HomeMy WebLinkAboutDe Novo Proposal 9.20.24
SUBMITTED TO:
City of Diamond Bar
Attn: Dan Tran, Associate Planner
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
SUBMITTED BY:
De Novo Planning Group
ATTN: Starla Barker, AICP
180 E Main Street, Suite 108
Tustin, CA 92780
(949) 396-8193 | sbarker@denovoplanning.com
Proposal for Preparation of a CEQA
Document for
An Electronic Billboard Project
City of Diamond Bar | September 19, 2024
De Novo Planning Group
Electronic Billboard Project CEQA Compliance
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1. COVER LETTER
September 19, 2024
City of Diamond Bar
Attn: Dat Tran, Associate Planner
21810 Copley Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
SUBJECT: Proposal to Prepare a CEQA Document for an Electronic Billboard Project
Dear Mr. Tran :
On behalf of De Novo Planning Group (De Novo), thank you for the opportunity to submit this proposal to
provide CEQA compliance services for the proposed Electronic Billboard Project (Project). Based on our
review of the RFP and experience preparing and providing environmental compliance for documentation
for projects throughout California, including for billboard projects, we are confident we can provide the
necessary services to assist the City with this work.
De Novo has extensive experience providing environmental consultant services for clients throughout
California. Our team will provide a dedicated group of principal-level professionals with exceptional skills
and qualifications. We enjoy our work, and our Principals prefer to roll up our sleeves and work on our
projects ourselves. Our success is derived from the Principal-level attention that we provide each project.
We are committed to this Project and will allocate our resources and energy in a way that will exceed all
expectations, leaving the City with a legally-defensible environmental document. We are confident that
our experience, record of success, and Principal-level attention to the Project will prove to be extremely
valuable to City.
We have assembled a carefully-selected team of experienced environmental practitioners to work with
the City of Diamond Bar to prepare the necessary analysis and documents. De Novo Planning Group would
serve as the prime consultant for this contract with the City. Our team is led by De Novo Principal Planner
Starla Barker, AICP, who will serve as Project Principal, and Christine Abraham, who will serve as Project
Manager. Starla and Christine have extensive experience in managing environmental compliance
documents within southern California. We are joined by our expert subconsultant partner, South
Environmental (cultural/tribal cultural resources). Our team has excellent qualifications and experience
preparing legally-defensible environmental documents, while remaining on-schedule and on-budget.
We look forward to the opportunity to further discuss our proposal and approach to the preparation of
your CEQA compliance document. If you have any questions regarding this submittal, please contact Starla
Barker at (949) 396-8193 | cabraham@denovoplanning.com
Sincerely,
DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP DE NOVO PLANNING GROUP
Starla Barker, AICP, Principal Planner Christine Abraham, Principal Planner
De Novo Planning Group
City of Diamond Bar
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Table of Contents
1. Cover Letter ......................................................................................................................................... 1
2. Qualifications ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3. Project List and Schedule...................................................................................................................... 8
4. Scope of Work ........................................................................................................................................15
5. Budget Estimated ............................................................................................................................... 24
6. Acceptance of Conditions ................................................................................................................... 28
Attachments .......................................................................................................................................... 29
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2. QUALIFICATIONS
De Novo Planning Group is a land use and environmental planning
firm specializing in community planning, environmental studies,
design, and development services. When providing environmental
and technical services for municipal clients, our goal is to serve as an
extension of staff in a capacity that will provide the tools, research,
and professional knowledge to help evaluate a project’s potential
environmental impacts in a clear and concise way. We take great
strides to ensure the environmental review process is smooth from
the City’s perspective and that elected and appointed officials have
the information they need to make informed decisions. The De Novo
team brings to our clients the following unique benefits:
Exceptional CEQA Experience. Our team is well experienced with
managing and preparing environmental compliance documents for a
range of development projects including hotel, office, mixed use,
industrial, residential, alternative energy, hospitals, schools, and
parks, as well as policy programs including General Plans, Zoning
Ordinances, and Specific Plans. Our Principals are experts in CEQA
and have worked with the Attorney General’s Office to develop
statewide guidance on addressing climate change in General Plans.
Our EIR projects are managed by a two-person principal-level
management team who will be in attendance at all public and
stakeholder meetings and will be intimately involved in every aspect
of the project. This approach provides an exceptional level of quality
control. We believe that CEQA documents are a tool that the public
and decision makers must be able to easily read and understand in
order to thoughtfully consider potential impacts during their
decision-making process. This means we write our documents to be
clear, concise, and jargon-free.
Utilization of Technical Staff and Expert Teaming Partners. De Novo
technical team members provide expertise in the areas of air quality,
climate change, biological resources, health risk assessments,
aesthetics, land use/planning, population/housing, and public
services and utilities. De Novo regularly teams with the region’s top
subconsultants for transportation, infrastructure, noise, cultural
studies, and specialized hazards and geology/soils studies, all of whom are leaders in their fields and have
experience working on a wide range of projects throughout California.
Diversified Professional Expertise. One of the key things that sets our firm apart from our competitors is
the unparalleled experience and diverse skill sets of our Principals. Our team members are experts in a
wide range of planning disciplines, including environmental compliance, long-range planning (preparation
of comprehensive general plans, specific plans, zoning codes, housing elements, and various ordinances),
and development processing.
Official Name
De Novo Planning Group
Primary Points of Contact
Starla Barker, AICP
Principal Planner |
Project Principal
949-396-8193
sbarker@denovoplanning.com
Christine Abraham, Principal
Planner | Project Manager
(310) 849-4144
180 E. Main Street, Suite 108
Tustin, CA 92780
Entity Type
California S-Corporation
Firm Locations
Southern California:
180 E. Main Street, Suite 108
Tustin, CA 92780
(Local office where work will be
performed)
Northern California:
1020 Suncast Lane, Suite 106
El Dorado Hills, CA 95762
916-949-3231
Years in Business: 15
Staff: 20
De Novo Planning Group
City of Diamond Bar
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TEAM ORGANIZATION
The organization chart identifies the key personnel assigned to the Project. Our team has worked together
for many years preparing environmental compliance documentation and technical analysis. This
continuity in staffing means that each team member knows our management team’s expectations for
concise writing style, analysis, documentation, and time management. Ultimately, this results in a more
efficient process with fewer internal comments and revision cycles. Our team is ready to begin work
immediately following the City’s issuance of a notice to proceed.
CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
De Novo Planning Group (Prime Consultant)
Starla Barker, AICP
Project Principal | Principal Planner
Christine Abraham, Esq.
Project Manager | Principal Planner
Megan Thorne
Senior Planner
Josh Smith, AICP, LEED-AP
Senior Planner
Erik Anderson, AICP
Associate Planner
Abdul Jama
Assistant Planner
Subconsultant Partner
Cultural/Tribal Cultural Resources
South Environmental
Kevin Hunt, Principal Archaeologist
PROJECT MANAGEMENT TEAM
Our success is derived from the Principal-level attention that we provide each project. Our Team, led by
Starla Barker, AICP, Project Principal, and Christine Abraham, Project Manager, is comprised of
professionals with expertise in preparing technical studies and environmental analysis for CEQA
compliance projects. Christine will be responsible for coordinating the De Novo team to ensure the
environmental analysis is thorough and complies with CEQA requirements. Starla will review all internal
and external work products and be responsible for providing overall quality control and quality assurance
throughout the Project’s duration. Christine will work closely with City staff, from contract execution and
Project inception, through to public hearings and completion of the CEQA process. This Principal-level
attention to each detail of the Project ensures a high-quality work product as well as continuity throughout
the Project.
Our approach to having a dedicated Project Principal and Project Manager ensures continuity and a
seamless process if the Project Manager is absent. If Christine is unavailable for any reason, as Project
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Director, Starla would continue to provide support as needed. They would also be supported by the team
members indicated below. In case of need, contact information (email addresses) for each of the key team
members is also provided.
Team Member Biographies
This section includes brief biographies and email addresses for key De Novo team members. Resumes are
provided in Appendix A.
STARLA BARKER, AICP
Project Principal | Principal Planner | Primary Point of Contact | sbarker@denovoplanning.com
Starla Barker, AICP, is a principal planner with De Novo Planning Group whose primary responsibilities are
the management and preparation of environmental documents (Initial Studies, Negative Declaration,
Environmental Impact Reports, and Environmental Assessments), as well as other planning documents
including General Plans and Specific Plans. With over 20 years of professional planning experience Starla
has successfully managed a wide range of projects with particular emphasis in General Plans, urban infill,
downtown, and redevelopment projects. Utilizing her experience in community planning, Starla is
regularly involved in land use and policy planning, including the development and implementation of
community outreach programs, and frequently manages and prepares environmental clearance
documents for citywide policy planning and redevelopment projects. Through her extensive experience in
both policy and environmental planning, Starla is keenly aware of the interaction between the two and
consistently takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to understanding planning and environmental
issues and developing solutions. Starla has managed and/or served as Senior Environmental Analysis on
several complex redevelopment projects throughout southern California. Many of these projects involved
highly prominent sites within their respective cities or garnered specific interest by community members
and stakeholders due to the proposed redevelopment activities and environmental issues of concern.
Starla will have 20 percent availability to provide the services required.
CHRISTINE ABRAHAM, ESQ.
Principal Planner | Project Manager | cabraham@denovoplanning.com
Christine is a Principal Planner with De Novo Planning Group and is responsible for project management,
preparation of environmental documents, regulatory permitting, peer-reviewing and quality control. With
almost two decades of experience in environmental consulting and planning, Christine has managed and
prepared all levels of CEQA documentation. She knows what it takes to coordinate and track multi-
disciplinary teams on complex and controversial projects, for private developers as well as a number of
municipalities and public agencies. In addition to document preparation, Christine draws from her legal
background, as a member of the State Bar of California, to provide thorough peer review of environmental
documents and technical studies to ensure defensibility, as well as engaging in litigation support when
needed. Christine is highly organized, an affective communicator, and can ensure that project
documentation undergoes a thorough quality review and meets all City requirements.
Christine will have 25 percent availability to provide the services required.
MEGAN THORNE
Senior Planner | Designer | mthorne@denovoplanning.com
Megan Thorne is a senior planner and project manager with De Novo Planning Group. With over 15 years
of professional planning experience, Megan has worked on a wide variety of planning projects for public
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and private sector clients, including numerous specific plans, general plans, corridor plans, site plans,
design guidelines, strategic plans, sustainability programs, visioning projects, transit-oriented
development plans, zoning documents, outreach programs, and 3D visualizations. Megan possesses the
ability to think creatively and envision change while keeping projects grounded with achievable
benchmarks and implementable policy goals. She excels at communicating complex information and
policy ideas in a compelling and simple manner. As a designer, Megan has differentiated herself with her
hand-drawing abilities as well as her technical skills. Her technical expertise includes 3D modeling, graphic
design, and web design. She continues to pioneer ways new technology can improve old processes from
community outreach approaches to the web-publication of planning documents.
