SR 01-12-2021 13C 13.C
January 12, 2021
Council Meeting: January 12, 2021 Santa Monica, California
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CITY CLERK’S OFFICE - MEMORANDUM
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Denise Anderson-Warren, City Clerk, Records & Elections Services
Department
Date: January 12, 2021
13.C Request of Councilmembers Brock and Parra that staff prepare and submit
to Southern California Edison a letter requesting that, to the extent such
lights are not required by the Federal Aviation Administration and are not
necessary for the safety of nighttime airport operations, Southern
California Edison remove nighttime, red obstruction lights previously
installed on top of several utility poles west of the Santa Monica Airport
property, and halt the installation of any other nighttime, red obstruction
lights west of the Santa Monica Airport property. These lights are
disturbing the enjoyment of the neighborhood and are obtrusive at night,
preventing people from getting adequate sleep. In November, the Airport
Commission, after meeting with representatives from Southern California
Edison, unanimously recommended support of the petition circulating in
the community (currently with over 200 signatures) to remove these
obstruction lights.
13.C
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Vernice Hankins
From:Lisa Sandbank <sister@brotherlab.com>
Sent:Friday, January 8, 2021 9:30 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Jan 12 meeting, item 13C Red airport lights
Attachments:redlight-letter and signatures-FINAL.pdf
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
In regard to the newly installed red airport lights on poles, in light of their failure to improve safety, and their disruption
to the peaceful enjoyment of the residents which compounds the existing disturbances from the airport that this
neighborhood endures, I’m personally petitioning the council to vote favorably on the item brought forth by
councilmembers Brock and Parra, to call on SCE to remove the newly erected lights and cease construction on future
ones.
Attached is a copy of the petition to remove the lights signed by residents, outlining specifically the pointlessness of the
lights, their imposition on the neighborhood, and the lack of communication between SCE, FAA, the city and the effected
residents.
Thank you for your your time and your service,
Lisa Sandbank
Sunset Park resident
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Vernice Hankins
From:Lauren de la Fuente <lauren@pearlstreetmarketing.com>
Sent:Thursday, January 7, 2021 7:20 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:January 12, and agenda item #13-C - Red Obstruction Lights
EXTERNAL
Lights are not required by the Federal Aviation Administration and are not necessary for the safety of nighttime airport
operations. I ask you to make Southern California Edison remove nighttime, red obstruction lights previously installed on
top of several utility poles west of the Santa Monica Airport property, and halt the installation of any other nighttime,
red obstruction lights west of the Santa Monica Airport property.
‐ The FAA does not require the lights, it only recommended them
‐ The real liability is the airport itself, not these new poles
‐ The new poles are only slightly taller than the old ones, which did not have lights on them before ‐ and there are taller
objects in the area
‐ There were two Airport Commission meetings to discuss this, and there was not a single public comment in favor of
these lights
‐ The FAA evaluated these poles independently of other objects in the area; some basic, common sense makes it clear
that these lights are unnecessary
I vote, please do this for the people of Santa Monica. It is the right thing to do.
Sincerely,
Lauren de la Fuente
2110 Pearl Street
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Principal, Pearl Street Marketing
lauren@pearlstreetmarketing.com
310.283.8488
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Vernice Hankins
From:Andrew Wilder
Sent:Friday, January 8, 2021 4:24 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Sue Himmelrich; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Gleam Davis; Oscar de
la Torre; Kristin McCowan; Lane Dilg; George S. Cardona
Subject:January 12 Meeting, Item 13-C -- Airport Commission recommendation re: FAA Obstruction Lights
Dear Mayor Himmelrich and Council Members,
Please find below the Airport Commission's unanimous recommendation in favor of the removal of the FAA
Obstruction Lights that SCE has been installing in Sunset Park. We look forward to your action on Tuesday to
help bring about relief for the neighborhood.
Speaking for myself (and not the rest of the Commission), I'd like to add:
If one of these lights were installed on the pole adjacent to my home, I'd be furious. I hope each of you will
take a look (at night) at these lights to see for yourselves just how intrusive they are. There's one in the alley
between Pier Ave. and Marine St., between 21st and 23rd. If you drive or walk through the alley, you can't
miss it. A little common sense makes it obvious that these lights provide no additional safety.
