BOARD OF DIRECTORS http://www.ebparks.org/activities/fis Board MeetinghingD OF Packet DIRECTORS
March 20, 2018 Clerk of the Board YOLANDE BARIAL KNIGHT (510) 544-2020 PH MEMO to the BOARD OF DIRECTORS (510) 569-1417 FAX EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
DENNIS WAESPI The Regular Session of the MARCH 20, 2018 President - Ward 3 Board Meeting is scheduled to commence at 1:00 p.m. at the EBRPD Administration Building, AYN WIESKAMP 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland Vice President - Ward 5 ELLEN CORBETT Treasurer - Ward 4 DEE ROSARIO Secretary - Ward 2 Respectfully submitted, WHITNEY DOTSON Ward 1 COLIN COFFEY Ward 7 BEVERLY LANE Ward 6 ROBERT E. DOYLE General Manager ROBERT E. DOYLE General Manager
P.O. Box 5381 2950 Peralta Oaks Court Oakland, CA 94605-0381 (888) 327-2757 MAIN (510) 633-0460 TDD (510) 635-5502 FAX www.ebparks.org AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 20, 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT The Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park ROLL CALL (Board Conference Room) District will hold a regular 11:00 a.m. meeting at District’s Administration Building, 2950 PUBLIC COMMENTS Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA, commencing at 11:00 a.m. CLOSED SESSION for Closed Session and 1:00 p.m. for Open Session on A. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6 Tuesday, March 20, 2018. Agenda for the meeting is 1. Agency Negotiator: Robert E. Doyle, Ana M. Alvarez listed adjacent. Times for Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, agenda items are approximate Police Association only and are subject to change during the meeting. If you wish Unrepresented Employees: Managers and Confidentials to speak on matters not on the agenda, you may do so under 2. Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Public Comments at the Pursuant to Government Code Sec. 54957 beginning of the agenda. If you wish to testify on an item on the agenda, please complete a a) General Manager speaker’s form and submit it to the Clerk of the Board. B. Conference with Legal Counsel A copy of the background 1) Existing Litigation – Government Code Sec. 54956.9 (d)(1): materials concerning these agenda items, including any material that may have been a) EBRPD v Golden Gate Land Holdings submitted less than 72 hours Alameda County Superior Court before the meeting, is available Case No. RG 11586821 for inspection on the District’s website (www.ebparks.org), b) Slezak v County of Contra Costa, et al. the Administrative Building reception desk, and at the Contra Costa Superior Court meeting. Case No. C17-02454 Agendas for Board Committee 2) Anticipated Litigation – Government Code Sec. 54956.9(d)(4) Meetings are available to the public upon request. If you wish (Initiation of Litigation): 1 case to be placed on the mailing list to receive future agendas for a C. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding Price and/or specific Board Committee, Terms of Payment – Government Code Sec. 54956.8 please call the Clerk of the Board’s Office at (510) 544- 2020. 1) Agency Negotiator: Bob Nisbet, Michael Reeves District facilities and meetings APN/ADDRESS PROPERTY OWNERS PARK/TRAIL comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If special Alameda County accommodations are needed for you to participate, please 018-0475-022; 018-0480-003 City of Oakland San Francisco Bay contact the Clerk of the Board 1441-1551 Embarcadero Road, Trail as soon as possible, but preferably at least three Oakland working days prior to the 3 meeting. Contra Costa County
078-100-024-5; Orville and Betty Olesen; Deer Valley 078-100-025-2; and Constance Duke, Regional Park 078-100-026-0 Trustee Briones Valley Road, Brentwood 078-100-028-6; James and Diana Lucas, Deer Valley 078-100-029-4; and Trustees Regional Park 078-100-030-2 Briones Valley Road, Brentwood 1:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION (Board Room)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1:30 p.m. C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of February 5, 2018 to February 18, 2018 (Auker/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of March 6, 2018 (Barial Knight/Auker) (No Cost) c. Authorization to Enter into a Professional Services Contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. to Comply with the Dam Safety Regulations Project, for the Preparation and Submission of Inundation Maps and Emergency Action Plans, and to Appropriate Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Funds: Temescal Regional Recreation Area and Tilden Regional Park (Gilchrist/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Budget Change) d. Authorization to Accept a Recreational Trail Easement from 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC, Quitclaim an Existing Floating Trail Easement back to the LLC, and Appropriate Funds for Acquisition Expenses: San Francisco Bay Trail (Reeves/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Budget Change) e. Authorization to Accept a Public Access Road Easement from G3 Enterprises, Inc., and to Grant a Road Easement to G3 Enterprise Inc.: Vasco Hills Regional Preserve (Reeves/Nisbet) (Resolution) (No Cost) f. Authorization to Proceed with Implementation of Horse Valley Creek and Wetland Restoration Project and Partner with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy to Receive California Wildlife Conservation Board Grant Funding: Deer Valley Regional Park (Barton/Nisbet) (Resolution) (ECCHC Grant Funds) 4 g. Approval of 2018 Risk-based Internal Audit Plan, and Confirmation of the Organizational Independence, with Qualification, of the Internal Audit Function (Sumner/Auker) (Resolution) (No Cost) h. Acceptance of the East Bay Regional Park District Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 (Spaulding/Auker) (Resolution) (No Cost) i. Authorize an Amendment to Extend the Crown Castle International Corporation Telecommunication License: South County Corp Yard, Lake Chabot Regional Park (Patterson/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization) j. Authorize an Amendment to Extend the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District Telecommunication License: Tilden Regional Park (Patterson/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization) k. Authorize the Second Term of the Native Here Nursery Special Use Agreement: Tilden Regional Park (Waluch/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization) L. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Expert Tree Service to Remove Trees in the Wildland Urban Interface in the East Bay Hills near Summit Road: Tilden Regional Park (Seal/Graul/Ciaburro) (Resolution) (CC/FEMA Grant Funds)
1:45 p.m. 2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
a. Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the San Francisco Bay Trail - Lone Tree Point Project and Approval of the Project: San Francisco Bay Trail (Dougan/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) b. Authorization to Accept a Conservation Easement from Ronald and Shirley Nunn to Protect the 272± Acre Nunn Marsh Creek Property, Assume Land Management Responsibility in Accordance with the Conservation Easement, and Accept and Appropriate Funds from an Endowment Established to Fund Ongoing Management of the Property: Round Valley Regional Preserve (Reeves/Kelchner/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Budget Change) c. Authorization to Enter into a Ground Lease Agreement with the City of Oakland, acting by and through its Board of Port Commissioners, for the Long-term Lease of the Former Crowley Property; and to Transfer and Appropriate Funds for Rental Payments, Related Expenses, and a Conceptual Design Plan to Develop a Waterfront Pocket Park: San Francisco Bay Trail (Reeves/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Budget Change/ Measure AA-WW Funds)
2:15 p.m. 3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS
a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Doyle)
2:30 p.m. 4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS 5 3:00 p.m. 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION
3:05 p.m. 6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Operations Committee (2/22/18) (Wieskamp) b. Finance Committee (2/28/18) (Corbett) c. Executive Committee (3/01/18) (Waespi)
3:15 p.m. 7. BOARD COMMENTS
4:00 p.m. D. ADJOURNMENT
6 CONSENT CALENDAR
AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period February 5, 2018 Through February 18 18, 2018 (Auker/Doyle)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of February 5, 2018 through February 18, 2018.
Per Resolution No. 1992-1-40, adopted by the Board on January 21, 1992, a copy of the Check Listing has been provided to the Board Treasurer for review. A copy of the Check Listing has also been provided to the Clerk of the Board, and will become a part of the Official District Records.
7 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 003 -
March 20, 2018
APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF FEBRUARY 5, 2017 THROUGH FEBURAY 18, 2018
WHEREAS, District Resolution No. 1992 - 1 - 40, adopted by the Board of Directors on January 21, 1992, requires that a listing of District checks be provided to the Board Treasurer for review;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the check listing for the period of February 5, 2018 through February 18, 2018;
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
8 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting, March 6, 2018 (Barial Knight/Auker)
9 Page Left Blank Intentionally
10 Approved Minutes Board Meeting of March 6, 2018
The Board Meeting, which was held on March 6, 2018 at the East Bay Regional District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 was called to order at 11:03 a.m. by Board President Dennis Waespi.
The roll was called, and the Board left the board conference room and walked to the breezeway level of the District Headquarters to tour the District’s new Mobile Incident Command Vehicle from Public Safety. Capt. Lance Brede and Patty Gershaneck, Communications and Records Manager conducted the tour.
After the Board tour was complete, the Board walked back to the Board Conference room to begin Closed Session at 11:32 am.
ROLL CALL
Directors Present: Dennis Waespi, President Ayn Wieskamp, Vice President Ellen Corbett, Treasurer Dee Rosario, Secretary Whitney Dotson Colin Coffey Beverly Lane
Directors Absent: None.
Guests: Brian Dolan, Pleasanton Assistant City Manager
The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m. by President Waespi.
Staff Present: Robert Doyle, Ana Alvarez, Debra Auker, Carol Victor, Anthony Ciaburro, Steve Castile, Matt Graul, Jim O’Connor, Patty Gershaneck, Chris Bell, Kip Walsh, Julie Bondurant, Sandra Hamlet, Chris Barton, Capt. Lance Brede, Erich Pfuehler, Lisa Baldinger, Kristina Kelchner, Lt. David Phulps
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Dotson, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Agenda.
Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Whitney Dotson, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Ayn Wieskamp, Dennis Waespi. Directors Against: None.
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR 11 Approved Minutes Board Meeting of March 6, 2018 By motion of Director Lane, and seconded by Director Corbett, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar.
Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Whitney Dotson, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Ayn Wieskamp, Dennis Waespi. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None.
a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of January 22, 2018 Through February 4, 2018 Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 032 (attached)
b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of February 20, 2018 Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 033 (attached)
c. Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 034 (attached)
d. Authorization to Appropriate Funds for Construction of a Vehicle Turnaround on District Property: Vargas Plateau Regional Park Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 035 (attached)
President Waespi asked about the 1,000 feet of road that the County was going to abandon for the turnaround. District Counsel Victor clarified that in the settlement agreement of 2012, if the County abandoned the road the District would build a turnaround. However, the County has not abandoned the road. Victor then added that in the 2016 settlement agreement, the District agreed to build the turnaround by the park residence. Waespi asked if the District would install a gate to allow access. Victor agreed the District would, unless and until the County abandons the remaining 1,000 feet of road.
Public Comment on this item: Larry Edelson submitted a map of the surveyors’ office into the record from1876. Edelson stated that over 500 people have used this road and he wants the District to do a better job of properly representing the use of the road. Edelson lauded the District for opening the road.
GM Doyle recognized that there are thousands of miles, in both counties, of public roads that the District does not own, operate, or regulate, that are used to get to District properties. Director Wieskamp asked if the turnaround will be done by the date given. Victor answered that the craft crew said it will be done.
Public Comment on this item: Kelly Abreu brought in a map and article to the Board from 2012 on the turnaround. He talked about the Phase II park project as it relates to the resolution. He recommended improvement of the park and repair of the road.
Waespi asked staff why the turnaround is being built now. Victor replied in the terms of the 2016 settlement agreement, there was a request by the plaintiff to construct the turnaround to allow for smooth flow of traffic.
e. Approval of Application for Grant Funds for California Climate Investments Urban Greening Program for the San Francisco Bay Trail Doolittle Drive South: Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 036 (attached)
f. Authorization to Apply for Grant Funds from the Bay Area Air 12 Approved Minutes Board Meeting of March 6, 2018 Quality Management District: San Francisco Bay Trail at Lone Tree Point: San Pablo Bay Regional Shoreline Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 037 (attached)
g. Approval of Accounting Adjustments to Reflect the Disposal of One Capital Asset with a Book Value Over $25,000 Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 038 (attached)
h. Authorization to Partner with Civicorps School on Senate Bill 1 Trail Crew Grant: District-wide Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 039 (attached)
i. Authorization of Grant Application to the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy Science and Research Grant Program for Raptor Surveys: District-wide Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 040 (attached)
j. Authorization to Appropriate Funds Received through Asset Forfeiture Proceeds to Purchase Two Police Canines and Associate Training Costs: Public Safety Division Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 041 (attached)
Director Corbett asked for background information on the District’s canine program. Lt. David Phulps, Patrol Watch Commander, offered background on the canine program which began with its adoption in 2007. Phulps said there have been three canines, two of which will retire and be replaced by two more canines. Director Dotson asked what kind of dogs are used. Phulps answered the District is transitioning to German Shepherds because they are better with the public. Corbett asked if the canines are trained for interaction with horses. Phulps said the canines’ very first training is four weeks of intensive obedience training under all circumstances: helicopters, balloons, horses, cats, gun fire, etc. If the canines can’t make the certification they are returned to the vendor. Director Wieskamp asked if the Board could see the dogs. Phulps said a presentation could be arranged. President Waespi asked how the canines are deployed. Phulps replied very infrequently, because just the presence of the dog can dissuade conflict between the officer and the suspect.
President Waespi asked how long is the canine career. Phulps said at least five and no more than eight years, adding that when they are retired they spend the rest of their lives with their handler. The handler pays a stipend to the District.
2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
a. Authorization to Enter into a License Agreement with the City of Pleasanton For Trailhead Area on City Property Referred to as the “Austin Triangle”, Adjacent to the District-Owned “Castleridge Property”: Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 042 (attached)
By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Waespi, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar.
Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Whitney Dotson, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Ayn Wieskamp, Dennis Waespi. Directors Against: None. 13 Approved Minutes Board Meeting of March 6, 2018 Directors Absent: None.
Bob Nisbet, AGM of ASD introduced Julie Bondurant, Principal Planner and thanked her for the work she has done as the Project Manager.
Bondurant proceeded with the PowerPoint presentation. Using the map of the Castleridge Property and Trailhead, she oriented the Board to the development. The Castleridge Trailhead and Courdet Trail Chronology were listed and key dates highlighted. By using pictures, she explained the process it took to install vault toilets; showed the parallel parking on Old Foothill Road, and various images of the Courdet Trail. Bondurant acknowledged neighbors who assisted, Board members Wieskamp and Lane, staff, ASD, Surveyors, Design & Construction, Trails, Construction, Sanitation, Operations, Public Affairs, Pleasanton City Council, Parks & Rec Commission and City staff. Bondurant introduced Brian Dolan, Asst. City Manager of Pleasanton. Director Wieskamp thanked Bondurant for her hard work, adding there is shade and access with good. Director Lane thanked Bondurant for her hard work and announced that this is an important access for Pleasanton Ridge. Lane commented that the street looks nice, 40+ new parking spaces and asked if at some point will there be signage along Foothill indicating this is an access point. GM Doyle asked if there are directional signs to the park, on public roads. Bondurant replied at this point there is no signage, but in the future there will be. Lane asked if the trail name was discussed. Wieskamp said it did come up at a meeting from one of the neighbors, the Courdet’s were an old ranch family that lived here. Bondurant added that the naming was part of the recommendations and is also part of the checklist amendment process. Lane asked if there is one trail and one name being added. Bondurant said there is along with the Castleridge Trailhead, which was approved. Lane asked if the sign says Castleridge, and it does. Kristina Kelchner, Asst. District Counsel, added that the District is not responsible for the fencing; the license gives the District rights to use the green area and the maintenance items are called out: drinking fountain, trees, the toilet and the trail. Brian Dolan, Pleasanton Asst. City Manager thanked Bob Nisbet, Julie Bondurant, and staff for their work on this project. Dolan stated that the city council is thrilled to have this new facility. Dolan confirmed that the District’s responsibility only extends to the immediate vicinity in the green area.
Public Comment on this item: Kelly Abreu remarked about the transparency and efficiency of this project and compared the process to what is going on at Fremont.
President Waespi commented that he appreciated the collaboration between the District and Pleasanton. Bondurant passed out the new updated trails brochure.
3. GENERAL MANAGER
a. Report on the 2018 Partnership for the National Trail System Conference in Washington, DC and Capitol Hills Meetings
GM Doyle introduced Erich Pfuehler, Government Relations Manager and Lisa Baldinger, Legislative Assistant. Doyle and Pfuehler commented on Sean Goddin, the Marine veteran they met while in Washington, DC. Goddin expressed an interest in working with the District on training exercises and outreach to local Veteran’s departments. Pfuehler briefly highlighted the meetings they attended in DC. Staff and Boardmembers met with FEMA and were assured that the additional funding is safe and secure. FEMA encouraged the District to apply for the Notice of Interest for Southern CA fires. GM Doyle thanked the District’s Legal department for the relationship that was built with FEMA. Lisa Baldinger discussed the visit with the Bureau of Land Management and the map which indicates the reorganization of the National Park Service. Pfuehler talked about the “hallway meeting” with Cong. Barbara Lee where she expressed her interest in serving youth in disadvantaged communities. Baldinger followed up with her staff to get a report Lee referenced. Board and staff met with Cong. Jerry McNerney, Cong. Mark DeSaulnier and his staff, Cong. Ro Khanna’s staff, and Senator Kamala Harris’ staff. Baldinger and Board met with Cong. Mike Thompson, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and Cong. Eric Swalwell. Pfuehler acknowledged Yulie Padmore, Sharon Clay and Lisa Baldinger for all the background help to 14 Approved Minutes Board Meeting of March 6, 2018 ensure the success of these Capitol Hill visits. Director Corbett thanked the support staff and commented that it is a worthwhile trip. Lane agreed. Rosario thanked Peter Umerhoff and AGM Nisbet.
4. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS NONE
a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District
GM Doyle discussed the items in this report.
5. GM COMMENTS
GM Doyle introduced Patty Gershaneck, Communication and Records Manager, Public Safety. In 1989, the Fleetwood Motorhome was the District’s first Mobile Incident Command Vehicle (MIC). In 2013, the Board approved purchase of a vehicle that would be a purposed built vehicle. Gershaneck explained that the MIC will be deployed during major summer holidays in the parks, public relations events, job recruitment and major public safety incidents. Gershaneck thanked the Regional Park District Foundation and Tesoro Corporation. Director Rosario asked if there are any specialized people who operate the vehicle; Gershaneck replied not right now. President Waespi complimented the police on their new patch.
6. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION
Carol Victor, District Counsel announced that there were none.
7. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Finance Committee (1- 24 -18) (Corbett)
8. BOARD COMMENTS
Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane • Attended Executive Committee meeting; • Attended Natural/Cultural Resources Committee meeting; • Met in San Ramon with city officials for South Las Trampas LUP and Bishop Ranch; • Attended the East Bay Women’s Conference; • Sent info on Healthy Parks to John Muir Health representatives; • Attending the Black Diamond Stairway Dedication; • Attending the opening of Castleridge on Saturday. Lane visited the Castleridge staging area and toured the Martinez Park with the new baseball field and Mount Om.
Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi • Attended the Operations Committee meeting; • Attended the Alameda Creek Crawl; • Attended the Executive Committee meeting; • Met with Nate Miley’s staff: Matt Turner and Rick Hatcher; • Attending the Black Diamond Stairway Dedication; • Attending the opening of Castleridge on Saturday. Waespi thanked the Roads and Trails crew for fixing an erosion scar at Lake Chabot. 15 Approved Minutes Board Meeting of March 6, 2018
Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended: Director Wieskamp • Attended the Operations Committee meeting; • Attended the Livermore groundbreaking for the new city meeting site which will serve as the emergency operations centers; • A chance to be part of the filming with Nancy and Gary Harrington at Shadow Cliffs; • Attended the Executive Committee meeting; • Attended Tri-City Ecology meeting, Fremont; • Attending the opening of Castleridge on Saturday.
Director Rosario reported on meetings attended. Director Rosario • Attended Restore Americas Estuaries Conference; • Attended the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame and Community Service Awards – John Sutter, Director Emeritus was honored; • Attended the Finance Committee meeting; • Attended the Oakland Firesafe Council; • Attended a tree planting with the Sibley Crew and Student Conservation Association; • Attended Sgt. David Hall’s memorial service, thanked Chief Ciaburro; • Attended the East Bay Women’s Conference.
Director Dotson reported on meetings attended. Director Dotson • No comments.
Director Corbett reported on meetings attended. Director Corbett • Attended the Operations Committee meeting; • Attended the Finance Committee meeting. Corbett mentioned that the faculty of the fire training program at Chabot College is interested in seeking some sort of partnership and passed info along to the Chief Seal.
Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey • Attended the Brentwood East County Community Night; • Attended the Natural/Cultural Resources Committee meeting; • Met with a representative of a Crockett group called Restore the Waterfront; • Met with Mr. Grisham who owns/operates a winery near Lone Tree Park; • Met with Brian Holt and Director Lane to discuss Concord Hills; • Attended the CCC Mayors Conference, Antioch; • Attended the Sierra Club, Delta Chapter in East Contra Costa; • Hiked Selby Open Space Preserve.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were none.
D. ADJOURNMENT
President Waespi adjourned the meeting at 3:15 p.m. in memory of Don Biddle, City of Dublin Councilmember and Charlie Plummer, Alameda County Sheriff. 16 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
c. Authorization to Enter into a Professional Services Contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. to Comply with the Dam Safety Regulations Project, for the Preparation and Submission of Inundation Maps and Emergency Action Plans, and to Appropriate Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Funds: Temescal Regional Recreation Area and Tilden Regional Park (Gilchrist/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:
1. Authorize staff to enter into a professional services contract with GEI Consultants, Inc. (GEI) of Rancho Cordova, California, for $88,363, for preparation and submission of Inundation Maps and Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) to the California Department of Water Resources - Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) and the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal EOS) for Temescal Lake Dam and Charles Lee (CL) Tilden Park Dam.
2. Authorize the appropriation of $300,000 from the Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) to the Comply with Dam Safety Regulations Project (#156500);
REVENUE/COST
SOURCE OF FUNDS New Project - Comply with Dam Regulations (#156500) $ 0 Appropriation from Major Infrastructure Replacement Fund (553) 300,000 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 300,000
USE OF FUNDS Professional Services Contract with GEI $ 88,363 Construction of Lake Anza Spillway Gate 130,000 Other Costs (staff time, contract administration, construction management, contingency) 81,637 REMAINING BALANCE $ 0
BACKGROUND
Temescal Dam (DSOD No. 29.000) and CL Tilden Park Dam (DSOD No. 29.002) are the only dams in the District that are under the jurisdiction of the DSOD. Other dams in the District are either owned by other agencies or are too small to meet the criteria for state jurisdiction.
A state law, which became effective July 1, 2017, requires dam owners to prepare an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for their dams and critical appurtenant structures under certain conditions and within specified time limits. For dams meeting the “high” hazard potential classification, the EAP must be completed and submitted by January 1, 2019. Prior to this date, as required under the new law, an Inundation Map must be created and submitted for review and approval by DSOD. Although DSOD will be responsible for reviewing and approving the Inundation Maps, Cal OES will oversee and approve the EAPs.
DSOD has determined that the Temescal Lake Dam and CL Tilden Park Dam have “high” hazard potential classifications. This classification is based solely on downstream hazard considerations, not the actual condition of the dam or its critical appurtenant structures. Dams in this category have the potential to cause loss of life or impacts to downstream property should they fail or undergo an uncontrolled release from the dam or major water impounding barrier.
Temescal Lake Dam is an earthen embankment dam completed in 1869 to support Lake Temescal, and is 116 feet high with a reservoir capacity of 200 acre-feet. The facility serves to support a beach and swimming area, and is stocked periodically with recreational fish. It is located at Temescal Regional Recreation Area next to the junction of Highways 24 and 13 in Oakland (see attached map).
CL Tilden Park Dam is an earthen embankment dam completed in 1938 to support Lake Anza, and is 88 feet high with a reservoir capacity of 268 acre-feet. The facility serves to support a beach and swimming area, and recreational fishing. It is located at Lake Anza in Tilden Regional Park, east of Berkeley in Contra Costa County (see attached map).
To meet the newly enacted state law, a Request for Proposals (RFP) for consulting services was advertised by the District on January 18, 2018, and ten (10) proposals were received by the February 8, 2018, deadline. A selection panel comprising of District staff from the Design Unit and Project Management Unit of the Design and Construction Department evaluated all ten (10) proposals. The evaluation criteria used to rank the proposals considered whether the firm has experience working with DSOD and Cal OES, relevant experience with similar projects, and a project understanding and workplan to meet the approval deadline. GEI was selected as the firm with the highest ranked proposal. The cost proposal provided by GEI was roughly the median of all proposals received.
The consultant’s scope of services includes preparation and submission of Inundation Maps to DSOD and EAPs to Cal EOS for the District’s two dams, Temescal Lake Dam and CL Tilden Park Dam. The Inundation Maps will show the areas that would be inundated by flooding from an uncontrolled release of the dam’s reservoir. The EAPs will include the Inundation Maps, and detail the emergency procedures and information for warning downstream emergency responders and management authorities that could be affected in the event of a dam failure.
Contract terms and conditions have been successfully negotiated with GEI and staff recommends awarding the professional services consulting contract to GEI.
The spillway at CL Tilden Dam is controlled by a 20-inch high by 22-foot wide gate to raise the water level during the swim season at Lake Anza. The gate is removed during the winter to facilitate storm water flows. The gate consists of nine (9) 4-inch wide by 8-inch tall by 7-foot long wood “logs” stacked on top of each other. To close and open the gate, staff currently wades into the water directly above the spillway and manually handles each of the nine logs. This project will replace the structure with a durable gate that will improve employee safety and allow staff to safely operate the gate without entering the water. Staff expects to use a Job Order Contractor for this project.
ALTERNATIVES:
No alternatives are recommended.
Page Left Blank Intentionally
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES CONTRACT WITH GEI CONSULTANTS, INC. TO COMPLY WITH THE DAM SAFETY REGULATIONS PROJECT, FOR THE PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION OF INUNDATION MAPS AND EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS, AND TO APPROPRIATE MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT FUNDS: TEMESCAL REGIONAL RECREATION AREA AND TILDEN REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, effective July 1, 2017, state law requires the East Bay Regional Park District (District) to prepare and submit Inundation Maps and Emergency Action Plans for Temescal Lake Dam and Charles Lee (CL) Tilden Park Dam to the Department of Water Resources - Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) and the California Department of Emergency Services (Cal OES) for approval; and
WHEREAS, on January 18, 2018, the District advertised a Request For Proposals for professional consulting services, which includes preparation and submission of the Inundation Maps and EAPs for Temescal Lake Dam and CL Tilden Park Dam; and
WHEREAS, ten (10) firms submitted proposals, and GEI Consultants, Inc. of Rancho Cordova, California, with a fee of $88,363, was selected as the firm with most responsive and qualified proposal; and
WHEREAS, the spillway gate at CL Tilden Park Dam is in very poor condition and needs to be replaced with a safer system to control the water level in Lake Anza; and
WHEREAS, funding for the Comply with Dam Safety Regulations Project (#156500) is available in the Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorizes a contract for professional consulting services to GEI Consultants, Inc. in the amount of $88,363 to prepare the Inundation Maps and Emergency Action Plans for Temescal Lake Dam and CL Tilden Park Dam; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors hereby authorizes the appropriation of $300,000 from the Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) to the Comply with Dam Safety Regulations Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Page Left Blank Intentionally
20 SCALE DRAWING NO. SHEET NO. AS SHOWN 1 COMPLY WITH DAM SAFETY REGULATIONS DATE MAP OF TEMESCAL LAKE DAM AND CL TILDEN DAM (LAKE ANZA) 03-20-2018 3
PROJECT NO. CONTRACT NO. EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 23 Page Left Blank Intentionally
24 SCALE DRAWING NO. SHEET NO. AS SHOWN 2 COMPLY WITH DAM SAFETY REGULATIONS DATE MAP OF LAKE TEMESCAL, TEMESCAL REGIONAL RECREATION AREA 03-20-2018 3
PROJECT NO. CONTRACT NO. EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 25 Page Left Blank Intentionally
26 SCALE DRAWING NO. SHEET NO. AS SHOWN 3 COMPLY WITH DAM SAFETY REGULATIONS DATE MAP OF LAKE ANZA, TILDEN REGIONAL PARK 03-20-2018 3
PROJECT NO. CONTRACT NO. EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 27 Page Left Blank Intentionally
28 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS x From Appropriated Budget x Between Funds DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Design & Construction-Lake Temescal- Comply with Dam Safety Regulations Project- MIRR Funds-Design/Project Administration
Account: 333-7120-240-7020/ 156500 MIRR-003 $ 50,000 Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Design & Construction-Lake Temescal- Comply with Dam Safety Regulations Project- MIRR Funds-Consultants
Account: 333-7120-240-7020/ 156500 MIRR-005 $ 125,000 Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Design & Construction-Lake Temescal- Comply with Dam Safety Regulations Project- MIRR Funds-Construction Contract
Account: 333-7120-240-7020/ 156500 MIRR-009 $ 125,000 TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS Account Name: TRANSFER OUT: Account Name: TRANSFER IN: Capital Major Infrastructure Renovation and Fund-Non Departmental-District Wide- Replacement Fund-Non Departmental- Transfer In District Wide-Transfer Out
Account:553-9110-000-9980 $ 300,000 Account: 333-9110-000-3980 $ 300,000 As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on March 20,2018 the General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the transfer and appropriation of $300,000 from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Fund balance to new project 156500. The funding will be used to comply with dam regulations at Lake Temescal.
As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 3/20/2018 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2018-03- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:
T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2018\5- March 20, 2018\S DRIVE\C-1-c ASD 156500 Comply w Dam Safety Regs MIRR.xlsx
29 Page Left Blank Intentionally
30 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
d. Authorization to Accept a Recreational Trail Easement from 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC, Quitclaim an Existing Floating Trail Easement back to the LLC, and Transfer and Appropriate Funds for Acquisition Expenses: San Francisco Bay Trail (Reeves/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the acceptance of a recreational trail easement from 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC for an approximately one-half mile of newly constructed trail, authorize the quitclaim of the Park District’s existing floating trail easement across the affected property, and authorize the transfer and appropriation of funds to cover acquisition related expenses. The new trail segment is located adjacent to the recently opened Atlas Road entrance to Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and will serve as an extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail along a corridor that will eventually connect Point Pinole to the Pinole Shores area of San Pablo Bay Regional Shoreline.
REVENUE/COST
The trail easement will be acquired at no cost to the District other than acquisition related expenses including geotechnical review services and staff time. This Board action authorizes the transfer and appropriation of Measure AA acquisition funds for the Point Pinole/Lone Tree allocation area, which has $175,897 remaining, as follows:
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Designated Acquisitions – Measure AA Undesignated (CIP 229900BAAA) $26,000
USE OF FUNDS: 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC/San Francisco Bay Trail Acquisition (CIP 242300) Geotechnical Services $ 6,200 Staff Time 19,800 Total Estimated Project Cost $26,000
31 BACKGROUND
The new Atlas Road Bridge entrance into Point Pinole Regional Shoreline was dedicated and opened to the public in April of last year. The new entrance and staging area serves in part as a connector to the San Francisco Bay Trail. The Bay Trail today extends to the west for miles from this staging area, while to the east the District continues its efforts to extend the Bay Trail towards the Pinole Shores area of San Pablo Bay Regional Shoreline.
In 1996, the District acquired a “floating” trail easement over the entirety of the Pinole Point Business Park property in the vicinity of Atlas Road to ensure that an easterly extension of the Bay Trail would be pieced together over time as the business park developed. In 2014, LDK Ventures LLC (LDK), through its subsidiary 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC, acquired a former industrial site located within the business park at the end of Atlas Road, with plans to tear down the old plant and construct a new warehouse distribution facility. On September 16, 2014 by Resolution No. 2014-09-229, the Board of Directors authorized staff to commence negotiations with LDK to secure a trail easement along a defined alignment through the LDK project site that would connect to the Atlas Road Bridge. A preferred trail alignment was identified, and design plans for the trail prepared. Subsequently, the City of Richmond conditioned its approval of the LDK project on LDK building the approximately one-half mile of trail prior to beginning construction on the new warehouse facility.
The new segment of trail has now been completed, and with the acceptance of the trail easement from LDK, ownership of the trail will transfer to the District. Once the new easement has been recorded, the District will quitclaim its interest in the 1996 floating trail easement across the LDK project site.
