March—April 2011

March—April 2011 On the Waste Front—Update Linking land use and transportation in Marin Coming to a neighborhood SB 375 is on its way A bicycle commuter near you: Food joins fellow scraps to compost Larkspur Ferry passengers for the n November 4, MCL held a Breakfast morning commute Forum on the status of food waste O to San Francisco. collection in Marin and included a report SB 375 seeks to on progress in the MCL January-February link land use and Newsletter. As of March 1, 2011, collection transportation efforts will expand to include San Rafael. in a way that (A rate hike to support the service was will encourage approved for that city on February 8.) fewer car trips According to the Marin IJ (February 9, 2011), and promote Marin Sanitary Service’s expansion plan public transit or also includes Larkspur, Ross, San Anselmo, alternative modes and several other jurisdictions, all of which such as these. must also approve rate hikes to enable the Dru Parker weekly pick-up of food scraps along with green waste. A pilot program in Fairfax, n its January-February 2009 Newsletter, The logic of SB 375 is based on the notion Sleepy Hollow, and parts of Lucas Valley and IMCL featured an article about SB 375— that if communities are designed to be more unincorporated neighborhoods has been sometimes called the “anti-sprawl” or the compact and closer to shops, services and in effect since April 2010. Neighborhoods “sustainable development” bill. The bill had transit, and if key open space and agricultural and communities in Southern Marin been passed by the legislature in late 2008 areas remain protected, people will drive less served by Tamalpais Community Services with the support of MCL and many other and communities will benefi t overall. Instead District and Mill Valley Refuse Service environmental interests, although few fully of relying on their cars for everyday life, Inc. instituted similar weekly food scrap understood it. Two years later, SB 375, while they will have the option of walking, biking, pick-up last year. In northern Marin, being gradually implemented by regional or taking public transit. Planners have been planning agencies with limited local input, Continued on Page 11 lauding this form of compact development is for most people as abstract now as it was as “transit oriented development” (TOD) then—an arcane planning policy, remote for a number of years. A more recent term, from public view. A key part of the bill Coming Up on May 18 “sustainable development,” is roughly that is about to surface in Marin and other equivalent. TOD has its critics (MCL has A Public Forum local communities will raise questions and reserved judgment because of some issues challenges. MCL will try to anticipate some of Housing in Marin: Needs listed below), but with the urgency of climate the questions and clarify important elements change, the potential for compact, walk-able and Constraints in this and subsequent newsletter issues. communities near public transit to reduce Co-sponsored by MCL, the League GHG emissions from autos and light trucks of Women Voters and the Marin Review of SB 375 Basics takes on new promise. Environmental Housing Collaborative. In simplest terms, SB 375 seeks to limit Compact development is not a new idea the effects of climate change by linking as a substitute for sprawl. Before the passage Pickleweed Community Center, San land use to transportation, thereby reducing of SB 375, it was being promoted in region- RafaeL, 7:00 - 9:30 PM. For details, vehicular greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions wide planning to guide future development go to marinconservationleague.org. and promoting livable, healthy communities. Continued on Page 9

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NL11B_MarApr.indd 1 3/3/2011 10:51:08 AM March—April 2011 A Message from the President: Weather and climate—planning land use for different timeframes

t is diffi cult in (CEQA) to evaluate impacts and merits. The climate change is already with us, we must Ithese chilly days “future” is limited at most to the horizon adapt to climate change even as we mitigate of late February with of the Countywide Plan. In the meantime, the sources. For example, a local applicant snow forecast for the land owners have been granted certain has proposed a small and otherwise benign weekend—like the snow entitlements, like zoning. mixed-use grocery and condominium development—in the near-term, a reasonable of February 1976 that The second timeframe is long-term. blanketed the Bay proposal. But it happens to be in an area Climate change requires us to plan for a that, even by conservative estimates, could Area and preceded two future we cannot see except in statistical years of record-breaking be under a couple of feet of water as sea terms. Since climate is derived from extremes, levels rise over the next 50 years (See Tam drought— to overcome averages, and trends, forecasting is imprecise Valley Project, Page 5). According to an April the vagaries of the weather and focus on and not always predictable. In addressing 2009 Bay Conservation and Development climate, especially long-term global warming, climate change, we are now identifying Commission report: “Living with a Rising or climate change. No one denies the reality sources and using many tools to mitigate— Bay: Vulnerability and Adaptation in San of weather, and most accept the reality of i.e.,reduce concentrations of—greenhouse Francisco Bay and on its Shoreline,” Marin climate change, but we experience them in gases (GHGs) by curbing emissions. SB 375 can anticipate a 15-inch rise in sea level by different ways and must make our plans in (see page 1) offers tools that focus on one 2050, and 4 feet, 7 inches by 2100. This will two different timeframes. Two articles in this source, but it’s a major one—autos and light not happen as a steady rise, but rather as an Newsletter illustrate this duality. The fi rst trucks—for which we all share responsibility. unpredictable series of events—heavy rainfall timeframe is immediate, or at least near- On the premise that more compact, transit- inundation, extreme high tides, storm surges, term, such as a rock star deciding to subdivide oriented communities can reduce dependence and wave action. his ranch to create more upscale home sites on auto trips and thereby reduce GHGs, the in Lucas Valley (see Page 3). It will take several bill proposes strategies to reconfi gure land Currently we are spending most of our use patterns of long standing. This is a little years of environmental review and planning efforts in fi nding ways to mitigate GHG like slowing and redirecting the Titanic: can process to gratify his ambition (we have few emissions. Our tools for adaptation are far the momentum of everyday planning process details about the proposal at this point), but less advanced. It is the responsibility of local be slowed long enough to examine the eventually something may be built. We deal governing bodies and agencies to anticipate mechanics of how to change direction? Do the future, and develop adaptive policies and with proposals like this every day and use we have a choice over the long term? tools at our disposal, like the Countywide tools in preparation. Plan, Development Code, community plans, It is particularly diffi cult when long-term and the California Environmental Quality Act and short-term thinking overlap. Since