We also not heard from anyone in favor of these lights ‐‐ and I'm sure if any members of the aviation
community thought these lights did actually improve safety, we would have received that feedback by now.
Thank you very much!
Best Regards,
Andrew Wilder
Chair, Airport Commission
From: Andrew Wilder <Andrew.Wilder@SMGOV.NET>
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2020 5:37 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Cc: Sue Himmelrich <Sue.Himmelrich@SMGOV.NET>; Terry O’Day <Terry.Oday@smgov.net>; Gleam Davis
<Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>; Ted Winterer <Ted.Winterer@SMGOV.NET>; Mayor Kevin McKeown
<Kevin.McKeown@SMGOV.NET>; Ana Maria Jara <AnaMaria.Jara@SMGOV.NET>; Kristin McCowan
<Kristin.McCowan@SMGOV.NET>; Stelios Makrides <Stelios.Makrides@SMGOV.NET>; Diana Hernandez
<Diana.Hernandez@SMGOV.NET>; Ivan Campbell <Ivan.Campbell@SMGOV.NET>; Susan Cline
<Susan.Cline@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Recommendation from the Airport Commission regarding FAA Obstruction Lights
Dear Council Members,
At this afternoon's Airport Commission meeting, we unanimously passed a motion (below), to address an issue
in which Southern California Edison has started installing red "obstruction lights" at the top of some utility
poles in various neighborhood locations around the airport. We have received significant negative feedback
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from the community about these lights, and there is a petition being circulated as well. The lights are quite
bright, are illuminated all night, and shine into backyards and inside homes. (We have not heard any
comments in favor of these lights.)
The FAA does not require these lights, but just recommends them... and their recommendation is based on
inaccurate information (using the previous 5,000' runway length).
My understanding is that these lights provide no additional safety for pilots or for the community, and they
may even be more dangerous since there are taller objects (trees and other power lines) nearby, so the lights
could actually cause confusion. It seems that the FAA and SCE considered the utility poles in isolation, without
the larger context.
Our motion is below. Please take action soon to remedy this situation. As always, I'd be happy to answer any
questions you might have.
Thank you very much, and I hope you all have an enjoyable and safe Thanksgiving!
Best,
Andrew Wilder
Chair, Airport Commission
Recommendation from the Airport Commission regarding FAA Obstruction Lights
Passed unanimously 5-0 on November 23, 2020
WHEREAS the obstruction survey was done prior to the runway shortening;
and these red lights infringe on the community's peace and enjoyment of their residence and
property;
and these utility poles do not exist in isolation but are among other structures in the community, are
not the only objects inside the imaginary plane, and none of the calculations used address other
obstacles or considerations;
and the FAA has not required these obstruction lights, but has only recommended them;
THEREFORE, the Airport Commission supports the petition, incorporated by reference herein,
currently circulating in the community to remove these unnecessary obstruction lights, and
recommends that the City Council direct Staff to work with the FAA and SCE to eliminate these lights,
and, until such time as an agreement is reached, require SCE to turn off any existing lights and to
halt installation of any new lights.
Community Petition: https://smofuture.weebly.com/red-lights.html
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signatories and
comments follow
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Vernice Hankins
From:Brodsky, Michael <mbrodsky@lmu.edu>
Sent:Saturday, January 9, 2021 8:05 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:#13-C - Red Obstruction Lights Removal
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council,
Please help remove the bright red floodlights that have been installed on utility lines shining directly into people’s homes near Santa
Monica Airport. They are not required by the FAA.
Please help mitigate the harmful impacts of Santa Monica Airport on our community while it remains.
Just this past week at SMO:
- A crash of an aerobatics airplane that ran off the runway.
- A 7am noise curfew violation last Sunday.
- A private jet that veered off its prescribed course and flew over SaMo High on a 9-minute flight to Van Nuys.
- Friday night there was a 75,000-pound C130 Military Transport plane that performed a “Touch and Go” at a noise violation of 98db.
SMO is a liability and a disaster waiting to happen.
