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

1 David Yakobson
From: Joan Moschovakis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:27 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Subject: Council Agenda Item 11D(Jan27,2026)Support Natural Grass at Memorial & Adopt 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.

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,
Joan Moschovakis
721 24th Street
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Joan Moschovakis <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 1:27 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Subject: Council Agenda Item 11D(Jan27,2026)Support Natural Grass at Memorial & Adopt a "No New Turf" Policy

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely,
Joan Moschovakis
721 24th Street
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January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Jordan Levinson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 10:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
Thank you for your work on improving Santa Monica’s parks and recreation facilities. I support the Memorial Park Redesign and appreciate the City’s long-term vision.

I’m writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that the City Council ensures pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction. Memorial Park is currently the only public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a huge number of people. This community at Memorial has changed my life - it has positive impacts on my mental and physical health, and has created intergenerational friendships that are so important in fostering community.

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Jordan Levinson
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January 27, 2026
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1 David Yakobson
From: Flo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Preserving Our Pickleball Community During the Court Closures

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I’m writing to express my deep concern about the planned closure of the pickleball courts for at least two years, without any temporary replacement options proposed.

As a Santa Monica property owner and long-time member of the pickleball community, I’ve spent the past six years playing regularly on these courts and experiencing firsthand how much they mean to so many people. What began as a sport has become a cornerstone of my daily life and a vital source of connection, health, and community. The courts are not just lines on asphalt. They are a gathering place where people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities come together.

During especially difficult moments, including the recent fires in Pacific Palisades, the pickleball courts became a place of grounding and support. They offered a sense of normalcy, human connection, and emotional relief at a time when many of us needed it most. This community did not form by accident; it has grown organically over years of shared time, effort, and care.

From a health perspective, pickleball is my primary form of exercise. I play at least five times a week, and for many players — especially older adults — it is their main source of cardio, mobility, and social interaction. The sudden loss of the courts without alternatives will have a real and immediate impact on both physical and mental well-being.

Equally important are the friendships that have formed over time. Long-standing relationships, daily routines, and informal support systems will be abruptly dissolved if no replacement is offered. Without a temporary solution, many players will be left without a place to go, fragmenting a community that has taken years to build.

I fully understand and respect the need for long-term planning and improvements. However, a twoyear closure without any replacement courts feels unnecessarily disruptive when temporary solutions could preserve access, continuity, and community. Other cities have successfully implemented temporary or shared-use courts during transitions, and I strongly encourage Santa Monica to explore similar options.

I urge the City Council to consider the human impact of this closure and to work with the pickleball community to identify temporary replacement courts so that this vibrant, inclusive, and healthy community can continue to thrive.

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

Kind regards,
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2 Florence Foote
Santa Monica Property Owner and Pickleball Player
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1 David Yakobson
From: ROBYN SYMON <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:05 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: PIckleball courts AGENDA ITEM 111.D
Importance: High

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
Memorial Park has a very large pickleball community with more than 7000 members. This is not just a place to play pickleball but it has become a true community with strong bonds.

I urge you to require temporary replacement pickleball courts during the long 18 -24 months of reconstruction.

Thank you!
Robyn Symon
Santa Monica Resident
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January 27, 2026
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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

Sincerely,
Yvonne Kawano, Sunset Park
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January 27, 2026
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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 11D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy & Annex SMMUSD Property

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.

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? Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Santa Monica Resident and Voter
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1 David Yakobson
From: Ralph Mechur <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: agenda item 11D

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Councilmembers,
I'm writing in support of the Memorial Park plan as proposed, including the installation of natural grass on the fields, if there is a strong commitment to maintain and manage them as needed to be safe.

Unfortunately grass fields in Santa Monica have generally not been properly maintained or managed and become a mix of dirt and tufts of grass and often full of divots and gopher holes, which leads to serious accidents resulting in sprain, broken bones and an inability to control balls.

Please ensure that a first-class maintenance and control of use program is part of the future of the park.

Additionally, please ask staff to review and report back on the use of artificial turf in other locations of the City. Many homeowners and apartment properties are installing artificial turf. If using the most environmentally positive turf is not acceptable in our public spaces, should what is typically lesser quality product be installed anywhere in Santa Monica. Most property drains to the streets and to our Ocean. Our pets ingest debris from turf installed on yards and parkways (which are public property).

Sincerely,
--
Ralph Mechur
1109 Centinela Ave.

Santa Monica, CA 90403
m: 310-721-1254
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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

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
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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.

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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
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1 David Yakobson
From: Cynthia Rose <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 11:31 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Caroline Torosis
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Support Agenda Item 11D: Natural Grass at Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project with a "No New Turf" Policy
Attachments: 2026-01 Agenda Items 11C and 11D_CC SaMoSSA.pdf

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council:

Please find attached our letter in support the City of Santa Monica’s 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.)
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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
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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
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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
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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-D
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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-D
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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-D
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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.

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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-D
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Item 11-D
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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-D
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Item 11-D
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1 David Yakobson
From: dario seastedt <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Pickleball Courts

EXTERNAL
Hello,
Please do not close the pickleball courts without any replacements.

Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-D
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Item 11-D
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2 David Yakobson
From: Santa Monica Forward <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:26 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Council Mailbox
Cc: [email protected]; Bradley Ewing; [email protected] Subject: Agenda Item 11-D, Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project Needs to Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A “No New Turf” Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and City Council Members:

Santa Monica Forward supports the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project that designates Fields 1-4 as natural grass. However, in accordance with those fields as designated, it is important to put into place a city-wide policy that prohibits any new synthetic turf installations. Over the last year, residents have been helping City leaders to understand why their choice of natural grass is the preferred choice especially in Santa Monica where being a national and an international sustainability leader has been meaningful for more than thirty years.

We urge the Council to adopt the full Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment recommendation of November 17, 2025: 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.

Saying we need artificial turf for access is a false choice. We don’t have to choose between access and grass. New grasses and new maintenance methods can give us durable, hardy, water-smart fields.

Let’s choose healthy access to sports fields for our community.

We urge you to approve the Memorial Park Project incorporating the recommendation of the Sustainability Commission.

Thank you,
Sam Shapiro-Kline and Brad Ewing
Co-Chairs, Santa Monica Forward
--
We are working for a diverse, progressive, sustainable and equitable Santa Monica.

SantaMonicaForward.org
Item 11-D
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3 David Yakobson
From: Alex Lee <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 9:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Request for replacement temporary pickleball courts- Agenda Item 11.D

EXTERNAL
Dear Sir or Madam:

I kindly request that you make available temporary replacement pickleball courts if you are going to go ahead with your plans to reconstruct the Memorial Park courts. I have been playing pickleball there for many years and will need a place to continue playing while this project finalizes. Agenda Item1 1.D Thank you for your consideration of this matter.

Alex H. Lee
CFO
Collective Concepts

TJS LLC
Multi Strategy Digital

The information contained in this transmission is confidential and intended only for the use of the individual or entity to whom it is addressed. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any use, dissemination, distribution or copying this communication is strictly prohibited. If you have received this communication in error, please immediately notify us by return email or by telephone at 213.760.3113
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Carol Dickinson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUPPORT NATURAL GRASS AT MEMORIAL AND ADOPT A "NO NEW TURF POLICY

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
Thank you for choosing natural grass for Memorial Park. Please support a policy of no new taxpayer spending on fake grass. When turf fields need to be replaced, please replace them with natural grass. This is essential for the health of our children.

Sincerely,
Carol Dickinson
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Item 11-D
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1 David Yakobson
From: Connie O'Neill <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 4:54 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Agenda Item 11D (Jan 27, 2026): Support Natural Grass at Memorial & Adopt a "No New Turf" Policy
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely,
Connie O'Neill, Northeast Neighbors
Item 11-D
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Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Elisabeth Green <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 6:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Gleam Davis; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Kevin McKeown Fwd; [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: I oppose agenda item D, redevelopment of Memorial Park Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
As a Santa Monica renter who has used Memorial Park for years, I oppose the Revised Plan to the City’s Recreation and Parks redevelopment of Memorial Park for the following reasons and make the following demands.

1. Maintain in place all of the old growth pine trees at Memorial Park. The old growth pine trees provide environmental value because of their Paris Agreement Article 6 compliant additional carbon removals.

Require any developer to quantify those Paris Agreement Article 6 compliant additional carbon removals in any environmental impact statement and show how they plan to plant trees to maintain the quantity of carbon removal. The current posted EIR omits all such information. Note the callous disregard for the services provided by the old growth pine trees, including shade, wildlife habitat, carbon removals, and absorbing harmful airborne particles and gaseous pollutants, on page 27. I have seen wild hawks hunting from the old growth pines at Memorial Park. The cruelty of forcing the vulnerable wildlife to locate different habitat is intolerable.

2. Enlarge the existing fenced-in, leash-free dog area. Or, finish fencing in one of the existing baseball fields and leave a gate unlocked for unleashed pets.

