BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Meeting Packet
April 17, 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 APRIL 17, 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) 569-1417 FAX www.ebparks.org AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 17, 2018 George Fagundes Jr., 367BOARD-200-004 OF-3 and DIRECTORS Bay Area Ridge Trustee 367-210-003-3EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT Trail Stonehurst Drive, Martinez The Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park ROLL CALL District will hold a regular 11:00 a.m. (Board Conference Room) 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 Tuesday, April 17, 2018.
A. Conference with Labor Negotiator: Government Code Section 54957.6 Agenda for the meeting is listed adjacent. Times for 1. Agency Negotiator: Robert E. Doyle, Ana M. Alvarez, agenda items are approximate Kip Walsh only and are subject to change during the meeting. If you wish Employee Organizations: AFSCME Local 2428, to speak on matters not on the Police Association agenda, you may do so under Unrepresented Employees: Managers and Confidentials Public Comments at the beginning of the agenda. If you B. Liability Claim – Government Code Section 54956.95: wish to testify on an item on the agenda, please complete a speaker’s form and submit it to 1. Claim of William Strauss and Suzanne Strauss the Clerk of the Board.
C. Existing Litigation – Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1): A copy of the background materials concerning these agenda items, including any 1. Seacliff at Pt. Richmond Owners Association material that may have been vs Toll Brothers et al submitted less than 72 hours Contra Costa Superior Court before the meeting, is available MSC 14-01267 for inspection on the District’s website (www.ebparks.org), the Administrative Building D. Conference with Real Property Negotiator Regarding Price and/or reception desk, and at the Terms of Payment – Gov’t Code § 54956.8 meeting.
1. Agency Negotiator: Bob Nisbet, Michael Reeves Agendas for Board Committee Meetings are available to the public upon request. If you wish APN/ADDRESS PROPERTY OWNERS PARK/TRAIL to be placed on the mailing list Contra Costa County to receive future agendas for a specific Board Committee, please call the Clerk of the 561-400-004-9 Mt. Zion Enterprises, Inc. San Francisco Bay Board’s Office at (510) 544- Stenmark Drive, Richmond Trail 2020.
208-640-003-9 Sungard Recovery District-wide District facilities and meetings comply with the Americans 2481 Deerwood Drive, Services LP facility with Disabilities Act. If special San Ramon accommodations are needed for you to participate, please 208-451-019-3 Pacific Bell District-wide contact the Clerk of the Board as soon as possible, but 39 Beta Court, San Ramon facility preferably at least three working days prior to the 3 meeting. 1:00 p.m. OPEN SESSION (Board Room)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1:15 p.m. C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period of March 5, 2018 to March 18, 2018 (Auker/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of April 3, 2018 (Barial Knight/Auker) (Resolution) (No Cost) c. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Parisi CSW Design Group to Conduct an Access Study: Crockett Hills Regional Park (Dougan/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) d. Authorization to Award a Contract to LSA Associates, Inc. for Professional CEQA Services for the Southern Las Trampas Land Use Plan Amendment and Appropriate Measure WW Development Funds: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (Holt/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Measure WW Funds) e. Authorization to Renew the License Agreement with Quarry Operator RMC Pacific Materials, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Allowing the Park District to Continue to Maintain a Row of Screening Trees Providing a Visual and Noise Barrier from Quarry Operations: Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area (Reeves/Nisbet) (Resolution) (No Cost) f. Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Directors Dennis Waespi, Ellen Corbett, and General Manager Robert E. Doyle to Attend the 2018 Special Park District Forum in Charleston, South Carolina from May 21-23, 2018 (Barial Knight/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) g. Award of Measure WW Urban Creeks Grants Program, Round #1 (Rasmussen/Graul/Auker) (Resolution) (Measure WW Funds) h. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of An Annual Report for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD) (Spaulding/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) i. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of Annual Report for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD) (Spaulding/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)
4 j. Approval of Accounting Adjustment to Record Pension Trust Contributions as Required by Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 73 and Amend the 2017 and 2018 Fiscal Year Budgets (O’Hara/Auker) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) k. Resolution to Support AB 2061 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) – Clean Energy Trucks (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) L. Resolution to Support AB 2137 (Mayes R-Yucca Valley) – Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District General Manager (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) m. Resolution to Support AB 2421 (Stone D-Monterey Bay) – Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program (Pfuehler/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost) n. Authorization to Purchase Three Chevrolet Equinox Duramax Diesel SUVs from Winner Chevrolet for Vehicle Replacements and as an Addition to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) o. Authorization to Purchase Two Type III Fire Trucks from Boise Mobile Equipment Inc. for Equipment Replacement (McCrystle/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds) p. Authorize the Extension of the Castle Rock Arabians Special Use Agreement: Diablo Foothills Regional Park (Waluch/O’Connor) (Resolution) (Rev Authorization) q. Authorization to Continue Agreement with Contra Costa County to Support and Maintain the East Bay Regional Park District’s Radio Communications System (Gershaneck/Ciaburro) (Resolution) (Budgeted Funds)
1:45 p.m. 2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
a. Authorization to Transfer and Appropriate Funds for the Replace Water Tank Project: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (Gilchrist/Rasmussen/Nisbet) (Resolution) (Budget Change)
2:00 p.m. 3. FINANCE & MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION
a. Authorization to Appropriate and Transfer Funds and Award a Contract to American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. for Pavement Repair, Maintenance, and Striping: District-wide (Lebow/Rasmussen/Auker) (Resolution) (Budget Change/ Budgeted Funds) b. Authorization to Appropriate East Contra Costa County Lighting and Landscape District and Zone of Benefit Funds for Projects: District-wide (Rasmussen/Noonan/Auker) (Resolution) (Budget Change)
5 2:15 p.m. 4. GENERAL MANAGER
a. Resolution to Establish a Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate at the East Bay Regional Park District (Alvarez/Doyle) (Resolution) (No Cost)
3:00 p.m. 5. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS
a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Doyle)
3:15 p.m. 6. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
3:30 p.m. 7. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION
3:35 p.m. 8. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Natural and Cultural Resources Committee (2-21-18) (Lane)
3:45 p.m. 9. BOARD COMMENTS
4:30 p.m. E. ADJOURNMENT
6 CONSENT CALENDAR AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approval of District Check Listing for the Period March 5, 2018 Through March 18, 2018 (Auker/Doyle)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve the Check Listing for the period of March 5, 2018 through March 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 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
APPROVAL OF DISTRICT CHECK LISTING FOR THE PERIOD OF MARCH 5, 2018 THROUGH MARCH 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 March 5, 2018 through March 18, 2018;
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 17th day of April, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
8 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting April 3, 2018 (Barial Knight/Auker)
9 Page Left Blank Intentionally
10 UnApproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 3, 2018
The Board Meeting, which was held on April 3, 2018 at the East Bay Regional District, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, CA 94605 was called to order at 11:08 a.m. by Board President Dennis Waespi.
ROLL CALL
Directors Present: Dennis Waespi, President Ayn Wieskamp, Vice President Dee Rosario, Secretary Ellen Corbett, Treasurer Beverly Lane Colin Coffey
Directors Absent: Whitney Dotson absent from Closed Session
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Kelly Abreu spoke about the parking tickets handed out on Easter Sunday at Mission Peak and the need for a parking lot. He suggested the District look into getting parking meters like the City of Fremont plans to discuss at their meeting today for Centerville Train Station. Abreu handed out information on the lawsuit filed on the 2016 Stanford Ave. staging area.
The Open Session of the Board Meeting was called to order at 1:10 p.m. by President Waespi.
All 7 Board Members were present for the Open Session.
Staff Present: Robert Doyle, Ana Alvarez, Carol Victor, Bob Nisbet, Jim O’Connor, Carol Johnson, Alan Love, Michael Reeves, Anne Kassebaum, Jeff Rasmussen, Michael McNally, Matt Graul, Dave Zuckermann, Tiffany Margulici, Lance Brede, Sean Dougan, Eri Suzuki, Dave Mason, Shun Yu. Guest: None.
A. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
By motion of Director Wieskamp, and seconded by Director Lane, 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. Directors Absent: None.
B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were none.
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
By motion of Director Corbett, and seconded by Director Lane, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar. 11 UnApproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 3, 2018
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 February 19, 2018 Through March 4, 2018 Resolution No. 2018 – 03 – 058 (attached)
b. Approval of the Minutes for the Board Meeting of March 20, 2018 Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 059 (attached)
c. Authorization to Negotiate with Various Property Owners Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 060 (attached)
d. Authorization to Appropriate Measure WW Development Funds to Complete an Alignment and Feasibility Study for the Vineyard Parkway to Round Valley Trail Segment: Marsh Creek Regional Trail Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 061 (attached)
Director Coffey commented on this exciting project and asked Sean Dougan, Trails Development Program Manager, for a brief presentation on this item. Dougan provided information on this 14-mile trail. Coffey asked if an overcrossing was needed. Dougan replied that through a traffic study, it has been determined that an at-grade crossing is feasible and less expensive. GM Doyle commented that funding would be good to get this project going and open up this section of the trail. It is an opportunity to connect an existing park trail to Round Valley. Director Lane remarked that by looking at the map, the trail goes through the historic state park and asked if this study will look at that potential trail route. Dougan directed the Board to the map where he indicated the two alignments being discussed. Doyle clarified locations, explained the need for a specific license from flood control, and getting access in and Round Valley. Doyle extended appreciation to staff.
e. Authorization to Apply to the California Coastal Conservancy for Grant Funds from the Explore the Coast Grant Program for Shoreline Recreational Boating and Fishing Outreach Programs: District-wide Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 062 (attached)
f. Resolution to Support AB 2053 – Freshwater and Estuarine Harmful Algal Bloom Program (Quirk D-Hayward) Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 063 (attached)
President Waespi complimented Assemblyman Quirk for his support of parks, and how he is cognizant of the fact that parks in his district, such as Lake Chabot, are being affected by algal bloom.
g. Resolution to Support Proposition 68 – Parks, Natural Resources Protection, Climate Adaptation, Water Quality and Supply, and Flood Protection Bond Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 064 (attached)
Director Lane thanked Lisa Baldinger, Erich Pfuehler, and Doug Houston for coming to the California, Trails and Greenways Conference and doing a presentation on this very significant proposition. 12 UnApproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 3, 2018 h. Resolution to Support SB 1316 (Glazer D-Orinda) – Carnegie State Vehicular Recreation Area Alameda-Tesla Expansion Area Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 065 (attached)
Director Lane commented on the significance of this resolution which enables Tesla to make some different decisions.
2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
a. Authorization to Exercise the Purchase Option, and Accept, Appropriate and Transfer Funds for the Acquisition in Partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy of 230± Acres of Real Property from John T. Roddy and Donna M. Roddy, Trustees of the Roddy Trust dated August 2, 2010: Deer Valley Regional Park Resolution No. 2018 – 03 - 070 (attached)
By motion of Director Coffey, and seconded by Director Lane, the Board voted unanimously to approve item 2a.
Directors For: Colin Coffey, Ellen Corbett, Whitney Dotson, Beverly Lane, Dee Rosario, Ayn Wieskamp, Dennis Waespi. Directors Against: None. Directors Absent: None.
Michael Reeves, Acting Chief of Land Acquisition, acknowledged sellers Jack and Donna Roddy and the ECCHC, which funded 100% of the cost to purchase the land. Reeves’ PowerPoint presentation indicated the property location and many photographs of the property, both aerial and on the ground. Reeves explained that this acquisition will serve to protect surrounding habitat and open space, create and restore habitat, provide a ready-made staging area, offer short loop hiking opportunities, and potential regional trail connections. Director Wieskamp asked if the trees can be watered. Reeves replied there is a pump house at the pond. Director Lane asked what the golf paths are made out of, and Reeves responded they are asphalt paved.
President Waespi said this will be a great park, adding that this was a unique golf course, and it is designed in the motif of the old West. Director Coffey pointed out that the restoration project is almost underway, and with the acquisition of the golf course, this is very exciting.
3. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS
a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District
GM Doyle discussed the items in this report.
4. GM COMMENTS
Matt Graul, Chief of Stewardship gave a presentation on the Acquisition of Resource Agency Permits for Routine Maintenance. Graul said there are 6 agencies that require permits for routine maintenance at both the federal and state level. He explained the routine maintenance of the Trails, Creeks and Ponds (TCP) project. Graul gave a historical perspective on the District Routine Maintenance projects and permits and distribution of species. GM Doyle commented on the level of detail required and the human factor with the many changes in staffing within the District, and the permitting agencies. Director Wieskamp admired the tenacity of staff for setting a standard. President Waespi asked when the permits fall in place will the District need to ask for authorization to do a project. Graul replied as long as they are in the framework of the project, the District 13 UnApproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 3, 2018 should be ok. GM Dyole commented that there are ongoing monitoring requirements to make sure it works. Graul explained the District is required to prepare pre and post photo’s. Waespi asked if there are any species who consider the culvert their habitat. Graul answered it is a requirement and staff are trying to set lower thresholds.
Carol Victor, District Counsel, announced that yesterday the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals confirmed the dismissal of SPRAWLDEF and Sierra Clubs lawsuit against FEMA. The Sierra Club and SPRAWLDEF cannot continue to litigate the adequacy of the EIS with respect to the Park District’s Fuels Management program and it also means there is no longer a direct litigation threat challenging the environmental review associated with the Park District’s fuels management. There is one remaining lawsuit, Univ. of CA vs FEMA, but that’s not a direct challenge to the adequacy of the EIS. GM Doyle expressed gratitude to our legal staff, and to Tamara Galanter, Shute, Mihaly & Weinberger.
Capt. Al Love commented on the large crowds that were in the parks on Easter Sunday, which resulted in seven parks being closed due to reaching maximum capacity. At Tilden, the Sgt. on duty went up and down the streets asking the public to move their cars, or they would be ticketed. Staff, emergency vehicles, and AC Transit were impacted because the cars were blocking the road allowing only one lane to be usable. Citations were issued. Overall, there were 94 incidents that occurred on Sunday.
Director Corbett asked about the plans for Sunday’s Wildflower Festival which is expected to draw large crowds. Jim O’Connor, AGM Operations, said there will be shuttle buses, signage and overflow parking on SFPUC property. GM Doyle acknowledged the operational effort by O’Connor and staff adding that this was an extra effort.
Director Wieskamp asked for additional information on Climate Smart Initiatives program (pg. 65 of the board meeting packet refers to the Vermeer BC-100XL). Wieskamp would like to know what has been done to meet this Initiative, and she would like to see a project list.
5. ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM CLOSED SESSION
Carol Victor, District Counsel, announced that the Board unanimously appointed Eddie Kreisberg from the law firm of Meyers Nave as the agencie’s negotiator for upcoming negotiations with the Police Officers Association.
6. BOARD COMMENTS
Director Waespi reported on meetings attended. Director Waespi Attended the Albany Film Festival; Attended Board Workshop and field trip at Kennedy Grove; Attended the Regional Park Foundation Board meeting; Attended the AC Special Districts Assoc. meeting at Redwood Canyon; Attended the California, Trails & Greenways Conference; Attended Operations Committee meeting; Attended the EB-EDA Innovation Awards; Waespi announced the District won the Legacy Awards from EB-EDA Innovation Awards; met with Richard Valle at Lake Chabot. Redwood Road is opened.
Director Wieskamp reported on meetings attended: Director Wieskamp Attended the AC Special Districts meeting at Redwood Canyon; Attended Board Workshop and field trip at Kennedy Grove; 14 UnApproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 3, 2018 Attended the State of the City Address, Fremont; Attended Operations Committee meeting; Attending Sunol Wildflower Festival. Wieskamp congratulated Director Rosario on the broom pull article, interviewed with East Bay Times’ Marta and met with local Channel 30 to discuss Castleridge staging area.
Director Rosario reported on meetings attended. Director Rosario Attended the Chabot Space and Science Center Ribbon Cutting for the new deck; Attended Board Workshop and field trip at Kennedy Grove; Attended the AC Special Districts meeting at Redwood Canyon; Attended the Albany Film Festival & Gala; Attended the Bay Nature Local Hero Awards; Attended the Finance Committee meeting; Attended the EB-EDA Innovation Awards; Attended the 1st Annual Community Outreach program at Skyline Ranch. Rosario took his PAC appointees Robert Wilkins and Rick Rickard to lunch, and made a presentation to the Moraga Kiwanis Club.
Director Corbett reported on meetings attended. Director Corbett Attended Board Workshop and field trip at Kennedy Grove; Attended the March for our Lives march in San Leandro; Attended the California, Trails & Greenways Conference; Attended the Operations Committee meeting; Attended the EB-EDA Innovation Awards; Attending the Tidewater meeting; Attending the San Leandro Creek Alliance. Corbett attended the Great Oakland Plant Exchange.
Director Lane reported on meetings attended. Director Lane Attended the Board Workshop and field trip at Kennedy Grove; Attended the Bay Nature Local Hero Awards; Attended the California, Trails & Greenways Conference; Attending the Anza Hike on April 8. Lane thanked staff for the Community Report for 2017-2018 and suggested staff send the report to former Directors Siden and Sutter. Carol Johnson, AGM Public Affairs, said they are on the mailing list and the report has been sent and emailed to about 2,500 people and stakeholder groups. Lane commented on the need to re-think having swings in the park. Lane thanked Waespi for kayaking with her at the Trails & Greenways Conference. She complimented the Creative Design Group on the leaf which is on each side of the poles of the Goodrick and Atlas directional sign.
Director Dotson reported on meetings attended. Director Dotson Attended Board Workshop and field trip at Kennedy Grove. Dotson walked Dotson Marsh.
Director Coffey reported on meetings attended. Director Coffey Attended Board Workshop and field trip at Kennedy Grove; Attended the Board Finance Committee meeting. Coffey hiked Crockett Hills and commented on the single-track trails designed for bike’s and how he could see why bicyclists enjoyed this trail. 15 UnApproved Minutes Board Meeting of April 3, 2018
7. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were none.
D. ADJOURNMENT
President Waespi adjourned the meeting at 2:54 pm in memory of Janice Child, former EBRPD employee.
16 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
c. Authorization to Execute a Contract with Parisi CSW Design Group to Conduct an Access Study: Crockett Hills Regional Park (Dougan/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize a contract with Parisi CSW Design Group in the amount of $96,468 to conduct an access study at Crockett Hills Regional Park (Crockett Hills) in Contra Costa County, California.
REVENUE/COST
Parisi CSW Design Group will perform these services for a cost not to exceed $96,468. There are sufficient funds available for this contract in the Conduct Access Study Project (#523200).
SOURCE OF FUNDS Conduct Access Study Project (#523200) $ 100,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date 0 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 100,000
USE OF FUNDS Contract for Services with Parisi CSW Design Group $ 96,468 Other project costs 3,532 TOTAL PROJECT COST $ 100,000
BACKGROUND
The large southwestern area referred to today as Crockett Hills was originally purchased as a part of Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline. This area was acquired by the District between 1988 and 1999 through four separate acquisitions. In 1999, the 1993 Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Land Use Plan was amended to include these properties. In the 1999 amendment, it was recommended that consideration be given to redesignating the C&H, A&B, Spencer Trust, and Hallissy parcels as a separate regional park or open space preserve. In 2005, per Resolution No. 2005-7-138, these properties totaling approximately 1,690 acres were renamed and designated as Crockett Hills Regional Park. The purchase of additional properties adjoining
17 Crockett Hills since 2005 has increased the park acreage to 2,124.75 acres, with just over 671 acres (approximately 30%) in land bank status.
Land use planning and California Environmental Quality Act review for most of Crockett Hills has already been approved by the Park District Board as part of the previously adopted Carquinez Strait planning documents. The Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) and Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration, adopted on November 2, 1999 (Resolution Nos. 1999-11-257 and 1999- 11-256), contain land use and resource management recommendations, trail alignments, and recommended staging area locations for Crockett Hills. Two staging area locations were recommended, one in the northern end of the park providing access from Crockett Boulevard, and one in the southern portion of the park providing access from Cummings Skyway. Only the northern staging area providing access from Crockett Boulevard has been developed.
Due to recent park and trail improvements, the popularity of Crockett Hills has grown and the existing staging area has become impacted by an increase in park visitors. Members of the public have expressed concern about the lack of parking at this site. To address these concerns, staff will conduct an access study at Crockett Hills to determine an appropriate location for a second staging area to distribute park use per the 1999 LUPA.
A Request for Proposals was advertised on January 12, 2018 to identify qualified firms to conduct an access study and a traffic study of Cummings Skyway. Three proposals were received by the February 8, 2018 due date. All three firms were interviewed on March 13, 2018. Parisi CSW Design Group was chosen as the most qualified firm based on their previous experience, approach and understanding of the project, and familiarity with the District.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
18 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 –
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH PARISI CSW DESIGN GROUP TO CONDUCT AN ACCESS STUDY: CROCKETT HILLS REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, on July 19, 2005, via Resolution No. 2005-7-138, the Board of Directors created Crockett Hills Regional Park from 1,695 acres previously forming part of the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline, and the purchase of additional properties adjoining Crockett Hills since 2005 has increased the park acreage to 2,124.75 acres with just over 671 acres (approximately 30%) in land bank status; and
WHEREAS, the Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) and Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration for Crockett Hills, adopted on November 2, 1999, per Resolution Nos. 1999-11-257 and 1999-11-256, contain land use and resource management recommendations, trail alignments, and two recommended staging area locations: one in the northern end of the park providing access from Crockett Boulevard, and one in the southern portion of the park providing access from Cummings Skyway; and
WHEREAS, only the northern staging area providing access from Crockett Boulevard has been developed; and
WHEREAS, due to recent park and trail improvements, members of the public have expressed concern that the northern staging area providing access from Crockett Boulevard is overburdened and inadequate to accommodate the increase in park visitors; and
WHEREAS, to initiate steps to construct the additional staging area proposed in the 1999 LUPA, a Request for Proposals was advertised on January 12, 2018 to identify qualified firms to conduct an access study and a traffic study of Cummings Skyway; and
WHEREAS, three (3) firms submitted proposals and were all interviewed on March 13, 2018, with Parisi CSW Design Group selected as the most qualified firm based on their previous experience, approach and understanding of the project and familiarity with the District; and
WHEREAS, there is sufficient funding for this contract in the Conduct Access Study Project budget (#523200);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Board of Directors hereby authorizes the General Manager to execute a contract with Parisi CSW Design Group in the amount of $96,468 to conduct an access study at Crockett Hills Regional Park; and
19 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 17th day of April, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
20 CROCKET HILLS STAGING AREA FEASIBILITY STUDY East Bay Crockett Hills Regional Park Regional Park District Feet
Contra Costa County [ 0 1,000 2,000 Bridge San Pa bloAve Carquinez
Pomona St Pomona Ave
CARQUINEZ I 80 STRAIT Cr ockett Blvd SHORELINE arquinez C Sc en ic D r
EXISTING STAGING AREA
C u m m POTENTIAL AREA in g s TO BUILD S CROCKETT k w NEW STAGING AREA HILLS y
Fran klin Can yon Rd
State Hwy 4/ John Muir Parkway
RANCHO PINOLE
21 O:\GIS\CMcKaskey\Projects_2018\ASD\TrailsDevelopment\CH_CummingsSkyway\CH_CummingsSkyway.mxd3/27/2018 Date: Page Left Blank Intentionally
22 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2017
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
d. Authorization to Award a Contract to LSA Associates, Inc. for Professional CEQA Services for the Southern Las Trampas Land Use Plan Amendment and Appropriate Measure WW Development Funds: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (Holt/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:
1) Authorize a $128,015 contract with LSA Associates, Inc. (LSA) to provide professional and technical services in the preparation of an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the Southern Las Trampas Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA); and
2) Authorize the appropriation of $51,783 into the Prepare LUPA capital project account for Southern Las Trampas (#522700) from Measure WW Development Funds – Las Trampas Allocation Area, to complete the LUPA.