Sincerely,
Michael Brodsky
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Vernice Hankins
From:Gavin Scott <gavin.scott@verizon.net>
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 5:46 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Re Council Meeting 1/12 Agenda Item #13-C re Red Airport Lights
EXTERNAL
I would like to submit the following as a written comment so it can be part of the public record.
Gavin Scott
1801 Marine Street
Santa Monica,
CA 90405
310 613 6690
RED LIGHT DISTRICT SET UP IN SUNSET PARK
To the surprise of residents in Santa Monica’s usually respectable Sunset Park neighborhood, this summer
Southern California Edison began establishing a red-light district in local alleyways. But pleasure-seekers will
be disappointed if they come around looking for illicit entertainment: there are no houses of ill repute or ladies
of the night – just very bright red lights illuminating obscure alleys and shining into local bedrooms.
Why would Southern California Edison want to suggest Sunset Park is tom-cat central? It turns out to be a
classic case of bureaucratic overkill. Apparently, a few years ago SCE raised the height of some utility poles in
the area, and somebody became convinced that meant Federal Aviation Authority rules required them to put up
the lights to warn pilots of the extra danger.
Apparently nobody checked whether the new poles were higher than existing poles, or even local trees – that is,
whether they were even necessary, or if they actually made things more dangerous for pilots by drawing their
attention away from taller obstructions.
Seems they also didn’t check if Santa Monica Airport officials wanted the red lights: turns out they didn’t.
And most astonishing of all, it seems nobody asked if the Federation Aviation Authority actually did require the
red lights. In fact, it seems there is no requirement. Just a “recommendation”. And even that was obsolete by the
time the lights were put in because it was before the airport runway was shortened, greatly reducing the size of
jets using the airport.
But despite all this, without a word of warning to local residents, the lights were installed, and The Shining
began, seven days a week from sunset to sunrise, even when the airport is closed, lighting up the exterior and
interior of homes, yards, streets, and sky with a powerful red glow from dusk until dawn.
Hundreds of angry Sunset Parkers have now signed a petition for the lights to be removed, and asked the Santa
Monica Airport Commission for help. Having been assured by SCE and SMO that neither of them really wanted
the red lights, Commission Chairman Andrew Wilder wrote to the Santa Monica Council as follows:
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My understanding is that these lights provide no additional safety for pilots or for the community, and they may
even be more dangerous since there are taller objects (trees and other power lines) nearby, so the lights could
actually cause confusion … Please take action soon to remedy this situation.
Santa Monica has a new council, committed to swift, effective action on behalf of the city’s neighborhoods. It
will be interesting to see if they decide to use their power to sort out a ridiculous round-robin of bureaucratic
confusion, and put an end to the red-light district of Sunset Park before the area gets a distinctly shady
reputation.
Gavin Scott
1801 Marine Street
Santa Monica,
CA 90405
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Vernice Hankins
From:Stephan Hewitt <stephandavid@roadrunner.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 9:09 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
To City Council:
Please remove the red airport lights in Sunset Park alleyways and
discontinue to install any further ones. We never had lights before
and we don't want them now, especially with the airport set to close.
Sincerely,
Stephan Hewitt
3106 17th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90405
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Vernice Hankins
From:nancyjowens@aol.com
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 9:03 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12/21 meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:
I hope you will decide to take out the red lights that have been installed in our alley between Marine and Navy Streets, as
well as to refrain from adding other such lights in the future. Since there are trees in the area which are taller than the
lights, they seem to serve no purpose. With the airport due to close soon, it could be difficult to remove the lights later
even though they would not be used. The lights add unnecessary light pollution for no benefit and shine in our windows,
disturbing our sleep.
Thank you for your consideration of this issue.
Nancy J. Owens
2210 Marine Street
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Vernice Hankins
From:Will Guston <willguston@gmail.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 8:38 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear council members,
The three bright red lights now installed in the alley are a nuisance and disturbing. They are so bright.
It is our understanding that there are even more of These lights to be installed. Please stop the installation of additional
lights and remove The three lights that now installed.
We Have lived in the neighborhood for over 10 years and there weren’t any of these intense red lights.
We don’t need them now. We are looking forward to the closure of SMO!
