Chapter 8: Open Space and

A. Introduction

Open Space is one of seven general plan elements required by state law (California statute §65302). National City has a desire to increase the production and distribution of locally grown within the community and improve the quality of for its residents. Therefore, agriculture was added to the title of this element to emphasize its importance in this urban environment. This chapter focuses mainly on the following topics:

 Urban agriculture;  Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities;  Coastal Access;  Recreational Trails;  Open Space Reserves;  Creeks;  Areas Suited for Future Park and Recreational Purposes;  Urban ;  Cultural and Historic ; and  Visual Resources.

B. Urban Agriculture

The State of California Department of Conservation Farmland Map for San Diego County indicates that National City is primarily Built-up and does not have any designated Prime Agricultural Land (Farmland Mapping and Monitoring Program, 2006).

Because National City is a built-out with no large open spaces for agricultural uses, it must rely on urban agriculture to increase local food production. Urban agriculture is defined by the Community Food Security Coalition as the “growing, processing, and distribution of food and other products through intensive cultivation and animal husbandry in and around cities” (Urban Agriculture and Food Security, 2003).

Types of urban agriculture include:

 Backyard, schoolyard, or community gardens;  Container or rooftop gardens;  Pocket gardens (mini-parks with food-producing );  Edible (landscaping that incorporates food-producing plants);

National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report 8-1 Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture  Greenbelt agriculture;  Greenhouse agriculture;  Orchards;  Trellis/fence/vertical agriculture ; and  Vineyards.

Urban agriculture has many benefits. It contributes to the quality of life in a city by providing a hobby that teaches residents about the activities that produce their food. Urban farming can foster community interaction by encouraging neighbors to cooperate in the cultivation of edible gardens. It can revitalize abandoned or underutilized land. In addition, locally produced food requires less packaging, preservation, and transportation than not grown in the community (Rees, 1997). This reduces the consumption of natural resources, the use , and the release of carbon emissions into the atmosphere. Healthy communities also require healthy food systems and the incorporation of urban farming is an important component of considering public health when planning a community (Where Food Planning and Health Intersect, 2009).

Children and education should be taken into account for urban farming to be successful in a community (A Serious Flirt with Dirt, 2009). Urban Agriculture and education in the United States is not a new concept. In the early 20th century, school children were taught how to cultivate gardens in urbanized neighborhoods of New York City (City Farmer, 2009). The government promoted community gardens to save food costs and the children’s school Victory Garden on First Avenue in New York City was an example of city farming in World War II. The opportunity exists in National City to extend education into city farming and improve the quality of life for school children and their families.

Locally grown produce in National City could be distributed to:

 Farmer’s Markets;  Schools;  The Meals on Wheels Program and seniors;  Hospitals and convalescent homes; and  Produce stands within the community.

The California State regulations specify that (Food and Agriculture §1392.1) (Title 3: Food and Agriculture, 2009):

 A certified producer may sell agricultural products, which he/she has produced, at a certified farmer’s market; and

8-2 National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture  A producer may only sell non-certifiable agricultural products which he/she has produced at a certified farmer’s market or agricultural products which he/she has produced at or near the point of production.

The County of San Diego Department of Agriculture, Weights, and Measures is responsible for the enforcement of the sale of agricultural products from Certified Producers at Farmers’ Markets (Agriculture, Weights, and Measures, 2009). A Certified Producer is a person/entity that produces agricultural products (fresh fruits, nuts, vegetables, shell eggs, honey, flowers, and nursery stock) upon land which the person controls (Agriculture, Weights, and Measures, 2009). A Certified Producer can be a non-profit organization or a local government agency. A Certified Farmer’s Market is a location approved by the County Agricultural Commissioner (Agriculture, Weights, and Measures, 2009). A city park or elementary school in National City could qualify as a Certified Farmer’s Market. The applications for both Certified Producers and Certified Farmers Markets are available through the County of San Diego at http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/awm/farmers_markets.html. According to the 2007 Crop Statistics and Annual Report, the top ten crops in San Diego County are: Valencia Oranges (2%), Strawberries (2%), Poinsettias (3%), Eggs (4%), Cut Flowers and Foliage (4%), Tomatoes (6%), Avocados (8%), Bedding Plants (15%), Ornamental Trees and Shrubs (21%), and Indoor Foliage and Flowing Plants (21%) (Refer to Figure 8-1).

