HomeMy Public PortalAbout20060222 - Agenda Packet - Board of Directors (BOD) - 06-05 R4gional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
Meeting 06-05
REGULAR AND SPECIAL MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, February 22,2006
330 Distel Circle, Los Altos, California
AGENDA*
Please Note: 6:00 p.m. Closed Session Special Meeting Start Time
7:30 p.m. Regular Meeting Start Time
6:00 ROLL CALL
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT—CLOSED SESSION
The Closed Session will begin at 6:00 p.m. At the conclusion of the Closed Session,the Board will adjourn
the Special Meeting Closed Session to the Regular Meeting, and,at the conclusion of the Regular Meeting,
the Board may reconvene the Special Meeting Closed Session.
I. Conference with Real Property Negotiator—California Government Code § 54956.8
Real Property—San Mateo County APNs 079-080-050, -080, -090
800 Los Trancos Road, Portola Valley, California
Agency Negotiator—Craig Britton,General Manager
Negotiating Party—Frederick N. Woods, 111; Harriet Wright Woods,Trust,Owners
Jim Andrew, Attorney, Morgan Lewis
Under Negotiation—Price and terms of payment
2. Conference with Real Property Negotiator—California Government Code § 54956.8
Real Property—San Mateo County APNs 066-260-040; 081-090-020, 040, 050
POST/Tunitas Creek Ranch, 330 Tunitas Creek Road,Half Moon Bay,California
Agency Negotiato —Michael Reeves, Land Protection Specialist
Negotiating_Party—Walter Moore, Executive Vice President, POST
Under Negotiation—Terms of payment
3. Conference with Labor Negotiators, Government Code Section 54957.6
Agency Negotiators—Craig Britton, Sally Thielfoldt,John Maciel
Employee Organization—Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District Field Employees Association
7:30* REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE
DISTRICT
ROLL CALL
REPORT ON RETURN FROM CLOSED SESSION (The Board shall publicly report any action taken in Closed
Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.1(a).)
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS—Public
ADOPTION OF AGENDA—J. Cyr
ADOPTION OF CONSENT CALENDAR—J. Cyr
,MeetiAg 06-05 Page 2
APPROVAL OF MINUTES—January 25, 2006
BOARD BUSINESS
7:40* 1 Call Special Meeting of the Board of Directors for March 3, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. to be located at 201
South Rengstorff Ave, Mountain View, California to Discuss Resource Management; Review the
Revised Agenda for the Resource Management Workshop with Invited Panelists; Discuss Potential
Dates for Future Workshop—C. Britton
7:50* 2 Presentation of the 2005 Progress Report on Radar Use on District Lands—G. Baillie
8:00* 3 Presentation of the 2005 Miscellaneous Field Enforcement Activity Report and the Fifteen Year
Field Activity Summary—G. Baillie
8:10* 4 Presentation of the 2005 Progress Report on Bicycle Patrol—G. Baillie
5 Adoption of Resolution to Support the Formation of the Santa Clara County Health Benefits
Coalition; Authorize Payment of$1,000 to be Deposited in the Foothill-DeAnza Foundation for the
Purpose of Hiring a Grant Writer—S.Thielfoldt
REVISED CLAIMS
8:20* INFORMATIONAL REPORTS—Brief reports or announcements concerning pertinent activities of District
Directors and Staff; opportunity to refer public or Board questions to Staff for factual information; request
Staff to report back to the Board on a matter at a future meeting; or direct Staff to place a matter on a future
agenda.
CLOSED SESSION CONTINUED(If Necessary)
REPORT ON RETURN FROM RECONVENED CLOSED SESSION(if necessary) —California Government
Code Section 54957.1(a).
8:45* ADJOURNMENT
TIMES ARE ESTIMATED AND ITEMS MAY APPEAR EARLIER OR LATER THAN LISTED.AGENDA IS SUBJECT TO
CHANGE OF ORDER.
TO ADDRESS THE BOARD: The Chair will invite public comment on agenda items at the time each item is considered
by the Board of Directors. You may address the Board concerning other matters during Oral Communications. Each
speaker will ordinarily be limited to three minutes. Alternately,you may comment to the Board by a written
communication, which the Board appreciates.
All items on the consent calendar may be approved without discussion by one motion. Board members, the General
Manager, and members of the public may request that an item be removed from the Consent Calendar during
consideration of the Consent Calendar.
IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT,IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE TO PARTICIPATE
IN T141S MEETING,PLEASE CONTACT THE DISTRICT CLERK AT(650)691-1200. NOTIFICATION 48 HOURS PRIOR
TO THE MEETING WILL ENABLE THE DISTRICT TO MAKE REASONABLE ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE
ACCESSIBILITY TO THIS MEETING.
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Regional Open Space
i
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-06-28
Meeting 06-05
February 22, 2006
AGENDA ITEM I
AGENDA ITEM
Call Special Meeting of the Board of Directors for March 3, 2006 to Discuss Resource
Management; Review the Revised Agenda for the Resource Bement Workshop with
Invited Panelists
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Call Special Meeting of the Board of Directors for March 3, 2006 at 9:00 a.m. at the
Mountain View Community Center, 201 South Rengstorff Avenue, Mountain View.
Approve Revised Agenda for the March 3 2006 Resource Management Workshop.
2. A g p
PP g
3. Discuss potentialdate
p
at for the followingworkshop.
DISCUSSION
At your January 25, 2006 meeting, Environmental Science Associates (ESA) proposed an
i
agenda for the Resource Management Workshop to be held on March 3, 2006 and a list
of g
potential agencies to invite as panelists to discuss their agency's resource management
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program structure, philosophy, challenges, and successes (see Report R-06-10). Staff
secured the Mountain View Community Center as the venue for the Workshop scheduled
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Participation has been confirmed from the following
agencies and representatives:
I
Agency Representative s
Boulder County Parks and Open Ron Stewart, General Manager
Space Therese Glowacki, Resource
Management Division Director
East Bay Regional Park District Jack Kenn Chief of Park Operations
Ea ,
Y g Y p
Golden Gate National Brian O'Neill, Superintendent
Recreation Area Sharon Farrell, Resource Planner
Marin Municipal Water District Mike 8wezy,Natural Resource
Specialist
Santa Clara County Parks Lisa Killough, Director
Don Rocha,Natural Resource
Program Supervisor
i
III
R-06-28 Page 2
In addition, ESA revised the Workshop agenda based on Board comments from the
January 251" meeting. The revised agenda is attached for your review and approval.
The Board also expressed interest in having a separate Special Meeting on March 4,
2006, the Saturday following the Resource Management Workshop to discuss the
District's own resource management program structure, organization, priorities, and
policies based on the information gained from the March 3`d Workshop. We have
secured ESA services in facilitating a Special Meeting on March 41h
After further discussion, however, staff believes a follow-up session to the March 3`d
Workshop would be most productive if staff and ESA had time to summarize the results
of the Workshop in a report to the Board and also to better prepare a format and structure
based on the key themes and significant elements that emerge from the Friday Workshop.
Staff and ESA would also have time to obtain additional information, based on the March
3`d Workshop discussions and questions that may be useful for the Board to read in
advance of the Saturday Special Meeting. Therefore, staff recommends that the Board
consider an alternative date for the Saturday Special Meeting that would allow time for
additional analysis and information gathering after the March 3`d Workshop.
Potential alternative dates for the Saturday Special Meeting are March 18, April 8, and
April 29, 2006. ESA has advised us that they are available for all of those dates.
Prepared by:
Michelle Jes erson Management Analyst
p g Y
Contact Person:
L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Attachment: Revised Workshop Agenda for March 3, 2006
I
I
I
1
REVISED
Workshop Agenda
Friday, March 3, 2006
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion o Selected Natural Resource Management Programs at Selected Park
�f
Land and Open Space Land Management Organizations
1 Introductions (15 minutes)
2. Workshop Goals and Procedural Information (15 minutes)
ESA will introduce rationale for Workshop, background information,
goals for the day, andprocess/rules of procedure.
3. Panel Discussion on Natural Resources Programs (NRP):
Trends and Commonalities (2 %. hours)
• What is the definition and goal of natural resource management for your agency?
• What are key environmental issues being addressed?
• What are the latest trends in resource management?
• How do you stay current with both science and applied ecological techniques?
How do you use information from research and academia vs. knowledge gained
by observation or on the ground agency experience?
• Do you have a plan to enhance and sustain biodiversity as part of your resource
management program?
Break for Lunch—
4. Organizational Structure (1 hour)
ESA will report on information obtained prior to Workshop.
• What is the budget for NRPs and what percent is the NRP budget of the total
budget?
• How many staff and what type of positions work for the NRP? How often does
agency use consultants?
• How are NRPs organized within the larger land management organization(i.e.
organizational chart, what department(s))?
• What are the most common natural resource program (NRP) elements of these
organizations?
5. Panel Discussion: NRP Philosophy (1 1/2 hour)
• How do agencies set priorities and allocate funds between protection of lands
(natural resource programs) and other agency goals such as land purchase, public
R-06-28 Page 4
access/recreation, facility development, and maintenance/operations? How does
resource management fit within agency's overall strategic plan?
• How do agencies respond to or prioritize emerging issues and new science in lieu
of keeping with planned natural resource projects and objectives?
• Qf there is time) How do agencies maintain focus on resource management
program goals in light of changing budgets and staff?
Break—
6. Selected Case Studies (1 hour)
• Brief overview of selected practice areas (i.e. sustaining biodiversity, invasive
species, grassland management, water quality)
• Specific Case Studies demonstrating success in resource management techniques
7. Open Q & A (30 minutes)
Items that will come out during discussion or will be addressed during the course of the
Workshop:
• What works and what does not work? How do agencies define success?
• What would the agency do for resource management if it faced no constraints; i.e.
what is the big picture or vision?
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-06-26
Meeting 06-05
February 22, 2006
AGENDA ITEM. 2
AGENDA ITEM
Annual Progress Report on the Use of Radar on District L ds for alendar Year 2005
7�GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMEN N!
Accept this informational report on the Radar Program.
DISCUSSION
At your Regular Meeting of December 14, 1994 you approved the program for use of radar by
District rangers and directed staff to report annually on its use (see Report R-94-124). During the
last eleven years rangers have used radar to continue to increase visitor awareness and to enforce
the District's trail use speed limit.