REVENUE/COST
This action will appropriate $51,783 of Measure WW Development Funds from the Las Trampas Allocation Area leaving a remaining balance of $3.1 million in Measure WW Development Funds. The action requested will approve funds to complete a full EIR in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). These services are in addition to the $43,605 LSA contract for technical transportation services currently in process.
SOURCE OF FUNDS Project #522700 – Prepare LUPA for Southern Las Trampas $ 174,440 Expenditures and Encumbrances to Date (83,208) Appropriation of Measure WW Development Funds – Las Trampas Allocation Area 51,783 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 143,015
USE OF FUNDS Contract with LSA Associates, Inc. $ 128,015 BALANCE REMAINING $ 15,000
23 BACKGROUND
The Southern Las Trampas Land Use Plan Amendment (project) planning process began in December 2016. The project proposes to open to the public approximately 760 acres of parkland, and includes 4.5 miles of new trails and five new access points. The proposed project would divide the project area into natural and recreation/staging units, as defined by the Park District’s 2013 Master Plan. The proposed project would designate much of the project area as a natural unit, in which the land would remain undeveloped except for recreational trails. New public infrastructure would be concentrated in the remaining land comprising of one staging area and two small trailhead lots.
Staff has held a public workshop and scoping meeting, presented to the San Ramon Open Space Committee, San Ramon Planning Commission, and Danville Parks and Recreation Committee. Based on input received, staff has determined that an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) would be the appropriate level of environmental review.
The proposed $128,015 LSA scope of work covers professional and technical services for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and preparation of an EIR. Deliverables include: a Notice of Preparation (NOP) in accordance with requirements of CEQA for distribution by Park District staff; an Initial Study for release with the NOP to provide substantial evidence to support the preparation of an EIR; a technical studies report; public hearing and meeting support; mitigation monitoring and reporting program; alternatives analysis; and CEQA-required conditions assessment. Submittals will include administrative, screen check, and public review draft and final EIR.
A Request for Proposal (RFP) was released for the Transportation, Noise, and Air Quality CEQA Consultant Services on May 16, 2017. The Park District received two consultant bids, and LSA was ultimately selected as the consultant based on their level of expertise, direct project experience with the Park District, and cost effectiveness. At the time, the level of CEQA was still being determined. When the decision was made to prepare an EIR for the project, LSA’s scope of work was expanded to include the EIR.
With the approval of the subject professional services agreement, work will begin immediately with a completion targeted for Spring 2019.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
24 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO AWARD A CONTRACT TO LSA ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR PROFESSIONAL CEQA SERVICES FOR THE SOUTHERN LAS TRAMPAS LAND USE PLAN AMENDMENT AND APPROPRIATE MEASURE WW DEVELOPMENT FUNDS: LAS TRAMPAS REGIONAL WILDERNESS
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) will be incorporating additional property into the southern portion of Las Trampas Regional Wilderness; and
WHEREAS, the Park District is in need of professional services to update the 1993 Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Land Use Development Plan and the 1991 Las Trampas Regional Wilderness Resource Analysis, and incorporate additional parcels into the southern portion of Las Trampas Wilderness; and
WHEREAS, the project proposes to open to the public approximately 760 acres of parkland, and includes 4.5 miles of new trails and five new access points which would divide the project area into natural and recreation/staging units, as defined by the Park District’s 2013 Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, LSA Associates, Inc. will provide professional services for the next phase of work, to include technical studies and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) analysis for completion of the Southern Las Trampas Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) at a cost of $128,015; and
WHEREAS, $91,232 is available for this work in the budget for the Prepare LUPA project for southern Las Trampas (#522700); and
WHEREAS, additional funds are needed in the amount of $51,783 for the contract and contingency, and are available for appropriation from Measure WW Development Funds – Las Trampas Allocation Area;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes and directs the General Manager to award a contract to LSA Associates, Inc. to provide professional and technical services in the preparation of a focused Environmental Impact Report, in the amount of $128,015, for the Southern Las Trampas Land Use Plan Amendment; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the appropriation of funds into the Prepare LUPA project (#522700) for southern Las Trampas in the amount of $51,783 from Measure WW Development Funds - Las Trampas Allocation Area to complete the Southern Las Trampas Land Use Plan Amendment; and
25 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 the 17th day of April 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
26 LAS TRAMPAS WILDERNESS
H
w
Podva Dedication y
6 8 0
Elworthy B ol ling e r C an Chen yo n R d
Peter's ^_ Ranch Elworthy AdvancePlanning 12, O:\GIS\NLavalle\AdvancePlanningGIS\LasDec 2017 Trampas_LUPA_GIS\lt_LUPA_2017_Access_Trails.mxd
LAS TRAMPAS WILDERNESS REGIONAL PRESERVE Land Use Plan Amendment Faria Dedication Trail Connections & Access Points
Existing EBRPD Trails Proposed EBRPD Trails ^_^_ Proposed Trails By Others Faria Dedication Project Area ^_ Proposed Public Access
Feet 0 500 1,000 2,000 ¯
East Bay Crow Canyon Rd Regional Park District 27 Page Left Blank Intentionally
28 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
e. Authorization to Renew the License Agreement with Quarry Operator RMC Pacific Materials, LLC, a Delaware Limited Liability Company, Allowing the Park District to Continue to Maintain a Row of Screening Trees Providing a Visual and Noise Barrier from Quarry Operations: Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area (Reeves/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize staff to renew the license agreement with quarry operator RMC Pacific Materials, LLC to allow the Park District to continue to maintain a visual and noise tree screen previously planted by the Park District on the Lonestar California, Inc. quarry property located at 1544 Stanley Boulevard in Pleasanton, adjacent to Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area.
REVENUE/COST
Other than staff time, which will be funded by general funds previously appropriated to the 2018 Land Acquisition budget, there are no direct costs associated with the license renewal. There are no new operational impacts resulting from the license renewal. Maintenance and replanting of the tree screen, as needed, will be funded by general funds appropriated annually to the Operations budget.
BACKGROUND
In 1992 the Park District entered into a license agreement with quarry operator RMC Lonestar allowing the District to plant and maintain a row of trees on an approximately 6.27-acre area of property owned by Lonestar Industries, Inc., now Lonestar California, Inc., and located near the northeastern boundary of Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area. The trees serve to provide a visual and noise barrier for the park from the adjacent quarry operation.
Through a series of interest transfers and liquidations, in 2012 the operator of the quarry became RMC Pacific Materials, LLC (RMC). Per the terms of the license agreement, as successor in interest, RMC became the Licensor at that time. The 25-year term of the 1992 license expired on April 20, 2017, and on March 6, 2018 by its Resolution No. 2018-03-031, the Park District
29 Board authorized staff to negotiate a renewal of the license with RMC. RMC has agreed to renew the original license for an additional 25-year period, retroactively commencing April 21, 2017, and terminating on April 20, 2042. All other terms and conditions of the 1992 license agreement will remain in full force and effect.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
30 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO RENEW A LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH QUARRY OPERATOR RMC PACIFIC MATERIALS, LLC, A DELAWARE LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALLOWING THE PARK DISTRICT TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A ROW OF SCREENING TREES PROVIDING A VISUAL AND NOISE BARRIER FROM QUARRY OPERATIONS: SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA
WHEREAS, by Resolution No. 1992-6-164 dated June 2, 1992, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorized staff to enter into a license agreement with quarry operator and adjacent land owner RMC Lonestar allowing the District to plant and maintain a tree screen as a visual and noise barrier on an approximately 6.27-acre area of land owned by Lonestar Industries, Inc., now Lonestar California, Inc., and located near the northeastern boundary of Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS, through a series of interest transfers and liquidations, in 2012 RMC Pacific Materials, LLC (RMC) became the manager and operator of the quarry, and therefore became the Licensor per the terms of the license agreement; and
WHEREAS, the 25-year term of the 1992 license agreement expired on April 20, 2017; and
WHEREAS, on March 6, 2018 by its Resolution No. 2018-03-031, the Park District Board authorized staff to negotiate a license renewal with RMC; and
WHEREAS, both parties have agreed to renew the license for an additional 25 years; and
WHEREAS, all other terms and conditions of the 1992 license agreement will remain in full force and effect; and
WHEREAS, there are no direct acquisition costs related to the license renewal, other than staff time which will be funded by general funds previously appropriated to the 2018 Land Acquisition budget. Maintenance and replanting of the tree screen, as needed, will be funded by general funds appropriated annually to the Operations budget;
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 an amendment to the 1992 license agreement with quarry operator RMC Pacific Materials, LLC to renew the license for a 25-year period, retroactively commencing April 21, 2017, and terminating on April 20, 2042; and
31 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 17th day of April 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
32 SHADOW CLIFFS REGIONAL RECREATION AREA East Bay Tree Maintenance License with RMC Pacific Materials, LLC 0 150 300 Feet Regional Park District 1 inch [
d Stanley Blv d Stanley Blv
Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area
RMC Pacific Materials, LLC
License Agreement Approx. 6.27 acres
Vicinity
33 O:\GIS\MPeterson\Projects_2017\ASD\Land\BoardMaps\SC_RMCPacificMaterials\SC_RMCPacificMaterials.mxd 4/3/2018 Date: Page Left Blank Intentionally
34 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
f. Approval of Out-of-State Travel for Directors Dennis Waespi, Ellen Corbett, and General Manager Robert E. Doyle to Attend the 2018 Special Park District Forum in Charleston, South Carolina from May 21-23, 2018 (Barial Knight/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Board of Directors approve out-of-state travel for Directors Dennis Waespi, Ellen Corbett, and General Manager Robert E. Doyle to attend the 2018 Special Park District Forum in Charleston, South Carolina from May 21-23, 2018.
REVENUE/COST
Funding for this travel is available in the adopted 2018 Budget.
BACKGROUND
The 2018 Special Park Districts Forum is scheduled for May 21-23, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina. This forum is an important informational gathering of park and recreation agencies. District representatives will be attending various on-site institutes, tours, and informational sessions.
The District has been a participant as well as host of the Special Park Districts Forum for over 20 years. This affiliation meets once per year to review the governance, administration, operations and other aspects of special districts that are established for the purposes of creating and administering public parks, recreation, open space, and interpretive facilities. Board Members meet with members and commissioners of like-agencies to investigate and bring back to this District ideas and solutions to the unique resource, public and financial issues that face large, special park districts.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
35 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
APPROVAL OF OUT-OF-STATE TRAVEL FOR DIRECTORS DENNIS WAESPI, ELLEN CORBETT, AND GENERAL MANAGER ROBERT E. DOYLE TO ATTEND THE 2018 SPECIAL PARK DISTRICT FORUM IN CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA FROM MAY 21-23, 2018
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District is a longstanding participant in the Special Park District Forum, held annually at different Special Park Districts across the United States and Canada; and
WHEREAS, the Special Park Districts Forum provides a unique opportunity for the East Bay Regional Park District Board Members and staff to meet with officials from other regional government agencies to examine solutions to common issues facing operators of major resource protection and public use facilities; and
WHEREAS, the 2018 Special Park Districts Forum is being held from May 21-23, 2018 in Charleston, South Carolina; and
WHEREAS, funding for these trips is available in existing departmental budgets; and
WHEREAS, District policy requires Board authorization for out-of-state travel by Board Members and the General Manager;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves out-of-state travel for Directors Dennis Waespi, Ellen Corbett, and General Manager Robert E. Doyle to attend the Special Park Districts Forum in Charleston, South Carolina; 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 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
36 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
g. Award of Measure WW Urban Creeks Grants Program, Round #1 (Rasmussen/Graul/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Executive Committee (by unanimous vote) recommend that the East Bay Regional Park District award grants to the City of San Pablo, City of Lafayette and Town of Moraga for Round #1 of the Measure WW Urban Creeks Grant Program (Exhibit 1).
REVENUE/COST
The Board of Directors appropriated $1.6 million from the Measure WW Urban Creeks Development allocation area for the first round of grants to local agencies in 2017, leaving a balance of $6 million for future Measure WW Urban Creeks projects. This action will also adjust the Measure WW Urban Creeks allocation by $100,000 from acquisition to development in order to fund these grants.
SOURCE OF FUNDS Restore Urban Creeks (523300) $1,600,000 Expenditures and Encumbrances to Date $0 AMOUNT AVAILABLE $1,600,000 USE OF FUNDS Grant to City of San Pablo (Score 182) $800,000 Grant to Town of Moraga (Score 115) $599,743 Grant to City of Lafayette (Score 70) $189,700 TOTAL GRANT AWARDS $1,589,433
BACKGROUND
On November 4, 2008, the voters of the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) approved Measure WW, Regional Open Space Wildlife, Shoreline and Parks Bond Extension. Of the $500 million in bond proceeds available for projects, $8 million are allocated to urban creek projects.
37 The $8 million allocation is for both Park District WW eligible projects and amounts available to work with cities and community organizations to restore urban creeks and acquire creek easements.
The Park District currently has the following urban creek projects budgeted:
$55,483, Wildcat, Twin Culvert Study $24,395, Dunsmuir Acquisition $331,600, Tilden Nature Area Pond Restoration
The Park District has a very limited amount of funding for urban creek projects. The demand for Park District projects alone exceeds $40 million. Some of the Park District identified projects include:
Jewel Lake Restoration, $4 million Restore Degraded Sections of Wildcat Creek, $3 million Jordan Pond Restoration, $2 million Wildcat Creek Watershed Outfall Restoration, $1 million Eliminate fish barriers Skyline Trail in Sibley, $500,000 Redwood Creek Restoration, $1 million McCosker Creek Renovation $5 million Wildcat Canyon Twin Culverts, $3 million Pleasanton Ridge Creek Restorations, $2 million Kennedy Grove Creek Restoration, $250,000 Markley Creek Restoration, $500,000 MLK Creeks Trash Racks, $3 million BART to the Bay Trail, $4 million Schoolhouse Creek Restoration, $4 million Rheem Creek Re-alignment, $7 million
On March 21, 2017, the Board approved, the Measure WW Urban Creeks Grant Program Procedural Guidelines which established the policies and procedures under which the Park District would reimburse local agencies for up to $1.6 million in eligible expenses on urban creek projects.
On February 28, 2018, the Park District received grant applications totaling $1,589,433 from three agencies for projects as follows:
1. $800,000, Grant to City of San Pablo, (Score 182) Wildcat Creek Restoration The City of San Pablo's Wildcat Creek Restoration and Greenway Trail project will restore an approximately 2,200 linear foot section of Wildcat Creek, and build an adjacent Class I pedestrian and bicycle greenway trail. The riparian restoration will improve sediment transport throughout the project reach, provide improved refuge areas for steelhead trout, widen the creek corridor, modify the floodplain to accommodate larger flow volumes, and restore native vegetation along the banks. This project also aims to correct a public deficit in access to green space, and connect local citizens to their natural environment by creating a
38 greenway trail along the restored creek. This trail will be part of the larger Wildcat Creek Trail, which will eventually connect Wildcat Canyon Regional Park to the San Francisco Bay Trail.
2. $599,743, Grant to Town of Moraga (Score 115) Laguna Creek Restoration The Project would restore a portion of Laguna Creek by “daylighting” it: replacing an existing culvert with a new channel to improve the habitat for wildlife and restoration of the wetted channel, floodplains, and riparian corridor of Laguna Creek. Replacement of non-native, invasive vegetation with complex riparian and aquatic habitat features will increase the complexity of the riparian corridor, providing plentiful opportunities for a variety of species.
3. $189,700, Grant to City of Lafayette (Score 70) Lafayette Creek Restoration Install viewing and seating area in newly restored riparian environment and use interpretive panels to engage and inform the public on various aspects of urban creek environments.
Staff recommends the Board of Directors award grants totaling $1,589,433 to these three agencies. As these grants are all for development projects, a $100,000 adjustment in the WW Urban Creeks allocation from acquisition to development is needed to fund these grants.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
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40 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
AWARD OF MEASURE WW URBAN CREEKS GRANTS PROGRAM, ROUND #1
WHEREAS, On November 4, 2008, the voters of the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) approved Measure WW, Regional Open Space Wildlife, Shoreline and Parks Bond Extension. Of the $500 million in bond proceeds available for projects, $8 million are allocated to urban creek projects; and
WHEREAS, the $8 million allocation is for both Park District WW eligible projects and amounts available for cities and community organizations to restore urban creeks and acquire creek easements; and
WHEREAS, on March 21, 2017, the Board of Directors approved Measure WW Urban Creeks Grant Program Procedural Guidelines which established the policies and procedures under which the Park District would reimburse local agencies for up to $1.6 million in eligible expenses on urban creek projects; and
WHEREAS, on February 28, 2018, the Park District received grant applications totaling $1,589,433 from three agencies (Exhibit 1);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District award grants and approve executing of grant contracts with the following three agencies for Round #1 of the Measure WW Urban Creeks Grant Program; and
1. $800,000, Grant to City of San Pablo, (Score 182) Wildcat Creek Restoration 2. $599,743, Grant to Town of Moraga (Score 115) Laguna Creek Restoration 3. $189,700, Grant to City of Lafayette (Score 70) Lafayette Creek Restoration
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorizes the adjustment of the Measure WW Urban Creeks allocation area by $100,000 from acquisition to development for these grants; 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 to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
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42 Exhibit #1
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44 Exhibit #1
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46 Exhibit #1
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48 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
h. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of An Annual Report for Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD) (Spaulding/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors approve the attached Resolution taking the following actions:
1. Initiating proceedings for the 2018-19 fiscal year operation of the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD), including the related Zones of Benefit (ZB): a. ZB-1 (Five Canyons) b. ZB-2 (Dublin Hills) c. ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge) d. ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills) e. ZB-5 (Stone Valley) f. ZB-6 (Gateway Valley/Sibley Volcanic)
2. Appointing NBS as Engineer of Work for the Two County LLD including related ZBs; and
3. Instructing NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for the operation of the Two County LLD and related ZBs for the 2018-19 fiscal year.
REVENUE/COST
All costs of operating the Two County LLD are paid from assessment and interest revenues. Since the inception of the Two County LLD, costs associated with the regional trail maintenance and support has exceeded assessment revenues collected. In 2018, the Two County LLD Fund expenditures are budgeted at $5,101,330 with projected revenue of $4,069,600.
49 The 2018 adopted budget appropriations for the six Zones of Benefit totaled $75,280; an additional $767,300 in projects and equipment purchases will be brought to the Board of Directors for appropriation as a separate item before the Board. The total 2018 assessment revenue is budgeted at $177,350 with budgeted interest earnings of $6,800.
BACKGROUND
The Park District’s regional trail system enjoys widespread citizen appreciation and support throughout its Two County jurisdiction. Various funding sources are available for the acquisition of regional trails. However, regional trail maintenance and operations are funded solely through property assessments and the General Fund.
In 1993, the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting District (Two County LLD) was formed by the Park District Board of Directors. It was determined that the formation of a special assessment district provided an equitable funding source to finance the cost of operating and maintaining the regional trails within the LLD by the property owners within the assessment district.
The assessment rate of $5.44 per equivalent dwelling unit was authorized and has remained unchanged over the years. In 1995, multi-unit parcels were added to the assessment at $2.72 per unit. Last year, there were 357,917 Alameda County and 296,864 Contra Costa County parcels. Additionally, there were 204,461 assessable multi-family residential parcels in Alameda County and 76,394 in Contra Costa County.
Subsequent to the formation and within the boundaries of the Two County LLD, zones of benefit were developed to address specific trail maintenance priorities for certain development projects, including the following: Five Canyons Zone of Benefit (ZB-1), in Castro Valley, was established in 1994 and currently includes 1,089 assessable units, which were assessed $45.74 each in fiscal year 2017-18. Dublin Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-2), in the City of Dublin, was established in 1996 and currently includes 631 assessable units, which were assessed $33.10 each in fiscal year 2017-18. Walpert Ridge Zone of Benefit (ZB-3), in the City of Hayward, was established in 1998 and currently includes 516 assessable units, which were assessed $147.64 each in fiscal year 2017-18. San Ramon Hills Zone of Benefit (ZB-4), in the City of San Ramon, was established in 1999 and currently includes 140 units, which were assessed $41.38 each in fiscal year 2017-18. Stone Valley Zone of Benefit (ZB-5), near Las Tampas Regional Wilderness Area, was established in 2006 and currently includes 39 assessable units, which were assessed $172.22 each in fiscal year 2017-18. Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve Zone of Benefit (ZB-6), near the City of Orinda, was established in 2007 and currently includes 211 assessable units, which were assessed $102.46 each in fiscal year 2017-18.
In 1996, in accordance with the provisions of Proposition 218, the continuation of the assessment rate and services by the Two County LLD was approved by the voters of Alameda and Contra
50 Costa Counties. Continuation of this assessment requires that the Board of Directors annually initiate a statutory process to sustain the Two County LLD operation and Zones of Benefit for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019). The District has a contract with the engineering firm NBS to prepare the required Engineer’s Report and to provide administration services. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is requested to take the following action: 1. Approve the attached Resolution which initiates the Two County LLD process for the 2018-19 fiscal year; 2. Appoint NBS as the Engineer of Work; 3. Instruct NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2018-19.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
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52 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO. 2018 – 04-
April 17, 2018
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS AND ORDERING FILING OF AN ANNUAL REPORT FOR ALAMEDA COUNTY/CONTRA COSTA COUNTY REGIONAL TRAILS LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972)
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors formed the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (Two County LLD) on June 1, 1993; and
WHEREAS, the Two County LLD will complete its fiscal year of operation on June 30, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the requirement for the operation and maintenance of the Park District’s regional trails system within the Two County LLD boundaries continues to exist for the 2018-19 fiscal year (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019); and
WHEREAS, the Park District, in operating the Two County LLD, has taken effective action to implement the work program as defined in the 2017-18 fiscal year Engineer’s Report;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby: 1. Designates NBS as the Engineer of Work for the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District; 2. Directs NBS to file an annual Engineer’s Report in accordance with the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972; 3. Adopts this resolution pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.
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 adopted this 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
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54 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
i. Approval of Resolution Initiating Proceedings and Ordering Filing of Annual Report for East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD) (Spaulding/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors approve the attached Resolution taking the following actions:
1. Initiating proceedings for the 2018-19 fiscal year operations of the East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD); 2. Appointing NBS as Engineer of Work for the ECCC LLD; and 3. Instructing NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for the operation of the ECCC LLD for the 2018-19 fiscal year.
REVENUE/COST
All costs of operating the ECCC LLD are paid from assessment and interest revenues. The total appropriations for operations and maintenance in the 2018 Adopted Budget for the ECCC LLD Fund are $632,140. Additional appropriations are anticipated to be completed during the year as a separate item.
BACKGROUND
When the East Contra Costa County area was annexed to the Park District in 1981, the annexation occurred without corresponding redistribution of property tax revenues to the Park District. The East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District was formed on December 17, 1991 to address this issue and to provide for operation and maintenance of regional parks, open space and trail operations in East Contra Costa County.
The assessment rate of $19.70 per equivalent dwelling unit (and lower rates for multiple living units) was authorized and has remained unchanged over the years. Last year, there were 39,308
55 total units (single family, two or more residential units, multiple living units, living units in hotels and mobile home parks) subject to the assessment.