3. Maintain all of the buildings where they are. Repurpose them. Every environmental impact statement should quantify the greenhouse gas emissions due to construction and other planned activities. The current posted EIR states that the planned construction will emit more than a ton of poisonous carbon monoxide per week into the air we breathe, on page 32. Carbon monoxide poisons red blood cells, causes fatigue, and stays in the bloodstream. I would rather leave the park the way it is than to breathe carbon monoxide.

4. Any development of Memorial Park should be zero emissions using solar-powered tools. At the very least, the City should hire only those humans who have each offset her own lifetime greenhouse gas emissions.

5. Convert the lumber buildings into parking structures. Removing a row of parking spaces on 16th Street removes parent’s ability to watch their kids play from their cars.

6. Repair the existing electric vehicle charging station. Deliver dozens or hundreds more solar-powered charging stations. Make it a priority to enforce EV charging station parking signs every time any citizen calls in a violation. Accept as evidence photos of the displayed charging time and videos of the actions of unplugging and replugging to reset the timer to evade the automatic fine for exceeding the three hour time limit.

7. Memorial Park needs an outdoor strength training area for adults, perhaps like the one reserved for children where police officers chase away adults who work out there when children are not present.

Consider adding the kind of circuit training equipment that was installed at Reed Park.

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3 8. The City of Santa Monica should either leave public restrooms unlocked at night or open them earlier in the morning. Or, leave plastic bags outside next to trash cans or next to the bathrooms with a sign saying please tie your excrement securely in the plastic bag so that flies don’t transfer bits of your excrement to food within a radius of a mile or however far the local flies travel.

9. No concession stand should be allowed to increase the risk of obesity or incidents of children buying or nagging their parents to buy food. Why do posted signs prohibit leaving food at parks? The City is not building a professional ballpark but only a field to practice professional ball.

10. Put only solar-powered charging stations on top of any parking structure. Putting tennis courts on top of a parking structure will require players to (1) breathe the exhaust fumes of cars in the parking structure, and, (2) take the elevator or stairs to retrieve a lost ball.

Elisabeth Green
1223 Wilshire Blvd #1656
Santa Monica, California 90403
Item 11-D
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4 David Yakobson
From: John Grienenberger <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 7:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Subject Line: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During the redesign of Memorial
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
My family and I have lived in Santa Monica since 2013. We are homeowners and business owners.

My kids grew up in the Santa Monica Public school system. I’m not kidding when I say that Pickle Ball has changed my life. It helped me to lose 30 pounds, make a bunch of new, great friends, and improve a bunch of my old friendships. I also support three businesses in Santa Monica in the Pickleball domain. I’m a member at Pickletown, I used to be a member and still play sometimes at Pickle Pop, and I support the Santa Monica Pickleball Center. These businesses have been important new additions to our city.

Thank you for your work on improving Santa Monica’s parks and recreation facilities. I support the Memorial Park Redesign and appreciate the City’s long-term vision.

I’m writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction.

Memorial Park is currently the only place in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large community.

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
John Grienenberger
_____________________________________________
John Grienenberger, PhD
Executive & Clinical Director
Community West
Youth and Young Adult
Mental Health and Wellbeing
www.communitywesttreatment.com
310-699-6658
[email protected]
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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5 _____________________________________________

CONFIDENTIALITY WARNING: This communication may contain information that is privileged, confidential, or exempt from disclosure under applicable state or federal law. If you are not the intended recipient, any dissemination, distribution, or copying of the communication is strictly prohibited. If you received the communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by replying to this message and deleting the message and any accompanying files from your system.

Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Lynn Bowers <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 8:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item 11.D
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
I am a member of the Santa Monica Pickleball Club and have enjoyed playing Pickleball for over 4 years at Memorial Park. Memorial Park is where I learned to play. Hundreds of people of all ages and skill levels play every day at Memorial Park. Many like me are Santa Monica residents. I am asking that the City Council help the Santa Monica Pickleball Club find courts for club members to have Pickleball Open Play, Round Robins etc. while the renovations at Memorial Park take place beginning in 2027.

Thank you…Lynn Bowers, Santa Monica resident for 27 years Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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7 David Yakobson
From: Nicole R. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 8:55 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Nicole R.

Subject: Item 11.D, please provide pickleball replacement courts during Memorial Park construction
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Please provide pickleball replacement courts for our City residents during the upcoming Memorial Park construction. All players enjoying pickleball and tennis based court activities need to have equal opportunities to continue playing in our City of Santa Monica as I can attest to the enormous boost to mental and physical health that these sports provide.

Sincerely hope the Council can approve and support this request.

Thank you,
Nicole Rostoker
Item 11-D
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8 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; 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-D: Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Plan
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
January 26, 2026

To: Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 1/27/26 agenda item 11-D – Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Plan

The FOSP Board supports the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Plan, especially this part:

"Although fields 1 through 4 were originally proposed to be artificial turf in the master plan, per City Council direction natural grass was explored for the combo fields as well.

An interdepartmental team—including staff members from the Recreation and Arts and Public Works Departments—carefully analyzed the impacts of natural grass and artificial turf sports fields on environmental and human health, player safety, durability and playability, required maintenance, and life-cycle costs. After carefully considering these factors, staff arrived at a policy that proposes:

No new City-owned artificial turf sports fields will be installed in the City of Santa Monica… Therefore, fields 1 through 4 will feature natural grass." You may recall that a couple months ago, you received the letter below:

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9 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 Wednesday, 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.

In solidarity, the Boards of
Friends of Sunset Park
North of Montana Association
Pico Neighborhood Association
Santa Monica Mid City Neighbors
Santa Monica Northeast Neighbors
Wilshire-Montana Neighborhood Coalition
Item 11-D
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Item 11-D
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10 David Yakobson
From: David Kramer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 1/27/2026 Agenda Item 11.D - Please Offer Replacement Pickleball Courts Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
In reference to Agenda Item 11.D for the Tuesday Jan 27th meeting.

I’d like to express the importance of providing replacement/ temporary pickeball courts during the 2027 construction at Memorial Park.

Out of all the outdoor programs the city of Santa Monica offers, pickleball at memorial park is by far the most popular. We want our tax dollars going towards things we can use today as well as in the future. Shutting the courts down with no replacement does not accomplish this.

I have personally made new friends, business contacts and overall improved my personal heath due to the memorial park courts. There are hundreds of people that have made the same meaningful connections and benefit from them every day just like me.

We need our city to see the reality of situations and find solutions to problems just like this. Ignoring the lack of pickleball courts while construction is happening is not finding a solution, it’s ignoring reality.

Please don’t let this incredible community loose its home. There’s no guarantee will come back.

Best,
David Kramer - Resistant and tax payer
Item 11-D
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Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Larisa MS <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:51 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

I’m writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction. Memorial Park is currently the only public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large community.

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Larisa Robedillo
Item 11-D
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Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: John Cyrus Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 3:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Council Mailbox; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; [email protected]; Dan Hall; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]; Mayor Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Oliver Chi; John Cyrus Smith
Subject: Item 11.D. SUPPORT Revised Memorial Park Expansion plan Attachments: MEMORIAL PARK NOW AND FUTURE.PNG
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor, Councilmembers,
--Two weeks ago I spoke at Council and told you that Commissioners and staff had come up with an easy way to shave millions off the cost of the Memorial Park Expansion project and finally get it started, and challenged the Council to act to get the Memorial and Airport Park expansions underway. --Bottom line: By eliminating the proposed one-story structure with ground-level parking and tennis/pickleball courts on top, staff says we can cut about $15-20 million from the price of Memorial's Phase One.
--The Rec and Park Commission's Memorial Park Ad-hoc committee met with staff in December and everyone agreed this was the smartest, best and financially prudent way to push this project forward. --I emphasize this because the staff report our commission saw less than two weeks ago is rather long and somewhat confusing, and it never really mentions this breakthrough until the very end, in option three.

Now some quick points:
--The city strategy has always been to add new baseball fields at Memorial Park, as well as new soccer/football fields as part of the Airport Park Expansion, which Council approved in 2017. --Council approved the Memorial Park Expansion in 2019. Both still exist only on paper. --The 2019 Memorial cost estimate was $30 Million for Phase 1 and 2, which consisted of the parking/courts structure plus TWO combo baseball fields instead of the current one. We were going to pay for it all with $20 million from the 2016 SMC Bond Measure, plus $5 million each from the city and SMMUSD.
--Staff says costs have SOARED several times since then, with the parking/courts structure the most expensive item.
--If we kill the structure and simply slide the courts to the EAST side of the park, we can fund most of Phase One and finally get going, with a little help from grants, the city and the school district, and with little disruption of play.