Radar Program Data
Number of Radar Readings
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Total
< 15 MPH 950 1,798 2,697 2,081 2,415 1,980 1,886 2,316 2,158 1,954 1,661 21,896
16-20
MPH 248 553 758 659 631 133 478 649 633 554 479 5,775
21 -25
MPH 82 149 214 136 179 133 179 184 203 216 154 1,829
6-30
MPH MPH 16 23 25 30 16 11 19 33 21 41 20 255
>30 MPH 3 7 2 2 6 5 0 16 2 10 12 65
Total> 15
MPH 349 732 999 827 832 282 676 882 859 821 665 7,924
Total
Readin s 1,299 2,530 3,696 2,908 3,247 2,262 2,562 3,198 3,017 2,775 2,326 29,8201
Ratio of
Violations 26.87% 28.93% 27.03% 28,44% 25.62% 1147% 26.39% 27.58% 28.47% 29.59% 28.59% 26.04%
to
Readings
,�itations 22 53 57 38 25 30 31 61 51 92 47 501
R-06-26 Page 2
The data contained in the table above represents the total use of radar by District Rangers during
the last eleven years. Over the period represented, the number of equestrians recorded by radar
was less than I% of the total readings taken. None of the equestrian readings have been in
excess of the District's trail use speed limit, so they were not included in the table.
The chart below illustrates the percentages of speed observations averaged over the eleven year
period of 1995 —2005.
Average Radar Readings - by Speed Category
1995 -2005
26-30 MPH
0.86% >30 MPH
21-25 MPH 012%
6.13%
16-20 MPH
19.37%
7143%
Findings
1. The majority of bicyclists using District trails adhere to the trail use speed limit; however,
28.6% of the riders observed exceeded the trail use speed limit of 15 miles per hour in 2005.
2. The ratio of trail use speed limit violations over the last ten years has remained fairly
constant, between 25% to 29% of the total number of readings.
3. The radar program continues to provide opportunities for rangers to contact bicyclists and
educate preserve users regarding trail use safety.
R-06-26 Page 3
CONCLUSION
In 2005, staff completed 685 hours of radar service. This is an increase of 25% from the 547
hours completed in 2004 and continues the trend of increased hours for the last five years. A
number of factors contributed to this, including hiring of more staff, and staff s follow through
on Board direction that more time be spent on bicycle speed enforcement.
Citations issued for speed violations decreased from 92 in 2004 to 47 in 2005. Written warnings
increased from 58 issued in 2004 to 66 written in 2005. The ratio of citations issued to speed
violations greater than 20 MPH decreased from 34% in 2004 to 25% in 2005. The following
table summarizes the information for the last five years:
YEAR Radar Hours Citations Warnings
2005 684 47 66
2004 547 92 58
2003 483 50 42
2002 373 61 40
2001 289 31 52
The number of readings greater than 30 MPH increased from 10 in 2004 to 12 in 2005. Staff
continues to focus their attention on the so-called"extreme mountain biking" aspect of the sport,
which continues to be a concern.
Implementation of a new radar database has improved staffs ability to analyze the radar readings
taken by staff, and to more accurately track hours of radar service and citations and warnings
issued. The attached chart (Appendix A) illustrates the distribution of radar readings by preserve
and by speed.
Staff believes that the use of radar and the speed enforcement program is an effective means of
increasing public awareness about safe trail use. It is an objective method of determining a trail
user's speed and increases the frequency of informational contacts. It is also staffs experience
that trail use speed limits are more often observed by bicyclists when they are aware that rangers
are using radar and enforcing the trail use speed limit. The percentage of speed violations is
likely to be greater when radar is not being operated.
Prepared by:
Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst
Contact Person:
Same as above
R-06-26 Page 4
2005 Radar Speed .Information by Preserve
Preserve Name Total#of Speed Readings <=15 16-20 21-25 2630 31+
El Corte de Madera 196 123 47 23 -2
E1
8.4% 62.8% 24.0% 11.7% 1.0% 0.5%
El Sereno 2 _� �� =--J
0.1% 00.0%
Fremont Older 582 397 140 35
25.0% 68.2% 24.1% 6.0% 1.0% 0.7%
Long Ridge 180 440- 33
7.7% 77.8% 18.3% 3.9%
Monte Bello 280 171 64 35 ■.:=� C�
12.0% 61.1% 22.9% 12.5% 2.1% 1.4%
Purisima 31
1.3% 87.1% 12.9%
Russian Ridge 32 E 27 [.5- [�
1.4% 84.4% 15.6%
Saratoga Gap 62
2.7% 98.4% 1.6%
Sierra Azcd 55 E 31 _ 17_-- [ =
2.4% 56.4% 30.9% 7.3%n 3.6% 1.8%
Sierra Azul- Kennedy- 84 [. 61 [ 12
Litnekiln
3.6% 72.6% 14.3% 10.7%0 2.4%
Skyline Ridge 13 11
0.6% 84.6% 7.7% 7.7%
St. Joseph's Hill 783 593 147 39
33.7% 75.7% 18.8% 5.0% 0.3% 0.3%
Windy Hill 26 1s [ - ti
1.1% 73.1% 23.1% 3.8%
-- l,661 479 154 20 ( 12
Total Number of Readings 2�326- � � �� L � L�_-__
71.4% 20.6% 6.6% 0.9% 0.5%
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-06-27
Meeting 06-05
February 22, 2006
AGENDA ITEM 3
AGENDA ITEM
r..
Field Enforcement Activity for 2005 and Fifteen-Ye Field Activity Summary
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
Accept the 2005 Miscellaneous Enforcement Activity Summary and the Fifteen-Year Field Activity
Summary.
DISCUSSION
Since April 1995, staff has given the Board written monthly reports on emergency incidents and
'v' ' n District land. At the end
of each year you have been given a summary for that
activities o enforcement y y g rY
year as well as a comparison with previous years.
i
Two summaries are presented for your review: the 2005 Miscellaneous Enforcement Activity Summary
(Appendix A), and the Fifteen-Year Field Activity Summary (Appendix B), with highlights represented
in graph form (Appendices C and D).
a
The Miscellaneous Enforcement Activity Summary(Appendix A) lists, in chronological order for the
past year, contacts made or reports taken by staff of potentially serious,violent, or other criminal activity
list of incidents but reflects incidents of
on or near District land. This is not a comprehensivespecial
interest or concern. Events which posed special concern for ranger safety, or which were unusual in I
1
nature are included. The Fifteen-Year Field Activity Summary includes violations of District Land Use
Regulations, emergency responses, criminal activity, and mutual aid incidents. Only contacts that
resulted in some form of written record, such as a District incident report, written warning, citation, or
mutual aid assistance report, have been included in these summaries. General assistance to preserve
visitors, informational contacts, and verbal warnings have not been included.
Trends and Issues
The total number of noted violations of District ordinances was 1,600 this year. This is a slight decrease
from last year's total of 1,727. Parking, and Parking After Hours violations constituted 486 instances of
the recorded District violations. When parking violations are removed, the number of noted violations
of District Ordinances declined slightly from 1,139 in 2004 to 1,114 in 2005. Parking at Rancho San
Antonio continues to be an area of focus and attention.
R-06-27
Page 2
Recorded bicycle violations decreased from 435 in 2004 to 319 in 2005 (a decrease of 27% - see chart
below). Bicycles in closed areas and bicycle helmet violations were the main components of this
decrease. The trends reflect staff s implementation of Board direction for increased radar hours as well
as greater focus on problems of bicycles in closed areas. There was a significant increase in the number
of after-hours bicycle violations and staff will focus efforts on dealing with this problem.
1991 1992 1993 1994 19951 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
A. VIOLATIONS
1.Bike-closed area 120 172 197 154 125 149 112 101 112 99 62 60 63 89 58
2.Bike-speed 43 101 149 1121 85 681 641 82 1011 93 1461 113
3.Bike-helmet 203 255 287 263 92 148 128 159 1351 152 187 12
4.Bike-ni ht riding 44 17 29 3 39 5 25 13 2
Total Bicycle Violation 1 197 4001 4811 585 531 295 357 294 342 435 31
s 20 1 172 1
The total recorded number of acts of recorded vandalism dropped from a high of 107 in 2000 to a low of
44 in 2004. In 2005 there were 83 incidents of vandalism. The total varies by year and no specific
pattern has been identified for this problem. Staff continues to monitor the vandalism problem, and to
install more vandal resistant infrastructure.
The number of accidents experienced by bicyclists decreased significantly from last year from 29 to 19,
while the number of hiking/running accidents and equestrian accidents remained similar. Appendix D
provides graphical information on accident trends for different user groups.
Overall the number of violations has steadily increased over the last 15 years (see Appendix Q, although
there is a decrease for 2005. During this time period the number of users, the number of acres managed
by the District, and the number of staff have also increased. Staff will continue to focus on areas of
special concern, including illegal trail construction, especially in the Skyline preserves, and auto
burglaries.
Prepared by:
Gordon C. Baillie, Management Analyst
Research Assistance:
Ken Miller, District Ranger
Contact Person:
John A. Maciel, Operations Manager
R-06-27 Page 3
APPENDIX A
2005 Miscellaneous Enforcement Activities
KEY SCSO: Santa Clara Sheriffs Office OS: Off District lands CDF: CA Dept. Forestry
SMSO: San Mateo Sheriffs Office CHP: CA Highway Patrol F&G: CA Fish&Game
LGPD: Los Gatos Police Dept. EPAPD: East Palo Alto Police Dept.
UNET Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team CAMP: Campaign Against Marijuana Production
Date Nature of Incident Outcome Rangers Law
Present Enforcement
Assistance
January
12 Three juveniles were found in a The weapon was taken for storage at the 4 1
closed area at Sierra Azul. The Field office. The subjects were cited for
juveniles were underaged, and were fishing and being in a closed area.
in possession of an unloaded gun.
14 A Ranger contacted a man at the SCSO arrested the man. The vehicle 3 1
gate to Mt. Umunhum. The subject and the girls were released to the man's
was found to be in possession of mother.
methamphetamines. The man was
accompanied by four juvenile girls.
23 A subject was contacted on Rangers handcuffed the individual and 3 1
Pheasant Road and was found to awaited SCSO arrival. The subject was
have$40,000 in outstanding arrested by SCSO.
warrants.
February
26 A vehicle was stopped in a closed One person was cited for closed area 2 0
area of Sierra Azul and marijuana and possession of marijuana.
was found after a glass pipe was
seen in the vehicle.
March
2 A suspicious trail was found in The SCSO Marijuana Eradication team 2 1
Picchetti. A marijuana garden with was notified.
25 plants was found.
April
20 An unconscious subject, who had Staff met the individuals who were 3 0
participated in a Stanford fraternity transporting the subject, and he was
event, was transported from Monte transported to Stanford Hospital. Staff
Bello by friends. The subject was followed up with Stanford University.
suffering from alcohol poisoning.