Megan will have 25 percent availability to provide the services required.
JOSH SMITH, AICP, LEED-AP
Senior Planner | jsmith@denovoplanning.com
Josh Smith, AICP, is a Senior Planner with De Novo. He has over 12 years of experience and is responsible
for the preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents (Initial Studies, Negative Declaration, Environmental
Impact Reports, and Environmental Assessments), the development of air quality and greenhouse gas
technical plans and reports, and climate change planning for local governments. Josh has extensive
experience with air quality, greenhouse gas, and energy modeling, including criteria air pollutant and air
dispersion modeling. Josh also has substantial experience developing Climate Action Plans, Energy Action
Plans, and toxic air contaminant (TAC) Health Risk Assessments. He served as the primary technical analyst
on the Pleasanton, Oakdale, and Hughson Climate Action Plans, and has managed EIRs such as the
Manteca Annexation #1 EIR, Placer County RTP EIR, and Amador County RTP EIR. Josh has additional
expertise utilizing best-practice standards for developing greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and context-
specific GHG mitigation measures, as well as developing custom air pollutant emissions calculators for
complex projects.
Josh will have 10 percent availability to provide the services required.
ERIK ANDERSON, AICP
Associate Planner | eanderson@denovoplanning.com
Erik is an Associate Planner with De Novo. Erik has worked on a diverse range of projects for public and
private sector clients, with a focus on environmental and sustainability planning, land-use planning, and
policy development. Erik provides project support in the preparation of CEQA documentation and long-
range planning documents, including General Plans, Housing Elements, and Zoning updates. His
experience includes grassroots lobbying with a non-profit environmental organization and work in the
legal field. Erik is passionate about serving communities and creating innovative work through place-based
development strategies.
Erik will have 20 percent availability to provide the services required.
ABDUL JAMA
Assistant Planner | ajama@denovoplanning.com
Abdul is an Assistant Planner with De Novo Planning Group. He has earned a Master’s Degree in City and
Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Abdul has a deep interest in community development
and environmental planning. He has worked on a diverse range of projects for public and private sector
clients, with a focus on environmental, land-use planning, and policy development. Abdul provides project
support in the preparation of CEQA documentation and long-range planning documents, including
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General Plans and Local Hazard Mitigation Plans. His past experience included overseeing the entitlement
process for technological infrastructure such as telecommunication towers and Electric Vehicle (EV)
charging stations.
Abdul will have 20 percent availability to provide the services required.
TEAMING PARTNERS
To complement our in-house services, we have well-established partnerships with highly experienced
technical consultants. For this contract, we will partner with South Environmental to provide cultural and
tribal cultural resources support.
SOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL, provides the full suite of cultural resources services for compliance with local,
state and federal regulations and permitting processes, including analysis of project impacts to historical,
archaeological, and tribal cultural resources under CEQA, as well as adverse effects to historic properties
under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. South Environmental is a certified Woman-
Owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Small Business
Enterprise (SBE). Mr. Hunt is a cultural resources management professional with more than 30 years of
experience and specific expertise in the cultural resources requirements of CEQA, CEQA-Plus, National
Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and NEPA.
REFERENCES
City of Lake Forest
Under the management of Starla Barker, De Novo Planning has been providing environmental planning
services for the City of Lake Forest and has completed several projects. Contract start date: September
2020 through present.
Project Contact: Gayle Ackerman, Director of Community Development | (949) 461-3463 |
gackerman@lakeforestca.gov
City of Fountain Valley
Under the management of Starla Barker, De Novo Planning has been providing environmental planning
services as a Prime Consultant to the City of Fountain Valley since 2020 and has completed several projects
for the City. Contract start date: October 2020 through present.
Project Contact: Steven Ayers, Principal Planner | (714) 593-4431 | steven.ayers@fountainvalley.org
City of Burbank
Project Manager, Starla Barker, has been providing environmental planning services to the City of Burbank
for over 10 years while at her prior firm and continuing at De Novo. De Novo Planning has completed
several projects. Contract start date: April 2020 through present.
Project Contact: Fred Ramirez, Assistant Community Development Director | (818) 238-5273 |
framirez@burbankca.gov
City of Gardena
Under the management of Starla Barker, De Novo Planning has provided environmental planning services
to the City of Gardena and has completed several projects, as described above. Contract start date: June
2020 through present.
Project Contact: Lisa Kranitz, Assistant City Attorney | (310) 450-9585 | lkranitzlaw@gmail.com
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3. PROJECT LIST AND SCHEDULE
Below are public agency clients and representative projects in which the De Novo team has provided
similar environmental consulting services.
City of Baldwin Park
De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the City of Baldwin Park regarding the installation and operation of a
90-foot-tall electronic billboard, located at 1529 Virginia Avenue, in Baldwin Park. This electronic billboard
was installed on a developed industrial parcel, adjacent to the interstate 10 freeway corridor. Project
operation included the display of alternating LED advertisements on either side of the billboard. The
Project also sought an Outdoor Advertising Display Permit from Caltrans. De Novo provided support with
tribal consultation pursuant to AB 52. De Novo Staff included Ben Ritchie and Josh Smith. Project Initiation:
December 2020. Project Approval: March 2022. Project Contact: Melissa Chipres, Associate Planner | 626-
960-4011 | melissac@baldwinpark.com
City of Perris
De Novo prepared an EIR for the City of Perris Pilot Travel Center, which consisted of the development of
an approximately 14.4-acre vacant site, adjacent to Interstate 215. The Project consisted of an
approximately 13,980-square foot travel center building, an 8,452-square foot shop building, fueling
facilities with canopy structures, and signage, including illuminated pole signage and monument signage
that would be visible from the freeway. Project Initiation: June 2021. Project Approval: pending. De Novo
Staff included Starla Barker, Josh Smith, Erik Anderson and Abdul Jama. Project Contact: Lupita Garcia,
Associate Planner | 951-943-5003 |lgarcia@cityofperris.org
City of Lake Forest
De Novo is also providing on-call environmental services to the City of Lake Forest. In this capacity, De
Novo has been retained to prepare environmental documents for various private projects in Lake Forest.
De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) for a proposed Extra Space Storage facility.
The Project proposes to remove 91 uncovered RV storage spaces within the 1.96-acre northwest portion
of the property and construct a three-story, 90,512 square-foot climate-controlled self-storage building
with 533 units. New landscaping would be provided at the corners of the proposed building and enhanced
landscaping would be provided within the existing landscaped areas along the property’s frontage,
adjacent to the existing office building, and within the existing parking area. Existing light fixtures within
the proposed improvement area would be removed to accommodate the proposed building and wall
mounted light fixtures would be provided on the building exterior. Some of the existing fire hydrants
would be relocated to accommodate the proposed building and a transformer would be installed between
the proposed building and the existing two-story storage building. The CE Report assesses the project’s
consistency with each criterion, including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm
no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. De Novo staff included Starla
Barker and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: March 2023. Project Approval: August 2023. Project Contact:
Jennifer Mansur, AICP, Senior Planner | 949-461-3472 | jmansur@lakeforestca.gov.
De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the Applied Medical Expansion and Bridge Project (Site Development
Permit 12-20-5391). The Project applicant is applying for a Site Development Permit for the properties
located at 20162 and 20202 Windrow Drive. The Project includes a 73,168 square foot tenant
improvement on the first floor, 7,339 square foot building addition on the first floor, and a new 26,756
square foot second floor to the L203 Building (20202 Windrow Drive), as well as a new 13,253 square foot
bridge to connect the L203 Building with the L202 Building (20162 Windrow Drive). The new bridge is
proposed to serve as a location to house a mechanical central plant, as well as Cogen and central plant
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equipment. A walkway on the new bridge will allow team members to travel between the two buildings.
To serve the new Cogen equipment, new electrical equipment will be installed at the parking lot level
located between the L203 Building and the toll road. Site work will include new walkways, an extended
ADA path of travel, new paving, new curbs and parking striping. De Novo also provided peer review of the
applicant-prepared technical studies. De Novo staff included Starla Barker, Ashley Brodkin, Josh Smith,
and Erik Anderson. Primary environmental concerns include air quality, noise, and transportation. Project
Initiation: March 2021. Project Approval: December 2021. Project Contact: Ron Santos, Senior Planner |
949-461-3449 | rsantos@lakeforestca.gov
De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the Lock & Leave Self-Storage Facility (Use Permit 01-20-5331). The
Project applicant proposes to convert an existing 64,329 square foot warehouse building into a 108,148
square foot climate controlled, Class “A” two-story self-storage facility consisting of 635 units, including a
sales and rental office, break rooms, restrooms, and loading bays. The exterior of the building would
remain largely unchanged. The existing loading dock would be filled and repaved to match adjacent
grades, two existing landscape planters would be expanded, a portion of the parking area on the west side
of the building would be filled and repaved to match the grade of the building’s first floor, and a new entry
stair and pedestrian access ramp would be construction. The Project is consistent with the General Plan
and Zoning designations, but would require a use permit. De Novo staff included Starla Barker and Josh
Smith. Primary environmental concerns include noise and hydrology/water quality. Project Initiation:
September 2020. Project Approval: April 2021. Project Contact: Ron Santos, Senior Planner | 949-461-
3449 | rsantos@lakeforestca.gov.
De Novo is currently preparing an IS/MND for the Great Scott Landscape Facility (Plan Amendment 03-18-
5155, Zone Change 03-18-5144, and Use Permit 03-18-5146). The Project applicant proposes a General
Plan Amendment from Regional Park/Open Space to Light Industrial, a Zone Change from A-1 General
Agriculture to M-1 Light Industrial, and a Use Permit to allow for a Contractor/Landscape business (Great
Scott Landscape Facility) to locate at 20865 Canada Road. The Project proposes rehabilitation of the
existing home to be used as an office for administrative functions, removal of the structures related to
animal keeping, creation of parking areas for the tree service vehicles and equipment, and creation of a
concrete pad for drying the wood chips generated during the day’s work of cutting trees. The existing barn
would remain in place and used for storage of equipment. Serrano Creek is located adjacent to the Project
site to the north and west. The Creek is within the existing floodplain; however, no construction would
occur within the Creek’s floodplain as part of the proposed Project. The Project would install vegetated
bioswales adjacent to the Creek to treat stormwater before draining to the creek to improve existing water
quality conditions. A landscaped buffer and change link fence would be installed along Linear Lane and a
freestanding block wall would be installed around the outdoor chip storage area. Several trees that are
either in bad health or already dead would be removed to improve aesthetics and overall safety. Primary
environmental concerns include biological resources, hydrology/water quality, and transportation. The
IS/MND has been made available for public review. Project Initiation: March 2021. Project Approval:
pending City/Applicant coordination with Orange County Parks and Recreation. Project Contact: Marie
Luna, Senior Planner | 949-461-3466 | mluna@lakeforestca.gov.