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13 But let's think bigger...
--We've spent about $2 million of the SMC bond money on design/build plans, so we have $18 million left for Memorial. The district HAS YET to contribute anything, let alone the $5 million they pledged in 2019. --I think SMMUSD can and should do better. IF Council asks the school district to MATCH the $20 million SMC is contributing, we could put $10 million towards Memorial and dedicate the other $10 million to get the long-delayed Airport Park Expansion going. (There are easy ways to save millions on that project design as well.)
--Keep in mind, the city paid for the fields SaMoHi uses at Historic Belmar Park. Shouldn't the district return the favor and help the city pay for new fields all can enjoy? The reason park projects take so long here is because we don't work well enough together. It's time we did. --One final point: If you have questions about anything pertaining to these two park expansions, I can provide honest, short and accurate answers, either at Council or anytime you wish.

Thank you,
John Cyrus Smith,
Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commissioner
[email protected]
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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Item 11-D
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14 David Yakobson
From: Cris Gutierrez <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, January 27, 2026 8:29 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Teague Weybright
Subject: 11 D-- Modified support for Memorial Park Revised Plan: Support Natural Grass at Memorial & A "No New Turf" Policy
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed

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

The Santa Monica Community Gardens Advisory Committee (CGAC) is pleased to support, with a modification, the revised Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project that establishes Fields 1- 4 to be natural grass. At our 9/2/25 meeting, however, the CGAC unanimously passed, by 13 - 0, the following motion: "The Community Gardens Advisory Committee opposes artificial turf in the City of Santa Monica.” The City Council can now modify the revised Memorial Park Project to establish a city-wide policy that prohibits any new synthetic turf installations. Memorial Park has shown that natural grass is the preferred choice for our residents. That should not surprise anyone as natural grass helps nourish our living soil across the city and protect our personal and public health.

In accordance with our 2025 and Parks and Recreation Vision Plan (PRVP) and expanding our park system acreage, it is imperative that the playing fields are grass and not synthetic, artificial turf. Natural grass fields are required for both the safety and health of the children, youth or adults who would use those fields for sports and play and to ensure that the natural ecosystems and Earth’s systems, from watershed to soil, air to climate, are not polluted by microplastics, potential PFAs, other toxins or increased greenhouse gas emissions.

Natural grass in the ecosystem add oxygen, potentially more than trees, and enable carbon sequestration. Artificial turf suffocates life forms in the soil and coexisting natural resources. Artificial turf also creates heat islands exacerbating Item 11-D
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15 climate crisis conditions. In fact, the heat of the turf can be as high as 200º F, causing burns to athletes or others playing. Healthy play needs healthy fields.

It is important to recall that in 2013, the City, after a three-year effort — including years of study and consideration by the original Task Force on the Environment — now the Commission on Sustainability, Environmental Justice and the Environment — along with the Office of Sustainability & Environment, involving consultations with the City Attorney, and engaging community organizing — the City Council voted unanimously to establish the Sustainability Rights Ordinance (SRO) that now heads up our Municipal Code Article 12, which states:
“The City of Santa Monica Sustainability Code is created and exists for the purpose of codifying Santa Monica’s commitment to achieving sustainability by among other things: (a) restoring, protecting and preserving our natural environment and all of its components and communities including, but not limited to, the air, water, soil, and climate upon which all living things depend; (b) creating and promoting sustainable systems of food production and distribution, energy production and distribution, transportation, waste disposal, and water supply; and (c) to the full extent legally possible, subordinating the short-term, private, financial interests of corporations and others to the common, long-term interest of achieving environmental and economic sustainability.”
Installation of artificial turf transgresses the SRO and would violate it. The City’s legal commitment to protect Nature is an obligation to protect our community. Immersion in Nature is healing and beneficial to physical and mental well-being. The synergy of natural ecosystems, habitat health with human physical and cognitive health is evident.

The PRVP attempts to reaffirm the deep and profound ecological consciousness reflected in the SRO, declaring a commitment to a living "City as a Habitat.” The Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project takes much of that into consideration but needs a key modification, which the City Council can champion and solidify tonight.

The Precautionary Principle demands no less. At this time when so much of our ecosystems and personal or public wellbeing are being put at undue risk because of political or corporate challenges, pressures and demands, this Council’s leadership matters deeply. Long-term ecosystem and communal health must prevail as primary concerns. New regenerative practices and hardier variants of natural grass are available, and Santa Monica should lead the way in piloting efforts to incorporate those into maintaining the natural fields. Just as we did with building our City Hall East/Living Building, our City needs to be a sustainability solutions-driven leader and live up to the public's trust.

We urge you to have confidence as you consider the Memorial Park Project and uphold Santa Monica’s SRO and the integrity of being a Sustainable City and advance the recommendation of the Sustainability Commission to move to establish no more artificial turf installations in Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
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)
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16 Item 11-D
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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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
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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-D
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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-D
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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-D
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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.

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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.)
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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-D
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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.

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 Items 11C and 11D and continue advancing these important priorities.

Many thanks,
Elizabeth Van Denburgh
[email protected]
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
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Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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

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.

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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
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Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Martha Bardach <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 3:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Keep Memorial Park GREEN and PLASTIC FREE!

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I urge you to now formalize a commitment to choose natural grass for the improved Memorial Park playing fields. This is the wish of the community!
It is essential to pass a city-wide policy that prohibits all future taxpayer spending on new synthetic turf.

As the community has made clear, we need to keep Santa Monica’s public lands living and plasticfree. In addition of course, we must protect our health, our budget, and our 2013 Sustainability Rights Ordinance.

Sincerely, Martha Bardach, East of Yale, South of Colorado! martha bardach
310/454-2443/h
310/874-3929/c
[email protected]
If you want to change the system…
you have to work hard to elect the people who run it!
놾놿뇀뇁뇂뇃
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Sarah Mourra <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Concerns

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely,
Sarah Mourra MD (sunset park)
2260 26th street Santa Monica
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Glenn Man <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 3:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Memorial Park Pickleball courts

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica Council members,
I’m writing on behalf of the pickleball community in Santa Monica. We strongly recommend establishing a plan for replacement pickleball courts in the event that the current Memorial Park courts are closed for renovations or new construction. Our community has grown significantly, and we rely on accessible public park space to support this rapidly expanding sportSimilar to the courts at John Adams Middle School, which include tennis courts with pickleball striping, we respectfully request that the City consider adding pickleball court options across additional Santa Monica public schools and parks.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best Regards
Glenn Man SM Resident
1707 Centinela Ave SM CA 90404
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Antony Lewis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 3:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Memorial Park Grass

Sincerely,
Antony Lewis, 90405
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Steven Johnson
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 1:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi
Cc: Jenny Rogers; Micah Akerson; Eric Johnson; Noe Mendoza; Christopher Dishlip; Amelia Feichtner; Linda Cogswell; Amber Richane; Peter James; Tony Lopez; Federico Bianchi; ASA; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; John Smith; Barry Rosenbaum; Sonam Makker; Shannon Parry
Subject: Item 11d - Memorial Park Expansion Plan
Attachments: RPC Letter - 11d Memorial Park Expansion.pdf; RPC Letter - 11d Memorial Park Expansion.pdf
Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, Esteemed Councilmembers, Please find attached the Recreation & Parks Commission letter in support of Item 11d, the Memorial Park Expansion Plan, agendized for presentation tomorrow night at Council.

You’ll learn that the estimates have exploded for the previously proposed design, but that there is a straightforward staff option included in this presentation that reduces cost, limits disruption and accelerates the timeline over previous proposals.

The Recreation and Parks Commission hope that you will approve Option 3 with the following key directives:
 Remove the parking structure with elevated courts entirely from the project  Shift final surface level tennis/pickleball courts east  Preserve surface parking as outlined in the current design, but simply without the structure  Ask for a new phased approach that will reduce downtime for current baseball, softball and court sports programming
We also want to share our deep appreciation for senior project manager Linda Cogswell and the support of both Public Works and Recreation staff for diligently moving this now ten-years-old project substantially forward these past two years.

Thank you.

Steven Johnson
Chair, Recreation & Parks Commission
City of Santa Monica
(310) 429-0475

Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
2 Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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.d Memorial Park Expansion Project
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Esteemed Councilmembers, On Tuesday, you'll be getting the latest updates for the Revised Plan for Phases 1 and 2 of the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project.

Begun in earnest in 2016, with multiple robust community engagement meetings through 2018, the expansion project sputtered for years, backburnered by the one-two punch of the pandemic, and the City’s financial challenges. An encouraging restart was begun following City Council’s August 2024 approval to move forward with design.

You’ll learn in Tuesday’s presentation that the working plan in place for the past ten years has been priced out of reach for even a modest Phase 1 implementation.

At the conclusion of the presentation, you’ll be offered some options. You’ll learn that the parking structure with courts on top explode the cost, while actually reducing parking and accessibility.

Staff's presentation will give you the full history and context of how we got to where we are today.

The Recreation and Parks Commission hope that you will approve Option 3 with the following key directives:
• Remove the parking structure with elevated courts entirely from the project • Shift final surface level tennis/pickleball courts east • Preserve surface parking as outlined in the current design, but simply without the structure • Ask for a new phased approach that will reduce downtime for current baseball, softball and court sports programming
Under the currently proposed staff policy, these existing baseball and softball fields, currently grass and dirt, will remain natural playing surfaces, especially if we win grants to install our SWIP and integrate the park into our run-off recycling network.

Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1685 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401 • (310) 458-8411 • [email protected] santamonica.gov • @cityofsantamonica • @santamonicacity It’s important to note that City-sponsored pickleball finds its home at Memorial Park due to this location being set apart from most residences. Other tennis courts that could be adapted for pickleball play, including Douglas, Marine, Reed and Ocean View, are too close to homes given the higher decibel levels of the popular sport.

In a phased approach that prioritizes keeping pickleball up and running at Memorial, the Commission recommends that during the Phase 1 buildout of the new combo fields, a temporary set of pickleball courts be laid out in the northeast parking lot of the Fisher Lumber site.

Tennis activities, especially revenue-producing weekly joint use by Crossroads School, could be accommodated at other sites during construction, and should be prioritized at these locations.

It is also understood that Phase 1 construction would also remove two existing fields at memorial, but those baseball and softball games could be relocated to other parks temporarily as well.

Cost Less, Way Faster, Less Disruption
In other words, what we propose is:

Phase 0: SWIP
Phase .5: temporary pickleball courts on the northeast half of the Fisher site Phase 1: northwest combo field 1
Phase 1.5: permanent tennis/pickleball courts in new final location Phase 2: northeast combo field 2
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 City Staff, FSAC Chairs Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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.d Memorial Park Expansion Project
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro Tem Zwick, and Esteemed Councilmembers, On Tuesday, you'll be getting the latest updates for the Revised Plan for Phases 1 and 2 of the Memorial Park Redevelopment and Expansion Project.

You’ll learn in Tuesday’s presentation that the working plan in place for the past ten years has been priced out of reach for even a modest Phase 1 implementation.

Staff's presentation will give you the full history and context of how we got to where we are today.

Tennis activities, especially revenue-producing weekly joint use by Crossroads School, could be accommodated at other sites during construction, and should be prioritized at these locations.

It is also understood that Phase 1 construction would also remove two existing fields at memorial, but those baseball and softball games could be relocated to other parks temporarily as well.

Cost Less, Way Faster, Less Disruption
In other words, what we propose is:

Phase 0: SWIP
Phase .5: temporary pickleball courts on the northeast half of the Fisher site Phase 1: northwest combo field 1
Phase 1.5: permanent tennis/pickleball courts in new final location Phase 2: northeast combo field 2
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 City Staff, FSAC Chairs Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: J. D. <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Agenda Item 11D (Jan 27, 2026): Support Natural Grass at Memorial & Adopt a "No New Turf" Policy

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.

Let's uphold our commitment to a living "City as a Habitat." Sincerely,
John Dahl
Yale Street
Northeast Neighbors
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Adam DeBenedittis <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please Finish the Job

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and city council
I wanted to start with thanking you all for the Memorial Park Fields victory a massive win for our environment.

Thank you for your time,
Adam Debenedttis
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Marin Babb <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic support for a Memorial Park Redevelopment plan that designates fields as natural grass. Thank you for listening to the community and choosing a cooler, safer, and sustainable path.

I urge you to formalize a city-wide policy that prioritizes natural grass in lieu of synthetic turf. Let's keep Santa Monica's public land green and living.

Best,
Marin Babb
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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 11D: 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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Linda Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I am a single mother to a 17-year-old son, and if you’ve ever tried to connect with a teenage boy, you know how fleeting and precious real, uninterrupted time together can be. In February, I discovered pickleball. I knew nothing about the sport, though I had played tennis on and off my whole life. I brought my son with me to try it—and he was immediately hooked.

Since then, pickleball has become the one place where my son and I truly meet. Every week, we spend three hours together laughing, playing, and socializing—no phones, no distractions. Afterward, we go to lunch together. I cannot adequately express how meaningful this has been for our relationship. At this age, that kind of connection is rare, and pickleball has given us something that has genuinely brought us closer.

What makes the timing especially urgent is this: over the next 18–24 months, I will lose my son to college—and to life. This is the last window I have to spend this kind of consistent, meaningful time with him before he moves on into adulthood. Losing pickleball during this period would mean losing one of the few spaces where that connection naturally happens.

As a single parent with limited finances, pickleball has also been accessible in a way few activities are. Being able to play for $3 per person has been a silver lining during an otherwise challenging time. Beyond my relationship with my son, I have also built a community of friends through these courts—something I never had before. This community has become an essential part of my life and emotional support system.

For these reasons, the potential loss of pickleball access during the Memorial Park Redesign is deeply concerning. Losing this outlet for 18–24 months would have a severe impact on my family life, my mental well-being, and my sense of community.

I support the Memorial Park Redesign and appreciate the City’s long-term vision. I am writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that the City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during construction. Memorial Park is currently the only public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large and dedicated community.

I respectfully request that the City Council direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city locations so this vital resource is not lost during construction.

Thank you for your leadership, your time, and for considering the very real human impact of this decision.

Sincerely,
Linda Salomone
------------------------------------------------------------- Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
6 Linda Salomone

INDIE PR
[email protected]
(cell) 310-995-9956
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Daniel Galamba <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Subject: January 27, 2026 City Council Agenda Item 11D: Support Natural Grass at Memorial and Adopt a "No New Turf" Policy

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Thank you for removing turf from the Memorial Park plan. I now urge you to adopt the full Sustainability Commission recommendations: 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.

Let's uphold our commitment to a living "City as a Habitat." Sincerely,
Dr Daniel Galamba
_
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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.

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.

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-D
January 27, 2026
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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]
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January 27, 2026
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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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Corinne Koutsouros <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
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.

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass!
Sincerely,
Corinne Koutosuros
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Corinne Koutsouros <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 10:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Ban plastic turf I. All of Santa Monica

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,
Corinne Koutosuros
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Alissa Keegan <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Thank you and no-turf city wide

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. While investigative journalism like the NYT (see link below) is publishing articles on the health hazards of turf and the additional cities and countries banning its use, let's please not let Santa Monica fall behind in 2026. I don't want my little kids growing up playing on plastic at Franklin School, which is breaking ground on reconstruction with plans to replace our only neighborhood dog poop-free grass with plastic.

I urge you to protect Santa Monica's reputation as a progressive, family- friendly and vote in the interest of our children and the environment.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/17/climate/artificial-turf-grass-lawsuit-defamationhealth-risk.html?unlocked_article_code=1.HVA.-X9b.bY24R70QFLmk&smid=url-share Sincerely,
Alissa Keegan MD/PhD
Wilshire Montana Neighborhood
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: James duBois <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 11:25 AM
To: councilmtgitems

Let’s keep Santa Monica’s public land green and living. No more public dollars for plastic grass! Sincerely,
James duBois
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: mmoody <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 9:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems

Sincerely,
Sally Hibbard
918 25th St., Santa Monica
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
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-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
2 Thank you,
Matt Goldenberg
NOMA Co-Chair
SAMO, Class of 2002
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Sara McGinnis <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 5:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: PICKLEBALL

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to respectfully urge the City Council to consider providing temporary replacement pickleball courts during the reconstruction period.

The existing pickleball courts have become an incredibly important and well-used community space. On any given day, they are filled with players of all ages and abilities—retirees, working adults, families, and beginners—gathering not just for recreation, but for connection. These courts have helped foster a strong sense of community, encouraged healthy lifestyles, and provided a welcoming, inclusive outlet for residents across our city.

With reconstruction underway, the loss of access to these courts has left a significant gap for a large and active group of community members. Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, and our city is clearly experiencing that growth firsthand. Providing temporary courts would demonstrate the City’s continued commitment to resident wellness, recreation, and community engagement during this transition.

Even a short-term solution would go a long way in supporting the many residents who rely on this space as a regular and meaningful part of their daily lives.

Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued investment in the well-being of our community. I truly appreciate your leadership and hope you will give this request serious consideration.

Sincerely,
Sara McGinnis
Kindergarten Teacher
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Karen Chen <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 1:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Pickleball replacement courts for Memorial Park

EXTERNAL
Hi,
I am a resident of Santa Monica, and an avid player of Pickleball after discovering it here at Memorial Park! Thankful that Memorial and Johns Adams Middle School painted lines to accommodate the popularity of pickleball - it’s brought so many people outside of Santa Monica here to play and stimulate going to eat after etc.

Are you able to ensure replacement pickleball courts available during the Memorial Park renovation to continue its popularity and accessibility!
Thank you!
Karen Chen
Santa Monica resident (Montana Ave)
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: David Misch <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 5:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Artificial grass

EXTERNAL
To The Mayor and City Council:

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

David Misch, Northeast Neighbors
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Benjamin Gribnau <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 11:04 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Jams Pickleball courts
Attachments: processed-7769615F-AFF3-4089-9893-D3EDBA588D36.jpeg; processed-51776368- D0A2-48DA-9B48-06BC39137947.jpeg; processed-5613260A-7572-4A31-BD64- D0871BCCC6D4.jpeg; processed-D0965EC7-4F54-4A0E-AB58-F1943BDEFCF6.jpeg

EXTERNAL
Hello,
We’ve been informed that there will be construction on the pickleball courts for approximately two years, and that there is currently no backup plan in place for the community to play in the interim. I’m at JAMS right now, and there are over 60 people here today (see photos below).