May
4 A report was received of an illegal Assistance was requested from SMSO. 2 1
campsite at Pulgas. The campsite Two shots were heard in the area.
was covered in camouflage netting. SMSO responded,the area was searched
and the items were booked into
evidence. They were later claimed by
their owner.
8 Rangers contacted 2 adults and 5 Some of the party had been shooting at 2 0
juveniles. One juvenile was holding trees. The owner of the gun was cited
an"Airsoft,"gun which was a for possession of a BB-style gun.
replica of a machine gun.
R-06-27 Page 4
Date Nature of Incident Outcome Rangers Law
Present Enforcement
Assistance
20 A vehicle was found in the Sierra SCSO was called. The driver was I I
Azul area with license plates which arrested for possession of stolen license
did not match the vehicle's VIN. plates.
June
10 A subject was contacted for Drug paraphernalia and a controlled I I
camping at Ravenswood and substance were found. EPAPD
consented to a search of her jacket. responded and the subject was arrested.
July
I A Ranger responded to a report of a Subject was arrested by SCSO for being I I
woman down in Rancho San under the influence.
Antonio. The subject was
uncooperative.
18 A bicyclist was reported as being The person was found to be deceased. 3 3
down in Fremont Older.
23 A woman who was a passenger in a SCSO was called. The vehicle was I I
vehicle near Sierra Azul contacted a found to have plates which did not
Ranger and said she was scared and match the vehicle, and the driver and
wanted a ride home. passenger did not have valid licenses.
The driver, who was extremely
uncooperative, was later released and
the woman was transported by SCSO to
her home.
27 A Ranger assisted SCSO in locating An eradication operation was planned 1 5
a marijuana growing site with for August.
several hundred plants.
August
8 A Ranger was assisting the SCSO A Fish and Game Warden was shot in 4 30+
Marijuana Eradication Team at a the legs. Fire was returned. One suspect
marijuana growing location in Sierra was killed and another escaped. The
Azul when shots were fired. wounded officer was air evacuated and
an extensive search was initiated for the
second suspect. 22,500 plants were later
removed from a network of sites.
September
8 SCSO and CAMP removed 10,000 8 suspects fled the area when the team 0 6+CAMP+
marijuana plants from Sierra Azul. approached. UNET
16 SCSO and CAMP removed 350 No suspects were located, but a 0 7+CAMP
mariivana plants from Sierra Azul. campsite was found in the area.
30 A subject drove a large 4X4 through The subject was uncooperative. Two 2 2
a fence at El Corte de Madera in an minors were present with him. SMSO
attempt to access the area for off- and CHP were requested. The subject
road driving. was cited for alcohol, littering and off-
road operation.
October
22 Shots were heard by Ranger resident SMSO responded, but no suspects were 1 2
in Monte Bello. located.
23 An individual who appeared to be Officers from 4 jurisdictions responded 4 14
psychotic or under the influence and Page Mill Road was closed. The
contacted a Ranger on Page Mill subject was taken into custody without
Road harm.
R-06-27 Page 5
Date Nature of Incident Outcome Rangers Law
Present Enforcement
Assistance
November
22 District property, worth $1,000, was SCSO deputies stopped a vehicle which 2 2
stolen from the Skyline Field Office. was probably associated with the event,
The incident was discovered by a but did not find sufficient evidence to
resident Ranger while in progress. hold the individuals.
December
10 A Ranger observed a pick-up truck The Ranger blocked the exit of the 3 5
with its wheels missing at a gate in suspects' vehicle with his truck. The
Sierra Azul. Two suspects were suspects fled on foot. SCSO determined
observed, with wheels in the back of that the truck was stolen. The Ranger
their vehicle. was later able to identify the suspects
through a photo lineup, and the suspects
were arrested.
R-06-27 Appendix B Page 6
FIFTEEN YEAR HELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
A.-VIOLATIONS
I Bike-closed area 120 172 197 154 125 149 112 101 112 99 62 60 63 89 58
2.Bike-speed 43 101 149 112 85 68 64 82 101 93 146 113
3,Bike-helmet 203 255 287 263 92 148 128 159 135 152 187 124
4.Bike-night riding 44 17 29 3 39 5 25 13 24
5.Bike-Unsafe Operation 13 3 1 3 1 3 4. 0 01
6.Dogs-prohibited 21. 31 58 58 62 63 72 37 48 34 40 52 72 72 55
7.Dogs-off leash 33 82 92 76 67 81 lot 63 58 82 111 129 168 188 131
8.Off road vehicle 41 39 26 20 15 16 11 17 18 16 27 18 34 28 21
9_,Closcd_area 176 252 286 262 9 38 10 17 21 8 17 31 53 66 55
IO.After hours 127 194 148 118 89 80 76 106 183 137 197
1 I.Fishing 0 0 2 6 6 5 0 0 11 4— 2 6 10 10 12
12.Vandilisin 14 13 27 19 28 26 20 42 106, 109 57, 58 62 44, 93
13.Parking 119 180 173 114 173 192 154 1 187 138 192 505 267 233, 196 219,
14.Parking after hrs. 225 182 228 197 188 224 262 366 414 392 2671
15.13urnp/litter 13 11 11 18 15 7 9 8 to 13 6 4 15 18 141
16.Campfires 18 18 7 12 9 6 4 1 17 4 5 1 4 3 61
17.C,wnping 10 19 22 19 6 5 4 7 20 9 2 1 8 16 221
18.Weapon contact 12 26 10 16 7 5 4 8 10 2 6 1 24 13 6
19.Weapon report 26 15 3 13 5 7 8 4 8 2 2
20.Weapon-Evidence of 1 6 2 3 4 3
20.0ther 127 54 59 121 11 90 33 33 61 52 53 114 105 103 184
Total 704 897 970 1,141 1,267 1,510 1,365 1,046 1,158 1,133 1,526 1 A64 1.733 1,727 1,600
B.ACCIDENTS/FIRE
1,Bicycle 24 46 41 41 57 52 47 35 36 28, 37 31, 28 29, 191
2.Equestrian 5 4 3 5 6 7 13 2 1 2 3 7 7 3 3
3.1 liki2F/Running 27 1 11 18 1 19 19 14 22 8 9 8 22 10 16 12 14
4.Other first aid 13 14 11 6 2 8 13 12 10 9 16
5.Search&rescue 13 6 11 7 9 12 10 12 7 10 10
6,Vehicle 7 3 3 6 12 6 7 10 8
7.Helicopter landings 8 2 81 7 9, to 6 7 4
8.Fire(-acres) I(<I) 3(<I) 5(6) 4(1) 3(13) 3(3/4+) 3(1) 1(<I) ll(-Io) 0 6(58) 6 1 5, 3
Total 57 64 67 69 108 93 122 64 73 71 112 94 82 851 77
C.ENFORCEMENT I I
[Citations 373 445 463 430 654 716 629 519 505 410 845 761 882 955 727
2.Written warnings 199 255 236 429 468 695 655 414 489 530 570 518 640 629 501
3.Arrests 7 8 7 6 3 2 4 1 3 5 7 3 2 1 8
4.Police assistance 32 22 36 28 24, 11 27, 37 38, 30 18
Total 579 708 706 865 1,157 1,435 1,324 962 1,021 956 1,449 1,326 1,562 1,615 1,254
D.CRIMES
I Auto burglaries 32 23 8 7 14 2 5 21 14 5 34 31
2.False information 7 11 13 11 to 3 4 1 3 13 6
3.Resisting Peace Officer 3 9 9 6 11 4 9 5 18 7 4
4.Assault 1 0 3 2 0 3 2 2 0 0 0
5.Poaching 3 2 2 3 0, 0 1 0 1 0 0.
6.Possession/Cultivation-Marijuana 9 10 8 3 91 10, 14 9 17
7.Minor in possession of Alcohol 23 15 11 5 12 3 0 11 4
8.Other 15 16 14 20 10 12 18 16 42 77
Total 0 0- 0 32 37 45 82 75 62 33 70 53 57 116 139
E.MUTUAL AID
I.Accidents 12 18 26 54 28 26 36 43 32 31 28 38 38 3 31
2.Enforvernent 11 28 29 181 151 26 12 14 it, 20, ]1
3.17ire(acres) 2(2) 4(48) 3(1+) 2(10+) 4(5) 5(2+) 8(28) 5(<9) 12(<12) 7 81 41 21 81 30
4.1-1clicopter landings 2 11 11 7 7 4 9 111 71 11
H.5.Other 4 1 41 2 3 31 81 21 5 6±
Totali 14 22 29 56 45 i 70 80 701 0 701 661 341 612
R-06-27 Appendix C Page 7
District Enforcement Activities
Fifteen Year History
2000
1800
1600
1400
1200
m
v
1000 -- -
o �6
z 800
600 - - -
400 --
r
200 -- -- - - - - -
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005
--Bicycle Violations Written Warnings - - Citations -Total Violations ---- Vandalism
R-06-27 Appendix D Page 8
Accidents By User Type
60
50
40 -
rn ---
---- --
a�
a 30
c -
6
20
10
0 -- ---
1991 1992 ----
1993
1994 --
1995 1996 1997 _ Bicycle
---- - -
1998 1999 ---- Hiking/Running
Year 2000 2001 2002 2003 Equestrian
2004 2005
i
Regional Open Space
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-06-25
Meeting 06-05
February 22, 2006
AGENDA ITEM 4
AGENDA ITEM
r r for al dar Year 2005
n Ranger Bicycle Patrol P o C
1 Progress Report o an Annual g p g y g j
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDAT
Accept this informational report on the ranger bicycle patrol progra
p
BACKGROUND
At your Regular Meeting of December 14, 1994 you approved the ranger bicycle patrol as an
ongoing part of the ranger patrol duties (see Report R-94-125). The Board also requested that staff
provide an annual progress report on the program. This report reflects the status of the program for
2005.
DISCUSSION
The bicycle patrol program includes seven mountain bicycles available to the ranger staff. Two
rangers from each office are assigned to bicycle patrol for a one year period, leaving the extra
bicycles at each office available for the remaining rangers to share.
Written were procedures developed for the bicycle patrol program. Each ranger is required to keep
p P
track of the following information: time spent preparing for bicycle patrol each day, actual time
spent on bicycle patrol, and the number of public contacts made while on bicycle patrol.
In 2005 there were 159 hours of bicycle patrol. This represents a 61% decrease in hours from 2004
and a 46% decrease in the eleven-year average. When the unusually high figure of 710 hours from
1997 is removed from the eleven-year average, the 2005 hours represent a 37% decrease.