Canis latrans, a Tennessee Valley resident, contemplates the implications of SB 375. One of the co-benefi ts of compact communities is protection of open space and natural resource areas.

Photo by Len Blumin, Flickr Creative Commons

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cutting off a traditional hiking and biking these actions will fragment a substantial area Rocker James Hetfi eld connection between the Terra Linda and of wildlife habitat. The development also plans to subdivide Loma Alta Open Space Preserves. To bypass would perpetuate a sprawl pattern of vehicle- that barrier, the County Open Space District dependent development. Water requirements Rocking H2 Ranch proposed a connecting trail across lands of are still unknown. Formal review is unlikely to San Domenico School. This “680 Trail” has occur this year, but MCL will comment on the in Lucas Valley been the subject of extensive environmental application when it is fi led with the County. etallica frontman James Hetfi eld’s review and will start construction next Mproposal to subdivide a portion of summer. Hetfi eld’s consulting planners offer his 1,150-acre ranch holdings above Lucas a number of benefi ts for his proposal, such Golden Gate Valley was recently announced in the Marin as allowing the 440 acres already dedicated IJ. The proposal is still at a conceptual “pre- to MCOSD on an adjacent ranch to remain Baptist Theological application” stage with County Planning. as open space, putting in a public trail Hetfi eld intends to develop 27 one-acre connecting Lucas Valley with the new 680 Seminary has homesites on the lower portions of his ranch Trail, and reducing the development potential applied to subdivide property opposite the Westgate subdivision of upper Lucas Valley by 77 units. on Lucas Valley Road and leave open the MCL is withholding judgment on Strawberry campus option of adding seven low and moderate- Hetfi eld’s proposal until more details are For 60 years the Strawberry Peninsula income homes. As currently planned, the known. However, MCL is concerned about has been home to the Golden Gate Baptist residences would be between 3,100 and the rich biological resources of the area, as Theological Seminary (GGBTS). From a 4,900 sq. ft., similar to homes in the Westgate encountered in environmental review of the modest beginning, it has gone through a subdivision. The development area also lies 680 Trail. The low density of the proposed number of expansions and transformations, across Lucas Valley Road from LucasFilm’s development (one-acre homesites) is not the most recent of which was an approved project on Grady Ranch, which is undergoing true clustering and will require the clearing Master Plan in 1982, parts of which have environmental review. of vegetation not only for the homes been implemented. These days, course work themselves, but also for accompanying Hetfi eld is well known as the lead vocalist at the Seminary increasingly can be done “hardscaping” (e.g., patios, pools, accessory and co-founder of the heavy metal band online, so the Seminary no longer needs all structures, etc.) and for clear zones and other Metallica, but locally he is also known as the of its land for resident housing. Its campus is fuel reduction treatments now required in property owner who erected a fence across also prime real estate. The Seminary has now the wildland-urban interface. Taken together, the Luiz Ranch fi re road two years ago, applied to the County to amend its Master to Marinwoo Plan and subdivide the 126-acre campus.

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Rd. be removed. The new units range in size from Limited 3,900 sq. ft. private residences (nine of which TERRA LINDA- Parking are planned); to 2,400 sq. ft. “cottages”; to SLEEPY HOLLOW . R L OPEN SPACE . 1,750-1,930 sq. ft. fl ats and townhouses; u F iz PRESERVE e 0.5 g and fi nally, to smaller faculty and student F id ire R Ro townhouse/apartments on the campus. It is a da 40 d n 0 Li unlikely that the previous faculty and student a rr Te units permitted under the 1982 Master Plan approached this size. Also proposed Marin County Open Space District Map is a new 16,000 sq. ft chapel on a top knoll

Photo by 6tee-Zeven, Flickr Creative Commons Photo by 6tee-Zeven, Flickr Creative The arrow indicates the general with unimpeded views of the Bay and San location of the subdivision proposed by property owner James Hetfi eld (inset) Continued on Page 11