An additional segment of new trail connecting to the LDK segment will soon be under construction as part of a separate commercial development project within the business park that was recently approved by the City. This will add another approximately one-half mile of trail connecting to the LDK segment. Staff anticipates returning to the Board later this year for authorization to accept this additional trail segment. At that time staff will make a recommendation as to whether some or all of the new trail could be opened to public recreational use from the Atlas Road staging area.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
32 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2108
AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT A RECREATIONAL TRAIL EASEMENT FROM 2995 ATLAS ROAD ASSOCIATES, LLC, QUITCLAIM AN EXISTING FLOATING TRAIL EASEMENT BACK TO THE LLC, AND TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR ACQUISITION EXPENSES: SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District holds a floating trail easement over the entirety of the Pinole Point Business Park located adjacent to the new Atlas Road entrance into Point Pinole Regional Shoreline (Existing Trail Easement); and
WHEREAS, 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC (ARA) acquired lands within the business park for a commercial development project; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 2014-09-229, adopted September 16, 2014, the Board of Directors authorized negotiations with ARA to acquire a trail easement along a defined alignment through ARA’s project site that would connect to the Atlas Road park entrance and serve as a future extension of the San Francisco Bay Trail; and
WHEREAS, the negotiated trail easement is intended to replace the Existing Trail Easement; and
WHEREAS, as a condition of the City of Richmond’s approval of the ARA project, ARA has constructed an approximately one-half mile segment of paved trail along the alignment of the negotiated trail easement which connects to the Atlas Road Bridge and pedestrian overcrossing; and
WHEREAS, the newly-completed trail was designed and constructed to District standards as a separated and paved shared-use trail segment that can be incorporated into the San Francisco Bay Trail system; and
WHEREAS, under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the Park District’s Environmental Review Manual, this action by the Board of Directors is Categorically Exempt and therefore not subject to preparation and processing of environmental documentation;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to accept a recreational trail easement from 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC, including ownership of the approximately one- half mile of newly-constructed trail, and to execute a Quitclaim Deed releasing the District’s interests in ARA lands under the Existing Trail Easement; and
33 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $26,000 from project account Designated Acquisitions – Measure AA Undesignated (CIP 229900BAAA), utilizing funds for the Point Pinole/Lone Tree allocation area, to project account 2995 Atlas Road Associates, LLC/San Francisco Bay Trail Acquisition (Project #242300) to fund acquisition-related expenses as shown on the attached Budget Change form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
34 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL | POINT PINOLE TO CARQUINEZ
East Bay Feet Regional Park District Bay Trail Easement Across LDK Ventures Property [ 0 225 450
Mar sh T rail POINT PINOLE REGIONAL SHORELINE
l ai Tr t in o P TRAIL EASEMENT 's ok (Approx 1/2 mile in length) o C O w l A l le y
STAGING AREA
35 Cook's Point Trail LDK Ventures Property R Atlas o ad
S e r v ic e GIANT RD R SOBRANTE AVE ATLAS RD o ATLAS ROAD a d BRIDGE
Vicinity
Newly Constructed Trail Segment Future Extension of SF Bay Trail Existing SF Bay Trail O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\Land\PP_sfbt\PP_sfbt_aerial.mxd Date: 3/2/2018 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\Land\PP_sfbt\PP_sfbt_aerial.mxdDate: Page Left Blank Intentionally
36 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS New Appropriation Between Funds From New Revenues X Between Projects DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: Capital Project- Account Name: Expense: Capital- Land Acquisition-District Wide- Acquisition - Point Pinole- 2995 Atlas Rd Designated Acquisitions-Measure AA Associates, LLC/ Project -Measure AA Pt Undesignated-Acquisition Pinole/Lone Tree Acquisition Allocation Area-Administrative Costs
Account: 333-7330-000-7010/229900 Account: 333-7330-601-7020 / 242300 BAAA-100 $ 1,000 BAAA-100 $ 1,000 Account Name: Expense: Capital Project- Land Acquisition-District Wide-Future Preliminary Acquisition Studies-Measure AA Undesignated-Acquisition
Account: 333-7330-000-7010/230000 BAAA-100 $ 25,000 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on March 20, 2018, the General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the appropriation of $26,000 from the Pt Pinole/Lone Tree Acquisition Allocation Area, Measure AA funds. The new appropriation will be used for a recreational trail easement permitted by the 2995 Atlas Rd Association, LLC. The initial $25,000 from project 230000 has already been posted as the initial project budget. This resolution increases total appropriations to $26,000. As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 3/20/2018 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2018-03- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:
T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2018\5- March 20, 2018\S DRIVE\C-1-d ASD 242300 2995 Atlas Rd Assoc LLC Easement.xlsx
37 Page Left Blank Intentionally
38 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
e. Authorization to Accept a Public Access Road Easement from G3 Enterprises, Inc., and to Grant a Road Easement to G3 Enterprise Inc.: Vasco Hills Regional Preserve (Reeves/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize staff to accept a public access easement from G3 Enterprises, Inc. (G3) along an existing ranch road in order to perfect rights for future public access into Vasco Hills Regional Preserve, and to grant an access easement to G3 along the same road. The granting of reciprocal access easements will serve to perfect existing road access rights for both parties from Vasco Road into adjacent Park District and G3 lands.
REVENUE/COST
There are no costs associated with this project other than staff time which will be funded by general funds previously appropriated to the 2018 Land Acquisition Department budget.
BACKGROUND
By Resolution No. 2017-07-203, adopted July 25, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized staff to negotiate with G3 to perfect public access rights along an approximately 2,050 linear foot stretch of an existing gravel service road located off Vasco Road. The road provides vehicular access for both the Park District and G3 to their respective properties in this area located near the community of Byron. The service road travels westerly from Vasco Road, crossing the former Coelho-Machado property purchased by the District in 2016, then crossing G3 lands, and finally continuing onto the former Vaquero Farms, Inc. property purchased by the District in 2011.
The Vaquero Farms property is improved with agricultural structures from a former grazing operation including a 42,000 square-foot covered arena, 20-stall stable, and numerous outbuildings. This area is currently being utilized as the District’s Vasco Hills Corp Yard, and is accessed by staff via the existing service road. While the District currently holds an easement over the road, the existing easement language does not clearly provide public vehicular access rights. The new road access easement will replace the existing easement in order to clearly
39 secure public vehicular access along this road across the G3 property to the Vaquero Farms area. Any future public use of these improvements will be determined through the District’s land use planning process.
G3 operates the nearby Byron Sand Mine, which provides sand for construction projects as well as glass production used in bottling wine and spirits produced by the Gallo family winery. G3’s land ownership in this area includes tracts of open grassland, a portion of which is situated directly between District lands along the subject service road. G3 uses the subject service road to access this portion of their lands. However, the existing approximately 2,400 linear foot road access easement held by G3 across the District’s former Coelho-Machado property does not accurately describe the location of the existing road. The new road access easement that the District will grant to G3 corrects this error.
G3 is currently obtaining resource agency permits for expansion of their mining operations. Under the terms of G3’s permits, the G3 land underlying the existing service road will be subject to a conservation easement to protect the land as open space in perpetuity. Any future use of the road must be consistent with the terms of the conservation easement, which provides that the District may operate the service road as a controlled public vehicular access route into Vasco Hills Regional Preserve.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
40 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT A PUBLIC ACCESS ROAD EASEMENT FROM G3 ENTERPRISES, INC., AND TO GRANT A ROAD EASEMENT TO G3 ENTERPRISES, INC.: VASCO HILLS REGIONAL PRESERVE
WHEREAS, in 2011, as part of Vasco Hills Regional Preserve, the Park District purchased the Vaquero Farms, Inc. property located along Vasco Road in unincorporated Contra Costa County near the community of Byron, which is improved with a 42,000 square-foot arena, 20- stall stable, and other outbuildings; and
WHEREAS, access to the Vaquero Farms, Inc. property is via a service road that travels westerly from Vasco Road, crossing the former Coelho-Machado property, purchased by the Park District in 2016, and then crossing lands owned by G3 Enterprises, Inc. (G3); and
WHEREAS, G3 operates the nearby Byron Sand Mine, and a portion of their land holding is situated directly between the Park District’s Coelho-Machado and Vaquero Farms, Inc. properties and accessed via the subject service road; and
WHEREAS, the existing road access easement held by the Park District over G3’s property does not clearly provide public vehicular access rights along the service road; and
WHEREAS, the existing road access easement held by G3 across Park District property does not accurately describe the location of the existing service road; and
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 2017-07-203, adopted July 25, 2017, the Board of Directors authorized staff to negotiate with G3 for the purpose of perfecting reciprocal road access rights along the aforementioned service road located off Vasco Road that provides vehicular access for the Park District and G3 to their respective properties located in this area; and
WHEREAS, there are no costs associated with this project other than staff time which will be funded by general funds previously appropriated to the 2018 Land Acquisition Department budget;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to accept an approximately 2,050 linear foot public access easement from G3 Enterprises, Inc. along the subject service road and grant an approximately 2,400 linear foot access easement to G3 Enterprises, Inc. along the same road; and
41 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , and seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
42 East Bay RECIPROCAL ROAD ACCESS EASEMENTS WITH G3 ENTERPRISES INC. Regional Park District Vasco Hills Regional Preserve [ 0 0.25 Miles
Camino Diablo Rd
Byron Hwy
G3 ENTERPRISES INC.
V a s c o R
43 d
VASCO HILLS REGIONAL PRESERVE
Vasco Service ! Yard
BYRON VERNAL POOLS REGIONAL PRESERVE
LEGEND ROAD EASEMENT TO G3 ROAD EASEMENT TO EBRPD O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\Land\VH_G3\VH_G3_OpenSession.mxd Date: 3/2/2018 Page Left Blank Intentionally
44 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
f. Authorization to Proceed with Implementation of Horse Valley Creek and Wetland Restoration Project and Partner with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy to Receive California Wildlife Conservation Board Grant Funding: Deer Valley Regional Park (Barton/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:
1. Authorize staff to proceed with implementation of the Horse Valley Creek and Wetland Restoration Project (Project) in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (Conservancy); and
2. Authorize staff to work in partnership with the Conservancy to receive California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) grant funding for the project.
REVENUE/COST
This action proposes to secure a grant award of $350,000 from WCB, which will be administered by the Conservancy to develop and construct the project in partnership with the District.
The Conservancy is proposing to fully fund the project at no cost to the District, consistent with the Habitat Conservation Plan/Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP), Implementing Agreement, and Roddy Ranch Funding Agreement (2014). Construction costs are estimated to be $940,000, and District expenses are estimated to be $60,000. A project funding agreement will be brought to the Board to fully fund the project prior to award of a construction contract. Funding will be budgeted to CIP #154700.
BACKGROUND
The District acquired the 1,885-acre Roddy Ranch Property in 2014 for $14,245,000. The Conservancy paid 75% of the purchase price to implement and comply with the requirements of the HCP/NCCP. A funding agreement between the District and HCP sets forth mutually agreed to covenants and agreements that address the public access and recreation interests of the
45 District, and habitat-related interests of the Conservancy. The funding agreement gives the Conservancy the exclusive right to develop habitat restoration improvements on the property at its sole cost, subject to the District’s reasonable approval with respect to design and location.
While evaluating the property prior to purchase, Conservancy staff identified the Horse Valley portion of the acquisition (an approximately 96-acre study area) as a prime opportunity to satisfy HCP/NCCP habitat restoration requirements. After acquiring the property in 2014, staff began working with the Conservancy on developing a habitat restoration project within the Horse Valley portion of the Roddy Ranch property. Key habitat features that were determined to be feasible include vernal pools, seasonal wetlands, creek creation and restoration, roadway removal, stock pond repair, and a new maintenance access road that may also provide potential trail connections from the middle of Horse Valley. A map of the project plans is included with Attachment 1.
Project planning included a concerted effort with District Operations, Trails Development, Planning, and Stewardship staff to ensure the project would not preclude future staging or regional trail connections. In addition to providing endangered species benefits, restoring the valley to its natural condition will significantly improve the aesthetic of the landscape visible from existing ranch roads and the newly relocated maintenance access road. It also provides interpretive opportunities to highlight the benefits of wetland preservation and restoration within the Diablo Range. A map showing the restoration area in relation to the former golf course property and regional trail connections is included with Attachment 2.
Like past restoration project partnerships with the Conservancy, the District will put the project out to bid and administer the construction contract. The Conservancy will be responsible for fully funding the project including maintenance and monitoring. These responsibilities will be specifically defined in a project funding agreement that must be approved prior to award of a construction contract to build the project. Staff anticipates that it will bring the funding agreement and construction contract award to the Board in June, 2018.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
46 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO PROCEED WITH IMPLEMENTATION OF HORSE VALLEY CREEK AND WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT AND PARTNER WITH THE EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY HABITAT CONSERVANCY TO RECEIVE CALIFORNIA WILDLIFE CONSERVATION BOARD GRANT FUNDING: DEER VALLEY REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (District) is a signatory to the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservation Plan and Natural Community Conservation Plan (HCP/NCCP) and Implementing Agreement (Board Resolution No. 2007-1-21), and is a land acquisition, restoration and management agent for the plan, and desires to participate in habitat restoration; and
WHEREAS, habitat restoration and creation are a requirement of the HCP Implementing Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (Conservancy) is the entity responsible for implementing the HCP under the Implementing Agreement; and
WHEREAS, the funding agreement between the District and the Conservancy for the acquisition of the Roddy Ranch property, dated June 26, 2014, identifies the need for future restoration projects on the property which would be developed and maintained at the sole cost of the Conservancy, subject to the District’s reasonable approval with respect to design, location and phasing; and
WHEREAS, the Horse Creek Valley Creek and Wetland Restoration Project (Project) is located on a portion of the Roddy Ranch Property that is owned by the District; and
WHEREAS, the project will create or restore vernal pools, seasonal wetlands, creek channel, ponds, grassland, and restore the hydrologic function of Horse Valley by removing a roadway and making other site improvements; and
WHEREAS, the project design and location are acceptable and may proceed contingent on the approval of a project funding agreement with the Conservancy, to result in the District receiving funds to cover all District costs associated with the project, estimated at $940,000 for construction and $60,000 for District expenses; and
WHEREAS, the California Wildlife Conversation Board (WCB) awarded a $350,000 grant to the Conservancy for the construction of the Project;
47 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes staff to proceed with implementation of the Project in partnership with the Conservancy; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes staff to work in partnership with the Conservancy to receive WCB grant funding for the project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
48 East Bay HORSE VALLEY CREEK AND WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT Regional Park District Deer Valley Regional Park Acquisition, Stewardship & Contra Costa County Feet Development Division [ 0 500
Project Area Existing Channel Stream Channel Realignment Zeka Ranch HORSE VALLEY Construction/Maintenance Access Proposed Development PROJECT AREA Created Wetland Remove Road
Existing Channel Restored AbandonedPond Channel Potential Future Connection to Regional Trail Existing Stockpond (berm requires repair)
Fill Artificial Channel
Restore Channel Pond
DEER VALLEY 49 REGIONAL PARK Horse V alley Rd
Reoccupy Historical Channel To Potential Future Regional Trail Remove Road (Black Diamond Mines to Round Valley)
Proposed Construction and Maintenance Access Route Empire Mine Rd Contra Loma
Black Diamond Mines Roddy Ranch Golf Course Active Acquisition
Deer Valley O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\EnvironmentalPrograms\DE_HorseValley\DE_HorseValley_landscape_nl.mxd Date: 3/15/2018 Date: O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\EnvironmentalPrograms\DE_HorseValley\DE_HorseValley_landscape_nl.mxd Page Left Blank Intentionally
50 HORSE VALLEY CREEK AND WETLAND RESTORATION PROJECT East Bay REGIONAL TRAIL CONNECTIONS Regional Park District Deer Valley Regional Park Acquisition, Stewardship & Feet Development Division Contra Costa County [ 0 1,000 2,000
Existing Regional Trail
Potential Regional Trail M y ansen Dr Wa D H e ass i r s P Ju onv lle D a a d s a g l T io
l
R a
i s d B g R l e a ac S k D n
D o y ia r c m u a on th h d w W to o R Colosseum Way
k
o d Mt d Way Dia a blo e Re gional Trail Sanger P
) h c
io t
n
A
f
ZEKA RANCH o THE RANCH Bl PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT y PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT ack t Dia i m C
51 o ( n l
d i
to a r
BLACK DIAMOND MINES R
T
o
I
u
s
REGIONAL PRESERVE n s
d
a
l V a
il C l
l a g
r e n
i
T
t
l
s
y i a
x
n R HORSE VALLEY
E
o e i gion al T
g r PROJECT AREA e a Starmine Trail i
l R
o
l b
a Potential Future i D Connection to t M Regional Trail to d on m ia k D ac Bl Empire Mine Rd
Contra Proposed Construction and RODDY RANCH Maintenance Access Route Loma GOLF COURSE ACTIVE ACQUISITION Black Diamond Mines
C ha dbo urn e R d Deer Valley DEER VALLEY REGIONAL PARK O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\EnvironmentalPrograms\DE_HorseValley\DE_HorseValley_RegConnection.mxd Date: 3/15/2018 Date: O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\EnvironmentalPrograms\DE_HorseValley\DE_HorseValley_RegConnection.mxd Page Left Blank Intentionally
52 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
g. Approval of 2018 Risk-based Internal Audit Plan, and Confirmation of the Organizational Independence, with Qualification, of the Internal Audit Function (Sumner/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Finance Committee (by unanimous vote at its February 28, 2018 meeting) recommend that the Board of Directors approve the 2018 Internal Audit Plan, and confirm organizational independence of the internal audit function.
REVENUE/COST
There is no cost associated with this action.
BACKGROUND
2018 Risk-based Internal Audit Plan The internal audit function provides an independent and objective assurance and consulting activity that is guided by a philosophy of adding value to improve the operations of the District. It assists the District in accomplishing its objective by bringing a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of the organization’s risk management, control and governance processes. Each year the annual internal audit plan is presented to the Board for approval.
The 2018 internal audit plan is comprised of projects prioritized by level of financial risk, which is defined as a set of circumstances that hinder achievement of objectives. A risk-based auditing approach is required per Standard #2010 of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. The annual risk assessment process involves understanding the entity and its environment (including internal controls), performing analytical procedures, observation and inspection, consideration of staff and management input and the establishment of a formal rating system, which is used to demonstrate risk level of major activities of the District.
The annual audit plan includes an assessment of cash collection sites (on a rotating basis), monitoring the results of a prior year audit project, examination of concessionaires and review of major revenue and expenditure categories are endeavored to be audited each year.
53 As a result of the risk assessment process a sample of several District activities will be audited during course of the year. The 2018 audit plan includes a review of Job Order Contracting program, Point Pinole vehicular bridge construction project, cash handling procedures at Crown Beach and Sunol Regional Wilderness & Visitor Center, and examining compliance with the provisions of concession agreement pertaining to Crown Beach - Boardsports School, Ardenwood - Palmdale Estate Events, and Lake Chabot Food & Marina - Urban Parks Concessionaires.
The internal audit plan has been presented to the Board Finance Committee and is unanimously recommended for full Board of Directors approval.
Organizational Independence
Based on the current District reporting structure, the internal audit function is assigned within the Finance Department.
IIA Standard #1100 requires that the internal audit activity must be independent, and internal auditors must be objective in performing their work.
The Interpretation of IIA Standard #1100 defines independence and objectivity as follows:
“Independence is the freedom from conditions that threaten the ability of the internal audit activity to carry out internal audit responsibilities in an unbiased manner. To achieve the degree of independence necessary to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the internal audit activity, the chief audit executive (i.e., audit manager) has direct and unrestricted access to senior management and the board.”
“Objectivity is an unbiased mental attitude that allows internal auditors to perform engagements in such a manner that they believe in their work product and that no quality compromises are made. Objectivity requires that internal auditors do not subordinate their judgment on audit matters to others.”
The IIA Standard # 1110 requires that the chief audit executive (i.e., audit manager) must confirm to the Board, at least annually, the organizational independence of the internal audit activity.
The District does comply with IIA Standard #1110 Interpretation, which states:
“Organization independence is effectively achieved when the chief audit executive (i.e., audit manager) reports functionally to the Board”.
In compliance with the District’s Internal Audit Charter, the Audit Manager reports administratively to the CFO and functionally to the Board.
Consequently, the organizational independence of the internal audit activity is confirmed with qualification.
ALTERNATIVES
None are recommended.
54 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
APPROVAL OF 2018 RISK-BASED INTERNAL AUDIT PLAN, AND CONFIRMATION OF THE ORGANIZATIONAL INDEPENDENCE, WITH QUALIFICATION, OF THE INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION
WHEREAS, internal audit is an independent function established to provide assurance and consulting activity, providing value to improve the operations of the District; and
WHEREAS, Institute of Internal Auditors International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (Standard) #1110 requires organizational independence for the internal audit function; and
WHEREAS, in compliance with Standard #1110, organizational independence must be confirmed annually to the Board; and
WHEREAS, the District’s current organizational structure (internal audit function within the Finance Department) results in the lack of independence in fact or appearance; and
WHEREAS, according to Standard #1110, organizational independence can be achieved through a dual-reporting relationship, whereas the Audit Manager reports functionally to the Board; and
WHEREAS, the District’s Internal Audit Charter specifies that the Audit Manager report functionally to the Board, which incorporates the requirement that the Board approve the annual risk-based internal audit plan; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Internal Audit Plan was reviewed by the Board Finance Committee on February 28, 2018 and unanimously recommended to the full Board for approval;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the 2018 Internal Audit Plan; and confirmation of the organization independence, with qualification, of the internal audit activity; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager and the Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and this 20th day of March 2018, by the following vote:
55 FOR:
AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSENT:
56 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT FINANCE DEPARTMENT 2018 INTERNAL AUDIT WORK PLAN
Selected Projects Review of Ardenwood Concession - Palmdale Estate Events, Inc. Verify concessionaire's compliance with the contract terms.
Review of Crown Beach Concession - Boardsports School, LLC. Verify concessionaire's compliance with the contract terms.
Review of Capital Improvement Project No. 539700 Point Pinole - Vehicular Bridge Verify propriety of accounting transactions and functionality of internal controls.
Review of Sunol Regional Wilderness & Visitor Center Cash Handling Procedures Verify functionality of internal controls, safeguarding of assets, and compliance with administrative requirements.
Review of Job Order Contracting Program * Review propriety and functionality of internal controls and administrative requirements to ensure safeguarding of assets.
Review of Lake Chabot Food & Marina Concession - Urban Parks Concessionaires Verify concessionaire's compliance with the contract financial terms.
Review of Crown Beach Cash Handling Procedures Verify functionality of internal controls, safeguarding of assets, and compliance with administrative requirements.
Review of Payroll Related Data Transmittals by Human Resources Department Review propriety and timeliness of payroll related data transmitted by HR Dept. to improve internal controls.
Review of the District's Financial System (OneSolution) security relating to HR & Payroll Review and assess propriety of access controls setup, to ensure safeguarding of assets.
Review of Redwood Valley Railway Corp. Concession * Verify concessionaire's compliance with the contract terms.
Review of Oakland Strokes, Inc. MLK Jr. Estuary use * Verify lessee's compliance with financial terms of the lease agreement.
Routine Projects Review of Contracts and RFPs Review, revise and refine text of the proposed contracts & RFPs. Perform financial review, protect the District's best interest and assist with vendor selection. Requested by: Management and staff. Review of Measure WW Local Grant Projects Verify propriety of payment requests submitted to the District's Grants Department. Requested by: Grants Department
* Project field work was started in 2017. Audit report will be issued in 2018.
57 Page Left Blank Intentionally
58 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
h Acceptance of the East Bay Regional Park District Investment Report for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 (Spaulding/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Finance Committee (by unanimous vote) recommend that the Board of Directors accept the East Bay Regional Park District Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2017.
REVENUE/COST
There is no revenue/cost impact associated with the acceptance of the report.
BACKGROUND
In accordance with Board Operating Guidelines and the District’s Investment Policy, the attached report has been prepared on the District’s cash and investments. The total market value of the District’s pooled cash and investments as of December 31, 2017 was $226,321,444. Bond funds held by trustees were an additional $135,415,216.
The pooled cash and investments held by the District of $226.3 million as of December 31, 2017 reflects an increase in market value of $20.9 million, when compared to funds held at the end of the last quarter, $205.4 million. This is mainly the result of the timing of property tax revenue receipts, which are the largest source of District revenue, and which the District receives primarily in two large annual payments, in December and April. During the first and third quarter of the year, cash balances diminish; cash balances replenish again in quarters two and four. As an additional point of reference, the market value of pooled cash and investments as of December 31, 2016 was $221.8 million.
Bond funds held by fiscal agents for debt service and bond project funds totaled $135.4 million, approximately $91.8 million more than funds held as of September 30, 2017. The primary reason for the increase was that in November, the District issued $80 million in new Measure WW bonds and refunded $44.5 million in 2009 Measure WW debt. Additionally, the required funds for bonded debt service were levied.
59 The District uses the firm PFM to advise the District on its investments. The PFM report attached as Attachment B provides an overview of the District’s invested funds and strategy for the portfolio. In addition to funds managed by PFM, $64.9 million of District funds were invested in LAIF, the Local Agency Investment Fund, a State managed investment alternative for California's local governments.
In the fourth quarter of 2017, the District was continuing to transition its banking relationship from Wells Fargo Bank to Bank of the West. As a result, this statement reflects two accounts that each hold a portion the District’s pooled cash. As of December 31st, the Wells Fargo accounts were still being used for payroll, while the accounts payable function was fully transferred to Bank of the West. The transition to Bank of the West is expected to be complete by the end of the first quarter of 2018.
The following is a description of the information provided in the report Attachments:
Attachment A provides comparative investment balance information between the current quarter, the prior quarter and the same period one year ago.
Attachment B provides an Investment Performance Review of all investments managed by PFM. Page 11 provides information on the managed portfolio maturity and credit quality. Page 12 shows that the District’s invested funds as of December 31, 2017 complied with the Board approved 2017 Investment Policy.
Attachment B, beginning on page 27 provides detailed information on all securities held and managed by PFM.
Attachment C shows all District cash and investments by type (including funds not managed by PFM).
The District’s invested funds as of December 31, 2017 is in compliance with the Board approved 2017 Investment Policy. The District’s cash management program provides sufficient liquidity to meet expenditure requirements for the next six months.
ALTERNATIVES
None are recommended.
ATTACHMENTS
December 31, 2017 Investment Report, Attachments A, B & C.
60 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
ACCEPTANCE OF EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT INVESTMENT REPORT FOR THE QUARTER ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has adopted the 2017 Investment Policy to provide guidance and direction for the prudent investment of District funds, and to foster the creation of a systematic and controlled investment process; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Policy calls for the District to invest District funds in a prudent manner, providing the highest yield with the maximum security of principal invested, while also meeting the daily cash flow requirements of the District; and
WHEREAS, the Investment Policy and Board Operating Guidelines require the Chief Financial Officer to prepare a quarterly report on investment activity for review by the Board Finance Committee and acceptance by the Board of Directors; and
WHEREAS, the Board Finance Committee reviewed this item at their meeting on February 28, 2018, and recommended favorable consideration of this item by the Board of Directors,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby accepts the East Bay Regional Park District Investment Report for the quarter ended December 31, 2017; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager and Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director and approved on this 20th day of March 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
61 Page Left Blank Intentionally
62 Attachment A EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT INVESTMENT BALANCES
For Period Ending December 31, 2017
District Cash and Investment Balances current quarter prior quarter prior year Market Value Amortized Cost Basis Market Value Market Value December 31, 2017 December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 December 31, 2016 Pooled Investments Managed by CFO Wells Fargo Checking $ 79,791 $ 79,791 $ 110,296 $ 1,175
Short-term Investments Wells Fargo Sweep 3,666,777 3,666,777 9,495,282 5,102,914 Bank of the West Sweep 4,254,956 4,254,956 5,000,000 - LAIF 64,875,734 64,999,654 56,242,820 50,000,000 CAMP 57,104,049 57,104,049 47,846,563 90,837,720 1st Am Govern Fund-US Bank investment custodian 157,306 157,306 10,061,142 71,417 Sub-total 130,138,613 130,262,533 128,756,103 146,013,226 Mid-term Securities US Treasuries 39,265,793 39,506,758 22,872,822 19,020,382 Federal Agencies/Instrumentalities 20,294,027 20,532,333 20,369,357 27,265,094 State/Local Agencies 1,373,966 1,380,448 1,376,235 2,978,392 Supra-National Agency Bonds/Notes 3,121,510 3,158,549 2,364,488 1,173,530 Corporate Bonds/CP/CDs 32,127,534 32,328,081 29,618,139 25,327,132 Sub-total 96,182,831 96,906,170 76,601,041 75,764,531 Total Pooled Cash/Investments 226,321,444 227,168,702 205,357,145 221,777,756
Bond Funds Managed by Fiscal Agents Short-term Investments 2012 Prom Note Proj Fund (Dreyfus non-AMT tax free) 1,109,641 1,109,641 1,195,005 16,804 2012 Debt Service (Dreyfus) 140 140 - 12 Measure AA Project Fund - - - 15,496,877 US Bank Measure AA Bond (Managed by CFO) 13,339,227 13,339,227 14,272,370 - Measure WW 2013 Project Fund 5,288,650 5,288,650 5,274,254 23,698,846 Measure AA Debt Service Fund 583,544 583,544 7,821 1,014,194 Measure WW Debt Service Fund 7,566,774 7,566,774 3,073,550 6,923,911 Measure WW 2017 Capitalized Interest 7,127,840 7,127,840 - - Measure WW 2017 Project Funds 79,775,191 79,775,191 - - Mid-term securities
2012 Prom Note Project Fund (State/Local Agencies) 20,624,209 20,685,203 20,733,859 22,075,885 Measure WW Project Fund (US Treasuries) - - - - Measure WW Project Fund (Federal Agencies) - - - - Measure WW Project Fund (Corp notes /CP) - - - - Long-term investment
- - - - Total Bond Funds 135,415,216 135,476,210 43,576,951 69,226,530
Grand Total District Cash/Investments $ 361,736,660 $ 362,644,913 $ 248,934,095 $ 291,004,286
Investment Earnings (accrual basis): quarter ended year-to-date at year-to-date at December 31, 2017 December 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 Short-term Investments $ 387,008 $ 1,592,402 $ 851,386 Mid-term Investments 371,176 1,227,916 1,751,736 Long-term Investments - - - Total Investment Earnings $ 758,185 $ 2,820,318 $ 2,603,121
Investment Fees: quarterly ytd fees Wells Fargo account fees $ 3,412 $ 19,713 US Bank Custodial fees $ 625 $ 1,250 PFM invest mgt fees/US Bank custodial fees $ 19,153 77,558 Total $ 23,189 $ 98,521
I verify that this report contains the total amounts of cash and investments at December 31, 2017 The investments are in conformity with the Investment Policy as stated in Resolution # 2017-03-054, dated March 7, 2017. The District's cash management program provides sufficient liquidity to meet expenditure requirement for the next six months, in conformity with the Investment Policy. Debra Auker Debra Auker, CFO 63 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Performance
Portfolio Performance (Total Return)
Annualized Return Effective Current Since Inception Portfolio/Benchmark Duration Quarter 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year (06/30/09)
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 1.82 -0.17% 0.95% 1.05% 0.87% - 0.97%
East Bay California Regional Park Custom Index* 1.80 -0.25% 0.42% 0.62% 0.56% - 0.73%
Difference 0.08% 0.53% 0.43% 0.31% - 0.24%
1.2% 1.05% 1.0% 0.95% 0.97%
64 0.87% 0.8% 0.73% 0.62% 0.6% 0.56% 0.42% 0.4%
0.2% Total Return
0.0%
-0.2% -0.17% -0.25% -0.4% Current Quarter 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year 10 Year Since Inception
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT East Bay California Regional Park Custom Index
Portfolio performance is gross of fees unless otherwise indicated.
*The District's Custom Index was the Merrill Lynch 1 Year UST Index from 6/30/09 to 3/31/11 and is the Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year UST Index beginning 3/31/11.
PFM Asset Management LLC 10 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Snapshot
Credit Quality (S&P Ratings) Sector Allocation
A Certificate of Deposit BBB+** 3.8% U.S. 1.6% A- Treasury 8.4% Portfolio Statistics AAAm 2.0% 25.6% Corporate A+ 12.6% As of December 31, 2017 37.3% 6.7% Federal A-1 Agency/CMO 1.0% 0.2% Par Value: $153,934,455 Supra-Sov / A-1+ Supra-Natl Total Market Value: $153,908,158 0.5% Agency AA 2.0% Security Market Value: $96,182,831 0.5% Municipal Accrued Interest: $354,691 AA- 0.9% Federal 4.0% Mny Mkt Agency/GSE $266,587 Cash: AA+ Fund / Pool 13.0% CAMP $57,104,049 AAA 39.4%
37.3% 3.2% Amortized Cost: $154,010,219
Yield at Market: 1.96%
Yield at Cost: 1.58% Maturity Distribution 45% Effective Duration: 1.82 Years 42.6% 40% Duration to Worst: 1.83 Years 35% Average Maturity: 1.88 Years 31.8% 30% Average Credit: * AA 25% 21.7% 20%
15%
10%
5% 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0% 0 - 1 Year 1 - 2 Years 2 - 3 Years 3 - 4 Years 4 - 5 Years > 5 Years
*An average of each security’s credit rating assigned a numeric value and adjusted for its relative weighting in the portfolio. **The "BBB+" category comprises securities rated A or better by Moody's and/or Fitch.
