The MCL “North Marin Unit” Always Has a Full Plate

May-June 2009

EDITORIAL Focus on North Marin Is the MTC too HOT to Trot? Why The MCL MCL is Concerned About HOT Lanes “North Marin The long- awaited Unit” Always Highway 101 Gap Closure project’s HOV Has a Full Plate lanes, funded by Susan Stompe and Nona Dennis by Measure A, could Geographic “Units” of Marin potentially Conservation League be converted to HOT lanes When Marin Conservation League was under the launched by its founders as the “Marin MTC plan County Survey Committee” in late 1934, one of the fi rst objectives was to engage representatives from all parts of the county in photo: Dru Parker planning for its future. As the “Committee” evolved into “Marin Conservation League” n occasion, Marin Conservation The claimed attractions of the concept are and gained wide support, the representation OLeague fi nds itself questioning threefold: coalesced into geographic units – initially whether “the Emperor is wearing any It expands mobility options by providing Mill Valley, San Rafael, West Marin, and clothes” – or, put another way: is the pub- an opportunity for reliable travel times to then North Marin and Rural Land Use. At a lic being given all the facts while a grand users willing to pay a signifi cant premium time when there were few environmental plan is rushed forward with inadequate for this service (hence the nickname, organizations in the county, the League’s public education? The current discussion “Lexus Lanes”); Units provided an opportunity for people about implementing High Occupant Toll in a region to get together to discuss local (HOT) Lanes along 800 miles of Bay Area HOT lanes generate a source of revenue, issues, track local developments, meet with freeways seems to fall into this category. which can be used to pay for completing local offi cials, sponsor public meetings, and Recently a few Marin citizens and local an 800-mile HOT lane system and pay occasionally put on media events. The issues offi cials have participated in meetings at for other transportation improvements, addressed in the Units were not constrained which HOT lanes were discussed. In fact, including enhanced transit service; to specifi c issues such as land use or water. the Metropolitan Transportation Commis- They improve the effi ciency of HOV facili- Units could be established anywhere in sion (MTC), on April 22, has already includ- ties, which have shown recent decline in Marin: just get some MCL members together ed such HOT lanes in its 2035 Regional some metropolitan areas. Transportation Plan (RTP). Continued on Page 2 If these sound attractive, why should MCL What are HOT lanes? HOT lanes would be concerned about HOT Lanes? replace High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV or The MCL Board has not taken a formal In This Issue— “carpool” lanes) with a toll strategy which position for or against HOT Lanes and our President’s Message—Page 2 allows single occupancy vehicles, oth- own experts are not in complete agreement Status Updates—Page 3 erwise excluded from HOV lanes, to use on the technical merits, and environmental Upcoming Walks into History—Page 4 the HOT lanes by paying a toll. The lanes th information is missing. However, at this 75 Annual Dinner Recap—Page 5 are “managed” through variable pricing Meet Your Board Members—Page 7 to maintain optimum fl ow conditions. Continued on Page 6

PAGE 1 May-June 2009 A Message from the President- MCL Goes (Certifi ed) Green! arin Conserva- K Implement sound environmental prac- and solid waste generation; provide on- Mtion League has tices that prevent pollution and waste going opportunities for management and not only modernized generation employee participation (in MCL’s case, board its own logo; it has and member participation); inform custom- K Share environmentally responsible added a new one – ers (MCL members and the public) about practices with other businesses in our the logo for the Bay efforts to meet the green business standards; community Area Green Business and, assist at least one other organization in Program. On April 28, The Bay Area learning about the Green Business Program MCL became one of Program was started and encouraging it to enroll. MCL does its 320 Marin County businesses and non- more than a dozen part by continuing to host its Business-Envi- profi ts that participate in the Marin County years ago (Marin’s ronment breakfast forums to foster mutual Green Business Program. Dana Armanino, program was understanding between the two sectors. launched in 2002) who manages the program for the County’s While the certifi cation process was not and has grown to “Sustainability Team,” presented 18 newly diffi cult for MCL, the fact that hundreds of encompass busi- certifi ed businesses, including MCL, to the organizations in the Bay Area care enough nesses in over 20 Board of Supervisors, and Hal Brown, Presi- to have invested effort to meet the require- different industries, including auto repair dent, commended all of us for making the ments of a green business is a good example shops, printers, hotels, restaurants, landscap- commitment. of the positive effects of “the hundredth ers, wineries, janitorial and laundry services, The Marin County Program is a member monkey” phenomenon, in which a learned grocery and retail stores, home remodelers, of the greater Bay Area Program, a voluntary behavior spreads from one group to related attorneys, architects, engineers, gift services, partnership among business leaders, govern- groups once a critical number is reached. We and a variety of offi ce and home-based ment agencies and nonprofi t organizations hope that “green business behavior,” too, will businesses as well as non-profi ts, that have that recognizes businesses that... continue to spread to a critical number until successfully met the standards and are now it is no longer necessary to reward it with a K Demonstrate continuous compliance recognized as Bay Area Green Businesses. with applicable environmental regula- certifi cate because it will have become the To be certifi ed as a Green Business, a busi- tions standard for all. ness or organization must pass an inspec- K Conserve energy, water, and other tion of current practices and also agree to materials continue to monitor water and energy usage