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NL11B_MarApr.indd 3 3/3/2011 10:51:49 AM March—April 2011 Status Updates for loss of about eight acres of wetlands is Although the FEIR resolved some issues, Marin-Sonoma still being negotiated. MCL continues to be concerned that primary Narrows project responsibility for monitoring dozens of mitigation measures will be in the hands year has gone by since we featured the of the County Department of Public Works, Marin-Sonoma Narrows Highway 101 A Sir Francis Drake which is also the project’s proponent and has Improvement Project (Newsletter January- limited staff resources. Because numerous February 2010). At that time the FEIR had been Blvd. rehabilitation maintenance measures will be required to completed but mitigation for loss of habitat We last reported on the County’s proposed protect water quality during construction, of the endangered California red-legged roadway improvements to Sir Francis Drake MCL has recommended that an objective, frog remained unresolved, a situation which Boulevard through Samuel P. Taylor State Park independent party be contracted by the is today unchanged. Negotiations continue in the September-October 2010 Newsletter. County to monitor mitigation measures. between CalTrans and two different West At that time the Draft Environmental Impact Marin land owners to determine where a 204- Report (DEIR) was under public review. acre conservation easement will be established The Final EIR, which to mitigate impacts to the frog habitat in the was released in January, A section of Sir Francis Narrows project generally responds to Drake Boulevard’s badly area. Those MCL’s comments on the deteriorated roadbed Draft as well as to those of numerous other reviewers. The project would resurface 5.2 miles of badly degraded roadway pavement, pave properties are fi ve pullouts and remove Lawson’s Landing at more than 20 informal Dillon Beach, and the Barboni Ranch property pullouts, construct a 200- near Soulejule Reservoir. 250 foot retaining wall for slope repair between the In the meantime, construction of the roadway and Lagunitas long-planned project is beginning. A recent Creek, and replace culverts information open house held on January and make other drainage 31 in Novato was the fi rst opportunity in improvements. several years for public exposure to this project. Although funding is not yet assured This section of Sir Francis Drake Boulevard Alta Robles, Paradise for all phases of the project, construction- runs through one of Marin’s most popular Drive, Tiburon related activities have begun on an HOV lane State Parks and is adjacent to Lagunitas Creek, This 52-acre development project between in Segment A, which extends from Route habitat for the endangered Coho salmon Paradise Drive and Hacienda in Tiburon has 37 to Atherton Avenue. (Segments B and C and threatened steelhead. It is a particularly received only passing mention in previous MCL extend northward to north of the Corona sensitive site for a major construction project. Newsletters. Plans for a 14 unit residential Road Overcrossing in Petaluma.) Contracts As a consequence, MCL has two major planned development (“Alta Robles”) were for construction of various elements of the environmental concerns: fi rst and foremost, initiated several years ago. Because the site project will continue to Winter 2013, with protecting water quality in Lagunitas Creek; contains biological and aesthetic resources follow-up landscaping extending into 2017. and second, minimizing the removal of of county-wide signifi cance, and the site has Among other environmental issues of mature redwood trees that edge, and in a numerous landslides and sensitive hydrology, concern, MCL criticized the need for fi lling few cases intrude into, the roadway. The MCL has tracked the project throughout wetlands to construct a frontage road and “environmentally superior alternative” environmental review, beginning with the bicycle path running south from Redwood limits tree removal to three small coast scope of the Draft Environmental Impact Landfi ll to provide access to Mira Monte redwoods and fi ve California bay trees. The Report (DEIR) in August of 2007, up to a Marina, and MCL opposed locating a massive FEIR also evaluates an “Option A,” which, if recent hearing on the Final EIR and merits interchange in the vicinity of the Marin- implemented, would widen and/or realign of the project before the Tiburon Planning Sonoma County line at San Antonio Creek. several sections of roadway to improve sight Commission. The latter issue was resolved by shifting the distance, a safety consideration. MCL opposes MCL has also followed this and other interchange south to the Redwood Landfi ll this option because it would require the developments along Paradise Drive because overpass, which will be expanded, with removal of eight redwood trees ranging in considerable loss of woodland trees. The diameter from 24 to 95 inches, and one 35- frontage road remains in the plans. Mitigation foot tall coast live oak. Continued on page 5

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promised designs (can these be assured as marshland of Richardson Bay, approximately from page 4 Status Updates the project goes through individual home 400 feet south of the tidal Coyote Creek and of their cumulative impacts on habitat permittting and construction that could 500 feet southwest of the Bay shoreline. fragmentation and increasing traffi c along take years?), the development will be visually During a recent period of high tides, the site the narrow, winding and scenic roadway. MCL intrusive on the landscape. Moreover, the was fl ooded, a chronic condition in the area. also opposes the Paradise Drive trend project sets a bad precedent in that only Marin Conservation League is concerned that towards permitting more mega-houses that with extensive mitigation will it conform to the project is proposed in an area of existing is inexorably leading to a new “standard” of numerous Tiburon General Plan 2020 policies fl ood hazard, which will be exacerbated by 8,000 sq. ft. (See President’s Message, May— and Zoning Ordinance. sea level rise, and that existing policies do not June 2010 Newsletter). fully address this future condition. The Negative Declaration for the project A view of the Alta Robles property and San Pablo states the following: “The design of the