PFM Asset Management LLC 11 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Review
The portfolio is in compliance with the District’s Investment Policy and the California Government Code.
% of Permitted by In Security Type Market Value Portfolio Policy Compliance
U.S. Treasury $39,265,793 25.6% 100%
Federal Agency $19,924,464 13.0% 100%
Federal Agency CMOs $369,563 0.2% 20%
Municipal Bonds $1,373,966 0.9% 30% 66
Supranationals $3,121,510 2.0% 30%
Negotiable CDs $12,800,359 8.3% 30%
Corporate Notes $19,327,176 12.6% 30%
Securities Sub-Total $96,182,831 62.6%
Accrued Interest $354,691
Securities Total $96,537,522
Money Market Fund $266,587 0.2% 20%
CAMP $57,104,049 37.2% 100%
Total Investments $153,908,158 100.0%
PFM Asset Management LLC 12 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Performance
Portfolio Earnings
Quarter-Ended December 31, 2017
Market Value Basis Accrual (Amortized Cost) Basis
Beginning Value (09/30/2017) $124,447,604.94 $124,696,255.99
Net Purchases/Sales $29,348,479.39 $29,348,479.39
Change in Value ($509,204.79) ($34,516.88) 67 Ending Value (12/31/2017) $153,286,879.54 $154,010,218.50
Interest Earned $477,979.83 $477,979.83
Portfolio Earnings ($31,224.96) $443,462.95
PFM Asset Management LLC 13 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Composition
Sector Allocation
December 31, 2017 September 30, 2017 June 30, 2017 March 31, 2017
Sector MV ($MM) % of Total MV ($MM) % of Total MV ($MM) % of Total MV ($MM) % of Total
Mny Mkt Fund / Pool 57.1 37.3% 47.8 38.4% 99.6 56.5% 77.6 50.5% U.S. Treasury 39.3 25.6% 22.9 18.4% 22.0 12.5% 20.6 13.4% Federal Agency/GSE 19.9 13.0% 19.9 16.0% 22.3 12.7% 24.9 16.2% Corporate 19.3 12.6% 16.9 13.6% 16.8 9.5% 17.5 11.4% Certificate of Deposit 12.8 8.4% 12.7 10.2% 10.3 5.9% 7.9 5.2% Supra-Sov / Supra-Natl Agency 3.1 2.0% 2.4 1.9% 1.2 0.7% 1.2 0.8% Municipal 1.4 0.9% 1.4 1.1% 3.0 1.7% 3.0 1.9% Federal Agency/CMO 0.4 0.2% 0.5 0.4% 0.8 0.5% 0.9 0.6%
Total $153.3 100.0% $124.4 100.0% $175.9 100.0% $153.7 100.0% 68 100%
Federal Agency/CMO 90%
Municipal 80%
Supra-Sov / Supra-Natl 70% Agency 60% Certificate of Deposit 50% Corporate 40%
Federal Agency/GSE 30%
U.S. Treasury 20%
Mny Mkt Fund / Pool 10% 0% December 2017 September 2017 June 2017 March 2017
Detail may not add to total due to rounding.
PFM Asset Management LLC 14 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Composition
Maturity Distribution
As of December 31, 2017
Yield Average 0-1 1-2 2-3 3-4 4-5 >5 Portfolio/Benchmark at Market Maturity Years Years Years Years Years Years
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 1.96% 1.88 yrs 42.6% 31.8% 21.7% 4.0% 0.0% 0.0%
East Bay California Regional Park Custom Index* 1.89% 1.92 yrs 3.0% 54.1% 42.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0%
60% 54.1%
50%
42.6% 42.9% 40%
31.8% 30%
21.7% 20%
10% 3.0% 4.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0% 0-1 Years 1-2 Years 2-3 Years 3-4 Years 4-5 Years > 5 Years
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT East Bay California Regional Park Custom Index
*The District's Custom Index was the Merrill Lynch 1 Year UST Index from 6/30/09 to 3/31/11 and is the Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year UST Index beginning 3/31/11. PFM Asset Management LLC 15 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Outlook
2018 Investment Outlook and Strategy
Generally, the economic themes that brought 2017 to a close will carry forward into 2018, including improving growth, stable job production, healthy personal consumption, and strong corporate fundamentals.
Following three hikes in 2017, the Fed’s “dot plot,” released after the December FOMC meeting, indicated an expectation for three more hikes in 2018. As of year-end, the market-implied probability of a rate hike at the March FOMC meeting was around 70%.
The FOMC begins 2018 balancing several factors: persistently low inflation, uncertainty around the pace of economic growth, and the continuation of balance sheet normalization. Additionally, a change in leadership at the Fed—Jerome Powell will replace Janet Yellen as Fed Chair—has the potential to create some uncertainty. As a current Fed governor, Powell is expected to follow closely in Yellen’s footsteps.
Our outlook for each of the major investment-grade fixed income sectors are as follows: 70 • Federal agency spreads remain tight; however, the best value relative to U.S. Treasuries is in the 2- to 3-year area of the curve. While callable agency value waned towards the end of 2017, wider spreads in the new year may provide an opportunity to capture incremental yield.
• Supranational issuance came to a halt at the close of the year, and with it some of their incremental value. However, with the prospect of high seasonal supply in the first quarter, the expectation exists for attractive spreads and purchase opportunities.
• Corporate yield spreads are expected to remain stable, with incremental income being supportive of continued expected outperformance. As always, careful issuer due diligence will drive selection.
• The increasing pace of Fed balance sheet run-off in the MBS sector may begin to pressure the sector more significantly in the second half of 2018.
• Given the steepness of the short-term yield curve (under one year), short-term credit instruments like negotiable CDs look particularly attractive. We believe their current yields fully compensate for at least three Fed rate hikes in 2018.
PFM Asset Management LLC 16 71 Portfolio Transactions and Holdings For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Activity
Quarterly Portfolio Transactions
Trade Settle Maturity Transact Yield Realized Date Date Par ($) CUSIP Security Description Coupon Date Amt ($) at Market G/L (BV)
BUY
10/2/17 10/2/17 2,500,000 912828J84 US TREASURY NOTES 1.37% 3/31/20 2,488,079.50 1.57% 10/2/17 10/10/17 770,000 4581X0CD8 INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 2.12% 11/9/20 784,000.37 1.81% 10/3/17 10/3/17 2,500,000 912828F62 US TREASURY NOTES 1.50% 10/31/19 2,515,896.74 1.50% 10/4/17 10/5/17 2,500,000 912828ST8 US TREASURY NOTES 1.25% 4/30/19 2,506,288.21 1.43% 10/11/17 10/20/17 405,000 931142DY6 WAL-MART STORES INC CORP NOTE 1.75% 10/9/19 404,991.90 1.75% 10/12/17 10/13/17 1,750,000 3130ACM92 FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK NOTES 1.50% 10/21/19 1,746,902.50 1.59% 10/17/17 10/17/17 175,000 912828L99 US TREASURY NOTES 1.37% 10/31/20 174,388.92 1.71% 10/23/17 10/30/17 240,000 438516BQ8 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL CORP NOTES 1.80% 10/30/19 239,812.80 1.84%
10/23/17 10/26/17 485,000 05531FAZ6 BRANCH BANKING & TRUST (CALLABLE) NOTES 2.15% 2/1/21 484,776.90 2.17% 10/23/17 10/30/17 300,000 025816BP3 AMERICAN EXPRESS CO CORP (CALLABLE) NOTE 2.20% 10/30/20 299,610.00 2.25% 10/31/17 10/31/17 115,000 172967KB6 CITIGROUP INC CORP NOTES 2.65% 10/26/20 116,196.93 2.30% 10/31/17 10/31/17 100,000 06051GGS2 BANK OF AMERICA CORP (CALLABLE) 2.32% 10/1/21 100,080.07 2.38% 11/1/17 11/3/17 130,000 38148LAA4 GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC CORP NOTES 2.60% 4/23/20 131,074.09 2.28% 11/6/17 11/13/17 125,000 037833DJ6 APPLE INC 2.00% 11/13/20 124,895.00 2.03% 11/6/17 11/13/17 245,000 69371RN85 PACCAR FINANCIAL CORP NOTES 2.05% 11/13/20 244,977.95 2.05% 11/8/17 11/10/17 185,000 478160CH5 JOHNSON & JOHNSON CORP NOTE 1.95% 11/10/20 184,802.05 1.99% 11/9/17 11/14/17 520,000 911312BP0 UNITED PARCEL SERVICE CORPORATE BOND 2.05% 4/1/21 519,178.40 2.10% 11/13/17 11/16/17 350,000 02665WBZ3 AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE 2.00% 11/13/19 349,804.00 2.03% 11/16/17 11/17/17 875,000 87019U6D6 SWEDBANK (NEW YORK) CERT DEPOS 2.27% 11/16/20 875,000.00 2.30% 11/16/17 11/20/17 380,000 05531FAZ6 BRANCH BANKING & TRUST (CALLABLE) NOTES 2.15% 2/1/21 378,568.67 2.32% 12/1/17 12/5/17 1,350,000 912828N48 US TREASURY N/B 1.75% 12/31/20 1,353,709.75 1.91% 12/14/17 12/15/17 2,500,000 912828N48 US TREASURY N/B 1.75% 12/31/20 2,506,105.64 1.94% 12/14/17 12/15/17 3,750,000 912828K58 US TREASURY NOTES 1.37% 4/30/20 3,714,075.72 1.86% 12/14/17 12/15/17 3,750,000 912828G95 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 12/31/19 3,762,291.95 1.83%
PFM Asset Management LLC 17 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Activity
Trade Settle Maturity Transact Yield Realized Date Date Par ($) CUSIP Security Description Coupon Date Amt ($) at Market G/L (BV)
Total BUY 26,000,000 26,005,508.06
INTEREST
10/1/17 10/25/17 73,600 3136ANJY4 FNMA SERIES 2015-M7 ASQ2 1.55% 4/1/18 95.07 10/1/17 10/25/17 237,683 3136AQDQ0 FANNIE MAE SERIES 2015-M13 ASQ2 1.64% 9/1/19 415.70 10/1/17 10/25/17 98,885 3136AQSW1 FNMA SERIES 2015-M15 ASQ2 1.89% 1/1/19 156.41 10/1/17 10/25/17 105,194 3136ASPX8 FNMA SERIES 2016-M9 ASQ2 1.78% 6/1/19 156.48 10/2/17 10/2/17 0 MONEY0002 MONEY MARKET FUND 372.48 10/4/17 10/4/17 125,000 713448DJ4 PEPSICO, INC CORP NOTES 1.35% 10/4/19 843.75 10/5/17 10/5/17 1,500,000 06417GUE6 BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA HOUSTON LT CD 1.91% 4/5/19 14,484.17 10/8/17 10/8/17 1,000,000 68389XAX3 ORACLE CORP NOTE 2.25% 10/8/19 11,250.00 73 10/15/17 10/15/17 75,000 3137EADZ9 FREDDIE MAC NOTES 1.12% 4/15/19 421.88 10/15/17 10/15/17 140,000 24422ETM1 JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORP 1.65% 10/15/18 1,155.00 /15/17 10/15/17 800,000 3137EADZ9 FREDDIE MAC NOTES 1.12% 4/15/19 4,500.00 10/22/17 10/22/17 350,000 94974BFU9 WELLS FARGO & COMPANY CORP NOTE 2.12% 4/22/19 3,718.75 10/25/17 10/25/17 300,000 38141GVT8 GOLDMAN SACHS GRP INC CORP NT (CALLABLE) 2.00% 4/25/19 3,000.00 10/25/17 10/25/17 45,000 38141GVT8 GOLDMAN SACHS GRP INC CORP NT (CALLABLE) 2.00% 4/25/19 450.00 10/26/17 10/26/17 250,000 172967KB6 CITIGROUP INC CORP NOTES 2.65% 10/26/20 3,312.50 10/28/17 10/28/17 1,300,000 3133EFKY2 FFCB NOTES (CALLABLE) 1.36% 10/28/19 8,840.00 10/30/17 10/30/17 400,000 0258M0EC9 AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT (CALLABLE) CORP 1.70% 10/30/19 3,400.00 10/31/17 10/31/17 2,050,000 912828F62 US TREASURY NOTES 1.50% 10/31/19 15,375.00 10/31/17 10/31/17 900,000 912828K58 US TREASURY NOTES 1.37% 4/30/20 6,187.50 10/31/17 10/31/17 2,000,000 912828D23 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 4/30/19 16,250.00 10/31/17 10/31/17 795,000 912828D23 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 4/30/19 6,459.37 10/31/17 10/31/17 175,000 912828L99 US TREASURY NOTES 1.37% 10/31/20 1,203.13 10/31/17 10/31/17 2,500,000 912828ST8 US TREASURY NOTES 1.25% 4/30/19 15,625.00 10/31/17 10/31/17 855,000 912828D23 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 4/30/19 6,946.88 10/31/17 10/31/17 1,200,000 912828K58 US TREASURY NOTES 1.37% 4/30/20 8,250.00
PFM Asset Management LLC 18 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Activity
Trade Settle Maturity Transact Yield Realized Date Date Par ($) CUSIP Security Description Coupon Date Amt ($) at Market G/L (BV)
11/1/17 11/1/17 0 MONEY0002 MONEY MARKET FUND 839.82 11/1/17 11/25/17 94,287 3136AQSW1 FNMA SERIES 2015-M15 ASQ2 1.89% 1/1/19 163.27 11/1/17 11/25/17 221,574 3136AQDQ0 FANNIE MAE SERIES 2015-M13 ASQ2 1.64% 9/1/19 346.71 11/1/17 11/25/17 70,621 3136ANJY4 FNMA SERIES 2015-M7 ASQ2 1.55% 4/1/18 91.22 11/1/17 11/25/17 97,689 3136ASPX8 FNMA SERIES 2016-M9 ASQ2 1.78% 6/1/19 151.76 11/2/17 11/2/17 375,000 713448DR6 PEPSICO INC CORP NOTE 1.55% 5/2/19 2,906.25 11/3/17 11/3/17 1,500,000 86563YVN0 SUMITOMO MITSUI BANK NY CD 2.05% 5/3/19 15,631.25 11/5/17 11/5/17 175,000 904764AV9 UNILEVER CAPITAL CORP BONDS 1.80% 5/5/20 1,575.00 11/9/17 11/9/17 770,000 4581X0CD8 INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 2.12% 11/9/20 8,181.25 11/11/17 11/11/17 400,000 037833CS7 APPLE INC BONDS 1.80% 5/11/20 3,600.00 11/11/17 11/11/17 400,000 458140AZ3 INTEL CORP NOTES 1.85% 5/11/20 3,700.00 11/13/17 11/13/17 490,000 458182DX7 INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 1.00% 5/13/19 2,450.00 11/24/17 11/24/17 1,150,000 3134G9LD7 FHLMC NOTES (CALLABLE) 1.25% 5/24/19 7,187.50
11/27/17 11/27/17 400,000 459058FS7 INTL BANK OF RECON AND DEV GLOBAL NOTES 1.12% 11/27/19 2,250.00 11/27/17 11/27/17 1,025,000 3135G0YT4 FANNIE MAE GLOBAL NOTES 1.62% 11/27/18 8,328.13 11/27/17 11/27/17 375,000 459058FS7 INTL BANK OF RECON AND DEV GLOBAL NOTES 1.12% 11/27/19 2,113.25 11/30/17 11/30/17 800,000 13606A5Z7 CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK NY CD 1.76% 11/30/18 7,040.00 11/30/17 11/30/17 700,000 65558LWA6 NORDEA BANK FINLAND NY CD 1.76% 11/30/18 6,296.89 11/30/17 11/30/17 1,800,000 912828G61 US TREASURY NOTES 1.50% 11/30/19 13,500.00 11/30/17 11/30/17 1,000,000 3135G0F73 FNMA BENCHMARK NOTE 1.50% 11/30/20 7,500.00 11/30/17 11/30/17 700,000 912828A34 US TREASURY NOTES 1.25% 11/30/18 4,375.00 11/30/17 11/30/17 700,000 13606A5Z7 CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK NY CD 1.76% 11/30/18 6,160.00 12/1/17 12/1/17 0 MONEY0002 MONEY MARKET FUND 63.39 12/1/17 12/25/17 63,971 3136ANJY4 FNMA SERIES 2015-M7 ASQ2 1.55% 4/1/18 82.63 12/1/17 12/25/17 64,878 3136AQSW1 FNMA SERIES 2015-M15 ASQ2 1.89% 1/1/19 102.62 12/1/17 12/25/17 184,039 3136AQDQ0 FANNIE MAE SERIES 2015-M13 ASQ2 1.64% 9/1/19 434.86 12/1/17 12/25/17 96,877 3136ASPX8 FNMA SERIES 2016-M9 ASQ2 1.78% 6/1/19 144.10 12/3/17 12/3/17 350,000 717081DU4 PFIZER INC CORP NOTES 1.45% 6/3/19 2,537.50 12/5/17 12/5/17 355,000 437076BQ4 HOME DEPOT INC CORP NOTES 1.80% 6/5/20 3,195.00 12/5/17 12/5/17 750,000 25468PDU7 WALT DISNEY COMPANY CORP NOTES 1.80% 6/5/20 6,712.50
PFM Asset Management LLC 19 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Activity
Trade Settle Maturity Transact Yield Realized Date Date Par ($) CUSIP Security Description Coupon Date Amt ($) at Market G/L (BV)
12/7/17 12/7/17 135,000 172967KS9 CITIGROUP INC CORP NOTES 2.05% 6/7/19 1,383.75 12/11/17 12/11/17 800,000 36962G6P4 GENERAL ELEC CAP CORP GLOBAL NOTES 2.10% 12/11/19 8,400.00 12/13/17 12/13/17 400,000 38145GAJ9 GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP (CALLABLE) INC BONDS 2.30% 12/13/19 4,600.00 12/14/17 12/14/17 200,000 92826CAB8 VISA INC (CALLABLE) CORP NOTES 2.20% 12/14/20 2,200.00 12/22/17 12/22/17 150,000 24422ETS8 JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORP NOTES 1.95% 6/22/20 1,462.50 12/31/17 12/31/17 2,500,000 912828N48 US TREASURY N/B 1.75% 12/31/20 21,875.00 12/31/17 12/31/17 1,350,000 912828N48 US TREASURY N/B 1.75% 12/31/20 11,812.50 12/31/17 12/31/17 2,600,000 912828XH8 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 6/30/20 21,125.00 12/31/17 12/31/17 1,200,000 912828A75 US TREASURY NOTES 1.50% 12/31/18 9,000.00 12/31/17 12/31/17 3,750,000 912828G95 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 12/31/19 30,468.75 12/31/17 12/31/17 2,000,000 912828A75 US TREASURY NOTES 1.50% 12/31/18 15,000.00
Total INTEREST 47,469,298 377,856.47 75
PAYDOWNS
10/1/17 10/25/17 2,979 3136ANJY4 FNMA SERIES 2015-M7 ASQ2 1.55% 4/1/18 2,979.33 0.00 10/1/17 10/25/17 4,598 3136AQSW1 FNMA SERIES 2015-M15 ASQ2 1.89% 1/1/19 4,598.21 0.00 10/1/17 10/25/17 7,505 3136ASPX8 FNMA SERIES 2016-M9 ASQ2 1.78% 6/1/19 7,504.75 0.00 10/1/17 10/25/17 16,108 3136AQDQ0 FANNIE MAE SERIES 2015-M13 ASQ2 1.64% 9/1/19 16,108.10 0.00 11/1/17 11/25/17 6,649 3136ANJY4 FNMA SERIES 2015-M7 ASQ2 1.55% 4/1/18 6,649.30 0.00 11/1/17 11/25/17 812 3136ASPX8 FNMA SERIES 2016-M9 ASQ2 1.78% 6/1/19 812.41 0.00 11/1/17 11/25/17 29,409 3136AQSW1 FNMA SERIES 2015-M15 ASQ2 1.89% 1/1/19 29,408.51 0.00 11/1/17 11/25/17 37,535 3136AQDQ0 FANNIE MAE SERIES 2015-M13 ASQ2 1.64% 9/1/19 37,535.02 0.00 12/1/17 12/25/17 3,690 3136ANJY4 FNMA SERIES 2015-M7 ASQ2 1.55% 4/1/18 3,690.33 0.00 12/1/17 12/25/17 10,804 3136AQSW1 FNMA SERIES 2015-M15 ASQ2 1.89% 1/1/19 10,804.04 0.00 12/1/17 12/25/17 158 3136ASPX8 FNMA SERIES 2016-M9 ASQ2 1.78% 6/1/19 157.60 0.00 12/1/17 12/25/17 24,707 3136AQDQ0 FANNIE MAE SERIES 2015-M13 ASQ2 1.64% 9/1/19 24,706.76 0.00
PFM Asset Management LLC 20 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Activity
Trade Settle Maturity Transact Yield Realized Date Date Par ($) CUSIP Security Description Coupon Date Amt ($) at Market G/L (BV)
Total PAYDOWNS 144,954 144,954.36 0.00
SELL
10/12/17 10/13/17 450,000 912828F62 US TREASURY NOTES 1.50% 10/31/19 452,746.01 1.53% (298.83) 10/13/17 10/17/17 85,000 084670BX5 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC GLOBAL NOTES 1.15% 8/15/18 84,963.50 1.44% (200.60) 10/23/17 10/30/17 135,000 0258M0DV8 AMERICAN EXPRESS CRD CRP NT (CALLABLE) 1.80% 7/31/18 135,720.90 1.69% (16.86) 10/23/17 10/30/17 400,000 06406HDB2 BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORP (CALLABLE) 1.60% 5/22/18 402,852.89 1.58% 51.00 10/24/17 10/26/17 300,000 06406HDB2 BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON CORP (CALLABLE) 1.60% 5/22/18 302,011.33 1.62% (36.65) 10/24/17 10/26/17 200,000 912828A34 US TREASURY NOTES 1.25% 11/30/18 200,565.62 1.46% (1,350.68) 10/31/17 10/31/17 175,000 912828L99 US TREASURY NOTES 1.37% 10/31/20 173,188.48 1.73% (110.25) 11/1/17 11/3/17 150,000 3135G0YT4 FANNIE MAE GLOBAL NOTES 1.62% 11/27/18 151,248.25 1.50% (637.35)
11/6/17 11/13/17 125,000 912828A34 US TREASURY NOTES 1.25% 11/30/18 125,337.58 1.54% (911.69) 11/6/17 11/10/17 140,000 24422ETM1 JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORP 1.65% 10/15/18 140,206.62 1.61% 94.86 11/8/17 11/10/17 175,000 912828XM7 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 7/31/20 175,302.86 1.73% (516.35) 11/9/17 11/14/17 520,000 912828XM7 US TREASURY NOTES 1.62% 7/31/20 521,073.03 1.72% (1,650.86) 11/13/17 11/16/17 350,000 912828F62 US TREASURY NOTES 1.50% 10/31/19 348,974.23 1.69% (1,257.81) 11/16/17 11/17/17 175,000 3135G0YT4 FANNIE MAE GLOBAL NOTES 1.62% 11/27/18 176,351.63 1.62% (923.81) 11/16/17 11/17/17 700,000 78009NZZ2 ROYAL BANK OF CANADA NY CD 1.70% 3/9/18 702,583.84 1.53% 336.06 11/16/17 11/20/17 350,000 912828ST8 US TREASURY NOTES 1.25% 4/30/19 348,231.94 1.65% (1,091.88) 12/1/17 12/5/17 1,250,000 3130A57L7 FHLB NOTES 1.05% 9/7/18 1,247,533.33 1.66% (4,860.84)
Total SELL 5,680,000 5,688,892.04 -13,382.54
PFM Asset Management LLC 21 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Activity
CAMP Pool Transactions
Trade Settle Dollar Share or Share Transaction Description Date Date Amount Unit Price Amount
10/10/17 10/10/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(5,000,000.00) 1.00 (5,000,000.000)
10/19/17 10/19/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(2,000,000.00) 1.00 (2,000,000.000)
10/30/17 10/30/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(1,400,000.00) 1.00 (1,400,000.000)
10/31/17 11/01/17 Accrual Income Div Reinvestment - Distributions $43,030.80 1.00 43,030.800
11/01/17 11/01/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(3,000,000.00) 1.00 (3,000,000.000)
11/13/17 11/13/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(3,000,000.00) 1.00 (3,000,000.000)
11/22/17 11/22/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(3,500,000.00) 1.00 (3,500,000.000)
11/30/17 12/01/17 Accrual Income Div Reinvestment - Distributions $33,147.64 1.00 33,147.640
77 12/01/17 12/01/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(2,500,000.00) 1.00 (2,500,000.000)
12/13/17 12/13/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(3,200,000.00) 1.00 (3,200,000.000)
12/21/17 12/21/17 Purchase - ACH Purchase $30,000,000.00 1.00 30,000,000.000
12/22/17 12/22/17 Redemption - ACH Redemption $(5,058,508.74) 1.00 (5,058,508.740)
12/27/17 12/27/17 Purchase - ACH Purchase $6,000,000.00 1.00 6,000,000.000
12/28/17 12/28/17 Purchase - ACH Purchase $1,800,000.00 1.00 1,800,000.000
12/29/17 01/02/18 Accrual Income Div Reinvestment - Distributions $39,815.52 1.00 39,815.520
TOTALS $9,257,485.22 9,257,485.220
PFM Asset Management LLC 22 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Composition
Sector/Issuer Distribution
As of December 31, 2017
Sector / Issuer Market Value ($) % of Sector % of Total Portfolio
Certificate of Deposit
BANK OF MONTREAL 1,501,856 11.7% 1.0%
BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA 1,494,570 11.7% 1.0%
CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK OF COMMERCE 1,496,834 11.7% 1.0%
MITSUBISHI UFJ FINANCIAL GROUP INC 870,906 6.8% 0.6%
NORDEA BANK AB 700,434 5.5% 0.5%
SKANDINAVISKA ENSKILDA BANKEN AB 1,505,418 11.8% 1.0%
SUMITOMO MITSUI FINANCIAL GROUP INC 1,498,974 11.7% 1.0% 78 SVENSKA HANDELSBANKEN AB 1,493,369 11.7% 1.0%
SWEDBANK AB 870,273 6.8% 0.6%
WESTPAC BANKING CORP 1,367,726 10.7% 0.9%
Sector Total 12,800,359 100.0% 8.4%
Corporate
AMERICAN EXPRESS CO 907,759 4.7% 0.6%
AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE 865,670 4.5% 0.6%
APPLE INC 866,008 4.5% 0.6%
BANK OF AMERICA CO 872,533 4.5% 0.6%
BB&T CORPORATION 856,817 4.4% 0.6%
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC 49,838 0.3% -%
CATERPILLAR INC 573,229 3.0% 0.4%
PFM Asset Management LLC 23 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Composition
Sector / Issuer Market Value ($) % of Sector % of Total Portfolio
CITIGROUP INC 876,003 4.5% 0.6%
DEERE & COMPANY 463,605 2.4% 0.3%
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO 797,722 4.1% 0.5%
GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC 873,880 4.5% 0.6%
HOME DEPOT INC 352,177 1.8% 0.2%
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL 238,731 1.2% 0.2%
INTEL CORPORATION 398,163 2.1% 0.3%
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES 665,477 3.4% 0.4%
JOHNSON & JOHNSON 184,124 1.0% 0.1%
JP MORGAN CHASE & CO 749,498 3.9% 0.5%
MICROSOFT CORP 585,860 3.0% 0.4% 79 MORGAN STANLEY 376,693 1.9% 0.2%
ORACLE CORP 1,004,521 5.2% 0.7%
PACCAR FINANCIAL CORP 243,135 1.3% 0.2%
PEPSICO INC 496,447 2.6% 0.3%
PFIZER INC 347,238 1.8% 0.2%
THE WALT DISNEY CORPORATION 988,022 5.1% 0.6%
TOYOTA MOTOR CORP 1,439,862 7.4% 0.9%
UNILEVER PLC 173,711 0.9% 0.1%
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE INC 517,250 2.7% 0.3%
VISA INC 199,842 1.0% 0.1%
WAL-MART STORES INC 403,561 2.1% 0.3%
WELLS FARGO & COMPANY 1,959,798 10.1% 1.3%
Sector Total 19,327,176 100.0% 12.6%
PFM Asset Management LLC 24 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Composition
Sector / Issuer Market Value ($) % of Sector % of Total Portfolio
Federal Agency/CMO
FANNIE MAE 369,563 100.0% 0.2%
Sector Total 369,563 100.0% 0.2%
Federal Agency/GSE
FANNIE MAE 7,245,381 36.4% 4.7%
FEDERAL FARM CREDIT BANKS 4,354,261 21.9% 2.8%
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS 4,318,310 21.7% 2.8%
FREDDIE MAC 4,006,513 20.1% 2.6%
Sector Total 19,924,464 100.0% 13.0% 80
Mny Mkt Fund / Pool
CAMP POOL 57,104,049 100.0% 37.3%
Sector Total 57,104,049 100.0% 37.3%
Municipal
STATE OF CONNECTICUT 374,106 27.2% 0.2%
STATE OF GEORGIA 999,860 72.8% 0.7%
Sector Total 1,373,966 100.0% 0.9%
Supra-Sov / Supra-Natl Agency
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 1,254,444 40.2% 0.8%
INTL BANK OF RECONSTRUCTION AND DEV 1,867,065 59.8% 1.2%
PFM Asset Management LLC 25 For the Quarter Ended December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Portfolio Composition
Sector / Issuer Market Value ($) % of Sector % of Total Portfolio
Sector Total 3,121,510 100.0% 2.0%
U.S. Treasury
UNITED STATES TREASURY 39,265,793 100.0% 25.6%
Sector Total 39,265,793 100.0% 25.6%
Portfolio Total 153,286,880 100.0% 100.0% 81
PFM Asset Management LLC 26 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value U.S. Treasury Bond / Note
US TREASURY NOTES 912828A34 700,000.00 AA+ Aaa 05/03/16 05/06/16 707,382.81 0.83 769.23 702,639.91 696,581.90 DTD 12/02/2013 1.250% 11/30/2018
US TREASURY NOTES 912828A75 1,200,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/01/15 12/04/15 1,210,171.87 1.22 49.72 1,203,343.33 1,196,203.20 DTD 12/31/2013 1.500% 12/31/2018
US TREASURY NOTES 912828A75 2,000,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/19/16 12/22/16 2,009,062.50 1.27 82.87 2,004,494.28 1,993,672.00 DTD 12/31/2013 1.500% 12/31/2018
US TREASURY NOTES 912828B33 2,025,000.00 AA+ Aaa 01/03/17 01/05/17 2,035,045.90 1.26 12,711.28 2,030,281.56 2,017,564.20 DTD 01/31/2014 1.500% 01/31/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828C65 1,170,000.00 AA+ Aaa 03/02/16 03/04/16 1,190,292.19 1.05 4,857.59 1,178,293.78 1,166,571.90 DTD 03/31/2014 1.625% 03/31/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828D23 795,000.00 AA+ Aaa 06/27/16 06/29/16 815,620.31 0.70 2,212.60 804,708.45 792,546.63 DTD 04/30/2014 1.625% 04/30/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828D23 855,000.00 AA+ Aaa 11/10/16 11/14/16 866,689.45 1.06 2,379.59 861,347.56 852,361.47 DTD 04/30/2014 1.625% 04/30/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828D23 2,000,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/19/16 12/22/16 2,010,937.50 1.39 5,566.30 2,006,216.10 1,993,828.00 DTD 04/30/2014 1.625% 04/30/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828ST8 2,150,000.00 AA+ Aaa 10/04/17 10/05/17 2,143,869.14 1.43 4,602.90 2,144,811.02 2,132,950.50 DTD 04/30/2012 1.250% 04/30/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828WW6 1,300,000.00 AA+ Aaa 01/03/17 01/05/17 1,308,125.00 1.38 8,840.35 1,305,034.54 1,295,226.40 DTD 07/31/2014 1.625% 07/31/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828F62 1,700,000.00 AA+ Aaa 10/03/17 10/03/17 1,700,000.00 1.50 4,367.40 1,700,000.00 1,688,312.50 DTD 10/31/2014 1.500% 10/31/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828G61 1,800,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/01/16 12/05/16 1,802,812.50 1.45 2,373.63 1,801,815.34 1,786,991.40 DTD 12/01/2014 1.500% 11/30/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828G95 3,750,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/14/17 12/15/17 3,734,472.66 1.83 168.34 3,734,828.55 3,730,372.50 DTD 12/31/2014 1.625% 12/31/2019