Bahia Wetlands. troversial ten-year environmental impact North Marin Unit from Page 1 process. The Unit played a major role in One of the most extended and controver- and designate a chairperson as leader. strengthening environmental conditions sial battles fought by the Unit was during (mitigations) for environmentally safe opera- the transition of Hamilton Field from a North Marin Unit Persists tions. military airfi eld to a residential community Most of the units gradually dissolved with a thousand acres of restored marshland. The Unit was also active in getting Novato as new environmental organizations were The history included a proposal to move the to adopt an Urban Growth Boundary. formed, many of them around geography or Gnoss Field general aviation operations to One of the Unit’s “failures” was preventing specifi c issues. The North Marin Unit is the Hamilton. At a time when general aviation last active regional unit of MCL. This Unit the conversion of diked agricultural lands at Hamilton was favored by the Board of Su- at Black Point to the Stone Tree Golf Club. has persisted as the environmental guardian pervisors and even by some members of MCL of North Marin, largely because of Gail Wil- This project was the subject of a referen- as an economic boon, the North Marin Unit dum challenging the conversion loss of this helm and, later, Susan Stompe – MCL board adamantly opposed the proposal because member, past president, and Novato activist area and is now acknowledged by many to of the possible conversion of Hamilton to be a major loss of seasonal wetlands. The since 1970 – and a dedicated group of North commercial aviation. The development of a Marin environmentalists. Unit has been more successful in preserving residential community, reused hangars, and Scottsdale Pond, an historic wetland that has The North Marin Unit has never expe- restoration of diked lands to tidal marsh that been the object of frequent clean-ups and rienced a shortage of issues to take on. we can enjoy today seemed unachievable at removal of invasive plant species under the Among past actions, Unit members played the time. leadership of Unit members. signifi cant roles in promoting and raising Other long term issues in which the Unit The Unit is now working on new proposals. funds for acquisition of public lands that has participated actively include the expan- are prominent features of the North Marin One is the proposed redevelopment of the sion of Redwood Landfi ll. Although the Fireman’s Fund site (now owned by American landscape: Mt. Burdell and Rush Creek Open Landfi ll is currently beginning an expansion Space Preserves; Olompali State Park, and of capacity, this comes only after a con- Continued on Page 4