Bay as seen from Acacia Drive in Tiburon. Dru Parker project would provide a fi nished fl oor elevation above the top of the slab at 13.08 feet NAVD (roughly equivalent to Mean Sea Level) where the ground elevation will be leveled to 9.7 feet NAVD. The height of the fi nished fl oor would account for settlement of the structure within 100 years and would maintain compliance with the 100-year base fl ood elevation Sea level rise will likely change the base fl ood elevation over this time frame, and it is recommended that the building design include adjustable connections to the foundation to allow for raising the structure above the base fl ood elevation after long- term settlement and sea level rise. No signifi cant effects.” (Emphasis added.) MCL has consistently stated that what the Sea level rise cannot be predicted with any applicant has proposed—13 residences in precision, but we do know that it will occur addition to one existing, ranging in size from Tam Valley project 6,500 to roughly 8,000 sq. ft.—is too much raises question of for the site. The EIR described the sensitivities of the site, such as the presence of native sea level rise Dru Parker serpentine grasslands, signifi cant ridgelines In any other location, the proposal by protected by Tiburon General Plan policy, and Southern Oil Company to construct a 18 landslides requiring repair, but it failed to 5,913 square foot building grocery store offer a meaningful alternative that would and delicatessen with three second-fl oor substantially avoid or reduce signifi cant condominium residential units (one of them impacts by limiting the number of residences affordable) on a roughly half-acre disturbed and/or reducing their sizes. site would be considered totally appropriate. After more than a year’s delay, the The level site north of Shoreline Highway in applicant (the Rabin family, who own the the Manzanita Area of the unincorporated existing home) has agreed to reduce a few community of Tamalpais Valley was originally homes to 4,800 sq. ft. and set back one developed as a gasoline service station, which residence from Paradise Drive. Additionally, was removed in 1994. A shared driveway the project must also repair all landslides from Shoreline Highway provides access to with retaining walls, sub-drains, and other other commercial uses, including Frantoio repairs in order to accommodate the homes. Ristorante, a hotel and a two-story complex The applicant has refused to consider a lesser of small offi ces. number of homes. Instead, the project offers This particular location raises some issues many shades of “green”—LEED certifi cation, that are indicative of the need for policies that planted roofs, architect-designed homes built the County and Bay shoreline communities of into the land—none of which address the Marin will have to consider in coming years— key problem: too many overly large homes development in areas subject to sea level rise. Story poles mark the 150 Shoreline site on a highly constrained site. Even with the The 25,557 square foot property is on fi lled Continued on Page 8

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NL11B_MarApr.indd 5 3/3/2011 10:51:57 AM March—April 2011 Events MCL’s Annual Dinner on April 15 to Feature Peter Gleick, Environmental Awards Marin Conservation League is honored to be joined at our Annual Dinner on April 15, 2011, by internationally recognized water “We struggle from one year to the expert Dr. Peter Gleick, who will be the next, hoping for rain. We refuse guest speaker. The event, which also features to measure and monitor all of the annual presentation of MCL’s Awards for our water uses in a system with Environmental Achievement, will be held at the Key Room in the New Beginnings Center limits. We shy away from needed at Homeward Bound in south Novato. conversations about water use Dr. Gleick, co-founder and President of priorities and rights. As a result, Pacifi c Institute and a MacArthur Fellow, we’re racing toward peak water is one of the world’s leading authorities on limits and we can no longer water. In his ongoing quest for rational water afford to pretend all the water we policy, he has authored many books, articles, want will be available, when we and blogs. For a number of years, he has coauthored and edited the biennial series want it, at a cheap price, without The World’s Water, examining global issues consequences. A wet December around use and misuse of our freshwater and January doesn’t change that resources. The sixth volume in the series reality.” (2008-09) addressed such topics as “peak Board will receive the Marin Green Award water” (see side-bar) and “The Water Content for Environmental Leadership for her —Dr. Peter Gleick, from “Three Defi nitions of Things”—from potato chips to microchips. exceptional role in establishing monthly of Peak Water.” Read more: http:// In his most recent book Bottled and Sold: permit coordination meetings for the Marin www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/gleick/ The Story Behind Our Obsession with County Stormwater Pollution Preventiion index#ixzz1DPnydFZb Bottled Water (Island Press, 2010) Gleick Program (MCSTOPP). The purpose of the examines how drinking water has become meetings is to bring landowners together a commodity and been branded over the with local public agencies and assist them sound decisions a top priority, not only in his past 30 years, turning what was once a free with initial technical review and permitting district but throughout the County. natural resource into a multibillion-dollar for projects affecting creeks and wetlands. global industry. The Marin Conservation League Volunteer The 2011 Ted Wellman Water Award will Award will be announced at the event. go to Cynthia Koehler, Senior Attorney and Tickets are $75. Pre-register at California Water Legislative Director with MCL is very grateful to major sponsor marinconservationleague.org/events. Environmental Defense Fund. She has been a Bank of Marin and all the local businesses tireless advocate for ecosystem restoration in who have graciously donated raffl e prizes. The evening’s program will include the the Delta and for water conservation. The no-host reception will begin at 5:30 pm, presentation of MCL’s to be followed by the dinner and program at 2011 Awards for MCL turns to West Marin and Chileno The 6:30 pm. Fresh Starts Catering will provide Environmental Leadership. Peter Valley Ranch, owned and operated by Mike will the organic dinner buffet. Behr Lifetime Achievement Award and Sally Gale, for the John M. McPhail, be awarded to botanist of Wilma Follette Jr. Green Business Award. The Gales raise The Key Room, part of Homeward Bound’s Sausalito, founder in 1973 of the Marin primarily grass-fed beef and organic apples New Beginnings Center, is located at 1385 Chapter of California Native Plant Society. and take great care to protect and preserve N. Hamilton Parkway, Novato (behind the Wilma is well known for the weekly native the creeks, fi sh, birds, and native plants and Courtyard by Marriott at the north end of plant walks that she led for 30 years into animals on the Ranch. Hamilton). Tickets are $75 per person every corner of Marin County. and invitations are in the mail. Space is This year, MCL will add a special award to , Water Quality Specialist limited and no tickets will be sold at the Marla Lafer honor Supervisor Hal Brown for his 28 years Contact MCL at 415.485.6257 or visit formerly with the State Water Resources of service as the representative of District 2. door. marinconservationleague.org to pre-register Control Board and currently with the San Hal has consistently made environmentally Francisco Bay Region Water Quality Control by April 1.