Can you please implement a temporary backup plan during the construction period so that everyone continues to have places to play on Saturdays and Sundays? Thank you,
Local community member
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: KIM NORMAN <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 1:10 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Replacement pb courts

EXTERNAL
All,
Did you ever consider what all these people were doing before Pickleball? For years we talked about getting out there and staying in shape. Get plenty of exercise and eat right. It’s good for the mind they said.

Well now we have that outlet and it is imperative that a replacement be found for all our sanity!! Let’s put it this way it keeps us off the streets and isnt that what we want? As an example the volleyball courts on the beach provide a release for all the people who work all week . I know because I play with my daughter’s friends on the beach on Sundays and they all play because it’s therapy, it’s the community aspects that is so important.

If you break that consistency if you break that bond you break the connection and the community falls apart.

Please consider our request to keep this community intact.

Regards,
Kim Norman
801 ocean ave
Sent from my iPhone
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 7:22 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Agenda Item 11D (Jan 27, 2026): Support Natural Grass at Memorial & Adopt 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.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, Amani Spielman, Northeast
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Tamay K <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 10:12 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Maintaining Pickleball Access: Agenda Item 11.D

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
Thank you for your continued work to improve Santa Monica’s parks and recreational facilities. I support the Memorial Park Redesign and appreciate the City’s long term vision for the site.

I am writing regarding the January 27 City Council meeting, Agenda Item 11.D, to respectfully request that pickleball access be maintained during the anticipated 18 to 24 month construction period.

Memorial Park is currently the only public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played. The courts are used daily by a large and diverse community, including seniors, working adults, and residents who rely on affordable, accessible recreation for physical and mental health.

If the Memorial Park courts are closed without replacement options, this community would lose access to the only public pickleball facility in the city for nearly two years. I respectfully ask City Council to direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities within existing city owned spaces during construction.

This would ensure continuity of access while still allowing the Memorial Park Redesign to move forward as planned.

Thank you for your leadership and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Tamay Kiper
Santa Monica Resident
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Jimmy Cohn <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 7:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Temporary pickleball courts needed

EXTERNAL
Dear Council members
As you’re all aware , the city of Santa Monica’s Memorial Park is a Mecca for pickleball players on the west side. It is the largest facility with 16 courts available on 4 tennis courts.

On MLK day this past Monday , the gentleman who runs tennis camps at different times throughout the year took over 3 tennis courts from 9 am to noon .. over 100 pickleball players were left with only an option to move to the lone available tennis courts with 4 pickleball courts for those 3 hours. How many other tennis courts were available for this single day tennis camp which may have had 2 dozen kids at most on the 3 other courts. This is one example of the need for pickleball courts in the city of Santa Monica.

It happens all too often. We are having to leave the area to play America’s fastest growing sport. Please provide temporary courts as we all know less than a year from now , we will lose Memorial Park for pickleball. There is no other city park set up or any other city tennis courts set up to accommodate the play that 7 days a week happens at memorial park.

Please help us stay local.

Thank You
Jimmy Cohn
JC Print Packaging & Display , Inc
555 S Barrington Ave
#402
Los Angeles , CA 90049
Send all samples to
JC / Insua pkg
jimmy / Albert
9121 Glenoaks Blvd
Sun Valley , CA 91352
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Megan Satterfield <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 8:27 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Urgent Request: Temporary Pickleball Courts During Memorial Park Closure

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I’m a Santa Monica resident and regular pickleball player writing with urgency regarding the possible closure of the Memorial Park pickleball courts in early 2027 for 18–24 months.

These courts are a daily gathering place for many residents, myself included. Pickleball is one of the few truly accessible, multigenerational recreational activities in our city, and losing the Memorial Park courts for this long without a replacement plan would have a real impact on community health and connection.

I respectfully urge the Council to require temporary replacement pickleball courts during the reconstruction period. Even a temporary solution would make a meaningful difference for residents who rely on these facilities year-round.

Thank you for your time and consideration of this request as part of Agenda Item 11.D.

Sincerely,
Megan Satterfield
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Steven Maizes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 10:56 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Qqq Maizes
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Steven R. Maizes
Mortgage Banker
m: 310-467-4044
NMLS 250590
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Heidi Liang <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 2:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please Maintain Pickleball Court Access During Memorial Park Redesign!

EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
Thank you for your work on improving Santa Monica’s parks and recreation facilities! I just heard about the Memorial Park Redesign from the Pickleball group. I’m writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction starting in early 2027.

Memorial Park is currently the ONLY public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by many people who live locally or across town in LA. Santa Monica Pickleball Club has formed a large community, and lots of us play there to not only exercise but also socialize making new friendship. It'll be devastating if Memorial Park doesn't have the pickleball courts anymore.

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Appreciate your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Heidi
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Mackenzie Jackson <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 1:15 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Memorial Park 2027 Pickleball Court Closure

EXTERNAL
Hello!
I recently heard about the plan to remodel the Memorial Park pickleball courts in early 2027, and I wanted to provide my thoughts ahead of your meeting on the 27th.

My friends, family, and I have been using the courts multiple times a week for years, and it is one of the few places in LA with quality courts, good prices, and a sense of community. While I realize a remodel may be necessary and beneficial, I would be very sad to see that community go away for the expected 18-24 months it would take to complete the construction. Can the council please consider either relocating where folks can play to other neighboring courts at schools and parks and/or do a rolling construction plan? There are many courts at Memorial so it would be great if we could do the construction 2 tennis courts at a time (i.e. one chunk of the area at a time, separated by the existing fences).

Thank you for your consideration of this matter. I love playing pickleball at Memorial and have met many great people there that I would be devastated to not see for nearly 2 years. There are also not many other options for the community to use, so I worry that there will be no place for us to relocate to in the interim.

Warm regards,
Mackenzie Jackson
(408)613-7306
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Howard Chesley <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 3:49 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 11.d Memorial park pickleball

EXTERNAL
I understand there is a plan for Memorial Park to remove the pickleball courts during reconstruction, and there is no plan yet to provide access elsewhere. I assume you must know how popular and important the Memorial pickleball program is to the community. Its benefits are physical and social, largely due to its "open play" program, which accommodates hundreds of players of all ages. It would be a huge and embarrassing loss to the community to be without it. Please consider what might be done. Santa Monica Airport, perhaps. I go by Reed Park and the tennis courts are foten unused in the daytime. No doubt there are other possible venues if you pursue it. Please don't give up on the hundreds of us who would miss our friends and our sport terribly if it were to disappear from SM. Thanks.

Howard Chsleyu
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Bingham <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 11:13 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Immediate Action Required: Failure to Provide Replacement Pickleball Courts (Agenda Item 11.D)

EXTERNAL
Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing to formally object to the plan to close the Memorial Park pickleball courts for 18–24 months with no replacement courts identified.

This is not a minor scheduling inconvenience. It is a failure of basic public stewardship.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in the country, with strong participation among seniors, working adults, and residents who rely on public courts as their primary outlet for physical activity and community engagement. Closing these courts without a replacement plan effectively eliminates access to a public service that thousands of residents actively use.

That is unacceptable.

From a governance standpoint, this raises serious concerns:
• Public facilities are funded and maintained for continuous public benefit, not suspended indefinitely without mitigation.
• Removing access for up to two years without alternatives violates the spirit of equitable access to public resources.
• The absence of a contingency plan reflects poor planning and disregard for stakeholder impact.

From a fiscal and liability perspective:
• Idle demand does not disappear. It shifts into conflict, informal use of inappropriate spaces, and increased strain on Parks & Recreation enforcement.
• Displacing organized recreation increases risk exposure for the City when residents seek alternatives in non-designated areas.
• Cities across California routinely provide temporary courts during construction projects. Santa Monica is not exempt from this standard of competence.

From a moral and ethical perspective:
• You are removing a proven health, wellness, and social benefit from residents while offering nothing in return.
• Seniors, retirees, and residents without access to private facilities are disproportionately harmed. • Telling constituents to “wait two years” is not leadership. It is abdication.

Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
9 Temporary replacement courts are not optional. They are the minimum responsible action.

Other municipalities manage this routinely by:
• Converting underutilized tennis courts
• Installing temporary striping and portable nets
• Utilizing school or underused park space
• Partnering with nearby public facilities
Santa Monica has the resources, space, and expertise to do the same. What is currently missing is the will.

I am asking — and expecting — the City Council to direct staff to immediately identify and implement temporary replacement pickleball courts before Memorial Park closes. Anything less will be viewed as deliberate disregard for a large, organized, and growing segment of your constituents.

