Written Comments — Santa Monica City Council, September 8, 2026

1 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 3:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Santa Monica trapeze

EXTERNAL
I am a 60-year-old attorney, and trapeze is my happy place. Being at Santa Monica Trapeze is an enriching, warm, supportive, and safe environment, while also being a healthy way to conquer your fears and be motivated to get in shape or stay in shape. We are truly an asset to any neighborhood – we create very little noise or traƯic and provide an experience that is rare and magical. We are open to everyone, and we all cheer for everyone whether their challenge is to just climb to the top of the ladder or they are working on a really advanced trapeze trick – everyone is always learning and achieving goals. The public is also typically excited to see us taking classes – so many people stop by to ask about us and to watch even if they don’t want to take a class. Plus, we are taking up a space that otherwise would be an empty parking lot.

In Santa Barbara, the neighbors love that we took over a park there. Before we were there, the park was full of homeless people and drug deals, and now there is a safe, clean park with positive energy and lots of community outreach. They have 3 trapeze rigs there, whereas we have only one in Santa Monica. And there, unlike in Santa Monica, the side of the park next to one of the trapeze rigs is lined with houses that back up to the park and are on the same level as the park. I suggest that you look at the space there to see what a positive relationship it has with the community I can’t understand why anyone would object to having us around. I know that there has been outcry by neighbors at the airport about having the rig there, but I can only surmise that was because they hadn’t seen us there yet and didn’t realize how little traƯic and noise we bring with us. Or, they simply don’t want anything at all at the airport and so want to complain about us. Considering that there is already a soccer field and a restaurant there, we bring far fewer people, and far less noise or traƯic than either of those enterprises. If those are acceptable, why aren’t we? Our classes are small and there are only a few of them a day, and so we make very little impact on traƯic. And we also don’t make much noise – certainly far less than either the restaurant or the soccer field.

There are only 3 houses that could even possibly see or hear the trapeze rig, and those are on a hill above us. And at least one of those has a fence behind it so that we aren’t visible within the home or backyard unless you are in their treehouse. And yet that neighbor has, on more than one occasion screamed nasty things at the trapeze staƯ before we even opened and once at the students taking a class. I think that he is the problem, not us.

Please support keeping the trapeze school in Santa Monica! My life has been a much better place in multiple ways thanks to Santa Monica trapeze!
Sincerely yours, Hillary BibicoƯ
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Claire F <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 2, 2026 6:49 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K - SMTS

EXTERNAL
Hello Santa Monica city council,
I want to express my appreciation for the community that circus arts has provided me. When I moved to Los Angeles, I did not know many people, which can be jarring in a new city. Luckily, the team and community at SMTS welcomed me with open arms and have provided me some of my favorite people.

Having a space so willing to accept new folks and encourage growth in both circus and character has made my time over the last 3 years wonderful.

Since I work from home, finding such a friendly space makes every day life better. SMTS has been a beacon of light in the Santa Monica community; Kenna frequently partners with local businesses and provides safe spaces for youth. Please keep SMTS in Santa Monica.

Best,
Claire
--
Message sent from Claire E. Farnan
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: m m <[email protected]>
Sent: Thursday, September 3, 2026 5:48 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: 9/8 meeting Agenda item K

EXTERNAL
To the City Council:

I took my first flying trapeze class at the Santa Monica Pier in 2009, and have seen what it’s done for the physical and mental health of countless kids and adults. Tiny children I started flying with have gone out into the world with greater strength and belief in their own abilities.

The Santa Monic Trapeze School is quiet, in a noisy city, and it’s a safe, healthy outdoor activity. The program and its staff are incredibly welcoming—to the community, to passersby, to tourists who stop and take photos.

Everyone is invited in, to watch or ask questions, and to participate if they’re interested. I’ve seen the school recruit people who never thought they could do anything like it, and the joy and the confidence the program promotes have a ripple effect out into the city.

When I lost my house in the L.A. fires in January 2025, the trapeze rig was open and welcoming, and it was enormously helpful to get up in the air and trust my body and my community. It’s been an enormous loss to Santa Monica not to have the rig operable, and I would be heartbroken to lose the program for good. Please approve its move to a new home!
Thank you for your consideration.

Maile Meloy
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: TARYN FORDES <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:08 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Taryn Watanabe Fordes
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Michael Ishler <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:09 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Mike Ishler
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Sandbank <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:24 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing a Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park and at the risk of the removing multiple mature trees is incomprehensible.

The 5-year lease with option for renewal conflicts with the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park as "The Stroll." The Airport is closing in 28 months.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Lisa Sandbank
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Sandbank <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:25 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Gabriel Spenser
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Test, OTD, OTR/L <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:25 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office
Subject: Agenda Item 4-k Pull trapeze from consent calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Lisa A. Test
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Rachel Zucker <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:30 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Granting a 5-year lease (with an option for an additional 5 years) to the Trapeze School is not in line with the Airport Conversion.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Rachel Zucker
Sunset Park Resident
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: John Reynolds <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval. Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of tree root structure on the dirt mound that would need to be levelled. Granting a 5-year concession (with an option for an additional 5 years) to the Trapeze School is not in line with the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park as "The Stroll." The Airport is closing in 28 months. The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors. Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely, John Reynolds
Vice President FOSP
213-598-2120
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: cathykarolc <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:11 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors. Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Cathy Karol-Crowther
Santa Monica Resident, Artist and Professor at SMC
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Karen Pickard-Four <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Karen Pickard-Four
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: steve kandell <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:33 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
steve kandell
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: elena estrin <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Elena Estrin
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Peter Mezza <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Peter Mezza
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Susan Shapiro <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Susan Shapiro
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Allyson Dworkin <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Allyson Dworkin
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: MELISSA FEINBERG <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Melissa Feinberg
Sent from my iPhone
Melissa Feinberg

PROPERTY MASTER
[email protected]
(818) 612-1654
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: Geraldine Kennedy <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Geraldine Kennedy
Former Planning Commissioner
Sent from my iPad
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Miner <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Lisa Miner
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: Hal Bogotch <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Please Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

I urge you to please pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
-- Hal

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mr. Hal Bogotch
Santa Monica 90405
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: nancykless <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:58 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Nancy Kless
Sent from my Galaxy
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: TAMRA RAVEN <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Tamra
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
21 David Yakobson
From: Alison Havel <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:17 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Alison Havel
2330 21st Street
Santa Monica
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: Faustino Garza <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:31 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Faustino Garza
Sunset Park
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: Lynn Gephart <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:31 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Lynn Gephart
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Amanda O'Brien <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:37 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Amanda OBRien
1744 Bryn Mawr Ave Santa Monica 90405
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: Jenny Monbouquette <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:00 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

I’m fine with the school. Ut DONT CUT DOWN ANY TREES!!! I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Jenny Monbouquette
Jenny Monbouquette
(310)266-3665
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: Kathleen <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval. Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees. Granting a 5-year lease (with an option for an additional 5 years) to the Trapeze School is not in line with the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park as "The Stroll." The Airport is closing in 28 months. The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors. Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise. Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Kathleen Harris
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
27 David Yakobson
From: janet rt <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:14 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Janet Tunick
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
28 David Yakobson
From: Alex Novakovich <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Alex Novakovich
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
29 David Yakobson
From: Victoria Morrow <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Victoria Morrow
2233 27th St
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
30 David Yakobson
From: Patricia Bentivoglio <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Tree removal for trapeze school?!!

EXTERNAL
P.S. PM Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, Pop I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Patricia Bentivoglio
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
31 David Yakobson
From: Ken Abbott <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:28 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Kenneth S Abbott
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
32 David Yakobson
From: Diana Gordon <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Council Agenda Item 4-K - Please remove Trapeze School from Consent Calendar and institute a public process/evaluation of impacts

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. This item - which concerns public land - feels rushed and premature.

Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our city’s limited park space for a trapeze school without further review and public process would set a bad precedent.

Before approving commercial uses such as this, there should be a public process, including review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, outreach to the impacted Sunset Park community, followed by a staff analysis and presentation to the Council for discussion.

Such a review would enable this potential 5-year lease to be evaluated for compatibility with other City goals, such as the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park, and for the intended operation of the School and its impacts on the park space it would occupy as well as the park as a whole.

Such a review could result in a better alternative location than Clover Park once the impacts are understood.

For all these reasons, please respect this public land that belongs to all of us and institute a public process.

Thank you,
Diana Gordon
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
33 Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
34 David Yakobson
From: Robb Curtis Brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:38 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier is the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise. There are other parcels as well such as the unused large parking lot near the SMO Admin Buildings.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Do not destroy the beloved picnic area and mature trees by having this massive COMMERCIAL OPERATION in the heart of the park. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Robert Brown
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
35 David Yakobson
From: Carolyn Hanlin <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Hanlin
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
36 David Yakobson
From: Joy Abbott <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

We are writing to implore item 4K be PULLED from Tuesday's consent calendar. We love our Clover Park and NO commercial company should be allowed exclusive access to our limited park space! This attempt to monetize our local park with a 5 year+ contract is nothing short of outrageous.

This item should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, along with an analysis by staff and staff report presentation - well BEFORE City approval.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park is not only incompatible with use of families of the park- it appears to potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. We ask you pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Joy Olsen Abbott
Kenneth Abbott
1745 Sunset Ave
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
37 David Yakobson
From: William Purdy <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:43 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Bill Purdy
Sunset Park resident and VOTER
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
38 David Yakobson
From: Carolyn Hanlin <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:45 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Carolyn Hanlin
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
39 David Yakobson
From: clare m <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees. This is a BIG issue—we need trees and shady spaces in our parks! During the heat waves this summer, the park’s trees provided much shady relief to young and old, humans and pets.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Thanks for your consideration,
Clare McCaffrey
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
40 David Yakobson
From: Dirk van de Bunt <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 11:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, Pull item 4K from Tuesday’s consent calendar. A 5-year lease (with a 5-year option) handing exclusive commercial use of park space to one company shouldn’t go through without review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, input from the Sunset Park community, and a staff report the Council actually gets to weigh in on.

The site itself is the first problem. Wedging the Trapeze School between the only two reservable BBQ areas in Clover Park doesn’t work, and it likely means taking out several mature trees to make it fit.

The timing is the second problem. The Airport closes in 28 months, and Clover Park is supposed to become “The Stroll” under the Airport Conversion Project. Locking in a 10-year commercial lease now runs against that vision before it’s even built.