Respectfully,
Will Guston
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Joseph Owens <josnowens@aol.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 8:36 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12/21 meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
I hope you will take action to remove the red lights already installed in our alley between Marine and Navy Streets, as well
as to halt adding more such lights in the future. There are a few trees in the area taller than the lights. Besides that, the
airport is due to close soon and it could be difficult to remove the lights later even though there would be no possible use
for them. The lights add unnecessary light pollution, it seems to me, for no benefit. Please think of us who are annoyed
by the lights.
Joseph Owens
2210 Marine St.
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Vernice Hankins
From:royrico@aol.com
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 8:19 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Please note that as a resident living adjacent to an alley-way, that the bright red lights would be an intrusion of my privacy,
so please act to remove the lights and prevent further installations of the red lights.
Roy Rico,
2849 Granville Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90064
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Vernice Hankins
From:THEO SWERISSEN <theo@theo.la>
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 8:16 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Members:
Please, no more of those ‘red‐lights’. The area is starting to look ridiculous. Very disturbing. Thank you.
T h e o Swerissen Management
o: 310.479.6100 m: 310.927.5355 e: theo@theo.LA
Note: This e‐mail and any attachments are intended solely for the individual or entity to which it is addressed and may contain information that
is privileged, confidential or otherwise protected from disclosure under federal or state law. Dissemination, distribution or copying of this e‐mail
or the information herein by anyone other than the intended recipient, or an employee or agent responsible for delivering the message to the
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destroy the original message and all copies.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Asa Greenberg <agreenberg@kilogramtv.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 8:14 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:SMO lights
EXTERNAL
Hello,
I write to ask that you please remove the red signal lights from the residential neighborhood surrounding SMO. They are
inappropriate and ugly. And they do not belong in our neighborhood, especially given the fact that the airport is set to
close. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Asa Greenberg
2315 Pier Ave.
Santa Monica 90405
__
Asa Greenberg
Kilogram Entertainment Development LLC
agreenberg@kilogramtv.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Jason McBride <jasonmcbride@la.twcbc.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 10:10 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
As a Sunset Park resident I have noticed the always‐on red lights being mounted on utility poles in my neighborhood.
We have never had lights before and we don't want them now, especially with the airport set to close!
Thank you for considering my opinion. I have spoken to some of my neighbors and we all feel the same way. Was there
even any community review of the decision to install these large red warning lights?
Jason McBride
(310) 392‐2811
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Vernice Hankins
From:Jason McClaren <jmcclaren@icloud.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 8:04 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:: 1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
I live on Cabrillo avenue ‐ 2 blocks from the airport and I’m writing to express my opposition to red lights in the
neighborhood.
Thank you
Jason McClaren
Sent from my iPhone
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From:Jonathan Stein <jstein@jsteinlaw.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 6:59 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Jonathan Stein
Subject:AIRPORT RED LIGHTS
EXTERNAL
PLEASE DO NOT INSTALL RED LIGHTS, INSTEAD BAN INSTRUMENT FLYING AND CLOSE AIRPORT ON DAYS WHERE IT IS
NEEDED.
JONATHAN STEIN
Jonathan Stein
Law Offices of Jonathan Stein, PC
2520 Murrell Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
310‐968‐4455
jstein@jsteinlaw.com
www.jsteinlaw.com
[This message may contain confidential and privileged information. If it has been sent to you in error, please reply to
advise the sender of the error, and then immediately delete this message. Thank you.]
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From:Brian Kelly <bnkelly@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 6:29 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Good morning:
I live on the south side of Pier Ave, between 21st and 23rd. I'm writing to ask you to please support taking down the red
airport lights installed recently. The one on my street is a terrible eye‐sore, casting garish red light down in the
evenings. I'm two houses down from it, so am spared the worst of it. But even from my house, I noticed it as soon as it
was put up, as there are certain angles from our patio where you simply can't escape it, and have to change seats now
sitting out in the evening, just to avoid it. What's worse is the thought of the houses immediately on top of the light ‐‐
what a terrible glow it is casting down, directly into their homes and backyards. I imagine it would nearly drive you
crazy, making you want to move absolutely. The airport and its ever‐present noise and pollution are bad enough; please
spare us this extra insult of these lights now as well. Thank you very much for your help.