City of Fountain Valley
De Novo is currently preparing an EIR Addendum for the 16800 Magnolia Project, based on the recently
adopted 2045 General Plan Update and its certified EIR. The Project proposes to construct a new mixed-
use development comprised of two, seven-story buildings containing 682 apartment units, 4,364 square
feet of retail uses, and residential amenities on a 6.87-acre site. The City’s Housing Element identified a
lower density for the site, with an assumed maximum of 275 dwelling units; however, the Project proposes
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higher residential density for the site than what was assumed. As such, De Novo is assisting the City with
preparation of an Addendum to the 2045 General Plan EIR to account for the environmental impacts of
this increased density resulting from the Project. Project Initiation: June 2024. Project Contact: Steven
Ayers, Principal Planner | 714-593-4431 | Steven.Ayers@fountainvalley.org.
De Novo provided third-party peer review services to the City of Fountain Valley for the Slater Investments
Mixed-Use Project IS/MND and technical studies prepared by the applicant team. The Project proposes to
construct a four and five story mixed-use development with 270 residential units (including 33 affordable
housing units), a 5,000 square foot restaurant with 2,000 square feet of outdoor dining space, a parking
garage, and associated amenities on a 3.34-acre property. Proposed Project entitlements include a Code
Amendment to create new mixed-use zones in the City; General Plan Amendment to change the land use
designation from General Commercial to Mixed Use; Zoning Map Amendment to change the zoning of the
property from C1 -Local Business to MU1-Mixed Use; Lot Line Adjustment to merge all parcels into one for
construction of the Project; Precise Plan for the site layout and construction of the Project; and a
Conditional Use Permit to allow for a large format restaurant with on-premises alcohol sales with the MU1
zone. The De Novo team conducted the peer review to ensure the IS/MND and supporting technical
studies considered recent CEQA legislation and agency requirements, including consistency with SB 743
requirements. Project Manager, Starla Barker, attended the Planning Commission and City Council
hearings on behalf of the City to respond to questions and provide CEQA expertise, as needed. Project
Initiation: November 2021. Project Approval: April 2022. Project Contact: Steven Ayers, Principal Planner
| 714-593-4431 | Steven.Ayers@fountainvalley.org.
City of Burbank
De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) for a mixed-use infill residential and
retail/office development within the City of Burbank (624-628 San Fernando Boulevard Mixed-Use
Project). The project proposes a four-story mixed-use building consisting of 42 residential dwelling units
above 3,500 square feet of retail space and 8,200 square feet of office space. Of the 42 units, five would
be deed restricted affordable units. The CE Report assesses the project’s consistency with each criterion,
including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm no significant effects relating to
traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. De Novo staff included Starla Barker and Josh Smith. Project
Initiation: March 2020. Project Approval: August 2020. Project Applicant: Burbank Capital, LLC. Project
Contact: Lisa Frank, Associate Planner | 818-238-5263 | LFrank@burbankca.gov
De Novo is preparing an EIR for the 2500 N. Hollywood Way Dual Brand Hotel Project. De Novo staff
includes Starla Barker, Steve McMurtry, Ashley Brodkin, and Josh Smith. The Project proposes a dual-
brand hotel on a property with an existing Marriott and Convention Center, located across from the
Hollywood Burbank Airport. The team has conducted peer review of applicant-prepared technical studies,
prepared additional technical studies, and provided the City with an Administrative Draft EIR. Subsequent
to completion of the Administration Draft EIR, the Applicant has modified the Project and preparation of
the revised CEQA document will be initiated in late 2023. Project Initiation: May 2020. Project Completion:
Anticipated 2024. Project Applicant: AWH Partners. Project Contact: Daniel Villa, Senior Planner | 818-
238-5250 | DVilla@burbankca.gov
De Novo recently initiated preparation of technical studies and an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative
Declaration (IS/MND) for the 129 E. Providencia Hotel Project. The Project proposes removal of existing
structures and development of an 84-room Home2Suites Hotel. The Project was initiated in October 2023.
De Novo Staff includes Starla Barker, Christine Abraham, Erik Anderson, and Josh Smith. Teaming Partners
include MD Acoustics and Chronicle Heritage. Project Initiation: November 2023. Project Completion:
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Anticipated late 2024. Project Contact: Karen Chavez, Assistant Planner | 818-268-5248 |
kchavez@burbankca.gov
While at her previous firm, Starla Barker managed preparation of an EIR for the Media Studios Project.
The project proposed to develop a 160,477-square foot commercial office building to complete the
existing Media Studios office campus. The building would be five stories at a maximum height of 70 feet
above plaza level. The proposed office building would tie in with the existing Media Studios campus,
including all landscaping, amenities, and parking. A subterranean parking garage is proposed to be
connected to the existing subterranean parking garage for the campus to allow accessibility from any
entrance. The project approvals consisted of a 10-year Development Agreement extension. The EIR was
certified in December 2018. Project Contact: Fred Ramirez, Assistant Community Development Director –
Planning | 818-238-5273 | framirez@burbankca.gov
Additional Projects Completed by Starla Barker as Project Manager: AC Hotel IS/MND; Nickelodeon Office
Building IS/MND; 550 N. Third Street Mixed Use IS/MND; International School of Los Angeles/Lycee
International de Los Angeles (1105 N. Riverside Drive) IS/MND.
City of Gardena
De Novo prepared a CEQA Class 32 Categorical Exemption (CE) for a proposed Lab Five Soccer Center. The
project proposes to construct a 5-a-side soccer center facility on an approximately 1.5-acre site. The
proposed Lab Five Soccer Center would consist of seven 50-feet by 98-feet soccer fields with low rebound
walls, netting, and 20-foot high light poles illuminated by LED down lights. The existing office building
(2,786 square feet) would be retained and the storage building (200 square feet) would be removed to
allow for an outdoor seating area. Minor interior improvements would be made to the existing office
building and approximately 878 square feet of the existing 2,786-square-foot office would be converted
to an incidental café use for patrons of the Lab Five Soccer Center. The CE Report assesses the project’s
consistency with each criterion, including a General Plan consistency analysis and assessment to confirm
no significant effects relating to traffic, noise, air quality and water quality. De Novo staff included Starla
Barker and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included MD Acoustics. Project Initiation: August 2021. Project
Approval: November 2021. Project Applicant: Lab Five. Project Contact: Lisa Kranitz, Assistant City
Attorney | 310-450-9585 | lkranitzlaw@gmail.com
De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the U-Haul Redevelopment Project. The Project proposes to remove the
existing on-site structures and develop a new, modern U-Haul Moving and Storage Store with a 177,573
square foot, 5-story storage facility and a separate 8,000 square foot building for retail sales and office
use. In addition to providing U-Haul truck and trailer sharing and retail sales, the location will house
regional U-Haul marketing operations. The applicant is seeking a Zone Change from C-3 to Heavy
Commercial (C-4), a Zone Text Amendment to allow for greater ground floor street frontage when a
proposed self-storage facility has at least 600 feet of lot frontage on a major collector or arterial street, a
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow for the self-storage facility within the C-4 Zone, and Site Plan
Review. The De Novo team prepared the environmental analysis, including the following technical studies:
air quality, cultural resources, energy, greenhouse gas emissions, noise, sewer supply, and transportation,
as well as peer review of several applicant-prepared technical studies. De Novo staff included Starla
Barker, Ashley Brodkin, Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Teaming partners included MD Acoustics. Project
Initiation: May 2021. Project Completion: June 2022. Project Applicant: U-Haul of Los Angeles South.
Project Contact: Amanda Acuna, Senior Planner | 310-217-9524 | aacuna@cityofgardena.org.
De Novo prepared an IS/MND for the 141st and Normandie Project which proposes to remove an existing
landscape nursery and two single family homes and develop 50 townhomes. The project includes a
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General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Tract Map, Site Plan Review and Variance to allow
development of the residential uses. Key environmental issues include transportation,
hydrology/drainage, hazards and hazardous materials, and noise. De Novo staff included Starla Barker,
Steve McMurtry, and Josh Smith. Teaming partners included MD Acoustics. Project Initiation: March 2020.
Project Approval: November 2020. Project Applicant: Olson Company. Project Contact: Lisa Kranitz,
Assistant City Attorney | 310-450-9585| lkranitzlaw@gmail.com
The Evergreen Residential Project proposes to remove an existing retail garden center/commercial
container nursery and motel and develop 84 townhomes, including two affordable units. The project
includes a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Tentative Tract Map, and Site Plan Review to allow
development of the residential uses. Key environmental issues include noise, transportation and
hydrology/drainage. De Novo staff included Starla Barker, Steve McMurtry, and Josh Smith. Teaming
partners included MD Acoustics. Project Initiation: March 2020. Project Approval: November 2020. Project
Applicant: Melia Homes. Project Contact: Lisa Kranitz, Assistant City Attorney | 310-450-9585|
lkranitzlaw@gmail.com
De Novo prepared the EIR for the City of Gardena Land Use Plan, Zoning Code & Zoning Amendment
Project. The project proposes to amend the Land Use Plan of the Community Development Element of
the General Plan with the addition of new land use designations. Other technical updates will be added
to reflect changes that have occurred since 2006. The General Plan Land Use Policy Map will be amended
to apply new land use designations. New zones will be created to provide consistency with the Land Use
Plan update and additional changes will be made to the Zoning Code, including objective Residential
Design Standards. The Gardena Zoning Map will be amended to apply the new zones to specific parcels
within the City and to eliminate split-zoned properties and rezone other properties to match the existing
uses, densities, or intensities that already occur on those properties. As part of the project, the existing
Artesia Corridor Specific Plan (ACSP) will be rescinded. The amendments will allow for new residential
development or increased residential development when compared to existing conditions. As site-specific
development proposals are not currently known, a programmatic analysis of the potential environmental
impacts associated with new residential development consistent with implementation of the proposed
project was prepared in the EIR. Project initiation: 2022. Project Completion: July 2024. De Novo staff
includes Starla Barker, Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Teaming partners include Kittelson and MD
Acoustics. Project Applicant: City of Gardena. Project Contact: Amanda Acuna, Senior Planner | 310-217-
9524 | aacuna@cityofgardena.org
City of Fullerton
De Novo prepared an Environmental Checklist pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15183 (Projects
Consistent with a Community Plan or Zoning) of the 1901 Via Burton Industrial Project with respect to the
Project’s consistency with the Fullerton Plan, the analysis contained in the Fullerton Plan EIR, and any site-
specific environmental impacts or cumulative impacts that may result from Project implementation. The
Project proposes to remove the existing on-site structures and develop a new 139,269-square foot
industrial building for warehousing/distribution uses, including a 4,500-square foot mezzanine designated
for supporting office use. The building use would consist of 130,269 square feet for
warehouse/distribution use and 9,000 square feet for office use. Although the specific end user is not
currently known, the building size and design would provide for a light industrial end use; high
intensity/distribution or uses requiring refrigeration would not occur within the site. The proposed
building would have a building footprint of 134,769 square feet and a maximum height of 40 feet with a
clear height of 32 feet within the warehouse; 18 dock-high doors would be located along the eastern side
of the building. De Novo staff included Starla Barker, Ashley Brodkin and Josh Smith. Teaming partners
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included MD Acoustics. Project Initiation: December 2021. Project Approval: June 2022. Project Contact:
Edgardo Caldera, Senior Planner | 714-773-5773 | Edgardo.Caldera@cityoffullerton.com
De Novo prepared an IS/MND and associated technical studies, including a Health Risk Assessment, for
the 1500 South Raymond Street Project which proposes removal of an existing hotel and development of
an approximately 135,000 square foot industrial building for warehousing/distribution uses. Although the
specific end user is not currently known, the building size and design would provide for a light industrial
end use; high intensity/distribution or uses requiring refrigeration would not occur within the site. De
Novo staff includes Starla Barker, Ashley Brodkin, Josh Smith, and Erik Anderson. Teaming partners
includes MD Acoustics. Project Initiation: March 2023. Project Approval: November 2023. Project Contact:
Edgardo Caldera, Senior Planner | 714-773-5773 | Edgardo.Caldera@cityoffullerton.com.