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Events—Walks into History Hamilton History Walk The February 12 Walk Into History was attended by more than 50 people interested in how the former airfi eld was transformed into a planned community and a massive wetland restoration. The group walked to the top of Reservoir Hill (right) to get an overview of the Hamilton Wetlands Restoration Project. Along the way, Gail Wilhelm, former Marin County Supervisor, related how she had become involved as a Novato citizen in fi ghting to end several decades of speculation about Hamilton’s future as a possible commercial airport. Walk photos by Greg Zitney photos by Greg Walk

At the wetland restoration overlook (left), engineer Tony Williams gave an informative presentation on the history of the restoration project and its technical challenges in serving the dual purposes of restoring San Pablo Bay wetlands and disposing of “clean” dredge materials from the deepening of Port of Oakland harbor. The group walked along the main levee that separates homes and the rehabilitated hangars from the former runway, now buried under several feet of bay mud. The walk concluded with a tour of the Hamilton History Museum—converted from a fi rehouse by volunteers. MCL’s next Walk Into History will be April 30th on Ring Mountain The serpentinite-rich soil of Ring Mountain (right), on the Tiburon peninsula, has allowed species of plants to evolve which grow nowhere else on earth. On April 30, join MCL for a wildfl ower walk and learn the history of the lengthy fi ght to limit development on the mountain until the Nature Conservancy was able to establish the preserve in 1983. Twelve years later the property of about 400 acres was transferred to the Marin County Open Space District, which now manages the preserve. Visit marinconservationleague.org/events or call 415- 485-6257 to register for this free walk. Parking and transportation details are forthcoming. Dru Parker

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NL11B_MarApr.indd 7 3/3/2011 10:51:59 AM March—April 2011 Senator Leno outlines th MARIN CONSERVATION LEAGUE the issues at Feb. 4 Annual Meeting and Election April 15, 2011 Business Breakfast Proposed Slate of Offi cers and Directors for 2011—2012 The February 4th Business-Environment Breakfast at the Embassy Suites featured The Marin Conservation League’s Nominating Committee, District 3 Senator Mark Leno, Chair of the chaired by Jana Haehl, has nominated the following persons for election Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee, as MCL offi cers and Directors at the 2011 Annual Meeting and Election. who gave a frank and oft-depressing overview All MCL members who attend the meeting are eligible to vote. of California’s budget crisis. “In order to prevent the worsening of our fi scal situation Nominated for Election as Offi cers for 2011—2012 in the next few months, it is also critical to President—Susan Stompe, Novato consider new revenue and thoughtful tax First Vice President—Brett Powell, Mill Valley reform and ask voters to weigh in on what they want from their government and how Second Vice President—Nona Dennis, Mill Valley to pay for it.” Secretary—Bruce Fullerton, Mill Valley The Breakfast was sponsored in part Treasurer—Ken Drexler, Fairfax by Tina McArthur of Pacifi c Union Real Estate’s “M&M Team” and graciously Nominated for Election as Directors The following Directors will emceed by Linda Novy. MCL welcomes continue to serve unexpired terms: Term ending April 2014 your ideas for future Business-Environment Term ending April 2013 Breakfasts. Email your suggestions to mcl@ Priscilla Bull Kentfi eld Larry Smith Nicasio marinconservationleague.org. Jonathan Elam* San Anselmo Dan Sonnet San Rafael Jana Haehl Corte Madera Periann Wood Mill Valley Frederick Holden* Belvedere Term ending April 2012 Vicki Nichols Sausalito Betsy Bikle Mill Valley David Schnapf* Greenbrae Michelle Passero Mill Valley Term ending April 2013 Amy Marr Mill Valley Gail Wilhelm* Novato Bob Spoff ord San Rafael Term ending April 2012 Ann Thomas Corte Madera Chris Yalonis* Fairfax *New to the MCL Board