PAGE 2 May-June 2009 Status Updates Whaler’s Point summed up the problem in simple terms: The EIR and Master Plan, approved in 1996, “The applicant has tried consistently over the must be revisited in light of changed cir- On April 14, the Board of Supervisors years to force a highly constrained site to cumstances. MCL’s letter states, “We request upheld the County Planning Commission meet his expectations for economic return, that Planning Staff prepare an Initial Study, and Planning Staff recommendation to deny rather than adapting his economic expecta- conduct a scoping session, and retain a con- Jack Krystal’s proposal to build a 71-room tions to meet the constraints of the site.” sultant to prepare a Subsequent EIR which hotel (Whaler’s Point) on a Richardson Bay will be given the same notice and public parcel that has been the subject of similar Skywalker Properties, review as required under Section 15087 of applications since 1979. The 2.2 acre site, Ltd. Precise the CEQA Guidelines.” of which only 1.6 acre is dry land and the San Rafael Airport remainder subject to tidal action, is sand- Development Plan wiched between the Commodore Houseboat Recreational Facility Marina and Heliport, and Shoreline Offi ce The Skywalker Properties, Ltd. (Lucasfi lm) Center. It has been littered with equipment proposal to construct a monster building for The proposal by Joe Shekou to construct and debris for many years. Notwithstand- a digital technology-based fi lm production a 71,300 square foot indoor sports fi eld and ing its degraded condition, the property studio and complex of offi ces, restaurant, court, with outdoor soccer fi elds and parking fronts on Richardson Bay tidal marshes and general store, guest suites, screening rooms, for 184 cars, alongside the San Rafael Air- costume stor- port has been quiescent for a couple of years age, and reshape while studies for the EIR were in progress. the landscape of The Draft EIR was fi nally released in March. Lucas Valley has Comments on the DEIR are due May 12, returned-13 years when the city planning commission will hold after the EIR was a public hearing on the DEIR. The project certifi ed and master site is a nine-acre portion of the overall plan was approved. 119.5-acre airport site, which lies between Everything about the north and south forks of Las Gallinas the project is Creek. Environmentalists have monitored massive, from the wildlife in the marshes of Gallinas Creek, footprint of the especially the endangered California Clapper building to the 90- Rail, and appreciate the habitat value of foot twin towers to this diked, former tidal marsh. Its sensitivity the scale of excava- was recognized in 1983, when the City and tion and fi lling of County agreed to allow higher-than-usual The Whaler’s Point site on Richardson Bay photos: Dru Parker the site. The Marin density near the freeway in order to keep Community Development Agency requested the more sensitive wetlands to the east free mudfl ats that are rich habitat for shorebirds comments on the proposal by May 7. Marin from development. Both parcels were sold and waterfowl. As with Mr. Krystal’s previ- Conservation League’s response was brief: to developer Joe Shekou. Since then, his ous proposals, the current application for a attempts to develop four-story hotel and spa far exceeded the the eastern (airport) development guidelines for height and land portion have never cover contained in the Tamalpais Commu- ceased. Although nity Plan and Countywide Plan, and did not the use permit for meet on-site parking requirements in the the site is somewhat County Code. vague in its refer- ence to “recreation,” In spite of a parade of supporters, many it is understood to of whom simply want to see the site cleaned limit the property to up, and in spite of the continuing promises activities that would by the applicant to offer an array of social, pose no threat to educational, and environmental programs, the environment. the Supervisors, led by Third District Supervi- In this regard, MCL sor Charles McGlashan, held fi rm and voted fi nds the project to 4 to 1 to deny the application on the basis of be wholly inappro- its nonconformity with applicable plans and The proposed San Rafael Airport sports complex would be built on policies. In testifying to urge denial, MCL the spit of land to the right, between the forks of Gallinas creek Continued on Page 7

PAGE 3 May-June 2009

active voice in the San Geronimo Valley for Join MCL for “Four Walks Into land protection and preservation for many years. You will learn about the exploits of History” this Summer and Fall Samuel Penfi eld Taylor, who turned his gold from the California gold fi elds into a mill on he celebration of MCL’s 75th Anniversary from Mt. Tamalpais to Richardson Bay. It pro- “Papermill Creek,” and then to a resort hotel Tcontinues through the remainder of the vides an entrance to Mt. Tamalpais State Park and recreation destination, before abandon- year. Four free “Walks into Conservation and connects via further trails to Muir Woods, ing the site. The fi ve-year saga of how MCL History” will take MCL members into some of GGNRA and coastal beaches. Local historians persuaded the County to take the land for Marin County Open Space District (MCOSD) will talk about the passion and creativity it back taxes, and how it eventually became a and California State Park lands MCL helped took to save this ridge, and MCOSD Natural- acquire for the public. ist David Herlocker will describe the native habitats and the species that live here. For reservations, call SATURDAY, JUNE 20, 9:30 AM TO 1PM, Directions: Meet at the Crown Road Trail- 415-485-6257 BLITHEDALE RIDGE (NORTHRIDGE) WALK INTO head (from Sir Francis Drake, go south onto HISTORY, CO-SPONSORED BY MCOSD AND MCL College Ave past Woodlands Market, right on State Park, is a story in itself. A plaque com- The Blithedale Ridge Open Space above Mill Woodland Ave, left on Evergreen Rd; continue Valley was preserved in 1976 after almost two memorating MCL co-founder Sepha Evers’ uphill to the intersection with Ridgecrest; 50 role in the effort to acquire the old Taylor Mill decades of community effort that involved feet uphill from this junction, go left onto thousands of volunteer hours and donations lands for the Park is in storage, waiting to be Crown Rd and follow to end. Moderate ter- replaced on the bench that bore the plaque. and signifi cant fi nancial grants. It is a prime rain and elevation gain. example of communities joining together The third Walk into History will be on Angel to save the land. During this informative SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 9:30 AM TO 2 PM, Island State Park in October. More details will 3-mile hike, we will learn about the history SAMUEL P.TAYLOR STATE PARK be available this summer. This easy 3-mile walk will be led by Marin of preserving the “Northridge” – a key open To reserve a place on one of these walks historian Barry Spitz, along with former MCL space link between Mill Valley, Corte Madera call the MCL offi ce at 415-485-6257 or email president, Jean Berensmeier, who has been an and Larkspur. It is part of the connecting ridge [email protected].