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
De Novo is currently preparing the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Update for the City of Rancho
Santa Margarita. De Novo had also prepared the City’s General Plan and Housing and Safety Element
Update. The LHMP would reflect local hazards and priorities in compliance with FEMA requirements. This
includes stakeholder focused discussions and interviews, online and in-person community outreach, risk
assessment evaluations, review of hazards and hazard profiles, hazards mapping, capabilities
assessments, mitigation strategies, and LHMP preparation. De Novo staff includes Starla Barker, Ashley
Brodkin, and Erik Anderson. Project Initiation: February 2024. Project Contact: Wendy Starks, Principal
Planner | 949-635-1800 | wstarks@cityofrsm.org
ESTIMATED SCHEDULE
We have provided a realistic schedule based on our experience preparing environmental compliance
projects. We anticipate further discussion with the City as part of the kick-off meeting regarding the
schedule, interdependencies of tasks, and milestones. Our team has a strong history of accommodating
and meeting specific scheduling needs of our clients. We proactively work with our clients to
accommodate scheduling requests and establish expectations through the identification of key
milestones, interdependent tasks, and responsibilities. Completion of the IS/MND will be dependent upon
several factors outside of our Team’s control, AB 52 tribal consultation, and City staff review/response
timeframes.
Project Kickoff Meeting Week 1
Draft Project Description Preparation Weeks 2 – 3
City Reviews/Approves Project Description Weeks 4– 5
Preparation of Technical Studies/Analyses Weeks 6 – 11
De Novo Prepares Administrative Draft Initial Study Weeks 6 – 14
City Review of Administrative Draft Initial Study Weeks 15 – 16
De Novo Prepares Revised Screencheck Draft Initial Study Weeks 17 – 18
City Review of Revised Screencheck Draft Initial Study Week 19
De Novo Prepares Public Review Draft IS/MND & Distribution Week 20 – 21
Public Review of Initial Study Week 22 – 25
De Novo prepares Responses to Comments Weeks 26 – 27
City Reviews Responses to Comments Weeks 28 – 29
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De Novo Prepares Final IS/MND (responses to comments, errata, MMRP) Week 30 – 31
City Reviews Final IS/MND Week 32 – 33
De Novo Provides City with Final Documents for Hearings Week 34
Hearings TBD
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4. SCOPE OF WORK
PROJECT UNDERSTANDING
The City of Diamond Bar is seeking a qualified environmental planning consultant team to prepare
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) compliance documentation for the proposed installation and
operation of an electronic billboard (Project) to be located at 880 South Lemon Avenue, in Diamond Bar.
The Project site is an undeveloped portion of the parking lot of the Walnut Valley Unified School District
(WVUSD) offices, with an associated Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 8760-015-901. The electronic
billboard would be supported by an approximately 100-foot-tall pole structure, mounted with two light-
emitting diode (LED) screens that would be 14 feet tall and 48 feet wide.
The Project site has a General Plan land use and corresponding zoning of Commercial, and it is currently
occupied by two- and three-story commercial/industrial structures which house WVUSD headquarters
and maintenance facilities, with supporting surface parking and number of solar panel arrays that also
provide some shade. The site itself is commercial/industrial in nature, as WVUSD school buses are also
parked and stored at the Project site. No schools or students are present on the Project site. The Project
site is adjacent to the State Route (SR) 60 Freeway, and there are other commercial/industrial uses, as
well as a static billboard, adjacent to and surrounding the Project site. The sign would be visible from SR
60 and the surrounding area.
CEQA requires the evaluation of potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed
Development Code Amendment, as well as the installation of the electronic billboard. Other approvals
sought include Development Review, Conditional Use Permit, and a Development Agreement between
the City and WVUSD. Based on the RFP and our understanding of the Project, De Novo is proposing to
prepare a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Project. If during the course of our evaluation it
becomes evident that a significant and unavoidable impact could result from the proposed Project, an
environmental impact report may be required. De Novo will communicate with the City immediately to
discuss next steps for a revised scope of work to reflect the appropriate level of CEQA documentation.
SCOPE OF WORK
We have prepared the following work plan in response to the RFP, our understanding of the Project, and
our experience preparing a variety of environmental clearance documents and associated technical
studies throughout California. The requested work effort will involve preparation of technical studies, an
Initial Study, and preparation of an MND.
TASK 1 PROJECT KICKOFF AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
1.1 Project Kickoff Meeting
The work program will be initiated with a kickoff meeting with City staff to discuss the project features in
greater detail. This initial meeting will be a key milestone to confirm the parameters of the analysis, project
construction program, buildout conditions, scheduling, and overall communications. Prior to the kickoff
meeting, De Novo will distribute an agenda and detailed memorandum, which will identify information
needs. De Novo will review all applicable Project information provided by the City, which may include site
plans, technical specifications, visual simulations, infrastructure plans, and other relevant information.
Based upon the detailed Project information obtained at the project kickoff meeting, De Novo will draft a
preliminary Project Description (Task 1.2) and project schedule for review and approval by the City staff.
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1.2 Project Description and Site Visit
The Project Description is a critical element of the environmental review and establishes the foundation
for the technical analysis. The Project Description will detail the Project location and environmental
setting, project characteristics (construction and operation), project objectives, phasing, discretionary
actions, and required permits and approvals based on available information provided by the City. De Novo
will submit the Project Description to the City for review and approval. This scope assumes that De Novo
will respond to one set of consolidated comments from the City. We have assumed that no modifications
to the Project Description will occur after approval by the City.
Task 1 Deliverables: One electronic copy of the Kickoff Meeting Agenda/Minutes; One electronic copy of
the Schedule (with updates as needed); One electronic copy of the Draft and Final Project Description
(Word and PDF).
TASK 2 PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL STUDIES
In order to support the Project’s CEQA analysis, and as discussed with the City, De Novo anticipates that
the following technical studies will be required. If subsequent discussions with the City, or during
preparation of the evaluation, it Is determined that additional studies will be needed, an amendment t o
this work program would be required.
2.1 Visual Impacts Analysis
In order to support the Project’s CEQA analysis, De Novo will utilize our in-house design staff to assist with
preparation of visual simulations for the proposed Project. This will entail a survey of the site and the
surrounding area to take photos, including an electronic model of the sign and rendered exhibits depicting
the electronic billboard from up to five (5) vantage points. The visual simulations will be created with
SketchUp and Lumion software. It is assumed that a technical visual analysis of light spillage will not be
required, since there are no sensitive uses within a 500-foot radius of the Project site. De Novo assumes
that the City will provide all available technical information related to the electronic billboard, including
and not limited to, technical specifications of the billboards, illumination and/or lighting studies,
infrastructure plans, installation plans and timing, energy usage, operational characteristics and
messaging contents of the electronic billboards, operational timing, site photography, and any other
information that would assist in the technical evaluation of visual impacts. This information should be
provided in an electronic format.
2.2 Air Quality Analysis, Energy and Greenhous Gas Emissions Analyses
Air Quality. De Novo will utilize our in-house Environmental Scientists to prepare an Air Quality analysis
for this Project. The analysis will be prepared consistent with South Coast Air Quality Management District
(Air District) and State and Federal guidelines using the latest version of CalEEMod software. As
operational emissions would be limited, the analysis will primarily include a comparison of
the proposed Project’s construction-related emissions with the Air District's air quality thresholds of
significance for criteria pollutants, consistent with applicable Air District guidance. De Novo will also
analyze the potential for health risk and odor impacts on nearby receptors. This task does not include the
preparation of a Health Risk Assessment (HRA), since preparation of an HRA would not be appropriate for
the Project. The discussion will include the methodology for calculating emissions, an analysis of
the proposed Project’s air quality impacts, and a discussion of feasible mitigation measures that should
be implemented to reduce impacts on air quality, as appropriate.
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Energy. De Novo's will utilize our in-house Environmental Scientists to prepare an analysis and
quantification of Project energy usage, consistent with the requirements of the most recent version of
CEQA Guidelines Appendix G. The analysis will provide disclosure of the Project's estimated energy
consumption associated with long-term operations, as well as for construction-related activities. Further,
consistent with the applicable statutes and guidelines, De Novo will analyze the Project's potential for
wasteful, inefficient, and unnecessary consumption of energy, and will also analyze whether the Project
would conflict with or obstruct any state or local plans for renewable energy or energy efficiency.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions. De Novo’s in-house Environmental Scientists will prepare a Greenhouse Gas
Emissions analysis pursuant to the requirements of Executive Order S-3-05, The Global Warming Solutions
Act of 2006 (AB 32), the California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2016: emissions limit (SB 32), and
The California Climate Crisis Act (AB 1279). The analysis will follow the California Air Pollution Control
Officers Association (CAPCOA) white paper methodology and recommendations presented in Climate
Change & CEQA, which was prepared in coordination with the California Air Resources Board and the
Governor’s Office of Planning and Research as a common platform for public agencies to ensure that GHG
emissions are appropriately considered and addressed under CEQA. The analysis will meet all of the
requirements of CEQA Guidelines Section 15064.4. This analysis will consider both a local and a regional
approach toward determining whether construction GHG emissions are significant, and will present
mitigation measures to reduce impacts, consistent with the guidance and significance thresholds provided
by the Air District, as applicable. The discussion and analysis will include quantification of GHGs generated
by the Project using the latest version of the CalEEMod computer model as well as a quantitative analysis
of the Project’s consistency with any applicable state and local plans.