should initiate studies to determine where from Page 6 150 Shoreline sea level rise is most likely to affect low-lying not as a gradual phenomenon but rather areas, and what comprehensive planning in episodic events such as extreme high policies should address these changes. tides and storm surges. Even this project’s Properties surrounding Richardson Bay are extraordinary construction techniques (being particularly vulnerable. It is not enough to able to raise the building) will not adequately mitigate the impacts of individual projects; address this eventuality. these mitigations could have broader off- site impacts. We have commented on this Although this previously developed site particular project because we see it as an is surrounded by other buildings, and the Photo by Tim Rosenfeld example of future potential county and proposed use is consistent with applicable community problems. plans, the proposal raises issues that Senator Mark Leno at the MCL Breakfast jurisdictions fronting the Bay are going on February 4th at the Embassy Suites in to have to start addressing in a broader San Rafael. way. The County, working with other Marin jurisdictions on the Bay and working with data that has been compiled by the Bay Conservation and Development Commission,

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SB 375 from Page 1 Dru Parker and transportation investments in the Bay Region (see FOCUS at bayareavision.org). Under this region-wide “focused” approach, areas best suited for compact development were identifi ed (Priority Development Areas) as were areas best suited for conservation (Priority Conservation Areas). SB 375 Projects with increased made compact development “offi cial” by densities, such as the mandating that the State’s 18 metropolitan 84-unit San Rafael planning regions demonstrate their ability Commons, will become to provide suffi cient housing and livable more prevalent under the provisions of SB 375. The current Bay Region population of 7.2 million taken place at state and regional levels, with (e.g., HOT lanes, now called Managed Lanes), is projected to rise to minor input from local governments and as well as improved fuel effi ciency. those interested and able to attend multiple 9 million by 2035. The second phase—and central task meetings. In the Bay region, the responsibility of the bill—got underway last year to be communities affordable to all income levels for implementing SB 375 is shared by completed in early 2012, that is, developing for projected population growth by 2035, Association of Bay Area Governments a Sustainable Communities Strategy (SCS) for and simultaneously meet targets for reducing (ABAG) and the Metropolitan Transportation each of the metropolitan planning regions. In GHG emissions. (The current Bay region Commission (MTC), in partnership with the the San Francisco Bay region, metropolitan population of 7.2 million is projected to rise Bay Area Air Quality Management District planning covers nine counties and 101 towns to 9 million by 2035.) and the Bay Conservation and Development and cities. The basic objectives of the SCS are Commission. Marin’s primary connections AB 32 (Global Warming Solutions Act), twofold: 1) Provide a new 25-year land use with SB 375 planning have been through strategy for the Bay region that identifi es which was passed in 2006, established our own Transportation Authority of Marin State goals and schedules for reducing GHG areas to house all of the region’s current (TAM) and representatives from Marin County and anticipated population, including all emissions, a major contributor to climate governments to ABAG and MTC. change. All major emitting sectors of the income groups; and 2) provide a land use economy are subject to the State goals. The The fi rst obligation of SB 375 was for pattern which, when integrated with the transportation sector alone accounts for 38 the California Air Resources Board to transportation system, will reduce GHGs from percent of GHGs in the state, with a higher establish targets for reducing GHGs for each automobiles and light trucks to meet the percentage in Marin. According to analysts, metropolitan planning region of California approved targets. If the SCS is unable to meet greater fuel effi ciency and reduced carbon and to provide guidance on the elements that emission reduction targets, then MTC must fuels for vehicles will not be enough to should comprise a “Sustainable Communities develop an Alternative Planning Strategy that reduce this source of GHGs. Shifts in land Strategy.” After two years of complicated could achieve the targets. development patterns and transportation modeling based on existing sources of A fi rst round draft of the SCS is an “Initial also will be necessary. That is where SB 375 GHGs and projected growth, targets were Vision Scenario” and will be presented to comes in. It links new development with approved in September 2010. The targets local councils and supervisors beginning in transportation in a way that will encourage for the San Francisco Bay Region call for March. This will trigger local public workshops people to drive less and shorter distances a 7 percent reduction in GHG emissions between April and July. Marin’s towns and (i.e., reduce vehicle miles traveled, or VMT) per capita by 2020 and a 15 percent per cities, as well as the County, are scheduling and thereby reduce their GHG emissions. capita reduction by 2035, relative to 2005 presentations for their councils and boards. SB 375 also has a complementary focus of levels. Because the targets are based on per The Initial Vision Scenario identifi es locations, facilitating other public benefi ts, such as capita emissions rather than gross emissions, policies, and strategies for long-term identifying and protecting important natural they still allow for an increase in absolute sustainable development in the Bay Area as and agricultural resources, assets that provide emissions in each region due to population though there were no constraints. It will be many benefi ts to Marin. Marin ranks high growth. Even with this allowance, meeting the up to local governments to identify locations among the counties in vehicle miles traveled, approved emission reduction targets will take of greatest potential for such development, but also provides signifi cant natural resources development strategies that foster a more such as transit corridors, employment and that benefi t the entire Bay region. compact land use pattern throughout the infi ll areas, as well as to identify key natural region, more effi cient public transit, and policy resource and agricultural resources that Putting SB 375 to work tools such as travel demand management should remain protected. (employer trip reduction incentives like van For the past two years, most of the pooling and telecommuting), road pricing planning actions required by SB 375 have Continued on Page 10

