Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, January 27, 2026

1 David Yakobson
From: TE15428 <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 2:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: (No Subject)

EXTERNAL
Please do not approve the use of artificial turf.

I resent i even have to write this.

Deirdre McCarthy
1400 California Ave 101
Santa Monica
90403
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 2:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Closing Santa Monica Airport
From: Jan Simonovic <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 4:54 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Closing Santa Monica Airport

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to urge you to support Item 11C.

I strongly support the City’s commitment to building the Great Park at the Santa Monica Airport and to banning new artificial turf in Santa Monica. These policies protect public health, reduce environmental harm, and ensure our public land is used in ways that benefit the whole community.

Please vote in favor of Item 11C and continue advancing these important priorities.

Thank you for your service,
Jan Simonovic
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Terry Saucier <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: Public Comments for City Council meeting 1/27/26, Re: Item 11, C Attachments: Letter for public comment - to City of Santa Monica City Council, item 11,C Parks Vision Plan _01_27_26.pdf

EXTERNAL
To: City of Santa Monica City Council
Re: Public Comments for January 27, 2026 City Council Meeting, Agenda Item 11,C Parks Vision Plan.

Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments on behalf of the SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force, a coalition that is working statewide and with officials in Los Angeles to support a ban on all new artificial turf installations. We urge you to ban new installations of artificial turf in Santa Monica’s City Parks and playing fields and prioritize California native plants and natural drought-tolerant grasses to protect human health, natural resources and nature.

Please see our full letter that is attached for public comment.

Thank you,
Terry Saucier
SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force, Chair
For further information visit: https://www.ncsa.la/artificial_turf --
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Albert Einstein "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value..."
https://climate.nasa.gov/ https://www.climaterealityproject.org/ Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Date: January 27, 2026
To: City of Santa Monica City Council
Re: Public Comments for January 27, 2026 City Council Committee Meeting Agenda Item 11, C, Parks Vision Plan
Request City of Santa Monica ban installation of artificial turf in parks and the city – instead transition to natural drought-tolerant grass fields to protect human health, natural resources and nature.

Sent via email
Thank you for the opportunity to submit these comments on behalf of the SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force, a coalition that is working statewide and with officials in Los Angeles to support a ban on all new artificial turf installations. We urge you to ban new installations of artificial turf in Santa Monica’s City Parks and playing fields and prioritize California native plants and natural drought-tolerant grasses. Some reasons include:

Artificial turf is toxic - It is a fossil fuel-based petrochemical product that contains hazardous PFAS, other chemicals of concern, and microplastics. These PFAS “forever” chemicals are known carcinogens, neurotoxins, and hormone disruptors. Children and athletes who play on artificial turf are at higher risk of exposure and because PFAS chemicals bioaccumulate, it is especially harmful to children who are still developing. The California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) is bringing artificial turf under regulation due to PFAS and other chemicals of concern. In addition, DTSC is considering adding microplastics to the list of chemicals of concern.

Artificial turf pollutes air, water, and soil with toxic chemicals and microplastics. Toxic chemicals can leach into the groundwater, contaminating drinking water. Recent EPA findings indicate there is no safe amount of certain PFAS compounds in drinking water, yet these same chemicals are consistently found in artificial turf. Toxic runoff from artificial turf contaminates rivers, lakes, and oceans with microplastics as well as PFAS. One regulationsized playing field can shed more than 2,000-3,000 plastic grass blades annually. Studies have found 12-15% of microplastics in waterways originate from synthetic turf. Additionally, the California Coastal Commission does not allow artificial turf in the California Coastal Commission permit zone. In 2023 the California Coastal Commission told UC Santa Barbara (13 Dec 2023, UCS-NOID-0002-23) that they could not use artificial turf on its 3-acre baseball fields and determined synthetic turf is not superior to natural grass, or sustainable.

Artificial turf is too hot and not a safer playing surface. It can be 80°F higher than the air temperature and reach temperatures of 160-180°F or more, which can lead to serious thermal burns and increase heat-related health injuries, as well as create a “heat island effect” raising the temperature in surrounding areas. Studies also show athletes who play on it are also more likely to have lower extremity injuries and concussions, particularly in Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
children. Turf burns from abrasions and exposure to MRSA and other bacteria are also more common.

Artificial turf negatively impacts EJ communities - When accounting for artificial turf’s negative impacts on local communities we also need to include its impact on the communities where the fossil fuels are extracted, the petro-chemicals and plastics are produced, and the product is discarded.

Artificial turf doesn’t save water. It must be regularly cleaned of contaminants. Cooling and cleaning of artificial turf can require more water than would be used for the maintenance of natural, drought-tolerant grasses, and according to artificial turf maintenance manuals, potable water is required. Additionally, unlike natural grasses and surfaces, artificial turf is an impervious surface (per State of California and US EPA), negatively affecting stormwater capture and increasing the risk of flooding.

Artificial turf is combustible – It presents a serious fire hazard. According to a recent study by GHD Australia, when artificial turf is exposed to heat sources that more closely match real wildfire situations and temperatures, artificial turf is easily flammable. The melting and burning of artificial turf also releases toxic gases including PFAS into the air, which can be inhaled by firefighters, other first responders, and residents. The study also found natural grass provides superior fire safety benefits compared to synthetic alternatives because it contains moisture that can help slow fire spread and does not release toxic fumes when heated.

Artificial turf contributes to climate change - From cradle-to-grave it contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. According to a recent study the plastic industry releases about four times as many planet-warming chemicals as the airline industry. Artificial turf also off-gasses methane and ethylene day and night, unlike grass and other natural plants that are carbon sinks and produce oxygen.

Artificial turf is not recyclable- Because artificial turf is made of mixed plastic materials, it will never be economically viable for recycling. At the end of its 8-to-15-year lifecycle it is sent to a landfill, illegally dumped, or sent out of state for incineration/“advanced recycling.” (It should be noted California is suing ExxonMobil for deceptive plastic recycling claims).

Nothing lives in plastic - California is one of the world’s 36 biodiversity hotspots with more native plant species than any other state in the U.S. Not only does artificial turf not support life, but it also kills the soil and the living organisms in it. Artificial turf takes away habitat from insects, birds, and local wildlife, contributing to the loss of biodiversity.

Artificial turf regulations and bans already exist in CA – With the passing of Senator Ben Allen’s bill SB676 some California cities have already implemented artificial turf bans including Carmel, Millbrae, San Marino (23.16.24), and others are considering pursuing regulations and bans including Los Angeles in CF 24-0602. LA’s Climate Emergency Mobilization Office is recommending a moratorium on the installation of artificial turf until further studies are completed.

Cost comparisons - Studies show that over time artificial turf playing fields can cost two to four times more than properly installed and maintained grass fields. It is a poor investment.

When comparing natural grass playing fields to artificial turf, it is important to compare the entire product life cycle including the capital cost of installation, annual maintenance, sod Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
replacement as needed for natural fields, and surface/in-fill replacement of the synthetic fields, as well as disposal of artificial turf (removal, transport, and landfill fees).

The good news – there are nature-based solutions that cost less than artificial turf and improve our health and that of the environment – California native plants and droughttolerant grasses that use less water, thrive in our climate, recharge our groundwater, and provide food and habitat for local wildlife.

Santa Monica is a leader in sustainability and now more than ever, we need real world solutions that take into account our health, the environment and wildlife. Protect Santa Monica residents and future generations: examine the full impacts and costs of using artificial turf, stop installing artificial turf in City parks and throughout the city; prioritize California native plants and drought-tolerant grasses.

Respectfully,
Terry Saucier
SoCal Stop Artificial Turf Task Force, Chair
For more information and resources visit: https://www.ncsa.la/artificial_turf Link to petition supporting a ban on new and replacement installations of artificial turf in both public and private applications.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Arianne Vance <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:08 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please no artificial turf in our parks

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I heard that the City Council is considering replacing the grass in our city parks with plastic turf, and I am emailing today to urge you to please not pursue this option. As a parent of a young child, a dog owner, and someone who cares about the environment I am disappointed to hear that you are even considering this option. Our Santa Monica parks, complete with trees and real grass, are some of the gems of this city. I understand that they are expensive to maintain, but who wants to live in a city full of plastic grass? It's ugly, environmentally awful, filthy from dog waste, and gets so hot in the summer that it's impossible to play on. If we want to attract tourists to our beautiful city and keep our parks healthy and fun for everyone to use, this is certainly not the way to do it.

Please reject any plans that include replacing real grass with artificial turf.

Thanks very much,
Arianne Vance
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Mike Terranova <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: Item 11C (SM Parks Vision): Plan for real fields (natural turf), not plastic ones

EXTERNAL
Mayor and Councilmembers:

For tonight’s Agenda Item 11C on the Santa Monica Parks Vision, I support the Plan’s stated “new vision - ‘City as Habitat’” and the goal to “celebrate […] responsible open space growth through consistent and transparent collaboration with you, the community,” and I’m asking Council to make that commitment real by prioritizing natural turf for athletic fields wherever feasible and by steering the City away from “plastic grass” as the default.

The Coastal Commission outcome at UCSB is a clear cautionary tale: even when institutions argue artificial turf is “more durable and convenient,” regulators and the public are increasingly focused on microplastics and environmental migration - and projects can be stopped or forced back to natural turf.

Meanwhile it’s troubling to see SMMUSD barrel ahead on synthetic turf despite strong community opposition; the City should not mirror that posture, and instead should set a clear policy direction (and joint-use expectations) that protects kids, athletes, and the bay/ocean from avoidable plastic exposure.

Please direct staff to explicitly evaluate natural-turf designs first (with real maintenance/funding plans) and treat synthetic turf as the exception, not the baseline.

Have you stopped by recently to see the natural grass baseball field at Marine Park lately? Its fantastic! Mike
Sunset Park Resident
Links for reference
City PRVP page: https://www.santamonica.gov/parks-and-recreation-vision-plan UCSB / Coastal Commission: https://www.independent.com/2023/12/20/coastal-commission-rejectsuc-santa-barbaras-request-for-artificial-turf-at-baseball-stadium/ SMDP (SMMUSD turf): https://smdp.com/opinion/our-school-board-does-not-care-what-you-think-andthey-dont-have-to/ Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Mae Hess <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: NO Artificial Turf In Our Parks

EXTERNAL
“Yes to our Parks Vision. NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city. Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.”
--
Mae Hess
: 323.605.7604
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: sante benti <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city

EXTERNAL
I am lifelong Santa Monica resident and father and I COMPLETELY OPPOSE ALL ARTIFICIAL TURF IN SANTA MONICA PARKS AND SCHOOLS!!! How is this even a consideration for a city that considers itself eco-friendly and anti-plastic!???
PLEASE VOTE AGAINST ALL ARTIFICIAL TURF IN SANTA MONICA PARKS AND SCHOOLS! -Sante Bentivoglio
2445 California Ave
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Matt Barth <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 12:27 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: No turf

EXTERNAL
I do not want the grass replaced with turf. Turf is dangerous, the grass is beautiful and kids deserve to play on nature.

Sincerely,
Matt Barth
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: jessmaragon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: Fake grass is gross!

EXTERNAL
My kids play on fake turf on pico blvd. It’s brand new. It flakes off all over their clothes, your investments in fake turf are garbage. It’s already falling apart. They get hurt on this hot painful turf. You can eat or drink anything on it.

That’s not like natural grass at all. What is Santa Monica thinking? If I were a council member I would look to towns like Santa Barbara for ways to improve the environment— use these funds to hire people to plant and maintain the grass year around. It’s probably a fraction of fake turf. This is an abomination in Santa Monica.

Signed ,
Jessica & Darren Foldes
609 19th street Santa Monica
310-593-1306
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.” Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Leah Romond <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: Please don’t use artificial turf

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I live in Santa Monica and if I remember correctly, I voted for all of you. I heard you are considering using artificial turf in Santa Monica. Please, please do not do this. It is so, so bad for our children to be exposed to, particularly the rubber they use for the base of artificial turf.

There are studies showing that teens and young adults who have been playing on artificial turf are experiencing negative health effects. Scientists think elements of it are carcinogenic and endocrine disrupters.

Of course artificial turf looks bad and smells bad when dogs pee on it, but those aren’t even on my top 10 list of concerns. I’m just concerned about the health of our children. The federal government is slashing protections, leaving our children vulnerable in so many ways. Please don’t add to the poison load our kids are exposed to.

Thank you for your consideration
Best,
Leah Romond
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Bradley Beery <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 2:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Artificial turf?

EXTERNAL
Why would we want artificial turf in our parks. It’s plastic. It holds germs and grime and it gets disgusting after a while.

And to be honest, it’s just not natural.

We’re a beachside community
We need and deserve Natural grass!
Please think of our children and our families Sincerely, Bradley Beery Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: John McPherson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 2:08 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

At the same time, I respectfully urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type. Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and thousands of children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports.

As a long time youth soccer coach, I can personally attest to the restrictions and limitations youth sports in Santa Moncia suffers as a result of limited field space. New opportunites for programs are stifled, and even incumbents are kept in a constant state of fear and field management.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
John McPherson
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: dodzie anthonio <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 3:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Artificial turf

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.” Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: KING DAVID <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Regarding The Artificial Turf Implementation

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council, Thank you for listening to the community and choosing natural grass for the new Memorial Park fields. As a concerned community member and part of Samohi's student environmental club, Team Marine, I urge you to now formalize this commitment by passing a city-wide policy that prohibits all future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf. Let's protect our health, our budget, and our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance by keeping Santa Monica’s public lands living and plastic-free. Sincerely, David Johnson, Santa Monica.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
January 21, 2026
Re: Commission Recommendation for the Parks and Recreation Vision Plan Dear Mayor Torosis and Council Members,
The Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment strongly recommends that City Council (1) approve the Draft Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP) and (2) adopt a goal to increase Santa Monica park space to at least 5 acres per 1000 residents. The draft PRVP presents a strong vision for the City as a Habitat and highlights the importance of parks and open space to the community and the natural environment. It promotes expanding our park space which will help support the City’s sustainability objectives of becoming water self-sufficient and becoming a more resilient and carbon neutral community, while at the same time benefiting our residents now by providing enhanced recreation and public health opportunities. Adopting the PRVP will represent a significant first step towards improving the quality of life for our residents and the health and sustainability of our local environment. Thank you for your consideration.

Respectfully,
Dean Kubani
Dean Kubani
Chair, Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
From: Clove Galilee
To: Esterlina Lugo
Subject: Motion about Artificial Turf adopted by Sustainability Commission November 17, 2025_ PLEASE ADD to Public Comment
Date: Monday, January 26, 2026 5:02:55 PM
Attachments: image001.png
image002.png
Importance: High
Dear Ester,
Can you please include this motion from the Office of Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment in the public comment for tomorrow’s meeting? They would like it included along with their letter if possible. If you need me to change anything, please let me know.

With gratitude,
Clove
At it’s November 17, 2025 meeting the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment adopted the following motion which passed unanimously.

The Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment recommends that City Council directs staff to:

Prohibit the installation of new artificial turf sports fields within the City.

Maintain existing natural grass sports fields as natural grass fields.

Upon reaching the end of their useful life, replace existing artificial turf sports fields through a competitive bidding process with durable natural alternative field materials, consistent with the City’s operational needs and sustainability goals.

This motion removes the prior recommendation to replace artificial turf with artificial turf and commits the City to transitioning away from artificial turf as practicable, consistent with the Commission’s sustainability, public health, and environmental goals.

Signed,
Dean Kubani
Chair
Clove Galilee
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Experiential Vlog <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

EXTERNAL
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.” This microplastic spreads all over the city, Council should visit the SM airport fields ITS AWFUL! At least they should be looking into compostable alternatives. This microplastics is as bad if not worse to our city specially being so close to the beach.

Walden family
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Sean Sandbach <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Strongly Oppose Artificial Turf in Parks

EXTERNAL
Strongly Oppose Artificial Turf in Parks
Dear City Council,
I am a lifetime Santa Monica resident and I strongly oppose artificial turf in our parks.

Thank you,
Sean
_______________________
Sean Sandbach
(310) 490-9934
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Caroline Matthews <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: NO artificial turf!

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
Yes to the Parks Vision Plan.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city. Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

Best regards,
Caroline Matthews
Santa Monica resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: John Ruchinskas <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: No to artificial turf in our parks

EXTERNAL
I support the proposals in the Park vision but please do NOT place artificial turf in our parks.

I already see too much of it being installed in yards of new developer properties north of Montana or by people who are re-landscaping. It sends rainwater out onto the street instead of into the water table, doesn’t support nature, trees, etc.

Putting artificial turf in parks is harmful to children and public.

Please do not encourage more artificial turf usage in the city and especially not in our parks! John Ruchinskas
409 22nd St
Santa Monica Ca 90402
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Meghan Bejarano <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: NO ARTIFICIAL TURF

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: CYNTHIA OGLE <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: No Artificial Turf!

EXTERNAL
“Yes to our Parks Vision. NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city. Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.”
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Sara Marti <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:29 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: NO to artificial turf

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

Sara G. Marti
Board Member
Communications Director
310 266 5728 | LinkedIn
www.resilientpalisades.org/
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Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Corinne Koutsouros <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Ban plastic turf in all of Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
We are falling behind in LA County’s lead to ban plastic turf. In a city that prides itself with LEED certified
workers and green buildings we need to be leaders in
all aspects and keep nature real.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that
designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for
listening to the community and choosing a cooler,
safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark
park.

I urge the Council to solidify this leadership by formalizing a city-wide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer
spending on new synthetic turf installations.

Memorial Park has shown that natural grass is the
preferred choice for our residents. By committing to
living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013
Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our
watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 Sincerely,
Corinne Koutosuros
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Vicky Rosen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:57 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: No to turf

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat. Makes places hotter and is so unnatural.

Vicky Rosen
Santa Monica resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Lindsay Von Tish <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: No Artificial Turf in Santa Monica Parks

EXTERNAL
Hello,
My name is Lindsay Von Tish and I am a voting resident of Santa Monica.

I'm writing today to oppose the installation of artificial turf in the Santa Monica parks.

Santa Monica is known for it's natural beauty and plant life and it would be a shame to see that replaced with fake grass. Real grass is better for the environment because it helps produce oxygen and does not shed microplastics the way fake turf does. Additionally, it is softer and a much better surface for the children of Santa Monica to play on.

Please, do not install artificial turf in Santa Monica's parks.

Thank you,
Lindsay Von Tish
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Yvonne Kawano <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Thank you for listening to the community and choosing natural grass for the new Memorial Park fields. I urge you to now formalize this commitment by passing a city-wide policy that prohibits all future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf. Let's protect our health, our budget, and our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance by keeping Santa Monica’s public lands living and plasticfree.

Sincerely,
Yvonne Kawano, Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Heidi von Tongeln; Caroline Torosis
Subject: 1/27/26 City Council - Item 11C: Support 2025 Parks & Recreation Plan & Annex SMMUSD Property

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I support the 2025 Parks & Recreation Plan, especially the staff recommendation of a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 population, the commonly accepted minimum standard.

This goal has been supported by the Recreation and Parks Commission, the Airport Commission, the Arts Commission, the Aquatics Advisory Committee, the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment, the Community Gardens Advisory Committee, the Field Sports Advisory Committee, and he Urban Forest Task Force.

In addition, in order to increase fields spaces desperately needed by our city, regardless of field type, I urge you to add to the plan that the City will work with SMMUSD to convert their former headquarters land on 16th Street to one or more rectangular fields and park space. SMMUSD does not need this land, and it is public land that should be used for the public benefit, not a private housing complex. Furthermore, it aligns with the LUCE to expand park and recreation space near public transportation. If you can't make this small expansion now, using vacant and available public land adjacent to the existing Memorial Park, why would anyone trust you with the Airport land? Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Christine Mele <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:54 AM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane; Frank Mele Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Christine Mele
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Neve Garcia-Langley <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:52 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

As a concerned community member and part of Samohi's student environmental club, Team Marine, I urge the Council to solidify this leadership by formalizing a city-wide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf installations. Memorial Park has shown that natural grass is the preferred choice for our residents. By committing to living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Neve Garcia-Langley
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Brian Sweeney <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Honorable Council Members:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community in choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

I also urge the Council to solidify this leadership by formalizing a city-wide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf installations and adopts the following edits to staff's proposal:
· No new City-owned artificial turf sports fields will be installed in the City of Santa Monica. · Existing City-owned grass fields will be maintained as grass fields. · Existing City-owned artificial turf fields will be replaced as artificial turf fields. with durable natural alternative materials that meet the city's needs. [Edit #1] · The City will explore options to work with independent and industry experts to develop a request for information on sustainable artificial and durable natural alternative materials that continue to meet the City’s needs for environmental and human health, safety, playability, maintenance, and cost. [Edit #2]
1) Edit #1:

In the Memorial Park EIR Resolution, City staff writes, "The Final EIR found that Alternative 2 (Use of Natural Grass Turf and Non-Plastic Playground Equipment) is the environmentally superior alternative. Alternative 2 would replace the synthetic turf fields with natural grass turf fields and replace the plastic playground equipment with non-plastic materials, such as engineered wood fiber, wood chips/bark, pea gravel, sand, and/or metal parts. As such, Alternative 2 would avoid the use of Per- and Poly-Fluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) and microplastics that have potential to degrade over time, resulting in potential contamination of water and soil and potential adverse effects on human health."
Are we really then still planning to install artificial turf even though we know and admit we know that it will contaminate our water and soil and have adverse effects on human health? We're going to install it again and have little kids play on it? How does that comport with the City's obligations under the Sustainability Rights Ordinance?
I'm hopeful that's not the case, and that Council will make the right decision for human health and the environment.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 2) Edit #2:

There is no such thing as sustainable artificial turf, and there never will be. It's a fossil fuel product. Just because it's painted green doesn't make it's "green" in the environmental sense.