Figure 8-1

National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report 8-3 Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture The 2007 San Diego Farm Bureau statistics specify that San Diego County (Crop Statistics and Annual Report, 2007):

 Has the 6th highest urban population;  Has the 12th largest agricultural economy;  Contains 308,991 acres of agriculture, which is the 5th largest component of economy;  Has 5,255 farms (second highest in United States) of which 63% are one to nine acres in size and 92% are family owned;  Has a median size farm of five acres;  Has 77% of farmers live on their land;  Produces the most value per acre of all counties in California; and  Has 292 organic growers with 150 crops (largest organic community in California and the United States)

National City locations with existing or proposed Urban Agriculture include:

 The Stein Family Farm (National City Living History Farm Preserve)  Olivewood Garden on “N” Avenue  Joe’s Pocket Farm  El Toyon Linear Farm

C. Existing Parks and Recreational Facilities

The 1996 National City General Plan states that the City will strive to maintain or expand the current park ratio of park and open space land to population. The standard identified in the existing General Plan is at least 4 ¾ acres of park and open space per 1000 residents (including local parks, public-owned wetlands, golf course, and school recreational facilities). National City Planning Department records indicate that the City currently has 7.27 acres of parks and open space per 1000 residents. Although the City does not define service radii for its existing parks, Figure 8-2 identifies service radii for existing community, neighborhood, and mini parks based on typical standards used in other jurisdictions: One mile for community parks (defined as being 15 to 20 acres in size), ½ mile for neighborhood parks (defined as being 5 to 10 acres in size), and ¼ mile for mini parks (defined as being 2,500 square feet to less than 5 acres in size). Based on these standards, the Planning Area contains adequate park and recreational services for most of its residents.

The City has seven parks, one nine-hole public golf course, and a marina within the city limits. Indoor recreational opportunities include after school youth programs, senior activities, and a community center with events for all ages (National City,

8-4 National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture 2009). Sweetwater Regional Park is approximately five miles east of National City in the City of Bonita (Sweetwater Regional Park, 2009) (Google Maps, 2009). The closest California state park is Silver Strand State Beach, located 4.5 miles south of the City of Coronado on Highway 75, across San Diego Bay from National City (Silver Strand SB, 2009). Sweetwater Marsh National Refuge is south of National City, off Interstate 5, in the City of Chula Vista (Sweetwater Marsh, 2009) (Refer to Table 8-1, Parks/Recreational Facilities and Table 8-2 Recreational/Community Centers). Open space for the City also includes plaza and indoor facilities such as Morgan Square Fountain, the National City Public Library, and the National City Cultural Arts Center (National City, 2009). There are currently no joint-use agreements in effect between National City Parks and Recreation Department and National School District to share school facilities, playfields, or parking spaces.

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Table 8-1 National City’s Existing Park and Recreational Facilities

Parks/Recreational Facilities Governed By Amenities Events/Activities

Kimball Park (Approx. 21 acres) National City Park includes: picnic areas, playground equipment, Auto Heritage Days, 12th Street and “D” Avenue amphitheater, playing fields, tennis courts, basketball Maytime Band Review, courts, skate park, and Kimball Recreation Center. Lion’s Fourth of July Carnival, Little League El Toyon Park (Approx. 23 acres) National City Park includes: picnic areas, playground equipment, East 4th Street and South “U” Avenue horseshoe pit, playing fields, football fields, tennis courts, basketball courts, and El Toyon Recreation Center. Las Palmas Park (Approx. 20 acres) National City Park includes: picnic areas, playground equipment, East 22nd and Newell Streets playing fields, tennis courts, Luis Camacho Recreation Center, and National City Municipal Swimming Pool. Paradise Creek Park (Approx. 2 acres) National City Park includes: salt marsh wetland habitat educational Creek Days, Student West 19th Street and Coolidge Avenue area, amphitheater, and a boardwalk. Programs: Egret Club, Birds and Bikes, Teen Apprenticeship Program (high school) Sweetwater Heights Park (Approx. 2 National City Park includes: playground equipment and basketball acres) courts. Cagle Street at Bonita Heights Lane Pepper Park (Approx. 5.5 acres) Port of San Park includes: picnic areas, playground equipment, boat Goesno Place and Tidelands Avenue Diego launch ramp, and a lighted fishing pier.