This issue will not quietly disappear. It will be remembered — by voters, by residents, and by those who expect better from the officials entrusted to manage this city.

I urge you to act decisively and correct this failure in planning.

Sincerely,
Andrew Bingham
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Sherwin Lotfi <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 12:13 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D Memorial Park Pickleball Courts

EXTERNAL
Hi Santa Monica City Council, I'm writing with concern regarding the lack of foresight around the Memorial Park public pickleball courts - agenda item 11.D. These courts are frequented every single day by hundreds of local residents, I even personally know people who travel from areas in east and south LA for the community created at the Memorial Park courts. I've met at least a handful of people from out of state, playing at those courts, who have raved about how great the community is at the Memorial Park courts.

Please require temporary replacement pickleball courts while the Memorial Park courts are closed during reconstruction, and please consider providing an accurate and swift timeline regarding the ongoing construction. It may seem unnecessary, but providing these details and a replacement will keep the community invested, and together.

Thank you,
Sherwin Lotfi
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Bruce Janger <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 5:11 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D pickleball access

EXTERNAL
Regarding the meeting of January 27, I respectfully urge the Council to take whatever steps are necessary to ensure that all people keep their access to pickleball during the 18 to 24 months of construction at Memorial Park.

Without functioning pickleball facilities available to the public, many will be deprived of an irreplaceable source of exercise and social interaction with their fellow Santa Monicans. As people get older, many find it more difficult to compete on the tennis court. Pickleball is an alternative which provides fun and exercise for millions. The exercise is not as demanding as tennis, but this enables many to participate. It would create a significant hardship for many if they were deprived of access to public pickleball courts.

Memorial Park is just one example of a facility where the sounds of pickleball are far enough from residences that noise is not a problem. We are sure that the Council will be able to designate many other locations where noise will not be a problem.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Sincerely,
Bruce Janger (who love to play both tennis and pickleball) 140 Ocean Park Blvd., Unit 619
Santa Monica CA 90405
(310) 392-0680
[email protected]
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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January 27, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Nicole Maizes <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 1:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Steven Maizes
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

I’m writing regarding the January 27thmeeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction. Memorial Park is currently the only public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large community.

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Nicole D. Maizes
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: mghmoffice <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 1:24 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Mark Gordon
Santa Monica Pickleball Club Member
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Ayumi Gibbs <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 12:17 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 11.D : Supporting Pickleball Access during memorial park redesign

EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
I am writing regarding Agenda Item 11.D for the January 27th meeting. During the 18–24 months of construction, I respectfully ask that City Council ensure continued pickleball access. Memorial Park is currently the only public location for pickleball in Santa Monica and is used daily by many residents.

I respectfully request that City Council direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities at existing city locations during the construction period.

Thank you for your leadership and thoughtful consideration.

Sincerely,
Ayumi Gibbs
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: wendy sharp <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 5:30 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Subject: agenda Item 11.D- Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members
Thank you for your work on improving our park and recreation facilities. I support the Memorial Park Redesign and appreciate the City's long term vision.

I respectfully ask that you ensure Pickleball access is maintained during the 18 to 24 months of predicted construction. Memorial Park is currently the ONLY public City facility where pickleball can be played and the courts are used daily by hundreds of people.

PLEASE ask staff to identify and fund replacement facilities for the construction period.

Thank you
Wendy Sharp
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Markus <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 12:00 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica Memorial Park Pickleball

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing as a regular pickleball player at Memorial Park. I play there between two and five days a week, and I want to express serious concern about the potential closure of the courts for 18 to 24 months without a plan for temporary replacement facilities.

The Memorial Park pickleball courts are far more than recreational space. They function as a true community hub. People do not come only to play. They come to socialize, exercise, support one another, and maintain daily human connection. For many players, this is the primary place they interact with others in person.

Some people come every day. For retirees, remote workers, and older residents especially, these courts are a vital part of their mental, physical, and social well-being.

If the courts close without alternatives, an entire community will be displaced overnight.

Based on rough estimates, 16 active courts with 4 to 12 players per court represents close to 200 people using the facility daily, with a broader community that easily exceeds 10,000 residents (based on how many people interact on the facebook group) over the course of a year. I understand the city likely has more precise data, but even conservative numbers show how significant this impact would be.

To put it another way, if a school were removed for two years with no temporary location provided, we would immediately ask where those students would go and how they would continue learning and socializing. The same principle applies here. Removing a daily gathering place without replacement disrupts lives in meaningful ways.

Memorial Park is not simply a group of courts. It is a social ecosystem.

Pickleball, by its nature, fosters far more interaction than most sports. Players rotate constantly, play with strangers, talk between games, and build relationships across age groups and backgrounds. Many tennis players may use courts independently, but pickleball creates sustained, inclusive social engagement that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Where tennis players show up to a court with their small group of friends play, and then leave.

Pickleball players have to share their courts and play different people every 15minutes. It is a speed dating like environment of socialization. So the closeknit nature of the community is much higher than other sports. Both because they are forced to interact with others every 15minutes and meet new people as well as get along with people they get to know longer term as they become regulars, but also because Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
17 inbetween games they have to sit together and pass the time. For many people, pickleball serves the same purpose as a "local bar", in that it is a communal place for people to interact. But it does so at a lower cost to the user, and people don't have to get drunk to do it. They get the health benefits that improve their psychological state. If you displace a community that gets it's daily exercise, saratonin, and dopamine without an alternative you will collectively lower the happiness and satisfaction of the local community and increase depression, loneliness and isolation for all those effected.

As a City Council, you must be aware of the importance of communities and the way that they gather and all the benefits they foster. But what I would like you to consider is how strong this interaction and community spirit is in a pickleball community. They aren't parents coming to push their kids on a swing or down a slide that will barely speak to other parents and leave never to interact with those parents again. Pickleball is a close-knit sub-cultural community that spends every chance they get trying to improve their skills at a game and improve their social dynamics within that community.

I'll give you an example. I played at a local basketball court for 3 years almost every day. And I didn't know more than a few peoples names. We played almost every day and did not speak. Did not get to know each other personally. I'll give you another example, I am not friends with anyone at my Gym. I go to the Gym to work out daily and do not speak to anyone and then I go home. Outside of work, 2 of the other places I go to be around people I have not made any friends or fostered any lasting relationships in the many years that I have lived in Los Angeles.

I go to Bars but I wouldn't say that the people at the bar have become a part of my life and have become a part of my daily community.

After Discovering pickleball, my friendship circle multiplied exponentially. I have so many friends that have become my friends on social media, many have become numbers in my phone that I text daily and I hang out with outside of the pickleball courts.

I made friends that invited me to other groups both pickleball and non pickleball where I have become an integral part of those communities. There are clubs within pickleball and tournaments, there is your own santa monica pickleball club where I have played in the weekly round robins. People have their Birthday parties at Memorial park instead of having their birthday at a pizza place or a bar and bring birthday cakes and presents. It is much much more than a shared space the way my Gym or my Basketball court have been before discovering pickleball. Pickleball community is a unique and special phenomenon.

If you have not made a plan to provide an alternative for this large community you have grossly underestimated the importance pickleball has in a lot of people's lives and how important it is for all of those people to have a central place to gather and interact.

I fully understand the need for reconstruction and long-term improvements. However, I strongly urge the city to require temporary replacement pickleball courts during the construction period so this community is not effectively erased for nearly two years. Please, think about these people. Try to imagine how you are shaping their daily lives with these decisions.

Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering the real human impact of this decision.

Sincerely,
Markus
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
18 --
Markus Madlangbayan
MOVEMINT Pictures LLC
Director/Cinematographer/Editor/Motion Graphics Designer/VFX Artist 617 N Dillon st. Apt #305
Los Angeles, CA 90026
310-993-MINT
310-993-6468
https://www.movemint.tv/
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Markus <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2026 11:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Santa Monica Memorial Park Pickleball

EXTERNAL
If possible, I would like to revise my statement slightly and have the old email replaced with this one. The only change is estimates regarding the number of people that use the courts daily. I realized I grossly underestimated
Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing as a regular pickleball player at Memorial Park. I play there between two and five days a week, and I want to express serious concern about the potential closure of the courts for 18 to 24 months without a plan for temporary replacement facilities.

Some people come every day. For retirees, remote workers, and older residents especially, these courts are a vital part of their mental, physical, and social well-being.

If the courts close without alternatives, an entire community will be displaced overnight.

Based on rough estimates, 16 active courts with 4 to 12 players per court represents close to 200 people using the facility ever hour. At it's lowest, there are 8 people per court. 4 people playing and 4 people waiting to play. That's 128 people. At peak hours there are 12-16 people per court. 4 people playing and up to 3 games games wait. So 12 to 16. Let's say you have 12 people per court times 16 courts thats roughly 200 people. People usually play for 2-3hrs and leave. So every 2 to 3hrs 200 people will finish playing as a fresh set of people rotates in. if this was constant you could have up to 2400 people rotating through the courts in a 12 hour day. So at it's lowest you have 100 people there for a 3hr period, and on a busy day you could have up to 2400 people using the courts from 10am to 10pm roughly. With a broader community that easily exceeds 10,000 residents (based on how many people interact on the facebook group). We are talking about a large community of hundreds to thousands of people who use those courts on a daily basis. There is a large list of people who sign up for open plays every day. and large numbers of people that play outside of the paid hours and use the courts when they are free. I just wanted to give you an idea of how many people use the courts. A lot more than who are using your softball fields or your playgrounds because people are on the courts from open till close. So think about how many people are going to be impacted if they do not have these courts to play on.