And not only is it a fossil fuel product, but it's also not recyclable. The State of California is currently suing the Exxon facility where turf manufacturer TenCate claimed it was sending these plastic carpets for falsely claiming what they're doing is recycling: https://oag.ca.gov/news/pressreleases/attorney-general-bonta-sues-exxonmobil-deceiving-public-recyclability-plastic.

So where do these plastic rolls end up when inevitably degrade past the point of their useful "life"? TenCate now claims to send carpet rolls to Louisiana's Cancer Alley, where, it has been confirmed by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality that they are not "recycling" old plastic turf carpets.

Is Santa Monica really going to send our garbage to Cancer Alley? What about environmental justice or leadership on sustainability? And even if we accept burning as recycling (ridiculous), the end result is methane spewed into the air -- is that what we as a community want to contribute to? And if anyone has any doubt that these products are not sustainable, please take a look at the City's already-adopted policy on artificial
turf: https://www.smgov.net/uploadedFiles/Departments/OSE/Categories/Landscape/Why_Artificial_Tu rf_is_not_rebated.pdf. Artificial turf. We already don't rebate for artificial via our "Cash for Grass" program because "[a]rtificial turf does not support bio-diversity;...does not foster soil health; [p]roduction of (virgin) synthetic turf components are associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions...;is not easily recycled...; can be a contributor to the heat island effect...;.has no ability to sequester carbon...; [and] any existing chemicals may runoff directly into storm drains and waterways without the beneficial filtration that live vegetation or mulch provides..." Note that these problems are even worse with more "modern" turf because it contains significantly more plastic threading.

How can the City claim, then, that it's even possible have "sustainable" artificial turf? And how could we install artificial turf again after recognizing these issues? The healthy and environmentally-responsible answer, of course, is that we can't, and I'm confident -- that with your leadership -- we'll make the right decision for health and safety and our environment.

Thank you all so much for your consideration.

Best wishes,
Brian Sweeney
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Mary Orndorff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:41 AM
To: Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I am a resident of Santa Monica and a parent.

Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

The reason my family continues to stay in Santa Monica to raise our child is the city’s commitment to safety, environmental health, and family friendly policy. Artificial turf is a move backwards. It is worse for the environment and for water waste than regular grass. It is terrible for our health, the health of our ecosystem, and our water safety.

Plus, in areas where children play it can cause dangerous overheating. No artificial turf please. Our tax dollars should not go to backwards initiatives that poison our bodies and ecosystems. Let’s keep Santa Monica a model for what is possible in Los Angeles.

Thanks,
Mary Orndorff
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete
Cc: [email protected]; Oliver Chi; Tony Lopez; Christopher Dishlip; Amelia Feichtner; Shannon Parry; Clove Galilee; Dean Kubani
Subject: Re: Support Agenda Item 11C with a "No New Turf" Policy Attachments: CEHC Artificial Turf Infographic.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council:

Please find additional info attachment not included with the previous letter to support Agenda items 11C & 11D
--
Cynthia Rose
Co-Chair
Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance
SaMoSafeStreets.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

On Tue, Jan 27, 2026, at 11:29 AM, Cynthia Rose wrote:

Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council:

Please find attached our letter in support the City of Santa Monica’s Park and Recreation Vision Plan Draft,
and Natural Grass in the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project with a "No New Turf" Policy.
--
Cynthia Rose
Co-Chair
Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance
SaMoSafeStreets.org
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.

Attachments:

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3  2026-01 Agenda Items 11C and 11D_CC SaMoSSA.pdf
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Rex Moffett <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:38 AM
Subject: No to artificial turf in parks

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

No to artificial turf in the parks, outside of dedicated sports fields.

Artificial turf is a detriment to the park, and natural grass should be enjoyed by all in the shared space of the parks.

Thank you,
Rex Moffett - Santa Monica resident.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Amy E K Fiske <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:39 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: Astroturf

EXTERNAL
To whom it may concern,
I am a Santa Monica resident. I grew up going to SMMUSD schools and my mom taught in SMMUSD for 38 years, and in a Santa Monica preschool for years before that. My children are currently enrolled in SMMUSD schools and have been for over nine years. My children and their friends play in Santa Monica parks daily and weekly and we live very close to one of them. Santa Monica is our home.

I profusely object to the idea of replacing real grass with Astroturf in our parks and anywhere in our city. Scientific data exemplifies that Astroturf creates an environmental hazard for communities, residents, plants and animals and the ocean. It goes against the values of this city, a city that has historically gone out of its way to protect trees and provide green spaces, to even consider replacing real grass with Astroturf in our parks or anywhere else.

Santa Monica is not a poor or destitute town and we can afford to maintain real grass. If there’s a budget problem, fix the budget problem. Do not subject the residents and the children of Santa Monica to toxic chemicals to save a buck. additionally, Astroturf also requires maintenance, it literally requires to be cleaned because dogs and humans pee and poop on the grass and will continue to do so on Astroturf. It is grossly irresponsible and disgusting that the council would even consider it.

Focus on the homeless problem, the health and safety hazards that the homeless population causes, the steady increase in crime, police negligence and other actual issues that actually affect residents on a daily basis.

Leave our parks alone. prioritize the things that are actually important to the people that actually live here and pay taxes here and who also happen to be the people who voted you in and can vote you out. thank you,
-Amy E K Fiske
(310) 266-8748
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Kassandra Sadlek <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: No artificial turf in our parks

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

Kassandra Perrigo
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Dustin Shahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: Say no to Plastic Turf

I urge the Council to solidify this leadership by formalizing a city-wide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf installations. Memorial Park has shown that natural grass is the preferred choice for our residents. By committing to living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Thanks
Dustin Shahan
90401
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Alex Gura <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: NO to artifical turf in our parks

EXTERNAL
Hello Councilmembers,
My name is Alex Gura, I was born and raised in Santa Monica, I am currently a resident of Santa Monica, and am expecting a child, who will be delivered in Santa Monica. I would like to raise my child in Santa Monica.

I heard that artificial turf is being considered for our parks. I want to emphatically express that putting artificial turf in our parks would be a terrible decision, for the health of our residents, children, as well as for the future of Santa Monica.

Artificial turf has been shown to contain elevated levels of heavy metals as well as toxic chemicals, and numerous studies have raised concerns about links to childhood cancers such as leukemia. Since we don't know the full extent of long term exposure to turf, as well as the potential risks of childhood exposure, deciding to use it in public parks would not only expose our most vulnerable residents to potential health risks, but also expose the city to liability risks down the line if there are long term health ramifications for residence.

On top of these most grievous risks, there is also the principle of the matter. Artificial turf robs us of the little green spaces we as residents enjoy in a metropolitan area such as the greater Los Angeles Area, and replaces living grass with unnatural materials such as plastics and synthetic rubbers. These are both aesthetically unpleasant and as a whole create an impression of Santa Monica as a lifeless, sterile place.

We should be striving to increase the amount of natural ecosystems in our city, potentially even moving towards more plants and less grass. However, at the very minimum, moving toward artificial turf anywhere would be a huge step backward for the character of Santa Monica.

In summary, this Santa Monica resident says:
"NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat." Sincerely,
Alex Gura
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Jelena Woehr <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:44 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: NO to artificial turf in parks

EXTERNAL
Hello,
As a Santa Monica resident (Sunset Park) and daily park user (mostly Clover & Virginia Parks), I wholeheartedly oppose any use of artificial turf in our parks.

We do not need more plastic in our environment, especially not in spaces where children and animals play. Artificial turf is tacky, disposable, and destructive to the beneficial microorganisms that create and maintain our soil. The soil underneath artificial turf is dead and lifeless, incapable of growing food or supporting the forms of life that sequester carbon.

While I understand the urgent need for water conservation, there are far better solutions than replacing a natural organism with a petroleum product that kills soil.

For instance, adding deep-rooted native grasses to our parks would both reduce water use AND sequester carbon. See here for a graphic showing the root systems of native grasses vs. turfgrass.

While native bunchgrasses do not make a mowable, turf-like surface that holds up to intensive foot traffic, they could easily be introduced in areas surrounding trees, on borders to playgrounds, and around exercise equipment, to reduce the total amount of non-native turf in our parks and reduce net water use.

There are native lawn alternatives suitable for foot traffic as well, such as Agrostis pallens (Thingrass).

We would need to educate our community about the natural appearance of native, drought-tolerant grasses so that the expectation of a bright green park can be shifted over time, but Santa Monica is exactly the kind of place where people will be capable of embracing an environment-friendly turf alternative, as long as they can still use the parks in the ways they are accustomed to.

One of the most important social functions of parks is to allow those without personal outdoor space to connect with nature, which studies show can improve memory, reduce aggression, lower our blood pressure, and even help us retain more of what we learn. Replacing natural turf with plastic takes that opportunity away from our community. This would be a harmful decision for public health, our environment, and the desirability of Santa Monica as a place to live.

Frankly, if I had to spend my daily walk smelling hot baking plastic turf, covered in dog urine and dropped food scraps, rather than enjoying the peaceful sights, sounds, and smells of a little slice of nature, I would consider moving out of Santa Monica entirely.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 Please do not introduce hazardous, petroleum-based, ugly, climate-unfriendly, and soil-killing artificial turf to any public place in Santa Monica. Thank you.
--
Best wishes,
Jelena Woehr
yellinawar.com
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Siobhan Mazzoni <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell Subject: Parks Vision - NO Artificial Turf

EXTERNAL
Hello city council members,
I'm a resident of Santa Monica and am in support of Parks Vision. But I am loudly voicing NO to artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city. Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,
Siobhan Mazzoni
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Nadine Perez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:10 AM
Subject: Opposed to artificial turf

EXTERNAL
Good morning!
I am a 29 year native and homeowner in Santa Monica working in the tech industry and saw recently online that there's a push for artificial turf as part of the park vision plan.

I wholly support the Parks Vision Plan but do NOT want artificial turf in Santa Monica parks and wanted to formally and firmly express this.

Appreciate your time and service
-- Nadine Perez
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Brenna Lilley <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: NO to Artificial Turf

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I am writing to oppose artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city. Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat. Artificial turf contains many harmful chemicals and introduces micro and nanoplastics into our drinking water, which have been shown to have negative health effects.

Additionally, artificial turf can become extremely hot, leading to shoes melting, burns, and even heat stroke. Artificial turf fosters the growth of harmful bacteria and is more likely to cause scrapes due to its abrasiveness, introducing bacteria that can cause serious infections. Children playing in the park do not deserve this.

The heat generated from artificial turf contributes to the urban heat island effect. I recently published my research showing that increasing urban heat island intensity is associated with increasing rates of heart attacks in California (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41403047/). We need to incorporate more vegetation to help with evaporative cooling in our parks and city to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Adding artificial turf will do the opposite - it will make our city hotter, thereby negatively impacting our health and environment. Please make the responsible decision and say no to artificial turf.

Brenna Lilley, MD
Internal Medicine Specialist
Researcher of the health effects of urban heat island intensity Proponent of environmental justice
Resident of Santa Monica, zip code 90404
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Nate Hirsch <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: NO TURF: Santa Monica Voter/Resident

EXTERNAL
Hello,
I am a 33 year old resident and recent home owner (and plan to grow old here) in Santa Monica.

I heard from an online community that artificial turf is being pushed for and voted on today for the park vision plan.

I support the park vision plan but do NOT support artificial turf in Santa Monica. It is disgusting, unhealthy, smelly, environmentally unhealthy, and terrible for children and pets.

Think of how many animals urinate and defecate on public grass, and how many children then play on it.

It needs to be natural grass with sprinklers so it can properly drain and refresh. Not only that, but many pets and small children will grab and eat turf.

Thank you for your time, please don't let artificial turf ruin an otherwise great idea for more parks and public spaces.

Best,
Nate Hirsch
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Nick G <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:06 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please no artificial turf in our parks near children

EXTERNAL
I’m a sunset park resident and heard the council is evaluating the use of artificial turf in our parks. I would like to request the council not use artificial grass in our parks.

I’m open to having my mind changed if there are important cost and other considerations, if there is info that can be shared.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: John Mullins <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Turf

EXTERNAL
“Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.” John
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Alexandra Conboy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: NO artificial turf in Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
I worked twenty years to buy a home in Santa Monica, a community I chose as the best place to raise my young child. Do not turn us into Irvine, or another plastic Orange County hellscape.

People need dirt, and so does the earth. Keep Santa Monica (naturally) green and KEEP ARTIFICIAL TURF OUT OF OUR PARKS AND SCHOOLS.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: No artificial turf

EXTERNAL
Hi,
I live at 31st and Pearl and moved to Santa Monica in part for the number of parks compared to my old home in Los Feliz.

Artificial turf is bad for our kids, health, and city. Please keep artificial turf out of our parks and the rest of the city. Keep Santa Monica natural.
—Joey
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Nicolette Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: No turf

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Ricardo Vera <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:18 AM
Subject: No Turf on Santa Monica Parks!

EXTERNAL
As a resident of Santa Monica with a small child that greatly enjoys our public parks, I support the Parks Vision Plan in general. However, it is my understanding that the council is currently considering installing artificial turf as part of the plan.

I want to be very clear that I would rather have our parks be a simple dirt lot than to have artificial turf.

Artificial turf harms the environment and the public health (do we really need more microplastics in our bodies?!), and no amount of cost savings from maintenance could possibly counterbalance this.

I am asking you to reject any and all proposals that support the installation of artificial turf anywhere in the city, and much less in our public parks that should serve as a point of connection to nature and the community.

Do not harm our environment and community in pursuit of some abstract suburban ideal of an artificially pristine green field that no one wants to play on.

Ricardo Vera
Cell: (706) 247-5757
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Bryan Lao <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:24 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell
Subject: No to turf in parks

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision.

NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city.

Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.

With warm regards,
Bryan K Lao, MD
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Mark Fauntleroy <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SM Parks & Artificial Turf

EXTERNAL
I'm hearing that the city is considering adding artificial turf in the parks. I'm writing to voice my opposition to this as it will add more plastics into our environment polluting our parks and the people using the parks. It's one thing to permit a private residence to use artificial turf in limited spaces, but a whole other thing to introduce more questionable materials into our publicly used spaces.

Thanks for your consideration.

Mark Fauntleroy
SM Resident
1138 20th St. #8
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete
Cc: [email protected]; Oliver Chi; Tony Lopez; Christopher Dishlip; Amelia Feichtner; Shannon Parry; Clove Galilee; Dean Kubani
Subject: Support Agenda Item 11C with a "No New Turf" Policy Attachments: 2026-01 Agenda Items 11C and 11D_CC SaMoSSA.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council:

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
January 27, 2026
RE: Agenda item 11C and 11D

Support the City of Santa Monica’s Park and Recreation Vision Plan Draft, Support Natural Grass at Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project with a "No New Turf" Policy Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council:

We are writing to you today as climate and environmental advocates to share our enthusiastic input as residents, community leaders and on behalf of the Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance to express our strong support for the City of Santa Monica’s Park and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP) - and its recognition of the “City as Habitat.” We are, however, strongly opposed to any artificial turf in Santa Monica including as proposed in the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project.

We appreciate the tremendous amount of data and analysis collected and included in the PRVP as well as the high level of community engagement and outreach. This plan is highly anticipated and a long time in the making.

We are excited to see the affirmations and visions it presents. Our City is indeed a Habitat. In accordance with the Precautionary Principle, which guides our Sustainable City Plan, the highest priority must always be “do no harm” to our ecosystem and environment as well as to our community. We applaud the Memorial Park Project having removed synthetic turf from the design and making fields 1 through 4 to be natural grass! Significantly, regarding the question of artificial turf versus grass issue, we strongly oppose any planned implementation of artificial turf. Artificial turf has stifling effects on biodiversity and our delicate ecosystem, and negatively impacts our environment, its inhabitants and, in particular, our vulnerable youth. Installation of artificial turf is in direct conflict with our City’s environmental and sustainability commitments and goals established and affirmed in our adopted Sustainable City Plan, Sustainability Rights Ordinance (SRO), and the Climate Action and Adaptability Plan. Plastic, fake grass unequivocally fails to uplift Santa Monica’s aspiration to meet the Living Community Challenge that “Imagine communities that function like a forest ecosystem.” Grass provides oxygen and breaths; plastic suffocates us and our environment.

Saying we need turf for playing access is a false choice. We don’t have to choose between access and grass.

We now know with new grasses and new maintenance methods we can indeed have durable, hardy, water-smart fields. Let’s choose healthy access to sports fields for our community.

As supporters of more green space and nature for our growing population, we are delighted to see the confidence to aim BIG. The City’s park and playing field acreage must reflect the City’s and community’s commitments to ambitious sustainability leadership and aspirations to benefit current and future generations with connections to the natural environment, including the grass beneath our feet. As we know the national average is 10.6 acres of parkland per 1,000 residents; our city offers a mere 1.4 acres— park poor by any calculation. This lack of healthy and natural green space negatively impacts our Southern California ecosystem and harms the health of Santa Monicans. Any installation of artificial turf harms this connection and degrades our environment. As we AIM BIG with a minimum of 5 park acres/1000 residents in our Park Vision, we must also embrace the goal to take us forward toward a healthier future without degrading our environment with chemically laden, plastic artificial turf.

Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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As the PRVP expands our ambition to increase park system acreage and we embark on the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project, it is imperative that the playing fields are grass and not synthetic, artificial turf for both the safety and health of the children, youth or adults who would use the fields for sports and play and to ensure that the natural ecosystems are not polluted by microplastics, potential PFAs or other toxins. Additionally, serious risk to athletes playing on artificial turf has been reported in the National Library of Medicine—increased Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass Surfaces. This artificial turf also creates heat islands exacerbating climate crisis conditions and undermining our climate resilience. In fact, the heat of the turf can be as high as 200º F, causing burns to athletes or others playing. These temperatures are unhealthy and uninviting for anyone or anything living. Healthy connections and healthy play need healthy fields.

As we expand and add to our parks, it is imperative that we not ignore the harm incurred by implementing artificial turf into our ecosystem (City Habitat). The vitality of our natural resources presents us with a fundamental obligation to care for them as the health of the ecosystems ensures our personal and public health. The installation of artificial turf transgresses the SRO and indeed would violate it. The City has a legal commitment to protect Nature and a commitment and obligation to protect our community. We cannot immerse ourselves in Nature with artificial turf that simultaneously degrades our ecosystem and natural habitat. We must maintain our connections to Nature that are healing and beneficial to our physical and mental well-being.

We must maintain and not destroy the synergy of natural ecosystems and the City as Habitat for health and human physical and cognitive health.

In summation we urge the City Councilmembers to:
• Adopt the goal of a minimum of 5 park acres/1000 residents in the PRVP. • Reject the “false choice narrative” of more access to fields with artificial turf over natural grass. • Completely fulfill the ambitions of the PRVP, the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project by adopting the recommendations of the Sustainability Commission (Nov 17th) 1) No new artificial sports fields will be installed in the city; 2) Existing grass fields will be maintained as grass fields; and 3) When existing artificial turf fields reach the end of their useful life, the city will replace them with durable natural alternative materials.

We urge the City Council to formally adopt a moratorium on synthetic turf on public land. Commit to investing in innovative and the proven approach solution of a regenerative, organic field maintenance program to transitioning our existing turf fields and ensuring that all city fields moving forward are durable, highly playable, and truly safe. Let's uphold our commitment to a living "City as a Habitat.

Sincerely,
Cynthia Rose Cris Gutierrez
Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Street Alliance Co-Chair, Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance SaMoSafeStreets.org
The Santa Monica Safe Streets Alliance is a collaboration of local advocacy and community organizations and multigenerational community members that together work to promote and support the implementation of our community’s shared goals of complete streets that are designed to be vibrant, safe, equitable, sustainable and welcoming to everyone.

Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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Added key points on Artificial Turf vs. Grass:
1) Installing new turf is in direct opposition of the City's sustainability goals and adopted policy on artificial turf. The City does not rebate for artificial turf installations via its "Cash for Grass" program because artificial turf "(1) does not support bio-diversity...(2) does not foster soil health...(3) production of (virgin) synthetic turf components are associated with significant greenhouse gas emissions...(4) artificial turf is not easily recycled....(5) artificial turf can be a contributor to the heat island effect...[and] (6) artificial turf can lead to significant runoff..." from the Santa Monica's Office of Sustainability and the Environment (OSE) Why Artificial Turf is not Rebated
Note: all of these negative impacts exist with any synthetic turf product regardless of what the fossil fuel/ plastics industry tells us re their testing some new formulations claiming they do not contain or shed PFAS.