2.3 Cultural Resources and Tribal Cultural Resources Services
De Novo has teamed with South Environmental to also provide cultural and tribal cultural resources
services.
CHRIS Records Search. South Environmental will request a California Historical Resources Information
Systems (CHRIS) records search of the project site and a 0.5-mile radius from the South Central Coastal
Information Center (SCCIC), which houses cultural records for Los Angeles County. The purpose of a
records search is to: identify any previously recorded cultural resources; review historical maps of the
project site; review the Archaeological Determinations of Eligibility lists; and gather information on
ethnographies. In addition, South Environmental will review the lists for the National Register of Historic
Places (NRHP), the California Register of Historical Resources (CRHR), and the lists of California State
Historical Landmarks, and California Points of Historical Interest.
Native American Outreach and Consultation. South Environmental will also assist the City with its
government-to-government AB 52 obligations by providing City staff with a detailed overview of the AB
52 process and required steps; request a Sacred Lands File Search and AB 52 Tribal Consultation List from
the Native American Heritage Commission (NAHC); prepare notification letters and consultation letters
(as appropriate) to tribes requesting consultation on the Project using City letterhead; assist the City with
subsequent responses from tribes and consultation meetings that occur; and maintaining a detailed
record of all AB 52 consultation efforts on coordination with City staff. This scope assumes no more than
three (3) one-hour meetings with the City and tribes.
Cultural Resources Report. South Environmental will prepare a Cultural Resources Technical Report that
will summarize the results of the records search and the NAHC Sacred Lands File search. The report will
also discuss the proposed Project description, regulatory framework, all sources consulted,
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recommendations for appropriate management, and analysis of the proposed project’s potential to
impact cultural resources under CEQA. This task assumes no more than two drafts and one final electronic
version of the report will be required. As the site is paved, a pedestrian archaeological survey is not
required.
Task 2 Deliverables
Draft and final visual simulations and their respective vantage locations would be provided to the City
electronically. Results of the Air Quality, Energy and GHG evaluations will be included in the text of the
IS/MND and any data will be included in an appendix. One electronic copy of draft and final Cultural
Resources Report will be provided (Word and PDF). The AB 52 letters will be provided to the City for
review, and it would subsequently be placed on City letterhead for transmittal to tribes.
TASK 3 ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT INITIAL STUDY
De Novo will prepare an Administrative Draft Initial Study for concurrent review by the City. The contents
of the Administrative Draft Initial Study will be consistent with all applicable provisions of CEQA and the
CEQA Guidelines, and will incorporate the analysis and findings of the technical studies:
3.1 Introduction
The Introduction will cite the provisions of CEQA, the CEQA Guidelines, and the City of Diamond Bar’s
CEQA Implementation procedures for which the proposed Project is subject.
3.2 Environmental Evaluation
This section will include a discussion of the potentially significant environmental impacts, mitigation
measures to reduce significant impacts to a level of insignificance, and a statement as to whether
mitigation measures will reduce impacts to a level of insignificance. The evaluation section will contain
appropriately detailed analysis and discussion of those environmental criteria deemed “Potentially
Significant Impact” and “Potentially Significant Impact Unless Mitigated”. Where the project would result
in “No Impact” or “Less Than Significant Impact” for particular environmental criteria, the Initial Study will
include a brief discussion which supports such a finding.
Aesthetics
According to the Diamond Bar General Plan 2040 EIR, scenic vistas within the City are focused in open
space, local hillsides and ridges, and distant views of the San Gabriel Mountains. The Project site is located
within an industrial/commercial and urbanized area of the City. Visual impacts from installation of the
electronic billboard will be discussed and evaluated. The analysis will be supported by the visual
simulations as described above in Task 2.1 and will focus on whether the Project would conflict with
applicable zoning and other regulations governing scenic quality as identified in the Diamond Bar
Municipal Code. The analysis will also address the potential for the Project to create a new source of
substantial light or glare adversely affecting day or nighttime views in the area. Existing lighting within the
surrounding area will be qualitatively discussed. Information regarding the nature of the advertisements,
refresh rates, and other characteristics related to the digital messaging, would be discussed.
Agriculture and Forestry Resources
The Project site is not identified by the California Important Farmland Finder as Farmland of Local
Importance and does not contain agricultural resources; nor does the project site contain forest land.
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Further, the project site is not zoned for agricultural use or forest land. Thus, the Initial Study will confirm
no impact to agricultural and forestry resources.
Air Quality
This section will incorporate the findings of the Air Quality analysis referenced in Task 2.2.
Biological Resources
This section will qualitatively evaluate impacts to biological resources, as the Project site is in a parking
lot. Standard regulatory requirements, in accordance with City requirements, related to potentially
affected trees will be restated. No tree studies are included in this scope of work.
Cultural Resources
This section will incorporate the findings of the Cultural Resources assessment referenced in Task 2.3.
Energy
This section will incorporate the findings of the Energy analysis referenced in Task 2.2.
Geology/Soils
Utilizing the City-provided geotechnical studies and/or other existing resources, the analysis will identify
existing regional and local geology and soils constraints (such as compressible soils, landslide hazards,
disruptions, displacements, compaction, or over-covering of the soil, and areas subject to subsidence) and
seismic hazards, as well as liquefaction. While the City is located in a seismically active region, there are
no active faults within the City and it is not situated within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Zone, according
the City’s General Plan EIR. The Project will be evaluated for its potential to directly or indirectly cause
substantial adverse effects involving fault rupture, strong seismic ground shaking, seismic-related ground
failure (e.g., liquefaction), and landslides. This section will also address potential impacts related to
paleontological resources.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
This section will incorporate the findings of the Greenhouse Gas analysis referenced in Task 2.2.
Hazards and Hazardous Materials
The Project site is currently developed with the WVUSD headquarters, maintenance buildings and
supporting parking lot. Utilizing regulatory agency databases and/or a City-provided Phase I
Environmental Site Assessment, if available, De Novo’s evaluation will include a review of hazardous site
databases (e.g., California Environmental Protection Agency’s (Cal-EPA) Cortese List, the Department of
Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor database, the State Water Resources Control Board GeoTracker
database, Cal-EPA’s CAL-SITES Abandoned Site Program Information System (ASPIS) database, and others
that are deemed relevant). This section will include an analysis of potential hazards associated with Project
construction and operations.
Hydrology/Water Quality
De Novo will evaluate potential impacts to hydrology and water quality. The Federal Emergency
Management Agency indicates that this site is not in a flood zone, so flood risks in the Project area are
minimal. The site is flat and the electronic billboard will be installed in an already paved area, and as such,
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it is assumed that installation is not anticipated to alter drainage patterns or hydrological conditions of
the Project site. As such, De Novo will conduct an analysis of potential hydrological impacts for purposes
of the CEQA evaluation; however, no technical studies or modeling will be prepared.
Land Use and Planning
The Project site is zoned as Commercial and the land use designation is Commercial. The Project would
not displace existing people or housing or divide an established community. The proposed Project will be
reviewed for any potential conflicts with a land use plan, policy, or regulation adopted for purposes of
avoiding or mitigating an environmental effect.
Mineral Resources
No known mineral resources or recovery sites occur within the Project site. Thus, the Initial Study will
confirm no impact to mineral resources.
Noise
This section will provide a qualitative evaluation of noise, as the Project would entail limited construction
for the installation of the electronic billboard, and there are no sensitive receptors within the vicinity that
could be affected by its installation.
Population and Housing
The proposed Project would involve installation of an electronic billboard. Due to the limited nature of
the Project, there would be negligible impacts related to population and housing. It is anticipated the
discussion will qualitatively confirm the Project would not induce substantial unplanned population
growth.
Public Services
The Project would not involve the construction of new residential or commercial development. As such,
the potential environmental impacts to fire, police, schools, parks and public facilities would be negligible.
It is anticipated the discussion will confirm that the provision of other new or physically altered public
facilities would not be needed as a result of the Project.
Recreation
The Project proposes to install an electronic billboard in the parking lot of a commercial/industrial
property, and potential environmental impacts related to recreation would be negligible. It is anticipated
the analysis will confirm the Project would not result in substantial physical deterioration of a recreation
facility.
Transportation
Due to the nature of the Project, traffic impacts will be qualitatively evaluated. It is assumed that VMT
impacts would be screened out, as the Project would not generate vehicle trips in exceedance of a
screening threshold. A discussion of the appearance of the electronic billboard from surrounding streets
and SR 60 will be discussed. The Project would require a Caltrans Off-Premise Digital Billboard Permit, and
the characteristics of the digital messages will be considered in light of driver safety.
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Tribal Cultural Resources
This section will incorporate the findings of the Cultural Resources Assessment referenced in Task 2.3
regarding potential impacts to tribal cultural resources, including any information obtained from Native
American tribes as part of the AB 52 consultation process, which will be facilitated by the City and South
Environmental.
Utilities/Service Systems
The ability of existing infrastructure to support the proposed development will be confirmed, including
assessing the relocation or construction of new or expanded facilities and the potential to result in an
environmental effect based upon information provided by the City and service providers. The discussion
will focus on the potential alteration of existing facilities, extension, or expansion of new facilities and the
minimal demand on services associated with the proposed development.
Wildfires
The Project site is not located within a fire hazard severity zone as delineated on CalFire Hazard Severity
Zone Maps for the City. Further, according to the General Plan, the City is not located in a fire threat zone.
Thus, the Initial Study will confirm that there would be no impact associated with wildfires.
Mandatory Findings of Significance
This section will focus on the cumulative effects and the potential for the Project to have environmental
effects which will cause substantial adverse effects on human beings based in part on the analysis
conducted as part of the previous environmental topical areas.
3.3 Additional Sections and Exhibits
Additional Initial Study sections will be prepared and include the following: List of Preparers; References;
and Appendices. The environmental document will include exhibits to enhance the written text and clarify
the proposed Project.
3.4 Administrative Draft Initial Study Submittal
The previous tasks will result in the Administrative Draft Initial Study, which will be provided to the City
for concurrent review and comment.
3.5 Initial Study Findings and Meeting with City Staff
Once the Initial Study is completed and reviewed by City staff, De Novo will participate in a conference
call with City staff to review and discuss the findings of the Initial Study review. This scope assumes that
the City will provide one set of consolidated comments. Based upon the results of the Initial Study and
meeting with City staff, De Novo will prepare the appropriate CEQA compliance documentation, assumed
to be preparation of an MND.