US TREASURY NOTES 912828J50 275,000.00 AA+ Aaa 03/08/17 03/13/17 272,690.43 1.67 1,284.79 273,306.66 271,895.53 DTD 03/02/2015 1.375% 02/29/2020
27 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value U.S. Treasury Bond / Note
US TREASURY NOTES 912828J50 575,000.00 AA+ Aaa 02/01/17 02/03/17 571,518.55 1.58 2,686.38 572,533.87 568,508.83 DTD 03/02/2015 1.375% 02/29/2020
US TREASURY NOTES 912828J50 1,725,000.00 AA+ Aaa 08/31/17 09/01/17 1,724,932.62 1.38 8,059.13 1,724,941.71 1,705,526.48 DTD 03/02/2015 1.375% 02/29/2020
US TREASURY NOTES 912828J84 2,500,000.00 AA+ Aaa 10/02/17 10/02/17 2,487,890.63 1.57 8,782.62 2,489,085.58 2,470,702.50 DTD 03/31/2015 1.375% 03/31/2020
US TREASURY NOTES 912828K58 900,000.00 AA+ Aaa 04/07/17 04/10/17 895,359.38 1.55 2,119.48 896,445.60 888,855.30 DTD 04/30/2015 1.375% 04/30/2020
US TREASURY NOTES 912828K58 1,200,000.00 AA+ Aaa 04/03/17 04/05/17 1,194,609.38 1.53 2,825.97 1,195,890.41 1,185,140.40 DTD 04/30/2015 1.375% 04/30/2020
US3 TREASURY NOTES 912828K58 3,750,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/14/17 12/15/17 3,707,666.02 1.86 8,831.15 3,708,489.79 3,703,563.75 DTD 04/30/2015 1.375% 04/30/2020
US TREASURY NOTES 912828XH8 2,600,000.00 AA+ Aaa 06/26/17 06/28/17 2,609,343.75 1.50 116.71 2,607,793.63 2,580,804.20 DTD 06/30/2015 1.625% 06/30/2020
US TREASURY NOTES 912828XM7 730,000.00 AA+ Aaa 07/05/17 07/07/17 730,456.25 1.60 4,964.20 730,387.86 724,382.65 DTD 07/31/2015 1.625% 07/31/2020
US TREASURY N/B 912828N48 1,350,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/01/17 12/05/17 1,343,566.41 1.91 65.26 1,343,722.57 1,340,613.45 DTD 12/31/2015 1.750% 12/31/2020
US TREASURY N/B 912828N48 2,500,000.00 AA+ Aaa 12/14/17 12/15/17 2,486,132.81 1.94 120.86 2,486,345.80 2,482,617.50 DTD 12/31/2015 1.750% 12/31/2020
Security Type Sub-Total 39,550,000.00 39,558,648.06 1.51 88,838.35 39,506,757.90 39,265,793.19
Supra-National Agency Bond / Note
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 458182DX7 490,000.00 AAA Aaa 04/05/16 04/12/16 488,530.00 1.10 653.33 489,342.58 483,793.66 DTD 04/12/2016 1.000% 05/13/2019
INTL BANK OF RECON AND DEV SN NOTE 459058FK4 350,000.00 AAA Aaa 07/06/16 07/13/16 349,926.50 0.88 1,156.94 349,960.89 343,817.60 DTD 07/13/2016 0.875% 08/15/2019
28 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Supra-National Agency Bond / Note
INTL BANK OF RECON AND DEV GLOBAL 459058FS7 375,000.00 AAA Aaa 08/28/17 08/30/17 371,718.75 1.52 398.44 372,205.77 368,741.63 NOTES DTD 10/27/2016 1.125% 11/27/2019
INTL BANK OF RECON AND DEV GLOBAL 459058FS7 400,000.00 AAA Aaa 08/28/17 08/30/17 396,588.00 1.51 425.00 397,094.51 393,324.40 NOTES DTD 10/27/2016 1.125% 11/27/2019
INTL BANK OF RECONSTRUCTION AND DEV 45905UP32 775,000.00 AAA Aaa 09/12/17 09/19/17 773,140.00 1.64 3,427.70 773,312.76 761,181.75 NOTE DTD 09/19/2017 1.561% 09/12/2020
INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK 4581X0CD8 770,000.00 AAA Aaa 10/02/17 10/10/17 777,137.21 1.81 2,363.47 776,632.84 770,650.65 DTD 11/08/2013 2.125% 11/09/2020
Security Type Sub-Total 3,160,000.00 3,157,040.46 1.49 8,424.88 3,158,549.35 3,121,509.69
Municipal Bond / Note
GA ST TXBL GO BONDS 373384T55 1,000,000.00 AAA Aaa 06/18/14 07/10/14 1,000,000.00 1.38 5,750.00 1,000,000.00 999,860.00 DTD 07/10/2014 1.380% 02/01/2018
CT ST TXBL GO BONDS 20772J3D2 380,000.00 A+ A1 08/03/16 08/17/16 380,820.80 1.23 1,866.22 380,448.27 374,106.20 DTD 08/17/2016 1.300% 08/15/2019
Security Type Sub-Total 1,380,000.00 1,380,820.80 1.34 7,616.22 1,380,448.27 1,373,966.20
Federal Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
FNMA SERIES 2015-M7 ASQ2 3136ANJY4 60,281.11 AA+ Aaa 04/15/15 04/30/15 60,883.71 0.83 77.86 60,281.11 60,202.75 DTD 04/01/2015 1.550% 04/01/2018
FNMA SERIES 2015-M15 ASQ2 3136AQSW1 54,074.08 AA+ Aaa 11/06/15 11/30/15 54,614.82 1.20 85.53 54,187.25 54,024.20 DTD 11/01/2015 1.898% 01/01/2019
FNMA SERIES 2016-M9 ASQ2 3136ASPX8 96,719.02 AA+ Aaa 06/09/16 06/30/16 97,686.16 1.05 143.87 97,105.02 96,534.23 DTD 06/01/2016 1.785% 06/01/2019
FANNIE MAE SERIES 2015-M13 ASQ2 3136AQDQ0 159,332.67 AA+ Aaa 10/07/15 10/30/15 160,928.22 1.08 218.55 159,895.67 158,802.00 DTD 10/01/2015 1.646% 09/01/2019
29 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Security Type Sub-Total 370,406.88 374,112.91 1.05 525.81 371,469.05 369,563.18
Federal Agency Bond / Note
FANNIE MAE GLOBAL NOTES 3135G0YT4 1,025,000.00 AA+ Aaa 09/23/15 09/28/15 1,041,615.25 1.10 1,573.09 1,029,815.06 1,023,382.55 DTD 10/01/2013 1.625% 11/27/2018
FNMA BENCHMARK NOTE 3135G0J53 600,000.00 AA+ Aaa 05/26/16 05/31/16 598,818.00 1.07 2,083.33 599,498.75 594,328.20 DTD 02/23/2016 1.000% 02/26/2019
FNMA BENCHMARK NOTE 3135G0J53 875,000.00 AA+ Aaa 02/19/16 02/23/16 872,935.00 1.08 3,038.19 874,200.91 866,728.63 DTD 02/23/2016 1.000% 02/26/2019
FHLB NOTES 3130AAXX1 1,050,000.00 AA+ Aaa 03/09/17 03/13/17 1,047,620.70 1.49 4,130.73 1,048,557.47 1,043,926.80 DTD 03/10/2017 1.375% 03/18/2019
FREDDIE MAC NOTES 3137EADZ9 75,000.00 AA+ Aaa 08/12/16 08/15/16 75,463.50 0.89 178.13 75,225.45 74,313.53
DTD 03/21/2016 1.125% 04/15/2019
FREDDIE MAC NOTES 3137EADZ9 800,000.00 AA+ Aaa 05/26/16 05/31/16 800,616.00 1.10 1,900.00 800,279.81 792,677.60 DTD 03/21/2016 1.125% 04/15/2019
FHLMC NOTES (CALLABLE) 3134G9LD7 1,150,000.00 AA+ Aaa 05/13/16 05/24/16 1,150,000.00 1.25 1,477.43 1,150,000.00 1,139,853.55 DTD 05/24/2016 1.250% 05/24/2019
FFCB NOTES 3133ECUV4 1,000,000.00 AA+ Aaa 05/14/15 05/15/15 1,027,570.00 1.47 9,794.44 1,010,404.42 1,002,816.00 DTD 07/17/2013 2.150% 07/17/2019
FHLMC REFERENCE NOTE 3137EAEB1 875,000.00 AA+ Aaa 07/19/16 07/20/16 872,882.50 0.96 3,445.31 873,897.43 861,318.50 DTD 07/20/2016 0.875% 07/19/2019
FNMA NOTES (CALLABLE) 3136G3K87 1,000,000.00 AA+ Aaa 07/19/16 07/25/16 999,330.00 1.20 5,113.33 999,647.14 983,573.00 DTD 07/25/2016 1.180% 07/25/2019
FNMA BENCHMARK NOTE 3135G0N33 575,000.00 AA+ Aaa 07/29/16 08/02/16 574,034.00 0.93 2,082.38 574,485.97 565,784.48 DTD 08/02/2016 0.875% 08/02/2019
FNMA NOTES 3135G0P49 275,000.00 AA+ Aaa 08/31/16 09/02/16 274,571.00 1.05 939.58 274,760.31 270,943.48 DTD 09/02/2016 1.000% 08/28/2019
FNMA NOTES 3135G0P49 600,000.00 AA+ Aaa 10/03/16 10/05/16 599,640.00 1.02 2,050.00 599,793.24 591,149.40 DTD 09/02/2016 1.000% 08/28/2019
FHLB GLOBAL NOTES 3130A9EP2 550,000.00 AA+ Aaa 10/03/16 10/05/16 549,807.50 1.01 1,451.39 549,887.17 541,574.00 DTD 09/09/2016 1.000% 09/26/2019
30 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Federal Agency Bond / Note
FHLMC NOTES (EX-CALLABLE) 3134G8PD5 1,150,000.00 AA+ Aaa 03/21/16 03/30/16 1,150,000.00 1.35 3,924.38 1,150,000.00 1,138,349.35 DTD 03/30/2016 1.350% 09/30/2019
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK NOTES 3130ACM92 1,750,000.00 AA+ Aaa 10/12/17 10/13/17 1,746,902.50 1.59 5,687.50 1,747,231.19 1,737,235.50 DTD 10/13/2017 1.500% 10/21/2019
FFCB NOTES (CALLABLE) 3133EFKY2 1,300,000.00 AA+ Aaa 10/19/15 10/28/15 1,297,959.00 1.40 3,094.00 1,299,054.85 1,286,135.50 DTD 10/28/2015 1.360% 10/28/2019
FFCB NOTES (CALLABLE) 3133EFZT7 1,000,000.00 AA+ Aaa 02/11/16 02/24/16 1,000,000.00 1.40 4,938.89 1,000,000.00 986,306.00 DTD 02/24/2016 1.400% 02/24/2020
FNMA NOTES 3135G0T29 630,000.00 AA+ Aaa 02/24/17 02/28/17 629,596.80 1.52 3,228.75 629,708.13 623,462.49 DTD 02/28/2017 1.500% 02/28/2020
FHLB NOTES 313378J77 1,000,000.00 AA+ Aaa 05/09/16 05/10/16 1,027,970.00 1.13 5,625.00 1,016,166.21 995,574.00 DTD 03/02/2012 1.875% 03/13/2020
FNMA NOTES 3135G0T60 750,000.00 AA+ Aaa 08/31/17 09/01/17 750,195.00 1.49 4,687.50 750,175.04 740,722.50 DTD 08/01/2017 1.500% 07/30/2020
FFCB NOTES (CALLABLE) 3133EGPP4 1,100,000.00 AA+ Aaa 08/04/16 08/05/16 1,100,055.00 1.36 6,150.22 1,100,000.00 1,079,003.20 DTD 08/03/2016 1.360% 08/03/2020
FNMA BENCHMARK NOTE 3135G0F73 1,000,000.00 AA+ Aaa 09/15/16 09/16/16 1,011,560.00 1.22 1,291.67 1,008,075.35 985,306.00 DTD 10/19/2015 1.500% 11/30/2020
Security Type Sub-Total 20,130,000.00 20,199,141.75 1.27 77,885.24 20,160,863.90 19,924,464.26
Corporate Note
THE WALT DISNEY CORPORATION 25468PDH6 100,000.00 A+ A2 01/05/16 01/08/16 99,866.00 1.70 792.92 99,953.71 99,702.90 DTD 01/08/2016 1.650% 01/08/2019
TOYOTA MOTOR CREDIT CORP 89236TCU7 445,000.00 AA- Aa3 02/16/16 02/19/16 444,946.60 1.70 2,773.83 444,979.52 443,018.86 DTD 02/19/2016 1.700% 02/19/2019
BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY INC NOTES 084664CG4 50,000.00 AA Aa2 03/08/16 03/15/16 49,962.00 1.73 250.28 49,984.50 49,838.30 DTD 03/15/2016 1.700% 03/15/2019
31 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Corporate Note
WELLS FARGO & COMPANY CORP NOTE 94974BFU9 350,000.00 A A2 03/10/16 03/15/16 351,431.50 1.99 1,425.52 350,615.36 349,945.05 DTD 04/22/2014 2.125% 04/22/2019
GOLDMAN SACHS GRP INC CORP NT 38141GVT8 45,000.00 BBB+ A3 04/20/16 04/25/16 44,874.90 2.10 165.00 44,944.16 44,864.33 (CALLABLE) DTD 04/25/2016 2.000% 04/25/2019
GOLDMAN SACHS GRP INC CORP NT 38141GVT8 300,000.00 BBB+ A3 04/21/16 04/26/16 299,808.00 2.02 1,100.00 299,914.30 299,095.50 (CALLABLE) DTD 04/25/2016 2.000% 04/25/2019
PEPSICO INC CORP NOTE 713448DR6 375,000.00 A+ A1 04/27/17 05/02/17 374,718.75 1.59 952.60 374,811.18 372,933.75 DTD 05/02/2017 1.550% 05/02/2019
PFIZER INC CORP NOTES 717081DU4 350,000.00 AA A1 05/31/16 06/03/16 349,601.00 1.49 394.72 349,808.66 347,238.15 DTD 06/03/2016 1.450% 06/03/2019
CITIGROUP INC CORP NOTES 172967KS9 135,000.00 BBB+ Baa1 06/02/16 06/09/16 134,929.80 2.07 184.50 134,965.83 134,608.37 DTD 06/09/2016 2.050% 06/07/2019
APPLE INC CORP NOTES 037833CB4 350,000.00 AA+ Aa1 07/28/16 08/04/16 349,650.00 1.13 1,572.08 349,813.19 345,185.75 DTD 08/04/2016 1.100% 08/02/2019
MICROSOFT CORP NOTES 594918BN3 230,000.00 AAA Aaa 08/01/16 08/08/16 229,763.10 1.14 1,004.97 229,872.45 226,924.44 DTD 08/08/2016 1.100% 08/08/2019
IBM CREDIT CORP NOTE 44932HAA1 670,000.00 A+ A1 09/05/17 09/08/17 669,490.80 1.66 3,417.47 669,569.83 665,476.83 DTD 09/08/2017 1.625% 09/06/2019
PEPSICO, INC CORP NOTES 713448DJ4 125,000.00 A+ A1 10/03/16 10/06/16 124,981.25 1.36 407.81 124,988.88 123,513.00 DTD 10/06/2016 1.350% 10/04/2019
ORACLE CORP NOTE 68389XAX3 1,000,000.00 AA- A1 04/14/16 04/15/16 1,031,570.00 1.32 5,187.50 1,016,227.04 1,004,521.00 DTD 07/08/2014 2.250% 10/08/2019
WAL-MART STORES INC CORP NOTE 931142DY6 405,000.00 AA Aa2 10/11/17 10/20/17 404,991.90 1.75 1,397.81 404,992.42 403,561.44 DTD 10/20/2017 1.750% 10/09/2019
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL CORP NOTES 438516BQ8 240,000.00 A A2 10/23/17 10/30/17 239,812.80 1.84 732.00 239,828.44 238,731.36 DTD 10/30/2017 1.800% 10/30/2019
32 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Corporate Note
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT (CALLABLE) 0258M0EC9 400,000.00 A- A2 01/31/17 02/03/17 396,960.00 1.99 1,152.22 397,955.47 395,871.20 CORP DTD 10/31/2016 1.700% 10/30/2019
AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE 02665WBZ3 350,000.00 A+ A2 11/13/17 11/16/17 349,804.00 2.03 875.00 349,816.06 348,801.60 DTD 11/16/2017 2.000% 11/13/2019
GENERAL ELEC CAP CORP GLOBAL NOTES 36962G6P4 800,000.00 A A1 08/23/16 08/26/16 825,288.00 1.12 933.33 815,052.55 797,721.60 DTD 12/12/2012 2.100% 12/11/2019
GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP (CALLABLE) INC 38145GAJ9 400,000.00 BBB+ A3 12/19/16 12/22/16 398,448.00 2.44 460.00 398,971.16 399,743.20 BONDS DTD 12/13/2016 2.300% 12/13/2019
CITIGROUP INC (CALLABLE) CORP NOTE 172967LF6 375,000.00 BBB+ Baa1 01/04/17 01/10/17 374,850.00 2.46 4,364.06 374,897.55 375,172.88 DTD 01/10/2017 2.450% 01/10/2020
JPMORGAN CHASE & CO (CALLABLE) 46625HKA7 750,000.00 A- A3 06/15/17 06/20/17 752,827.50 2.10 7,406.25 752,247.88 749,498.25 DTD 01/23/2015 2.250% 01/23/2020
MORGAN STANLEY CORP BONDS 61747YDW2 375,000.00 BBB+ A3 01/31/17 02/03/17 378,243.75 2.35 4,251.04 377,277.23 376,693.13 DTD 01/27/2015 2.650% 01/27/2020
MICROSOFT CORP 594918BV5 360,000.00 AAA Aaa 01/30/17 02/06/17 359,758.80 1.87 2,682.50 359,830.00 358,935.48 DTD 02/06/2017 1.850% 02/06/2020
AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE 02665WBM2 350,000.00 A+ A2 02/13/17 02/16/17 349,503.00 2.05 2,663.89 349,645.04 348,206.95 DTD 02/16/2017 2.000% 02/14/2020
AMERICAN EXPRESS CREDIT (CALLABLE) 0258M0EE5 215,000.00 A- A2 02/28/17 03/03/17 214,776.40 2.24 1,550.39 214,836.66 214,349.20 CORP DTD 03/03/2017 2.200% 03/03/2020
WALT DISNEY COMPANY CORP NOTES 25468PDP8 145,000.00 A+ A2 03/01/17 03/06/17 144,962.30 1.96 918.94 144,972.35 144,528.75 DTD 03/06/2017 1.950% 03/04/2020
TOYOTA MOTOR CORP NOTES 89236TCF0 1,000,000.00 AA- Aa3 07/08/16 07/13/16 1,031,540.00 1.27 6,509.72 1,019,090.52 996,843.00 DTD 03/12/2015 2.150% 03/12/2020
JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORP NOTES 24422ETQ2 315,000.00 A A2 03/10/17 03/15/17 314,754.30 2.23 2,079.00 314,817.80 314,668.94 DTD 03/15/2017 2.200% 03/13/2020
33 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Corporate Note
GOLDMAN SACHS GROUP INC CORP NOTES 38148LAA4 130,000.00 BBB+ A3 11/01/17 11/03/17 130,980.20 2.28 638.44 130,917.90 130,177.06 DTD 01/23/2015 2.600% 04/23/2020
UNILEVER CAPITAL CORP BONDS 904764AV9 175,000.00 A+ A1 05/02/17 05/05/17 174,441.75 1.91 490.00 174,561.13 173,710.95 DTD 05/05/2017 1.800% 05/05/2020
APPLE INC BONDS 037833CS7 400,000.00 AA+ Aa1 05/04/17 05/11/17 399,592.00 1.84 1,000.00 399,677.09 396,612.40 DTD 05/11/2017 1.800% 05/11/2020
INTEL CORP NOTES 458140AZ3 400,000.00 A+ A1 05/08/17 05/11/17 399,848.00 1.86 1,027.78 399,879.69 398,163.20 DTD 05/11/2017 1.850% 05/11/2020
HOME DEPOT INC CORP NOTES 437076BQ4 355,000.00 A A2 05/24/17 06/05/17 354,794.10 1.82 461.50 354,832.53 352,177.04 DTD 06/05/2017 1.800% 06/05/2020
WALT DISNEY COMPANY CORP NOTES 25468PDU7 750,000.00 A+ A2 06/01/17 06/06/17 749,130.00 1.84 975.00 749,291.58 743,790.00 DTD 06/06/2017 1.800% 06/05/2020
JOHN DEERE CAPITAL CORP NOTES 24422ETS8 150,000.00 A A2 06/19/17 06/22/17 149,908.50 1.97 73.13 149,924.13 148,936.20 DTD 06/22/2017 1.950% 06/22/2020
AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE CORP NOTES 02665WBT7 170,000.00 A+ A2 07/17/17 07/20/17 169,828.30 1.98 1,482.54 169,853.27 168,661.93 DTD 07/20/2017 1.950% 07/20/2020
WELLS FARGO & COMPANY NOTES 94974BGM6 1,600,000.00 A A2 07/08/16 07/13/16 1,660,096.00 1.63 18,373.33 1,638,651.07 1,609,852.80 DTD 07/22/2015 2.600% 07/22/2020
CATERPILLAR FINL SERVICE NOTE 14913Q2A6 580,000.00 A A3 09/05/17 09/07/17 579,512.80 1.88 3,397.83 579,562.95 573,229.08 DTD 09/07/2017 1.850% 09/04/2020
CITIGROUP INC CORP NOTES 172967KB6 115,000.00 BBB+ Baa1 10/31/17 10/31/17 116,154.60 2.30 550.24 116,091.37 115,384.91 DTD 10/26/2015 2.650% 10/26/2020
CITIGROUP INC CORP NOTES 172967KB6 250,000.00 BBB+ Baa1 09/22/17 09/26/17 252,780.00 2.27 1,196.18 252,551.40 250,836.75 DTD 10/26/2015 2.650% 10/26/2020
AMERICAN EXPRESS CO CORP (CALLABLE) 025816BP3 300,000.00 BBB+ A3 10/23/17 10/30/17 299,610.00 2.25 1,118.33 299,631.42 297,538.80 NOTE DTD 10/30/2017 2.200% 10/30/2020
JOHNSON & JOHNSON CORP NOTE 478160CH5 185,000.00 AAA Aaa 11/08/17 11/10/17 184,802.05 1.99 511.06 184,811.17 184,124.03 DTD 11/10/2017 1.950% 11/10/2020
34 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Corporate Note
APPLE INC 037833DJ6 125,000.00 AA+ Aa1 11/06/17 11/13/17 124,895.00 2.03 333.33 124,899.55 124,210.13 DTD 11/13/2017 2.000% 11/13/2020
PACCAR FINANCIAL CORP NOTES 69371RN85 245,000.00 A+ A1 11/06/17 11/13/17 244,977.95 2.05 669.67 244,978.91 243,134.57 DTD 11/13/2017 2.050% 11/13/2020
VISA INC (CALLABLE) CORP NOTES 92826CAB8 200,000.00 A+ A1 08/25/17 08/30/17 202,200.00 1.85 207.78 201,977.58 199,842.40 DTD 12/14/2015 2.200% 12/14/2020
BRANCH BANKING & TRUST (CALLABLE) 05531FAZ6 380,000.00 A- A2 11/16/17 11/20/17 378,024.00 2.32 1,475.14 378,090.28 376,405.20 NOTES DTD 10/26/2017 2.150% 02/01/2021
BRANCH BANKING & TRUST (CALLABLE) 05531FAZ6 485,000.00 A- A2 10/23/17 10/26/17 484,776.90 2.17 1,882.74 484,784.46 480,411.90
NOTES DTD 10/26/2017 2.150% 02/01/2021
UNITED PARCEL SERVICE CORPORATE 911312BP0 520,000.00 A+ A1 11/09/17 11/14/17 519,178.40 2.10 1,391.72 519,207.61 517,249.72 BOND DTD 11/14/2017 2.050% 04/01/2021
BANK OF AMERICA CORP (CALLABLE) 06051GGS2 100,000.00 A- A3 10/31/17 10/31/17 99,802.00 2.38 666.07 99,810.81 99,718.10 DTD 09/18/2017 2.328% 10/01/2021
BANK OF AMERICA CORP (CALLABLE) 06051GGS2 295,000.00 A- A3 09/22/17 09/26/17 294,528.00 2.37 1,964.90 294,558.85 294,168.40 DTD 09/18/2017 2.328% 10/01/2021
BANK OF AMERICA CORP (CALLABLE) 06051GGS2 480,000.00 A- A3 09/13/17 09/18/17 480,000.00 2.33 3,197.12 480,000.00 478,646.88 DTD 09/18/2017 2.328% 10/01/2021
Security Type Sub-Total 19,395,000.00 19,541,975.00 1.84 100,689.18 19,483,224.49 19,327,175.66
Certificate of Deposit
CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK NY CD 13606A5Z7 700,000.00 A-1 P-1 12/01/16 12/05/16 699,454.00 1.78 1,060.89 699,749.22 698,522.30 DTD 12/05/2016 1.760% 11/30/2018
NORDEA BANK FINLAND NY CD 65558LWA6 700,000.00 A-1+ P-1 12/01/16 12/05/16 700,000.00 1.74 1,095.11 700,000.00 700,434.00 DTD 12/05/2016 1.760% 11/30/2018
35 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Security Type/Description S&P Moody's Trade Settle Original YTM Accrued Amortized Market Dated Date/Coupon/Maturity CUSIP Par Rating Rating Date Date Cost at Cost Interest Cost Value Certificate of Deposit
CANADIAN IMPERIAL BANK NY CD 13606A5Z7 800,000.00 A-1 P-1 04/19/17 04/21/17 801,024.00 1.25 1,212.44 800,579.92 798,311.20 DTD 12/05/2016 1.760% 11/30/2018
SVENSKA HANDELSBANKEN NY LT CD 86958JHB8 1,500,000.00 AA- Aa2 01/10/17 01/12/17 1,500,000.00 1.91 13,781.25 1,500,000.00 1,493,368.50 DTD 01/12/2017 1.890% 01/10/2019
BANK OF MONTREAL CHICAGO CERT DEPOS 06427KRC3 1,500,000.00 A+ A1 02/08/17 02/09/17 1,500,000.00 1.90 11,280.00 1,500,000.00 1,501,855.50 DTD 02/09/2017 1.880% 02/07/2019
BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA HOUSTON LT CD 06417GUE6 1,500,000.00 A+ A1 04/05/17 04/06/17 1,500,000.00 1.91 7,003.33 1,500,000.00 1,494,570.00 DTD 04/06/2017 1.910% 04/05/2019
SUMITOMO MITSUI BANK NY CD 86563YVN0 1,500,000.00 A A1 05/03/17 05/04/17 1,500,000.00 2.05 5,039.58 1,500,000.00 1,498,974.00 DTD 05/04/2017 2.050% 05/03/2019
SKANDINAV ENSKILDA BANKEN NY CD 83050FXT3 1,525,000.00 A+ Aa3 08/03/17 08/04/17 1,524,405.25 1.85 11,691.67 1,524,527.80 1,505,418.33 DTD 08/04/2017 1.840% 08/02/2019
BANK TOKYO MITSUBISHI UFJ LTD LT CD 06539RGM3 875,000.00 A+ A1 09/25/17 09/27/17 875,000.00 2.07 4,830.00 875,000.00 870,905.88 DTD 09/27/2017 2.070% 09/25/2019
WESTPAC BANKING CORP NY CD 96121T4A3 1,370,000.00 AA- Aa3 08/03/17 08/07/17 1,370,000.00 2.05 11,234.00 1,370,000.00 1,367,725.80 DTD 08/07/2017 2.050% 08/03/2020
SWEDBANK (NEW YORK) CERT DEPOS 87019U6D6 875,000.00 AA- Aa3 11/16/17 11/17/17 875,000.00 2.30 2,482.81 875,000.00 870,273.25 DTD 11/17/2017 2.270% 11/16/2020
Security Type Sub-Total 12,845,000.00 12,844,883.25 1.91 70,711.08 12,844,856.94 12,800,358.76
Managed Account Sub-Total 96,830,406.88 97,056,622.23 1.58 354,690.76 96,906,169.90 96,182,830.94
Money Market Fund
CAMP Pool 57,104,048.60 AAAm NR 57,104,048.60 0.00 57,104,048.60 57,104,048.60
Money Market Sub-Total 57,104,048.60 57,104,048.60 0.00 57,104,048.60 57,104,048.60
36 Managed Account Detail of Securities Held For the Month Ending December 31, 2017 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Securities Sub-Total $153,934,455.48 $154,160,670.83 1.58% $354,690.76 $154,010,218.50 $153,286,879.54
Accrued Interest $354,690.76
Total Investments $153,641,570.30 92
37 Attachment C
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT INVESTMENT REPORT For Period Ending 12/31/2017
Total Cash/Investments by Type $361,736,660
Checking/Sweep $8,001,524 Money Market Funds 2% $157,306 0% CAMP $57,104,049 16% Bond Funds $135,415,216 37%
Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) $64,875,734 18%
Mid-term Investments $96,182,831 27%
93 Page Left Blank Intentionally
94 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
i. Authorize an Amendment to Extend the Crown Castle International Corporation Telecommunication License: South County Corp Yard: Lake Chabot Regional Park (Patterson/O’Connor)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the February 22, 2018 meeting, recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an Amendment to Extend the Crown Castle International Corporation Telecommunication License at South County Corp Yard in Lake Chabot Regional Park.
REVENUE/COST
The District can expect revenue of approximately $32,000 annually from this installation, payments of $2,443 per month increasing 5% each year and an additional monthly payment of $250 to cover power costs.
BACKGROUND
Crown Castle International Corporation (Crown Castle) has expressed interest in extending their telecommunication license for their existing communication facility at 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, in the District’s South County Corp Yard in Lake Chabot Regional Park. This communication site was originally contracted with Pacific Bell in 1998 for its cellular division, Cingular Wireless, LLC, to improve service to customers in the hills and valleys of the surrounding area. T-Mobile USA, Inc. purchased Cingular in January 2005 and assumed ownership of the lease agreement with the District. Crown Castle has exclusive rights to manage and operate all T-Mobile towers, including the payment of rents.
Crown Castle does not propose any change to their existing equipment, a mono-pole mounted with three antennas (51.3” x 2.7” x 8”) supported by ground equipment located in a nearby cabinet (72” x 35.4” x 31.9”). The site was designed using the best available technology and utilizes the smallest support structure possible, which can be relocated should the South County Corporation yard develop into a larger footprint.
Staff recommends the Board of Directors authorize an Amendment to Extend the Crown Castle telecommunications existing agreement, based on their satisfactory performance and
95 ability to adhere to all terms of the current license, with a five-year term beginning November 15, 2018. Also recommended, upon mutual agreement, a second five-year term beginning November 15, 2023.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
96 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO EXTEND THE CROWN CASTLE INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION TELECOMMUNICATION LICENSE: SOUTH COUNTY CORP YARD: LAKE CHABOT REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, Crown Castle International Corporation (Crown Castle) has had a communication facility at 17930 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, in the District’s South County Corp Yard in Lake Chabot Regional Park since 1998; and
WHEREAS, Crown Castle has expressed interest in extending their Telecommunication License for their facility; and
WHEREAS, Crown Castle has had satisfactory performance and adhered to all terms of their current license; and
WHEREAS, the General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the February 22, 2018 meeting, recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an Amendment to Extend the Crown Castle Telecommunication License;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes an amendment to the existing Telecommunication License to extend the license for another five years to November 15, 2023, with one addition 5-year term, upon mutual request, and the District will receive $32,000 annually, with 5% increases each year, coded to South County Corp Yard, Communication Leases; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
97 Page Left Blank Intentionally
98 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
j. Authorize an Amendment to Extend the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District Telecommunication License: Tilden Regional Park (Patterson/O’Connor)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the February 22, 2018 meeting, recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an Amendment to Extend the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District Telecommunication License at Vollmer Peak in Tilden Regional Park.
REVENUE/COST
Payments of $455 per month, per rack (total of 4 racks), increasing 3% each year will be collected, with an additional annual payment of $500 to cover road maintenance. The District can expect revenue of approximately $21,840 annually for this agreement.
BACKGROUND
Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District (Golden Gate) has expressed interest in extending their telecommunication license for their existing communication facility on Vollmer Peak in Tilden Regional Park.
This District facility has been in continuous use since 1961 for multiple wave/radio communications for public agencies only, including the District’s Public Safety communications. The facility provides major primary frequency coverage for the western half of the Contra Costa County (County) area and the northeastern portion of the San Francisco Bay Area. The County operates, maintains, and manages the 60-foot telecommunications tower and related telecommunications equipment as well as the management of the District’s equipment shelter on the premises. The District currently collects fees from eight public agencies (BART, Contra Costa County, EBMUD, Golden Gate, State of California CHP, State of California General Services, and State of California Department of Transportation) for using the District-owned equipment shelter at the facility. The County collects fees from the eight agencies listed previously for use of the County-owned tower at the facility. The facility is self-sufficient, requires very little maintenance, is rarely accessed by County staff, and the County pays all utilities for the site.