Brian Kelly
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Vernice Hankins
From:Ann Maggio <annmaggio@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 1:05 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council,
Thanks to the Airport Commission and Council Members Phil Brock and Christine Parra for putting the red lights on the
agenda. These lights are just awful! Please take action to support their removal IMMEDIATELY. Given the
current climate of our country, who knows what bad omen might befall us at any moment. We are not a red
light district. My neighbors deserve peace, not light pollution. Please consider an emergency meeting to make
these go away by Thursday. These are a beacon of dread, not a beacon of light.
Thank you,
Ann Maggio Thanawalla
"Unthinking respect for authority is the greatest enemy of truth." ‐ Albert Einstein
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Vernice Hankins
From:Ellen Mark <ellenmark93@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 12:09 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear Councilmembers,
Regarding the red lights that have been installed in the alley between Navy and Marine Streets, was there any public
discussion about this in advance? Was there consideration given to how this would impact the people who actually live
in proximity to the lights? Was this a decision made by the City Council, or something mandated by the FAA? Does SMO
have the right to do this on its own? I really do not understand.
Why now?? Why put up warning lights for aircraft when the airport is destined to close in 7+ years? The expense alone is
certainly wasteful if there won’t be an airport at Clover Field to host planes.
This makes no sense. Please do not add any more red lights and please remove the ones that are there now.
Thank you,
Ellen Mark
Sent from my iPad
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Vernice Hankins
From:MICHAEL OSMENT <michaelosment@mac.com>
Sent:Sunday, January 10, 2021 9:24 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Put in subject line: 1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear Council Member, Please do your best to remove the extremely bright red lights in Sunset Park, they are too bright
and not needed.
Please support us in our neighborhood
Michael Osment
3202 21st St.
Santa Monica Ca 90405
MICHAEL OSMENT
michaelosment@mac.com
310‐291‐1272
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Vernice Hankins
From:Socorro Gallegos <cococoncepcion@aol.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 11:23 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Red lights
EXTERNAL
Please remove the red lights in the alley of Sunset Park,
Socorro Gallegos
Item 13.C 01/12/21
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Vernice Hankins
From:sharon ryan <skryan1807@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 11:57 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Red lights in our alley
EXTERNAL
Ladies and gentlemen,
As a 40 year homeowner on Navy Street we request that the existing lights be removed and that no more are
added. They ruin the character of our neighborhood and disturb the peace and enjoyment of all homes and yards they
shine into. The one near us is even shorter than the palm tree next to it, so we fail to see how this would add any safety
value.
Please stop this from happening.
Sharon and Dave Ryan
1807 Navy St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Skryan1807@gmail.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Sejon Ding <sjding@hotmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 12:19 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Hello City Council Members,
I am writing to express my outrage and cruelty of these bright red lights pollution in this neighborhood that
has already suffered years of other kinds of pollution such as noise and fumes. This violation of homeowner
right needs to be removed right away.
Why were there installed without a permit?
Best regards,
Sejon Ding
Pristine Windows, Inc
Tel: 310-446-8180
www.pristinewindows.com
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Vernice Hankins
From:Heidi Mylo <heidi.mylo@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 1:08 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:https://youtu.be/uNHjMiOMeRY
EXTERNAL
Why are we getting red lights when the airport is due to shut down? This does not make sense. Please take out the lights
put in and do not put in anymore
‐‐
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Heidi Mylo
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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Vernice Hankins
From:Ben <bcwang@yahoo.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 1:21 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:SMO: SMCC Meeting Item 13c -- Red Lights
Attachments:redlight-letter and signatures-FINAL.pdf
EXTERNAL
Dear Santa Monica City Council:
Here is a link (https://smofuture.weebly.com/red-lights.html) and attached is a PDF of the petition
signed by over 200 residents regarding their "Request for Help with Santa Monica’s New Red Light
Area Near SMO."
