SVANC 4/08/25 Meeting Notes / Review – Special to SCAUWG.ORG

“In a public meeting of the Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council, LA City Councilwoman Imelda Padilla (District 6) spoke on a number of issues including the need for local youth activities and the nearby Whiteman Airport.

When asked about her own stances about Whiteman, past and present, an evasive Padilla claimed she had never spoken of the airport nor taken a definitive position amid the conjecture of possible closure. Instead, she reiterated her focus was Van Nuys Airport and brushed Whiteman off as a matter for City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez (District 7), who represents the area Whiteman sits within.

Imelda Padilla was confronted with a February 2023 video recording of then-candidate Padilla speaking about Whiteman and stating her opposition to closure–citing its role in serving and supporting nearby communities. Padilla acknowledged only certain parts of her own remarks, but otherwise ignored her own statements. When it was pointed out that Whiteman Airport is a County facility not subject to Monica Rodriguez’ oversight, Padilla echoed her previous comments to say decision making around the airport was up to LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

When asked about the youth activities Whiteman has hosted for many decades, Imelda Padilla flippantly derided these–implying she “knew all about them” and that they were initiated for optics after recent mishaps. In actuality, the various programs based at the airport date back over 40 years and are possible thanks to volunteers.

As Imelda Padilla’s district includes Van Nuys Airport, which has been the subject of significant controversy and whose neighbors fear increased air traffic and its effects, it is flatly bizarre that Padilla apparently wishes to cede all future decision-making regarding the nearby Whiteman Airport to others. Given this abdication, Van Nuys Airport and its surrounding neighbors must accept and be prepared that Imelda Padilla may ignore them and their concerns altogether.

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Interestingly, when Imelda Padilla spoke about the Rory Shaw Wetlands project at this meeting, she stated “my priority was to get Lindsey Horvath elected to get the Rory Shaw Wetlands Project.” However, when asked if she understood the significance of that project to Burbank airport (over concerns of the potential for bird strikes), Padilla demurred and stated this was “outside her purview.”Relevant YouTube Video of Imelda Padilla speaking can be seen Here (19:30-20:50)   – Matthew Stone

Responding to the NBC Coverage entitled LA County leaders appear to shift blame on wildfire response – Story by Conan Nolan and Karla Rendon,

LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath alleged the mayor’s office failed to communicate with her and coordinate issues related to fire recovery efforts, per correspondence obtained by the Los Angeles Times. Lindsey Horvath demonstrated by her defunding of Whiteman Airport, making further FAA fiscal support impossible, in step with her plans desiring the airport to close, evidenced by her support for a $1.3 million closure study, failed to publicly recognize the Whiteman staff and the related services provided that were firefighting essentials across the basin. She has cited environmental reasons, contradicted by the county’s studies and an SCAQMD report, as motivation to close the airport, which according to the FAA contractual obligation must stay open, the result of a 1999 land purchase. Reasonably, Supervisor Lindsey Horvath should embrace the performance and potential for emergency services at Whiteman Airport in her district rather than blame anyone for not supporting recent lifesaving efforts.

01/15/2025   Today an email survey was launched addressed to local politicians who have been critical of the airport, and who have sided with organizations like Pacoima Beautiful, and have urged that Whiteman be closed, in favor of “reimagining.” Many of these folks have now praised the firefighting response lodged against the recent and ongoing LA fires.  Many structures were left to burn as the firemen stood by without water access from what appeared to be fire hydrants whose potential lack of service went unnoticed. 

Like those fire hydrants whose potential importance went ignored, the value of our airports has been subject to the same erroneous and foolish practice.  The thousands of destroyed structures stand as undeniable evidence that existing brush should have been cleared, water pressure should have been checked and maintained, and a reservoir that took two months to drain should have been repaired and operational. All represent that taking our valuable resources for granted, isn’t the best of policies.

Whiteman Airport has been taken for granted.  Important politicians, profiteers, and publications have cited noise, pollution, and a waste of land value that should be reimagined and developed by real estate interests.  The fact that LA County-sponsored studies proved that those claims were wrong has not overridden the potential for personal profit from the acreage.  