The Pier solves this. It already has the amusement-park synergy and the foot traffic this business wants — the underused parking area alone is a better fit than displacing picnic space in Clover Park.

Pull the item. Let the Commission, the neighborhood, and staff weigh in before the Council signs off on a precedent this size.

Sincerely,
Dirk van de Bunt
1624 Hill St.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
41 David Yakobson
From: Gail Block <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 11:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Gail Block
1225 Marine St.

Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
42 David Yakobson
From: Roger Director <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 11:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Roger Director
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
43 David Yakobson
From: Hilary Galanoy <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:02 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Hilary Galanoy
2636 32nd Street
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
44 David Yakobson
From: Alison Megliola <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Alison Megliola
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
45 David Yakobson
From: marilyn elias <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Marilyn Elias
900 Euclid. #210
Santa Monica. 90403
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
46 David Yakobson
From: Chuck Abbott <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Going forward with this action would be tragic. Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Charles Abbott
1757 11th Street
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
47 David Yakobson
From: Diana Gage <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Confirm the SM Trapeze School for the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, We have been living in the Sunset Park area on Cloverfield Blvd for almost two decades and are enjoying the vision of city recovery you have set before us.

There is a really lovely circus school called Santa Monica Trapeze school (SMTS) that was priced out of the SM Pier a couple of years ago. They just finally settled into their new place in the SM airport recently.

But then the Mar VIsta neighborhood petitioned for them to move out and we heard that now the SM council is suggesting that they move to Clover Park.

For the SMTS to move to Clover Park would be so fantastic! I cannot imagine a more lovely group of people than the SMTS. They are made up of a diverse core group of people full of heart and soul. The leader of the crew, Kenna Stevens, is also a girl scout coach. One of the teachers is an ex-Olympic diver.

With the existing baseball and soccer leagues and tennis players, having a trapeze school there would totally complement the vibe of our park. The suggestion is for the school to take over the old trailers that sometimes become the home of unhoused people and that were privatized in 2000, so the school will be turning an unused space into something creative and beautiful! What a wonderful idea! The only issue is that a few of the neighbors don't want the school there and don't want the school to turn a public space into a private company (which I agree with), which the space is apparently not anyway. Do you know how we can help to convince them? The reason I am passionate about this issue is because my daughter used to go there, and the coaches there are such a lovely group of kind-hearted creative individuals; aways helpful and inclusive with teaching children new skills, resiliency, strength, patience.

With the SMTS in Clover Park, our kids can do independent PE after school too (which our daughter did, when she went to JAMS and SAMO)!
I highly endorse granting approval for this contract for SMTS to be in Clover Park! Please reach out with any questions or concerns. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Diana Gage
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
48 David Yakobson
From: Mayra Herrera <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Once again I’m writing to ask you all to stop taking what belongs to the Santa Monica residents a park and giving it to business that have no place in our public spaces.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
49 David Yakobson
From: Mayra Herrera <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:36 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Mayra Herrera
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
50 David Yakobson
From: Kathy Seal <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 12:55 PM
To: Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Natalya Zernitskaya Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Kathy Seal
2531 32Nd St
--

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
51 David Yakobson
From: Paula Mazur <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Really? A 5 year lease on a trapeze school when we are moving towards closing the airport and creating a park? This feels tone deaf, folks.

I strongly request pulling item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar and give this contract more review.

This seems incredibly short sighted.

Sincerely,

PAULA MAZUR
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
52 David Yakobson
From: Crystal Reed <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, I know you're receiving many copied and pasted emails about item 4K so I thought I'd switch it up and at least write my own.

Granting a private company a lease to use our public park for their profit-generating enterprise is contrary to the narrative of needing to create more public space and decrease city-space usage for the benefit of just a few, which is a main argument for closing SMO. You can't have it both ways. I mean, you're in control so I suppose you CAN have it both ways, but I would hope that you have the integrity to not do such a hypocritical thing.

Thank you,
Crystal Reed
2817 11th Street
SM native and lifelong resident
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
53 David Yakobson
From: Jeanette Schachtner <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees. Granting a 5-year lease (with an option for an additional 5 years) to the Trapeze School is not in line with the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park as "The Stroll." The Airport is closing in 28 months.

I use this park for my daily walks. I enjoy seeing the variety of groups, such as special needs children, school groups, etc., use this picnic area to gather. It is one of the last remaining areas in the city where groups can gather in a safe and serene place. Loss of the trees would be terrible as they provide a beautiful canopy in the park. Shame on you if you take another piece of our beloved city and hand it over to a commercial enterprise.

Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Jeanette Schachtner
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
54 David Yakobson
From: Karen Fisher <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:40 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Karen M. Fisher
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
55 David Yakobson
From: Dannie Charney <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Danielle Charney
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
56 David Yakobson
From: yoko roach <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 1:41 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME) John and Yoko Roach
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
57 David Yakobson
From: Britt Johansson <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 2:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Britt Johansson
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
58 David Yakobson
From: Sherri Sawaya <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 2:34 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Sherri Sawaya
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
59 David Yakobson
From: Linda Mansolillo <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 2:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, and it could require removing multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business, with its synergy with the amusement park and its attraction to visitors. Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Linda Mansolillo
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
60 David Yakobson
From: Mary <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 3:01 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Mary Hubbell
Sent from my iPad
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
61 David Yakobson
From: JORDAN ELLIS <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 3:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Jordan Ellis
Sunset Park resident
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
62 David Yakobson
From: Maura Zagor <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 3:39 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Maura Zagor
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
63 David Yakobson
From: Susan Alinsangan <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 3:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Furthermore, granting a 5-year lease (with an option for an additional 5 years) to the Trapeze School is counterintuitive with the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park as "The Stroll." The Airport is closing in 28 months.

Or maybe we're missing something and this is meant to be a strategic opening move for a seemingly tiny, but future giant problem, towards the Great Park plans?

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Susan Alinsangan
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
64 David Yakobson
From: Lisa Johansson Wessel <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 4:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Ann-Louise Johansson
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
65 David Yakobson
From: rosindabow <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 4:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

I love my park. Stop this blind rush towards money. Think about the residents. Please.

Sincerely,
Ross Levinson
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
66 David Yakobson
From: Marcy Ross <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 5:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Marcy Ross
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
67 David Yakobson
From: Cheryl Downey <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Cheryl Downey
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
68 David Yakobson
From: Dennis Dunbar <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:16 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Dennis Dunbar
310-463-1677
http://www.dunbardigital.com
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Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
69 Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
70 David Yakobson
From: Jen Drieves <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K

EXTERNAL
Santa Monica City Council,
I moved to Los Angeles a few years ago and knew no one. Kenna and her staff at The Santa Monica Trapeze School welcomed not just me but my husband (who doesn't fly) and my then two-year-old with open arms.

I'm writing in strong support of relocating Santa Monica Trapeze School to a city park under Kenna Stevens' leadership. After 18 years as a beloved fixture on the Pier, the school was forced out and relocated to the airport and is now being asked to move yet again. This isn't a fly-by-night operation looking for a handout; it's a long-standing Santa Monica institution that has already absorbed two relocations in an effort to keep operating in good faith with the city.

The "circus folk" characterization badly misrepresents who actually flies and trains at this school. The client and student base is made up largely of local lawyers, engineers, and numerous PhDs, professionals who use the trapeze as a serious physical and mental discipline, not tourists passing through for a novelty photo. Kenna herself has spent over 16 years on the Westside, sat on the Pier's post-COVID Community Outreach Group, and was an active voice in the Pier Leasors Association advocating for public safety and small business interests. This is exactly the kind of community-rooted, locally-run business Santa Monica should be fighting to keep, not pushing further out of town.

The school also employs roughly 25 people and is women-owned, the kind of small business the city claims to want to support. When the school's future was uncertain, the community backed that up with real money: an online fundraiser brought in $32,000 in the first 24 hours, entirely from residents and regulars who wanted to keep the school in Santa Monica. Beyond the local community, many prominent Los Angeles-area businesses regularly bring their teams to Santa Monica specifically for trapeze teambuilding events, a steady draw of outside visitors and dollars into the city that a park location would preserve rather than disrupt.

Thank you for your time.

Best,
Jen
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
71 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Owens <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 8:50 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Nancy Owens
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
72 David Yakobson
From: Brian Lanich <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 6:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Brian Lanich
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
73 David Yakobson
From: Rita Ravindra <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 6:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Rita Ravindra
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
74 David Yakobson
From: Gail Gordon <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 8:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

This along with many other slick business deals is a BIG MISTAKE! Please keep our open spaces open. We have so few LISTEN to your constituents.

Sincerely,
Gail Gordon
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
75 David Yakobson
From: Karen Comegys-Wortz <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 10:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
76 David Yakobson
From: Maury Pearl <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 10:42 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Maury Pearl
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
77 David Yakobson
From: Lois Bostwick <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 1:35 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Lois Bostwick
PS Clover Park is well used as is, and those trees are a healthy balance to the adjoining tree starved business park.

Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
78 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 3:19 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Adrian Harewood
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
79 David Yakobson
From: Karen Melick <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 3:47 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Oliver Chi
Cc: Heidi von Tongeln; Nia Tang; Jennifer Taylor; Wendy Siao Subject: Item 4K Contract with Trapeze School at Clover Park

EXTERNAL
Mayor Torosis, City Council Members and Manager Chi,
Please Pull Item 4K from the Consent Calendar, Contract with the Trapeze School to go in Clover Park
This item is for a contract with a commercial business, the Trapeze School, to be located in a dedicated space in our limited park space. Before approval of a precedent-setting contract, it needs to be reviewed by the Santa Monica Parks and Recreation Commission, RAD, Public Works, and have community outreach to the Sunset Park residents, with a subsequent staff report presented to the City Council for discussion.

It’s Not “Consistent” with the Parks and Recreation Vision Plan or the Airport Conversion Project
To say that because the Trapeze School has agreed to run a concession cart, something it has no experience in doing, during its limited operating hours, it is consistent with the Parks and Recreation Vision Plan for concessions in the parks is absurd. The Santa Monica Parks and Recreation Needs Assessment does not include the need for a Trapeze School. If the City wants to expand recreational opportunities, it should focus on what the identified City’s needs.

Having this school at Clover Park for the next 5 to 10 years is not in line with the Airport Conversion Project’s plans for Clover Park as “The Stroll”. This would be another temporary move for this business.

