PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT

AGENDA ITEM # 3

MEETING DATE: May 9, 2012

PREPARED BY: Jennifer Armer, Associate Planner

AGENDA ITEM: REVIEW OF BRIDGE TO BEACH INTERIM PATHWAY SIGNAGE, KIOSK, AND MAP DESIGN

RECOMMENDATION 1. Hear Staff Report 2. Public Comment and Discussion 3. Recommendation to Council

BACKGROUND

On March 23, 2011, the City staff submitted a grant application to the Yolo-Solano Air Quality Management District (“Y-S AQMD”) for the funding of the Bridge to Beach Multi-Use Pathway Project under the Alternative Transportation Programs category. The Project competed very well and on June 8, 2010, the Y-S AQMD Board of Directors approved a $60,000.00 grant to the City for the Bridge to Beach Multi-Use Pathway Project. On October 6, 2011, City Council approved the Y-S AQMD Agreement, with no modifications, to receive the $60,000.00 grant.

The grant application requested the funds for the purpose of creating signage and a map for an interim route for the Bridge to Beach pathway. The Chamber of Commerce has offered to have two to four kiosks fabricated as designed by the consultant, depending on complexity. Two hearings were held on March 14, 2012, for initial discussion with the Planning Commission and Recreation Commission of preliminary designs provided by Foothill Associates. The 80% designs are now coming to Planning Commission for final comments and recommendation. Final designs, based on these comments will be presented to Council in June or July.

As stated in the attached memo, provided by Foothill Associates, we are looking for general feedback on the design, and in particular on the following items:

1. Are there other points of interest that should be called out on the kiosk maps and brochure inset map (such as the Marina, Dutra Museum, etc)? 2. Are there other specific concepts that should be included on the interpretive signs? 3. Are there other annual community events that should be included on the brochure?

Attachments: Cover Memo prepared by Foothill Associates Materials provided by Foothill Associates

1

MEMORANDUM May 02, 2012

SUBJECT: Bridge to Beach Trail – 80% Submittal

Attached to this memo is the 80% complete submittal for the Bridge to Beach Trail signs, brochure, kiosks, and trail markers. The kiosks in Phase 1 will be three-sided, but we have included an example of how the same general design could be used for a four-sided kiosk, if needed in the future. Each kiosk will have two signs and a lockable bulletin board. One general “Welcome to Rio Vista” sign will be on each kiosk. These will be the with the exception of the “You are Here” location marker. Each kiosk will have one unique sign as well. The sign at the waterfront promenade focuses on the bridge and river industry. The sign at City Hall focuses on the wildlife you might see on the river. As noted, the graphics shown on the signs are generally placeholders. Assuming that the sign content and theme is approved we will locate images with the appropriate printing rights. The signs will be 24”x36”, so the attached graphics are slightly less than half size.

We are looking for general feedback on the design, and in particular on the following items: 1. Are there other points of interest that should be called out on the kiosk maps and brochure inset map (such as the Marina, Dutra Museum, etc)? 2. Are there other specific concepts that should be included on the interpretive signs? 3. Are there other annual community events that should be included on the brochure?

Thank you for your input. I am sorry that I could not attend the meeting in person.

Sincerely,

Meredith Branstad [email protected]

The Golf Club at Rio Vista Welcome to

Bridge to Beach Trail Rio Vista is a small town with a rich history and a wealth of recreation opportunities. The Bridge to Beach Trail connects the Helen Madera Bridge to Sandy Beach County Park along an 1-1/2 mile route near the river and through downtown. Pick up a trail guide at City Hall or one of the many businesses along the route.

Recreation Opportunities

There are many things to do in Rio Vista, from enjoying a day on the River to a day on the links. Fishing Cemetary Rio Vista’s location on the makes it a Waterfront prime sport fishing  Promenade destination. Two fishing piers are available for public use. Don’t miss the annual “Rio Vista Bass Festival & Derby” held each fall. Wind and Water CCity Hall PLACEHOLDER IMAGE The consistent winds and calm river make Rio Vista a world-renowned location for wind

and water sports such as kiteboarding and 2nd Street windsurfing.

Agriculture Sacramento River

Immigrants from around the world brought their agricultural knowledge to the rich soils of the California Delta, and created a vibrant Legend PLACEHOLDER IMAGE agricultural region. Grain and sheep framing were vital to Rio Vista’s economy in the late 19th You Are Here and early 20th century. In more recent years Park cattle ranching, fruit orchards, and specialty  Kiosk vegetables, such as endive, have come to the Bridge to Beach fore. Trail – Phase 1 Energy Unimproved Trail

Rio Vista has been a leader in energy production Sandy Beach since the Rio Vista Natural Gas field, the largest County Park deposit in California, was discovered in 1936. In addition to natural gas, Rio Vista became a PLACEHOLDER IMAGE green energy hub with the construction of wind farms in 2005. Built on the River

Rio Vista’s success comes from its location on the Sacramento River.