Task 3 Deliverables. One electronic of the Administrative Draft IS with Appendices (Word and PDF); five
(5) hard copies; and meeting with City staff regarding Draft IS findings.
TASK 4 MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
Should the analyses described in Tasks 2.0 and 3.0 determine that impacts could be mitigated to a less
than significant level, De Novo will prepare an MND.
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4.1 Revised Draft IS/MND
De Novo will prepare a Revised Screencheck Draft IS/MND based upon comments received from the City
on the Administrative Draft IS. Changes to the Screencheck Draft IS/MND will be highlighted/provided in
tracked changes to assist the review.
4.2 Public Review Draft IS/MND
Comments received from City staff on the Revised Draft IS/MND will be addressed. De Novo will prepare
the Notice of Intent to Adopt a MND (NOI) for public review. De Novo will be responsible for posting the
NOI with the County Clerk and preparing the submittal documents to the State Clearinghouse. This scope
of work excludes radius mailing and newspaper noticing.
4.3 Final IS/MND
Upon completion of the public review period, De Novo will prepare a written response to the public
comments, and where necessary the appropriate revisions will be made to the IS/MND text. All responses
will be provided to City staff for review in the form of a Screencheck Final Initial Study/MND. We will make
any additional revisions as directed by the City and prepare a Final Initial Study/MND for consideration.
The Final Initial Study/MND will include a Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program. At this time, the
extent of public and agency comments that will result from the review process is unknown. This task
identifies a maximum budget allocation to prepare the responses to comments by the De Novo team. The
scope of work does not assume supplemental technical studies or extensive additional analysis will be
required to provide responses to comments.
4.4 Notice of Determination
De Novo will prepare and file a Notice of Determination (NOD) with the County Clerk and State
Clearinghouse. Our budget includes the filing fees for the County Clerk; however, any applicable CDFW
fees are excluded.
Task 4 Deliverables. One electronic copy of the Revised Draft IS/MND (Word and PDF); One electronic
copy of the Public Review Draft IS/MND (Word and PDF); Two (2) hardcopies of the Public Review Draft
IS/MND; Up to 30 copies of the Notice of Intent to Adopt (NOI) and Public Review Draft IS/MND on USB
mailed to the City’s distribution list; One electronic draft and final Notice of Intent; One electronic draft
and final Responses to Comments; One electronic draft and final MMRP; One electronic and three
hardcopies of the Final IS/MND to include the Responses to Comments, MMRP, and Errata; and One
electronic NOD.
TASK 5 MND PROJECT COORDINATION AND MEETINGS
5.1 Project Management and Administration
Ms. Barker and Ms. Abraham will direct preparation and review of the MND for compliance with CEQA
requirements and guidelines and City CEQA procedures. This will include close coordination and oversight
of the technical analysis and identification of any areas of concern early in the work program. Ms. Abraham
will coordinate with City staff, as well as internal technical staff, support staff and word processing toward
the timely completion of the environmental document throughout the duration of the Project. This task
involves the time necessary for management and administration of the Project, including invoicing and
progress reports.
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5.2 Project Meetings
Close coordination with City staff is essential. Ms. Abraham will participate in progress/Project conference
calls and/or meetings with City staff, as necessary. For budgeting purposes, the following meetings are
assumed, as described in the RFP: One (1) kickoff meeting with City staff (refer to Task 1.1); up to two (2)
meetings with City staff to discuss work program and progress, resolve any issues, review comments on
administrative documents, and/or receive any necessary direction; and attendance at up to two (2) public
hearings. A minimum of three (3) check-in conference calls with City staff are also assumed. We anticipate
that only the Project Manager will be required for each meeting, and it is assumed that no more than 16
hours of meetings and management would be required by the Project Manager for the duration of the
Project. We have not budgeted for additional technical support from other members of our team,
including our subconsultants, to attend public hearings.
De Novo Planning Group
City of Diamond Bar
24
5. BUDGET ESTIMATED
Typical direct costs associated with preparation of environmental documents include mileage, printing
data collection, and postage. Please note that all direct costs are billed at-cost and are not marked-up. We
also do not mark-up the fees of our subconsultants. The cost proposal and rate sheets are provided below.
Diamond Bar Electronic Billboard Project IS/MND
South Enviro Direct Costs
hours $175 hours $175 hours $130 hours $120 hours $100 hours $115 hours Fee Fee
1.1 Project Kickoff Meeting 2 $350 2 $350 $0 $0 $0 $0 4 $700 $700
1.2 Project Description 2 $350 4 $700 16 $2,080 $0 $0 6 $690 28 $3,820 $3,820
TASK 1 SUBTOTAL 4 700$ 6 1,050$ 16 2,080$ 0 -$ 0 -$ 6 690$ 32 4,520$ -$ -$ $4,520
2.1 Visual Simlations 2 $350 2 $350 26 $3,380 $0 $0 6 $690 36 $4,770 $200 $4,970
2.2 AQ/Energy/GHG Analsis 2 $350 2 $350 20 $2,600 $0 $0 $0 24 $3,300 $3,300
2.3 Cultural Resources Assessment 2 $350 2 $350 $0 $0 $0 $0 4 $700 $7,200 $7,900
TASK 2 SUBTOTAL 6 1,050$ 6 1,050$ 46 5,980$ 0 -$ 0 -$ 6 690$ 64 8,770$ 7,200$ 200$ $16,170
3.1 Introduction $0 2 $350 $0 $0 6 $600 $0 8 $950 $950
3.2 Environmental Evaluation 2 $350 16 $2,800 $0 40 $4,800 40 $4,000 2 $230 100 $12,180 $12,180
3.3 Additional Sections and Exhibits $0 2 $350 $0 $0 8 $800 6 $690 16 $1,840 $1,840
3.4 Administrative Draft Initial Study Submittal 12 $2,100 8 $1,400 $0 6 $720 $0 $0 26 $4,220 $400 $4,620
3.5 Initial Study Findings and Meeting with City Staff 2 $350 2 $350 $0 $0 $0 $0 4 $700 $700
TASK 3 SUBTOTAL 16 2,800$ 30 5,250$ 0 -$ 46 5,520$ 54 5,400$ 8 920$ 154 19,890$ $0 $400 $20,290
4.1 Revised Draft IS/MND 2 $350 8 $1,400 12 $1,560 16 $1,920 8 $800 $0 46 $6,030 $6,030
4.2 Public Review Draft IS/MND $0 8 $1,400 8 $1,040 4 $480 8 $800 $0 28 $3,720 $750 $4,470
4.3 Final IS/MND 2 $350 6 $1,050 6 $780 6 $720 6 $600 $0 26 $3,500 $250 $3,750
4.4 Notice of Determination $0 $0 $0 $0 4 $400 $0 4 $400 $150 $550
TASK 4 SUBTOTAL 4 $700 22 $3,850 26 $3,380 26 $3,120 26 $2,600 0 $0 104 $13,650 $0 $1,150 $14,800
5.1 Project Management and Administration 10 $1,750 14 $2,450 $0 $0 $0 $0 24 $4,200 $4,200
5.2 Project Meetings 2 $350 20 $3,500 4 $520 $0 $0 $0 26 $4,370 $600 $4,970
TASK 5 SUBTOTAL 12 $2,100 34 $5,950 4 $520 0 $0 0 $0 0 $0 50 $8,570 $0 $600 $9,170
$64,950
NOTES:
Subconsultants and Direct Costs are billed at no markup.
De Novo Planning Group reserves the right to reallocate budget between various consulting team members and between tasks, provided the overall project budget does not change.
Additional meetings would be billed at the hourly rates identified above.
TASK/ACTIVITY
Project Principal Project Manager/
Principal Planner Senior Planner Associate Planner Assistant Planner
Cultural/ Tribal
Printing,
Postage,
Filing Fees
TOTALS
TASK 1: PROJECT KICKOFF AND PROJECT DESCRIPTION
TASK 2: PREPARATION OF TECHNICAL STUDIES
TASK 3: ADMINISTRATIVE DRAFT INITIAL STUDY
TASK 4: CEQA CLEARANCE: MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION
GIS Analyst De Novo Subtotal ACTIVITY
TOTALS
TASK 5: MND PROJECT COORDINATION AND MEETINGS
TOTAL FEE
D E N O V O P L A N I N G G R O U P
C I T Y O F DIAMOND BAR R A T E S H E E T
2024 Schedule
Principal $210
Principal Planner $175
Senior Planner $130
Associate Planner $120
Assistant Planner $100
GIS Analyst $115
2061 N Los Robles Avenue, Suite 205 Pasadena, California 91104 / www.southenvironmental.com
2024 Standard Rate Sheet*
Billing Title Billing Rate
Principal Biologist..............................................................................................................................................$200
Senior Biologist...................................................................................................................................................$170
Biologist.................................................................................................................................................................$150
Biological Field Technician..............................................................................................................................$110
Principal Architectural Historian/Archaeologist.....................................................................................$190
Senior Architectural Historian/Archaeologist..........................................................................................$160
Architectural Historian/Archaeologist 2.....................................................................................................$140
Architectural Historian/Archaeologist 1.....................................................................................................$125
Archaeological Field Technician....................................................................................................................$110
GIS Specialist........................................................................................................................................................$150
*Rates subject to an annual escalation
De Novo Planning Group
City of Diamond Bar
28
6. ACCEPTANCE OF CONDITIONS
De Novo accepts the conditions listed in the RFP and is confident that it can reach a mutually acceptable
agreement with the City related to terms therein. De Novo respectfully requests consideration of the
following revisions to the City’s Consultant Services Agreement, provided as Attachment 2 of the RFP. The
revisions are to Section 9. Indemnity, and are indicated in underline for new text and strikeout for text we
would request to be omitted.
9. Indemnification.
To the extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend with counsel approved by City, and
hold harmless City, its officers, officials, employees and volunteers ("Indemnitees") from and against all
liability, loss, damage, expense, cost (including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees, expert fees
and all other costs and fees of litigation) of every nature arising out of or in connection with:
(1) Any and all claims under Workers’ Compensation Act and other employee benefit acts with respect to
Consultant’s employees or Consultant’s contractor’s employees arising out of Consultant’s work under
this Agreement; and
(2) Any and all claims arising out of Consultant's performance of work hereunder or its failure to comply
with any of its obligations contained in this Agreement, regardless of City’s passive negligence, but
excepting such loss or damage which is caused by the sole active negligence or willful misconduct of the
City. Should City in its sole discretion find Consultant’s legal counsel unacceptable, then Consultant shall
reimburse the City its costs of defense, including without limitation reasonable attorneys' fees, expert fees
and all other costs and fees of litigation. The Consultant shall promptly pay any final judgment rendered
against the Indemnitees. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for any claim alleging negligent performance by
Consultant, the Consultant has no immediate obligation to provide the defense of the City. The Consultant
will reimburse indemnified parties their reasonable defense costs ultimately determined to have been
caused by the negligence of the Consultant and proportionate to the degree of fault of the Consultant. It
is expressly understood and agreed that the foregoing provisions are intended to be as broad and inclusive
as is permitted by the law of the State of California and will survive termination of this Agreement. Except
for the Indemnitees, this Agreement shall not be construed to extend to any third party indemnification
rights of any kind.