In 1996, in accordance with the provisions of Proposition 218, the continuation of the assessment rate and services by ECCC LLD was approved by the voters of East Contra Costa County. Continuation of this assessment requires that the Board of Directors annually initiate a statutory process to sustain the ECCC LLD operation for the next fiscal year (July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019). The District has a contract with the engineering firm NBS to prepare the Engineer’s Report and to provide administration services. Accordingly, the Board of Directors is requested to take the following action:
1. Approve the attached Resolution which initiates the ECCC LLD process for the 2018- 19 fiscal year; 2. Appoint NBS as the Engineer of Work; 3. Instruct NBS to prepare an Engineer’s Report for Fiscal Year 2018-19.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
56 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION INITIATING PROCEEDINGS AND ORDERING FILING OF ANNUAL REPORT FOR EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972)
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors formed the East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District (ECCC LLD) on December 17, 1991; and
WHEREAS, the ECCC LLD will complete its fiscal year of operation on June 30, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the requirement for the operation and maintenance of the Park District’s regional trails system within the ECCC LLD boundaries continues to exist for the 2018-19 fiscal year (July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019); and
WHEREAS, the Park District, in operating the ECCC LLD, has taken effective action to implement the work program as defined in the 2017-18 fiscal year Engineer’s Report;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby:
1. Designates NBS as the Engineer of Work for the East Contra Costa County Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District; 2. Directs NBS to file an annual Engineer’s Report in accordance with the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972; 3. Adopts this resolution pursuant to Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.
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 adopted this 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
57 Page Left Blank Intentionally
58 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
j. Approval of Accounting Adjustment to Record Pension Trust Contributions as Required by Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement 73 and Amend the 2017 and 2018 Fiscal Year Budgets (O’Hara/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Finance Committee (by unanimous vote) recommend that the Board of Directors approve the accounting adjustment to record pension trust contributions as required by GASB Statement 73 and amend the 2017 and 2018 fiscal year budgets.
REVENUE/COST
The new accounting guidance related to pensions was not available until after the 2018 budget had been adopted by the Board. Several budget changes, including transfers between the General Fund and the Employee Benefits fund must be revised before the 2017 financial statements can be finalized. The 2018 budget must also be revised to reflect the accounting change. The budget changes required for both the 2017 fiscal year and the 2018 fiscal year are provided on the attached budget change form.
BACKGROUND
In order to comply with new guidance provided by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) in December 2017 related to how pension liabilities are recorded, the Park District will be recording pension trust assets and the corresponding restricted fund balance in the General Fund rather than the Employee Benefits Internal Service Fund. This requires the Board to authorize a transfer of budgets and funds for the 2017 calendar year financial statements.
In September 2017, the Board of Directors approved the creation of an irrevocable supplemental pension “Section 115 Trust,” to set aside funding for anticipated future increased costs of the Park District’s CalPERS Miscellaneous Plan. The Board also approved a $3.5 million contribution to this Section 115 Pension Trust.
59 At the time, the Park District was advised that certain accounting entries were required to establish the pension trust: first, to establish a new fiduciary fund, and second to transfer the $3.5 million to this new fund. However, upon discussion with the Park District’s auditing firm, Vavrinek, Trine & Day (VTD) in early 2018, it has been determined that the contribution to the Pension Trust should not be recorded in a separate fiduciary fund, and instead should be a restricted asset of the Park District General Fund to comply with the new accounting rules.
VTD advised that the new Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) implementation guide 2017-1 for GASB Statement 73 (Accounting and Financial Reporting for Pensions and Related Assets) superseded information that had previously been provided.
Staff will be recording the $3.5 million contribution to the Pension Trust as a restricted asset within the General Fund. As such, the Board of Directors is asked to approve the transfer of the $3.5 million from the Employee Benefits Fund back to the General Fund as restricted fund balance.
ALTERNATIVES
None are recommended.
ATTACHMENTS
A. Resolution B. Budget Change Form
60
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTING ADJUSTMENT TO RECORD PENSION TRUST CONTRIBUTIONS AS REQUIRED BY GOVERNMENTAL ACCOUNTING STANDARDS BOARD (GASB) STATEMENT 73 AND AMEND THE 2017 AND 2018 FISCAL YEAR BUDGETS
WHEREAS, in September 2017, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) approved creation of a Section 115 Pension Trust as well as a $3.5 million transfer to a new fiduciary fund; and
WHEREAS, in early 2018, staff was advised by the Park District’s auditing firm of Vavrinek, Trine & Day (VTD) that new GASB guidance requires Pension Trust contributions be recorded as restricted assets of the Park District General Fund and as such should be transferred from the Employee Benefits fiduciary fund; and
WHEREAS, the Board Finance Committee reviewed this item at their meeting on March 28, 2018 and unanimously 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 authorizes the 2017 and 2018 fiscal year accounting adjustments to record Pension Trust contributions as required by GASB Statement 73 as indicated on the attached Budget Change Form; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager and Assistant General Manager/Chief Financial Officer are 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 approved on this 17th day of April 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
61 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT 2017 BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS New Appropriation X Between Funds From New Revenues Between Projects DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: Employee Benefits Fund-Non-Financial Accounting- District Wide-Pension Trust
Account: 556-9110-000-4810 $ 3,500,000 TRANSFER BETWEEN FUNDS Account Name: Expense: Employee Account Name: Revenue: General Fund- Benefits Fund-Non-Financial Accounting- Non-Financial Accounting-District Wide- District Wide-Transfers Out Transfers In
Account: 556-9110-000-9980 $ 3,500,000 Account: 101-9110-000-3980 $ 3,500,000 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As presented at the Board of Directors meeting on April 17, 2018, the General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors authorize an accounting adjustment of $3.5M from the Employee Benefits fund to the restricted General Fund and the amendments to the 2017 budget as indicated above.
As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 4/17/2018 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2018-04- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:
T:\BOARDCLK\BOARD MATERIAL\2018\7- April 17, 2018\S DRIVE\C-1-j FIN Budget Change for Pension Trust Adjustment (2 pages).xlsx
62 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
k. Resolution to Support AB 2061 (Frazier D-Discovery Bay) – Clean Energy Trucks (Pfuehler/Doyle)
RECOMMENDATION
The Legislative Committee of the Board and the General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 2061 – Clean Energy Trucks (Frazier D-Discovery Bay).
REVENUE/COST
There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.
BACKGROUND
Assembly Member Frazier’s bill seeks to remove weight-limit barriers for zero emission and near zero emission trucks in California. The engine and propulsion systems in electric, hydrogen and natural gas powered trucks weigh more than the traditional internal combustion engine by as much as 2,000 pounds. These cleaner energy trucks currently have to reduce their carrying capacity in order to comply with state weight laws, providing a disincentive for businesses to invest in cleaner trucks. AB 2061 would increase the weight limits for zero emission and near zero emission vehicles so they can compete on an equal playing field with diesel and gasoline powered trucks. Research by the California Air Resources Board finds transportation accounts for nearly 40 percent of all the state’s greenhouse gas emissions. Diesel and gasoline big rigs and other heavy-duty trucks are the most concentrated source, making up only three percent of the vehicles on the road but accounting for 23 percent of transportation emissions. AB 2061 is supported by the California Natural Gas Vehicle Coalition, CALSTART, San Diego County Disposal Association, Clean Energy and Tesla. There is no known opposition. As the District seeks to make its fleet more fuel efficient, this legislation could help facilitate the use of more energy efficient trucks in the field.
ALTERNATIVES
None recommended.
63 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 2061 (FRAZIER D-DISCOVERY BAY) - CLEAN ENERGY TRUCKS
WHEREAS, a key component of the District’s mission is that an environmental ethic guides the District in all of its activities; and
WHEREAS, the District is actively working to reduce its carbon footprint including through green fleet management; and
WHEREAS, transportation accounts for nearly 40 percent of all the state’s greenhouse gas emission; and
WHEREAS, diesel and gasoline big rigs and other heavy-duty trucks are the most concentrated source, making up only three percent of the vehicles on the road but accounting for 23 percent of transportation emissions; and
WHEREAS, the state justly has established weight limits for heavy-duty trucks; and
WHEREAS, clean energy trucks sacrifice payload for battery packs or natural gas tanks which also add weight; and
WHEREAS, AB 2061 would remove weight-limit barriers for clean energy, near zero emission trucks in California; and
WHEREAS, as the District seeks to make its fleet more fuel efficient, this legislation could help facilitate the use of more clean energy trucks in the field.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby supports AB 2061 – Clean Energy Trucks (Frazier D-Discovery Bay); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 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 17th day of April, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: 64 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
L. Resolution to Support AB 2137 (Mayes R-Yucca Valley) – Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District General Manager (Pfuehler/Doyle)
RECOMMENDATION
The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 2137 (Mayes R-Yucca Valley) – Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District General Manager
REVENUE/COST
There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.
BACKGROUND
This legislation would provide the General Manager of the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District the ability to approve contracts up to $50,000 without necessarily seeking Board approval. It specifically seeks to align the Riverside district with East Bay Regional Park District, Midpeninsula Open Space District and the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. Since the Park District benefits from the $50,000 General Manager limit, staff is recommending supporting Riverside’s effort to achieve the same goal.
ALTERNATIVES
None recommended.
65 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 2137 (MAYES R-YUCCA VALLEY) - RIVERSIDE COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT GENERAL MANAGER
WHEREAS, the General Manager of the East Bay Regional Park District has the ability to approve contracts up to $50,000; and
WHEREAS, this legislation would provide the General Manager of the Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District the same ability; and
WHEREAS, this legislation is consistent with AB 495 (chaptered August 10, 2015) which provided this contract authority to the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District and to the District; and
WHEREAS, the District works to support park and open space districts statewide.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby supports AB 2137 (Mayes R-Yucca Valley) – Riverside County Regional Park and Open Space District General Manager and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 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 17th day of April, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR: AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
66 AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
m. Resolution to Support AB 2421 (Stone D-Monterey Bay) – Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program (Pfuehler/Doyle)
RECOMMENDATION
The Legislative Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to support AB 2421 (Stone D-Monterey Bay) – Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program.
REVENUE/COST
There would be no cost impact as a result of this action.
BACKGROUND
Assembly Member Stone’s bill would establish the Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program, to be administered by the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB). It authorizes WCB to provide grants to public agencies, nonprofit organizations and private landowners for the restoration of prairie lands. Monarch butterflies spend the winter in three of the East Bay Regional Park District’s parks - Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Coyote Hills Regional Park and Ardenwood Historic Farm. The Park District also hosts walks and conducts research on Monarch butterflies on an annual basis.
The bill would establish the Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund Account in the State Treasury for the grant program. Moneys can be deposited into the Fund from gifts, donations, funds appropriated by the Legislature, from federal grants or other sources. The District could potentially benefit from the grant program.
ALTERNATIVES
None recommended.
67 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
RESOLUTION TO SUPPORT AB 2421 – (STONE D-MONTEREY BAY) MONARCH BUTTERFLY AND POLLINATOR RESCUE PROGRAM
WHEREAS, Monarch butterflies spend the winter in three primary regional parks – the East Bay Regional Park District’s Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, Coyote Hills Regional Park and Ardenwood Historic Farm; and
WHEREAS, the District hosts walks and conducts research on Monarch butterflies on an annual basis; and
WHEREAS, AB 2421 would establish the Monarch Butterfly Rescue Fund Account in the State Treasury for grants; and
WHEREAS, the legislation authorizes the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) to provide grants to public agencies, nonprofit organizations and private landowners for the restoration of prairie lands; and
WHEREAS, the District could potentially benefit from the grant program.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby supports AB 2421(Stone D-Monterey Bay) – Monarch Butterfly and Pollinator Rescue Program; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 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 17th day of April, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
68 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
n. Authorization to Purchase Three Chevrolet Equinox Duramax Diesel SUV’s from Winner Chevrolet for Vehicle Replacements and as an Addition to the Fleet (McCrystle/O’Connor)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors authorize the purchase of three Chevrolet Equinox Duramax Diesel SUV’s from Winner Chevrolet of Colfax, California at a total cost of $94,707. Two are vehicle replacements for Park Operations and one is an addition to the fleet for Stewardship.
REVENUE/COST
The total cost to purchase the requested three vehicles is $94,707. For the purpose of purchasing replacement and additional fleet vehicles, funds have been allocated in the Park District’s 2018 Budget within the Fleet Replacement Account 101-5933-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000) and Stewardship Account 101-7430-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000).
PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE 101-5933-000-7505: Base Price (2 vehicles) $57,940 CA Tire Fee & Delivery 418 Sales Tax 4,780 Proposed Encumbrance $63,138
PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE 101-7430-000-7505: Base Price $28,970 CA Tire Fee & Delivery 209 Sales Tax 2,390 Proposed Encumbrance $31,569
69 TOTAL ENCUMBRANCE: Base Price $86,910 CA Tire Fees 627 Sales Tax 7,170 Proposed Total Encumbrance $94,707
BACKGROUND
Two of the Chevrolet Equinox Duramax Diesel SUV’s will replace two Ford Escape SUV’s assigned to the Interpretative Parklands and Delta Unit Managers. The third Chevrolet Equinox will be an addition to the fleet assigned to Stewardship, per a Board-approved 2018 budget request. The two Ford Escape SUV’s are being retired due to age, declining condition, and high mileage. The Fleet Department engages in a replacement strategy where most regularly-used vehicles are retired within 100,000 or 10 years of their service life; this way, ongoing maintenance costs are minimized. Newer vehicles also provide favorable gas mileage due to new technology and fuel efficiency. These Chevrolet Equinox Duramax Diesel-powered SUV’s are being recommended as part of the ongoing effort to use more efficient and cleaner fuel whenever possible and appropriate. The Chevrolet Equinox Duramax Diesel engine offers 39 miles per gallon (MPG) on the highway, as compared to 30 MPG offered in the same vehicle equipped with a conventional gasoline engine, and the similarly sized Hybrid SUV that also offers 30 MPG on the highway. Like all diesel vehicles in the Park District fleet, these will utilize 100% non-petroleum renewable diesel (RD-99), which is sourced from renewable materials, as opposed to conventional diesel. RD-99 is available at all District fueling stations that dispense diesel fuel.
INTERP. PARKLAND UNIT MGR. 3089 2008 UTILITY, FORD ESCAPE 4WD DELTA UNIT MANAGER 3038 2007 UTILITY, FORD ESCAPE 4WD
These new vehicles are available for purchase directly from Winner Chevrolet by means of contract pricing established by the State of California, General Services Procurement Division, Contract #1-16-23-23D. The pricing is the result of a competitive bid process and open to all state governmental entities and educational institutions. Public agencies electing to use this method of vehicle acquisition avoid the administrative costs of seeking formal bids.
ALTERNATIVES
For this purchase, staff has determined that there is no significant advantage in formally seeking other bids; therefore, none are recommended.
70 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE THREE CHEVROLET EQUINOX DURAMAX DIESEL SUV’S FROM WINNER CHEVROLET FOR VEHICLE REPLACEMENTS AND AS AN ADDITION TO THE FLEET
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) has included funding in its proposed 2018 Budget for the purchase of new rolling stock; and
WHEREAS, the Park District has the need to replace two vehicles which are being retired due to age, high mileage, and/or declining condition; and
WHEREAS, the Park District has the need to purchase one new vehicle as an addition to the fleet assigned to the Stewardship Department; and
WHEREAS, Winner Chevrolet of Colfax, California is a recognized vendor offering suitable vehicles based on the results of competitively bid pricing through the State of California, General Services Procurement Division, Contract #1-16-23-23D;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorize the purchase of three Chevrolet Equinox Duramax Diesel SUV’s for a total cost of $94,707, with said sum to be encumbered from the 2018 Budget, $63,138 from Fleet Replacement Account 101-5933-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000) and $31,569 from Stewardship Account 101-7430-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000); 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 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
71 Page Left Blank Intentionally
72 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
o. Authorization to Purchase Two Type III Fire Trucks from Boise Mobile Equipment Inc. for Equipment Replacement (McCrystle/O’Connor)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors authorize the purchase of two Type III Fire Trucks from Boise Mobile Equipment Inc. of Boise, Idaho at a total cost of $552,636.
REVENUE/COST
The total cost to purchase the requested two Fire Trucks is $552,636. For the purpose of purchasing replacement fleet equipment, funds have been allocated in the Park District’s 2018 Budget, Fire Department Major Equipment Replacement Account 554-8310-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000).
PROPOSED ENCUMBRANCE: Base Price $ 510,518 Sales Tax 42,118 Proposed Encumbrance $ 552,636
BACKGROUND
The new fire trucks, BME Type III Model 34, will replace current District Fire Department Type III Fire Trucks #2749 and #2767, which are being retired due to age and declining condition.
Fire Department #2749 1997 International Type III Fire Department #2767 1997 International Type III
The new Type III Fire Trucks are available for purchase directly from Boise Mobile Equipment Inc. by means of pricing established by the State of California, General Services Procurement Division, Contract #1-17-23-21B. The pricing is the result of a competitive bid process and open
73 to all state and local governmental entities as well as educational institutions. Public agencies electing to use this method of equipment acquisition avoid the administrative costs of seeking formal bids.
ALTERNATIVES
For this purchase, staff has determined that there is no significant advantage in formally seeking other bids; therefore, none are recommended.
74 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO PURCHASE TWO TYPE III FIRE TRUCKS FROM BOISE MOBILE EQUIPMENT INC. FOR EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) has included funding in its 2018 Budget for the purchase of new fleet equipment; and
WHEREAS, two of the existing Type III Fire Trucks are being retired due to age and declining condition; and
WHEREAS, Boise Mobile Equipment Inc. of Boise, Idaho is a recognized vendor offering suitable equipment based on the results of competitive pricing through the State of California, General Services Procurement Division, Contract #1-17-23-21B;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the purchase of two Type III Fire Trucks at a total cost of $522,636, with said sum to be encumbered from the 2018 Budget, Fire Department Major Equipment Replacement Account 554-8310-000-7505 (Rolling Stock >$25,000); 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 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
75 Page Left Blank Intentionally
76 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
p. Authorize the Extension of the Castle Rock Arabians Special Use Agreement: Diablo Foothills Regional Park (Waluch/O’Connor)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the March 29, 2018 meeting, recommends that the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors authorize the five-year extension of the Castle Rock Arabians Special Use Agreement in Diablo Foothills Regional Park.
REVENUE/COST
There will be no cost to the Park District for this action. Revenue to the District will be an annual flat fee of $100.
BACKGROUND
Since April 2000, Castle Rock Arabians, a family-owned and operated ranch based in Walnut Creek, California, has operated a summer program teaching riding lessons and horsemanship to children through use of the horse arena and paddocks in Diablo Foothills Regional Park. The Park District entered into an agreement with Nancy DuPont (Ms. Dupont), owner of Castle Rock Arabians, for use of the site and to provide access to the arena facility to the residents. Castle Rock Arabians also manages and maintains the arena. Ms. Dupont secures a waiver agreement from neighborhood users and collects an annual $25 fee from each user to offset general repair and maintenance costs of the arena. Maintenance consists of replacing sand and keeping the top layer loose and evenly distributed over the entire arena surface. Leveling of sand in the arena is done at least once a week, preferably, once a day.
Previously, the agreement included seasonal use of a small practice ring and three paddocks, installed by Ms. Dupont, that were adjacent to the arena for use in the summer program. However, to alleviate the cost of the Special Use Fee, from $900 to $100 annually, Ms. Dupont has removed the small arena and paddocks. The low fee is being accessed due to the year-round maintenance completed by Ms. Dupont. Only the large arena, maintained by Ms. Dupont, remains.
77 The Board Operations Committee recommends to the full Board, a five-year agreement for continued seasonal use and maintenance of the arena located above the Orchard staging area in Diablo Foothills Regional Park, with the reduced use fee of $100 annually for the seasonal use of the Special Use area.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
78 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZE THE EXTENSION OF THE CASTLE ROCK ARABIANS SPECIAL USE AGREEMENT: DIABLO FOOTHILLS REGIONAL PARK
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) owns Diablo Foothills Regional Park which has a large horse arena maintained by Ms. Nancy Dupont next to the Orchard Staging area on the north end of Diablo Foothills Regional Park; and
WHEREAS, Nancy DuPont, owner of Castle Rock Arabians located in Walnut Creek, California, has had a special use agreement with the Park District since 2000; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this use of land in Diablo Foothills Regional Park is to manage and maintain a horse arena and to provide access to local residents for a $25 annual fee; and
WHEREAS, Ms. DuPont has expressed interest in having an extension of the special use agreement; and
WHEREAS, the General Manager and the Board Operations Committee, by unanimous vote at the March 29, 2018 meeting, recommends that the Park District Board of Directors authorize an Amendment to Extend the Castle Rock Arabians Special Use Agreement with a reduced use fee of $100 annually for the seasonal use of the Special Use area;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the extension of the existing Special Use Agreement beginning August 1, 2018 for five years with an annual flat fee of $100 coded to Diablo Foothills Regional Park, Other Property Uses; 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 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
79 Page Left Blank Intentionally
80 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
1. CONSENT CALENDAR
q. Authorization to Continue Agreement with Contra Costa County to Support and Maintain the East Bay Regional Park District’s Radio Communications System (Gershaneck/Ciaburro)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors authorize the continuation an existing agreement for rental space, repair and services with Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff up to $150,000 annually for the next five years to support and maintain the Park District-wide radio communications system.
REVENUE/COST
Funding for this agreement exists within the Public Safety Communication budget in objects codes 6414, 6611 and 6731.
BACKGROUND
For more than 50 years, Contra Costa County has operated and maintained the Park District’s radio communication infrastructure to serve both Public Safety and Operations personnel in the field. Currently the system spans four counties on nine towers, five of which are owned and operated by Contra Costa County.
The Park District’s communications microwave dishes are on Contra Costa County’s towers and the Park District’s radio transmitters and receivers are housed in hilltop radio vaults. In addition, the Contra Costa County radio technicians maintain and repair our system as needed throughout the four counties with satisfactory service. Contra Costa County also allows criminal justice agencies to exchange and analyze data using a secure interface (ARIES).
The existing agreement was approved on July 22, 1980 under Board Resolution 1980-7-198 and was extended on May 18, 2010 under Board Resolution 2010-5-126 and again on December 6, 2016 under Board Resolution 2016-12-312.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
81 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO CONTINUE AGREEMENT WITH CONTRA COSTA COUNTY TO SUPPORT AND MAINTAIN THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT’S RADIO COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Police Department utilizes Contra Costa County Technical Services and Department of Information Technology for the vault space, repair and maintenance of communications infrastructure; and
WHEREAS, the Park District Board of Directors has previously approved agreements in 1980, 2010 and 2016 to enlist the services of Contra Costa County for this purpose in Board Resolution Nos. 1980-7-198, 2010-5-126 and 2016-12-312; and
WHEREAS, the Park District’s Board Operating Guidelines require Board approval for spending greater than $50,000 with a single vendor; and
WHEREAS, the Public Safety Department has funds available in its general fund budget for this purpose;
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the General Manager to continue the current agreement with Contra Costa County and approve the spending of up to $150,000 annually for five years on communications system repair, maintenance and vault rental and support services from budgets available in the Communications Department 101-8130-000-6414/6611/6731; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 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 and appropriate to accomplish the intentions of this resolution.
Moved by Director , seconded by Director , and adopted this, 17th day of April 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
82 ACQUISITION STEWARDSHIP DEVELOPMENT AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
2. ACQUISITION, STEWARDSHIP & DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
a. Authorization to Transfer and Appropriate Funds for the Replace Water Tank Project: Las Trampas Regional Wilderness (Gilchrist/Rasmussen/Nisbet)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors:
1. Authorize the transfer of $19,270 from the completed Renovate Water System Project (#173700) into the Replace Water Tank Project (#152300, formerly named “Replace Tracor Water System”); and
2. Authorize the appropriation of $1,330,730 into the Replace Water Tank Project (#152300) from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Fund (553).
REVENUE/COST
The action will appropriate available fund balance from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Fund and merge another related project.