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Will transit be suffi ciently funded SB 375 from Page 9 walk-able communities that lie behind SB to support the basic premise of 375 make eminently good planning sense. compact (TOD) development? The SCS Taken broadly, the SCS is not just about The expectation that habits can be changed assumes that there will be suffi cient assigning housing or achieving greenhouse and GHG emission reduction goals can be funding to increase transit capacity and gas targets. Its goal, according to the ABAG accomplished in the mandated timeframe, make other necessary improvements. web site, onebayarea.org, is to prepare the however, raises a number of questions and Can public transit become attractive Bay Area for changing circumstances of the challenges. MCL believes that jurisdictions in enough to avoid the local congestion 21st century—population growth, climate Marin will need to consider these and other and other unmitigated impacts that change, public-health needs, and at the same questions as they take up the fi rst iteration can come with additional growth time protect natural resource and agricultural of the regional Sustainable Communities and higher density development? areas. Ultimately, the SCS land use pattern Strategy. must be consistent with and supported by the How will local communities deal with What is a Sustainable Community 25-year Bay Regional Transportation Plan, SCS growth projections for 2035, which Strategy and what would it look like? which includes over $200 billion of federal extend far beyond typical General Plan An SCS can be described, and the Bay transportation investment, and it must be estimates and policies? The growth Region can even provide working consistent with Regional Housing Needs numbers for the 25-year SCS planning examples, but one size will not fi t all Allocation (RHNA) numbers (see below). horizon will be large compared to 8-year cases. Where might Marin be most RHNA numbers. Will Marin be willing affected and how is Marin likely SB 375 intersects with RHNA or able to accommodate these growth to respond as the requirements of projections? (Growth cannot be shifted Planning for affordable housing for all SB 375 begin to take form? income levels in the Bay Area is an essential to neighboring counties under SB 375) Will densifi cation of existing urban areas task of the SCS. In fact, SB 375 requires ABAG What are the environmental limits compromise “community character”? Some and MTC to identify areas within the region on where and how much new progress has already been made to reverse suffi cient to house an eight-year projection development can be located? Rising low-density development patterns by of the regional housing need. At the same sea levels already place large already promoting housing growth near transit in time, the Bay Area’s RHNA Plan must allocate developed areas of Marin at threat, the Bay region, including San Rafael. Other housing units within the region that are making them poor candidates for sites along Marin’s 101 urban corridor consistent with the development pattern in denser development. New standards for will need to be identifi ed. Densifi cation the Sustainable Communities Strategy. (See particulates also will limit higher density and growth will need to be viewed from also onebayarea.org.) housing near major roadways. Water a local as well as regional perspective. Controversy continues over the source supply in Marin is highly constrained. Can transportation and land use and rationality of RHNA numbers and target The goals of SB 375 are to accommodate changes alone contain sprawl in housing densities allocated to Marin County growth and to address global climate Marin? Land use changes alone will be and some of its towns and cities, as well as in change by careful planning on a regional very slow in yielding real reductions in many other jurisdictions in the Bay Area. In basis. Although regional planning has a long GHG emissions. In the meantime, should the May-June MCL Newsletter, we will take history in uniting counties and cities in the Marin County and its cities and towns up both positive and controversial aspects San Francisco Bay Region in shared solutions, consider means to slow the momentum of SB 375 as it relates to locating affordable SB 375 will challenge all jurisdictions of permitting large, low-density market- housing in Marin. throughout the region to meet regional goals rate homes on scattered parcels that in a way that also respects their local needs simply perpetuates a sprawl pattern and Issues and challenges and conditions. Marin’s excessively high carbon footprint? The principles of comfortable, compact,

Architectural design Dru Parker can greatly affect the physical appearance of density. On San Rafael’s ‘C’ Street, Centertown (left) and Lone Palm (right) are directly across the street from each other and contain identical numbers of units on identical acreage.

