April 23, 2025 #1 Local News, Information and Event Source for the Century City/Westwood areas.

Santa Monica City Council Calls for Closure of its Airport

The Santa Monica City Council said today it has adopted a resolution calling for the closure of its airport as soon as legally permitted, with the goal of shutting down the facility on or before July 1, 2018.

The council late Tuesday also directed the city manager to implement a series of measures intended to reduce the adverse environmental impacts of the airport until operations permanently cease, it said in a statement early this morning.

In its resolution, the council declared the airport produces a wide range of adverse impacts, including noise and air pollution, as well as safety issues. It noted the positive consequences of converting the land to open space, parks, recreation, educational, and cultural uses as required by Measure LC, a ballot measure Santa Monica voters approved in 2014.

“Through our unanimous vote (Tuesday),  the council demonstrated our commitment to stop the harmful impacts the airport has on our community. Transitioning our land into a ‘great-park’ is the single most transformative action this council can take,” said Mayor Tony Vazquez.  “The land needs to be transformed from a source of pollution and potential danger into a community asset.”

The council said it has directed the city manager to implement a series of measures intended to reduce the adverse impacts of the airport until operations cease permanently.

“Our council and community in solidarity want to close the airport that predominantly caters to the 1 percent that can afford to travel by private jet. We have directed the city manager to take every step possible to expedite the transformation of our land from airport to park,” said Mayor Pro Tem Ted Winterer.

“There are real legal obstacles and while we need to be conscientious as we navigate the court system, our resolve to close the airport is firm.”

The measures the city manager is authorized to implement include petitioning the Federal Aviation Administration to remove the far west segment of the runway from aviation use. This would shrink the runway by 2,000 feet and consequently reduce the adverse impacts of the airport, the statement said.

The council also directed the city manager to begin the planning and environmental analysis of converting Santa Monica Airport into a park.

And it adopted a Fixed Based Operations policy for the city manager to implement to replace private aircraft support services with services provided by the city. Currently, aeronautical services, such as fuel and aircraft storage, are provided by two private companies. The council directed the city manager to create a city-run FBO service by Dec.  31, or as soon as feasible.

“This change, allowed under FAA regulations, would significantly diminish the incentive for private companies to market their services to corporate and personal jet traffic,” the statement said.

The effort to shutter the airport gained steam after actor Harrison Ford, flying out of the airport, experienced engine trouble and crash-landed his World War II-era light plane at Penmar Golf Course in Venice in March 2015. He was injured but has since recovered.

The FAA ruled last December that the airport must stay open at least until 2023. Santa Monica elected officials and anti-airport activists countered that the airport could be closed earlier because all obligations to the federal government have expired. But the FAA said provisions of a $240,600 federal improvement grant received by the city in 2003 require that the general aviation hub remain open 20 years after accepting the money.

Related Posts

Academy Announces Major Changes for 98th Oscars, Including AI Rules and New Casting Award

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

Academy Now Requires Viewing All Nominees to Cast Final Ballots The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has unveiled...

Pepper Spray and Panic: LA Homeowners Targeted in Nighttime Burglaries

April 22, 2025

April 22, 2025

LAPD Hunts Suspects After One Resident Attacked in Beverly Grove Two separate home invasions late Friday night in Beverly Grove...

“We’re Better Than This”: Tour Business Owner Pleads for Protection After Third Burglary

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Thieves hit Again, Stealing E-Bikes and Leaving a Wake of Damage in South La Cienega The frustrated owner of a...

Lawsuits Allege Insurance Giants Conspired to Undercut California Fire Victims

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Two Lawsuits Accuse Top Carriers of Price-Fixing and Violating Antitrust Laws Attorneys representing homeowners impacted by California’s January wildfires have...

Cali Camp Welcomes Los Angeles Campers

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

By Susan Payne Roam streams, meadows and oak trees in the heart of rock-lined Topanga Canyon this summer at Cali...

Mayor Karen Bass’ Budget Plan Proposes 1,647 Layoffs Amid $300M Liability Surge

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Civilian LAPD Staff, Transportation, and Sanitation Departments Among Hardest Hit Mayor Karen Bass’ proposed city budget for the upcoming fiscal...

Santa Monica PD Makes Arrest in Ocean Front Walk Stabbing; Second Suspect Sought

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

Late-Night Stabbing in Santa Monica Prompts Manhunt After a shocking incident of violence in Santa Monica, a man has been...

Unlock the Secrets of Impressionism and Ancient Thrace with Getty’s Free Talks

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

The Getty’s Lineup of Free Online Art Talks Opens Doors for Global Audiences. The Getty Center will host a series...

Registration is Open for Harvard-Westlake Summer Programs

April 21, 2025

April 21, 2025

By Susan Payne Summer programs at Harvard-Westlake are open for registration.  Participants can experience renowned programs in academics, visual arts,...

Los Angeles City Attorney Sues Over Illegal Rentals, Wildfire Price Gouging

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

City Attorney Seeks Permanent Ban and Millions in Penalties for Operators City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has filed a civil...

Multi-Concept Asian Restaurant Coming to Prime Sunset Strip Corner

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Round 1 Delicious Inks Lease for Asian Dining Concept in WeHo West Hollywood will be the location for a high-end...

Hollywood Legend Raquel Welch’s Former Home Changes Hands in Beverly Glen

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

The Late Actress’s Longtime Residence Sold for $3.1 Million More than two years after Raquel Welch’s passing, the late actress’s...

Heads-Up, Westside: Downtown Santa Monica Traffic to Increase with Pali High Move

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Santa Monica Braces for School Traffic Surge Following Wildfire Displacement Drivers throughout Westside communities, from Brentwood to Pacific Palisades, should...

Rents Stay Stable, but Economic Shifts Threaten the Balance

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

Tariffs and Tight Supply Could End Flat Rent Streak After more than a year of minimal fluctuation, asking rents, or...

Veterans Collective Gets State Backing to Transform West LA Campus

April 20, 2025

April 20, 2025

State Funds Jumpstart Construction of 250 Homes and More Construction of new housing and a long-envisioned town center at the...