1 David Yakobson
From: Mark Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 11:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Concerns Regarding Non-Compliance with RFP Process for Santa Monica Airport Conversion Study
Follow Up Flag: Follow up
Flag Status: Completed
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor, Councilmembers, and City Manager,
On behalf of the Santa Monica Airport Association, we write to express our serious concerns regarding the airport conversion process conducted by Sasaki Associates, Inc. (“Sasaki”), and the City’s administration of that process. Based on our review of the Request for Proposals (“RFP”), supporting materials, and the process as executed to date, we believe the effort materially deviated from the requirements and intent outlined by the City. As a result, the outcomes presented to Council thus far do not accurately reflect the preferences of Santa Monica residents nor the economic realities facing the City. We are submitting this letter in advance of the next meeting where the airport topic appears on the Council agenda to allow time for these issues to be addressed, so that you can make an informed decision on the next steps.
We respectfully highlight the following key issues:
1. Lack of Multiple Scenarios with Economic Feasibility Analysis The RFP explicitly contemplated the development and evaluation of multiple scenarios, including associated economic feasibility analysis, to inform decision-making.
This did not occur.
Rather than presenting three distinct scenarios with clear financial implications, the City Council was ultimately asked to consider a single preferred concept without any accompanying economic feasibility analysis. This deprived Council—and the public—of the ability to evaluate tradeoffs, risks, and long-term fiscal impacts. This is especially egregious as the City’s staff, and members of the City Council, raised significant financial feasibility issues at the January 25, 2023 meeting when this process began.
Given the City’s fiscal challenges, proceeding without a clear understanding of capital costs, operating costs, revenue implications, and funding mechanisms is deeply concerning. Major land-use decisions of this magnitude require rigorous financial analysis, not conceptual planning alone.
2. Failure to Implement the Democratic Lottery Process
The RFP contemplated a broad and representative community engagement process, including the use of a democratic lottery system to ensure participation from a cross-section of Santa Monica residents.
This process was not executed. In fact, the previously elected Council voted to eliminate this part of the process despite it being recommended by the City’s staff. You now have an opportunity to reinstate this good idea.
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2 Instead of using a democratic lottery to sample everyone who lives in Santa Monica, participation was largely self-selected, resulting in a group disproportionately composed of individuals already predisposed toward a park-only outcome. This approach does not meet the RFP’s stated objective of capturing a representative range of community perspectives.
As a point of reference, an independent poll conducted in September 2025 by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (“FM3”) concluded that approximately 67% of Santa Monica voters support keeping the airport open. While no single data source is definitive, this finding strongly suggests that the process failed to capture the views of a substantial portion of the community. FM3 is a highly reputable polling firm often hired by the City.
3. Exclusion of Ongoing Aviation Use from Consideration City-issued materials, including the RFQ/RFP and subsequent addenda, explicitly indicated that a full range of alternatives—including continued aviation use—would be explored.
Despite this, ongoing aviation use was excluded from consideration throughout the process.
This exclusion occurred notwithstanding substantial public input—both at in-person events and through surveys—indicating meaningful interest in retaining some form of aviation use at the site. By omitting this option, the process failed to align with the City’s own stated scope and limited the range of outcomes presented to decision-makers.
Additionally, the circumstances at the airport have changed since this process began. JSX began relatively low cost scheduled charter operations in December 2025 – and even prior to that launch, JSX had thousands of Santa Monica residents as customers. The airport is now, perhaps more than ever, even more of an irreplaceable asset open to and usable by the entire community. JSX has electric aircraft on order and intends on operating those at Santa Monica Airport as soon as they are certified in the next few years.
Conclusion
Taken together, these issues represent significant departures from the process outlined in the RFP. The result is a set of recommendations that:
Do not reflect a representative cross-section of Santa Monica residents Do not provide the economic analysis necessary for informed decision-making Do not consider the full range of viable land-use alternatives We respectfully urge the City Council and City Manager to:
1. Acknowledge these process deficiencies
2. Revisit the scope and structure of the airport conversion study
3. Ensure that any future work complies fully with the original RFP intent, including:
o Representative community engagement
o Evaluation of multiple scenarios
o Comprehensive economic feasibility analysis
o Inclusion of all viable land-use options, including aviation The future of the Santa Monica Airport site is one of the most consequential decisions facing our City. It is essential that this decision be grounded in a process that is transparent, inclusive, and analytically rigorous.