Butterfly Park (Approx. 2 acres) National City Park includes: grassy play area. Palm Avenue and East 22nd Street

National City Golf Course National City Public nine-hole golf course, pro shop, and driving range. 1439 Sweetwater Road

8-6 National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture Table 8-1 National City’s Existing Park and Recreational Facilities

Parks/Recreational Facilities Governed By Amenities Events/Activities

National City Marina Port of San Marina includes: office and commercial spaces, Foot of Marina Way Diego community meeting rooms, a 244-slip marina, and a boardwalk with an outdoor plaza. Sweetwater Regional Park County of San Park includes: picnic areas, camp sites, equestrian camp 3218 Summit Meadow Road Diego sites, covered pavilion with kitchen, fishing nearby, and Bonita, California multi-use non-motorized trails. Silver Strand State Beach State of Park includes: picnic areas, camp sites, three miles of 5000 Highway 75 California coastal access, swimming, surfing, boating, -skiing, Coronado, California fishing, and volleyball. Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife U.S. Fish and Refuge is a 316 acre marsh/wetland area with Chula Vista Sweetwater Safari Refuge Wildlife . through the Chula Vista Foot of E Street and Interstate 5 Service Nature Center Chula Vista, California

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Table 8-2 Recreational/Community Centers

Recreational/Community Centers Governed By Amenities/Activities

Camacho Recreation Center National City Indoor gymnasium with basketball courts and ping pong tables. (Las Palmas Park) 1810 East 22nd Street Casa de Salud Recreation Center National City Senior center (bilingual) promotes activities for adults 55 years and older. For 1408 East Harding Avenue example: trips, games, art classes, transportation program, recreational activities, and exercise programs. Some limited medical tests and legal services are provided. El Toyon Recreation Center National City Recreation rooms that provide after school programs for youth between the second (El Toyon Park) and sixth grades. 2005 East 4th Street Kimball Recreation Center National City Recreation rooms that provides after school programs for youth between the (Kimball Park) second and sixth grades. 148 East 12th Avenue Kimball Senior Center National City Senior center promotes activities for adults 55 years and older. For example: trips, 1221 “D” Avenue games, art classes, transportation program, recreational activities, and exercise programs. Some limited medical tests and legal services are provided. Martin Luther King Community Center National City Open for community use of all ages: children’s activities, social events, community 140 East 12th Street kitchen, and meeting rooms. Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego - National City Youth center promotes activities for underprivileged youths. For example: daytime National City Branch child care, transportation program, summer day camps, and performing arts 1430 ‘D” Avenue programs. Chula Vista Nature Center Chula Vista Zoo and aquarium with exhibits on native San Diego Bay plants and animals. Includes Foot of E Street an Interstate 5 displays on marsh and wetland habitats with sharks, stingrays, and jellyfish. Guided Chula Vista, California nature and bird walks.

8-8 National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture D. Open Space Reserves

The 1996 National City General Plan designates a few areas as Open Space Reserve (OSR), which is a designation that classifies land for preservation and limited passive recreational/educational purposes. These areas include Paradise Marsh, Bannister Marsh, and properties along the Sweetwater River west of Plaza Bonita. Paradise Marsh, Bannister Marsh, and the entire central potion of the Sweetwater River Control Channel Project are within the jurisdiction of National City and fall within the coastal zone (Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, 1988).