NMU from Page 2 Bay Water Reuse Author- Assets) at the northern entrance to the city. ity (NBWRA), The project would add a mix of housing-in- a coopera- cluding affordable housing- hotel, and other tive program commercial uses to the site and an array of involving fi ve “green” features. Environmental review is water and pending. Another is a redevelopment project wastewater that would change uses on North Redwood agencies in Blvd. from industrial to retail/commercial. Marin, Sono- ma, and Napa Water and Wastewater Issues Counties to The Unit has tracked water supply and expand use of wastewater treatment projects in the Novato recycled water area for many years, including recent plans throughout an for expanding recycled water facilities at approximate North Marin Water District (NMWD). The 318 square District receives about 20 percent of its wa- mile area. An North Marin Unit members check out a map of Novato and pending projects at ter locally from the Stafford Lake watershed, EIR/EIS cover- the April 29 meeting. L-R: Charlene Kelser, Bill Long, Edith Piltch, Joyce Applen, and 80 percent from the Russian River via a ing a range of Rick Fraites, Eleanor Sluis, Don Wilhelm pipeline that is shared by Marin Municipal alternatives Water District. for expanding water recycling is currently activity is going on. Over the years, the Unit being proposed. The Unit members agreed structure has proved to be a good way to At the March 2009 meeting of the North that while the program was a commendable keep Northern Marin members fully engaged Marin Unit, Chris De Gabriele, General Man- project, they declined to endorse it until the with MCL and with countywide environ- ager of the NMWD, described the district’s EIR/EIS is released and can be examined. mental issues. The North Marin Unit also ambitious plan to expand its wastewater re- continues to be an invaluable environmental cycling program. De Gabriele also explained There may be no other area in Marin in guardian of the northern gateway to Marin. the plans of the recently established North which so much planning and development

PAGE 4 May-June 2009 75th Annual Dinner A Huge Success! of commendation from Senator Barbara Boxer and honored MCL for its achievements by intro- ducing a statement of congratulations into the Congressional Record for the 111th Congress. The event also served as an election to the board for fi ve new directors: Paul Helliker, Carolyn Hand and Jean Starkweather Marge Macris, Amy Marr, K The Marin Green Award for Environmen- Brett Powell, Vicki Nichols tal Leadership-Bob Berner, MALT Assemblyman Jared Huffman, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, MCL and Jana Haehl, and as President Nona Dennis and State Senator Mark Leno K The Youth Award for Environmental a thank you to depart- Leadership-Carly Wertheim, Redwood ing board directors, Ron arin Conservation League’s 75th An- High School Mniversary Dinner at the Mill Valley Albert and Charles Brousse. K The John M. McPhail, Jr. Green Business Community Center on Friday, April 17 was The dinner, by CaterMarin, was accom- Award-Dominican University “Green attended by almost 200 new and long-estab- panied by live entertainment from pianist MBA” program lished members of the organization, as well as Michael McIntosh and the Talking Dog Sing- a veritable “who’s who” of local and regional ers. Following the meal, the 2009 Annual K The Peter Behr Lifetime Achievement environmentalists Awards for Environmental Achievement were Award-Harold Gilliam and elected of- presented to these six outstanding individu- The evening was capped by keynote fi cials. The mistress als and organizations for their contribution speaker and Washington, D.C., radio host Bill of ceremonies, Linda to Marin and the planet: Press, who addressed the crowd with a lively Novy, and MCL’s K The Ted Wellman Water Award-The and germane discourse on the topic, “The President, Nona Master Gardener Volunteers of the Next 75 Years Start Now!” Dennis, ensured that “Bay-Friendly Garden Walk” a fabulous time was had by all. Supervi- K The Marin Conservation League Volun- sors Steve Kinsey, teer Award-Susan Stompe Judy Arnold and Susan Adams repre- All Bob Berner sented the County photos of Marin, which by had earlier issued a Resolution commending John MCL for its 75 years of service to the County. Nygren State Assemblyman Jared Huffman and State Senator Mark Leno jointly read a California State Senate Resolution thanking MCL for its long history of protecting the environment. Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey read a letter Amy Meyer and Harold Gilliam