We appreciate your attention to this matter and welcome the opportunity to engage constructively as this process moves forward.
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3 Respectfully,
Santa Monica Airport Association
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1 David Yakobson
From: Cesar Estrada <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2026 12:00 PM
To: Caroline Torosis; Santa Monica Airport Conversion; [email protected] Cc: Spirit of Santa Monica; Lizzy Acosta; Sandra Santiago; Clerk Mailbox Subject: Santa Monica Airport Video Testimonial
EXTERNAL
Save Santa Monica Airport,
Santa Monica Airport (SMO) is at a critical juncture and in urgent need of renewed public attention and support. This municipal airport is facing significant challenges and deterioration, and without meaningful action, its future as a public aviation facility is at risk.
The importance of SMO extends well beyond the immediate surrounding community. While residents are naturally stakeholders, the airport also serves individuals and organizations found many miles outside the Santa Monica area. As such, its preservation should involve not only nearby community members but also the broader public who rely on and value this regional asset.
In response to these concerns, I respectfully propose collaborating with your organization to create a documentary that accurately presents the historical significance, public value, and current condition of Santa Monica Airport. This documentary would serve as an educational and advocacy tool, intended to inform a wider audience and foster constructive dialogue about the airport’s future.
Additionally, I wish to contribute this effort to a comprehensive proposal that moves beyond an either-or approach. Rather than viewing the airport and surrounding green space as mutually exclusive, it is possible—and beneficial—to pursue a vision that includes both a public park and a functioning municipal airport. Such a balanced approach would best serve the community while preserving an important public resource.
Preserving Santa Monica Airport is not merely a local issue; it is a matter of safeguarding infrastructure, history, and access that belong to the public at large.
Respectfully,
Cesar Estrada
All American War Veterans
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2 David Yakobson
From: Lindsey Lincoln <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2026 6:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Letter of Support | SMBGC x Waymo
Attachments: SMBGC Letter of Support - Waymo - 2026.pdf
EXTERNAL
Attaching a letter of support from Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica on behalf of Waymo.
Lindsey Lincoln
Director of Marketing & Communications
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
1220 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica, CA
90401
T: 406.781.6636
Make a difference for local kids at smbgc.org!
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1220 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica 90401
smbgc.org | [email protected] | 310.361.8500
WEST LA’S KID EXPERTS FOR OVER 80 YEARS
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
1220 Lincoln Blvd
Santa Monica, CA 90401
RE: Partnership for Kids & Teens in Santa Monica
To Whom it May Concern,
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica (SMBGC) provides essential programs and services to more than 4,000 children across 11 Club locations, predominately in the City of Santa Monica.
Our mission is to empower all youth to realize their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens and we envision a future where kids cultivate physical and emotional well-being, achieve success in their academic and professional pursuits, gain self-sufficiency and confidence, and emerge as leaders within their communities.
As part of our work, we leverage the support of various partners, including corporate partners.
In December 2025, we collaborated to host the Santa Cruise Toy Drive at City Hall. At the event, nearly 1,000 community members came together to donate more than 100 toys, providing many Santa Monica children with a significantly brighter holiday season. Additionally, Waymo's monetary support of the drive supported over 600 kids.
In February 2026, Waymo invested in leadership for local teens through support of our Youth of the Year competition.
I am writing to express my support for Waymo’s community relations efforts and operations in Santa Monica. Waymo represents our community’s commitment to innovation and creativity. Waymo has a proven track record of being safer around pedestrians, cyclists, and vulnerable road users compared to human drivers.
SMBGC is proud to partner with Waymo and acknowledge their critical support of local youth programs.
Our partnership serves as a powerful testament to the meaningful results that can be reached when local organizations and partners work together for the benefit of the community.
Sincerely,
Brynja Seagren
CEO
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Monica
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1 David Yakobson
From: Non <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2026 6:10 PM
Subject: IOIDA BLACKLEY IS STEALING FROM SAMO RESIDENTS
EXTERNAL
look at the illiterate response i received from them - clearly they didn't read one word of the complaint here's more proof of their corruption - look at how long it took for them to respond. santa monica government is corrupt and steals from taxpayers On Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 01:25:06 PM PDT, Compass <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear customer,
Please accept our sincerest apology for your recent experience. We would like to look into this matter further but need additional information. Before we can proceed with an internal inquiry, we need to identify the vehicle and Operator involved. Any details you may recall and share with us will be extremely helpful. Would you kindly report and/or confirm the following information?