E&E News by POLITICO’ Our community has been deceived': Turf wars mount over PFAS Across the country, bitter fights are playing out over synthetic grass surfaces. Some towns already have buyer's remorse after finding PFAS in their turf.

As California installs more artificial turf, health and environmental concerns multiply Retail and marketing data suggest California is home to more synthetic turf than any other place in the world — with schools making up one of the largest sectors. Yet, Californians consistently say they want less plastic, PFAS and other contaminants in their environment. What gives? California is now poised to ban products containing PFAS with Senate Bill 682 – we can preclude the harm to humans and our environment by banning Artificial Turf in Santa Monica. California Lawmakers Approve Bill to Ban PFAS in More Consumer Products - SM Mirror 2) We must recognize that there's nothing green about carpeting the earth with plastic. Beverly Hills recently banned new installations of synthetic turf on people's front lawns (and will be requiring that existing installations are replaced within the next 15 years). Los Angeles Councilmember Bob Blumenfield has also moved to have Los Angeles consider banning new synthetic turf installations on city property (as well as remove and replace at LAUSD property.) Santa Monica has always been a leader with a proud history of sustainability and environmental leadership. We must not fall back or slide backwards: we need to remain in the forefront of protecting our environment, ecosystem and our CHILDREN.

In 2025 the Santa Monica City Council began the discussion to consider “Make Polluters Pay” with a resolution to support AB 1243 / SB 684. Banning artificial turf in Santa Monica would mean we would not have to go after the polluters to pay for the harm they do. We'd preclude the harm in the first place.

LA passed a resolution already. Los Angeles City Council Supports Resolution to Make Polluters Pay; Local Elected Officials from Across the State Express Support for Polluter Pays Climate Superfund Act - Last Chance Alliance
"According to the Synthetic Turf Council, the average athletic field uses 400,000 pounds of infill and 40,000 pounds of artificial turf carpet. In addition, https://archive.ph/o/ro1Jc/https://dtsc.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/ sites/31/2024/09/Artificial-Turf-Workshop-Slides_DTSC_Accessible.pdf [from CalEPA] that an average synthetic turf field loses between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds of microplastic fibers every year." 3) Regardless of what the plastics/fossil industry professes–synthetic turf has not been proven recyclable.

Attorney General Bonta Sues ExxonMobil for Deceiving the Public on Recyclability of Plastic Products “The first-of-its-kind lawsuit seeks to hold one of the largest petrochemical companies in the world accountable for misleading the public on plastic’s recyclability and polluting California’s environment and communities SAN FRANCISCO — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced the filing of a lawsuit against ExxonMobil for allegedly engaging in a decades-long campaign of deception that caused and exacerbated the global plastics pollution crisis.”
4) Santa Monica prides itself on critical inquiry and self-expression. By contrast, synthetic turf manufacturers are suing scientists for independently researching their products. 5) Synthetic turf actually has a higher upfront cost than natural grass alternatives (Interestingly, at the May SMMUSD Board Meeting, Carey Upton said they have roughly the same cost over the life cycle of the synthetic turf.)
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:18 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Subject: City Council 1/27/26 - Agenda item 11-C --2025 Parks & Recreation Master Plan - SUPPORT by Wilmont Board of Directors

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis, City Councilmembers and City Manager Chi, The Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition Board (Wilmont) supports the 2025 Parks & Recreation Plan. This update effort reflects both the efforts of city staff, led by Tony Lopez, and public input. The 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan set forth the goal of increasing the city's total park and open
space acreage to 140-170 total acres over the life of the plan. That goal was achieved at 144 acres with the addition of Historic Belmar Park in 2021.

With the current plan, staff is recommending a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 population, the commonly accepted minimum standard. This goal has been supported by the following:
 Recreation and Parks Commission
 Airport Commission
 Arts Commission
 Aquatics Advisory Committee
 Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment  Community Gardens Advisory Committee
 Field Sports Advisory Committee
 Urban Forest Task Force.

The 2020 U.S. Census had the population of Santa Monica of 93,076. At the recommended 5 acres per 1,000 population the target acreage goal would be 465 acres, a deficit of 321 acres (2025 park acreage city goal of 465 minus existing acreage (2025) of 144 acres = 321 acres of park space needed.)
Many thanks,
Board of the Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont) Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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2 Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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3 David Yakobson
From: Brodsky, Michael <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Support for Item 11.C. - Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I support the Staff Report for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan.

Currently over 70% of our city population lives in multifamily dwellings without backyard green or play space. They depend upon our parks to meet their recreational needs. That percentage will only grow and our city grows and becomes more dense.

Santa Monica is deficient in park access and our need for future park access will only grow.

If Santa Monica meets its Housing Element goals and the Housing Element continues to be renewed every 8 years - the population of Santa Monica could increase by 100% in the next 40 years.

Our future park needs will be even more critical. We must plan for the future.

The 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan will help us move in the right direction.

Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
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4 Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Ben <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:57 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi
Subject: SMO: SMCC Meeting 1-2-26 -- Agenda Item 11-C -- PRVP SUPPORT--SUPPORT--

SUPPORT

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council Members,
I am writing to express my strong support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including the specific staff recommendations outlined in 11.C.K.

1. CLOSE THE AIRPORT AND TRANSFORM IT TO 100% PARKS AND COMMUNITY SPACES

2. DEFEND MEASURE LC AND PROHIBIT NON-COMPLIANT DEVELOPMENT TO

ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS
Santa Monica has long been a leader in sustainability, and this plan takes that commitment to the next level. I am particularly impressed by the “City as Habitat” framework and the goal of achieving 5 acres of park space per 1,000 residents. Expanding our green space is not just about aesthetics; it is a vital strategy for climate resiliency, carbon neutrality, and water self-sufficiency.

I want to commend Senior Park Planner Tony Lopez and the entire City Staff for their transparent and thorough community engagement throughout this process.

I urge you to approve and celebrate this vision for a greener, healthier Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Ben Wang
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
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6 30th Street
Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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7 David Yakobson
From: Jennifer Perugini <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Parks Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Yes to our Parks Vision. NO artificial turf in our parks or anywhere in the city. Artificial turf harms children, public health, and our City as Habitat.”
Jennifer Perugini
Santa Monica resident
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: The CLF <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:27 AM
Cc: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Oliver Chi; Tony Lopez; Amber Richane; Peter James; Christopher Dishlip
Subject: *Agenda Item 11C: Support for Adoption of the Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
Attachments: City Council Letter Jan 2026 for Great Parks Coalition.pdf

EXTERNAL
Subject: Agenda Item 11C: Support for Adoption of the Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
Dear Mayor Torosis and CouncilmembersWe are writing to you from the Children's Lifesaving Foundation, a local Santa Monica-area nonprofit. with our unqualified and enthusiastic support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff's recommended edits in 11.C.k.

The PRVP is both aspirational and practical, showcasing both exemplary consideration for public input and work at the very highest level by City Staff, particularly Senior Park Planner Tony Lopez who led the update effort.

All of the city planning documents have clearly-articulated overall goal(s). The 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan set forth the goal of bringing the City's park acreage to somewhere in the range of 140-170 total acres over the life of the plan. The City achieved that goal, Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
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9 increasing Santa Monica's total park and open space acres from 113 to a little over 144 with the addition of Historic Belmar Park in 2021.

The PRVP before you likewise should have a target goal, so that we know what we're trying to achieve and can measure the progress 25-30 years from now. Staff is recommending a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 population over the life of the PRVP as that is the commonly accepted minimum planning standard.

The PRVP and this clear goal have been enthusiastically embraced by all of the City's boards, commissions, and task force(s) that elected to formalize their support for the PRVP with a vote and letter to Council. These include the Recreation and Parks Commission, the Airport Commission, the Arts Commission, the Community Gardens Advisory Committee, the Field Sports Advisory Committee, the Aquatics Advisory Committee, the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment, and the Urban Forest Task Force.

We urge you to receive and approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan with many compliments to City Manager Oliver Chi and his Staff. It would be an incredible value add to the city of Santa Monica and beyond, its residents-and, most importantly-its youth population.

And we again express our own heartfelt kudos to the City's PRVP team, especially Tony, on presenting you with an excellent planning document to guide our City's park planning and expansion efforts for decades to come in a manner that is simultaneously achievable, measurable, and inspirational.

Thank you so much for your consideration!
Our very best wishes,
Francesca McCaffery
Executive DIrector
The Children’s Lifesaving Foundation
1112 Montana Ave-#534-Santa Monica CA-90403
Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 Francesca McCaffery
Executive Director
The Children's Lifesaving Foundation
(424)-645-7661-Main
Follow CLF on:

Instagram
Facebook
LinkedIn
To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

GIVE TO THE CLF TODAY
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Subject: Agenda Item 11C: Support for Adoption of the Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers-

We are writing to you from the Children's Lifesaving Foundation, a local Santa Monica-area nonprofit. with our unqualified and enthusiastic support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff's recommended edits in

11.C.k.

All of the city planning documents have clearly-articulated overall goal(s). The 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan set forth the goal of bringing the City's park acreage to somewhere in the range of 140-170 total acres over the life of the plan. The City achieved that goal, increasing Santa Monica's total park and open space acres from 113 to a little over 144 with the addition of Historic Belmar Park in 2021.

The PRVP before you likewise should have a target goal, so that we know what we're trying to achieve and can measure the progress 25-30 years from now. Staff Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: Santa Monica Airport turned into Park - Support Item 11C From: Natasha Mynhier <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:49 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: Santa Monica Airport turned into Park - Support Item 11C

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to urge you to support Item 11C.

Please vote in favor of Item 11C and continue advancing these important priorities.

Thank you for your service,
Natasha Mynhier
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Cris Gutierrez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:25 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi
Subject: Agenda Item 11-C SUPPORT

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council Members:

As the co-chairs of the Great Park Coalition's Regenerative-Sustainability Working Group, we write to express our enthusiastic support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff's recommended edits in 11.C.k. Among the scores of organizations supporting the coalition are premier environmental groups, who participate in our working group.

Building upon Santa Monica’s sustainability leadership, the PRVP is ambitious and practical, affirming Santa Monica’s Sustainability Rights Ordinance, and declaring the “City as Habitat.” We commend City Staff, led by Senior Park Planner Tony Lopez, for both the exemplary work in developing the PVRP and in engaging the community as it has unfolded.

The Staff’s recommendation to have a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 residents over the life of the PRVP is significant.

Expanding our park space advances our City’s sustainability commitments, particularly towards water self-sufficiency, climate resiliency and carbon-neutrality. The community's quality of life can be enriched with more opportunities for recreation and the experiences of being immersed in nature. Ecosystem and habitat health underlie our public health, pivotal needs that the PVRP embraces and promotes.

We trust you to approve, indeed celebrate, the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan.

With respect.

Cris Gutierrez and Dean Kubani
Great Park Coalition Regenerative-Sustainability Working Group Co-Chairs Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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13 Cris Gutierrez
[email protected]
Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:37 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi
Cc: Recreation and Arts Department; John Cyrus Smith; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum; [email protected]; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; Steven Johnson; Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Sonam Makker; Noe Mendoza; Jon Kean; Maria LeonVazquez; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Jennifer Smith; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Sion Roy; [email protected]
Subject: City Council 1/27/2026 - Items 11C and 11D and City Staff Recommended Ban on New Artificial Turf Installation - SUPPORTED by Wilmont Board

EXTERNAL
Date: 1/27/2026
SUBJECT: Support of Items 11C and 11D AND SUPPORT for the City Staff Recommended Ban on New Artificial Turf Installation
Dear Mayor Torosis, Council Members and City Manager Chi, The Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont) is reaffirming our continued commitment and support of the 12/28/2025 letter
that we previously sent to your attention supporting an immediate prohibition of new installation of artificial turf on locally owned public
land in Santa Monica. The letter was co-signed by Friends of Sunset Park, North of Montana Association (NOMA), Pico Neighborhood
Association, Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors, Santa Monica Northeast Neighbors and this Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition
(Wilmont) board.

This wide consensus serves to support the strong community support for grass playing fields. We encourage you to adopt the
Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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2 recommendations in Agenda Items 11C and 11D and support the city staff recommended ban on new artificial turf installation.

Please take the important next step and direct City staff to develop a comprehensive plan to properly maintain the current GRASS fields
and to develop new GRASS playing fields to support the amount of playing fields that are needed in Santa Monica.

Wilmont and other neighborhoods rely on our schools (i.e. Lincoln Middle School and Roosevelt) for access to safe and
environmentally friendly playing fields and we encourage you to also work with the SMMUSD and SMC to explore ways to extend
the prohibition of artificial turf installation to our schools as well.

Many thanks,
The Board of Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont) CC: Members of Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission, SMMUSD Board of Education and SMC Board of Trustees
Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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3 David Yakobson
From: Holly Silvers <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy Attachments: Silvers-Granelli Turf vs Grass.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
My name is Holly Silvers-Granelli. I am a resident and business owner in Santa Monica. I am a Physical Therapist and hold a PhD in applied physiology and biomechanics. I and am the current research director for Major League Soccer and sit on the medical board for the NFL, US Soccer Federation and FIFA. I have published extensively on injury mitigation in sports. Every athlete we have polled categorically prefers natural grass over artificial turf fields.

NFL players overwhelmingly favor grass. The NFLPA has repeatedly called for all-grass fields, and survey reporting around the league cites that 90% of athletes preferring grass.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Please see my attached letter that I constructed to scientifically support this endeavor. Keep kids safe, injury free and playing under optimal conditions!
Sincerely,
Holly Silvers-Granelli, PhD, MPT
Research Director - Major League Soccer/FIFA Female Football Initiative Sunset Park - Homeowner and Business owner
Mom of two Grant Elementary Students
Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
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SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA FIELD SPORTS ADVISORY COUNCIL
To Whom It May Concern:

My name is Holly Silvers-Granelli. I am a resident and business owner in Santa Monica.

I am a Physical Therapist and hold a PhD in applied physiology and biomechanics. I and am the current research director for Major League Soccer and sit on the medical board for the NFL, US Soccer Federation and FIFA. I have published extensively on injury mitigation in sports. Every athlete we have polled categorically prefers natural grass over artificial turf fields. NFL players overwhelmingly favor grass. The NFLPA has repeatedly called for all-grass fields, and survey reporting around the league cites that 90% of athletes preferring grass.

A recent NFL study demonstrated that playing on synthetic turf resulted in a 16% increase in lower extremity injuries per play than that on natural turf (IRR, 1.16; 95% CI,

1.10-1.23). The authors concluded that there is a biomechanical mechanism that is consistent with the notion that synthetic turf surfaces have a causal impact on lower extremity injury. (Mack, 2019) A study performed in youth football investigating the role of surface with respect to concussion rate found that during forward, backward and side falls, there is a significantly greater impact deceleration on synthetic turf compared to the natural grass surfaces (P < .05). This means that the impact of falling (head to ground) is more deleterious on synthetic surfaces compared to grass. (Villaneuva, 2024).

The injury rates of inner thigh injury in MLS are higher on turf and require more time to recover. Injuries occurring on grass were associated with a 9.6-day shorter return to play (RTP) than those on artificial turf (β = -9.56; P = .010) (Forsythe, 2025). A recently published systematic review suggests a higher rate of foot and ankle injuries on artificial turf, both old-generation and new-generation turf, compared with natural grass. (Gould, 2023)
Artificial turf is an important risk factor to consider for knee ligament injuries in NCAA football. Injury rates for PCL tears were significantly increased on artificial turf as compared with natural grass. Lower NCAA divisions (II and III) also showed higher rates of ACL injuries during competitions on artificial turf versus natural grass. (Loughran, 2019)
YOUTH SPORTS: Turf-related abrasions are well-documented in youth and high school sports, especially soccer, football, and field hockey. They are less frequent on natural grass because the surface is softer and cooler. Studies of high school football show Item 11-C
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players are 2–3x more likely to sustain skin abrasions on turf compared to grass. (Mainly superficial, but can be painful and limit play.)
Abrasion (“Turf Burn”): Turf burns are common on turf compared to grass: Turfrelated abrasions are well-documented in youth and high school sports, especially soccer, football, and field hockey. They’re less frequent on natural grass because the surface is softer and generally cooler. Studies of high school football show players are 2–3x more likely to sustain skin abrasions on turf compared to grass. (Mainly superficial, but can be painful and limit play.) (Ekstrand, 2019) Infection Risks: MRSA & staph concerns: Turf burns can act as an entry point for infection. Several epidemiologic reports in youth/high school football teams link turf abrasions with MRSA outbreaks, especially when fields or equipment hygiene is poor. (Begier, 2004) Risk factors include Turf abrasions are not being cleaned properly, sharing pads/equipment, warmer, humid climates (where turf retains heat and sweat more than grass)
Sports and Performance: Deceleration & Cutting: Biomechanical loading:

Deceleration maneuvers generate higher peak ground-reaction forces on turf than grass, meaning joints (especially knee/ankle) experience greater stress when stopping quickly which increases risk. Controlled lab studies confirm that turf surfaces provide greater rotational traction, which increases mechanical load at the knee/ankle compared to grass.

Athlete Self-Regulation / Behavior Changes: Soccer & rugby players: Athletes report avoiding full-commitment slides, hard cuts, and maximal accelerations on turf because they perceive the surface as riskier (more abrasions, higher joint stress).

Qualitative interviews highlight that players describe “changing playing style to reduce injury risk” when on artificial turf. In NFL players, equipment and performance reports show athletes often adjust footwear (shorter studs/cleats) and modulate intensity on turf to minimize perceived non-contact injury risk. This regulation may impact the injury data that is reported. Athletes inherently change behavior to mitigate their risk on artificial turf. They cut, decelerate and rotate more slowly, therefore minimizing their risk profile.

This letter does not address the ecological and environmental impacts of turf. It would behoove our community to continue to support natural grass surfaces, particularly in a climate that can support this year round. We can decrease injury risk, infection risk and Item 11-C
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Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
long term osteoarthritis risk to our recreation athletes. Artificial turf is not a maintenance free surface, nor should it be reflected as such.

Holly Silvers-Granelli, PhD, MPT
Director of Research, Major League Soccer
References:

Begier EM, Frenette K, Barrett NL, Mshar P, Petit S, Boxrud DJ, Watkins-Colwell K, Wheeler S, Cebelinski EA, Glennen A, Nguyen D, Hadler JL; Connecticut Bioterrorism Field Epidemiology Response Team. A high-morbidity outbreak of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among players on a college football team, facilitated by cosmetic body shaving and turf burns. Clin Infect Dis. 2004 Nov 15;39(10):1446-53. doi:

10.1086/425313. Epub 2004 Oct 26. PMID: 15546080.

Ekstrand J, Nigg BM. Surface-related injuries in soccer. Sports Med. 1989 Jul;8(1):56-62. doi: 10.2165/00007256-198908010-00006. PMID: 2675255.

Forsythe B, Hand C, Bohn C, Hand F, Chang J, Khazi-Syed D, Borque K, McCullough K.

Adductor Injuries in Major League Soccer: A 10-Year Analysis of Injury Rate and Return to Play, and Performance Metrics by Player Position. Orthop J Sports Med. 2025 Aug 19;13(8):23259671251360436. doi: 10.1177/23259671251360436. PMID: 40843097; PMCID: PMC12365463.

Gould HP, Lostetter SJ, Samuelson ER, Guyton GP. Lower Extremity Injury Rates on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass Playing Surfaces: A Systematic Review. Am J Sports Med. 2023 May;51(6):1615-1621. doi: 10.1177/03635465211069562. Epub 2022 May

20. PMID: 35593739.

Loughran GJ, Vulpis CT, Murphy JP, Weiner DA, Svoboda SJ, Hinton RY, Milzman DP.

Incidence of Knee Injuries on Artificial Turf Versus Natural Grass in National Collegiate Athletic Association American Football: 2004-2005 Through 2013-2014 Seasons. Am J Sports Med. 2019 May;47(6):1294-1301. doi: 10.1177/0363546519833925. Epub 2019 Apr 17. PMID: 30995074.

Mack CD, Hershman EB, Anderson RB, Coughlin MJ, McNitt AS, Sendor RR, Kent RW.

Higher Rates of Lower Extremity Injury on Synthetic Turf Compared With Natural Turf Among National Football League Athletes: Epidemiologic Confirmation of a Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Biomechanical Hypothesis. Am J Sports Med. 2019 Jan;47(1):189-196. doi:

10.1177/0363546518808499. Epub 2018 Nov 19. PMID: 30452873.

Villanueva NC, Chun IKH, Fujiwara AS, Leibovitch ER, Yamamoto BE, Yamamoto LG.

Impact Deceleration Differences on Natural Grass Versus Synthetic Turf High School Football Fields. Hawaii J Health Soc Welf. 2024 Jan;83(1):4-9. PMID: 38223462; PMCID:

PMC10782390.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Alon Peled <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Alon Peled
Sunset park
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: alina Bezdikian <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Hello Mayor and City Council,
Thank you for your continued work on removing artificial turf from Santa Monica, specifically from the Memorial Park plan. Hopefully, that stance will also be taken with any new sports fields installed in the city. Please replace all artificial turf fields with grass fields and maintain that grass or other natural alternative materials. Artificial turf is unhealthy and does not fit with a green Santa Monica.

Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a sustainable future for Memorial Park. Let's have a city-wide policy for prohibiting artificial turf.

Thank you,
Alina Bezdikian
Pico Neighborhood
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: K F <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 7:18 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Tony Lopez; Noe Mendoza; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision

I am a soccer mom, whose son, Sam, is 15 years old and plays competitive soccer in Santa Monica. It is truly his passion and Has been extremely healthy for his mental and physical well-being.

I respectfully urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type. Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and thousands of children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Kathy Azarbal
Soccer mom of Sam
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Nicole Villanova-Price <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 6:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Turf on the agenda

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Thank you for removing turf from the Memorial Park plan.

I now urge you to adopt the full Sustainability Commission recommendation: 1) No new artificial sports fields will be installed in the city; 2) Existing grass fields will be maintained as grass fields; and 3) When existing artificial turf fields reach the end of their useful life, the city will replace them with durable natural alternative materials.

I urge the Council to solidify this leadership by formalizing a city-wide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf installations. Let's uphold our commitment to a living "City as a Habitat."
Sincerely,
Nicole Villanova-Price
NOMO neighborhood and advocate for natural grass at Franklin Elementary’s soon to be newly renovated space
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Tracey Hom <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 5:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Oliver Chi; Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Teri Davis Bernstein; Mindi Shank; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Roni Crichton; [email protected]; Heidi von Tongeln; [email protected]; Carey Upton; Laurie Lieberman Subject: artificial turf

EXTERNAL
I write to you as a parent and an attorney
Please do not put artificial turf at our schools or parks.

My daughters both played softball from the age of 6 through college.When the girls played on fields that had artificial turf they got head aches and the turf smelled. Little beads of petroleum/turf particulate would end up in their clothes and cleets. When it gets warm the smell is oppressive. Plus it is much harder on their joints and heads than grass. Look at the NFL they are removing artificial turf left and right.

Please do something healthy
Tracey P. Hom Esq.
10850 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 825
Los Angeles, California 90024
310 749 5343
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 9:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Tony Lopez; Oliver Chi; [email protected]
Subject: FOSP: City Council 1/27/26 item 11-C -- Support for 2025 Parks & Recreation Master Plan

EXTERNAL
January 26, 2026

To: Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 1/27/26 agenda item 11-C -- 2025 Parks & Recreation Master Plan

The FOSP Board supports the 2025 Parks & Recreation Plan.

This update reflects both the efforts of city staff, led by Tony Lopez, and public input.

The 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan set forth the goal of increasing the city's total park and open space acreage to 140-170 total acres. That goal was achieved at 144 acres with the addition of Historic Belmar Park in 2021.

With the current plan, staff is recommending a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 population, the commonly accepted minimum standard. This goal has been supported by the following:
-the Recreation and Parks Commission,
-the Airport Commission,
-the Arts Commission,
-the Aquatics Advisory Committee,
-the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment, -the Community Gardens Advisory Committee,
-the Field Sports Advisory Committee, and
-the Urban Forest Task Force.

Again, the FOSP Board urges you to approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan.

Thank you for your consideration.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 9:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Oliver Chi
Subject: ITEM 11-C. BAN ARTIFICIAL TURF ALL OVER SANTA MONICA

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis and City Council,
Please support Item 11C.

I do not support the City’s commitment to build the Great Park at the Santa Monica Airport. You cannot even even pay to keep libraries open without taxing residents again.But, I do support banning new artificial turf in Santa Monica, anywhere and everywhere.These policies protect public health, reduce environmental harm, and ensure our public land is used in ways that benefit the whole community.

Please vote in favor of Item 11C only to protect the City and its natural grass and never use artificial turf and continue advancing these important priorities. But forget the Great Park..I can only imagine how this runaway City would have to sell out even more to developers to pay for it.

Thank you,
Danielle Charney
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Cris Gutierrez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 7:30 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Tony Lopez; Teague Weybright
Subject: Agenda Item 11 C SUPPORT: 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan Draft

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor pro tem Zwick and City Council Members:

As the Santa Monica Community Gardens Advisory Committee, we are enthused to support the approval of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP). City Staff under the leadership of Senior Park Planner Tony Lopez has done wonderful work in bringing this inspirational vision plan forward to you following an indefatigable community engagement effort.

What a momentous framing Tony and his team have set forth in the PRVP, acknowledging our “City as Habitat," affirming Santa Monica's Sustainability Rights Ordinance and promoting sustainability measures and initiatives that define our City and enhance our community’s quality of health and living.

The Community Gardens Advisors unanimously passed a motion at its 9/2/25 meeting, determining that "The Community Gardens advisory Committee recommends that the Parks & Recreation Vision Plan 2025 includes a goal of at least 5.0 park acres per 1000 city residents.” The Staff has listened and agreed by establishing the PRVP's goal of a minimum of 5 park acres/1000 residents. That is a bold and realistic aspiration.

Santa Monica’s formal leadership in sustainability was preceded by the establishment of the community gardens program in 1976 to give residents an opportunity to grow food and be personal stewards of the public land. This year marks 50 years that the community gardens program has benefited Santa Monica residents with active living and ways to engage in urban agriculture, particularly using regenerative practices, to create unique, biodiverse habitats that support our efforts to be a Sustainable City through local food production, sustainable land stewardship, community composting, carbon sequestration, climate solutions, water conservation practices, and community engagement. We understand and value the vitality of our natural resources and the fundamental need for us to care for them as the health of the ecosystems ensures our personal and public health.

With the PRVP, our City’s and community’s ambitions and aspirations can benefit current and future generations — what a profound gift. We welcome your approval of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan and look forward to doing what we can to bring the parks vision alive, seed by seed, gardener by gardener.

With respect,
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 Santa Monica Community Gardens Advisory Committee
Cris Gutierrez - Chair (Main Street CG)
Ken Hansen - Vice Chair (Park Drive CG)
Martha Bardach (Ishihara)
Alina Bezdikian (19th Street)
Tim Bowler (Main Street CG)
Nancy Desser (Euclid Park CG)
Linda Glasser (Marine Park CG)
Antony Lewis (Main Street CG)
Susan McCorry (Main Street CG)
Cordula Ohman (Main Street CG)
James Renn (Marine Park CG)
Cynthia Rose (Park Drive CG)
Traci Takahara (Main Street CG)
Frankie Lou Thorn (Park Drive CG)
Billy Yost (Main Street CG)
Cris Gutierrez
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Mary <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:44 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11c support

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to urge you to support Item 11C. Establishing the Great Park with all park and no housing on the airport site. Also banning any new artificial plastic turf in the city including school district properties.

Our residents, students, and native wildlife deserve to have access to healthy natural environments. With such a high percentage of our communities residing in mult-unit residences, they deserve to have natural environments in their neighborhoods. It’s been proven to have health benefits including increased cognitive development in growing children.

Please vote in favor of Item 11C and continue advancing these important priorities.

Thank you for your consideration of our concerns,
Mary Hubbell
Sent from my iPad
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Marisela Herrera <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 4:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Marisela Herrera- Pico Neighborhood ]
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Michon Herman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 4:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely, Michon Herman, Sunset Park
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Maura Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 5:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Maura Smith
2604 28th Street #7
Santa Monica CA 90405
1-27-26
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
1717 4th Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Dear SMMUSD Board Members:

As a dedicated grandparent at Grant Elementary and an engaged member of the Santa Monica community, I am writing to vehemently oppose the proposed removal of natural grass and the installation of artificial turf at any SMMUSD schools. This decision carries profound consequences for our children’s health, environmental sustainability, and the district’s fiscal responsibility. The evidence against artificial turf is compelling and multifaceted, warranting a thorough reconsideration of this plan.

The bottom lines are:
 As studies about the dangers of plastic exposure continue to mount, we should be exposing our kids to less, not more, plastic;  As temperatures rise due to climate change, we should be creating cooling green spaces for kids to play, not replacing natural grass with plastic that overheats in high temperatures;  As SMMUSD and the City work to improve sustainability, we should not be generating additional plastic waste; and
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4  As LAUSD works systematically towards “Green Schoolyards for All,”SMMUSD students must not be left behind.

The health risks associated with artificial turf are significant, particularly for children, whose developing bodies are uniquely susceptible to environmental toxins. The Children’s Environmental Health Center at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai has issued an unequivocal statement discouraging artificial turf use due to unresolved safety concerns. Their team of pediatricians, epidemiologists, and toxicologists highlights critical gaps in safety data, noting that no comprehensive studies confirm the long-term safety of these surfaces for children (Children’s Environmental Health Center, 2017).

Despite the District’s claims that the TenCate turf is made from “nontoxic” materials, it is still made of plastic, and scientists have recently raised alarm bells at the harms of exposure to microplastics in the environment (particularly for children). The fact that kids are also regularly exposed to microplastics through things like plastic toys and toothpaste does not make plastic grass any less harmful – if anything, this is a reason not to further increase our kids’ exposure to these harmful plastics by replacing natural grass with plastic grass.

Beyond chemical exposure, artificial turf poses severe heat-related risks. Studies demonstrate that turf surfaces can reach temperatures exceeding 160°F on sunny days, far hotter than natural grass, which typically remains below 100°F (Devitt et al., 2007). A 2019 study from the University of Nevada found that artificial turf temperatures can be 35–60°F higher than grass, increasing the risk of heat stress, dehydration, and burns, particularly in young children with less developed thermoregulatory systems (Brigham Young University, 2019). The American Academy of Pediatrics emphasizes that children are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, making these conditions especially concerning for school settings (AAP, 2011).

Natural grass, by contrast, provides a cooler, safer surface that supports active play without these risks. Even though Santa Monica Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 fortunately has cooler temperatures overall than the rest of Los Angeles, with climate change, the number of very hot days is increasing. Now is not the time to be moving away from cooling natural grass and towards plastic grass that will get dangerously hot for kids on (increasingly frequent) hot days – particularly if the main purpose of plastic grass is to increase the overall amount of time kids can play on the grass.

Environmentally, artificial turf is a significant liability. Microplastics and infill particles from turf fields are also dispersed into soil, waterways, and homes, contributing to widespread environmental pollution. A 2021 study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimated that artificial turf fields release 1–4 tons of microplastics annually per field, exacerbating the global microplastic crisis (Cheng et al., 2021). Furthermore, the production and disposal of artificial turf generates substantial carbon emissions, undermining SMMUSD’s sustainability goals. Even for apparently “recyclable” plastics, recent reporting has revealed that less than 10% of new plastics ever produced have been recycled, and most “recyclable” plastics end up incinerated or in landfills. Natural grass fields, conversely, sequester carbon, improve soil health, and support local biodiversity, aligning with California’s environmental priorities.

Financially, choosing artificial turf over natural grass diverts critical district funds away from educational priorities and essential infrastructure improvements. While the exact size of the proposed fields remains unspecified, artificial turf installation is consistently more expensive, costing $10–$20 per square foot, with ongoing maintenance at $0.15–$0.30 per square foot annually (Synthetic Turf Council, 2022). These fields require replacement every 8–10 years and incur significant disposal costs, as most turf materials are nonrecyclable and sent to landfills at $1–$2 per square foot (TURI, 2020).

In contrast, natural grass fields, maintained with modern, waterefficient irrigation and drought-resistant varieties, cost $0.10–$0.20 per square foot annually and can remain functional indefinitely with proper care (Sports Turf Management Association, 2023). By opting Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 for grass, SMMUSD can avoid the recurring capital expenditures of turf replacement, freeing up millions over decades to invest in enriched academic programs—such as STEM initiatives, arts education, and special needs support—and critical infrastructure upgrades, including safer classrooms, improved accessibility, and energy-efficient facilities. Alternatively, if SMMUSD is concerned about overuse of natural grass fields, the district could invest these additional funds into converting existing asphalt and other hard surfaces into green space.

Relatedly, this plan would leave SMMUSD students significantly worse-off than their counterparts in LAUSD, which is actively working to convert hard surfaces into green spaces without increasing their reliance on artificial turf. The LAUSD school board in 2022 approved an initiative that “aims to ensure that at least 30 percent of the existing hard-surface schoolyard space across all District schools is converted into safe and sustainable green space by 2035.” (Source:

LAUSD Green Schoolyards for All Plan, April 2024.) LAUSD specifically excludes “synthetic turf” from its definition of a “green element,” instead opting for surfaces such as natural grass, dirt, mulch, and trees.

Finally, our kids deserve the experience of playing on natural grass.

I’m sure that when you were a school-aged child, you played on natural rather than plastic grass. You may recall the experience of watching worms emerge after a rainstorm or following trails of ants.

Sterile plastic grass neither supports biodiversity nor exposes our kids to the natural world.

The evidence overwhelmingly supports retaining and restoring natural grass fields. Grass provides a safe, non-toxic surface for children to play on, promotes environmental stewardship, and aligns with SMMUSD’s commitment to fiscal prudence. The district has an opportunity to model sustainable practices by investing in droughtresistant grass varieties and water-efficient irrigation systems, which have proven effective in California’s climate (California Department of Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 Water Resources, 2022). Such investments would reinforce the district’s role as a leader in environmental education and community health.

In light of these well-documented health, environmental, and financial concerns, I urgently request that the SMMUSD Board of Education reject the installation of artificial turf at all district schools. Instead, I advocate for the restoration and sustainable maintenance of natural grass fields, a solution that prioritizes the well-being of our children, protects our environment, and ensures responsible use of taxpayer resources.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter and for your commitment to our community’s future.

Sincerely,
Maura Smith
References

1. American Academy of Pediatrics. (2011). Policy statement: Children and heat stress. Pediatrics, 128(6), e1829.
o Description: Highlights children’s heightened vulnerability to heatrelated illnesses, relevant to the risks of high temperatures on artificial turf surfaces.
o Available at:
https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/128/6/e1829/30982

2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2010). Toxicological profile for styrene. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. o Description: Identifies styrene and other chemicals in crumb rubber infill as carcinogens and health hazards, supporting concerns about artificial turf safety.
o Available at: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxprofiles/tp53.pdf

3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2023). Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and your health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
o Description: Links PFAS in artificial turf to health risks, including cancer and immune dysfunction, emphasizing risks for children. o Available at: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html

4. Brigham Young University. (2019). Synthetic turf surface temperature study.

Provo, UT: Brigham Young University.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
8 o Description: Reports artificial turf surface temperatures 35–60°F higher than natural grass, increasing heat stress risks. o Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/facpub/ (Note: Specific study may require institutional access or direct inquiry from BYU’s Department of Plant and Wildlife Sciences.)

5. California Department of Water Resources. (2022). Drought-resistant turfgrass and water-efficient irrigation systems. Sacramento, CA: California Department of Water Resources.
o Description: Promotes sustainable grass varieties and irrigation systems suitable for California’s climate, supporting natural grass field maintenance.
o Available at: https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-AndEfficiency/Turf-Replacement-Program

6. Cheng, H., Hu, Y., & Reinhard, M. (2021). Environmental and health impacts of artificial turf: A review. Environmental Science & Technology, 55(3), 1313–1325.
o Description: Estimates artificial turf fields release 1–4 tons of microplastics annually, contributing to environmental pollution concerns.
o Available at: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.0c04665 (Note:

Full access may require subscription or institutional login.)

7. Children’s Environmental Health Center, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. (2017). Artificial turf: A health-based perspective. New York, NY:

Mount Sinai.
o Description: Formal statement discouraging artificial turf use due to safety data gaps and health risks for children, based on expert analysis.
o Available at: https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/children-environmentalhealth/resources (Note: Specific report may require direct inquiry from Mount Sinai’s CEHC.)

8. Devitt, D. A., Young, M. H., Baghzouz, M., & Bird, B. (2007). Surface temperature, heat loading, and spectral characteristics of synthetic turf fields. Journal of Turfgrass Management.
o Description: Documents artificial turf surface temperatures exceeding 160°F, posing significant heat stress risks for children. o Available at:
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1300/J099v12n01_06 (Note:

Full access may require subscription or institutional login; contact University of Nevada, Las Vegas, for further details.)
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
9 9. International Agency for Research on Cancer. (2008). IARC monographs on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans: 1,3-Butadiene, ethylene oxide, and vinyl halides (Vol. 97). Lyon, France: World Health Organization. o Description: Classifies butadiene and related compounds in turf infill as carcinogenic, supporting health risk arguments.
o Available at: https://monographs.iarc.who.int/list-of-classifications

10. Sports Turf Management Association. (2023). Natural grass athletic field maintenance guidelines. Lawrence, KS: STMA.
o Description: Estimates natural grass maintenance costs at $0.10– $0.20 per square foot annually with sustainable practices, supporting cost-effectiveness of grass fields.
o Available at: https://www.stma.org/resources/technical-resources/

11. Synthetic Turf Council. (2022). Guidelines for synthetic turf performance and maintenance. Forest Hill, MD: Synthetic Turf Council. o Description: Provides cost estimates for artificial turf installation ($10– $20 per square foot) and maintenance ($0.15–$0.30 per square foot annually), highlighting high costs.
o Available at: https://www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/page/Guidelines

12. Toxics Use Reduction Institute. (2020). Athletic playing fields:

Choosing safer options for health and the environment. Lowell, MA:

University of Massachusetts Lowell.
o Description: Documents chemical leaching from artificial turf into groundwater and ecosystems, along with disposal costs ($1–$2 per square foot).
o Available at:
https://www.turi.org/TURI_Publications/TURI_Methods_and_Policy_R eports/Athletic_Playing_Fields_Choosing_Safer_Options_for_Health_ and_the_Environment_2020

13. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2016). Federal research action plan on recycled tire crumb used on playing fields and playgrounds.

Washington, DC: USEPA.
o Description: Notes the presence of volatile organic compounds and hazardous substances in alternative turf infills, with insufficient safety data.
o Available at: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/federal-researchaction-plan-recycled-tire-crumb-used-playing-fields Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 5:56 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Subject: City Council 1/27/2026 - Support Items 11C and 11D

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Councilmembers,
I’m writing to urge you to support items 11C and 11D.

Please vote in favor of Items 11C and 11D and continue advancing these important priorities.

Many thanks,
Elizabeth Van Denburgh
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Natalie A <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 7:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Not to mention there is absolutely non way that synthetic grass is non toxic, and we will see health-related lawsuits connected to the use of fake grass, in the future for sure. Let's avoid those! Sincerely, Natalie Antoci (Wilshire/Montana area in Santa Monica) Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Kiki Parker <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 7:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan, but I'm also writing as a concerned community member and part of Samohi's student environmental club, Team Marine.

Synthetic turfs pose many threats to both human and environmental health. The crumb rubber and chemical products easily spread their negative effects through the environment: they are carried by athletes' shoes, stick to clothes, and travel through wind and waterways. The synthetic turf product is not recyclable, unlike how the industry may claim it is. Synthetic turf stuffs landfills and households with harmful products that don't go away. Please support a safer and more sustainable option with natural grass and a "No New Turf" policy.

Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Lanikai Parker
Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Harry Leshner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 8:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Council Agenda Item 11C/D (Jan 27, 2026): Support Sustainability Council's No Plastic Grass Recommendation

EXTERNAL
Council Members,
I am writing to submit public comment for the upcoming Council Meeting on the 27th of January, 2026 regarding agenda items 11 C and D.

Thank you for removing plastic turf from the Memorial Park plan. I now urge you to adopt the full Sustainability Commission recommendation:
1) No new artificial sports fields will be installed in the city; 2) Existing grass fields will be maintained as grass fields; and 3) When existing artificial turf fields reach the end of their useful life, the city will replace them with durable natural alternative materials.

In response to anyone who is concerned that without artificial plastic field turf they will lose access to fields, I hope you can assure them the city is committed to maintaining and expanding access to fields, and feels it can do so by promoting grass while also being good stewards of the city’s finances and of the environment.

Thank you,
Harry Leshner, Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Hana Leshner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 8:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Parks Vision Plan, Natural Grass at Memorial, & A "No Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I am writing today as a Santa Monica resident to express my support for the proposed Parks Plan and to urge the Council to take a definitive stand on the future of our green spaces.

First, I want to thank the staff for their extensive work and dedication in developing this plan. Their vision for our city’s open spaces is vital to our community’s well-being. I specifically want to thank staff for removing artificial turf from the Memorial Park plan—this is a significant win for our environment and the health of our residents.

I now urge the City Council to adopt the Parks Plan, approve the Memorial and go one step further by formally adopting the Sustainability Commission’s recommendations regarding artificial turf:

1. No new artificial sports fields will be installed in the city;

2. Existing grass fields will be maintained as grass fields; and

3. When existing artificial turf fields reach the end of their useful life, the city will replace them with durable natural alternative materials.

Our community is looking to you to prioritize sustainability and public health. By codifying these recommendations, you will ensure that Santa Monica remains a leader in environmental protection and provides safe, natural spaces for our children to play.

Thank you for your leadership and for protecting the future of our parks.