My addional personal comments are to ask the City Staff to:
1. Establish the Facts. All parties (the City, FAA, SCE, and the public) need to understand
exactly why the red lights are there in the first place and who is responsible. The existing data
is NOT accurate and the analysis by the FAA is based on the old 5000 foot runway length, per
my direct telephone conversation with Robert Van Haastert, the FAA Western Obstruction
Evaluation Team Manager.
2. Understand the Actual Risk to Be Mitigated. Define the actual risks being mitigated. The
red lights are lower than other structures, trees, and the ground/hillside nearby. The red lights
may acutally be creating a greater danger.
3. Explore ALL Remedies to Reduce Risks. Red lights are a superficial solution to a problem
that does not address or resolve the underlying cause of the problem. Restricing aircraft
operations to daylight hours and/or limiting all IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) aircraft operations
would better address (almost eliminate) the potential underlying problem and risks.
Thank you,
Ben Wang
Item 13.C 01/12/21
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Vernice Hankins
From:Sabrina Burton <sburton@pajamalaw.net>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 1:51 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting - Item 13-C - Red Lights in Lower Sunset Park
Importance:High
EXTERNAL
Ladies and Gentlemen,
My name is Sabrina Burton, and I have lived at 2015 Navy Street for more than twenty years now. I am
writing to urge you to have SCE remove the recently-installed red lights in my neighborhood and to refrain
from installing any additional such lights.
I applaud the City’s actions to move toward closure of the airport, and appreciate that the runway has been
shortened. I have witnessed the overall decrease in airport traffic the past few years and I look forward to its
permanent cessation.
While safety around the airport has always been a concern, I was surprised when the red lights suddenly
appeared in the alley behind my house. I feel badly for my neighbors whose views in the evening are greatly
disrupted by them. I fail to see how these lights are improving safety, as they are well outside what should be
the fight path for planes taking off from or landing at SFO. And if planes for years and years were able to
operate without them, I am wondering why they are necessary now. Honestly, after so many years enduring
the noise and disruption of the airport, the presence of these lights is particularly irritating to me and to my
neighbors.
I urge the Council Members to vote to have these lights removed immediately, and to see to it that no
additional lights are installed by SCE.
Thank you in advance for your consideration. If you need to reach me, my cell number is 310-309-0553.
Best,
Sabrina Burton
2015 Navy Street
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Vernice Hankins
From:Joy Abbott <joyabbott@roadrunner.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 3:08 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:Jan 12 Meeting, Agenda Item 13-C RED LIGHTS IN SUNSET PARK
EXTERNAL
Dear Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem and Councilmembers:
We are writing to strongly encourage the City to request SCE remove the installed
bright red lights on poles in our neighborhood and to ensure no more are
installed. The lights are a horrible eyesore, moreover they are not necessary as any
safety feature especially in light of the closing of the airport in 2028.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Joy and Ken Abbott
1745 Sunset Avenue
Item 13.C 01/12/21
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Vernice Hankins
From:Linda Wilson <lawilson9@live.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 4:42 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council members:
Thank you for taking up this issue; it’s so very important to the quality of life of your constituents. Up until
recently there had been no red lights, there had been no need for red lights, and no one had requested red
lights.
Could SCE have a hidden agenda, like making more money, this time off the City? Or maybe someone at SCE
doesn’t like someone in the red‐light area? Or maybe someone just likes red lights and doesn’t live in the area
that will be negatively impacted by these lights. Whatever the purported reason for the lights, none of the
“benefits”, either singularly or in the aggregate, can begin to match the harmful, deleterious impact on the
lives of the people, tax‐paying, voting people, who live there.
I therefore respectfully request that you vote to remove the lights that are already there and to add no more.
Thank you.
Linda Wilson
631 Strand St.
90405
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Vernice Hankins
From:Margaret Griffin <mgriffin@griffinenrightarchitects.com>
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 6:51 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
Dear City Council Members,
Please protect Santa Monica Citizens from further Airport impacts. We look forward to the day the SMO closes for good.
Meanwhile please remove the new added lights and please do not install any more lights. Lets start prioritizing our local
citizens safety and comfort over making airport usage easier.