Date:
Time:
Route:
Direction of travel:
Stop location (i.e. cross streets) where you boarded/disembarked:
4-Digit bus number:
Operator ID number:
Description of Operator:
Please use the "Reply All" feature to ensure we get your response. Please submit your response by April 30, 2025, at 12:00 pm. If we do not receive your response by the stated date and time, your incident report will be closed out.
Thank you,
Community Engagement & Customer Experience
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2 Big Blue Bus
Ref:MSG2356606_mXo5ycX9Em6eiL93YNox
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1 David Yakobson
From: John Alle <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 9:04 AM
To: The Santa Monica Coalition
Subject: POLICE ACADEMY
EXTERNAL
CHIEF OF POLICE DARRICK JACOB: "72% of our arrests are DRUG and HOMELESS related."
Insta
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXpXZr3grRN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== YouTube
https://youtu.be/yfbIZJbDsP4
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2 David Yakobson
From: Angela D. Scott <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 8:28 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Ellis Raskin; Lana Negrete; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Oliver Chi; councilmtgitems
Subject: Request Funds to Support Samohi BSU Rites of Passage - Public Comment
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, Mayor Pro-Tem Zwick, Councilmembers, and City Manager Chi.
My name is Angela D. Scott, and I write to you as a Santa Monica resident, mother of three, and longstanding advocate for educational equity and student leadership in our community.
I want to begin by expressing my sincere gratitude for the City Council’s past support of the Santa Monica High School Black Student Union. Over the past three years, your investment of $18,000 has directly impacted 82 students—providing access to regional and state leadership conferences and creating opportunities that many of these students would not have otherwise experienced.
That investment has made a measurable difference.
But beyond the numbers, it has also helped sustain one of the most meaningful traditions for our students: the Black Student Union Rites of Passage Ceremony.
This ceremony is more than an event. It is a powerful moment of recognition and affirmation. Students are honored with Kente cloth stoles, celebrated with cultural traditions including African drumming, and surrounded by their families and community as they prepare to transition into adulthood.
For many students, this is the first time they feel fully seen, valued, and celebrated in an academic setting.
These moments matter. They shape identity, confidence, and a sense of belonging that carries forward into college, careers, and community leadership.
However, this work is ongoing—and it requires continued partnership.
I respectfully request $5,000 in support of this year’s Rites of Passage Ceremony to ensure that the next class of graduating students receives the same opportunity to be uplifted, affirmed, and celebrated.
Your past support has already demonstrated the impact of this investment. With your continued commitment, we can sustain and strengthen this important tradition for years to come.
Thank you for your leadership and for your continued investment in the students and future of Santa Monica.
Warmest,
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3 Angela
Angela D. Scott (she/her), MBA/V, Certified ScrumMaster® Candidate, Doctor of Education, Ed.D.
Organizational Change and Leadership
"You don't make progress by standing on the sidelines, whimpering and complaining. You make progress by implementing ideas." - Shirley Chisholm
I acknowledge with respect and gratitude the Tongva, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples on whose traditional territory I live and work.
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1 David Yakobson
From: joe delaplaine <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 28, 2026 1:04 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Janet Gollery McKeithen; ANGELA D SCOTT SM racial justice & Dem party SM; Robbie Jones SM Black comm racial justice police reform, tours Subject: Keep DEI in SM
EXTERNAL
To the Santa Monica City Council, we urge you to please keep DEI as a funded department & continue moving forward with the work of locals like those in the Committee for Racial Justice.
As a 30 year resident, our Black community deserves our INCREASED solidarity & support, not anything less, especially from City leadership. Racism & its legal legacy remain the greatest threats we face in this city & ones we must, collectively, work to address & defeat, together.
Funding, immediate action from council members, & how you spend our City budget must reflect your commitment to supporting representation, equity, inclusion & diversity, as opposed to maximizing tourism and/or prioritizing increased corporate tax revenue streams.
We appreciate your immediate attention to this matter.
Thanks,
Joe Delaplaine
643 Grant St, #E, Santa Monica, CA 90405
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SMO
Santa Monica City Counsel Presentation
4/28/2026
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In 2025 versus 2024
Training Flights at SMO
more than DOUBLED
And the trend is continuing in 2026
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You already know this…
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24 Training Flights over my house in just over 1 hour
● Monday, April 27, 2026
● Minutes: 74 (7:56am - 9:10am)
● Planes: 3
● Operations: 7 (decieving number)
● Loops: 24
● Loops per Hour: 19.5
● 1 Loop Every 3 minutes
1 plane. 1 Operation. 5 Loops.