Sincerely,
Hana Leshner
Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Isabel <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 9:12 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

I urge the Council to solidify this leadership by formalizing a citywide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf installations. Memorial Park has shown that natural grass is the preferred choice for our residents. By committing to living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely,
Isabel Cardoso Ferreira (Formerly Burrows), Sunset Park Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Judisma Siddhi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

By committing to living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living.

No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely,
Judisma Siddhi
Mid-City, Santa Monica

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Judisma Siddhi <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:06 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

By committing to living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living.

No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely,
Judisma Siddhi
Mid-City, Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: Green Mother Zen <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 5:31 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Thank you so much for your attention to this!
Sincerely,
Ms. Frankie Lou Thorn
Sent from GreenMotherZen 곒곓곔곕
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Goldberg, Jay <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 5:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: RE: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Stop the artificial turf!
Support Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass.

Enough “artificial” and let the kids feel reality.

Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

We can’t keep building capacity while we are struggling to provide the basics….art, music, teacher’s aids
Sincerely, Jay (Wilshire/Montana area in Santa Monica, father of Franklin students) ___________________________________________________
Jay Goldberg
Mortgage Loan Officer
Purchases and Refinancings | Private Wealth Mortgage | Residential Construction | Home Equity | Lot Loans M: 310-600-1988 | [email protected]
NMLS #261023
U.S. Bank
1401 Wilshire Blvd, Skysuite
Santa Monica, CA 90403
U.S. BANCORP made the following annotations
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
20 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Electronic Privacy Notice. This e-mail, and any attachments, contains information that is, or may be, covered by electronic communications privacy laws, and is also confidential and proprietary in nature. If you are not the intended recipient, please be advised that you are legally prohibited from retaining, using, copying, distributing, or otherwise disclosing this information in any manner. Instead, please reply to the sender that you have received this communication in error, and then immediately delete it. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.
--------------------------------------------------------------------- Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: L Glass <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 7:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C&D. Support natural grass at Memorial Park and a “No New Turf” policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Linda Glasser ( Sunset Park)
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: Ayse Reyering <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 7:51 AM
To: Karen Melick; [email protected]; councilmtgitems; Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Caroline Torosis; Oliver Chi
Subject: Concerned Soccer Mom - Turf Fields Item 11 c. and d., Parks & Rec Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Hi All,
I'm a working mom whose son just wants to play soccer all day, every day, all year round. We've found a great organization where he can do that - however, it's come to my attention that the City of Santa Monica is discussing a major decision that will directly impact my son, among hundreds of other kids' sport programs - grass fields v. turf fields.

Like many of you, we would love natural grass fields. However, the reality is that grass fields simply cannot support year-round play. With heavy use, wear and tear, and rain damage, grass fields would require frequent closures and long recovery periods—sometimes for months at a time.

This would significantly reduce field availability and limit opportunities for our children to play, practice, and grow through sports.

Turf fields provide a practical solution. Turf allows for consistent, year-round use, even after rain, and creates more reliable space for all youth organizations to share. Most importantly, it ensures that our kids don’t lose valuable playing time due to field closures beyond our control.

We are asking for your help. The City needs to hear from families who care about access, inclusion, and opportunities for our children.

Thank you for standing with us and for advocating for what allows our kids to play, stay active, and thrive as a community.

With appreciation,
The Reyering family
--
Ayse Reyering |
Amazon Studios
Sr. Post Production Executive
(cell) 715-252-1356
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: Bryce Schatzow <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely, Bryce Schatzow (Santa Monica)
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Jamie Lloyd-Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
James Lloyd-Smith
Sunset Park resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: D'Orsogna, Maria R <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: No more plastic grass!

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council,
I cannot believe you even allowed plastic "grass" in our city to begin with.

For decades Santa Monica has posed itself as "the champion of sustainability." What has happened to this guiding principle?
Santa Monica bans Fourth of July fireworks (an event that happens once a year) because of public safety and environmental concerns. Yet we have allowed permanent installations of plastic surfaces that expose children daily to excessive heat, microplastics, and synthetic chemicals. This is unsafe, inconsistent, illogical, and indefensible.

The science is clear.

Synthetic turf is a petroleum-based product that sheds microplastics and PFAS (“forever chemicals”) over its lifetime. These materials migrate into human bodies, soil, stormwater systems, and ultimately our coastal waters posing long-term risks to public health, fertility, and ecosystems.

Natural grass fields are significantly cooler than synthetic turf, often by 30°F and up to 60°F on warm days, dramatically reducing the risk of heat stress and injury, especially for children and athletes.

Children should not be playing above plastic. Period.

Would you allow your own children to regularly play on these surfaces, knowing all this? I am sure you would not.

I acknowledge and appreciate the Council’s decision to designate Fields 1 through 4 as "natural" grass. That decision reflects basic logic: there is no such thing as “non-natural” grass. If it is not living soil (grass), it is plastic.

Now, I urge you to build on this decision by adopting a citywide policy prohibiting future taxpayer spending on any and all new synthetic turf installations. Such a policy would directly advance the intent of Santa Monica’s 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance, which affirms residents’ right to a healthy and sustainable environment.

Committing to natural grass protects children, adults and our oceans from plastic pollution, and ensures our public spaces remain green, safe, and alive.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 Santa Monica has the opportunity to lead by example.

Please do the right thing.

Sincerely
Maria R D'Orsogna, PhD

1. Collaborative for Health & Environment (CHE)
Artificial Turf and Safer Alternatives
https://www.healthandenvironment.org/resources/environmental-hazards/chemicals-andmaterials/artificial-turf-and-safer-alternatives

2. California Coastal Commission
Reports that artificial turf can be 35–60°F hotter than natural grass and contributes to heat, runoff, and environmental degradation.
https://documents.coastal.ca.gov/reports/2025/11/w6f/w6f-11-2025-exhibits.pdf

3. City of Palo Alto — Synthetic Turf Study (Appendix E) Synthetic turf surface temperatures may exceed 120°F, with recorded temperatures reaching 158– 200°F under direct sun.
https://www.paloalto.gov/files/assets/public/v/1/community-services/staff-report-contracts/openspace-parks-and-golf/turf-study-report/appendix-e-supplemental-reports-articles-reportsresources.pdf

4. Beyond Plastics
Synthetic Turf Is HAZARDOUS -- Artificial turf sheds microplastics and contains toxic chemicals that contaminate soil, air, and waterways.
https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/synthetic-turf

5. Charles River Watershed Association
Artificial Turf and Water Pollution -- Microplastic and PFAS migration from turf into stormwater systems and nearby water bodies.
https://www.crwa.org/artificial-turf

6. PFAS Project Lab
Once Hailed as a Drought Fix, California Moves to Restrict Synthetic Turf Over Health Concerns -- PFAS, microplastics, and emerging regulatory concerns in California. https://pfasproject.com/2023/10/19/once-hailed-as-a-drought-fix-california-moves-to-restrictsynthetic-turf-over-health-concerns/

7. Institute for Energy Research & Education (IERE)
Is Artificial Turf Bad for the Environment? -- The environmental impacts of synthetic turf, including plastic degradation and pollution.
https://iere.org/is-artificial-turf-bad-for-the-environment/ Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Sheila Hanahan Taylor <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:01 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent and long time community member (since 1991) to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

At the same time, I respectfully urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type.

Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and thousands of children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports. Booking field space is a big challenge! We have an incredibly sporty and outdoorsy population, our youth athletes are top tier in no small part due to our outstanding youth sports programs (both public and private/club).

Without them, available field hours would be dramatically reduced.

Moreover, as someone who regularly volunteered with AYSO as a filed-stripe-painter, I can say how challenging ti was to get regular volunteers to update the striping on a weekly basis. Synthentic turf fields, with their permanent striping allow for consistent and easily held practices and games on prepped fields.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely
Sheila Hanahan Taylor
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 1309 Pacific Street
Sheila Hanahan Taylor
[email protected]
310-903-7562
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Melissa Tufan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:34 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Melissa Tufan
(Child is in a Santa Monica school and various Santa Monica sports organizations) Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Timo McNeff <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:13 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Tim McNeff
Father of Albion Santa Monica B16 Academy Player Kingston McNeff Father of AYSO Player Teigan McNeff
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Paul Irby <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:59 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a Santa Monica resident, and participant in the City’s adult soccer program at Airport Park since 2017, to voice concerns about the proposed retrofit of existing turf surfaces to grass.

Santa Monica is a dense city with limited recreational space, and anyone who regularly plays here understands how competitive field access already is. A “grass-only” mandate or a “no net new turf” policy could make that challenge far worse. From a player’s perspective, synthetic turf is what allows these programs to exist at all.

Turf fields provide dramatically more playable hours than grass. As adult players, we often use the fields late at night — times when grass fields are frequently closed to recover or after rain. Turf’s durability and year-round usability are the reason leagues can run consistently and fairly without constant cancellations.

Safety is also a major concern. Well-maintained turf offers a reliable, even surface. In contrast, heavily used grass fields often become uneven, worn, and unpredictable, increasing the risk of injury. Speaking as someone who plays regularly, consistency matters — especially for older adults who are more prone to soft-tissue injuries. Since the turf surface at Airport Park was resurfaced a few years ago, there has been a notable decrease in soft-tissue injuries in the soccer league and we are all very happy with the current playing surface. I worry that switching to a grass surface would not be properly maintained to provide a safe and reliable environment for a nighttime adult league. Can the City commit enough resources to properly maintain a grass surface and provide a recreational outlet for all ages?? While I understand the potential environmental and health safety risks of turf, those of us who play in the soccer league are concerned that the current City stance and staff report lean strongly toward eliminating turf without fully weighing these realities. Switching to turf would mean fewer adult leagues, fewer youth opportunities, fewer high school practices — and ultimately, fewer chances for residents to stay healthy and connected.

I respectfully urge the Council to avoid an overly restrictive policy that limits Santa Monica’s future options.

Preserving the ability to use synthetic turf is the most practical and inclusive way to ensure our city continues to support active lifestyles and strong community ties, despite the potential risks.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Paul Irby
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Jack Donnelly <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:52 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a longtime participant in Santa Monica's adult soccer programs. Through participation in the adult soccer league, I have strengthened friendships, made many new friends, and found a competitive outlet that is both healthy and fun and can be practiced year round. Over the last several years since moving to Santa Monica, having a weekly soccer game to look forward to has been a highlight of the week and helped break up the monotony of the typical work week. Participating in the league has had a tremendously positive impact on my life. With that perspective in mind, I respectfully ask the Council to consider a practical and flexible approach when setting policies around sports field surfaces.

Santa Monica’s limited size means recreational space is already scarce. Anyone who regularly uses the fields knows how difficult it can be to secure time, particularly during peak hours. I have had a lot of difficulty even finding a field to practice on when not playing in a game. Our weekly games are the only time that secured field space is guaranteed. Policies that prohibit additional turf fields or require exclusive reliance on grass would further reduce access and make participation more difficult for everyone. From the standpoint of players, synthetic turf is essential to keeping programs running.

One of turf’s greatest advantages is its ability to support far more hours of use than natural grass. Adult leagues frequently depend on late-night field time, when grass fields are often closed due to wear, maintenance, or weather. Turf fields allow leagues to operate consistently throughout the year without constant disruptions.

Field safety is another key consideration. When properly maintained, turf provides a uniform and predictable surface. Grass fields that experience heavy use can quickly deteriorate, creating uneven conditions that increase the risk of injury. For adult players with limited time to stay active, reliable and safe playing conditions matter.

I am concerned that recent discussions and staff recommendations appear to prioritize the removal of turf without fully acknowledging these on-the-ground realities. Reducing turf availability would have real consequences — fewer adult leagues, fewer opportunities for young players and students, and fewer options for residents seeking to remain active and connected.

I urge the Council to avoid policies that unnecessarily limit future flexibility. Preserving the option to use synthetic turf is the most realistic way to ensure broad access to recreational programs and to support the health and well-being of our community.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
John Donnelly
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Ray and Dina Johnson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Plastic grass

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
Please do not support plastic grass at any city location in SM.

Thank you,
Raymond and Nadina Johnson, Yale St
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Colin Carley <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:59 PM
To: Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems Subject: ITEM 11C - Keep the Turf Fields

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge your support for a flexible and realistic approach to our city’s sports field surfaces. As you consider future policy, it is vital that we do not corner ourselves into a "grass-only" mandate or a "no net new turf" stance. Given Santa Monica’s high density and the severe competition for limited recreational space, we must prioritize the surfaces that offer the most utility and safety for our residents.

The operational reality is that synthetic turf provides significantly more playable hours than grass. In a city where field space is at a premium, turf is the only way to meet the high demand of our youth and adult leagues. Unlike grass, which requires long rest periods and can be sidelined for days after rain, turf remains durable and ready for use year-round.

Furthermore, well-maintained turf provides a consistent and level playing surface, which is quite frankly much safer than grass that often becomes uneven or patchy under heavy municipal use. Many of us feel the current City stance and staff report are heavily slanted toward eliminating turf without fully weighing these advantages. We must be clear: a decision to move away from turf is a decision to cancel programs.

A move to restrict turf would result in immediate and severe consequences for our community, including the reduction of adult leagues, high school sports, and youth club activities. I urge the Council to avoid making a hasty or overly restrictive decision that limits our future options. Maintaining the ability to use synthetic turf is the most practical way to ensure Santa Monica continues to support a healthy, active, and connected community. Ask anyone who actually uses the fields (not someone's overly concerned parent) and they'll tell you they prefer turf 10/10.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Colin Carley
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Abdallah Chammas <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 3:31 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a Santa Monica resident and a regular participant in the City’s adult soccer programs. For many residents, these athletic fields represent far more than places to exercise — they are spaces where community is built, relationships are formed, and the pressures of daily life are relieved. Based on my direct experience, I respectfully encourage the Council to adopt a balanced and pragmatic approach to decisions regarding sports field surfaces.

Santa Monica’s density and limited open space already make recreational field access highly constrained. Those of us who play regularly understand how scarce available field time has become.

Policies such as a strict “grass-only” requirement or a prohibition on net new turf would significantly intensify these limitations. From the perspective of active users, synthetic turf is a key reason these programs are able to function at all.

Turf fields support substantially more hours of safe, playable use than natural grass. Adult leagues frequently rely on late-evening access — periods when grass fields are often unavailable due to maintenance needs or weather-related closures. The resilience and consistency of turf are what allow leagues to operate reliably throughout the year, with fewer disruptions and cancellations.

Player safety is another important consideration. Properly maintained turf provides a uniform and predictable surface. By contrast, overused grass fields can quickly become uneven and deteriorated, increasing the risk of injury. For adults balancing work, family responsibilities, and limited free time, dependable field conditions are essential.

I am concerned that the City’s current direction and staff analysis may undervalue these practical realities. It is important to recognize that reducing or eliminating turf is not a neutral outcome. Such a shift would inevitably lead to fewer adult leagues, reduced youth programming, constrained high school athletics, and fewer opportunities overall for residents to stay active and engaged.

I respectfully urge the Council to avoid adopting policies that unnecessarily restrict future options.

Maintaining the ability to utilize synthetic turf is a practical, inclusive, and forward-looking way to support recreation, public health, and community connection in Santa Monica.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 Sincerely,
AJ. Chammas
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Justine Lavelle <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Sincerely, Justine R. LaVelle
[email protected]
M: 816-258-2182
2940 Neilson Way, Santa Monica,
CA 90405 #301
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: diana hinek <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Diana Hinek
Ocean Park Neighborhood
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Traci Takahara <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" and a 1000 llbs of unrecyclable plastic in landfills every two years!

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
 Synthetic Turf doesn't stand up to heavy-use public spaces.  It looks ugly after being in the sun.
 Needs frequent replacement. High schools have found it unmanageable. I imagine soccerfields will too!
 Protect our well water and soil from contamination!
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the Santa Monica Community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Traci Takahara,
Sunset Park Resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Chris Lefevre <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

I urge the Council to solidify this leadership by formalizing a city-wide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf installations and replaces all existing installations with natural grass. Memorial Park has shown that natural grass is the preferred choice for our residents. By committing to living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Chris Lefevre
Ocean Park Neighborhood (90405)
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Bianca Bloomfield <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 2:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass.

Sincerely,
Bianca Bloomfield, Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Ishara Bailis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 3:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick
Subject: Items 11 C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & a NO NEW TURF Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
Thank you for listening to the community and choosing natural grass for the new Memorial Park Fields.

I urge you to now formalize this commitment by passing a city-wide policy that prohibits all future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf.

And when existing artificial turf fields reach the end or their useful life, the City replace them with durable natural alternative materials.

It’s critical to protect our health - for everyone, of all ages.

To protect our environment as a living “City as a Habitat” and follow the 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance by keeping Santa Monica’s public lands living and plastic-free.

Thank you very much.

Warm regards,
Ishara
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Kate Wessels <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:24 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane; David Wessels
Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica resident, parent and community member to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

As the mother of a 7-year-old who plays with ALBION SC Santa Monica, I see firsthand how critical reliable field access is to our community. We practice on fields across Santa Monica multiple times a week, and the availability of quality playing surfaces directly impacts our children’s ability to develop their skills, stay active, and be part of a team.

Given Santa Monica’s limited space and exceptionally high demand, synthetic turf fields are essential to achieving the goals of the Parks & Recreation Plan. Turf fields allow for consistent playability, significantly greater usage, and fewer weather - and maintenance-related closures. Without them, available field hours would be dramatically reduced, leaving programs like ours scrambling for practice time and limiting opportunities for kids who just want to play.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Kate Wessels
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 508 10th Street, Santa Monica CA 90402
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kate Wessels
+1.310.526.1428
[email protected]
*Please note that I am on a PST (USA West Coast) time zone, so correspondence may be delayed.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Jillian Clark <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:29 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

At the same time, I urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type. Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and thousands of children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports.

Given Santa Monica’s limited space and exceptionally high demand, synthetic turf fields are essential to achieving the goals of the Parks & Recreation Plan. Turf fields provide consistent playability, significantly higher usage, and fewer weather- and maintenance-related closures. Without them, available field hours would be dramatically reduced.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Jillian (Soccer Mom of 2 boys)
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Jonathan Chan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & 11D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial Park and Adopt a No New Turf Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to support the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan. City staff have removed synthetic turf from the design, which is a practical improvement and a clear response to public feedback.

I encourage the Council to treat this as a policy decision, not a one-off. Please adopt a citywide standard to avoid new City funded synthetic turf or plastic grass installations on public land. A uniform standard improves decision quality and consistency by ensuring projects are evaluated on measurable factors, including heat, user safety, maintenance requirements, environmental impacts, and full lifecycle costs.

This approach supports the intent of Santa Monica’s 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and reduces the City’s long-term exposure to replacement and disposal obligations. It also reduces the risk of adding additional plastic material sources to the local environment.

Memorial Park can be the first application of a consistent standard that benefits the entire city. I respectfully ask you to approve the revised plan and direct staff to return with a citywide policy that prioritizes non-plastic, durable groundcover solutions.

Sincerely,
Jonathan Chan
Sunset Park
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Eileen Gibson Funke <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Memorial Park has shown that natural grass is the preferred choice for our residents. By committing to living soil across the city, we uphold our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance and protect our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living.

Sincerely,
Eileen Funke, Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: LosAngeles PetanqueClub <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Adoption of the Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan Attachments: support letter 012626.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
We write to you in support of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff's recommended edits in 11.C.k.

Staff is recommending a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 population over the life of the PRVP as that is the commonly accepted minimum planning standard. The PRVP and this clear goal have been enthusiastically embraced by all of the City's boards, commissions, and task force(s) that elected to formalize their support for the PRVP with a vote and letter to Council.

These include the Recreation and Parks Commission, the Airport Commission, the Arts Commission, the Community Gardens Advisory Committee, the Field Sports Advisory Committee, the Aquatics Advisory Committee, the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment, and the Urban Forest Task Force.

We ask that you please receive and approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan with many compliments to City Manager Oliver Chi and his Staff. And we express our own gratitude to the City's PRVP team, and Senior Park Planner Tony Lopez, on presenting you with a planning document to guide our City's park expansion efforts for decades to come in a manner that is simultaneously achievable, measurable, and inspirational.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Pierre Constantin
Los Angeles Petanque Club President
P.S: Please find our letter of support attached.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
01/26/26
Los Angeles Petanque Club
2459 Motor Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Subject: Agenda Item 11C: Support for Adoption of
the Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
Dear Mayor Torosis and CouncilmembersWe write to you in support of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff's recommended edits in 11.C.k.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Pierre Constantin
Los Angeles Petanque Club President.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Jessica Herman Goldman <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy Inbox

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
• We know how it felt to keep our toddlers off of playground equipment, turf, and sandboxes until extraordinary measures could be taken to clean them effectively after the Palisades fire. While grass regrows and refreshes, artificial turf may have to be replaced after a fire — or after accumulating enough road dust.
• We know microplastics and nanoplastics are an increasing problem in our health and children’s health.

We know heat and friction will cause plastics to volatilize.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Benjamin Goldman
Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Benjamin Goldman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

We know heat and friction will cause plastics to volatilize.

