What's going on?

In late September the City announced that JSX would begin commercial passenger air service at Santa Monica Airport on November 1, 2025. The city filed an exemption from environmental reviews, beyond what was provided by JSX. In response, Measure LC Defense was formed to challenge the exemption through a court order, and filed a California Environmental Quality Act Case in the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles.  ​

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Who filed the lawsuit?

Measure LC Defense, Alan Levenson, and Zina Josephs. The lawsuit challenges the City’s approval of JSX’s Commercial Operations Permit without conducting the required environmental review.​

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What is JSX proposing at SMO?

JSX plans to launch scheduled 30-seat passenger flights using the largest aircraft that will be operating at SMO—the ATR 42-600 (see photo above). The company has already begun selling tickets for daily service to Las Vegas starting December 19. This would bring a regional airliner, many more passengers, additional scheduled flights, and increased ground activity and more ultra fine particles into our dense residential neighborhoods.

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What is CEQA?

California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) is a state law that requires public agencies to evaluate the environmental impacts of proposed projects, disclose those impacts to the public and reduce harm where possible before approving major new activities. It is California’s environmental protection process. 

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What is a CEQA Notice of Exemption (NOE)?

An NOE is a document claiming a project is exempt from environmental review. The City filed an NOE for JSX on October 9, 2025, saying "no independent study was required". We filed our challenge before the 35-day deadline expired.

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How does jsx impact residents?

SMO is surrounded by homes, schools, and parks. New commercial service raises concerns about noise, quality of life impacts, pollution and health impacts, air and street traffic, and  safety risks. These issues have not been independently reviewed.

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Does this lawsuit affect airport closure in 2028?

We fully support the City’s plan to close SMO by December 31, 2028. Our case is about ensuring decisions made today reflect that commitment and protect neighborhoods in these final years.

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Will JSX operate while the case moves forward?

That depends on decisions by the City, JSX, and the Court. CEQA cases do not automatically stop a project; sometimes projects pause, and sometimes they continue during litigation.​

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WhAT is Measure LC Defense?

Measure LC Defense is an all-volunteer, community-led group of residents dedicated to securing the Great Park Santa Monica voters first supported in 1926 and again in 2014, and to protecting the health and well-being of families.

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Is my donation tax deductible?​

No. Donations are not tax-deductible. Measure LC Defense is an all-volunteer, unincorporated nonprofit association but it is not a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4). ​

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Can donors be held liable if the case is lost?​

No. Donors are not parties to the lawsuit and won't be held liable for court costs or judgements. ​

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How can I help?

Every level of participation helps. You can:

- Donate to the legal effort

- Share updates and inform neighbors

- Attend City meetings if necessary

- Write to City Council and staff when asked

- Volunteer for our canvassing efforts 

- Lend any skills you can offer​ (research, design, outreach, technical, etc.)