Terrible Precedent: Allocating Our Limited Park Space to a Commercial Business at a Bargain Price
This would set a precedent for allocating dedicated space in our limited park space to a commercial business with limited hours and clientele. Using 7 hours of operation a day, (half of the 8am to 10pm listed hours) the $4000 per month comes out to $19/hour for 7200 square feet of space. With the new increase in fees, SCAQ, a nonprofit resident group for adult swimmers, pays $12 an hour for one lane at the Swim Center!
Negative Impact to Large Reservable Picnic/BBQ Areas and Trees The proposed location is right in between the two large reservable picnic/BBQ areas. The activities and music of the Trapeze School would be disruptive to the events in those areas. The staff report says that the school would go where the office trailers reside. The school says they need a 120 foot Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
80 by 60 foot area. The trailer area is 80 feet by 68 feet, so the school does not fit in that area. In order to provide the extra 40 feet in length, trees would need to be removed, which is not acceptable.

Financial Impact Incomplete, Doesn’t Include Cost to Remove the Trailers The Staff report Financial Impacts and Budget Actions only mentions the lease fees to the City as the financial impact, with no estimation of the City’s share of the concession fees (probably because it will be minimal). There’s no mention of the cost to remove the trailers, which I'm sure will be significant (and why they haven't already been removed).

The Pier is Where the Trapeze School Should Be
The Pier is the perfect place for the Trapeze School. Unfortunately, Pacific Park displaced them from the Pier in a deal inconsistent with the Pier’s contract guidelines that nets the City $1.3 million. That 3-year agreement ends in 2027. The Trapeze School could go back to its original location at the Pier then. A better solution would be to move it long-term to the underutilized parking area on the Pier. It does not belong in Clover Park.

Please pull this item for further review.

Thank you.

Karen Melick
Vice-Chair, Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commission, speaking on my own behalf Sunset Park
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
81 David Yakobson
From: Ann Hoover <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 4:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Oliver Chi
Cc: Peter James; Susan Cline; Heidi von Tongeln; Christopher Dishlip; Amber Richane; Tony Lopez; Jennifer Taylor; Jenny Rogers; Matthew Wells; Teague Weybright; Steven Johnson; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; Barry Rosenbaum; Sonam Makker; Andrew Gledhill; Andrew Hoyer; Jerry Rubin; Clare Thomas
Subject: September 8, 2026 - Council Agenda Item 4-K - Please remove Trapeze School from Consent Calendar and institute a public process/evaluation of impacts

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. This item - which concerns public land - feels rushed and premature.

No privatization, please. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our city’s limited park space for a trapeze school without further review and a public process would set a bad precedent. It is privatization.

Privatization of public park land is not a goal of the PRVP. As someone who was part of the Recreation and Parks Commission subcommittee that worked on the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan, I can tell you from direct personal experience that privatization of our park spaces was not intended to be a goal of that new plan.

Appropriate public process before any major changes in our parks. Before approving private, commercial uses such as this, there must be a public process, including review by the Recreation and Parks Commission and outreach to the impacted Sunset Park community, as well as the Urban Forest Commission if trees will be cut down, followed only after all of that by a staff analysis and presentation to the Council first for a study session discussion before any action is taken by Council one way or another at a subsequent meeting.

Possibly historic amphitheatre lies under the public landscape trailer. Further, you may not be aware of this, but there is an amphitheatre underneath the public landscape trailer. It was used and loved by the community for gatherings and performances back in the day and possibly it should be excavated, examined, and restored if possible for community use and events. Possibly it is of historic merit and significance? Give resident voices the same weight as the voices of those outside the community. The trapeze school is being relocated because non-residents south of Airport Avenue complained loudly, correct? Please allow actual residents to weigh in here before this becomes a permanent solution.

Evaluate through a city-wide lens. At any rate, an appropriate public process will enable this potential 5-year lease (with an additional 5-year renewal option) to be evaluated for compatibility with other City goals, such as the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park, and for the intended operation of the trapeze school and its impacts on the park space it would occupy as well as the park and surrounding community as a whole. Other non-park locations should be considered.

Such a review could result in a better alternative location than Clover Park once the impacts and alternatives are understood. I personally think it should be restored to a Downtown or Pier-area location where it can captivate and charm our tourist population.

For all these reasons, please respect this public park land that belongs to all of us and institute a public process.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
82 Thank you,
Ann Bowman
Santa Monica resident, 30 years

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
83 David Yakobson
From: Lex Quarterman <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 4:42 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Cc: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Vote "Yes" on Agenda Item K

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
My name is Lex Quarterman. I've been part of the Santa Monica Trapeze School community since 2016. I became a frequent student during the lockdowns in 2020, as it was one of the few physical exercise activities that were open at the time. In 2022, I joined the staff and have been an instructor ever since. I want to be clear, I am not writing this because I am desperate to keep this job. I work in tech, so the money I get from this job is not my concern.

My concern is preserving the community that this school brings. I have seen so many lives changed by this sport. Children have blossomed into spectacular adults and have been accepted to Ivy League schools. Adults have found a new passion that improves their lives and teaches them that they can literally fly. Nearly every day, someone comes in for the first time and learns that they can conquer their fears.

We want to be able to continue to build up and inspire people. Circus may be loud and boisterous, but there are people that need to know that they are allowed to take up space, to be heard, to be seen, to be themselves. Giving us the time in the Park will allow us to become a non-profit so that we can give even more to the local community.

This is an opportunity to keep something special in Santa Monica. There are so few things in our current world that don't involve technology or social media. There is no AI in Trapeze. We've spent years being a recognizable landmark on the Pier. Let us become an institution in your community. Prove that you care about small businesses. Prove that you care about the arts. Prove that you care about Women Owned Businesses. Prove that you care about safe spaces and communities where people, young and old, can thrive.

So, please, respectfully, vote yes on Agenda Item K.

Also, if you want to come and take a class or just watch, we would love to have you. Please come and see the vibrant community we want to keep.

Lex Quarterman
P.S. I'm including a link to a short film I made about when I spoke in your council meeting 2 years ago.

See what we do. My words then apply now as well.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
84 https://youtu.be/eNraf1ax8kk?is=zda5Zeboq2RmllOP
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
85 David Yakobson
From: lmarreola <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 6:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: ITEM 4 -K

EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers;
Please do not allow the trapeeze business to take space in any of our existing parks. As Sunset Park residents we woukd object to any changes to Clover Park. It is a beautiful well used park that should remain as is and not part of the proposed new so called "Great Park" at the airport. We dont object to the trapeeze business being where it is now south of Airport Ave.

Carol and Larry Arreola
Lifelong Sunset Park Residents
Sent from my Galaxy
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
86 David Yakobson
From: Elaine Becker <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 6:28 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval. Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees. Granting a 5-year lease (with an option for an additional 5 years) to the Trapeze School is not in line with the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park as "The Stroll." The Airport is closing in 28 months. The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors. Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise. Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives. Sincerely, (YOUR NAME) Elaine Becker
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
87 David Yakobson
From: A. Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 7:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: agenda item "K" Santa Monica Trapeze School

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing to express my appreciation for the Santa Monica Trapeze School (SMTS). I was born and raised in Santa Monica and started attending the Trapeze School when I was 11 years old. Now at 28, I work there part-time because I love it so much. The city is a better place because of the trapeze school, and I hope you will wisely use your influence to help Kenna keep the school in Santa Monica. This will allow Santa Monica residents, especially kids growing up here just like I did, to better access the magic that circus arts has to offer.

I don't have a lot of faith in government at the moment, but I'm writing to you because I truly care.

Access to circus arts from a young age has fundamentally impacted who I am as a person. Circus arts have provided me and many others with community, physical fitness, creative expression, and job opportunities. The rig is my second home and a treasure for the whole community. Please help it find a place to stay.

Please do the right thing,
Aspen Smith
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
88 David Yakobson
From: Robert Dean <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 9:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Robert Dean
28th Street, Santa Monica 90405
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
89 David Yakobson
From: Jeanne Laurie <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, September 6, 2026 9:20 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Jeanne Laurie
Sunset Park
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
90 David Yakobson
From: Jayne Gordon <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 12:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi:

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't approve this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

And may I further add, I am completely against having a commercial business and a trapeze school at Clover Park. The park is a place to relax in peace, enjoy time with family and friends, and picnic.

Removing picnic space and destroying beautiful mature trees—home to birds and animals—would be a travesty.

Sincerely,
Jayne Gordon
(She/Her)
tYpos HaPpn
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
91 “When you see something that is not right, not fair, you just have to speak up. You have to say something; you have to do something.”
—John Lewis
“There can be freedom only when nobody owns it.”
—Jackson Browne, “Walls and Doors”
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
92 David Yakobson
From: Caroline Denyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 9:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Caroline Denyer
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
93 David Yakobson
From: Jee Won Diane Kang <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 9:58 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public Comment on Agenda Item K: Authorization to enter into Concession Agreement with Santa Monica Trapeze School for Concessionaire and Recreation Services at Clover Park

EXTERNAL
To the esteemed members of the Santa Monica City Council:

Hello, my name is Jee Won Kang, and I am submitting this public comment as part of agenda item K regarding the placement of the Santa Monica Trapeze School (SMTS) at Clover Park.

Santa Monica has long cast itself as a champion of small businesses and a beacon of sustainable and smart development, which is why millions of people a year flock here. Yet the process for small businesses to lease – and maintain – commercial spaces is broken and this dysfunction is currently playing out in what is happening to SMTS.

If Santa Monica truly wants to support small businesses as they claim they do, the way to do this is to support local, women-owned businesses like the Santa Monica Trapeze School! Without a physical location, SMTS will not be able to share the transformational lessons achieved through flying with our students or support the community programs. The team have been working to find alternative locations in LA County to move the Trapeze School but have had no luck thus far.

The team at SMTS creates this amazing place, a place that hosts multiple completely free pride shows a year, an AAPI heritage celebration, PE credit for approved Santa Monica Students, as well as a number of other community benefits. We need to keep circus arts and circus training in Santa Monica.

During its tenancy on the pier, SMTS established fantastic working relationships with the other members of the community, including the neighbors at Pacific Park and the Pacific Playland Arcade, as well as the local firefighters, police officers, and lifeguards. This long history of great stewardship shows that the school is an asset to the community by providing a safe space for all to gather and learn about the beauty of circus, and by contributing to the fabric of local arts that enriches everyone.

City council members, please vote to enter into Concession Agreement with Santa Monica Trapeze School for Concessionaire and Recreation Services at Clover Park.

Thank you for fighting for local circus in Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Jee Won
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: mwdobbs <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 9:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract.

Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Michael Dobbs.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 6:07 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Public Comment on Item K for meeting on 09/08/2026

EXTERNAL
I am a Santa Monica resident writing in support of the concession agreement with the Santa Monica Trapeze School at Clover Park. Please approve it without delay.

Santa Monica residents did not ask for the trapeze school to be pushed off the Pier. It is a nearly twodecade-old local operator and a Most Loved Santa Monica Business award winner. When outside pressure lands on a business like that, the City's response should be faster and firmer than what's happened here.

When I walk past the lots on the Promenade that have been sitting vacant for half a decade, I wonder what sort of signal we as a city are sending to businesses that could potentially fill that space and revitalize our city. Why should they want to, if we respond with red tape and NIMBYism to every development?
--
Nakul Joshi
Downtown Santa Monica
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Salli Wright <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 1:43 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K; Sept 8, 2026

EXTERNAL
I am writing to express my strong support for Santa Monica Trapeze School. I have been an active member for many years. My children and grandchildren have also taken many classes there. I also invite friends and out of town guests to participate, and they have thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

I urge the board to allow SMTS to relocate to the new park area and stay local. It's a wonderful community, a wonderful experience and such a fantastic and lovely thing to have in Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Salli Wright
Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Pearl Smith <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 2:44 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: NO Trapeze in Clover Park
Do not allow the trapeze in Clover Park! There is tons of room at the Airport - rent that space to them. That space is already completely open and available. The trapeze is huge and will take up too much public park. I like the company, but it does not belong in a public park taking up so much space 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

We are already park poor in Santa Monica and adding this HUGE commercial venture in a public park is not right.

You'll turn the playground into a place kids are complaining and crying to go on trapeze rather than having fun for FREE in a public park.

You have already sold out Clover Park's baseball field to private schools who advertise in the park, do not sell more of the park to private companies!
Do something for the taxpayers of Santa Monica --- Keep the Park Open and not for business ventures.

Separately, the rates you are suggesting are vastly undervalued and this is tantamount to an illegal Gift of Public Funds.

And on consent calendar??? No public feedback allowed You should be ashamed.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Estelle G. Mednick <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Estelle Mednick
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Estelle G. Mednick <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, September 5, 2026 7:44 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Betty Mednick
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Lynn Dickinson <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 3:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Please support the Trapeze School's Move to the Park

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, As a longtime Santa Monica resident who is also employed in the city, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

My daughter grew up training at the school and now teaches there, so I’ve had the privilege of watching this remarkable community up close for many years. It is far more than just a place to learn trapeze. It gives children and adults a place to build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and a genuine sense of belonging.

The Trapeze School is exactly the kind of joyful, distinctive community institution that makes Santa Monica special. I’m grateful that the City has found a location where it can put down roots and continue contributing to our community for years to come.

Please support the move and help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica.

Warmly,
Lynn Dickinson
Santa Monica Resident and Locally employed here since 1994 Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: oesr <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 6:09 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item 4-K.

Thank you,
Jane Dempsey
PS I makes me wonder how some projects get pushed thru and how everyone in Santa Monica could do this, make money and get approved.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Nancy Hicks <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 7:45 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Nancy & Wes Hicks
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: LINDA KNAB <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 8:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, Clover Park needs to be preserved for the residents of Santa Monica, not a commercial trapeze business. Sunset Park is already carrying too many burdens, the airport, traffic for people trying to get onto the 10 &.405 freeways and the proposed increase in housing density. There must be a better place for this business.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Linda Reinbold
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: sarah aldrich <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 8:21 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: SUBJECT: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL

DEAR MAYOR TOROSIS, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND CITY

MANAGER CHI,
I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Sarah Aldrich
[email protected]
310-999-1258
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: lori brown <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 9:23 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Attorney Mailbox; Ellis Raskin; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Fw: Item 4k. Trapeze school relocation

EXTERNAL
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Begin forwarded message:

On Monday, September 7, 2026, 5:14 PM, lori brown <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, Please pull Item 4K from Tuesday’s consent calendar. A decision involving public parkland should not be rushed through without proper public review.

I strongly oppose giving a private company exclusive commercial use of Santa Monica’s already-limited park space. This would set a troubling precedent and was never a goal of the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan.

Before any decision is made, the proposal should be reviewed by the Recreation and Parks Commission, the Urban Forest Commission if trees are affected, and the Sunset Park community. The city should also investigate the potentially historic amphitheater beneath the site and consider restoring it for public use as we have requested.

Residents deserve a meaningful voice, and alternative non-park locations should be considered—including returning the trapeze school to the Downtown or Pier area, where it could enhance the visitor experience without privatizing parkland.

Please protect the public land that belongs to all of us and begin a transparent public process before taking action.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
7 Sincerely,
Lori Brown
Former chair of Recreation and Parks
Santa Monica
Sent from
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Glenn Davy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 9:29 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Councilmembers:

I'll be brief, The Trapeze school is the type of small business that Cities constantly claim that they want to support, and now is your chance. We are a great addition to the community as we are not just a business that happens to reside in Santa Monica, but we actually become part of the community that we are in, families, children, locals, this is the base that we want to use to build our business.

In addition the Park is a great Place for us, it would provide a wonderful atmosphere for our flyers, being among trees and grass and nature, as opposed to the middle of urban sprawl, and would help revitalize and bring new interest to a portion of the park, as we are not just something to come and do, but we also love when people just come and watch and enjoy.

Please Keep circus as something that is available to your community, by keeping circus Local.

Thank you for your time.
--
-Glenn Davy
510-207-2246
[email protected]
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: lisa berliner <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 10:25 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, My name is Lisa Berliner. I have been a student at Santa Monica Trapeze School (SMTS) for 14 years and an instructor there for the past 13 years. I am writing in support of Agenda Item K and to ask that you support the proposed concession agreement allowing SMTS to continue serving the Santa Monica community at Clover Park.

Santa Monica Trapeze School has become a staple of our community. Although we were displaced from the Pier, we would love the opportunity to continue serving Santa Monica at Clover Park. What a beautiful park it is. We are not asking the City to move anything or take away from existing park uses.

We are asking for the opportunity to activate an underutilized portion of the park and bring something unique, active, and community-oriented to the space.

SMTS is more than a trapeze school. It is a safe and welcoming place for people of all ages and abilities to participate in circus arts—or simply sit and watch and enjoy what we do. At a time when so much of our lives are spent behind computers and phones, we provide a place where people can get outside, move their bodies, challenge themselves, and connect with others. Sometimes people don't even need to participate to feel connected to what we do. I have a friend who brings her son to watch us simply because he enjoys being there.

As an instructor, I have watched countless students—young and old—accomplish things they never believed they could do. Students have come to us to fulfill physical education requirements. I have had the privilege of watching teenagers spend their formative years with us, leave for college, and eventually return as adults who are beginning careers and families of their own. These are relationships and memories that extend far beyond a single class.

SMTS also contributes to the safety and vitality of the spaces in which we operate. When working on the Pier, particularly from the platform, our team is constantly scanning the surrounding environment for potential safety issues, both inside and outside our immediate space. Recognizing a problem early, communicating effectively with our team, and calling for the appropriate assistance before a situation escalates is a priority for us. We take seriously our responsibility to be aware of and contribute positively to the environment around us.

For me personally, SMTS has been so much more than a second job.

I work in healthcare Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Although teaching at SMTS is my second job, it is also my stress release and my safe space—physically, emotionally, and mentally. I Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
10 discovered trapeze when I was 37 years old, and I can honestly say that my mental health has been so much better because of it.

When my mother was diagnosed with cancer, SMTS was where I went to clear my head. When she survived her cancer but later died suddenly and unexpectedly on the day lockdown was announced— a death unrelated to COVID—the staff and students rallied around me and helped me and continue to help me heal. Today, my father has advanced dementia and significant care needs. This same community continues to support me, covering for me when I need to step away to care for him.

I have cried many times over the years at SMTS, but I have laughed a million more times. I have made lifelong friends and memories that will stay with me forever.

I share this because I want you to understand that SMTS is a community of people who genuinely care for one another. And that community extends beyond the people who take classes. We want to support Santa Monica by providing a place where individuals can come learn something new, where families can spend time together, and where people can simply have fun and be part of something positive.

During COVID, SMTS was one of the few places where people could safely get outside, stay active, and maintain a sense of community during an incredibly isolating time. For many of us, it provided a much-needed opportunity to step away from our homes, connect with others, and feel a sense of normalcy when so much of the world had been shut down. This was absolutely crucial for me.

We have hosted corporate events, birthday parties, bachelorette parties, even divorce parties. We've helped with commercial filming and television productions—including Modern Family. We've seen it all, and we are willing to do it all. We are here for the community because we are part of the community.

Santa Monica has long been a champion of small businesses and unique community spaces. SMTS is a one-of-a-kind, small, woman-owned business that has brought joy, activity, connection, and a little bit of magic to this community for years.

I respectfully ask you to support Agenda Item K and the proposed concession agreement for Santa Monica Trapeze School at Clover Park. Please help us remain a part of Santa Monica and continue providing a place where people can get outside, challenge themselves, support one another, and experience something they never thought they could do.

Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your continued support of Santa Monica's small businesses and community.

Sincerely,
Lisa Berliner
Santa Monica Trapeze School
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Danny Guggenheim <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 10:46 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, Please do not approve item 4K as part of Tuesday's consent calendar, because giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval.

Sincerely,
Danny Guggenheim
Sunset Park resident since 2006
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: Shelly Murphy <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 10:52 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item K September 8 City Council Meeting

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Councilmembers:

I am writing in regards to item “K” for the council meeting on September 8.

I am writing in support of the Trapeze School. It is an important place of community for physical performing artists, the LGTBQ+ community, youths trying to find their way, and people who want to be surrounded by accepting, encouraging, and thoughtful individuals. It is a safe space where people can find belonging, healing, community, confidence, and friendship. People may think that it is a tourist attraction or a gimmick, or a one time experience bucket list item. It is so much more than just an “attraction”. It is somewhere people call home.

For the neighbors in opposition, due to the fact that it potentially is ruining their view or the noise complaints, they are currently backed up to an airport with airplanes taking off and jet fuel polluting their air. I can’t imagine that a flying trapeze rig would be more invasive than that. And if they don’t like the view, they can plant hedges to provide privacy. This is a common, completely regular practice in West LA to get privacy from neighbors.

