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Hana Japan Restaurant Project Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration 27 May 2025 It should be noted that the oak woodland habitat located to the south and west of the project site could provide suitable roosting habitat for special-status bat species. However, because the off-site trees are not proposed for removal as part of project construction, substantial adverse effects to special-status bat species associated with development of the proposed project are not anticipated. Based on the results of the site survey and the CNDDB search, the BRSA identified the potential for western burrowing owl (Athene cunnicularia hypugaea) and Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), as well as nesting birds and raptors, to occur within the project site and surrounding area. Western Burrowing Owl Western burrowing owl is classified as a candidate species for potential listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA), as well as being protected under the MBTA and covered under the EACCS. The primary habitat requirement for western burrowing owls is small mammal burrows that the species uses for nesting. Typically, the species uses abandoned ground squirrel burrows, but western burrowing owls have been known to dig burrows in softer soils. In urban areas, western burrowing owls may use pipes, culverts, and piles of material as artificial burrows. Western burrowing owls breed semi- colonially from March through August. The presence of western burrowing owls within suitable burrows can be verified at a site by observation of the owls or signs of recent activity, such as molted feathers, cast pellets, prey remains, eggshell fragments, or excrement (whitewash) at or near a burrow. Burrowing owls typically are not observed in grasslands with tall vegetation or wooded areas because the vegetation obscures their ability to identify predators. According to the BRSA, the closest CNDDB record for western burrowing owl is from 2009 and is located approximately 2.1 miles northeast of the project site (Occurrence #780). However, because the August 2024 site survey identified ground squirrel burrows on-site, suitable habitat exists on-site for the western burrowing owl. If western burrowing owls are present on or near the project site, development of the proposed project could result in an adverse impact to the species. Crotch’s Bumble Bee Crotch’s bumble bee is a candidate for listing under CESA. The species is not covered by the EACCS. The range of Crotch’s bumble bee historically extended from coastal California east to the Sierra-Cascade crest and south into Mexico, but recent data indicates that the species is absent from the center of this historical range due to extensive agricultural intensification and urbanization. Where Crotch’s bumble bee remains present, the species inhabits open grassland and scrub habitats that feature flowers for foraging. Crotch’s bumble bees nest underground, such as in abandoned rodent burrows. The flight period for Crotch’s bumble bee queens ranges from late February to late October and peaks in early April and in July. The flight period for worker bees extends between late March and September. The closest CNDDB record for Crotch’s bumble bee is from 1932 and is located approximately three miles southeast of the project site (Occurrence #17). However, because the species has only recently been proposed for protection under CESA, few