The statistics for the bicycle patrol program for the last eleven years are as follows:
R-06-25 Page 2
Hours spent on
Calendar Bicycle # of # of # of patrol prep &
Year Patrol Individuals Patrols Contacts/Patrol bicycle
Hours Contacted
maintenance
2005 159 hours 2,245 113 19.8 24
2004 398 hours 2,872 217 7.2 44
2003 214 hours 1,15 5 114 10.1 20.5
2002 234 hours 1,922 234 8.2 23
2001 361 hours 3,215 204 15.8 33
2000 184 hours 1,600 97 16.5
1999 309 hours 2,627 190 13.8 41
1998 280 hours 890 118 7.5 20
1997 710 hours 5,100 308 16.6 71
1996 192 hours 1,300 82 15.9 22
1995 183 hours 1,470
*** Not reported
The decrease in hours for 2005 directly reflects staffing issues for this last year, where three regular
r 'n' r
f time due to either u o
of the bic bicycle program were off work a substantial amount o injury participants Y p g
leave. Staff continues to be enthusiastic about the program, and has found it to be an effective and
well-received method of contacting the public.
in the voluntary bicycle patrol program.
Staff will be encouraged to continue their involvementary y p p gr
increased uniform
Incentives are available for staff involvement in the program in the form of an in
allowance for staff that achieves 50 hours of patrol during the calendar year. There are currently four
bicycles available in the Foothills area, and three bicycles in the Skyline area.
The nature of the visitor contacts included numerous informational contacts, and verbal and written
warnings for violations such as excessive bicycle speed and other District ordinance violations.
Bicycle patrol rangers issued citations for helmet violations, riding in a prohibited area, and dogs off
leash. A few responses were made to accidents on the trails. The rangers on bicycle patrol indicated
that the public response
nse to seeing rangers
ers on bicycles
cles continues to be very Positive. Once again,
ain, this
year's program ended with no reported employee accidents or injuries.
CONCLUSION
The ranger bicycle patrol program continues to be an effective way to patrol District trails. It has
been well received by all visitor use groups. The program provides an incentive for staff to devote
more time to a non-motorized form of patrol.
Prepared by:
Michael Newburn, Area Superintendent
Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst
Contact Person:
Gordon Baillie, Management Analyst
Regional Open Spac,
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
R-06-29
Meeting 06-05
February 22, 2006
AGENDA ITEM 5
AGENDA ITEM
Resolution of Support for Formation of the Santa Clara Co ty Health benefits Coalition
GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Adopt the attached Resolution of Su for Formation of the Santa Clara County
Health Benefits Coalition.
2. Authorize payment of$1,000 to be deposited in the Foothill-DeAnza Foundation for the
purpose of hiring a grant writer.
DISCUSSION
Santa Clara County Supervisor Jim Beall and Foothill-DeAnza Community College District
Trustee Hal Plotkin invited representatives of area special districts, school districts and cities to
attend an informational meeting regarding the formation of a county-wide health benefits
coalition. Sally Thielfoldt, Assistant General Manager, attended the meeting held on January 6,
2006, as a representative of the District. Approximately 40 people were in attendance
representing eight area cities,the County of Santa Clara, several school districts and several
special districts. A representative from Assemblymember Sally Lieber's office was also in
attendance.
The initial purpose of the coalition is to combine the buying power and clout of public agencies
to achieve positive reforms in health care purchasing for employees that improve quality and
lower cost. The "coalition of local buyers" strategy has already proven successful in other
rei0 which would be in line with the District's
regions. The objectives of this new local coalition,
interests, would include:
• Ensuring greater transparency in pricing, including requiring health care providers to post
prices for common health care procedures on their websites in a common format. This
practice has helped drive down average health care costs in regions where it has been
implemented.
I
• Exploring the ability to combine the purchasing power of different local agencies to
achieve efficiencies of scale and better monitor issues of ualit
q .Y
I
R-06-29 Page 2
Supervisor Beall and Trustee Plotkin are asking local agencies to provide support for the
formation of this commission by passing a resolution of support from the governing body of the
agency and by contributing up to $2,000 (based upon a sliding scale) to the committee for the
purpose of hiring a grant writer. The grant writer would apply for a grant that would fund the
efforts, via paid staff, of this coalition for up to two years. Those agencies who participate by
passing a resolution and providing grant writer funding will then be invited to be a member of
the steering committee of the coalition.
Staff is recommending participation in this important effort to help us manage the rising costs of
health benefits and contributing $1,000 toward the cost of hiring a grant writer.
Prepared by:
Sally Thielfoldt
Assistant General Manager
Contact person:
Same as above
RESOLUTION NO. 06-
RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
SUPPORTING FORMATION OF THE
SANTA CLARA COUNTY HEALTH BENEFITS COALITION
WHEREAS; the cost of providing health care benefits to public employees continues to escalate beyond
the ability of local government agencies to pay for those benefits,and
WHEREAS; government agencies in other regions have found it advantageous to form local coalitions of
the purchasers of public employee health care benefits,and
WHEREAS; such a coalition could achieve efficiencies that reduce the cost of providing health care
benefits to public employees while also increasing the quality of those services, and
WHEREAS; those efficiencies could include requiring local health care providers to post prices for the
most common medical procedures in a standard format on their websites and also provide data about the
quality and outcomes of services in a standard format, both of which have been shown to reduce health
care costs in other regions, and
WHEREAS; the Santa Clara County Health Benefits Coalition could identify and facilitate other cost
savings and improvements to quality of public employee health care benefits that could be collaboratively
achieved, and
WHEREAS; several foundations have active programs to fund innovative regional efforts to address
issues such as those within the scope of the proposed Santa Clara County Health Benefits Coalition, and
WHEREAS;the proposed Santa Clara County Health Benefits Coalition will take no actions that interfere
with collective bargaining procedures currently in place at its member public agencies, and
WHEREAS; the proposed Santa Clara County Health Benefits Coalition will be governed initially by a
steering committee composed of one member from each participating public agency,and
WHEREAS; the proposed Santa Clara County Health Benefits Coalition will be facilitated by its acting
co-chairs, Santa Clara County Supervisor Jim Beall and Foothill-DeAnza Community College District
Trustee Hal Plotkin until such time as a Coalition steering committee establishes formal by-laws and
selects new leadership;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District supports the
formation and will participate in the Santa Clara County Health Benefits Coalition, and
FURTHER, BE IT RESOLVED,that Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District will contribute a sum
of$1,000 to support the recruitment and retention of a qualified grant writer to solicit foundation support
for a two-year Santa Clara County Health Benefits Coalition pilot project.
Claims No 06-05
Meeting 06-05
Date 2/22/06
Mid peninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
4322 $750.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-SFO
4323 $748.52 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services
4324 $31.36 AT&T Telephone Service-Long Distance
4325 $87.21 Big Creek Lumber Lumber Materials-ECDM
4326 $315.00 Bill's Towing&Recovery Tow Truck Fees
4327 $194.85 Broughton,Obadiah Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
4328 $2,582.60 Bruce Barton Pump Service,Inc. Water Pump System-Ranger Residence
4329 $383.27 Butler's Uniforms Name Tags
4330 $3,564.00 California Conservation Corps Erosion Control-ECDM
4331 $8,250.00 California Conservation Corps Invasive Plant Control
4332 $60.00 California Oak Mortality Task Force Registration Fee:S.O.D.Management&Research Update
4333 $217.49 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO
4334 $1,541.54 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies
4335 $1,246.62 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
4336 $33.75 Correia,Anthony Reimbursement-Membership To Park Rangers
Association Of California
4337 $60.00 Cyber-Sierra Recruitment Advertisement
4338 $1,405.14 Decatur Electronics,Inc. Radar Unit
4339 $38.98 FedEx Kinko Copy Services
4340 $7.58 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
4341 $59.02 G&K Service Shop Towel Service
4342 $200.00 Glenn Keator Docent Enrichment Training
4343 $692.07 Hammond,Tracy Reimbursement-Law Enforcement Academy Expenses
4344 $1,056.55 Lab Safety Supply Field Supplies
4345 $500,00 Law Enforcement Psychological Psychological Assessment-Recruitment
Services
4346 $200.17 Malone,Brian Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
4347 $700.00 Matt Mann Web Design Services
4348 $550.00 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Supplies
4349 $2,796.19 Metro Mobile Communications Mobile Radios&Maintenance
4350 $305.60 Monster Mechanical,Inc. HVAC Bimonthly Service
4351 $1,128.74 Nitz,Ken Reimbursement-2005 Special Park Districts Forum
4352 $2,142.67 Patsons Media Group Printing Services-Brochures:Fremont Older&St.