I have also heard that there has been poor attitudes towards the trapeze staff and company, while they have done nothing wrong besides just use the land that the city allowed them to rent. I feel that this very untoward, uncalled for, aggressive behavior is just indicative of the unwelcoming nature of these residents without understanding what this circus community means to so much of us, and they are in fact the antithesis of what we represent by trying to kill this business.

Thank you for your time and attention on this matter. I hope to see that there is more support of this small business from the city and residents going forward.

Shelly Murphy
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Cassidy Krug <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 11:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K

EXTERNAL
I’m writing in support of the proposed concession agreement for Santa Monica Trapeze School at Clover Park.

This school is more than just a school, and more than just a business. It’s a one of a kind community with the potential to bring so much joy to its local neighborhood.

Trapeze and circus arts enable people of all ages to stay fit, face fears, and pursue their personal goals. In a world of increasing loneliness, isolation, and screen time, Santa Monica Trapeze School is a rare opportunity for people to do hard things together.

When I moved to LA in 2022, I was a brand new mom trying to figure out how to be myself in the face of a new 24/7 lifetime responsibility. I’m so grateful to have found Santa Monica Trapeze School. I’m both a trapeze student and a trampoline instructor. Every Tuesday, I bring my daughter to my classes, where she gets to play, learn, and watch people work hard to improve their skills and expand their potential.

Without exception, the other students and staff have welcomed both me and my child. I don’t know many other spaces where adults and their children can have fun and pursue their passions alongside one another.

Clover park would be a dream space for this school. Circus would bring a distinctive and potentially lifechanging opportunity to the neighborhood without taking anything away. The park would also gain a passionate community of wonderful people dedicated to keeping the entire park safe, clean, welcoming and vibrant.

An agreement at Clover Park would allow the school to continue serving this community and introduce more people to circus arts. My family and I hope you will help give it a lasting home in Santa Monica.

Thank you for your consideration and for supporting the local businesses and recreational programs that enrich our city.

Warmly,
Cassidy Krug
Fairfax, LA
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Karrie <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 11:33 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Karrie Dvorchak
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Katie <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 7:49 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Places like this are part of what makes Santa Monica such a vibrant and distinctive community. I’m grateful that the City has worked to find a new home where the school can continue to thrive, and I hope you will support the proposed move.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Katie Kasper
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Monday, September 7, 2026 8:56 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K 9/8

EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Please vote in favor of approving SMTS’s location at Clover Park and the concessions item before you.

SMTS offers something special to the greater Santa Monica community, the opportunity for a healthy, safe, positive experience for young and old alike. It would revitalize the park and help it flourish. SMTS brings joy and is so uplifting, it literally saves and enriches lives. I grew up in Santa Monica and having the opportunity to take the kinds of classes and camps that SMTS offers when I was young would have been a dream. If you vote no, it could mean the end for an activity like this in Santa Monica and crushing others’ dreams. Please vote yes and keep this gem for the city and its residents shining.

With regards,
Heather Cooper
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Scott Osgood <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUBJECT: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

While I do not live in Santa Monica, unique destinations like the Trapeze School are exactly what inspire me to travel to and visit the area. Unique cultural and recreational institutions like this make Santa Monica a vibrant, world-class destination. Securing a permanent home for the school not only preserves a wonderful community asset but also gives visitors like myself a compelling reason to plan trips, stay in local accommodations, and support nearby businesses.

I am grateful that the City has worked to find a new home where the school can continue to thrive, and I hope you will support the proposed move. Please help keep this wonderful institution a part of Santa Monica's unique appeal for years to come.

Warmly,
Scott Osgood
Clermont, FL
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: TRosePhotos <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Tiffany Rose Koury
Santa Monica resident
Get Outlook for iOS
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Denise Lorraine <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:20 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Santa Monica Trapeze School in Clover park.

I have been flying trapeze in Santa Monica for over 10 years and I can tell you firsthand what a positive and immeasurable impact the sport and the community built around it has made on my life.

To see the school find a home in Clover Park would be amazing and in my humble opinion, a perfect fit.

I genuinely hope you will support the proposed move. Places like this are what build community and make Santa Monica stand out as a vibrant and distinctive city.

I’m grateful that the City has worked to find a new home where the school can continue to thrive, and I hope you will support the proposed move.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Denise Henninger
-Santa Monica College employee
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Karen Croner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:21 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, Clover park is a treasure for our Sunset Park community and our areas of nature must be preserved for all to use - not just those who pay to swing on trapezes! This is a bad decision, and reminds me of when Zwick called for the decimation of Fairview library and then after public outcry, admitted he was WRONG. While we want to support local businesses, this business does not have the right to ruin our local constantly used and treasured park. I don’t believe it belongs in any park, but why move it to the southside? Why not put it in Tongva park, which is sorely underused? Why not put it on the Promenade which needs activation? Why not keep it on the pier? Please know Sunset Park simply won’t allow you to do this. We know with Wildwood and Seven Arrows and the huge biz park development, our treasured park will be under even more pressure and each inch of open grass is sacred.

You constantly talk of activating downtown. That is where this business belongs. We treasure every single tree in our park and ever blade of grass. It is essential for the health of the children and for you to choose to steal this asset from the children of Sunset Park so that the trapeze company can make money feels, I’m sorry to say, truly criminal. It also reminds me of the actions the current presidential administration is taking, sacrificing nature for $$.

You must do better.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

We simply won’t allow you to do this.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Karen Croner
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:27 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya
Cc: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item K : Please keep Santa Monica Trapeze School

EXTERNAL
I love trapeze workouts and the excitement in the outdoors of our local town. They are a local business staffed by kind and generous people who are always considerate of their neighbors and customers.

SMTS creates this amazing place, and I urge City Council to assist in allowing SMTS to stay in operation for all of us! Arthur Merkin
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Thadeus Welch <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:46 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K - Strong support for Trapeze School relocation to Clover Park

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
I'm writing to urge you to vote in favor of Agenda Item K and approve the Trapeze School's new location at Clover Park.

While I live just outside Santa Monica, the trapeze school is one of the main reasons I regularly come into the city to spend time and support local businesses. It offers something genuinely unique that you simply cannot find anywhere else in the area. Programs that foster this kind of physical confidence, positive community, and outdoor activity are rare, and having it in a public park space makes total sense for the character of the city.

Losing this school or pushing it out of Santa Monica would be a real loss for everyone who visits and values what makes your parks vibrant. Please approve the move to Clover Park tonight and keep this great program going strong.

Thank you for your time and public service.

Best regards,
Thadeus Welch
Los Angeles resident / Frequent Santa Monica visitor
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:47 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Re: Automatic reply: Agenda item K 9/8
Good morning, I submitted a written comment regarding a measure on tonight’s agenda. It was submitted well before the 12 PM cutoff time however, I don’t see it included in the written comments.

Would you please ensure that my comments and those submitted by 12 PM today are included? Kind regards, Heather Cooper
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone
On Monday, September 7, 2026, 8:57 PM, councilmtgitems <[email protected]> wrote:

EXTERNAL
Thank you for your email. Please be advised that this email will: 1) become part of the public record, 2) be filed with the City’s official records, and 3) be posted online at smgov.net/council/agendas. Comments will not be redacted and appear online as they are submitted.

If you plan to speak at the meeting and have an electronic presentation to show, please submit it to [email protected] no later than 12 PM on the day of the meeting.

Levine Act Disclosure. Pursuant to the Levine Act (Govt Code Section 84308), any party to a permit, license, contract, or other entitlement before the Council is required to disclose on the record any contribution, including aggregated contributions, of more than $250 made by the party or the party's agents within the preceding 12 months to any City official. Participants and agents are requested to make this disclosure as well. The disclosure must include the name of the party, participant, or agent, and any other person making the contribution; the name of the recipient, the amount of the contribution, and the date the contribution was made.

Thank you,
The City Clerk’s Office
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Taylor Krasne <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Taylor Krasne
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth Van Denburgh <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:05 AM
To: Caroline Torosis; Lana Negrete; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; councilmtgitems
Cc: Oliver Chi; Peter James; Susan Cline; Heidi von Tongeln; Susan Cola; Jenny Rogers; Steven Johnson; Karen Melick; Maryanne LaGuardia; Sonam Makker; Barry Rosenbaum; Christopher Dishlip; Amber Richane; Tony Lopez
Subject: September 8, 2026 - Council Agenda Item 4-K - Please remove Trapeze School from Consent Calendar and institute a public process/evaluation of impacts

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Councilmembers, and City Manager Chi, I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday's consent calendar. This item - which concerns public land - feels rushed and premature.

Privatization of public park land is not a goal of the PRVP. The Recreation and Parks Commission subcommittee that worked on the 2025 Parks and Recreation Vision Plan, has stated that privatization of our park spaces was not intended to be a goal of that new plan.

Possibly historic amphitheatre lies under the public landscape trailer. Further, you may not be aware of this, but there is an amphitheatre underneath the public landscape trailer. It was used and loved by the community for gatherings and performances back in the day and possibly it should be excavated, examined, and restored if possible for community use and events. Possibly it is of historic merit and significance?
Give resident voices the same weight as the voices of those outside the community. The trapeze school is being relocated because non-residents south of Airport Avenue complained loudly, correct? Please allow actual residents to weigh in here before this becomes a permanent solution.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
10 For all these reasons, please respect this public park land that belongs to all of us and institute a public process.

Many thanks,
Elizabeth Van Denburgh
Wilmont Chair
Santa Monica resident, 45 years
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Alyssa Peden <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 5:29 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I'm writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Places like this are part of what makes Santa Monica such a vibrant and distinctive community. I'm grateful that the City has worked to find a new home where the school can continue to thrive, and I hope you will support the proposed move.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Alyssa Peden
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Elizabeth P <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 8:07 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Feedback Re Items On The Agenda Tonight

EXTERNAL
I was shocked to read, over the long weekend, about some of the items scheduled.

The proposed trapeze business at Cloverfield park: what, you think the park is underutilized or something? Blocking out, permanently restricting an area that’s for general use right now would have no impact? I am becoming more and more disillusioned with anyone in any level of government. All about money and power.. damn to the little people.

And the upzoning of those working class area homes: gee, wonder why homeowners farther north are never impacted when anything like this comes up? Again, the little people who don’t matter AT ALL.