Frank Egger, Dotty LeMieux, Ray Moritz and Bill Press Raises His Glass to the League Susan Rusche and Vicki Rupp

PAGE 5 May-June 2009

HOT Lanes conversion of HOV Lanes to HOT Lanes completed. Final decisions will be made and the construction of HOT Lanes in by a regional agency. from Page 1 gaps of the regional plan, can local Many more questions on operational as- time, MCL’s principal concerns are with pub- agencies opt out of the system? An- pects of HOT Lanes were raised by the people lic process – with the failure of both regional swer: No. A regional system is essential in attendance. What stood out was the and local Marin County offi cials, specifi cally to funding mechanisms. unmet need for broad public education. the Transportation Authority of Marin (TAM), 4. If an EIR is done during the implemen- MCL believes that effective outreach to provide the public with an opportunity tation phase, will it be a Program EIR or should be an essential element of HOT lane for open and informative education and a Project by Project EIR process? There planning and implementation. HOT lanes are response. MCL also believes that the envi- is a great difference between the two. a relatively recent concept in transportation, ronmental and social equity ramifi cations of Answer: It will be a project by project and both the general public and local elected HOT facilities, and realistic revenue projec- EIR process. (Note: This appears to be offi cials need to become familiar with the tions, need to be analyzed. a piecemeal approach and would fail rationale for proposing them, the options On April 28, TAM held a public workshop to address the impacts of the overall for their operation, the environmental and at Redwood High School to present plans program) social equity implications, whether negative for regional HOT Lanes. In attendance were 5. Another approach to handling conges- or positive, and mechanisms of governance. more agency representatives (from Alameda tion and traffi c fl ows used in Europe, Without such outreach, the public might County, Santa Clara County, and MTC) than particularly Stockholm, has been to greet the introduction of a proposed HOT members of the public. In tone and content, implement Congestion Pricing on a facility with indifference, or caution, or the meeting was primarily a marketing regional basis without the provision outright hostility. MCL will continue to track exercise promoting HOT lanes. The stated for HOT Lanes. MTC should analyze the the HOT lane issue and keep its members adoption of this alternative to deter- informed. MCL believes that effective outreach mine whether or not it has greater should be an essential element of HOT benefi ts. Answer: They will consider lane planning and implementation that in the analytical work. MCL is grateful to the 6. Would converting HOV Lanes to HOT purpose of the workshop was to get public Lanes serving single occupancy users be following for their in-kind comment on what should be included in the consistent with the goals of reducing donations and personal scope of the analysis of HOT Lane implemen- Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) and green- support of our 75th Annual tation plans for Marin County, including rev- house gas (GHG) emissions? How would enue and investment projections. Represen- the establishment of HOT Lanes in place Dinner. Support your local tatives from MCL and other environmental of HOV Lanes affect the traffi c fl ows in businesses! organizations attended, made the following the Mixed Lanes and GHG emissions for comments, and received a few responses: the transportation corridors? Answer: Bob Grace Photography 1. MCL commented on the lack of public “Road Pricing” and “Landuse” will re- California State Parks, disclosure and input in the process to duce GHG emissions. (MCL has not seen Marin District date. Answer: The MTC implementation support for this statement and believes plan will provide for public discussion. that the impact of converting HOV CaterMarin (Note that the MTC response presumes Lanes to HOT Lanes will require rigor- Cavallo Point agreement that the project will go ous analysis of GHG impacts. Intuitively, Dave Gotz, Fin Films forward; discussion of whether HOT adoption of HOT lanes would increase Graphic Facts lanes should go forward apparently is long distance commutes of single oc- Joann Kane Music foreclosed.) cupancy vehicles.) Larner Seeds 2. Will the County be reimbursed for its 7. Does AB 744, by supporting single occu- Linda Novy and Associates expenditure of County Measure A funds pancy vehicle use, confl ict with the goal Michael McIntosh, The Cottontails for completion of the Hwy. 101 Gap of SB 375, which is to reduce VMT? No The Mountain Play Closure Project when and if Hwy. 101 answer. John Nygren HOV lanes are converted to HOT Lanes? Panama Hotel Answer: Yes. Finally, Pease Press 3. AB 744 (Torrico), which passed its fi rst 8. How would toll funds raised be spent, The Pelican Inn committee hearing on April 27, would and will the money raised from tolls Perry’s Art Supplies and Framing give one regional agency blanket in various segments of the HOT Lane Quinne Design Associates authority to proceed with the regional regional plan be spent locally in those Slide Ranch HOT Lane plans. If local agencies are local segments? Answer: A fi nancing Starry Night Winery not convinced of the local benefi t of the and construction plan has yet to be