SOURCE OF FUNDS Replace Water Tank Project (#152300) $ 150,000 Encumbrances and Expenditures to Date (78,604) Transfer from Renovate Water System 19,270 (#173700) Appropriation from Major Infrastructure Repair and Replacement Fund (553) 1,330,730 AVAILABLE BALANCE $ 1,421,396
USE OF FUNDS Expected construction costs $ 1,000,000 Other costs (including staff time and 421,396 contingency) BALANCE REMAINING $ 0
83 BACKGROUND
The water supply serving the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness’ park office and surrounding uses, is stored in a 60,000-gallon redwood water tank on the hill above the office. The tank is very old and leaks significantly. Numerous repairs have been made, but none have been sustainable or effective at adequately controlling the leakage. The San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District has sent a Notice of Correction to the East Bay Regional Park District (District) for the unreliable water system. Deterioration of the tank has reached a point where temporary repairs may no longer be effective. The water piping entering and leaving the tank is also problematic. Replacement of the main section of piping that distributes water for various uses down the hill will also be part of the tank replacement project. This pipe has been repaired multiple times.
Construction challenges make the cost of this tank higher than a typical 60,000-gallon storage tank. Vehicle access to the water tank is very difficult and there is little room to work at the tank location. There are no other suitable areas near the current location, so the existing tank and foundation need to be removed prior to installation of the new tank. The existing foundation has settled six inches on one side and cannot be reused. A consulting structural engineer has designed the new tank foundation based on the consulting geotechnical engineer’s report. The foundation consists of 20 cast-in-drilled-hole concrete piles and a 12-inch thick concrete slab. The factory-coated-bolted steel tank will be delivered in pieces and assembled on site after the foundation is constructed.
The water tank also provides water to an adjacent private property located at 18120 Bollinger Canyon Road. The property is owned by Almaden Associates, a Sid Corrie company who operates a business park with several industrial and commercial tenants. Pursuant to this shared use and consistent with past practices, the District will seek contribution from Almaden Associates for the cost of the tank replacement. Park District staff has notified Sid Corrie and Almaden Associates of the necessary repairs and Almaden’s responsibility to share in the cost, as well as the need for an alternative source of water during the repairs.
Staff plans to construct this project using the Job Order Contracting (JOC) program. It is anticipated that completing the project through JOC will be faster and more cost effective than public bidding. Staff has met with the JOC contractor to go over the project. A fee for the work has not yet been received from the contractor, but the budget requested through this Board action is expected to cover the cost.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
CEQA This project is exempt from CEQA as repair and maintenance of an existing facility.
84 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 –
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO TRANSFER AND APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE REPLACE WATER TANK PROJECT: LAS TRAMPAS REGIONAL WILDERNESS
WHEREAS, the 60,000-gallon water tank at Las Trampas Regional Wilderness provides water to the park office, the public, and to adjacent users for fire protection and potable use; and
WHEREAS, the water tank leaks significantly, despite attempts by the East Bay Regional Park District (District) to repair, and needs replacement; and
WHEREAS, the District desires to continue providing water to the Las Trampas Regional Wilderness; and
WHEREAS, there are funds available from the completed Renovate Water System Project (#173700), the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Fund (Fund 553);
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorizes the transfer of the remaining $19,270 from the completed Renovate Water System Project (#173700) into the Replace Water Tank Project (#152300, formerly named “Replace Tracor Water System”); and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District authorizes the appropriation of $1,330,730 into the Replace Water Tank Project (#152300) from the Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Fund (Fund 553), as noted in the Budget Change Form attached hereto; 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 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 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
85 86 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS X New Appropriation X Between Funds From New Revenues Between Projects DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Design & Construction Department-Las Design & Construction Department-Las Trampas-Work in Progress-Renovate Trampas-Work in Progress-Replace Water System-Major Infrastructure Water Tank-Major Infrastructure Renovation & Replacement-Work- Renovation & Replacement-Work- Contract Work Contract Work
Account: 333-7120-170-7020 / Account: 333-7120-170-7020 / 173700MIRR-372 $ 19,270.13 152300MIRR-372 $ 1,350,000.13
TRANSFERS BETWEEN FUNDS Account Name: TRANSFER OUT: Account Name: TRANSFER IN: Capital Unrestricted Net Assets-Non Fund-Non Departmental-District Wide- Departmental-District Wide-Transfer Out Transfer In
Account: 553-9110-000-9980 $ 1,330,730 Account: 333-9110-000-3980 $ 1,330,730 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on April 17, 2018 the General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors to authorize transferring and appropriating $1,330,730 from Major Infrastructure Renovation & Replacement Fund to support the renovation of the water system at Las Trampas. This action also authorizes the transfer of the remaining MIRR funding source ($19,270.13) from completed project 1737000.
As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 4/17/2018 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2017-04- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:
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87 FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
3. FINANCE & MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION
a. Authorization to Appropriate and Transfer Funds and Award a Contract to American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. for Pavement Repair, Maintenance, and Striping: District-wide (Lebow/Rasmussen/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors authorize the appropriation and transfer of funds and the award of a construction contract to American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. of Hayward, California for pavement repair, maintenance, and striping at Lake Chabot Regional Park, Tilden Regional Park, Big Break Regional Shoreline, Big Break Regional Trail, and Marsh Creek Regional Trail (Exhibit 1).
REVENUE/COST
The requested action is to appropriate $571,671 and transfer $260,000 in funds for pavement repair as noted below. Other funds are already available in the 2018 Park District budget. The action also awards a $1,483,921 construction contract plus a 19% contingency of $277,586 to American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. of Hayward, California.
SOURCE OF FUNDS Existing Balance: District Wide, Pave Roads and Trails (520700) $668,329 Appropriate from: Major Infrastructure Renovation and Repair Fund (553) 161,671 Revised Balance (520700) $830,000 Appropriate from: Major Infrastructure Renovation and Repair Fund (553) Appropriate to: Tilden, Pave Three Roads Project (157100 MIRR) $410,000 Transfer from: 2018 MAST Budget (553-5913-000-6444) <260,000> Transfer to: Lake Chabot, Pave Two Roads Project(157000 MIRR) $260,000 Existing: Rehab Marsh Creek Trail, Measure J Grant (526300) $500,000 $2,000,00 TOTAL SOURCES 0
USE OF FUNDS Award Contract to American Asphalt Inc.
88 District Wide, Pave Roads and Trails (520700) $689,493 Tilden, Pave Three Roads (157100) $342,421 Lake Chabot, Pave Two Roads (157000) $213,883 Rehab Marsh Creek Trail (526300) $238,124 $1,483,92 Total Contract Award 1 Contract Contingency for American Asphalt Inc. District Wide, Pave Roads and Trails (520700) $140,507 Tilden, Pave Three Roads (157100) $67,579 Lake Chabot, Pave Two Roads(157000 $21,876 Rehab Marsh Creek Trail, Measure J Grant (526300) $47,624 Total Contract Contingency (19%) $277,586 REMAINING BALANCE $238,493
BACKGROUND
The Park District is committed to preserving and maintaining the Park District’s existing infrastructure. An important component of this infrastructure is the Park District’s network of paved roads, trails, and parking lots.
This project will apply a seal coat to pavement at Big Break Regional Shoreline and a slurry seal to Marsh Creek Regional Trail, Big Break Regional Trail, and Lake Chabot Regional Park. The West Shore Trail at Lake Chabot Regional Park will be repaved from the dam to the marina. A chip seal and slurry seal will be applied to Golf Course Drive and Shasta Road in Tilden Regional Park (Exhibit 1).
The average pavement condition index (PCI) of this project’s asphalt is 69.5. The average PCI for segments in this contract will increase to 90 after the project is complete. This project is included in the on-going Park District-wide Pavement Maintenance and Preservation Program (PMPP). The project also utilizes a Measure J grant from the Contra Costa Transportation Authority for pavement maintenance in East County.
The Notice to Bidders was published on February 27, 2018. The project was posted on the Park District’s online planroom and at thirteen different builders’ exchanges the Park District uses for this purpose. Two firms submitted bids by the bid due date of March 27, 2018 and the bid results are summarized in the table below. The basis for determination of low bid on this project is the aggregate amount of the bidder’s Base Bid and selected Add Alternates.
PLANHOLDER BASE BID AND SELECTED ADD ALTERNATES TOTAL American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing $1,483,921.00 Co., Inc. California Pavement Maintenance $1,983,450.90 Company, Inc.
The bid submitted by American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. of Hayward, California met the specifications and conditions for the project, and, therefore, American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. is the lowest responsible bidder.
89 ALTERNATIVES
None are recommended.
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91 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 –
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO APPROPRIATE AND TRANSFER FUNDS AND AWARD A CONTRACT TO AMERICAN ASPHALT REPAIR & RESURFACING CO., INC. FOR PAVEMENT REPAIR, MAINTENANCE, AND STRIPING: DISTRICT-WIDE
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is committed to preserving and maintaining the Park District’s existing infrastructure and an important component of this infrastructure is the Park District’s network of paved roads, trails, and parking lots; and
WHEREAS, Lake Chabot Regional Park, Tilden Regional Park, Big Break Regional Shoreline, Big Break Regional Trail, and Marsh Creek Regional Trail asphalt maintenance are included in the ongoing District-wide Pavement Maintenance and Preservation Program (PMPP); and
WHEREAS, requests for bids for the District-wide asphalt maintenance project were solicited and received, and two firms submitted qualified bids of which American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. was the lowest responsible bidder;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the appropriation of $571,671 and transfer of $260,000 in Major Infrastructure Renovation and Repair Funds (553) for pavement repair per the Budget Change Form attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby authorizes the award of contract to American Asphalt Repair & Resurfacing Co., Inc. of Hayward, California for a grand total not to exceed $1,483,921 and a contingency of $277,586; 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 17th day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
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93 Lake Chabot Regional Park
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Park Entrances 0 0.15 0.3 0.6 mi Public Entrance 0 800 1,600 3,200 Feet Service Entrance East Bay Regional Park District. 94 Site managed by GIS Services. [ Page Left Blank Intentionally
95 Tilden Regional Park
Lake Anza
Brazilian Room Botanic Garden
Berkeley Tilden Park Golf Course
Oakland
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97 Marsh Creek Regional Trail & Big Break Regional Trail
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0 0.5 1 2 mi
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99 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT BUDGET CHANGE FORM
NEW APPROPRIATIONS BUDGET TRANSFERS From New Revenues X Between Funds DECREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT INCREASE BUDGET ACCOUNT AMOUNT Account Name: Expense: Major Account Name: Expense: OTA Fund- Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Roads & Trails-District wide-Services / Fund - Paving Department-District Wide - District wide Paving Project -Construction Maintenance Agreements Contract
Account: 336-5954-000-6191 /520700 Account: 553-5913-000-6444 $ 260,000 MIRR - 009 $ 161,671 Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Roads & Trails-Lake Chabot-Work in Progress-Pave Two Roads- Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement - Construction Contract
Account: 333-5954-216-7020 /157000 MIRR - 009 $ 410,000 Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Roads & Trails-Tilden Park-Work in Progress-Pave Three Roads- Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement - Construction Contract
Account: 333-5954-216-7020 /157100 MIRR - 009 $ 260,000 Transfer Between Funds Account Name: Expense: Major Account Name: Expense: Other Than Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Asset Fund-Non Departmental-District Fund -Non Departmental-District Wide-Transfer In
Account: 553-9110-000-9980 $ 161,671 Account: 336-9110-000-3980 $ 161,671 Account Name: Expense: Major Account Name: Expense: Capital Fund- Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement Non Departmental-District Wide-Transfer Fund -Non Departmental-District In
Account: 553-9110-000-9980 $ 670,000 Account: 333-9110-000-3980 $ 670,000 REASON FOR BUDGET CHANGE ENTRY As being presented at the Board of Directors meeting on April 17,2018 the General Manager authorizes the appropriation and transfer of Major Infrastructure Renovation and Replacement funds to augment existing OTA project 520700 (District-wide Paving) as well as two new capital projects for paving at Tilden and Anthony Chabot parks.
As approved at the Board of Directors Meeting on date: 4/17/2018 Board of Directors Resolution Number: 2018-04- Posted By: Posted date: Signature:
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101 AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
3. FINANCE AND MANAGEMENT SERVICES DIVISION
b. Authorization to Appropriate East Contra Costa County Lighting and Landscape District and Zone of Benefit Funds for Projects: District-wide (Rasmussen/Noonan/Auker)
RECOMMENDATION
The General Manager recommends that the Board of Directors approve the appropriation of $740,000 from Lighting and Landscape District (LLD) and Zone of Benefit (ZB) available funds for related projects District-wide.
REVENUE/COST
The Park District has two LLD’s and six ZBs which receive special assessment revenue for maintenance and operating costs in the eligible areas. Accounting standards limit the amount of funds that can accumulate to 50% of the annual revenue. To meet this goal of limiting the accumulated fund balances, staff has reviewed the needs in the East Contra Costa County LLD and ZB areas for the coming year and proposes an appropriation of $740,000 for the one-time costs shown in the table below.
Fund Location Description Account Amount Delta Science Center, 221 Big Break Improve Visitor Center Exhibits 104805 $25,000 221 Big Break Build Storage Shed 156900 $150,000 222-5131-255- 222 Don Castro Purchase Power Tools and Equipment 5371 $20,000 Improve Walpert Ridge, Install Restroom and Water System and 224 Garin Improve Trails 156200 $475,000 228 Sibley Restore McCosker Creek 150800 $55,000 228-5121-134- 228 Sibley Repair Cattle Fence for Grazing 6443 $15,000 TOTAL $740,000
102 BACKGROUND
On June 20, 2017, the Park District Board approved the East Contra Costa County Landscape and Lighting District Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 (Resolution #2017-06-179). On July 5, 2017, the Board approved the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1), including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB- 2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley) and ZB-6 (Sibley Volcanic) for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 (Resolution #2017-07-197). At those meetings, staff reported to the Board that other projects using LLD funds would be brought forward for Board approval at a future meeting.
The projected 2018 fund balance for these programs is $3,363,665. Accounting standards require that the fund balance be 50% of the annual revenue for these programs. The limit for 2018 is $2,486,800. The proposed appropriation of $740,000 to complete high priority items will reduce the fund balance to $2,623,665 and help reduce the fund balance along with other 2018 operating costs already budgeted.
These projects were selected by working with staff from the Operations Division, Interpretive and Recreation Department and Acquisition, Stewardship and Development Division.
Big Break Visitor Center Exhibits - $100,000 is recommended to improve the exhibits. An additional $25,000 is needed to complete the project including improvements to the Delta Map to improve interpretive services and benefit the area. Big Break Storage Shed - The existing storage shed at Big Break is used by Operations to store the lawn mower and other supplies and Interpretive and Recreation to store kayaks, life jackets and other gear. The shed is not big enough. Giving full use of the existing shed to the public will provide better service and benefit to the area. Don Castro Purchase Power Tools and Equipment – The park needs additional small equipment to improve services and benefit the area. The equipment includes a new Gator, power rake, Yazoo mower, pole saw, hand auger, chain saw, etc. Garin Improve Walpert Ridge – The agreement with Stonebrae allowed for the installation of a vault restroom, improvements to the water system including two new water meters and improvement of trails throughout the newly acquired lands. The funding has been building up for a number of years. The Park District now manages the land, and is ready to move forward on these improvements that benefit the area. Sibley Restore McCosker Creek – This funding will help complete an existing high priority project for the Park District and greatly benefit the area. Sibley Repair Cattle Fence for Grazing – Grazing is important for management of the land acquired at Sibley as part of the zone of benefit. Fencing repairs are required before cattle can be placed in these areas.
Staff will return to the Board later this year to appropriate additional funds for the purchase of vehicles and other priority projects in order to meet the accounting standards.
ALTERNATIVES None are recommended.
103 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 – 04 -
April 17, 2018
AUTHORIZATION TO APPROPRIATE EAST CONTRA COSTA COUNTY LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE DISTRICT AND ZONE OF BENEFIT FUNDS FOR PROJECTS: DISTRICT-WIDE
WHEREAS, each year adjustments to the East Bay Regional Park District’s (Park District) Lighting and Landscape District and Zones of Benefit appropriations are proposed; and
WHEREAS, accounting standards require that the fund balance for Lighting and Landscape Districts and Zones of Benefit be 50% of the annual revenue for these programs which amounts to $2,486,800 for 2018; and
WHEREAS, on June 20, 2017, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) Board of Directors approved the East Contra Costa County Landscape and Lighting District Engineer's Report for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 (Resolution #2017-06-179) and on July 5, 2017, the Park District Board approved the Alameda County/Contra Costa County Regional Trails Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1 (ACC-1), including ZB-1 (Five Canyons), ZB-2 (Dublin Hills), ZB-3 (Walpert Ridge), ZB-4 (San Ramon Hills), ZB-5 (Stone Valley) and ZB-6 (Sibley Volcanic) for Fiscal Year 2017/2018 (Resolution #2017-07-197); and
WHEREAS, at those meetings staff reported to the Board that there will be other projects using Landscape and Lighting District and Zone of Benefit funds brought forward for Board approval at a future meeting; and
WHEREAS, staff proposes the appropriation of $740,000 in funds for the following projects, leaving $2,623,665 available in the fund for future projects and programs; and
Fund Location Description Account Amount Delta Science Center, Improve Visitor 221 Big Break Center Exhibits 104805 $25,000 221 Big Break Build Storage Shed 156200 $150,000 222-5131-255- 222 Don Castro Purchase Power Tools and Equipment 5371 $20,000 Improve Walpert Ridge, Install Restroom and Water System and 224 Garin Improve Trails 156200 $475,000 228 Sibley Restore McCosker Creek 150800 $55,000 228-5121-134- 228 Sibley Repair Cattle Fence for Grazing 6443 $15,000 TOTAL $740,000
104 NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the appropriation of Lighting and Landscape and Zone of Benefit Funds per the Budget Change Form attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the General Manager and the Chief Financial Officer are 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 approved on this 17rd day of April, 2018, by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSENT: ABSTAIN:
105 GENERAL MANAGER AGENDA REGULAR MEETINGS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
4. GENERAL MANAGER
a. Resolution to Establish a Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate at the East Bay Regional Park District (Alvarez/Doyle)
RECOMMENDATION
The Executive Committee of the Board and General Manager recommend the Board of Directors adopt a resolution to Establish a Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate at the East Bay Regional Park District.
REVENUE/COST
Board action on this item will result in no cost to the Park District and may strengthen the Park District’s ability to leverage other climate change related local, state and federal funding opportunities, grants, donations, financial assets and services. For example, the state’s Cap and Trade program is expected to generate $8 billion over the next ten years. Funding for individual climate action initiatives will be brought back for Board approval and authorization as specific programs are developed. Generally, such financial investments would be expected to result in long term annual savings.
BACKGROUND
The East Bay Regional Park District (Park District), one of the largest local public park agencies in the United States with over 121,000 acres of public parkland and 25 million annual visits, contributes to the quality of life of over 2.5 million people in the East San Francisco Bay Area. Since its inception, the Park District has been committed to protecting and preserving the East Bay’s green infrastructure and has sought to lessen its impact on natural resources while stewarding ecological systems, natural and cultural resources, and outdoor recreation amenities. This commitment has strengthened over the years and is demonstrated in the Park District’s mission statement which states that an environmental ethic guides all of the District’s activities; the 2013 Master Plan which recognizes the challenges and opportunities associated with climate change impacts; and in Resolution No. 2017-07-184 declaring the Park District’s commitment to uphold the Paris Climate Accord goals.
106 Other environmental commitments over the years include the Park District’s voluntary compliance with the California Waste Management Act of 1989 (AB 939) which requires local jurisdictions to divert 50% of discarded materials from landfill; the Park District’s Investment Policy, amended in 2000 to include environmental responsibility and states that the Park District will not knowingly invest in firms that engage in activities deleterious to the environment; and the adoption of Resolution No. 2009-04-102, the Park District’s first sustainability policy intended to reduce the Park District’s waste stream and integrate environmentally sound practices District- wide which took effect on Earth Day 2009.
In 2013, the Park District’s Master Plan was updated to include the vision to “Monitor the effects of climate change on District resources and utilize adaptive management techniques to adjust stewardship methods and priorities to preserve natural, cultural and scenic values on the parks and trails.” Furthermore, the Master Plan calls out as a priority for the next decade the urgency to address the challenge of a changing climate as it relates to land use planning and management of public parklands. Most recently, the Park District identified planning for climate change resiliency as one of eight District‐wide performance goals to support positive actions around resiliency and carbon neutrality. This performance goal is contained in the 2018 Board-approved operating budget along with seven key performance indicators and twelve key performance objectives.
It is with this backdrop that a cross-departmental Climate Action Steering Committee (Committee) was created in 2016 to lead, initiate and coordinate efforts relative to climate change mitigation, adaptation and building resiliency. Key initiatives and strategic direction is provided through this Committee comprised of staff representing multiple professional disciplines (i.e., policy, legislative advocacy, planning and natural resource management, etc.). Members of the Committee are noted below. Specifically, this Committee closely examines the threats and opportunities associated with the effects of climate change to ensure the perpetuity of the natural and ecological resources on public lands while developing strategic actions to create climate smart East Bay parks. Furthermore, the Committee will vet employee generated climate-related ideas and actions, support and acknowledge employee-based contributions, and coordinate and communicate climate issues Park District-wide. For example, the Committee has championed the Park District’s Green Bonds initiative, the Shadow Cliffs Solar Project, and the Green Business Certification program.
Climate Action Steering Committee Members: • Co-Chair: Dr. Ana M. Alvarez, Deputy General Manager • Co-Chair: Erich Pfuehler, Government Affairs Manager • Stewardship: Matt Graul, Chief of Stewardship • Planning: Brian Holt, Chief of Planning and GIS • Operations: Jim O’Connor, Assistant General Manager of Operations • Finance: Deborah Spaulding, Assistant Finance Officer • Regional Parks Foundation: Julianna Schirmer, Development Director • Administration: Mona Palacios, Management Analyst
The Committee has developed the attached policy framework for consideration by the Board of Directors (Attachment A). This framework is intended to operationalize the Park District’s existing policies and can facilitate communication about the Park District’s efforts to address
107 climate change. Furthermore, it aligns with the Park District’s value of resiliency, supports the fiscal health of the District by influencing and pursuing climate change related financing opportunities, and brings together all the good work already being done by the Park District that contributes to managing park resources in a changing climate.
The proposed framework sets clear guidelines for environmental sustainability and climate action planning by reclaiming the green infrastructure found on Park District lands and supporting its ecological functions; integrating large scale collaboration to build resiliency by increasing bio- diversity and interconnectivity; and reducing environmental impact through sustainable operations, design, decisions and management at every level of the organization. The proposed policy framework ensures that the Park District will effectively adapt to a changing climate by building resiliency to climate impacts, minimizing its own greenhouse gas emissions, and positioning itself to develop and lead climate smart practices that contribute to the science and professions associated with parkland and open space management. Adoption of the Policy Framework will further demonstrate the Park District’s commitment to climate action and will provide a foundation for Park District-wide climate action efforts.
ALTERNATIVES
No alternatives are recommended.