The 14th St project, which apparently is planned to go through tonight? Like anyone has heard of it much if at all before? I suppose the idea is to make all the streets the same, forget about seniors with mobility issues, emergency vehicles trying to get through etc. It’s all been said and written about by many others; hasn’t had any impact on the plans. By all means, let’s cater to the healthy young, and those who have few family or work obligations which would require them to drive in the city…
It’s incredibly sad where Santa Monica has gone. I’m going to be very careful who I vote for.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Steven Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Barry Snell; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Caroline Torosis
Cc: Oliver Chi
Subject: Pull Item 4.K Trapeze School to run through a public process Dear Esteemed Council Members,
Re: Pull Item 4.K Trapeze School to run through a public process As Chair of the Recreation & Parks Commission, I respectfully ask that you pull Item 4.K (Trapeze School in Clover Park) from the Consent Calendar and direct City staff to present the proposal to Recreation & Parks Commission, as well as to the community, including Friends of Sunset Park, plus the soccer, baseball and softball groups that depend on the very limited parking available at Clover.

Granting a 5-10 year lease to a commercial enterprise in a public park (that currently has no licensed concessions) without public review and input goes against the spirit of our parks. Running this through the consent calendar is particularly concerning.

The Pier was a great location for the Trapeze School, and we were sorry to see it pushed out its space there.

But the pier is not a park. And the airport parking lot where they are located right now is not a park.

Since many of us have seen the amount of real estate the school takes up, plus parking, we have concerns.

It seems odd that the Vision Plan’s call for "identifying opportunities to integrate food and beverage concessions within parks" would be cited as a basis to grant a 5-10 year lease to a business that’s not a food and beverage concession, on the basis of no more than a promise of offering at least a food cart.

The public has been asking for the trailers to be removed at Clover Park, and for that real estate to be returned to public use for many years. Instead, it is being turned over to a private entity.

The Rec & Parks Commission would be happy to agendize a staff presentation on the Trapeze School proposal at our regularly scheduled next meeting, Thursday, September 17, or on Thursday, October 15.

I hope you’ll agree that a lengthy commitment of public park space to a private entity deserves this consideration.

Thank you.

Steven Johnson
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 Chair, Recreation & Parks Commission
City of Santa Monica
(310) 429-0475
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: Ruth Wilhoit <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:22 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K in support of Santa Monica Trapeze School’s New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members,
I’m writing a letter in support of Santa Monica Trapeze School’s new home. I’ve worked at the school for 12 years and it was a huge financial (and mental) hardship for me when the school was closed because we lost our lease at the Pier. The school is not only a source of money for me, it’s my social life and trapeze is my greatest passion. The school is a place of pure joy for so many of us. I went into a huge depression when the school was closed and cried every day. This school means so much to me, and so many other people.

Please, please help us secure the Cloverfield Park location. We would love a safe and happy place.

Thank you for all you do! We appreciate your support!
All the best,
Ruth Wilhoit
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
4 David Yakobson
From: Glenn Anaiscourt <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:24 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support for Agenda item K re: Clover Park and the Trapeze School

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and City Council,
I strongly support the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in Clover Park.

The Trapeze School was instrumental in my going from someone who couldn't run a block to someone who can still do pullups at age 60. Whenever I am in Santa Monica I always try to arrange my schedule to go to the School for a lesson and am gratified to usually see old friends there and to meet new ones.

The Trapeze School is a clean and fun way to foster and encourage community health. Trapeze sometimes suffers from stereotypes about what it means to engage in circus arts. Trapeze and other aerial arts are highly beneficial and demanding sports. Trapeze requires professional assistance for safety, of exactly the sort that rare institutions such as the Trapeze School provide.

A Trapeze installation is no more intrusive or disruptive than any other installation that serves to attract residents to enjoy spending time in a park, such as a baseball field, soccer pitch, running track, pickleball or tennis courts, children's playground, garden, skateboard park, fountain, or concession stand.

Unless cities provide strong support to trapeze arts, moreover, they will go away, just as is true of any valuable arts or sports program.

A home for the School in the park will benefit the entire city, and also visitors who contribute to the economy when they participate in activities such as those that the School offers.

For these reasons, I write to encourage you to support the proposed move, and I appreciate your continued support of this valuable institution which adds so much unique value to the City of Santa Monica.

Warmly,
Glenn Anaiscourt
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Libby Gustafson & Cliff Sarkin <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:25 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
A Longtime Trapeze Flyer, SM resident
Libby Sarkin
310-387-3775
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Rachel Lee Millena <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:27 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K - Support Santa Monica Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Hello Santa Monica City Council,
I am writing to express my support for the new home for Santa Monica Trapeze School and hoping that you all will support it as well!
I have personally found so much fulfillment and joy in my 10 years and counting involved with SMTS, first as a student and then as a coach.

I love building relationships with my students whether it is the first time we have ever met or the second time I am seeing them in a week. We have created such a wonderful and welcoming community, and I look forward to many future circus enjoyers joining it.

Thank you for your support.

Rachel Lee Millena
Santa Monica resident (90405)
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
7 David Yakobson
From: Pamela Ventura <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:51 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my STRONG support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in Clover Park. It is currently located at the Santa Monica Airport, which has become a site for angry confrontations from the nearby neighbors to the students, who are clearly perplexed as to why they were put there in the first place.

I have been a "flyer" for over 35 years and it has enhanced my life in ways too numerous to count. I always encourage those who have never tried it to challenge themselves and do something they never thought they could.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Sincerely,
Pamela Ventura
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
8 David Yakobson
From: Valerie Alter <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 9:53 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Sunset Park Resident Opposition To Trapeze School

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, As a long-term Santa Monica resident (40+ years) who now lives in Sunset Park, I write in opposition to relocating the trapeze school to Clover Park and ask that you pull item 4K from today's consent calendar. Clover Park is hugely important to our local community and to our kids--it is a place where kids, families, and community members can gather for sports, recreation, and simply to walk.

Putting a for-profit trapeze school with concessions in the middle of our park would be disruptive and irreparably change its character. This type of a business belongs on the Pier. It compliments Pacific Park and the energy of that area. That is exactly the opposite of what we want in a park used for neighborhood gatherings, sports, and recreation--particularly when park space is already so limited.

Please do not change our park for 5 years, much less with an option to renew for 5 years, without input from residents, much less review by the Recreation and Parks Commission and a real analysis staff with a public report before Council approval. I thus respectfully request that you pull item 4k from today's consent calendar.

Sincerely,
Valerie Alter
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
9 David Yakobson
From: Damian Anastasio <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:04 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
J.Damian Anastasio
310-968-8912
Operating Partner
Harvelle’s Santa Monica
santamonica.harvelle.com
Acting:
www.jdamian.com
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
10 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:05 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Kelly Hsiao
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
11 David Yakobson
From: Phil Brock <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:15 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item 4K. oppose

EXTERNAL
4K.

Authorization to enter into Concession Agreement with Santa Monica Trapeze School for Concessionaire and Recreation Services at Clover Park
As a former long-term Santa Monica Recreation and Parks Commissioner and Chair of the Commission, I object to the privatization of any of our public park space at Clover Park.

It would remove much-needed picnic space and start a
dangerous trend that will affect our residents at all Santa Monica parks in the future. When we started to look for replacement space for the Trapeze School, the City Council looked at unused space at SMO.

We can find alternative space within the city without losing valuable public park space and replacing it with a paid concessionaire.

Best
Phil Brock
--
Phil Brock / Mayor (ret)[email protected]
To help protect your privacy, Microsoft Office prevented automatic download of this picture from the Internet.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
12 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:18 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Will von Bernuth
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
13 David Yakobson
From: Randi Parent <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:26 AM
To: Lana Negrete; Dan Hall; [email protected]; Jesse Zwick; Caroline Torosis; Barry Snell; [email protected]; councilmtgitems Subject: A home for the Trapeze School of Santa Monica

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, and City Council Members,
Kenna Stevens deserves your support in her struggles to relocate the Trapeze School to 2600 Ocean Park in Cloverfield Park.

Her unique school has such value to this community. Please don’t let another opportunity for her to remain in Santa Monica go down in defeat. Tonight, please give your unanimous support for consent calendar agenda Item 4K.

Sincerely,
Randi Parent, vice-chair
Santa Monica Pier Corp. Board of Directors
Member, leasing committee
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
14 David Yakobson
From: Tiffany Swan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:29 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Tiffany Horton
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
15 David Yakobson
From: Patrick Quinlan <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K in Support of Trapeze School

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

The school has been a place where we’ve shared many fond memories with friends and family. As a parent of a toddler, I’m very much forward to watching him grow and learn at the trapeze school.l when he’s tall enough.

I have no doubt that the school will be a tremendous value add to the community - both by attracting visitors and residents to learn and play, but also providing opportunities for younger people to have their first job and learn leadership and communication skills.

I’m grateful that the City has worked to find a new home where the school can continue to thrive, and I hope you will support the proposed move.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Best,
Patrick Quinlan
Sent from my iPhone
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
16 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:34 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Eve Levenson (she/her)
[email protected]
X: @eve_levenson; @eve-levenson.bsky.social
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
17 David Yakobson
From: Steve Housden <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:35 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Steve Housden
2400 block of Hill Street.
---------
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11825 Major Street #206 | Culver City, California 90230 T: 310.451.5510 | D 310.566.5270 | www.xenonpictures.com This electronic communication is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender immediately and destroy all copies, including attachments, of the original message. Any unauthorized use, disclosure, reproduction, forwarding, copying, alterations, or distribution is strictly prohibited. Electronic communication may be susceptible to data corruption, interception, and unauthorized tampering; Xenon Pictures, Inc. disclaims all liability, of any kind, for such actions or any consequences that may arise directly or indirectly there from.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
18 David Yakobson
From: Sydney Hemmendinger <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:40 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy. As silly as it may sound, flying trapeze changed my life and is to this day my most effective form of stress relief. If the Trapeze School ceases to exist, there won’t be any trapezes in all of Los Angeles County. When I moved to Los Angeles in 2020, the Trapeze School was the first place I found community and I don’t know what I would have done without it.

Places like this are part of what makes Santa Monica such a vibrant and distinctive community. I hope we’ve made it clear how much this space and this sport means to so many people. I’m grateful that the City has worked to find a new home where the school can continue to thrive, and I hope you will support the proposed move.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Sydney Hemmendinger
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
19 David Yakobson
From: Sidney Hsu <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: [Agenda Item K] Support for Santa Monica Trapeze School

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing in support of Santa Monica Trapeze School’s proposed new home in the park.

Circus arts provide a uniquely engaging way to encourage creativity, physical fitness, teamwork, perseverance, and self-expression. For years, the trapeze school (formerly TSNY LA) has brought something truly extraordinary to Santa Monica. It has created a warm, welcoming community where children and adults can build confidence, courage, strength, lasting friendships, and, most importantly, joy.