Placeholder Photo RioRio Vista’sVista’s locationlocation halfwayhalf a betweenbet een SanSan Fran-Fran cisco and Sacramento made it a popular stop for riverboats like this one.

Bridging the River

The original was completed in 1919. Construction of a new, steel truss bridge began in 1943. However, the bridge was not completed until 1959 and it was formally dedicated on April 1, 1960. Placeholder Photo

The Crash of the Ilice Rio Vista is located on the main shipping channel from the Pacific Ocean to Sacramento, which is still used extensively today. The delta is also prone to dense fog in the winter, commonly called ‘tule fog’. These two things came together with cataclysmic results on the afternoon of January 15, 1967. The Italian freighter Ilice was traveling upriver to take on a load of rice bound for Japan. The captain, Giuseppe D’esposito, could see only one of the bridge’s two towers in the dense fog bank. He chose incorrectly and missed the open lift span, instead running the Ilice into the stationary east span. Placeholder Photo The crash damaged a 140-foot span of the bridge. Repairs were complete, and the bridge re-opened, in just 22 days.

Keeping the River Clear

The Sacramento River constantly carries rocks, dirt, and sand down from the foothills. As the river slows in the wide Delta channels the sediment settles to the bottom. Dredges scoop the sediment up from the bottom to keep the shipping channels clear. This sediment us also used to rebuild levies, which protect delta farmland from floods. Placeholder Photo Drop me a Line

The Sacramento River delta is home to many animals. What will you see during your visit?

Catfish

Placeholder image

Striped Bass

Sturgeon

Down in the Water The delta is a prime location for fishing throughout the year. Some fish, like catfish, live in the area year-round. Others, such as sturgeon and salmon, Steelhead migrate past Rio Vista on their way to or from the ocean. Fish that live part of their life in freshwater and part in saltwater are called anadromous fish. Fish have been an important part of life in Rio Vista for many years, from the Salmon cannery in the 1800s to the annual bass derby, which was first held in 1933. Up in the Air Great Blue Heron The largest heron in America, this bird wades slowly or stands in the water waiting for a fish, frog, or other tasty Chinook Salmon bite to pass by. They spread a fine "powder down" on their feathers with a special fringed claw to keep clean of marsh slime and oils. Great Blue Black Phoebe Heron These small songbirds swoop and hover catching insects on the wing, then return to a perch on a branch or wire. Their distinctive two-note call, 'Phee-bee, Phee-bee' inspired their name. Western Grebe Black Phoebe These birds are so at home in the water they even build floating nests. Grebes dive from the surface and spear fish with their sharp beaks. Their feet are far back on their body, making them great swimmers, but ungainly on land. Western Grebe American White Pelican These distinctive birds are seen around Rio Vista in the winter, but breed in the summer on the Great Plains of the midwest. They often hunt in groups and catch fish in the large, expandable pouches.