(3) The Consultant's obligations to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the City shall survive termination
of this Agreement.
De Novo Planning Group
Electronic Billboard Project CEQA Compliance
29
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A – Resumes
EDUCATION
Masters, Urban and Regional
Planning, California State Polytechnic
University, Pomona
BA, Business Economics, University
of California, Riverside
ORGANIZATIONS
American Planning Association
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
American institute of Certified
Planners, 2009, No. 024079
Starla Barker, AICP, is a principal planner with De Novo Planning Group whose
primary responsibilities are the management and preparation of environmental
documents (Initial Studies, Negative Declaration, Environmental Impact Reports,
and Environmental Assessments), as well as other planning documents including
General Plans and Specific Plans. With over 17 years of professional planning
experience Starla has successfully managed a wide range of projects with
particular emphasis in General Plans, urban infill, downtown, and redevelopment
projects. Utilizing her experience in community planning, Starla is regularly involved
in land use and policy planning, including the development and implementation of
community outreach programs, and frequently manages and prepares
environmental clearance documents for citywide policy planning and
redevelopment projects. Through her extensive experience in both policy and
environmental planning, Starla is keenly aware of the interaction between the two
and consistently takes a proactive and comprehensive approach to understanding
planning and environmental issues and developing solutions.
Starla Barker, AICP
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
General Plan Update, Zoning Update
and EIR,
City of San Jacinto
Downtown Core EIR
City of Fontana
General Plan Land Use and Zoning
Amendments EIR
City of Gardena
Sunrise Mall Tomorrow Specific Plan
EIR
City of Citrus Heights
2500 North Hollywood Way Hotel EIR
City of Burbank
The Harper Project EIR
City of West Hollywood
General Plan Update and EIR
City of La Verne
1500 Raymond Ave Industrial IS/MND
City of Fullerton
1901 Via Burton Industrial CEQA
City of Fullerton
Hotel Development Standards GPA
& Zone Change IS/MND
City of Gardena
Melia Evergreen Residential IS/MND
City of Gardena
Olson Residential Townhome IS/
MND
City of Gardena
General Plan Transportation &
Mobility Element Update ND
City of Bell Gardens
Slater Investments Mixed-Use MND
Peer Review
City of Fountain Valley
Applied Medical Expansion MND
City of Lake Forest
Lock & Leave Storage IS/MND
City of Lake Forest
Great Scott Landscape Facility IS/
MND
City of Lake Forest
Pilot Travel Center IS/MND
City of Palmdale
Extra Space Storage Class 32 CE
City of Lake Forest
624-628 S. San Fernando MU Class
32 CE
City of Burbank
624-628 S. San Fernando MU Class
32 CE
City of Burbank
General Plan Update and EIR
Addendum
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
General Plan Update and EIR,
City of Rancho Santa Margarita*
Lido House Hotel EIR,
City of Newport Beach*
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
*Completed by Ms. Barker while she was employed at another planning firm
EDUCATION
JD, Law, Emphasis in Environmental
and Natural Resources Law, Lewis
and Clark Law School, Porland, OR
BS, Safety and Systems
Management, University of Southern
California, Los Angeles, CA
ORGANIZATIONS
California Bar Association
LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS
Member, State Bar of California, 2000.
No. 210812
Christine Abraham is a principal planner with De Novo Planning Group and has
almost two decades of experience in environmental planning and the preparation
of CEQA documentation for private developers and public-sector clients throughout
the California, including multiple on-call contracts. Christine has prepared and
managed all levels of CEQA documentation for new developments, redevelopment
and urban infill, education/institution, warehouse/logistics, infrastructure,
renewable energy installations, planning documents, soil management plans, and
projects with biological, cultural and tribal sensitivity. Christine provides strategic
guidance regarding the most appropriate level of CEQA documentation and
technical studies required for each project and client, always focused on solutions
and streamlining opportunities. In addition to document preparation and project
management, Christine draws from her legal background, as a Member of the State
Bar of California, to provide a thorough peer review of environmental documents to
verify defensibility, as well as engaging in litigation support when needed. She is
highly organized, excels in communication, and understands what it takes to
successfully coordinate and lead multidisciplinary project teams for technically
complex and controversial projects.
Christina Abraham
PRINCIPAL PLANNER
ConEdison Westside Battery Energy
Storage Project,
County of Imperial*
City of Vallejo Zoning Code EIR,
City of Vallejo*
General Plan Housing Element Update
Rezoning Program Supplemental EIR,
City of Corona*
Seaport San Diego Redevelopment
Project, Strategic Planning and Project
Definition
Gafcon, 1HWY1, Port of San Diego*
State Water Project Interconnection
Project, Addendum and Permitting,
City of San Buenaventura*
Great Park and Residential Project
Addendum, Updates to Monrovia
Nursery Specific Plan
City of Azusa*
World Logistics Center, Strategic
Planning and Mitigation Tracking
Highland Fairview and City of Moreno
Valley*
The Ranch Master Planned Residential
Community Project EIR,
City of Antioch*
UTC Former Rocketdyne Site Soil
Management Plan MND,
Los Angeles Regional Water Control
Board and City of Los Angeles*
Mowry Village Project EIR,
City of Newark*
Warner Centier Specific Plan
Projects, 4 CEQA Addenda
City of Los Angeles*
Home 2 Suites Hotel Projects MND,
City of Vacaville*
Park Parish Residential Project
Modified IS
City of Vacaville*
Leo Recycle Project MND,
City of San Jose*
World Oil No. 51 Project MND
City of San Jose*
Tractor Supply Company Retail Story
Project Modified IS,
City of Suisun City*
Redwood City Discovery Project
Modified IS,
City of Redwood City*
Olive View Middle School Project
MND,
Los Angeles Unified School District*
Colfax Charter Elementary School
MND,
Los Angeles Unified School District*
Westfield Escondido Signage and
Lighting Program MND,
City of Escondido*
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
* Project was completed by Ms. Abraham while she was employed at another environmental firm.
EDUCATION
MCP, City Planning, Urban Design
Concentration
University of Pennsylvania,
Philadelphia
BS, Urban, Rural, and
Environmental Planning,
Brigham Young University, Provo
Research,
Cambridge University (UK), Pembroke
College
ORGANIZATIONS
Urban Land Institute
AICP Certified, American Planning
Association
AICP Certification # 35377
U.S. Green Building Council
LEED AP BD+C,
Credential Id # 10433552-AP-BD+C
Megan Thorne is a senior planner and project manager with De Novo Planning
Group. With over 15 years of professional planning experience, Megan has worked
on a wide variety of planning projects for public and private sector clients, including
numerous specific plans, general plans, corridor plans, site plans, design
guidelines, strategic plans, sustainability programs, visioning projects, transit-
oriented development plans, zoning documents, outreach programs, and 3D
visualizations. Megan possesses the ability to think creatively and envision change
while keeping projects grounded with achievable benchmarks and implementable
policy goals. She excels at communicating complex information and policy ideas in
a compelling and simple manner. As a designer, Megan has differentiated herself
with her hand-drawing abilities as well as her technical skills. Her technical
expertise includes 3D modeling, graphic design, and web design. She continues to
pioneer ways new technology can improve old processes from community outreach
approaches to the web-publication of planning documents.
Megan Thorne, AICP, LEED AP BD+C
SENIOR PLANNER + DESIGNER
Burbank Media District Specific Plan
City of Burbank*
Rialto Specific Plan Update
City of Rialto*
River Walk Specific Plan
Stanislaus County
Downtown Bellflower Transit-
Oriented Development Specific Plan
City of Bellflower*
West Carson Transit-Oriented
Development Specific Plan
City of West Carson*
Morena Corridor Specific Plan
City of San Diego*
Long Beach Southeast Area (SEASP)
Specific Plan
City of Long Beach*
Stanton Plaza Specific Plan
Amendment and EIR Addendum
City of Stanton*
Airport Gateway Specific Plan
Inland Valley Development Agency*
Harmony Specific Plan
Lewis Companies, City of Highland*
De Anza Revitalization Plan
City of San Diego*
Fontana Downtown Design
Guidelines
City of Fontana
Irvine Neighborhood Plan
City of Irvine
General Plan Update and EIR
City of San Jacinto
General Plan Update and EIR
City of La Verne
General Plan Update and EIR
City of Lake Forest
General Plan Update and EIR
City of Westminster*
General Plan Update and EIR
City of San Marcos
South El Monte Zoning Code Update
City of South El Monte*
Hemet Zoning Code Update
City of Hemet*
ADU Ordinance and Guidebook
City of Ione
City of Bellflower Sign Code Update
City of Bellflower
Temecula CAP Baseline Study
City of Temecula*
OCCOG Geospatial Solutions
Orange County Council of
Governments*
Housing Policy Leadership Academy
Southern California Association of
Governments*
Livermore Downtown Visioning & Site
Planning
City of Livermore*
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
* Project was completed by Ms. Thorne while she was employed at another planning firm
EDUCATION
BS, Environmental Policy Analysis
and Planning,
University of California, Davis
ORGANIZATIONS
American Planning Association
ACREDITATIONS
AICP
LEED AP O+M
Josh Smith, AICP, is a Senior Planner with De Novo. He has twelve years of
experience and is responsible for the preparation of CEQA/NEPA documents
(Initial Studies, Negative Declaration, Environmental Impact Reports, and
Environmental Assessments), the development of air quality and greenhouse gas
technical plans and reports, and climate change planning for local governments.
Josh has extensive experience with air quality, greenhouse gas, and energy
modeling, including criteria air pollutant and air dispersion modeling. Josh also has
substantial experience developing Climate Action Plans, Energy Action Plans, and
toxic air contaminant (TAC) Health Risk Assessments. He served as the primary
technical analyst on the Pleasanton, Oakdale, and Hughson Climate Action Plans,
and has managed EIRs such as the Manteca Annexation #1 EIR, Placer County
RTP EIR, and Amador County RTP EIR. Josh has additional expertise utilizing
best-practice standards for developing greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories and
context-specific GHG mitigation measures, as well as developing custom air
pollutant emissions calculators for complex projects.