To put it another way, if a school were removed for two years with no temporary location provided, we would immediately ask where those students would go and how they would continue learning and Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
20 socializing. The same principle applies here. Removing a daily gathering place without replacement disrupts lives in meaningful ways. People might not see the people they became friends with for that entire 2years.

Memorial Park is not simply a group of courts. It is a social ecosystem.

Where tennis players show up to a court with their small group of friends play for a few hours, only talking to each other, and then leave...

Pickleball players have to share their courts and play different people every 15minutes. Because games last 15minutes to 30minutes on average. It is a speed dating like environment of socialization. So the closeknit nature of the community is much higher than other sports. Both because they are forced to interact with others every 15minutes and meet new people as well as get along with people they get to know longer term as they become regulars, but also because inbetween games they have to sit together and pass the time. For many people, pickleball serves the same purpose as a "local bar", in that it is a communal place for people to interact. But it does so at a lower cost to the user, and people don't have to get drunk to do it. They get the health benefits that improve their psychological state. If you displace a community that gets it's daily exercise, saratonin, and dopamine without an alternative you will collectively lower the happiness and satisfaction of the local community and increase depression, loneliness and isolation for all those effected.

I go to Bars but I wouldn't say that the people at the bar have become a part of my life and have become a part of my daily community.

I made friends that invited me to other groups both pickleball and non pickleball where I have become an integral part of those communities. There are clubs within pickleball and tournaments, there is your own santa monica pickleball club where I have played in the weekly round robins. People have their Birthday parties at Memorial park instead of having their birthday at a pizza place or a bar and bring birthday cakes and presents. It is much much more than a shared space the way my Gym or my Basketball court have Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
21 been before discovering pickleball. Pickleball community is a unique and special phenomenon.

Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering the real human impact of this decision.

Sincerely,
Markus
On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Markus <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing as a regular pickleball player at Memorial Park. I play there between two and five days a week, and I want to express serious concern about the potential closure of the courts for 18 to 24 months without a plan for temporary replacement facilities.

Some people come every day. For retirees, remote workers, and older residents especially, these courts are a vital part of their mental, physical, and social well-being.

If the courts close without alternatives, an entire community will be displaced overnight.

Memorial Park is not simply a group of courts. It is a social ecosystem.

Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
22 Pickleball, by its nature, fosters far more interaction than most sports. Players rotate constantly, play with strangers, talk between games, and build relationships across age groups and backgrounds. Many tennis players may use courts independently, but pickleball creates sustained, inclusive social engagement that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Where tennis players show up to a court with their small group of friends play, and then leave.

Pickleball players have to share their courts and play different people every 15minutes. It is a speed dating like environment of socialization. So the closeknit nature of the community is much higher than other sports. Both because they are forced to interact with others every 15minutes and meet new people as well as get along with people they get to know longer term as they become regulars, but also because inbetween games they have to sit together and pass the time. For many people, pickleball serves the same purpose as a "local bar", in that it is a communal place for people to interact. But it does so at a lower cost to the user, and people don't have to get drunk to do it. They get the health benefits that improve their psychological state. If you displace a community that gets it's daily exercise, saratonin, and dopamine without an alternative you will collectively lower the happiness and satisfaction of the local community and increase depression, loneliness and isolation for all those effected.

I go to Bars but I wouldn't say that the people at the bar have become a part of my life and have become a part of my daily community.

Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
23 I fully understand the need for reconstruction and long-term improvements. However, I strongly urge the city to require temporary replacement pickleball courts during the construction period so this community is not effectively erased for nearly two years. Please, think about these people. Try to imagine how you are shaping their daily lives with these decisions.

Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering the real human impact of this decision.

Sincerely,
Markus
--
Markus Madlangbayan
MOVEMINT Pictures LLC
Director/Cinematographer/Editor/Motion Graphics Designer/VFX Artist 617 N Dillon st. Apt #305
Los Angeles, CA 90026
310-993-MINT
310-993-6468
https://www.movemint.tv/
--
Markus Madlangbayan
MOVEMINT Pictures LLC
Director/Cinematographer/Editor/Motion Graphics Designer/VFX Artist 617 N Dillon st. Apt #305
Los Angeles, CA 90026
310-993-MINT
310-993-6468
https://www.movemint.tv/
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Robert Lemle <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 8:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

I’m writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D and to respectfully ask that the City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction. Memorial Park is currently the only public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large community.

Over the past few years, I have watched as the pickleball craze has caught fire. I have recently retired and generally use the Memorial Park courts 4-5 days per week. I’ve seen similar use by my fellow retirees, as pickleball allows us to remain physically competitive as we age while at the same time allowing us a space to connect, have fun and remain active. I implore you to consider this before tearing down the courts without providing us an alternative space to continue.

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during the construction.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Robert L. Lemle
> -------------------------------
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Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: Tina Hou <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, January 24, 2026 7:25 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Temporary Replacement Pickleball Courts Request

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to express my concern regarding the potential closure of the Memorial Park pickleball courts in early 2027 for an estimated 18–24 months due to reconstruction.

Pickleball is an important recreational activity for many residents, especially seniors, and the Memorial Park courts are heavily used by the community. I am concerned that there is currently no plan in place for temporary replacement courts during this extended closure.

I respectfully ask the City Council to consider requiring temporary replacement pickleball courts so that residents can continue to stay active and engaged while the reconstruction is underway.

Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I truly appreciate the City’s efforts to support recreation and community well-being.

Sincerely,
Tina Hou
從我的iPhone傳送
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: Markus <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, January 23, 2026 9:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Santa Monica Memorial Park Pickleball

EXTERNAL
Markus <[email protected]> Thu, J
to councilmtgitems
To help
protect your
privacy,
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Office
prevented
auto matic
download of
this picture
from the
Internet.

If possible, I would like to revise my statement slightly and have the old email replaced with this one.

The only change is that I know people who met at memorial park pickleball, and now they're engaged to be married.

Some people come every day. For retirees, remote workers, and older residents especially, these courts are a vital part of their mental, physical, and social well-being.

If the courts close without alternatives, an entire community will be displaced overnight.

Based on rough estimates, 16 active courts with 4 to 12 players per court represents close to 200 people using the facility ever hour. At it's lowest, there are 8 people per court. 4 people playing and 4 people waiting to play. That's 128 people. At peak hours there are 12-16 people per court. 4 people playing and up to 3 games games wait. So 12 to 16. Let's say you have 12 people per court times 16 courts thats roughly 200 people. People usually play for 2-3hrs and leave. So every 2 to 3hrs 200 people will finish playing as a fresh set of people rotates in. if this was constant you could have up to 2400 people rotating through the courts in a 12 hour day from open to close. So at it's lowest you have 100 people there for a 3hr period, and on a busy day you could have up to 2400 people using the courts from 10am to 10pm roughly. With a broader community that easily exceeds 10,000 residents (based on how many people interact on the facebook group). We are talking about a large community of hundreds to thousands of people who use those courts on a daily basis. There is a large list of people who sign up for open plays every day. and large numbers of people that play outside of the paid hours and use the courts when they are free. I just wanted to give you an idea of Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
27 how many people use the courts. A lot more than who are using your softball fields or your playgrounds because people are on the courts from open till close. And a lot of those people are there 2 to 5 days a week because pickleball becomes a lifestyle. So think about how many people are going to be impacted if they do not have these courts to play on.

Memorial Park is not simply a group of courts. It is a social ecosystem.

Many tennis players may use courts independently, but pickleball creates sustained, inclusive social engagement that is difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Where tennis players show up to a court with their small group of friends play for a few hours, only talking to each other, and then leave...

Pickleball players have to share their courts and play different people every 15minutes. Because games last 15minutes to 30minutes on average. It is a speed dating like environment of socialization.

So the closeknit nature of the community is much higher than other sports. Both because they are forced to interact with others every 15minutes and meet new people as well as get along with people they get to know longer term as they become regulars, but also because inbetween games they have to sit together and pass the time. For many people, pickleball serves the same purpose as a "local bar", in that it is a communal place for people to interact. But it does so at a lower cost to the user, and people don't have to get drunk to do it. They get the health benefits that improve their psychological state. If you displace a community that gets it's daily exercise, saratonin, and dopamine without an alternative you will collectively lower the happiness and satisfaction of the local community and increase depression, loneliness and isolation for all those effected.

I go to Bars but I wouldn't say that the people at the bar have become a part of my life and have become a part of my daily community.