Joseph's Hill/"Welcome To Regional Open Space"Fact
Sheet
4353 $160.00 *1 PG&E Additional Costs For Underground Power Lines-Purisima
Creek Redwood Staging Area
4354 $5,727.91 *2 Post Haste Direct Mail Services Mail House Service-Spring 2006 Newsletter
4355 $4.31 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies
4356 $44.25 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioning Service
4357 $2,613.60 Richard Seaver Pig Control Services
4358 $3,645.17 Roy Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
4359 $178.81 Royal Brass Inc. Field Supplies
4360 $500.00 San Benito House Deposit-Special Park Districts Forum Event
4361 $34.91 San Jose Mercury News Quarterly Subscription
4362 $419.14 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA
4363 $5,000.00 San Mateo County Department Of San Mateo County Wide Digital Orthopholography&
Public Works Auxiliary Data
4364 $104.00 Santa Clara County-Office Of The Fingerprinting-New Recruits
Sheriff
4365 $1,197.39 SBC Telephone Service-AO,FFO&SFO
4366 $24160 SBC Faxline-AO&FFO/Internet Service -AO
Pagel of
Claims No 06-05
Meeting 06-05
Date 2/22/06
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
4367 $1,102.15 Smutnak,Greg Reimbursement-Academy Expenses&Mileage
4368 $15.43 Specialty Truck Parts,Inc. Vehicle Supply
4369 $328.00 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
4370 $445.29 Sunnyvale Dodge Vehicle Repair&Service
4371 $12.00 Sunset Magazine Subscription
4372 $1,084.87 The Sign Shop Signs
4373 $304.06 Thomas,Jennifer Reimbursement-Academy Expenses
4374 $10,544.50 Timothy C.Best,CEG Consulting Services-La Honda Creek&Russian Ridge
OSP Road Assessment
4375 $414.50 Tires on the Go Tires
4376 $490.38 United Rentals Highway Technologies U-Channels
4377 $500.00 Valley Tree Care Tree Pruning-Fremont Older Residence
4378 $162.30 WearGuard Uniform Expense
4379 $192.07 West Coast Aggregates,Inc. Fill Sand For Underground Electrical-Purisima Creek
Redwoods
4380 $205.70 West Payment Center CA Code Index Updates
4381 $460.06 West-Mark Water Truck-Hose Assembly
4382 $341.02 Wildwood Veterinary Hospital Surgery&Medical Supplies-Nature Center Gopher Snake
4383 $174.30 Xpedite Systems,Inc. Fax Broadcast System Services
Total $68,498.64
1 Urgent Check Issued 2/13/06
*2 Urgent Check Issued 2/16/N
Page 2 of 2
Claims No 06-05
Meeting 06-05
Date 2/22/06
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
4322 $750.00 Aaron's Septic Tank Service Pumping Services-SFO
4323 $748.52 Acme&Sons Sanitation Sanitation Services
4324 $31.36 AT&T Telephone Service-Long Distance
4325 $87.21 Big Creek Lumber Lumber Materials-ECDM
4326 $315.00 Bill's Towing&Recovery Tow Truck Fees
4327 $194.85 Broughton,Obadiah Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
4328 $2,582.60 Bruce Barton Pump Service,Inc. Water Pump System-Ranger Residence
4329 $38127 Butler's Uniforms Name Tags
4330 $3,564.00 California Conservation Corps Erosion Control-ECDM
4331 $8,250.00 California Conservation Corps Invasive Plant Control
4332 $60.00 California Oak Mortality Task Force Registration Fee:S.O.D.Management&Research Update
4333 $217.49 California Water Service Company Water Service-FFO
4334 $1,541.54 Cascade Fire Equipment Company Field Supplies
4335 $1,246.62 CMK Automotive Inc. Vehicle Maintenance&Repairs
4336 $33.75 Correia,Anthony Reimbursement-Membership To Park Rangers
Association Of California
4337 $60.00 Cyber-Sierra Recruitment Advertisement
4338 $1,405.14 Decatur Electronics,Inc. Radar Unit
4339 $38.98 FedEx Kinko Copy Services
4340 $7.58 Foster Brothers Lock&Key Services
4341 $59.02 G&K Service Shop Towel Service
4342 $200.00 Glenn Keator Docent Enrichment Training
4343 $692.07 Hammond,Tracy Reimbursement-Law Enforcement Academy Expenses
4344 $1,056.55 Lab Safety Supply Field Supplies
4345 $500.00 Law Enforcement Psychological Psychological Assessment-Recruitment
Services
4346 $200.17 Malone,Brian Reimbursement-Uniform Expense
4347 $700.00 Matt Mann Web Design Services
4348 $550.00 McKowan,Paul Reimbursement-Volunteer Recognition Supplies
4349 $2,796.19 Metro Mobile Communications Mobile Radios&Maintenance
4350 $305.60 Monster Mechanical,Inc. HVAC Bimonthly Service
4351 $1,128.74 Nitz,Ken Reimbursement-2005 Special Park Districts Forum
4352 $2,142.67 Patsons Media Group Printing Services-Brochures:Fremont Older&St.
Joseph's Hill I"Welcome To Regional Open Space"Fact
Sheet
4353 $160.00 *1 PG&E Additional Costs For Underground Power Lines-Purisima
Creek Redwood Staging Area
4354 $5,727.91 *2 Post Haste Direct Mail Services Mail House Service-Spring 2006 Newsletter
4355 $4.31 Rancho Ace Hardware&Garden Shop Field Supplies
4356 $4425 Rayne Water Conditioning Water Conditioning Service
4357 $2,613.60 Richard Seever Pig Control Services
4358 $3,645.17 Roys Repair Service Vehicle Repairs&Service
4359 $178.81 Royal Brass Inc. Field Supplies
4360 $500.00 San Benito House Deposit-Special Park Districts Forum Event
4361 $34.91 San Jose Mercury News Quarterly Subscription
4362 $419.14 San Jose Water Company Water Service-RSA
4363 $5,000.00 San Mateo County Department Of San Mateo County Wide Digital Orthophotography&
Public Works Auxiliary Data
4364 $104.00 Santa Clara County-Office Of The Fingerprinting-New Recruits
Sheriff
4365 $1,197.39 SBC Telephone Service-AD,FFO&SFO
4366 $243.60 SBC Faxiine-AD&FFO/Internet Service -AD
Page 1 of 2
Claims No 06-05
Meeting 06-05
Date 2/22/06
Revised
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District
# Amount Name Description
4367 $1,102.15 Smutnak,Greg Reimbursement-Academy Expenses&Mileage
4368 $15.43 Specialty Truck Parts,Inc. Vehicle Supply
4369 $328.00 Summit Uniforms Uniform Expenses
4370 $445.29 Sunnyvale Dodge Vehicle Repair&Service
4371 $12.00 Sunset Magazine Subscription
4372 $1,084.87 The Sign Shop Signs
4373 $304.06 Thomas,Jennifer Reimbursement-Academy Expenses
4374 $10,544.50 Timothy C.Best,CEG Consulting Services-La Honda Creek&Russian Ridge
OSP Road Assessment
4375 $414.50 Tires on the Go Tires
4376 $490.38 United Rentals Highway Technologies U-Channels
4377 $500.00 Valley Tree Care Tree Pruning-Fremont Older Residence
4378 $162.30 WearGuard Uniform Expense
4379 $192.07 West Coast Aggregates,Inc. Fill Sand For Underground Electrical-Purisima Creek
Redwoods
4380 $205.70 West Payment Center CA Code Index Updates
4381 $460.06 West-Mark Water Truck-Hose Assembly
4382 $341.02 Wildwood Veterinary Hospital Surgery&Medical Supplies-Nature Center Gopher Snake
4383 $174.30 Xpedite Systems,Inc. Fax Broadcast System Services
4384 R $64.90 Ace Fire Equipment Fire Extinguisher-Water Truck
4385 R $291.65 Big Creek Lumber Underground Utility Supplies
4386 R $1,594.02 Caterpillar Financial Services Mini Excavator Lease-Trail Construction&Maintenance
Corporation
4387 R $1,593.23 Dell Account Laptop-General Use
4388 R $290.93 Elaine Cuzick Supplies-Special Park Districts Forum
4389 R $176.19 Federal Express Express Mailing
4390 R $255.24 Forestry Supplies, Inc. Field Supplies
4391 R $187.77 Green Waste Recovery,Inc. Dumpster Service-SFO
4392 R $572.00 Liebert Cassidy Whitmore Legal Services-Personnel
4393 R $55.63 Matt Sagues Reimbursement-Mileage
4394 R $1,301.00 Mountain Man Wood Co.Inc. Tree Removal-Bear Gulch Road
4395 R $258.75 Normal Data Consulting Services-District Database Consolidation&
Improvement
4396 R $1,751.81 Office Depot Office Supplies
4397 R $318.19 Petty Cash Parking&Mileage,Local Business Meeting Expenses,
Training,Staff Activities&Field Supplies
4398 R $570.00 Presentation Center State Of The District Event
4399 R $174.00 Rice Trucking-Soil Farm Delivery Services
4400 R $752.34 Sonicwall Content Filter For Firewall
4401 R $75,35 Tadco Supply Janitorial Supplies
4402 R $3,04120 The Bank of New York Note Paying Agent Fees-2004 Revenue Bonds
4403 R $13.03 United Parcel Service Parcel Shipping
4404 R $331.09 Verizon Wireless Cell Phone Service
4405 R $81.39 West Payment Center Monthly Legal Subscription
Total $82,249.35
*1 Urgent Check Issued 2/13/06
*2 Urgent Check Issued 2/16/06
Page 2 of 2
Regional Open .','. .ice
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
DATE: February 22, 2006
RE: FYI's
(' ResT
VfRFE
Regional Open Spact-
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
MEMORANDUM
To: Board of Directors
From: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
Date: February 22, 2006
RE: Letter to the Board Regarding 2/23/06 Use & Management Committee Meeting
Attached is correspondence intended for distribution at the Use and Management Committee
meeting on February 23, 2006. Since the letter is addressed to the whole board, we are including
it in tonight's FYIs. Each Use and Management Committee member has received a copy under
separate cover.
_ l
Page I of I
Margaret Relimche
From: General Information
Sent: Wednesday, February 22, 2006 10:15 AM
To: Margaret Reimche; Sally Thielfoldt
Subject: Fw: MPOSID Board Letter
-----Original Message
From: MSandHII.L@Aol.com
To: LnfoQqpgnspac-e-.-0-r9
Cc: MSandHILL@opLq—om
Sent: Tuesday, February 21, 2006 1:40 PM
Subject: MPOSID Board Letter
Sirs:
Please distribute this letter to the MPOSD Board of Directors in time for the February 23,
2006 Special Meeting.
Sincerely,
Mark Sanders
President, Bear Gulch Road Association
2/22/2006
February 20, 2006
Board of Directors
Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District
330 Distel Circle
Los Altos, CA 94022-1404
Dear MPOSD Directors:
I was surprised and disappointed to see the recent Special Meeting announcement
g pp
regarding the recommended approval of the El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space plan
g
to construct a large parking lot and another entrance to the ark on Highway 35 (Skyline
p g
p g Hi
Boulevard).
This plan has been discussed at several neighborhood meetings where serious safety
including the Bear Gu
lch Road Association. The
issues were raised by various parties, i g
most recent meeting was July 19, 2005, when MPOSD representatives promised to
investigate and respond to these concerns, and also look into options which were
suggested. There in fact was no response to these questions, and the intention to approve
the single option presented ignores public comment, the very reason for "neighborhood
meetings". It also represents a g Y rave safety hazard for a community of hundreds of
people which borders the preserve.
Understand that this isn't a"not in my neighborhood" issue. As local residents we
understand that the preserve needs more and better access. What is difficult to
comprehend is why MPOSD would select the most dense and dangerous section of
Skyline in which to place another road entrance and parking lot, which lies between two
existing MPOSD entrances just 1400 feet apart. It is particularly unsatisfying to learn
internal MPOSD priorities were looked at.
and only i
that no other location was consideredy r
MPOSD has a wonderful charter, but sadly has earned a reputation for being a bad
neighbor as well as high-handed in its dealings. This is an example of both, and I would
like to formally present to the Board the safety concerns which have been repeatedly
presented, and verified by an independent civil engineering firm as well as
representatives from the County Sher
iff.
As you know, accidents cluster around intersections, particularly side roads entering
highways, and curved areas. The area between the entrance to Bear Gulch Road (east)
and Reid's Roost Road is one of the most dangerous sections of Skyline Boulevard, in
large measure because of the high density of intersections in a very short distance. This
0.3 mile section of highway 35 is on a curve and has seven road entrances, by far the
•
densest section on Skyline Boulevard. Complicating it is the fact that roads enter from
both the uphill and downhill sides of Skyline. The uphill side entrances are all MPOSD
and have some visibility up and down the highway, but the downhill roads are blind until
drivers actually enter the highway. Placing yet another road entrance where cars must
stop to turn into the preserve compounds the danger and will be an accident magnet.