5 Takeoffs. 5 Landings. 28 Min.
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3 Planes in same Touch & Go Training “Loop” pattern
● Plane 1 - on it’s 4th Loop
● Plane 2 - on its 2nd Loop
● Plane 3 - on it’s 1st Loop
● Loop takes 5 minutes
● Plane every 1.5 minutes
● Avg 3.5 Loops per Operation
1 2
3 Flight overhead Every
1.5 minutes
for 20 minutes
*
*
My Home
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*
50 55
60 60
65 50
40 35
● 30 dBA is typical ambient.
● 50 dBA’s very quickly.
● Builds to 65 dBA’s.
● Between 60 and 65 for 30 sec.
● Slowly decreases.
● Total time impacted = 1.5 min
● Then next plane starts.
dBA’s at my house
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10 min
Over 60 dBA for 30 seconds every 3 minutes
20 min 30 min 40 min 50 min 60 min
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80 70
60 50
40 30
dBA
Ambient
5 x per Day
3 x per Day
100 x per Day
200+ x per Day
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5,000 to 15,000 residents effected at this level
● Only a few dozen trainees benefiting
● No commercial or economic value
● No benefit to community
● HUGE POLLUTION AND NOISE PROBLEM FOR COMMUNITY
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Residents are greatly effected
The U.S. EPA says noise degrades quality of life by impairing communication and social interaction; reducing the accuracy of work, particularly complex tasks; and creating stressful levels of frustration and aggravation that last even when the noise has ceased.
Sacramento's city code states "Every person in the city is entitled to live in an environment free from excessive, unnecessary or offensive noise levels."
The World Health Organization recommends general daytime outdoor noise levels of 55 dBA or less, but 45 dBA to meet sleep criteria. Thus, 65-decibels would be 100 times too loud.
CO2 emitted from SMO training flights (1,200 kg) per day would require 42 trees be planted EVERY DAY (tree = 20 kg CO2 in its lifetime)
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I am greatly effected
● Interrupted work phone calls and Zoom meetings - unacceptable for my work. ● Interrupted socializing/talking to my family and neighbors. ● Disrupted coaching at Penmar and other teaching environments (Walgrove Elementary)
● Physchologially
○ Annoyed
○ Anxious. On-edge, not relaxed
○ Exhausted
○ Frustrated
○ Angry
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What you CAN NOT do
Because of federal law:
● Ban flights outright
● Unilaterally change flight paths
● Impose strict noise limits on aircraft in flight
That authority sits with the Federal Aviation Administration.
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What you CAN do
Restrict flight training operations
● Limit touch-and-go training operations (the repetitive loops) ● Restrict training during certain hours
● Cap the number of operations per hour/day
Even small limits here would be huge:
● Limit Loops froim “every 3 minutes” to “every 10 minutes” Item 1
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What you CAN do
● Since training drives repetition
○ Limit the number or type of flight schools.
○ restrict leases or operations at the airport for Flight Training. ○ reduce the number of training operators.
○ limit high-frequency training aircraft.
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What you CAN do
Set stricter operational hours
● Later start times (e.g., no early morning training)
● Earlier evening cutoffs for training
● No training flights on Sundays
Even modest changes make a huge difference.
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What you CAN do
Fund Sound Insulation Programs (effective indoors)
● window upgrades
● insulation improvements for bedroom or home offices
These can reduce indoor noise 10–20 dB, which is substantial.
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World Cup and Olympic’s Implications
Santa Monica
● Hub for Visitor Experiences and Cultural
Events
● Fan Activation Events
● International Hospitality Houses
Venice
● First Medal Ceremony
● Triathalon
● Marathon
● Road Cycling
Concerns
● Security?
● Helicopters?
● Advertising
Banner flights?
● Disruptive Noise
and Distration?
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Please prioritize this problem and ACT NOW
● THOUSANDS ARE BEING HARMED
● 2 years is too long to wait
● Stop ignoring the health and hapiness of thousands for the benefit of very few.
● Its the neighborly thing to do. Its the Cities responsibility. ● Prevent neighborly and community discord and dysfunction.
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