Santa Monica Trapeze School is also a natural continuation of Santa Monica’s remarkable cultural and recreational legacy that began with the original Muscle Beach in the 1930s. Providing them with a lasting home would carry that proud tradition forward, giving a new generation the opportunity to experience the same inspiring combination of athleticism, artistry, courage, and community.

SMTS is exactly the kind of vibrant and distinctive institution that makes Santa Monica such a special place. I’m delighted that the City has worked to identify a new home where the school can continue to grow and thrive, and I enthusiastically encourage you to support the proposed move.

Please help ensure that this wonderful institution remains part of the Santa Monica community for many years to come!
Best,
Sidney
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
20 David Yakobson
From: Holly Pitrago <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park. I used to live in Santa Monica and happen to know one of the talented trapeze artists there. This is one of the things that makes Santa Monica unique and fun.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Holly
Ex-Santa Monica resident (wish I could have afforded to stay) Holly Pitrago

SAG-AFTRA/AEA
www.hollypitrago.com
[email protected]
[email protected]
347.423.4353
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
21 Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
22 David Yakobson
From: Karen Howe <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Karen Howe
310-560-0055
225 Montana Ave
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
23 David Yakobson
From: Sarah Figoten <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:50 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to strongly support finding a new home for the Trapeze School in Santa Monica.

I took classes at the Trapeze School on the pier and absolutely loved the experience. It was one of those rare places that felt both adventurous and genuinely welcoming — a space where people of all ages could challenge themselves, build confidence, and become part of a community.

Losing the school from the pier was a real loss. It brought something distinctive and joyful to Santa Monica, and I would hate to see an institution with that kind of history and community value disappear from the city altogether.

I’m grateful that a potential new home has been identified, and I hope you will support the move. Santa Monica is at its best when it preserves the places and experiences that give the city character, and the Trapeze School is one of them.

Please help keep it in Santa Monica.

Warmly,
Sarah Figoten
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
24 David Yakobson
From: Jacob Meyer <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:54 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda Item K - SMTS Trapeze school

EXTERNAL
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to you in support of the Santa Monica Trapeze school. Like many others I signed up for a class and immediately fell in love with the sport. I had so much fun and did so well that Kenna, the school GM at the time - owner now, half jokingly offered me a job to train and become a catcher. The set back was that I live 86 miles north of Santa Monica.

It was an easy decision. Not only because what I had experienced was a benefit and challenge to my physical abilities, a huge challenge and benefit to my mental health, but it was clear that what this school represented was a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

Working as a catcher now for over 3 years I cannot emphasize enough what a benefit to the community this place is. I see so many students every week, from little kids to older adults that come in, hesitant, afraid of heights, doubtful in themselves that leave after class smiling, lifted with their fears conquered - believing in themselves again.
"This is my happy place", "this is my therapy", "this is my favorite way to exercise", "this is my favorite type of mental health break" - are not only statements I have said to myself, but what students have said over and over again.

People travel from all over to come to Santa Monica for this school for these reasons, because it very quickly becomes their favorite thing to do, which is why I am in support of giving the school their much deserved space.

It brings people in, it makes people feel welcome and safe and it helps people overcome and forget their troubles one leap at a time.

I urge you to compare all the letters coming in both for and against the school. I am sure you will see that all of us in favor are fighting for a place that welcomes all and can consistently better the lives of everyone in the community. Whereas the people who are so aggressively against it are only fighting because they think it will make life a little better for themselves. --
Jacob J. Meyer
Filmmaker & Photographer
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
25 David Yakobson
From: Leilah <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 10:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

There are very few places in the world that give people the opportunity to try this amazing activity to build confidence, courage, and strength and to experience the joy of flying through the air. While many people only try it as a one-time experience, there are also regulars who have formed a vibrant and distinctive community that is part of what makes Santa Monica special. I’m grateful that the City has worked to find a new home where the school can continue to thrive, and I hope you will support the proposed move and help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Leilah McCarthy
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
26 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:02 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Joey Magnusson
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
27 David Yakobson
From: Brendan Gates <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:03 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Comments on Item K

EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Councilmembers:

If Santa Monica truly wants to support small businesses as they claim they do, the way to do this is to support businesses like the Santa Monica Trapeze School! Without a physical location, SMTS will not be able to share the transformational lessons achieved through flying with our students or support the community programs. The team have been working to find alternative locations in LA County to move the Trapeze School but have had no luck thus far.

The team at SMTS creates this amazing place, a place that hosts multiple pride shows a year, an AAPI heritage celebration, PE credit for approved Santa Monica Students, as well as a number of other community benefits. We need to keep circus arts and circus training in Santa Monica.

City council members, please vote to enter into Concession Agreement with Santa Monica Trapeze School for Concessionaire and Recreation Services at Clover Park.

I personally have experienced the joy and benefits that SMTS has provided and continues to provide to the community, and would be upset to see such an incredible space lost.

Thank you for fighting for local circus in Santa Monica.

Sincerely,
Brendan Gates
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Peter Kearns <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:36 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Support of agenda Item K

EXTERNAL
Hello!
My name is Peter Kearns, I am a frequent student of Santa Monica Trapeze School and wanted to voice my wholehearted support of agenda item K (Accept concessionaire agreement with SMTS).

They are a wonderful unique business and we are so lucky to have them in our community. They build community and help bring arts and health together.

In addition I think it is worth allowing them to stay at their current location until the site is MOVE IN READY. They have already been financially harmed when they were forced to move off the pieradditional financial harm would not be fair to this business that brings so much joy.

Thank you!
Peter Kearns
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: William Schoene <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:41 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees. Removing mature trees in this day and age, when cities are becoming fully aware of the multiple benefits of their "urban forests"
in adapting to increasing temperatures and growing numbers of dangerously hot days, is simply not a forward-looking policy.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
(YOUR NAME)
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Johnny Tu <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Caroline Torosis; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Jesse Zwick; Barry Snell; Ellis Raskin; Natalya Zernitskaya
Subject: Regarding Agenda Item K

EXTERNAL
Dear SM City Council Members,
In the years that I've lived around LA, what keeps drawing me back to Santa Monica isn't the mall or the beaches. For those, there are countless alternatives I could easily go to instead. But rather, it's the small businesses that keep it feeling like such a unique, charming city in the massive sprawl of Los Angeles.

Santa Monica Trapeze School is one of these small businesses that I've been proud to support. When I support a small business, it makes me incredibly happy to know that I'm reinvesting back into the locals and community members who live here. As I've seen various small businesses close out in SM over the years, SMTS is one of the few remaining reasons I have to keep coming back to this city.

Their consistent efforts to support Santa Monica have not gone unnoticed, with P.E. credits for Santa Monica students, pride shows, and AANHPI heritage month outreach among many of its actions. I know circus arts and training is an unfamiliar world to most people, but it is precisely for that reason that Santa Monica should support it as a unique gem that cannot be found elsewhere even within the entertainment capital of Los Angeles.

SMTS needs a physical location in order to continue supporting its community programs, and I would love nothing more than to see it continue doing so in the same city that it has supported for nearly two decades.

Please, vote to enter a Concession Agreement with Santa Monica Trapeze School for Concessionaire and Recreation Services at Clover Park.

Thank you for supporting the local businesses that make Santa Monica unique, Johnny Tu
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Celine Jelinski <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:19 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I'm writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Best,
Celine Jelinski
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 David Yakobson
From: MB <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:25 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Item K

EXTERNAL
“Item K”
It would be hard for me to overstate the positive impact Santa Monica Trapeze School has had on my family. Both under the current ownership and in its past incarnations.

My youngest daughter grew up being celebrated and welcomed by a diverse and inclusive community that coalesced around the trapeze rig on the Santa Monica Pier. My eldest daughter wrote her college entrance essays about the self-acceptance and confidence she found there. My life changed working at the school.

Santa Monica Trapeze School has worked with the City in good faith through many setbacks and mistakes that were unnecessarily costly and time consuming. Staff went months without work because of shortsightedness.

This school supports Santa Monica – donating to school fundraisers and supporting students from surrounding schools. SMTS lifts the spirits of random spectators whenever they are in action. I’ve spent many hours watching people fly though the air and I have never done so without being cheered by some expression of wonder from some passerby who didn’t expect their day to involve human flight. In today’s world we desperately need to maintain our connection with wonder, with community – we need spaces filled with human connection and vitality.

You have viable area in Clover Park. Why not fill underutilized space with a new flying spectacle? Wherever the school ends up – it will bring inclusive and empowering experiences. I hope Santa Monica wants that.

Please find a way to give this beautiful program a home here in Santa Monica. It was a huge loss to the Santa Monica Pier to lose this attraction. I hope Santa Monica City finds a way support Trapeze School Santa Monica while they strive to contribute to our City. thank you,
MB O'Donovan
[email protected]
310-773-1443
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Frank Mele <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:55 AM
To: councilmtgitems; Santa Monica City Manager's Office; Oliver Chi; Natalya Zernitskaya; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Ellis Raskin; Dan Hall; Jesse Zwick; Lana Negrete; Peter James
Cc: [email protected]; Christine Lobas; Jeff Vertun; Sean Silva; Lizzy Moore Subject: SMCC Public Comment in Support — Consent Calendar Item K (Santa Monica Trapeze School Concession at Clover Park)

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis and Councilmembers,
Please accept this written comment, on behalf of Mar Vista Neighbors, in support of Consent Calendar Item K.

Back in late March, when our neighborhood discovered the Santa Monica Trapeze School beginning construction in the Triangle Lot at the airport — immediately adjacent to our Dewey Street homes — we organized as a coalition and made our first visit to your chambers with a simple request: to pause and consider. We launched a small website under a single headline — Different zip codes, same community — because we believe it. Community is a foundational pillar of our society, and it has to be a two-way street.

Over the last five months, Santa Monica's staff and Council have met us with real understanding and care, and tonight's vote is the result. We want to commend the City for its willingness to show leadership across borders in finding the Trapeze School a more suitable home, where it can genuinely thrive in a public-park setting.

This is a rare kind of vote — one where a small business and its neighbors are asking you for exactly the same thing. The school gains a home where it can flourish, and a residential neighborhood sitting just feet from its current site gains real relief. We are proud to support it, and we urge your approval of Item K.

