1 David Yakobson
From: Cindy Bendat <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2026 3:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Oliver Chi; Council Mailbox Subject: April 14, 2026 meeting, Item 16e - Appointment of Matt Goldenberg to the Recreation and Parks CommissionEXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, Councimembers, and City Manager:
I am writing in support of Matt Goldenberg's application to serve on the Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission. This will be discussed on April 14th in Item 16e.
I have gotten to know Matt because we are both on the Board of Directors of the North of Montana Association, and I have been impressed with his ability to research and analyze different matters, to be proactive with ideas on how to address and solve those issues, and to build consensus. Matt took on a leadership role with NOMA when he agreed to step up as Co-Chair and to lead the effort to have natural grass rather than artificial turf at school fields.
As a physician, he will bring a unique perspective on the value of parks and green space to our health and well being. Finally, Matt is also involved with the Great Park Coalition, our once-in-a-lifetime legacy opportunity to create something incredible for ourselves and for future generations to enjoy. Great cities have great parks.
In addition, as a native Santa Monican who grew up here, went to the local schools, and now has two children in Santa Monica public schools, I know he is committed to Santa Monica and making it the best place it can be.
I have no doubt he will be an asset to the Recreation and Parks Commission, and I encourage you to appoint him to the position.
Thank you.
Cindy Bendat, 35 year resident
NOMA Board member
Advisory Board member, Airport2Park and the Great Park Coalition Former two-term Board member of the Santa Monica Pier Corporation
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Matt Goldenberg D.O. <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 12:12 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: Micah Akerson; Tony Lopez; Jenny Rogers; Oliver Chi Subject: Agenda Item 16E: Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, There are applicants who want to serve on the Recreation and Parks Commission because they love parks. I want to serve because I owe them something.
I grew up half a block from Lincoln Middle School, in a townhome without a yard. Our parks were not a luxury for my family — they were the backyard we didn't have. They shaped me in ways I am still discovering, and that personal debt is not incidental to my interest in this commission. It is the foundation of it.
I am a physician, a parent of two daughters, and a lifelong Santa Monica resident — and I believe that combination of perspectives is precisely what this commission needs at this moment.
As a physician, I bring something to this commission that few others can: a clinical grounding in the public health case for green space. The evidence is unambiguous — access to parks reduces stress, improves mental health outcomes, and strengthens the social bonds that hold communities together. I will be the voice in the room who ensures that our decisions are not just well-intentioned, but evidencebased. And I will keep asking the equity question that the data demands: studies consistently show that residents who live within walking distance of a park have measurably better health outcomes than those who do not. Access to quality parks and programming should be equally distributed across Santa Monica's neighborhoods, and closing that gap is not just good policy. It is a moral obligation — and one I intend to keep at the center of this commission's work.
As a neighborhood leader, I bring a tested record of turning disagreement into alignment. As Co-Chair of NOMA, I helped to build a coalition of neighbors, advocates, and stakeholders with competing interests and moved them toward a single, clear vision — natural grass on all public land in Santa Monica. That effort required patience, persistence, and a willingness to listen to people I didn't always agree with. It also required holding firm when it mattered. Those are the skills this commission needs, not just to advance the Parks Vision Plan, but to do so in a way the whole community can get behind.
That plan represents a genuinely extraordinary opportunity — a once-in-a-generation chance to build a Great Park, activate every park in the city with arts, culture, and programming, and connect every neighborhood to green space and clean air. Santa Monica has earned its reputation as a national leader Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
2 in environmental sustainability. Our parks should not just reflect that leadership — they should extend it, in the habitats we protect, the materials we choose, and the standard we set for cities across the region.
What I offer is not just enthusiasm for parks. It is a physician's discipline, a coalition-builder's patience, and a neighbor's personal stake in getting this right. If appointed, I will bring all three to every meeting, every decision, and every conversation — in service of the Santa Monica that future generations will be proud, privileged, and grateful to call home.
Thank you for your consideration, for taking the time to speak with me over the past few weeks and for your continued service to this city.
Warmly,
Matt Goldenberg D.O.
Board Cerified, General and Addiction Psychiatry
Father of Two Daughters in SMMUSD Schools
NOMA, Co-Chair
Great Park Coalition Advisory Committee Member
Lifelong Resident of Santa Monica, Roosevelt, Lincoln, SAMO (Class of 2002) Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Heather Thomason <[email protected]>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 10:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Re: Agenda Item 16E — Letter of Recommendation for Matt Goldenberg, Recreation and Parks Commission
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Members of the City Council,
I am writing to offer my strongest possible recommendation for Matt Goldenberg’s appointment to the Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission. I have had the privilege of observing Matt as he worked on issues that matter deeply to our community, and I can say without hesitation that he is exactly the kind of person we need serving in an advisory role to our City Council.