Now, Whiteman’s value, and the value of other local reliever airports as well, has been unleashed!  Now the press coverage is filled with comments referring to firefighting aircraft like: “We would not be successful without them.” “Aircraft can reach areas otherwise inaccessible,” “The biggest tool in our arsenal,” “…so effective in battling…,” and many other accolades.  The DC-10s in use had to fly to San Berardino to be resupplied with retardant, imagine if our helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft didn’t have local airports to use.  Imagine if the 40 aircraft in service had only one airport to access. Imagine if the tall Air Traffic Control Tower at Whiteman didn’t exist because the field was closed, and it was replaced with housing and tall office buildings.

So, will the profiteering critics and the politicians in charge support our infrastructure now? When the flames subside will our fire hydrants, and our airports, be again taken for granted?  Will the future potential risks for community safety be ignored? 

Those emailed have been asked to officially answer those questions.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AVIATION UNITED WORKING GROUP (SCAUWG.ORG)
We make Safety and Airport Advocacy Happen

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2025
Contact: Ron Berinstein CFII
Director/Webmaster
(323) 394-1331
ronberinstein@hotmail.com

Thousands of people have lost their homes. Firemen were stranded without water to fight structures that were ablaze. Orders were given for the fireman to stand down. The devastation could not be stopped.

Those assumed responsible have blamed wind and no permissible airborne firefighting, which has caused strain on public works resources rather than emergency planning. This speaks directly about how important our airports and our aircraft are. Now that the aircraft are in flight, firefighting has become successful. Pilot training and the availability of emergency services are unmistakably necessary!

Let this be a warning to all that the energized efforts of some City Councilmembers, and County Supervisors, to close airports that the “Good Times” might NOT always Roll! Those allegedly spreading information to the public determined to be false, and disputed by LA County noise, health, and AQMD studies should stop.

Unprecedented events need to be anticipated! Earthquakes, floods, landslides, road closures, weather concerns, drought, plus life-saving medical demands all present risks, and DO OCCUR.

Yet, some authorities allegedly appear to have fallen prey to real-estate interests who would profit from airport closures and do so at the public’s expense. Politicians act on noise complaints from those who have probably purchased discounted homes, and who have signed escrow documents that disclose their properties are near an airport.

Recently 1.3 million dollars was allocated for a Whiteman Airport Closure Study, even after proof was offered that Whiteman, under FAA grant regulation, is obligated to stay open into perpetuity!

An associated LA County firefighting helicopter base is located at the Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. The airport’s tower is necessary to allow for quick emergency helicopter departures, and the airport provides equipment staging potential, as well as many other community benefits.

Torrance, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Santa Monica, and even Los Alamitos Army Airbase are airports under attack. Building houses, parks, tall buildings, and increasing traffic congestion at these properties will not help to prevent the destruction and peril that LA City and County need to be prepared for.

Airports are community treasures and necessary for public benefit and emergency relief. A needed re-evaluation of our emergency response capability also needs to include how some politicians regard airports.
Thank you for your attention.

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Ron Berinstein CFII
Director/Webmaster scauwg.org website
Southern California Aviation United Working Group
We Make Safety and Airport Advocacy Happen

09/13/2024 Special to SCAUWG.ORG
by Curt Castagna, NATA, EAGLE, Airport Commissioner

“We understand this project may be proceeding at LGB. It would be beneficial for the community outside the airport to understand the approval by the City and FAA, so that when flight patterns change there is an understanding of those impacts. Over the last several years the helicopter operators at LGB have “brought in” their pattern work over the airport environment, and this could reverse that benefit due to the need to maintain safety away from the new tower.”

Also, as published in “THEREGISTRY:”

Relativity Space To Build 131-foot Test Stand at Goodman Commerce Center in Long Beach
“Aerospace innovator Relativity Space plans to build a 131-foot-tall test stand at its Long Beach headquarters in the Goodman Commerce Center.
This new structure will play a pivotal role in the static testing of aerospace vehicles and systems, according to a report from Urbanize. According to an environmental notice, the stand will be used to test aerospace vehicles and systems, but no engine test-firing will occur.
The new test stand was scaled back from an earlier 200-foot design, but the shorter tower will still boost Relativity Space’s testing capabilities. According to the report, this adjustment came amidst concerns from local pilots and businesses at nearby Long Beach Airport, which raised objections to the original taller structure” Finish Reading Here.