I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Benjamin Goldman
Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: andrea pasquini <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Andrea Pasquini - Northeast Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: NewVine Music <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:27 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely, Giorgi Antinori - Ocean Park Neighborhood
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Caitlin Lili <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Caitlin Lili
Sunset Park Neighborhood
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Noma Boardmember <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:15 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi Cc: Recreation and Arts Department; John Cyrus Smith; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum; [email protected]; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; Steven Johnson; Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Sonam Makker; Noe Mendoza; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Support of Items 11C and 11D AND SUPPORT for a Ban on New Artificial Turf Installation (Recommended by the City Staff)

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

Date: 1/26/2026
To: Mayor Torosis, Members of Santa Monica City Council and City Manager Chi.

SUBJECT: Support of Items 11C and 11D AND SUPPORT for the City Staff Recommended Ban on New Artificial Turf Installation
Dear Mayor Torosis, Council Members and City Manager Chi, We are writing on behalf of Santa Monica’s North of Montana Association (NOMA). We are affirming our continued commitment and support of the letter that we previously sent to your attention (please see below, dated 12/8/2025). That letter supported an immediate prohibition of new installation of artificial turf on locally owned public land in Santa Monica. The letter was co-signed by Friends of Sunset Park, North of Montana Association (NOMA), Pico Neighborhood Association, Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors, Santa Monica Northeast Neighbors and Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont).

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 This wide consensus serves to support the strong community support for grass playing fields. We therefore encourage you to adopt the recommendations in Agenda Items 11C and 11D.

Please take the important next step and direct City staff to develop a comprehensive plan to properly maintain the current GRASS fields and to develop new GRASS playing fields to support the amount of playing fields that are needed in Santa Monica.

NOMA and other neighborhoods rely on our schools (i.e. Roosevelt and Franklin) for access to safe and environmentally friendly playing fields and we encourage you to also work with the SMMUSD to explore ways to extend the prohibition of artificial turf installation to our schools as well.

To: Members of Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission, City Manager Chi, Members of Santa Monica City Council, SMMUSD Board of Education and SMC Board of Trustees, The Boards of the Neighborhood Organizations listed below are in full SUPPORT of the Artificial Turf Ban Resolution passed by the Santa Monica Democratic Club on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.

We look forward to seeing an immediate prohibition of net new installation of artificial turf on locally owned public land in Santa Monica incorporated into the upcoming Santa Monica Parks and Recreation Vision Plan.

Grass fields are especially relevant to the Santa Monica Neighborhood Organizations because the playing fields at our local schools are among the only outdoor play areas in many of our neighborhoods, and in some cases are the only recreational fields, due to our severe shortage of parks.

We have heard throughout our neighborhoods that children and parents want grass fields.

The Neighborhood Organizations thank and appreciate the Santa Monica Democratic Club, and its President Jon Katz, for taking up this important issue. Their recently passed, “Resolution Calling for Ban on Artificial Turf on Public Land in Santa Monica,” speaks very clearly to the serious environmental, health and safety concerns that our communities have about artificial turf.

This is following the precedent set by the Westside Regional Alliance of Councils on the Westside of Los Angeles who recently voted to support the transition away from the use of synthetic turf and artificial grass and the LAUSD School Board who voted to prohibit new artificial turf installations at early education, elementary, and middle schools.

We would welcome an opportunity to further discuss the goals and desires of our neighborhoods and would be pleased if any (or all) the individuals in receipt of this email were to reply to set up a brief time for a discussion and ongoing dialogue.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
9 In solidarity,
The Boards of:

Friends of Sunset Park
North of Montana Association (NOMA)
Pico Neighborhood Association
Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors
Santa Monica Northeast Neighbors
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood Coalition (Wilmont)
smnoma.org
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Jessica Herman Goldman <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:05 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely, Jessica Goldman, Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Jeff Altrock <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
Jeff Altrock, Northeast Santa Monica Neighborhood

JEFF ALTROCK
818.679.7217 (c)
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Items 11C & D

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I’m writing to say thank you truly for listening to the community and choosing natural grass for the new Memorial Park fields. Fields 1 through 4 being real grass is a huge win for our health, our environment, and for the kind of city Santa Monica wants to be.

What’s been especially moving to witness is how many diƯerent parts of our community came together around this, parents, athletes, environmental advocates, neighbors, people who don’t always agree on everything. New coalitions formed and relationships were built. It’s been a powerful reminder that we actually have far more in common than what separates us especially when we’re focused on our kids, our parks, and our shared future! Now it’s time to finish the job! By saving Memorial Park from plastic, you’ve proven that natural grass is the better choice for our premier parks. This should now be the standard, not the exception. I urge you to formalize this leadership by adopting a citywide policy of no new taxpayer spending on synthetic turf. Synthetic turf is not a real solution. It wears out every 8–10 years, has to be fully ripped out and dumped, and leaves us with PFAS, microplastics, extreme heat, and long-term costs we keep pretending don’t exist. It’s not cheaper, it’s just a plastic subscription we keep renewing. We already have major maintenance liabilities at Airport and Belmar. Let’s not add more. Let’s invest in living, cooling assets instead.

Santa Monica has a real opportunity to lead here — not follow! Other cities are already moving away from plastic fields. California should be setting the standard, and Santa Monica should be showing what it looks like to align our infrastructure with our values, our climate commitments, and our Sustainability Rights Ordinance.

So please:
• Make Memorial Park the precedent
• Adopt a clear policy of no new turf
• Maintain grass fields as grass
• And replace turf with living surfaces at end of life
Let’s make sure no other neighborhood has to fight this same battle again. Thank you for choosing living parks over plastic, and for proving Santa Monica can still lead!!! Sincerely,
Amy Wiwuga
Santa Monica
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Eric Salsa <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Call to action- Items 11C & D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to express my strong support for the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1–4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

I urge the Council to go further by adopting a city-wide policy that prohibits any future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf installations. The marketing claims around artificial grass often leave out important facts. The NFL Players Association has cited higher injury rates on turf and has called for a return to natural grass fields. Turf manufacturers also promote “recyclability,” but large-scale, proven recycling systems for these products do not yet exist.

Memorial Park can set the standard for healthier play, honest sustainability, and protection of our watershed from microplastics.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s (already limited) public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass.

Regards,
Eric Salsa
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Jake Avnet <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:04 AM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
--
Jake Avnet
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Steven Johnson
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Christopher Dishlip; Amelia Feichtner; Shannon Parry; Amber Richane; Tony Lopez; Linda Cogswell; Peter James; Maryanne LaGuardia; Karen Melick; John Smith; Sonam Makker; Barry Rosenbaum; Federico Bianchi; ASA
Subject: Item 11c - Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
Attachments: RPC Letter - 11c Vision Plan Agenda Item.pdf Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Esteemed Councilmembers, Please find attached the Recreation & Parks Commission letter in support of Item 11c, the Parks and Recreation Vision Plan, agendized for presentation tomorrow night at Council.

The Commission appreciates your time and consideration in reviewing this comprehensive document, and we want to especially thank the Public Works and Recreation staff for a great job in this massive undertaking.

We ask that you accept the document as presented, endorse the recommendation of 5 acres per 1000 residents, and commit to meeting the call for improved park safety across all our locations.

And because you are no doubt seeing a great many emails in the grass vs. turf debate for our sports fields, we want to reiterate that the Commission supports the current compromise staff position presented as:

No new City-owned artificial turf sports fields will be installed in the City of Santa Monica.  Existing City-owned grass fields will be maintained as grass fields.  Existing City-owned artificial turf fields will be replaced as artificial turf fields.  The City will explore options to work with independent and industry experts to develop a request for information on sustainable artificial and durable natural alternative materials that continue to meet the City’s needs for environmental and human health, safety, playability, maintenance, and cost.

To be clear, until we have a substantial number of new, well-maintained grass playing fields for high impact sports such as soccer, lacrosse, rugby and football, the loss of any existing artificial turf fields, whether City- or SMMUSD- owned, would result in the loss of hundreds of hours of playing time affecting thousands of youth and adult participants. Please do not hamstring our parks efforts without further study.

Thank you.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 Steven Johnson
Chair, Recreation & Parks Commission
City of Santa Monica
(310) 429-0475

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity Monday, January 26, 2026
Re: Item 11.c Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Esteemed Councilmembers, This Tuesday, January 27, we're looking forward to senior park planner Tony Lopez' much anticipated "Parks and Recreation Vision Plan", a wholesale update and revamp of the overdue 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan. You'll be getting just the summary presentation from Tony, but no joke, these 345 pages are a fascinating and worthwhile read, especially for our folks relatively new to the Santa Monica.

The Recreation and Parks Commission not only recommends that you endorse this plan as presented, but that you as a Council make firm your commitment to fulfill these goals by increased funding for future parks projects (both large and small), as well as by doubling down on park safety and maintenance.

First, the Recreation and Parks Commission would like to thank Tony Lopez and the Public Works and Recreation staff who supported him in this tremendous achievement. We were very fortunate to have Tony join City staff in 2024, and the Commission has greatly enjoyed working with him on this and other projects.

In fact, we're lucky to have a senior parks planner at all, since the position was eliminated in 2020, and there was a concern we would never get this role back.

So, also a huge thank you to leadership in Public Works and Recreation for insisting that we have a senior parks planner, and seeing this Vision Plan as a top priority for his time.

As you'll see, the report is as deep as it is wide, so in the interest of time, we want to focus your attention to 3 important elements:
• a call for 5 acres per 1,000 residents;
• acknowledgement of the current overwhelming unmet demand for parks and recreation; • and an overarching concern for park safety
For starters, the call for 5 acres per 1,000 residents should be our rallying cry.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity You'll hear the statistic questioned that Santa Monica is "park poor" with just 1.4 acres per 1,000 residents, and well below the County average of 3.3 acres per 1,000 residents. This isn't made up.

The report documents this fact exhaustively. We are a dense, urban beach community, fully built out decades ago, and situated adjacent to equally park-poor and increasingly dense areas of West LA, Mar Vista and Venice.

You'll hear a few naysayers argue, but what about the beaches? The 3.3 acres county study average excludes beaches in its consideration. How else could you compare Arcadia with Manhattan Beach? Or Palmdale with San Pedro? But more to the point, on the sand you can't play AYSO soccer or Little League baseball, you can't play a game of tennis or run a full court basketball game, and you can't plant a community garden or run your dog off leash. The beaches have no meeting rooms or community performance spaces. The beaches are great, but they serve residents in a very limited capacity compared to our neighborhood parks and recreation facilities.

You'll also hear some folks argue that because you might see a few softball fields at Clover Park sit empty during weekday hours (when kids are in school), we must already have more than enough parks and playing fields to meet our needs.

To that, we'd say it's important to acknowledge the overwhelming unmet demand for almost every park and recreation amenity, but most acutely: playing fields, swim time, court sports, community gardens, and dog parks.

Every season, dozens of youth and adult permit requests for practice and game time on our sports fields are turned away due to limited scheduling capacity. Every session, every child swimming lesson slot is filled within minutes of posting (while adult lap swim is a combat sport in our crowded swim center). Drive by Memorial Park most days, and you’ll see that pickleball is visibly bursting at the seams, but also note that basketball and tennis availability at prime times is strained as well. Legendary is the 12-year, 1,000 person waiting list for a community garden plot.

And there is not one off-leash dog run north of Memorial Park.

More generally, state housing mandates requiring development of thousands of new apartments in Santa Monica, such as what we're seeing along Lincoln Canyon today, beg the questions, "Where are the pocket parks and open spaces in these new neighborhoods? Where’s the sunlight? The picnic areas? The playgrounds?"
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity And lastly, in the report, please note that the #1 parks concern of every neighborhood organization is safety. While acknowledging recent improvements in some locations, in this Vision Plan park safety is a key action item that will require efforts well above where we’ve been since the pandemic. Some of this is infrastructure, such as lighting and surveillance cameras. Some of this is maintenance, such as bathrooms and park amenities. And while some of these issues can be helped by social services or park activation, there is no substitute for actual law enforcement, with visible patrols and consistent engagement in all our parks.

Infractions great and small need to be consistently met, and scofflaws dealt with by authorities.

From smoking to vandalism, unpermitted activities to e-bike hooliganism, these rules are meant to make residents feel safe in their parks. When there are no consequences for breaking the rules, people do not feel safe.

In closing, we’ll leave you with this additional consideration… As Councilmembers, you have recently been hearing from a vocal contingent who want to ban artificial turf in Santa Monica.

To be clear, the City itself has just TWO dedicated artificial turf soccer fields, while maintaining 13 natural grass baseball and softball fields. Just two all-weather soccer fields have been built by the City in 50 years, despite the explosion of youth and adult "rectangle" sports since the '70s.

The rectangular turf fields host high impact activities such as youth and adult soccer, lacrosse, rugby and football. Also, through the Joint Use Agreement (also on the agenda Tuesday), school sites are crucial in support of city permitting and programming, with artificial turf at the middle schools and Samohi. Given limited field space, availability and playability are the key factors in the decision between grass and turf.

To that end, we hope that the anti-turf advocates join us in supporting the "5 acre per thousand residents" goal and rally for at least a dozen NEW sports fields in execution of this Vision Plan, because that's what it would take to meet current unmet demand AND offset the loss of hundreds of hours of playing time were we to convert existing artificial turf fields to grass. (Our new city manager Oliver Chi knows this well, because even though Irvine's Great Park has 24 soccer fields, 6 of them are still artificial turf to accommodate all-weather demand.) Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity A sustainable, future Santa Monica that prioritizes grass playing surfaces demands a massive investment in new fields AND a commensurate level of maintenance and care. In the meantime, please don’t hamstring City programming with a kneejerk ban on turf before we have sufficient new resources. Staff recommendation is “no net new artificial fields,” meaning grass fields stay grass, and turf fields stay turf. This is the sensible compromise for right now.

Councilmembers, thank you for your time and consideration. We hope you’ll support this Parks and Recreation Vision Plan on Tuesday and for years to come.

Sincerely,
City of Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission
Steven Johnson, Chair
Karen Melick, Vice Chair
Maryanne LaGuardia
John Cyrus Smith
Barry Rosenbaum
Sonam Makker
CC: Oliver Chi, Jenny Rogers, plus Boards and Commissions Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Wasserman <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:12 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin
Cc: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 11C: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
As a Santa Monica resident and regular park user in the city with my kids, I am writing in my personal capacity to express my enthusiastic support for a Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and truly sustainable future for this landmark park.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Jacob Wasserman
90403
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Britt Johansson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:35 AM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent and long-time community member to express my strong support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its stated goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces for future generations.

As the City moves toward adopting this plan, I respectfully urge you to prioritize adequate, reliable, and playable field access for youth sports, including the use of synthetic turf fields where appropriate. Santa Monica already faces a severe shortage of playable field hours, while thousands of children depend on City fields every week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other organized and informal sports.

My son, Oliver, has grown up in Santa Monica and is now 15 years old. Despite living in a city that values youth and healthy activity, I am continually struck by how limited public access to fields with soccer goals truly is—often restricted to a handful of “free play” hours at locations like JAMS and Lincoln Middle School. For meaningful game play via youth sports clubs, tournaments, or even consistent practice opportunities, families like ours are regularly forced to drive far outside Santa Monica. This places an unnecessary burden on families and highlights how far current field capacity falls short of community needs.

Given Santa Monica’s limited land and exceptionally high demand, synthetic turf fields are not a luxury— they are essential infrastructure. Turf fields dramatically increase usable hours, remain playable yearround, and reduce closures due to weather or maintenance. Without them, overall field availability would decline sharply, undermining the very goals of the Parks & Recreation Vision Plan.

Any reduction in playable field access would directly impact youth participation, after-school and weekend programming, and equitable access for community-based sports organizations. It would also limit the City’s ability to meet both current and future recreational demand for its growing population of children and teens.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a practical, responsible solution that enables the Parks & Recreation Vision Plan to succeed—one that supports healthy youth development, maximizes limited space, and ensures Santa Monica’s families are not left behind.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 Thank you for your leadership, thoughtful consideration, and continued commitment to the well-being of Santa Monica’s youth and families.

Respectfully,
Britt Johansson
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Keagan Anderson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 12:10 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I am a Santa Monica resident who has participated in the City’s adult soccer programs for close to a decade, and I am writing to share a player’s perspective on the future of our sports fields. For many residents, these fields are essential community spaces, and places where people connect, stay healthy, and find balance amid demanding work and family schedules.

Given Santa Monica’s density and limited open space, field access is already extremely constrained.

Those of us who play regularly experience firsthand how difficult it can be to schedule practices and games. Policies such as a “grass-only” requirement or a “no net new turf” approach would further restrict availability and make it increasingly difficult for adult, youth, and school programs to function.

From a practical standpoint, synthetic turf is what allows consistent use of our fields. Turf supports significantly more playing hours than natural grass and remains usable during evenings and after weather events, when grass fields are often closed to prevent damage. Adult leagues, in particular, depend on these off-peak hours, and turf is what makes that access possible.

Player safety is also an important consideration. Well-maintained turf provides a level, dependable surface. In contrast, grass fields that are heavily used can deteriorate quickly, becoming uneven and increasing the risk of injury. For adults who may have limited opportunities to stay active, a predictable and safe playing environment is critical.

I am concerned that current City discussions and staff recommendations appear to downplay these realworld impacts. Limiting or removing turf would have clear consequences: fewer leagues, reduced access for youth and high school programs, and fewer opportunities for residents to remain physically active and socially connected.

I respectfully urge the Council to pursue a balanced and forward-looking policy that preserves flexibility in field surface choices. Continuing to allow synthetic turf is the most realistic way to meet community demand and ensure Santa Monica’s sports programs remain accessible and inclusive.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Anthony Keagan Anderson (Santa Monica Adult Soccer Player) Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: great park <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 12:26 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Oliver Chi; Tony Lopez; Amber Richane; Peter James; Christopher Dishlip
Cc: Great Park Coalition; SMAYSO Regional Commissioner
Subject: January 27, 2026 Council Meeting - Item 11.C. - Parks and Recreation Vision Plan -

SUPPORT
Attachments: SM AYSO Letter_January 26 2026.pdf

EXTERNAL
Please see the attached letter from Santa Monica AYSO, the largest youth sports organization in Santa Monica, in support of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan. Thank you for your consideration.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026

January 26, 2026
Re: Agenda Item 11C: Support for AdopƟon of the DraŌ 2025 Parks and RecreaƟon Vision Plan Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers:

Santa Monica AYSO (American Youth Soccer OrganizaƟon) is a non-profit, 100% volunteer-run, community service organizaƟon. We are the largest youth sports organizaƟon in Santa Monica, and we provide a low-cost and highquality youth soccer program for around 1500 Santa Monica children every year. We serve children of all abiliƟes and families from across the economic spectrum, with open enrollment, modest registraƟon fees, generous financial aid, and programming ranging from our EPIC (“Everyone Plays in Our Community”) Program for kids with special needs to our compeƟƟve all-star travel teams. There are tens of thousands of Santa Monicans who have parƟcipated in our program as players and volunteers. We represent a diverse and inclusive cross-secƟon of our City.

Santa Monica AYSO is wriƟng with our enthusiasƟc support for the 2025 Parks and RecreaƟon Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff’s recommended edits in 11.C.k.

Like we teach our youth soccer players, to be an effecƟve team, you need to have GOALS and work together to achieve them. As a City, we also need to set clear and concrete goals, so we can work together and hold ourselves accountable for achieving them – for ourselves and for future generaƟons of Santa Monicans.

We strongly support the PRVP’s goal of five park acres per 1,000 residents, which is the commonly accepted minimum planning standard. Santa Monica is currently shockingly park-poor, with only 1.5 acres per 1,000 residents; we have only one-quarter of the park acreage per resident as the city of Los Angeles (which is itself very park-poor compared to the naƟonal average). Santa Monicans deserve more park space – and equitable park space – so we can safely walk, run, ride bikes, play sports, exercise, enjoy nature, and live healthy lives.

Again, we urge you to commit to fix the park deficit by receiving and approving the excellent 2025 Parks and RecreaƟon Vision Plan.

Respecƞully,
Melinda Mehringer
Melinda Mehringer
Santa Monica AYSO Board Member on behalf of Santa Monica AYSO Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Matt Goldenberg D.O. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 8:00 AM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Recreation and Arts Department; John Cyrus Smith; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum; [email protected]; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; Steven Johnson; Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Sonam Makker; Noe Mendoza
Subject: SUPPORT Items 11 C and 11D AND SUPPORT for an Artificial Turf Ban

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis, City Council Members and City Manger Chi, I’m engaged, as the co-chair of NOMA, and the father of two daughters, because we have no city controlled playing fields and little park space in our neighborhood, outside of their school.

I’m also speaking for the 70% of renters and for condo owners, because I was born in Santa Monica and raised in a townhome and Lincoln Middle School was my childhood backyard.

I am strongly in favor of the staff recommendation to prohibit new Artificial Turf on City controlled land.

As Santa Monica densifies, our public and open spaces will become even more limited.