PAGE 6 May-June 2009 Status Updates Meet Your MCL Directors lifestyle cookbooks for Williams-Sonoma. An avid cook, adventurer, and Italophile, from Page 3 Three of the volunteers working to she has written about food, wine, and priate for the site. However, our comments make a difference! travel for several magazines and coau- at this time are on the DEIR. The location thored six guidebooks. and scale of the recreational facility and the

ROGER ROBERTS CARSON COX, proposed operation (active until midnight) San Rafael. Roger, Mill Valley. Carson is a will have signifi cant impacts on adjacent a resident of Marin conservation biologist habitats due to traffi c, noise, lighting and County since 1970, specializing in water glare, and human activity. These impacts retired from 25 years resource policy and are not adequately addressed in the DEIR. of banking experience, restoration of in- Additionally, the DEIR fails to fully detail the 20 of which were in stream fl ows. He has land use restrictions that were placed on the the specialized fi elds worked to improve site in 1983. We have told the city that all of International Trade, river management of these defi ciencies must be addressed in a Export, Project, and and restore river- Final EIR. Development Finance. Since 1989, he ine ecosystems across California, most served as an independent consultant with recently working on a cooperative effort particular emphasis on fi nance institu- to develop environmentally sustainable tional review and strengthening. He holds water supplies for coastal agricultural an M.Sc. in World Business Administration communities. He has also worked as a and Finance from San Francisco State fi sheries scientist and water resource University and B.A. in Government and regulator at the California Department of International Relations from the College Fish and Game and the State Water Re- of William and Mary. Roger is a Past sources Control Board – Division of Water President of MCL, has served on the board Rights. At both agencies he represented of directors of Marin Citizens for Energy the State of California in hydropower Planning, and as City Councilman for the relicensing negotiations to determine how City of Larkspur. He is active in local politi- stream fl ows are allocated in some of the cal issues and served on various citizens State’s major river systems, including the advisory and action committees. Roger Feather, San Joaquin, and Upper American enjoys sailing, skiing, river rafting, tennis, systems. Carson has a Masters of Science biking and gardening. degree in Conservation Biology from the AMY MARR, University of Wisconsin – Madison, a Mill Valley. Boston- Master of Public Policy degree from the bred Amy grew up University of Michigan, and a B.A. in Bio- spending summers logical Aspects of Conservation from the on Cape Cod and University of Wisconsin – Madison. A duck swims in Gallinas Creek, adjacent exploring the West, to the proposed sports complex thanks to her family’s annual cross-country road trips. Since then, Many Thanks to our 75th Anniversary Sponsors! she has hoofed and Bunker and Company Nardell Chitsaz Friends of Susan Adams Ellen and Peter Obstler pedaled hundreds of miles all over the Marin County Parks & & Alden LLP Bruce Fullerton Michelle Passero world. She graduated from Williams Col- Open Space District Bruce Dodge and Antonina Markoff and Ira Chin lege, where she majored in English and Marin County Board of and Wendy Wyse Barbara George Edith Piltch Art History. After working as a business Supervisors Paul Helliker Jan Hamrin Dorothy writer and PR director in Cambridge, MA, Redwood Landfi ll, Inc. Kathy and Rick Lowrey and Timothy Rosenfeld and Roger Roberts Amy fl ed the offi ce to lead and research Bank of Marin McPhail Fuel Co. League of Women Seagate Properties, Inc. biking and hiking trips throughout the US Nona Dennis Sarah Allen Voters of Marin Jean Starkweather and abroad (mostly in Italy). In 1998 she Ken Drexler and Dudley Miller Joan Lubamersky Susan and Brian Stompe moved to Santa Fe, where she managed Janet Allen Sue MacMillan, in Wanden P. Treanor and Outside Online for Outside magazine. Amy Cordy Hill, in memory of Robert Royston Juliette Anthony memory of Judge Faye D’Opal has worked in publishing for the past 15 Alex MacMillan Jack Krystal Bartlett Tree Experts Julia Violich years. Since 2003, she has been an Associ- Marjorie Macris Marin Sanitary Service Amy Belser Periann Wood ate Publisher with Weldon Owen Publish- Marin Fence Co. and Doug Wilson ing, where she manages and produces Phyllis Faber, in memory of Peter Behr