4/06/2024

Filed Electronically via https://oeaaa.faa.gov
Re: Circularization Comments for ASN 2024-AWP-238-OE

The Southern California Airspace Users Working Group (SCAUWG) was formed under the aegis of the Southern California Association 0f Governments (SCAG) after the 1986 Cerritos Aircraft Crash disaster. The original Charter still adhered to can be viewed accessed at:
https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SCAUWG-Written-Charter.pdf

Though now operating independently as a group of dedicated aviation professionals, SCAUWG has provided the FAA the input necessary that has made the LA TAC the best of the best.

SCAUWG.ORG visited by thousands monthly, is an independent website that on behalf of SCAUWG and the aviation community is dedicated to publishing Aviation Education, Airspace Safety Data, Pilot resources, and pertinent Community Information.

On behalf of SCAUWG.ORG I urge the consideration of the observations filed with the FAA by AOPA, NATA, NBAA, and VAI, as requested community input regarding the proposed Relativity Space 200’ Static Tower near the runway environment at KLGB. Those comments can be viewed at:
https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FINAL-Coalition-Comments-Relativity-LGB.pdf

SCAUWG.ORG Contributing Editor Professional Cartographer Mike Carson (government employed) documented via data sourced from ADSBexchange.com the Feb 29-3/1/24 flight track data depicting a 10-mile area around Long Beach Airport. The proposed location of the 200’ Relativity Space tower is shown by a red dot. You can view a graphic application that illustrates the current actual flight tracks and their proximity to the proposed tower at:

https://canyon.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=58ac1132577a438f9d6280c1ab27a11a

As a CFII and a veteran Aviation Safety Seminar presenter in the Los Angeles and San Diego, CA Aeras, as the publisher and director of SCAUWG.ORG specifically designed to address the FAA Western Region Aviation community, I feel that the application above visually documents the need for very careful assessment of the possible risk to flight and ground safety.

Thank you for your attention,

Ron Berinstein CFII
SCAUWG.ORG

SCAUWG.ORG
associated with
 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AIRSPACE USERS WORKING GROUP

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2024

Contact: Ron Berinstein CFII
Director/Webmaster
(323) 394-1331
ronberinstein@hotmail.com

_{Good News for Pacoima – Bad News for Disinformation Campaigners}

LOS ANGELES, CA – New Data from the LA County Department of Public Works and the County Department of Public Health in addition to data from the South Coast AQMD discredit the often-reiterated criticism that might propel certain “Shutdown Whiteman” Campaigners.

LA County Board of Supervisors as a matter of due diligence on Nov.7, 2023, directed the Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) to perform an analysis of blood lead levels around the Whiteman Airport.  Critics of the airport might suggest that children are endangered because of existing lead levels. The following official reports are meant to document certain Whiteman Airport highlights and discount bogus negative imaging.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH    DATED FEB.5, 2024

Based on the analysis completed by CLPPB, the percentage of children under 6 years old with a blood lead level equal to or greater than the CDC Blood Lead Reference Value (BLRV) of 3.5 mcg/dL within 1.5 miles of Whiteman Airport is 1.75% compared to 2.26% for rest of Los Angeles County.” RESULT: Children’s endangerment messaging should cease immediately, and valid information should be substituted.

REPORTS FROM SOUTH COAST AQMD    – We believe these studies are overlooked.

The Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study V (MATES V – 2018-2019 – Whiteman Airport Results were substantially lower than the U.S. EPA Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) – similar to lead concentrations found in other parts of the South Coast Air Basin

2022 – Ten 24-hour samples were collected at Whiteman airport and analyzed for lead at South Coast AQMD’s laboratory.  Results were substantially lower than U.S. EPA’s national standard (150 ng/m³) – RESULT: Skewed Whiteman Airport lead messaging should cease immediately. Valid information should be substituted.

REPORT FROM LA COUNTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS    DATED FEB 5, 2024

UNLEADED FUEL IS ON THE WAY-    Public Works will provide Swift Fuels UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline. All LA COUNTY AIRPORTS WILL BE SERVED once the master agreement is finalized and the needed equipment is installed.