Therefore, I encourage you to take two additional steps tonight to eliminate the need for our community to have to choose between grass playing fields and access to enough playing fields:

First, please direct the City staff to bring back a plan to create enough grass playing fields, so that no one has to fear losing access to fields in Santa Monica.

Second, please work with SMMUSD to increase access to well-maintained GRASS playing fields on ALL public land in Santa Monica, including our schools.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 Thank you,
Matt Goldenberg
NOMA Co-Chair
SAMO, Class of 2002
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Renata S. <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 8:52 AM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please Consider: Santa Monica Airport Field

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I have been playing in the Santa Monica Airport Soccer Adult League since 2008. Over the years it has been such an incredible way for adults to come together in a friendly and competitive atmosphere and play soccer in a clean, safe, and organized setting. I am writing to urge your support for a flexible and realistic approach to our city’s sports field surfaces
We have been informed that the city has started considering switching up the fields at SM Airport to grass. As you consider future policy, it is important for you to understand that a "grass-only" mandate or a "no net new turf" would harm this league which has provided so much to hundreds of Santa Monica residents over the years. Given Santa Monica’s high density and the severe competition for limited recreational space, we must prioritize the surfaces that offer the most utility and safety for our residents.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Renata Skaletzky
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Vivianne Nacif <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:26 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane
Subject: City park and recreation.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Vivianne Nacif
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Beau Barnett <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 3:45 PM
To: Beau Barnett
Subject: Santa Monica Airpot

EXTERNAL
Hi,
I am writing to request that you please, please, please keep the Santa Monica airport turf soccer fields in place. Playing soccer here twice a week is the only sense of community I have. Working from home and living in Ocean Park, it's not easy to find new friends. Playing on grass sounds nice in practice but it's impossible to maintain. I would hate to lose the field during reconstruction only to again lose it when we realize it's not playable for the game of soccer. Essentially, losing it forever.

There are almost no other fields on the Westside of LA.

Thank you,
Beau
--
Beau Barnett
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Rolando <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 10:59 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C - KEEP THE TURF FIELDS AS TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
SUBJECT: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS AS TURF FIELDS Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a life-long Santa Monica resident who grew up playing soccer in Santa Monica, first in AYSO, then in Club Soccer with Real Santa Monica Soccer Club, then at Samohi on the Varsity Soccer team and now, as the Director of the Santa Monica Adult Soccer League and an active participant in the City’s adult soccer program.

For many of us, these fields are not just places to exercise — they are where community happens, friendships form, and stress melts away after long workdays. Because of that firsthand experience, I urge you to support a flexible and realistic approach to our city’s sports field surfaces.

Santa Monica is a dense city with limited recreational space, and anyone who regularly plays here understands how competitive field access already is. A “grass-only” mandate or a “no net new turf” policy would make that challenge far worse. From a player’s perspective, synthetic turf is what allows these programs to exist at all.

Turf fields provide dramatically more playable hours than grass. As adult players, we often use the fields late at night — times when grass fields are frequently closed to recover or after rain.

Turf’s durability and year-round usability are the reason leagues can run consistently and fairly without constant cancellations.

Many of us are concerned that the current City stance and staff report lean strongly toward eliminating turf without fully weighing these realities. I want to be very clear: reducing or Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
2 eliminating turf is not a neutral decision. It would mean fewer adult leagues, fewer youth opportunities, fewer high school practices — and ultimately, fewer chances for residents to stay healthy and connected.

I respectfully urge the Council to avoid an overly restrictive policy that limits Santa Monica’s future options. Preserving the ability to use synthetic turf is the most practical and inclusive way to ensure our city continues to support active lifestyles and strong community ties.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Rolando Marchis
Director of the Santa Monica Adult Soccer League
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Noa Gemeiner <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 9:18 AM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing on behalf of the Santa Monica soccer community. For many residents, these fields are not just places to exercise — they are where community happens, friendships form, and people of all ages come together to stay active. Because of this, we urge you to support a flexible and realistic approach to our city’s sports field surfaces.

Santa Monica is a dense city with limited recreational space, and anyone involved in local soccer knows how competitive field access already is. A “grass-only” mandate or a “no net new turf” policy would make that challenge far worse. Synthetic turf is essential to keeping leagues and programs running smoothly for youth, adults, and high school teams alike.

Turf fields provide dramatically more playable hours than grass. They remain durable and usable year-round, even after rain, allowing programs to operate consistently without frequent cancellations.

This reliability is critical for maintaining the schedules and opportunities that our community depends on.

Safety is also a major concern. Well-maintained turf offers a reliable, even surface, whereas heavily used grass fields often become uneven, worn, and unpredictable, increasing the risk of injury.

Consistency matters for all participants, from children to adults, and helps ensure everyone can enjoy the game safely.

Many in our community are concerned that the current City stance and staff report lean strongly toward eliminating turf without fully weighing these realities. Reducing or eliminating turf would mean fewer leagues, fewer youth opportunities, fewer high school practices — and ultimately, fewer chances for residents to stay healthy and connected.

We respectfully urge the Council to avoid an overly restrictive policy that limits Santa Monica’s future options. Preserving the ability to use synthetic turf is the most practical and inclusive way to ensure our city continues to support active lifestyles and strong community ties.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Democratic Club <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 11:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Item 11C - SUPPORT
Attachments: Artificial-Turf-Ban-Resolution-as-passed.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tempore Zwick, and City Councilmembers:

On November 12, 2025, the Membership of the Santa Monica Democratic Club voted to adopt a resolution calling on the Santa Monica City Council to ban artificial turf on City-owned land, reflecting our Club’s commitment to protecting public health, advancing environmental sustainability, and promoting equitable access to safe public spaces. A copy of that resolution is attached for your reference.

We write to you now to express our strong support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan, particularly its “City as Habitat” framework and its emphasis on sustainability, environmental justice, and long-term stewardship of Santa Monica’s limited parkland. We appreciate the extensive public engagement reflected in the Plan and the thoughtful effort to balance recreation, environmental protection, and community well-being over the coming decades.

Consistent with our resolution, we strongly support the staff recommendation that no new City-owned artificial turf sports fields be installed and that existing City-owned grass fields be maintained as grass. As outlined in our resolution, the growing body of research on artificial turf raises serious concerns regarding toxic chemical exposure, excessive heat, environmental degradation, and long-term waste, particularly in spaces heavily used by children and young people.

At the same time, as both parents and recreational users, we recognize the importance of sufficient, well-maintained playing fields for youth and adult sports programs. Santa Monica’s role as a regional hub, combined with the reality that more than 70% of residents are renters who rely on public and school playfields for recreation, makes access to safe, playable fields a critical equity issue.

For that reason, we urge the City Council to take the next essential step by directing staff to develop a comprehensive strategy to expand and sustain access to natural grass fields. This should include identifying the maintenance practices, staffing, funding mechanisms, and potential locations necessary to ensure that natural grass fields are durable, safe, and available at a level that meets community demand. With thoughtful planning and adequate investment, Santa Monica should not have to choose between environmental health and field access. We can, and should, achieve both.

We appreciate the City Council’s leadership on this issue to date and your continued commitment to making Santa Monica a model for healthy, sustainable, and equitable public spaces. We look forward to working with you as the Parks and Recreation Vision Plan moves forward.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
5 Sincerely,
Santa Monica Democratic Club
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
President
Jon Katz
VP Political Action
Sean Kolodji
VP Membership
Michael Soloff
VP Programs
Michelle Grant
VP Communications
Philip Nazzal
VP Diversity & Inclusion
Keith Coleman
VP Legislation
Isabel Storey
Treasurer
Marcy Lebovitz
Recording Secretary
Lynn Cervini
At-Large
Derek Devermont
Patricia Hoffman
Susan Sheu
Dolores Sloan
Resolution Calling for Ban on Artificial Turf on Public Land in Santa Monica WHEREAS Santa Monica is, and, with its groundbreaking sustainability policies, including without limitation the Sustainability Rights Ordinance, has historically been, at the forefront of environmentally sustainable practices and the preservation of green spaces, protecting the health and safety of residents, particularly children; and
WHEREAS, while artificial turf was once seen as a water-saving environmental innovation, the overwhelming evidence has since shown that its installation in public spaces exposes children, athletes, and community members to serious health hazards, including toxic chemicals such as PFAS (“forever chemicals”) and heavy metals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and developmental harm, while also increasing rates of sports injuries such as concussions and lower-extremity strains compared to natural grass, and subjecting users to dangerously high surface temperatures; and WHEREAS synthetic turf, a fossil fuel-based product, further contributes to environmental degradation through the release of microplastics and chemical contaminants into air, soil, groundwater, and stormwater, polluting waterways and threatening aquatic ecosystems; prevents natural groundwater recharge and the carbon-absorbing and cooling functions of living soil and vegetation; exacerbates local heat-island effects; and generates large volumes of plastic waste at the end of its short lifespan, much of which ends up in landfills or is illegally dumped rather than recycled; and WHEREAS Santa Monica’s parks and playfields serve as essential community spaces for residents and visitors alike, reflecting its unique role as a regional hub with a daytime population nearly double its residential base, numerous youth and adult sports programs, and constant demand for open space; and because over 70% of Santa Monica residents are renters who rely on public parks and school playfields for recreation and community gathering, our school fields are a vital extension of the public park system and a natural area for collaboration on sustainability goals; and THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, in order to reaffirm Santa Monica’s role as a leader in sustainable and healthy public spaces, the Santa Monica Democratic Club urges Santa Monica’s public agencies to:
(1) immediately prohibit net new installation of artificial turf on locally owned public land in Santa Monica, including parks, athletic fields, and parkways; (2) develop a strategy for the mitigation of chemical and plastics pollution from existing turf installations within city limits; (3) develop a plan for the replacement of existing synthetic surfaces with natural, non-toxic alternatives and a maintenance plan with sufficient resources to support long-term recreation, playability, safety, availability, and environmental health; and (4) collaborate with each other to advance shared sustainability goals, reduce chemical exposure in play environments, and promote safe, natural, and effective grass management practices for all public land; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution shall be transmitted to the Santa Monica City Council, City Manager Oliver Chi, the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Board of Education, the Santa Monica College Board of Trustees, Senator Ben Allen, Assemblymember Rick Zbur, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, and the Environmental Caucus of the California Democratic Party.

P.O. Box 1052 • Santa Monica,CA 90406 • 215-962-4357 • [email protected] Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Neal Yeung <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:17 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent and community member and a parent of 2 Santa Monica Albion soccer players, to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Neal Yeung
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Lillian Burns <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:18 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Lillian Burns
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Astineh Arakelian <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:20 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Paul Spacey <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:21 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: QUESTION: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Genuine question that I hope one or more of you can answer:

What impact do emails like this have? If you get many emails saying the same thing, how does that impact decision making (if at all)?
I’m interested to better understand the dynamic and do more as an individual to help make the city a better place for our youth.
----------------------------------
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent and community member to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Paul Spacey
SM Resident and Coach
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
10 Paul Spacey
www.pauljspacey.com
(310) 403-7166
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: T.J. Moffett <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:23 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
T.J. Moffett
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Sevan Demir <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:24 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Pla

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Sevan Demir and I am a Santa Monica parent, long time community member, and the father of a middle school student who plays youth soccer with Albion Santa Monica.

My son trains and plays several days a week on City fields, as do many hundreds, maybe thousands of other local children whose families depend on consistent, safe, and predictable access to playable athletic space. These fields are not an optional amenity for us. They are central to our children’s physical health, emotional well being, discipline, and sense of community. I have found team sports to be crucial to development more so now at the age of screen dependency then ever before.

I am writing to express my support for the City’s Parks and Recreation Vision Plan and the broader goal of maintaining high quality recreational spaces. At the same time, I respectfully urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan protects and expands usable field access for youth sports programs.

Families and children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports.

Santa Monica already faces a severe shortage of playable field hours. Synthetic turf fields are essential in meeting current demand. They allow for far greater usage, reliable scheduling, and far fewer weather or maintenance related closures. Without turf, natural grass fields simply cannot support the volume of youth participation that exists today, let alone future growth.

Reducing playable field availability would have a direct and immediate impact on youth sports participation, after school and weekend programming, and equitable access for community based organizations. It would also place unnecessary strain on families who already work hard to balance school, athletics, and community life.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a practical and necessary tool that allows the Parks and Recreation vision to succeed while continuing to serve Santa Monica’s children and families responsibly.

Thank you for your time, your leadership, and your continued commitment to the wellbeing of Santa Monica’s youth.

Sincerely,
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
13 Sevan Demir
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Brandi Wismann <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:27 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Brandi Wismann
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: mariel sands <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:33 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Mariel Sands
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Soledad Ramos <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:33 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Soledad Ramos
2609 Cloverfield blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Carman <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:35 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing as a Santa Monica resident and an active participant in the City’s adult soccer program. For many of us, these fields are not just places to exercise — they are where community happens, friendships form, and stress melts away after long workdays. Because of that firsthand experience, I urge you to support a flexible and realistic approach to our city’s sports field surfaces.

Santa Monica is a dense city with limited recreational space, and anyone who regularly plays here understands how competitive field access already is. A “grass-only” mandate or a “no net new turf” policy would make that challenge far worse. From a player’s perspective, synthetic turf is what allows these programs to exist at all.

Many of us are concerned that the current City stance and staff report lean strongly toward eliminating turf without fully weighing these realities. I want to be very clear: reducing or eliminating turf is not a neutral decision. It would mean fewer adult leagues, fewer youth opportunities, fewer high school practices — and ultimately, fewer chances for residents to stay healthy and connected.

I respectfully urge the Council to avoid an overly restrictive policy that limits Santa Monica’s future options.

Preserving the ability to use synthetic turf is the most practical and inclusive way to ensure our city continues to support active lifestyles and strong community ties.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
18 Andrew Carman
Santa Monica Adult Soccer Player/Coach
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Harrison Klann <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:41 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a 3rd generational Santa Monica local, coach, and community member to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Thank you for your time,
Harrison Klann
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: Dana Maloney <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:42 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent, mom of two young kids (7 and 5) who attend PS1 and play soccer with Albion. As a community member, I am expressing my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Dana Maloney
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: Meg Resnikoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 12:46 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

The city faces a crisis with the lack of space for kids and sports (the very thing that is most likely to keep them out of trouble and keep them healthy). I have 3 children (16, 14, 11) who are directly affected by this.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Meg Resnikoff
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Great Park Coalition <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 1:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick
Cc: Tony Lopez; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amelia Feichtner; Amber Richane; Heidi Creighton; Jenny Rogers; Sofia Klatzker; Micah Akerson; Steven Johnson; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum; Sonam Makker Subject: January 27, 2026 Council Meeting - Item 11.C. - Parks and Recreation Vision Plan -

SUPPORT

EXTERNAL

SUPPORT

Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers-

We write to you with our unqualified and enthusiastic support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff's recommended edits in 11.C.k.

All of our city planning documents supported by our community have clearly-articulated overall goal(s). The 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan set forth the goal of bringing the City's park acreage to somewhere in the range of 140-170 total acres over the life of the plan. The City achieved that goal, increasing Santa Monica's total park and open space acres from 113 to a little over 144 with the addition of Historic Belmar Park in 2021.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
23 The PRVP before you likewise should have a target goal, so that we know what we're trying to achieve and can measure our progress 25-30 years from now. Staff is recommending a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 population over the life of the PRVP as that is the commonly accepted minimum planning standard.

We urge you to receive and approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan with many compliments to City Manager Oliver Chi and his Staff. And we again express our own heartfelt kudos to the City's PRVP team, especially Tony, on presenting you with an excellent planning document to guide our City's park planning and expansion efforts for decades to come in a manner that is simultaneously achievable, measurable, and inspirational.

Thank you for your consideration!

Sincerely,

Santa Monica Great Park Coalition Board of Directors
John Fairweather
Zina Josephs
Frank Gruber
Cris Gutierrez
Joe Pertel
Ann Bowman
Patti Braun

==============================
Santa Monica Great Park Coalition
Web: www.GreatParkCoalition.org
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
24 E-mail: [email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: Melanie Rudin <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 1:08 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

At the same time, I respectfully urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type. Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and my three children, James, Arabella, and Kawai, rely on city fields each week for soccer and baseball.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Melanie Rudin
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: Diana Szymanski <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 1:11 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council, City Manager, and City Staff, I am writing as a Santa Monica resident, park patron, and parent to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

I have (3) children who all play field sports all over the City of Santa Monica, and depend on field and park space for their activities.

I urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type. Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and thousands of children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
27 David Yakobson
From: David Swift <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 1:30 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (Keep Turf Fields)

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica resident, parent, and player in the santa monica adult soccer leagues to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
David W. Swift
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
28 David Yakobson
From: Brent Stangel <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 1:50 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely
Brent Stangel
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
29 David Yakobson
From: The Zim Twins <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 1:57 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Caterina Mercante, mother of twin youth athletes
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
30 David Yakobson
From: Koren Bertolli <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 2:12 PM
To: Jesse Zwick; Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Noe Mendoza; Eric Johnson; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: 11.c Parks and Recreation Vision Plan !!URGENT!!

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent, business owner, and community member to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces.

A reduction in playable field access would directly impact youth participation, after-school and weekend programming, equity of access for community-based organizations, and the City’s ability to meet current and future recreational demand. Please don’t miss the forest for the trees on this issue—it is crucial that we do everything in our power to create places for kids to play outside, form bonds “IRL” with teammates and coaches, and experience real time interaction. I suspect many of you are also parents of kids in team sports or have them in your lives.

I myself am a musician avocationally, so my son’s commitment to soccer (specifically in his case) has introduced me to a new world. He has made excellent friends, learned what it means to be part of a team, experienced camaraderie through wins, losses and team effort, and grown to truly love a sport and everything around it. It has also required our family to be extremely flexible to get him to and from practice which varies in terms of time and location based on limited supply and high demand. Let’s get behind creating as much space for this magic to happen as possible! Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
31 Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Koren Bertolli
Koren Bertolli
Chief Administrative Officer
[email protected] | sonosim.com
O: (323) 473-3800 | M: (310) 343-8611 | F: (424) 652-2270 To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

The Easiest Way to Learn & Teach Ultrasonography®
606 Venice Blvd. #B1100 | Venice, CA 90291 | Main: (323) 473-3800 To help protect your priv acy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
32 David Yakobson
From: sarah aldrich <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 2:20 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Sarah Aldrich
Sarah Aldrich
[email protected]
310-999-1258
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
33 David Yakobson
From: Robert Montes <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 2:28 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems; [email protected]; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum; Sonam Makker
Subject: Item 11.c Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
I write to you as a father, and former AYSO Soccer Coach and Referee, regarding your upcoming discussion regarding the cost/benefits of synthetic fields and grass fields. My daughter (formerly) and son (actively) engage in sports (baseball/soccer) which utilize many of the Santa Monica field spaces. Having kids involved for over the past 15 years has given my insight into the injuries attributable to both types of fields. Without question from a safety perspective synthetic fields have caused less injury to my children (abrasions/bruises). The grass fields utilized at Los Amigos/Marine Park/Cloverfield have caused a multitude of sprained ankles and knees to both of my children; however, those injuries are insignificant when compared to the potholes at the grass fields which have caused knee dislocation (daughter), and broken wrist (son). It is because of these injuries/medical costs that I urge the City to consider using synthetic fields rather than natural grass.

Besides the safety issues, a simply google search reveals that advantages of synthetic turf over grass include the following:
 Increased Playability and Durability
 All-Weather Performance
 Drastically Lower Maintenance
 Consistency and Safety
 Water Conservation.
 Long-Term Cost Savings.

Finally, I urge you to read the article Sports Field Management Maintaining Safe Sports Fields by Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. See also:
https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/good-growing/2024-03-22-exploring-pros-and-cons-synthetic-andnatural-athletic-turf --
Best Regards,
Robert Montes, Jr.
310.420.7556
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
34 David Yakobson
From: Kirby Brent <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 3:16 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Kirby Coleman
Parent to Amelia Brent, 8 years old (and loves playing soccer on your pitches in Santa Monica) Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
35 David Yakobson
From: Ari Friedman <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 3:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: ITEM 11C – KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Mayor and Councilmembers,
It is a strange situation to be where we can see the benefits turf fields bring to a community at large, but to still see opponents demanding a return to grass fields. One needs only to look at examples throughout the county to see the pitfalls of a grass only surface. Balboa Soccer Fields in Encino, or Silver Lake Sports park are prime examples, of not only the variability in condition a grass only field presents, in not only the uneven and poor condition of the surface, but also the maintenance, infrastructure, loss of aesthetics, and long term financial commitment of maintaining grass. On top of this, the tension that grass fields present is that maintenance of a grass field is inversely related to use and availability; something that presents an inherent challenge for a community-civic based proposed use. I submit that a city's best use for public space is not to a have a space that affords limited hours of use and high maintenance costs, but rather one that offers use across seasons and days for a wide variety of people. I doubt there is much credible argument that favors the installation of grass fields in 2025 over a turf counterpart for these reasons. Rather it seems the argument against turf turns more on the belief that turf fields pose a hazard to users in a way that grass fields do not.