We also want to acknowledge the bigger picture we are all building toward. As a Mar Vista neighborhood along the longest continuous border of this future park — and, as the recent framework survey showed, one of its most engaged participating communities — we have great enthusiasm for what this team can create together for the region, a Great Westside Community Park.

Thank you for your leadership, and for hearing the voices of the greater community.

With appreciation,
Frank Mele
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 On behalf of Mar Vista Neighbors
917.295.1348
Privileged and Confidential - this communication and any accompanying documents are confidential and privileged. They are intended for the sole use of the addressee. All rights reserved.

On Mar 30, 2026, at 11:39 AM, Lana Negrete <[email protected]> wrote:

Dear Frank and Mar Vista neighbors,

Thank you for taking the time to share your concerns so thoroughly. I want to personally acknowledge the seriousness of the issues you’ve raised and the frustration caused by any miscommunication or lack of communication from our side. Please accept my sincere apology for that.

I want you to know that I am meeting with residents today t noon to see the site and the impacts in person. Hearing directly from you and understanding the situation on the ground is extremely important to me.

I have also spoken with our City Manager, Oliver Chi, as well as your elected representative and my friend, Councilwoman Traci Park, to ensure that we are all aligned in doing whatever is within our reach to support a path forward that works for everyone involved.

Your concerns are being heard, and we are committed to meaningful engagement and problem-solving.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your advocacy on behalf of your neighborhood. I look forward to speaking with many of you today and working together in good faith.

Warmly,
Lana Negrete
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From: Frank Mele <[email protected]>
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2026 8:06 PM
To: Santa Monica City Manager's Office <[email protected]>; Oliver Chi <[email protected]>
Cc: Natalya Zernitskaya <[email protected]>; Barry Snell <[email protected]>; Ellis Raskin <[email protected]>; Dan Hall <[email protected]>; Lana Negrete <[email protected]>; Jesse Zwick <[email protected]>; Caroline Torosis
<[email protected]>; [email protected]; AirportProperties Mailbox <[email protected]>; Joseph Pertel <[email protected]>; Andrew Wilder <[email protected]>; Diane Reynolds <[email protected]>; Geoffrey Neri <[email protected]>; Margaret Griffin Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
3 <[email protected]>; Econdevel Mailbox <[email protected]>; Planning <[email protected]>; Clerk Mailbox <[email protected]>; Stelios Makrides <[email protected]>; Jennifer Taylor <[email protected]>; Risk Management <[email protected]>; BuildingandSafety <[email protected]>; Susan Cline
<[email protected]>; [email protected]; Christine Lobas <[email protected]>; Jeff Vertun <[email protected]>; Sean Silva <[email protected]>; Juan Fregoso <[email protected]>; Matthew Halden <[email protected]>; Lila Vandenberghe <[email protected]>; Jeff Khau <[email protected]>; Craig Bullock <[email protected]>; Kenna Stevens <[email protected]> Subject: FORMAL OBJECTION & DEMAND FOR IMMEDIATE RESPONSE — Santa Monica Trapeze School at 2800 Airport Avenue — Ground-Breaking Monday March 30

EXTERNAL

Dear City Manager Chi,
I am writing tonight on behalf of 48+ Mar Vista residents to transmit our formal letter of objection to the proposed relocation of the Santa Monica Trapeze School to 2800 Airport Avenue, with ground-breaking scheduled for tomorrow morning.

This is not our first attempt to reach you. I emailed City officials on March 23rd, 2026 seeking urgent requests for basic project information that remain unanswered. I appeared before the full Council in person on March 24th, 2026. We were heard in public forum — but despite the timely information we provided, no action was taken.

The attached letter sets out our objections in full, including the City’s failed promise to notify us in a timely manor, serious unresolved public safety concerns involving highvoltage power lines, traffic concerns, documented property value harm, and the absence of any community process for a significant change of use directly bordering a Los Angeles residential neighborhood.

We have retained counsel and are prepared to continue our efforts to organize and pursue all means, legal and other, if construction proceeds without response and meaningful engagement.

We request a written reply by 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Respectfully,
Frank Mele
13103 Dewey Street, Los Angeles, CA 90066
917.295.1348 / [email protected]/ [email protected] On behalf of the Mar Vista Neighbors of Dewey Street and surrounding blocks Formal Objection Letter (48 wet signatures representing 30 single family Mar Vista homes) Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
4 Attachments:

Exhibit A — Property Valuation Impact Letter, Lauren Lyon, Stearns & Associates / Compass (March 28, 2026)
Exhibit B — Site plan excerpt showing proximity to adjacent Mar Vista residences Privileged and Confidential - this communication and any accompanying documents are confidential and privileged. They are intended for the sole use of the addressee. All rights reserved.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
5 David Yakobson
From: Christen Madsen II <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: item K

EXTERNAL
The Santa Monica Trapeze School (previously TSNY) has been an interesting and wonderful part of Santa Monica for 10+ years. The school has always been respectful of our neighbors and brings people from all across Southern California to Santa Monica. Please support this small, unique business in finding a home in Santa Monica at the airport or in Clover Park.
-- Christen Madsen
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
6 David Yakobson
From: Nikki Kolhoff <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: July 8 City Council Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi, Let's be super clear about how we got here. The city chose to give Pacific Ocean Park a second lease on the pier, in violation of Pier rules. Then staff made a terrible decision to relocate the trapeze next to homes on airport land. Those LA neighbors are now threatening to sue to you are moving it to Clover Park, which places the burden of the city's bad decisions on Sunset Park residents. That is not ok.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees. Articles about the trapeze school mention it takes up 3 tennis courts and is 10,000 square feet. The measurements have not been provided despite numerous requests.

Granting a 5-year lease (with an option for an additional 5 years) to the Trapeze School is not in line with the Airport Conversion Project's vision for Clover Park as "The Stroll." The Airport is closing in 28 months. License v lease matters not here, when the result is exclusive occupation of land in the park for 5 years. The land will not be usable for any other purpose and it will be fenced off, or it will be the source of even more liability.

But if you can't find another location, you must consider paying the company damages instead of harming the residents. I have asked for the following information and not received it:
 What are the city's current obligations to the trapeze company? The staff report says a shortterm license. How long is that license and can we please get a copy? Please provide a copy of the license.
 What are the trapeze company's net revenues for the last 5 years? Those should be publicly reported under their pier lease and would be the maximum potential damages if the current license were terminated.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
7 The amount of time left in the current license, multiplied by the revenue for that period would be the maximum potential damages owed to the trapeze company by the city, assuming there aren't other causes of termination. That amount should be known and disclosed for purposes of setting a baseline for this conversation.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Regards,
Nikki Kolhoff
Sunset Park Resident
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Grace Slansky <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 11:59 AM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to convey my enthusiastic support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park. As a Santa Monica native (born and raised), I have personally benefited so massively from the school. The community is undeniable and the city would not be the same without it.

I cannot imagine Santa Monica without the school, and I also cannot imagine that Santa Monica would let such an incredible, warm community go. The school represents everything I have always loved about Santa Monica and been proud of. That we have unique businesses that give back to the people around them and foster the feeling of family
Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

All the best,
Grace Slansky
(310) 460-9128
[email protected]
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Jillian Clare <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 12:38 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor and Members of the Santa Monica City Council, I’m writing to express my strong support for the proposed new home for the Trapeze School in the park.

For years, the Trapeze School has brought something truly special to Santa Monica: a welcoming community where children and adults build confidence, courage, strength, friendships, and joy.

Please help keep this wonderful institution in Santa Monica for years to come.

Warmly,
Jillian Clare
whimsicalentertainment.com | IMDb | ailemastudio.com
SAG-AFTRA LA Board Member | National Young Performers Committee Chair | Co-Chair LA Young Performers Committee | Vice Chair Government Affairs & Public Policy Committee
Statement of Confidentiality:

The contents of this e-mail message and any attachments are confidential and are intended solely for addressee. The information may also be legally privileged. This transmission is sent in trust, for the sole purpose of delivery to the intended recipient. If you have received this transmission in error, any use, reproduction or dissemination of this transmission is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please immediately notify the sender by reply e-mail or phone and delete this message and its attachments, if any.

Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Louise Steiner <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 1:05 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: NO on Sunset Park Trapeze School

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

I urge you to pull item 4K from Tuesday'sconsent calendar. Giving a commercial company exclusive access to our limited park space would set a bad precedent. This should require review by the Recreation and Parks Commission, as well as the impacted Sunset Park community, and an analysis by staff and staff report presentation before City approval.

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely, Lou Steiner 50 yr resident of SM
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 1:14 PM
To: councilmtgitems
Subject: SUBJECT: Agenda item K in Support the Trapeze School's New Home

EXTERNAL
As a Santa Monica resident and a former trapeze hobbyist, I am writing in favor of the Santa Monica Trapeze School in Clover Park.

There is currently no other school in the Los Angeles area providing flying trapeze lessons to the public. It is a fun physical activity and a unique form of exercise that can raise self-esteem. Allowing the Santa Monica Trapeze School, a school with a longterm history that has established safety protocols and skilled instructors, to continue to operate gives Santa Monica a unique attraction. The school provides local jobs and pays local taxes and hosts free shows. It also provides PE credit for local students. It is an asset to Santa Monica, and I hope the City Council will allow them to operate in Clover Park and support their continued presence in our city.

Thank you, Denise Reich, Santa Monica
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
1 David Yakobson
From: Francis JonesDDS <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 4:53 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Francis Jones
Lifelong SM Resident/ SM Business owner
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
2 David Yakobson
From: Robert Mickelson <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 5:03 PM
To: councilmtgitems; Dan Hall; Lana Negrete; Ellis Raskin; Barry Snell; Caroline Torosis; Natalya Zernitskaya; Jesse Zwick; Santa Monica City Manager's Office Subject: Agenda Item 4-K - Pull Trapeze School from the Consent Calendar

EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor Torosis, City Council Members, and City Manager Chi,

Placing the Trapeze School between the only 2 reservable BBQ picnic areas in Clover Park seems incompatible, plus it could potentially require the removal of multiple mature trees.

The Pier was the perfect place for this business with its synergy with the amusement park and attraction to visitors.

Finding space at the Pier, such as in the underutilized parking area, is a much better place for this commercial enterprise.

Please don't rush the approval for this precedent-setting contract. Please pull this item and require further review of its impact and analysis of alternatives.

Sincerely,
Robert Mickelson
3204 Pearl Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026
Item 4-K
September 8, 2026

Santa Monica City CouncilSeptember 8, 2026

Santa Monica City Council
September 8, 2026