The LA County Department of Public Works Report and the LA County Public Health Report are available at https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/LACDPW-DIRECTOR-REPORT-FEB1.pdf    The AQMD reports can be accessed at Whiteman Airport Lead Monitoring (aqmd.gov)

SCAUWG.ORG believes that good people armed with good information will make good decisions. Those truly interested in the welfare of the Pacoima community should be truly interested in ceasing any possible false statement of facts and instead embrace the opportunities that a local airport important for the National Airspace System, for community emergency services, for pilot safety, and for community economic vitality has to offer.   For additional airport information and aviation safety education, you are invited to visit www.scauwg.org

 You have been busy all year, making deadlines, getting physicals, meeting currency requirements, flying somewhere for sim work, making go/no go decisions with the client watching closely by, company expectations, a schedule that varies, time away from home, and maybe the need to decide if a student is ready to solo or take a practical test.  Plus, perhaps you volunteer your time to assist with pro-aviation safety organizations, maybe you fly Young Eagles or Air Explorers, and maybe you take time to advocate for your local airport’s survival when it is presented with challenges levied by city councils that may be friendly with real estate developers.

For all you pilots out there who truly deserve a personal gift for your year-round efforts to maintain a professional level that definitely demands being the best one can be, you might like to consider the gift I logged for myself and Margo last Christmas. I scheduled a return trip for this Christmas.

There was little time wasted when I asked friends during a business trip to San Diego last year to recommend the best possible spot for a truly wonderful Christmas celebration.  Instantly, the hands-down response was the historic Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island.

So, take a moment to close ForeFlight and tap, “Hoteldel.com/holidays” on your iPad.  A living legend for more than 130 years, the Del celebrates its rich history as the proud host to celebrities, royalty, U.S. Presidents, and beach-loving guests for generations. Built in 1888 by Elisha Babcock, Jr., and Hampton L. Story and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, this historic beach resort is a San Diego icon.

It would appear that no one does Christmas better! Seemingly unlimited Decorations and Christmas Trees everywhere. Don’t miss the light show at the grove of towering pine trees orchestrated to music with a finale of snow flurries. The Holiday events begin weeks in advance, and I am told those have been even more expanded this year.

The Victorian section of the hotel remains historic.  A recent partnership with the Hilton group has expanded the property, the available adventures, and the many new room accommodations, that truly allow for an exceptional experience. Skating by the sea, Beachside Igloos, Elf deliveries, Photos with Santa, the Spa and Salon, Specialty Restaurants, including those with oceanside views, Pools and Cabanas, Shopping, the Fitness Center, the Music Playing, and People Watching all are yours!

Last year we booked a beach-level Cabana designed with a patio and a firepit. It allowed for beach access. We were welcomed there by Manny from Housekeeping who brought us some specially requested items that needed some special care. Manny provided it. Hearing the waves and enjoying the panorama and the sunset evaporated all distractions.  The Christmas Eve Buffet in a ballroom with Glorious Chandeliers was incredible.  The Beachside dining for breakfast Christmas morning with our friends at Sheerwater, made the holiday very special. My guests last year are professional area restaurant folks and having a skillful waiter like Gary made for a memorable occasion. I, as a guy who made a living for some time traveling a lot, found it was a pleasure to observe that the entire hotel staff from the valet, like Burton, the desk staff, and the concierge team were all not only efficient but also helpful, friendly and accommodating. The resort concierge and reservation manager, Nicholas, is to be complimented.

You’ll find the details on the various pages of their website.  One important suggestion though. Do not fall prey to the third-party reservation folks who claim discounts. Because of the vast expanded property and electives, there are just too many options at the Del for a third party to adequately interpret and for the first-time guest to be properly informed of.  Book directly with Hotel Del Coronado personnel! Ask about any promotional options that might apply. Be curious. Furthermore, ask to speak to the concierge, and ask their opinion as to how your stay might be enhanced. They will be happy to fully explain everything. The “beach view” may be different than a “full beach view,” which may be different from a “beach-level view.” Do not be afraid to fully preflight your vacation stay!  One hint: Bring along some snacks that you might keep in the room’s refrigerator. No one will invite you to a FSDO afterwards to explore what your 91.103 obligations were but pretend that reg applies, and your stay at the Del will no doubt keep your family and you very, very happy.  – Besides Lindbergh Field (stay on the glideslope!) now San Diego International Airport, Montgomery-Gibbs is a reasonable choice.  – RB – Webmaster SCAUWG.ORG

Skaters at the Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, CA

Chef Lucio (Sorrento) & Margo at Sheerwater.

Beach front view from our cabana patio.

Margo relaxing on the cabana patio.