing that because of your enormous workload AND your reliance on the misrepresentations of City Staff, you:
accepted their misrepresentations of this being an error in LUCE (how can LUCE be an error? It is a huge city process with all parties involved. It is the law.) unknowingly let a property owner make a rezoning request without paying the proper fees and filing the proper forms
gave in to pressure to go along with some bigger plan of people with money and a long agenda, rather than following your conscience, which was evident when you initially tabled this item.
It is NOT YOUR FAULT that you were led down this path to rezoning a section of a 2 block long R1 street into Neighborhood Commercial. How does that make sense? YOU DO HAVE THE POWER TO STEP BACK FROM THIS REZONING POSITION.
Please reverse your action.
Thank you. What follows my signature is a succinct description of the rezoning parameters, prepared by a member of our neighborhood group.
Teri Davis Bernstein, MBA, CPA (inactive), member of SPEAR 2528 29th St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Description of problem:
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law. The City's rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood.
The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood, and after 10 years, the building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood. Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday) to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood). It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
3 possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
4 David Yakobson
From: Wendy Dembo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:06 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln
Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management, The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and decided that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law!
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped into an 85-foot-tall housing structure across from one and twostory homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment.
We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
With great concern,
Wendy Dembo
Santa Monica Resident
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: John Reynolds <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 11:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Oppose up-zoning 30th street 11/18/25 by 5-D
EXTERNAL
Honorable mayor, city manager and council members,
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected],
[email protected], [email protected] Cc: [email protected], [email protected] Subject: 11/18/25 agenda item 5-D – Litigation re "Common Sense" CEQA Exemption at 2644 30th St.
Dear Mayor Negrete, City Councilmembers, City Manager Chi, and Office of Emergency Management,
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA under the “Common Sense Exemption” because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law.
The City's proposed rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood. The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood. The building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood, with only a 10-year reprieve.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday), to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Thanks,
John Reynolds
3217 17th street
213-598-2120
from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
1 David Yakobson
From: Karen Pickard-four <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, November 18, 2025 10:43 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi
Subject: Consent Calendar Item
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilpersons and Mayor:
As a Sunset Park Resident, I support the Writ below and will be following the progress of this lawsuit closely. Please consider the voting residents of the community you represent as you discuss this tonight.
The rezoning of the property at 2644 30th needs to be REVERSED.
Closed Session Item 5.D. (Teri Davis Bernstein v. City, et al):
The City changed the zoning of a portion of 2644 30th Street from R1 to Neighborhood Commercial and determined that this zoning change was exempt from CEQA because "there is no possibility that the amendments may have a significant effect on the environment." The City failed to comply with the law. The City's rezoning may have significant environmental impacts on this residential neighborhood.
The existing office building at 2644 30th Street may be redeveloped immediately for uses that are substantially different from what exists today (including materially different commercial activity) that would encroach upon the neighborhood, and after 10 years, the building can be redeveloped to an 85 feet tall housing structure across from one and two-story homes in a residential neighborhood.
Even without any redevelopment at all, the rezoning permits the building, which has consisted of office space for decades (i.e., people working from 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday) to now immediately be converted to use as a restaurant or another commercial establishment, which would have significant environmental impacts (e.g., constant in-and-out traffic, double parking food delivery vehicles, noise, air quality and other environmental factors that do not currently exist in this neighborhood).
It is simply not possible for the City to show that the rezoning of this property has no possible significant effects on the environment. We ask that the City follow the law and conduct the proper environmental review process required of it, and consequently reverse the rezoning of 2644 30th Street to Neighborhood Commercial.
Karen Pickard Four (resident since 94)
Sent from my iPhone
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025
Item 5-D
November 18, 2025