Thanks,
Margaret Griffin
Santa Monica, CA
Item 13.C 01/12/21
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Vernice Hankins
From:zinajosephs@aol.com
Sent:Monday, January 11, 2021 10:35 PM
To:councilmtgitems; Gleam Davis; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Kristin McCowan; Sue Himmelrich;
Christine Parra; Oscar de la Torre; Phil Brock
Cc:zinajosephs@aol.com
Subject:City Council 1/12/21 agenda item 13-C -- Red obstruction lights
EXTERNAL
January 11, 2021
To: Mayor Himmelrich and City Council members
From: Board of Directors, Friends of Sunset Park
RE: 1/12/21 agenda item 13-C -- Red obstruction lights
The FOSP Board of Directors strongly supports agenda item 13-C for the following reasons:
1) The FAA did NOT require these bright red obstruction lights, it merely recommended them.
2) The new SCE light poles, which are located in alleys right behind homes in Sunset Park, are only 5 feet taller
than the old poles (which did NOT have bright red lights).
3) The FAA evaluated the poles independently of TALLER objects in the area, which DON'T have red lights.
4) The real safety issue is SMO itself, not the new SCE light poles.
5) This topic was agendized at three Airport Commission meetings, and there was not a single public comment
in support of the lights.
6) The bright red lights make it difficult for nearby residents to sleep at night.
7) More than 200 residents have signed a petition to have the lights
removed: https://smofuture.weebly.com/red-lights.html
8) The City Council could request that the Airport Director follow up on his communication with the FAA
regarding this matter by providing them yet again with the map and details of the shortened 3,500-foot
runway, in order for the FAA to recalculate the obstruction light data. The FAA recommendation seems to
have been based on the original 5,000-foot runway.
9) The City Manager or City Attorney could provide the FAA with a letter stating the City will not be
lengthening the runway. (This was apparently requested by the FAA Regional Obstruction Director).
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10) The City Council could direct staff to explore all options to mitigate Airport-related risk in order that
the red obstruction lights might be turned off.
Thank you for your consideration.
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Vernice Hankins
From:Paola Levenson <paola@alanlevenson.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:13 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 meeting Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
City Council Members‐
I politely request you to please remove these unsightly red lights.
Have you ever visited the red light district in Amsterdam? Let’s keep that as the red light district.
Many thanks in advance,
Paola Eisman Levenson
Sent from my iPhone
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Vernice Hankins
From:Joseph Hardin <joehardin@earthlink.net>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:10 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, 13-C Red light district?
EXTERNAL
Santa Monica City Council Members,
Please remove the bright red airport lights SCE installed on alley utility poles. Please take action to protect residents
from further impacts from SMO. Why is the city wasting electricity trying to keep our neighbors up at night? The noise
and pollution from SMO is bad enough. The airport is closing in 8 years. Why spend any of our city tax dollars on so
called improvements? We should only be spending money on minimum runway maintenance; all other airport funds
should be going toward the new Airport Park planning.
Thanks for your hard work,
Joe Hardin
Item 13.C 01/12/21
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Vernice Hankins
From:G- LO <lorriabenson@gmail.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 10:25 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:1/12 Meeting, Item 13-C
EXTERNAL
To All This Concerns:
I am a resident on Marine Street and am writing to ask that the Red airport lights on the poles in our neighborhood, as
well as any future ones planned, be scrapped. It is a waste of our taxpayer money, especially since the airport is
scheduled for closing. They shine brightly into residents windows, and we’ve heard no argument as to why it makes
sense to have them.
The Sunset Park section of Santa Monica is very much a neighborhood, and we cherish it. The red lights are an intrusion,
and in some cases, a disturbance in neighbor’s bedrooms. Please vote to remove them, halt the plan to distribute more
of them, and continue voting towards the closing of the airport.