They include
Mountain Meadow Road
Bear Gulch Road
Upper entrance and parking for Wunderlich Park
CMO4 and the former Hosking residence, now used by MPOSD
Two driveways opposite the proposed new parking lot entrance
Reid's Roost Road
CMO3
Worse, the upper entrance to Wunderlich Park is shared by the entrances to Bear Gulch
pP �
Road and Mountain Meadow Road, and directly across from CMO4. Parking for
Wunderlich is on the downhill side of Skyline Boulevard, opposite the preserve entrance.
This area is fully utilized in the summer and parked cars on the roadside partially block
the view of Skyline Boulevard. The MPOSD consultants said they did not consider this.
Bear Gulch Road serves 35 residences as well as County Park employees and Mountain
Meadow Road serves a number of homes, and the other driveways also serve multiple
dwellings. Local residents know how dangerous this section is and allow for it. However
when entering Skyline from the down hill side one could not see traffic stopped to turn
into the park until actually in the road. Unfortunately the MPOSD civil engineers said
that they did not consider consequences of other road entrances as it was "out of the
scope of the study".
Even without these problems, the MPOSD proposed entrance fails the State test for"site
distance". This is partly dependent on speed, and the MPOSD solution is to post this
section of the highway "35 mph". Actual speeds in this area are 45 to 60 mph, and
usually higher for motorcycles. The notion that drivers will slow to 35 mph for a short
distance is "laughable" in the words of the sheriff. They simply will not slow down, and
cars stopped in either direction to turn into the preserve will be unavoidable. Add to this
additional cars entering the same area of road from the downhill side which have NO site
distance and it's a script for disaster. The MPOSD consultants agreed that for downhill
driveways there is almost no visibility, and cars coming out of the preserve at the
proposed location cannot be seen by cars exiting from the existing roads.
Oddly, weather is another dimension to the problem. Local drivers know that certain
parts of Skyline are notorious for being wet when fog hits the trees, and this particular
300-foot section is bad because of the large meadow directly west funneling the fog into
this area. This occurs several days per week in the summer, and adds another hazard to
this spot.
A county sheriff who frequently patrols Skyline stated that a parking lot entrance at this
location"would be crazy", because of the motorcyclists. It seems they use the section of
Skyline Boulevard from the 84/35 crossing north as a racing contest area. It is a
measured distance and it as a "rite of passage"to hit a certain speed over this distance.
Although illegal, it is common for bikers to exceed 70-80 mph in this section. Not a
good place for cars to be stopped on a curve.
When asked at the last meeting what consideration had been given to concerns of the
neighbors over this location,the answer was none. The stated reason for this location
was (1) it has a lot of Scotch Broom which they would like to clear; (2)there is already a
flat spot where Alan Hosking kept equipment, and (3) they don't have to cut down many
trees. When asked why they didn't use one of the two existing entrances just a few
hundred feet away, the answer was to avoid the cost to improve the dirt road from these
entrances to the parking area. These are slim reasons when compared to the downside
risks. The only safety discussion was how to circumvent state guidelines on site distance,
and staff concluded that was "no justification for turn lanes" even though it is clear that
turning from one direction is blind, especially traffic from the downhill side.
The civil engineers were asked at the meeting why this location was selected since it had
such serious issues: They responded that no other sites were considered—given a choice
of one this is all they could recommend. I discussed this with Bohley Consulting, a civil
engineering firm familiar with this area. Their opinion was that if MPOSD considered
the proximity of other downhill driveways at this location, the severely limited site
distance, the Wunderlich parking on the roadside, and the fact that cars must stop in a
curve on highway 35 to turn into the park, safety considerations would make it
impossible to support a driveway entrance at this location.
Oddly, a MPOSD director at the last meeting said that it is not even desirable to have a
shopping-center sized parking lot in one spot, that it's actually better to have multiple
smaller parking lots for impact and access reasons. He too seemed surprised that no other
locations were considered. There are already seven road entrances in this 1500 foot
section of Skyline on both sides of the road, and MPOSD proposes another. Yet in the
next four miles up to Swett Road there are just two park entrances, virtually no
residences, and the downhill side of the road for this entire area is watershed property
with no road entrances and many suitable flat areas on the preserve and adjacent to
Skyline. Inexplicably none were considered.
The Bear Gulch Road Association has additional concerns. BGRA is required by San
Mateo County to prevent pedestrian, bike and non-resident car traffic on Bear Gulch
Road because it is a single-lane road which does not meet county standards. Although it
is gated, we experience trespassing and vandalism problems from people parking on
Skyline for Wunderlich Park, and with the huge increase of parkers directly across the
road we can anticipate a corresponding increase in the problems for BGR. Also BGR
enters Skyline at a steep angle, and many vehicles must cross the road and turn in the pad
fronting the MPOSD home to turn north. More traffic here means more accidents.
The park needs better access and it's easy to criticize, so I would like to suggest a more
enlightened approach: (1) if it is undesirable to have large parking areas because of the
attendant impacts, and users are better served with multiple smaller parking areas around
the park, why not consider additional locations? The area between CM03 and Swett
Road is nearly four miles long and offers many parking sites; the Water Service
Company bounds the opposite side of the road and there are no residences, so the risks
are small. (2) There are problems with the short but dangerous section of Skyline
between CM03 and CM04, with many residents and road entrances. If it is important to
have parking here, why not use the existing CM03 entrance which at least is some
distance from the other road entrances? This brings no additional liability, and reflects a
concern for the welfare of the hundreds of families this decision impacts.
In summary, MPOSD has been silent on thoughtful questions regarding safety and
security in the proposed area for a new road and parking lot, and the analysis done is
narrowly defined with no consideration to neighbors. As president of the Bear Gulch
Road Association I can report that our board has discussed this problem at length and we
await answers to valid questions presented to MPOSD. The proposed plan for parking
and a road entrance is a danger to our community, and I ask MPOSD to be a responsible
neighbor, provide answers to issues which have repeatedly been raised, and consider
more than the single solution to which staff seems predisposed.
Mark Sanders
President
Bear Gulch Road Association
ATEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
February 16, 2006
TO: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
FROM: G. Baillie, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: MONTHLY FIELD ACTIVITY SUMMARY
Month January Year 2006
DISTRICT VIOLATIONS CITES TOTALS OTHER CRIMES TOTALS
Bicycles Auto burglary 3
Closed area 6 6 False information to Peace Officer I
Speed 0 1 Stolen vehicle I
Helmet 2 2 Possession marijuana 3
Night-riding 0 0 Minor poss ETOH 4
Dogs Furnish alcohol to minors 2
Prohibited area 1 7 Child endangerment I
Off-leash 22 30
Off-road vehicles I I ACCIDENTS/INCIDENTS
Closed area 2 4 Bicycle accident I
After hours 0 5 Equestrian accident 0
Fishing 0 0 Hiking/running accident 0
Vandalism 0 2 Other first aid 0
Parking 13 20 Search& Rescue I
Parking after hours 23 29 Vehicle accident I
Dumping 0 1 LZ air evacuation 0
Camping 6 6 Fire 0
Campfires 0 1
Weapons ENFORCEMENT
Actual contact(pajnt-baiigum) 2 2 Parking citations 36
Report only 0 0 Other citations 46
Vehicle,closed area 0 1 Written warnings 37
Group w/out permit 0 2 Arrests 0
Smoking 4 4 Police assistance I
Release of wildlife 0 1
Collecting firewood 0 1 MUTUAL AID
Collecting plants 0 3 Accident 3
Remote control car 0 1 Fire (vehicle) 0
Suspicious person/circumstance 0 1 Law enforcement 0
Three dog minimum 0 1 Medical aid I
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BY DATE
Date
13 Two auto burglaries occurred in the Windy Hill Portola Road parking lot. In one, a purse
containing money, credit cards and identification was stolen. In the other, a car window was
smashed and a backpack containing personal belongings, identification and medication was
stolen. Both victims said they had seen the auto burglary warning sign in the parking lot.
13 A worker from a nearby winery stopped a ranger on Skyline Blvd. at Windy Hill and asked for
medical assistance. He had sustained severe chemical bums to his hands while working with
concrete and lime. San Mateo County Fire and CDF responded. The worker was treated by
paramedics and transported by ambulance to the hospital.
16 Mtn. View Dispatch advised of an unleashed dog who attacked a leashed dog in Fremont Older.
Rangers met with the owner of the victim dog. She stated that the suspect dog was off-leash and
running approximately 10 feet in front of the owner. The suspect owner yelled repeatedly at her
dog to stop. The victim dog sat next to his owner, on leash, when the other dog attempted to bite
him. The owner of the victim dog kicked at the dog and hit him with his trekking pole. The dog
sustained no visible injuries. The suspect owner never said anything and ran from the scene.
Rangers were unable to locate the suspect.
19 At Thomewood, a care giver responsible for five small children allowed two boys, one four and
one five, out-of-sight for up to five minutes on a trail. The trail is also near a vehicle driveway.
The care giver, who appears to operate a childcare service, refused to recognize the hazardous
situation and initially refused to identify herself. A safety information poster on the signboard
specifically states that children should be kept close and picked up if a mountain lion is
encountered. Sheriff s deputies were provided with information regarding the possible child
endangerment incident.
21 A vehicle was blocking a gate at Russian Ridge. As it was near sunset, the ranger used his public
address system to request the owner of the vehicle return to the parking area. The driver returned
and left the area. After the subject left a search of the surrounding area resulted in the discovery
of three pounds of Chanterelle mushrooms and personal belongings that had been hidden and left
behind. Ranger staff has recently contacted several suspected mushroom collectors.
21 An auto burglary occurred at Skeggs Point while the person was visiting El Corte de Madera. A
window was smashed, a cell phone, ipod, blackberry,jacket and two pair of sunglasses were
stolen.
22 A District planner, who was operating an all-terrain vehicle in El Corte de Madera, came across a
bicycle accident victim on the Methuselah Trail. The patient said he had fallen off his bicycle and
sustained a chest injury. Rangers, CDF, County Fire and Kings Mtn. Volunteers responded. He
was taken to a hospital by ambulance.
22 A vehicle accident on Hwy 35 resulted in power lines being knocked down across the Achistacha
Trail at Long Ridge. A safety closure for the rest of the day was implemented for the trail and
rangers assisted in closing Hwy 35 until CHP could arrive with adequate units. The road was
closed for approximately six hours.
22 While on early morning patrol in Sierra Azul, a ranger observed a vehicle parked along Mt.
Umunhum Road. After a search of the area he discovered two occupied tents at Bald Mountain.