108 EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
RESOLUTION NO.: 2018 - 04 -
April 17, 2018
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH A POLICY FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING PARK RESOURCES IN A CHANGING CLIMATE AT THE EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the East Bay Regional Park District (Park District) is one of the largest local public park agencies in the United States with over 121,000 acres of public parkland and twenty- five million annual visits; and
WHEREAS, the Park District contributes to the quality of life for over 2.5 million people in the thirty-three cities and two counties in the East San Francisco Bay Area; and
WHEREAS, the Park District recognizes its environmental stewardship responsibility and the ongoing scientific research that supports the need for urgent action to address the effects of climate change; and
WHEREAS, the Park District is committed to protecting and preserving the East San Francisco Bay’s green infrastructure and seeks to lessen its impact on natural resources while stewarding ecological systems, natural and cultural resources, and outdoor recreation amenities; and
WHEREAS, the Park District’s commitment to resiliency and carbon neutrality is clearly stated in its mission, Master Plan, District-wide performance measures and other actions such as adoption of Resolution No. 2017-07-184 supporting the Paris Climate Accord goals, Resolution No. 2009-04-102 establishing a sustainability policy, and a financial investment policy that includes environmental responsibility; and
WHEREAS, in 2016 the Park District created a cross-divisional Climate Action Team Steering Committee to lead, initiate and coordinate efforts relative to climate change mitigation, adaptation, and building resiliency; and
WHEREAS, there is a need for a policy framework to illustrate and operationalize the Park District’s existing policies; to facilitate communication about the Park District’s efforts to address climate change; and to bring together all the good work already being done by the Park District that contributes to managing park resources in a changing climate; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to set clear guidelines for environmental sustainability and climate action planning by reclaiming the green infrastructure found on Park District lands and supporting its ecological functions; integrating large scale collaboration to build resiliency by
109 increasing bio-diversity and interconnectivity; and reducing environmental impact through sustainable operations, design, decisions and management at every level of the organization;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Board of Directors of the East Bay Regional Park District hereby approves the attached Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate to ensure that the Park District effectively adapts to a changing climate by building resiliency to climate impacts, minimizing its own greenhouse gas emissions, and positioning itself to develop and lead climate smart practices that contribute to the science and professions associated with parkland and open space management; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, 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 17th day of April, 2018 by the following vote:
FOR:
AGAINST: ABSTAIN: ABSENT:
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111 The East Bay Regional Park District Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate
STATEMENT OF POLICY FRAMEWORK The East Bay Regional Park District Policy Framework for Managing Park Resources in a Changing Climate illustrates the Park District’s environmental vision and operationalizes its mission to protect and preserve the East Bay’s green infrastructure. The Framework aligns with the Park District’s value of resiliency by creatively adapting to change and addressing challenges with empathy, perspective, and determination. It aligns with the Park District’s Master Plan to pursue all appropriate activities to ensure the fiscal health of the Park District including influencing policy and securing climate change related local, state and federal funding opportunities, grants, donations, financial assets and services. The Framework’s five key principles do not act alone, but in concert:
1. Climate in All Policies: All policies placed before the EBRPD Board of Directors shall be considered through a climate lens. Where appropriate, the Park District will consider a proposed action’s impact on a changing climate, in addition to other factors. Park District policies, planning documents, decisions and management practices will strive to mitigate and adapt to a changing climate whenever possible, including to reduce Greenhouse gas emissions and develop nature-based protection from the impacts of climate change.
2. Climate Friendly: When developing and managing the natural and built environment, the Park District shall consider climate change and its effects, by reducing its environmental impact, whenever feasible. The Park District will consider climate impacts in all activities and strive for environmentally sustainable operations and design, including land use planning and overall project implementation. This includes actions, whenever feasible, for Greenhouse gas emission reduction; toxic reduction; waste recycling and reduction; water conservation; clean-fuel vehicles and energy efficient facilities; habitat restoration to increase carbon storage and enhancement of nature-based services, the East Bay’s green infrastructure.
3. Climate Readiness: When stewarding public parklands and open space, the Park District will seek to restore, enhance and sustain green infrastructure, in a changing climate. Ecological functions and nature-based services will be used, whenever feasible, to adapt and respond to changes in temperature, sea level rise, drought, wildfire, flooding and other extreme weather-related events. The Park District’s climate readiness actions endeavor to improve preparedness for East Bay communities from the impacts of a changing climate. When possible, Park District natural and built infrastructure projects will slow erosion, provide flood protection, encourage green transportation, improve water retention and water biofiltration, provide respite to migrating wildlife, increase bio- interconnectivity in the urban fabric, and include practices that increase green infrastructure resilience and ensure the perpetuity of public parklands and open space. In parallel, the Park District will pursue all appropriate activities to ensure its fiscal health including influencing and pursuing climate change related local, state and federal opportunities, grants, donation, financial assets and services.
112 4. Lead Climate Smart Practices: The planning, protecting and managing of parklands shall be done in cohesion with the entirety of the East Bay ecosystem, including connecting people to nature, in accordance with the 2013 Master Plan. Such practices involve looking at parklands holistically with a systems approach to establish and implement the best-known policies and practices in a changing climate. The Park District will continue to act as a leader to advance such policies at the state, federal and local level; advance practices in support of the nature-based solutions found on public parklands; and influence funding opportunities to restore and sustain green infrastructure.
5. Advance Science: The Park District operates and manages thousands of acres of open space ranging from woodlands to grasslands to shoreline wetlands. With a changing climate, the ecology of these lands will change as well. The 2013 Master Plan states the Park District will monitor the effects of climate change on Park District resources and utilize adaptive management techniques to adjust stewardship methods and priorities to preserve natural, cultural and scenic values of the parks. The Park District will continue to serve as a natural laboratory to monitor the effects of climate change mitigation and adaption efforts and to disseminate what has been learned from this laboratory both regionally, and nationally.
IMPLEMENTATION The General Manager or his/her designee may issue direction to Park District’s divisions and their respective departments for the implementation of the guidelines and policies included in this policy framework. The General Manager may delegate to the Park District’s Climate Action Steering Committee the responsibility to implement this framework and coordinate with other Park District personnel as appropriate. As means of compliance and accountability, the General Manager or his/her designee may require staff to develop and maintain annual reports on the formulation and coordination across divisions.
EFFECTIVE DATE
April 17, 2018
113 BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
5. BOARD AND STAFF REPORTS
a. Actions Taken by Other Jurisdictions Affecting the Park District (Doyle)
Contra Costa County – Board of Supervisors
On March 27, 2018, the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors approved the Three Creeks Parkway Restoration Project (project); voted to adopt the IS/MND for the project; and approved an agreement with American Rivers, Inc. to implement the Three Creeks Restoration Project (restoration project), a component of the Three Creeks Parkway Restoration Project. The restoration project will restore and widen the creek channel and improve the riparian habitat at the confluence of Sand Creek and Marsh Creek. The larger project will include restoration and channel widening upstream of Sand Creek, and include portions of Deer Creek and Marsh Creek in the scope of the project. The Marsh Creek Trail is located directly adjacent to the project site, and the project will include future trail connections to the Sand Creek Trail and other local trails in the vicinity of the Marsh Creek Trial.
114 Event Calendar April 2018 Board Meeting Date: Apr. 17, 2018
Date Day Time Event Location Sponsoring Organization
April 15 Sunday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Ride-A-Rig Shadow Cliffs EBRPD EBMUD Employee Earth April 18 Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Day Fair EBMUD HQ Oakland EBMUD
115 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Regional Parks EBRPD & Friends of the April 21 Saturday *9 – 10 a.m. Friends RPBG Native Plant Sale Botanic Garden RPBG members only Earth Day Volunteer MLK, Point Pinole & April 21 Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Events Sibley EBRPD Earth Day Restoration April 21 Saturday 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Volunteer Event Big Break EBRPD Earth Day: Reduce, Reuse, April 21 Saturday 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Recycle Coyote Hills EBRPD Earth Day Coastal April 21 Saturday 8:30 – 10 a.m. Clean-up Crown Beach EBRPD City of Alameda’s Alameda Rec. & Park April 21 Saturday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Alameda Earth Day Festival Washington Park Dept. John Muir National National Park Service & Earth Day & John Muir Historic Site John Muir Assoc April 21 Saturday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Birthday Celebration (Martinez) volunteers The Earth is Our Home; April 22 Sunday 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Earth Day Activities Tilden Nature Area EBRPD Contra Costa Community Contra Costa April 23 Monday 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. College Earth Day Community College, Celebration San Pablo CCCC Washington High April 28 Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 2 p.m. Ohana Health Fair School, Fremont Tri-City Health Center
April 28 Saturday 8:30 am – 1 p.m. Health in Nature Walk, 116 GENTE Miller/Knox EBRPD GM COMMENTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
6. GENERAL MANAGER’S COMMENTS
STAFF PRESENTATION Chief of Park Operations Steve Castile will provide an overview of the District’s Hazardous Tree Program to inform the Board of on-going efforts to proactively mitigate hazards stemming from old and compromised trees. The presentation will include details on evaluation of hazardous trees, staff training required to manage trees, as well as implementation of the program.
GM COMMENTS Retirements January 2018 through March 2018:
Frank Adams Building/Grounds Aide Reservable Facilities 18 years
PUBLIC SAFETY From February 17, 2018 to March 18, 2018 the Public Safety Division handled 617 service calls and 1,309 total incidents. Highlights are included below.
Police There were 30 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 62 field interviews (contacts without citations or arrests), issued 368 citations, and contacted 9 people on probation or parole to conduct compliance checks.
Big Break: On March 18, an officer marked several abandoned vessels for tow. The vessels were removed the following day.
Black Diamond: On March 13, an officer took a report of grand theft where an electric unicycle was stolen.
Briones: On February 25, an unresponsive male was reported. CPR was performed but he was pronounced dead on scene.
Claremont Canyon: On March 16, a deceased male was located on a hillside.
117 Crown Beach: On March 6, an officer arrested a female for resisting arrest and a park curfew violation.
Deer Valley in Antioch: On March 8, a sergeant and an officer located a missing person who set up camp illegally. He was returned safely to the custody of his brother.
Don Castro: On March 5, an officer took a report of battery on a male that occurred just outside the kiosk.
East Bay Municipal Utility District North Watershed, Siesta Valley: On February 27, a deceased male was located. The cause of death was determined to be suicide.
Hayward Shoreline: On February 20, an officer arrested a male for possession of a stolen vehicle.
Iron Horse Trail in San Ramon: On March 12, an officer arrested a male who resisted arrest and assaulted officers.
Iron Horse Trail in Walnut Creek: On March 8, an officer contacted a female who became uncooperative and was arrested for resisting arrest.
Lake Chabot: On February 23, an officer took a report from a dog bite victim. The dog owner was uncooperative and did not provide information to the victim.
Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline: On February 28, officers cited a male for driving on a suspended license and DMV fraud, and impounded the vehicle.
Martin Luther King Jr. Shoreline at Tidewater: On March 7, an officer took a report of petty theft where a truck’s brake pad and jumper cables were stolen.
Temescal: On March 13, officers took a report of a commercial burglary from one of the storage sheds.
Fire Department In February and March, District Helitack firefighters participated in refresher training on air operations and safety protocols.
On March 7, and March 8, staff hosted a large animal rescue training at Las Trampas. The training was open to individuals with an interest in providing a higher level of care and support during a large animal rescue. The training was attended by District Fire personnel and members of the District Volunteer Safety Patrol.
Black Diamond: On March 11, District Firefighters attended a special event, providing medical aid and assistance with the public, for the re-opening of the Black Diamond Mines.
118 Fire Operations Anthony Chabot: On February 22, staff responded with the Oakland Fire Department to a report of a lost hiker. Firefighters utilized a rescue gator to gain access to the trails. The hiker was located on the Quail Trail and did not require medical attention.
Las Trampas: On February 25, staff responded with the San Ramon Fire Department to a report of a hiker that was stranded on rocks on the side of a hill. Fire personnel utilized a low angle rope rescue system to complete the rescue. The hiker did not require medical attention.
EBMUD North Watershed: On February 27, staff assisted police by utilizing the rescue gator to recover the body of a deceased male located in a remote area in Siesta Valley.
Fire Fuels Management Contra Loma: On March 13, firefighters burned brush piles.
Diablo Foothills: On March 11, firefighters burned brush piles.
Wildcat Canyon: The Kensington “Right of Entry” group continued fuel reduction below homes in the interface area.
Tilden: The eucalyptus regeneration control contractor continued work in the fuel break areas.
The Tilden Park summit tree removal contract was approved by the Board on March 20, 2018. This project is to remove eucalyptus, pine, and other overstory trees on three acres in Recommended Treatment Area TI012 with funding by the FEMA fuels management grant.
Lifeguard Service On February 21, staff provided a recruitment presentation at Livermore High School Career Center, and recruitment information tables at Granada High School in Livermore and Castro Valley High School in Castro Valley.
On February 22, staff provided a recruitment information table at John F. Kennedy High School in Fremont. Staff also attended the Youth Engagement Task Force Workshop.
On March 3, 10, and 17, three new Lifeguard I applicant pre-test workshops were held at Roberts Pool.
On March 4, staff partnered with the Boy Scouts of America and the San Francisco Bay Area Council to certify Boy Scout and parent volunteers in CPR/First-Aid.
On March 6 and 14, staff presented on bloodborne pathogens and personal protective equipment at the Safety Academy at Big Break and at the Trudeau Training Center.
119 On March 8, staff provided a recruitment information table at James Logan High School in Union City.
On March 9, staff provided three recruitment presentations at Castro Valley High School Medical/EMS Career Day in Castro Valley.
On March 12 – 13, staff presented at the Utah Recreation and Parks Association’s annual conference in Provo, UT.
On March 13 – 16, staff attended the California Parks and Recreation Society Annual Conference and received the Innovative Programming Award for the “Vamos a Aprender” (we want to learn) water safety education program located at Del Valle and Shadow Cliffs.
120 BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS AGENDA REGULAR MEETING BOARD OF DIRECTORS
EAST BAY REGIONAL PARK DISTRICT
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
C. BUSINESS BEFORE THE BOARD
8. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Natural and Cultural Resources Committee (02/21/18) (Nisbet/Lane)
Committee Members: Beverly Lane, Colin Coffey, Whitney Dotson, Ayn Wieskamp (Alt)
EBRPD Staff: Bob Nisbet, Matt Graul, Joe Sullivan, Steve Bobzien, Courtney Wilson, Anne Kassebaum, Pam Beitz, Dan Sykes, Kelly Barrington, Bev Ortiz, Michele Hammond, Denise Defreese, Carol Victor, Dr. Ana Alvarez
Guests: Amelia Marshall, Dave Unger, Maggie Clark, Marty Morrow, Richard Kaufmann
A meeting of the Board Natural and Cultural Resources Committee was held on Wednesday, February 21, at Peralta Oaks Administration Headquarters, 2950 Peralta Oaks Court, Oakland, California. Director Beverly Lane called the meeting to order at 12:38 p.m. The following is a summary of the items discussed:
1. The History of Richmond-Area Parkland (Ortiz/Zuckermann)
Cultural Services Coordinator, Beverly Ortiz summarized the Native history associated with Richmond-area parklands from past to present, followed by Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager, David Zuckermann who provided an overview of the multifaceted history of key District parklands in the West Contra Costa County area.
2. Aquatic Food Web Dynamics in Del Valle Reservoir: Implications for Managing Mercury Concentrations in Sport Fishes (Sullivan)
Fisheries Program Manager, Joe Sullivan reported the findings from a recent study investigating the aquatic food web in Del Valle. This research was conducted to assist the California State Water Boards gather information to implement a statewide mercury control program in waters that have been listed as impaired due to excessive mercury levels. Four reservoirs operated by EBRPD are listed as impaired for mercury;
120a information gathered from this study will assist the District when deciding which strategies are best suited to decrease the mercury concentration in popular sportfish.
3. Tern Town: A Case Study in Shorebird Restoration (Riensche)
District Wildlife Biologist, Dave Riensche reported on the restoration efforts impacting Hayward Shoreline and the shorebird colony. Nestled along the eastern shoreline of the San Francisco Bay is a sanctuary for three special status birds, built by the hands of thousands of citizen scientists. After twelve years of success, the Hayward Regional Shoreline supports the second-largest California Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni) colony north of Ventura County, and it also provides nesting habitat for the Western Snowy Plover (Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus), Black Skimmer (Rynchops niger) and six other waterbird species. Topics shared during this case study include: island construction, substrate enhancement, social attractants, invasive noxious weed control partnerships, implementation and management of a predator control program, reproductive trends of nesting species, diet studies, and kleptoparasitism. Lastly, the presentation highlighted the trials, triumphs and teaching approaches that have communicated science to the public, policy makers and peers, while generating more than 25,000 hours of volunteer help to assist in the recovery of these endangered and threatened birds.
4. Future Agenda Items (Graul/Nisbet)
Chief of Stewardship, Matt Graul suggested that future agenda items include; an update on the IPM Annual Report, an update and overview of Sudden Oak Death, Bay Friendly Landscape Habitat Restoration at Oyster Bay, presentation on Prairie Falcon Research and Monitoring, Ridgeway Rail population update, Pallid Manzanita Management Plan, and an update on Cyanobacteria and Blue Green Algae in the District’s lakes. In addition, Cultural Services Coordinator, Beverly Ortiz will provide presentations on Curatorial internships, Oral History program update, Tribal consultation (per Dir. Lane request in 2017), Arata/Moller Ranch history and planning update (per Dir. Coffee), Cultural Atlas update, including depth, precision, and what aspects of the data are available to whom (per Dir. Lane), and a presentation on Building Evaluation, including economy of scale (per Dir. Lane).
5. Public Comment (Lane)
There was no public comment.
The meeting adjourned at 3:03 p.m.
Meeting Minutes taken by: Heather David
120b NEWSCLIPS If you're looking for a springtime location for hiking, bicycling or horseback riding, Briones Regional Park is a great place to go. Briones is located in central Contra Costa County. The area's topography makes the park seem remote and wild, although the towns of Martinez, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette and Orinda surround it. Before the arrival of Europeans, Briones was hunting and gathering ground for the Native Americans whose villages were on the shores of Carquinez Strait. The park's name derives from Felipe and Maria Briones, who obtained a Mexican land grant and established a rancho in the area. After passing through several ownerships in subsequent years, including water companies and Contra Costa County, the core acreage was transferred to the regional park district in 1964. Briones was one of the first parks in Contra Costa to be purchased by the Park District after county voters chose to join the District that year. Land acquisitions since then have expanded the park to its present size. The park opened to the public in 1967. It now covers more than 6,000 acres, with almost 70 miles of trails. In springtime, Briones' green, grassy hilltops offer panoramic views of the San Ramon Valley, Mt. Diablo, Carquinez Straits, the East Bay hills, and Mt. Tamalpais in the western distance. On a clear day you can see the Sierra Crest to the east. The highest point in the park is Briones Peak at 1,483 feet. However you can get a better view from the nearby Table Top Trail, or from Mott Peak at 1,424 feet. There are five main entrances to Briones. Counter-clockwise from the south, they are the Lafayette Ridge Staging Area on Pleasant Hill Road, Reliez Valley Staging Area and Alhambra Creek Staging Area, both on Reliez Valley Road; a trailhead at the top of Briones Road off Alhambra Valley Road near Martinez, and the Bear Creek Staging Area on Bear Creek Road near Orinda. The park is home to lots of wildlife, including deer, coyote, birds of prey and even an occasional mountain lion. Newts, a variety of salamander, congregate in Briones ponds during the rainy season.
121 Wildflower displays can be beautiful in springtime. Climb the Briones Crest Trail from the Bear Creek Staging Area to see a variety of flowers along the way. Or check out the view from the hilltop bench near the junction of the Briones Crest Trail and Old Briones Road Trail. In springtime the steep slopes leading down to the pond at the base of the hill are often carpeted with poppies and lupine. A number of first-come, first-served picnic areas are available at the Bear Creek and Alhambra Valley entrances. There are also several picnic areas that are reservable for large groups. Newt Hollow, located at the Bear Creek entrance, is popular for weddings under the oak trees. For information, call the Park District reservations department at 888-327-2757, option 2. Briones is one of only two regional parks that have archery ranges. For information about the Briones range, visit the website, www.brionesarchers.org. Brochures with maps and other information are available at all the Briones trailheads. Or you can download a map by visiting the Park District web site at www.ebparks.org. A few notes about trail etiquette: horseback riders have the right of way over cyclists and hikers; bicycles give way to hikers. Bicycles are allowed on the wider fire and service roads, not on single-track trails. Dogs n1ust be leashed in parking lots and picnic areas. Elsewhere dogs can be off-leash, as long as they are under their owner's control, which means that they will come when called. If a dog begins chasing wildlife, cows or paying uninvited attention to other park visitors, it must be leashed. All seasons have their beauties, but spring is the best time to get a map, plan your trip, and explore one of the largest and prettiest regional parks.
122
Roddy Ranch golf course sale sets stage for regional park’s completion
Rex Caufield, center, Park Supervisor for East Bay Regional Parks District, gives a walking tour for officials to look over the 230- acre property of the Roddy Ranch Golf Course that was just acquired by the East Bay Regional Park District in partnership with the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy, April 5, 2018, in Antioch. (Photo By Dan Rosenstrauch)
By Aaron Davis | [email protected] | Bay Area News Group PUBLISHED: April 10, 2018 at 6:00 am | UPDATED: April 10, 2018 at 6:05 am
BRENTWOOD — The final piece of the puzzle to complete the planned 3,200-acre Deer Valley Regional Park and habitat preserve has fallen into place with the purchase of the former Roddy Ranch Golf Course.
The acquisition, approved earlier this month by the East Bay Regional Park District, is considered key to the conservation of critical and endangered species, as well as to finishing the regional park. The golf course’s existing infrastructure will also provide a nearly ready-made entrance to the park, saving time and money.
“There’s lots of excitement about the golf course,” said Colin Coffey, the park district board member for Ward 7, which encompasses East Contra Costa County. “It was located in the best launching spot for people to use the future regional parks and trails.”
The East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy facilitated the $1.9 million purchase by using a combination of grants and state proposition funds.
The 230-acre golf course site will connect with the previously purchased 1,885-acre Roddy Ranch property.
123 The golf course’s existing 140 parking spots, clubhouse, bathrooms and plumbing should reduce the time needed to open the park, and 5.5 miles of paved golf cart paths may be turned into walking and biking paths. A 160-panel, 44 kilovolt solar array will be retained to feed into the electrical system for energy credits.
“It’s a huge opportunity for East Contra Costa County and we’re extremely excited about it. We wouldn’t have imagined this would have happened years ago,” said Bob Doyle, general manager of the East Bay Regional Park District.
The park district’s 2013 Master Plan envisions Deer Valley Regional Park as unbroken open space from Balfour Road in Brentwood down Vasco Road to almost Interstate 580 northwest of Livermore.
Jack Roddy, a rancher and rodeo star, sold 1,885 acres around the golf course to the park district in 2013, despite the city of Antioch’s efforts to develop the area into high-end residential homes.
The golf course closed in the summer of 2016 after its former general manager was arrested and ended up pleading no contest to charges of grand theft of personal property and insurance fraud involving the solar panels.
Although Roddy also sold his 40-acre home ranch in addition to the golf course, he is leasing back his home from the park district and has returned to tending to the land, grazing cattle and watching over it for future generations.
One of the key aspects of the park is that it connects three major migration corridors— Briones, Deer and Horse valleys — that are essential for critical and endangered species in the area.
“It’s an interesting place. It’s where the San Joaquin Valley meets the Diablo range and we have two different eco regions coming together, mixing these species,” said Abigail Fateman, executive director of the East Contra Costa County Habitat Conservancy. “It’s important for creating connectivity between existing habitats and creating new habitats on the property.”
Fateman said the area also is important as the northernmost range of many protected plant species, the westernmost range of the fairy shrimp, a migration corridor for the San Joaquin kit fox and the only home for the red-legged frog. In addition, the land helps protect the California tiger salamander, San Joaquin pocket mouse, American badger and burrowing owl.
Though the golf course acquisition happened quickly and it’s infrastructure will provide a ready- made staging area for trails, the park’s opening is still a little ways off. The planning process and outreach to residents in East Contra Costa County will start next year and a management plan takes a few years to develop, Doyle said.
124 The land so far has lain fallow and that’s the way the the park district wants it. Last Wednesday, park officials walking the through the property found a golf ball or two, but plant life otherwise was reclaiming the land.