99 Golden Gate has had an agreement for use of this facility for 32 years and has always paid their fees in a timely manner. Staff recommends the extension of Golden Gate’s existing License Agreement with a five-year term beginning on the “Effective Date” of January 1, 2018, and a second five-year term upon agreement.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
100 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZE AN AMENDMENT TO EXTEND THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE HIGHWAY AND TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT TELECOMMUNICATION LICENSE: TILDEN REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District (Golden Gate) has had communications equipment at the District’s Vollmer Peak telecommunications site, in Tilden Regional Park for 32 years; and
WHEREAS, Golden Gate have expressed interest in extending their telecommunication license for their existing communications equipment on Vollmer Peak; and
WHEREAS, Golden Gate has had satisfactory performance and adhered to all terms of their current license; and
WHEREAS, the General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the February 22, 2018 meeting, recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an Amendment to Extend the Golden Gate Telecommunications License;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes an amendment to the existing Telecommunication License to extend the license for another five years to December 31, 2023 with one addition 5- year term, upon mutual agreement, and the District will receive $21,840 annually, with 3% increases each year, coded to Tilden Regional Park, Communication Leases; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
101 Page Left Blank Intentionally
102 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
k. Authorize the Second Term of the Native Here Nursery Special Use Agreement: Tilden Regional Park (Waluch/O’Connor)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the February 22, 2018 meeting, recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the Second Term of the Native Here Nursery Special Use Agreement in Tilden Regional Park.
REVENUE/COST
There will be no cost to the District for this action. Revenue to the District will be a yearly flat fee of $2,000 or 5% of gross sales, whichever is greater.
BACKGROUND
On January 1, 1994, the District entered into a Special Use Agreement with Native Here Nursery, a project of the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, located in Tilden Regional Park. This agreement was renewed three times previously and the current agreement’s first five- year term will end on December 31, 2018.
The purpose of this facility is to contribute to the preservation of California’s native flora by operating a nursery to propagate plant material from local genetic stock native to the East Bay. Much of the plant stock comes from District parks. The nursery operation also provides local genetic strains of native plant materials for sale, three days a week, to the public, public agencies, nurseries, contractors, and environmental consultants. The California Native Plant Society nursery staff and volunteers also provide education to the public about native plants.
The Board Operations Committee approved and recommends to the full Board the option for the second and final term of the Native Here Nursery Special Use Agreement be granted, beginning on January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2023. The nursery has become a valuable resource and service to the community.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
103 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZE THE SECOND TERM OF THE NATIVE HERE NURSERY SPECIAL USE AGREEMENT: TILDEN REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, Native Here Nursery, a project of the East Bay Chapter of the California Native Plant Society has had a special use agreement for land use in Tilden Regional Park since January 1, 1994; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this facility is to contribute to the preservation of California’s native flora by operating a nursery to propagate plant material from local genetic stock native to the East Bay and much of the plant stock comes from District parks; and
WHEREAS, Native Here Nursery has expressed interest in having a second term agreement; and
WHEREAS, Native Here Nursery has adhered to all terms of their current license; and
WHEREAS, the General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the February 22, 2018 meeting, recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an Amendment to Extend the Golden Gate Telecommunications License;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the second five-year term of the existing Special Use Agreement beginning January 1, 2019 and the District will receive a yearly flat fee of $2,000 or 5% of gross sales, whichever is greater, coded to Tilden Regional Park, Other Property Uses; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
104 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
L. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Expert Tree Service to Remove Trees in the Wildland Urban Interface in the East Bay Hills near Summit Road: Tilden Regional Park (Seal/Graul/Ciaburro)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize a contract with Expert Tree Service of Orinda, CA to remove eucalyptus, pine, and other trees on three acres in the Wildland Urban Interface in Tilden Regional Park near Summit Road to reduce fire hazards on District lands in the East Bay’s wildland urban interface to an acceptable level, maintain and enhance ecological values for plant and wildlife habitat and preserve aesthetic landscape values for park users and neighboring communities.
REVENUE/COST
This project is funded by Measure CC and FEMA grant funds.
SOURCE OF FUNDS Fuels Implementation-Brushland (514600) $2,940,270 Expenditures and Encumbrances to Date $658,937 BALANCE AVAILABLE $2,281,333
USE OF FUNDS Award to Expert Tree $150,000 Other project costs, including contingency $30,000 BALANCE REMAINING $2,101,333
BACKGROUND
Voter approval of Measure CC in 2004 provided the District with funding to create the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan (Plan), adopted by the District’s Board of Directors in 2010, and to continue fuels/vegetation management activities in the East Bay Hills accordingly. District staff prepared a fuels management prescription for Recommended Treatment Area TI012 in Tilden Park to reduce wildland fuels and the intensity of wildland fires, as recommended in the Plan. To protect environmental values and enhance and preserve habitat for native plants and wildlife species, in addition to the Plan, California Environmental Quality Act
105 (CEQA) requirements, NEPA and all environmental permitting for the project have all been complete and approved.
Fuels/vegetation management is planned for a number of areas within the East Bay Hills along the wildland urban interface. The trees to be removed in this contract are located within TI012, near Summit Road in Berkeley, and are part of the hazardous wildland fuels treatment area funded by the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant.
Fire Department staff prepared a Request for Proposal (RFP) that described the specific fuels management objectives and resource considerations. A formal bid process was performed and a contractor’s mandatory on-site contractor tour was held. Eleven contractors were represented at the tour on January 17, 2018; seven contractors submitted proposals on February 7, 2018.
Expert Tree Service, a qualified contractor, was selected based on the quality of their proposal, previous experience, and bid amount. All bid amounts are listed below.
BIDDERS BID AMOUNT Expert Tree Service* $ 150,000.00 Arborworks $ 214,624.00 The Professional Tree Care Company $ 219,600.00 Bay Area Tree Specialists $ 246,378.01 West Coast Arborists $ 300,000.00 Mountain F. Enterprises $ 450,000.00 Mowbray’s Tree Service $ 465,300.00
*Selected bidder (The project will start on the ground once the required biological monitoring and surveys are complete. The work will take approximately 3-4 weeks to complete.)
ALTERNATIVES
None are recommended.
106 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD THE CONTRACT TO EXPERT TREE SERVICE FOR TREE REMOVAL IN THE WILDLAND-URBAN INTERFACE IN THE EAST BAY HILLS NEAR SUMMIT ROAD: TILDEN REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, in 2010, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors adopted the Wildfire Hazard Reduction and Resource Management Plan (Plan) to reduce fire hazard on District lands and maintain and enhance ecological values consistent with the fire hazard reduction goals; and
WHEREAS, Tilden Regional Park is an area covered by the Plan and significant fuels/vegetation management work has been identified in this Recommended Treatment Area TI012; and
WHEREAS, the project area is covered in the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant, from which the District has received funds for fuels management; and
WHEREAS, the District actively searched for qualified proposals and received seven proposals from qualified bidders; and
WHEREAS, Expert Tree Service is a highly qualified, experienced, bidder and has submitted a proposal with the best overall value to the District;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes staff to execute a contract with Expert Tree Service in the amount of $150,000, and a contingency of $30,000 for a total of $180,000, with funds available in project account 514600; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director seconded by Director and adopted this 20th day of March 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
107 ACQUISITION STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
a. Adoption of a Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the San Francisco Bay Trail - Lone Tree Point Project and Approval of the Project: San Francisco Bay Trail (Dougan/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District (District) adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program (MMRP) for the San Francisco Bay Trail - Lone Tree Point Project and approve the project as described below.
REVENUE/COST
There are two fees required for the filing of the MND:
County Clerk Processing Fee: $ 50.00 State Department of Fish and Game Fee: $ 2,280.75 $ 2,330.75
Sufficient funds are available in the Develop Lone Tree Trail Project (CIP #131300).
BACKGROUND
In 1990, the District acquired the 20-acre Lone Tree Point property, located at San Pablo Bay Regional Shoreline in Rodeo. On June 2, 1992, by Resolution No. 1992-06-156, an Interim Land Use Plan for the property was adopted. The plan included a future segment of the San Francisco Bay Trail (Bay Trail) across the property. Several Bay Trail segments connecting the communities of Pinole and Hercules to Lone Tree Point from the west have now been completed, including the “Bio-Rad” segment of the Bay Trail completed in 2015, as part of the Hercules Intermodal Transit Center project. To the northeast of Lone Tree Point, improvements at the site of the Rodeo Marina, including a restaurant, proposed bed and breakfast, winery, and Bay Water Trail launch site are currently underway. Additionally, Contra Costa County has conducted a complete streets study along San Pablo Avenue from Crockett to Rodeo, which includes a Bay complete streets study along San Pablo Avenue from Crockett to Rodeo, which includes a Bay Trail connection to the terminus of the proposed Bay Trail at Lone Tree Point.
The District, per Resolution No. 2014-04-094, completed a feasibility study that identified a preferred alternative in January of 2016 for the extension of the Bay Trail at Lone Tree Point. The preferred alternative analyzed in the MND will follow a ½ mile paved Class 1 alignment with two-foot unpaved shoulders from the end of the existing Bay Trail at Victoria by the Bay in Hercules to the northern property boundary of the District’s Lone Tree Point Staging area. The trail’s construction will require several cuts and fills equaling about 20,000 cubic yards and require additional earthwork to match existing elevations. A clear span bridge 200’ in length is required to completely span and not impact an existing wetland on site. The trail’s grading will block natural drainage pathways, so the project will need to install two crossing culverts. The project also includes a non-signalized at-grade crossing of Pacific Avenue and a spur trail connection to the shoreline portion of Lone Tree Point and pavement improvements and fence installation at the park entrance driveway. The total estimated project cost is $3.1 million.
PUBLIC REVIEW
The MND was released on January 19th, 2018. The document and the Public Notice of Intent to Adopt (NOI) a MND was provided to the public, responsible agencies, trustee agencies, and the Contra Costa County Clerk. Additionally, the NOI was posted on the District website and at the project site. The 30-day comment period ended at 5:00 PM on February 20th, 2018. No agency or public comments were received. On February 21st, 2018, the State Clearinghouse provided written confirmation that the District has complied with the review requirements pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
Adoption of the MND and the MMRP for the San Francisco Bay Trail - Lone Tree Point Project is being recommended, as the Park District has determined that the project with mitigations set forth in the MND will not have significant environmental effects [Guidelines, sec. 15070].
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
109 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
ADOPTION OF A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION AND MITIGATION MONITORING AND REPORTING PROGRAM FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL - LONE TREE POINT PROJECT AND APPROVAL OF THE PROJECT: SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (District) issued a Notice of Intent to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the San Francisco Bay Trail - Lone Tree Point Project on January 19, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the 30-day public review period for the MND for the project concluded at 5:00 PM on February 20th; and
WHEREAS, the MND and the Public Notice of Intent to Adopt (NOI) a MND was posted on the District’s website and at the project site, and provided to responsible agencies, trustee agencies, and the Contra Costa County Clerk; and
WHEREAS, during the 30-day public review period, no individual or public agency comments were received; and
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors finds, based upon the Mitigated Negative Declaration, Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program and all substantial evidence presented at the time of hearing:
1. Notice of the hearing on the Mitigated Negative Declaration was given as required by law and the actions described herein were conducted pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the CEQA Guidelines;
2. That no public comments were received;
3. That there have been no substantial changes with respect to the circumstances under which the Project will be undertaken which will require major revisions to the Mitigated Negative Declaration;
4. There is no substantial evidence that the Project will have a significant effect on the environment in that, adequate Mitigation Measures have been made a part of the Project to avoid any such effects;
5. The Board determines that the Project reflects the independent judgment and analysis of the Park District; and
110 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby adopts the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program for the San Francisco Bay Trail - Lone Tree Point Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors hereby approves the San Francisco Bay Trail - Lone Tree Point Project; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
111 East Bay San Francisco Bay Trail ® Regional Park District Lone Tree Point Environmental Programs Bay Trail Feasibility Study May 21, 2014 Feet t:/bstone/mxd projects/trails/ 0 100 200 400 600 sfbaytrail/sfbt_lonetreepoint_RFP.mxd
Existing SF Bay San Pablo Bay Trail Regional Proposed SF Shoreline Bay Trail Parkland
Seasonal Wetland Rodeo Marina
SAN PABLO BAY
Ave lo ab P n a S
t 1st S Pacific Ave
Shoreline Parcel
Parker Ave
Upland Parcel 2nd St
Rodeo Ave Rodeo
L Garretson Ave Garretson a
k
e
A
v
e
Vicinity Map
S
h Ave Harris a 3rd St r San Pablo o
n Bay
A
v
e
Disclaimer: Boundary and property lines shown on this map do not represent a boundary or property line survey. The East Bay R
Regional Park District makes no representation as to the e Crockett accuracy of said property lines (or any other lines), and no g Hills liability is assumed by reason of reliance thereon. Use of this a map for other than its intended purpose requires the written t t consent of EBRPD. a P 4th St t 112 Page Left Blank Intentionally
113
USE OF FUNDS: Appropriation to new OTA Project “Monitor Nunn Property” 336-7410-117-6191 / 572700 GP18 $28,000 Total Current Action $28,000
BACKGROUND
The preservation of the Nunn Marsh Creek property (Property) as open space has long been an important conservation objective of the Park District. Located along the northern flank of Round Valley Regional Preserve within the scenic Cañada de los Poblanos valley, the Property contains an expanse of blue oak savannah and over one mile of the Marsh Creek corridor. A permanent conservation easement will be established over the entire 272-acre Property as off-site mitigation for the recently approved Vineyards at Sand Creek residential development in Antioch, eliminating the risk of development of the Property, which will continue to be owned by the Nunn family. The Vineyards project is being developed by one of Mr. Nunn’s companies, GBN Partners, LLC.
On February 6, 2018 by Resolution No. 2018-02-011, the Board of Directors authorized staff to begin negotiations with the Nunn family to acquire an interest in the Property. As a result of negotiations with the Nunn family and with state and federal resource agencies, the District has the opportunity to become the holder of the conservation easement that will preserve the Property as open space in perpetuity, and in addition to assume the role of designated land manager under GBN’s resource agency permits. As holder of the conservation easement, the District will incorporate the Property into the land management program for Round Valley Regional Preserve. The Property will be managed in accordance with GBN’s permits and a long- term management plan, requiring grazing and control of invasive species for the benefit of California Tiger Salamander, as well as annual biological monitoring and reporting to the resource agencies. The required biological monitoring and reporting will be managed by the District’s stewardship staff. As noted above, approximately $28,000 annually will be available from a mitigation fund endowment for land management and monitoring by the District.
Per the terms of GBN’s permits, any future public access on the Property will need to be negotiated with the resource agencies. Future potential trail connections include an extension of the Miwok Trail in Round Valley which leads up to the edge of the Property and currently ends there at a District gate. In addition, Contra Costa County is currently exploring the feasibility of a multi-use trail along Marsh Creek Road that bisects the Property.
GBN is in the process of obtaining final resource agency approval of its required long-term management plan. Approval of this management plan is required prior to conveyance of the conservation easement to the District. GBN anticipates recording the conservation easement this spring to allow it to move forward with construction of the Vineyards at Sand Creek project in early summer.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
115 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 03 -
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO ACCEPT A CONSERVATION EASEMENT FROM RONALD AND SHIRLEY NUNN TO PROTECT THE 272± ACRE NUNN MARSH CREEK PROPERTY, ASSUME LAND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONSERVATION EASEMENT, AND ACCEPT AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FROM AN ENDOWMENT ESTABLISHED TO FUND ONGOING MANAGEMENT OF THE PROPERTY: ROUND VALLEY REGIONAL PRESERVE
WHEREAS, on February 6, 2018 by Resolution No. 2018-02-011, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorized negotiations with Ronald and Shirley Nunn for acquisition of an interest in the 272± acre Nunn Marsh Creek property (Property) located on Marsh Creek Road in unincorporated Contra Costa County just west of the Round Valley Regional Preserve Staging Area; and
WHEREAS, the Nunn family is conveying a conservation easement over all 272± acres at no cost to the District in fulfillment of mitigation requirements for which GBN Partners, LLC (GBN), one of Mr. Nunn’s companies, is obligated; and
WHEREAS, GBN will fund a mitigation endowment with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) for the purpose of providing perpetual funding for the District’s long-term management of the Property in accordance with the terms of the conservation easement and in satisfaction of GBN’s mitigation requirements; and
WHEREAS, GBN and the District have negotiated the terms of the conservation easement, the long-term management plan, and the funding requirements for managing the Property; and
WHEREAS, GBN is responsible for providing a non-wasting endowment sufficient to fund the Property’s long-term management and monitoring, which endowment will be held and managed by NFWF, with annual payments to the District for management and monitoring of the Property; and
WHEREAS, under CEQA and the District’s Environmental Review Manual, this action is Categorically Exempt and therefore not subject to preparation and processing of environmental documentation; and
WHEREAS, acceptance of this conservation easement aids in important resource protection goals by preserving viewsheds, maintaining open space, and protecting riparian habitat and endangered species habitat;
116 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to accept a conservation easement over the Nunn March Creek Property, and to accept and appropriate mitigation funds from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation for land management and monitoring related to the conservation easement, to be paid to the District in perpetuity; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation mitigation funds received will be appropriated each year, upon receipt, in the Other Than Asset Fund project “Monitor Nunn Property”, # 572700 GP18; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or allocate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
117 ROUND VALLEY REGIONAL PRESERVE Nunn Property Conservation Easement East Bay Feet Regional Park District APN #007-070-009 - 271.91 acres [ 0 5,000Brentwood Blvd
d
R
y
e
l l Balfour Rd
a
V
r
e
e
D DEER VALLEY
d R ey Concord Ave ll a V s e n WalnutBlvd io r B
Marsh Creek Rd Marsh Creek State Park
Nunn Property 271.91 acres
ROUND VALLEY
CCWD
MORGAN TERRITORY
Los Vaqueros Reservoir
118 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\Land\RV_Nunn\RV_Nunn_VicinityMap_portrait.mxd Date: 3/2/2018 Page Left Blank Intentionally
119 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS X From New Revenues Between Projects DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: OTA Fund- Land Acquisition-Monitor Nunn Property- GBN Partners Migigation Funds-Outside Charges
Account: 336-7330-117-6191 / 572700 GP18-006 $ 28,000 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on March 20,2018 the General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize the acceptance and annual appropriation of $28,000 from a mitigation endowment fund held and managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) on behalf of GBN Partners, LLC. The mitigation endowment held by (NFWF) should provide $28,000 per year to the District, to allow for stewardship monitoring of the 272± acre Nunn Marsh Creek property. As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 3/20/2018 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2018-03- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:
T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2018\5- March 20, 2018\S DRIVE\C-2-b ASD 527200 Monitor Nunn Property.xlsx 120 Page Left Blank Intentionally
121 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
c. Authorization to Enter into a Ground Lease Agreement with the City of Oakland, acting by and through its Board of Port Commissioners, for the Long-term Lease of the Former Crowley Property; and to Transfer and Appropriate Funds for Rental Payments, Related Expenses, and a Conceptual Design Plan to Develop a Waterfront Pocket Park: San Francisco Bay Trail (Reeves/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize staff to execute a long- term ground lease with the City of Oakland, acting by and through its Board of Port Commissioners (Port), for exclusive use of the 1.44-acre former Crowley property for the purposes of developing a passive-use waterfront pocket park providing public recreational access to the Oakland Estuary and the San Francisco Bay Trail. The former Crowley property is located at 1441-1551 Embarcadero along the Oakland waterfront adjacent to the historic San Antonio District.
REVENUE/COST
The proposed lease would be for an initial term of 33 years with two options to renew for an additional 16 years each. Rent for the first year would be $2,300 per month ($27,600 per annum). Thereafter, the rental amount will be adjusted annually utilizing the Consumer Price Index, with a floor of 2% and a ceiling of 4%. A $9,200 security deposit will be paid to the Port prior to commencement of the lease.
Funding for the rental payments for the initial 33-year lease term, the security deposit, and related acquisition expenses is proposed to come from Measure AA funds for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline (San Leandro Bay) allocation area and the Martin Luther King, Jr. to Oyster Bay allocation area, as indicated below. Pursuant to the District’s Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the Port (see Board Resolution No. 2017-05-148), a deposit of $13,800 was placed into escrow as consideration for the Port entering into the ENA. One-half of this deposit will be applied to the first three month’s rent.
122 Funding for the preparation of a conceptual design plan for the Crowley property site is proposed to come from Measure WW development funds for the Oakland Shoreline allocation area. Future costs related to the lease will include the cost to develop a pocket park at the site, and to operate and maintain the park. Funding to develop the site will be identified when the design plan is brought to the Board for consideration at a later date. Funding to operate the pocket park will be provided by annual general fund appropriations to the Operations Division Shoreline Unit budget. The level of funding that will be required to operate and maintain the future park is currently unknown.
This Board action authorizes the following appropriations:
SOURCE OF FUNDS: Designated Acquisitions – Measure AA Undesignated (CIP 229900BAAA) $1,299,980 Measure WW Development Funds, Oakland Shoreline (WP45) 100,000 Total Current Appropriation $1,399,980 USE OF FUNDS: Crowley Property Lease/SF Bay Trail (OTA 524700BAAA) Rent Payments (2% CPI annual adjustment in years 2 through 33) $1,265,780 Security Deposit 9,200 Acquisition Staff Time 5,000 Crowley Property Safety & Security/SF Bay Trail (OTA 524701BAAA) Fencing $15,500 Security Camera 4,000 Signage 500 Develop Pocket Park/SF Bay Trail (OTA 526100WP45) Staff Time $100,000 Total Current Appropriation $1,399,980 Previous Appropriations $115,800 Total Current Project Cost $1,515,780
BACKGROUND
By Resolution No. 2016-09-244, adopted September 20, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized staff to begin negotiations with the Port for a long-term lease of the 1.44-acre property located on the Oakland Estuary at 1441-1551 Embarcadero. The subject property, also known as the Crowley property for its former use as a marine repair yard operated by Crowley Marine Services, Inc., has been of interest to the District for some time. Situated on the water’s edge, the Crowley property is one of the very few remaining undeveloped open spaces along the heavily urbanized estuary waterfront. The property also offers one of the few, if not the only, open water viewsheds from Interstate 880, and it is the location of one of the five remaining gaps in the San Francisco Bay Trail along the estuary. With scenic overwater views of Coast Guard Island directly to its west, and of the Oakland Estuary to its north and south, the location and setting of this site presents a unique opportunity to develop a passive-use pocket park providing a waterfront respite from the urban environment and a resting area along the Bay Trail.
123 In July 2017, the District entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the Port to set terms for a long-term ground lease, and to provide time for the District to conduct due diligence on site constraints and suitability for developing a waterfront pocket park (see Board Resolution 2017-06-148). A ground lease agreement has now been negotiated with the following key terms and conditions:
Leased Premises. An approximately 1.44-acre plot of level, vacant land bordering the Oakland Estuary, with approximately 385 feet of street frontage along Embarcadero.
Lease Term and Rent. A 33-year ground lease, with options to extend for two additional 16-year periods by mutual agreement, for a total of 65 years. Rent set at $2,300 per month ($27,600 per year), subject to annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increases with a ceiling of no more than 4% and a floor of no less than 2% per year. The property is in a highly desirable location for waterfront development, and is well suited for a variety of commercial uses. The negotiated rental rate is one-sixth of the full market rental rate estimated in an appraisal of the property commissioned by the District. The first three months of rent are to be credited by the Port from the ENA deposit if the lease is fully executed on or before June 1, 2018.
Maintenance and Repair. The property will be leased in its “as is” condition. All property maintenance and repair, including routine property maintenance and any major repairs or improvements to the property, will be at the District’s sole cost. Any maintenance or repair required to address any failure or potential failure of the existing deteriorating seawall will be at the District’s sole discretion to undertake.
Termination at District’s Election. Should the site suffer severe damage due to events of nature, or otherwise related to the seawall and/or breach of water onto the site or destabilization of its uplands, thereby causing the site to be unusable for the District’s intended purposes, the District may terminate the lease without penalty.
Conceptual Design Plan. The District has one year from the effective date of the lease to submit a draft concept plan to the Port for the design and development of the site. All permits to develop the site shall be the responsibility of the Park District.
As noted above, a seawall along the southern waterside edge of the property is in a state of extreme disrepair. An analysis of the condition of the seawall and identification of shoreline stabilization alternatives was the focus of the District’s due diligence investigations during the six- month ENA period. The District commissioned a site analysis and feasibility study including geotechnical, environmental, and shoreline engineering studies to identify and evaluate potential alternatives for stabilizing the shoreline. The site analysis confirmed that the existing sheet pile bulkhead is highly deteriorated. Three alternatives were identified to address the seawall as part of any plan to develop the site as a passive-use pocket park. These include: 1) installation of a new rock revetment, 2) installation of a new bulkhead, or 3) no rehabilitation of the shoreline, with park and Bay Trail improvements set back from the seawall. Preliminary cost estimates to develop a pocket park at the site range from $500,000 with no shoreline rehabilitation, to $4-5 million with installation of a new bulkhead. Each of these alternatives will be further evaluated
124 against the District’s utilization goals for the site and the likelihood of securing grant funding to support our efforts to develop the site.
An Acquisition Evaluation (AE) conducted by staff is attached to this report. The AE recommends that the leased premises be placed into Land Bank status and secured against unauthorized access until the site has been developed for public recreational use.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
125 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 -03-
March 20, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER INTO A GROUND LEASE AGREEMENT WITH THE CITY OF OAKLAND, ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS BOARD OF PORT COMMISSIONERS, FOR THE LONG-TERM LEASE OF THE FORMER CROWLEY PROPERTY, AND TO TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR RENTAL PAYMENTS, RELATED EXPENSES, AND A CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PLAN TO DEVELOP A WATERFRONT POCKET PARK: SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 2016-09-244, adopted September 20, 2016, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorized the General Manager to negotiate with the City of Oakland, acting by and through its Board of Port Commissioners (Port), for a long-term lease of the 1.44-acre waterfront lot located at 1441-1551 Embarcadero along the Oakland Estuary, also known as the Crowley property (Property); and
WHEREAS, By Resolution No. 2017-06-148, adopted June 6, 2017, the District entered into an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with the Port to set terms for the long-term lease of the Property, and to provide time for the District to conduct due diligence on site constraints and suitability for developing a waterfront pocket park. The ENA required a deposit of $13,800, one-half of which will be applied to the first three month’s rental of the Property; and
WHEREAS, a 33-year ground lease of the Property has been negotiated, which may be extended for two additional 16-year terms subject to the Port’s concurrence; and
WHEREAS, the proposed ground lease allows the Property to be developed as a passive- use waterfront pocket park providing public recreational access to the Oakland Estuary and the San Francisco Bay Trail; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15325(f), this action by the Board of Directors is Categorically Exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documents as the action involves the transfer of ownership of an interest in land in order to preserve open space or lands for park purposes. This action is also determined to be exempt from CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3) as there is no possibility that this action may have a significant effect on the environment;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to enter into a long-term ground lease agreement with the City of Oakland, acting by and through its Board of Port Commissioners, for the lease of the approximately 1.44-acre lot located at 1441-1551 Embarcadero along the Oakland Estuary, also known as the Crowley Property; and
126 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board authorizes the transfer and appropriation of $1,299,980 from project account Designated Acquisitions - Measure AA Undesignated (CIP 229900BAAA), utilizing funds for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Shoreline allocation area (San Leandro Bay) to Other Than Asset project accounts Crowley Lease/Bay Trail (524700) and Crowley Safety and Security (524701) to fund rental payments for the initial 33-year lease term and related acquisition expenses, and $100,000 of Measure WW development funds for the Oakland Shoreline allocation area to Other Than Asset project account 526100 to fund a conceptual design plan, as shown on the attached Budget Change form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the General Manager is hereby authorized and directed, on behalf of the Park District and in its name, to execute and deliver such documents and to do such acts as may be deemed necessary or appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 20th day of March, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
127 ACQUISITION EVALUATION
San Francisco Bay Trail Port of Oakland - Crowley Property 1.44± acres APNs 018-0480-003-00 (partial) & 018-0475-002-00 (partial) (Alameda County)
Site Description:
The Port of Oakland - Crowley Property consists of one irregular parcel with a total area of 1.44± acres located in Alameda County within the City of Oakland’s city limits. The property consists of roughly rectangular parcel on the Oakland Estuary north of Coast Guard Island. The property is bordered to the north by Embarcadero, a private marina and warehouse to the west and open water to the north and east.
Primary access to the property is off Embarcadero, though a secondary San Francisco Bay Trail connection exists on the adjacent private property east of the subject parcel. The closest Park District facility is the Tidewater Boating Center approximately 2.25 miles to the southeast.
There are no structures on the property. There is an existing chain link fence and gate separating the property from the adjacent sidewalk and roadway. There is another gate and fence to the west, where the adjacent Bay Trail segment terminates. The property is level with a gravel and deteriorated pavement surface. On the water side, there is steel sheet pile wall bulkhead along the southern property boundary. The existing bulkhead is deteriorated and shows signs of advanced corrosion and soil subsidence.
The Crowley property provides unobstructed views to the water, and is the only location along the Oakland Estuary where the water can be seen from the freeway. There are existing Bay Trail segments on either side of the property, and the Brooklyn Basin development is located less than 0.5 miles to the west. The opportunity to develop the site as a passive-use pocket park will also serve to close a challenging gap in the Bay Trail along the Oakland Estuary.
The Crowley property is located within the City of Oakland in Alameda County. The property’s General Plan classifications include: M-40/S-4, Heavy Industrial Zone/Design Review Combining District.
Natural and Cultural Resources:
The Crowley property, due to its history, does not have natural or cultural resources located on the property itself, but it does provide the only unobstructed view of the Oakland Estuary from the I-880 freeway corridor.
The Oakland Estuary consists of brackish water suitable for small craft navigation. The Estuary is influenced by the hydrodynamic conditions of the Central Bay which is a highly dynamic marine
128 regional due to strong tidal currents. Tidal current in the San Francisco Bay consist of semidiurnal and diurnal partial tides. There are two high tides and two low tides that occur daily.
The Central Bay is a highly dynamic marine region due to the strong tidal currents. The dominate benthic species in the Central Bay is the clam, Macoma balthica, particularly in the intertidal areas. Common sub-tidal species include mollusks, amphipods and polychaetes. Sacramento winter-run chinook occasionally occur in the Oakland Harbor during migration and the threatened coastal steelhead pass through the area on their way upstream from June through May. Central Valley Spring-run chinook may occasionally stray into the Oakland Harbor area while migrating in and out of the Sacramento Delta. The Oakland Harbor is not located within these species’ main migration routes and therefore few individuals are expected to occur in the Harbor. Harbor seals and California seal lions may be found infrequently in the Oakland Estuary.
Planning Issues:
Master Plan: This acquisition will be an addition to existing parkland and is therefore consistent with the Master Plan 2013 Regional Parkland and Trail Map as amended in July of 2013.
Land Use Planning: As a condition of the lease with the Port of Oakland a design plan for the parcels future use should be developed within one year of acquisition. This property presents an opportunity to close a San Francisco Bay Trail gap along the Oakland Shoreline. Any development plan will have to consider the condition of the deteriorated bulkhead. If the bulkhead is not repaired, a safe setback distance will have to be established and public access prohibited within that setback. Implementation of the site plan will require a separate planning and permitting process to make the property and the proposed trail segment suitable and open to public access.
CEQA Compliance: This acquisition is exempt from CEQA requirements under both Sections 15316 and 15325 of the State CEQA Guidelines, the transfer of ownership of land to preserve open space.
Public Safety:
Police:
A recent police records search showed approximately 844 calls for service from Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline by EBRPD in the last three years. The property will need to be patrolled by air and ground as part of regular patrols conducted in the area of Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline.
There are no known hazardous materials on the property. Access to the property for emergency vehicles is off Embarcadero. All land access is within Oakland. Future trail segments will most likely be a paved multi-use trail similar to the existing Bay Trail in Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline.
After site development and once the parcel is open to the public, this property would be most efficiently patrolled by ground officers and Eagle air patrol. Officers and staff would need to
129 conduct periodic checks of the staging area and the San Francisco Bay Trail as part of regular patrols conducted in the area of Martin Luther King, Jr. Regional Shoreline.
Potential Police Issues: Curfew Violations Dumping Vandalism
Police Recommendations: Park signs should be erected so the property will be clearly identifiable for jurisdictional purposes. Install a security monitoring system. Once the site is developed and opened, Ordinance 38 signage should be posted for education and enforcement purposes. Future land use planning and facility development will evaluate potential public safety impacts necessary to assess staffing impacts.