Matt is an exceptionally intelligent person who grasps complex policy quickly and thoroughly. He does not simply skim the surface of an issue—he digs into the details, asks the right questions, and arrives at well-reasoned positions. His ability to think on his feet is remarkable. In meetings and public forums, I have watched him absorb new information in real time, synthesize it, and offer ideas that are both creative and grounded in practical reality. He consistently brings excellent ideas to the table, the kind that move conversations forward and open up possibilities others may not have considered.
What sets Matt apart, though, is how he works with people. Community issues in Santa Monica often involve deeply held and diverging points of view, and I have seen Matt navigate those dynamics with extraordinary skill. He listens carefully, treats every perspective with respect, and has a genuine talent for finding consensus where others see only division. He does not shy away from disagreement, but he approaches it with a collaborative spirit that brings people together rather than pushing them apart. That quality is invaluable on any commission, and especially on one that serves such a broad cross-section of our residents.
I have seen all of these qualities in action through Matt’s tireless advocacy for the use of real grass instead of synthetic turf in our city’s parks and recreational spaces. This is an issue he has pursued with passion, persistence, and an impressive command of the research and policy considerations involved. He has shown up, done the work, engaged stakeholders on all sides, and made a compelling case—all while maintaining the kind of positive, constructive attitude that earns the respect of allies and opponents alike. His dedication to this cause is a window into the kind of commissioner he will be: thorough, Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
2 passionate, collaborative, and relentless in his commitment to getting things right for Santa Monica.
Beyond his direct contributions, Matt is the kind of civic participant who inspires others to get involved. His enthusiasm is contagious, and his example demonstrates that engaged, thoughtful residents can make a real difference in how our city is governed. Appointing Matt to the Recreation and Parks Commission would not only add a tremendous asset to the body itself—it would send a signal that Santa Monica values the kind of dedication and good faith he represents.
I urge you in the strongest terms to appoint Matt Goldenberg. You will be so pleased with your decision. And if you pass on him, I believe you will be missing out on one of the most capable, thoughtful, and dedicated people you could have serving this community.
Sincerely,
Heather Thomason
Santa Monica Resident
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Ellen Hannan <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 11:50 AM
To: Clerk Mailbox; councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16c vacancy recommendation Matt Goldenberg Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Santa Monica Council Members:
I strongly support Matt Goldenberg to fill the open vacancy for the Parks and Recreation Commission. He has demonstrated an open mind, dedication and leadership.
Ellen Hannan
1218 9th St #6
Santa Monica CA 90401
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Susan Hannan <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2026 1:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Goldenberg for Recreation and Parks Commission Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Santa Monica Council Members:
I strongly support Matt Goldenberg to fill the open vacancy for the Parks and Recreation Commission. He has demonstrated an open mind, dedication and leadership.
Susan Hannan
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Bruce Leddy <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 1:04 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: 16E - Matt Goldenberg Endorsement
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council MembersI'm writing to enthusiastically support Matt Goldenberg's appointment to the Recreation and Parks Commission (Item 16E, March 24th). Matt's enthusiasm, dedication, and intelligence so impressed the NOMA Board that we quickly vaulted him from member, to Board, to Vice Chair, to now serving as my Co-Chair in short order. We recognized that Matt is a natural leader who is thorough and thoughtful, who listens and finds common ground that brings people together, and whose commitment to this City is unwavering. Santa Monica would be lucky to have his talents at Rec & Parks.
As a quick example of Matt's abilities: one of the other neighborhood leaders brought up the cause of keeping grass fields in Santa Monica, instead of converting to artificial turf. Matt – a father of two kids who use the parks and school fields regularly – took up the cause and rallied all 7 of the neighborhood groups to sign on to a letter advocating for a moratorium on artificial turf on public property. Getting all 7 groups to agree on ANYTHING is a near impossible task (trust me, I've only been able to do it once), but Matt was able to use his persuasive abilities, and his flexibility in hearing others' concerns, to quickly reach consensus. After Council passed a resolution about turf, Matt did not declare "mission accomplished." He continues to rally parents and residents to push SMMUSD to change its plans for turf at our public school fields.
This example shows Matt's abilities both as a leader who can organize and inspire people to champion a cause, and his tenacious commitment to parks and recreation in the City.
In the years I have served as a Board member and Chair at NOMA, I can say that it is rare to find someone who combines a passion for making things better, with a sensitivity to other perspectives.
That's what makes Matt a great member of our team and what will make him an outstanding Commissioner at Rec & Parks. I hope you will give him your full support.