“Wildform shrubs were growing and cows were grazing where golfers once traversed,” Coffey said. “It was nature reclaiming itself, which was really nice to witness.”
125
Community News Around East County: Still time to opt out of MCE energy program
Colin Coffery (EBPARKs director), Mike Moran (Big Break supervising naturalist) and Rachel Pullizzi (Big Break Visitor Center office assistant and acting naturalist) show the awards they received during a recent event where Big Break Regional Shoreline was awarded the Delta Charter of the Association of California School Administrators’ “Friends of Education” award for 2017-2018. (Courtesy East Bay Regional Parks)
By Roni Gehlke | Correspondent April 9, 2018 at 6:00 am
Delta Charter of the Association of California School Administrators has awarded the Big Break Visitor Center their “Friends of Education” award for 2017-2018. The “Friends of Education” award recognizes contributions by local non-school groups and individuals that are making a big impact in their region.
“Big Break Visitor Center provides vital educational services to the East Contra Costa County community,” said East Bay Regional Park District Director Colin Coffey. “We are continually stretching and updating our student offerings to meet the needs of the community.”
The award is recognition of the value of the District’s interpretive and recreational programs, and that it offers something beyond what is typically consider a field trip. Specifically, the award recognizes Big Break Visitor Center’s all day long, station by station Science Weeks program that offer school children an immersive experience with nature and science.
“The award is especially significant considering it comes from school administrators who have the ultimate responsibility for educational programming at their schools,” said Big Break Visitor Center Supervising Naturalist Michael Moran. “It shows that the District’s interpretive and recreation programs are highly valuable and offer much more than a typical field trip.”
“This is a great testament to the unceasing pursuit of excellence and service by Big Break’s incredible staff, docents, and volunteers,” added Moran.
District staff received the award at the ACSA Region 6 Delta Charter Recognition Dinner on March 15, 2018. The District will also be honored and receive a related award for outstanding leadership at the ACSA Region VI Awards Dinner June 21, 2018, at Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery in Pleasanton.
126 News › Environment & Science S.F. Bay restoration: The money we voted for is ready to be spent Measure AA, approved in 2016, will generate $500 million over the next 20 years for flood control and environmental restoration
The Cargill Salt Ponds are seen in Newark, Calif., on Monday, April 9, 2018. The ponds are proposed to be restored to wetlands for fish and wildlife with funding from Measure AA, approved by voters in 2016. (Jane Tyska/Bay Area News Group) By Paul Rogers | [email protected] | PUBLISHED: April 9, 2018 at 2:54 pm | UPDATED: April 10, 2018 at 9:38 am
Back in June 2016, Bay Area voters approved Measure AA to raise $500 million to pay for wetlands restoration, flood control and wildlife projects around San Francisco Bay. Now the first wave of that money — nearly $18 million — is about to be put to use.
On Wednesday, the board overseeing the money will vote on projects in six counties totaling $17.9 million. They range from $7.4 million to restore former Cargill industrial salt evaporation ponds in Mountain View, Alviso and Hayward, to $450,000 to restore sand dunes, build a trail and clean up debris along Alameda’s shoreline. The projects chosen will affect roughly 2,618 acres.
Another $5 million is expected to be approved later this year for work to restore natural conditions, remove marine debris and create wetlands at a former industrial site along India Basin on the San Francisco waterfront.
“It’s a joyful feeling. We’re beginning the new era in restoring San Francisco Bay,” said Sam Schuchat, executive officer of the California Coastal Conservancy, an Oakland-
127 based state agency that is helping administer the money. “People voted to tax themselves, which was a bold step. And here we are ready to hand out the first year’s money. It’s pretty exciting.”
A wastewater pond off San Leandro is proposed to be restored to wetlands with funding from Measure AA approved by voters in 2016.
Measure AA was the first time that all nine Bay Area counties voted on a single tax measure. The vote, which set the stage for future transportation or housing measures, needed two-thirds overall approval. It received 70 percent.
The money is overseen by the San Francisco Bay Restoration Authority, a low-profile government agency that was established in 2008 when former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a law supported by environmental groups and many Bay Area business leaders.
The $500 million — raised from a $12 per home annual parcel tax over 20 years, is considered a down payment on the estimated $1.5 billion cost to restore — where possible — most of the remaining shoreline areas around the bay back to natural conditions, from hay fields in the North Bay to former salt ponds around Silicon Valley.
From the Gold Rush until the 1970s, San Francisco Bay shrunk by about one-third, due to diking, dredging and filling to build highways, airports, farms and neighborhoods. Although modern environmental laws stopped that practice, scientists, government leaders and local officials have been on a slow campaign to enlarge the bay and bring back fish, wildlife and public access over the past two decades — a mission that also includes restoring wetlands to help protect Bay Area communities from sea level rise as the climate continues to warm.
The restoration authority’s board, which is made up seven local political leaders and chaired by San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine, will meet at 11 am Wednesday at the Santa Rosa City Council chambers to vote on the projects.
“There was twice as much money requested as was available. There’s a lot of demand,” said David Lewis, executive director of Save the Bay, an environmental group based in Oakland.
Former Cargill Salt ponds off Eden Landing near Hayward are proposed to be restored to wetlands for fish and wildlife with funding from Measure AA, approved by voters in 2016.
Overall, there were 22 applications totaling $47 million from cities, counties, nonprofit groups and private companies. The winning projects were recommended by the restoration authority board’s 33-member advisory committee and the staffs of the Coastal Conservancy and the San Francisco Estuary Partnership, a coalition of scientists and non-profit groups administered by the Association of Bay Area Governments.
The projects that are recommended for funding are:
128 • $1.6 million to restore 630 acres of former diked farmland on Montezuma Slough for fish and birds in Suisun Marsh, Solano County. • $150,000 to the Sonoma Land Trust to develop a plan for restoration, flood protection and public access in the Lower Sonoma Creek portion of the San Pablo Baylands in Sonoma County. • $6.2 million to Ducks Unlimited and $1.2 million to the California Wildlife Foundation for restoring 620 acres of former Cargill salt ponds off Mountain View, Alviso and Hayward. • $4.4 million to the Santa Clara Valley Water District for the South San Francisco Bay Shoreline Project in San Jose’s Alviso neighborhood on the bay front. The project, which will cost $174 million, involves construction of new levees and tidal gates, along with restoration of salt ponds. Much of the project is expected to be funded by the federal government and the water district. • $2.7 million to Point Reyes Bird Observatory, now known as Point Blue Conservation Science, to restore 1.3 miles of degraded shoreline back to wetland habitat in the North Bay in projects involving 5,000 teachers and students over the next five years. The money will be spent to plant thousands of shrubs, grasses and other native plants in San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Sonoma, Solano, and Napa Counties; Pickleweed Park in San Rafael in Marin County; and Shollenberger Park and McNear’s Landing in Petaluma. • $630,000 to the Marin County Flood Control District to prepare detailed designs, permit applications, and environmental documents to restore 194 acres of tidal baylands and construct nearly a mile of levees at Deer Island, Novato, in Marin County. • $539,000 to San Leandro to design and obtain permits to convert a 4.3-acre wastewater storage basin adjacent to San Leandro’s Water Pollution Control Plant to wetland and tidal marsh, along with planning for sea level rise in San Leandro. • $450,000 to the East Bay Regional Park District to remove shoreline debris, restore sand dune habitat and create a new trail and water access at Encinal Beach in the city of Alameda.
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Community Corner Regional Park To Grow By 306 Acres The Coyote Hills Regional Park expansion includes habitat restoration, urban agriculture, and a new park entrance. By Bea Karnes, Patch Staff | Apr 9, 2018 9:00 am ET | Updated Apr 9, 2018 12:00 pm ET
FREMONT, CA — On Feb. 20, 2018, the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors approved a conceptual site plan for expansion of Coyote Hills Regional Park, including habitat restoration, urban agriculture, and public access improvements, such as relocating the park entrance closer to Paseo Padre Parkway to develop a more prominent entry point to the park. Approval of the conceptual plan allows the land use planning process to move forward into the environmental review stage. Coyote Hills Regional Park is currently 1,266 acres, including the 306 acres currently being planned for expansion.
In 2014 the Park District received a donation of 296 acres (Patterson Ranch) bordering the eastern boundary of Coyote Hills Regional Park, expanding the park eastward to Paseo Padre Parkway. In September 2016, the Park District purchased an additional, contiguous 10-acre property to the north of the Patterson Ranch Parcel.
"The Coyote Hills park expansion will not only increase the size of park, but also bring additional opportunities for interpretive educational programs and habitat restoration," said Park District Director Ayn Wieskamp. "The new area will provide unique opportunities for public enjoyment and education."
The Coyote Hills Regional Park and the Coyote Hills Visitor Center provide valuable interpretation and educational services to the community, including educational
130 displays and exhibits covering the park's natural history and wildlife, as well as the park's unique Native American history.
"The newly acquired properties present opportunities to significantly improve public access, enhance interpretive programs, and restore wildlife habitat," said EBRPD General Manager Robert E. Doyle. "The expansion will effectively increase the size of Coyote Hills Regional Park by one-third."
Development of the Board-approved conceptual plan included robust community engagement and outreach, including social media and public meetings providing a clear vision for enhancing public access, urban agricultural, and wildlife habitat at Coyote Hills. The planning process is expected to be complete in 2018 with potential approval in summer 2018.
The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including over1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.
-Announcement and photo by East Bay Regional Park District
131 Coyote Hills Regional Park To Grow With 306- Acre Addition Bay City News Service Published 6:52 pm, Sunday, April 8, 2018
FREMONT (BCN)
Coyote Hills Regional Park will move forward with a 306-acre expansion of recreation, education and habitat restoration areas this year.
The East Bay Regional Park District received most of the parcel through a 296-acre donation from the Patterson Ranch family in 2014.
The district purchased 10 additional acres and approved a conceptual site plan on Feb. 20, and the process will now move into the environmental review stage.
Robert Doyle, the park district regional manager, said the development will grow Coyote Hills Regional Park by effectively one-third of its size, which current stands at 1,266 acres.
Changes will include moving the park entrance closer to Paseo Padre Parkway and enhancements to educational exhibits on local wildlife and heritage.
The final plan will be completed this year and approved in the summer, according to the East Bay Regional Park District.
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Community News Park It: Meet East Bay parks workers, learn what they do
Jane Tyska — staff archives Despina Bogdanos, right, with Donna Stanley, of Hayward, leads walkers on a previous hike at Garin Regional Park in Hayward. Garin Regional will be the venue for a naturalist-led bird watching walk April 17 for ages 12 and older. All levels of experience are welcome. By Ned MacKay | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: April 8, 2018 at 6:00 am | UPDATED: April 9, 2018 at 5:49 am
From office staff to park rangers, from police and firefighters to nature educators, almost 800 devoted employees — even more in the summer — keep the East Bay regional parks open and safe for the public to enjoy.
You can meet some of them and find out more about what they do during “Rangers and Rigs,” a free special program from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 15 at Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area in Pleasanton. Kids can climb into the rigs and try their hand at ranger jobs.
District staff will be on hand to help everyone explore and answer questions about working for the parks. Shadow Cliffs is on Stanley Boulevard east of downtown Pleasanton. The park charges a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. For information, call 510- 544-3249.
Hayward: Garin Regional Park in Hayward is the venue for a naturalist-led bird watching walk from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. April 17. It’s for ages 12 and older. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring water, sunscreen and binoculars or scopes. Garin Regional Park is at the end of Garin Avenue off Mission Boulevard. Meet at the Red Barn Visitor Center. For information, call 510-544-3220.
133 Castro Valley: Wednesday Walks is an informal, naturalist-led hiking group that explores a different regional park each time. All levels of experience are welcome. Five Canyons, a regional park trail through shady ravines, grassy ridge tops and residential neighborhoods, is the destination for the Wednesday Walks hiking group on April 18.
Naturalist Susan Ramos is the guide for the moderate 4-mile trek. Meet at 9:30 a.m. at the Deer Canyon Trailhead. To get there from eastbound Interstate 580, take the Grove Way exit (Exit 37) and turn left. Turn right onto East Castro Valley Boulevard, then turn right onto Five Canyons Parkway. Stay on Five Canyons Parkway for a mile, then turn right onto Recreation Center Road. Street parking is marked at the private recreation center by the Deer Canyon Trailhead. One advisory: there are no restrooms available along the way. For information, call 510-544-3187.
Oakland: Native plant restoration is the goal of a volunteer project scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 14 at Leona Canyon in Oakland, under the supervision of naturalist Michael Charnofsky. Rain or shine, volunteers will pull out non-native invasive grasses and shrubs around the stations of the park’s self-guided trail.
The project is for ages 10 and older. Lunch, tools and gloves will be provided. Students can earn community service hours. Meet at Merritt College Parking Lot E. Registration is required. For information and registration, call 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program number 20342.
Berkeley: If you’ve always wanted your face painted to resemble a local animal, your chance will come during a program from 2 to 3 p.m. April 14 at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley. Interpretive student aide Laura Scotty will paint your face to resemble the animal of your choice while describing its habits and habitat.
The water cycle and its importance is the topic of a program from 2 to 3 p.m. April 15 at Tilden Nature Area with interpretive student aide Brianna Contaxis-Tucker.
Both programs are free. They meet at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center at the north end of Central Park Drive. For information, call 510-544-2233.
Oakley: Spiders are the stars of a program from 2 to 3 p.m. April 15 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley. The group will look for spiders in the park and join in some arachnid-themed activities. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. Call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050.
Online: For more information on all regional park programs and facilities, check out the web site, www.ebparks.org.
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Opinion › Commentary Opinion: End backroom deals over Richmond’s Point Molate Courts and elected officials should uphold democracy and public participation, not suppress it.
(Susan Tripp Pollard/Staff)
Point Molate, a historic shoreline near the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge.
By David Helvarg | PUBLISHED: April 7, 2018 at 8:45 am | UPDATED: April 9, 2018 at 5:07 am
Peter Douglas, the late executive director of the California Coastal Commission often said, “The coast is never saved, its always being saved.”
In 2010, the people of Richmond held a referendum in which they voted overwhelmingly against plans for a mega-casino on the largely undeveloped Point Molate headland, a unique environmental jewel for the city and the San Francisco Bay region. Point Molate includes native grasslands, trees and wildlife. There have even been reports of a cougar feeding on mule deer on its uplands. Plus it harbors some of the most productive waters on the bay where herring come to lay their eggs and seals and ospreys to catch fish.
135 Since the casino plan was voted down, Point Molate’s public beach has reopened and city schools have begun taking field trips to explore this public wonder. On Nov. 21, the Richmond City Council and mayor voted unanimously to hold three public hearings on any possible future development plans for Point Molate.
But Jim Levine, the casino developer, never gave up on his original bet. He’s been suing the city for a payout — preferably a land development deal — for eight years while consistently losing in a series of court cases. This year, however, after an appellate court ruling, a judge told the city to settle or the case would go to trial.
Now Mayor Tom Butt, who disbanded a citizens advisory committee on Point Molate because, like Levine, he’d prefer to see private development on this largest of the city’s public lands, is pushing hard for a settlement. On March 20, in a closed-door session, the mayor seems to have convinced a council majority that anything less than giving Jim Levine land-development rights or a huge cash payout would bankrupt the city.
Community land-use advocates remain skeptical, pointing out that Butt and Levine favor developing Richmond’s shoreline for upscale development instead of concentrating on Richmond’s critical need for a wide range of housing options with amenities in the downtown and central-city area. This approach is accelerating the displacement of middle- and low-income families from the city already underway.
Smart community-based planning for Point Molate could lead in another direction that balances the economy, environment and equity in everyone’s interest. As the city continues its boom with some 40 new developments and a ferry terminal coming later this year, Point Molate remains an invaluable public resource that holds immense potential for public benefit now and in the future when shoreline parks will also help protect us from rising seas. It would be a shame to toss it away like a poker chip.
It’s past time for tolerating secret backroom deals struck among self-interested parties. Before any private land use of Point Molate is determined there has to be the transparent public planning process already committed to by the City Council. The purpose of our courts and elected officials should be to uphold democracy and public participation, not suppress it.
David Helvarg is a Richmond resident, author and executive director of Blue Frontier, an ocean conservation and policy group.
136 Park district looking for lifeguards Apr 3, 2018 Updated Apr 4, 2018
The park district will soon be hiring 180 to 200 lifeguards to work at its 11 lakes, lagoons and pools in the East Bay.
The pay ranges from $16.15 to $24.89 per hour. All positions are seasonal and full-time from May through September. Anyone age 16 and over is welcome to apply.
“Over the years, the park district has trained and employed thousands of East Bay youth and young adults as lifeguards,” said East Bay Regional Park District Board President Dennis Waespi. “Many lifeguards have gone on to careers in firefighting, law enforcement, medicine, emergency services and teaching.”
There are three tryouts scheduled over the next few weeks. Participants will be asked to swim 550 yards in under 10 minutes, carry a rescue board 50 feet, retrieve dive rings under 4 to 7 feet of water, tread water for two minutes using only their legs and retrieve a 10-pound brick from under water. There will also be a short interview.
Those who pass the tests will be invited to the District’s Lifeguard Academy, where they will receive free training and certification in open-water lifeguarding. The academy takes place over five weekends in April and May with the swim season beginning in May at most facilities.
“The district takes visitor safety very seriously,” said East Bay Regional Park District aquatic manager Pete DeQuincy. “Lifeguards play a major role in educating the public about water safety and responding to emergencies.”
Tryout Schedule:
137 • Saturday, April 7 (1 p.m.) Roberts Pool, Oakland
•Sunday, April 8 (1 p.m.) Roberts Pool, Oakland
Lifeguards can work at any of the park district’s 11 swim facilities – Lake Del Valle in Livermore (east and west sides of the lake), Shadow Cliffs in Pleasanton, Quarry Lakes in Fremont, Lake Don Castro in Hayward, Cull Canyon in Castro Valley, Roberts in Oakland, Lake Temescal in Oakland, Lake Anza in Berkeley, Diablo Foothills in Walnut Creek, and Contra Loma in Antioch.
Established in 1934, the East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 73 parks including more than 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.
138 Emergencies happen everywhere— in our homes, at work, in our cars, even while we’re out enjoying a walk with the dog. Preventing accidents is always preferable, but when disaster does strike, you want to know that someone is nearby to assist. The sheer volume of land and number of people visiting East Bay parks each year pose challenges when it comes to public safety.
To ensure the safety of park visitors, the East Bay Regional Park District (EBRPD) employs over 1,000 staff members, including a full Public Safety Division comprising a fire department; aquatic safety services; and a police force that operates a fleet of rapid-response vehicles including fire engines, cars/SUVs, motorcycles, bicycles, ATVs, equestrian units, boats and helicopters.
In 2016, the Public Safety Division received 9,848 calls for service. Service calls range from lost hikers, to vandalism and stolen property, to more serious crimes such as assault and homicide. But they also deal with disasters such as earthquakes, mudslides and wildfires. Some of these efforts require a coordinated multiagency response that relies on sophisticated tools such as imaging and radar to detect humans, animals, chemicals, biological agents and more, and radio, cellular and satellite communications for real-time updates from the land, air and water, as well as weather tracking systems. Being able to set up a state-of-the-art tactical communication center wherever needed gives the Park District greater flexibility and swifter emergency response capabilities.
Emergency responders can now use high-tech equipment to communicate with federal, state and local agencies via a central location—the “brains” of the operation—allowing them to get as close to the emergency as safely possible.
A retrofitted 1989 Fleetwood RV Mobile Incident Command Center (MICC) vehicle, handed down to the EBRPD by the City of Oakland Fire Department, had reached the end of its service
139 life and broken down while on duty numerous times in recent years, resulting in delayed deployment and slower emergency coordination. With the help of a $75,000 grant from the Andeavor Foundation, the Park District was able to acquire a suitable replacement. Police Lt. Lance Brede stated, “On behalf of the East Bay Regional Park District Public Safety Division, we thank Andeavor for its donation through the Regional Parks Foundation. This generous donation made it possible for us to build a state-ofthe-art mobile incident command vehicle that will be utilized for years to come.”
Thanks to Andeavor Foundation’s support, the millions of EBRPD visitors can enjoy the outdoors, assured that the Park District once again has the ability to provide rapid, effective response to crime, fires, and other natural disasters, accidents, and general public safety incidents. Furthermore, the MICC is a valuable asset and community outreach tool to support public safety in the East Bay parks and the Bay Area in general.
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Community News Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park opens new Castleridge trailhead
Pleasanton Ridge Park has opened Castleridge Trailhead, a new trail that will open up areas never before open to the public. (Courtesy of Chuck Deckert)
By Marta Yamamoto | Correspondent PUBLISHED: April 2, 2018 at 5:49 am | UPDATED: April 2, 2018 at 6:09 am
Pleasanton Ridge is a beautiful 9,090-acre, long, linear park on an oak-covered ridge overlooking Pleasanton and the Livermore Valley. Up until recently, though, the only park district access was from the southern part, making the park mostly popular with cyclists and long-range hikers.
This all changed on March 10 when the East Bay Regional Park District opened the new Castleridge trailhead, close to the intersection of Foothill Road and Old Foothill Road and west of the city’s Alviso Adobe Community Park.
From this trailhead, a multiuse trail extends to the northern ridgeline of Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, serving as a new and important public access point to the northern areas of the park, as well as helping the district connect wildlife corridors and protect natural resources.
“This trailhead is much more right in Pleasanton at the city’s edge with houses nearby,” said Ayn Wieskamp, the board director of the East Bay Regional Park District. “With Foothill High School so close, that will be another opportunity for users. I think more people will use it.”
Jerry Pentin is a longtime park user and member of the Pleasanton City Council. Pleasanton Ridge, where elevations reach more than 1,600 feet, is where he goes to hike, run and bike.
141 “The beauty of using the Castleridge Staging Area is it brings you to the north part of the park, which a lot of people don’t get to because when they enter down at Foothill, they have to go up a mile to get to the top and then make their way up the ridge,” he said. “A lot of people aren’t willing to put in a 10- or 12-mile hike to get to the north part.”
Chuck Deckert has been hiking at Pleasanton Ridge for 35 years, calling it his favorite playground. He was present for the March 10 dedication and initial hike. He echoed Pentin in saying the northern part of the park has always been his favorite area.
“Once on top as far as trail options available, Sinbad Loop would be one of the more popular trails, and I can get right to the Sinbad Loop,” Deckert said. “I love the different types and numbers of plants and trees and the different vantage points it gives of the Tri-Valley and other surrounding areas.”
In comparing the new trailhead with the existing one in the south, Deckert noted the trail at Castleridge is a steep climb to the top, without switchbacks, but that the out and back makes for a good workout.
“One attractive feature of this trail is the fact that you can get a good hike just going from the trailhead to the top and back, because this is a full two miles each way,” he said. “There’s also more shade on this trail going to the top, so for a summer hike this would be the better choice.”
“The benefit of this trail over the other existing access is once you’re at the top you immediately get great views,” Wieskamp added. “You can stop and look back; you don’t have to go very far up the trail to get splendid views all across the valley.”
Adding this new access point to the park is an example of good planning and partnership. The first step required land to be made available and raising the funds to purchase it. In 2014 the Park District purchased the 231-acre Castleridge property for $2.2 million, using a $1 million grant through the Alameda County Altamont Landfill and Resource Facility Open Space Advisory Committee and matching funds from the District’s Measure WW.
“I want to give a lot of credit to the Alameda County Altamont Landfill and Resource Recovery Facility Open Space Advisory Committee,” Wieskamp said. “I think it’s important to give them credit because they are a very strong open space committee.”