American White Pelecan

City of Rio Vista City of Rio Vista Things to Do in Rio Vista  Rio Vista Museum History Chamber of Commerce Housed in an old blacksmith’s shop, this extensive museum displays historical artifacts from throughout Rio The original settlement of Rio Vista was established in Rio Vista is a unique city with a variety of amenities and Vista’s history. Pick up a free Walking Tour for more 1858, by Col. Nathan H. Davis, and was located at the services available to both residential and business information on Rio Vista’s historic buildings. mouth of Cache Slough, approximately two miles from communities and continues to make strides to meet the Location: 16 North Front Street its present location. The settlement thrived on the challenges of a rapidly growing community. We have the fishing and shipping industries, due to its prime location unique advantage of being a small city with big opportunities Open weekend afternoons and by appointment. Call between Sacramento and San Francisco on the for the right business as well as offering plenty of recreational (707) 374-5169 or visit the museum online at Sacramento River. The settlement’s name changed activities for visitors. www.riovistamuseum.com. several times during the first several years, including Los Brazos del Rio, Vista del Rio, Winds End, and eventually If you like the outdoors, the City is surrounded by over 1,000  Dutra Museum of Dredging the wife of Postmaster Charles Kirkpatrick, re-named it miles of waterway. It is the ideal location for fishing, water Learn about the history of the Delta and levee system, Rio Vista. skiing and wind surfing. There is also an 18-hole golf course including model dredges and fossils unearthed during and several campgrounds nearby. levee maintenance. On January 9, 1862, Rio Vista was destroyed when the Sacramento River rose and twelve feet of water covered Following is a brief list of things to do in the City of Rio Vista 345 St. Gertrudes Avenue the settlement. Fortunately, not one life was lost. and surrounding area. Please visit the City’s website at Tours by appointment only. Call (415)-258-6876. “New” Rio Vista was established at its present location www.riovista.org for more ideas. on higher ground in March 1862. Welcome Things to Do in the Area  Sandy Beach County Park to the As more individuals This park is great for a day trip or extended stay with settled in Rio Vista,  Dining RV-amenable campsites, picnic grounds, a beach, and a farming became the way 24-hour boat launch. Entry fees apply. RioVista  Museums and Tours Bridge to Beach Trail of life rather than PLACEHOLDER Open 24-hours per day, year round. Call (707) 374-2097  Western Railway Museum fishing. Immigrants, IMAGE for more information or go to www.co.solano.ca.us. educated in their native  Jelly Belly Factory lands, brought new ideas  Anheuser Busch Tours  Rio Vista Golf Course Welcome to the City of Rio Vista, "the Gateway to the community, and  Camping, Boating or Fishing allowed wheat, sheep, Open to the public, this championship 18-hole golf  Sandy Beach Park to the Delta". The City is located in the heart of and other crops to thrive. course, designed by Ted Robinson Sr., offers challenging the California Delta on the Sacramento River.  Brannan Island State Park play for both novices and avid golfers. Disaster struck the community once again on July 20,  Grizzly Island Fishing Located at 1000 Summerset Drive 1892, when a fire broke out in the rear of the River The Rio Vista Bridge to Beach Trail is a walking  Golfing Call (707) 374-2900 or visit www.the View Hotel. Within minutes the flames spread golfclubatriovista.com to reserve your tee time. tour through downtown and historic Rio Vista eventually destroying almost every structure from Front  Rio Vista Golf Course that connects the Helen Madere Bridge with Street up to Third Street, and from Montezuma Avenue.  Rancho Solano Golf Course California Vegetable Specialties – Endive Factory Sandy Beach County Park. to Sacramento Avenue.  Paradise Valley Golf Course  Wine Tasting Learn about how endive is produced and the two-step After two decades of local debate, it was finally decided, growing process at the only American endive producer. that in the best interest of the community, it was time  Bogle Family Wineries Group tours by appointment only. Call (707) 374-2111 to incorporate. Thus, the town of Rio Vista held its first  Napa Valley Wine Country or go to www.endive.com for more information. election, and the community was officially incorporated  Sonoma Valley on December 30, 1893. Seventy-five years later, on  Suisun Valley Wineries January 4, 1968 the town of Rio Vista officially became Calendar of Events a “City”.  California Cellar

In recent times Rio Vista has become renowned for its Rio Vista Bass Derby and Festival ...... October wind and water recreation. The near constant winds The first Bass Derby held in Rio Vista was in 1933. make the area a Mecca for kiteboarding, windsurfing, Ag and Art at the Rio Vista Waterfront...... March and sailing. The same winds have made the area a prime Check the City’s website for more location for large wind farms generating green energy. For more information on the history of Rio information: Vista see Rio Vista, by Phil Pezzaglia, in the http://www.riovista.org/calendar Images of America series published by Arcadia Publishing. Self-guided Walking Tour Legend The Golf Club The Rio Vista Historic Walking tour is self-guided, so you can at Rio Vista Public Restrooms 12 start when you’re ready and take as much time as you wish. South 4th Street Park The tour meanders about 1-1/2 miles through the downtown Picnic Area California Street and historic districts. Points of interest are indicated with  Kiosk numbers on the map with descriptions provided below. Take your time enjoying your stroll and be sure to visit the 12 South 3rd Street Boat Ramp restaurants, shops and waterfront during your stay. Main Street Bridge to Beach Trail – Phase 1 Sandy Beach u North 4th Street q Waterfront Park g f d s Unimproved Trail Enjoy your lunch at a picnic table overlooking South 2nd Street the river while enjoying scenic views of the a y Rio Vista Bridge. The Waterfront Promenade o i North 3rd Street also offers access to the California Department of Fish and Game’s Fishing Pier jk South Front Street t and public restrooms. h l North 2nd Street w Gordon Hansen r Company Building Beach Drive e The building across the street was Highland Drive constructed in 1938 as a farm equipment and To Sandy Beach