There was a smoldering campfire and several bottles of alcohol. All six occupants were sleeping
at the time contact was made. They were cited for camping and warned about the fire. Four
subjects were warned for minor in possession of alcohol, and two were warned for furnishing
alcohol to minors. The remainder of the alcohol was poured out at the site. A second ranger
responded as a fill unit, and oversaw the cleanup of the camping area.
25 Two rangers were on foot patrol in the Guadalupe Creek drainage at Sierra Azul and came upon
four people hiking out of the area. The rangers hiked out with the group. The eyes of some of the
hikers appeared glassy and bloodshot. After being asked, three of them admitted to smoking
marijuana. Two of them produced marijuana and smoking pipes. Three were cited for smoking
prohibited, two were warned for possession. The remaining marijuana was destroyed at the
scene. One of the subjects, who had not smoked marijuana, was allowed to drive the others
home. One vehicle was left at the scene, to be collected later by a driver who was not under the
influence.
26 B. Malone discovered a vehicle parked in Rancho San Antonio County Park after hours. The
vehicle's license plate was run through Mtn. View Dispatch and came back as a stolen vehicle. A
Santa Clara County Sheriff's Deputy responded and started an investigation.
January vandalism
2 A vehicle accessed the Rapley Ranch area of Russian Ridge and caused deep ruts in the soft
ground.
7 The latch and lock on the Monte Bello restroom storage box was found missing.
Regional Open S, ice
MIDPENINSULA REGIONAL OPEN SPACE DISTRICT
TO: Board of Directors
FROM: L. Craig Britton, General Manager
DATE: February 17, 2006
RE: FYI's
I
u_. .j
Date: February 9, 2006
i
To: John Maciel
From: Kathleen Hart
Re: 2005 Permit Summary(notes follow the chart)
III ,
Yearly Summary of Permits Issued
p ++ p . y/99(�qq
14
,.i'1,�:ve .�4 ,MdA •,EVd#�1. rt3. r ..rEv,
(Notes 1 &2) MIANEENNEN M.
Hikes 12 15 13 15 18
Bicycle rides 1 1 1 1 1
Dog training 2; 2 1 1 1
Astronomy 1 1 ;. 1 1
Running group 1 1
Instructors for class hikes 7 4 5 4 .. 7
BEAR CREEK PARKING
Individual/family 9 17 20, 32 41 6, 0 1 Group/'Organization 2� 1
1 �
Neighbors (no parking required) 16 19 4_ .
LA HONDA CREEK PARKING
Individual/family 54 54 63 77 76
Group/Organization 91 _4 g 12' _ 9
MONTE BELLO CAMPING EMMONNIMMMMENNNOM
Individual/Family 83 153 197 139 104
Group/Organization 19 35 301 37 30
MONTE BELLO WWC PARKING
Individual/family 8 12 22 26 30
Individual/family long term 15
Group/Organization 2 5 0 0 5
RSA PARKING
Short-term group/individual 4 2 3 3 4
Long-term individual 15 10 10 9 5
WINDY HILL
Remote Control Gliders 37 26 18; 10 10
PRESERVE USE PERMITS
Individual/Family
Hikes 0 2 _ 5 5_ 7
Equestrian 1 1 1 1 1
School -thru Bachelor's (Note 3) 0 0 4 0 0
Science -Grad school & up (Note 3) 9 7 3 2 5
Astronomy-one time 31 42 56 68 4
Astronomy- long term 57
Filming/photography 10 7 3 4 7
Permit to Enter 9 5
Other(Note 4) 14 4 5 17 3
Continued on next page
Page 2
Perrhit Type 2001 ; . 2002 . 2003 �r;, 200" ,, , ..,200�x�,,,.
PRESERVE USE PERMITS
Group
Nikes (Note 5) 49 44 58 56 56
School hikes/field trips/nature camps 47 64 84 59 79
Runs (Note 6) 11 10 19 19 15
Run practices (Note 6) 24 20
Equestrian rides 3 3 3 1 3
Bike rides 17 22 13 8 5
School -thru Bachelor's (Note 3) 0 0 0 1 0
Science- Grad school & up (Note 3) 0 2 1 0 0
Astronomy 4 13 12 6 6
Wedding 0 3 2 1 2
Other ceremony(dedication,
memorial service,...) 4 4 4 2 3
Search & Rescue/Fire Training 0 3 6 6 3
Other(Note 4) 26 18 11 8 13
TOTAL 491 607 708 669 671
2004 group hikes
The group hikes were comprised of 56 public hikes,28 hikes for pre-school through high
school,5 nature camps, 10 college class field trips, and 16 visits from the Environmental
Volunteers.
2005 group hikes
The group hikes were comprised of 56 public hikes,37 field trips for pre-school through
high school,6 nature camps,22 visits from the Environmental Volunteers,and 14
college class field trips.
NOTES
1. Blanket permits are given to organizations and instructors;permits cover many events on multiple
preserves.
2.Other hike,run, ride, and science permits are sometimes for use on multiple preserves.
3. Resource management permits that cover ongoing research by a scientist or graduate student are
not on this chart.
4. Other= Orienteering event, radio contest,information station, llama walking, permission to drive
or park on preserve for a specified purpose, mosquito abatement, use of parking lots for off-site
event, painting groups,fireworks, bike demo,etc.
5. Request hikes/rides to the docent program sometimes get a permit, but since these group
activities are led by docents and are accounted for in docent statistics,they are not counted on this
chart.
6. Runs are one-time events. Run practices are for multiple events,frequently on one
preserve,for a few months(i.e.Sept.-Nov.). Most are high school teams. A few are
clubs.
Date: February 9, 2006
To: John Maciel
From: Kathleen Hart
Re: 2005 Permit Summary(notes follow the chart)
Yearly Summary of Permits Issued
Permit,jyee 2001, 2002 1 2003BLANKET USE PERMITS
: 2004 2005
(Notes 1 &2)
Hikes 12 15 13 15 18
Bicycle rides 1 1 1 1 1
Dog training 2 2 1 1 1
Astronomy 1 1 1 1 1
Running group 1 1
Instructors for class hikes 7 4 5 4 7
BEAR CREEK PARKING
Individual/family 9 17 20 32 41
Group/Organization 2 1 6 0 11
Neighbors (no parking required) 16 19 4 8
LA HONDA CREEK PARKING
Individual/family 54 54 63 77 76
Group/Organization 9 4 9 12 9
MONTE BELLO CAMPING
Individual/Family 83 153 197 139 104
Group/Organization 19 35 30 37 30
MONTE BELLO WWC PARKING
Individual/family 8 12 22 26 30
Individual/family long term 15
Group/Organization 2 5 0 0 5
RSA PARKING
Short-term group/individual 4 2 3 3 4
Long-term individual 15 10 10 9 5
WINDY HILL
Remote Control Gliders 37 26 18 10 10
PRESERVE USE PERMITS
Individual/Family
Hikes 0 2 5 5 7
Equestrian 1 1 1 1 1
School -thru Bachelor's (Note 3) 0 0 4 0 0
Science-Grad school & up(Note 3) 9 7 3 2 5
Astronomy-one time 31 42 56 68 4
Astronomy- long term 57
Filming/photography 10 7 3 4 7
Permit to Enter 9 5
Other(Note 4) 14 4 5 17 3
Continued on next page
POST Acquires 260—Acre BNuebrush Canyon
� (Menlo Park, Calif.) - The Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) announced today that it has acquired
ZGO scenic acres of ranchland along the San Mateo Coast. Located south of 8oy, the �
� . '
� property, to be called B|uebruyh Canyon, is the latest land-protection success story in PO5T'sSav/ng
� the Endangered Coast campaign.
�
� PO5T's acquisition of this property will result in the protection of the pastoral character of the Puhsima
�
Creek Valley and help safeguard native plants and animals. It will also create avita| link in a nearly �
� completed trail corridor that will provide hiking access along Lobitos Ridge from Skyline Ridge tothe
� sea. "This acquisition is a special opportunity to connect the redwood forests of the mid-Coast region �
� with the California Coastal Trail along the pacific," said POST Executive Vice President Walter Moore.
"By protecting this property, we will be preserving land that represents all four aspects ofPOST's �
� mission: natural resource protection, wildlife habitat, recreation and agriculture."
�
B|uebrush Canyon is an excellent example of the signature landscapes POST is preserving along the
�
� San Mateo Coast. To date, POST has protected 14,519 acres of open space through its 20,000-acre �
� coastal campaign. �
�
� POST purchased the property in February for just over $3.J million from the de Cesare family, which �
has owned it since 1077. In recent years, the de Cesares have been leasing the land to Half Moon Bay
� resident Tom Pacheco, who spends several months m year grazing Black Angus cattle on its rich �
pastures nf rye grass, fescue and wild oats. Had POST not acquired the property, uptotwo �
� additional private residences could have been built there, spoiling its rural atmosphere and impeding
� its panoramic ocean views from Montara Mountain to the north to Pigeon Point near Pescadero to the
� south. �
8|uebrush Canyon lies mile east ofHighway 1 along Puhs|me Creek Road, which curves up a rugged
� valley through old farmsteads and scrub-covered knolls. Puhsinno Creek runs along the northwestern '
portion of the property, while Lobitos Creek defines its southeastern edge, adjacent to PO5T's Lobitos
Ridge and LowerPurisinna Creek properties. |
|
� A prominent rocky knoll rises 796 feet above the steeply sloped land. This crumbling cliff face,
consisting ofncher'hued sandstone exposed as a result ofhistoric landslide activity, serves as a
navigational marker for hikers in the area. /
�
The land is prime habitat for the endangered San Francisco garter snake and the threatened California
� red-legged frog. It is also hunting grounds for binds of prey such as red-tailed hawks and golden
eagles, which soar over the canyon's Northern Coastal Scrub terrain of tangled willow, coyote brush
and b|uebrush, also known as California lilac, in search of their next meal. �
�
� The property was originally part of an 8,906'acre Spanish land grant called Rancho CaOada de Verde y
Arroyo de |a Purisima. The land grant, made in 1838 by then-California governor Juan Bautista
� Alvarado to military officer Jose Maria A|viso of San lose, stretched from Puhs|rna boTunitas creeks.
� In the 1950s and '60s, the property was part of 1,000-p|us-acre dairy cattle ranch co-owned by the |
� Beffa, Marsh and McCarthy families. That ranch included lands that are now part ofPOST's 340-acre
� Lobitos Ridge property immediately to the south and nearby Elkus Ranch, currently owned by the
� University of California, Berkeley.
POST hopes eventually to transfer B|uebrush Canyontothe Midpeninsu|a Regional Open Space Disthct �
� for permanent prntecUon as part of the adjoining Puhsirna Creek Redwoods Open Space Preserve.