Fire:
The Crowley property is within an area classified as Local Responsibility Area (LRA) for fire protection, and is within the Oakland Fire Department’s jurisdiction. EBRPD fire suppression resources would generally not respond to this location due to lack of vegetation. The EBRPD helicopter would arrive within ten minutes or less from the Hayward Air Unit.
The parcel is not located within a State Fire Hazard Severity Zone. In a recent three-year period (2015-2017), EBRPD responded to zero (0) fire incidents on current SF Bay Trail property - a pattern which may typify this new acquisition as well. This is a low rate of fire occurrence when compared to other parks in the District.
Hazardous materials responses will be the responsibility of EBRPD. District records document that in a recent three-year period (2015-2017), the SF Bay Trail had zero (0) hazardous materials incidents. This is a low rate of occurrence, compared with other District parks. One could expect a similar low occurrence level in the new acquisition.
In a recent three-year period (2015-2017), EBRPD fire department personnel responded to zero (0) medical incidents on the SF Bay Trail. This is a low level of occurrence when compared with other District parks, and would likely characterize medical response activity in the new acquisition as well.
Recommendations: Consider including with any public information panels installed at the future park information regarding fire risks, hazards, responsibilities and actions to minimize fire occurrence and losses. Continue to strengthen mutual aid relationships with neighboring fire departments and protection districts to ensure adequate emergency response times.
130 Acquisition Criteria: This property: Implements the adopted Park District’s Master Plan. Presents an acquisition opportunity. Possesses features that may contribute opportunities for recreation or to enjoy open space. Provides an opportunity to close regaining San Francisco Bay Trail gaps along the Oakland Shoreline.
Recommendation for Landbank Status: Yes X No _ __
The property can be removed from Land Bank Status at such a time that a site plan for the property is implement and the trail segment is constructed.
Site Cost Estimate: Rental and Security Deposit for Initial 33-Year Lease Term $1,274,980
Safety and Security Estimate: $ 20,000 Fencing $ 15,500 Signs $ 500 Security Camera $ 4,000
Maintenance and Operational Estimate (annual): $ 134 Total Five-Year Projection: $ 672
1 Estimate is based upon the annual Land Base Operating Cost Methodology.
3/14/2018 N.Lavalle
131 SAN FRANCISCO BAY TRAIL PORT OF OAKLAND PROPERTY LEASE Feet Vicinity Map [ 0 500 1,000
3rd St
Lake Merritt 5th Ave e v Connector 10th St I 1s t n A t S S te 1 h t r 5 t k n th e 9 a Estuary a v 1 t S A O io t Park n th a 3 l 1 B 880 lv ¨¦§ d Brooklyn Basin 15th Ave 2 8 1s th t e St S v Leased Area t A d r 1.44 +/- acres 3 E 2 mb arc ad 14th St ero Foothill Blvd
12 th S t 132
Embarcadero Cove 16th St
14 th Dennison St
29th Ave Union Point Park Kennedy St P ac ifi c A ve
San Francisco Bay Trail Elmwood Ave
Planned Trails Inner Harbor CentralExisting Ave Trails Tidal Canal
State Hwy 61 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\Land\SFBT_Crowley\SFBT_Crowley_VicinityMap_brd_hs.mxd Date: 3/2/2018 Page Left Blank Intentionally
133 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS X From Measures AA and Measure WW Between Funds DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: Capital- Account Name: Expense: OTA Fund - Land-District Wide-Acquisition- Land Acquisition-San Francisco Bay Trail- Designated Land Acquisition-Measure Services-Lease Crowley-Measure AA AAUndesignated Martin Luther King Jr Acquisition Allocation Area-Design Project Management
Account: 333-6330-000-7010 / 229900 Account: 336-7330-601-6191 / 524700 BAAA-100 $ 1,299,980 BAAA-004 $ 5,000 Account Name: Expense: OTA Fund - Land Acquisition-San Francisco Bay Trail- Services-Lease Crowley-Measure AA Martin Luther King Jr Acquisition Allocation Area-Outside Charges
Account: 336-7330-601-6191 / 524700 BAAA-006 $ 1,274,980 Account Name: Expense: OTA Fund - Land Acquisition-San Francisco Bay Trail- Services-Lease Crowley Safety & Security-Measure AA Martin Luther King Jr Acquisition Allocation Area-Outside Charges
Account: 336-7330-601-6191 / 524701 BAAA-006 $ 20,000 Account Name: Expense: OTA Fund - Land Acquisition-San Francisco Bay Trail- Services-Develop Pocket Park-Measure WW Oakland Shoreline Allocation Area, development funds-Design Project Management
Account: 336-7330-601-6191 / 526100 WP45-004 $ 100,000 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on March 20,2018 the General Manager authorizes the appropriation of $1,299,980 Measure AA funds from Martin Luther King Jr. Acquisition Allocation area to a projects 524700 and 524701 to fund the long-term lease of the former Crowley Property in agreement with the City of Oakland acting by and through its Board of Port Commissioners. The Board action also authorizes the appropriation of $100,000 Measure WW development funds from the Oakland Shoreline allocation area, WP45 to new project 526100, to develop a pocket park.
As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 3/20/2018 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2018-03- Posted By: Posted date: T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2018\5- March 20, 2018\S DRIVE\C-2-c ASD 524700 524701 526100 Lease Crowley S&S Pocket Park.xlsx 134 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS X From Measures AA and Measure WW Between Funds DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Signature:
T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2018\5- March 20, 2018\S DRIVE\C-2-c ASD 524700 524701 526100 Lease Crowley S&S Pocket Park.xlsx 135 BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS
AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS
a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Doyle)
City of Concord – Establish By-District Election Process
On March 6, 2018, the Concord City Council voted to adopt an ordinance to establish five City Council voting districts, and to move towards district elections beginning with the November 2018 election. Until now, five City Council members were elected at-large, meaning that all registered voters had the opportunity to vote for all five council positions. Under the new system, City Council members will be elected by district. A council member who lives in a particular district will be elected by people (registered voters) who also live in that same district. The Park District continues to work closely with the City of Concord on the future Concord Hills Regional Park to balance and implement public access and natural resource protection on over 2,500 acres of the former Concord Naval Weapons Station.
136
Page Left Blank Intentionally
137 Event Calendar March – April 2018 Board Meeting Date: Mar. 20, 2018
Date Day Time Event Location Sponsoring Organization 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Splash Into Spring & EBRPD, Alameda Rec & March 24 Saturday 11:30 a.m. Egg Scramble Alameda Egg Scramble Crab Cove Parks, & Alameda Rotary
April 8 Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Spring Wildflower Festival Sunol EBRPD
138 April 15 Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ride-A-Rig Shadow Cliffs EBRPD
Saturday & Earth Day Cleanup, April 21 - 22 Sunday Celebrations and Events Various EBRPD GM COMMENTS
AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
4. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
STAFF PRESENTATION Government Affairs Manager Erich Pfuehler and Legislative Assistant Lisa Baldinger will present the Park District’s 2018 legislative priorities.
GM COMMENTS From January 16, 2018 to February 16, 2018 the Public Safety Division handled 711 service calls and 1,384 total incidents. Highlights are included below.
Police There were 32 arrests made throughout the Park District for a variety of felony and misdemeanor offenses, including DUI, weapons possession, drug possession, violation of court restraining orders, disorderly conduct, public intoxication, and indecent exposure. Officers handled 78 field interviews (contacts without citations or arrests), issued 368 citations, and contacted 11 people on probation or parole to conduct compliance checks.
• Alameda Creek Trail: On February 5, officers arrested a male on probation for a dangerous weapons offense, possession of stolen property and a controlled substance, and felony probation violation.
• Antioch Shoreline: On February 4, an officer cited a male who was on probation for possession of methamphetamine, and a felony probation violation.
• Ardenwood: On February 11, an officer took a report from staff of a stolen EBRPD vehicle.
On February 17, an auto burglary occurred with purse, wallet, and contents stolen. Charges have been filed against the suspect.
• Claremont Canyon/Gelston: On January 20, officers detained and cited two males for unlawful entry.
• Contra Costa Trails in Pleasant Hill: On January 20, an officer took a report of a robbery where a male suspect on a bicycle shoved a female and stole her cell phone.
139 • Cull Canyon: On February 4, suspects carrying weapons vandalized equipment. Suspects were identified and arrested by the Alameda County Sheriff’s office for an unrelated offense.
• Del Valle: On January 16, an officer took a report from two people who got into a physical fight over a dog versus dog issue.
• Garin: On January 16, an officer took a report of a hit and run collision that caused damage to the park gate.
• Lake Chabot: On February 10, officers, Eagle, and Alameda County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the report of an attempted suicide. The male was located by an officer and revived, then transported to the hospital for further treatment.
• McLaughlin Eastshore: On February 15, a suspect crashed into parked cars and chased two people with a mallet. An arrest warrant was issued.
• Out of Park in Oakland: On January 23, an officer cited a male for possession of drug paraphernalia and unsafe driving.
• Wildcat Canyon: On February 11, an officer arrested a male for obstructing a peace officer and driving on a suspended license.
Fire Operations • From January 27 – February 17, firefighter cadets participated in the Introduction to Wildland Fire Behavior and Firefighter training at the Trudeau Training Center.
Fire Fuels Management • East Bay Hills: From January through February, a contractor continued work on the multi- site eucalyptus regeneration control project.
• Kennedy Grove: Contractors completed the ladder fuels reduction project using Western Wildland-Urban Interface grant funding.
• Tilden: Staff is working with Stewardship and Operations on a tree project which involves an experimental stump treatment process where no pesticides are used to stop re- growth.
Lifeguard Service • On January 20, staff taught a first aid course to new industrial firefighters.
• On January 20, staff taught a CPR/AED and first aid certification class at Big Break to 20 park staff members.
140 • On January 20 and February 6, staff participated in the District sponsored Youth Job Fairs to recruit seasonal lifeguards and to share job information. Approximately 75 participants indicated interest in becoming a lifeguard by leaving their contact information at the Park District’s table.
• On January 21, staff and four former seasonal lifeguards attended the Northern California Aquatic Management Association Conference.
• On February 9 – 11, staff attended Peer Support Training at the Trudeau Training Center.
• On February 10, staff taught a CPR/AED and first aid certification class that also covered lifeguard capabilities to six dispatch staff members.
141 BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Operations (Thursday, February 22, 2018) (Wieskamp)
Present
Board: Directors Ayn Wieskamp (Chair), Dennis Waespi, Ellen Corbett
Staff: Dr. Ana Alvarez, Jim O’Connor, Anne Kassebaum, Mimi Waluch, Josh Sosine, Dan Sykes, Ruby Tumber, Dave Zuckermann, Kelly Barrington, Jamie Rizzotti, Sergio Huerta, Denise Valentine, Noah Dort
Guests: Beth Wurzburg, Judi Bank
Agenda Item 1: Review Extension of the Crown Castle Telecommunications License Agreement: South County Corp Yard, Lake Chabot Regional Park
Administrative Analyst II Renee Patterson provided an update on the Crown Castle lease through a PowerPoint presentation. Items in the presentation included map site location and description, and the recommendation to extend the agreement.
Director Corbett inquired if staff determines lease costs by performing a comparison with similar telecommunications rates in the area. Patterson replied that some market research comparison had been completed with other telecom sites on public agency lands and that staff can send a comparison to the Committee members for their review.
Director Waespi questioned if a comparison was analyzed with Hayward Area Recreational District data. Patterson replied no.
Waespi inquired if it is possible to have the repeater painted a darker green color.
Chief of Maintenance and Skilled Trades Kelly Barrington informed the Committee that staff can add language to the contract for the color change request and/or offer to use District standard colors. Waespi commented that it is preferred not to incur additional costs to the District to make the change. Barrington replied the paint code can be offered to repaint the unit.
142 Waespi moved to approve the staff recommendation to extend the existing agreement with a five-year term beginning November 15, 2018. A second five-year term is also recommended, upon request and payments of $2,443 per month, increasing 5% each year with an additional monthly payment of $250 to cover power costs. The District can expect revenue of approximately $32,000 annually from this installation. Director Corbett seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 2: Review Extension of the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District Telecommunications License Agreement: Vollmer Peak, Tilden Regional Park
Administrative Analyst II Renee Patterson provided an overview of the Golden Gate Bridge Highway and Transportation District (GGBHTD) Telecommunications License agreement through a PowerPoint presentation. Items in the presentation included location site maps, businesses operated by GGBHTD, fees, and the recommended amendment for the agreement.
AGM Jim O’Connor mentioned the communication facility is located at the District Public Safety Communications site. The site was originally the property of East Bay Municipal District and when purchased by the District, it was determined that only public agencies could utilize the site.
Waespi inquired on the number of communication sites located across the District. Business Services Manager Mimi Waluch replied that there are 18 total sites. Waespi inquired if the District has the option to terminate the contract. Patterson replied yes. Waespi inquired if there is room for renegotiation following the 5-year term. O’Connor replied no.
Waluch recalled some 15 years ago the District entered into a contract with a private party and had issues, in which it took the District numerous years to change.
Director Wieskamp inquired if there is an opportunity to add to the site if other agencies wanted to join. Patterson replied no, as there is almost no capacity.
Corbett moved to approve the staff recommendation for the extension of the Licensee’s existing License Agreement with a five-year term beginning on the “Effective Date” of January 1, 2018, and a second five-year term upon request. Payments of $455 per month, per rack (total of 4 racks), increasing 3% each year, which will be collected with an additional annual payment of $500, to cover road maintenance. The District can expect revenue of approximately $21,840 annually for this agreement. Waespi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 3: Review Second Term of the Native Here Nursery Special Use Agreement: Tilden Regional Park
Business Services Manager Mimi Waluch provided an overview of the Native Here Nursey Agreement through a PowerPoint presentation. Items in the presentation included location site
143 maps, terms of the agreement, photos of the nursery, annual plant sales, and the recommendation.
President of the Native Here Nursey Beth Wurzburg provided an overview of the nursery with updates on items including plant clipping, special plant sales, and challenges related to plant spraying.
Corbett inquired if District staff purchases materials from the nursery. Park Supervisor Sergio Huerta replied yes.
O’Connor commented that the Native Here Nursery has a permit with the District and collects materials out of District parks.
Waespi inquired if milkweed is grown at the nursery. Wurzburg replied yes, it is very popular and sells out quickly.
Wieskamp mentioned that there is a proposal by Zone 7, who is conducting flood control on a continuation pond which includes plantings of native plant species. Wieskamp requested a business card to pass along to ensure whatever is planted has a good chance of survival.
Corbett moved to approve and recommend to the full Board the staff recommended option for the second and final term of the Native Here Nursery Special Use Agreement be granted, beginning on January 1, 2019 and ending on December 31, 2023. The nursery has become a valuable resource and service to the community. There will be no cost to the District for this action. Revenue to the District will be a yearly flat fee of $2,000 or 5% of gross sales, whichever is greater. Waespi seconded. The motion passed unanimously.
Agenda Item 4: Youth Job Fairs Update
Outreach Coordinator Jamie Rizzotti provided an update on the District Youth Job Fairs through a PowerPoint presentation. Items in the presentation included the Youth Engagement Strategic Plan, purpose of events, geographic locations, budget, marketing and outreach, attendance results, and survey responses,
Waespi inquired about the number of job opportunities available to youth in the summer. Rizzotti replied approximately 400.
Corbett sought more clarification on the process of location determination. Rizzotti replied staff first looked at the demographics on where coverage was needed and then sought out agencies in the area to partner with. Corbett inquired if there is bus transit accessibility near the location. Rizzotti replied yes and commented that public transportation accessibility is one of the determining factors in selecting a location.
Wieskamp commended Rizzotti for reaching out and partnering with other agencies.
144 Waespi inquired if consideration has been given to expand the job fairs to adults with physical challenges. Rizzotti replied a conversation has been had with Human Resources and can be done.
Public Comments There were no public comments.
AGM Comments The March Board Operations Committee meeting date has been changed from March 22 to March 29. Bridgeyard Building Request For Quote and Request For Proposal are in process. Dumbarton Quarry - Stakeholder Outreach Modifications for Phase II in progress and phase 1 facilities are still scheduled for opening in Spring 2019.
Board Comments Wieskamp inquired if there are any issues currently at Del Valle, expressing concern about a meeting where water surveyors sought to change the level of water. O’Connor mentioned the General Manager is meeting with Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) on this matter. We are concerned that staff from Zone 7 are lobbying to change the reservoir operating rules, which are governed by ACOE and this would be an initial step in modifying the lake levels in the future.
Meeting adjourned at 1:46 p.m.
145 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
6. COMMITTEE REPORTS
b. Finance Committee Minutes and Recommended Actions from the Meeting of February 28, 2018 (Corbett)
Attendees Board: Directors Ellen Corbett, Colin Coffey and Dee Rosario
Staff: Ana Alvarez, Debra Auker, Deborah Spaulding, Michelle Strawson O’Hara, Pam Burnor, Kim Balingit, Caitlin Stone, David Sumner, Connie Swisher, Kelly Barrington, Jason McCrystle, Kristina Kelchner, Mimi Waluch
Speakers: Allison Kaune with PFM Asset Management, LLC
Public: Rick Rickard
Committee Chair Ellen Corbett began the meeting at 12:36 PM with the introduction of Committee members.
Agenda Item No. 1 December 31, 2017 Investment Report and Portfolio Review
Assistant Finance Officer Deborah Spaulding presented a report of the District’s investment activity as of the end for the fourth quarter 2017. The report is in accordance with State Law and in conformity with the District’s Investment Policy. The market value of the District’s total cash and investments as of December 31, 2017 was $226.3 million. This reflects an increase of $20.9 million from September 30, 2017, which is mainly the result of the timing of property tax revenue receipts.
Graphs accompanying the investment reports were provided in the Finance Committee packet.
AFO Spaulding advised the committee that PFM Asset Management is the sole manager of the District’s investment portfolio, previously managed by two investment advisors.
AFO Spaulding introduced Allison Kaune with PFM Asset Management, who gave an update on the District’s investment portfolio and the current investment environment.
146 Committee Chair Ellen Corbett asked if the Core CPI is nationwide or global. Ms. Kaune replied it is nationwide.
Ms. Kaune reported on the portfolio strategy. PFM expects the economy to continue to improve, interest rates will rise and PFM will manage the portfolio duration close to the benchmark and continue to look for safe ways to add to the portfolio’s return.
Ms. Kaune’s presentation included a review of 2017 market conditions, and a forecast for 2018, which included a discussion about projected interest rate movement and impact on the market value of the District’s investment portfolio.
Committee member Coffey noted that the District continues to own Walmart corporate notes, and added that he has observed that the District’s portfolio returns are comparable to the investment returns of other local governments.
Committee member Coffey inquired about the number of years PFM Asset Management has been the District’s investment advisor. AGM/CFO Auker informed committee member Coffey that PFM has been the District’s investment advisor since 2009, however, initially PFM shared the investment management duty with another firm. In 2016, through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, PFM was selected as the District’s sole investment advisor.
Committee member Coffey commented that the District’s investment portfolio is large enough that it could be split between two investment advisors.
Recommendation: Motioned by Dee Rosario and seconded by Colin Coffey that the Finance Committee recommends to the full Board of Directors approval of the December 31, 2017 Investment Report. Motion Approved.
Agenda Item No. 2 2018 Internal Audit Work Plan, and Final 2017 Internal Audit Results
Audit Manager David Sumner started his report with a brief history and origin of auditing. Sumner also provided context for his workplan by reviewing for the Committee members the District’s Fraud Prevention Policy and Auditing Policy.
Audit Manager Sumner provided a report of the 2017 Internal Audit projects: Review of Tilden Merry-Go-Round Review of Lake Chabot Regional Park Cash Handling Procedures Review of Capital Improvement Project No. 152600 Shadow Cliffs Solar Panels installation Review of Outback Adventures Concessionaire at Del Valle Review of Del Valle Marina and Camp Stores Review of Mudpuppy’s Tub & Scrub, and Sit & Stay Café Concessions Review of Measure WW Local Grants (12) Special Review of Kennedy Grove Park Cash Collection Activities
147 Special Review of the District’s financial records upon departure of a former employee
External Audit Coyote Hills Day Camp Grant Audit
Committee member Dee Rosario asked how many cash operations are at the District. Business Service Manager Mimi Waluch advised that there are approximately 50 cash handling sites (seasonal and year-round).
Committee member Rosario expressed his concern with the number of cash handling sites in the parks, and the feasibility of auditing every cash collection site in a timely fashion. AGM/CFO Auker advised the District has an audit work-planning system that takes into consideration financial risk, and prioritizes audits where the financial risk is more significant. In addition, the Audit Manager randomly selects sites to be audited. Business Service Manager Waluch added that the Audit Manager is available three times a year during the Operations Front Line training, a mandatory cash handling training. The Audit Manager attends each training and goes through both fraud and cash handling process and procedures.
Committee member Coffey requested more information on the Merry-Go-Round concessionaire. Audit Manager Sumner provided the problematic history of the past concessionaire at the Merry-Go-Round.
Committee member Rosario asked if business at the Merry Go Round is cash only. Business Service Manager Waluch replied it is Point of Sale (cash and credit card).
2017 Internal Audit Plan
Audit Manager Sumner advised the 2018 internal audit projects were selected based on the level of financial risk. A list of selected projects was handed out.
Recommendation: Motioned by Dee Rosario and seconded by Colin Coffey that the Finance Committee recommends to the full Board of Directors for approval of 2018 Internal Audit Plan. Motion approved.
Agenda Item No. 3 2017 Disposal of Fixed Assets
Accounting Manager Kim Balingit reported that the District annually performs an inventory of assets, identifying items that have been disposed, and records an accounting adjustment to “write- off” the remaining net book value of any asset no longer in the District’s possession. Per Board Operating Guidelines, items with a book value (cost less accumulated depreciation) of over $25,000 are subject to Board review and action. For 2017, one land asset met this requirement: conveyance of property to Alameda County Water District. A list was provided to the Committee, for information only, summarizing all assets disposed in 2017. In 2017, 56 assets
148 were disposed through Board approved action process and $211,164 was received at auction for these items.
Committee member Corbett requested clarification regarding how the District recycles equipment. Accounting Manager Balingit explained that the District typically sells the equipment to a recycling company, such as Schnitzer Steel.
Committee member Corbett requested information on the District’s auction process. Fleet Manager Jason McCrystle informed committee the majority of items are sold through First Capital Auction in Vallejo, adding the return on investment last year was 14% on average. The District also uses the on-line auction company Bidadoo for larger equipment items.
Recommendation: Motioned by Dee Rosario and seconded by Colin Coffey that the Finance Committee recommends to the full Board of Directors for approval of accounting adjustments to reflect the disposal of one fixed asset with a book value over $25,000 during the 2017 fiscal year.
Agenda Item No. 4 Open Forum for Public Comment
No public comment
Agenda Item No. 5 Committee Comments
AFO Spaulding updated the committee on the issuance of a letter of credit in the amount of $2.1 million in favor of the California Department of Fish & Wildlife for the Incidental Take Permit (ITP) for the Fire and Fuels Management Program. Once finalized, this item will be brought back to the Finance Committee for more information at a later meeting date.
Meeting adjourned 2:05 p.m. Next meeting scheduled for March 28, 2018
Respectfully submitted,
Connie Swisher Finance
149 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, March 20, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
6. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
c. Board Executive Committee (3/1/2018) (Waespi)
Present
Board: Dennis Waespi (Chair), Ayn Wieskamp, Beverly Lane.
Staff: Dr. Ana M. Alvarez, Becky Pheng, Bob Nisbet, Karla Cuero, Jim O’Connor, Brian Holt, Erich Pfuehler, Lisa Baldinger, Mona Palacios, Matt Graul, Raphael Breines, Chris Barton, Deborah Spaulding
Public: Peter Rauch, Marla Schmalle, Mary McAllister, Colin Coffey, Dave Worley (Local 2428)
Board Executive Committee Chair Dennis Waespi called the meeting to order at 12:40 p.m.
1. Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate
Dr. Ana M. Alvarez, Deputy General Manager, introduced this agenda item. The Climate Action Steering Committee (“Committee”) was created in 2016 to lead, initiate, and coordinate efforts relative to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and building resiliency. The Committee is comprised of staff representing various departments and disciplines (i.e., policy, planning, natural resource management, etc.). Dr. Alvarez talked about the purpose of the policy framework and the five key principles:
Climate in all policies, Climate friendly, Climate readiness, Lead climate smart practices, and Advance science.
Erich Pfuehler, Government Affairs Manager, gave an overview of policies adopted by the Board and actions taken by the Park District to address climate change. Jim O’Connor, Assistant General Manager for Operations, talked about some of the projects and initiatives taken by the Park District to address climate change—clean fuel vehicles, water conservation efforts, recycling programs, and installation of solar panels at Shadow Cliffs, and energy efficient
150 projects. Brian Holt, Chief of Planning and GIS, talked about the Park District’s efforts to adopt a climate adaptation strategy similar to California’s Safeguarding California Plan: 2018 Update. The Park District is participating in the Resiliency by Design Challenge, and is incorporating green infrastructure and design in parks when feasible. Deborah Spaulding, Assistant Chief Financial Officer, talked about climate smart practices and working with partner agencies at the national, state, and local levels including Bay Area Open Space Council, NRPA, and CPRS to establish and implement climate change policies. Matt Graul, Chief of Stewardship, commented about the Park District’s partnership with educational institutions such as UC Berkeley, UC Davis, Stanford, and Colorado State University to serve as a natural laboratory to monitor effects of mitigation and adaption efforts. The information and data would be made available to the public.
Director Dennis Waespi inquired about costs associated with adoption and implementation of this policy, specifically how much more will it cost a project to incorporate this policy. Dr. Alvarez responded that staff will continue to look at costs, and will try to levy projects for additional grant funds. Mr. Holt also added that it depends on the project and this should be considered an investment on the future. Director Ayn Wieskamp commented on the importance of collaborating with and sharing information with other public agencies. Mr. Holt responded that the Park District is actively engaged and works collaboratively with other agencies and organizations.
Public Comment: Peter Rauch commented on native plants, climate change, and extreme weather occurrences.
Marla Schmalle recommended that the Park District examine recycling efforts at Pt. Isabel, especially with regards to waste generated by dogs.
Recommendation: By motion of Director Ayn Wieskamp and seconded by Director Beverly Lane, the Board Executive Committee voted 3-0 to forward this item to the full Board of Directors for favorable recommendation.
2. Horse Valley Creek and Wetland Restoration Project
Karla Cuero, Project Coordinator, presented this agenda item. The Park District acquired the 1,885.2-acre Roddy Ranch property located in East Contra Costa County in 2014. Ms. Cuero gave an overview of the history of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy (“ECCCHC”) and past projects that the Park District and ECCCHC have undertaken. Pictures of the existing conditions were presented. The proposed restoration project features include:
Creation of approximately 2.2 acres of vernal pools and seasonal wetlands, Restoration/creation of approximately 4,120 LF of stream/channel, Stock pond berm repair, Removal of existing paved road, and Addition of maintenance road access.
The restoration project and Park District staff time is being funded by the ECCCHC. The total project cost is approximately $1 million. Project permits are currently being secured. Staff
151 anticipates the project will go out to bid sometime between March and May 2018, with project construction to commence in July or August 2018.
Director Beverly Lane inquired about public use and access, and emphasized the importance of planning for public access in conjunction with restoration plans. She would like to ensure that the public has access to the property in the future. Ms. Cuervo responded that Trail Department staff is working with the ECCCHC on public trail access. Mr. Holt also commented that the plan is not to restrict future public access. Staff will bring this project to the full Board of Directors in the near future and will provide more detailed information on trail planning. Director Dennis Waespi commented that this is a good project for the Park District’s Roads and Trails Crew to work on. Dr. Alvarez responded that staff is close to securing a permit for maintenance which would allow the Roads and Trails Crew to undertake much needed work throughout the Park District.
Recommendation: None. This was an informational item.
3. Open Forum for Public Comments
Mary McAllister commented that the Park District does not employ an arborist or forester and expressed her opinions on the importance of having one in-house. She also shared studies about trees which she forwarded copies to the Board Executive Committee.
Marla Schmalle spoke about the need for more parks in West Oakland.
4. Board Comments
Director Beverly Lane requested an update on environmental graphics projects and a presentation on the Botanic Garden project from Bart O’Brien.
Director Dennis Waespi complemented staff on their presentations before the Board Executive Committee.
There being no further business, Chair Dennis Waespi declared the meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Becky K. Pheng
152 NEWSCLIPS
Community News Park It: Of leprechauns and ladybugs around St. Pat’s Day By Ned MacKay | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: March 11, 2018 at 6:00 am | UPDATED: March 11, 2018 at 8:13 am
Isa Polt-Jones/East Bay Regional Park District East Bay Regional Park District naturalist Nichole Gange will highlight ladybugs, like this cluster seen here in Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park, in a program at Oakley’s Big Break Regional Shoreline from 10 to 11 a.m. March 18. The program repeats at the same time on March 25. The insects can be found on plants, logs, sign posts and even on the ground.
It’s said that if you can trap a leprechaun, he will grant you three wishes.
Naturalist Cat Taylor will put this legend to the test March 17 with a “St. Patrick’s Day Rainbow’s End Treasure Hunt” at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. Anytime between 10:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. you can drop by the park’s visitor center, build your own leprechaun trap, then follow the leprechaun’s clues through the park to the hidden treasure.
Leprechauns are imaginary (I think), but ladybugs are real. Naturalist Nichole Gange will highlight these beneficial beetles in a program at Big Break Regional Shoreline from 10 to 11 a.m. March 18. The program repeats at the same time on March 25. And from 2 to 3 p.m. March 18, the park’s interpretive staff will lead a walk through the wetlands to view signs of spring. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050.
Oakland: St. Patrick’s Day will also be observed with an “End of the Rainbow Geocache Hike” at Anthony Chabot Regional Park, led by Morgan Dill and the East Bay Regional Park District recreation department staff. The group will go on a treasure hunt from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 17 using GPS-enabled devices provided by the leaders.
153 It’s a 3-mile walk, designed for ages 7 and older. Bring small trinkets to trade. Meet at the Bort Meadows staging area on Redwood Road about 4 miles south of the intersection with Skyline Boulevard in Oakland. The program is free, but registration is required. For more information and registration, call 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program number 20136.
Antioch: Perhaps in anticipation of St. Patrick’s Day, the hills have turned a beautiful green, and wildflowers are starting to appear. Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch is a premier park for wildflower viewing. So naturalists Eddie Willis and Kevin Dixon plan a series of 1- to 3-mile wildflower hikes over sometimes-steep terrain to view wildflowers in various habitats.
All are from 10 a.m. to noon and all start at the parking lot at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. The first is a 2-miler March 18 to check out early spring flowers in the chaparral. Subsequent hikes will be on April 21, 22 and 29. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 2750.
Berkeley: The naturalists at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley plan several great programs in coming days. There’s “Meet the Newts” from 2 to 3 p.m. March 17 with “Trail Gail” Broesder. Rain or shine, the group will search in the Nature Area for newts and other salamanders.
The Nature Area’s Jewel Lake is home to one of the few remaining populations of Sacramento perch. Interpretive student aide Kate Holum will show off the perch in the aquarium, then help with some fish-related crafts in a program from 1 to 2 p.m. March 18.
Gail will be back on the trail from 6:15 to 8:30 a.m. March 21 on a 3.5-mile hike up to Tilden’s Wildcat Peak in hopes of greeting the equinox sun. It’s for ages 7 and older; bring your own coffee. All three programs meet at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center, which is at the north end of Central Park Drive. Call 510-544-2233.
Oakland hills: Even if you can’t spot a bird, you can identify it by its song. With that in mind, naturalist Michael Charnofsky will lead a “birding by ear” hike from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 18 at Leona Canyon in Oakland.
The program is for ages 8 and older. To reach Leona Canyon, take the Keller Avenue exit from Interstate 580 and drive up the hill for about a mile. Turn left on Campus Drive, take the first right onto Canyon Oaks, drive toward the condominiums, then turn left to the end of the driveway into the trailhead parking area. For information, call 510-544- 3187.
Fremont: The marshes of Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont are teeming with life. Naturalist Kristina Parkison will lead a safari there, using dip nets and binoculars in a program from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 17. It’s for ages 6 and older.
154 The park also has an Ohlone village site that was occupied for more than 2,000 years. The interpretive staff will lead a half-mile walk to the site from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. March 17 to view a reconstructed shade structure, pit house and sweat house.
Both programs meet at the visitor center. Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. Call 510-544-3220.
Online: There’s lots more to see and do in the regional parks. Visit the East Bay Regional Park District web site at www.ebparks.org for information.
Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at [email protected].