A critical partnership was between the Park District and the city of Pleasanton. Concern over a large influx of cars and overcrowding led to a series of meetings with residents. Pleasanton agreed to convert one lane of Old Foothill Road to 50 parallel parking spaces, leaving a second lane to one-way traffic.
The Park District added a drinking water fountain and accessible restroom, and planted oak trees to match the oak savannah in the area.
Another city concern was the possibility that an influx of a large number of cars and people would have a negative impact on historic Alviso Adobe Park, an interpretive park with a 150-year-old adobe building and reconstruction of Meadowlark Dairy.
142 Current thinking is that the trailhead and Alviso Adobe can form a mutualistic relationship, come for one or the other and stay to experience both.
“I honestly think people coming to use Castleridge trail are going to see Alviso Adobe, with its displays, and I think they’re going to work together,” Wieskamp said.
“Alviso Adobe Park is a bonus to anyone coming out to the Castleridge Trail.
I think the hope of the city and the Park and Rec Department is that people will learn about Alviso and support the programs it offers,” Pentin added.
In the end, Wieskamp sees this new trailhead and access point as a win-win for the Park District and the people who value it.
“The Bay Area seems to be a place where people like to protect what they see is important for the future and that’s what I think my job is,” she said.
“I’m protecting habitat and trying to connect all the wildlife corridors. At the same time, providing opportunities for people to get up there and enjoy it. People have to have access if they’re really going to appreciate open space.”
For more information on Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park, go to www.ebparks.org/parks/pleasanton.
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Drake’s Brewing Releases Kick Back IPA in Cans Press Release Apr. 2, 2018 at 10:16 AM
SAN LEANDRO, Calif. – Summer at the beach. Grilling poolside with friends and family. A relaxing end to a long hike. Now enjoy all these moments with Kick Back IPA, exclusively in 12 oz. cans, or on draft, year-round from Drake’s Brewing Co. This marks the brewery’s first beer packaged in cans, just in time for the warmer spring and summer months ahead.
Originally released in bottles as a summer seasonal in 2016, Kick Back IPA is the perfect all-occasion, all-day drinking beer at 4.3% ABV. It’s loaded with citrus, floral, tropical, and stone fruit flavors, from a blend of Cascade, Chinook, Mosaic, Simcoe, El Dorado and Pekko hops. The malt bill is primarily Two-Row and Pale Ale malt, with small additions of Golden Naked Oats and Hulled Barley Flakes.
“The response to Kick Back IPA since we launched the beer in 2016 had been phenomenal, and it’s the perfect choice for our first can release,” according to Drake’s Brewmaster John Gillooly. “The beer is crisp, crushable, and filled with a ton of juicy hop flavor. It also pairs very nicely with a variety of food, from seared ahi tuna steak to fried chicken. I’ll be taking cans everywhere I go this summer.”
The year-round release of Kick Back IPA in cans will also increase Drake’s fundraising partnership with the Regional Parks Foundation, a non-profit that supports the East Bay Regional Parks District. Part of Drake’s mission is to help build and support the local community, and the Kick Back Program has proven to be successful since its 2016 debut. Proceeds from the sale of Kick Back IPA six-packs over the last two years has generated nearly $20,000 for cleanup and restoration projects at over a dozen East Bay parks.
According to Juliana Schirmer, Development Director at the Regional Parks Foundation, “The money has been a huge plus. The Kick Back Program has also helped us branch out and engage the community in a new way. We’re attracting a younger demographic, a demographic we know loves and uses our parks, and many of them are beer enthusiasts! We even started the ‘What’s Brewin in the Parks?’ event series as a way to carry this success through the full year.”
Starting now, six-packs of Kick Back IPA are being shipped throughout Drake’s distribution territory.
About Drake’s Brewing Co. Drake’s Brewing Co. is an independent craft brewery located in San Leandro, Calif., that has been dedicated to bringing people together over great beer since 1989. Quietly situated in its gritty warehouse environs, Drake’s has become known over the years for consistently producing a wide variety of hop-forward craft beers. From the groundbreaking 1500 Pale Ale to innovative
144 creations like the Denogginizer Double IPA, and a growing collection of artisan barrel-aged and sour beers, the brewery’s commitment to quality and integrity shines through in every beer. As one of the original craft breweries in the Bay Area, Drake’s is dedicated to supporting its community first and working tirelessly to bring its brand of quality beer to more people.
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News Park It: Fremont’s Ardenwood farm to host Scottish Fair
John Green — staff archives Members of the Macintosh Pipe Band perform during a previous Tartan Day Scottish Fair at Fremont’s Ardenwood Historic Farm. The pipes are calling are calling again this year, and the clans will gather from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7. Diversions will include bagpipe music, Scottish dancing, handmade crafts, historical re-enactments and highland athletics. By Ned MacKay | East Bay Regional Park District PUBLISHED: April 1, 2018 at 6:00 am | UPDATED: April 1, 2018 at 8:53 am
There are a couple of great family-friendly events from which to choose on the first full weekend of April in the East Bay regional parks.
First up is the Tartan Day Scottish Fair at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont. The pipes are calling, and the clans will gather from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 7.
Diversions at this always colorful, kilt-optional event will include bagpipe music, Scottish dancing, handmade crafts, historical re-enactments and highland athletics. Local Scottish clans and societies will share their heritage. There’s a special children’s glen with fairies and a dragon. Scottish food and drink will be available for purchase.
The fee for the fair is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors 62 and older, $5 for children 4 through 17 and free for kids 3 and younger. Parking is free. Ardenwood is located at 34600 Ardenwood Blvd., just north of Highway 84. For information, call 510-544-2797.
Sunol: Colorful in a different way is the Spring Wildflower Festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 8 at Sunol Regional Wilderness near the town of Sunol.
146 The schedule includes wildflower hikes leaving every 15 minutes, arts and crafts, live entertainment and nature-themed activities throughout the day. Sunol is one of the premier regional parks for wildflower viewing.
The park is located at the end of Geary Road off Calaveras Road about 5 miles south of Interstate 680 and the town of Sunol. Festival entry is free; parking costs $5 per vehicle. Once the park’s lots fill, there will be a free shuttle bus from offsite parking on Calaveras Road. For information, call 510-544-3249.
Also in Fremont: An ancient culture is the theme of a program from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. April 8 at Coyote Hills Regional Park. Naturalist Francis Mendoza will discuss the Ohlone people and their relationship with nature, family and ancestors. The program is for ages 8 and older. Meet at the visitor center. Coyote Hills is at the end of Patterson Ranch Road off Paseo Padre Parkway in Fremont. Call 510-544-3220.
Hayward: Francis also will lead a history-themed hike from 9 to 11:30 a.m. April 8 at Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park in Hayward. He’ll talk about the 1776 expedition in which Juan Bautista De Anza led a large group of soldiers and settlers overland from Mexico to California, and how their arrival impacted the Bay Area’s native peoples.
The hike is for ages 15 and older. It’s 3 miles with some steep upgrades. Meet at the Dry Creek Pioneer Regional Park trailhead at the end of May Road off Mission Boulevard in Union City. Call 510-544-3220.
Berkeley: Bees are the buzz at Tilden Nature Area near Berkeley, where naturalist Jenna Scimeca will discuss beeswax in a program from 2 to 3 p.m. April 7. The group will make a beeswax candle and sample local honey. Meet at Tilden’s Environmental Education Center at the north end of Central Park Drive. Call 510-544-2233.
Martinez and Berkeley: Wildflowers are also the focus of two hikes planned by naturalist “Trail Gail” Broesder, both from 9 to 11:30 a.m.
The first is April 8 at Briones Regional Park. Meet at the Alhambra Creek Staging Area, which is on Reliez Valley Road south of Martinez.
The next is April 15 at Tilden Regional Park. Meet at the Steam Train overflow parking lot on Lomas Cantadas just off Grizzly Peak Boulevard in Berkeley. For information on either hike, call 510-544-2233.
Oakley: Plein air painters will enjoy a get-together from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 7 at Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley with naturalist Cat Taylor. Check in anytime after 8 a.m., then bring your artwork back at noon for viewing and refreshments. Some student-grade supplies will be available.
The program is free, but registration is required. To register, call 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program 20468. Big Break is at 69 Big Break Road off Oakley’s Main Street. Call 888-327-2757, ext. 3050.
147 Discover the Rare Blooms of Huckleberry Preserve in the East Bay Hills by Stephanie Penn on March 30, 2018
The rare and endemic western leatherwood's (Dirca occidentalis) golden flowers typically bloom during the winter months, from January to March. (Photo by Stephanie Penn)
To examine the white bud pads of the western leatherwood plant, Iowa State professor of horticulture Willim Graves once wrote, is “almost like staring into a starry night sky.”
It’s a rare celestial vision, though. The winter-blooming shrub’s entire global range is confined to six counties in the Bay Area, including the Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve in the East Bay Hills. Thanks to the preserve’s interpretive trail, the western leatherwood is easier to see growing wild here than maybe anywhere else on the planet, along with a handful of other uniquely Californian plants. This winter, just as the leatherwood began to bloom, I hiked the preserve to find some of its stars.
Rare plants are, ironically, not uncommon in California. We’re in one of the world’s botanical biodiversity hot spots, and so many of the state’s plants are adapted to confined geographic locations (among other rarity-inducing factors) that the California Native Plant Society estimates about 20 percent of the state’s native flora is rare or endangered. California botanist and explorer Lester Rowntree, an early advocate for California’s plants, wrote that “it is this wide variation of climate and terrain which for the past two or three decades has inspired in me—at first intermittently and at last with dogged persistence—a passion for observing, each in its own place, the natural plant life of these diversified regions.”
Some of these regions, like the coastal old-growth redwood forests and the spring wildflower displays of the Carrizo Plain, are well known and widely treasured. Others, like the maritime chaparral of Huckleberry, are subtler. Maritime chaparral is adapted to the cool temperatures, moisture, and fog characteristic of marine-influenced climates. Because Huckleberry sits on a
148 northeast -facing slope in the direct path of sea breezes blowing through the Golden Gate, the conditions are opportune for this rare ecosystem.
Pacific hound’s tongue (Cynoglossum grande), a common California native, blooms from February through August, but peaks in winter. It grows both in woodlands and chaparral. (Photo by Stephanie Penn)
The first morning I hike Huckleberry the air is crisp and the ground is still moist from recent rains. Landscape architect Sherri Osaka joins me to help find some of the plant highlights and offer her perspective on them as a designer. We start the walk by winding along a northeast-facing slope as we drop 200 feet into the San Leandro Creek basin, where steam rises over a verdant canopy of California bay, coast live oak, Pacific madrone, and California hazelnut. Along the trail Osaka points out a handful of California natives that are familiar parts of both designed and wild landscapes: pink-flowering currant, western sword fern, and California huckleberry. Even in a dry year, “everything is surprisingly lush and green here,” Osaka says.
As we pass an exposed outcrop, I run my hand over the damp crumbling layers of rocks, releasing a sweet, earthy smell. The jagged texture of the rocks is interrupted by the soft forms of green moss mounds. Goldback ferns cling to the vertical surfaces, their roots extending into rock fractures, widening these with each passing season. The almost imperceptible daily erosion of the rock surface by roots, rain, and weathering results in massive changes on the geologic timescale. As I pull my hand away a small sharp fragment breaks off, landing on the pile below, hinting at this ancient process.
Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve’s unusual geology — bands of chert and shale uplifted from ancient seafloors — is easy to spot along the Upper Loop Trail. The chaparral species are adapted to this nutrient poor soil. (Photo by Stephanie Penn)
Although the stars of Huckleberry are its rare plants, the firmament that makes it all possible is an unusual rock pattern. Huckleberry’s ridges and rock walls are made of chert and siliceous shale uplifted from ancient seafloors, both of which create soils low in nutrients that make it difficult for many plants—particularly weedy nonnatives—to figure out. Michele Hammond, a botanist with the East Bay Regional Park District, says the pale soil in the chaparral areas at Huckleberry is comparatively free of the invasive plant species that clog up many other open spaces in the Bay Area. But California plants adapted to unique soils and fog thrive here.
The first time she, as a botany student, saw the park, Hammond says, “I was amazed and surprised at the diversity of plants along this trail. We were using the Jepson Manual to key out species and as you walk through the oak woodland and into the upper loop chaparral sections there is a lot to see, making it stand out among East Bay locations.”
149 After about a mile of following the creek, Huckleberry Loop Trail doubles back toward the hill and climbs sharply. Osaka and I hike up out of the dense bay forest into an oak-bay woodland. We detour onto a spur trail that leads us to a “manzanita barren,” an exposed, rocky outcropping, where we warm up under the bright sun and can see the canyon below and Mount Diablo in the distance.
Manzanitas, with their smooth bark and striking sculptural forms, have garnered attention from gardeners and botanists alike. “Few native plant groups are as symbolic of the California landscape as the manzanitas,” horticulturist Nevin Smith wrote in Native Treasures, his 2006 California native gardening handbook. The California Floristic Province (which spans most of the state) is home to more than 100 manzanita species and subspecies, with an incredible diversity of shapes and sizes ranging from low sprawling ground covers to plants reaching the height of small trees. Manzanitas readily adapt to demanding, site-specific conditions, evolving into species that exist only in limited areas. One of the rarest and its cousin grow in Huckleberry: pallid manzanita and brittleleaf manzanita, both flowering in profusion on our visit.
The two species typically grow near each other and can look similar, but the rare pallid tends to have almost heart-shaped, grayer leaves, with lobes that appear to clasp the branch. And at the base of a brittleleaf sits a lumpy, woody mass known as a burl. Dormant inside the burl are densely packed buds waiting to sprout in the wake of a fire that burns off the shrub’s upper branches. It’s a survival strategy that means a burl can be both very old and correspondingly slow to adapt to change. Pallids, on the other hand, resprout from seeds, and the seedlings either thrive or die in their environment. Manzanita seeds can lie dormant for long periods waiting for the heat of fire and chemicals found in smoke to trigger their germination.
Pallid manzanita (Arctostaphylos pallida), a rare endemic to the East Bay hills, blooms between November and March. (Photo by Stephanie Penn)
As we step into the center of the barren, we hear the electric wingbeats of Anna’s hummingbirds. They are making short, sharp calls from bushes and shrubs in every direction, their bright red throat feathers catching the sunlight. Flying high into the air, some chase each other before diving back down. Hammond describes the pallid manzanita and its white blossoms as “particularly beautiful when it is flowering because it is covered with butterflies and hummingbirds.” Manzanitas provide pollinators with an important midwinter source of nectar. California natives flower year-round in a profusion of sizes, shapes, and colors that enable pollinators to stick around, too, one of many reasons the rich native plant diversity at Huckleberry, and elsewhere, matters.
Farther along the main trail we encounter a second spur; this one takes us past a western leatherwood , its flexible branches reaching up hopefully, though no star-buds yet. If the buds caught Graves’ attention, then the shrub’s cascade of stamens and yellow February blooms may have been what inspired the plant’s original namer. Its genus, Dirca, is derived from a Greek myth’s spring and references an ancient fountain near Thebes. Discovered in the “mountains near Oakland” by J. M. Bigelow in 1853, this species has likely been in North America for tens of millions of years.
150 A hundred yards or so beyond the spur, we’re surrounded by the park’s maritime chaparral—a thicket of manzanita, golden chinquapin, jimbrush, coast silk tassel, pink-flowering currant, and toyon. A common plant found throughout the preserve and along the trail is the evergreen huckleberry , a shrub that produces glossy purple-black berries every fall and accounts for the park’s name. The edible berries have long been enjoyed by people; in the preserve, the birds and rodents rely on the berries. Native to coastal California, and in the East Bay found only in the Oakland-Berkeley hills, the huckleberry blooms with white-and-pink bell-shaped flowers in spring.
Hiking Huckleberry Preserve GETTING THERE: Huckleberry Botanic Regional Preserve is off Skyline Boulevard in Oakland. There’s a small paved parking lot, pit toilet, shady picnic table, water, and a map and brochures detailing the self-guided plant walk. Dogs, bicycles, and horses are prohibited in the preserve.TRAIL: The Huckleberry Loop Trail — a 1.7-mile trail with an elevation change of 277 feet — loops around the 241-acre preserve through a mature California bay laurel forest on the lower trail and a swath of maritime chaparral on the upper trail. Thanks to a Habitat Conservation Fund grant, trail improvements and updated informational signs, installed in 2017, will lead visitors on a self-guided walking tour of the plants.
For a short, easy stroll that allows you to see many of the unique maritime chaparral species, head southeast on Upper Huckleberry Loop Trail and then turn back before reaching the connector trail.
SPRING FLOWERS:
• Bee plant • Evergreen huckleberry • Snowberry • Douglas iris • Fringe cups • Jimbrush • Small-flower alumroot • Woodlant tarplant • Western columbine
CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION:
151 Join volunteers who meet once a month with the East Bay chapter of the California Native Plant Society to remove invasive weeds from the preserve. For more information email [email protected] or visit the group’s meetup page.
Huckleberry presents a challenge to the rare manzanita. Chaparral plant communities depend on fire for their health and rejuvenation, and without it huckleberries and other large shrub oaks, and ultimately bay laurels will naturally overtake and shade the manzanitas, creating conditions that eventually kill them. It’s a natural process called succession. But given the preserve’s proximity to houses and structures, fire suppression is necessary at Huckleberry, which also puts chaparral species at risk. Hammond explains that “now that humans have removed fire from the system, we need to think about other ways to help maritime chaparral continue to thrive.”
The park district is considering careful pruning or removing of competing plants, primarily nonnative invasive species, that shade out the manzanitas. Hammond also encourages folks to explore another park during rainy weather when soil from the trail can stick to shoes, to help prevent the spread of water molds in the genus Phytophthora, soilborne root-rotting pathogens that rapidly kill plants. In 2017 they were found to have infected some rare shrubs along the upper loop trail in Huckleberry, according to Hammond.
As Osaka and I leave the park, she recalls the shift, about a decade ago, when clients began to request California native plants in their landscape designs. It’s not hard, driving past the urban gardens of the Bay Area, to see those gardens someday playing host to maritime chaparral species.
Still, there’s something to the sensory overload of seeing all these rare plants together in the wild. A designer might convincingly pull some of those stars into a garden. But to walk through Huckleberry, to smell the earth and listen to the birds and admire the brilliant combination of botanical texture and color and architecture that reflect natural California’s unique character, is to get a sense of the cosmos.
Stephanie Penn is a fine art and documentary photographer. Her work focuses on California’s nature, plants and wildlife.
152 The Most Visited State Park System in the Nation Is Remaking Itself and Wants Your Buy-In by Alissa Greenberg on March 30, 2018
On a Sunday afternoon in midwinter, tendrils of thin afternoon light drift through the branches of the oldest avocado tree in Santa Cruz County, illuminating a courtyard carpeted with deep green grass and framed by walls of centuries-old adobe. At a picnic table under the tree, Bella Kressman leads the Meuse family—8-year-old Stella, 3-year-old Skyler, and their parents, Eric and Sarah—through a traditional craft workshop.
They chat as they work. “Have you ever been to an event like this?” Kressman asks.
Eric says no; until today, he didn’t know the historic mission was here at all, though he and his family often camp at the many state parks around Santa Cruz. “Longtime listeners, first-time callers!” he jokes.
It would be easy to find versions of this scene in state parks all over California: community members enjoying well-preserved historical and natural spaces and engaging a little more richly with their world. But look closer and there’s an important difference. Once the family leaves, Kressman goes back into the park store to run the cash register. A sign over her shoulder reads, “Thanks—your purchase supports local state parks and beaches. Get a 15 percent discount by joining Friends today.”
In this case “Friends” means Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks. It’s thanks to Friends’ marketing efforts that the Meuse family read about the craft workshop in a local newsletter. Friends runs all the cultural events here at Santa Cruz Mission State Historic Park. It worked with the community to create the park’s rainbow-tiled welcome mural and paid to replace malfunctioning toilets; it also pays Kressman’s salary.
Contributions from the general fund to the state parks budget declined nearly 30% in a decade.
Welcome to the “new” California state park, where programming, logistics, and even day-to-day park operations and finances are increasingly outsourced to external groups. These partnerships between the state and more than 100 outside organizations—including nonprofits, for-profits, and other government agencies—support virtually every one of our 280 state parks. Park partners often fundraise and plan activities and educational programming; in some cases, they have signed comprehensive operating agreements that make them responsible for entire state parks— including some 15 in the Bay Area. Which is to say, the guide leading your Sunday hike in all likelihood isn’t an employee of the state.
A nascent version of the park partnership model has been around for almost half a century, but the role of organizations like Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks grew starting in 2011 when a budget crisis threatened to close 70 parks. Santa Cruz Mission State Park was on the list, and 153 Friends stepped up to help operate and keep it open. Per its agreement with the state, the nonprofit makes money from the park store while splitting proceeds from parking, camping, shower, and firewood fees with the California Department of Parks and Recreation. From that income, Friends funds the mission’s lecture series, First Friday events, and the annual Mole and Mariachi festival—all at a park slated for closure just seven years ago.
Statistics on the number of parks run by outside partners vary, but the specifics are less important than the on-the-ground dynamics of those partnerships—especially in the context of California Proposition 68, the Parks, Environment, and Water Bond that will appear on the California ballot June 5, 2018. The proposed bond contains $2.83 billion for parks that would be disbursed over four to five years, including $218 million for existing state parks and significant funding for so- called “park-poor” neighborhoods and affordable coastal accommodation—a sign of the state’s new emphasis on drawing more diverse users to its parks. And it offers $5 million for the exclusive use of outside organizations running entire parks to begin to address a billion dollars in pending park maintenance.
Since the 2011 crisis, the parks department has sought to redefine how state parks are run and whom they are meant to serve in an era when state funding vacillates between uncertain and nonexistent. In theory, a park partnership model brings together parties with unique strengths and welcomes voices traditionally uninvolved in shaping parks policy. But critics argue that a culture clash between the state and park partners, as well as insufficient oversight, have kept those partnerships from living up to their potential. And, regardless, unless the state substantively addresses its maintenance backlog, this new paradigm is unsustainable.
The parks world remembers the golden years fondly, back when money from the state’s general fund and parks bonds approved by voters every four years or so kept the lights on and rangers digging trenches, leading hikes, and patrolling campgrounds. But in the late 1980s, both sources of money began to dry up. Cutting parks funding, which even at its most robust represented a small fraction of the state budget, became a visible way for politicians to signal their tough stance on spending. Finally, after repeated budget cuts surrounding the 2008 recession, funds hit a critical point.
Proposition 21 appeared on the ballot in 2010 to save state parks, proposing an annual $18 addition to vehicle registration fees to cover the department’s operations and ballooning maintenance costs for, as retired ranger Bill Krumbein pointed out to me, “the price of a deluxe pizza.” But the initiative failed, and in January 2011, Sacramento cut the department budget by another $22 million, causing a staffing crisis that compelled Governor Jerry Brown to call for the closure of 70 parks.
At the same time, scandal hit the department. Some $54 million of unreported funds turned up in parks accounts, having accumulated over decades due to an accounting error. Public furor drove Ruth Coleman, director of the parks department, to resign, and funding continued to bottom out. In total, the parks budget covered by the general fund declined from $182 million in the 2000 fiscal year to $121 million in 2011, or nearly 30 percent in a decade. The larger picture is even more grim: the portion of parks funding that came from the general fund declined from 91 percent in 1980 to 28 percent in 2014.
Support from organizations like Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks and the California State Parks Foundation and general public outcry led to new legislation that allowed nonprofit organizations
154 used to supporting roles to take on full responsibility for state parks, a last-ditch attempt to keep those on Governor Brown’s closure list open in arrangements that
Resources Legacy Fund president Michael Mantell describes as “held together by bailing wire.” At the same time Mantell and his organization helped set up the Parks Forward Commission, a group of industry outsiders whose goal was to help the department reform financially and remake itself in a time of crisis.