I have dedicated my career for the past 20 years to litigating against toxic chemical exposures, and take the issue of environmental exposures, especially when children are involved, very seriously. It might be tempting to hear about hazardous chemical exposure buzzwords like VOC, PFAS, or Heavy Metals and automatically believe there is danger. I speak from experience, this is not how risk is determined. It is not the presence of these substances that poses a risk, but the levels at which they occur. When we look to studies, public health research, and government and academic reviews, it is clear that artificial fields are safe for use, and do not pose a known health risk greater than that associated with natural grass fields. It is true that these surfaces contain chemicals that can be hazardous in other circumstances; they are not hazardous in this context. In my line of work, some companies love to say things like "Even drinking too much water can kill you" to explain how it's the dose, or amount of a substance that poses a risk, not the presence of it. The real-world exposure experienced by people and children during normal turf field use are low and have not been linked to an increase rate of cancer or chronic diseases. As you are probably aware from the same debate you had re: Franklin Elementary, there is ongoing research to evaluate the impact of long term exposure of turf fields. However, at present the scientific consensus is that artificial turf fields present a low health risk comparable to traditional grass fields when properly maintained and used as intended.

In the absence of scientific studies or public agency findings, this council should choose the community's best interest over the phantom of perceived problems raised by the recital of hazardous substance buzzwords. Please keep the city's sports facilities turf, and allow their continued use by a the community at large.

Thank you
Ari
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
36 Ari Friedman
Partner
(310) 207-3233
wisnerbaum.com
11111 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 1750
Los Angeles, CA 90025

CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE -- This electronic mail message may contain confidential information belonging to the sender which is protected by the attorney-client and/or work product privilege. The information is intended only for the use of the individual(s) or entity(ies) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are notified that any disclosure, copying, distribution, or the taking of any action in reliance on the contents of this information is strictly prohibited. If you have received this transmission in error, please purge the received information from your system and immediately notify the sender by telephone and by return e-mail. Thank you. IRS DISCLAIMER:

Communications from our firm may contain or incorporate federal tax advice. Under recently promulgated US Internal Revenue Service standards (Circular 230), we are required to inform you that only formal, written tax opinions meeting the requirements of Circular 230 may be relied upon by taxpayers for the purpose of avoiding tax-related penalties. Accordingly, this communication is not intended or written to be used, and it cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding tax-related penalties under the Internal Revenue Code.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
37 David Yakobson
From: Walter Delph <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 3:36 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Given Santa Monica’s limited space and exceptionally high demand, synthetic turf fields are essential to achieving the goals of the Parks & Recreation Plan. Turf fields allow for consistent playability, significantly greater usage, and fewer weather- and maintenancerelated closures. Without them, available field hours would be dramatically reduced. My daughters (Madison, age 13, and Georiga, age 10) play club soccer weekly on your fields and we are so grateful to have access to field space, grass and turf fields in Santa Monica.

A reduction in playable field access would directly impact our participation, after-school and weekend programming, equity of access for community-based organizations, and the City’s ability to meet current and future recreational demand.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
--
Walter Delph
President, Delph Enterprises
M: +1(917) 415-6972
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
38 David Yakobson
From: Lauren Lundy <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 3:54 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Our daughter has been playing soccer at these fields for years and it’s incredibly important to her club team as well as her enjoyment for the game.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Lauren & Brad Lundy
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
39 David Yakobson
From: Neil Carrey <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 4:13 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Amber Richane; Tony Lopez; Peter James; Christopher Dishlip Subject: Agenda Item 11C: Support for Adoption of the Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and CouncilmembersHaving served more than 12 years on the Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission, Chaired for more than 10 years the SMMUSD Sports and Physical Education Advisory Committee and Coached Youth Sports for more than 15 years. from firsthand experience, I know how for many years the City was substantially below the amount of park space it should have based on the number of residents, as well as the shortage of playing fields. I, therefore, write to you with my unqualified and enthusiastic support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP), including Staff's recommended edits in 11.C.k.

All of our city planning documents have clearly-articulated overall goal(s). The 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan set forth the goal of bringing the City's park acreage to somewhere in the range of 140-170 total acres over the life of the plan. The City achieved that goal, increasing Santa Monica's total park and open space acres from 113 to a little over 144 with the addition of Historic Belmar Park in 2021.

The PRVP before you likewise should have a target goal, so that we know what we're trying to achieve and can measure our progress 25-30 years from now. Staff is recommending a goal of 5 acres per 1,000 population over the life of the PRVP as that is the commonly accepted minimum planning standard.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
40 We urge you to receive and approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan with many compliments to City Manager Oliver Chi and his Staff. And we again express our own heartfelt kudos to the City's PRVP team, especially Tony, on presenting you with an excellent planning document to guide our City's park planning and expansion efforts for decades to come in a manner that is simultaneously achievable, measurable, and inspirational.

Thank you for listening!
Sincerely,
Neil Carrey
Email: [email protected]
(c) 310-200-5067
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
41 David Yakobson
From: Ian Konowitch <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 5:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: Sonam Makker; Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane; [email protected]; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum
Subject: Re: Item 11.c Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, City Manager Chi, and Recreation & Parks Commission, I am writing to urge you to keep our current turf fields rather than converting them to grass. As a parent of a 9-year-old who plays club soccer, I have seen firsthand the problems with grass fields. My son has played on grass fields outside of Santa Monica that were dangerous, with holes throughout, dead grass that turned to dirt, and muddy conditions every morning. These fields were unsafe and unpleasant for the kids.

My son loves playing on Santa Monica's turf fields and is always excited for practice. Please don't take away the safe, reliable fields our children depend on. The thought of going back to those terrible, torn-up grass fields would be devastating for him and so many other young athletes in our community.

Sincerely,
Ian Konowitch
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
42 David Yakobson
From: David Christiansen <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 5:38 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane; Chair Steven Johnson; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum; Sonam Makker
Subject: Re: Item 11.c Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Good Evening -
Like many of you, we would appreciate natural grass fields. However, grass fields cannot support year-round play under heavy use and rain damage, often requiring months-long closures for recovery. This significantly limits field availability and reduces opportunities for our children to play and practice.

Turf fields provide a practical solution by allowing for consistent, year-round use and creating more reliable space for all youth organizations to share. Most importantly, it ensures our athletes do not lose valuable playing time due to weather-related closures.

As a resident of Santa Monica and parents of youth athletes, I am writing to formally express my support for the installation of turf fields over grass fields for community use. Modern, high-quality athletic surfaces are essential for ensuring year-round access and inclusion for our city's youth, regardless of weather conditions.

Thank you for your leadership on this issue.

Best regards,
David Christiansen
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
43 David Yakobson
From: Westin O <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 5:40 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan - O'Dowd

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent and community member to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces. My sons Jude and Wells O'Dowd play on Santa Monica fields for soccer, lacrosse and baseball, and field availability has always been a challenge, so reducing field access would be very unfortunate - we are in desperate need for more turf fields in the community! At the same time, I respectfully urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type. Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and thousands of children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Westin O'Dowd
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
44 David Yakobson
From: Ryan O'Dowd <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 5:56 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing as a Santa Monica parent and community member to express my support for the City’s Parks & Recreation Vision Plan and its goal of improving and sustaining our shared recreational spaces. I am also the President of BBC Studios and Executive Producer of Dancing with the Stars. I love our community, and my two boys, Jude and Wells O'Dowd, play on Santa Monica fields for soccer, lacrosse and baseball, and field availability has always been a challenge, so reducing field access would be very unfortunate - we are in desperate need for more turf fields in the community!
At the same time, I respectfully urge the City to ensure that the adopted plan maintains and protects adequate playable field access for youth sports programs, regardless of field type. Santa Monica already faces a significant shortage of playable field hours, and thousands of children rely on city fields each week for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse, flag football, and other sports.

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Ryan O'Dowd
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
45 David Yakobson
From: Jerry Clifford <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 7:03 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C- KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I am writing to urge your support for a flexible and realistic approach to sports field surfaces in Santa Monica. As you consider future policy, it is critical that the City avoid locking itself into a “grass-only” mandate or a “no net new turf” position. Given our city’s high density and intense competition for limited recreational space, we must prioritize field surfaces that maximize both usability and safety for our residents.

From an operational standpoint, synthetic turf provides substantially more playable hours than natural grass. In a community where field access is already constrained, turf is essential to meeting the needs of our youth and adult sports leagues. Unlike grass fields, which require lengthy rest periods and are often unusable after rain, turf fields remain durable, consistent, and available year-round.

In addition, properly maintained synthetic turf offers a more even and reliable playing surface, which is often safer than grass fields that can become uneven or patchy under heavy municipal use. Many community members are concerned that the current City stance and staff report place disproportionate emphasis on eliminating turf without fully accounting for these practical benefits. We should be clear:
reducing or eliminating turf will directly result in the cancellation of programs.

Restricting the use of synthetic turf would have immediate and significant consequences, including reductions in adult leagues, high school athletics, and youth sports programs. I respectfully urge the Council to avoid overly restrictive decisions that limit future options. Preserving the ability to utilize synthetic turf is the most practical and responsible way to ensure Santa Monica continues to support a healthy, active, and connected community.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
Geramiah Clifford
Lifetime Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
46 David Yakobson
From: Jerry Clifford <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 7:06 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11C- KEEP THE TURF FIELDS

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council members,
I am writing on behalf of the Santa Monica soccer community. For many residents, our fields are far more than places to exercise — they are where community is built, friendships form, and people of all ages come together to stay active and connected. With that in mind, we respectfully urge your support for a flexible and realistic approach to the City’s sports field surfaces.

Santa Monica is a dense city with limited recreational space, and anyone involved in local soccer understands how competitive field access already is. A “grass-only” mandate or a “no net new turf” policy would significantly worsen this challenge. Synthetic turf is essential to sustaining youth, adult, and high school programs and ensuring that leagues can continue to operate reliably.

Turf fields provide substantially more playable hours than natural grass. They remain durable and usable year-round, including after rain, allowing programs to run consistently without frequent cancellations. This reliability is critical to maintaining schedules, participation levels, and access for the many residents who depend on these fields.

Safety is also a key consideration. Properly maintained synthetic turf offers a consistent and even playing surface, while heavily used grass fields often become worn, uneven, and unpredictable over time, increasing the risk of injury. For participants of all ages, surface consistency matters and contributes directly to a safer playing experience.

Many in our community are concerned that the current City stance and staff report lean heavily toward eliminating turf without fully weighing these operational and safety realities. A reduction in turf would mean fewer leagues, fewer youth opportunities, fewer high school practices, and ultimately fewer ways for residents to remain active and engaged.

We respectfully urge the Council to avoid an overly restrictive policy that limits Santa Monica’s future options. Preserving the ability to utilize synthetic turf is the most practical and inclusive way to support active lifestyles, equitable access, and strong community connections.

Thank you for your time and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Thomas Clifford
Lifetime Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
47 David Yakobson
From: Kate Linstrom <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 5:32 AM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Kate Linstrom Geesman
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
48 David Yakobson
From: Michelle <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 10:25 AM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems; Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Michelle Bergren
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
49 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Wilder
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 10:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Oliver Chi; Rick Valte; Peter James; Tony Lopez; Amber Richane; Christopher Dishlip
Subject: Item 11.C - 2025 PRVP - SUPPORT 5 acres per 1,000 residents Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
I write to express unqualified and enthusiastic support for the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan, including Staff’s recommended edits in Item 11.C.k.

In September 2025, the Airport Commission voted to support the PRVP and recommended a goal of 5.0 park acres per 1,000 residents, excluding beach acreage. In doing so, the Commission recognized that the City’s efforts to increase housing must be matched by a commensurate increase in parks and open space.

The Commission further noted that without additional park acreage, Santa Monica’s current average of approximately 1.5 acres per 1,000 residents will decline as population grows—potentially shifting the City’s park-need classification to "high." Public comment before the Commission strongly supported a 5- acre target, which the Commission determined to be a reasonable and achievable goal.

We respectfully urge you to receive and approve the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan. I commend City Manager Oliver Chi and his staff for their leadership, and would also extend my sincere appreciation to the PRVP team - especially Tony Lopez - for producing an excellent planning document that will guide Santa Monica’s park planning and expansion efforts for decades to come in a manner that is achievable, measurable, and inspiring.

Thank you very much!
Sincerely,
Andrew Wilder, Vice-Chair
Santa Monica Airport Commission
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
50 David Yakobson
From: Eric schwart <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Item 11.c Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
My son plays soccer for autobahn and we should have turf fields. They are so much easier to maintain and are always ready to go
Eric schwartz
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
51 David Yakobson
From: Steve Marmalstein <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 12:21 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Steve Marmalstein
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
52 David Yakobson
From: Suzanne Hunt <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 9:12 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Suzanne Hunt
Santa Monica Resident, Parent, and Community Member
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
53 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 10:02 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Oliver Chi; Tony Lopez; Amber Richane; Peter James; Christopher Dishlip; councilmtgitems
Cc: Nicole Faries; Casper Caparian; April Anderson
Subject: Agenda Item 11.C. Draft 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan Attachments: Jan 27 Item 11.C SMMPTA Letter.pdf

EXTERNAL
Please find attached a letter from SMMPTA Council regarding Item 11.C. for the public record.

Thank you.

Santa Monica-Malibu Council of PTAs
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
January 25, 2026
Re: January 27, 2026 - City Council Meeting - Agenda Item 11.C. 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
The Santa Monica–Malibu PTA Council reaffirms its prior positions in staunch support of the Great Park Coalition and Measure LC, and public policy goals to dramatically expand parks, open space, and safe places for outdoor play in our city. As the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan is considered, we support the City’s continued focus on expanding and improving parks and open space.

The mission of both National PTA and California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families by promoting environments that support their health, safety, and wellbeing. Access to safe outdoor spaces for play, physical activity, and connection with nature is a core component of healthy child development.

This need is especially acute in Santa Monica, where approximately 75 percent of residents live in multi-family housing, and many children lack access to private yards or safe outdoor space at home. Measured against regional averages and widely accepted parkland standards, Santa Monica has far less parkland per resident than comparable communities, making public parks and open space essential infrastructure for children and families.

Expanding equitable access to parks and open space helps ensure that all children, regardless of neighborhood, housing type, or family income, have the opportunity to play, be active, and thrive.

For these reasons, the PTA Council supports efforts to increase parkland, open space, and safe play opportunities that advance the health and well-being of Santa Monica’s children and families.Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Nicole Faries, President
Patti Braun, Vice President Organization
April Anderson, Vice President, Health and Safety
Casper Casparian, Legislative Advocacy Chair
Santa Monica–Malibu Council of PTAs
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
54 David Yakobson
From: Amanda Carey <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 1:42 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

EXTERNAL
Hi Mayor and Councilmembers,
I’m a Santa Monica parent of three kids, all of whom play soccer. While grass fields sound ideal, frequent closures due to rain and wear mean canceled practices and lost opportunities for kids to play.

Turf fields provide reliable, year-round access and help ensure our children can stay active and engaged. Please prioritize solutions that maximize field availability for Santa Monica families.

Thank you,
Amanda Carey
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
55 David Yakobson
From: Blake Carey <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 1:42 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Blake Carey
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
56 David Yakobson
From: Guthrie Paterson <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 6:42 PM
To: Oliver Chi; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; councilmtgitems
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Tony Lopez; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Christopher Dishlip; Peter James; Amber Richane Subject: Item 11.c – Parks and Recreation Vision Plan

Synthetic turf should be viewed as a necessary tool that allows the Parks & Recreation vision to succeed while serving the needs of the entire community.

Thank you for your leadership, consideration, and continued commitment to Santa Monica’s families and youth.

Sincerely,
Guthrie Paterson
+1-310-409-3001
[email protected]
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
57 David Yakobson
From: Karen Melick
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 3:23 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Agenda item 11 c Building Our Community's Aquatic Future: A Vision for the Airport Site
From: Michael Flaherty <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 1:51 AM
To: Caroline Torosis <[email protected]>; Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Dan Hall <[email protected]>; Ellis Raskin <[email protected]>; Barry Snell <[email protected]>; Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>
Cc: Joelle Simmons <[email protected]>; Karen Melick <[email protected]>; Noe Mendoza <[email protected]>; [email protected] <[email protected]> Subject: Building Our Community's Aquatic Future: A Vision for the Airport Site

EXTERNAL
Building Our Community's Aquatic Future: A Vision for the Airport Site To: City Council
From: The Santa Monica Aquatics Advisory Committee
Our Shared Vision
As representatives of Santa Monica's vibrant aquatics community—including swimmers of all ages, competitive teams, adaptive programs, and institutional partners—we're excited to advocate for including a new aquatics facility in the preferred airport land use scenario.

Our diverse coalition includes:
 Youth swim teams: Team Santa Monica (TSM) and H2O Swimming  Adult programs: Southern California Aquatics (SCAQ)
 Adaptive programs: Swim With Heart (SWH), One With the Water, and 4 Love of Water  Partners: Santa Monica College (SMC) and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD) The Opportunity Before Us
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
58 Strong Community Support: Throughout Phases 1 and 2 of the airport planning process, an aquatics facility consistently ranked as a top priority—14th overall and 4th among Active Recreation uses, outperforming many amenities already included in all three scenarios. Santa Monica's aquatics continues to attract visitors from greater Los Angeles and beyond.

Proven Demand: Our current Swim Center welcomes 450 daily visitors on average, surging to nearly 1,000 during peak summer months. Last season alone, over 5,000 children participated in swim lessons and water safety programs—with registration filling within minutes of opening. Santa Monica Swim Center boasts one of the most diverse aquatic programs in the nation.

Historical Foundation: This vision builds on decades of thoughtful planning, from the original Great Park concept in the early 20th century to the City's 1997 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which explicitly recommends developing a recreational pool in a park setting.

The Economic Case for Investment
Proven Regional Success: Communities throughout California have demonstrated the significant economic impact of world-class aquatic facilities. The Rose Bowl Aquatic Center has consistently turned a profit since 1990, while Irvine recently invested in expanding their William Woollett Jr. Aquatics Center with a third 50- meter pool and 4,000-seat capacity. Mission Viejo's Marguerite Aquatics Center renovation supports one of the nation's most successful swim clubs, and Mt. San Antonio College's new $8.7 million facility is considered the premier events venue in the western United States.

Comprehensive Economic Impact Needed: We respectfully request that the City commission a comprehensive economic impact analysis examining both direct benefits to Santa Monica residents and broader economic benefits to the business community. This analysis should evaluate:
 Revenue generation from facility operations and events  Hotel occupancy and tourism impact from regional/national competitions  Local business revenue from visiting teams, families, and spectators  Sales tax generation and long-term economic multiplier effects  Job creation and ongoing employment opportunities
 Potential growth opportunities for strategic partners (SMC, SMMUSD) National Model: Facilities like the Greensboro Aquatic Center demonstrate exceptional economic integration—their $8.3 million expansion was funded entirely through hotel occupancy revenues, proving that aquatic facilities can generate substantial economic returns that extend far beyond the facility itself.

The Benefits We'll Create Together
Community Health & Safety: Our beachside community has a long aquatic tradition. Expanding swim education addresses a critical safety need while serving everyone from infants to seniors through recreational and competitive programming.

Economic Vitality: A state-of-the-art aquatics complex will attract regional and national events, bringing visitors who support local restaurants, hotels, and shops. The National Artistic Swimming Team has already expressed interest in basing operations here, and LA28 has identified training opportunities. The venue will attract premier programming and events that generate significant economic activity.

Inclusive Access: A park-based facility will provide the welcoming, family-friendly environment our community deserves—complementing rather than competing with our existing Swim Center.

Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
59 Expanded Programming: Additional capacity means more opportunities for youth development, adult fitness, senior wellness, and adaptive programs that currently face waiting lists and increasing demand.

Building a Coalition for the Future
We're eager to collaborate with the City on innovative funding models and public-private partnerships that can make this vision a reality and ensure sustainable financial success. The economic analysis we're requesting will provide the data-driven foundation needed to structure these partnerships effectively.

By including an aquatics facility in the preferred scenario and CEQA analysis, and by commissioning the comprehensive economic impact study, we take essential next steps toward fulfilling decades of community planning and investment.

The time is now to create the accessible, inclusive aquatic destination Santa Monica has long envisioned—a facility that will serve our community for generations to come while generating significant economic benefits for our entire city!
Thank you for your partnership in building our shared future.

Sincerely,
The Santa Monica Aquatics Advisory Committee
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Thank you for your support.

GO SHARKS!
Mikey Flaherty
www.swimwithheart.org
310-625-2974
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
60 David Yakobson
From: Jerry Rubin <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 8:45 AM
To: [email protected]
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.C on City Council January 27 meeting. 💚

EXTERNAL
Fear Mayor and Council Members,
곒곓곔곕뱑뱍뱎뱏뱒뇪뇫뱐We certainly need much more park space. Please support the vision fully and enthusiastically. Team up with Mother Nature! Onward! TOGETHER!
Thank you again…TREE-MENDOUSLY!
Jerry Rubin
310-399-1000
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026
Item 11-C
January 27, 2026

Santa Monica City CouncilJanuary 27, 2026

Santa Monica City Council
January 27, 2026