Paradise Marsh is located where Paradise Creek flows into Sweetwater River, between Interstate 5 and Harrison Avenue, south of Mile of Cars Way. This marsh is part of the Sweetwater National Wildlife Refuge. It has limited public access along the western and southern boundaries. There is pedestrian/bicycle access on Harrison Avenue, which includes an educational sign about the wetland habitat. A section of pedestrian/bicycle path, adjacent to the Army Corps of Engineers Sweetwater River Channel, runs along the south side of Paradise Marsh to the Marina.

Bannister Marsh is located between Interstate 5 and Hoover Avenue, south of West 30th Street. This area has no public access.

The open space area along Sweetwater River, west of Bonita Plaza Road, connects to a recreational trail and is considered an “environmental with scenic value” for the City (National City General Plan, 1996).

The salt marsh, which is part of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, can also be considered an open space reserve. This area is designated as tidelands manufacturing, but has an open space overlay. This overlay is intended to provide for permanent open space by limiting development.

E. Creek Access

The majority of natural creeks that once flowed freely through National City were channelized during the urbanization and industrialization of the City (Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, 1988). Public access for creeks is limited to a section of Las Palmas Creek within the National City Golf Course, which is not channelized and Paradise Creek Park, which contains a channelized section of Paradise Creek with wetland that rise and fall with tidal changes.

F. Coastal Access

Coastal access for the public is prohibited in sections of the coastal zone that are controlled by the U. S. Navy, which encompasses approximately two-thirds of National City’s bayfront (Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, 1988). The remaining

National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report 8-9 Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture bayfront is controlled by the Port District and mainly has large scale marine industrial land uses (Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan, 1988). Pepper Park (at the foot of Tidelands Avenue) and the Marina (at the foot of Harrison Avenue) are under the jurisdiction of the San Diego Unified Port District. They both provide direct public access to Sweetwater River and access by boat to San Diego Bay.

G. Recreational Trails

For the purpose of the background report, this chapter reviews trails in the National City Planning Area that are used for recreational purposes only, not for transportation. Pedestrian circulation is covered in the Circulation Chapter of this document.

The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail and the California Coastal Trail are part of the California Recreational Trails System (California Recreational Trails Plan, 2009). The Southern California segment of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail begins near Campo, a small California town near the Mexican border. The trail passes north through San Diego County at Lake Morena Park, then continues through California to the states of Oregon and Washington. National City is approximately 34.5 miles west of Lake Morena Park. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail will eventually connect to National City by way of the California Riding and Hiking Trail and the Sweetwater Loop and River Trail (which runs along the south side of National City beginning near Lincoln Acres). Incomplete sections of the Sweetwater Loop and River Trail are proposed and not yet open to the public (Regional Trails System, 2008). The California Coastal Trail runs adjacent to Interstate 5, through National City, and is easily accessible to its residents (Regional Trails System, 2008) (Refer to Figure 8-3, County of San Diego Regional Trail System).

H. Areas Suited for Future Park and Recreational Purposes

Vacant land in National City is limited, but opportunities still exist for new park and recreational facilities to be developed. One example is the Las Palmas Master Plan, which proposes to convert National City Golf Course into a park with such features as: an urban farm/community garden, restoration of Las Palmas Creek, new soccer fields, a clubhouse/recreation room, a family fun center, and 17,000 square feet retail space off Sweetwater Road (National City, 2009). Pocket or “mini” parks take vacant parcels that are small and often difficult to develop and convert them into community parks or gardens. Blighted land redevelopment is another option. Some cities close off streets to create new parks or plazas for various community activities including farmers markets, music venues, and children’s playgrounds.