I made friends that invited me to other groups both pickleball and non pickleball where I have become Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
28 an integral part of those communities. There are clubs within pickleball and tournaments, there is your own santa monica pickleball club where I have played in the weekly round robins. People have their Birthday parties at Memorial park instead of having their birthday at a pizza place or a bar and bring birthday cakes and presents. It is much much more than a shared space the way my Gym or my Basketball court have been before discovering pickleball. Pickleball community is a unique and special phenomenon.

And if you're not convinced that pickleball is a community that fosters friendships and connections, I wanted to tell you about 2 people I know that met playing pickleball. They would play as partners.

Every day. And then they began dating. They moved in together. And are now engaged. If it wasn't for Santa Monica Memorial Park pickleball, they may not have met. And that story isn't an isolated incident. People becoming couples in pickleball is a very common occurance. Maybe because people play mixed doubles. Maybe because finding the chemistry necessary to be good partners on the court translates into chemistry off the court. Maybe because becoming partners ensures a consistency and a frequency to playing together that dating if there is any attraction is a natural progression. Whatever the reason, people find love in pickleball often. People starting to date because of people is a very common thing to see. So is people forming lasting friend ships and friend groups. Because pickleball is not just a sport or a game. It is a community. To get good you have to play often. And you have to spend 15minutes playing together, and 15minutes waiting to play and there's nothing else to do but chat and get to know each other while you wait. And when you come back you remember each other and find a court and sit and sometimes play the same people all day. Imagine seeing those same people you met weekly. Without having to coordinate, you just show up and the people you have gotten to know are there. The community you have become a part of is there. And you catch up on what has happened since you last played. That's what happens when people play pcikleball. And It happens other places, but I wouldn't say it happens as frequently. Like I said, I played basketball on the same court for 3 years without making friends, and I have never met anyone at the gym. I don't know anyone who is getting engaged from meeting at a park. But I know a lot of people who have met and started dating or became friends because of pickleball at memorial park. If you played pickleball you would understand it.

Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering the real human impact of this decision.

Sincerely,
Markus
On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 11:50 PM Markus <[email protected]> wrote:

If possible, I would like to revise my statement slightly and have the old email replaced with this one.

The only change is estimates regarding the number of people that use the courts daily. I realized I grossly underestimated
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
29 Dear Santa Monica City Council Members,
I am writing as a regular pickleball player at Memorial Park. I play there between two and five days a week, and I want to express serious concern about the potential closure of the courts for 18 to 24 months without a plan for temporary replacement facilities.

Some people come every day. For retirees, remote workers, and older residents especially, these courts are a vital part of their mental, physical, and social well-being.

If the courts close without alternatives, an entire community will be displaced overnight.

Memorial Park is not simply a group of courts. It is a social ecosystem.

Where tennis players show up to a court with their small group of friends play for a few hours, only talking to each other, and then leave...

Pickleball players have to share their courts and play different people every 15minutes. Because games last 15minutes to 30minutes on average. It is a speed dating like environment of socialization. So the Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
30 closeknit nature of the community is much higher than other sports. Both because they are forced to interact with others every 15minutes and meet new people as well as get along with people they get to know longer term as they become regulars, but also because inbetween games they have to sit together and pass the time. For many people, pickleball serves the same purpose as a "local bar", in that it is a communal place for people to interact. But it does so at a lower cost to the user, and people don't have to get drunk to do it. They get the health benefits that improve their psychological state. If you displace a community that gets it's daily exercise, saratonin, and dopamine without an alternative you will collectively lower the happiness and satisfaction of the local community and increase depression, loneliness and isolation for all those effected.

I go to Bars but I wouldn't say that the people at the bar have become a part of my life and have become a part of my daily community.

Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering the real human impact of this decision.

Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
31 Sincerely,
Markus
On Thu, Jan 22, 2026 at 12:00 PM Markus <[email protected]> wrote:

Some people come every day. For retirees, remote workers, and older residents especially, these courts are a vital part of their mental, physical, and social well-being.

If the courts close without alternatives, an entire community will be displaced overnight.

Memorial Park is not simply a group of courts. It is a social ecosystem.

Where tennis players show up to a court with their small group of friends play, and then leave.

Pickleball players have to share their courts and play different people every 15minutes. It is a speed dating like environment of socialization. So the closeknit nature of the community is much higher than other sports. Both because they are forced to interact with others every 15minutes and meet new people as well as get along with people they get to know longer term as they become regulars, but also because inbetween games they have to sit together and pass the time. For many people, pickleball serves the same purpose as a "local bar", in that it is a communal place for people to interact. But it does so at a lower cost to the user, and people don't have to get drunk to do it. They get the health benefits that improve their psychological state. If you displace a community that gets it's daily Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
32 exercise, saratonin, and dopamine without an alternative you will collectively lower the happiness and satisfaction of the local community and increase depression, loneliness and isolation for all those effected.

I go to Bars but I wouldn't say that the people at the bar have become a part of my life and have become a part of my daily community.

Thank you for your time, your service, and for considering the real human impact of this decision.

Sincerely,
Markus
--
Markus Madlangbayan
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
33 MOVEMINT Pictures LLC
Director/Cinematographer/Editor/Motion Graphics Designer/VFX Artist 617 N Dillon st. Apt #305
Los Angeles, CA 90026
310-993-MINT
310-993-6468
https://www.movemint.tv/
--
Markus Madlangbayan
MOVEMINT Pictures LLC
Director/Cinematographer/Editor/Motion Graphics Designer/VFX Artist 617 N Dillon st. Apt #305
Los Angeles, CA 90026
310-993-MINT
310-993-6468
https://www.movemint.tv/
--
Markus Madlangbayan
MOVEMINT Pictures LLC
Director/Cinematographer/Editor/Motion Graphics Designer/VFX Artist 617 N Dillon st. Apt #305
Los Angeles, CA 90026
310-993-MINT
310-993-6468
https://www.movemint.tv/
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
34 David Yakobson
From: Hector Zuniga <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 9:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

I’m writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that the City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction.

Memorial Park is currently the only place in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large community. I have met and befriended a variety of different people from all walks of life, what I believe to be a great representation of the diverse community that Santa Monica has offered my family and I for the 30 years that I have resided in this area.

Please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction, as pickleball, and the community that surrounds it, is a vital part of the lives of many of your constituents.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Hector Zuniga
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Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
35 David Yakobson
From: Shari Phillips <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 8:57 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Council Agenda Item 11D (Jan 27, 2026): Support Natural Grass at Memorial & Adopt a "No New Turf" Policy

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.

Let's uphold our commitment to a living "City as a Habitat." Sincerely,
Shari Phillips
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
36 David Yakobson
From: Brand0 <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, January 25, 2026 10:30 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

EXTERNAL
Dear Council members,
I’m writing regarding the January 27th meeting’s Agenda Item 11.D to respectfully ask that City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construction. Memorial Park is currently the only place in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large community. I hope that you are able to please direct staff to identify and fund temporary or alternative pickleball facilities across existing city facilities during construction.

Thank you for everything you are doing to improve Santa Monica’s parks and recreation facilities. I support the Memorial Park Redesign and appreciate the City’s long-term vision.

Thank you for your leadership and consideration.

Sincerely,
Steven Brand
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
37 David Yakobson
From: Ed Dubendorf <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2026 9:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item 11.D – Supporting Pickleball Access During Memorial Park Redesign

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
Thank you for your work on improving Santa Monica’s parks and recreaƟon faciliƟes. I support the Memorial Park Redesign and appreciate the City’s long-term vision.

I’m wriƟng regarding the January 27th meeƟng’s Agenda Item 11.D to respecƞully ask that City Council ensure pickleball access is maintained during the 18–24 months of construcƟon.

Memorial Park is currently the only public facility in Santa Monica where pickleball can be played, and the courts are used daily by a large community.

I have been in Santa Monica since 2011 and I have never seen a public area uƟlized by Santa Monicans so efficiently. I’ve never been at the park for the enƟre day, but my best guess is that, on average, it is used by more than a hundred people per day, from teens to senior ciƟzens. On any given morning and evening, there is a constant flow of many dozens of players.

In addiƟon to the physical health benefits the court provides, it has also become one of Santa Monica’s most prized social gathering areas. Many friends have been gained and it has raised the sense of community. My hope is that conƟnues and is not neglected for an extended period of Ɵme.

Please direct staff to idenƟfy and fund temporary or alternaƟve pickleball faciliƟes across exisƟng city faciliƟes during construcƟon.

Thank you for your leadership and consideraƟon.

Sincerely,
Ed Dubendorf
Edward D. Dubendorf
100 Wilshire Blvd.

Suite 700
Santa Monica, CA 90401
O: (310) 917-1070
C: (810) 348-2029
F: (310) 917-1001
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
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Item 11-D
January 27, 2026
Item 11-D
January 27, 2026

Santa Monica City CouncilJanuary 27, 2026

Santa Monica City Council
January 27, 2026