PAGE 7 May-June 2009 Non-Profi t Organization MARIN CONSERVATION LEAGUE U.S. BOARD OF DIRECTORS POSTAGE PAID Offi cers Permit No. 151 Nona Dennis, Mill Valley, President San Rafael CA March—April 2009 Daniel Sonnet, San Rafael, First Vice President Roger Roberts, San Rafael Second Vice President Larry Smith, Nicasio, Secretary Kenneth Drexler, Fairfax, Treasurer Directors Peter Asmus, Stinson Beach Betsy Bikle, Mill Valley Priscilla Bull, Kentfi eld Joe Bunker, San Anselmo Carson Cox, Mill Valley Bruce Fullerton, Mill Valley Jana Haehl, Corte Madera Brannon Ketcham, Fairfax Marge Macris, Mill Valley Amy Marr, Mill Valley Vicki Nichols, Sausalito Michelle Passero, Mill Valley Brett Powell, Mill Valley Tim Rosenfeld, Mill Valley Scott Shepardson, Novato Susan Stompe, Novato Periann Wood, Mill Valley Board of Directors meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM and are open to all.

Staff: Dru Parker, Operations Manager Haven’t Renewed for 2009? This May Jessica Grace, Operations Admin. Contact Information Be Your Last Issue! Renew Today to 1623-A Fifth Avenue San Rafael CA 94901 Continue Receiving the League’s Newsletter, Event 415.485.6257 415.485.6259 FAX Announcements and Other Important Updates! [email protected] www.marinconservationleague.org YES! I want to protect Marin’s natural spaces for everyone to enjoy!

Monthly Committee Meeting Name Schedule (subject to change): Land Use: Address 1st Wed. of the month, 8:00 - 10:00 AM Parks & Open Space: City/State/ZIP 2nd Thurs. of the month, 3:00 - 5:00 PM Transportation; Creeks, Watersheds & Phone Email Wetlands; North Marin Unit: Call 415.485.6257 or see our website Please renew my membership for 2009 at this level: for meeting details. Meetings (except for NMU) are at $35 Steward $250 Woodlands 1623-A Fifth Avenue, San Rafael $50 Creeks $500 Redwoods Marin Conservation League was founded in $100 Baylands $1,000 Peter Behr 1934 to preserve, protect and enhance Marin $100 Business Additional contribution $ County’s natural assets. MCL is a non-profi t 501(c)3 organization. All contributions and memberships are Mail to MCL, 1623A Fifth Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901 or RENEW ONLINE! tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. Secure donations NOW available at www.marinconservationleague.org Printed on recycled paper with soy-based All contributions and dues are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. inks. Please share and recycle.

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