�
POST is u |eading land u� '��� m ��� � �� character and �� �� mm Francisco Peninsula �
landscape. Since .��founding.0 |*77,the organization has»eeonspno .»)vhxn*v.mmvnthan »5,0oo acres as permanent open space and �
� parkland in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. Included*that total are l4,5\Y acres or coastal land POST has protected.v the last five years �
through its$zoo million Saving the Endangered Coast campaign. �
�
�
'
'
�
�
. �
�
To: JohnK8acia
From: Cindy Roessler �
[ate: February 16, 2006
� Subject Survey Regarding Mountain Lions
� On Friday and Saturday, January 27 and 28,2006,we conducted a survey of Rancho San Antonio Open
� Space Preserve visitors regarding their knowledge of mountain lions. This short survey was e project ofoVVeot
Valley College intern, Marisa Gardner, and consisted of seven multiple-choice questions. �
�
� Ms. Gardner,staff and volunteers interviewed approximately 43Dvisitors. Important findings were:
�
* Most visitors(91%)knew to stand tall and wave their arms rather than run away, crouch down or
� approach a mountain lion.
� ° Most visitors(79%)correctly identified mountain lions as 3 feet in height with long tails. Interestingly,
�
several visitors commented during the survey that 3 feet i nheiJhdseennedboo t ||fo
r onnounbsin lion
� but selected that choice because of the long tail description.
� ° Visitors mostly received their information about mountain lions from preserve boards(43Y6).
� newspapers or magazines(1996)and television(18Y6). �
� We learned that, in general, visitors do know how to respond in the event they sae o mountain lion and that the
� preserve boards are on important information source. The volunteers were en enthusiastic resource for
conducting this survey. In the future,we would recommend simplifying the survey format and testing the �
questions on numerous people and scenarios before finalizing it.
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
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�
�
�
I
Findings from Mountain Lion Visitor Survey Administered at
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve
By
Marisa Gardner
West Valley College-MROSD internship
Feb. 1.4,2006
With recent sightings of mountain lions in Rancho San Antonio Preserve and in surrounding
neighborhoods, Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District(MROSD) is concerned about
visitor safety. We decided to administer a survey at Ranch San Antonio Open Space Preserve on
January 27 and 28, 2006 to learn what visitors know about mountain lions. Can visitors properly
identify a mountain lion? Do they know what precautions to take in the event of an encounter?
Where did they learn this information? Other questions were included in the survey to gain
further knowledge of Rancho San Antonio Preserve visitors.
Question#1. What activity are you engaging in today?"
• 78% responded "walking and nature hiking"
p g g
• 20%responded "running"
• 2%responded "mountain biking"
The response, "Horseback riding," was also an answer option, but none were surveyed because
of the location chosen to administer the survey. The location was a trail that did not allow horses.
I would say that these results did represent fairly the park user percentages. However, the error
that I observed with this question was that people who were running or bicycling were less likely
to stop and participate in the survey, thus influencing our final numbers only slightly.
Question#2: "Total roundtri distance that you expect to travel in the reserve today"
Q P Y P p Y
i
• 3%responded "less than 1 mile"
• 39%responded "l-3 miles"
• 57% responded"over 3 miles"
Runners and bikers that did not participate in the survey may have affected these results
differently as well. Also, some visitors were unsure of the distance to the Deer Hollow Farm and
back.
2
Question #3: "Number of people in group:"
• 43%responded "1"
• 36%responded "2"
• 10%responded "3"
• 5%responded "4"
i
• 5%responded "5 or more"
�
Question#4.. "What time are you visiting preserve.?"
• 3%responded"5-8am"
• 97%responded "8am-4pm"
• >1%responded "4pm-6pm"
This question's results were definitely influenced by the time that the survey was administered.
The survey was administered on Friday from Sam to 4pm and Saturday from 12pm to 4pm. If the
survey had been administered on different days of the week as well as earlier or later in the day,
then responses may have been higher in the "5am-8am" and "4pm-6pm"ranges.
i
Question#5: " If you encounter a mountain lion, what should you do?"
• 91% responded "Stand tall, wave arms, and speak loudly"
li
• 5%responded "Turn around and run"
• 1%responded "Approach lion, walk, yell, wave arms"
• 3%responded "Crouch down to hide"
Question#6: "Would you describe a mountain lion as:"
• 10%responded"2 feet tall, brown color with black spots, short tail 4 to 6 inches
long"
• 11%responded "2 feet tall, tan/gray color, tail bushy and 2 feet long"
• 79%responded "3 feet tall, tan/brown color, long tail 3 feet or longer"
Question#7: "Where have you seen or read information on safety precautions regarding
Q Y Yp g g
mountain lions? (Choose all that apply)"
I
3
• 43% said"Preserve boards"
• 18%responded "Television"
• 6%responded"Internet"
• 1%responded "District website"
• 4% responded "Preserve ranger"
• 19%responded "Newspaper or magazine article"
• 7%responded "Friend"
For responses to Question#8: "Any comments?"please see last page of this report,List of
Comments.
Analyzing the responses of questions five through seven, it seems a large majority of visitors
know what to do if they see a mountain lion. However, it would be better if more visitors were
able to identify mountain lions. Perhaps, if pictures were supplied instead of written descriptions,
then it may have been easier for survey participants to answer this question. However, this
method may have been more difficult to administer. Also, 43% got information from preserve
boards. It would be ideal to see this number higher. However, when compared to the percentages
of the other responses it was the highest.
Overall, I feel this survey represented fairly the park visitors' knowledge and where they
obtained their information. In future surveys, some suggestions would be to check up on helpers
(trail patrol volunteers)to assure that responses are being recorded consistently. Some of the
totals did not add up which could be explained by human error. Also, I would have varied days
and times more so, as to observe a broader spectrum and have more diverse results. Another
suggestion would be to include park visitors that are non-English speaking. And, most important,
it was very crucial to have helpers assist with surveys. Had it not been for the trail patrol
volunteers help, this survey would have shown a poor turn-out and been overwhelming. Three to
six assistants gathering data seemed to be optimal with respect to average to high usage times.
Overall, the survey represents the park visitors at Rancho San Antonio. I would conclude that the
park visitors are well informed but perhaps more could be done to inform them, especially to
consider the international community.
4
List of Comments
• Great Park
• Love this Park
• In women's bathroom, people are standing on toilet seat(cultural thing.) An instructional
sign would be nice.
• Would like more animals at farm.
• Would like more backless benches by bathroom for stretching
• Please return faucet to bathroom area
• Don't like limit of 20 to a group
• Need more info. On rattlesnakes.
• Once saw a mountain lion eating a deer
• Put up signs if mountain lion has been sighted
• Hard to find parking
• Please fix PG&E trail above High Meadow trails are wet.
• More benches
• Check mileage on signs, they seem short
• More trails for bikes at RSA
• Dog access at RSA
• OST spraying Round-up along trail with no caution sign, causes cancer, etc.
• Put sand near bridge
• Animals seem to be more acclimated towards people.
• Trees up on hill at culverts could fall on trail
• Parking lot near bathroom should be one-way, people are crazy on weekends
• Make park bigger
• Add gravel to muddy areas on trails
• Don't allow large groups
• Mountain bike access on fire road to Magdalena like the map says.
• Should have brought mountain lion to survey
• Dogs- nice to have access, if no leash, then fine them.
• Don't like to see dogs because it disturbs the deer
• Love the farm
• Don't kill cougars, move them.
• Open cut-off to Black Mountain
• Bathrooms up top? Evidence of"abuse" more evident
• Invasive weeds at top need to go.
• Will trees be planted to replace fallen ones?
• Investigate use of blast horns to scare off mountain lions
• More backless benches
• More parking on weekends
5
Supervisorlames T OeaffJr.
E-newsfetter
Sales Tax Forum
Please join Silicon Valley Council on Nonprofits and housing advocates to hear a report from
Supervisor Jim Beall and County Counsel Ann Ravel on the Proposed County Sales Tax. This
presentation is to provide information to our nonprofit community on the Board of Supervisor
plans and to gather input regarding the proposed sales tax.
Wednesday,February 22nd from 4-5 pm at the United Way Building, 1922 The Alameda .
The presentation will include:
Historical Perspective of Budget Reductions
Current and Past State and Federal Roll backs
Review of Poll conducted by County Re : Sales Tax
The Board of Supervisors will consider this issue at a special Board Session on February
28, 2006 ,6:30p.m. , Board Chambers
Special thanks to our cohosts: Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits and Charities Housing
Foster Youth Employment Task Force
In Santa Clara County, nearly 150 foster youth a year emancipate. For some reason, society
abandons them at this critical point in their young and fragile lives. They are expected to provide
an adequate life for themselves despite the fact that many are suffering from emotional trauma,
have educational deficiencies and do not have the financial resources to survive on their own.
Studies indicate that a significant number of these young adults end up back in more expensive
systems of care such as jail and welfare after they emancipate. A report submitted to the
Assembly Select Committee on Foster Care revealed very troubling statistics:
0 46% of foster youth do not complete high school
• 51% are unemployed
0 40% are on public assistance
• 25-40% are homeless
• 1 out of five are incarcerated.
We must do better. It is time to build a safety net for foster youth aging out of the system. We
must empower foster youth by providing them with employment and educational opportunities
so they can experience successful life outcomes. It is the right thing to do, both morally and
fiscally.
Supervisor Beall, in collaboration with the County Executive 's office, will assemble a Blue
Ribbon Task Force to address the employment needs of emancipating and emancipated foster
youth. The Task Force will be charged with building three essential elements that will guarantee
success for this venture.
1. In collaboration with the Social Services Agency, establish an employability/educational
skill-building avenue for emancipating foster youth.
1* Work with the County Employee Services Agency to expand the successful Welfare to
Work unclassified position to foster youth.
3. Reach out to the Valley's employer community to provide employment and paid
internship opportunities for deserving youth.
The following key partners have agreed to participate on an employment workgroup:
0 Working Partnership USA
0 Silicon Valley Leadership Group
0 Santa Clara County Foster Parent Association
0 Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley
For more information, please contact Sunshine Borelli at(408) 299-5040.
Emergency Preparedness Fair
A special event hosted by Assembly woman Rebecca Cohn.
Learn what to do in an emergency. Presentation on different elements of emergency
preparedness (i.e. fire, flood, earthquake) will be running from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30
p.m. For additional information, please contact Julie Lind at (408) 282-8920 or
Julie.Lind@asm.ca.gov
Saturday, February 25, 2006
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Campbell Community Center
Orchard City Banquet hall
1 West Campbell Avenue , Campbell , CA