Thank you for your attention!
best,
Item 13.C 01/12/21
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Vernice Hankins
From:Council Mailbox
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 12:24 PM
To:councilmtgitems
Subject:FW: Item 13C - Additional recommendation from the Airport Commission
From: Andrew Wilder <Andrew.Wilder@SMGOV.NET>
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 6:27 PM
To: Council Mailbox <Council.Mailbox@SMGOV.NET>
Cc: Sue Himmelrich <Sue.Himmelrich@SMGOV.NET>; Phil Brock <Phil.Brock@SMGOV.NET>; Christine Parra
<Christine.Parra@SMGOV.NET>; Gleam Davis <Gleam.Davis@SMGOV.NET>; Kristin McCowan
<Kristin.McCowan@SMGOV.NET>; Councilmember Kevin McKeown <Kevin.McKeown@SMGOV.NET>; Oscar de la Torre
<Oscar.delaTorre@SMGOV.NET>; George S. Cardona <George.Cardona@SMGOV.NET>; Ivan Campbell
<Ivan.Campbell@SMGOV.NET>; Stelios Makrides <Stelios.Makrides@SMGOV.NET>; Lane Dilg <Lane.Dilg@SMGOV.NET>
Subject: Item 13C ‐ Additional recommendation from the Airport Commission
Hi Mayor Himmelrich and Council Members,
At today's Airport Commission meeting, we passed the following recommendation unanimously:
At the Jan 11 meeting, the Airport Commission again discussed the red obstruction lights. We reiterate
our recommendation to Council for the City to get the lights turned off as soon as possible. In addition
to a letter to Southern California Edison, we recommend Council direct Staff to provide the FAA any
data needed for accurate re‐calculations, as well as a letter stating the runway will not be lengthened
beyond 3,500'. We also recommend the Council and Staff explore all options to mitigate risk to a
minimum in order to facilitate removing the lights.
As always, I would be happy to answer any questions ‐ and I hope this is helpful at the meeting tomorrow!
Best,
Andrew Wilder
Chair, Airport Commission
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January 12, 2021
VIA EMAIL
councilmtgitems@smgov.net
gleam.davis@smgov.net
phil.brock@smgov.net
christine.parra@smgov.net
kevin.mckeown@smgov.net
sue.himmelrich@smgov.net
kristin.mccowan@smgov.net
oscar.delatorre@smgov.net
Santa Monica City Council
1685 Main Street, Room 209
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Re: January 12, 2021
Item 13C – SCE Obstruction Lights
Dear Councilmembers:
On August 18, 1929 Amelia Earhart and 19 other remarkable women pilots departed Santa
Monica Airport in the 1st Women’s Air Derby. Amelia Earhart served as our first president
when The Ninety-Nines® Organization of Women Pilots was formed following the 1st Women’s
Air Derby. The Los Angeles 99s is the local chapter of the Ninety-Nines based out of Santa
Monica airport.
The Los Angeles 99s support the Airport Commission’s recommendation that City Council cause
an aeronautical survey of Santa Monica airport to be performed to verify the accuracy of
navigation aids and to ensure safe approach and departure procedures.
Thank you for your consideration.
EVE LOPEZ
AIRMARKING | COMPASS ROSE CHAIR
LOS ANGELES CHAPTER OF THE NINETY-NINES
INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN PILOTS ®
eve@la99s.org | la99s.org | @la99s
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Vernice Hankins
From:Ellen Kroner <egkroner@me.com>
Sent:Tuesday, January 12, 2021 11:39 AM
To:councilmtgitems
Cc:Gleam Davis; Phil Brock; Christine Parra; Councilmember Kevin McKeown; Sue Himmelrich; Kristin
McCowan; Oscar de la Torre; Christian Fry; Alex Gertsen; Jol A. Silversmith; Barbara Marrin
(bmmarrin@zsrlaw.com); Phillip Derner; tim@cashins.org; judi@barkerhangar.com
Subject:STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AT TONIGHT'S CITY COUNCIL MEETING FROM SMAA, NBAA
AND SANTA MONICA AIR CENTER
EXTERNAL
PLEASE ENTER THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT FOR PUBLIC COMMENT AT TONIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING:
The Santa Monica Airport Association, the National Business Aviation Association and the Santa Monica Air
Center statement with respect to the discussion of assessing the positioning of SMO obstruction lights at the
airport is as follows:
"Obstruction lights and sensors should be appropriately located relative to the position of the existing runway
thresholds.”
Thank you.
Santa Monica Airport Association
National Business Aviation Association
Santa Monica Air Center
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