155 Community News Around East County: New stairway opens up more at Black Diamond Mines By Roni Gehlke | Correspondent PUBLISHED: March 10, 2018 at 9:33 am | UPDATED: March 12, 2018 at 3:51 am
News stairs that will give new access to the Hazel-Atlas Mine portal at Black Diamond Mines Regional Park were dedicated on March 14 in Antioch. The new stair will allow a longer underground tour of the mines. Courtesy East Bay Regional Parks
It may be a little early yet for wildflower season at Black Diamond Mines, but it is still worth a trip to the little natural gem on the outskirts of Antioch. The East Bay Regional Park District has just completed an underground stairway in the Hazel-Atlas Mines and safety improvements throughout the park. The underground stairway allows for a new and longer underground tour through the Mine.
“The new stairway will help improve visitor experiences and help even more school-age children tour the mines,” Park District Board Director Colin Coffey said. “The tour is a great way for children to learn about coal and silica-sand mining, as well as local mining history.”
Each year Black Diamond Mines hosts more than 250 class field trips, but the mines are open to the general public, as well. Tours are available weekends March through November for $5 with advance reservations available.
If you’ve visited Black Diamond Mines before and had a chance to view the underground mines, you will remember that the mines had a separate entrance from the Greathouse Visitor Center, which includes a museum and gift shop. The new stairway makes it possible for visitors to complete a full loop from the Hazel-Atlas Mine entrance to the visitor center. Before, visitors would have to stop after 1,000 feet and backtrack to exit the mine tour.
156 Most of the funding for the $2.2 million project came from Measure WW and the Park District’s Major Infrastructure and Replacement Fund.
For those who have never been to Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, it can be found by following Somersville Road in Antioch all the way into the hills. Once you enter the Mines there is a parking lot at the end of the road. From there you will have to walk up a pretty steep hill to the mines entrance.
There is a lot more than just the Mines to see at Black Diamond. The 6,069-acre park, which was once home to a rich mining industry. Millions of tons of coal, and later sand, were mined from the area from the 1860s to the late 1940s. The museum and visitor center includes artifacts, old photographs and displays about the lives of local miners and the history of mining in the area.
There are trails and walks for all ages around the park grounds with sweeping view of the foothills of Mt. Diablo and out to the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. For those interested in more history, there is also a trail that will take you up to the Rose Hill Cemetary where many of those who once lived in the town of “Somerville” and “Nortonville” still lay to rest.
The renovations around the mines has also cleared space for a new immersive exhibit on local mining history that is expected to open this fall.
Reservations to the tours are not necessary, but recommended to make sure tours are happening and because they fill up quickly and are first-come-first-served. Tickets are online at www.ebparks.org or call 1 888-327-2757. For safety reasons, tour participants must be 7 years or older.
Community steps up to help K-9s
Over the past year the Antioch Police Department had to unexpectedly retire two of its K-9 officers leaving, what some local residents believe, is a big hole in the local police department’s protection system. The loss sparked members of the community to start a Go-Fund-Me page to help raise money for the purchase and training of one K-9 unit.
Antioch’s Tim McCall, who started the fundraiser, explains that K-9 unit is a police dog known in some English-speaking countries as a “K-9” or “K9.” This type of dog is specifically trained to assist police and other law-enforcement personnel.
“The K-9 Unit is called in instances when either a dangerous call is in progress, such as a burglary, robbery, or vehicle pursuit,” McCall explained. “The dogs are able to clear areas before officers approach on foot and perform area, canyon or building searches for fleeing and hidden suspects.”
McCall said that all K-9s are trained in the areas of protection, searching, tracking, article searching and narcotics detection.
157 “The use of the K9s in our department enhances not only our efficiency, but our effectiveness in our efforts to apprehend criminal violators, locating missing persons and the locating of crucial items of evidence,” he said.
McCall, who isn’t a police officer, but just a citizen that knows the importance of the K-9 police and wants to help get them back on our streets.
In the first two-days the Go-Fund-Me page was up over $5,000 in contributions were made. In just 16 days over $17,000 was donated by local concerned citizens. In total McCall is hoping to have $28,000 donated. He said all funds donated will go toward the K-9 unit.
“I am overwhelmed by the support I have received with this,” McCall said, thanking everyone for their generosity. “This is because it is a very beneficial program and will make a difference.”
McCall said they are still a long way from the goal and hopes that people will continue to contribute to the cause. For more information, go to https://www.gofundme.com/K9yes.
Roni Gehlke writes about happenings mostly in Contra Costa County. Write to her at [email protected].
158 Opinion > Editorials Editorial: Prop. 68 water, parks bond deserves Californians’ support
By Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards | PUBLISHED: March 10, 2018 at 8:00 am | UPDATED: March 11, 2018 at 8:03 am
Proposition 68 would provide crucial funding for deferred maintenance at California’s state parks. (Julie Martin/Save the Redwoods League Photo)
One of the easiest decisions for California voters on the June 5 ballot should be Proposition 68. Vote yes on the $4.1 billion bond plan to fund parks and water projects throughout the state.
The ballot measure is the first statewide parks and water bond to appear before voters since 2006, when the $5.4 billion Proposition 84 was approved by 54 percent of voters.
Prop 68 would authorize $2.83 billion for parks projects that would fund everything from building Bay Area hiking trails to upgrading California’s 110 state parks.. The ballot measure would also provide $1.27 billion for water projects, including flood protection, levee upgrades in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, water recycling and groundwater pollution cleanups. No money in the bond would fund new dams or Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed Delta tunnels.
The governor and the Legislature put Prop. 68 before voters by passing Senate President Kevin de Leon’s SB 5 last fall. The California Constitution requires voter approval by a simple majority before the state can issue general obligation bonds.
The bill passed by a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate, including every Bay Area legislator. The only organized opponent is the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, which argues the money should instead come from the general fund. But that approach simply doesn’t work. Major parks and water projects don’t get built unless planners know funding is going to be provided on an ongoing basis.
159 Prop. 68’s widespread support from business, labor, political and environmental groups is impressive. Among the backers are the California Chamber of Commerce, Silicon Valley Leadership Group, Sierra Club, Environmental Defense Fund, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District, East Bay Regional Parks District, and the State Building & Construction Council of California.
Bay Area voters should be aware that the park money allocation is tilted toward urban areas of California that have been designated as “parks-poor.” Prop. 68 allocates $725 million for that purpose. Most of that money will likely go to low-income Southern California and Central Valley communities.
But each Bay Area city will receive a minimum of $200,000 of Prop. 68 money, and every county in the state is guaranteed at least $400,000 for parks projects. Prop. 68 also designates $218 million to repair and improve state parks desperate for money to pay for deferred maintenance.
The water projects are critical for protecting California’s water supply. The ballot measure allocates $61 million for Bay Area projects, including $3 million to restore Los Gatos Creek and the Guadalupe River in San Jose and $20 million for the Coastal Conservancy to help pay for Bay Area wetlands restoration. Prop. 68 provides $250 million throughout the state for clean drinking water and drought preparedness and another $100 million for recycling projects.
Consider the Prop. 68 bond a mortgage. It allows the state to borrow a large amount of money and then spread the payments over time. If it passes, the state’s debt payments would still be below 6 percent of state revenues, which most analysts agree is a comfortable ratio.
California voters should approve Proposition 68.
160 Community News Fremont: The finer points of brewing beer taught at Ardenwood
By Joseph Geha | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: March 8, 2018 at 2:30 pm | UPDATED: March 9, 2018 at 5:36 am
Participants in a beer brewing workshop stir the wort pot and add cool water to it at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont on Saturday, March 3, 2018. (Joseph Geha/Bay Area News Group)
As rain and hail dropped from the gray skies Saturday, 14 people huddled around two propane cookers under an overhang of the granary at Ardenwood Historic Farm.
And while their breaths were visible in the chilly air, they weren’t gathering for warmth but to brew beer.
The farm, operated by the East Bay Regional Park District, hosts many weekend activities oriented toward families. But once a year over the past 17 years, naturalist Ira Bletz has held a three-part workshop for adults only, focused on the finer points of homebrewing.
Bletz not only shows participants how to make beer and with what, but he also explains the histories of different beer varieties, brewing methods and the role local farms played in past brewing ecosystems.
The class includes a little sampling of Bletz’ own brews.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Bletz said this week. “It combines local agricultural history with a hobby people can take home and pretty easily get into.”
The 14 people who had gathered around two steaming pots of boiling wort last weekend savored the sweet smell of malt extract that hung in the air as they made honey wheat and a red ale.
Will Lopez-Wagner, of Mountain View, signed up for the workshop to learn what mistakes he may have made in past attempts at brewing.
161 “I tried to make beer on a couple occasions, and it all turned out horribly,” he said. “So I’m hoping this helps.”
“I think it’s wonderful,” 70-year-old Norm Hodgson of Fremont said about the brewing workshop, adding he took the course last year for the first time.
“In fact that’s why I’m here again, just to pick up on the finer points of how to brew at home, and to understand the brewing process…so when I go out and taste beer, I have a little bit more understanding of what to ask and what to look for.”
From roughly the 1860s to the 1890s, Ardenwood operated primarily as a grain farm under the ownership George and Clara Patterson. Bletz said the oats and wheat grown there were shipped to San Francisco to be sold, then often transported to Europe.
But much of the barley grown on the Patterson farm was sold around the Bay Area to local breweries.
“Today with the craft beer revolution, we think that brewpubs are a new thing, and they’re not,” Bletz said, noting the Bay Area was full of homebrewers more than 150 years ago.
Small breweries that made and sold beer on their own sites came next, but many disappeared between the prohibition and the 1980s.
Hodgson said the brewing process is “exciting.”
“You actually get to do it. You have a coach, you have a beer coach who’s helping you go through the process,” he said. “That’s really great to have that experience.”
The group will reconvene two more Saturdays to transfer the beer for secondary fermentation and then bottling before taking it home, where it should be ready to enjoy just a few weeks later.
Members of the public can visit the farm in the summer months to help harvest and transfer grains still grown there as part of the history programs. After the late 1890s, the farm primarily began growing row crop vegetables.
Ardenwood currently operates as a working farm, modeled after the methods of the 1870s to the 1930s, Bletz said.
162 Dublin Urban Masterplan Introduces Compact, Tri-Level Architecture by PRISM | Mar 5, 2018 Rendering of Boulevard, a masterplanned community in Dublin, Calif. Credit: Boulevard
Boulevard – the masterplanned community emerging in Dublin, in Northern California – has debuted Sunset, a neighborhood of 60 single-family residences designed by WHA for CalAtlantic Homes. The three-level, detached homes are among the most stylish in Boulevard, one of Northern California’s best-selling urban masterplans.
The Boulevard masterplan is by Brookfield Residential, a leading North American land developer and homebuilder, and CalAtlantic Homes, one of the nation’s largest builders. It serves the increasing appetite for new homes in Northern California’s Bay Area. The community was conceived with a specific homebuyer in mind: active, urban, connected, progressive. The design emphasizes an elegant density within the neighborhoods, including a network of pocket parks, pedestrian-friendly streets, an interior trail system, and accessibility to highways 580 and 680 and the Dublin/Pleasanton BART station.
Sunset neighborhood, Dublin, Calif. Credit: CalAtlantic Homes
The vitality of the East Bay/Northern California housing market includes the job growth from across the San Francisco Bay in Silicon Valley, as well as Oakland and San Francisco. The Boulevard masterplan, with its transit-friendly approach, is drawing buyers from all these regions.
163 Boulevard’s amenities emphasize urban wellness. Various pocket park themes include The Lounge (an outdoor living room), The Playground (tot lot and play area), The Kitchen (with modern communal grill), and The Office (a unique outdoor workspace with electricity and WiFi). Boulevard abuts the Iron Horse Regional Trail, a scenic 32-mile regional park for hikers, cyclists and local equestrians.
Rendering credit: Boulevard
Boulevard is now planning its architecturally advanced Recreation Center. Designed by San Francisco’s Group Four Architecture, Research + Planning, it will include a clubhouse “Living Room” with retail café, a network of indoor/outdoor social spaces, a resort-inspired pool area, and fitness center with multiple rooms. This facility will also offer “The Loft,” a contemporary co-working space that inspires productivity and collaboration. Also coming soon to Boulevard is a 30-acre community park
The new residences of Sunset at Boulevard range from approximately 2,405 to 2,688 square feet with three to four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms and two-car garages. Interior features include open floorplans, gourmet center-island kitchens, first- floor bedrooms, elegant owner’s suites, and options such as upstairs lofts appropriate for home offices. Sunset homes are energy-efficient.
Sunset neighborhood, Dublin, Calif. Credit: CalAtlantic Homes
“Sunset adds another exciting component to the attractive mosaic of Boulevard,” said Tom Burrill, Bay Area division president, CalAtlantic Homes. “While Boulevard is all about social spaces and pedestrian-friendly streets, Sunset homes are private urban retreats with gourmet kitchens and roomy bedroom suites. We have experienced tremendous interest from home shoppers and expect Sunset to be a great success.”
Since its first model openings in 2017, Boulevard has sold exceptionally well. With 96 sales of its condominiums, townhomes and single-family detached homes in 2017, the community is among the best-selling residential masterplans in the East Bay.
164
Community News Park It: Toast Einstein’s birthday, Pi Day at Berkeley’s Tilden By Ned MacKay | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: March 4, 2018 at 6:00 am | UPDATED: March 5, 2018 at 5:40 am Shelly Lewis — BANG archives Children feed snacks to a pig at The Little Farm in Tilden Regional Park in the Berkeley hills, where the Environmental Education Center nextdoor to the farm will host a number of activity programs for kids and adults in March.
Albert Einstein’s birthday is on March 14 (aka 3.14 or Pi Day), and although so far it isn’t a national holiday, Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley will acknowledge the famed physicist’s contributions to science with a special program Sunday, March 11.
From 1 to 2 p.m., interpretive student aide Brianna Contaxis-Tucker will help visitors celebrate Einstein’s birthday, experience some of his discoveries and even eat some pi in honor of 3.14.
Naturalist Anthony Fisher is leading a series of easy walks to experience spring afternoon on Sundays in the Nature Area from 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 11, 18 and 25.
For the younger set, naturalist Trent Pearce plans outdoor nature adventure programs for kids ages 3 and 4, each accompanied by an adult (grandparents welcome). These are on Tuesdays from 3 to 4 p.m. March 13 and April 10.
All these programs meet at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center, which is at the north end of Central Park Drive. Call 510-544-2233 for information.
Oakley: A spring foliage scavenger hunt is in the works out at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. It’s from 2 to 3 p.m. March 10, led by the interpretive staff.
Big Break also has a series of nature programs for young children, led by naturalist Nichole Gange. They are designed for ages 1 to 5, with parent or caregiver participation required. Programs are from 10 to 11 a.m.
165 The remaining programs are on March 13, April 2 and April 10. In April the group will play with mud. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. For information, call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050.
Antioch: At Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, don’t forget the grand opening of the newly expanded underground mine tours. Free self-guided tours will be offered from noon to 4:30 p.m. March 10-11 for ages 7 and older. There are lots of above-ground activities planned for all ages too.
Black Diamond Mines is at the end of Somersville Road, 3½ miles south of Highway 4. The parking fee is $5 per vehicle. Call 888-327-2757, ext. 2750.
Martinez: The Over-The-Hills Gang is an informal group of hikers 55 and older who enjoy nature study, history and fitness on excursions in the regional parks led by naturalist “Trail Gail” Broesder.
The group will explore Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline on a mostly flat walk from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. March 13. Meet at the end of Ferry Street in Martinez. For information, call 510-544-2233.
Richmond: Bird watchers will enjoy a walk from 8 to 10 a.m. March 11 at the Dotson Family Marsh at Point Pinole Regional Shoreline in Richmond, led by naturalist Anthony Fisher.
Anthony will emphasize how birds communicate through language. Meet at the end of Goodrick Avenue off Richmond Parkway. For information, call 510-544-2233.
Fremont: At Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont, you can search for naturalist Kristina Parkison and her Cart of Curiosities, hidden somewhere within the park from 1 to 3 p.m. March 10. The cart is filled with artifacts of cultural and natural history.
And from 11 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. March 11, the interpretive staff will tell tales of Coyote Hills and its history, under a spreading oak tree by the visitor center. Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway. Call 510- 544-3220.
Online: For more about these and many other programs in the regional parks, check out the park district’s website, www.ebparks.org.
Ned MacKay writes a regular column about East Bay Regional Park District sites and activities. Email him at [email protected].
166
Community News Celebrate spring in the East Bay Regional Park District with naturalist-led activities By Marta Yamamoto | Correspondent PUBLISHED: March 2, 2018 at 7:20 am | UPDATED: March 2, 2018 at 8:28 pm Ricardo Black, a interpretive student aide for the East Bay Regional Parks, leads a group of hikers along the East Chaparral Loop at the Black Diamond Mines Regional Park in Antioch, to look for the new wildflowers popping up in the park during the early spring. (Photo By Dan Rosenstrauch)
March and April herald spring with carpets of green grasses and colorful wildflowers carpeting the hills and the songs and calls of birds in woodlands and along the shore.
“It’s a beautiful experience to be out here in spring. We get to be immersed in a season of growth, renewal and potential, the potential for things that might come,” said Kate Collins, supervising naturalist, Black Diamond Mines.
“I think what makes spring so special is not just the visual experience; there’s something in the air; the smells of spring that include flowers, but also new growth and a bit of moisture.
Indian warrior wildflowers grow near the Chaparral Loop Trail at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, Calif., on Tuesday, March 8, 2015. (Susan Tripp Pollard/Bay Area News Group) Susan Tripp Pollard -- staff archives
The East Bay Regional Park District has an entire cornucopia of naturalist-led activities to welcome spring. East Bay residents are encouraged to visit parks in East County and Central Valley, including Big
167 Break, Black Diamond Mines, Briones and Sunol for plant and wildflower activities, and Contra Loma, Del Valle and Vasco Caves for birding and landscape appreciation.
“I think the No. 1 reason to join a naturalist program would be to have an uplifting outdoor experience with the confidence that you’ll be safe, in good company, and you’ll have an opportunity to see that place deeply,” Collins said. “It’s a great way to get introduced to these beautiful parks that have so much to offer.”
Big Break Regional Shoreline lies in a zone where the mixing of salty seawater and fresh water create an edge effect, making this park an ideal home and stopover location for a variety of species.
Join the staff on March 10 for Plant Paradise, from 2 to 3 p.m., for a leafy spring foliage scavenger hunt. Wetland Walk on March 18, 2 to 3 p.m., will tempt the senses with the feel of cottonwood bark, the sound of marsh wrens and the sight of cattail seeds on the wind as winter gives way to spring.
Asparagus Exploration on March 24, 2 to 3 p.m., explores the area’s past searching for asparagus on the former, now flood, farm; and on April 7, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Cat Taylor leads Calling All Artists for a Plein Air Day of landscape painting under the Delta skies. Registration is required for this activity.
Corrie Binker, of Pleasant Hill, takes a photo of a small wildflower popping up during a wildflower hike along the East Chaparral Loop at the Black Diamond Mines Regional Park in Antioch, put on by the East Bay Regional Parks. (Photo By Dan Rosenstrauch)
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve is known for its spring wildflower displays and has organized four Wildflower Hikes in March and April to different areas of steep and rugged terrain; all run from 10 a.m. to 12p.m.; March 18 in chaparral, April 21 in woodland, April 22 in grassland and April 29 in disturbed areas, looking for colorful plants that thrive after slides and road building.
Briones Regional Park is a secret wilderness with rolling, grassy hills and shady canyons, home to animals and birds that forage on grassland and shelter among bays and oaks, and to beautiful spring wildflower displays. On April 8, 9 to 11:30 a.m., naturalist Trail Gail will lead a hiking searching for these blooms.
Sunol Regional Wilderness celebrates spring wildflowers during March and April culminating with its Wildflower Festival on April 8. The park is known for stands of California poppies, mustard, goldfields and lupines.
First on the schedule is Nature Journaling with Constance Taylor on March 3, 17, 24 and 31, from 1-4 p.m. Each session will focus on drawing and describing a different
168 topic – skulls on March 3, insects March 17, wildflowers March 24 and oaks on March 31.
Taylor next leads a Wildflower Workshop and wildflower photography hike on April 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., teaching participants to use a dichotomous key and iNaturalist to identify flowers.
Sunol celebrates a family day of Easter fun on April 1,11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with nature crafts, lawn games and a wildflower stroll.
The Wildflower Festival April 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., combines wildflower hikes throughout the park, games, arts and crafts, nature activities and live entertainment. It will be a day to celebrate the season of birds, bees, flowers and trees.
A Walk Among the Wildflowers on April 14, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., follows trails to vernal pools and hillsides to see what is in bloom. From noon to 3:30 p.m. Taylor leads a hike to Cave Rocks for more wildflower viewing, with still another hike, Wildflowers of Sunol, on April 21, 1-4 p.m.
The focus is Secrets of Spring Birds at Contra Loma Regional Park on March 24, 8 to 10 a.m. Join naturalist Kevin Dixon, watching as birds sing and look for food and mates, soon raising their young underground, in trees and on water.
Del Valle Regional Park is known for its raptors, which are featured in four spring activities. On March 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Eagle Watch puts the spotlight on bald eagles, their stories and their nests. A Light of Nature Photography Walk March 24, 9 to 11:30 a.m., takes walkers and their cameras along the shoreline to see what awaits them there. Registration is required.
Take a hike along the lake and into the oak hills with Boisterous Birds on April 14, 10 to 11:30 a.m., listening to resident birdlife. Wonderful Wildlife, April 28, 10 to 11 a.m., invites participants to explore the wildlife of the park using a spotting scope to investigate owl boxes.
Vasco Caves Regional Preserve features spectacular rock outcrops on the eastern foothills of Mount Diablo and archaeological sites containing Indian rock art that goes back 10,000 years. In order to protect these resources the preserve is not open to the public, but is accessible only through guided tours staging at Round Valley or Brushy Peak
On eight dates, March 17, 31 and April 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 25 from Round Valley, and two dates, March 24 and April 22, from Brushy Peak, participants will hike two-to-three miles through windswept land, sacred to local California Indian communities and golden eagles, fairy shrimp and tiger salamanders. Registration is required; this activity is for 10 years and above.
169 Regional In Nature Activity Guide has detailed information about all the activities described here. See http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/Features/RIN/March- April+2018+RIN.pdf
For programs that indicate, “Registration is required,” register by calling 1-888- EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2.
Big Break Regional Shoreline: 69 Big Break Road, Oakley, 510-544-3050, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/big_break
Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve: 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch, 510-544- 2750, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/black_diamond.
Briones Regional Park: Alhambra Staging Area: 2537 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/briones.
Sunol Regional Wilderness: 1895 Geary Rd., Sunol, 510-544-3249, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/sunol.
Contra Loma Regional Park: 1200 Frederickson Lane, Antioch, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/contra_loma.
Del Valle Regional Park: 7000 Del Valle Rd, Livermore, 510-544- 3146, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/del_valle.
170
Bob Coomber Wants to Cross the Sierra in a Wheelchair Sami Emery | Feb 28, 2018
If successful, he'd be the first to do so. Sure, he's had to bail twice, but that won't stop him from trying again and again.
It’s a bright winter morning and Bob Coomber, better known as 4WheelBob, is taking it slow up a trail in Redwood Regional Park, near Oakland, California. His gloved hands keep tireless pace with each other on the wheels of his wheelchair. His long, sinewy arms tense and twist in response to every crest, every divot of the trail. As we hike, Coomber admits he hasn’t been out in this chair—a specially modified all-terrain wheelchair—for more than three years. “It’s been on the back porch,” he says, “just sort of tempting me.”
In just a few months’ time, however, Coomber will be in prime condition. He has to be: This fall, Coomber will make his third attempt to take his chair up and over the 11,845- foot Kearsarge Pass in California’s southern Sierra Nevada, west of the town of Independence. The trek will take him from the trailhead to Kings Canyon, on the other side of the pass, for a round-trip of approximately 24 miles. Depending on the incline and the weather, Coomber will travel anywhere from half a mile to a few miles per day. The journey, he estimates, will take him 10 to 14 twelve-hour days of near-constant
171 exertion. If he succeeds, Coomber will be the first person in a wheelchair to cross the Sierra.
(Tritone Film)
First by foot, then by wheel, Coomber has spent much of his 63 years on this earth scrambling up mountains. As a kid growing up in Piedmont, California, he was active and athletic. In high school, he played basketball and baseball and ran a brisk 4:35 mile for his track team. In his free time, Coomber would spend hours, days, in parks across the Bay Area. And on vacations in the Sierra, he would hike to peaks where no trail had yet been forged, just to get to the top of something magnificent.
Then, when Coomber was 20 years old, just as he was launching into a career with the Oakland Police Department, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. The disease attacked Coomber’s system with unbridled aggression: It shaved dozens of pounds off his frame and sapped him of his energy. Due to the severity of his symptoms, Coomber had to leave the force after just three years.
Several years later, in 1990, Coomber was hiking with his family around Lake Almanor, a few hours north of Sacramento in Plumas County, when he heard a gruesome crack and fell to the ground. His left leg had shattered into what he says felt like a thousand pieces. Complications with his diabetes, he learned, had resulted in a crippling form of osteoporosis. Seven breaks—in his legs, ankles, and knees—followed. Coomber was soon faced with his best, and perhaps only, option: a wheelchair.
When Coomber gives motivational talks—which he does occasionally at events such as the Abilities Expo—he takes care to emphasize that summiting mountains isn’t a hobby he picked up overnight. It’s something that has taken stubbornness, a trusty sidekick in the form of a battered, bare-bones chair, a hell of a lot of focus, and a few decades of painful trial and error. Coomber tries to make this point, but not everyone will believe him. After five minutes in his presence, you probably wouldn’t either.
Coomber has a strategy for practically every puzzle the trail presents to his chair. He reads the road no more than ten feet at a time; he straddles the low points and, to avoid catching his smaller front tires, wheelies over nasty boulders and down jagged slopes. Still, all it takes is a deceptive root or a misread on a grade and disaster can raise its ugly head. In 2015, while competing in a 5K in Livermore, California, Coomber ran over a rock. His chair was stopped dead and his body thrown forward, breaking his femur. “File it under ‘shit happens,’” he says now.
Hiking with Coomber, you forget that the man next to you is constantly gauging angle, traction, and weight distribution. Every move he makes in the chair seems somehow spontaneous, executed with a cowboy’s grace. “I always look for the most level way to
172 get around to not get tippy,” he says. We are at a dip in the path, a steep slope off to our left. “Sometimes, when you get tippy and you don’t expect it, you get on your side in the dirt. Which is really like, what are they going to do to you? Put you in a wheelchair? No big deal.”
Coomber has been breaking records for more than a decade. On August 24, 2007, he became the first person in a wheelchair to summit the 14,246-foot White Mountain, California’s third-highest peak. Shortly after that, he became the first wheelchair hiker to reach the peaks of Mount Diablo and North Peak, both in the Diablo Range, as well as Mission Peak in Fremont and Sonora Peak in the central Sierra. In 2007, Coomber was inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame. In 2008, he received the President’s Council on Physical Fitness Community Leadership Award. When the local reporters are having a slow week, they give 4WheelBob a call to see what crazy thing he’s up to next.
But for the past five years, the answer has remained the same: Kearsarge Pass.
Coomber’s first attempt to cross the pass was in September 2013. He began the trek in high spirits. He joked with passing hikers. He squinted lovingly at the mountains, and he struck up his customary good-natured, though profanity-laden, rapport with his chair. Tal Skloot, the documentarian who followed Coomber for his film 4 Wheel Bob, captured this optimism. He also captured the more spectacular feats of Coomber’s ingenuity. When the path grew too narrow for his wheelchair, Coomber would swing himself onto nearby boulders to lift the chair up and over the roadblock. “All that, as I’m fond of saying, for two feet,” Coomber quips to the camera.
The first stretch of the Kearsarge Pass Trail is unforgiving: ragged switchbacks and little shade. Half a mile from the trailhead—a distance that took Coomber nearly five hours to cover—he became woozy. Recognizing the symptom, he stopped and pricked his arm to test his blood. The reading came back with a devastatingly high 500 mg/dL. Several minutes later, when the level still hadn’t dropped, Coomber clawed at the tubes of the insulin pump attached to his stomach. The transfusion section of the pump had bent forward. He wasn’t receiving a single drop of insulin. The third time he tested above 500 mg/dL, Coomber turned around, face set in a mask of discomfort and disappointment. He spent the night in a hospital bed in Bishop, scheming how to get back to Kearsarge as soon as possible.
On Coomber’s second attempt, in September 2014, he made it three days into the hike before he met his foil. The boulder field on the Kearsarge Pass Trail is a brutish landscape of heavy rocks that sprawl haphazardly across the path. Faced with this, Coomber tied a thin rope around his shoulders and looped it over the back of his chair. With his legs thrown before him, he began to drag himself and his chair backwards through the piles of rocks, his arms straining and his mouth cursing.
Eventually, Coomber slowed to a stop. A blister that had formed on his thumb was near the point of infection. The path was too rocky and his method too laborious. When he
173 decided, once more, to turn around, Coomber was a mere 1.5 miles from the top of the pass. The next four days he spent in a Bay Area ICU, suffering from a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis, meaning he had low insulin and a buildup of acids in his bloodstream.
And yet Coomber is convinced this year will be a success. When I join him in the Oakland Hills, Coomber is keeping up a running commentary about bird songs, native plants, and dogs. Coomber tells me that he sees his first two attempts at Kearsarge more as stepping-stones than roadblocks. “It’s my own test,” he says. “If I don’t finish something, that doesn’t make it a failure. If I don’t make it, then I know what to train for the next time.”
In the coming months, Coomber will spend much of his free time—what’s not allotted to his role as council member in Livermore or to watching the Golden State Warriors on TV—training. In the gym, he applies himself to developing his shoulders, middle and lower back, deltoids, trapezius, and triceps. One of his techniques is to tow 45-pound weights behind him back and forth across the gym floor. For endurance, he chooses flat, paved trails—like the 64-mile round-trip of the Iron Horse Regional Trail between Concord and Pleasanton—that can keep him occupied until far after dark. His wife, Gina, tracks these long days with an app connected to Coomber’s Spot tracker. Although, as Coomber says, “She knows I may be out there almost overnight. I may not come back.”
Coomber tells me that, for his next attempt at Kearsarge, timing is everything. The sweet spot is late summer or early fall, when the snow has cleared and the chances of a rogue flurry are the lowest of the year. Before he goes, Coomber will consult his doctors to map out possible problems with his blood sugar levels. For the boulder field, he will employ the help of a pack horse or two. He hasn’t yet found a cure for those vicious blisters, but as far as Coomber is concerned, they’re just part of the challenge.
174 Community News Welcome spring with variety of East Bay Regional Park District programs By Marta Yamamoto | Correspondent PUBLISHED: February 27, 2018 at 6:28 am | UPDATED: February 27, 2018 at 6:50 am
Roberts Regional Recreation Area in the Oakland hills is the scene from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 1 for Michael Charnofsky’s April Fools Truths and Lies Hike, 3.5 moderate miles through a beautiful redwood forest, fooling one another with truths and falsehoods about nature and science. (Courtesy of Gary Crabbe/Enlightened Images)
In springtime, the hills and meadows are a vibrant green, colorful flowers are blooming and wildlife is stirring, a perfect time to discover or to revisit the East Bay Regional Park District, including Crab Cove and Crown beach in Alameda, Tilden in Berkeley and Huckleberry Botanic, Roberts and Leona Canyon in the Oakland Hills.
“Spring is an amazing time to observe animal activity. The fauna are busy mating, nesting, feeding on the new plants, and the cold-blooded critters such as insects and reptiles are becoming increasingly active in the warming weather. At Tilden Nature Area, it’s a great time to observe newts and frogs in the ponds, see spotted fawns trailing after mama deer, and spot a variety of seasonal and year-round birds,” said Sara Fetterly, supervising naturalist, Tilden Nature Area. “If you’re particularly lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of river otters that have been frequenting Jewel Lake this spring or hear the call and response of great horned owls as they establish their territories and communicate with their mates.”
175 Though the parks are easily accessible and fun to do on your own, activities abound with knowledgeable naturalists to offer in-depth experiences, whether you enjoy hiking or learning the names of local wildflowers and observing wildlife.
“If you would like to increase the odds of seeing one of these animals, or if you would like to learn new skills to help you better enjoy the parks, I would encourage you to attend one of the many programs offered by the (East Bay) Regional Park District,” Fetterly said. “Recreation and interpretive programs are offered for every age and ability. They can take you to the farthest reaches of the district by kayak or teach you to see and appreciate the wildlife right in your own backyard.”
Crab Cove Visitor Center gets the spring rolling with Kids Storytime and Nature Exploration from 10 to 11:30 a.m. March 4. Naturalist Michael Charnofsky invites families to come for stories, then look for wildlife and washed up treasure on the shore before finishing with a nature craft.