Josh Smith, AICP, LEED AP
SENIOR PLANNER
5175 Vincent Avenue MND,
City of Irwindale
South Lathrop SP EIR,
City of Lathrop
Truckee PC-3 SP EIR,
Town of Truckee
Pilot Flying J EIR and HRA,
City of Tulare
Amador County RTP EIR,
Amador County Council of Governments
Placer County RTP EIR,
Placer County Regional Transportation
Planning Agency
Pilot Flying J EIR and HRA,
City of Lathrop
West Area Specific Plan EIR,
City of Salinas
Oakwood Trails EIR,
City of Manteca
Oakwood Landing EIR,
City of Manteca
Griffin Park Master Plan EIR,
City of Manteca
Legacy Trail CEQA and NEPA
Documents,
Town of Truckee
Sonoma Springs Specific Plan and
EIR,
Sonoma County
Sterling Apartments EIR,
City of Davis
Milpitas General Plan Update,
City of Milpitas
Campbell General Plan Update,
City of Campbell
Manteca General Plan Update,
City of Manteca
Manteca Annexation #1 EIR,
City of Manteca
Tra Vigne Development Project EIR,
City of Stockton
Gardena U-haul MND,
City of Gardena
Citrus Heights Sunrise Tomorrow EIR
City of Citrus Heights
Fullerton 1901 Via Burton MND
City of Fullerton
Pleasanton Climate Action Plan
City of Pleasanton*
Hughson Climate Action Plan
City of Hughson*
Hughson Climate Action Plan
City of Hughson*
Rialto Travel Center EIR and HRA
City of Rialto
Palmdale HRA
City of Palmdale
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
* Project was completed by Mr. Smith while she was employed at another
planning firm
EDUCATION
BA, Political Science,
University of California, Los Angeles
Master of City and Regional
Planning,
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
ORGANIZATIONS
American Planning Association
Association of Environmental
Professionals
Congress for the New Urbanism
AWARDS
2019 California Planning Foundation,
Central Coast Section Scholarship
2019 & 2020 Errett Fisher Foundation
Scholarship
Erik has worked on a diverse range of projects for public and private sector clients,
with a focus on environmental and sustainability planning, land-use planning, and
policy development. Erik provides project support in the preparation of CEQA
documentation and long-range planning documents, including General Plans,
Housing Elements, and Zoning updates. His experience includes grassroots
lobbying with a non-profit environmental organization and work in the legal field.
Erik is passionate about serving communities and creating innovative work through
place-based development strategies.
Erik Anderson
ASSOCIATE PLANNER
General Plan Update, Zoning Update,
and EIR
City of San Jacinto
General Plan Update, Hawthorne Blvd
Specific Plan Update, and EIR
City of Lawndale
Zoning Update and Addendum to
General Plan EIR
City of Westminster
General Plan Update and EIR
City of Jackson
General Plan Update and EIR
City of Red Bluff
Mountain House Incorporation IS/ND
San Joaquin County
SR-120 Interchange IS/MND
City of Lathrop/Caltrans
Circulation Element Update IS/ND
City of Bell Gardens
U-Haul Expansion IS/MND
City of Gardena
Pilot Travel Center IS/MND
City of Moreno Valley
Applied Medical Expansion IS/MND
City of Lake Forest
2500 North Hollywood Way EIR
City of Burbank
Harper Project EIR
City of West Hollywood
Focused General Plan Update
City of Glendale
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
Laguna Hills, CA
Housing and Safety Element Update
City of Rancho Santa Margarita
Housing Element Update (6th Cycle)
Cities of Lawndale, Glendale,
Hawthorne, La Verne, Avalon, Lake
Forest, Rancho Santa Margarita,
Westminster, Temecula, and San
Jacinto
General Plan Update
City of McFarland*
McFarland Zoning Code Update
City of McFarland*
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
* Project was completed by Mr. Anderson while enrolled as a Graduate Student in City and
Regional Planning at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
EDUCATION
BA, Political Science,
University of California, San Diego
Master of City and Regional
Planning,
Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
ORGANIZATIONS
American Planning Association
Association of Environmental
Professionals
AWARDS
2023 City and Regional Planning
Outstanding Student Award
2023 Academic Award of Excellence,
APA Central Coast Division
Abdul is an Assistant Planner with De Novo Planning Group. He has earned a
Master Degree in City and Regional Planning from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
Abdul has a deep interest in community development and environmental planning.
He has worked on a diverse range of projects for public and private sector clients,
with a focus on environmental, land-use planning, and policy development. Abdul
provides project support in the preparation of CEQA documentation and long-
range planning documents, including General Plans and Local Hazard
Mitigation Plans. His past experience included overseeing the entitlement process
for technological infrastructure such as telecommunication towers and Electric
Vehicle (EV) charging stations. Abdul is excited to provide top quality
environmental, land use and policy development to all communities and individuals.
Abdul Jama
ASSISTANT PLANNER
General Plan Update
City of Lomita
General Plan Update
City of Laguna Niguel
Local Hazard Mitigation Plan
City of Glendora
3201 Walnut Industrial IS/MND
City of Signal Hill
Downtown Concept Plan
City of Desert Hot Springs*
Downtown Campbell Vision Plan
City of Campbell*
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
* Project was completed by Mr. Jama while enrolled as a Graduate Student in City and
Regional Planning at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Email: khunt@southenvironmental.com
Mobile: 760-207-9736
EDUCATION
B.A., Anthropology, minor in
American Indian Studies, San
Diego State University, 1995
PROFESSIONAL
AFFILIATIONS
Society for California
Archaeology
TRAININGS
AB 52 and CEQA Training,
2016
Cultural Side of NEPA
Seminar, 2007
Traditional Cultural
Properties Management
Seminar, 2005
Professional Experience
South Environmental (2024-
present), Principal
Archaeologist
Chronicle Heritage (2022-
2024), Office Principal
Anza Resource Consultants
(2019-2022), President
Rincon Consultants (2011-
2019), Cultural Resources
Program Manager
SWCA Environmental
Consultants (2004-2011),
Senior Project Manager,
Cultural Resources
Brian F. Smith & Associates
(1994–1995, 1995–2000,
2002–2004), Archaeologist
Scientific Resource Surveys,
Inc. (2000–2002),
Archaeologist
Dennis R. Gallegos &
Associates (1995),
Archaeological Technician
Archaeological Resource
Management Corporation
(1991–1992), Paleontological
Field Technician
Kevin Hunt
PRINCIPAL ARCHAEOLOGIST
Kevin Hunt is a cultural resources management professional with more
than 30 years of experience in California with specific expertise in the
cultural resources requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act
(CEQA), CEQA-Plus, National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), and
National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). His responsibilities include the
management and preparation of cultural resources studies, Native
American scoping and consultation, and quality assurance and quality
control for cultural resources documents. Mr. Hunt draws from his
experience and training to ensure that all projects consider the full
spectrum of cultural resources including archaeological, historic built
environment, and tribal cultural resources. He is an expert in Native
American consultation and has strong working relationships with California
tribes and Native American consultants. Mr. Hunt coauthored and
instructed a Native American monitor training course at the Cahuilla
Reservation in 2005. Mr. Hunt also served on the City of Oceanside’s
Historic Preservation Advisory Commission from 2020-2023, when he
moved out of the city.
In addition to experience with cultural resources, Mr. Hunt has managed
multidisciplinary projects that included biological and paleontological
resources services. Mr. Hunt has conducted paleontological monitoring
and salvage and is approved by the County of Orange as a paleontologist
and the City of San Diego as a paleontological monitor.
EXPERTISE
• CEQA, CEQA-Plus, NEPA, and Sections 106 and 110 of the NHPA
compliance documentation in consideration of impacts to
historical, archaeological, and tribal cultural resources, and historic
properties.
• Resource significance evaluations in consideration of National
Register of Historic Places (NRHP), California Register of Historical
Resources (CRHR), and local designation criteria.
• Design and execution of archaeological data recovery programs for
mitigation of impacts/effects to significant archaeological
resources.
• Management of cultural resources and multidisciplinary
construction monitoring programs.
• Third party peer review of cultural resources technical studies and
environmental document sections.
Kevin Hunt Resume, Page 2
RELEVANT PROJECT EXPERIENCE
Metro Link Union Station (Link US) Utilities Project, Los Angeles, California (2024-ongoing). South
Environmental is a subconsultant to HDR Engineering, Inc. providing cultural resources services to the
Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). Metro is providing environmental
oversight for this Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) utilities replacement project
located near the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Los Angeles. Mr. Hunt is South Environmental’s Project
Manager, responsible for coordination with HDR, our Native American monitoring subconsultant, and
managing two archaeological monitors observing night construction. Responsibilities include
coordinating the treatment of archaeological resources identified during excavation.
Wilshire Country Club Stream Restoration Project, Los Angeles, California (2024). South
Environmental was retained to complete a cultural resources study for this project that would restore a
streambed within the golf course on the approximately 96-acre country club. The project requires
federal permitting through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is subject to Section 106 of the NHPA.
Mr. Hunt served as the Principal Archaeologist and conducted the cultural resources records search,
Sacred Lands File search, Native American outreach, and contributed the archaeological portions of the
comprehensive cultural resources technical report.
Avalon Cabrillo Mole Phase II Project, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, Los Angeles County,
California (2020-2021). During previous employment, Mr. Hunt served as Principal and Project
Manager of the cultural resources study that included a cultural resource records search, Native
American scoping, pedestrian survey, evaluation of historic environment resources, and preparation of a
technical report. The study was subject to CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106 of the NHPA.
Pebbly Beach Road Shoreline Improvements Project, Avalon, Santa Catalina Island, Los Angeles
County, California (2021). During previous employment, Mr. Hunt served as Principal and Project
Manager of the cultural resources study that included a cultural resource records search, Native
American scoping, pedestrian survey, evaluation of historic environment resources, and preparation of a
technical report. The study was subject to CEQA, NEPA, and Section 106 of the NHPA.
Monrovia Chick-fil-A Project, Monrovia, Los Angeles County, California (2020). During previous
employment, Mr. Hunt served as Principal and Project Manager of the cultural resources study for this
development project. The cultural resources study included a cultural resources records search,
pedestrian survey of the project site, and preparation of a technical memorandum for CEQA compliance
that included management recommendations.
McGroarty Subdivision, Sunland Community of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California
(2019). During previous employment, Mr. Hunt served as Principal and Project Manager of the cultural
resources study for this development project. The Phase I cultural resources study included a cultural
resource records search, Native American scoping, pedestrian survey, and technical report. The
proposed project would develop 13 single family residential lots within two parcels that comprise
approximately 20 acres. Three existing buildings within the project site would remain after development.
The proposed project is subject to CEQA with City of Los Angeles serving as lead agency.
Scripps College Athletic Facility Project; Claremont, California (2008): During previous employment,
Mr. Hunt managed the archaeological monitoring, salvage of isolated historic artifacts, and reporting for
this college facility expansion project that was subject to CEQA.