Some vacant parcels in National City that could potentially be considered for recreational use or urban farming are:

8-10 National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture  Highland Avenue and East 21st Street (soccer field or recreational use).  West side of Highland Avenue ½ block north of East 21st Street (community garden).  East 16th Street between “L” and “N” Avenues with section of creek that is not channelized (creek restoration and educational community park).  “K” Avenue and East 18th Street (community park or children’s playground).  East 30th Street between “A” and “D” Avenues (community park or garden).  East 31st Street at “C” Avenue (community park or garden).  East 31st Street at “D” Avenue (community park or garden).  Mile of Cars Way between Cleveland Avenue and Interstate 5 (community park).  Bay Marina Drive between Harrison and Cleveland Avenues (community park).  Hoover next to Bannister Marsh (educational community park).

I. Urban Forests

The State of California General Plan Guidelines advises the Open Space Element to review for preservation of plant species and the management of resources. Although the National City Planning Area does not contain a typical natural forest, it does contain an urban forest. Urban forestry is defined by the Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978 as “the planning, establishment, protection, and management of trees and associated plants individually, in small groups, or under forest conditions, within cities, their , and towns.” The urban forest includes the urban tree canopy, which is the layer of leaves, branches, and stems of trees that covers the ground when viewed from above (Watershed Forestry Resource Guide, 2009). An evaluation made by the City of San Diego in 2003, shows that National City has a tree canopy of 7% (407 acres) and San Diego has a tree canopy of 13% (27,297 acres) (Urban Ecosystem Analysis, 2003). The recommended tree canopy for any metropolitan area in the Southwest or dry West region is 25% for the average overall tree cover (Setting Tree Canopy Goals, 2009).

A healthy Urban Forest can:

 Improve air quality;  Reduce storm water run-off;  Reduce energy use;  Extend the life of street paving (reduce heat island effect on streets);  Increase traffic safety (enhance traffic claming measures);  Improve economic stability by attracting businesses;  Increase real estate values;

National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report 8-11 Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture  and increase sociological benefits by strengthening urban communities (Benefits of Trees in Urban Areas, 2009.

The National City Public Works Department is responsible for maintenance of street trees on city-owned property and parks. The Planning Commission reviews requests for all street tree plantings and removals (National City, 2009).

J. Historic Resources

Historic resources are defined as buildings, sites, structures, or objects that may have historical, cultural, or scientific importance. Most of the sites currently listed in National City come from its early days in the late 1800’s when the community was beginning. National City has many cultural and historic sites and buildings because of its long and storied history as the first west coast transcontinental railroad terminus and the second city founded in San Diego County.

Some of the National City’s early homes and cultural attractions are protected on federal and local preservation lists. There are four structures on the National Register of Historic Places and the City has 27 sites listed as locally significant historic buildings (Refer to Figure 8-4, Historic Resources in National City). The National Registry considers a building’s age, integrity, and significance in deciding to apply the historic designation. The first step in this process is to apply to the California’s Office of , which seeks to maintain the cultural, educational, recreational, aesthetic, economic, social, and environmental benefits of historic buildings.

K. Archaeological Sites

California State Senate Bill 18 requires cities and counties to contact, and consult with California Native American Tribes before adopting or amending a General Plan, or when designating land as open space for the purpose of protecting Native American cultural places (OPR Intergovernmental Consultation, 2009). The intent of SB 18 is to provide California Native American tribes an opportunity to participate in local land use decisions at an early stage in the planning process for the purpose of protecting or mitigating impacts to cultural places. Senate Bill 18 refers to these California defines cultural sites as:

 Native American sanctified cemeteries, places of worship, religious or ceremonial sites, or sacred shrines; and  Native American historic, cultural, or sacred sites that are listed or may be eligible for listing in the California Register of Historic Resources, including any historic or prehistoric ruins, any burial grounds, any archaeological or historic sites.

8-12 National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture The process of locating cultural places begins with contacting the NAHC (Native American Heritage Commission) (OPR Intergovernmental Consultation, 2009). Native American sites are confidential and their locations cannot be published. A board certified archaeologist is qualified to review maps and data to identify their locations. According to the South Coastal Information Center (local chapter of the California Office of Historic Preservation), there are 50 or more Native American sites located along the Sweetwater River within the vicinity of National City (South Coastal Information Center, 2009).