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The site for the Seminary from Page 3 proposed new chapel boasts Francisco. a spectacular The most visible area of the proposed new view of the city development would be thirty-eight residences (right); “Seminary on Seminary Point, directly across Richardson Vista West” Bay from Highway 101 and Richardson Bay would overlook overpass. If all are permitted, they would Richardson Bay totally transform the wooded Point. To the (below). south and east (Seminary Vista East and West), homes would be added to already developed neighborhoods. At the north end ago. The island is being restored to ecological possibly by code and covenant restrictions, of the campus, smaller townhouses, some health by Richardson Bay Audubon Wildlife to prevent intrusion into wildlife habitats in for faculty, would be built on the wooded Center. The entire shoreline where thirteen the Bay. The prospect of homes and greatly Seminary Knoll, above the intersection of of the new homes are proposed to front on increased human activity along the shoreline, Seminary Drive and Ricardo Road. Seminary Drive would need to be protected, especially on Seminary Point, is one of a Over the past 60 years, Strawberry number of impacts that MCL will be watching. Peninsula has become almost fully developed and, in some areas, forested with Monterey Pines and other landscaping species. Native plant communities are a rarity. Nonetheless, sensitive wetlands and important open water habitats used heavily by wintering waterfowl and shorebirds surround two sides of the Peninsula. Belloch Lagoon tidal salt marsh, which is connected to the Bay by a slender waterway, already must tolerate runoff and human intrusion from frontage businesses along Highway 101. Arambaru Island on the opposite side of the Peninsula is owned by the Marin County Open Space District. This one-time seal haulout was cut off from Strawberry Spit for protection when the Spit was developed with housing some 20 years Dru Parker

year. Collecting food waste from multifamily a voter initiative to ban plastic bags received from Page 1 Waste complexes, restaurants, and businesses is a 80 percent approval. The County’s action also goal down the line. Food waste from Novato imposes a 5-cent fee for every paper bag Novato Sanitation District began collecting is taken to Redwood Landfi ll for processing requested by customers. food scraps from single family residential into compost. San Rafael’s Community Development customers in late January. School collection Director Bob Brown is organizing an ad of food scraps has been underway for about a hoc committee with representatives from PlasticPla bag ban may Novato, Mill Valley, Tiburon, Sausalito, and San Anselmo to develop an ordinance that spread to towns would ban plastic bags and plastic take-out containers. Roger Roberts will represent MCL and cities on this committee. According to Bob Brown, After almost fi ve years of discussion, the ordinance will be very similar to the ttheh Board of Supervisors, on January ordinance the Supervisors passed in January. 225,5, aapprovedppro a ban on single-use plastic bags A draft will be ready to present to the public in grocerygroce stores in the unincorporated for review in April. CouCounty.n In so doing, they followed the eexamplexa set by Fairfax in 2009, where

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NL11B_MarApr.indd 11 3/3/2011 10:52:05 AM Non-Profi t MARIN CONSERVATION LEAGUE Organization BOARD OF DIRECTORS U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 151 Offi cers San Rafael, CA Nona Dennis, Mill Valley, President Brett Powell, Mill Valley, March—April 2011 First Vice President 1623—A Fifth Ave. Roger Roberts, San Rafael San Rafael, CA 94901 Second Vice President MCL’S Annual Dinner is Vicki Nichols, Sausalito, Secretary (See page 6) RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Friday, April 15! Kenneth Drexler, Fairfax, Treasurer Directors Betsy Bikle, Mill Valley Priscilla Bull, Kentfi eld Joe Bunker, San Anselmo Carson Cox, Mill Valley Bruce Fullerton, Mill Valley Jana Haehl, Corte Madera Amy Marr, Mill Valley Michelle Passero, Mill Valley Tim Rosenfeld, Mill Valley Larry Smith, Nicasio Daniel Sonnet, San Rafael Bob Spofford, San Rafael Susan Stompe, Novato Ann Thomas, Corte Madera Periann Wood, Mill Valley Board of Directors meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 PM and are open to the public.  Staff: Dru Parker, Operations Manager Haven’t Yet Renewed for 2011? Laura Schifrin, Operations Administrator Don’t let this be your last issue—renew today! Contact Information 1623-A Fifth Avenue San Rafael CA 94901 Name(s) 415.485.6257 TEL 415.485.6259 FAX [email protected] Address marinconservationleague.org City/State/ZIP Monthly Committee Meeting Schedule (subject to change): Phone Email (for announcements and events) Land Use and Transportation: 1st Wed. of the month, 8:00 - 10:00 AM Please renew my membership for 2011 at this level: Parks & Open Space: 2nd Thurs. of the month, 3:00 - 5:00 PM  $35 Steward  $250 Woodlands  $100 Business North Marin Unit (NMU): Call 415.485.6257 or see our website  $50 Creeks  $500 Redwoods  $______Donation for meeting details.  $100 Baylands  $1,000 Peter Behr Meetings (except for NMU) are at 1623-A Fifth Avenue, San Rafael  My check, payable to MCL, is enclosed  I will renew via credit card Marin Conservation League was founded in 1934 to preserve, protect and enhance Marin Card Number Exp. Date County’s natural assets. MCL is a non-profi t 501(c)3 organization. All contributions and memberships are tax- Name on Card deductible to the extent allowed by law. Printed by Mill Valley Services on recycled Signature paper with soy-based inks. Please share and ecycle. Mail to MCL, 1623A Fifth Ave., San Rafael, CA 94901 or RENEW ONLINE! marinconservationleague.org | All contributions and dues are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

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