Children scramble for treats during the 5-6 year-old egg hunt at the Splash into Spring Egg Scramble held at the Crab Cove Visitor Center in Alameda on March 19, 2016. The annual free, all-day event featured egg hunts, crafts, games, music, fish feeding and a nature lesson on the amazing egg. The event was co- sponsored by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department and the Alameda Rotary. (Anda Chu/Staff archives)
On March 24, Crab Cove’s interpretive staff has planned a full day to Splash into Spring and Egg Scramble. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., there will be family activities including the annual egg hunt; activity stations with crafts, games, the bunny, music, and family nature fun with incredible eggs and more.
Alameda Earth Day on April 21, begins with a Coastal Cleanup from 8:30 to 10 a.m., a chance to make the environment beautiful and better for wildlife, and for students to earn community service hours. Registration is required. The cleanup festivities continue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Washington Park for Alameda’s Earth Day event with fun activities and free giveaways to celebrate the earth’s amazing habitats and learn how to live sustainably.
At Tilden Regional Park and Nature Area, the cornucopia of activities ranges far and wide, beginning from 2 to 3 p.m. March 4, with learning about some amazing park visitors. You Otter Care, led by Kate Holum, will help you learn about the river otters in Jewel Lake and the important role they play in the balance of nature.
176 South Park Wander from 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 10, with Trail Gail, helps explain why this road is closed from Nov. 1 to March 31, adding some nice exercise and hills along the way.
Anthony Fisher offers Springy Afternoons in the Nature Area from 2 to 3:30 p.m. March 11, 18 and 25, a nice way to enjoy subtle seasonal changes on easy strolls.
On March 17, Trail Gail invites visitors to Meet the Newts, from 2 to 3 p.m., looking for resident newts and learning about other herpetofauna. On March 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., she focuses on Peering Into Ponds by scooping up pond water and using nets and magnifying glasses to search out baby dragonflies, midges, frogs, and maybe more newts.
Two visitors to Tilden Regional Park share an umbrella as they stroll under rainy skies along a path near Jewel Lake in Berkeley on March 21, 2016. (Kristopher Skinner/Staff archives)
Almost April 1st-Fools Walk from 1 to 2:30 p.m. March 31, has Trail Gail taking visitors on a stroll around Jewel Lake looking for ways nature fools us through mimicry, camouflage and more. On April 1, she leads Nature Exploration from 2 to 3:30 p.m., awakening your senses and imagination by exploring nature and maybe getting dirty and wet.
March Flowers Bring April Flowers from 9 to 11:30 a.m. April 8 has Trail Gail walking with visitors in search of summer blooms; then from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 22, she leads a Lake to Lake Watershed Walk through Wildcat Creek watershed.
Leona Canyon Regional Open Space Preserve plays host to Saturday Stroll from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 10, a walk into nature along a three-mile creek side trail. Then from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. March 18, birds are the focus when Michael Charnofsky leads Birding By Ear, explaining how to identify a bird by its call and pointing out diverse bird habitats.
Roberts Regional Recreation Area is the scene from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. April 1 for Michael Charnofsky’s April Fools Truths and Lies Hike, 3.5 moderate miles through a beautiful redwood forest, fooling one another with truths and falsehoods about nature and science.
On April 29, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Bellal Naderi and Susan Ramos lead Botanical Bloom at Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve, looking for blooming plants in this botanic preserve.
FYI
177 Regional In Nature Activity Guide has detailed information about all the activities described in this article. http://www.ebparks.org/Assets/Features/RIN/March- April+2018+RIN.pdf
For programs that indicate, “Registration is required,” register by calling 1-888- EBPARKS (1-888-327-2757), option 2.
Crown Beach/Crab Cove Visitor Center: Eighth Street and Otis Drive, Alameda, 510- 544-3175, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/crown_beach.
Tilden Regional Park/Nature Area: North end of Central Park Drive, Berkeley, 510- 544-2233, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/tilden/tna.
Leona Canyon Regional Space Preserve: Campus Drive off Keller Avenue, Oakland, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/leona.
Roberts Regional Recreation Area: 10570 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/roberts.
Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve: On Skyline Boulevard, just south of Elverton Drive, http://www.ebparks.org/parks/huckleberry.
178
OPINION Opinion: Reducing fuel loads is the cheapest, quickest and best defense against Berkeley’s next firestorm Undergrounding utilities in Berkeley would provide some safety benefits and aesthetic upgrades. But it’s the equivalent of doing a kitchen remodel before replacing the leaky roof.
By John Hitchen Feb. 26, 2018, 12:18 p.m.
After three years of work by members of Berkeley’s Public Works, Transportation and Disaster and Fire Safety Commissions, a conceptual study to underground wires in Berkeley was presented to the Berkeley City Council at last Tuesday’s Council work session. This Tuesday, Feb. 27, Council will be asked to vote on a recommendation to continue developing a plan.
The commission’s study is well-researched, and lists a variety of benefits associated with undergrounding. But the study also estimates costs to underground just our arterial and collector streets at $200 million. And, even if well-funded, the process would take decades to implement.
Meanwhile, there are numerous impactful measures we can implement that are much less expensive, faster and easier to roll out, and offer greater protection. In light of the extreme fire and earthquake dangers we face, Berkeley should prioritize these measures.
Berkeley’s greatest threat is a wildland fire driven by Diablo winds, similar to the recent North Bay fires that killed 29 and caused $6 billion in damage. It is the same threat that took 25 lives and 3,000 homes in the 1991 Oakland/Berkeley Fire, and the 1923 fire that swept from Inspiration Point to Wildcat Canyon and over Grizzly Peak, burning more than 600 North Berkeley homes. As the study notes, there has been a large wildfire every 20 years since 1900.
In other words, our next firestorm is overdue.
150 years ago, settlers new to California planted fast-growing eucalyptus and pines to simulate the lush look of the East Coast. These trees now saturate our parks and hills with enough fuel to sustain a 2,000 degree firestorm all the way down to Shattuck Avenue, and with the help of wind-driven embers, far beyond.
179 In 1991, the nearly instantaneous spread of the firestorm, combined with vehicle congestion on steep, narrow winding streets, was the primary cause of the tragic loss of lives. According to an LA Times article, “people who died… fell victim to the brutally, unexpectedly swift speed of the flames… victims trying to flee encountered streets blocked by debris or by vehicles that had exploded and fallen from narrow, winding roads higher up the hillside.”
The primary safety benefit described in the conceptual study is improved evacuation and emergency routes, ostensibly achieved by undergrounding power lines on east/west collector streets such as Cedar and Dwight. While this may sound reasonable, undergrounding on collector streets is of limited value: they are located in areas with a grid pattern, where alternative routes are relatively easy to find.
By contrast, the study notes that most streets in Berkeley’s extreme fire hazard zone just below Grizzly Peak, where residents have much more limited options for evacuation, are likely to never be undergrounded, due to steep, unstable terrain. Undergrounding in Berkeley’s highest fire zones could be helpful, but isn’t feasible, while undergrounding on collector streets is feasible, but costly and of limited value.
Another argument made is that undergrounding might reduce a source of fire ignition. While some of the North Bay fires were started by high voltage lines in wooded areas, the vast majority of fires in Alameda County – including wildland fires – are started by other means, including cigarettes thrown from car windows, cars with hot engines on dry grasses, campfires improperly doused, and, sadly, arson.
Berkeley’s urban electrical grid isn’t like rural Sonoma County’s, and isn’t located where the next catastrophic firestorm is likely to begin – in the parklands on the other side of the ridge. If we are serious about preventing a firestorm ignited by power lines, we must work quickly and aggressively with the Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) and PG&E to improve the high voltage lines that cross Wildcat Canyon and Tilden parks.
If we really want to prevent a catastrophic fire, reducing fuels both outside and within Berkeley is our best shot. The fuel load to our east may very well be the highest in the United States to directly adjoin a dense urban area. Trees and brush in Wildcat Canyon, Tilden Park and on private land could be significantly reduced for a fraction of the cost of even limited undergrounding. Reducing fuel loads helps irrespective of a fire’s source of ignition, and could be implemented over the course of just a few years.
Another measure both simpler and less expensive than undergrounding is a better notification system, ensuring all residents can evacuate quickly. Even if it means going door to door to sign people up, Berkeley should work to ensure that everyone in our highest risk fire areas receives notices from Alameda County’s AC Alert System. And, knowing that land-lines and cell phones are incapable of waking everyone up, we must reconsider sirens.
180 Undergrounding utilities in Berkeley would provide some safety benefits, and aesthetic upgrades. But it’s the equivalent of doing a kitchen remodel before replacing the leaky roof. Significantly higher electricity taxes could provide funds, but rate-payers are unlikely to accept the large increases. This is especially true when the day-to-day benefits of undergrounding accrue primarily to homes with improved views, and the public safety benefits in both earthquakes and fires are limited. Better, cheaper and more easily implemented alternatives exist; it is incumbent on our City Council give them priority.
John Hitchen is a retired supervisor of park operations for the East Bay Regional Parks District. A resident of North Berkeley, he has worked for more than 25 years on fire prevention, disaster planning and vegetation management. He is Vice Chair of the Public Works Commission, one of the three commissions that created the undergrounding study discussed here. He was not part of the subcommittee that worked on the document.
181
Features Life Amid the Levees Will the California delta survive the pressures of a thirsty state?
BY JACOB SHEA | WINTER 2018 At Big Break Regional Shoreline, nestled in Northern California’s San Joaquin- Sacramento Delta, Michael Moran, supervising naturalist for East Bay Regional Park District, leads about 30 people out along a path into the park. The group consists of various stakeholders from the Metropolitan Water District (met), a regional wholesaler that supplies water to 19 million people across 26 public agencies in Southern California, hundreds of miles away. Big Break is one stop on a tour of the Delta, an educational trip for those involved with the met.
photo Aerial Rchives / ALAMY The San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta is at the center of a far-reaching debate about water use in the Golden State. As they file along the trail, large blue dragonflies and fluttering kestrels hover above. Wild asparagus hides in the tall grass – in 1928 a broken levee flooded an expansive asparagus farm here. Although the risk of levee failure causes much concern for those in the Delta, such flooding, when it happens, is actually a return to normalcy for a radically transformed landscape. Once an expansive marshland – a rich ecosystem that supported countless fish, migratory birds, and other native animals – the Delta is now predominantly farmland. Roughly 95 percent of the historical wetlands have been converted or developed for human use, a statistic typical of wetlands across California. The group stops at Big Map, a large topographical representation of the Delta built onto the ground. Printed satellite images overlay urban areas, showing intricate detail for each building and city street. In stark contrast, the space in between the cities is nearly uniform tan, with intermittent, squarish splotches of browns and greens, presumably farms. Winding through the landscape are meandering lines of blue, the water that is so central to the Delta landscape and way of life. Members of the group peer down at the land on which they stand in an apparent attempt to make sense of a region that lies several hours from the customers they
182 serve, but that is important enough to Southern California’s future to have brought them on this trip north. So important that the Southern California water district now owns some 20,000 acres in the Delta. On October 10, the met voted to approve funding for WaterFix, a $17 billion water diversion project which would install two 35-mile-long, 40-foot-wide tunnels 150 feet below ground. When complete, the tunnels would move vast quantities of water from the northern Delta to pumping stations south of the Delta, near Tracy, California. From there, the water would supply Central Valley farms and Southern California water districts that serve counties like Los Angeles, San Diego, and Riverside – some 25 million people and 3 million acres of irrigated farmland. Construction is expected to take 10 years and inundate the Delta with an endless procession of trucks and heavy machinery. The controversial project, more commonly known as the “Delta tunnels” or “twin tunnels,” is the latest battle in an ongoing tug-of-war over finite water resources in an increasingly thirsty state. It has inspired the creation of unique alliances between Delta farmers and conservationists, pitted Northern California communities against those farther south, and called attention to the deluge of challenges that already plagues the Delta, including a long history of ecosystem alteration, decades of water diversion, and the crumbling infrastructure holding the current system together. It has also thrust the Delta into the center of a far-reaching debate about water use in the Golden State, and has left many wondering about the future of this region. Along with the San Francisco Bay, the San Joaquin-Sacramento Delta makes up the largest estuary on the western coast of the United States. It is fed primarily with snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada, which flows down through the Sacramento, San Joaquin, Calaveras, and Mokelumne rivers on its way to the San Francisco Bay. Beginning in the late nineteenth century, the mining boom brought settlers into the Delta, who, over time converted the region into farmland by installing about 1,100 miles of levees. Some 700,000 acres of marshland were transformed. Fifty-seven patched “islands” – farmland surrounded by irrigation canals, sloughs, and rivers – now blanket the area. As farming intensified over the years, tilling led to oxidation of the peat-rich soil, which caused the islands to sink. Today, these farmed islands sit as much as 25 feet below sea level, according to usgs California Water Science Center. As agriculture and urbanization expanded during the twentieth century, water projects were rolled out to connect arid parts of California to distant water sources. The first large, comprehensive plan was the Central Valley Project, through which the federal government built a massive network of canals and dams to irrigate farmland throughout the Central Valley. Today, the flat and relatively dry Central Valley is home to about 7.2 million people and 20,000 farms. The region produces about half of California’s substantial agricultural output and subsists in no small part on water from the Delta. In fact, some 31 percent of all water used in the Central Valley comes from the Delta
183 region, according to a 2017 report from the Public Policy Institute of California (ppic), a nonpartisan public policy research institution.
photo Bob White The Delta landscape has been transformed through the installation of some 1,100 miles of levees, many of which are in disrepair. Water allocation has long been considered a fraught and contentious issue in California. And it’s no wonder. Freshwater resources are abundant in the north, but farming and population centers are concentrated in the parched central and southern regions. California’s recent five-year drought, the worst in over a century, only intensified the struggle over scarce water resources. In normal years, Southern and Central California aquifers are recharged by rainfall. But, due to the drought, farmers across the state pumped groundwater at unprecedented rates simply to keep their crops from dying. In the San Joaquin Valley alone, which lies within the Central Valley, 11 of 16 water basins were critically over-drafted. Under the Delta Reform Act of 2009, the state must strike a Herculean balance between two “coequal goals” that run contrary to each other. On the one hand, its mandate is to provide greater water supply reliability throughout the state. On the other, it is tasked with restoring the Delta’s ecosystem. To top it off, the state must do all this without impairing agriculture, recreation, and culture in the Delta community. It is against this backdrop that the Governor’s office has aggressively pushed the tunnels project, which has been in the works for more than ten years. The idea is that the tunnels would secure the Delta’s valuable freshwater resources for local and distant users alike against the risks from increasingly overburdened and unstable water supply infrastructure. Currently, water is drawn through large pumps in the southern end of the Delta after it has made its way through much of the Delta. If built, the tunnels would remove water from the Sacramento River north of the Delta, before it winds through the Delta. They would also have the combined capacity to divert 9,000 cubic feet of water per second, more than the entire volume of the Sacramento River for much of the year, and significantly more than the capacity of the existing diversion system. In practice, however, the state has said it plans to divert 4.9 million acre-feet annually, not much more than the average 4.5 million acre-feet currently withdrawn. The high capacity, it says, will allow for more water to be captured in wet years. Surrounded by levees and well below sea level, Delta farmlands are at perpetual risk of flooding. Governor Jerry Brown has presented the project as the only route forward for a state dependent on the wealth of water in the Delta. “This project has been subjected to 10 years of detailed analysis and more environmental review than any other project in the
184 history of the world,” he said in a statement last year. “It is absolutely essential if California is to maintain a reliable water supply.” But many Delta advocates, including Barbara Barrigan-Parrilla, executive director of Restore the Delta, a grassroots group that opposes the twin tunnels, strongly disagree. “There is no equity,” she said. “This project has not been designed to protect the environment [or] everyday working people along the way … This is about facilitating water transfers from one end of the state to the other, be damned everyone and everything in between.” Just north of Clarksburg, farmer Craig Nakahara climbs into his truck. From a pistachio grove next to his house, a timed propane gun emits intermittent pops to scare away birds. All around the property lie flat, exposed tomato fields. Harvested tomatoes are visible piled high in open trucks, destined for a canning facility. Throughout the season, Nakahara grows various crops, including alfalfa and corn for feed, and cucumbers for pickling. “It’s a small-town feel,” Nakahara says of the Delta community as he drives along the patchwork of irrigation canals and sloughs. “People know each other, wave to each other on the highway.” A third-generation farmer, Nakahara’s family emigrated from Japan, and his father and grandfather suffered internment during wwii. The family expanded their farming operations gradually over the years. Nakahara is one of an estimated 25,125 people involved in the $5.3 billion Delta agriculture economy, according to a 2013 report by the California Delta Council. Some 75 percent of land in the Delta is dedicated to farming. Traditionally, Delta farms have produced cotton and grain crops, but with shifting market prices, farmland is increasingly allocated to higher value wine grapes and orchard fruits. Like their counterparts in the Central Valley, local farmers here, too, depend on the Delta for water – irrigation water is pumped directly from the Sacramento River to a distribution system of canals and sloughs. Excess water is pumped back into the river. “Farmers use only the water we need,” said Nakahara. But these distribution systems, put in place nearly a hundred years ago, have no shortage of problems. Surrounded by levees and well below sea level, Delta farmland is at perpetual risk of flooding. Much of the levee infrastructure dates back to the 1930s, so few levees meet modern engineering standards. In addition, the levees are beset by erosion, seepage, and even rodents, who burrow into levee foundations. Breaches can inundate land, damage property, and contaminate freshwater with brackish water. A 2011 report from the University of California Agricultural Issues Center explains that around 100,000 acres – representing nearly a quarter of irrigated cropland in the Delta – is prone to long-term flooding. Such flooding has been a prominent feature of the Delta’s history. According to a report from ppic, there were some 166 levees failures in the Delta between 1908 and 2008. A
185 series of levee failures on Sherman Island beginning in 1872, for instance, led farmers to abandon agricultural enterprises and allow the island to return to nature. The island is now a designated wildlife area. In 2004, the Jones Tract Levee broke, flooding 12,000 acres of farmland and causing some $90 million in damage. And as recently as January 2017, a roughly 1,000-foot levee break on Van Sickle Island in the Suisun Marsh caused flooding that displaced 20 duck hunting clubs. No one disputes that the Delta levee system is in disrepair. It’s well accepted that the levees are in poor shape, and that as a result, local farmland as well as state water supplies are both at risk. The possibility of an earthquake cracking or jarring the levees compounds the danger – the Delta lies in an active seismic zone near several major faults, including the well-known San Andreas. This threatens not only local inundation and California agriculture, but also freshwater supplies for densely populated regions in the Bay Area. Climate change poses an added threat. Warming temperatures are expected to increase drought severity and unpredictability, and some climate models predict that in California, droughts will be punctuated by heavy rainy seasons – just the combination of weather phenomena that can contribute to erosion and infrastructure failure, as was seen with the Oroville dam spillway break in February 2017. The cost of repairing the crumbling levee system would be steep. According to one study, published in San Francisco Estuary and Watershed Science, the average cost to repair a single levee breach in the Delta is between $20 to 40 million, and even with upgrades, levees remain unreliable. Proponents of the tunnels present the project as a way to safeguard Delta water from the impacts of crumbling infrastructure – because the tunnels would remove freshwater in the northern Delta, they would preserve it for consumption across the state. Restore the Delta, on the other hand, points out that the $17 billion price tag for the tunnels far exceeds the cost of seismic levee upgrades, which has been estimated at $2-4 billion. Most Delta farmers, however, aren’t convinced. Much of the Delta community lies south of the intake for the proposed tunnels. Local farmers are concerned that water diversions in the north will lead to declining water quality in the southern Delta, and that in dry years there won’t be enough water to go around. California’s recent drought only compounded these fears. Many farmers, including Nakamara, also worry that the state could divert more water than it has claimed it will. The tunnels’ capacity, after all, far exceeds the diversion levels laid out in planning documents. There’s also the issue of saltwater incursion, something Delta farmers are all too familiar with. As freshwater passes through the Delta and into the San Francisco Bay, it creates a fluid barrier that stops brackish seawater from encroaching too far into the estuary. Diminished water flows mean that brackish water makes it farther inland. Already, farmers in the southern Delta struggle with saltier soils, which has led some to sell their farm or convert them into cow pastures. Decreasing freshwater flows to the
186 southern Delta, not to mention sea level rise associated with climate change, could allow brackish water to inundate more and more farmland. (Tunnel proponents, however, note that the existing pumps are closer to sea level than the tunnel intake would be, and as a result are vulnerable to saltwater incursion as sea levels rise.) Some farmers have also lamented the disruptive impacts of construction. “Can you imagine all the dirt they’re going to have to remove for two tunnels 35 miles long?” Gary Merwin, a Delta grape farmer, asks. “It might as well be a million truckloads. That’s two million truck trips,” he told the East Bay Express. Merwin’s concerned that kind of heavy truck traffic will impact quality of life in the Delta and disrupt local economies by impeding the transportation of Delta crops to market. Barrigan-Parrilla mentions similar construction-related concerns, including exhaust emissions from trucks, and extensive dredging, which she worries could stir up legacy pollutants such as toxic metals that long ago washed down from gold mining operations in the Sierras. All told, the local farming community is worried that their own livelihoods will suffer, sacrificed to those of larger agribusinesses producing everything from tomatoes to almonds to artichokes farther south. And when asked if Delta farmers are generally against the tunnels project, Nakahara is unequivocal: “I wouldn’t say generally – I would say unanimously against it.” The town of Isleton, located 12 miles south of Clarksburg, has a culture inextricably linked to water. It’s situated along the Sacramento River, which snakes around the tiny town before continuing north to cut the valley into islands. The houses along the river all have docks, and small boats are ubiquitous. Straw-like tubes jut out of the river, pumping water to an expansive patchwork of cornfields, fruit orchards, and cow pasture. All but a few shops are closed on a late Monday morning. “Save the Delta” signs are pasted in several windows. The crux of restoration work in the Delta hinges on increasing water flows and expanding wetlands habitat. In the Master Baiter, a cheekily named fishing shop, an employee plays solitaire on her desktop computer. She is adamant that God intends the water to stay here. A few miles outside town at a local farm stand, proprietor Greg Lea points to a map of the area near the register. He describes how his family’s peach orchards have been hit with increasingly saline soil over the years. “No one in big cities cares about what happens to the Delta,” he said. It is not only farmers who rely heavily on the Delta water. It is the lifeline for much of the local recreation and tourism economy as well. Approximately half of California’s migratory waterfowl and shorebirds pass through the Delta, as do two-thirds of the state’s spawning salmon, making it a popular destination for birders and anglers. Fishing, water sports, birding, hunting, and other outdoor recreation account for around $750 million in annual revenue and support around 8,000 jobs in the region. The Delta has about 290 shoreline recreation areas, and it draws around 7 million visitors each
187 year. This industry relies on a sustained, robust ecosystem to support the Delta’s 55 fish species and roughly 750 plant and animal species. But the challenges faced by Delta wildlife have become seriously daunting. Over the past 150 years, humans have altered river flow patterns and diked and drained marshland with such enthusiasm that crucial wildlife habitat – or what remains of it – is now carved up and sectioned off. Nonnative species like water hyacinth and Mississippi silverside have taken hold, in some cases outcompeting native species for limited resources and habitat. All told, about 35 native Delta plant and animal species are listed as threatened or endangered under state or federal law and at least another 27 species in the area are in line to join them if conditions do not improve.
photo Orin Zebest It’s not just the Delta economy that is closely tied to the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers – many local communities have a culture that’s closely linked to the region’s vast water resources. “The Delta has been so modified by human intervention and development, that it doesn’t really resemble its native self,” says John McManus, executive director of Golden Gate Salmon Association. Delta fish have fared dismally over the years. Aquatic species face a veritable onslaught from agricultural and urban runoff, including pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers, excess nutrients from urban wastewater, and other chemicals. Lower water levels – the result of pumping – lead to temperature increases that are hard on fish. They also alter how the river current flows, which disorients juvenile and migratory fish like salmon as they attempt to navigate the system. On top of all that, the existing pumps entrain fish, endangering already tenuous populations. McManus says that the state has done a “lousy job” with fish ecosystems. Chinook salmon runs in Central California are an illustrative case. They were once among the largest in the world; now, only a tiny fraction of historical numbers remains. Despite efforts by state managers, salmon runs have dramatically declined over the last century as a result of water diversions for agriculture and hydropower, as well as overfishing and stream degradation from mining. Today, wildlife managers supplement salmon populations with hatchery-raised fry to keep them stable. Forecasts from the Department of Fish and Wildlife predict that when the numbers come in for 2017, they will show that fewer than 300,000 fish have run the Sacramento and Klamath Rivers combined. Fish advocates and water diversion proponents have been locked in contentious legal battles for years. Past efforts to remove existing limits on Delta water exports have been stymied by court decisions due to potential impacts on imperiled native fish protected under the US Endangered Species Act. Perhaps the most well-known battles have been fought over the Delta smelt, an endemic, finger-length fish which is endangered. During
188 the state’s five-year drought, the US Supreme Court upheld controversial water diversion limits put in place in to protect the tiny fish. Despite the smelt’s tenuous status, in June of this year, the US Fish & Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service both approved the Delta tunnels project, concluding that the tunnels would not negatively impact native species, a determination that conservation groups strongly contest. And in July, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued what’s known as an “incidental take” permit for the project, essentially allowing for a certain number of endangered California fish to be killed as a result of construction and operation. Since these permits came through, environmental and fishing groups have filed a slew of lawsuits challenging the agency decisions. “Our primary concern about WaterFix is that it will be operated in a manner that further degrades the Bay-Delta estuary and its native fish and wildlife by diverting too much water out of the estuary during times when native species need more freshwater flows,” says Kate Poole, a senior attorney with the Natural Resources Defense Council (nrdc), which has filed suit to block the project. “The current WaterFix proposal would divert more water than is currently diverted, while the overwhelming scientific evidence shows that we must divert less.”
photo Harold Litwiler Any proposal to restore large sections of the Delta will likely destroy the fragile alliance between local farmers and environmentalists. McManus underscores this point, noting that the capacity of the twin tunnels is a sticking point for fish advocates. If the state truly means to leave enough water for native fish, he says, they should lower the tunnels’ carrying capacity. He worries that, despite assurances, more water would be taken than promised. “When push comes to shove, which is what happens in droughts,” he said, “the salmon always seem to get the short end of the stick.” As Poole and McManus suggest, the crux of any restoration work in the Delta hinges on increasing water flows through the Delta and expanding wetlands habitat. Other interventions might involve removing old levee infrastructure and allowing long dry areas to flood, or even removing dams higher up on the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers, which could go a long way towards helping fish. From an ecological perspective, the goal of returning the Delta to what it was prior to human intervention isn’t just unrealistic – most parties agree that would be impossible. But restoring some long- altered land to a more natural state could provide much-needed habitat for struggling wildlife. For over a decade, “WaterFix” has been in the works in one form or another. The project has gone through several iterations, but despite all the controversy, it never really disappears. As Thomas Keeling, a Stockton-based lawyer who represents San Joaquin County and Delta advocacy groups against the tunnels, puts it: “This [project] is
189 like a vampire. Every time someone shoots it and it falls down, in the next scene it’s crawling out of a grave somewhere.” And it’s feasible that this version, too, could ultimately be shot down. Funding for the project is meant to come from the water districts that stand to benefit from it. Over the last several months these districts have been voting on whether or not to endorse it – and the price tag seems to have made some wary districts balk. Though the met is the largest water district involved in the process, its assenting October vote doesn’t ensure that the project will succeed. Weeks earlier, the Westlands Water District, located in central California and the second largest district involved, voted against the plan. Then on October 17, the Santa Clara Valley Water District, the largest water agency in Silicon Valley, unanimously voted against the tunnels. However, Santa Clara signaled support for a scaled down, single-tunnel version of the project. There is no one-size-fits all solution to the problems facing this region. A single tunnel version could go a long way to mitigate concerns in the Delta. The nrdc proposed one such option, the so-called “portfolio alternative,” with several other environmental and business groups back in 2013. The portfolio includes construction of a single, smaller tunnel with a maximum flow capacity of 3,000 cubic feet per second, one-third that of the twin tunnels. Though its capacity would be lower, the single tunnel would offer a back-up to the southern Delta pumps currently in operation, helping to assuage concerns about water-supply reliability. The portfolio also proposes water storage enhancements, habitat restoration, and increased investment in local water supply projects, as well as in water conservation projects aimed at decreasing use and demand. But a new project would require a new environmental review and approval process. Starting again from scratch would set the construction back years on a project that, according to Keeling, already won’t produce “a drop of water” until 2035. Another option is to do away with the tunnel concept entirely. Restore the Delta advocates reinforcing the existing levee system and improving fish screens on the current pumps in the southern Delta to reduce fish mortality, while also weaning the state of its dependence on Delta water. According to the grassroots group, this might require retiring some Central Valley farmland as well as bolstering local water capture and storage systems. It would almost certainly free up more water to flow through the Delta system. Were such a proposal to gain momentum, it would surely face fierce opposition from Central California farmers. And any plan involving more restoration of the Delta estuary might also shake up the intricate alliances that have formed there over the past decades. Though local farmers and environmentalists are mostly unified in opposition to the tunnels, plans to restore large sections of the Delta would likely thrust the two groups into conflict. There are some, including Jerry Meral, California water program
190 director at the National Heritage Institute, an environmental nonprofit dedicated to restoring river basins, who believe that long-term farming in the Delta is unsustainable. Meral, who previously worked for the state on an earlier version of the tunnels project, advocates a shift away from farming – which results in an estimated 1-2 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually in the Delta – and towards farmers selling carbon sequestration services. Planting wetland vegetation on Delta islands, he writes, would improve ecosystem services and raise island elevations. Barrigan-Parrilla has described the proposal as insulting to Delta farmers. Public-private conservation partnerships, in which the government compensates farmers to enhance wildlife habitat on their property, may provide an alternative avenue for compromise. In the northern Delta, the Nature Conservancy runs a project with the Fish and Wildlife Service, private farmers, and a number of other organizations that combines farming with riparian habitat restoration. Farmers participating in the Cosumnes River Preserve project are incentivized to engage in agricultural practices that align with restoration priorities, including planting native vegetation and flooding fields. The goal is to see if farming and ecosystem restoration can be reconciled in one of the more “natural” rivers remaining – the Cosumnes is the last undammed river in the Delta system. Moran describes the project as an experiment. “You’re setting the table and seeing what happens,” he says, adding that opinions about the project’s success depend on the goal. Migratory birds have utilized the preserve area, to the joy of bird enthusiasts, but certain crops cannot be grown where flooding occurs – a potential frustration to farmers. Ultimately, such projects aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and they depend greatly on farmer buy-in and suitable location. Though opinions differ as to what the future of the Delta may, or should, hold, most parties seem to concede that the status quo is unsustainable. The Delta-system is overtaxed, buckling under the pressures of competing interests and natural forces. Without swift action, things stand to get much worse.
photo Karen Vittorio Nearly half of California’s migratory waterfowl and shorebirds pass through the Delta, along with some two-thirds of the state’s spawning salmon. “Institutional inertia is immense,” says Jeffrey Mount of ppic’s Water Policy Center. Mount, an internationally acclaimed geomorphologist who specializes in the study of rivers, streams, and wetlands, doesn’t advocate either side in the tunnel debate, but is clear that something needs to give. “For many of these risk- averse organizations, it’s better to do nothing than to risk doing something – we’re going way too slow on this,” he says. The inertia, in part, may reflect the gravity of the situation. The choices that are made for this intricate system will have impacts that reverberate throughout the state, and
191 perhaps the country. Most Californians can trace the water that they use back to this imperiled estuary and the food they eat to the Delta’s embattled waterways. Species that make their home only in the Delta vie for space, and local communities depend on a functional and bountiful Delta for their livelihood. Back at the Big Break, the met group has wandered back to the tour bus. The topographical map is abandoned, its simple contours and colors belying the complex choices facing this fragile watershed and its many human and nonhuman stakeholders. Beneath the feet of the met visitors, the watershed’s vulnerability was apparent. But with the group now gone, the Delta, with its maze of waterways that shape and reshape the land and defy containment, offers up another story – one that underscores how, ultimately, it is humanity’s control over nature that is fragile. Despite our best efforts to manage and manipulate Nature, it will inexorably push back and insist on going its own way. It reminds us that if we cannot find a balance between human needs and those of the wild, we may destroy this rare and delicate landscape upon which so many rely. Jacob Shea is an Oakland, California-based freelance journalist, specializing in science and the environment. He is also a student at the UC Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism. This story was produced in collaboration with the Earth Journalism Network. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the Cosumnes River as the Columns River. http://www.earthisland.org/journal/index.php/eij/article/life_amid_the_levees/
192