L. Visual Resources

The General Plan Update should include policies to preserve visually and environmentally significant open spaces. These are often parks, ocean or river views, or any other viewshed that is considered locally important. National City has certain areas that have significant value as a viewshed, including the golf course and surrounding canyon, the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, and the Sweetwater riparian habitat. These areas provide open space and viewsheds that increase the quality of life. There currently are no designated scenic highways and byways.

The Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a federally-, and the Sweetwater River abutting Plaza Bonita is a County park, so the viewsheds in these areas are adequately protected. The Golf Course is currently being discussed as a potential park through the implementation of the Las Palmas Master Plan, but in the event of such a development, the park would retain its value as a viewshed.

M. Recommendations

National City currently does not define its parks and open space clearly in the General Plan. Definitions, classifications, and standards should be developed for park and recreational facilities. Table 8-3 identifies the standards that the City of Fresno uses to define various park types. These are common standards for most jurisdictions.

Table 8-3 Recommended Park Standards

Size Tange Service Area Park Type Population Served (acreage) Radius Schoolground / Playfield 1 - 2.5 Acres 3,000 - 5,000 ¼ to ½ Mile Neighborhood 5 - 10 Acres 10,000 - 15,000 ½ to 1 mile Community 15 - 20 Acres 50,000 - 80,000 2 to 4 miles Regional 100+ Acres 100,000 30 Minute Drive

National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report 8-13 Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture An additional park option that National City should consider is a pocket park, which is defined by the City of Manhattan Beach as a small neighborhood-oriented facility used to address limited or isolated recreational needs. Such parks usually range in size from 2,500 square feet to under one acre and can be built on small, challenged properties.

The National Parks and Recreation Association (NRPA) has also developed guidelines for parks that local jurisdictions can use to develop their own standards. The NRPA recommends that mini-parks be between 2,500 square feet and one acre in size, neighborhood parks to be between five to ten acres in size, and community parks to be between thirty and fifty acres in size. The NRPA also encourages flexibility in size and design of parks to respond to local factors and desires.

Urban open space such as plazas and courtyards should also be defined and recognized in the Open Space Element of the General Plan Update. Such spaces provide opportunities for people to gather and socialize or be alone in public. They also provide space to hold community events.

The current standard of 4.75 parks acres per 1000 population may need to be reevaluated. The NRPA suggests that a park system should include 6.25 to 10.5 acres of developed open space per 1000 population. Additionally, National City should develop a standard for urban agriculture acres per 1000 population.

To ensure that park and recreational facilities are accessible to all segments of the population, National City may want to develop policies similar those that the City of Oakland had adopted:

 A park should be available within walking distance of every resident. No person should have to travel too far from home to gain access to recreational services.  Recreation should promote the positive self-esteem, responsibility, leadership, and development of youth.  While programs should serve all populations in the city, a special effort should be made to reach children and teens.  Recreation should contribute to the health and well being of residents, workers, and visitors. Park and recreational services should promote health and fitness for all.

Special consideration should also be given to persons with disabilities and the delivery of park and recreational services to groups with limited ability to provide for themselves either through lack of income or other socio-economic factors.

8-14 National City :: General Plan Update :: Background Report Chapter 8: Open Space and Agriculture To aid with the development of urban agriculture in the City and encourage consumption of local produce, the Farmer’s Market may need to be moved to a different day or time of day. More people may shop at the Farmer’s Market if it were held in the evening or on the weekend.

Additionally, the City should look at ways to increase the urban forest. Trees are a valuable environmental and aesthetic resource in any community. Mature trees add to the appeal of neighborhoods and give streets an inviting appearance. They can also significantly lower heating and cooling costs by providing and blocking wind. Trees planted along major roadway corridors can shield adjacent neighborhoods from noise and provide visual relief from monotonous highways. Trees also help to mitigate the impacts from automobile exhaust. Trees located next to rivers or on steep slopes help stabilize riparian and prevent erosion. National City should consider combining its desire to increase urban agriculture with the expansion of the urban forest by planting fruit trees in public spaces.

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