implements showroom and service County Park Drive Marina department for the Gordon Hansen Company. w North Front Street With its strong geometric forms and stepped Edgewater Drive ; City Hall design, this is an excellent example of the Art Deco style, which was  popular at that time. Art Deco was influenced by Classical Greek and Roman design as well as Egyptian and Aztec motifs. Sacramento River Waterfront q Promenade e Rio Vista Museum The Rio Vista Museum opened in 1975. It displays artifacts depicting Rio Vista’s history, u Fire Stations s Captain Larsen’s Home h Egbert Home including farm equipment, dolls and toys, There are two buildings that house the Rio Vista Fire Weston Campbell, a local contractor constructed this This 1900 Vintage Style house was by J.P. Mortensen newspaper headlines, uniforms, and Department and the Montezuma Fire District, which striking Queen Anne home for Captain Lars Peter for the Egbert family. Rio Vista’s family doctor for housewares. It is housed in an old blacksmith serves ~150 square miles around the City. The Rio Larsen, Annie, his wife and their two children in 1897. many years, Dr. Simmer also owned this South Front shop. The Museum is open weekend afternoons and by appointment. Vista Fire Department was officially formed in 1926. The quarter block property included a yard, barn and Street house. The first hook and ladder company in Rio Vista was carriage house. Features include 12-13’ ceilings, hand r Foster’s Bighorn formed in 1871. Today, the citizen volunteers are painted wood and a roof top “widow’s walk” which j Tudor Revival Home Foster’s Bighorn restaurant is a local landmark still a vital part of the City’s Fire Department. provided Captain Larsen a grand view of the river. This house, with its steeply pitched roof, narrow renowned for its collection of over 300 wild game windows, and wood framing accents, exemplifies the trophies on display, including an African elephant. The i Vista Theater Building d Senator McCormack’s Tudor Revival style. This architectural style was most collection was assembled by Bill Foster in the 1930s The Vista Theater, a one-screen cinema seating Home popular in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. and 40s. He was an avid photographer as well as a 530 people, opened in 1925. The original Robert Senator Thomas McCormack purchased this hunter and many of his photographs are also on display. Morton pipe organ was the largest in Solano land on the corner of Second and Gertrude k Gordon Home County at that time. The theater remained in Streets in 1898 to build his home. Fred J.P. Mortensen built this 1900s home for the Rush t Striper Cafe and the operation until 1974. The marquee and sign have Johnson was the contractor for the project, Family. The house was then sold to Captain Fay, a Hotel Rio Vista been removed from the exterior, but the original completing the home in 1902. river boat company owner. In 1919, George Gordon, art deco walls and ceiling remain inside. Sr. purchased the home and modified the structure by The Hotel Rio Vista officially opened on adding a 2nd story. September 26, 1914. After a fire destroyed f Thomas Home the interior in 1917, it re-opened on April 5, o Fraser Brothers Jesse Thomas purchased this lot for $600 in gold coin 1919. The Striper Cafe is one of many Rio Vista’s first apartment building, this from one of Rio Vista’s founding fathers, Joseph l Victorian Home businesses that have operated on the ground structure originally hosted a meat market on Bruning. He contracted Weston Campbell to build the This small Victorian house shares many of the floor of the hotel. The neon sign is one of many historic examples on Main the lower level and apartments in the upper home in 1910. Later, when Thomas’ daughter married architectural characteristics of Captain Larsen’s Street. level. Henry Dirr, the home was known as the Dirr Home. residence with decorative brackets on the porch and eaves and multiple paint colors to highlight y Church architectural details. The church on the corner of 3rd and Main a Bailey House g Dr. A.J. McKinnon’s Home ; Street was constructed by the Union Baptist Considered one of Rio Vista’s oldest homes, the Bailey City Hall Plaza For $10 in gold coin, Dr. Aloysius J. McKinnon “A.J.” City Hall opened in 1950. City Hall Plaza pays tribute Church of Rio Vista and was dedicated on House was built in the 1870s. Norris Millican Bailey, the purchased the quarter block at Second and Santa Clara to the sacrifices of local residents in battle, the Pony April 20, 1919. It exemplifies the Mission town’s jeweler lived here with his wife, Marion until his Streets in March 1905. A.J. and his wife Lizzie, hired Express Memorial to the river boat steamer "New Revival style with unadorned plaster walls and untimely death when he was murdered in his store in April respected local builder, Weston Campbell to build their World", and the visit of Humphrey the . Just wide tiled eaves. 1927. brown shingle home. behind City Hall is the public boat launch. The annual Bass Festival and Derby are held at the City Fishing Pier.