Given the lingering scandal, the commission quickly hired the consulting firm FTI to look over state parks books. In a blistering report, FTI called the department’s financial system “antiquated” and its projected annual funding gap of $100 million “truly alarming.” In 2015, Parks Forward issued a list of recommendations for department improvement, focusing on sustainable funding, a major upgrade in accounting practices, increased focus on parks access for a more diverse swath of Californians—and more emphasis on partnerships.
Other states were having this discussion, too. Bryan Martyn, who ran Arizona State Parks from 2012 to 2015 when the state was forced to close almost half its parks, remembers talking with colleagues at a National Association of State Park Directors conference during that time: “Everybody was trying to figure out, ‘OK, how are we going to make this work?’” he says. (Arizona ultimately went the park partner route as well, contracting with the city of Yuma, a historical society in Flagstaff, and an Indian tribe to run its parks.)
Nationally, the park partnership model is on the rise, according to Eric Hamp of the National Recreation and Park Association. The NRPA works with thousands of state and municipal park agencies, he says, “and many of them are engaged in public-private partnerships.” His organization even has a snappy name for these arrangements: P3s.
“California is America in fast forward … if you’re not broadening access, parks are dead.”
In the P3 ideal—a vision repeated to me again and again as I reported this story—each party contributes its strengths to create the best possible park. The state brings a deeply rooted mission, “to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California….” as well as a century of experience and expertise; it thus maintains infrastructure, stewards the natural and cultural resources of each park, and provides law enforcement. In turn, a nonprofit manages daily park operations and brings a culture of nimbleness and innovation, as well as community ties that tap into the needs of both locals and donors. This last ingredient reflects the fundamental change wrought by park funding woes. Income is essential to the new paradigm, and in some park partnerships it is incumbent upon the outside organization, not the state, to meet a bottom line and ensure a park’s survival. Almost every nonprofit employee I spoke to for this story believed that if it weren’t for their organizations, their parks would be closed.
Many P3s have succeeded in at least this capitalist sense, stabilizing and modernizing parks whose attendance levels were previously semi-comatose. “As a nonprofit it doesn’t take us long to make decisions and make changes,” says Michele Luna, executive director of Stewards of the Coast and Redwoods, which operates Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek. “When we started operating, we had a credit card machine in the kiosk within a day. We had Wi-Fi, we bought a truck; all these things we just did without having to have approval processes and get delayed.”
Park partners say their stature and physical presence in their communities helps address that hungry bottom line. The money they bring in stays within their parks, rather than heading to a
155 state fund and trickling back, as it used to; Luna says Stewards’ park users especially appreciate that. Martin Lowenstein, director of Friends of China Camp in Marin County, adds that local nonprofits are better equipped to nurture partnerships with local businesses for “gifts in kind.” He points to a February 2017 storm that washed out a 20-foot section of trail; Friends of China Camp rebuilt the trail using 300 tons of rocks and gravel donated by a local quarry. “I don’t know if state parks can develop those kinds of partnerships from Sacramento,” he says.
The department carefully monitored the rebuilding of that trail; such oversight is central to the P3 model. Every park partner with an operating agreement must document in-depth their operations, financial, and resource management plans annually. Any new project beyond day-to- day work requires a project evaluation form (PEF) signed by the state. “That’s how State Parks keeps an eye on us,” Lowenstein says. He sees their supervision as essential to ensuring that park resources are protected.
With their chimera status, parks run by the likes of Stewards, Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, and Friends of China Camp challenge conventional state park identity. They take marketing seriously, offer photography classes, host weddings, and throw themed costume parties. Santa Cruz Mission hosts pop-up picnics; Jack London State Historic Park, in Glen Ellen, has become well known for its summer Broadway Under the Stars performances.
These activities might be unconventional, but they’re essential to Jack London Park Partners’ vision of the future of parks, says the group’s executive director, Tjiska Van Wyk. “We could have 30 people come to this park a day, or we could have a month like this November when 8,000 people came. If they come to Broadway Under the Stars, they have that experience. They’re here for the first time and looking around and think, ‘I need to bring my family here.’” Jack London is routinely held up as the poster child for the P3 model. In its first year, JLPP increased the park’s hours, raised parking fees slightly, held more special events—and more than tripled revenue, halving the park’s previous operating deficit.
Each partner contracted to run a state park submits a financial statement as part of its annual review, and the trend is clear: growth. In one year, China Camp’s Reserve America reservations increased some 20 percent, while income from its annual passes increased by 40 percent. At Sugarloaf Ridge State Park in Sonoma County, income from entrance fees increased 75 percent in three years and income from events—led by the park’s popular Funky Fridays concert series—increased 737 percent. And at Jack London, the park continued to make up its operating deficit with fundraising, ending 2017 $400,000 in the red in operations but making up the difference with contributions ($74,000), memberships ($90,000), sponsorships ($54,000), grants ($40,000), and, most significantly, fundraising events ($182,000.)
Los Angeles State Historic Park, in the heart of L.A.’s Chinatown, embodies the department’s attempts to transform and push the boundaries of the conventional state park in another way. Many of its users are people of color, and they had a say in its creation: In its infancy, the park borrowed the Latin American “prometores” model of public health, with outreach workers talking to the community about the kind of park that would fit their needs. The result is a state park offering the likes of yoga classes and healthy food workshops. If the Legislature determines the pilot is a success, they’ll repeat it elsewhere; Candlestick Point State Recreation Area in San Francisco may benefit from lessons learned in Los Angeles.
156 This push is also rooted in Parks Forward’s work. Recognizing that California’s demographics are changing, the commission recommended the department expand its focus from the “traditional”—i.e. older, whiter, richer—park user to include the state’s growing population of younger people of color. Jon Christensen, an adjunct assistant professor of Environment and Sustainability at UCLA who has studied the relationship between communities of color and parks, sees an important trend here: Over the last 20 years, conservation measures at the ballot box in California have passed because they’ve been supported by Latino, Asian-American, and African-American voters, he says, even more so than by white voters and even though the money usually did not create parks where they lived.
Through Parks Forward, the department took notice and decided inclusion ought to be a priority from both a social justice and a policy standpoint. “Los Angeles is California in fast forward, and California is America in fast forward,” says Lance Conn, who sat on the commission. “It’s going to be younger and browner. If those constituents are not engaging with parks, it’s existential. If you’re not broadening access, parks are dead.”
That’s how Parks Now, a coalition of groups like Outdoor Afro and Latino Outdoors, ended up working with the department’s Partnerships Office to increase park access for underserved communities. To that end, Proposition 68 includes a whopping $725 million for parks in neighborhoods that don’t have them (read: urban, poor, lacking public resources), as well as $60 million for low-cost coastal accommodations on both park and conservancy land, since research by Christensen and others showed that the price of hotels or other lodging plays a major part in discouraging low-income communities from visiting California’s beaches.
Ben McCue runs a program called Outdoor Outreach that exposes low-income and refugee youth to the outdoors in San Diego, and his organization is an active member of Parks Now. Although he previously avoided working on his programs with state parks because of their bureaucratic hurdles, he sees the Parks Forward Commission’s emphasis on park diversity as a gesture of good faith. In his work with the department, McCue hopes to create a new kind of partnership.
His idea: What if the department also signed contracts with the Parks Now groups—to bring in young people from underserved communities and help them to learn to love the outdoors—and compensated the groups accordingly? “These are things that the department really can’t do on their own,” he says. “We run programs in Spanish; our staff speak Arabic and Vietnamese. We’re able to connect with the youth we serve and introduce them to the value of these areas in a way that someone who looks like a law enforcement agent—and many times is—couldn’t do.”
The new California State Park forces us to acknowledge our discomfort with the mixing of public and private and begin to interrogate it.
When the dust settled from the 2011 crisis, for-profit companies were running four California state parks. This elicited the most gasps of incredulity from friends and colleagues as I reported this story. The existence of these parks pulls at something deep in the entrails of the idea of public land, and talking about them inevitably leads to a barrage of horrified questions: What kind of system allowed that to happen? Does that mean the park was privatized? What does this mean about the P3 model in general?
Information about California’s privately run state parks is hard to come by. The only solid facts I found are already a few years old: For example, that the camping and outdoor company American Land and Leisure paid $50,269 in rent in 2013 to operate Brannan Island State Park in
157 Sacramento County, some of which money goes to maintenance; in return the company earned $478,751 in income during the same period. But beyond that, parks department staff say the hand-over predated them, and American Land and Leisure didn’t respond to my interview requests.
So, on a winter day, I drive to Brannan Island to see for myself what a for-profit state park looks like. Past the empty entry kiosk and an aging display about area birds of prey, I find a little closed visitor center. Its concrete is stippled with raccoon tracks; its offices are empty but for an ’80s-era cash register, a sign that proclaims “no diving within the state park system,” and the ruins of an exhibit on wetland ecology. Nearby, a little wooden amphitheater with crooked, flaking benches sits roped off with caution tape, overlooking the flat water of the river. The tiny marina is grown over with rosy duckweed.
By the main launch area, I meet Phillip Lees, who has been coming to Brannan Island for 50 years, since before it was a state park. He remembers this place when it was just dunes and says the marina has been closed for at least three years. Still, he sees American Land and Leisure’s tenure as largely positive: The state’s worst crisis years were a “dormant period” for the park, he says, and things improved after the hand-over. Matt Rickard, another camper who’s been coming to the park for more than a decade, says the transition was “fairly seamless.”
Even Ruth Coleman, who was parks department director at the time, doesn’t quite remember how American Land and Leisure ended up with Brannan Island. She guesses the contract was amended during the worst of the budget crisis. “This was an opportunity where we could keep the venue open, people could still go there, and you already had an operator on site,” she says. “They’re better than the state at doing things like boat rentals, and nonprofits aren’t particularly good at that.”
Perhaps therein lies the rub: a for-profit company running a park feels like an extension of allowing any outsiders into the state park system, the result of taking that choice to its logical extreme. The idea taps into our fear that any entity focused on a bottom line, even a nonprofit, couldn’t possibly run or protect a park as it’s meant to be run and protected. But people come to Brannan Island for camping and boating, and Coleman argues that at least in an ideal world, the P3 system lets a partner with relevant expertise do that work.
In finding new solutions for serving parks and their users—regardless of whether those solutions come by way of the state or the nonprofit or for-profit world—the new California State Park forces us to acknowledge our discomfort with the mixing of public and private and to begin to interrogate it. For Conn of the Parks Forward Commission, that means reading between the lines. He remembers a widespread but diffuse unease during the 2011 crisis around the new park partnerships, a discomfort that never quite resolved into specifics. Conn saw something else in those concerns: a fear of change.
The struggle to change—and its accompanying air of mistrust and tension— is painfully clear in the public records of the last six years. While today both the department and its partners acknowledge “bumps” along the way, there were moments when the new partnerships teetered on the edge of collapse.
A lengthy Failure to Comply warning issued by the department in 2014, as well as supporting documents that followed, shows that the state reprimanded Jack London Park Partners (then known as Valley of the Moon Natural History
158 Association) for allegedly breaking its operating contracts and violating state and federal laws in a number of ways. The warning alleges that among other incidents, Valley of the Moon cleared native brush, created new visitor areas that were not ADA accessible, built a rock retention wall, pruned trees, turned a historic building into an event venue, installed a mural, graded a road, and repaired a culvert—all without the department’s permission or proper permits. The documents cite 13 unauthorized Valley of the Moon projects and alleges 32 counts in which state or federal law—including the Clean Water Act, Environmental Quality Act, and Endangered Species Act—were violated. An executive summary of the state’s investigation of Valley of the Moon recommended “immediate termination” of the organization’s contract.
Records also show the Sonoma Ecology Center, which operates Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, received a Failure to Comply notice two years later. The 2016 notice alleges that SEC cleared vegetation to enable off-road parking, constructed a raised stage and shed, and prepared and sold food without permits or permission—all in service of its Funky Friday concerts, whose audiences were officially limited to 125 people but at their peak were over 500. The letter also notes that SEC redirected a creek tributary without permits and did not remove an unpermitted new picnic facility, despite repeated instructions to do so. Danita Rodriguez, then the parks district superintendent, writes that given all this, she feels that SEC “may not be exerting good faith efforts” to complete its duties as park operator.”
Both Jack London’s Van Wyk and John Roney, the park manager at Sugarloaf since 2012, say most of these allegations were the result of misunderstandings, while others were outright false. “Some things we did in violation were done intentionally; we just didn’t know they weren’t acceptable things to do,” Van Wyk says—like trimming a tree with hanging branches that had recently injured a child. And according to Roney, some of the Sugarloaf alleged infractions were actually SEC addressing problems the department had left unsolved—the “redirected tributary” was another broken culvert, he says, and the graded road was the emergency egress from the park, which had been blocked with fallen trees.
Roney says the Failure to Comply letter came without warning and that the department didn’t communicate its concerns beforehand. He wishes someone had come out to discuss things in person “rather than going to code red”; similarly, Van Wyk remembers that in the first years the department was “understaffed” with “little time available to train us.” She describes that year— which included raising funds from scratch, resolving urgent maintenance issues, and even furnishing empty state park offices—as taxing and exhausting. “I was stressed, angry, frustrated, and tired,” she says. “I think both parties would admit that there wasn’t a whole lot of mutual respect at that time.”
Roney and Van Wyk say that communication eventually improved, with an established schedule of regular phone calls and meetings. Funky Fridays found a new home, and both organizations took steps to resolve the issues raised in their exchanged letters. In September 2016, Rodriguez issued a joint statement with Sugarloaf that said, in part, “SEC and its partners took action to correct issues raised [in] the letter, and there are no outstanding issues at this time.”
A May 2016 update to Jack London’s Failure to Comply letter references the “many conversations” between the department and Valley of the Moon, discussions that Van Wyk says started out fraught but ultimately built trust. Jack London Park Partners retains Valley of the Moon’s contract; she posits that “at the very highest levels nobody wanted to see us kicked out because it could have represented a black eye [for the department].” The solution was those
159 frequent meetings, she says, and a mutual dawning recognition that “both parties have a fundamental love and desire for making these parks exceptional.”
Although the park partnership system was sold as a temporary fix, it’s clear seven years later that P3 is the new reality.
Despite these improvements, concerns about the new system linger. The California State Park Rangers Association (CSPRA, pronounced “sea spray”), a group of about 800 current and retired California parks professionals, has taken up the mantle of watchdog over the past six years, closely monitoring the department and its partners. CSPRA played a role in the Failure to Comply investigation at both Sugarloaf and Jack London, and from its perspective, those cases are yet to be resolved. The organization prepared a lengthy report this winter on continuing park issues that it plans to present to the department.
CSPRA member Bill Krumbein, who worked as a ranger in Sonoma and Napa for 26 years, helped with that report. He feels the urgency to save parks caused the department to lose touch with the “purity” at its foundation. “The highest priority has been placed on a business model for state parks and making money,” he says. “You lose perspective on why you have the state park there.” He mourns a “parks ethos” of warmth, passion, and connection with nature lost somewhere in the melee, and he wonders: Do we really need these shows, events, and parties in our state parks?
For Jeff Price, who heads CSPRA’s “Park Threats” committee, the problem is not the idea of park partnerships, but a lack of oversight and accountability in their execution. The way he sees it, “the district superintendent, the director, they just said, ‘Give them the keys.’”
The most common analysis I heard is that park partnerships engender a cultural and practical mismatch if not executed well. As a government entity, the department moves slowly and presents many layers of bureaucracy before a project can be approved. Nonprofits aren’t used to that pace, especially when the stakes are high both practically and financially. Slowing down to fit that pace can even cause a nonprofit to lose its donor, says Robert Doyle, general manager of East Bay Regional Park District, which operates several state parks. “It happens all the time. When somebody gives you money, they want to see that project done and done well.”
Take Jack London’s culvert repair. The department took issue with Valley of the Moon’s failure to submit a PEF, to get a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers, or to do studies about impacts on the environment or prehistoric artifacts in the area. But the culvert was washed out suddenly in a heavy storm. In a conversation paraphrased in documents from the state’s investigation, Van Wyk asks her interlocutor in a moment of frustration, in effect: Are we supposed to wait and leave the trail closed and impassable for visitors, while we wait a year for the state to approve repairs?
The P3 debate, then, becomes one of purists versus pragmatists. Price and Krumbein maintain that the challenges can be resolved with a champion in the Legislature, an increase in general funding, and more bonds like Proposition 68. “When the governor said we were going to close parks, that’s what we should have done,” says Price. “The Legislature and ultimately California voters needed to see something concrete that would help them change the outcome.”
Conversely, after spending much of his academic career studying the park political ecosystem, Christensen of UCLA has embraced pragmatism; he recently got involved with Los Angeles
160 River State Park Partners. “Yes,” he says of Price’s stance,“in an ideal world, but we’re not there.” In his work at LARSPP, he says, he’s putting “my money and sweat equity where my mouth is.”
Christensen cautions patience to critics who see the Parks Forward process as unproductive; like many people I spoke to, he compared this kind of change to turning a ship around, a sentiment parks Deputy Director Elizabeth McGuirk echoes. “Five years sounds like a long time, but it’s really short in terms of state processes,” she says. “We’re undergoing a culture shift.”
They’ve had some help. The California State Parks Foundation has played an essential facilitator role, first providing pro bono legal support for the five nonprofits that run state parks and then running skill-building trainings and conflict management workshops to help bridge that cultural gap. The work has been so successful that CSPF is now pivoting away from focusing on P3 dynamics, according to Director of Programs and Advocacy Holly Martinez. “They’re at a place where they’re having these conversations without needing additional resources,” she says.
That’s a good thing because although the park partnership system was sold as a temporary fix during the 2011 crisis, it’s clear seven years later that P3 is the new reality; even the department calls them “the way of the future.” Instead, as contracts from the crisis era start to expire, the department is learning from its mistakes—McGuirk acknowledges that the original P3 model was built “under duress”—and evolving.
Starting this year, park partners are signing more detailed and specific “co-management agreements.” The process begins with face-to-face discussions about mutual goals and is followed, ideally, by frequent check-ins and clear delineation of responsibilities, which Van Wyk learned the value of firsthand at Jack London. After the Failure to Comply letter came, “it was like, OK, wait a minute, let’s step back: What actually requires permission?’” she says. “What do we have the authority and responsibility to do?”
Park partners who have had smoother relationships with the department attribute that success to longevity and accrued experience, as well as the kind of consistent communication that eventually helped Jack London and Sugarloaf. Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks, which began in the 1970s and is now considered a pioneer in park partnerships, makes policy decisions with the help of a committee that includes both Friends and department representatives; members discuss park issues and even hold social events for state and Friends employees. This kind of cooperation “reflects how partnerships should work,” says Christina Jaromay, head of the new state park Partnerships Office. “We should never as a state enter into an operating agreement with an entity and turn around and walk away.”
Jaromay’s office is training more park liaisons to provide oversight in the field, but there’s still an essential element missing: money. The department’s budget continues to dwindle. Between 2016 and 2018, it was cut more than 20 percent. Without adequate funding, there may not be enough department staff hours for liaisons to do their work answering questions and smoothing regulatory processes, a limitation several nonprofit employees I spoke with noted with concern. “We might have a cooperative liaison assigned, but is that all that they do?” Jaromay says. “Is it someone who’s really involved, and that’s the majority of their work?”
161 The question may be moot in the face of the biggest obstacle of all: the department’s massive “deferred maintenance” bill, from decades of broken pipes and crumbling foundations left unaddressed as the budget bottomed out. Price points out the term itself is an oxymoron. “Maintenance implies advanced preventative action,” he says. “It’s actually deferred responsibility.”
The deferred maintenance total costs I find in my research vary wildly. Determined to get information from the source, I experience a moment of cognitive dissonance in conversation with McGuirk and Jaromay, when they simultaneously speak in glowing terms about their new multitier computer system for precisely tracking maintenance costs to the dollar and refuse to specify a total beyond saying it’s “above a billion dollars.” They’re focusing on something called “annual maintenance” for now, they say, using funding from marijuana and transportation legislation.
I try to learn more about what exactly annual maintenance entails, but after my conversation with McGuirk and Jaromay, the department responds to my follow-up questions and interview requests only just as this article is going to print. The data they give me from the new tiered system, difficult to parse through email, seems to indicate that the department is juggling 5,023 deferred maintenance projects totaling slightly less than $1.2 billion. What they don’t say is how they plan to pay that bill.
Meanwhile, virtually every park partner struggles with the realities of deferred maintenance on the ground. At Santa Cruz Mission, Friends relies on fundraising for its most urgent needs, like replacing a blocked French drain this past year (“This whole building is made of mud,” says Amanda Segers, Friends’ Program Manager. “We don’t want it to melt.”). Doyle feels strongly about the matter, calling this kind of obligation an “unfair burden.” Take Lake Del Valle, which East Bay Regional Park District operates for the state and which attracts 400,000 visitors a year. “The water system was built in 1960, and we can’t patch it anymore,” he says. “That’s probably three million dollars. Should we spend that money to replace what the state built?”
I ask Conn, who has made a career in finance, if, with deferred maintenance, the P3 system is sustainable. “Well, it’s more sustainable than the alternative,” he says. Neither he nor anyone else I spoke to is sure what the answer is here, but they are emphatic that Proposition 68 is a start. The bond’s $218 million for existing state parks could be put toward maintenance, and the $5 million will give operators the opportunity to address urgent issues themselves. It also sets a precedent of enabling bonds to earmark money explicitly for park partners, paving the way for future funding.
And yes, a change in leadership in Sacramento wouldn’t hurt. A commonly repeated statistic points out that one year of parks funding is one-tenth of one percent of California’s budget.
The funding “is there,” Krumbein says. “It’s just not pointed toward us.”
It’s a clear day at China Camp State Park near the city of San Rafael, and San Pablo Bay is slate blue and gently ruffled. The park is filled today with mountain bikers and families wandering the ruins of the last Bay Area Chinese shrimping village. Dogs run in the waves; a few curious onlookers squint at the replica Chinese junk tied to the ramshackle pier.
Friends of China Camp’s Martin Lowenstein walks the beach and the ruins of the village, its corrugated metal roofs glinting, walls endlessly patched. He shows me the ten-or-so pilings
162 holding the old houses up over the Bay that urgently need to be replaced. One has a hole clear through it with a view to the sand on the other side. He says he hopes people in the community will help him raise funds for it where the department has not. The local harbormaster offered to do it for a deep discount, “but it’s not that simple,” he says. He knows he will have to submit a PEF and get the project authorized. Who knows how long that would take?
For now, Lowenstein and his programming director, Sheila Coll, are doing their best with the resources at hand, as they push to put the department’s broader transformation efforts into action on a local level. Coll says her plans for the future of China Camp include programs on the park’s indigenous history that will bring in community members from the Canal district, a nearby area with large low-income Latino populations. She’s especially excited about working with a local facilitator for blind and sight-impaired groups on a tour of the park that focuses on the senses, including a pause to smell native plants and the dried shrimp the village once produced.
We stop at the old snack bar, which until 2016 was run by Frank Quan, the last of China Camp’s residents. “Fresh cooked crabs, sandwiches, fresh shrimp cocktails,” a faded sign says. Next to it, a paper tacked to the window: “in transition due to Frank Quan’s passing.”
The cafe is just as Quan left it, with his menu still written on a white board. His friends continue to gather on Saturdays to drink coffee and eat doughnuts on the old wooden bar. “This was and is a community hub,” Lowenstein says. The daffodils Quan planted still bloom outside his cafe, as if in reminder.
Alissa Greenberg lives in Berkeley, where she writes about strange science, international affairs, hidden histories, and community ties, with a generous dose of quirk.
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