Bruce Leddy
Co-Chair, NOMA
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Annspun <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 3:15 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Recommendation for Recreation of Recreation and Parks Commission Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Good afternoon Mayor Torosis and Members of the Santa Monica City Council,
I highly recommend Matt Goldenberg for commissioner for your unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission.
I have become acquainted with Matt as a fellow board member of NOMA, our North of Montana Association neighborhood group.
Like Lana Negrete, he shares a background of growing up in Santa Monica and continues to infuse his love of Santa Monica into all aspects of making our city the best it can be, now and for future generations.
Matt is enthusiastic and well versed in city government, education and business, all necessary for a successful city to thrive! He not only studies the issues but is an authentic listener and problem solver.
Matt cares, shares and dares to enthusiastically think outside the box.
His involvement has earned my trust and respect.
Respectfully,
Ann Greenspun
SM Resident, 49 years
RN, 1984 Olympics (Coliseum)
Twentieth Century Fox and Prospect Studios, Walt Disney Company Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
9 Past Chair, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
Past Board Member, Bayside District Corporation (now Downtown Santa Monica)
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: Tricia Crane <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 3:47 PM
To: Council Mailbox; councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Council meeting of 3/24/2026 - Agenda Item 16E: Support for Matt Goldenberg to be appointed to the unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, We enthusiastically support and ask the Council to appoint Matt Goldenberg to the open seat on the Recreation & Parks Commission.
We know Matt through his good work as a leader in the growing coalition supporting a commitment to a future when natural grass will be the healthy and safe standard for all public land in Santa Monica.
Matt has worked hard to build consensus around the need to expand green space in our city. He is also highly regarded for his enthusiastic participation in the Neighborhood Council.
Santa Monica will be well served by Matt as a member of the Recreation & Parks Commission.
The Board of Northeast Neighbors
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 5:31 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; councilmtgitems
Cc: Micah Akerson; Tony Lopez; Jenny Rogers; Oliver Chi Subject: 2/24/26 City Council Mtg., Agenda Item 16E : Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission; I supported Matt Goldenberg Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis and City Council Members,
As the Wilmont chair I have been working with Matt Goldenberg, NOMA co-chair, as part of the Neighborhood Council meetings. He is a natural leader who likes to focus on clear objectives and looks to bring as many people into the tent as reasonable. I find him interested in many things about the city and mostly, interested in the residents and their children. I can say from my times working with him on the Turf discussions with the city and school district I believe he brings a logical and resident focus that is refreshing.
I support Matt Goldenberg to be appointed to the Santa Monica Parks and Recreation commission for the unscheduled vacancy outlined in Agenda Item 16E.
Many thanks,
Elizabeth Van Denburgh
Wilmont Chair
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Council Mailbox
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 9:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: FW: ITEM 16-E RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION OPENING From: phillis dudick <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 22, 2026 1:07 PM
To: Council Mailbox <[email protected]>
Subject: ITEM 16-E RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION OPENING
EXTERNAL
Honorable Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers:
Matt Goldenberg has expressed a deep interest in serving on the Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission.
Matt has two young children at Franklin Elementary School, where he and his wife are involved in volunteer community leadership. Matt understands the importance of the commission's role in guiding the road forward for Santa Monica's children and residents of all ages.
Matt has also taken on a leadership role as co-chair of NOMA, has Santa Monica roots, and a passion to serve our City.
Sincerely,
Phillis Dudick
Santa Monica Resident
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Andrew Hoyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, March 23, 2026 2:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell
Subject: 03-24-26 CC Agenda Item 16-E
EXTERNAL
Councilmembers,
In light of your recent decision to approve the Master Park Plan and not only include the ban on artificial turf in our parks but insert dialog insisting on its replacement with natural grass at the end of its lifespan, the obvious choice for a new Parks and Recreation Commissioner would be Matt Goldberg. He shepherded a resolution through numerous organizations so that you were presented with one loud voice preferring nature over petroleum products thus creating carbon sinks instead of footprints. I believe he will do a fine job of preserving this choice going forward.
Sincerely,
Andrew Hoyer
SMMCN Board President
There is only one moment in time when it is essential to awaken. That moment is now. - Buddha
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Lerer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 11:07 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Dan Hall; Barry Snell; Jesse Zwick
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 16.E. Appointment to one unscheduled vacancy on the Recreation and Parks Commission
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Council Members,
I cannot imagine you appointing anyone better than Matt Goldenberg to the Recreation & Parks Commission.
Please appoint Matt!
Thank you,
Elizabeth Lerer
Resident of Santa Monica
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026
Item 16-E
April 14, 2026